Page 490 – Good Times

Santa Cruz County Democrats Relieved by Likely Joe Biden Victory

-

November 6, 2020

Santa Cruz County Democrats Relieved by Likely Joe Biden Victory

A Democrat will retake the White House this January, thanks to the presumed victory of former Vice President Joe Biden over President Donald Trump. The county’s political leaders have a lot of feelings about it.

Santa Cruz Mayor Justin Cummings was one of them.

“I’m excited to see that it’s looking like Joe Biden’s going to win the election,” he says. “That is a huge relief, and I think it’s going to help our country heal. But the fact that it’s such a close race raises serious questions about how we got here and what’s next.”

Three days after the Nov. 3 election, Vox called the election for Biden this morning, due to gains the former vice president has made in the electoral college as vote-counting continues. Other outlets, like the New York Times and Associated Press, have yet to make the final call. The Associated Press reports Biden is winning 50.5% of the popular vote, according to current totals. He leads Trump by 2.7 percentage points in the popular vote. Biden has yet to announce victory.

Coco Raner-Walter, the chair of the Santa Cruz County Democratic Party, is assuming Biden will win, but she says it’s too early to know for sure.

“I am cautiously optimistic and jumping for joy,” she explains. “I am on the edge of both of those things. I am so excited and so proud of all of the work that we have been doing across the United States—with Stacey Abrams and with Fair Fight, all the work all over the place. To have the outcome we’re having, you have to celebrate. It was a long campaign. Covid threw a wrench in things. But it’s been scary and exciting all at once.”

Raner-Walter stresses that, although Biden currently leads in the results, ballots are still being counted. She also knows that President Trump has a litigious history and that he has shown an interest in trying to delegitimize election results.

Although Democrats don’t look poised to immediately secure a majority in the U.S. Senate, she believes Democrats did a good job in this year’s big Senate races, and she thinks Democrats need to continue chipping away at the seats where, in previous years, Democrats used to not bother competing. “We will work hard on these seats, and they will flip,” she says.

On top of that, each of the two races for two U.S. Senate seats in Georgia appears headed for a runoff, and Raner-Walter expects phone-banking for those contests to start next week.

Santa Cruz County 3rd District Supervisor Ryan Coonerty says that he, like many Santa Cruz residents, was relieved by the presidential race. He admits to blowing through all of his kids’ Halloween candy while nervously awaiting the results.

Coonerty, whose district includes the city of Santa Cruz, believes that a Biden administration will be enormously helpful for local government and a strong partner, going forward—amid the trying times posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and by the deep recession that the public health crisis helped create. “Leaving each county to develop a response to a global pandemic and economic crisis was insanity,” he tells GT, via email.

“There are so many issues that the Biden administration will need to address, but I think he’s going to have a team of experienced, thoughtful people in his administration and partners at the state and local level,” he adds. “I’m hopeful we can finally stop lurching from crisis to crisis and do the work to improve regular peoples’ lives.”

In heavily Democratic Santa Cruz County, Biden is beating Trump by 60.8 percentage points, according to votes tallied so far. Biden currently has 79.1% of the vote locally. He improved Democratic presidential vote share among Santa Cruz County voters by 5.9 percentage points, compared to the results that previous Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton got in 2016, according to the most recent returns.

Interestingly, Trump, who has 18.4% voter support in Santa Cruz County this year, also has improved his vote total since 2016, by a little more than a percentage point, according to the most recent results. That could change, given that late returns have increasingly favored more liberal candidates—a trend that may have accelerated this year, due to gaps in vote-by-mail preferences. The New York Times is forecasting that 94% of Santa Cruz County’s votes from this election have been tallied so far.

As for Santa Cruz County’s local races, District 1 supervisor candidate Manu Koenig gave a resounding defeat to Supervisor John Leopold, the longest-tenured member of the Board of Supervisors. At 35, Koenig will be the board’s youngest member, and this marks the first time in 10 years that a challenger has unseated an incumbent on the Board of Supervisors. In Watsonville, former Councilmember Jimmy Dutra won his election bid for the Watsonville City Council, and Councilmember Aurélio Gonzalez won his reelection bid.

In the Santa Cruz City Council race for four seats, things are looking a little bit closer right now. Sonja Brunner, Martine Watkins, Sandy Brown and Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson are currently leading the way.

No matter the final outcome, Cummings says it will be important for members of the Santa Cruz City Council to continue working together. That’s the only way to make progress on the challenges ahead, he explains.

“This year we’ve done a good job of trying to work toward consensus this year,” says Cummings, whose one-year term as mayor wraps up next month. “We have continue to hear one another’s opinions and try to be respectful of others’ views.”

Check out all of our 2020 election coverage.

Covid-19, Fires Throw Renters and Landlords Into Deeper Bind

Johanna Miller

-

November 6, 2020

1

Covid-19, Fires Throw Renters and Landlords Into Deeper Bind

The Covid-19 pandemic has presented many challenges for Santa Cruz County renters, property managers and landlords alike.

With renters suddenly out of work and unable to pay most, or even the entirety of their rent, threats of evictions have been looming. For some landlords, not being able to pay their mortgages has been a strain.

In addition, countywide rental vacancy, which was low prior to the pandemic, has shrunk in recent months, in part due to the hundreds of evacuees from the CZU Lightning Complex fire in August.

“About 950 homes were suddenly gone, and people needed new places to live,” said Kathy Oliver, owner of Oliver Property Management in Watsonville. “Some went to hotels, but a big portion went straight to rentals. We filled up, first in North County and then down here. … At one point we had three rentals taken in one day.”

Oliver, whose business manages about 450 units in the area, said that things have been relatively civil between the tenants and landlords she works with.

“From what I’ve seen, the majority of tenants are understanding of their landlords, and vice versa. … If they don’t have the money, they are at least communicating and trying to find solutions,” she said.

The main issue, Oliver said, are landlords who operate without the aid of professional property managers.

“I’ve heard stories about them locking tenants out, harassing them,” Oliver said. “They were trying to go ‘old school,’ and often had no idea they were breaking rules. You shouldn’t self-manage if you don’t know the law.”

Sandra Silva, directing attorney of California Rural Legal Assistance, said that many landlords were attempting to find loopholes in California’s Tenant Relief Act, or Assembly Bill 3088, which is meant to temporarily prevent evictions due to Covid-19 hardships.

“In the beginning … we were absolutely swamped [with clients],” Silva said. “So much was happening at once. Tenants being threatened, losing their homes … and we saw a few cases around the fires, too.”

The city of Watsonville and its Eviction Moratorium Task Force (which includes Oliver), approved an eviction moratorium earlier this year that lasted through May. Another moratorium was put into place in August but will sunset Jan. 15. Coupled with the end of AB 3088, which sunsets in March, Silva said the results could be devastating.

“People will suddenly have to cough up thousands of dollars of rent, all at once,” Silva said. “That’s a huge concern for many of our clients.”

Emergency rental assistance for people affected by Covid-19 has been handed out via the city, county and various nonprofits, funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Another round of funding is currently being offered to residents in unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County. The assistance can be applied toward past due rent and/or utilities incurred after April 1, 2020, and can cover a maximum of six months back, with a limit of $10,000 per household.

Applications are open through Nov. 16. Apply online or call 316-9877 to apply by phone or schedule an appointment.

Silvia and Oliver had similar things to say about housing in Santa Cruz County: There needs to be more of it, especially affordable housing for low-income residents. A few such projects are in the works, including one off of Freedom Boulevard expected to start construction in Spring 2021.

But more is needed, they say.

“There is a huge disparity between wages earned and what people have to pay in rent,” Silva said. “It’s just not sustainable.”

For now, there are several resources to help tenants and landlords survive the pandemic. The self-help center at the Watsonville Courthouse, 1 Second St., Room 301, is a great resource, Silva said. Oliver added that the California Department of Real Estate’s Housing is Key web page is a way to keep up-to-date with state laws.

“If you’re a tenant and you don’t feel like something is right, look it up,” Oliver said. “And if you’re a landlord—abide with the law.”

Local Toys for Tots Cancels Public Donation Sites Amid Pandemic

Todd Guild

-

November 6, 2020

0

Local Toys for Tots Cancels Public Donation Sites Amid Pandemic

This year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Toys for Tots will not be hosting public collection sites for toy donations for the first time in its history.

Normally, the collection points at fire stations and businesses throughout the county are responsible for the lion’s share of the thousands of toys needed for distribution to children whose families cannot afford them.

If the organization is unable to gather the toys through other means, those kids could very well go without a gift this holiday season, said local Toys for Tots coordinator Delilah Valadez.

The organization has therefore established online gift registries with Amazon and Target. Donors can also give directly to the organization.

Each registry includes the address to which donors can directly ship their thoughtful gifts to make it in time for the holidays.

Additionally, the organization has set up a CrowdFunding app, where donors can create their own personal campaign with pictures and text outlining their goal for financial contributions.

“With no collection sites to rely on this year, financial contributions are to be the foundation of this year’s success,” Valadez said.

The organization will still rely on its team of volunteers to help sort toys, attach batteries and bundle books.

Volunteers will begin work the week before Thanksgiving to allow partnering agencies extra time to quarantine toys, but will finish up the campaign earlier than usual. They are scheduling “Elves” for Nov. 21 and 28, from 11am-2pm, and Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 from 3:30-8pm.

Volunteers interested in working two or more shifts can sign up by emailing Valadez at T4********@gm***.com or by visiting SantaCruzCounty.ToysForTots.org.

Families whose children need toys can register from Nov. 2-6 from 1:30-4pm at 214 Union St. in Watsonville. Photo ID is required for each adult, proof of address and income, and birth certificates for each child.

For more information, call 831-724-3922 or visit watsonville.salvationarmy.org/watsonville_corps.

Support Toys for Tots:

Toys for Tots app: bit.ly/3kTn7KL
Amazon wishlist: amzn.to/2GqeRmK
Target wishlist: bit.ly/363XJvY
Donate online: bit.ly/34QHDq4

Dragon Archway Honors Former Santa Cruz Chinatown

Tarmo Hannula

-

November 6, 2020

2

Dragon Archway Honors Former Santa Cruz Chinatown

As a crane hoisted four sections of a large mosaic-covered water dragon into place Sunday atop a colorful concrete gateway at an entryway to San Lorenzo Park, new life was pumped into a forgotten chapter of Santa Cruz history.

Renamed the Chinatown Bridge by the Santa Cruz City Council in 2019, the dragon archway is stationed at the Front Street entrance to the popular pedestrian and bike bridge that crosses the San Lorenzo River and leads into San Lorenzo Park. It was created to recognize and honor the final Chinatown in Santa Cruz that once thrived along the west side of the San Lorenzo River.

“I think it looks fabulous,” said George Ow Jr., a supporter of the project who said he lived in Chinatown as a young boy with his family. “I can hardly take my eyes off it. So many thanks to artist Kathleen Crocetti and concrete artist Tom Ralston. He wrote the book and artistic concrete work. This is truly a great way to show off their talents.”

Crocetti constructed the 21-foot dragon in the backyard of her Watsonville home. Ralston, over several months, built the ochre-colored archway.

“I’m ecstatic,” Ralston said Sunday as he stood back to view the freshly-installed dragon. “This is a vision come true. So much energy and special care went into this, like the bronze work of Sean Monaghan and the solar panels by Tony Amor at Day One Solar.”

The Coastal Watershed Council championed the project.

In a statement, the CWC said: “The CWC views the bridge renaming and the public art piece as a key step in realizing Santa Cruz’s vision of a healthy, welcoming and fun San Lorenzo River.”

Crocetti’s mosaics are installed in numerous locations around the county, from the massive ongoing Watsonville Billiante project in downtown Watsonville to the Tannery Arts Center in Santa Cruz and on area bridges and riverwalks.

“I was very nervous about the installation today,” Crocetti said. “It sure helps to be married to an engineer. It came off without a hitch thanks to this amazing crew. It looks simply beautiful. It’s an honor and a privilege to have been asked to take this project on. This is 10 steps up for me in my artistic career.”

Kathy Mintz, public arts manager of the city of Santa Cruz, was on hand Sunday for the event.

“This is the best gift to our community right now, especially in this trying time when we need something positive,” she said. “So many people don’t know of this important part of our history. Hopefully, this is the sort of thing that will invite the public to explore and learn about Chinatown and the history revolving around it.”

Ralston added that the archway will also feature poems in Chinese characters in stainless steel plaques that will be powder coated in red in addition to brass plaques that will read in Chinese script: Chinatown Santa Cruz. The lettering will be lit by solar-powered Chinese-style lanterns. Photos created in brass of Ow’s family and the story of Chinatown will also be mounted on the archway.

“These lanterns will light up every night,” Ralston said. “I think this monument is worthy of any city in the world.”

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony will be staged in the spring.

Historians and authors Sandy Lydon and Geoffrey Dunn, Michael Corcoran of Moonshine Cabinetry, Arts Council Santa Cruz County and the Department of Economic Development also added to the project.

UPDATED 11:20am, Nov. 9, 2020: This story has been updated to reflect the correct location of the former Chinatown. We regret the error.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Reopen on Limited Basis

Todd Guild

-

November 5, 2020

0

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Reopen on Limited Basis

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will become the first amusement park in California to reopen after Covid-19 restrictions shuttered them statewide earlier this year, Boardwalk spokesman Kris Reyes said.

Rides such as the famous Giant Dipper, which have sat dormant for months, will once again resume their roaring, whirring and spinning.

Boardwalk officials decided in early March to shut down the rides after Covid-19 began spreading around the world.

The reopening came after state health officials moved Santa Cruz County to the less-restrictive Orange Tier of Covid-19 restrictions on Oct. 27, meaning many businesses could resume and increase their operations.

But the news came with caveats: Only Santa Cruz County residents will be able to access the ride area, and they must make a reservation for one of two sessions of two hours each. Tickets cost $25, and only 500 people per 2-hour session will be allowed.

This is the first time in the Boardwalk’s 113-year history that it has charged admission and restricted access, Reyes said.

But there is good news for those who live outside county borders, Reyes said: The food vendors, shops and some outdoor games will remain open to the public, as will the miniature golf course in Neptune’s Kingdom and Boardwalk Bowl.

Rides will operate on weekends only, although public sections of the Boardwalk will remain open daily. They will open to people from outside the county when the county moves to the least restrictive tier of the state’s four-tier reopening plan, Reyes said.

Boardwalk reopening details:

Reservations are required to enter the ride area. It is open for two sessions from 12-2pm and 3-5pm.
Tickets are $25, and guests will receive a 25-point MyBoardwalk card good for rides and games. Rides cost from 4-7 points.
Season Pass Members with a Santa Cruz County zip code will receive free admission and rides, but reservations are required.
All guests inside the dedicated ride area will undergo a Covid-19 health screening and have their temperature checked before entering the ride area.
All areas of the Boardwalk, Neptune’s Kingdom and Boardwalk Bowl will be following new health and safety protocols, including requiring masks.
For more information, visit beachboardwalk.com.

Prop and Hot Race Calls: Californians Waive Labor Law for Uber and Lyft

Ben Christopher

-

November 5, 2020

0

Prop and Hot Race Calls: Californians Waive Labor Law for Uber and Lyft

California’s app-based corporate luminaries just waged the most expensive state ballot measure campaign in U.S. history—and it paid off big time, allowing those companies to thwart the will of all three branches of California government.

By approving Proposition 22, voters allowed companies such as Uber, Lyft and DoorDash to avoid a 2019 California labor law that would have required them to treat drivers, shoppers and similar gig workers as employees.

Nor was that the only instance in which a well-financed and aggrieved industry appeared to have persuaded voters to overrule lawmakers. Voters also rebuffed Proposition 25, blocking a cash bail ban that state lawmakers passed in 2018 that otherwise would have driven the state’s bail bond industry out of business.

Legislators also opted to ask voters to reinstate affirmative action by placing Prop. 16 on the ballot, yet it trailed in every pre-election poll, By the morning after, it was defeated.

On two other measures, California voters continued to distance themselves from the state’s tough-on-crime approach of prior decades. They passed Proposition 17, giving people on parole the right to vote, and they voted down Proposition 20, opting not to increase penalties for shoplifters and probation violators.

California voters also haven’t changed their minds much since 2018. Again this year, they rejected a measure that would let cities expand rent control, Prop. 21, and another, Prop. 23, that would have slapped kidney dialysis clinics with new regulations. The Associated Press called these state ballot props within a few hours of the polls closing.

Here’s what we don’t yet know: Pretty much everything else.

California voters are used to waiting for their results. Even before the threat of viral contagion convinced state lawmakers to send every active registered voter a ballot in the mail, three out of four voters did so.

But this election—like everything else this year—is different.

An unprecedented surge in early voting means California should be able to count a larger chunk of its ballots earlier than usual. That surge, plus the president’s habitual denigration of voting by mail, has flipped the script: This year the first returns were thought to favor Democratic candidates and causes.

That plus the global pandemic, a president who has repeatedly insisted that he may not accept the certified results of the election, and sizeable minority of California voters who said they believed the election wouldn’t be held fairly and transparently.

So, yes, uncertainty abounds.

Of the other tidbits of certainty we have, none are particularly surprising:

Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden and his running mate, California U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, won the vast majority of votes in the state.
The California Senate and Assembly will remain firmly in Democratic hands.
Turnout across the board was high.

If some of that sounds a little bit vague, it’s because there are lots of questions we still don’t have clear answers to. Below are a few of the big ones.

Congress: Is the blue wave here to stay?

Two years ago, California voters cut the state’s Republican congressional delegation in half. Propelled by anti-Trump fervor, voters in longtime GOP bastions—Orange County, suburban San Diego and the Central Valley—replaced seven of the state’s 14 Republican House members with Democrats.

The question: Can those members, now with records to defend, hold their ground? Or put another way: Was the blue wave just a one-off? Or a long-lasting realignment?

In at least a few districts thus far, the new blue hue seems to have left a permanent mark.

Katie Porter, a prominent House progressive representing a district where Republicans still narrowly outnumber Democrats, won easily.
Josh Harder in Merced beat back a challenge from Republican Ted Howze, who lost the endorsement of the GOP establishment over a series of racist social media posts.
Mike Levin of Orange County also was maintaining a strong lead over GOP challenger Brian Maryott.

The three most contentious Democratic trophies from 2018—Harley Rouda and Gil Cisneros in Orange County and especially TJ Cox in Kings County—looked to be in potential peril as counting continued.

In 2018, a few races weren’t called for at least a week after the polls closed. Less than three hours after the polls closed, Cox fell behind former Rep. David Valadao. Given the expected blue hue of the early vote, that spelled trouble for the Democrat seen as the most vulnerable of the Democratic newbies.

The two parties are also still waiting on what might be the most potent symbolic battle of all: Congressional District 25. That’s the Simi Valley district where Democrat Katie Hill handily unseated a Republican incumbent only to step down after nude photos and rumors of her affair with a campaign staffer were leaked online. Democrats had teed up Hill’s successor in Assemblywoman Christy Smith, but she lost the special election in a May contest against Republican Mike Garcia.

Smith, with the backing of Democrats from across the state and county, has spent the intervening months trying make sure Garcia’s stint in Congress lasted no longer than eight months. “As a California state Assembly member who was declared the victor nine days after Election Day in the last cycle, I know how incredibly important it is to let the process play out and let the county officials do their thing,” Smith said at a press conference earlier in the evening.

The propositions: $780 million—what was it good for?

We know California is big and expensive. But of the top 10 most expensive campaigns in state history, four were this year. The total mountain of money raised for and against the 12 statewide proposition campaigns hit about $780 million.

Even among this year’s colossal money sucks, one of them was not like the other. Yes on 22, the campaign funded by Uber, Lyft and Doordash, spent more than $200 million — almost a third of the money spent by either side of any of the state ballot campaigns.

Alex Stack is spokesperson for Yes on 15, the split roll measure that would increase property taxes on large commercial properties. As the election concluded he sounded almost wistful: “In terms of state measures throughout the country, we’re the second highest in terms of spending on both sides. We could have been first.”

The fate of Prop. 22 will likely be a cautionary tale about the role of money in politics. Its success will offer another confidence boost to big businesses and organized labor hoping to fund an end-run around legislation and court rulings they don’t like.

And Trent Lange, president of the California Clean Money Campaign, doesn’t expect 2020’s record of $780 million to last long.

Even if it’s not a sure thing, “deluging voters with often misleading information” to win a particularly valuable state policy will always tempt well-financed special interest groups, he said. “It’s likely to get worse every election.”

The legislature: Dems will still run Sacramento, but which kind?

No matter the outcome, Democrats will still hold commanding majorities in both the state Senate and Assembly. Even if Republicans were to win all of their target seats and keep the ones they’re defending—and preliminary results suggest that’s unlikely—Democrats would still hold more than 70 percent of seats in both chambers.

What isn’t clear: just how large next year’s Democratic supermajorities will be and what kind of Democrats they’ll include.

Another sizable blue wave would send more GOP incumbents across Central and Southern California into involuntary retirement. That would bolster the chamber’s Democratic ranks—and its representation of moderate suburbia.

The most expensive of these contests was the tussle for Senate District 29. In 2016, Democrat Josh Newman won an upset in this once-solidly Republican stretch of Los Angeles and Orange County. In the summer of 2018, he was recalled and replaced by his former opponent, Ling-Ling Chang.

But some of the most contentious legislative fights are taking place within the Democratic Party. The outcomes could do more to reshape the politics of the Capitol than any of the partisan face-offs:

In Stockton, a win by business-backed Carlos Villapudua over San Joaquin County Supervisor Kathy Miller would expand the party’s “mod caucus” in the Assembly.
If incumbent Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer is picked off by the more moderate Efren Martinez, that would be another win for business. It would also serve as a reminder of the changing ethnic composition of this section of south Los Angeles which is now roughly 75 percent Latino. Jones-Sawyer’s election night double-digit lead spells a likely win for the progressive caucus—and the California Democratic Party establishment that rushed to the incumbent’s defense.
In San Francisco, state Sen. Scott Wiener, the most prominent voice in the state in support of more housing development, fended off a 25-year-old Democratic Socialist, Jackie Fielder. Wiener’s allies in the building industry, wary of an Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez-like upset, spent the last few months bolstering his campaign.

Ben Christopher covers politics and elections for CalMatters, a nonprofit nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

County Distributes More Than $600K in Health Equity Grants

Todd Guild

-

November 5, 2020

0

County Distributes More Than $600K in Health Equity Grants

The Santa Cruz County Public Health Division announced last week that it has awarded $619,900 in health equity grants to 20 organizations to help address disparities among populations impacted by Covid-19.

The funds come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“Although the virus that causes Covid-19 does not discriminate, inequitable access to health and social resources can impact some communities more than others,” Mimi Hall, director of the Health Services Agency, said in a press release. “The effects of poverty, unemployment and inadequate access to affordable housing and other basic needs makes it more difficult for communities to seek healthcare, stay home from work, quarantine when needed, and sustain resiliency for themselves and their families.”

The awards range from $5,000-$70,000 depending on the scope of the organization’s work.

Grantees were chosen based on their plans to support those most impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and address issues that contribute to health inequities, County Health Department spokeswoman Corinne Hyland said.

According to Hyland, Covid-19 has revealed stark inequities in the health and economic security of California’s communities, with particularly alarming disparities based on race and ethnicity. In Santa Cruz County, the Latinx population makes up more than half of all Covid-19 cases, while only being one-third of the overall population.

Awards are representative of the geography of the virus, with the majority of funds going to South Santa Cruz County.

CARES Act Health Equity Grant Awardees:

Cabrillo: Student Health Services
City of Watsonville: Watsonville Campesino Appreciation Caravan
Coastal Watershed Council: Watershed Rangers
Community Bridges: Elderday & Family Resource Collective
Dientes Community Dental Care: Integrated Dental Care for Our Community
Easter Seals Central California
Encompass Community Services (PPE4CC)
Family Services Agency of the Central Coast
HOPE Services: Multiple programs
Jacob’s Heart
Janus
Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance, Inc.
Physicians for a Healthy Central Coast
Salud Para La Gente: Community Health Center
Santa Cruz Community Health Centers: Cradle-Career
Santa Cruz Community Ventures: Familias Con Mas: SEEDS
Second Harvest: Esperanza Community Farms
Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center: Community Programs/Diaspora Project + Community Connection thru COVID
Teen Kitchen Project
Watsonville Law Center

Parks Commission Recommends Removal of Washington Bust

Tony Nuñez

-

November 5, 2020

0

Parks Commission Recommends Removal of Washington Bust

The Watsonville Parks and Recreation Commission at its Monday virtual meeting recommended the City Council remove the George Washington bust from the City Plaza.

The recommendation, put forth by Commissioner Jessica Carrasco, deviates from that of Parks and Community Services staff, which proposed that the bust stay put, and that a “bilingual plaque that outlines a broad historical perspective” about the nation’s first president be added. Staff reached that recommendation from the feedback it received during a month-long community survey in which 60% of more than 1,200 respondents said they wanted it to remain in the historic park.

But a little less than two dozen community members who spoke during the meeting questioned whether the survey was a complete count of the community. The majority of the commission also did not believe the survey represented the community’s views on the bust, and instead sided with those in attendance.

“If we don’t listen to the people and the community, then what are we doing?” asked Commissioner Paul De Worken.

Commissioners Frank Barba and Abel Sanchez voted “no” on the recommendation. Wayne Hayashibara did not vote.

Carrasco said the bust should not be destroyed, but simply moved to another location and that the bilingual plaque be added.

It is unclear when the City Council will decide the statue’s fate. Parks and Community Services Director Nick Calubaquib said city staff would work with the incoming Mayor to schedule the item in early 2021.

Seventeen people spoke for the removal of the bust at Monday’s meeting, two were against its removal and three were indifferent.

Those in favor of its removal said the bust has turned into a symbol of white supremacy and racism since a cry of “white power” reportedly rang out during a rally organized by supporters of the statue in July. In addition, a photo of a person flashing an “OK” hand gesture, which the Anti-Defamation League has said can sometimes be associated with white supremacy, surfaced from that rally.

Support for keeping the bust, several attendees said, was a vote for white supremacy.

“Know that if you are siding with keeping the bust, that you’re siding with a race,” Ome Garcia said.

Commissioner Ana Hurtado-Aldaña said the city has not yet condemned the actions from the July rally, and called on local leaders to do so soon.

Commissioner De Worken was also critical of leadership, and accused the City Council of “hiding” from the issue and the conversation of race because of the election.

Commissioner Sanchez said that the removal of the bust would not end racism, and that he was concerned the issue has only sowed further division in the community. He said that support for keeping the statue did not equate to support for white supremacy.

“I really do wish that we could remove this statue and eradicate racism…but the fact is that its (removal is) not going to get rid of [racism],” he said.

Part of a $100,000 gift from the Alaga Family Estate as a dying wish of Lloyd F. Alaga, the bust has called the City Plaza home since 2001. The council unanimously approved the gift from Alaga in 1999, using $70,000 to create the bust and the rest to help restore the fountain in the park. Alaga also donated $200,000 to the Watsonville Public Library.

For nearly two decades it has sat mostly unnoticed at the park nestled into the center of the city, but debate around the bust began as several monuments to historic figures across the country were removed as a result of the Black Lives Matter movement.

At least three online petitions—both in favor of and against the bust—were circulated prompting city officials to bring the item to the commission for a “study session” in early August. The majority of the commission voiced its support for removing the bust, and called for the issue to be agendized by the City Council.

But the city instead circulated the online survey to gather more community input and held a town hall late last month to release the survey’s results.

People on both sides of the issue felt equally as strong about their stance, according to the survey results.

The majority of respondents who want the bust removed said it is a symbol of white supremacy and racism. They also said that it does not reflect the values of the community and that President Washington’s support of the genocide of indigenous people and ownership of slaves were also reasons for it to be removed.

Those who want to leave the statue in its place said in the survey that it honors President Washington’s actions that created and improved the country and that it is a reminder of the country’s history that should not be removed.

Geri Simmons at Monday’s meeting urged the commission to honor the results of the survey.

“The people have spoken,” she said.

But others picked apart the survey because it failed to gather key demographics of respondents such as age and race—two telltale signs of the changing times and beliefs, say those in favor of removal of the bust.

Several in attendance also said some community members did not feel comfortable filling out the survey because it required too much personal information such as a cell phone number and home address. The “digital divide” also tainted the results of the survey, those in favor of removal said.

Cima Collina Winery’s Noteworthy 2015 Chardonnay

Josie Cowden

-

November 4, 2020

0

Cima Collina Winery’s Noteworthy 2015 Chardonnay

It came as a surprise to many when Cima Collina Winery announced it was closing its doors at the end of last year.

Winemaker Annette Hoff Danzer made a name for herself in the wine industry—consistently turning out noteworthy wines, especially Chardonnay. But when owner Dick Lumpkin passed away, the winery closed.

Cima Collina’s 2015 Chardonnay is still plentiful in local stores. Grapes are harvested from the reputable Tondre Grapefield in the Santa Lucia Highlands—known for its glacial soils and receiving the right amount of sun during the day and cooling fog in the evening. The results reveal in the wine’s rich aromas of tropical fruits and flavors of vanilla, baking spices and pineapple. This Chardonnay is a very good buy for $18 at New Leaf. I have seen it other places for around $30, so snap it up if you find some for a reasonable price.

It’s good news that Garrett Bowlus, winemaker and owner of Albatross Ridge Wines, has taken over the space occupied by Cima Collina in beautiful Carmel Valley. I first tasted Albatross Ridge’s excellent wines a couple of years ago at their small tasting room in Carmel Village, which Bowlus has expanded to include an outdoor deck. With the addition of Cima Collina’s tasting room, Albatross now has greater presence in the area.

Albatross Ridge Wines, Dolores Street between Ocean and 6th avenues, Carmel-by-the Sea. 831-293-8896. Albatross Ridge Tasting Cottage, 19 E Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. albatrossridge.com.

Evening of Wine and Roses

Those familiar with the longstanding Evening of Wine and Roses event will not want to miss it. This annual fundraiser for the Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust will be an online program this year. Check out the terrific auction items—bidding runs until Nov. 10—and visit pvhealthtrust.org/wine-roses-2020 for info.

True Olive Connection

Although True Olive Connection has closed its store on Lincoln Street in Santa Cruz, owner Susan Pappas continues to sell online their splendid assortment of olive oils, vinegars, Olivella skin care products and more. Learn more at trueoliveconnection.com.

Things To Do in Santa Cruz: Nov. 4-10

GT Staff

-

November 4, 2020

0

Because many in-person events across Santa Cruz County have been canceled or postponed during the pandemic, Good Times is compiling a weekly list of virtual events hosted by local nonprofits, artists, fitness instructors and businesses. To submit your virtual event, send an email to ca******@go*******.sc.

ARTS AND MUSIC

11TH ANNUAL MORTON MARCUS POETRY READING Join the 11th annual Morton Marcus Poetry Reading, featuring honored guest Morgan Parker. Poet Gary Young will host the program, and the evening will include an announcement of the winner of the Morton Marcus Poetry Contest (recipient receives a $1,000 prize). The Morton Marcus Poetry Reading honors poet, teacher, and film critic Morton Marcus (1936–2009). Marcus was the 1999 Santa Cruz County Artist of the Year and a recipient of the 2007 Gail Rich Award. He taught English and Film at Cabrillo College for 30 years, was co-host of the radio program “The Poetry Show,” and was co-host of the television film review show, “Cinema Scene.” Nov. 12, 7pm. Register at: ucsc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cIV7oLUBTL67MuXifqdrnw.

GARDEN OF HOPE SANTA CRUZ FASHION SHOW The Garden of Hope Santa Cruz Fashion Show celebrates survivorship on its 11th anniversary. The American Cancer Society’s 11th Annual Garden of Hope Santa Cruz Fashion Show includes a silent auction, and the event will feature our cancer survivors as models, a few words from a American Cancer Society’s funded Researcher, and a brief memorial to honor cancer victims. We will also honor our donors and sponsors, without whom we cannot function. Once again, our host emcee will be Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County supervisor. To date, the gala event has raised nearly $1 million for American Cancer Society patient services, research, education and advocacy. The event will be held on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 1pm with live entertainment. The silent auction registration will begin on Friday, Nov. 6 and close at 5pm on Sunday, Nov. 15. This will be a virtual event, so participants can participate from the comfort of their own homes via Zoom. This will allow participants the ease and time to bid on their favorite items! For more information, to donate and to register, visit: acssccr.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2020SantaCruzFashionShow/tabid/1132511/Default.aspx

THE ART OF DYING WELL BOOK DISCUSSION Are you prepared for life’s final journey? Using “The Art of Dying Well” by Katy Butler as a guidebook, Vanessa Silverstein from Hospice of Santa Cruz County will lead a discussion exploring end of life planning to create peace of mind for ourselves and those we leave behind. A free copy of the book will be provided to the first 20 people who register. Thursday, Nov. 5, 5:30pm. To register visit: bit.ly/wpljourney.

MOVIES AT THE MAH: COCO Kick back and enjoy Movies at the MAH presented in partnership with Westside Video. Through the fall we will be screening films that inspire and help us grow through this moment together. Following our month-long series of events for Día de los Muertos, the MAH and Westside Video have teamed up to share the heartwarming 2017 animated film, “Coco.” So grab a drink or snack at the Market and join us in Abbot Square! Space is limited to allow for adequate physical distancing on the patio. There is no pre-registration required, drop-by when you can but, if possible, we recommend you arrive early to ensure you have a seat. Thursday, Nov. 5, 7pm. Learn more: santacruzmah.org/events/movies-nov.

SHE ADVENTURES FILM TOUR VIRTUAL SCREENING This collection of the most inspirational, heartwarming and entertaining films celebrates women in adventure from independent filmmakers around the globe. The She Adventures Film Tour includes a unique selection of films of varying lengths and styles covering topics relevant to women in the outdoors who aren’t afraid to get dirty in their pursuit of adventure. Our aim at the She Adventures Film Tour is to build a community who support adventurous women. By showcasing and celebrating the female adventurous spirit, we hope to make women in the outdoors more visible. But She Adventures isn’t just for women. She Adventures is for all of us to celebrate diversity and inclusion and the inspiring ladies of the adventure world. Presented by the Rio Theatre. Nov. 12-22 only. Once you start viewing the program you have 48 hours to finish watching it or until midnight on Nov. 22, whichever comes first. Learn more: riotheatre.com/events-2/2020/11/11/she-adventures-film-tour.

CATAMARAN ART SHOW AT R. BLITZER GALLERY Starved for real live artwork? Then don’t miss the Seventh Annual Catamaran Show at the R. Blitzer Gallery, featuring a curated array of original artwork from Linda Christensen, David Ligare, UCSC alumna Julie Heffernan, Frank Galuszka, Noah Buchanan, Joao De Brito and Philip Rosenthal. While you’re there don’t miss artworks by Robert Blitzer, Alan Sonneman, Rand Launer and handmade stringed instruments by luthier Charles Sutton. Open now through Nov. 27. Tuesday and Thursday noon-5 pm or by appointment. Strict Covid-19 protocols followed (masks, five or six people at a time, social distancing). R. Blitzer Gallery, 2801 Mission St., Santa Cruz. 831-458-1217.

CLASSES

FALL/WINTER BASEBALL CLINICS These clinics have an emphasis on fun while working through drills to improve infield and outfield work, hitting, pitching, and athleticism. Players learn the foundational skills needed to become better ball players, athletes and young adults. We’ll bring the joy of baseball to life by playing mini games and creating friendly competition! Join us every Sunday for a full hour and a half of baseball! Clinics are held indoors and outdoors and will take place rain or shine. Three player minimum required for class to take place. Six player maximum cap for each class. Sundays at noon. Learn more: paradigmsport.com.

SALSA SUELTA IN PLACE FREE ZOOM SESSION For all dance-deprived dancers! Free weekly online session in Cuban-style Salsa Suelta for experienced beginners and up. May include Mambo, ChaChaCha, Afro-Cuban Rumba, Orisha, Son Montuno, Cuban-Salsa. Ages 14 and up. Thursdays at 7pm. Contact to get Zoom link: salsagente.com.

TECH TALKS: WHAT’S NEW ON IOS 14 Learn about the privacy and productivity features and settings available to you with the new iOS 14 on the Apple iPhone. Join us virtually as we demonstrate the iOS 14 highlights—enabled on the iPhone’s newest operating system. iOS 14 is compatible with the iPhone 6s and later. It is recommended that you download iOS 14 beforehand if you wish to participate in the active demonstrations. Thursday, Nov. 5, 11am. Register now: santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/7215778.

NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY CLASS NAMI’s Family-to-Family Class is an eight-week educational program for family and friends of adults with mental health challenges. Learn about how to support your loved one, gain valuable communication and coping skills, and become educated on the latest mental health research. Class is led by two trained volunteers with lived experience caring for someone with mental health conditions. Sign up online and learn more at namiscc.org/family-to-family.html. Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm.

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION WEEKEND EXPRESS CLASS This Saturday and Sunday virtual class from Dominican Hospital is intended for expectant mothers and their labor support team. Focus will be on the birth process, including the stages of labor and when to go to the hospital. Non-pharmaceutical coping techniques for pain, including breath work, mindfulness practices, supportive touch and positions for labor and birth, along with standard hospital procedures, pain medication options, medical interventions, cesarean birth, postpartum recovery, newborn procedures and breastfeeding basics. In this class, we will actively practice positions and coping techniques for pain, so please be dressed for movement. Please register for the PEP class session. Only after you have completed this process, the Zoom meeting information will be provided to you via email prior to your class. Classes run 1-5:30pm on these days: Nov. 14-15 and Dec. 19-20.

COMMUNITY

EVENING OF WINE AND ROSES Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley announces its annual fundraising event, An Evening of Wine and Roses. This will be a virtual event, Friday, Nov. 6, at 6pm, including an online auction from Nov. 2-10. With each purchase of an auction item and/or Wine and Roses Experience, funds go to support Community Health Trust programs and services of fostering health and equity for all in Pajaro Valley. No fee required to register, and all purchases support Community Health Trust. Wine and Roses Coupon Book for purchase of $50 each. Enjoy discounts at the eateries you’ve come to love at Wine and Roses throughout the entire year.

TALES TO TAILS GOES VIRTUAL SCPL’s early childhood literacy program, Virtual Tales to Tails, has moved to a new time slot: Mondays, 3:30-4:30pm. At the end of your school day, hop online and have fun reading at your own pace to an audience of therapy dogs, cats and other guest animals. Have math homework? Good news! Your furry audience would also love to learn how to count, add and subtract. Register online. Registrants receive reminders, links to the live program, and fun (educational) activities to complete and have showcased on future sessions Learn more at santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/6764938.

GROUPS

VIRTUAL YOUNG ADULT (18-30) TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP A weekly peer support group for young adults aged 18-25 who identify as transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, agender, or any other non-cisgender identity. This is a social group where we meet and chat among ourselves, sharing our experiences and thoughts in a warm, welcoming setting. Our meetings will be held on Discord during the shelter-in-place order. For more info, contact Ezra Bowen at tr***@di*************.org.

LGBTQNBI+ SUPPORT GROUP FOR CORONAVIRUS STRESS This weekly LGBTQNBI+ support group is being offered to help us all deal with stress during the shelter-in-place situation that we are experiencing from the coronavirus. Feel free to bring your lunch and chat together to get support. This group is offered at no cost and will be facilitated by licensed therapists Shane Hill, Ph.D., and Melissa Bernstein, LMFT #52524. Learn how to join the Zoom support group at diversitycenter.org/community-calendar.

OUTDOOR

FISH AND CHIPS: TRACKING TUNAS AND SHARKS IN OUR BLUE SERENGETI The Earth’s oceans cover the majority of the surface area of our planet, yet our understanding of the marine ecosystem is limited. Dr. Barbara Block, Professor of Biology in Marine Sciences at the Stanford University Hopkins Marine Station, presents her (rock-star level, pioneering) work studying tunas and sharks across our global oceans, enabling proactive fisheries management and conservation. Part of the Center for the Blue Economy Speaker Series at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Free, open to public, no registration required. Online via Zoom. Tuesday, Nov. 10, 6pm. Learn more: go.miis.edu/sustainability. For questions, contact Rachel C., Center for the Blue Economy, cb*@mi**.edu, 831-647-4183 (leave message to receive call back).

SUSTAINABILITY, SYSTEMS THINKING, AND WELL-BEING: GIVING VOICE TO DATA Oregon is the only state in the union with a vision for the consumption of materials extending to 2050 that is ratified by the legislature and supported by the Environmental Quality Commission. The Vision expands the charter of the solid waste management to examine material consumption and the associated environmental burdens from a system wide perspective. This expanded view, referred to as systems thinking or life cycle approach, uncovers environmental hotspots within the material flows that support economic activities. This unique state-level charter combining research, long term strategic outlook, and policy perspective is well-placed to identify options to reduce environmental and social hotspots related to consumption in the States. Speaker: Mr. Minal Mistry, Business Initiatives Lead, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Part of the Environmental Justice and Sustainability Speaker Series at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies; Free, open to public, no registration required. Online via Zoom. Thursday, Nov. 5, 12:30pm. Learn more: go.miis.edu/sustainability. For questions, contact Rachel C., Center for the Blue Economy, cb*@mi**.edu, 831-647-4183 (leave message to receive call back).

TIBETAN SOUND HEALING MEDITATION OUTDOORS Sound healing is a sacred and powerful meditative practice that has grown enormously in popularity in recent years. Come join a small, socially distanced, outdoor gathering in our meadow. Let Kalden’s soothing sound meditation bring ease to your nervous system and aid in the expression of positive feelings such as peace, joy and connectedness. Sunday, Nov. 8, 4pm. Learn more: landofmedicinebuddha.org/events.

ASTRONOMY ON TAP Members of the UCSC Astronomy Department will be hosting a virtual “astronomy on tap,” an accessible, engaging, free science presentation on topics ranging from planets to black holes to galaxies to the beginning of the Universe. This week we’ll be discussing fast radio bursts with Sunil Simha (UCSC) and Jay Chittidi (CU Boulder), mysterious interstellar eruptions likely related to neutron stars. In 2007, astronomers discovered a peculiar class of objects now called fast radio bursts (FRBs). These events emit light at radio wavelengths for less than a few milliseconds, yet can release as much energy as our Sun does in a day. We will talk about the discovery of FRBs, our current understanding of these mysterious events, and a new method that uses FRBs to measure the distribution of matter in the universe. Thursday, Nov. 5, 6:30pm. Watch at: youtube.com/watch?v=1MLDxRQZlzA.

SEA CHESS CHARITY TOURNAMENT The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is hosting its first online Sea Chess Charity Tournament to benefit conservation efforts of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. The event will feature two tournaments, with an additional Simultaneous Exhibition against Grandmaster Sahaj Grover. There will be a $15 admission fee for the 5 Rounds G15 Rapid event, and a $10 admission fee for the 5 Rounds G3 + 2 Blitz event. Alternatively, a $20 flat fee will get you admission to both tournament events. There will also be a separate $15 entrance fee for the Simultaneous Exhibition against GM Sahaj Grover. Prizes will be awarded for each of the different event types and will include chess lessons by Woman International Master Charlize van Zyl, GM Sahaj Grover, National Master Gjon Feinstein, and International Grandmaster Ilya Smirin. IGM Ilya Smirin was ranked 13th highest in the world and was the winner of the World Open Tournament in 2014 and 2015. All funds raised during this event will go towards supporting the Monterey Bay Sanctuary’s BayNet, Team OCEAN, and Whale Disentanglement programs. Saturday, Nov. 7, 9am. Learn more: montereybayfoundation.org/event/sea-chess-charity-tournament.

THE STORY OF PLASTIC, FILM SCREENING AND DISCUSSION

Catch the film screening via individual email link sent to registered attendees, watched any time prior to discussion. Join the community discussion Monday, Nov. 9, 7-8pm via Zoom. Registration required. Register at: eventbrite.com/e/the-story-of-plastic-individual-film-screening-and-group-discussion-tickets-120660600103.

Find the Zoom link for discussion and all other details at: middlebury.edu/institute/events/story-plastic-individual-film-screening-and-community-discussion-11-09-2020. For questions contact: Rachel C. at cb*@mi**.edu, visit centerfortheblueeconomy.org, or call 831-647-4183 (leave message to receive call back).

LATEST ARTICLES

LATEST ARTICLES

LATEST ARTICLES

LATEST ARTICLES

Congress: Is the blue wave here to stay?

The propositions: $780 million—what was it good for?

The legislature: Dems will still run Sacramento, but which kind?

Evening of Wine and Roses

True Olive Connection

ARTS AND MUSIC

CLASSES

COMMUNITY

GROUPS

OUTDOOR