It’s a good idea to start planning early for Mother’s Day on May 11. Why not take her wine tasting at one of the many tasting rooms that abound in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties?
A drive down bucolic Carmel Valley Road leads to tasting room, where some superbly made wines await you. Dedicated winemaker/owner Ian Brand makes a plethora of different wines, including a Piquette Nat.
“Piquettes are made by soaking grape must in water and pressing the grapes a second time,” Brand says. Must is the freshly pressed juice of grapes before fermentation occurs. In other words, this is a light wine that is perfect to enjoy anytime, especially in warmer weather.
For their 2023 Piquette Nat, the winery soaks the skins of their organically grown Sauvignon Blanc, from the Zabala Vineyard in Monterey County, with organic hibiscus flower for two days. And at under 9% alcohol, the Piquette “is fresher and livelier than a craft beer, lighter than a chilled red wine.” And it’s only $18.
I. Brand & Family, 19 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley Village, 831-298-7227. Ibrandwinery.com
Mother’s Day Brunch
Planning to take your mom out for breakfast on Mother’s Day? Heavenly Roadside Café is famous for its breakfasts and lunches. Welcoming and unpretentious, the café serves delicious, fresh homemade American dishes “with a touch of Greek influence,” as the co-owner/chef, Danny Voutos, is of Greek descent. Wife Marty and daughter Isabella are all involved in this family-run business. Try one of their house specialties or a benedict. Even a lumberjack would not leave hungry.
My son, Isaiah Saxon, grew up in Aptos. He is now 42 and his first feature film, The Legend of Ochi, produced by A24, is getting released this week.
I thought you might want to write a story about his path from making his first long film, Revolt, about the skateboarding culture in Santa Cruz that he released when he graduated from Aptos High, to making Bjork’s music video “Wanderlust,” to finally finishing his first feature film. He worked on writing the script for eight years; it took one month to film in the mountains of Romania, then two years to perfect the CG work.
The movie stars Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, Helena Zengel and Finn Wolfhard. Here is the trailer released by A24: youtube.com/watch?v=_jTFLg3arYU
The Legend of Ochiwill be premiering in Santa Cruz on the 24th at the Capitola Cinelux at 6:30. Strangely enough, there don’t seem to be any other showings in Santa Cruz yet. Maybe you could fix this!
Kitty Mrache
BORN AGAIN
I am a local musician, actor and writer who has been featured in Good Times numerous times since I first moved to Santa Cruz in 1977, although not recently. A short time ago I was surprised and thrilled to learn that a song I had written and recorded with my L.A. college folk-rock band, Stourbridge Lion, in 1968 has just been released for the first time by Cherry Red Records in the UK as part of a three-CD set titled “Jingle Jangle Morning: The 1960s Folk-Rock Explosion.”
It is incredible that my recording of this song has been released 57 years after it was recorded. (Visit cherryred.co.uk.) I think there is a story here that might be of interest to local readers. Thanks for any help you may be able to offer.
Mark Bradlyn
ONLINE COMMENTS
BATTERY PROBLEMS
The fire department has said that they have no way to stop a runaway lithium battery fire. All they can do is wet the areas around the battery fire and watch it burn. The chemicals and gasses are also some of the most poisonous ever created. This technology has a proven track record of being unsafe, causing death and destruction and should not be allowed to be deployed in our communities.
Aries filmmaker Akira Kurosawa devoted meticulous attention to weather conditions. He would postpone shooting a particular scene for days, waiting for the influx of the exact right blend of wind, clouds or precipitation to create the ideal ambiance. I recommend you adopt his patient sense of timing in the coming weeks, Aries. While you typically prefer direct action, now is a favorable phase to coordinate your desire to get what you need with life’s changing conditions. What advantages might you gain by waiting for the ripest moments to arrive?
TAURUS April 20-May 20
You can’t see or hold the wind, though you can feel its force and observe its effects. It scatters some seeds far and wide, dispersing them to grow in unexpected places. When harnessed by turbines, the wind is a renewable energy source. It can be utilized to pump water and fuel telecommunications equipment. Winds influence daily weather by transporting water and heat. I have summarized wind’s qualities because I see this upcoming phase of your cycle as being wind-like, Taurus. You won’t necessarily have to be obvious to spread your influence. You will be able to work behind the scenes in potent ways. Who knows where your seeds will land and germinate? There will be surprises.
GEMINI May 21-June 20
The Earth’s first big ecological crisis happened 2.5 billion years ago. Ancient bacteria became a successful life form. They proliferated. The only problem was, they produced an abundance of oxygen, which was toxic to all the other existing life forms at that time. And yet that bump in evolution was ultimately essential in the rise of complex organisms that thrive on oxygen, like us. We wouldn’t be here today without bacteria’s initially problematic intervention. Nothing as monumentally major or epic will occur for you in the coming weeks, Gemini. But I do suspect that what may initially seem disruptive could ultimately generate positive outcomes. I hope you prime yourself to transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth. For best results, set aside your fixed beliefs about what’s necessary for maximum progress.
CANCER June 21-July 22
From the 17th through the 19th centuries, Paris was famous for its salons. There, artists, writers and big thinkers assembled to exchange ideas and inspire each other. The salons were often orchestrated by illustrious, educated women in their private homes. They were hotbeds of networking and cultural innovation. Listening and learning were key elements. Now would be an excellent time for you to organize, host, or encourage similar gatherings, Cancerian. You have extra power to facilitate the stellar socializing that generates zesty connections and spreads invigorating influences.
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) was one of the bravest Americans who ever lived. After escaping enslavement, she heroically returned to other southern plantations many times to help free enslaved people. To accomplish her miraculous rescues, she relied in part on her dreams and visions—what she called divine guidance—to navigate through challenging situations. I suspect you will soon have access to similar assets: extraordinary courage and help from unusual or even supernatural sources. Use these gifts wisely, Leo!
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
The nations of planet Earth launched 263 space flights in 2024 and are on track for over 300 in 2025. Most of the satellites and spacecraft are devoted to scientific research. A relatively small proportion is dedicated to communication, navigation and military uses. I would love for you to have an equally high level of exploratory and experimental energy in the coming weeks, Virgo. You will align yourself with cosmic rhythms if you spend more time than usual investigating the frontiers. It’s time to expand and extend yourself!
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
What’s the oldest living organism on Earth? It’s a bristlecone pine tree nicknamed “Methuselah.” Almost 4,800 years old, it resides somewhere in California’s White Mountains, though its precise location is kept secret to protect it. In the spirit of shielding and nurturing valuable things, I urge you to consider maintaining similar safeguards in the coming weeks. Like Methuselah, your precious processes and creations might thrive best when allowed to grow free from undue attention. You may benefit from maintaining privacy and silence about certain matters as they develop.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
I love to gaze out my office window at Gallinas Creek during high tide. At certain interludes, the water is perfectly still. It almost perfectly reflects the sky in every detail, with all its clouds, birds and hues of blue. My conscious mind knows the difference between the real sky and reflected sky, but my eyes can’t discern. That’s a helpful metaphor for all of us all the time, and especially for you in the coming weeks. It will be crucial for you to maintain an acute awareness of what’s genuine and what’s illusory.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Sagittarian anthropologist Margaret Mead (1901–1978) revolutionized her field. She didn’t study other cultures from a distance with a detached perspective. Instead, she learned their languages and immersed herself in their daily lives. So she earned the intimate understanding to conclude, “What people say, what people do, and what they say they do are entirely different things.” This is a crucial principle for you right now. You must directly observe people’s actions rather than simply believing what they say about themselves—or what others say about them. You must look beyond surface declarations to understand the deeper rhythms and patterns. For best results, be a devoted participant, not an uninvolved judge.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Capricorn mystic Alan Watts wrote The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are. He proposed that each of us is far more glorious than our separate, isolated egos. It’s difficult to come to this understanding, however, since our culture conspires to hide it from us. That’s the bad news. The good news, Capricorn, is that you will have an unprecedented chance to partly shatter this taboo in the coming weeks. I have high hopes that you will discover deep truths about yourself that have previously been unavailable.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18
Beginning in 1946, Bedouins exploring caves near the Dead Sea discovered an immense trove of ancient documents written on parchment. These manuscripts provided many new revelations into early Christianity, Biblical texts, and the history and culture of Judaism. I suspect that in the coming weeks, you may experience a metaphorical equivalent of this breakthrough and unveiling. To prepare, meditate on these questions: 1. What mysterious parts of your life story would you like to have illuminated? 2. About which aspects of your past would you like to receive new truths? 3. Is there anything missing in your understanding of who you really are?
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
White light enters a glass prism and is translated on the other side into a rainbow of colors. That’s because each color rides its own wavelength, even while seamlessly blended in the white light, and then gets bent differently by the prism. The magic of the prism is that it reveals the hidden spectrum within, the latent diversity contained within the apparently monolithic beam of white light. In the coming weeks, Pisces, I predict that you will be like a prism, bringing out vibrancy in situations or relationships that may seem nondescript or mundane at first glance. Your ability to discern and appreciate multiple perspectives will enable you to create an intriguing kind of harmony. You will have the power to notice and reveal beauty that has been veiled or unnoticed.
After years of debate and planning, construction on Santa Cruz’s new Downtown Library and Affordable Housing Project is set to begin in June 2025. The ambitious development, located at the city-owned Lot 4 between Cedar, Lincoln and Cathcart streets, will replace the aging downtown library with a modern facility while adding affordable housing, childcare services and expanded parking.
A community festival is scheduled for April 26, from 1-4 pm, at the project site, featuring design illustrations, food trucks and live music. Attendance is free for the public on the corner of Cedar & Lincoln Streets. The event will kick off a fundraising campaign for the project’s second phase.
Historical Context
The original library on Church Street opened in 1904—built of stone in Romanesque Revival style with an assisting grant from the industrialist Andrew Carnegie. The current library replaced it in 1968, funded by a library bond measure.
Sixty years later, the building faces numerous challenges, including non-compliance with ADA requirements, the presence of asbestos, and outdated plumbing, electrical and elevator systems. Inadequate facilities include bathrooms, study spaces and dedicated spaces for children and teens. Seismic code constraints also limit expansion of the current building.
With renovation costs deemed prohibitive, in 2016 Santa Cruz County voters approved Measure S, a $67 million bond measure to modernize and upgrade local libraries. The City of Santa Cruz was allocated $27 million for its library improvements, combining with additional state and federal grants.
CommunityResponse
The project’s approval has not been without controversy, facing significant opposition from community groups and residents. Critics argued that the original intent of Measure S did not include the construction of a parking garage, while some felt misled by the project’s evolution, advocating for the preservation of the existing Downtown Farmers’ Market location.
In response, the city has planned to relocate the farmers’ market to a new, permanent location adjacent to the existing library site. The new short-term home for the Farmers’ Market will be Parking Lot 16 next to the current downtown library branch along with a portion of Church and Cedar streets, which will be closed to traffic during market hours.
In response to community concerns about trees on the building site, some of which were designated Heritage Trees, the city states a tree removal permit was granted for the project. Inspections by the city arborist revealed structural weaknesses and evidence of past failures, limb and stem decay, and potential root disease. The trees will be replaced with 14 new trees, with 12 additional trees to be planted in the city.
The Downtown Library and Affordable Housing Project includes the following:
• A 41,000-square-foot library: Designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, the library will feature two indoor levels and a rooftop terrace, offering ample space for reading, community events and educational programs.
• Affordable housing units: The project includes at least 100 affordable housing units, with the majority to be reserved for extremely low and very-low-income residents.
• Childcare facilities: A dedicated childcare center with indoor and outdoor play areas will support working families in the downtown area.
• Parking and transportation amenities: The development will provide 240 parking spaces, including 25 electric vehicle charging stations, bike lockers and e-bike charging and approximately 203 bicycle parking spaces.
• Commercial spaces: Approximately 9,598 square feet of commercial space will be available for businesses and restaurants.
As construction begins, the city is also planning for the future of the current library site. A public process has been initiated to explore potential uses, including affordable housing, community spaces, and a permanent home for the Downtown Farmers’ Market.
A grassroots movement of residents concerned about the construction of a new battery storage facility in Watsonville held a public meeting on Monday evening to discuss the dangers of such a project and rally locals by passing around petitions and encouraging people to join the group.
The meeting, which grew raucous at times with many people interrupting and catcalling, was held at the Watsonville Church of the Nazarene, less than one mile away from Minto Road and the proposed battery energy storage system site.
Many of the nearly 200 people that attended live close to the site.
It was announced last winter that a new battery energy storage system (BESS) owned by Massachusetts-based New Leaf Energy is planned for construction at the end of Minto Road, off of Green Valley Road. That location was chosen for the project, which is called Seahawk, because of its close proximity to a PG&E substation.
Although the plan has not yet been approved by the county, many local citizens are wary of BESS problems after several fires erupted at a facility in nearby Moss Landing in January.
The Minto Road facility would occupy 14 acres with the capacity to store 200 megawatts and 800 megawatt hours. It would include 300 individual units that are roughly the size of shipping containers, according to Fire Marshal Chris Walters of Cal Fire, who spoke at the meeting.
Many of the meeting’s speakers and attendees worried about the potential harm that a BESS on Minto Road would cause to nearby residents, wildlife and food systems.
Within a five-mile radius of the proposed facility are multiple lakes, as well as five schools, neighborhoods and agricultural fields. One member of the audience inquired about the safety of the Schapiro Knolls apartment complex—located right next to the PG&E substation on Minto Road—if the BESS is approved.
Nina Audino, a retired high school teacher and the organizer of the meeting, said the community plays a vital role in solving this issue for Santa Cruz county.
“We need your help to stop this type of battery energy storage facility,” she said.
Audino made the distinction between lithium ion and non-lithium ion battery energy storage, saying that the group is only opposed to the former.
“We are one-hundred-percent behind green energy,” Audino said.
She spoke about the importance of spreading the message to others in the community to expand the group and pressure the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to vote against the project.
The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to make a decision regarding New Leaf Energy’s application on or before Sept. 9.
“Our group, along with other groups of concerned residents, is advocating for a panel of experts to advise the county on how to create a more restrictive, regulated BESS ordinance with more safety regulations attached,” Audino said.
The movement’s immediate goal is to convince the county to approve a temporary ban on lithium BESS projects and hold town hall meetings while they draft an ordinance.
“So far, the county has not responded and we’ve been trying since January 28th,” Audino said.
Audino referred to the City of Morro Bay, which recently passed a two-year ban on BESS projects that gives the city time to create a permanent ordinance.
Walters said that the Santa Cruz County Fire Department requested that more fire hydrants and a secondary access route be added to the area if the project is approved.
Supervisor Felipe Hernandez was slated to speak, but was instead represented by Ramon Gomez, his chief of staff.
Gomez said that the California Public Utilities Commission “adopted new regulations that would make battery storage safer.”
The facility in Moss Landing that caught fire would “never be approved under the current state fire and design codes,” according to Gomez.
There are still many unknowns about the long-term effects of the fire at the Moss Landing BESS, and whether the new design for the proposed Watsonville facility would be safer.
“It’s critical that we keep voicing this as a united group,” Audino said.
The group is part of a larger movement called Californians for Safe Energy Storage, a coalition of 11 California counties.
Flames tore through one of several buildings on the property of the Bigfoot Discovery Museum in Felton Sunday night but spared the famed museum building.
Felton Fire officials said the fire broke out around 10pm and destroyed a small cabin situated between the museum, that houses scads of Bigfoot information and several large carved bigfoot statues, and a tall wood barn.
On Monday afternoon Howard Rugg, whose brother, Michael, owns the museum, was on hand with fire officials digging through the charred ruins.
WHAT’S LEFT? Howard Rugg digs through the burned ruins of a cabin that was engulfed in flames Sunday night behind the Bigfoot Discovery Museum on Hwy 9 in Felton. PHOTO: Tarmo Hannula
“The main thing is, no one was hurt—thank goodness,” he said. “Right now, they don’t know what caused the fire. I got a call around 11 last night about the fire. But I don’t like to drive at night—I’m only about two miles down the road. So I came out today. But right now, it looks like the museum was spared.”
He added that the Bigfoot museum has been on the market for a while. It recently sold and was in escrow.
“My father bought this property back in 1961,” Rugg said. “My brother and I moved into the building in 1963. We were a major dulcimer maker in this area for decades. We made over 2,000 of the instruments.” He added that they ran a music store where the museum is now called Capritaurus. Rugg said he still continues to make dulcimers in the two-story barn that stands beside the museum, its walls emblazoned with colorful bigfoot murals.
Built in 1949, the 3,398-square-foot lot includes two buildings and the shed that burned. Currently, Rugg lives in the other building behind the museum. The museum opened in 2004 and its exhibits became a destination for fans of Sasquatch—or Bigfoot—and pop culture and sci-fi enthusiasts.
Michael Rugg’s decision to sell the museum last year created a stir with some locals, some of whom raised money through a GoFundMe campaign to keep it open during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Supporting our local economy by shopping at stores that carry locally produced goods is good for the community and the environment. And in the case of farmers markets, your health as well.
Santa Cruz is a place where fresh, local food is not just a trend—it’s a way of life. From coastal flats to mountain valleys, our county has long been a hub of small farms, organic agriculture and an undeniable love for good food. And there’s no better place to experience this abundance than at one of our five certified farmers’ markets.
Yet despite this incredible access, most of us still prioritize convenience and price when shopping for food. It’s easy to fall into that habit when fast food is everywhere. But what if we paused to rethink that calculation? What if we considered that the “cheaper” option often comes at a hidden cost to our health, our local economy and our environment?
Why the Farmers’ Market?
Yes, the farmers’ market may not always be the cheapest option, but diet is so closely tied to health, it’s worth a top ranking. You’ll likely find yourself inspired by the beautiful produce, lured by the scents and color, and ready to try something new. And with markets running multiple days of the week across the county, there’s always an opportunity to fit it into your schedule.
Beyond the bounty of seasonal produce, artisanal goods, and specialty foods, farmers’ markets are the heartbeat of the community. They’re where you run into old friends, talk with the people that grow your food, and maybe even catch a local musician strumming tunes as you sip your pour-over coffee. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know many of the farmers I buy from weekly, and each visit feels like reconnecting with old friends.
Shopping With the Seasons
Eating seasonally isn’t just trendy—it’s how food was meant to be enjoyed. Local produce is picked at peak ripeness, meaning it’s fresher, more flavorful and often more nutritious than out- of-season imports. And let’s not forget fiber, the unsung hero of a balanced diet. With all the hype around protein, it’s shocking to realize that only 5% of Americans meet their daily fiber needs. Shopping at the market makes it easy to load up on fiber-rich, gut-friendly foods like fresh greens, root vegetables and whole grains.
As author Michael Pollan famously says: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. And what better place to do that than the farmers’ market?
Five Must-Visit Markets
Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market (Wednesdays, year-round)—At the heart of the local food scene, this bustling market is the largest in Santa Cruz. Expect an impressive selection of organic produce, fresh seafood, pasture-raised meats, and artisanal goods. With live music and an unbeatable community vibe, it’s the perfect midweek stop for fresh ingredients. Due to construction on the new library/housing project, the market is relocating to Lot 16, on Cedar Street between Church and Center streets, by early May.
Westside Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, year-round)—Located in the Wrigley Building parking lot, this Saturday morning gem boasts a laid-back but lively atmosphere. It’s a go-to for top-quality organic farms, fresh-baked breads and locally crafted treats. Grab a coffee, shop for the week, and soak in the weekend vibes.
Live Oak Farmers’ Market (Sundays, year-round, 15th and East Cliff Drive)—With its welcoming community feel, this Eastside market offers a well-rounded mix of farm-fresh produce, prepared foods and artisan goods. It’s a great spot to stock up on local favorites while enjoying a leisurely Sunday morning with live music and good company.
Felton Farmers’ Market (Tuesdays, May–October, Russell Ave., Felton)—Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this seasonal market brings rustic charm to the farm-to-table scene. Small but mighty, it features just-picked produce, wild-caught seafood and a friendly, intimate atmosphere that keeps locals coming back.
Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, May–November at Boys and Girls Club)—Family-friendly and relaxed, this Saturday market offers everything from fresh produce to pasture-raised meats and specialty foods. With picnic tables, kids’ activities, and plenty of space to linger, it’s an ideal place to spend a laid-back morning shopping and snacking.
Bonus: Aptos Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, year-round at Cabrillo College)—While not part of the Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market network, the Aptos market is a beloved local staple. It features an impressive selection of organic produce, fresh flowers, gourmet foods and ocean-kissed morning air—an idyllic way to start the weekend.
SEEING GREEN As Michael Pollan says, ‘Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.’ Photo: Elizabeth Borelli
Making It Work for You
Worried about logistics? It’s easier than you think. Yes, some vendors only take cash, but there are ATMs nearby. Don’t want to carry your haul? Invest in a sturdy tote bag or a lightweight rolling cart (pro tip: you’ll fit right in with the seasoned shoppers). The reward? A shopping experience that’s as enjoyable as the meals you’ll create from your fresh finds.
In Santa Cruz, we’re lucky. We have year-round access to some of the best local food in the country. So why not see what the farmers’ market has to offer? You might just find that food really does taste better when you know where it comes from.
Do you recall your first visits to the library and a favorite book?
BARBARA
Our library in Whittier had a stuffed toy lion in the children’s section for my entire childhood, and a wading fountain outside. I loved Charlotte’s Web, Ramona, and later, Nancy Drew. We’re a big library family—one of our kids works for the library.
Barbara Allen-Young, 62, Retired Nurse
JIM
My father was a librarian. We lived in the Sierras, and we’d come down for music lessons and a library visit. The fact that you could take a whole stack of books home was amazing to me. I’m an architect and I’ve worked on designing some libraries.
Jim Allen-Young, 65, Architect
MARK
I grew up in Michigan, and we had a beautiful library that was paid for by the Dow Chemical family. I just lived there in the summer—it was air conditioned and had all my favorite books. Our parents dropped us off and I spent many days there.
Mark Larsen, 72, Retired
HANNAH
I went to the Aptos library, and I’d get Harry Potter books. I loved the library as a kid. I just went to renew my library card and they said it was first issued in 2005.
Hannah Leff, 25, Nurse
APOLLO
My parents took me to the Branciforte library every week. It had a huge papier-mâché dragon across the entire library. I loved Where The Wild Things Are. Every time I’d get that same book. In Kindergarten we did plays of it, and made Wild Things masks.
Apollo Kubicki, 18, Biotechnology Major @ Cabrillo College
CAREY
I remember spending a lot of time in the school library. Schools all had libraries back then. We’d get a big box of SRA Reading Laboratory books. I liked those a lot. In fifth grade a got into the Civil War and I read all the Bruce Catton Civil War books.
This Saturday marks the return of Earth Day Santa Cruz, the local incarnation of the national campaign for environmental awareness. Earth Day was created largely through the efforts of Gaylord Nelson, a senator from Wisconsin, who began pushing for a national “teach-in” on the problems of pollution after he witnessed the effects of the infamous 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill.
The Democratic senator reached across the aisle to ask Pete McCloskey, a Republican congressional rep from California, to serve as co-chair of the committee that launched the first Earth Day in 1970.
These days, there’s little cooperation across a party divide that has become a chasm. As CalMatters reported on April 9, President Donald Trump has issued an order targeting state and local climate change laws and policies. In the crosshairs is California’s cap and trade program, one of the state’s vital tools for combating climate change.
Given the new threats, the importance of Earth Day is greater than ever. The city of Santa Cruz and various partners have put together an event that will not only inform but also entertain. Festivities run Saturday from 11:30am to 4pm in downtown Santa Cruz on Pacific Avenue, Cooper Street and Abbott Square.
Visitors can expect danceable rhythms from SambaDá, accompanied by samba stilt walkers, face painting, a photo booth, food booths, and a variety of eco-friendly exhibitors promoting environmental stewardship, healthy living and sustainability.
Sponsors include New Leaf Community Markets, Bay Federal Credit Union, Santa Cruz County Recycles and the Santa Cruz County Sanitation District.
One big draw is the Fashionteens fashion show, offering a parade of high-style, zero-waste outfits. Last year’s show featured dresses made of newspaper and outfits crafted from repurposed plastic—a demonstration of how fashion and sustainability could go hand in hand. The show will celebrate creativity, innovation and eco-friendly fashion starting at 1:15pm.
Another program designed to get youth involved is the Green Passport Program, which offers access to projects and education about how to live sustainably. Young people obtain the passports at the Information Booth and then collect stamps or stickers. Once the passport is full, they can return to the information booth for a coupon for one free scoop of ice cream at Mission Hill Ice Creamery.
Also on April 19, eco-enthusiasts on the East Side can spend the afternoon at a “Rockin’ Pop Up” at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. UCSC geologists will be on hand to talk about mineralogical marvels from the museum’s galleries. Attendees can also bring their own rocks, fossils, gems and minerals for identification anytime between noon and 2pm. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is located at 1305 East Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz.
The museum is also offering earth-themed workshops for the artistically inclined. This Sunday from 9 to 11am, Earth Day Special: Birding Photography will be held at Old Cover Landing Trail. And next weekend there are two classes: From 5:30 to 7:30pm on April 25 at the museum, attendees will learn how to transform sea glass, driftwood and botanicals into artworks. And from 10am to 1pm on April 26, aspiring artists can head to Seabright Beach for Earth Day in Oils, an painting workshop. For information, visit santacruzmuseum.org.
And there’s still time to get a raffle ticket from Save Our Shores, with prizes that include a SwellCycle surfboard and a weekend stay at Seacliff Condo. Purchase a ticket by April 30; for details, visit saveourshores.org.
The city of Watsonville will celebrate Earth Day on Sunday, April 27 from noon to 3pm at the Watsonville Plaza. Music, food and fun will be provided, including educational children’s activities. Earth Day 2025 will be a celebration of the earth and an opportunity to inspire community members to preserve the planet for future generations. Attendees can participate in games and activities relating to climate action. Admission is free.
Earth Day Santa Cruz takes place 11:30am–4pm on April 19 in downtown Santa Cruz; for details, visit scearthday.org. Watsonville’s Earth Day—Our Power, Our Planet takes place noon–3pm on April 27 at Watsonville Plaza; for information, call 831-768-3161.
It’s time for some more coverage of AT&T’s attempt to end copper landline service, the only kind of phone service that works when there’s no cell reception and the power goes out.AT&T has been refusing to provide copper landline service on an individual basis, denying hookups to already existing copper landlines that had been used by previous residents. They refuse this service and then claim no one wants it. The CPUC listened to citizens and lawmakers and denied AT&T’s application to end copper landline service last year. Now, AT&T is trying to eliminate due process of law and take away the CPUC’s power to defend the public. They want to use CPUC rulemaking hearings (possibly focusing on rates in order to distract from the real issue of safety) and State Assembly Bill 470 in order to get their way.
Katherine Miller | Aptos
SAVE THE MUSIC
Would you be so kind as to share this GoFundMe project on behalf of greatamericansongbook.org with your readers? Purpose: Funding and building the Forever Digital Archive on behalf of the music of the Great American Songbook. You might say this is a: Last Gasp effort on behalf of the G.A.S. by our 501(c)(3) nonprofit org.
Ronald Kaplan | Aptos Executive Director American Songbook Preservation Society
UCSC LIBRARY CLOSED TO PUBLIC
The UCSC Library has announced the termination of its “Community Borrowers Program,” a program that has allowed community members to borrow research and related materials from the UCSC Libraries. The termination of the program was not preceded by any consultation with the community, or with those who have been making use of this valuable source of information. The program is slated to end on June 1, 2025. That means that there is still some time to appeal to the “better angels” at the University (if there are any still living up there).
I am no longer a public official (I was one, once), but this is a moment in which concerned community members should contact their elected officials, and ask them to see what they can do to reverse this significant cutback of University cooperation with our community. State Senator John Laird (a notable UCSC alumnus) and Assembly Members Gail Pellerin and Dawn Addis should be bringing this issue up with UCSC, and with the president of the entire UC system.
Our state elected officials can do that personally, and during the upcoming state budget deliberations. In addition, as a former local government official, I urge those concerned to contact their council members, the mayor, and members of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. Third District Supervisor Justin Cummings, for instance, has a longstanding relationship with UCSC, and I am betting that he would be willing to put in a good word on behalf of this important program.
Thanks, as ever, to the Good Times, for keeping our community in touch with what’s shaking! Sometimes (as with this item), we ought to be shaking back!
The fire department has said that they have no way to stop a runaway lithium battery fire. All they can do is wet the areas around the battery fire and watch it burn.
A grassroots movement of residents concerned about the construction of a new battery storage facility in Watsonville held a public meeting on Monday evening, April 14.
Flames tore through one of several buildings on the property of the Bigfoot Discovery Museum in Felton Sunday night but spared the famed museum building
It’s time for some more coverage of AT&T’s attempt to end copper landline service, the only kind of phone service that works when there’s no cell reception and the power goes out.
