The Editor’s Desk

Santa Cruz California editor of good times news media print and web
Brad Kava | Good Times Editor

Where have all the young people gone? That was a question writer Joan Hammel had when she went to concerts and coffee shops that were once filled with pink hair, piercings, and tatts and now were seas of gray. So she dug into the census and found news that was shocking to longtime residents. Santa Cruz has aged. A lot.

“Since 2010, the population aged 65–84 grew faster in Santa Cruz County than anywhere else in California — increasing by 80.9%, according to 2020 U.S. Census data cited by the Seniors Council of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties,” she writes.

“In the years leading up to 1965, when UC Santa Cruz opened, Santa Cruz was known as a quiet coastal retirement and resort town with conservative-leaning politics.

That changed quickly.

By 1970, Santa Cruz County had become a young, family-heavy community. More than 35% of residents were under 18, while fewer than 10% were over 65. Today, only about 18% of county residents are under 18. Nearly half are 45 or older, and about 20% — one in five residents — are now 65 or older.”

Despite having some 25,000 students attending UCSC and Cabrillo, they aren’t staying here. They can’t afford to. Years back, that’s what you did. Studied and then started or joined a local business. Now, so many have to move away to afford a place to live.

What can we do about it? That’s the big question.

Developers are building more housing, but is it affordable for young people? Not so much, based on the census numbers.

Schools are struggling because young families are moving elsewhere and even teachers can’t afford to live here.

On the flip side, the older people who remain such a large part of the population are living their high school dreams, playing in bands, surfing, skateboarding, going to gyms and yoga classes. You can read about that in our 50-plus magazine, which comes out this week.

What are your suggestions for keeping Santa Cruz weird and young? Drop us a line at ed****@*******es.sc. Your suggestions matter!!

Speaking of good times, I love the fervor of the international soccer community all over the U.S. but the thing that’s brought me the most joy is watching the Japanese fans pick up trash at the stadiums after the games. Other countries have followed. It amazes me how considerate and sophisticated they are and very much the opposite of U.S. fans. Can you imagine us doing that? It would certainly make us a better place. Why not?

People keep claiming we are the best country ever. Having some morals and behavior like this would back it up more than boasting.

Have a great week and thanks for reading.

Brad Kava | Editor

PHOTO CONTEST

Great blue heron flying at the UCSC Arboretum in Santa Cruz

JUST FLEW BY This Great Heron was spotted at the  UCSC Arboretum. Photograph by Jo Koumouitzes

GOOD IDEA

Waste Free Santa Cruz is proud to support Plastic Free July for the second consecutive year, joining millions of people around the world, in one of the largest global movements to reduce plastic pollution and support public health.

This July, residents, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations are invited to make simple changes that collectively create lasting impact. By refusing unnecessary single-use plastics and embracing reusable alternatives, every individual can help protect our beaches, waterways, wildlife and community. Take the official Plastic Free July Pledge at plasticfreejuly.org

Everyone is encouraged to take the official Plastic Free July Pledge on July 1 and become part of the movement.

GOOD WORK

16 California airports will receive $107 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants to modernize airport infrastructure, improve safety, and strengthen the state’s aviation system. Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding will be used to invest in infrastructure projects such as runway and taxiway rehabilitation, lighting and signage upgrades, noise mitigation, and other critical infrastructure improvements, including

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport — $28.1 million: This project rehabilitates 10,520 feet of existing paved Taxiway W to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life.

San Jose Mineta International Airport — $11.5 million: This project constructs a new 6,735 foot paved Taxiway V to allow access to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Time is a game played beautifully by children.” –Heraclitus

Down for Ups

Give me a historic destination, complete with an old-school bar direct from a movie set, a tidy billiards table, a huge fireplace, tons of lounge space, moving-yet-mellow music, attentive and attuned staff, and stylish cocktails…and I’m a happy character actor.

Throw in some solid food, and now we’re talking action.

That’s my quick and updated script on The Hotel Bar (second floor, 200 Locust St., Santa Cruz), one of the coolest libation settings in town, let alone to debut this year, now with the kitchen fully open.

I tried two snacks, and they both proved memorable: One (fingerling potatoes with bacon, molten cheese and ranch) for its atypical angle on papas bravas; the other (house-fried ravioli with mushroom and beef versions) as a classic that honors the resident heritage with steamy-hot, indulgent and comforting yum.

And the Turndown Service craft cocktail—with rye whiskey, herbal Amaro Averna and black pepper—clinked with the classy mirror-and-chandelier vibe. 

thehotelsantacruz.com

HIGHER LEARNING

When I was in college, I was thrilled to keep my diet barely B-. UC Santa Cruz student Clyde Collado is raising the nutritional grading curve by debuting Inoa Poke this spring, a Hawaiian-style spot keying in on tuna and salmon via various flavor categories—shoyu, wasabi shoyu, spicy, Hawaiian—accented by furikake seaweed seasoning and chili crisp he makes himself. As Grace St. Clair reports in Edible Monterey Bay, his bowls, combos, nachos and hand rolls are available by ordering Sundays and Wednesdays for pickup in Scotts Valley noon–4pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday–Saturday via inoa.kitchen/home and instagram.com/inoa.sc.

VEG AHEAD

Local plant-based prophet Luke Kitchel hosts a free screening of the documentary Earthlings, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, 2pm Sunday, July 12, in the upstairs conference room of the Santa Cruz Downtown Library (224 Church St.), as part of “Until All See,” a community film series he founded with local partners including Santa Cruz Animal Activists, Little Hill Sanctuary and Santa Cruz VegFest to encourage thoughtful discussion about the uplift of eating meat-free. “This isn’t an easy film to watch,” Kitchel says, “but meaningful choices require a willingness to honestly examine difficult realities. This is not about judgment or any perspective being right or wrong, but an invitation to engage and discuss new information openly on these crucial topics,” lukekitchel.com.

QUICK DIVES

El Pájaro Community Development Corporation hosts its annual Tacos & Tapas Fundraising Party 6-9pm Thursday, July 23, at the El Pájaro CDC Kitchen Incubator (412 E. Riverside Dr., Watsonville), with 20+ local food entrepreneurs serving tacos, tapas and globally inspired bites, alongside craft beer, local wines, and live music by Flor de Caña, $80, elpajarocdc.org.

The year 2026 signals the 30th year of data collection for Reef Check’s coral monitoring program, making it one of the longest-running community-based efforts in the world, reefcheck.orgPride Month may have passed, but perpetually proud of State Senator John Laird for speaking at the Annual Santa Cruz Pride Parade and Festival last month for the 46th year in a row, sd17.senate.ca.…As of this month, manufacturers that display a date label must use “Best if Used By” for peak quality, and “Use By” for food safety, because “Sell By” dates, which were meant to notify stores when to rotate stock, are now banned…So too are “Expires On,” “Freshest Before,” and the 50+ phrases that have confused grocery shoppers for a loooooong time…One more rule change: California is now the first state in the U.S. to require restaurant chains to reveal allergens on their menus or in a digital format with a physical backup…George Bernard Shaw: “There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” ⬛

Dining In

Serving their slogan “restaurant-inspired chef-prepared meals at home,” Elite Meal Service is a food prep and delivery company co-owned by executive chef Brian Grebow and his wife, Bianca Harms.

Grebow began in Denver, where he caught the “food bug” at a culinary summer camp and was asked to return the next summer in a leadership position. His culinary career took off from there, graduating from the Culinary Institute of America and then cooking professionally in Colorado, Spain, Napa and the Bay Area.

Living in Santa Cruz, he and Harms had a child weeks before the pandemic hit and they found themselves inspired to create a food delivery business that they wished already existed. Elite Meal Service was thus born, putting paramount value on local sourcing, zero waste and personal client relationships, customizing to specific preferences, allergens and aversions.

Two menus are featured every week with choices both new and rotating, from Californian to Asian Pacific, Latin, Caribbean/tropical cuisines. Showcasing this diversity of deliciousness, favorites include deviled eggs with maple sriracha bacon, spicy tuna sushi bake, Italian-style tuna tartar, quesabirria tacos, duck confit, beef bulgogi, red curry mussels, pistachio-lemon crusted salmon with bacon-wrapped asparagus and lentil dahl, a cassoulet-style vegetarian Indian dish. Grebow says the do-not-miss-desserts are the s’mores-stuffed chocolate chip cookie and crème brûlée cheesecake.

From where do you draw your culinary inspiration?

BRIAN GREBOW: Growing up, I have nothing but good memories that revolve around food enjoyed at our dinner table with my family. My parents loved food too, and would encourage my siblings and me to try different and diverse cuisines from a young age, saying, “You can’t hate something if you haven’t tried it.” That was the seed of my culinary inspiration, and then going to summer culinary camp at age 14 really sealed the deal for my love of food and I haven’t looked back since.

Tell me about your passion for hyper-locality.

My wife and I just really love Santa Cruz, she was born here and we love raising our family here. Food-wise, it’s quite diverse and we are able to source all of our ingredients and packaging from within a 60-mile radius. It’s an honor and a pleasure to provide our business with products that support local businesses and the community at large.

831-600-5462; elitemealservice.com

Get Out

Despite what the weather may suggest, summer is in full swing, just minus the sunshine. Instead of spending another foggy morning scrolling on the couch, why not lean into one of the season’s biggest wellness trends, taking your workout outdoors?

A local group fitness class offers more than exercise; it delivers fresh air, a healthy dose of endorphins, and the kind of camaraderie that makes you actually look forward to breaking a sweat.

“We are lucky to live in a place where you can train outdoors year-round,” says Natalia Rivera-España, owner of GOAT Santa Cruz, a group outdoor training studio founded during the pandemic. “Humans are wired to be in nature with other people.”

GOAT, short for Group Outdoor Athletic Training, began when people were craving both movement and connection. Gyms were closed, routines were disrupted, and many of us were spending too much time indoors, isolated in front of screens. What started as a pandemic-era solution has since become part of a larger fitness trend: people want workouts that offer more than exercise.

“They gain the obvious physical benefits of exercise along with the unexpected benefit of stress reduction due to these innate responses to being outdoors,” says Rivera-España. “People train harder, longer, or with more intensity because they are with others.”

That may explain why experience-driven fitness is having such a moment. From pickleball and run clubs to dance classes, paddleboard yoga and outdoor boot camps, the hottest workouts are often the ones that don’t feel like workouts at all. They feel social, energized, and rooted in place.

In a time when loneliness has become a public health concern, that matters. “Providing a space like GOAT Santa Cruz where people can gather, connect and train is even more important than I originally anticipated,” Rivera-España says.

Over the years, she has watched friendships form between participants who might never have met otherwise. Those relationships become a powerful source of accountability. People return not only because they want to exercise, but because someone will notice if they don’t show up.

That shift reflects one of the biggest changes in fitness culture. For many people, exercise is no longer just about losing weight or sculpting the perfect body. It’s about managing stress, building strength, boosting mental health, and finding a sense of community.

Of course, there’s one obstacle that can keep people from ever walking through the door: the intimidation factor. That’s especially true if you’re over 50 or haven’t set foot in a gym in years. It’s one reason I avoid recommending anything I haven’t tried myself.

Which is why last year, I challenged myself to check out as many new classes as I could squeeze into a 2-week ClassPass. While I’m a regular exerciser, a steady yoga practice doesn’t necessarily prepare you for a high-energy group workout. So when I signed up for GOAT’s BodyCombat class, I’ll admit to feeling a little apprehensive.

On a Saturday morning, I rolled out my mat, found a spot in the back, and wondered what I’d gotten myself into. The martial arts-inspired choreography moved fast, and it took me a good 20 minutes to get with the program. Then something unexpected happened. I looked around to see where all the cheering was coming from.

The class was remarkably diverse, men and women, a wide range of ages and fitness levels, all encouraging one another through every combination and roundhouse kick. There was no judgment, no competition, just contagious enthusiasm. By the end of class, I felt like I’d earned a black belt for effort. I walked out energized, more accomplished than exhausted.

That’s exactly the environment Rivera-España set out to create. From the beginning, GOAT wasn’t designed around chasing a certain body type, it was built around helping people discover how good it feels to build a stronger one.

“There are no mirrors or scales at GOAT Santa Cruz,” she says. “The confidence boost and improvements in mental and physical health are what keep people coming back consistently.”

That alone feels radical in a culture where exercise has often been treated as a form of self-correction. Instead of focusing on what bodies look like, GOAT emphasizes what bodies can do, with a full range of class options, including for those of us who don’t like to overdo it. 

Rivera-España describes the circuit classes as “a playground for grown-ups.” But it’s not always easy. In circuit training classes, participants move through stations that challenge strength, endurance, balance and coordination. But then comes the magic of looking around and realizing 20 other people are doing it too.

“You all push through the effort,” she says. “This is what makes the group workout more meaningful.”

That shared challenge may be one reason group fitness can feel so satisfying. It combines effort with belonging. Rivera-España sees that every week. “If a participant leaves a GOAT Santa Cruz workout feeling strong and enthusiastic about continuing their training, then we’ve done our job,” she says.

Elizabeth Borelli is a yoga sculpt teacher at Kula Connections, Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle coach and therapist in training. Learn more about her work and events  at ElizabethBorelli.com

Nuñez Unseats Incumbent

Tony Nuñez will be the next Santa Cruz County Supervisor representing the 4th District after final election results certified Friday showed he secured an outright victory in the June primary.

Final results released by Santa Cruz County Clerk Tricia Webber show Nuñez received 50.07% of the vote, enough to avoid a November runoff under California election law. Nunez needed to score more than 50 percent of the vote to be elected without a runoff election. He earned  3,944 votes over Felipe Hernandez’s 2429 and Elias Gonzales’s 1,450. There were 54 write-in votes.

Nuñez will represent the district that includes Watsonville, Pajaro and surrounding South County communities; however he votes on issues that concern the entire county.

A Watsonville High School, Cabrillo College and San Jose State graduate, Nuñez began his career as a reporter and later editor at The Pajaronian and Good Times before joining Community Bridges, where he now serves in a leadership role. He also helped lead the effort to preserve Watsonville Community Hospital as one of the inaugural members of the Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board of Directors, and currently serves as board chair.

He will give up that seat when he takes on the role of supervisor.

Throughout his campaign, Nuñez said his priorities are improving access to essential services, creating more economic opportunity for working families and ensuring greater accountability in county government.

He said protecting and strengthening services such as health care, mental health care, transportation, child care, parks and community spaces would be among his top priorities.

Nuñez has also said the county must do more to help families remain in the community by addressing rising housing and child care costs, protecting anti-poverty programs and supporting workforce development and small businesses.

On government accountability, he pledged transparent leadership that clearly explains decisions, measures results and responds when public systems fail to meet community needs.

“I think voters really want change,” Nuñez said. “There’s a lot of pressure that comes with that, but at the same time, I’m really excited about getting to work.”

Nuñez lives in Watsonville with his wife and young son.

Parking Problems

The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury is urging county officials to replace the ParkMobile parking system at the County Governmental Center, arguing the app creates unnecessary barriers for residents and exposes users to unnecessary privacy risks.

In a report released this week, the grand jury concluded that requiring visitors to use a third-party smartphone app to access free parking at the County Governmental Center and courthouse at 701 Ocean St. undermines public access to government services.

The report recommends the Board of Supervisors direct the county’s General Services Division to develop a new parking system that allows visitors to park for one or two hours without providing personal information or relying on a smartphone. It also recommends reviewing future parking contracts to better protect users’ personal data.

County officials installed the ParkMobile system in 2025 to manage visitor parking at the county offices and courthouse. Drivers receive one or two hours of free parking in designated areas but must register through the ParkMobile app by providing information including an email address, phone number, license plate number and credit card in case they exceed the free parking period. Visitors who do not want to use the app can instead obtain a dashboard permit from the General Services office on the building’s third floor.

The grand jury said that arrangement creates obstacles for several groups, including seniors without smartphones, people without credit cards, non-English speakers, residents concerned about digital privacy and visitors with mobility limitations who must travel to the third floor to obtain a parking pass. The report also criticized the placement of updated parking signs, saying they are easy to miss and have not resolved confusion about the system.

The report also raises concerns about data privacy. While noting it found no evidence that ParkMobile itself has engaged in wrongdoing, the grand jury said requiring residents to provide personal information to a third-party vendor in order to receive free parking unnecessarily exposes them to potential data breaches, fraud and unwanted data collection. The report cites previous cybersecurity incidents involving ParkMobile and recent lawsuits involving license plate data collected by parking systems elsewhere in California.

The grand jury also found the county rushed the implementation of the system without first developing a formal requirements document, evaluating alternatives or the needs of visitors. According to the report, county staff told the grand jury the rollout was incomplete and additional multilingual signage was added months later to address some of the initial shortcomings.

Among its recommendations, the grand jury says any replacement system should allow free parking without collecting personal data, provide payment options that do not require smartphones or personal devices, eliminate the need for visitors to enter the building simply to obtain a parking permit, and clearly post all parking rules and exemptions in multiple languages. The report suggests those requirements be completed by the end of 2026 with a new system in place by July 1, 2027.

Under state law, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has 90 days to formally respond to the grand jury’s findings and recommendations.

Plenty to Parade

Sometimes it seems like the rest of the country doesn’t understand California is just as hometown and patriotic as they are (I’m thinking of what you see on Fox.) But Santa Cruz is just as stars and stripes as anywhere else.

You’d have to fly a plane to get to all the parades on time…and some did.

Planes leave smoke trails over Watsonville during Fourth of July parade festivities
BAIR SHOW  A group of planes from Watsonville Airport leaves smoke trails above Main Street at the start of the city’s parade. PHOTO: Tarmo Hannula
Children dressed in patriotic gear before the Aptos Fourth of July parade
BEDECKED These girls were decked out in patriotic gear before the Aptos parade began. PHOTO: Todd Guild

The city added a new parade in the Seabright neighborhood to attract more people to the area that had been badly affected by the closure of the Murray Street Bridge. Businesses have been suffering there and need all the help they can get from customers.

Watsonville had a parade, fireworks and an airshow at its airport that was a huge success, drawing a big crowd.

Scotts Valley kept its parade but lost its fireworks show due to budget constraints. Boulder Creek kept its century-old traditional parade.

For the record, the California Highway Patrol was busy over the weekend from July 2 to 5 with 546 citations issued, 306 for speeding; 186 verbal warnings; 24 arrests with 22 for DUI;  and no fatal crashes.

Free Will Astrology

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ARIES March 21-April 19

Archaeologists studying ancient wells have discovered that some weren’t finished in a single effort. Communities might dig to the current water table, use the well for years, then probe further down when water levels dropped or needs increased. This is a useful metaphor for you, Aries. As of yet, you don’t have the ability or tools to reach the deepest layers you aspire to reach. My counsel is to go as far as you can now and gather what you find there. Later, when you’re readier, you will build on what has come before.

TAURUS April 20-May 20

The doom‑and‑gloom wing of astrology is exhausting. The superstition that Mercury retrograde causes scrambled messages and dire mix‑ups is dull and misguided. The planet’s apparent backward motion, which is happening right now, shows up about three times every year like clockwork. It’s perfectly normal! In my view, Mercury retrograde isn’t threatening unless you obsess on the idea that it is, in which case, yes, your payment might go astray, and a friend may misunderstand you. But if cultivating relaxed clarity is more fun and productive for you than coping with fearful tension, treat the time between now and July 23 as a rich opportunity to refine, deepen and upgrade how you communicate.

GEMINI May 21-June 20

You Gemini readers have decreed that I must halt all musings about maddening, riddle-drenched ambiguity. You’ve delivered the message to me that you’re tired of wrestling with enigmas wrapped in paradoxes. Straightforward, plainspoken factualness is what you want. Well, OK. (Please remember that I don’t make this stuff up; I simply channel cosmic omens.) Maybe I’ll start obeying your orders next time. But first, I will advise you: 1. Unexpected gifts are coming from people and situations in transition. 2. Tough but friendly interventions will nudge you toward healthy course corrections. 3. Mysterious assistance is on its way.

CANCER June 21-July 22

There are phases when the cosmic energies and I urge you to put others first—even tend to their pain before you tend to your own. But this isn’t one of those times. Right now, sacrificing yourself for the sake of others would obstruct the flow of righteous grace into your life. So then what is the most soul‑honoring path available? Here’s what I think: Summon your inventive brilliance and use it to imagine generous ways to care for yourself. Shower yourself with gifts, treats and blessings that delight you. Take the loving care you so deftly pour into other people and lavish it wholeheartedly on yourself.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

Most fields of human endeavor work like this: A few people are truly brilliant, a handful are actively harmful, and the majority fall somewhere between “not great” and “pretty good.” That’s true whether you’re talking about engineers, doctors, poets or astrologers. So it’s inadvisable to assume a physician is wise about your well-being just because they’ve logged 15 years on the job, or to trust your life direction to the first astrologer whose promotion catches your eye. In the coming weeks, dear Leo, discernment like this matters even more than usual. Let your natural hopefulness be balanced by sharp, thoughtful judgment. Don’t just challenge obvious authority. Put every so-called fact, spin, assumption and official line under your own clear-eyed review.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Architects designing spaces for collective use try to balance two human needs: to see expansively and also have safe places to retreat. Too much exposure creates anxiety; too much enclosure brings claustrophobia. The ideal is to provide both shelter and spaciousness. Let’s use this theme as a metaphor for your life during the coming months. You’ll be wise to create an equilibrium between engagement and privacy, between vastness and protection. Make it easy for yourself to observe the larger scene and also withdraw when needed.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Self-proclaimed “skeptics” love to sneer at astrologers, as if pondering what lies ahead were a violation of scientific purity. And yet economists, sports analysts, trend watchers and political commentators churn out shaky predictions every day. Honestly, those professionals of probability often create more confusion than those of us who read the heavens. Take weather forecasters, for instance: From Europe to Japan, their models routinely miss sudden floods and twisters and trigger more than a few false alarms. But do the debunkers brand them as charlatans? Of course not. Forgive the outburst, but I’m building to a key foresight: Every forecast, projection or vision that crosses your path over the next month will miss the mark—except for this one. So free yourself of their meddling.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Ethnobotanists describe how certain Indigenous traditions work with “teacher plants.” These are flora that offer not only physical benefits but spiritual instruction. They include psychoactive substances, but also ordinary plants approached with extraordinary attention. In the spirit of reinventing your education, Scorpio, I invite you to expand your understanding of who and what your teachers are. What ordinary elements of your daily life might offer wisdom if you engage them with deep respect? What situations at the edges of your awareness could bring lessons that enrich your perspectives? Now is an excellent time to seek new apprenticeships.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Western science and Western religions may disagree about how the universe began, but both place its birth in the distant past. Tantra and other spiritual paths, by contrast, propose that the universe is born afresh in every instant through the sacred, erotic interplay of God and Goddess. When humans approach love-making as an experimental sacrament, these traditions suggest, we can tune in to the union of those primordial forces and, in a sense, take part in the continual creation of existence. So, are you ready for a bit of world-making erotic play? The current astrological indicators say yes, you are.​

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

A common obstacle to healthy intimacy is the belief that a beloved ally should automatically know what you need, without you saying a word. I used to suffer from this delusion myself and worked hard to dissolve it. I no longer unconsciously assume that my companions are so attuned to me that they can always intuit my desires. But I know this bad idea feels romantic to many people, even though it can sabotage even the most promising bond. In the weeks ahead, Capricorn, I invite you to starve this fantasy. Your intimate world is ripe for a fresh infusion of lucid, straightforward honesty.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Your next few weeks will be sponsored by CoffeeBeer, the paradoxical elixir that both pumps up your energy and decompresses your defenses. You will be an exemplary role model for this innovative product because you will epitomize what occurs when a sensitive soul gets excited and mellows out at the same time. I also expect you will soon be exploring intriguing opportunities that become available to you because of your supercharged calm. Fortunately, you don’t need to drink actual coffee and beer together to make this happen. The cosmic forces will be conspiring to help you.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

Finish this sentence, Pisces: “The one thing that really keeps me from being myself is _______.” Is it someone’s opinion, an old story about who you are, a fear of loss, a habit of over-pleasing, a secret shame, or a belief that you’re “too much” or “not enough”? Whatever first pops into your mind is probably closest to the truth. Here’s your next step: Loosen the grip of this stressor by even just 20%. I bet your real self will feel relaxed enough to bloom more fully.

Homework: We’re halfway through 2026. How are your big projects progressing? tinyurl.com/zzz333xxx333

Letters

NOURISHING THE AMERICAN DREAM

As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, we reflect on the extraordinary promise that began in 1776, a declaration that all people are created equal and endowed with the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While America continues striving to fully realize those ideals, our story remains one of opportunity, resilience, and hope. For generations, people have come to this nation seeking a better life for themselves and their families, pursuing their own version of the American Dream.

That dream is not achieved alone. Throughout our history, Americans have advanced together, neighbor helping neighbor and communities lifting one another up. At Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, we see that spirit every day. Access to nutritious food is about more than relieving hunger; it creates the stability that allows children to learn, parents to work, seniors to stay healthy, and families to move forward with dignity. At our recent Santa Cruz County Food Insecurity Symposium, former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta recognized this reality, noting that Second Harvest Food Bank is helping people achieve the American Dream. We witness that truth daily: when families have reliable access to food, they have a stronger foundation to pursue opportunities and build brighter futures.

We are especially honored to serve as Grand Marshal of the City of Watsonville’s Fourth of July Parade this year. On our nation’s milestone birthday, it is fitting to also celebrate the 54-year history of California’s first and oldest food bank. For more than five decades, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County has partnered with residents, volunteers, growers, businesses, and community organizations to ensure no neighbor faces hunger alone. Together, the people of Santa Cruz County have responded to wildfires, natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing economic challenges with compassion and determination. Time and again, our community has come together to nourish neighbors, strengthen resilience, and create pathways to opportunity.

As we celebrate Independence Day, let us also celebrate the values that unite us: freedom, opportunity, compassion, and a belief in the dignity and worth of every person. These ideals are reflected not only in our founding documents, but also in the countless acts of generosity that take place every day across our community. The story of America is still being written, and each of us has a role in helping our neighbors succeed. Together, we can ensure that every person has the nourishment, support, and opportunity needed to reach their full potential.

Erica Padilla-Chavez | CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County

RENAMING THE SCHOOL

Writing a letter to the editor to try to change or unchange something is a loser business. I’ve written a lot of letters, and they’ve all ended up losers. Chalk up another loss with Cesar Chavez Middle School. Chávez has now been certified an evil rapist, forcer of abortions, and child molester. The worst of the worst, despite never being charged or convicted of said crimes. That said, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District trustees are going to allow Cesar Chavez images to remain on the school mural. So you are going to exterminate his name, but keep his image on the school. What’s with that? One trustee said the proposed name changes are “a no-brainer.” “No brainer” indeed.

I propose this. Fusing both new school name recommendations. Jeff Tagami, a poet who should be mentioned alongside Byron, Shelley, Keats, and Whitman, is a perfect addition. Mas Hashimoto, an excellent educator, who was also one of my history teachers. I did a report and speech on the Kaaba in Mecca and he liked it. Hashimoto is a great choice. Next name (especially since you are keeping his image on the school) is none other than Cesar Chavez, with an asterisk * (for the aforementioned reasons), and finally Central Coast Middle School. So the name I propose is The Jeff Tagami, Mas Hashimoto, Cesar Chavez *(with an asterisk) Central Coast Middle School. Or abbreviated, The Tagami, Hashimoto, Chavez * Central Coast Middle School. Chalk up another loser.

Charles Birimisa | Watsonville

Street Talk

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On America’s 250th birthday, what is your wish for the country?

KRISTINA

“My wish is that we can live up to the dreams of those who came before us. My ancestors came from the Philippines to Hawaii in the 1940s and from Germany in the 1800s. Everyone’s ancestors who came from somewhere else had a dream of America and we should earn the dream they had for us.”

Kristina W, 49, Nonprofit organizer

DESMOND

“My wish is for America to be peaceful and appreciate differences in other people.”

Desmond W, 15, Student

DORE

“My wish is for the people of this country to retain more power. That’s democracy. It’s what the founders wanted.”

Dore W, 49, Education

ANELA

“My wish is that people will respect each other more.”

Anela W, 12, Student

STEVE

“I wish we could be less divisive and find ways to solve disagreements without all the violence and rhetoric that goes with it. It’s OK to have different opinions, but it’s not OK to incite people to commit violence. Agree to disagree but remain Americans, because that’s what we are.”

Steve T, 78, Retired

DANIEL

“My wish is for better housing. There are so many homeless people everywhere, and we need to do better. It’s too expensive to own a home, and we need more options for people. I just hate seeing how many people are homeless.”

Daniel R, 22, Technician

The Editor’s Desk

Older surfer carrying a surfboard at the beach
Santa Cruz County is aging fast, while young people and families struggle to stay. What can be done to keep Santa Cruz weird, vibrant and young?

Down for Ups

Fried ravioli served with red sauce at The Hotel Bar in downtown Santa Cruz
The Hotel Bar debuts its food menu in downtown Santa Cruz, while Inoa Poke brings Hawaiian-style bowls and a local film series explores plant-based eating.

Dining In

Brian Grebow of Elite Meal Service holding a plate of Gochujang chicken
Elite Meal Service brings restaurant-inspired, chef-prepared meals to Santa Cruz County homes, with local sourcing, custom menus and global flavors.

Get Out

Outdoor group fitness class at GOAT Santa Cruz
Outdoor group fitness classes at GOAT Santa Cruz offer exercise, fresh air, stress relief and community for people of different ages and fitness levels.

Nuñez Unseats Incumbent

Tony Nuñez with his family after being elected Santa Cruz County supervisor
Tony Nuñez won the 4th District Santa Cruz County supervisor seat outright, defeating incumbent Felipe Hernandez and avoiding a November runoff.

Parking Problems

ParkMobile parking sign outside the Santa Cruz County Governmental Center
The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury says the ParkMobile system at the County Governmental Center creates barriers to public access and raises privacy concerns.

Plenty to Parade

Valentina Coyt rides with flags in the Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Parade
Fourth of July parades filled Santa Cruz County, from Seabright and Aptos to Watsonville, Scotts Valley and Boulder Creek.

Free Will Astrology

Astrology, Horoscope, Stars, Zodiac Signs
Rob Brezsny’s Free Will Astrology for the week offers horoscopes for every sign, from Aries’ deeper wells to Pisces’ invitation to bloom more fully.

Letters

fingers typing on a vintage typewriter
This week’s letters reflect on America’s 250th birthday, Second Harvest Food Bank’s role in nourishing the American Dream, and the debate over renaming Cesar Chavez Middle School.

Street Talk

row of silhouettes of different people
On America’s 250th birthday, what is your wish for the country?
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