Page 138 – Good Times

Officials Sign Agreement To Rebuild Pajaro River Levee

Breaking News

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November 22, 2023

Officials Sign Agreement To Rebuild Pajaro River Levee

Local, state and federal officials gathered in Watsonville on Tuesday to commemorate an agreement that paves the way for the decades-overdue reconstruction of the Pajaro River Levee.

The legally binding agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Pajaro Regional Flood Risk Management Agency describes the $599 million project and the cost-sharing and construction responsibilities of both parties.

Zach Friend, chair of the Pajaro Regional Flood Risk Management Agency, said the Tuesday signing marks something that hasn’t been “seen in generations: an opportunity to rebuild the levee for communities that deserve it.”

“We are today at a defining moment in the over 75-year history of this river levee,” he said. “We’ve been looking for some sense of hope to transition from fear of flooding to moving toward construction.”

Known as the Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project, the work is expected to provide 100-year flood risk reduction to Watsonville, Pajaro, and surrounding agricultural areas by constructing levees and improvements along the lower Pajaro River and its tributaries.

Winter storms during the first three months of 2023 caused the levee to break in places and overtop its banks in others. The town of Pajaro was flooded, as were surrounding agricultural fields. Thousands of people were evacuated.

That was the latest in decades of floods that have devastated the area since the levee was built in 1949, including during the 1990s, which killed multiple people and caused more than $100 million in damage.

In March, President Joe Biden’s administration announced it had approved $67 million to help fund the long-awaited project. That funding was part of a $2.7 billion bipartisan infrastructure package to strengthen the nation’s ports and waterways.

In October 2022, state, county and federal lawmakers celebrated the completion of funding for the levee rebuild following a series of legislative moves, including Senate Bill 489, authored by Sen. John Laird to authorize the Department of Water Resources to advance funds to the Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project.

Per the agreement, 65% of the project’s costs will be funded by the federal government, with the rest funded by the state.

Costs for ongoing levee operations and maintenance is a local responsibility, and in 2022, voters who own property near and along the levee approved a property tax assessment to help with that cost.

In October 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas’ Assembly Bill 876, which fast-tracks the work by exempting the project from certain local environmental laws and regulations under the California Environmental Quality Act through construction. Officials say without the bill, construction would have started in 2025 at the earliest.

Now, construction is expected to start in the summer of 2024, Rivas said.

“We were able to shave off years of the construction of these levees,” he said. “Time matters. With each passing year, our escalating climate crisis raises the stakes for all of our communities along our state’s waterways.”

Rivas noted that while the signing was an important moment, he told the crowd of government officials and media gathered at the Watsonville Civic Plaza that “these repairs should’ve occurred decades ago.”

“It shouldn’t have taken this type of effort, it shouldn’t have taken this long to get this done,” he said. “We have to do better.”

Work to repair the damaged portions in advance of the winter rains is already underway. Newsom also approved $20 million in state funds to help rebuild Pajaro.

Fostering The Future

Josué Monroy

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November 22, 2023

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To paraphrase President Franklin D. Roosevelt, society is beholden to building a better future for youth—and to building youth for that future.

If this year’s Santa Cruz Gives drive is any indication, the commitment to fostering positive formative experiences for youth and giving them the tools to succeed is strong. For 2023, 26 youth serving organizations are seeking to get the community’s support for their Big Idea 2024: a specific goal or project they are hoping to raise funding for to complete.

From food justice, climate justice and environmental stewardship to mentorships and career training, local organizations are investing in childrens’ potential. These are some organizations that are sowing the seeds of possibility for society’s future adults.

MENtors Driving Change For Boys Men and Dads

Founded in 2017, MENtors has been creating opportunities and nurturing environments to identify, resist and replace “toxic masculinity” among the county’s boys, men and fathers. Its mission is anchored in the belief that individuals have the potential for emotional and social development through the positive impact of a mentor.

Deutron Kebebew, the executive director of MENtors, says the organization helps boys and men have better relationships, self awareness and a deeper sense of connection.

“Our work really addresses gender-specific services for boys, young men, men and fathers, with the idea that they can have a better and healthier social and emotional development that improves their connection, awareness and relationship with themselves, their family and their community,” Kebebew says.

MENtors employs the 40 developmental assets, a framework that teaches individuals “external and internal assets,” according to the Search Institute. External assets include the development of a family support network and personal boundary setting, while internal assets include developing self-esteem and peaceful conflict resolution.

The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns are still being felt and Deutron says that boys and young men are particularly vulnerable to the ongoing issues related to it.

“The needs are more compounded because of Covid,” Kebebew says. “We see it with parents as well as young men. They’re really disconnected from school. So the more they get disconnected, they’re going to drop out and that’s going to lead toward a negative pathway. We’re actively trying to support our Pajaro Valley youth as well as Santa Cruz youth.”

The organization’s main focus is to reach middle school-aged boys who are in need of mentorship during a critical time in their life. It also works with older boys and young men to develop social and emotional skills later in life. The program for fathers is designed to help them create a positive connection between them and their children. Based in Watsonville, MENtors has a presence in South County, but with the help of this year’s Santa Cruz Gives drive, it is hoping to add 100 new mentors to their roster in 2024.

Kebebew wants people in the community to reflect on how role models outside of their households have positively impacted them in their lives. He wants the same for minority and low-income boys and men for whom it may not be easy to find such a person.

“We’re intentionally trying to support them in a positive way so that they can have opportunities and see themselves beyond just surviving, but thriving.”

Additional Youth-Serving Organizations

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County

Since 1982, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County has served over 8,500 at-risk youth at no cost through its proven model of mentoring services. It serves youth of all genders ages 6-19 and offers support for families as well.

This year, the organization’s campaign is “It Takes Little To Be Big” and invites the community to become a mentor or volunteer. “It takes a little time, a dash of encouragement, and a hearty laugh or two” to help brighten the lives of young people, according to the organization. To be a mentor is to change lives in no small way.

Girls Inc. of the Central Coast

Girls Inc. serves 1,300 girls in 21 schools across the area, pairing them with trained mentors who work with them in a safe environment. Mentees are inspired to pursue higher education, develop leadership skills and serve their communities,

For its Big Idea 2024, Girls Inc. seeks to expand its leadership mentoring program and bring100 girls together to meet twice a month during the school year. It will participate in 14 interactive sessions covering topics including college planning, public speaking and nutrition education.

Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services

Since 1998, Jacob’s Heart has provided emotional,financial and peer support to hundreds of local children and teens with cancer as they go through treatment. Additionally, it has helped thousands of family members get through the grief and bereavement process.

80% of Jacob’s Heart families rely on its transportation services, and for this year’s campaign the organization’s goal is to purchase a hybrid vehicle to help transport kids in treatment. A safe and reliable vehicle will make a difference for many low-income families who need to get to appointments in the Bay Area and beyond.

Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance

Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA) aims to improve the quality of life for children, youth and families of the greater Pajaro Valley. By providing health education, mental health, and substance use services, the organization promotes well-being in the community.

For 2024, its goal is to serve a minimum of 60 families split into three groups that will engage in 12 educational sessions. The focus will be on family unity and will help with skill development to counter the disconnect, isolation and conflict that pulls them apart. Topics will include positive identity, self-advocacy, substance/violence prevention and leadership development.

Live Like Coco

The Live Like Coco Foundation gives local kids the opportunity to get involved in beach clean ups, planting gardens, art classes and field trips. However, the foundation is best known for its literacy program.

Its Big Idea for 2024 is to convert a commercial step van and build a bookmobile with the help of Watsonville Charter School of the Arts. The mobile library will hold up to 2,000 books and is a win-win for both organizations. Currently, the charter school does not have a library and its students will have access to the bookmobile’s catalog. Live Like Coco will use it for outreach and book delivery during the summer and weekends.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County

The Boys & Girls Club helps with social and character development for youth ages 6 to 18 by offering educational, vocational and recreational programs. After school programs are offered five days a week at their Santa Cruz, Live Oak, and Scotts Valley clubhouses, in addition to summer camps.

As the need for financial assistance for participating families has grown, in 2024 the organization is raising donations to fund their club scholarships for working families.

CASA of Santa Cruz County

CASA of Santa Cruz County advocates for children in the court system by providing court-appointed volunteers that help them feel connected and cared for. For 30 years, CASA has served foster youth and recently launched a mentorship pilot program for youth on probation for minor offenses.

For 2024, CASA wants to expand its Advocates program. The program will provide mentorship and connection to needed services, experiences, and opportunities to help juveniles comply with their probation requirements. Based on data from the pilot project, CASA has determined that 50% of individuals in the program are less likely to reoffend and have a substantial increase in their self-efficacy.

Digital NEST

Digital NEST provides underserved Latino youth with the skills, resources and network to build confidence and launch successful careers. By providing access to technology and career building opportunities, the organization is helping create the area’s next tech entrepreneurs.

The Big idea in 2024 is to expand its bizzNEST program to provide up to 40 young adults ages 18-24 with real-world, paid experience in web and graphic design, web development, and/or video production internships. The year-long internship will have participants work with Digital NEST staff and local professionals to network and build a portfolio.

Santa Cruz Gives is funded by the generosity of Good Times, Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, Applewood Foundation, Joe Collins, Driscoll’s, Inc., Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Comcast, Santa Cruz County Bank, Wynn Capital Management, The Pajaronian, and Press Banner.

Second District Candidates

Todd Guild

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November 22, 2023

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Six people have announced their intention to run for the Second District seat on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, which opened when Zach Friend announced he would not seek a fourth term.

Previous stories covered Kim De Serpa, Kristen Brown, Doug Dietch and Tony Crane.

Now we take a look at David Schwartz and Bruce Jaffe.

The Second District runs along the coast from Aptos to Pajaro Dunes—including parts of Watsonville—and north through Nisene Marks State Park. It encompasses both rural and urban areas, as well as agricultural portions of the county.

The person who fills the seat must balance both business and agricultural interests and will serve a diverse population that ranges from wealthy to low-income.

David Schwartz

Schwartz has run a tax services and accounting business for three decades. He says this financial experience, which includes interpreting government rules and regulations, has prepared him for the role.

“This is a good opportunity for me to run for office, and I think the supervisor’s position is something I could do very well,” he says. “I think it’s time for me to give back to my community that’s done so well for me. I am ready to make a commitment to public service.”

If elected, Schwartz says he wants to address the county’s aging system of roads, as well as the housing crisis.

He would also prioritize streamlining the county’s notoriously difficult permitting system.

“We need more (accessory dwelling units) but permits are expensive and they take a long time to get,” he says.

Schwartz says the county only has a handful of employees to check building plans, which he says will make it difficult for the county to meet its state-mandated requirement of building out 4,634 housing units by 2031.

“If you really want to do that many homes, you really have to get those permits out,” he says. “They have to be affordable and they have to be issued quickly.”

The supervisors in July approved a plan to allow builders to bring their plans for review to a third-party entity.

Additionally, the county has streamlined the process with the Unified Permit Center.

Schwartz also wants to change the proportion of money that the county collects from the property taxes. Just 13.5% goes to the county, with the rest going to the state.

“We get a very small piece of the pie, but we’re expected to do a very large amount of work,” he says.

He wants to streamline county services, saying he sees overlap between different departments.

“We can’t really save people tax dollars, we can’t lower the taxes,” he says. “But if we can spend more efficiently, then I think we can get more out of it. We can spend those dollars more effectively.”

“There is a gap in the way the county community relays information to the public,” Schwartz says. “It is difficult to find information on ongoing road work or when public meetings are held.”

This is evidenced by low turnout he sees at meetings. This includes keeping the county website updated and streamlined, he says.

“If people are engaged, then they can be a bigger part of the decisions.”

Bruce Jaffe

Jaffe has served for 21 years on the Soquel Creek Water District (SCWD) Board of Directors, during which time he says he has become fluent in the parliamentary procedure required of elected bodies.

There, he says he has learned open-mindedness, patience and critical thinking.

“I am running to give back to the community,” he says.

An oceanographer and geologist by trade, he helped SCWD battle impending seawater intrusion with the successful Pure Water Soquel, a system that uses highly purified wastewater to recharge the critically overdrafted Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin.

“This is not a small task. The project is $140 million, and our district has about 16,000 connections,” he says. “The way we’re getting it done without fee increases is by getting grants from state and federal agencies and low interest loans.”

Jaffe also served as the first chair of the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency, an agency tasked with overseeing groundwater management.

“I’ve been very successful as director of the Soquel Creek Water District board, and I want to bring that success and skills from that to be a supervisor,” he says.

Jaffe also says he wants to tackle affordable housing, which he calls one of the “greatest challenges that our county faces.”

He would also address homelessness and emergency preparedness, which he says his work for a federal agency responding to disasters such as tsunamis, floods and storms prepared him for.

He would also look to improve the county’s transportation system.

“We need to develop a multifaceted approach to increasing the effectiveness of transportation,” he says.

The ongoing bus-on-shoulder project, in addition to work on the rail-trail system, he says, “is a start.”

Jaffe wants to bolster the county’s disaster resilience capacity, and cites a Malay proverb that reads “prepare the umbrella before it rains.”

“In terms of disasters I’ve seen that a little preparation goes a long way towards recovery and safety,” he says.

“I know what I’m getting into and I think I can do a good job,” he says. “My mindset is to improve the quality of life for all residents of the second district. After 21 years on the board it’s been proven that I listen, I react and I deliver.”

Dispensary Owner Released From Jail

Tarmo Hannula

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November 22, 2023

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The owner of a Harvey West Park medical marijuana business who was arrested on four counts of attempted murder after he allegedly fired a gun at several suspected burglars was released Friday.

Dep. Chief Jon Bush of Santa Cruz police said Derek Hubbard, 36, was arrested on Nov. 13 based on surveillance footage at the scene on Encinal Street and witness statements.

The incident started when Santa Cruz Police said that an alarm was tripped around 4:30am at Decibel Gardens. Police believe that at least eight masked people were involved in the robbery—no arrests have been reported.

Hubbard managed to get to the scene before police. Armed with a handgun, Hubbard reportedly fired around eight rounds at the suspects and then gave chase with his car.

Bush said police believe Hubbard fired at the suspects first and it appears that the suspects fired back at Hubbard at least once.

Hubbard then reportedly rammed into a white sedan that was later found through an allied law agency on Highway 17. When police ran the license plate, they learned it had been stolen out of the Bay Area.

“This is typical with these incidents, that people will use a stolen car or stolen plates to commit such crimes,” Bush said.

On Friday Hubbard was released from jail and put on house arrest, as ruled by Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Syda Cogliati. Hubbard’s court proceedings continue to develop.

Bush also said that marijuana dispensaries and growing business crimes occur more frequently than other commercial businesses due to high product value.

“The owner in this case, when he arrived on the scene, used lethal force, or deadly force to try and stop a property crime occurring,” Bush said. “Not only was it a property crime, but these suspects were exiting his business and did not pose a threat of violence or harm to anybody.”

Free Will Astrology

Astrology

Rob Brezsny

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November 22, 2023

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ARIES (March 21-April 19)
When we experience authentic awe, our humility deepens. This is turn tends to make us kinder, smarter, and more positive. So how can we stimulate awe? Among the many possible ways are gazing at magnificent art, hiking in a natural wonderland, or being in the presence of a beautiful human soul. In accordance with astrological omens, I recommend that you go in quest of awe and related feelings like reverence, amazement, adoration, and veneration. Your mental, physical, and spiritual health will flourish in response.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
It’s the Season for Cherishing and Smoking Out Secrets. So let’s talk about the subject. 1. Some secrets are sad, haunting, even risky—and worth keeping secret. 2. Other secrets can be beautiful, healing, and potentially life-changing if they are revealed gracefully. 3. Some secrets are buried so deeply that only very persistent seekers dig them up. 4. Some secrets are “hidden” in plain view, and only visible to people who are clear and brave enough to identify them. I suspect you Tauruses will have a special knack for managing all types of secrets in the coming weeks, including those I mentioned.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
I hope you won’t fill yourself up with appetizers and hors d’oeuvres in the coming weeks, Gemini. My soul will be at peace if I see you save your hunger for the main courses. Your motto should be “Feasts, not snacks!” or “The Real Deal, not the pretenders!” or “The jubilee, not the distractions!” If you ever find yourself feeling halfhearted or inattentive, you’re probably not in the right situation. Here’s an affirmation to go with your mottoes: “I am liberating my divine appetite!”

CANCER (June 21-July 22)
Playwright Anton Chekhov (1860–1904) is regarded as one of history’s great writers. That does not mean everything he said was wise, useful, or worthy of our attention. For example, he was once asked to give his opinion about ballet. “During the intermissions, the ballerinas stink like horses,” he replied. I hesitate to bring up such a vulgar reference, but I wanted to make a vivid point. In the coming weeks, I hope you will ignore the advice of people who don’t know what they are talking about, no matter how smart or charismatic they may be. I hope you will not attribute expertise to those who have no such expertise. I hope that as much as possible, you will rely on first-hand information, rigorous research, and reliable influences.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
Researchers have determined that there are two basic dispositions among tigers. One is what they call “majesty.” Creatures with this orientation tend to be dignified, imposing, and agile. The other type of tiger personality revolves around “steadiness.” This is the opposite of neuroticism, and includes the qualities of being affable, easy to get along with, and well-adjusted. I know many astrologers associate lions with you Leos, but I prefer to link you with tigers. If you agree with me, here’s my prediction: You are beginning a phase when you will be more majestic than steady—but with plenty of steadiness also available if you want it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
“It is better to entertain an idea than to take it home to live with you for the rest of your life,” wrote author Randall Jarrell. That’s decent advice, though I will add a caveat. If you entertain an idea for a while and it turns out that you love it, and you also love the beneficent effect it has on you, you may be smart to take it home to live with you. I’m guessing you Virgos are at a pivotal point in this regard. Not yet, but soon, you will know whether it will be wise to get cozier with certain influences you have been flirting with—or else decide they are not ones you want to keep.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
If I could give an award for Most Curious Genius in the World, it would be to Libran author and naturalist Diane Ackerman. She would also get my prize for Most Voracious Learner and Best Questioner and Most Exuberant Seeker and Searcher. “To hear the melody,” she writes, “we must hear all the notes.” In response to the question, “What is life?” she offers this answer: “corsages and dust mites and alligator skin and tree-frog serenades and foreskins and blue hydrangeas and banana slugs and war dances and cedar chips and bombardier beetles.” In accordance with current astrological omens, I encourage you to be like Diane Ackerman in the coming weeks.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Have you located any of your soul twins? If not, is that an interesting prospect for you? Please note that soul twins are not necessarily the same as dream lovers. They may simply be people with whom you share deep values and perspectives. They might aspire to influence the world in ways similar to you. With a soul twin, you feel at home in the world and extra happy to be yourself. I bring these meditations to your attention, Scorpio, because the coming months will be an especially likely time for you to encounter and engage with soul twins. Be on the alert!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was charismatic and forceful, but also hot-tempered and prone to rude behavior. The writer Goethe, his contemporary, said “his talent amazed me,” and described him as an “utterly untamed personality.” Beethoven seldom lived in one home for very long and loved to sing at the top of his lungs as he washed himself. Although he played piano with exquisite skill, he was quite clumsy as he moved through the world. Can you guess what astrological sign he was? Same as you! Sagittarius! I’m not saying you are exactly like this wild, unruly genius, but you do have tendencies in that direction. And in the coming weeks, I expect you’ll be inclined to be more Beethoven-esque than usual. Please work on emphasizing the winsome aspects.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
I hope you have developed good boundaries, Capricorn. I hope you are so skilled at taking care of yourself that you steadfastly refuse to let people manipulate you or hurt you. Just to make sure your discernment is working at peak levels, though, I will offer you a tip. In the English language, we have the idiom “to rub salt in a wound,” which refers to the fact that daubing salt in an open gash in the skin makes the pain even worse. But did you know that smearing sugar in a wound is equally distressing? The metaphorical lesson is that you should be vigilant for seemingly nice, sweet people who might also violate your boundaries to hurt or manipulate you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
I estimate this horoscope is worth $22,225. It has been made possible by my many years of disciplined meditations, extensive reading of holy texts, and an ever-growing devotion to astrology and my readers. But here’s the fun part: You can read these words for free! No cost at all! I will, however, ask you to do something for me in return. First, give your gifts joyously and generously in the coming weeks, holding nothing back. Second, don’t be in the least concerned about whether you will receive benefits in return for your gifts. Find the sweet spot where you love bestowing blessings for no other reason except this one: You are expressing your gratitude for the miraculous life you have been given.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
Do you possess gambits, tactics, and knacks that we might refer to as your “bag of tricks”? I hope so, because such an asset will be extra valuable during the coming weeks. You will be wise to employ every cagey move you can imagine and call on every favor that’s owed to you and cash in on every advantage you have accrued. I don’t want you to engage in outright cheating, but I encourage you to use ploys and stratagems that have full integrity. Be on the lookout for secret shortcuts, magic cookies, and wild cards.

Homework: What’s the best thing you could do to heal yourself right now?

Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Harvest Hallelujah

Dining Reviews

Mark C. Anderson

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November 22, 2023

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The King Street Giants lept from the stage with their tuba, trombone and trumpet, leading a parade through the crowd.

Farm tours guided by organic trailblazer Paul Muller included deep cuts on pesticide-free practices and the chance to harvest all the cherry tomatoes, sweet bell peppers and watermelons you could.

Two thousand attendees—swelling the size of tiny Guinda, population 113—delighted in everything from a fiendish corn maze to intricate jack-o-lanterns to comforting Rocko’s Ice Cream Tacos.

In other words, it was a helluva heehaw.

Best of all, Full Belly Farm’s annual Hoes Down—part campout, part cookout, part concert, all harvest party—did more than throw an epic outdoor party. It raised $13,433 to support farmer scholarships to the EcoFarm Conference.

EcoFarm, the oldest and wisest organic farming convention in the country (the world?), is coming up quick, happening Jan. 17-20 at Asilomar Conference Grounds.

While it digs deep on big-picture policy and in-the-dirt practicum, it also involves a lot of fun for the casual organic soul, like beer and kombucha tastings and an Expo Center blooming with cool books, products and tools.

Longtime organic activist and EcoFarm sponsorship manager Dina Izzo encourages locals to come for, say, the wine and cider sampling and stay for the keynotes and seminars.

“It’s an amazing event based on farmer-to-farmer education, and there are a lot of gardeners too,” she says, noting the picturesque grounds merit a pilgrimage by themselves. “More than anything it’s people who grow food and care about how it’s grown, who want to learn something and who want to meet like-minded folks and enjoy delicious breakfast, lunch and dinners specifically created for the conference.”

eco-farm.org

FEELING THE FLOW

Balefire Brewing is alive and well in Live Oak. I popped in on its one-month anniversary and tried a few of their flagship beers—a tasty Leeloo American IPA, smooth Moped red ale and a chocolatey house porter among them. The thing that distinguishes the handiwork of brewers Leslie Buchanan and Nate Murphy is subtle but mighty: The beers are all balanced and weighty—without being heavy—which Murphy attributes to a slow brewing process that prioritizes depth of flavor and smooth mouthfeel. Now they’re adding programming with things like live music (check the website) and pub trivia (next appearing Tuesday, Nov. 28) and inviting over food trucks regularly (a drippy queso birria from Espadin Cocina made my afternoon). balefirebrewing.com

NATIVE REVELATION

November is Native American Heritage Month and a reminder that the erased history Thanksgiving sits on can and should be reanimated. To that end, this fall I visited the closest Indigenous restaurant for a few hundred miles, Wahpepah’s Kitchen in Oakland. I loved the art and epicurean elements Kickapoo nation chef Crystal Wahpepah and her team do, from the colorful murals to the heirloom corn bread to the smoked salmon-berry salad to the sweet potato-hibiscus “taquitos.” It felt like a grace to get to enjoy such a thoughtful and thought-provoking meal, and for that I give thanks.

wahpepahskitchen.com

Fab Sparkle

Vine & Dine

Josie Cowden

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November 22, 2023

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Looking for a fab celebratory sparkling wine? Look no further than Equinox!

Tasting their bubblies recently, I fell in love with a Central Coast 2019 Sparkling Riesling ($49). Equinox owner and winemaker Barry Jackson has triumphed again!

Made in the méthode champenoise style, this amazing sparkler is perfect for any special occasion. This beautiful handcrafted wine has dry flavors and a pleasurable cascade of bubbles. There’s nothing like cracking open a bottle of good wine when you have a special meal to go with it.

Jackson also makes Merlot, Petit Verdot and more under his Bartolo Wines label.

The Equinox tasting room is in the Swift Street Courtyard complex – opposite Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing. It is a terrific spot to hang out and try some superb wines. Equinox has food on many occasions such as Parker Presents with fresh oysters; the popular Adorable French Bakery on the first and third Saturday of the month; and the occasional in-house curated cheese plates.

Equinox Wines, 427-B Swift St., Santa Cruz, 831-471-8608. Equinoxwine.com

Aptos Wine Wander – Aptos Village

This Wine Wander is a partnership with the Capitola-Aptos Rotary, Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Aptos Village businesses. Upbeat and fun, this event is an opportunity to try many local wines within easy walking distance. Local wineries participating include Aptos Vineyard, which recently moved to a good spot in the heart of Aptos Village in the old Armitage tasting room next to Starbucks. Enjoy an afternoon of strolling around from business to business in Aptos Village – glass and map in hand. Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door. The event is 1-4pm on Saturday, Dec.9. Visit scmwa.com for more info.

Street Talk

Street Talk

John Koenig

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November 22, 2023

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“What is something about Santa Cruz that you are thankful for?”

“I’m grateful to be alive and wake up every day in a paradise island of a town that is full of gratitude. More grateful people here than I have met in my life. And I’m a black man talking about white people. That’s where I’m at with Santa Cruz.”

“I’m still exploring the area, and I’m thankful that it’s not too big, but there’s lots to explore and see. I love being close to the beach and downtown. I can walk around and find new things every time I go there.”

“I’m thankful for the environment, and the wildlife, especially living closer to campus, the wildlife is pretty crazy. We see deer and raccoons. There are wild turkeys all over campus, that’s a Thanksgiving thing!”

**Mira Warner, 21, Volunteer for Housing Matters**

“I’m thankful for the amount of resources we have, in terms of social services and prevention. I’m in a Human Services class, so I’m learning about how many we actually have. We definitely need more, but it’s a good start.”

**Rob Abundis, 56, Medical Device Sales**

“I’m thankful that Santa Cruz is so diverse and eclectic. It’s unique. Its unique nature gives it what everybody loves. That’s why people stay here. And we’ve got the beach!”

“I’m thankful for Bookshop Santa Cruz, because I love reading and I always love going there. It’s a sweet little spot .”

Reading For Flood Victims

Josué Monroy

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November 22, 2023

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Local literary heavyweights are coming together for Pajaro Rising, a fundraiser that puts the spotlight on those still dealing with the aftermath of the Pajaro floods. The event will take place Nov. 30 at the Cowell Hay Barn on the UCSC campus and all proceeds will go to Community Bridges, one of the main nonprofits helping with relief and recovery.

It has been eight months since the floods devastated the South County region and as the community rebuilds these writers are hoping to draw attention to the ongoing problems.

The all-star panel features essayist and climate activist Rebecca Solnit; renowned author Ingrid Rojas Contreras and KQED’s Voice of the Bay Alexis Madrigal. Also participating are the Watsonville short story writer Jaime Cortez and Pajaro’s own up and coming poet, Claudia Ramirez Flores. The panelists will read selected works at the event, with some works inspired by the reality of people in the Pajaro area.

Pajaro Rising will not only draw attention to the tribulations of flood victims, but will also highlight the literary talent that has risen out of an often neglected community.

Jaime Cortez’s breakthrough 2021 short story collection “Gordo” breathes life into the experience of growing up in a Watsonville migrant camp in the 1970’s. The tender coming of age tales give an emotive backdrop to the geography of the area. The characters were molded out of the many farmworker families that still make up the demographic of Pajaro. The book has garnered wide acclaim and Cortez is an ascending voice in the California literary tradition.

Soon after the Pajaro floods, Rebecca Solnit—who runs a writer’s group with Cortez— floated the idea of a fundraiser for the victims and they got to work. Solnit has written extensively about climate disasters and the event will underline long-term effects of the Pajaro floods.

“We hope that it helps to build compassion for the fact that disasters have long tails and there’s a long recuperation period after a disaster,” Cortez says.

Cortez hopes that the event will help reach a new audience that may not know about the situation in Pajaro but will come to it through a rich literary experience.While searching for a selection to read at Pajaro Rising, Cortez stumbled upon a forgotten, unpublished story he wrote years ago set in Pajaro.

The story follows the journey of a religious figurine from its birth in a Chinese factory, through Mexico, and all the way to Watsonville where it gets swept away when the Pajaro River floods. The uncanny parallel between the story and the topic of the upcoming event struck Cortez.

“It was remarkable that I had actually written about that years before the flood happened,” Cortez says.

Like Cortez, Claudia Ramirez Flores takes inspiration from the working-class, predominantly Mexican immigrant community of Pajaro. She grew up in the area and her poetry is inspired by experiences of immigrant farmworkers and the heartache of being separated from loved ones by the southern border. Her work has been published in Xinachtli Journal—also known as Journal X— a bilingual literary journal focusing on social justice issues.

After getting her BA in political science from UC Berkeley as a transfer student from Cabrillo College, Ramirez Flores rediscovered her love of creative writing. She applied for a spot at the prestigious Yale Writer’s Workshop and got in. It was there that she was encouraged to find her voice through bilingual/spanglish poetry.

Ramirez Flores works with Writers of Color Santa Cruz County and through that group she met Cortez. When the Pajaro Rising event began to take shape, Cortez invited her to participate. Encouraged by one of her college mentors, Ramirez Flores made the leap.

“I just thought that this was a really life changing and important opportunity for me to be in the event,” Ramirez Flores says.

When the Pajaro River flooded, her family was evacuated and had to go to a local shelter. In the midst of the fear and confusion, Ramirez Flores says she witnessed acts of kindness that inspired her poetry. For Pajaro Rising, she will be reading a poem titled “Mi Querido Abuelito Chepe”, a bittersweet work remembering her beloved grandfather who passed away while waiting to return to the United States.

When asked how she feels sharing the stage with the likes of Ingrid Rojas Contreras—whom she’s a fan of—her voice rises with excitement.

“I feel like sharing the stage with them is mind blowing and I feel really empowered.”

For attendees, the event will offer one of a kind commemorative screen printings made on-site. Tickets range from $50-$100 and include signed copies of the authors’ works provided by Bookshop Santa Cruz. For large donors, a $5,000 donation will get them a private reading by Solnit and Cortez, while a $10,000 donation gets them a catered event with multiple authors at their home

LETTERS

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

-

November 22, 2023

0

Trees, Not Trains

There was a meeting last night (Nov 16th) about the rail trail. The big developers who want a “skyline” for Santa Cruz in the form 6-17 story buildings (that I wouldn’t’ wish upon anyone to have to live in) as well the $100 million ‘trail next to rail’ project are literally ‘getting away with murder’ of hundreds of legally protected trees out of the thousands they plan to take out, that ordinarily a regular developer or landowner would not be allowed to trim more than 30% of.

They are able to buy loopholes in the permit process and destroy the greenbelt riparian corridor running throughout the heart of live oak. The time is now to speak up or forever hold your peace. For when you see holes in the sky where there used to be trees, and a skyscraper shading the block it will be too late.

Gene Wood

UCSC is irresponsible about housing

I am writing to express my profound dismay and disappointment regarding the current housing crisis students face at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). As a concerned student witnessing the distress of countless friends and colleagues, it is distressing to observe the university’s apparent indifference to the plight of its student population.

The housing situation in Santa Cruz has reached an alarming state, with students grappling to secure accommodation in an excessively competitive and inflated market. The desperation has led to a frantic scramble among undergraduates, hastily signing leases for inadequate, overpriced residences merely to secure a roof over their heads. Even on-campus housing options are severely lacking, forcing students into cramped living quarters designed for one individual but housing multiple occupants, turning dormitories into tiny, overcrowded spaces reminiscent of shoeboxes.

It is troubling that UCSC seems to overlook its responsibility to provide adequate housing for its students. The decision to over-admit students without corresponding plans for accommodating their housing needs has exacerbated an already dire situation. Consequently, students find themselves in a distressing predicament, competing for scarce housing options in a city where unaffordable accommodation has sadly become the norm.

It is crucial to emphasize that housing is a basic human right and that every member of the UCSC community, whether local or student, deserves fair and accessible housing options. The university’s failure to address this pressing issue is unacceptable and requires immediate attention.

Sincerely,

Jasmin Fung | Undergraduate, College 10

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