Bratton Online

Highlights this week:
More about the MAH Black “M” and Abbott Fountain, Omei Boycott in effect, Save Santa Cruz meeting,…Debbie Bulger and mountain bikers… Greensite on Downtown Recovery Plan finale at Planning Commission…Krohn and what affordable housing crisis? our “crazy” police chief, Drew Glover running for City Council, why Robert Singleton for Planning Commissioner? …Steinbruner and why are we paying $3 million dollars for an Aptos Village Stoplight?, Aptos Village developer Testorff breaking rules, still no permits for Rancho Del Mar demolitions, historic 1890 Milsap House destroyed, and she too asks why Robert Singleton for Planning Commissioner …Patton about “Better Living Without Chemistry”…deCinzo and cyclists…Eagan and Ducking the issue…Munching with Mozart…Santa Cruz Chamber Players new season concert on 10/22…Jensen and Rotten Tomatoes symbols…I critique Loving Vincent and Marshall…Quotes on Forest Fires.

AERIAL VIEW DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ 1946. Look closely… see the post office, McHugh Bianchi Store, The Civic Auditorium, The Cooper House, the original pre-Catalyst building, just a bit of the Octagon,…a great photo.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.

Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

NIAGARA FALLS COLLAPSE.
Having grown up in Buffalo, New York we went to the falls every time relatives visited. This footage is shocking and looks like our West Cliff Drive.

BLADERUNNER 2049. I’m just trying to get everybody to go see this brilliant film.

STEPHEN COLBERT’S FAKE INTERVIEW WITH TRUMP.

DATELINE October 16, 2017

OCTAGON PLATZ. Being back sitting near the front door of The Octagon not only re-opens contact with dozens and dozens of old and new friends, it creates grand new items to write about. Again the question came up about…”whatever happened to the big, tall black letter “M” that stood at the corner of Front and Cooper Street”. As I reported a couple of weeks ago Nina Simon MAH director replied…

…”When we designed and built the new deck wrapping around the corner, we wanted to invite people to easily hang out and people-watch from there. We also wanted to make the deck as big as possible”. What I learned last week from one of those reliable sources is the the big black letter M at last sighting was in Nina and her husband’s back yard!

I also learned that the Chuck Abbott Square Fountain, the only fountain in Santa Cruz was originally built with the original steps to The Octagon itself. The Octagon was our original Hall of Records in 1882. Alan Counahan who designed and built that fountain cut those stairs into the sides of that fountain over at Angelo Grova’s Michangelo’s studios on River Street. Where are those steps now? Who knows?? Somehow many folks keep forgetting that MAH, the entire Abbott Square operation all are under County not Santa Cruz City control.

OMEI BACK OPEN AND BOYCOTT?? According to once again located in Santa Cruz…Sentinel, Roger Grigsby has opened the Omei on a limited basis. As you probably remember Grigsby donated $500 to the 2016 U.S. Senate Campaign of David Duke the former head of the Ku Klux Klan. As Grigsby stated, “It would be really interesting if these people really listen to David Duke himself, rather than listening to what other people say about him,” Grigsby said of Duke, who led the KKK from 1974 to 1978′. It’s all about the supremacy of the white race and especially the males. Many folks stated that a boycott closed the Omei…I don’t think so. Grigsby himself stated it was the quitting of his staff. Now we have a chance to see if a BOYCOTT of the Omei will keep it closed. You probably remember Greenpeace boycotting Exxon, boycotting Nestle for their artificial breast milk, Wal-Mart and their gun sales, Gallo wine and Cesar Chavez’ protest? Well check inward and figure out if you want your money going to the Ku Klux Klan or whatever right wing organizations your Omei bill goes to.

I STILL NEED A CAR. I got one response from Ralph Williams who is trying to help me find a reasonably priced car. If any reader of friends of readers knows of an automobile for sale please get in touch as soon as possible. It’s easy just email me at bratton@cruzio.com . My 1998 Honda has about 205,000 miles on it and……please???

“SAVE SANTA CRUZ”. Stop Overbuilding, stop rezoning.
As their face book page says, “Who is being served here & who is making money? Please attend these housing events & ask tough questions “The development on tap all over the City is not required to include below market rate housing & provides HUGE breaks to developers”.

There’s a meeting for everyone who cares about the character and community of Santa Cruz. It’s Thursday October 26 at The Santa Cruz Community Church 411 Roxas Street 6:30 -8 p.m.

Click the image on the right to see what Seabright and Soquel corner (Charlie Hong Kong) would look like

Hear more from your neighbors and find out ways you can get involved and TAKE ACTION!! The Church on 411 Roxas Street is between Trevethen Avenue and Park Way.

“MOUNTAIN BIKERS WANT MORE”. That’s what Debbie Bulger told me at The Octagon Platz last week. Debbie is the coordinator of “Mission: Pedestrian“, the Santa Cruz pedestrian advocacy group and local affiliate of California Walks. Write it up I said…she did!

MOUNTAIN BIKERS WANT MORE…Debbie Bulger.

Mountain bikers want more places to play in Santa Cruz. In fact they have displaced those on foot in park after park yet represent only one quarter the numbers of residents who prefer walking and hiking for recreation.

Right now Santa Cruz is a “Mecca” for mountain biking. Don’t take my word for it; listen to the mountain bikers themselves and the folks who track them: Singletracks.com lists the Soquel Demonstration Forest/Forest of Nisene Marks as #2 in their posting of the BEST Mountain Bike Trails in California. That’s right, #2 in the whole state.

Stacy Peterson reports on santacruz.org : “From mellow rollers beside the ocean to technical singletrack through the redwoods, Santa Cruz is a mountain bike Mecca with spectacular terrain and views to match.”

Dan Palermini says this about the Soquel Demonstration State Forest on mtbr.com. “Boasting some of the best legal mountain biking in the San Francisco Bay Area, “Demo” is a regional riding hotspot . . . .”The Soquel Demo Forest above Nisene Marks has the Flow Trail, an almost 4-mile long technical screamer featuring banked turns and jumps.

The Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBoSC) website enthuses “We are blessed with a multitude of options for riding here in Santa Cruz County.” Additionally they assert, “Santa Cruz County is quickly becoming a bike park mecca.”

These sentiments explain the comments I receive whenever I’m out of town and mention to a new acquaintance that I’m from Santa Cruz. “Santa Cruz is a biking Mecca,” they invariably say whether they are from Orange County or Vermont.

MBoSC, on its own website, identifies over 200 miles of mountain bike routes in or near Santa Cruz at Wilder Ranch, Henry Cowell State Park, UCSC campus, Big Basin, Pogonip, and DeLaveaga Park not counting the miles of new trails to be created in the next few years in the San Vicente Redwoods (former Cemex). This plethora of trails does not count those in Monterey County such as the over 100 miles of trails on Fort Ord National Monument.

MBoSC is a well-funded non-profit with multiple paid staff members and numerous local partners in the bike industry such as Fox Shox, Santa Cruz Bicycles, and Ibis Cycles among others. Santa Cruz Bicycles has donated $500,000 for new trail development in the San Vicente Redwoods area. Some of these trails will be designated for mountain bike use alone.

I am not arguing against mountain biking as a sport or “wholesome family activity.” I am arguing against misrepresentation of the facts. It is critical that decision makers objectively analyze the situation and not be swayed by false claims of paucity of mountain biking trails.

In testimony before the Santa Cruz City Council those lobbying for more mountain biking trails in City parks claimed there are fewer than “40 miles of trails open to cyclists” in Santa Cruz. They derive that number because they don’t count fire roads. Many of those testifying were from out of town.

Despite the bikers’ public testimony, they actually have it pretty good in Santa Cruz—more than pretty good. What is threatened is the peaceful experience and serenity hikers’ desire. Few hikers crave the adrenalin surge of spotting a bike and rider hurtling downhill towards them at 30 mph or more. Officially, the bike rider is supposed to yield to the hiker. How many hikers choose to test this right of way challenge?

Because of such conflicts most hikers have been displaced on trails at Wilder Ranch, the Aptos Creek Fire Road, and the McCrary trail at Pogonip. Indeed, Pogonip and Moore Creek Preserve are part of a dwindling resource for hikers and dog walkers: a place to walk where they don’t have to worry about being run over. The stress is almost unbearable for elderly walkers who just want a quiet stroll in a natural setting.

The fact is the city of Santa Cruz residents overwhelmingly prefer hiking, running, swimming, surfing, and soccer over mountain biking. A random sample survey of community preferences for fitness, athletic, or sports activities conducted for the City showed that the greatest percent of respondents (37%) preferred hiking or walking. Next came swimming and running at 17% each. Further down on the list after road biking, surfing and soccer was mountain biking at 9%. Despite the many mountain bike opportunities in the Santa Cruz area, mountain bikers want more. That is understandable; it is human nature to want more. They are lobbying the City of Santa Cruz to build additional trails in the Pogonip and at DeLaveaga Park Wilderness.

The City will be studying proposed new trails in our open spaces. If you are concerned about the loss of quiet, natural places for people to walk without fear, sign up for info on Walking in Nature at missionped.org and talk to your Santa Cruz City Council members.

HIGH RISE GAMBLING
Surveying the near empty council chambers at the last Planning Commission meeting for a final vote on the Downtown “Recovery” Plan (DRP), the chair of the Commission declared, “no one here means the community is ready for the Plan and supports it.” A convenient forgetting of the scores of people who have showed up and voiced their opposition to this rezoning of sections of the downtown for future building heights of up to 70 feet abutting the river levee between Soquel and Laurel and up to 85 feet on the west side of Front and between Pacific and Front for selected parcels: such heights way beyond those recommended in the post-earthquake DRP. I attended most of the meetings on this project, including this final one. I can attest that when the topic of building heights was on the agenda, public opposition was vocal and strong and ignored. When the public is ignored, they either get organized and push back or drift away. I was the only person who spoke against the project.

Most commissioners had nothing but praise for the DRP. Commissioner Conway did acknowledge that this “represents a significant change for our town” and “we’ll be counting on talented architects” to make it work. Commissioner Spellman is often the lone voice expressing a modicum of reservation for the overbuilding of Santa Cruz. His cautious critique of the DRP passed into the void, as did the CA Coastal Commission’s concerns, which were reframed by senior planner Ron Powers as “encouraging active uses of the river walk.” The CA Coastal Commission concerns were actually about the height of the buildings and the need for more community serving uses but no mind; this is about selling the private development agenda not communicating the facts. Tall building heights are no problem, says the EIR (Environmental Impact Report) since we look at things “at eye level”. The EIR also concluded that the increased traffic from the project cannot be mitigated. This inconvenient truth was swept away by a Statement of Overriding Considerations, the means by which significant environmental impacts can be ignored in an EIR if other needs are deemed overriding. Chair Mesiti-Miller, noting that the traffic impacts from the project are unavoidable said, “I rejoice in that. It may get people out of their cars.” A unanimous vote of approval sent the DRP to city council for a meeting and vote on November 14th.

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If you clear away the smoke of details, the Downtown Recovery Plan, the Wharf Master Plan, the Corridors Plan and other re-zoning is at its core an attempt to change the social class of Santa Cruz. For decades the business/tourist industry has looked with disdain on working class families from over the hill who bring coolers and spend the day at the beach. They prefer a higher class of people who spend money at preferably higher end restaurants. I recall the consultant from ROMA, the SF urban design firm who was paid handsomely for both the DRP and the WMP saying about Gilda’s restaurant on the wharf, “not exactly a destination…we can do better.” Talk about throwing locals under the bus! This desire for a class shift was in evidence at the Commission meeting. Four or five stories of housing above retail are needed first, it was said, so that the retail that follows has consumers. No pretense that this is housing for workers who will serve the consumption needs of these higher class newcomers. Displacement of lower income workers is a direct result of increasing density of new housing at market rate and is well recognized in urban planning circles.

Commissioners gushed over what this project will mean for the San Lorenzo River. Accolades flew about how it will “activate the river; take the river back; incentivize the river walk; take back the river; embrace the river.” I was surprised at no suggestion to take a walk and plunge headlong into the San Lorenzo in ecstatic embrace for its future. And what does this future look like along the banks of our river? First, no blinds. Very important that blinds are up because we need “eyes on the river.” Everyone liked that. So no housing on the ground floor facing the river since that may mean blinds closed. Maybe “game rooms and exercise facilities” offered staff. Many sweaty eyes on the river. Maybe a bar? offered a commissioner. Never mind that consultant, ROMA advised the city that retail facing the river would not work. Never mind that at this same meeting, commissioners approved language that alerts businesses selling alcohol or fixing cars in this zone: Bonesio Liquor Store; Andy’s Auto Supply; New Leaf; CVC; Trader Joes that they will be out of business by 2020 or have to greatly reduce the sale of alcohol and stop fixing cars. (We’ll all be out of our cars by then so no worries). This zoning restriction encourages the class of people who can afford to drink inside restaurants and discourages the class who can’t: affluent over poor; tourists over residents. Not to mention putting at least one small business owner out of business. According to the owner of Bonesio’s, he got the notice about the meeting the day before. He pleaded with the city and police to work together to solve any problems associated with his business. “Further discussions on this will be between the police and the city”, stated the chair, giving the business owner a clear message of where he stood.

I’m reminded of a comment by local historian Sandy Lydon. In essence he said that Santa Cruz has always been the beer side of the bay and Monterey the champagne side. Despite all attempts historically to change this class arrangement, Santa Cruz has never succeeded in doing so. While beer has become more trendy than champagne, the class comparison still holds, for now. Bulldozing familiar low-rise businesses and replacing with high-rise mixed-use market rate housing and trendy retail will only accelerate this class shift, driving local workers further afield and eventually away altogether. One downturn in the economy, empty high rises, closed businesses and the last thing we’ll be concerned about is “eyes on the river.”

~
Gillian Greensite is a long time local activist, a member of Save Our Big Trees and the Santa Cruz chapter of IDA, International Dark Sky Association http://darksky.org Plus she’s an avid ocean swimmer, hiker and lover of all things wild.

By: Chris Krohn    Email Chris at ckrohn@cruzio.com

AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS? WHAT AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS?
Well, this week is being dubbed, “Affordable Housing Week” by the city of Santa Cruz. So, it’s official, a result of Affordable Housing Crisis Month(s), I guess. It begins this Thursday at the Civic Auditorium. Expect an inside look at our county’s housing crisis from UCSC sociology professor’s, Miriam Greenberg and Steve McKay. They will tell us things like how much people pay to live here (50-70% of their salary), and how many residents live three-to-a-bedroom (27%). The stats won’t be pretty, but then so many Santa Cruzanos live the housing nightmare each day, and having a pair of capable and well-versed academics sum up the pretty dismal Surf City housing scenario may feel like a special salve applied to a particularly nasty gash. They’ve been doing research and employing dozens of undergraduates to walk neighborhoods and collect up data and stories about how people survive here in, arguably the most difficult of housing markets in California. Doors open at 6pm and there will be plenty of organizers, activists, and nonprofits present to offer you opportunities to get involved. Other groups will be present too, representing homeless issues, climate change, and transportation among other themes that directly and indirectly affect our housing market. Greenberg and McKay go on at 7pm.

The face of Homelessness this past Saturday morning on Chestnut Street

Our “Crazy” Police Chief
Well, you may be hearing this for the first time, but our Police Chief, Andy Mills, went and penned an editorial that appeared in the Santa Cruz Sentinel. It states that the Santa Cruz Police Department will not issue camping citations between 9pm and 6am.

How crazy is that? Not very. There isn’t any room at the inn, so what he’s done is essentially taken a step back from the abyss of criminalizing people who are homeless, who need a legal place to sleep, and offered them some breathing room. The last homeless count in Santa Cruz was around 1500 and there are not enough shelter beds for even 30% of those experiencing homelessness. Here’s an excerpt from the chief’s Op-Ed:

“From 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. SCPD will not issue camping citations unless there is a complaint by someone in control of that property or some other crime or nuisance behavior is taking place. Instead, the police will turn their focus to finding those stealing out of your yards, cars, and homes during the night. SCPD will pursue them with vigor. I believe we can break the cycle of reactionary homeless policy.”

Drew Glover and his campaign manager, Juliette Lyon in a fun moment this past Sunday (10/15) when Drew hosted a “Campaign 2018” brunch. He’s officially running for Santa Cruz City Council. Go Drew!

That’s a wow! In my 35 years of living in Santa Cruz I’ve never heard a chief of police state such an obvious truth so intelligently and also, compassionately. Now it is up to the city and county to approve the resources to fund the necessary programs, transitional housing, and addition shelter services so desperately needed. Hopefully this stirs the pot a bit and will lead to meaningful change in our community.

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Is the City Council Earning It’s Keep? “Listening” Is Not the Same as Acting
The current Santa Cruz city council spends a good deal of time talking about affordable housing, but without yielding up much results. In the past year, the council has left more than a couple dozen affordable apartments on the table because the developers they chose to do business with said it would not “pencil out”, or the banks just won’t loan us money…in this the hottest of housing markets! So, the majority of the council, instead of telling staff go back and find us a developer who has experience building affordable housing and who will work with the city, they relax our rules and allow builders to pay a pittance of what an “affordable” unit is worth into a housing fund. Folks, we’ve got to get serious about housing.

The council needs to hear from you, so call (831.430.5020). Don’t let the developers off the hook! A couple dozen units were lost at 555 Pacific where it meets Front Street, and at 1547 Pacific, the site of the old Bookshop Santa Cruz. These are Barry Swenson properties that bookend our Pacific Avenue. And then there’s also the 17 units above the Catalyst night club, which will contain not one affordable rental unit. To top it off, city staff came to the council in September and said our 15% affordable inclusionary ordinance just doesn’t work because developers don’t like it. What’s their fix? Cut the percentage in half, but please don’t exactly demand they build the units, just politely ask for 7.5%.

Folks, the situation is out of hand, and whatever metaphor you want to use–foxes in charge of the hen house or a kind of Reverse Robin Hood scenario–it’s not working. The city council in Santa Cruz has to find developers who are willing to build affordable units in this city, and the council also has to figure out how to help finance it–bonds, increase in hotel tax, or a speculation tax on those who flip houses. Solutions exist; it’s time for the council to vote. It’s also time to vote, not only because it’s “Affordable Housing Week,” but because real people are suffering in this crisis.

Finally

The Good: Drew Glover is running for city council in 2018. You can find out more at his Facebook page.

The (sort of) bad: I counted 58 individuals milling around their tents that were situated on the Benchlands next astride the backside of 701 Ocean Street last Sunday night at around 6:15pm.

The Ugly: The city council majority appointed their seventh (out of seven), planning commissioners last week. He is Santa Cruz Business Council stand-in and wannabe Real Estate entrepreneur, Robert Singleton. Sandy Brown and I nominated Candace Brown, Faz Faisal and Zav Hershfield to fill the seat, but the majority was having none of it. They wanted all the seats for themselves, I guess. Maybe there are too many renters, tenant’s advocates, sociologists, psychologists and community studies majors already on the commission. Ooooh, it was ugly. As Woodrow Allen’s character, Fielding Mellish once stated (in Bananas), “It’s a travesty of sham of a mockery of a sham of two mockeries…”

Bernie Sanders Quote of the Week
“Trump might be unaware that Puerto Rico is part of the US, but Congress must move as quickly as possible to pass a disaster relief package.” (October 12)

~
Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) and Mayor (2001-2002). He’s been running the Environmental Studies Internship program at UC Santa Cruz for the past 12 years. He was elected last November to another 4-year term on the Santa Cruz City Council.

By: Becky Steinbruner    Email Becky at KI6TKB@yahoo.com

TAXPAYERS WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR A SECOND $3 MILLION STOP LIGHT FOR APTOS VILLAGE PROJECT DEVELOPERS????
The County Department of Public Works wants taxpayers to spend nearly $3 million more to help Barry Swenson, Joe Appenrodt, Pete Testorff and other unseen Aptos Village Project developers and have asked the Board of Supervisors for permission to apply for grants to do so from the Regional Transportation Commission. Item #26 on the October 17 Board Agenda spells out the shocking request, at the expense of other much-needed road improvement projects in Supervisor Zach Friend’s District, such as Freedom Boulevard, San Andreas Road, Trout Gulch Road and Soquel Drive that are absolutely failing in places, but are receiving NO ATTENTION.

Write the Regional Transportation Commission and demand that the $3 MILLION Aptos Creek Traffic Light be dumped from the consideration table completely. It is time that the Aptos Village Project developers pay for the impacts of their disgusting development that will add 8,000 vehicles/day.

George Donderos, Executive Director gdonderos@sccrtc.org, Luis Mendez, Deputy director lmendez@sccrtc.org, Daniel Nikuna dnikuna@sccrtc.org Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission, 1523 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 or call 831-460-3215. The RTC Board meets November 2, 9am, location TBD. The RTC Budget and Administration Committee meets November 9, 3pm in the County CAO Conference Room (5th Floor) at 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz.

And don’t forget Second District Supervisor Zach Friend zach.friend@santacruzcounty.us 454-2200 and Dept. of Public Works Director John Presleigh john.presleigh@santacruzcounty.us 454-2160.

“SOMETIMES THE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TELLS US TO JUST APPROVE PROJECT PERMITS” EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO PARCEL NUMBER ASSIGNED.
Why did the Santa Cruz County Planning Department issue building permits for Aptos Village Project developers Barry Swenson , Pete Testorff, and Joe Apppenrodt when the permit applications had expired? (Check the County Planning Department “Permit Status” for APN 041-011-41, 041-011-42 and APN 041-011-51). That is what I wanted to know last week as the excavators were digging up what could have been remnants of the 1880’s railroad turntable near the historic Bayview Hotel. The kind lady at the Building Counter had no explanation, and said it was odd. She asked her supervisor.

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“The last plan review for those got done on the day the permit applications expired, so it was okay.” he said “We cut them some slack.”

When I asked why a concrete building pad is being built in the Phase II Project area “Remainder Parcel” without permit or an approved Final Map,(and in a mapped archaeologic site) he said “Well, sometimes the Board of Supervisors just tells us to approve things when they are sure it will go through.” He looked again at the computer screen and said it seemed that there might be a parcel split happening, but he did not have the new parcel numbers.

“Well, how does one research that?” I asked. He sent me to the Assessor’s Office. An incredibly kind lady there spent a lot of time trying to find out why none of her maps showed any new parcels carved out of the Aptos Village Project area since early 2016. “There must be some kind of a hold-up because the new maps are not being forwarded to our books or to the County GIS. March of 2016 is old and should have been updated” she said. Hmmmm….

She referred the mysterious matter to her co-worker, who was gone for the day. I have not been able to contact her yet….stay tuned.

APTOS VILLAGE PROJECT DEVELOPER PETE TESTORFF VIOLATES CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL BUT SHERIFF REFUSES TO RESPOND.
As a condition of the Aptos Village Project Approval, no construction crews are allowed to work on weekends. Even Barry Swenson abides by that rule, but not developer Pete Testorff. His crews worked all day immediately next to the Bayview Hotel last Saturday as some friends and I were helping out Bayview Hotel owner, Ms. Cristina Locke, work in the back garden to prepare for her late husband’s Celebration of Life gathering next week. I had to ask the workers twice to do something about dust control, because one of my friends was having trouble with her asthma amidst all the construction dust.

He finally turned on the hose, connected to an UNMETERED SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT WATER CONNECTION (that’s the second one within the Project being allowed free water this year). Ms. Locke finally phoned the sheriff to ask for some assistance to request that the construction stop, as per the Project Conditions of Approval granted by the County Board of Supervisors.

Deputy Lopez (Badge # 13632) called her back and informed her that he could not enforce the County Noise Ordinance for the situation. Ms. Locke handed me the phone. Deputy Lopez read the full text of the County Noise Ordinance to me while I politely listened amidst the dust and tractor exhaust. “Thank you for reading that ordinance, but that is not the problem. The crew is not allowed to work today, as per the Project Conditions of Approval. No construction work is supposed to happen on the weekends.” I explained.

Deputy Lopez told me that if I had an issue with the agreements I had made with the developers, I should hire an attorney and sue them. “I didn’t make the agreements; the County Board of Supervisors approved the agreement. Can you come help us enforce it?” I politely asked.

“No.”

“Can you come ask the developer if he has permission to be working today?

“No.”

“Can you please come to the front of the Bayview Hotel and talk with me about this?” I asked, hoping that a sheriff car would scare the wits out of the crew and send them packing.

“No.”

“Well, could you please call the 24-hour answering service for the Project and leave a message with Barry Swenson’s foreman to ask if they have restrictions? Here’s the number 427-8050.”

“No, I’m not going to leave a message. Why don’t you call them?”

So much for law enforcement’s long-lost “Protect and Serve” motto that disappeared from all government vehicles years ago.

THE REAL REASON COUNTY TAXPAYERS ARE FUNDING THE RELOCATION OF THE APTOS VILLAGE METRO BUS STOP.
Why would the County insist on making taxpayers move a perfectly good, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant bus stop to a location that has contaminated soils, “a tight fit” and steep slope for those Metro riders with mobility issues and poor line-of-sight for approaching motorists with the bus stopped in the lane of traffic? It was a deal cut to appease the existing Aptos Village merchants who were not happy about losing what little parking along Soquel Drive that their customers have if the Parade Street connector gets built to act as the gateway to the disgusting Village with soil contamination problems. I was glad the County Public Works Assistant Director Steve Weisner and Metro Operations Officer Ciro Aguirre finally attended the RTC Elderly and Disabled Transportation Advisory Committee meeting to answer their many questions.

Mr. Weisner informed the group that there is a difference between a “ramp” and a “sidewalk”: sidewalks do not have to meet ADA requirements of slope and resting platforms. That is what is going in…a 100′ run of 5% grade sidewalk without any resting pads for the mobility challenged. He could not answer why the site being excavated for the stop was chosen over the other site possibility that would have been level, closer to the Aptos Village Project and existing businesses, and had good line of sight. He could not tell us how wide the bus bay will be, but the engineer designing it was there and grabbed a ruler to measure the drawing’s space. The bus will be sticking out in the lane of traffic when stopped at the relocated site.

Bus riders who have been discussing the relocation with the #71 Metro drivers report that most of the drivers say “That’s an accident waiting to happen.”

Well, never mind. “We needed to create parking on Soquel Drive for the business owners along there,” said Ciro Aguirre. “Was that a requirement of the Project or a concession?” one of the Committee members wanted to know. Neither Mr. Aguirre nor Mr. Weisner had an answer.

LOWER RANCHO DEL MAR CENTER BEGINS DEMOLITION AND ASBESTOS REMOVAL
TRC Retail still has no building permits for the remodel work at Rancho del Mar Center but does have a demolition permit. Work began on that last week. Aptos/ La Selva Fire crews were allowed to do some rare trainings there, such as forcible entry of masonry walls. Still no word on if the demo or construction crews are local workers…probably not, according to information from Carpenter Local 505.

Here is a link to the permit applications still under review
Here is what is currently allowed for demolition

SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT DEMOLISHES HISTORIC 1890 MILLSAP FAMILY HOME, SALVAGING NOTHING.
The Board of Directors could care less if the 1890 home of the very prominent Soquel Village Millsap family got preserved or even salvaged. Apparently, one of the demolition workers saw the value of the two 20′ virgin redwood 8″ x 8″ timbers that were under the newest of the two houses, and set them aside.

I was video documenting the barren lot and multiple dumpsters when a man appeared with a long metal probe. He was a long-time Soquel resident and was looking for old bottle and artifacts on the land. I enjoyed talking with him from behind the chain link fence at the lot’s perimeter. “That Millsap house was really old,” he said. I replied that the County records showed it built in 1890. “No, it was older…more like 1860,” he said, “What a shame nothing got saved.” Indeed.

So, if Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors insists no decisions have been made about whether the land will be used for the West Annex sewage water treatment station for the PureWater Soquel project, what was the rush to demolish a very significant piece of Soquel Village history? I guess it was just in the way. and the District could not be bothered to make any effort to move or salvage any part of it. A sad commentary on the values of the Soquel Creek Water District management.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MIDCOUNTY GROUNDWATER OVERDRAFT AND DISCUSS SOLUTIONS.
Plan to attend the MidCounty Groundwater Agency’s Drop-In discussion session Thursday, October 19, 10am-noon, at the Community Foundation in Aptos. It is refreshing to ask a question and actually get an answer with opportunity for open discussion longer than 3-minutes of ty so speak longer than 3 minutes.

APTOS/LA SELVA FIRE DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS WANTS TO DEMOTE LOCAL 3535 PRESIDENT…IS THIS RETALIATION??
It certainly seems so. The Board hired a private investigator to look into some e-mails that Captain Ryan Peters sent out last year to all firefighters to advise caution when interacting with Ms. New, the Administrative Manager. She had just filed a sexual harassment complaint against the firefighters who dared to question the Board about the wisdom of approving a 47% pay raise for Ms. New when then-Chief Jon Jones had just informed the Board (and firefighters) that there was not enough money for new equipment and trainings for certain programs (Surf Rescue, Car Seat Safety, etc). Captain Peters eventually, as President of the Union Local 3535, organized members to vote a unanimous (and unprecedented) “Vote of No Confidence” against Chief Jones and asked the Board not to extend his contract if he asked (and he did).

Well, it appears now that the Board is taking legal action against Captain Peters and SEEKING TO DEMOTE HIM because of the e-mails. They acknowledge that they could FIRE HIM, but have chosen demotion because he has a squeaky-clean record of selfless public service and supportive leadership for fellow firefighters. The District’s legal counsel served Captain Peters with notice of the legal action, leaving him only three days to respond in writing with anything that could be used for his defense. Further, the District’s legal counsel refused to submit the entire record of materials and the full text of Ms. New’s accusations for consideration in the case calling for his demotion.

Does this make sense to you? It is both ludicrous and disappointing that the Aptos/La Selva Fire District Board of Directors refuses to show leadership and wisdom to promote actions that could heal and unify the District after the destructive mayhem of (now retired) Chief Jon Jones. Instead, they granted a one-year severance pay package to Chief Jones with full benefits, and a 10% bonus for serving for five years in good standing. What???!!!

Please read the information below and consider writing a letter of support for Captain Ryan Peters by October 19. Even if you read this message after that date, send a letter of support anyway, because the hearing date keeps getting pushed back.

**************

Greetings,

I am sending this message Bcc to those whom I think would want to be aware of the continued problems at the Aptos/La Selva Fire District in the aftermath of Chief Jones’s contract severance. Now it seems that the Board of Directors has voted to hire a private investigator to examine complaints against Captain Ryan Peters, President of the Local 3535 Aptos/La Selva Firefighters Union.

The Board is considering demotion of Captain Peters to the rank of Firefighter/Paramedic because he sent e-mails to fellow firefighters to be careful when interacting with Chief Jones and Administrative Manager, Ms. Tracy New, who had filed a sexual harassment complaint (after Union members simply questioned the wisdom of the Board approving a 47% salary increase for her at a time when Chief Jones said there was no money for necessary equipment and certain training programs). Making no accusations or negative remarks whatsoever, Captain Peters simply advised union members to take a buddy if it was necessary to interact with Chief Jones or Ms. New.

Captain Peters was served the legal notice of this action and given only three days to respond in writing, with any information that could be used to support his defense. Further, the District’s attorneys, with Board consent, have withheld the full record of information that would include information supportive of Captain Peters. This is ludicrous…a minimum of seven days is standard legal time for response to being served notice of action. The full record of information must be submitted for legal consideration to determine grounds for demotion. There are other actions that could be taken as action to address any protocol violations, such as mediation, additional training, etc…but the Board has chosen to pursue DEMOTION

Captain Peters has a spotless record and a long history of selfless dedication to the public and support of fellow firefighters. However, because of this legal action to demote him, he has stepped down as President of Local 3535. To me, this appears to be retaliation for Captain Peters’ leadership in organizing Local 3535 action last spring to vote unanimous “Vote of No Confidence” against Chief Jones and urged the Board not to extend his contract for an additional two years.

The Board did issue a severance agreement with Chief Jones to continue paying him $225,000 with benefits for another year, plus a 10% BONUS to reward him for working five years in good standing. He has been on paid administrative leave since the Board agreed on August 10 not to extend his contract, but he officially retires October 19, 2017. Here is a link to the recent Sentinel article.

I HOPE YOU WILL CONSIDER WRITING A LETTER TO SUPPORT CAPTAIN RYAN PETERS AND PASS THIS INFORMATION TO OTHERS WHOM YOU FEEL WOULD BE INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING HIM AND THE APTOS/LA SELVA FIREFIGHTERS.

Thanks so much. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions.

Sincerely,

Becky Steinbruner

Begin forwarded message:

From: (I have omitted this source to preserve privacy…Becky S.)

Date: October 13, 2017 at 4:44:05 PM PDT
To: (I have omitted this to preserve privacy….Becky S.)
Subject: ***L3535 Call to Action***

L3535,

Many have been asking what can we do to help our union brother and president Ryan Peters in this time of need. After consultation with our legal team, it has been determined that the single greatest thing we can do for him right now is write a letter of support that will be given in a packet to the Skelly officer during his hearing.

This letter should be address to “Whom it may concern” and it should be a personal testament to the type of public servant, community advocate, cooperator, fire captain and leader RP is. This should be quite easy, as I know we are all better for having the opportunity to work and learn from Ryan. This letter can talk about your experiences with RP and how he interacts within this agency, its membership, his superiors and with the public.

This is absolutely safe for probationary firefighter to do as well…. and it can be as simple as describing the leadership qualities you have seen in RP and the type of mentor he has been to you.

Although we can not demand this of anyone, PLEASE show up for our brother who has sacrificed so much to protect our union, our benefits and our culture at ALSFD. If members have wives (or husband) that would like to write letters, that would also be greatly appreciated. This letter can be done in microsoft word or pages for apple.

Please sign your name, rank and years with Aptos and total years in the fire service at the bottom and if you need assistance, please contact one of your eboard members and we will be happy to help. Please feel free to leave your contact information should the skelly officer choose to reach out about your experiences with RP.

PLEASE SUBMIT LETTERS NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 19th

Completed letter can be sent to our attorney Sean Howell at showell@mastagni.com

In Solidarity,

PS- For those of you currently on a strike team, you can just send your letter via email to Sean and he can format it into a word document.
***************

Finally, send good thoughts to all those in the areas of the State continuing to burn that have lost their homes, their lives and for which life will never be the same. Send thoughts of gratitude for the hundreds of emergency responders working around the clock to protect and serve, and will also be affected by the devastation.

I find myself appreciating the true beauty of our area, and wondering how best to fight and to save it from the Barry Swensons and tax-hungry governments steamrolling zoning changes and ignoring building codes to push through massive San Jose-like developments that will forever change the quality of life as we know it in Santa Cruz County.. Read the story of WHY the non-profit is moving here Nonprofit to move to Santa Cruz Delaware Project, making way for housing downtown Join me October 19, 6:30pm in front of the Civic Auditorium to protest the Santa Cruz City Council waiving a 15% affordable housing requirement for Barry Swenson’s 79 condos in the five-story building on Pacific Avenue. Attend the October 26, 6pm “Stop Over-Building Santa Cruz” at 411 Roxas St. in Santa Cruz. Do you think it is a good sign that Robert Singleton, a young aggressive pro-development-at-any-cost person just got appointed to the Santa Cruz City Planning Commission?

Cheers,

~Becky Steinbruner

Becky Steinbruner is a 30+ year resident of Aptos. She has fought for water, fire, emergency preparedness, and for road repair. She ran for Second District County Supervisor in 2016 on a shoestring and got nearly 20% of the votes.

By: Gary Patton    Email Gary at gapatton@mac.com

#286 / Better Living … Without Chemistry

(Photo by Shmuel Thaler)

When I was growing up, the DuPont Corporation told us we could achieve “Better Living…Through Chemistry.” That was sort of like the statement in The Graduate, advising that “plastics” was the “one word” that would open up a positive future for all aspiring young people, and for the nation at large. Chemistry and “plastics” definitely do go together.

As time went on, I became deeply skeptical about “plastics,” and chemistry, and about all “synthetics,” as the way forward to a better living or a better future.
A few weeks ago, in an article in my local paper, I learned that strawberry growers have discovered a “natural fumigation” technique, eliminating the need for methyl bromide and other synthetic chemicals dangerous to all life. The article is worth reading.

Isn’t it time that we abandon our quest to build a “synthetic” world, and realize that our lives will be better without chemistry?
I’m pleased to find that this is what local strawberry farmers are starting to understand”.

Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for individuals and community groups on land use and environmental issues. The opinions expressed are Mr. Patton’s. You can read his blog at www.gapatton.net

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. “Cyclist’s Mecca”..see DeCinzo’s true view of the scene just scroll below.

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s ” Ducking The Issue” down a few pages. As always, at TimEagan.com you will find his most recent Deep Cover, the latest installment from the archives of Subconscious Comics, and the ever entertaining Eaganblog.

MUNCHING WITH MOZART. This free concert series happens the third Thursday of every month in the upstairs meeting room of the threatened Santa Cruz Main Library. This Thursday October 19th Daniel Lewin, solo violin plays Johann Sebastien Bach’s Violin Sonata No. 3 in C major, (BWV 1005) Adagio Fuga Largo Allegro Assai. That happens at 12:10 p.m.

SANTA CRUZ CHAMBER PLAYERS START NEW SEASON. On Saturday and Sunday Oct. 21 and 22nd,MUSA the Bay Area ensemble Presents “Smörgåsbord Baroque”
Music by Antonio de Salazar, Teodorico Pedrini, Georg Philipp Telemann, and more

Derek Tam, concert director and haprsicord, Cynthia Black and Addi Liu, Baroque violins and Gretchen Claasen, Baroque violoncello.

“Smörgåsbord Baroque” features Baroque and Classical music from unexpected places! From the imperial Chinese court to the cathedrals of Guatemala, composers drew from European and indigenous sources to create music that dynamically captured the first wave of globalization from the 16th through 18th centuries.

That’s Saturday, October 21, 7:30 pm and Sunday, October 22, 3:00 pm at the Christ Lutheran Church 10707 Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA. Tickets just maybe at the door or… http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3094600

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “What separates a big red tomato from a (dreaded) splat over at Rotten Tomatoes? Find out this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com/). And celebrate the upcoming publication of Beast: A Tale of Love and Revenge (coming in 2018) with another beauteous Beast of the Month!” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

LOVING VINCENT. The first movie ever to have been made with 1000’s of oil paintings to create animation of Vincent Van Gogh’s life and questionable murder or suicide. You’ll see dozens of his and your most favorite Van Gogh paintings “come to life” plus an intriguing story line. The animation is so good that fans (I’m one) of PBS”s Masterpiece Theatre Poldark series will recognize Eleanor Tomlinson (Demelza) playing Adeline Ravoux in this absolutely beautiful film. It has a 77 Rotten Tomato rating! See it ASAP Landmark doesn’t keep masterpieces very long unless audiences show up the first week.

MARSHALL. It almost takes us back to Raymond Burr and his role as Lawyer Hamilton Berger in the Perry Mason 1957TV series …it’s a courtroom drama. More importantly it’s based on an early case that Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall handled for the NAACP in Connecticut. You’ll recognize Kate Hudson as the “victim” and James Cromwell as the racist judge. Fine story, good cast, not the most memorable film in history but you’ll like it.

BLADE RUNNER 2049. Denis Villeneuve directed this sequel with advice from Ridley Scott and it has many hidden plot lines from the original (try to see it before you see 2049)…it’s an unique addition to science fiction films. Dystopian is the very overused word describing a disaster based future. This film again has Los Angeles really transfigured…and even darker and more devastated and bleak than the first one which was set in LA 2019. Ryan Gosling carries the entire story, with Robin Wright and Harrison Ford doing fine acting jobs too. I have rarely, if ever, seen or felt a theatre audience so still-so hypnotized-awed-puzzled-and silent as the one I joined last week. I’ve seen it 2 1/2 times now… it needs two viewings on as large a screen as possible because the photography is so impressive and important.

VICTORIA & ABDUL. Almost everyone knows that Judi Dench plays Queen Victoria in this cute, warm, cuddly feel good movie. Eddie Izzard plays the Prince of Wales ( Edward VII), but you won’t recognize him. I didn’t, and I’m a big fan of Izzards. Stephen Frears directed it. He did My Beautiful Launderette, Prick Up your Ears, Philomena and some more great films but this isn’t in that category. Aside from the cuteness, it ignores the cruelty of the British rule over India during the almost 30 years.

MOTHER. An excellent, genius- directed, absolutely intelligent plot, best-acted…what more can you ask from a movie?? Jennifer Lawrence, plus two of my favorite actors Javier Bardem and Ed Harris, Brian Gleeson, and a darker Michelle Pfeiffer make a perfect cast for this challenging film. Not a scary, boo-type, odd, weird, what’s that?, cellar stairs type of film. It’s more like “what is going on”, “I can’t imagine what’s happening next kind of film, Directed by Darren Aronofsky, it’s a winner, and you’ll remember seeing it. So go. RT calls it a “psychological thriller” I agree.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES. Billie Jean King plays against Bobby Riggs in this easy going tennis and sex movie. Billie Jean has an internal battle with her own sex, which adds a deeper and more involved plot than the 1973 match which we’ve all been reading up on or remember from those days. Emma Stone reputedly the highest star in the world acts perfectly with Steve Carrell and the movie is a guaranteed hit with everybody. I didn’t recognize Sarah Silverman as the women’s coach because she wears sunglasses all through the movie. I liked Little Miss Sunshine better.

IT. This broke all box office records last weekend when IT opened…and IT should have. IT is a well made, very scary movie. Based on some Stephen King books, IT is chapter one of a two part nightmare- daydream that will grab you when you are least prepared to be scared. It has all the clichés…BUT it’s got tension, mystery, and perfect timing along with excellent acting. Just go see IT but only if you truly enjoy being scared. 86 on RT.

AMERICAN MADE. It is NOT another dopey, violent Tom Cruise superhuman action flick. This one is based on an unbelievable probably half true story about a guy who becomes an international drug runner then gets involved illegally with our CIA and the Iran Contra affair that almost got President Ronnie R. evicted. It’s probably Scientology that gives Tom Cruise that certain extra something…and I have to admit I like watching the buy. 87 on RT.

KINGSMEN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE. I wished I’d remembered that this part 2 of an ongoing series comes from comic books. The entire movie looks like an animated cartoon. It’s violent, murderous, and plain goofy. Elton John plays himself and there’s a warning right there. To watch such good actors as Julianne Moore, Halle Berry and especially Colin Firth jump around for their million dollar salaries is embarrassing.

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer, (live only or archived for two weeks… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. Gary Patton gives info and background on the Save Santa Cruz Organization on Oct.17. Also on the 17th Sheila Carrillo and Muna Alsheikh from The Muslim Solidarity Group (part of Santa Cruz Sanctuary) will talk about their aims, goals, and issues. City on A Hill editors in chief Nicolette Nodine and Michael Kushner talk about their publications. The top winners of the Bookshop Santa Cruz Young Writers contest read their works on November 28. OR…if you just happen to miss either of the last two weeks of Universal Grapevine broadcasts go here… http://www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/bruce-bratton You have to listen to about 4 minutes of that week’s KPFA news first, then Grapevine happens. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always and only at bratton@cruzio.com

The very best part of this is the last minute and 15 seconds.

UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 9 years here’s a chronological list of some past broadcasts. Such a wide range of folks such as Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal, Anita Monga, Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson, Wendy Mayer-Lochtefeld, Rachel Goodman, George Newell, Tubten Pende, Gina Marie Hayes, Rebecca Ronay-Hazleton, Miriam Ellis, Deb Mc Arthur, The Great Morgani on Street performing, and Paul Whitworth on Krapps Last Tape. Jodi McGraw on Sandhills, Bruce Daniels on area water problems. Mike Pappas on the Olive Connection, Sandy Lydon on County History. Paul Johnston on political organizing, Rick Longinotti on De-Sal. Dan Haifley on Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Dan Harder on Santa Cruz City Museum. Sara Wilbourne on Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Brian Spencer on SEE Theatre Co. Paula Kenyon and Karen Massaro on MAH and Big Creek Pottery. Carolyn Burke on Edith Piaf. Peggy Dolgenos on Cruzio. Julie James on Jewel Theatre Company. Then there’s Pat Matejcek on environment, Nancy Abrams and Joel Primack on the Universe plus Nina Simon from MAH, Rob Slawinski, Gary Bascou, Judge Paul Burdick, John Brown Childs, Ellen Kimmel, Don Williams, Kinan Valdez, Ellen Murtha, John Leopold, Karen Kefauver, Chip Lord, Judy Bouley, Rob Sean Wilson, Ann Simonton, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011.

QUOTES. ‘FOREST FIRES’

“She was beautiful, but she was beautiful in the way a forest fire was beautiful”, Neil Gaiman
“Among the environmental trends undermining our future are shrinking forests, expanding deserts, falling water tables, collapsing fisheries, disappearing species, and rising temperatures. The temperature increases bring crop-withering heat waves, more-destructive storms, more-intense droughts, more forest fires, and, of course, ice melting. We are crossing natural thresholds that we cannot see and violating deadlines that we do not recognize”. Lester R. Brown
“No time to grieve for roses when the forests are burning”, Zbigniew Herbert
Read this next one twice…
“The forest fires are the worst disaster in California since I was elected”, Arnold Schwarzenegger

COLUMN COMMUNICATIONS. Subscriptions: Click and enter the box in the upper right hand corner of each Column. You’ll get a weekly email notice the instant the column goes online. (Anywhere from Monday afternoon through Thursday or sometimes as late as Friday!) Always free and confidential. Even I don’t know who subscribes!!

Snail Mail: Bratton Online
82 Blackburn Street, Suite 216
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
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October 16 – 22, 2017

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