Things to do in Santa Cruz

Music + Arts

Dezarie, who plays Moeโ€™s Alley Thursday is a Roots Rock Reggae artist who has dedicated her art to the everyday struggle of life, and the triumphant empowerment of the human spirit. Her music carries a melodic and spiritual message of divine elevation, with a powerful rumination of equal rights and justice.

Born on the island of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, Dezarieโ€™s exposure to its cultural energy, empowered the development of her unique, gentle, yet compelling voice that has produced five albums.

Opening is a band of area locals, Militia of Love, who formerly backed blues singer Lara Price.

9pm Thursday, July 20, $25 in advance / $30 day of the show, Moeโ€™s Alley, 1525 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz (21 and over).

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, performed at Cabrillo College, is getting raves from local audiences for its colorful set and powerful songs. It plays Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Cabrilloโ€™s Crocker Theater. Showtimes are 7-10pm Thursday and Friday, and 2-5pm Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $25-60 at CabrilloStage.com. The theater is at 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos. Information: 831-479-6154.

Locals the Bad Light and Sweets Dendro perform Thursday in support of Museum Of Light on tour from Seattle. Featuring Rob Smith of longtime Oklahoma riff makers Traindodge on drums, Museum Of Light decisively balances the opposing worlds of heavy and ambient music. Big, crushing riffs give way to dreamy, Zen-like washes of ambience and found sound. The all ages show on Thursday at the Crepe Place starts at 9pm. $10 cover. 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz.

Dobro master and 15-time GRAMMY winner Jerry Douglas is to the resonator guitar what Jimi Hendrix was to the electric guitar, elevating, transforming, and reinventing the instrument in countless ways. Additionally, Douglas is a freewheeling, forward-thinking recording and touring artist whose output incorporates elements of country, bluegrass, rock, jazz, blues, and Celtic into his distinctive musical vision.  He plays Friday at Felton Music Hall at 8pm for $55. 6275 Highway 9, Felton.

Head south of the border for a Latin DJ Showcase featuring DJ IRRE, DJ Willie, DJ Mundo and DJ Family Tub Friday night at Moeโ€™s Alley. Showtime is 9pm. Tickets are $12. Over 21. 1525 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz.

How does the Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra fit 20 Jamaican musicians onto the stage at Moeโ€™s Alley? This band, with a horn section larger than most full ska bands, breaks conventions and opens minds to new possibilities. They will definitely get you dancing, if thereโ€™s room on the floor. Special guests include MU300 and DJ Reggaedelic. Saturday at 9pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Moeโ€™s Alley 1525 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz.

Community

Watsonville Community Hospital is hosting a town-hall-style event Thursday for area residents to hear whatโ€™s happening at the hospital and give their input about their hopes and wishes for the hospital, now that it is community-owned. The evening will begin with an update on several new initiatives underway, along with a chance for participants to ask questions. Then attendees will have the option of staying and breaking out into small groups for discussion and feedback. Community input will help guide plans being made for the next three to five years. The event will be held at Watsonville High School, 250 E. Beach St, Watsonville. Translation services will be available. Raffle prizes and light refreshments will be provided. 6-7:30pm at Watsonville High School, 250 E. Beach St. Watsonville.

Take the kids to see the Minions: The Rise of Gru Friday at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at 8:30 pm. Bring a blanket/lawn chair and a light jacket. FREE

Party Like An Animal

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Local animal shelter benefit celebrates third year

The late author and activist Coretta Scott King once said, โ€œThe greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.โ€ By those terms, Santa Cruz is a great city because of how compassionately we give back to our community. But how many people will use their birthday as an opportunity to throw a kick ass party with bands, burlesque, drag and local artists selling their crafts while simultaneously raising money for needy animals?

Local musician Jesse Kenneth Cotu Williams is doing just that.

On Friday, July 21 he is hosting a birthday bash at the Blue Lagoon and 100% of the proceeds at the door will benefit the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS).

โ€œThe animals canโ€™t advocate for themselves so itโ€™s our responsibility to speak up,โ€ explains Williams who volunteered at the shelter since 2013 before gaining employment there in 2022.

The benefit, which has become an annual event, began in 2021 when Williams and a fellow July birthday friend raised around $1,300 for the shelter.

โ€œThat day we used both rooms [at the Blue Lagoon] and we had bands all day,โ€ he recalls.

This year the festivities will only take up one room but are packed throughout the day. It starts at 1pm with a makers market of local artists selling everything from jewelry and crocheted goods to pottery, paintings and handcrafted candles.

From 5-pm, the audience will be entertained by burlesque performers Miss Monsterra, Foxy Feldman and Jubileeโ€”as well as drag favorite Trashyโ€”before the music kicks off.

โ€œWeโ€™ve got Barf, Knuckledragger and of course you put your own band on it,โ€ Williams says referring to his blues-based metal project, Chase the Monster.

โ€œItโ€™s about bringing our community together and how people can get involved,โ€ says Rosebud Widmann, co-organizer of the benefit. โ€œEven if they donโ€™t have money they can still help out.โ€

โ€œThe county budget does afford the shelter the basicsโ€”food and accommodationsโ€”but we donโ€™t have a budget for some things like toys and other enrichments,โ€ explains SCCAS Animal Care Coordinator, Karen Coullahan.

According to its website, the shelter cares for and shelters approximately 5,000 animals a year.

โ€œDuring kitten season we probably have close to 150 cats [a day] in the building and close to 30 dogs,โ€ says Coullahan, who is a 13-year veteran at the shelter.

At any given time creatures big and small from rabbits and chickens to pigs and horses might be at the shelter. Pigs like Apples (nรฉ Scrapples), whoโ€™s been at the shelter since last December and is one of Williamsโ€™ favorites to post videos of on social media.

โ€œThis areaโ€™s gone through some recent hardships,โ€ Coullahan says, referring to the economy as well as flooding from last winterโ€™s rains. โ€œSo our barn populationโ€”any animal with hooved feet and chickensโ€”fluctuates and is really unpredictable.โ€

Coullahan and Williams both say there are many ways to help our sheltered furry, farm and feathered friends. Thereโ€™s the obvious ways like donating money or treats like non-fat yogurt and leafy greens to bedding and feeder bowls for the kennels. Not-so-obvious supplies like batteries, spoons and even can openers are welcomed.

However, one of the best ways a person can donate is with their time. Volunteers make up a huge part of shelter operations with around 100 currently on the shelterโ€™s roster, according to Coullahan. They do everything from wash dishes and laundry to helping with off-site events and spending time with the animals.

Last month, a petition circulated by staff received over 700 signatures that called attention to a crisis of understaffing, lack of resources and low pay. These issues not only affect morale, but many of the shelterโ€™s programs like veterinary care, spaying and neutering, vaccinations and more.

Anyone interested in working for the SCCAS can apply online at the county website. For those already employed and without time to volunteer, thereโ€™s also a third way. 

โ€œYou can go in and just look at the animals,โ€ Williams says. โ€œAnyone can go in, look at them, take pictures and post them on their social networks. Itโ€™s a great way to spread awareness and really brightens the animalsโ€™ day even if you arenโ€™t adopting them. Plus, it makes you look cool.โ€

Or, attend Fridayโ€™s event and rock out for a good cause.

Benefit for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, Friday, July 21. Doors 1pm. The Blue Lagoon, 923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $20 donation but nobody turned away for lack of funds.

The Picnic Basket

Locally aligned, thoughtfully combined

When Zach Davis got his MBA, he did so with the ambition of one day owning his own business. That goal manifested when he and his friend/business partner Kendra Baker were offered a commercial space near the Boardwalk in 2011.

The Picnic Basket was born. Zachโ€™s business acumen and Kendraโ€™s culinary talents are a peanut butter and jelly pairing; the cafรฉ has now been running strong for over 12 years.

A humble yet elevated turkey sandwich is one menu highlight, served on locally sourced bread with avocado, greens, whole grain mustard, white cheddar cheese and pickled onions with turmeric. Zach calls it โ€œtruly the best sandwichโ€ heโ€™s ever had, calling the flavors and textures โ€œa magical combo.โ€

Other sandwiches include a Reuben and a beet veggie combo with chickpea spread.

Open every day from 7am, they close at 4pm Mon-Wed and 8pm Thurs-Sun.

What inspired you and Kendra?

ZACH DAVIS: We looked around at other local businesses that were making delicious food, and we wanted to combine these products under one roof and showcase the bounty of Santa Cruz to locals and visitors alike. It was also an opportunity to deeply connect with a community that we both love. Not much brings you closer to people than preparing and serving food.

What is your paramount focus?

Sourcing is really important to us and itโ€™s very rewarding to work with the local agricultural community to bring in seasonal ingredients and turn them into menu items. I think sometimes people arenโ€™t aware of how important the agriculture industry is to our county and community. Those farmers and farm workers are the ones who actually feed us.

125 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, 831-427-9946; thepicnicbasketsc.com

Free Will Astrology for the Week of July 19

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your deep psyche will soon well up with extra creativity and fertility. I hope you will eagerly tap into these gifts. You should assume that you will be more imaginative and ingenious than usual. You will have an enhanced ability to solve problems with vigor and flair. In what areas of your life would you love to gently erupt with a burst of reinvention? Which of your habits might benefit from being cheerfully disrupted? Give yourself permission to change whatever bores you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): My teacher Paul Foster Case said the color yellow is midway between warm, exciting red and cool, calming blue. โ€œYellow has an equilibrating influence,โ€ he wrote. โ€œIt stimulates the finer functions of the brain, is of assistance in developing alertness and discrimination and helps to establish emotional balance.โ€ According to my astrological analysis, Taurus, you should emphasize this hue in the coming days. If you call on yellow to help strengthen the qualities Case describes, you will place yourself in sweet alignment with cosmic rhythms.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Because I enjoy joking with you, I am slightly tempted right now to give you one of the following nicknames: Fidgety, Twitch, Jittery, Quivers or Shakes. But I will take a more serious tack. Letโ€™s instead see if we can influence you to slow down, stabilize your rhythm, get really steady and secure and stand strong in your foundational power spot. Would you consider adopting any of the following nicknames? Anchor, Unshakeable, Sturdy, Rock Solid, Staunch, Steadfast, Resolute.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The sometimes overly clever author Oscar Wilde said, โ€œWhen the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers.โ€ I reject that warped view of reality and assure you it will have no bearing on your life in the coming weeks. If you formulate your prayers with care and discernment, they will lead you to rewards, not problems. Maybe not the exact rewards you imagined, but still close to your hopes and helpful in the next chapter of your life story. (PS: No sloppy, lazy, careless prayers, please. Be precise and clear.)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo theologian Bernard McGinn defines mysticism as โ€œthe consciousness of the immediate presence of God.โ€ In other words, people having a mystic experience are filled with a visceral sensation of the divine intelligence. Itโ€™s not just an idea or concept; itโ€™s a deeply felt communion infused with intimate tenderness. You Leos will be more likely than usual to have such contact in the coming weeksโ€”if you want it. If you donโ€™t want it, or don’t believe itโ€™s real, or donโ€™t think itโ€™s possible, well, then, you can of course resist it. But why not give it a whirl? Thereโ€™s nothing to lose, and it could be fun.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Hereโ€™s a parable for you. Once upon a time, there was a woman who could read the future in the night sky. She regarded the planets and stars as her divine informants. On one moonless evening, she took a walk down a dirt road near her home. It was so dark she could barely see two feet ahead of her. Oops! She should have brought a flashlight. Lost in wonder, she gazed up at the heavenly bodies, watching and listening for revelations they might have for her. Then one of the lights, the planet Saturn, whispered, โ€œStop and look down, friend.โ€ The woman turned her eyes from the sky to the ground just in time to find she was two strides away from stepping into a deep, muddy hole. Whatโ€™s the moral of the tale? Here are some possibilities. 1. Sometimes the heights provide useful information about the depths. 2. Soaring visions may help you tune in to practical details. 3. To become aware of important facts youโ€™ve overlooked in your daily rhythm, consult your higher mind.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A Libran writer I know received many rejection notices when he launched his career. I was amazed at how undaunted he was. In fact, he was the opposite of undaunted. He taped copies of his rejection notices to his bedroom wall. Seeing the evidence of his failures motivated him. It drove him to improve his writing and churn out even more articles. It fueled his search for a wider array of publications that might host his work. During the fourth year of this approach, luck and fate turned in his favor. Within the next eight months, 12 of his pieces appeared in print. My muses tell me, Libra, that you need to hear this story right now.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The cartoon character Bart Simpson is one of the stars of The Simpsons animated TV show. According to him, โ€œLife is a paradox. You’re damned if you do and damned if you donโ€™t.โ€ While that principle may sometimes be true, I believe you will be exempt from it in the coming weeks. In fact, I suspect you will be as free as itโ€™s possible for a human to be of grueling contradictions, frustrating oppositions, clashing truths and paralyzing contraries. Thereโ€™s a good chance you will also outwit and avoid annoying incongruities and silly arguments. Congratulations in advance, Scorpio! Take full advantage of this phase of simple clarity.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The dragon has appeared in the myths and legends of many cultures. Europe, China and Mesoamerica are just a few places where the fire-breathing flying reptiles have fascinated the human imagination. In some traditions, they are dangerous and predatory. In China, though, they have been harbingers of good fortune and symbols of great power. Emperors claimed the dragon as their special emblem. In assigning the dragon to be your soul creature, Sagittarius, I am drawing from Chinese lore. What would you like to accomplish that would benefit from you having access to fierce, dynamic, indomitable energy? Call on the dragon for help and power.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): โ€œThere is a world of people who will love you for who you are,โ€ writes author Cheryl Strayed. โ€œA whole, vibrant, fucked-up, happy, conflicted, joyous and depressed mass of people.โ€ In the coming months, one of your prime tasks is to specialize in communing with these folks. Make it your intention to surround yourself more and more with interesting, imperfect, ever-changing life-lovers who appreciate you for exactly who you areโ€”and who inspire you to grow more and more into the full idiosyncratic glory of your authentic self.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): What psychic or prophet is most popular with a-list celebrities? I can assure you itโ€™s not me. Few of my millions of readers are world-famous. What about the planetโ€™s most scientifically accurate astrologer? Who might that be? It ainโ€™t me. I donโ€™t regard astrology as a science, and I mistrust those who say it is. In my view, astrology is a mythopoetic language and psychospiritual system that nurtures our souls and helps liberate us from our conditioning. We shouldnโ€™t try to get โ€œscientifically accurateโ€ information from it. Now I encourage you to do what I just did, Aquarius. Have fun telling people who you are not, what you donโ€™t believe in and which goals you arenโ€™t interested in pursuing.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): To come up with your astrological reports, I study the positions of the sun, moon and planets in relation to your sign. That’s the technical part of the work, the framework within which I unleash my intuition and imagination. To augment this work, I meditate and pray, asking higher powers to guide me in providing useful information for you. I often consult books written by my favorite astrology writers. (Currently reading Steven Forrestโ€™s The Elements Series.) I also ask my deep mind to slip me info that might not be accounted for by traditional factors. How about you, Pisces? How do you do the work that you love and care about? Now is a good time to take inventory and make necessary adjustments.

Homework: Is there anyone you love that you could or should love better? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Street Talk: question of the week

What do you really, really miss about Santa Cruz?

Annie McCollough, 54, Asst Supervisor at Super Silver

“I miss Logos, a lot, I went there as a kid. Once they found a rare book that was a gift for my sister, and I loved downstairs and the selection from art to science to blank journals.”


Paul Chanski, 70, jazz musician

“Palookaville nightclub at Lincoln and Pacific brought us some great music. And Cooper House was a special gathering place for musicians and community spirit.”


Caroline Denike, 31

“The Perg!”


Kendall Denike, 31

“Watching a double-feature at the Skyview Drive-in Theatre on a summer night!”


Jamie Fenisey, 29, Lifecoach

“I miss it feeling more earth-based, less crowded, and much less of a big city feeling, with the high rises and such.”


Adrian Joseph Juarez, 38

“I just miss being a kid and hanging out with my parents”


Armitage Wines

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Pinot Noir 2021

One of the best Pinots I have tasted recently is made by expert winemaker Brandon Armitage. Itโ€™s a 2021 Pinot Noir from the estateโ€™s Heart Oโ€™ The Mountain Vineyard.

This single clone Pommard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot (about $65) is brimming with robust flavor. As with the 2020 bottling, the palate is silky smooth with rustic earthy tones and forward tannins. Bright cherry, red licorice and cinnamon toast are predominant flavorsโ€”complete with Pinotโ€™s superb spice qualities and red fruit to the fore.

โ€œThe Heart Oโ€™ The Mountain estate vineyard is planted exclusively to Pinot Noir,โ€ says Armitage on his website. โ€œSitting 1,500 feet above Monterey Bay, the cool nights and warm days create ideal growing conditions.โ€

Armitage closed his tasting room in Aptos Village at the end of June.

โ€œIt makes sense to taste my wines right where theyโ€™re made,โ€ he says. And this happens to be on the old Alfred Hitchcock property in Scotts Valley. So every time you sample an Armitage estate wine, thereโ€™s a touch of history in every sip.

Surrounded by majestic redwoods in a stunning setting, tasting Armitageโ€™s fine wines is an experience par excellence.

Tastings on Saturdays from noon to 4pm by reservation only. Armitage Wines, Scotts Valley, 831-708-2874. armitagewines.com

Vine to View Dinners at Chaminade Resort

This summer series of outdoor dinners starts with passed hors dโ€™oeuvres followed by several courses of mouthwatering cuisine paired with fine wines.

Chaminadeโ€™s patios have panoramic vistas of the Monterey Bayโ€”adding much to the experience of each event. Vine to View serves delicious food prepared by Executive Chef Avram Samuels in a beautiful al fresco setting.

The next dinner is 6pm Friday, Aug. 18 at Chaminade in Santa Cruz and will feature Sonoma-based Patz & Hall wines. For more info visit chaminade.com

Starbucks Union Organizer Running For City Council

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Joe Thompson, who led efforts two years ago to bring the first union representation to a Starbucks in California, is aiming their sights at the District 5 seat on the Santa Cruz City Council.

Thompson, who uses the pronouns they/them, was born in the Sacramento area. They moved to Santa Cruz in 2021 to attend UC Santa Cruz, where they are majoring in politics and minoring in environmental studies. 

Thompson plans to have graduated by March election, finishing a few quarters early.

โ€œI love Santa Cruz and I plan to spend my life, build my family and home here,โ€ Thompson said in a press release. โ€œIโ€™m running for Santa Cruz City Council District 5 to make our community more beautiful for generations to come.โ€ 

If elected, Thompson said they plan to work on making the streets safer, creating more affordable housing, protecting the environment, protecting working people and supporting local businesses over corporations.

โ€œWorkers not only need a voice, they deserve a voice and I plan to give them one,โ€ they said.

Thompson said their work to unionize the Starbucks in Santa Cruzโ€”which became final in May 2022โ€”laid the foundation for their political ambitions.ย 

โ€œThat was an example of how I can bring people together and recognize that working class people need to be united and should have an opportunity to afford and live safely in Santa Cruz,โ€ Thompson said.

If elected, part of Thompsonโ€™s constituency would be UC Santa Cruz, which they said makes up one-third of Santa Cruzโ€™s population. In addition to giving a voice to the students, the district includes seniors and working-class families. All of these face the most expensive rental market in the nation, Thompson said.

โ€œItโ€™s hard for people to afford to live here, and to me that shouldnโ€™t be the case,โ€ they said. โ€œAddressing our affordable housing crisis head-on is definitely going to be a major priority of mine.โ€

Thompson would support the countyโ€™s future plans to create passenger rail, as it aligns with their belief that the city should create more equitable and green transportation systems.

โ€œI donโ€™t know what our city is going to look like, I donโ€™t know what our world is going to look like, because our climate disaster has gotten out of hand,โ€ they said. 

Thompson mounted an unsuccessful campaign for the 28th Assembly District in June 2022, in which Gail Pellerin and Liz Lawler came out on top. Later, they worked on Pellerinโ€™s campaign for the runoff election the following November, in which she trounced Lawler with more than 68% of the vote.

โ€œHaving her mentorship, and being able to learn from her directly has really informed me,โ€ they said.

And while Thompson has narrowed their focus to a more local seat, their reasons for running have not changed.

โ€œI want to give people a voice and represent our beautiful community,โ€ they said. 

With the election still eight months away, Thompson has already picked up a list of endorsements from such federal, state and local lawmakers, in addition to unions and nonprofits.

While some may look at Thompsonโ€™s relative youth as a disadvantage, they said their experience speaks for itself.

They serve on the Santa Cruz County Substance Use Disorder Services Commission, advocating for increased awareness of fentanyl and xylazine overdoses and how to address the uptick in the opioid epidemic.

Thompson also worked alongside Aisha Wahab, who was recently elected to the 10th Senate District.

โ€œMy whole job is making government work for people, and helping them utilize resources,” they said. โ€œTo me, government isnโ€™t this big burden or Big Brother coming after you. It is a resource that needs to be utilized. And the elected officials can help bridge those gaps and help you when you need it.โ€

โ€ขโ€ขโ€ข

Thompsonโ€™s campaign launch party will take place at Harvey West Park, on Sept. 9th from 2 to 4 pm. For information, visit VoteJoeThompson.com

Steps to Build a Better Youth Sport System

Sponsored content by BET US

In recent years, the youth sports system in the United States has seen a marked increase in scrutiny, with many recognizing the potential for change. A multifaceted approach is necessary to bring about a more sustainable, equitable, and effective youth sports model. This long-form news article outlines a set of practical steps that can be taken to improve the youth sports system in the United States.

Prioritizing a Holistic Approach to Youth Development

Youth sports are about much more than competition; they serve as a breeding ground for the future stars who might one day set the NFL odds. These platforms provide an avenue for children to grow and learn valuable life skills. The emphasis must not just be on winning but also on the pure joy of playing, teamwork, and personal growth. Just like how NFL odds are not the sole determinant of a game’s outcome, winning in youth sports should not overshadow the essence of participation and development. These core values will provide a solid foundation for young athletes, encouraging a positive experience that carries into their future sports participationย 

Addressing Cost Barriers

High costs associated with youth sports participation have been identified as a significant barrier. On average, a family spends $692 per sport, per child, each year, which includes costs such as registration, uniforms, and equipment. For families with multiple children involved in different sports, this figure quickly escalates into the thousands. To counter this, youth sports organizations need to focus on lowering costs and perhaps exploring options for financial assistance or scholarships for those in need.

Emphasizing Safety in Sports

Safety should always be paramount when it comes to youth sports. With more than 3.5 million youth athletes sustaining sports injuries each year in the U.S., it’s evident that safety measures need to be reinforced. Initiatives for early education and awareness about safe sports practices are essential in reducing the risk of injuries and ensuring a safer environment for young athletes.

Encouraging Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) play crucial roles in a healthy youth sports ecosystem. Youth sports organizations should prioritize DEI in their operations and programming, creating an environment where every child, regardless of their background, has an equal opportunity to participate and succeed. Access to DEI resources and curriculum can help organizations on their journey towards a more inclusive sports culture.

Implementing Effective Communication Channels

Effective communication is key to running a successful youth sports organization. It involves keeping past and present participants informed about registration dates, fees, and other important updates. The use of technology, such as text messaging or emails, can help streamline this process, ensuring that all necessary information reaches athletes and their parents in a timely manner.

Harnessing the Power of the Internet

In this digital age, a strong online presence is almost non-negotiable for any organization. For youth sports organizations, having an easily navigable website and active social media presence can go a long way in answering questions, simplifying registration processes, and keeping the community engaged. This not only helps in retaining current members but can also attract new participants.

Fostering Social Development Through Sports

Youth sports provide a unique platform for social development. As young athletes spend more time with their peers, they learn to interact better, come out of their shells, and understand the importance of teamwork. Thus, creating an environment that promotes such social interaction is integral to a better youth sports system.

Setting Realistic and Beneficial Goals

It’s crucial to set achievable goals for youth sports participation. For instance, the U.S. federal goal is to increase youth sports participation, which is projected to have significant social and economic benefits, including saving $57 billion in direct medical costsโ€‹. Setting such a goal not only increases participation but also underlines the importance of youth sports in fostering healthier lifestyles.

Developing Motor Skills Through Sports

Youth sports can significantly contribute to a child’s physical development. Activities such as jumping rope, riding bikes, rollerblading, jogging, and running can improve motor skills and balance. Encouraging such activities can help children develop better physical health and motor skills, leading to an overall better youth sports experienceโ€‹โ€‹.

Continual Improvement and Revaluation

The final step is to maintain a commitment to continual improvement and revaluation. The youth sports system should be dynamic and responsive to changes in society, technology, and our understanding of child development. Regular assessment and adjustments to policies, practices, and goals ensure the system remains effective, inclusive, and beneficial for all participants.

In conclusion, building a better youth sports system involves a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the holistic development of youth, reduces barriers to participation, emphasizes safety and inclusivity, fosters effective communication, harnesses the power of the internet, encourages social interaction, sets realistic goals, promotes physical development, and is dedicated to continual improvement. By taking these steps, we can provide an environment that nurtures young athletes’ passion for sports while equipping them with valuable life skills.

Last chance for Cabrillo name-change debate

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Santa Cruzans have one more chance to offer opinions over the name-changing of Cabrillo College to members of the Board of Trustees on Wednesday, July 19, at 6pm via Zoom.

The final choice for a new name will be announced at a meeting of the Board on August 7.

The five names under consideration are Aptos College, Cajastaca College, Costa Vista College, Seacliff College, and Santa Cruz Coast College.

The final five were chosen by majority vote from an original list of 400 suggestions by a diverse, volunteer group of students, alumni, and community members appointed to a Name Selection Task Force.

At public meetings this week, in Felton and via Zoom, trustees Matt Wetstein , Christina Cuevas and Adam Spickler listened to community reactions to each of the five names, and responded to questions regarding the necessity of the change, the fairness of the decision process, and the means of financing and implementation.

If you name it, funds will come (hopefully)

Only $2,500 out of the estimated minimum of $400,000 dollars needed to fund the change has been collected so far, raising questions about the viability of the project. The trustees have pledged that only grants and donations will be spent for the name change.

Wetstein addressed those concerns by explaining that serious fundraising efforts have not yet begun, pending the announcement of a name.

According to Wetstein, a dollar threshold will be determined in August that will need to be met before the work of applying the new name to signs and buildings begins.

Wetstein also ruled out funds from the Cabrillo Foundation paying for the change.

โ€œIt’s the College Board that’s making the decision,โ€ he said, โ€œand I want to draw a line between that and what the foundation does for supporting students and raising money for scholarships.โ€

Doubts persisted at the Wednesday night Zoom meeting when the trustees were at a loss to name a single foundation that might be approached for a donation โ€œoff the top of their head.โ€

Wetstein finally offered the example of the Ford Foundation as an organization that has donated to social justice projects without suggesting that they were a likely source of a Cabrillo grant.

Controversy continues

Opinion continues to be split over the desirability of the three most popular name choices, with Aptos College and Cajastaca College at the top, and Costa Vista College remaining a contender.

At the in-person Felton gathering, debate was split over which name to choose, and the original decision to change.

Rich Beale, a Cabrillo graduate in the class of 1967, and his wife Tory, believe it was a mistake to undertake the process during the covid lockdown, and remain doubtful that the name Cabrillo pays tribute to the past in the current day.

Asked why those who supported the name Aptos College at recent forums were not informed of the passionate resistance to it from many Watsonville residents, Wetstein explained that his concern was to not sway or influence opinion by sharing the reactions of others. He continued to characterize resistance to the name Aptos as arising from โ€œgeographicalโ€ differences.

Use this Zoom link to attend the final community forum on Wednesday, July 19 at 6pm: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86103659537

Two Injured In Suspected Gang-Related Shooting

Watsonville Police detectives are investigating a gang-related shooting that left two victims injured Wednesday night.

The 14- and 18-year-old victims were transported to the hospital, where they are expected to fully recover.  

According to WPD spokeswoman Michelle Pulido, police responded to reports of shots fired on the 200 block of Ross Avenue just after 8pm.

While the police were on their way, witnesses called 911 to report that two people with gunshot wounds were near Freedom Elementary School.  

Police closed Holly Drive between Ross Avenue and Airport Boulevard, cordoning off areas of the sidewalk where blood droplets could be seen. Witnesses said that the victims were in a vehicle parked at the school.

The investigation is ongoing, and at the moment, there is no suspect information available for release. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Rebecca Ramรญrez at 768.3354. 

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Two Injured In Suspected Gang-Related Shooting

Victims expected to survive.
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