Page 526 | Good Times

Glenwood Preserve Construction Finishes; Fall Creek Partially Reopens

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December 4, 2020

Glenwood Preserve Construction Finishes; Fall Creek Partially Reopens

After almost three years, the Glenwood Open Space Preserve’s construction will come to an end next week.

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County (LTSCC) oversaw trail construction done by Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz on both sides of the Preserve. The final installation, a 48-foot bridge near the Eastern Equestrian Access, will be ready for hikers next week.

In April 2019, the westside of the Preserve opened for the first time, hosting hikers, dog walkers and bicyclists. The eastern side has been open for a few months during construction and offers trails for pedestrians and equestrians. Dogs and bikes are not permitted in the eastern side, as they may scare the cows.

Despite plans to have the bridge ready by late August, construction began in October, supervised by Drew Perkins, trails director of the Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz.

“We’ve been working with the LTSCC on the trails in the Preserve,” Perkins said. “Our nonprofit specializes in trail stewardship, but we also have a contractors license …. The trails are now in great shape and I’m excited to see the Preserve’s popularity.”

The new trail system was funded in part by $500,000 from the LTSCC and also through a $300,000 Caltrans grant managed by the city of Scotts Valley.

“The Land Trust is a donor funded nonprofit,” Carie Thompson, the LTSCC access director, said. “All our trails are built from donor money and it would be great to get help building trails other places.”

Thompson said the construction process was tricky.

“Permits limited our construction periods, particularly when we were working on waterways,” she said. “You can’t construct during certain periods of time near waterways. Also, we have some endangered species that affected our permit windows.”

Among those endangered are the Ohlone Tiger Beetle, Scotts Valley Polygonum and the Scotts Valley Spineflower. The Preserve also has several “special status species,” the Opler’s long horned moth, western pond turtle, Santa Cruz Clover, Pacific Grove clover and Choris’s popcorn flower.

To further protect those species, Thompson suggested allowing them to graze on the eastern side.

“Cows are very important to [these species’] success,” she said. “Cows, dogs and bikes don’t mix. The health and safety of the cows and trail users depends on people using the trails correctly. We have provided dog walking opportunities and biking on the west preserve. We believe in a big tent. But we need everyone’s cooperation.”

On the other side of our valleys, the Henry Cowell Fall Creek Unit welcomed families and lone hikers on Nov. 14, after closures due to the CZU Lightning Complex fire. South Eastern trail networks have reopened such as Bennett Creek, High School, Kiln Fire Road, South Fork, Truck and North Fall Creek (between Cape Horn trail and Bennett Creek Trail). Lost Empire, Pine Flat, Sunlit, Tan Oak, Big Ben, Ridge, S-Cape and North Fall Creek (between Cape Horn Trail and Big Ben Trail) remain closed due to potential hazards created by the Complex.

The South Fork Trail closes after the lime kilns and, at that point, the path juxtaposes untouched vegetation on one side and burnt underbrush on the other.

For further information on the Henry Cowell Fall Creek Unit, visit: bit.ly/3m3eYEp. Visit bit.ly/2J5lI5Y for more information on the Glenwood Open Space Preserve.

No Inmates or Additional Jail Officers Test Positive for Covid-19

Jacob Pierce

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December 4, 2020

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No Inmates or Additional Jail Officers Test Positive for Covid-19

All Santa Cruz County inmates tested negative for Covid-19, and no additional officers tested positive for the disease in the last two days, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday.

Currently, 10 correctional officers have tested positive for Covid-19 and are quarantining. An additional seven are quarantining due to possible exposure to the novel coronavirus that causes the disease at the center of the international pandemic. Those numbers have not changed since Wednesday. County contact tracers are investigating a party attended by correctional officers as the likely cause of the outbreak.

“This outbreak among correctional staff is very concerning,” Sheriff Jim Hart, who has not taken any questions about the outbreak, stated in a press release. “We operate one of the few jails in the country that has not had a Covid-19 outbreak among its incarcerated population. Thankfully, all Covid-19 tests from our remaining staff and incarcerated population have come back negative. Public Health’s contact tracers are still working on this incident to determine the origin of the outbreak. Once the contact tracers have completed their investigation my management team will conduct a thorough internal review to determine next steps.”

The sheriff’s office states that, upon booking, each incoming inmate is tested and housed in a quarantine unit for 14 days. They are tested a second time on the 12thday shortly before moving into the general population.

According to Friday’s press release, the sheriff’s office has implemented weekly testing for all staff and incarcerated people and will continue to work with public health employees to ensure best practices are enforced.

Gov. Newsom Announces Assistance for Covid-Impacted Businesses

Todd Guild

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December 3, 2020

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Gov. Newsom Announces Assistance for Covid-Impacted Businesses

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday announced that the state will provide temporary tax relief for eligible businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions.

Under the plan, taxpayers filing less than $1 million in sales tax receive an automatic three-month income tax extension. It also extends the availability of existing interest and penalty-free payment agreements to those with up to $5 million in taxable sales. It additionally provides taxable sales and expanded interest free payment options for larger businesses particularly affected by significant restrictions on operations based on Covid-19 transmissions.

The plan is estimated to have billions of dollars in impact, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“California’s small businesses embody the best of the California Dream and we can’t let this pandemic take that away,” Newsom stated in the press release. “We have to lead with health to reopen our economy safely and sustainably while doing all we can to keep our small businesses afloat.”

According to Newsom’s office, small businesses create two-thirds of the state’s new jobs and employ nearly half of all private sector employees. California is home to 4.1 million small businesses, representing 99.8% of all businesses in the state and employing 7.2 million workers in California, or 48.5% of the state’s total workforce.

The pandemic has been especially hard on small businesses, with an estimated 44% at risk of shutting down nationwide, according to an August Small Business Majority survey.

And among those, minority-owned businesses are most impacted. According to a recent Census Current Population Survey, the number of active businesses owned by African-Americans dropped by 41%. The percentage of businesses owned by Latinx (32%), Asians (25%) and immigrants (36%) also dropped.

“California’s small businesses continue to struggle as a result of Covid-19, and this latest round of action at the state level will help bridge the financial gaps that are vexing our state’s mom-and-pop business owners and nonprofits while we wait for congressional action, and as we prepare for additional legislative action at the start of the year,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) in a press release.

The tax relief plan is part of the state’s ongoing business support throughout the pandemic, including the Main Street Hiring Tax Credit, which authorizes $100 million in hiring tax credit for qualified small businesses. That credit is equal to $1,000 per qualified employee, up to $100,000 for each small business employer.

The application can be found here.

Newsom also announced the creation of a $500 million COVID Relief Grant. The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) will administer the program at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

It aims to help small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic. Funds would be awarded to selected organizations with established networks of Community Development Financial Institutions to distribute relief through grants of up to $25,000 to underserved micro and small businesses throughout the state by early 2021.

Nonprofits would also be eligible for these grants.

CalOSBA is establishing the program and will make it available to small businesses as soon as possible. For updates on availability, click here.

Businesses interested in applying can learn more here: cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/SB1447-tax-credit.htm.

Fire Survivors Find Refuge in Henry Cowell State Park Campground

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December 3, 2020

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Fire Survivors Find Refuge in Henry Cowell State Park Campground

After losing their homes in the destructive CZU Lightning Complex fire, many survivors have camped out and found refuge in Henry Cowell State Park.

“We’ve had quite a big surge due to the CZU fire,” said Visitor Service Aid Zach Lemke. “At least one person I interacted with today was a CZU victim.”

Lemke also lost his home in Boulder Creek, but has found housing in Zayante. He was humble describing the experience and “mostly grateful my mom and cat are safe.” Now he assists fellow CZU survivors almost every day at the campground.

At least 30 survivors have used the campground since September as a resource for sheltering. This is the first year in several that Henry Cowell State Park has opened its winter campground. While the state park did so out of financial need, it is simultaneously helping those who have become homeless in the wake of fire.

Campers can spend up to seven days for $35 per night. An additional $10 is required for every car after the first. While this is helpful for CZU survivors, Lemke laments the weeklong stay policy.

“Quite a lot [of visitors] spend the whole seven days, vacate for the mandated 24 hours, and then come back again for another week,” he said. “Campers can also leave Henry Cowell after a week and go immediately to New Brighton and come back after a week there.”

Another option is to file for a “closure order, which waives the maximum stay period of seven days,” Lemke said. However, due to short administration staffing, he added that these orders “usually take a while to get processed and handed out.”

Administrative staff are at work on waiving the 30-day maximum occupancy regulation, as several survivors near that limit with another month left in the year.

Due to a broken online registration system, the campground has remained almost empty throughout the season. Campers generally use Reserve California to secure spots, but the reservation system shows that the park is closed. This creates more ease for the CZU survivors and walk-ins as well.

“Things aren’t busy at all,” he said. “Throughout the week, we get about three to 10 campers per day, which is practically nonexistent.”

Before the system broke, Lemke said, “in October, we were extremely busy. We have never had an October where we have been almost full every single weekday. It was honestly disconcerting that so many people wanted to be out during the pandemic. Thankfully the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks have worked hard to keep staffers safe.”

*Zach Lemke, a visitor service aid at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, offers information to a client at the campground kiosk. PHOTO: Katie Evans*

The campground is only half open for the season, due to low numbers of maintenance staff. However, even with half of the spots closed, 47 units are available for campers and only 27 sites were taken at peak of visitation since the reservation system failed.

Big Basin burning provided another motivation for the campground’s winter opening. Park staff decided to keep the grounds open for Big Basin State Park clientele that would be unable to return there this year since most of the park burned in the fire. Staffers have yet to see many of those campers though.

“We haven’t been getting Big Basin campers here,” Lemke said. “Our clientele is different. Big Basin has more veteran campers, where we get a lot of first-time campers because we’re easily accessible from Santa Cruz, San Lorenzo, Scotts Valley and San Jose.”

Henry Cowell State Park hosts staff from Big Basin, too.

When the reservation system goes back online, Henry Cowell Campgrounds may fill again and provide the “financial relief that the State Department of Parks and Recreation has been looking for since Covid began,” Lemke said.

Until then, the campground will continue to be a flexible option for CZU survivors.

Cabrillo Theater Presents Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play

A&E
Stage

Johanna Miller

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December 3, 2020

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Cabrillo Theater Presents Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play

The performing arts sector has taken a major hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Large gatherings—especially those indoors—are discouraged to help slow the spread of the virus, and as such theaters and other venues have been forced to remain closed.

The Cabrillo College Theater Department shut down in the middle of its run of “Considering Matthew Shepard” in March. Tickets were refunded, and both the Crocker Theater and Samper Recital Hall in Aptos went silent.

But it hasn’t stopped the department from finding creative ways to keep things going. This weekend, the school will open its newest production virtually, via YouTube and Zoom.

“Sweat” is a 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lynn Nottage. The play follows a group of friends who used to work together at a factory and meet up again in a bar in Reading, Pennsylvania, to reminisce. The play touches on issues of poverty, race, class and discrimination.

Director Donald Williams, who is a professor at UCSC and artistic director of the Cultural Arts and Diversity Resource Center, said that putting together the virtual production was challenging.

“Our first questions was, ‘How can we make this art come alive, to look and feel as real as possible?’” Williams said. “And how can we do so safely?”

The cast spent months rehearsing via Zoom. Williams admitted that there were some snafus due to faulty technology and bad connections, but for the most part, it went well. Eventually the cast was able to meet at the theater—with social distancing and masks—to get a better sense of things. For most, it was their first time meeting each other face to face.

Williams said there was always a risk that someone might be sick, which is why they tried to maintain good communication. If someone was even feeling slightly under the weather, they would stay home.

“We were upfront and real with each other,” he said. “And I think it really taught us about respect … about how to care for each other.”

The play’s various sets, which would normally be arranged on one stage, were instead constructed in different rooms throughout the Crocker. Williams praised the theater tech team for working together and coming up with solutions to their limitations.

“Sweat” attracted Williams, who said he was looking for a “strong, powerful, multicultural” play to bring to Cabrillo. He’d been an admirer of Nottage for her ability to tackle important, relevant subjects.

“I wanted to find a play that had real meaning to it,” he said. “Something about this one in particular navigated towards my heart and soul.”

Williams, who grew up in a small town in Michigan, also could relate to the setting of the story.

“Most folks where I grew up worked at the automobile plants,” he said. “Everybody knew everybody’s business there.”

With the Covid-19 pandemic still ongoing, live venues are expected to remain closed until at least next Spring or Summer. But the arts must continue, Williams says, in any way it can.

“Art is the key to communication,” he said. “Theater especially has been an awesome teacher from the beginning of time. Stories are how you learn. They give us a greater understanding of others.”

A pre-recorded version of “Sweat” will be available to watch on YouTube Friday at 7pm, with a special Q&A session afterwards on Zoom. The following performances will be livestreamed. The production is free but donations will be accepted. For more information visit cabrillovapa.com.

Jail Officer Party: Likely Cause of New Santa Cruz County Outbreak

Jacob Pierce

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December 2, 2020

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Jail Officer Party: Likely Cause of New Santa Cruz County Outbreak

There are now 10 confirmed Covid-19 cases among correctional officers in the outbreak at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

Also, seven inmates are in isolation while they quarantine due to possible exposure to the novel coronavirus that’s driving the international pandemic. That means that 15% of the county’s correctional officers are unable to work due to the outbreak.

Santa Cruz County contact tracers are investigating whether the outbreak stemmed from a party attended by local correctional officers. Santa Cruz County Supervisor Ryan Coonerty says the party showed poor judgement from those involved and that it could undermine some of the hard-earned reputation by so many committed county employees.

“It was stupid and irresponsible. We’re in a crisis, and everyone needs to be vigilant,” Coonerty says. “I will say that we have hundreds of county employees that have been safely interacting with homeless people and with fire victims and with nursing home residents, and they’re doing a really good job. It’s unfortunate that a few bad actors get so much attention. But it’s a reminder that everyone needs to be responsible.”

So far there have been no known Covid-19 infections among inmates in the county’s jail population. Sheriff’s spokesperson Ashley Keehn says a majority of the impacted correctional officers work the night shift, when officers have less interaction with inmates. County officials hope that prevents spread of the disease into the inmate population.

News of the party’s suspected role in the outbreak first got out after an Economic Recovery Council meeting Tuesday. That is when county Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel confirmed, when asked, that correctional officers had attended a party, an event contact tracers were looking into.

Kris Reyes, the chair of the Economic Recovery Council, says he was disappointed to hear about the outbreak and about the party.

“Local businesses in Santa Cruz county are hanging by a thread and our public health resources are already stretched unbelievably thin,” Reyes tells Good Times via email. “If true, for the outbreak among correctional officers to be the result of a party is incredibly disappointing and a failure of leadership from the sheriff. Three weeks ago, we were in Tier 3 and businesses were open and feeling optimistic. Now we are back to the worst days of the pandemic and selfish activities, like parties, are contributing to people getting sick, businesses closing and workers losing jobs. We must do better.”

Neither Newel nor Sheriff Jim Hart has signaled any intention to hold a press conference about the outbreak, the party or the ongoing investigation.

“The safety of correctional officers, staff and inmates are paramount, and the sheriff’s office is following public health recommendations in an effort to contain this outbreak,” Corinne Hyland, a spokesperson for the county’s Health Services Agency, said in a statement.

Hart, who’s up for reelection to a possible third term in 2022, has faced scrutiny over deaths of inmates like Tamario Smith and about officer misconduct. But he has not been taking questions about such controversies. His office issued press releases but did not hold press conferences when correctional officers were arrested for having sex with inmates in September and October.

Apart from agreeing to an interview with GT, Hart made no formal announcement when a correctional officer was arrested for domestic violence and robbery in the weeks that followed.

Clos LaChance Winery’s Excellent Chardonnay 2018

Josie Cowden

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December 2, 2020

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Clos LaChance Winery’s Excellent Chardonnay 2018

If you have never visited Clos LaChance Winery, then you have a treat in store. Their elegant facility boasts a beautiful tasting room and elaborate gardens. All kinds of events are held on their spacious grounds (pre-Covid), including concerts and weddings.

Clos LaChance is turning out some excellent wines, especially their estate wines. Not surprisingly, the 2018 Estate Chardonnay was awarded 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. Winemaker Jason Robideaux, who oversees all winery and vineyard operations, says this bright Chardonnay ($25) has aromas of light oak, citrus and minerals, with flavors of lime, lemon custard and spice. He recommends pairing it with ceviche, soft cheese, and lemon pepper salmon.

I met up for dinner at the Hollins House with a couple of friends, and we ordered a bottle of the Clos LaChance Chardonnay to pair with our food—a perfect match with our entrees of very tasty crab cakes and delicious tomato and burrata salad. Both my friends loved the lush Chardonnay, and we finished off the bottle—of course!

Clos LaChance sells an abundance of different wines, including a fun red called 22 Pirates. Check out the saucy “grab yer cork” pirate video on the winery’s website.

Clos LaChance Winery, 1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin. 408-686-1050, clos.com.

Annieglass

Annieglass in Watsonville makes a Ruffle Wine Coaster that will brighten up any table. The coasters have a 24-karat gold or genuine platinum rim, which makes every wine bottle look really festive. These beautiful coasters are dishwasher safe, chip-resistant and handmade locally. Visit annieglass.com to see the full list of products.

Heavenly Roadside Café Gift Cards

The Heavenly Roadside Café in Scotts Valley is offering gift cards for Christmas. Spend $50 on a gift card, get a $10 card for yourself. Not a bad deal. Chef Danny Voutos cooks up a mighty good breakfast. His California Scramble is terrific. The John Wayne Burger is bursting with goodness, and a must-try is the Roger Federer Burger with Swiss cheese. What else?!

Heavenly Roadside Café, 1210 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley. 831-335-1210, heavenlyroadsidecafe.com.

Things To Do in Santa Cruz: Dec. 2-8

GT Staff

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December 2, 2020

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A weekly guide to what’s happening.

ARTS AND MUSIC

VIRTUAL HOLIDAY ART AND CRAFT FAIRE Santa Cruz County Park’s annual Holiday Art and Craft Faire is going virtual for 2020! For the month of December, join us online at scparks.com to find and support amazing local artists and craft-makers! Our webpage will feature over 40 artists who offer a broad range of holiday gifts ranging from glasswork, prints, cards, jewelry, and more!.

BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL VIRTUAL FESTIVAL This year, bring the adventure home! Fluff up your couch cushions, grab a snack of choice, and make sure you have a good internet connection because the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is going virtual! For the first time ever, travel to breathtaking destinations, embark on daring expeditions, and celebrate some of the most remarkable outdoor achievements, all from the comforts of your living room. The Covid-19 pandemic has created extraordinary circumstances around the world and many of our live World Tour screenings have been postponed or canceled. While we can’t replicate the experience of seeing the Banff films on the big screen of your local theatre, surrounded by friends and your community, these curated programs of amazing outdoor films will inspire you to live life to the fullest … however that looks these days! Please visit riotheatre.com for more information about the online programs and how you can support your local screening.

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.

POETS’ CIRCLE POETRY READING SERIES The Poets’ Circle Poetry Reading Series has resumed with the support of the Friends of the Watsonville Public Library. The reimagined event is now virtual! This month’s featured reader is longtime host Magdalena Montagne. She will be celebrating the release of her book of poetry, “Earth My Witness,” published by Finishing Line Press in October. Joan Rose Staffen, local teacher, poet and visual artist, will host, along with staff from the Watsonville Library. To join the event, please see the library’s listing at: cityofwatsonville.org/348/Poets-Circle. Thursday, Dec. 3, 5-7pm.

CELEBRATING BEETHOVEN’S 250TH BIRTHDAY YEAR Beethoven’s 250th birthday year online celebration features some of the world’s most acclaimed Beethoven interpreters and historians: Pianists Alon Goldstein, Jonathan Biss, Garrick Ohlsson plus cellist Tanya Tomkins with pianist Audrey Vardanega and moderator Dr. Erica Buurman of the Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies. Tune in every night for lectures, conversations and sublime performances. Begins Sunday, Dec. 6, at 7pm. Learn more at distinguishedartists.org.

COMMUNITY

BOOK SALES AT THE CAPITOLA MALL Thanks to the generosity of the management of the Capitola Mall, we have reopened our bookstore in a new, spacious location in the mall. We offer thousands of used items: books, CDs, and DVDs. Most items sell for $1 or $2 each. All funds will be used to enhance the new Capitola library. Cash or check only. Open Saturdays and Sundays, noon-4pm. We are located in the Capitola Mall next to Hallmark and across from Express. Masks and social distancing are required. Please do not take donations to the bookstore. We will pick up donated materials from you. Contact Karen Scott at ka***@*****ds.com to schedule a pick up.

SHELTER IN FAITH: HOLIDAYS EDITION The popular virtual series, Shelter in Faith, is back with a special Holidays Edition. Learn from local faith leaders representing diverse spiritual traditions about different holiday customs, celebrations, and their deeper meanings. Take the opportunity to hear their thoughtful perspectives, relevant experience, and practical solutions for navigating the stresses of the holiday season. There will also be time for Q&A to get your unique questions answered. Register for this free Library virtual event: santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/7274313. Tuesday, Dec. 8, 10am.

SUPPORTING SURVIVORS COMING FORWARD How can we better listen to, empower and support survivors of sexual abuse when they come forward? How can we promote healing? Part of the Imagine Healing Online Workshop Series. A way that I believe we can empower those who have been victimized by sexual abuse is by educating individuals on what they should do when someone discloses to them that they are a victim of sexual abuse. In this workshop participants will have a safe place to hear survivors’ stories, ask questions and receive resources. Saturday, Dec. 5, 10-11:30am. Learn more at: eventbrite.com/e/supporting-survivors-coming-forward-tickets-125405103039.

HOLIDAY POP UP AT LIVE OAK GRANGE The Holiday Season is upon us! We invite you to come out with your friends and family to our Holiday Pop Up on Sunday, Dec. 6, 1-5pm at the Live Oak Grange Hall. This show not only features Chris Johnson Glass but several other local artists. There will be music, food, cookies and many items to purchase for your loved ones. The Grinch may even show up! Mark your calendars for this one-day incredible show! See you there! Live Oak Grange, 1900 19th St., Santa Cruz.

JACKET AND BLANKET DRIVE For November and December, the Scott’s Valley High School Junior Class is hosting a jacket and blanket drive to help supply jackets and blankets to people who are homeless in Santa Cruz County. It is very important to make sure everyone has jackets and blankets because of how cold the weather has been. All items must be washed and can be dropped off at Four Points Sheraton Scotts Valley, located at 5030 Scotts Valley Drive. Items will be donated to Food Not Bombs Santa Cruz.

GROUPS

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS All our OA meetings have switched to being online. Please call 831-429-7906 for meeting information. Do you have a problem with food? Drop into a free, friendly Overeaters Anonymous 12-Step meeting. All are welcome! This meeting is bilingual, English and Spanish. La nueva hora de las 6:30pm comienza el 6 de mayo de 2020. Todas nuestras reuniones de OA han pasado a estar en línea. Llame al 831-429-7906 para obtener información sobre la reunión. ¿Tienes algún problema con la comida? Participe en una reunión gratuita y amistosa de 12 pasos para comedores anónimos. ¡Todos son bienvenidos! Esta reunión es bilingüe, inglés y español. 6:30-7:30pm. Watsonville Volunteer Center, 12 Carr St. Watsonville, Santa Cruz.

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***@*************er.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

SEASIDE SHOPPING AT THE SEYMOUR CENTER Enjoy in-person, seaside shopping this holiday season! The Ocean Discovery Shop at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center is now open, outdoors, on Saturdays through Dec. 19 (weather permitting). Browse an array of apparel, books, games, pottery, eco-friendly items and so much more. The Ocean Discovery Shop has gifts for everyone! Proceeds support the Seymour Center’s education programs. Members receive a 10% discount on purchases. Only outdoor shopping is available at this time; credit cards only; masks and social distancing required; no returns due to Covid-19. Thank you for understanding and for your support! Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz.

44TH ANNUAL HOME TOUR The virtual event will showcase five homes throughout Santa Cruz County where guests can view some of the region’s most exquisite architecture, interior design and landscaping. This year’s lineup features a surfer sanctuary, one-of-a-kind cabin, historic masterwork, cliffside cottage and Capitola modern. The event also offers an online boutique, where guests can discover something special for their home or memorable gifts for the holidays. Access to the online boutique is free and features a variety of merchandise including adventures, art, holiday decor, jewelry, restaurants, vacations, wine and more. Tickets available at hometoursantacruz.org. All proceeds benefit the Santa Cruz Symphony and support music education in schools throughout Santa Cruz County. Dec. 5 – Jan. 3.

How Pacific Thai Stays at the Forefront of Food Trends

Andrew Steingrube

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December 2, 2020

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How Pacific Thai Stays at the Forefront of Food Trends

Pacific Thai has been serving up its namesake cuisine on its namesake street in the heart of downtown for 15 years.

Owner Sam Kurita left a previous career in high tech because he wanted to own a local business and be closer to family, and he attributes much of the restaurant’s success to his employees. They are open from noon-8pm every day except Wednesday for takeout and outdoor seating. GT caught up with Kurita to talk about the food that makes his eatery such a mainstay.

Where do your recipes come from?

SAM KURITA: Originally we had several Thai chefs, and over the years we’ve adopted, adapted, and standardized the recipes. They are mostly traditional Northern Thai dishes; we try to make them not as sweet as other Americanized Thai food. And as far as spiciness and dietary concerns and restrictions, we’re very adaptable and willing to customize our menu for our guests when possible.

What are some of the most popular dishes?

Pad Thai is kind of the dish that everyone starts with. We make it from tamarind paste and our own ingredients to boost the umami flavor. It’s both sweet and sour, and we can make it spicier if the guest prefers. We also serve Tom Kah. “Kah” means galangal, which is a rhizome similar to ginger, but earthier in flavor. It has kaffir lime, lemongrass, coconut milk, and choice of protein. For dessert, when in season, our mango sticky rice is also a big hit. It’s unique in that it’s a purple rice because we use a black sticky rice and white sticky rice combination, and it’s in a sweetened coconut syrup. We were also one of the first Thai restaurants in Santa Cruz to serve Thai tea with boba, which are tapioca balls. We’re well known for that, and now a lot of local Thai restaurants offer it, too.

What are a couple of the most authentic dishes?

The Kra Prao Gai Sap, which is basically a basil Thai chicken stir fry. It comes with baby corn, bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, onions, and chili in a spicy garlic oyster sauce, and is finished with sweet Thai basil and an optional Thai fried egg. Another really authentic dish is the chicken satay. It is chicken skewers marinated in curry, coconut milk, and Thai spices, then charbroiled and served with housemade peanut sauce and cucumber salad.

1319 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 831-420-1700, pacificthaisantacruz.com.

Opinion: Understanding What We Lost as a Community in the Fire

Steve Palopoli

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December 2, 2020

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Opinion: Understanding What We Lost as a Community in the Fire

EDITOR’S NOTE

We know hundreds of homes were lost in the CZU Lightning Complex fire this summer, after tens of thousands of people in the Santa Cruz Mountains were evacuated. Even on their own, those are huge numbers to wrap our minds around. But they only scratch the surface of really understanding what we’ve lost as a community—and why it’s so important for all of us to stay engaged with the long recovery process that’s barely begun.

As Aaron Carnes writes in his cover story this week, the Santa Cruz Mountains are home to countless local artists, who are drawn there by the promise of creative space—both physical and mental. So we shouldn’t be surprised that so many musicians lost their homes in the fire. Carnes profiles a few of their stories in his piece, and I have the feeling that no matter what era of local music you most relate to, you’ll be familiar with at least one of them. In an area that so values its music scene, it’s shocking and disheartening to read what they’re going through. But I, for one, was relieved to read how dedicated they are to staying here and rebuilding. Like nature itself, creative expression abhors a vacuum.

As for keeping the effort to help these fire victims front-of-mind, we are lucky that there are some amazing people leading that charge. First among these is no doubt Community Foundation Santa Cruz County—its Fire Response Fund is the best thing we have going to help those affected. The Love You Madly: Artists for Santa Cruz Fire Relief campaign has been working to encourage donations with weekly videos and now a livestream on Dec. 5; you can read my story about the latest developments with that on page 30, then go to santacruzfirerelief.org to donate.

Another way to help fire victims—and everyone in need in our county—is to support one of the 40 nonprofits in this year’s Santa Cruz Gives campaign. I can’t believe that after just two weeks we have raised more than $436,000, but we want to do so much more to help these groups that help those in Santa Cruz County who need it most. Go to page 14 to read Jacob Pierce’s story about several of the groups participating in Santa Cruz Gives, then visit santacruzgives.org and donate today!

STEVE PALOPOLI | EDITOR

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Read the latest letters to the editor here.

Why Passenger Rail is Best

GT’s recent article failed to adequately explain why Electric Passenger Rail was chosen over Bus Rapid Transit as the locally preferred alternative for public transit on the rail corridor. The latest study from the Regional Transportation Commission tells the rest of the story.

Consider people: Rail will be twice as fast as bus, saving South County users 40 minutes of commute time each way, 1 hour and twenty minutes every day. Rail will also be twice as reliable so folks can get to work on time, every time. Rail guarantees level boarding at every stop, while only 24% of bus stops offer same. Rail will also accommodate far more bicycles and have far more ADA accessible seats.

Consider planet: When it comes to fighting climate change, rail just can’t be beat. Rail will reduce both vehicle miles travelled and GHG emissions 31% more than bus, be 23% more efficient in using energy and have 86% more passenger capacity during peak travel times when needed most.

Consider prosperity: Rail will be four times safer, produce 29% more permanent jobs, cost 21% less per passenger mile, offers more than three times the potential to create affordable, car-free transit oriented developments and is the only option that guarantees the entire rail corridor will remain intact speeding completion of the Rail Trail now under construction.

Mark Mesiti-Miller | Santa Cruz

Tig-M Will Be a Winner

I think the Good Times did a disservice to its readers by having, on the lead page of the transit article, a photo of a light rail system that would probably not be used by the county, mostly because of costs. Next year, when the pandemic ends, a demonstration of a Tig-M will occur on the tracks, already approved by the SCCRTC last year. Tig-M is a Chatsworth, California firm that makes light rail vehicles that carry either 30 or 50 people, and are self-propelled using electric batteries, much like an electric car. There would be no need for a third rail or overhead wires, then, which would greatly decrease the cost of running a light rail system on the proposed rail line between Watsonville and Santa Cruz. When citizens see that Tig-Ms are quiet and have no CO2 emissions, it’s sure to be a winner. Also, the profile of a Tig-M is somewhat lower than a bus and isn’t much wider than the width of standard rail track. The largest cost of running Tig-Ms would be the upgrade of the tracks to class 2, and that cost would be a fraction of adding more lanes to the freeway.

Perhaps the Good Times needs to contact Tig-M and get permission from them to actually print a photo of what one looks like, as well as present some information on how they work and where they already are in use: Aruba and Dubai and a few places in Los Angeles County. The prospect of having the county contract them to run a light rail service is, I believe, the best way to run a passenger rail service in this county, one that will certainly be needed when the pandemic ends and business returns to normal. Short of that, I encourage anyone to visit the Tig-m website.

LD Freitas | Aptos

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

Join our master artists to create a painting from our homes to yours! Please purchase 1 ticket for each person painting. These events are BYOS (bring your own supplies)! General recommended supplies are a canvas 8×10 or larger, paint brushes ranging from 1” (large) to small detail brushes. Acrylic paint – (we recommend you look at the painting and try to find colors that work for that event, however, If you have yellow, blue, red, black and white, you can mix any color you need.)

Supplies for this event are available at our supply and DIY craft site, makerscraftkits.com. **Please order 5-6 days in advance to ensure your supplies arrive in time for your event**

Feel free to message our #teamtavarone manager at pa***********@***il.com with any questions!

Follow our instagram for updates! @yaymaker_teamtavarone

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Grab the kids and unleash your inner artist at the Original Paint Nite. You’ll all go from a blank canvas to a masterpiece of your own, with plenty of laughs along the way.

You’ll be guided by a talented and entertaining artist, who will:

bring all the supplies and set you and your group up with canvases, paints, and brushes
lead you through step-by-step process to paint “Milky way at the Pines”
entertain and delight your group and make it a memorable experience!

You and the kids will love what your create, and how much fun you have doing it. No experience needed. Come early and grab some snacks!

Please Note:

This event is for children ages 6 and up
Each child must be accompanied by an adult
Every attendee(child and adult) need a ticket

Looking for something besides Plant? At Yaymaker, we do a lot more than Plant Nite and Family Events. Check out some of our other experiences like Paint Nite and Candle Making. For all of our events check out: www.yaymaker.com

Submit to ph****@*******es.sc. Include information (location, etc.) and your name. Photos may be cropped. Preferably, photos should be 4 inches by 4 inches and minimum 250dpi.

GOOD IDEA

CLEAN TEAM

Santa Cruz County is reminding survivors of the CZU Lightning Complex fire that the deadline to sign up for debris removal and complete right-of-entry forms is Dec. 15. County, state and federal officials are providing free, public option debris removal services for fire-damaged properties, which may include the removal of damaged structures, vehicles and hazardous trees. Property owners may opt for private debris removal services provided they first obtain approval from the county. Visit santacruzcounty.us/firerecovery.aspx for more information.

GOOD WORK

HEALTHY GIVING

Community Prevention Partners, a local health-oriented coalition, is honoring 14 recipients for its CPP Annual Awards in an online meeting this week. This awards honor community members who go above and beyond to carry out CPP’s mission on behalf of all Santa Cruz County residents. This year’s winners are Friday Night Live, Empower Watsonville Youth, Pat Malo, Jozee Roberto, the Promotoras, Jen Hastings, Roxana Ortiz, Alexandra Bare, Shelly Barker, Denise Elerick, The Harm Reduction Coalition, Pam Newbury, McKenna Maness and Diane LaMotte.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Music can heal the wounds which medicine cannot touch.”
-Debasish Mridha

Good TimesGood Times

Good TimesGood Times

Annieglass

Heavenly Roadside Café Gift Cards

ARTS AND MUSIC

COMMUNITY

GROUPS

OUTDOOR

EDITOR’S NOTE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

GOOD IDEA

GOOD WORK

QUOTE OF THE WEEK