Page 548 – Good Times

Equinox Wine’s Celebration-Worthy Fiano Cuvée 2017

Josie Cowden

-

June 24, 2020

Equinox Wine’s Celebration-Worthy Fiano Cuvée 2017

What would the Fourth of July be without a drop of celebratory bubbly! Equinox on the Westside makes some of the best sparkling wines this side of Champagne in France. It’s definitely a good time to treat yourselves to something special—and that would be Equinox’s 2017 Fiano Cuvée ($45), a sparkling wine par excellence.

Winemaker Barry Jackson, who runs Equinox Wines with his wife Jennifer Jackson, is a whiz when it comes to making delicious bubbly. The couple launched Equinox in 1989 and have never looked back—their business and customer base growing every year.

Fiano is a high-quality white Italian wine-grape, and Mann Vineyard on the western slopes of the Diablo Range grows this aromatic fruit. “Only a handful of acres in California are growing Fiano,” says Barry Jackson, who also makes a Fiano wine under his Bartolo label.

Small amounts of Riesling and Chardonnay are added to the Fiano sparkling wine, and, after ageing en tirage for 30 months, a crisp, exotic sparkler with delicious notes of “Asian pear, grapefruit peel, tight mousse, and green melon” is ours for the drinking. Cheers!

Equinox Wines, 334 Ingalls St., Unit C, Santa Cruz. 831-471-8608. equinoxwine.com.

Harley Farms Goat Dairy

If you love goats, then Harley Farms is the place for you. My husband and I visited recently and spent ages watching frisky goats, donkeys, a couple of dogs, a few cats, an alpaca, and a pig—which all live on this pastoral piece of land in Pescadero. Dee Harley hails from Yorkshire in England (as I do), a place known for its down-to-earth friendly folk, and runs the farm with her staff.

Goats are milked regularly, and products from the milk include great-tasting cheeses. And piled high on shelves are gorgeous goat-milk soaps and lotions—all handmade by Harley Farms employee Eilis Burke, who comes from Limerick in Ireland. Harley Farms is now doing weekend picnic baskets: a Ploughwoman’s Spread and First of the Day. Enjoy fresh eggs, homemade scones, goat cheese and more as you look out on a lovely pond and friendly goats. Visit harleyfarms.com for more info.

Opinion: June 24, 2020

Steve Palopoli

-

June 24, 2020

1

EDITOR’S NOTE

Having last written about the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter in the fall when they were part of our Santa Cruz Gives campaign, I found myself wondering recently how the organization was coping with the Covid-19 pandemic, and how it was affecting its ability to help local animals. In this week’s Pet Issue, I got a chance to check in, and what I found about the work the SCCAS has been doing during the quarantine—and what the community has done to help them with it—made me feel a little better about life. The story is in this week’s cover package, and I encourage you to read it for yourself.

Among our other cover stories, Wallace Baine looks into how our family pets may be affected by quarantine, and what we can do to help them de-stress. (Is there any kind of creature, human or otherwise, who isn’t stressed right now?) Also, Hugh McCormick writes about the precarious but rewarding process of raising his dog as an emotional support animal, in a relationship where the emotional support clearly goes both ways.

Admittedly, this Pet Issue got rather dog-heavy, though it wasn’t entirely planned that way. My promise to other cat people out there is that our favorite furballs will get more room to shine next time.

Also in these pages is a story on last week’s Juneteenth march in Santa Cruz from Susan Landry, and moving tributes to two members of the Santa Cruz community whose losses hit hard, Sara Wilbourne and Allison Endert. Stay safe, everyone.

STEVE PALOPOLI | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Read the latest letters to the editor here.

Right Call on Library

I am president of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries (FSCPL). I also served as a member of the Santa Cruz Downtown Library Advisory Committee (DLAC).

Next week, the Santa Cruz City Council will consider a recommendation from the Council’s Library Subcommittee about the future of the Downtown Branch Library. The Friends urge the City Council to approve the DLAC recommendation to build a new Downtown Library as part of the proposed multi-use facility.

Opponents of DLAC’s recommendation have often used inaccurate information as part of their argument. A recent article in the local paper by Ross Eric Gibson inaccurately states that DLAC recommended the elimination of research collections and a “play yard for children to run and scream out back.” Totally wrong.

DLAC’s recommendation came after months of study and community input that included over 2,000 individual responses to a survey about a vision for a post Measure S Downtown library.

In order to keep up with the changing reading environment, meet the challenges of information literacy for students in the age of social media, and fulfill community expectations for safe places for public gatherings, traditional library design has to change with the times.

DLAC made the right call: relocating the library was not only the most cost-efficient solution, it was also a way for the city to have a library that we can be proud of.

Martín J. Gómez, President | Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries

Stay Safe, Stay Home

Before the COVID-19 spread was a pandemic, people everywhere were struggling to have their basic needs met. Now, more than ever, food and housing insecurity looms over many, especially students who do not have additional support outside of their campus. Amidst shelter-in-place orders and university shutdowns, access to a stable food resource has become more difficult.

That is one reason why governments and officials are asking everyone who can to stay home. Not only to protect the health of yourself and others, but so those who now struggle even more can access resources safely and securely. There is hardship in this situation for everyone across the globe, but there are neighbors nearby that might have to work and expose themselves to the virus just to afford basic needs. We can fight for workers rights, food justice, and equitable solutions. But right now the most we can do is stay home.

Thanks for your time and consideration! Stay safe!

Julia Hyatt | Santa Cruz

Cost of Newsom’s Cuts

Governor Newsom’s proposed May budget revision sent chills throughout California with the elimination of Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) like Elderday, a program of Community Bridges. He posed a similar fate for Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) programs, which also help seniors remain in their homes and out of skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and respite care homes. I urge you to reach out to our local representatives in Sacramento and ensure they not only show support for these programs, but that they roll up their sleeves and actively advocate for their existence. These proposed cuts will only serve to increase costs to taxpayers with SNF costing three times more per person than CBAS, and result in displacement of Santa Cruz seniors who cannot find an appropriate care facility in their home county. Balancing the budget is not just about a financial cost, but contains a human cost that is too great to bear.

Raymon Cancino | Chief Executive Officer, Community Bridges

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

Participants will develop skills in person-centered thinking through a series of discussions, applied stories, and guided exercises.

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

GAVEL ROAD

The Superior Court of Santa Cruz County has extended application deadlines for the 2020-21 Civil Grand Jury.The new deadline is Aug. 14. This past year’s county Grand Jury is in the process of releasing its latest reports. So far, the reports have covered an investigation of outdated information on government websites, the finances of DeLaveaga Golf Course, government fiscal resiliency issues, the jail system, voter registration data, and a follow-up on previous reports. Two more reports will drop Thursday. For more information, visit santacruzcounty.us/Departments/GrandJury.aspx.

GOOD WORK

INN THE MIX

The local developer Barry Swenson Builder has completed construction of Live Oak Crossing, a new mixed-use community on 17th Avenue. The 15,000-square-foot mixed-use community is now open for 13 one- and two-bedroom units—ranging from 598 to 1,718 square feet—as well as seven commercial units. The retail spaces are designed with small businesses in mind, according to a Swenson press release, and the corner spot could be ideal for a café or a deli doing takeout.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.”
-James Herriot

Things To Do (Virtually) in Santa Cruz: June 24-30

GT Staff

-

June 23, 2020

0

Things To Do (Virtually) in Santa Cruz: June 24-30

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******@*******es.sc.

ARTS AND MUSIC

ANTHONY ARYA: LIVE AT MICHAEL’S ON MAIN On Saturday, June 27, Michael’s on Main is presenting a seated, very limited capacity show at 8:30pm. Seating will be at socially distanced tables. Due to very limited capacity, tickets will only be sold that include “Dinner and A Show” together for one price. Table reservations are for two or more. Dinners start at 6:30pm and showtime is at 8:30pm. You can make your reservations, which will be secured by a credit card, by calling 831-479-9777 (ext. 2). If you call during off hours, please leave name, number of tickets and phone number and you will get a call back Tuesday through Saturday.

CONNECTIONS: A VIRTUAL PRINTMAKING EXHIBIT View the virtual Resource Center for Nonviolence “CONNECTIONS” Printmaking Exhibit online through July 31 at rcnv.org/programs/rcnv-exhibits-the-art-of-nonviolence. In this time of the coronavirus and sheltering at home, we yearn for connection. These prints link us to the healing power of nature, our history and our memories. They provide a window of hope for the current moment. The art helps us to remember the past and to face the future. Features eleven artists: Jody Bare, Molly Brown, Marcus Cota, Esmeralda DeGiovanni, Emma Formato, Jane Gregorius, Anita Heckman, Bridget Henry, Glenn Joy, Stephanie Martin and Melissa West. The exhibit has moved online due to Covid-19, since RCNV is temporarily closed to the public. For more information: an***@**nv.org.

JOURNEY TO HOKUSAI: VIRTUAL FILM SCREENING Catch a screening of Journey to Hokusai with Tom Killion and Chikara Motomura. This film, created by Chikara Motomura, follows local artist Tom Killion as he journeys to Japan to learn traditional printing from Kenji Takenaka—a fifth generation printer in Kyoto. All current MAH Members are invited to a private Q&A with Chikara Motomura and Tom Killion following the screening. Members will be sent a link upon RSVPing. This event is limited to the first 300 people who log in to the Zoom meeting. Please email us at in**@**********ah.org with any questions. Thursday, June 25, 6pm.

EBB AND FLOW RIVER ARTS FESTIVAL 2020 Starting Friday, June 5, the community is invited to celebrate the San Lorenzo River through public art installations, virtual performance, and activities as part of the Ebb and Flow River Arts Festival. In its sixth year, Ebb and Flow 2020 will continue to deepen and inform the Santa Cruz community’s relationship with the San Lorenzo River and the Tannery Arts Center through creative educational activities and storytelling. Permanent and temporary public art will be at the center of this year’s celebration. Local artists are designing works that will elevate water literacy, connect us to the land and its history, cultivate our sense of belonging, and inspire curiosity about the impact we have on the river system. Learn more at ebbandflowfest.org.

SPEED SKETCHING Come with paper and pencil and try your hand at speed sketching: all artistic experience is welcome. Prior to beginning the program, please select an object in your home and place it in view of your computer’s camera and let’s have fun together and see who can draw the silliest, stylish, true to life, or abstract interpretation of it. Every Tuesday afternoon at 2pm, take a break out of your day for some fun! Register for Zoom at: santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/6780189.

MIKE THE MAGICIAN Magician Mike Della Penna creates wonder and laughter with family magic performances that are equal parts playful and astonishing! He is a favorite at preschools, libraries and family venues and is known for captivating the 3-to-7-year-old crowd with his fun-filled, participatory magic shows. Wednesday, June 24, 11am; Tuesday, July 7, 1pm. Visit santacruzpl.org for more information.

CLASSES

SALSA SUELTA IN PLACE: Free weekly online session in Cuban-style Salsa Suelta for experienced beginners and up. Contact to get a Zoom link. Thursdays at 7pm. salsagente.com.

VIRTUAL CHEESE TASTING WITH STAFF OF LIFE AND ESSEX CHEESE A lesson and guided tasting traversing five different European countries and experienced through the lens of five distinct producers. The iconic cheeses represented in this online seminar have rich histories whose traditional methods of production have seen a resurgence in popularity in modern consumer markets in part because of the efforts of the team at Essex Street Cheese. Essex Cheese is an importer of cheese focusing on a handful of cheeses. To tell you about how the cheeses are selected for the Essex brand as well go over production and producer specifics we have Rachel Juhl, chief educator and trainer for Essex. Join us for this rare opportunity to take a course from an industry professional like Rachel. Cost is $45 per person and includes a personal cheese tasting package. Tickets and more info: eventbrite.com/e/staff-of-life-and-essex-cheese-virtual-cheese-tasting-class-tickets-109377250300. Saturday, June 27, 6:30pm.

COMMUNITY

STERLING THE BUBBLESMITH The artist Sterling Johnson has performed versions of his remarkable hand-blown bubbles for over 45 years. He is the only person to ever put a bubble inside a bubble inside a bubble on stage without any tubes or straws, and the first person to walk completely through a bubble film! Come join us for this exciting and popular show. This program is part of our Summer Reading Program, Imagine Your Story. Register online: santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/6741389. Thursday, June 25, 11am.

2020 SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM Children and youth aged 18 and under can get free lunches this summer at 12 sites throughout Santa Cruz County! The annual Summer Lunch program, sponsored by La Manzana Community Resources, a program of Community Bridges, combats food insecurity and supports good nutritional habits. The Summer Lunch program begins June 8 and serves lunch Monday through Friday from 12-1pm. Free meals will be provided to all children, without eligibility documentation, who are 18 years of age and younger. Visit communitybridges.org/lmcr for more information.

KIDS CREATE STEAM PROJECT SERIES Series of STEAM programs through the summer for kids of all ages, presented via Facebook and our YouTube channel. Look for new videos on Tuesdays at 3:30pm and Fridays at 10am through July. Check out our Facebook (facebook.com/santacruzpl/) and YouTube channel (youtube.com/user/SantaCruzPL).

LEGO BUILDING CHALLENGE Join our eight-week summer Lego Building Challenge. You will only need common Lego pieces to complete these challenges. To join the fun, register each week via our online calendar, June 10 through July 29. On Wednesday, you will receive an email with the weekly challenge. If you would like to share your creation, post a photo on our Facebook SCPL Lego Building Challenge webpage. Bonus building challenges will be posted there for intermediate-level Lego fans. Learn more at santacruzpl.org.

TALES TO TAILS GOES VIRTUAL Tales to Tails goes virtual to create a comfortable, neutral, and fun reading experience. Bring some books, a stuffed animal or your own pet, and come read with us! This is a YouTube livestream event so you might be reading to up to six animals at once. Woo hoo! Caregivers, you can post your child’s first name and city in the comments section, along with the book they are reading, and we’ll read off as many of those names as we can, live, during the break we need to give the dogs. Each week you register we’ll send you your dog bone “punch cards.” These will be dated dog bones your child can color and email to us. The following week, we’ll display them live on the feed. This will also be recorded so if you can’t make it live, the dogs will still be there for you. Every Wednesday, 10-11am. Learn more at santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/6764929.

PEOPLE AND STORIES: READING DEEPLY IN COMMUNITY People and Stories is dedicated to opening doors to literature for new audiences. Through oral readings and rigorous discussions of enduring short stories, we invite participants to find fresh understandings of themselves, of others, and of the world. Please note that some stories contain themes and language of an adult nature. Santa Cruz Public Libraries offers People and Stories regularly in our county jails. We invite you to our special eight-week session on Zoom! Drop in for one or attend all eight People and Stories sessions! Wednesdays, June 10-July 29, 1:30pm. Learn more at santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/6760931.

THE BIG NIGHT IN REPLACES BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE 2020 For the first time in our history, we’ve had to cancel all live events including our signature Bowl for Kids’ Sake, which represents a significant portion of our annual budget. This change has the potential to disrupt services to the youth we serve. We find ourselves in an urgent situation that we hope can be remedied by a temporary campaign asking many to give a little. Since we are not able to join together to bowl this year as planned, we want to offer a way for the community to support our work as well as provide fun ways for people to have community during this unique period of sheltering in place and social distancing. Instead of having a Big Night Out like we used to and will again, we are inviting you to have a Big Night In. This campaign will run May 15-June 30. It is a virtual fundraiser that is all about having fun and supporting a great cause, 1:1 youth mentoring. To encourage and promote your participation, fun and fundraising, we will be holding Weekly Drawings throughout the campaign window. A variety of gift certificates will be awarded each week. One week we will even be raffling off exclusive California wines for those that are over 21. We will also be offering Grand Prizes to the top individual(s) and team fundraiser(s). The organization is also seeking larger donations that can be used to match campaign donations and that info can also be found on our campaign website. Learn more at amplify.netdonor.net/13981/bfks2020.

GROUPS

SUNSET BEACH BOWLS Experience the tranquility, peace and calmness as the ocean waves harmonize with the sound of Crystal Bowls. Every Tuesday at 7:45pm. Moran Lake Park.

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

A TALE OF TWO PARKS – VIRTUAL Join us for a joint exploration of two beloved state parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains: Henry Cowell Redwoods and Castle Rock! We’ll share stories, music, and trivia with you as we dive into the differences and similarities between these local hot spots. Unfortunately Zoom does not yet have a food sharing option, so this campfire is BYOS: Bring Your Own S’mores! This interactive program will be simultaneously broadcast as a Zoom webinar and a Facebook Live. Registration is required for the Zoom webinar. To register, visit tinyurl.com/SantaCruzCampfire. Like our Facebook page to receive a notification when we go live! facebook.com/HenryCowellRSP. If you are unable to join us live, this program will be recorded for later viewing. Free event. Saturday, June 27, 7pm.

LABSIDE CHATS: A CONVERSATION WITH A SCIENTIST Tune in for the next Labside Chat with Eric Palkovacs, director of the UCSC-NOAA Cooperative Institute and associate professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, on Thursday, June 25, at 11am, to explore the unique characteristics of freshwater and coastal watershed ecosystems. Submit your questions in advance for Eric, then watch the conversation to hear the answers during the live chat. Visit the Seymour Center’s website to submit your questions in advance and to access the livestream at: seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/learn/ongoing-education/labside-chats. Virtual Labside Chats are offered at no charge. Please support the Seymour Center by becoming a member or making a donation today: seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/get-involved/join.

SEYMOUR CENTER’S OCEAN EXPLORERS VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP Ocean Explorers experience the thrill of scientific discovery at a working marine lab. Join the Seymour Marine Discovery Center for behind-the-scenes virtual visits, live streaming interactions with scientists and animal trainers, and much more! Children actively learn in a distance learning format. Enjoy a week of fun this summer learning about ocean science. Investigate the incredible creatures that inhabit Monterey Bay. Discover how ocean scientists work with marine animals at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center and Long Marine Lab to help conserve animals in the wild. Space is limited–APPLY NOW! Masterful Marine Mammals, ages 9-11, June 22-26, July 13-17, and August 3-7. Masterful Marine Mammals, ages 12-14, June 15-19, June 29-July 3, and July 20-24. Something’s Fishy, ages 7-9 (waitlist only), July 6-10. Marine Science for Girls, ages 9-11, (waitlist only), July 27-31. Programs run 10:30am to 2:30pm (1-hour lunch break from 12-1pm): varied activities and mini-breaks. Fees: Members $250 (was $610); General Public $300 (was $650). Learn more at seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/learn/youth-teen-programs/ocean-explorers-summer-camp.

Easing Pet Anxiety During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Wallace Baine

-

June 23, 2020

0

Easing Pet Anxiety During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Just as with people, the Covid-19 pandemic and its disruptions to daily life can take a psychological toll on pets. What happens to the family dog, for instance, when her human companions are all suddenly at home around the clock? How does he respond when his walk and exercise routines are upended? And how does she react to everyone wearing masks?

Mardi Richmond is a professional certified dog trainer and the owner/operator of Good Dog Santa Cruz, where she specializes in issues with puppies and adolescent dogs. She says that the shelter-in-place era has had both its positive and not-so-positive outcomes for dogs as well as their human companions.

“For people, it’s sometimes surprising when you spend so much more time with your dog that those things that were little annoyances are, when you’re around them all the time, all of a sudden big annoyances, kind of like it can be with your spouse or your kids,” Richmond says.

Dogs are generally comfortable with routine—and Covid-19 has been the ultimate routine disruptor. “Changes in routine can be stressful for dogs,” Richmond says. “And when dogs are stressed, they do behaviors that people don’t like. I can’t say that they are problem behaviors exactly, because they are dog behaviors.”

There are practical concerns regarding dogs and the spread of Covid-19. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that animals including pets can be infected by, and can spread, the virus. And the CDC suggests that pets not be permitted to interact with people outside their household, though the agency deems the risk of spread from animals to humans to be low.

But most dog lovers are dealing with the behavioral and mental-health issues that have spiked since the pandemic lockdown. For example, dogs used to their owners’ absence during most of the day, while at work, often sleep most of that time. When owners are at home all day, dogs may become sleep-deprived, says Richmond, “like that toddler who is overtired and kind of gets antsy and reactive.”

It’s important, say pet specialists, to maintain schedules, even while sheltering in place. Dogs respond best by having meals and exercise take place in a predictable pattern.

“They are definitely having to learn a new norm. It usually takes a few days to adjust when you set a new schedule. But some people are not setting schedules. Until they get on a new schedule, dogs are always going to be a little off-kilter.”

Much like humans, Richmond says, dogs may simply be missing their friends and acquaintances in the neighborhood. And social distancing rules only bring on confusion. “They’re missing the social interaction. Even on a walk, dogs will often say hi to the neighbor. Now we’re saying, ‘No, don’t go say hi to Joe down the street. You have to stay away.’”

Dogs are also now seeing humans wearing face coverings. Dogs depend on other cues to identify individuals, including scent, the sound of someone’s voice, even the way they walk or move. Richmond’s experience in recent weeks is that dogs’ reaction to masks are as different as their personalities. “Some dogs are completely unfazed by it. Other dogs seem really freaked out by not seeing people’s faces. They don’t know how to respond.”

There are ways that dog owners can help their pets get used to face coverings. The trick is to introduce it gradually, put it on around the house for short periods, allow the dog to sniff the mask and get close to it.

Another potential behavioral trouble spot has to do with people coming and going in the household. In normal times, those visitors can be familiar “friends,” but during the pandemic, that foot traffic has slowed down if not ceased altogether, except in the case of home deliveries, which have increased dramatically. “Deliveries are pretty stressful for dogs,” Richmond says. “And it’s a huge stressor for people, too, when our dogs suddenly erupt.”

The challenges for dog professionals during the Covid-19 crisis have been exacerbated by the phenomenon of “pandemic puppies,” a reported spike in puppy adoptions over the last three months. These dogs may not be getting the kind of socialization that is needed to adapt to a new household.

“As long as you’re forward thinking about ‘What will my puppy need to handle this long-term,’ and you’re putting those steps in place as well, they’ll be fine,” Richmond says. “If you’re not teaching them home-alone skills because you’re already home all the time, that’s going to be a problem, for sure.”

What’s true for new puppies is also true for other dogs as well. The key, says Richmond, is to prepare your pet to adapt to different circumstances and routines.

“Most of these challenges can be mitigated with just a little bit of thoughtfulness,” she says. “When life is predictable, their stress goes down a lot. If we’re really looking at what our dogs’ needs are, if we’re making sure they get enough exercise and activity, as well as rest, all that can be super advantageous. It’s really about taking it really slowly and setting up your dog for success when routines change.”

Santa Cruz Steps up for Shelter Animals During the Pandemic

Steve Palopoli

-

June 23, 2020

0

Santa Cruz Steps up for Shelter Animals During the Pandemic

While Santa Cruz sheltered in place, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter was in constant motion.

“We never shut down, and we never stopped doing adoptions,” says Erika Anderson, the shelter’s program and development manager. That means they continued to take in every animal that needed it, as well as continuing mobile services like spay and neutering, vaccinations and more. In addition, they started a pet food pantry every Tuesday from 10am-noon, bringing food donated by Earthwise in Scotts Valley, Pet Pals in Soquel, and community members.

One thing they didn’t have, however, was their army of volunteers, due to the health orders during quarantine. That affected how many animals they could effectively care for at the shelter, and forced them to rely more than ever on the Santa Cruz community to provide foster homes—and the community came through. Since quarantine began in March, the shelter has placed more than 70 animals in foster homes.

“During the first couple of weeks, the animals just flew out of here,” Anderson says. Though she doesn’t mean it literally, the shelter has been called on to help out in some unusual circumstances, like when 1000 hens were rescued from an Iowa egg farm that had to be shut down due to the coronavirus. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter took in 80 of them, all of which were adopted within a week.

“It’s been phenomenal to see our team and our families work together,” says Anderson.

Though the volunteers are now back, the SCCAC can still use some help helping local animals through the pandemic. Anderson says locals can support the shelter through using their services, especially licensing and other normal processes that have fallen off during shelter-in-place, or through donations at scanimalshelter.org. The shelter is also accepting unopened pet food for its weekly pantry.

How One Santa Cruz Dog Offers Emotional Support

Hugh McCormick

-

June 23, 2020

0

How One Santa Cruz Dog Offers Emotional Support

I’m a proud parent, but my 5-year-old’s mental illness (dissociative identity disorder) can be a little much sometimes.

One minute he’s a “Grangel”—sitting quietly, snuggling, or (my favorite) sleeping. The next he’s full on “Grucifer”—shredding things, yipping so loud he wakes up the neighbors, and straight up raising hell. I never know which Groot I’m going to get.

His name may mean “big” in Dutch, but the only colossal thing about the 11-pound chiweenie is his slightly deranged, and refreshingly chaotic, personality. Well, that and his ridiculously floppy ears, which never cease to mystify and amaze.

I love the little dude. He’s been with me through thick and thin—a fire, the Trump era (a fire in its own right), some brutal losses, a global pandemic, and a pretty shitty breakup. When I finally extricated myself from a toxic four-and-a-half year relationship (ugh), I fought hard to keep him. Groot is my dog.

I was the one who found him—and his oh-so-adorbs puppy mug shot—in the back of the Auto Shopper Magazine. I was the one who drove all the way to Hollister, handed over 150 of my hard-earned sheckles, and liberated the 6-week-old furball from an evil kitty overlord and weird-and-slightly-creepy owners. They told me they thought that he was a pug! They had no clue.

For having a wee little pea brain, Groot turned out to be a pretty smart cookie. On hikes, or at the disc golf course, he confidently leads the way—understanding the paths and way around the forest better than his human counterparts. If he wants or needs food, he’ll nod his head at and stare, with slightly watery eyes, at whatever he aims to nosh. If he needs to pee, he’ll patiently wait by the door for me to let him outside. He doesn’t really say anything, but he says a lot.

Angels sang and rejoiced (or maybe it was Enya?) as the sun broke through clouds in a periwinkle sky on a cool and crisp autumn morning, casting light on the Pearly Gates (er, wooden gates) of Chanticleer Dog Park. Birds chirped nearby, and morning dew drops clung to blades of grass in a recently manicured field, shining like diamonds. It was a monumental day, the happiest in Groot’s life. It was the day he learned to pee on things.

Dogs lift their legs to urinate on things they consider theirs. To let other doggies know that they are present, and to signify their reproductive status and canine ranking. It was obvious from the get go that Groot had high aspirations—and some kind of Pinky-and-the-Brain-type complex going on.

Pinky: “Gee Brain, what are we gonna do tonight?”

Brain: “The same thing we do every night, try to take over the world!”

It may have taken him a while to catch on, and to truly understand the power of his pee, but during his five brief years, Groot has made it his mission to slowly but surely take over the world, one lifted leg at a time. He’s blossomed into an eccentric, semi-obsessive artist—the Picasso of Pee—practicing and perfecting his form and technique wherever and whenever he can.

I can deal with his urinary urges and peeing proclivities today—heck, they’re kind of cute—but OMG potty/house training the little dude was an absolute nightmare. Good ol’ Wikipedia taught me that proper house training is all about positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience. But it didn’t begin to explain just how patient you’ll need to be. Typically, it takes puppies 3-6 months to be fully house trained. That would have been a dream come true! It took my little furball close to a year and a half to cease his peeing on the walls and carpet, not to mention dropping deuces in my bathroom, kitchen … and bed.

Today, Groot is a Grangel most of the time. He’s 100% potty trained, my devoted caddy on the disc golf course, my wing man at the beach (26th Avenue is our spot!), and he doesn’t rip up carpet, shred my pillows, or gnaw through the legs of my coffee tables. He was a lot to handle as a puppy. Some days I miss that side of him—adorable little Grucifer—but most of the time I’m just grateful that he’s finally mellowed out.

His Napoleon complex is largely gone now. Yes, Groot still has ambitions and aspirations of ruling the world, but long weekends of training and “Puppy Kindergarten” have taught him proper bite inhibition, socialization, and (mostly) obedience.

A few years ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed of taking Groot into a store or a restaurant with me, or into one of my classes at UCSC. But today, Groot and I are a package deal. As a certified emotional support animal, he saunters along beside my shopping cart in Whole Foods, chills silently under my table at Lillian’s Italian Kitchen, and cowers behind my chair in the shade at the beach. I can’t tell you how much it means to have such a loyal, sweet, and yes, slightly deranged, companion by my side each and every day. And, in case anybody asks, yes, I have a note from a doctor and yes, Grootie is certified. He’s got a red vest and everything.

Rob Brezsny’s Astrology: June 24-30

Rob Brezsny

-

June 23, 2020

1

Free will astrology for the week of June 24

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In addition to being a magnificent storyteller, Aries author Barbara Kingsolver raises chickens at her home. “There are days when I am envious of my hens,” she writes, “when I hunger for a purpose as perfect and sure as a single daily egg.” Do you ever experience that delightful rush of assurance, Aries? I suspect that you’re likely to do so on multiple occasions in the coming weeks. And if you are indeed visited by visions of a perfect and sure purpose, your next task will be to initiate practical action to manifest it in the real world.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Nobel Prize–winning Taurus physicist Richard Feynman earned his undergraduate degree from prestigious MIT and his PhD from prestigious Princeton University. Later he taught at prestigious Caltech. But his approach to education had a maverick quality. “Study hard what interests you the most in the most undisciplined, irreverent, and original manner possible,” he advised his students. I think his strategy will work well for you in the coming weeks, which will be a favorable time to gather valuable information and polish your existing aptitudes.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’re entering a phase when you’ll have the potential to upgrade and fine-tune your relationship with money. In the hope of encouraging that prospect, I offer you the counsel of author Katharine Butler Hathaway. “To me, money is alive,” she wrote. “It is almost human. If you treat it with real sympathy and kindness and consideration, it will be a good servant and work hard for you, and stay with you and take care of you.” I hope you’ll consider cultivating that approach, dear Gemini: expressing benevolence and love toward money, and pledging to be benevolent and loving as you use the money you acquire.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Who would deduce the dragonfly from the larva, the iris from the bud, the lawyer from the infant?” Author Diane Ackerman asks her readers that question, and now I pose the same inquiry to you—just in time for your Season of Transformation. “We are all shape-shifters and magical reinventors,” Ackerman says. I will add that you Cancerians now have the potential to be exceptional shape-shifters and magical reinventors. What new amazements might you incorporate into your life? What dazzling twists and twinkles would you like to add to your character? What will the Future You be like?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Qabalistic teacher Ann Davies asked, “If you stick your finger in the fire, do you then complain that it is unfair when your finger gets burned? Do you call the fire bad?” I offer you this caution, Leo, because I want to encourage you not to stick your fingers or toes or any other parts of you into the fire during the coming weeks. And I’m happy to inform you that there are better approaches to finding out what’s important to learn about the fire. The preferred way is to watch the fire keenly and patiently from a modest distance. If you do so long enough, you’ll get all you need.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In accordance with upcoming astrological portents, I urge you to engage in a vigorous redefinition of the term “miracle.” That will open you up to the full range of miraculous phenomena that are potentially available in the coming weeks. For inspiration, read this passage by Faith Baldwin: “Miracles are everyday things. Not only sudden great fortune wafting in on a new wind. They are almost routine, yet miracles just the same. Every time something hard becomes easier; every time you adjust to a situation which, last week, you didn’t know existed; every time a kindness falls as softly as the dew; or someone you love who was ill grows better; every time a blessing comes, not with trumpet and fanfare, but silently as night, you have witnessed a miracle.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): When Libras become authoritative enough to wield clout in their own sphere of influence, it’s often due to three factors: 1. the attractive force of their empathy; 2. their abilities to listen well and ask good questions, which help enable them to accurately read people’s emotional energy; 3. their knack for knowing specific tricks that promote harmony and a common sense of purpose. If you possess any of these talents, dear Libra, the next eight weeks will be a favorable time to employ them with maximum intensity and ingenuity and integrity. You’re primed to acquire and wield more leverage.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): There is only one kind of erotic intimacy between consenting adults that can truly be called “unnatural”: an act that is physically impossible to perform. Everything else is potentially vitalizing and holy. No one knows this better than you Scorpios. You’re the champions of exotic pleasure; the connoisseurs of blissful marvels; the masters of curious delight and extraordinary exultation. And from an astrological perspective, the coming weeks will be a time when these aspects of your character could be especially vivid. But wait a minute. What about the pandemic? What about social-distancing? What about being cautious in seeking intimate connection? If anyone can work around these constraints so as to have sexual fun, it’s your tribe. Use your imagination!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): When he was 22 years old, Sagittarian-born Werner Heisenberg received his doctorate in physics and mathematics from a German university—even though he got a grade of C on his final exams. Nine years later, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics because of his pioneering work on quantum mechanics. What happened in between? One key development: He was mentored by physicists Niels Bohr and Max Born, both of whom also garnered Nobel Prizes. Another factor in his success was his association with other brilliant colleagues working in his field. I hope this story inspires you Sagittarians to be on the lookout for catalytic teachers and colleagues who can expedite your evolution. The planetary omens are favorable for such an eventuality.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You Capricorns aren’t renowned for causing controversy. For the most part you’re skillful at managing your reputation and keeping it orderly. But there may soon be a departure from this norm. A bit of a hubbub could arise in regards to the impressions you’re making and the effects you’re generating. I’m reminded of Capricorn author J. D. Salinger, whose book Catcher in the Rye was for a time widely taught in American schools but also widely banned because of its allegedly controversial elements. These days the book is regarded as a beloved classic, and I suspect you will weather your commotion with similar panache.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Novelist Tom Robbins articulated a vision of what it means to be bold and brave. He said, “Real courage is risking something that might force you to rethink your thoughts and suffer change and stretch consciousness.” I’m hoping you will make that formula your keynote in the coming weeks. The time is right for you to summon extra amounts of fortitude, determination and audacity. What new possibilities are you ready to flesh out in ways that might prod you to revise your beliefs and welcome transformation and expand your awareness?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Joan of Arc performed her heroic and magical feats in 1430 and 1431. But she wasn’t canonized as a saint until 1920—almost five centuries later. It took a while to garner the full appreciation she deserved. I’m sure you won’t have to wait as long to be acknowledged for your good deeds and fine creations, Pisces. In fact, from what I can tell, there’ll be a significant honor, enhancement or reward coming your way sometime in the next four months. Start visualizing what you’d like it to be, and set your intention to claim it.

Homework: What’s one thing you could do to enhance the well-being of a person or people you don’t know? freewillastrology.com.

Laili, Other Santa Cruz Restaurants Reopen for Dining In

Christina Waters

-

June 23, 2020

0

Laili, Other Santa Cruz Restaurants Reopen for Dining In

Always one of my favorite Santa Cruz dining spots, Laili is now offering the chance to dine in as well as order takeaway from a menu that includes all the restaurant’s favorites. So we ordered some of ours last week for takeaway. Worth noting: when I went to pick up, there were patrons already seated inside, as well as out in the atmospheric courtyard. The reopening is working!

Choosing is always a challenge at Laili, given the incredible possibilities such as cilantro Caesar salad, brilliant pastas, and complex wraps. So we let our appetites decide. The outrageous lamb kabob, with exceptionally tender lamb tenderloin roasted on skewers, is my all-time favorite ($29). And so is the house pan-roasted trout with lemon garlic sauce ($19). We got both dishes, along with a side of tangy babaghanoush ($4). Without babaghanoush it’s just not a serious Mediterranean excursion.

Laili packs its dinners beautifully, with proteins neatly placed alongside the aromatic basmati rice and sauteed veggies. Various sauces and chutneys came in small containers—as usual our favorites were a zippy, minty, yogurt relish, and another of bright green pureed cilantro and chiles. We dished out our dinners, including the filet of trout topped with lemon and parsley, opened a bottle of Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards Grenache, and shared from each plate. It’s fun to play with the different sauces, each adding a muscular richness to the lamb and fish without relying on Mediterranean culinary clichés.

The food traveled well. The plump cubes of flawless lamb, medium rare as requested in our online order, were incredible. The sweet and tart eggplant infused with tahini, lemon, garlic, and perfumed with dried mint was perfection with the tender lamb—very tender lamb. A separate box of spicy salad of cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, Persian cucumbers and aromatic cilantro was included.

After the first bite of our satisfying meal, we reminded ourselves that we needed to add Laili to our short list of takeaway favorites. With each passing week restaurants are figuring out how to pack their dinners for ease of serving and attractiveness of in-home presentation. It’s a huge challenge, and I salute every chef and restaurateur and staffer who is helping to provide diners some continuity in the current dicey environment. Patrons: the survival of your favorite restaurant is up to you!

Laili, 101 B. Cooper St., Santa Cruz. 831-423-4545, lailirestaurant.com. Takeout all day; dine-in Tuesday-Sunday, 11:30am-2:30pm, and 5-9pm or 10pm.

Homeless Garden Retail

Both stores devoted to the handiwork of Homeless Garden Project apprentices are back open, the Pacific Avenue store Thursday-Sunday, 11am-6pm, and the Capitola Esplanade store Friday-Sunday from noon to 6pm. The stores showcase products made from herbs and flowers grown on the organic farm, including candles, jams, bath and body items, plus jewelry, books and cards. Bring your mask and stop by.

homelessgardenproject.org.

Avanti Opens!

Jon and Tatiana Glass emailed to say that they’re back in the on-site dining action, serving in three dining areas Wednesday-Sunday, 5-9pm. Enjoy the Avanti menu at the outdoor patio, the Garden Room, or the main dining room. Avanti will absolutely continue the popular curbside pickup feature, but however you choose, don’t miss the house dinosaur kale salad—add the succulent hanger steak for a few dollars more.

Avanti, 1917 Mission St., Santa Cruz. Make reservations at 831-427-0135 avantisantacruz.squarespace.com.

Wine of the Week

We enjoyed an Alfaro Estate Pinot Noir 2018 ($22) along with a recent dinner of salmon, and another of mushroom risotto. The wine’s medium-light 13.5% alcohol was the perfect carrier for the varietal’s bouquets of bay leaves and plums, plus a pleasant hint of tobacco. An appealing partner for olives, cheeses, and burgers. The dramatic “A” on the label says it all. Available at Shopper’s Corner.

Alleged Ben Lomond Gunman Makes Court Appearance

Todd Guild

-

June 23, 2020

0

Alleged Ben Lomond Gunman Makes Court Appearance

The Ben Lomond man accused of killing two law enforcement officials and trying to kill two others in Santa Cruz County and the City of Oakland made his first appearance in federal court Tuesday.

Steven Carrillo did not enter a plea during the short hearing in U.S. District Court in San Francisco. He made his appearance via video conference from Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County, where he is being held without bail.

Carrillo was transferred to the jail last week to face charges that, on May 29, he gunned down Pat Underwood, a federal officer providing security for the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building. He also wounded a second officer in that shooting.

His attorney Jeffrey Stotter said that Carrillo has been placed on suicide watch. He is being charged with murder and attempted murder of United States government employees, and he faces either life in prison or the death penalty if convicted, said U.S. District Judge Lauren Beeler.

It is unclear who will represent Carrillo in the federal case. Stotter asked that a federal defense attorney be appointed in the case, but Assistant United States Attorney Katherine M. Lloyd-Lovett told Beeler the office has a conflict of interest in the case.

Carrillo returns to federal court on June 29, when an attorney will be appointed. He could enter a plea at that time.

Carrillo is also facing charges that he killed Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputy Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller and injured three other law enforcement officials on June 6, in addition to several other felony charges that include carjacking and using a bomb.

Santa Cruz County Assistant District Attorney Tara George said that Carrillo will simultaneously be tried for those crimes here. He returns to Santa Cruz County Superior Court on July 17, when he will likely enter a plea.

Santa Cruz County Remembers Allison Endert

Jacob Pierce

-

June 22, 2020

0

Santa Cruz County Remembers Allison Endert

Friends of Allison Endert remember the former Santa Cruz County analyst as loyal, hard-working, politically savvy, bright and kind.

“She was my best friend in Santa Cruz, my confidant, my work colleague. But she was such a good friend to everyone,” says Endert’s colleague Rachel Dann. The two worked together for county Supervisor Ryan Coonerty, until Endert was struck by an allegedly intoxicated driver and killed on an afternoon walk in Seabright June 15. The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported that the driver, Mark Mendoza Zambrano, pleaded not guilty Friday.

Endert’s many close friends recall the way she radiated compassion and always put her family first. More than anything, they remember a woman perpetually motivated by the fight against injustice.

“I just want everyone to know what drove her,” Dann says. “What drove her in her work every day was fighting structural inequalities. That was the case back when I met her 22 years ago. She was laser-focused—whether that was inequalities in the school system or gender inequalities. That was her reason for going into public service, and she saw public service as a way she could make a difference. She just touched countless policies and people’s lives and helped people navigate the bureaucratic system.”

*From left, Allison Endert with close friends, Melissa Whatley, Deanna Sessums, and Rachel Dann. PHOTO: COURTESY OF RACHEL DANN*

As colleagues go, Coonerty says Endert was “perfect.” Coonerty often found himself in awe at how Endert used her job as a vehicle to make a difference, he says.

“She had a real moral clarity. Public policy discussions can get very heated, and there’s a lot of nuance, but when she spoke up, she really always could bring it back to the moral imperative,” Coonerty remembers. “It made me always want to do better. She held herself to a high standard and held others to a high standard.”

One of Endert’s and Coonerty’s biggest policy successes was the Nurse-Family Partnership, a program that connects first-time mothers with nurses to provide support through the first two years of a child’s life. Coonerty credits Endert with making it all happen.

Former county analyst Andy Schiffrin used to work alongside Endert, Dann in Coonerty’s office. And like Dann, he remembers Endert’s relentlessness when it came to making Santa Cruz County a better place.

“So much of getting things done depends on having someone who can dot their i’s and cross their t’s, who can see things through, who can move the project forward, and staying on top of it, seeing through to completion. And she was very capable in that way. She did what she said she was going to do, and she did it well,” Schiffrin says.

Endert—who is survived by her partner Andy Tatum and their two daughters, ages 15 and 12—first got involved in politics during her time at UCSC in the late ’90s. She worked for then-Assemblymember John Laird in the early 2000s.

*Allison Endert (right) with partner Andy Tatum. PHOTO: MELISSA WHATLEY*

Laird recalls that, when Endert’s daughters were born, she decided to go from being full-time to working 20 hours a week. Laird says that, every week, Endert did 40 hours in 20 hours. Laird ultimately received an award for being a family-friendly employer, he recalls. Although Endert had no problem with her boss getting the honor, Laird says he was baffled by the process.

“I told her, ‘You’re the one doing 40 hours of week in 20 in hours, and you were the one with the two daughters. You should be getting the award!’” he says.

Laird also remembers Endert telling him many years ago that she wanted him to meet her mother. Laird said the three of them met up for lunch, and toward the end of their chat, Endert’s mom realized she and Laird were the same age. To Laird, it did not seem possible. “I was so upset. I considered Allison a peer. I did not consider her a generation younger than me,” he says.

*A memorial popped up on Murray Street in honor of Allison Endert, who was killed by an intoxicated driver June 15. PHOTO: TARMO HANNULA*

Although she was best known for her work, Endert’s generosity extended to her personal friendships.

For some 15 years running, Endert and Dann had been getting together for regular drinks with fellow friends Melissa Whatley, the government relations director for UCSC, and Deanna Sessums, the regional public affairs manager for the League of California Cities’ Monterey Bay division.

Good Times wrote a news story about those meet-ups in 2007. At the time, Endert was working for Laird, and Dann was working for then-county Supervisor Neal Coonerty, the father of Ryan Coonerty, who was then-vice mayor. Although it would be another seven years before he ran for the supervisor seat himself, the vice mayor was already well-acquainted with the lore that surrounded those meetings and also aware of the influence wielded by the four networking women who organized them. “To get anything done in this town you’re going to have to go through one of them,” Ryan Coonerty told GT at the time.

Their happy hour tradition continued over the years, although after the pandemic started, the gatherings morphed into Zoom calls. The group also had a call last week, as everyone mourned the loss of their friend. “It felt like one leg of our table was missing,” Dann says.

Whenever one of the women had a birthday approaching, Whatley says Endert always stressed that they all had to get together. But when Endert’s own birthday drew near, Endert would downplay the event and say they didn’t have to do anything. The others would all agree that they had to go out and make Endert come along.

In the midst of a discussion, Whatley and other friends say that Endert was a fantastic listener. Sometimes she wouldn’t say much, but then when she spoke up, she would share something profound, Whatley remembers.

“She was always quietly in the background,” she says, “and then she would floor you with something incredible.”

LATEST ARTICLES

LATEST ARTICLES

LATEST ARTICLES

LATEST ARTICLES

Harley Farms Goat Dairy

EDITOR’S NOTE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

GOOD IDEA

GOOD WORK

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

ARTS AND MUSIC

CLASSES

COMMUNITY

GROUPS

OUTDOOR

Homeless Garden Retail

Avanti Opens!

Wine of the Week