Page 403 | Good Times

Public Library Friends Join Santa Cruz Gives

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December 28, 2021

Public Library Friends Join Santa Cruz Gives

Since 2015, Santa Cruz Gives, the digital holiday fundraising program for local nonprofits, has provided financial support to an array of agencies that do good work for others. Whether providing meals, financial assistance or access to job opportunities, the 501c3 organizations selected by Santa Cruz Gives to participate in the end-of-year donation haul find themselves basking in the glow of appreciation for their efforts.

As outlined in last week’s edition, Valley Churches United in Ben Lomond is one of the recipients of the goodwill—and good funds—generated by the Santa Cruz Gives program. This week’s good news is brought to you by the letters F, O, T, S, C, P and L: Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Incorporated in 1979, the nonprofit has dedicated itself to supporting local public libraries in Santa Cruz County, including the architecturally stunning libraries in Felton and Scotts Valley, and the newly renovated Boulder Creek Branch.

With 10 branches in its collection and a pandemic in full swing, the Friends’ board of directors finds themselves trying to navigate a new normal while continuing to provide access to quality materials on the shelves.

According to Board President Janis O’Driscoll, their partnership with Santa Cruz Gives has provided a financial boost for the group in a time of uncertainty.

“We are beyond excited that at the moment the Friends stand at 99% of their 2021 fundraising goal. Should we fall short, we will review the percentage of the goal we designated for each branch and distribute the funds we have accordingly. Our community has been so responsive this year that my hopes are high that we will reach our goal,” said O’Driscoll.

The onset of Covid-19 created a new normal for the Friends group, including a large move towards virtual services. All virtual services have remained available so people can search the catalog, use the databases, and even reserve materials for non-contact pick-up, said O’Driscoll.

In addition, branches that have remained open have maintained Wi-Fi connections so they can be available to those who need it, and many programs quickly moved from in-person to virtual.

For example, said O’Driscoll, children continued to read to animals over Zoom in the popular reading enrichment Tales to Tails program. And book clubs and community conversations continued online.

“Our Library staff has been amazing during the pandemic and their energy remains constant,” said O’Driscoll.

In 2016, Measure S was passed to support construction or upgrades to all 10 of the county’s branches.

“Though $67 million was raised through this measure, construction costs have risen in part due to the pandemic shortages of supplies and labor. The Friends are dedicated to raising money to fill the gap between construction costs and Measure S funds,” said O’Driscoll.

With only three full-time employees and 175 volunteers, the Friends group works hard to create usable spaces in libraries, including exhibits and collaborative study areas comfortably furnished to keep visitors engaged.

So how did the Friends group become aligned with Santa Cruz Gives for 2021?

“It was suggested to us by Cynthia Mathews, who is one of our very active supporters and volunteers,” Friends’ Executive Director Bruce Cotter said. “She told us it would be a great program and we shouldn’t miss the opportunity to participate—and she was absolutely right. Jeanne Howard and all the folks at Santa Cruz Gives have been very helpful and great fun to work with.”

While the Santa Cruz Gives fundraising event is conducted in a small window at the end of the year, the Friends group has been engaged in a year-long campaign.

“[Our goal is] to raise funds for the Garfield Park, Branciforte, and Aptos renovation projects,” said Cotter. “We had set a very aggressive goal of raising $1 million dollars to support those branches, and we were looking to raise $20,000-25,000 from Santa Cruz Gives to help us to achieve those goals. At this point, it is clear we are going to raise at least $1 million from various sources, and we are grateful for the support that has come in from Santa Cruz Gives.”

As of Dec. 22, Friends was the beneficiary of nearly $38,000 from the Santa Cruz Gives efforts, allowing the group to move forward in 2022.

“The Friends have not stopped raising awareness and funds for the revitalization of the 10-branch system. Friends’ chapters have continued the Capitola Mall bookstore, book sales in the community, and the popular Our Community Read program,” said O’Driscoll.

Want to help your local library realize its next chapter? Visit santacruzgives.org to donate.

Showcasing Santa Cruz County’s Top Dining Spots in 2021

Christina Waters

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December 28, 2021

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Showcasing Santa Cruz County’s Top Dining Spots in 2021

In a year of dining dangerously, we all took culinary pleasure where we could find it. Often it was in carryout dinners—Avanti Santa Cruz’s lamb meatballs with polenta, Laili’s marinated beets, coriander, arugula and goat cheese salad. Oh, and the lamb kabob with perfumed saffron rice and those fiery and complex chutneys.

But as restaurants tip-toed into outdoor parklet dining, we enjoyed incredible meals in the romantic back patio of La Posta. The house sourdough holds a place in our heart. At one special dinner, we feasted on an appetizer of large shreds of smoked trout, joined by fingerling potatoes and diagonal slices of fresh snap peas in a vinaigrette infused with fermented Fresno chilis, lemon, and garlic. Equally impressive was a sensuous cannelloni entree filled with succulent braised pork, kale and black currants, dusted with parmesan inside and out.

Sometimes it was one spectacular dish that stood out: a fried calamari appetizer at Oswald, feather-light, crisp and tender. A slice of tumescent pumpkin pie, spices perfectly balanced, from Kelly’s, served at 11th Hour Coffee. At Gabriella Cafe an entree of local coho salmon glazed with Gema Cruz’s chimichurri sauce knocked me out, as did an appetizer of watermelon gazpacho. From the energetic hand of chef Todd Parker at Sante Adairius came a mile-high chicken salad sandwich that was like nothing I’ve ever eaten, sandwich-wise. Lots of labor-intensive dicing went into the central core of chicken, celery, carrots, a ripe juicy tomato, and preserved lemon (the key to these cascades of flavors). Inside the micro-chopped chicken salad was the tart, citrusy surprise of sorrel leaves.

The Ibiza Hippie Salad from Barceloneta won us over, again! Kale, preserved lemons, yams, little pastas. Easily the most delightful suite of ingredients in town. At Venus Spirits Cocktails and Kitchen the crisp, crisp brussels sprouts with pink onions, cashew cream and black garlic sauce was perfection, paired with the Venus No.2 G&T laced with star anise and a bay leaf. At Copal, we accompanied our margaritas with hand-made corn tortilla quesadillas, warm with melting cheese and mushrooms—the star of the meal! When Brad Briske of Soquel’s HOME took over the kitchen at Discretion Brewing for a while, he created something outrageous—fresh cod tacos layered with sriracha aioli, avocado whip, cabbage slaw and pickled onions.

Brunch at Gabriella was good enough to get us out of the house on a Sunday morning. And it was our very first meal in a restaurant during this weird year. Eggs Florentine (perfect avocados) and breakfast tacos made celestial by the addictive house salsa plus French press coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice. So satisfying.

Mentone in Aptos Village specializes in delicious sophistication. One particular stand-out meal included a gorgeous platter of earthy, salty Wagyu bresaola, a definitive pizza bianca with three cheeses, and transformative Negronis, classic as well as the Spagliato Bianco. The housemade fior di latte gelato, infused with sea salt and olive oil, is the dessert we want for our final meal on earth.

Dinner at Trestles in Capitola Village was at this year’s very top, thanks to the uncanny touch of chef Nick Sherman, who reinvents seafoods and elevates vegetables through fusion sauces and playful combinations of ingredients. Pork belly with roast watermelon and jalapeño vinaigrette shared the spotlight with roast trumpet mushrooms in balsamic glaze. We were also amazed by a dish of caramelized scallops cushioned by kohlrabi and a port reduction.Our favorite lunch at Iveta always delivers: turkey and havarti sandwich, with sea salt chips, a lime wine spritzer and that incredible Cowboy Cookie. Here’s to health, happiness and a re-opening of our world in 2022!

Valley Churches United Joins Santa Cruz Gives Campaign

Christina Wise

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December 24, 2021

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Valley Churches United Joins Santa Cruz Gives Campaign

Lynn Robinson, the executive director of Valley Churches United, has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. In addition to the success of their Sidewalk Holiday Gift Shop, the nonprofit has a new list of benefactors with whom to share its gratitude: contributors to the Santa Cruz Gives fundraising event.

The holiday fundraising program founded in 2015 has encouraged tax-free, project-based giving over the past six years, resulting in a shift towards “modern fundraising,” and supports area nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre and the Alzheimer’s Association.

This year, Robinson’s group is thrilled to be part of the program.

“We don’t have the same name recognition as other large organizations, so we’re really thrilled to be in such great company. It’s tough to get the word out about our programs, especially when we’re in the crunch time of the holidays, so we appreciate the opportunity to share what we do,” said Robinson.

The agency is finding its footing amongst the other nonprofits on the website’s leaderboard, with nearly $800,000 raised since the fundraising kickoff in November.

“Currently,” said Robinson, “we have about $5,000 in dedicated donations to us. If we can get closer to $10,000 that would be a huge win for our program.”

Robinson reminds readers that the agency’s main goal is to keep the community pantry stocked for those in need year-round, but that need increases exponentially around the holidays.

“In November, we served 391 families, and 785 individuals,” Robinson said. “Those numbers always go up in December, so we appreciate any donations that come our way.”

In addition to keeping food on the shelves, the agency also provides financial help to locals who are struggling, with special attention being dedicated to CZU fire victims.

While Santa Cruz Gives supports nonprofits of any size, its backing comes from well-known behemoth sponsors like the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, Driscoll’s Berries, Santa Cruz County Bank, and the Good Times (sister publication of the Press Banner). The 2020 campaign brought in over $700,000, and 2021 has proved to be even more successful, which makes Robinson overjoyed in the face of hardships that she knows local residents have endured.

“There are 80 nonprofits participating, so we’re watching our own hometown find its footing. It’s an honor to be part of the program,” she said.

But Santa Cruz Gives isn’t the only messenger of hope for Valley Churches United. Schools within the Scotts Valley Unified School District are holding a canned food drive benefitting the nonprofit.

“We’ve been hosting the canned food drive for over 20 years; as of Dec. 8, Vine Hill students collected nearly 6,000 cans of food,” said Michele Sanguinetti, a kindergarten teacher at Vine Hill School.

Brook Knoll, Scotts Valley Middle School and Scotts Valley High School all participated in the event this year. There was no canned food drive in 2020 due to the virtual learning environment caused by Covid-19.

The classroom with the most canned food donations collected will receive a trophy and a pizza party, but the real winner is Valley Churches United.

“We are recognized for serving a portion of the county that is traditionally underserved,” said Robinson. “I see how engaged the staff is at the Good Times, and how dedicated they are to making sure that this is a successful event. It’s a great experience for everyone involved, and for agencies like ours who are operating on a skeleton staff, we can get spread pretty thin. Fundraisers like this can make all the difference for us.”

Want to throw your checkbook in the ring? Santa Cruz Gives is accepting donations through Dec. 31. To contribute, visit santacruzgives.org.

Former SVPD Officer Files Another Suit Against City

GT Staff

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December 24, 2021

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Former SVPD Officer Files Another Suit Against City

By Drew Penner

Disgruntled ex-Scotts Valley Police Department officer David Ball has launched a new lawsuit against the city of Scotts Valley, Police Chief Steve Walpole, Jr. and his former trainee Pascale Wowak, claiming defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

It’s the third action Ball, who was kicked off the force for reportedly sexually harassing and retaliating against Wowak, has filed in Santa Cruz County Superior Court against the City following his dismissal.

Scotts Valley City Attorney Kirsten Powell said Wednesday the City had not yet received a copy of the new suit—which was filed Dec. 14—so she couldn’t comment on it.

Wowak did not reply to multiple requests for comment.

Ball has also filed a so-called “writ of mandate” civil action, which is an attempt to get reinstated on the force, as well as a lawsuit seeking damages for age discrimination and enduring a “hostile work environment.”

But documents emerging through court filings show authorities determined it was Ball who created a toxic workplace by repeatedly sexually harassing Wowak, then enlisted teammates to try to get the new female officer fired.

In a Sept. 13, 2019 termination letter written by Walpole (to be effective Sept. 27, 2019), Ball was accused of sex discrimination against Wowak.

“You subjected officer Wowak to unwelcome solicitation of a sexual relationship, which she rejected,” Walpole wrote. “During her field training, you indicated a romantic or sexual interest in her by telling her, ‘I better never be drunk around you, that would be dangerous. I’m not sure I could control myself.’”

Through his lawyer, Ball denied this.

“Ball is adamant that he never indicated a romantic or sexual interest in Wowak,” said Neil Berman, of Salinas-based Rucka, O’Boyle, Lombardo & McKenna.

Wowak had joined in early April 2018. She had previously secured a settlement in a class-action sex-discrimination lawsuit against the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety—for a reported $1.95 million—where she was employed as an officer.

Based on Ball’s own recommendation, Wowak made it through her field training faster than usual and was placed on his team, according to the disciplinary letter, which states that Ball would text Wowak on her day off to say he “missed her” and was “thinking of her.”

In at least one text, he messaged, “Morning Sunshine,” according to the letter.

Then, in late August, Ball told Wowak his wife had discovered their text messages and was upset, according to the document.

“You then told Officer Wowak twice that if you had gotten some nude photos from her, then it would have been ‘worth it,’” Walpole wrote. “Officer Wowak responded to you by telling you in no uncertain terms, that she had no intention of providing you with any nude photos or engaging in other sexual relations with you.”

Suddenly, Wowak got a bad job performance rating at the end of September, which caused her to burst into tears, according to the disciplinary letter.

Ball gave her a “poor performance” mark again for October 2018, and then tried to get her fired at a staff meeting that month, Walpole wrote.

“Notably, prior to the September 2018 performance evaluation, there is no documentation created by you concerning Officer Wowak’s performance deficiencies or policy violations,” he wrote, adding Wowak was reassigned to Sgt. Brandon Polito’s team around early November—he was reassigned again in January 2019. “The evidence shows that you had approached both Sgt. Polito and Sgt. Milroy, separately, to discuss your expectations that they have issues with her performance, that those issues be documented and that her employment be terminated while she is still on probation.”

Polito declined to comment on Ball and Wowak’s relationship, or if Ball asked him to help get rid of her.

Through his attorney, Ball denied he asked Wowak to send him naked pictures.

“He never solicited nude photos from Wowak,” Berman said, claiming Wowak would initiate text conversations more frequently than he would—including after the negative performance reports.

The firing letter adds that Ball enlisted three additional officers to make derogatory and demeaning comments about Wowak, including that her lawsuit against Sunnyvale DPS was “BS.”

Ball says that never happened.

And he contends that several elected officials, including long-time former SVPD officer Donna Lind, who is now mayor and has served on the City Council for years, should have recused themselves from considering the city manager’s ultimate decision to fire him.

“As all council members do, they have an obligation to be unbiased,” City Attorney Powell said. “She made a determination that she could consider the facts independent of her relationships with the police chief and Sgt. Ball—Mr. Ball now.”

However, Randy Johnson did recuse himself for apparent medical reasons, while Derek Timm recused himself due to a conflict of interest connected to previous work as a lawyer.

Lind told the Press Banner that Ball didn’t object to her making a decision about the case.

“I worked with Dave Ball for most of his career,” she said. “I spent my career evaluating evidence.”

Wowak is still employed at the Scotts Valley Police Department.

Students Buy Teacher New Wheelchair

Christina Wise

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December 24, 2021

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Holiday gifts come in all shapes and sizes, but the best ones come from the heart.

Just ask Kendra Kannegaard, 27, a former Scotts Valley High School student who loved theater. She has since become the school’s English and drama teacher, and theater juggernaut. Kannegaard was 17 when her life was turned upside down by a large spinal tumor that took up residence in her body, resulting in a 14-hour surgery, a zipper scar down her spine and an introduction to moving through life in a wheelchair.

Back then, a $12,000 wheelchair seemed nearly out of reach for the vivacious and outgoing drama student, so Malone’s Grill hosted a fundraiser for Kannegaard to raise the balance of the cost not covered by insurance.

Now, in 2021, Kannegaard, affectionately known as “Ms. K.” to her students, is in need of a new set of wheels, and her drama students have taken it upon themselves to raise the monies needed to get Kannegaard the chair she critically needs but of which she could only dream.

“Wheelchairs are not a one-size-fits-all kind of equipment,” said Kannegaard. “Each specification of the chair, from the width of the seat to the type of wheels and frame composition are made to order, so you can’t just walk into a store and pick one up. The measurements are precise, and custom fit to the individual.”

As Kannegaard says, people can change a lot over time.

“The 5-year-old chair I have now is no longer a good fit for me,” said Kannegaard, remarking on how she had shared her thoughts with her students during class earlier this month.

Betwixt Jones-Cruz, a member of Kannegaard’s drama posse, and the organizer of a GoFundMe fundraiser that aims to help buy the new wheelchair, said that “As soon as I heard she needed a new wheelchair, I just knew I had to help.”

Word of Jones-Cruz’s philanthropy spread to teachers, families and SVHS alumni, and 30 students gleefully presented the results to Kannegaard in a surprise announcement.

“30 drama kids with a plan is really something,” quipped Kannegaard.

In less than four days, Jones-Cruz said they had raised almost $7,000.

“Our goal was originally $8,000 because we wanted to get her the frame she needed,” said Asher Hildebrand, a drama student at the high school. “Now we’re aiming for $12,000 to completely cover the wheelchair.”

The GoFundMe account’s total as of Dec. 21 is more than $10,000, and the students are on their way to making a wish come true for Kannegaard.

“I’m still speechless about it,” said Kannegaard, “that these kids would take the time and make the effort to raise this money. I didn’t have words—how do you say thank you for something like this? I was stunned speechless. I’m so proud of all of these kids—they are the kindest people I have ever met, and I have the honor of teaching them.”

The wheels alone for Kannegaard’s chair are $900, the carbon fiber backrest is $700, and frames are thousands, says Kannegaard.

“She’s the best director I’ve ever had, and I have spent months wracking my brain about how I could support her. I couldn’t think of anything until she mentioned the need for a new wheelchair,” said Jones-Cruz, “and then it just came together.”

Multiple students participated in the spread of the campaign, who shared it amongst their friends and Facebook groups.

“I was getting emails every few seconds—one person donated $1,000 on the very first day,” said Jones-Cruz.

Sydney Peterson took Kannegaard’s drama class when she started at Scotts Valley High School. She said Kannegaard helped her “get out of my comfort zone.”

“I can’t thank her enough, and this is my way of showing her that I love her, and how I will never forget her,” she said.

Added drama student Kavin Pugazhenthi: “The pandemic made things tough for all of us, and we all struggled to get through it. The overall impact that this department has had on the students is tremendous, and none of it would have been possible without Ms. K. This doesn’t begin to return even a fraction of what she and this department have given to us students.”

Hildebrand had been doing drama tech in middle school, so he was familiar with life in theater, and he found a way to use his voice during Kannegaard’s class.

“She helped me find my voice in drama, and I’m so grateful to her for that,” he said.

Tisa Sholokhman had done ensemble theater and tech in middle school, so when Kannegaard’s drama class became available via Zoom, she signed up.

“I thought I would never be able to fit in, but for the past two years, I’ve become a part of that class, and every day that I have drama, it’s a reason for me to keep going,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of dark times this year, and drama has really shown me the light. I feel accepted, and like a part of something for once in my life. I finally feel like I’m worth something.”

With a new set of wheels in her future, Kannegaard can turn her focus to additional forward momentum in her life: the exchange of wedding vows with her fiancée, Luke Thornley, whom she met while a drama student at SVHS.

“This school and department have given me more than I can express,” said Kannegaard, wiping away tears. “I am so blessed. It’s the greatest gift to be a teacher.”

The GoFundMe for Ms. K. is still up. Visit bit.ly/3ss9J6Z to chip in, and help the drama students of Scotts Valley High School reach their goal.

Watsonville’s Portuguese Community Celebrates Sister City Designation

Johanna Miller

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December 24, 2021

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Watsonville’s Portuguese Community Celebrates Sister City Designation

WATSONVILLE—Situated along the western coast of São Jorge Island in Portugal is Velas, a historic port town with a population of just over 5,580 people. Located in the Azores, the city is one of the oldest settlements on the island, boasting incredible ocean views from high, verdant cliffs.

And as of last week, it is officially a sister city of Watsonville.

Months of work came to fruition on Dec. 14 as members of Watsonville’s Portuguese community gathered at a city council meeting to celebrate the designation. A committee formed by then-mayor Jimmy Dutra were on hand to bear witness to the historic moment.

“I’m really proud of the Portuguese community for coming together and making this happen,” said Dutra, who is of Portuguese descent. “As mayor, I had a lot of visions. One of them was to create a sister city in Portugal. I knew I only had one year to get it done … so we formed a committee and got to work.”

Goretti Carvalho, who immigrated from Portugal and has lived in Watsonville for 53 years, helped get the ball rolling. Having a home in São Jorge where she spends a few months every year, she began making connections with Velas’ mayor and other representatives.

“It’s a really great feeling,” she said. “This is a wonderful accomplishment. It’s not easy to do this. But it was worth it. The people [in Velas] are also very excited.”

Carvalho said that her husband, John Carvalho is from São Jorge. In fact, a large number of families who immigrated from the island landed in Watsonville, making it a “perfect choice” as a sister city, she says.

Committee member John Bettencourt added that the cities have a lot in common: They both have plazas and airports, and are coastal with similar weather. Both communities have deep roots in organic agriculture; Lakeside Organic Gardens’ owner Dick Peixoto is Portuguese-American himself. They are also home to large Catholic populations and are passionate about sports, especially soccer.

Committee members Nathalie Costa and Lucy Rojas presented on Dec. 14 to the council, who unanimously agreed to the designation.

“I’m feeling really hopeful of what this can mean for our two communities,” Rojas said. “I’m excited to build a partnership. This can also be a way to engage future generations of Portuguese-Americans in Watsonville.”

Rojas said that most Portuguese in the area are first-generation and that having a sister city will help keep their language and culture alive.

“As we move forward, there is more and more distance from our children to those traditions,” she said. “So I’m excited. This is a really great way to continue on.”

Jaidon Bettencourt, president of Irmandade Santissima Trindade Watsonville (ISTW), said that the designation will also be beneficial for the greater Watsonville community.

“I feel like it’s good to educate people,” he said. “They see our events … They see us going through town with our parade. But not many know the reasons behind it. This is a really good step.”

Two days before the city council meeting, friends and family gathered at the Portuguese Hall of Watsonville to celebrate the holidays and yet another milestone: the publishing of a new volume of “Portuguese in California: the History of Generations.” Author Nelson Ponta-Garça, a correspondent with Portuguese National Television, was on hand to sign copies of his book, which includes history and interviews with people in Watsonville.

Consul General Pedro Pinto also visited San Francisco for the event.

“Nelson called me and was like, ‘The Portuguese Ambassador wants to come down!’” John Bettencourt said. “It was a surprise. So much happened all at once.”

As for the sister city designation, there is still a ways to go before the relationship is solidified. The committee will work with Velas to decide on the terms of the agreement and what it means for both cities. An official ceremony will take place sometime next year.

“That will come through conversations with Vela’s mayor and everyone there,” Dutra said. “It’s going to be really exciting, seeing what happens next.”

Watsonville also has sister cities in Japan, China, Croatia, Mexico and El Salvador. To learn more visit cityofwatsonville.org/1723/Sister-Cities.

Elderday Moving to Downtown Watsonville

Todd Guild

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December 23, 2021

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WATSONVILLE—After operating for years in Santa Cruz, Elderday Adult Day Health Care will soon relocate to Watsonville.

The move comes thanks to a $2.5 million grant from Central California Alliance for Health, which Elderday will use to purchase and modernize the space at 521 Main St.

Elderday, a program of Community Bridges, currently provides care for about 150 older adults with medical conditions such as dementia, and people with disabilities, allowing them to stay in their own homes and out of institutional care.

The new space offers an additional 3,600 square feet than its current location.

Organizers also say the larger facility—located in a more accessible location in downtown Watsonville—will allow Elderday to serve more people and help meet the needs of a growing aging county population.

The program is staffed by a team that includes nurses, social workers and physical and occupational therapists, with services such as medical, preventive and social care, therapeutic activities, personal care, hot meals and nutritional counseling. Transportation to and from the center is also available.

A study released by the National Council on Aging in March 2021 found that social isolation increased mental and physical health problems in older Americans, exacerbated poverty for those unable to work, and increased food insecurity.

This means the demand will be higher for services like Elderday for some time to come.

During the pandemic when in-person services were limited, Elderday met the needs of clients through telehealth and other remote services.

The organization also partnered with Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation Departments and libraries to create Senior Center Without Limits (SCWOL), which offers virtual services to any older adult in the county to help them stay connected with activities and friends even as they sheltered in their own homes.

While those virtual services will remain in place, Elderday has begun to gradually bring participants back to the center for in-person services.

“Elderday provides our members who are seniors and people with disabilities in Santa Cruz County a place to meet their social, mental and physical health needs,” said Alliance CEO Stephanie Sonnenshine. “Access to the array of supportive services offered at Elderday is critical to maintaining health for these members, and for their family and caregivers.”

Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino said that such care is particularly important after the Covid-19 pandemic forced many into “extreme isolation.”

“We expect to see demand for adult day services grow as seniors feel safer to gather together again,” Cancino said. “During this season of gratitude, we are extremely grateful for the partnership and support that Central California Alliance for Health has provided for the future of Elderday. They are among those organizations for whom Community Bridges is most thankful this holiday season.”

For information, visit www.communitybridges.org and www.thealliance.health.

Donna Lind Named Scotts Valley Mayor in ‘Awkward’ Handoff

GT Staff

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December 23, 2021

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Donna Lind Named Scotts Valley Mayor in ‘Awkward’ Handoff

By DREW PENNER

As the old façade on the vacant Kmart building was coming down Dec. 15 in Scotts Valley, in preparation for a Target to stand in its place, it symbolized both residents’ hope for post-pandemic prosperity and a key victory for Derek Timm in his year as mayor.

But that evening, as he prepared to hand the reins of power to Donna Lind, there was an unexpected hitch—opposition from a fellow councilmember.

“I think we’re going into another challenging year,” Timm said, in nominating Lind. “We need someone who’s dedicated and has the time to be here on a daily basis for our community.”

That’s when former mayor and current councilmember Randy Johnson interrupted to see if he could put forward a different candidate.

The city attorney informed him he was allowed to nominate another, but that, since Timm had already submitted Lind as his preferred successor, her candidacy would be voted on first, before a second vote could be taken.

“Usually with very, very few exceptions, when a vice mayor is selected, as Jim [Reed] was last year, the usual protocol and expectation is that he will become mayor,” Johnson said as he nominated Reed, who’s been working as San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo’s chief of staff. “If the current mayor feels—as I certainly do—that Donna is exemplary in what she’s done, then I think it’s probably appropriate for her to be vice mayor. And then next year she can be the mayor.”

The fact Lind still has three years left on her term is one reason she should be asked to wait, Johnson said, as he explained his thinking.

“It just makes for better council relations when the expectation is that when you have a vice mayor, that person moves up to mayor,” he said. “I think it would benefit the city and council expectations and relations in a much better way.”

Timm said he wasn’t aware of that supposed protocol when he first got on council.

“At the time Donna Lind was vice mayor,” he said. “I think she’s been passed over once for the role, then, in that regard.”

If it’s true that she was skipped, despite a long-time council convention, that’s all the more reason for her to be elected mayor now, Timm argued.

“If we’re going to follow that protocol, I think that would be appropriate,” he said. “I think we should support her in that role this year.”

The vote was 4-1 in favor of Lind becoming mayor, with Johnson in opposition.

Vice Mayor Reed, who was reaffirmed as vice mayor during the meeting, asked Lind if he could make a note of something, and so she gave him the floor.

“One of the things that mayor Timm mentioned is that you had been skipped over, and I just wanted to make sure the record was clear,” he said. “You were skipped over, one time, because Mr. Timm asked me to skip over you so he could get in line first. So, I just didn’t want there to be any questions about that. So, thank you for letting me say that, Mayor.”

Timm, however, quickly jumped in to deny the accusation.

“I just don’t understand that conversation, nor why councilmember Reed would say that, because that’s not true,” he said.

It wasn’t the reception newly-minted Mayor Lind was hoping for.

Both Reed and Lind have served as mayor before, which is mostly a ceremonial position in Scotts Valley.

In an interview with the Press Banner, Reed said he was referring to how he decided to vote in candidates besides Lind two years in a row for appointments, including the second time when Timm asked him to support his bid for vice mayor.

Timm told the Press Banner he never asked Reed to help him get in line for the mayorship ahead of Lind.

“It’s awkward, but I thank you all,” Lind said, surveying the fallout at the meeting. “Next matter of the agenda—”

Staff cut in and reminded her that, despite it not being on the agenda, the outgoing mayor usually gets to say a few words first.

“I wasn’t prepared to make any comments tonight, but I’ll go ahead and say a couple quick things,” Timm said, before talking about efforts to emerge from the pandemic stronger as a city. “I think there’s so much going on that’s so positive, and I was just happy to be a part of it.”

Councilman Jack Dilles commended Timm for his service.

“I’d like to thank now-councilmember Timm for his excellent job as mayor,” he said. “Yes, it was tough to do everything. But I heard positive responses to what we have accomplished.”

Reed said Timm did well during extraordinary times.

“I think mayor Timm has conducted himself very well in his role as mayor,” he said. “The city is fortunate to have had his service over the last year.”

In an interview after the meeting, Johnson said he was surprised by Reed’s comments during the meeting.

“I hadn’t heard that,” he said, referring to Reed’s claim that Timm asked Reed not to vote for Lind during a prior selection process. “I wasn’t privy to any of those conversations.”

When asked about Reed’s comments, Timm stood by his denial.

“I just hope the focus right now is on all the great things that Donna Lind has done over the past year,” he said. “It shouldn’t be about anything else.”

Homeless Memorial Marks Somber Milestone

Todd Guild

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December 23, 2021

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Homeless Memorial Marks Somber Milestone

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—During 2021, 95 people died while homeless, a distressing increase from the 58 who died last year and 77 in 2019.

Those numbers, delivered Tuesday during the 23rd annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day ceremony, were more than an ugly milestone, said David Davis, an analyst with the Homeless Persons Health Project.

“It is more than just an unheard of 22% increase from last year,” he said. “It is more than a larger number than last year for the fifth year in a row. It is 4.7% of the homeless population. It is one of every 21 people experiencing homelessness dying at some point during the year.”

The record numbers were a somber bookend to a year already wracked by a global pandemic, which Housing Matters Executive Director Phil Kramer said has “irrevocably changed how we live.”

“And for many of us it has certainly made the lives of those we care about and the people we love even more precious,” he said during the ceremony, which this year was held virtually. “But it feels indulgent to talk about a sense of normal or normalcy when so many of our neighbors are living without what most of us would consider normal—a safe place to sleep, a place to call home.”

The ceremony, during which the names of the people who died are read, is often the only memorial service they receive. Similar events happen in 150 communities across the U.S., Kramer said.

Davis said that the increasing numbers of deaths—and in the homeless population in general—are largely due to the decreasing amount of shelter space.

The county has only two hotels available, with funding running out in March. The shelter on River Street closed in May, a loss of 32 beds.

“If it seems there are more people on the streets than ever before, it’s because there are fewer shelter beds than ever before,” Davis said.

Davis said that being homeless has a deleterious effect on one’s lifespan, with one in every 21 people dying. This compared to one in every 139 housed people, he said. The average age for the homeless people who died was 52.

“Housing contributes years to our lifespan, and experiencing homelessness at some point in your life literally takes years off your life,” Davis said. “These are shocking statistics, and they shed light on just how vulnerable the homeless population is, and how life-threatening it can be to be homeless.”

Matt Nathanson, a public health nurse who formerly worked with the county’s Homeless Persons’ Health Project, said he was “floored” by the high numbers.

“So many of these people I feel like I have known for years,” he said. “It really is overwhelming.”

Nathanson remembered Mary Corey, who at 95 was the oldest among the people who died. Her cantankerous nature, he said, was juxtaposed with the ironic “Sweet Mary” license plate on her scooter. But this, he added, was a survival mechanism.

“Anyone who has worked in homeless services would remember her,” he said.

Nathanson also recalled Joan Alameda, who he said was often seen pushing a stroller with her dog inside.

“She had the best smile, and I am just so sad she’s gone,” he said.

A woman who identified herself only as Allie spoke of Dexter, the first person she met as a homeless person.

“He was a good friend to me,” she said. “You lose people quickly on the streets. We do lose them, too fast and too quick.”

Toys for Tots Co-Founder Retires

Tarmo Hannula

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December 23, 2021

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WATSONVILLE—After 33 years behind the wheel of the Toys For Tots program in the Pajaro Valley, coordinator and co-founder of the Santa Cruz County chapter, Delilah Valadez, handed out her final batch of toys on Dec. 4.

Although Toys For Tots will continue, Valadez says she is ready to hand the keys to another leader.

“The bittersweetness is rising in me as this thing winds down,” Valadez said as she was aided by others in loading toys into vans at a warehouse on Walker Street.

Santa Cruz County Toys for Tots spawned after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Valadez teamed up with then Watsonville Fire Chief Don French to begin the mission of getting toys, books and bikes to needy children.

Since then, they have handed out more than 380,000 toys, and 100,000 books to around 150,000 kids. Co-sponsors include Watsonville and Central fire departments, Cal Fire and Boulder Creek Fire.

Toys for Tots is a volunteer-driven program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children of families whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts. The program was founded in 1947.

Donated toys are wrapped by volunteers and then handed to a host of local agencies who distribute them.

On Dec. 4, Trevor Davis, a social worker supervisor with Santa Cruz County’s Family and Child Services, arrived with a large cargo van and his children to load it up with toys.

“This program is so huge, I mean, these gifts are for foster children,” he said. “This gives these kids a chance to have a normal Christmas and [shows them] that people are out there thinking of them. It’s truly amazing.”

Shannon Spencer of La Selva Beach says she brought her two children to the warehouse to volunteer. She heard of the program through her neighbors, she says.

“And our family has been helping ever since. It is a great way of teaching my kids to understand a broader picture, that not everyone is getting what they need,” she said. “And what a great time to give, to help others at Christmas time.”

Valadez says that while she plans to move on, the doors are open for someone else to run the show.

Retired Watsonville Fire Capt. Matt Ryan, who also played a big role with the program as chairperson for three decades, says Valadez “set this whole thing up for nothing but success.”

Each Christmas, Ryan and a crew routinely hauled mountains of gifts donated by students at Salesian School in Corralitos and other locations in an antique fire truck.

“Matt is so generous and he knows how to work his network to get big things done,” Valadez said. “We’re just so grateful for people like Matt and the tons of volunteers that help year after year. And children coming to the aid of other children is so powerful.”

Ryan says he volunteered with Toys for Tots throughout his three-decade firefighting career. He joined firefighters like Rick Pettigrew, French and a long list of others on the mission.

“Luckily we are surrounded by good people,” said Valadez, who worked for a wealth of nonprofits and managed special events outside of her work with Toys for Tots.

She says she does not have plans for what’s next.

“For now, I just want to put my feet up and enjoy some chocolate,” she said.

When asked about her success with the program, she added: “It’s not just about moving toys; it’s also about moving warmth and joy.”

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