March 15 – 21, 2017 - Bratton Online - A Weekly Column By Bruce Bratton - Page 46Bratton Online – A Weekly Column By Bruce Bratton | The latest incarnation of Bruce Bratton's weekly opinion columns, 34 years and running

March 15 – 21, 2017

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Bruce

OUR ORIGINAL SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARY. With funds donated by Andrew Carnegie this great structure went up in 1908 and being Santa Cruz, it was destroyed in 1966.Obviously it was replaced by what we have now.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.

Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE March 13, 2017

DALI & DISNEY. Talk about your odd couple…yet these two guys had some dreams in common..

ROBIN WILLIAMS MEETS GORILLA

MAGIC . Tons of slight of hand on You Tube but this one really got to me…

FIRST THE BEACH FLATS, NOW THE POST OFFICE. I’m guessing many of us are wondering about the chain link fence that was put up last week around the U.S. Post Office, Santa cruz branch. Is this another Trump government /police tactic against the homeless like last month’s raid on Beach Flats against immigrants? Did our Santa Cruz Police put up the fence…which branch of what government is responsible. The post office is Federal property, and just exactly what laws were the homeless breaking when they slept and hung out there? It’s been days and still I haven’t seen a word in the Santa Cruz Sentinel…am I missing something here? By the way now that the Santa Cruz police have admitted to having a permanent Homeland Security office and official in their building and since they said they would be “evicting” him soon…just when will that be?

MORE POST OFFICE FENCE NEWS.

The NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch, and the Santa Cruz chapter of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom invite you to take part in a community reading of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Beyond Vietnam” speech. It’s where he connected militarism, capitalism, and racism – an electrifying speech. We will read it from 1 – 3 pm on April 2nd – close to the 50th anniversary of the speech (April 4th) – on the steps of the downtown Post Office. There are many more questions and opposition to that fence. The Post Office Building is a designated Historic building and to alter or deface or erect new additions is illegal. Who’s in charge of all this, who’s behind it?

RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL? Just like Bruce McPherson gave up the Republican Party just in time, and Ryan Coonerty and Mike Rotkin ditching de-sal in split seconds we are seeing our local Santa Cruz City Council future being re-shaped. First J.M Brown who lost his first City Council campaign, now attending The People’s Democratic Club (PDC) meeting trying to score new left – progressive votes!!! Then we have Mike Rotkin almost a guaranteed council candidate, actually agreeing and having his name associated with Rick Longinotti’s in The Sentinel. Another topic worth mumbling about is whether or not Cynthia Mathews would run again. She’s lost big popularity according to the last election results and insiders say she’s also lost some of her usual force and drive. WRITE THIS DOWN… Cynthia Chase and Richelle Noroyan are up for re-election, and David Terrazas is out after 8 years.

WELLS FARGO & SANTA CRUZ CITY MONEY? Our city apparently has millions invested in Wells Fargo Bank for various purposes and tasks as well as in other financial institutions. How can we citizens (voters) get the city to stop Wells Fargo… and their crooked business deals and screwing their customers? Plus the no less serious investing and supporting the Dakota Access Pipeline project? Both Seattle and Davis, California pulled their accounts with Wells Fargo. If we are really, really going to be a world class city we need to join them.

SANTA CRUZ …. A “WORLD CLASS CITY”?

As the U.S. Edition of The Guardian stated….”While housing shortages and homeless epidemics have afflicted communities up and down the west coast, a major crisis has emerged in Santa Cruz, the liberal seaside city 80 miles south of San Francisco, known internationally for its surfing and laid-back boardwalk attractions. With a swelling presence of Airbnb short-term rentals and university students, Santa Cruz has increasingly become unaffordable and inhospitable to many longtime low-income workers and middle-class families, and experts say the tech boom and housing crunch in nearby Silicon Valley is exacerbating the displacement”.

The Guardian continues… ‘Least affordable’ housing in the US. Santa Cruz, which was originally controlled by Mexico, was incorporated as a California town in 1866. The city is constrained by mountains and the ocean but has steadily grown since the gold rush, attracting agriculture and commercial fishing along with a vibrant resort community and tourism industry. Housing development has not kept pace with the growth of the population, which is now 62,000 in the city and 270,000 total in Santa Cruz County. The county has added roughly one housing unit for every 10 new residents in recent years, according to county housing manager Julie Conway”. AND in spite of this we are hearing and seeing the usual Business suspects like the Chamber of Commerce and developers up the gazoo clamoring to bring in more big business, build more high rises and so on. They use the same old numb & dumb slogan ” Growth will bring in the taxes which support our civil services’ which has been disproven eons ago. Stop the growth, stop the development. It’s never too late. Look at San Jose por ejemplo.

CABRILLO MUSIC FEST’S BIG NEW SEASON. The new music director Cristian Macelaru has lined up some guaranteed big attractions for this years Cabrillo Music Festival. When you have names like Lou Harrison, John Adams, Evelyn Glennie and Jake Heggie you know some serious planning has been done. This season’s highlights include seven world premieres, one US premiere, three West Coast premieres, plus 11 composers in residence. They are… Karim Al-Zand, Clarice Assad, Gerald Barry, Michael Gandolfi, Aaron Jay Kernis, David T. Little, Cindy McTee, Christopher Rountree, Gabriella Smith and James Stephenson. Special guest artists include Dame Evelyn Glennie (percussion), Jennifer Frautschi (violin), Gemma New (conductor), Clarice Assad (piano/vocals), Keita Ogawa (percussion), Jason Hardink (piano), and Jonathan Lemalu (bass-baritone). Go here for more details and figure ways to get your tickets early. http://cabrillomusic.org/2017-season-announcement . Also IF you have an extra room or space and want to partake in the extra fun of the Festival, share a space/ bedroom with a Festival musician…especially if you live near the Civic auditorium. Then too you could volunteer to be an usher or donate $$ or help out at the street Fair. Remember, no more concerts at San Juan Bautista Mission!

LOSING THE SANTA CRUZ IDENTITY.

I urge you to take a walk to the new construction site at 555 Pacific Avenue to view the future of Santa Cruz if development interests are left unchecked. It is just around the corner from the first roundabout. You can’t miss it. It towers over and dwarfs every other familiar landmark. Its bulk and scale transform the area into an unrecognizable urban wind tunnel. Soon, its 99 rental units will be occupied, with maybe 4 to a unit, and this formerly quiet stretch of the town will lose its identity. If it were the only example there might be less concern. However, such developments are on track for approval (or have already been approved) across Santa Cruz, particularly for downtown and the eastside although the far westside has its share of dense new ugly.

This transformation of Santa Cruz has its supporters. Of course those who stand to make money from the growth are first in line. City planners seem to like it, either because it brings in money to hire more planners or they don’t live in town. Otherwise one would expect the staff reports to temper such growth and require developers to keep to height and zoning ordinances rather than continuously requesting variances, which the council majority approves. Newcomers who have no feel for what gives this town its character don’t seem to mind the growth and urbanization so long as they can get their new downhill mountain bike trails pushed into Pogonip and De Laveaga. Some progressives see this as “smart growth” and as long as folks get out of their cars and onto their bikes, see no problem with density and loss of identity. Tethered to smart phones and whatever new technology is around the corner, more and more people are losing connection to and seeing value in the human landscape from the past.

Local historian Ross Gibson as quoted in the Sentinel of 2/28/17 said it best: “Santa Cruz is constantly renewing itself and always pretending that there was never anybody there before them. They’re taking over a neighborhood without any identity as far as they’re concerned. We have a tough time in Santa Cruz on the historic end, trying to pass down from one generation to the next, the things that are of value to us and an identity that made the community what a wonderful place it is today.”

Examples of such local loss are legion. La Bahia was a big one. Curious how deliberate neglect on the part of the Seaside Company and some peeling paint sent many into the “tear down and transform” camp. There is little we can do about such losses now. But there is much that remains that is worth fighting for. The Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is a big one. There are many who see that effort as worthwhile as evidenced by the 2500 people who signed the “Don’t Morph the Wharf” petition, both locals and visitors alike. Another is the Downtown Recovery Plan, the transformation of downtown with up to 85 feet high buildings, especially along Front Street adjacent to the San Lorenzo River. This Plan is currently wending its way through the approval process and comments on the Initial Study are due Friday March 17th. You can find it here

Proponents of this new urbanization like to label those of us who oppose it as “out of touch” or “nostalgic”. “Get over it”, they say. Or that growth is inevitable and this is the best way to accommodate it. Nothing is inevitable about human action. It’s a struggle; its political; its difficult but nothing is pre-determined. Far from being nostalgic, we see the human value in what is left of the unique character of Santa Cruz in a rapidly homogenizing, urbanizing world. We also see the finite nature of natural resources that cannot accommodate the bottomless pit of demand on the part of the wealthy to live in Santa Cruz, nor the town’s ability to cater to the unfettered growth of UCSC. The future of Santa Cruz is at a tipping point. Money, power and influence heavily weight one side. Ordinary folks speaking out can as always tip the scales.

~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).

majority report #8 March 13, 2017

“PSYCHO-S**T, TEAM-BUILDING AND TAKING BACK THE POWER”

First, some good stuff that happened at the city council.

A two-way bike path on Pacific Avenue from Church to Cathcart Street was recently approved by the city council. This measure has been a long time in coming and…might this action be the preface for what residents have been crying out for ever since I arrived in 1980: a car-free Pacific Avenue?! This undertaking by the council should be a boon for cyclists wanting to go toward the beach through downtown. In addition, the council also voted to look for a vendor to run a “Bike-Share” program. Think Portland or Minneapolis or NYC where bike-share programs are enormously popular and really work. I have my fingers crossed that it will be successful. It will begin with a modest fifty bikes and five stations.

The council also passed a “Declaration of the City of Santa Cruz as a Sanctuary for all its Residents.” We are a real, affirmative, legislatively-approved “sanctuary city” now. Which by the way, does mean something, despite what mainstream media pundits might say. It means that we welcome immigrants here to Surf City, and we will go out of our way to offer you protection and no one should make no mistake about that! (Gawd, I love double negatives.)

All these decisions were unanimous.

Also, once again it was reiterated by certain city authorities that it’s just a vicious rumor, spread by “certain people,” that public parking will actually be taken off of the Soquel and Water Street corridors anytime soon. That is good news too for many Eastsiders. No ordinance yet to preserve the parking, but we’re working toward that!

Now, the psycho-S*** and navel-gazing part of council life (it’s important though)

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Met up with Shawn Spanos this past week. He calls himself, a “community engagement” expert. He’s been hired by city manager (CM), Martin Bernal to do some “team-building.” Shawn says he will facilitate a city council meeting-retreat, dubbed “norms and values.” He wants to go over some questions that he’d sent out earlier to all councilmembers. This meeting-retreat is for the entire city council and it’s scheduled for March 21st at an as yet, undisclosed location. On April 1st (April Fool’s Day) the council will be present at another all-day conversation, this one will be about public policy I am told.

These encounter sessions must be disclosed seventy-two hours in advance as a “publicly noticed meeting.” If more than four councilmembers are to be present and will be discussing city business, according to the Ralph M. Brown Act that governs how public officials are to conduct official city business, any gathering or meeting is then open to the public. An exception to this might be when six out of the seven current Santa Cruz city councilmembers all showed up recently, for example, to celebrate “Brian Murtha Day,” and to recognize his enormous talent and service to this community. It was okay because the six councilmembers did not discuss city business as a group. (There was a lot of heartfelt talk about Brian though.)

Shawn and I encountered each other for the first time inside the center of city hall-dom, the CM’s conference room. It’s a narrow rectangular slice of our Spanish-style city hall that is more show than function. It is a room that’s completely filled by an enormous oval hardwood table and at least fourteen high-back leather chairs. There are two doors to this room and so little space that people will often come in one door and have to exit through the far one lest they become trapped by others given the room’s restricted space. But on the morning I met Shawn it was just the two of us and we had plenty of room to roam.

Spanos is a professor in Communication Studies at San Jose State University. His bio on the SJSU web site claims that he “teaches courses and applied research in interpersonal and small group communication.” He tells me he’s planning to meet all seven councilmembers for one hour each today. Before the meeting, he sent out a two-page questionnaire to get us thinking about this interview “prep” session and the actual norms and values meeting next Tuesday from 3-7pm. His first question was, “What inspired you to become involved in public service?”

“Well,” I responded, “I was on the council from 1998-2002, and that was almost enough,” I say. “No. It was enough, but what brought me back were a kind of tripartite series of political vicissitudes on the part of the then-council. First, the city council voted to buy a BearCat tank from Homeland Security for the Santa Cruz police department. Then a large parcel on Laurel Street was rezoned from housing to a hotel and then given over to the Marriot Corporation. Finally, the Seaside Company wanted to repossess the 26-year old Beach Flats Community Garden, and the city council at the time did not want to buy it and keep it as a green space forever for the people of the Beach Flats neighborhood, even when their own city attorney informed them that it was within the council’s purview to buy it since it would constitute a clear public benefit.”

Shawn Spanos was quick to smile during our session. He sported an empathetic curled-lip-of-great-concern about whatever I said. He nodded often and sprinkled his sentences with “great,” and “wonderful,” and “terrific.” These short bursts of enthusiasm came in-between my long paragraph responses to his prepared questions.

“And what do you want to achieve in the next two years?” he asked. So, I pulled out my two-pages of typed responses, a laundry list really, of what I heard from residents during three months of walking Santa Cruz neighborhoods and knocking on doors this past fall: create truly affordable housing, address homelessness and mental health issues, redo the “corridor plan,” and place a $15 an hour minimum wage on the ballot. I also included items I’ve heard during my first two months in office: a curbside residential and business compost collection program, an ordinance reigning in gas-powered leaf blowers, getting a general fund-destined housing bond on the ballot, move oral communication back to 7pm on the city council agenda, and withdraw city money from any banks that are funding DAPL, the Dakota Access Pipeline that runs through the Standing Rock Sioux reservation.

[Spanos] “specializes in bridging social construction and dialogue theory with practical skills…”

Our time actually became quite short. The hour flew by, another councilmember was soon waiting in the hallway, so Shawn began to push hard on only two more of the eight questions he had us prepare for. These concerned “how have you or will you approach your work on the council?” And, “what principles, norms, and behaviors should guide communication between councilmembers?”

I glanced across the table and felt his hopeful energy. His eyes twinkled as a slight smile filled his lips. In that instant I saw past him and looked out the window at the city hall courtyard and fixed my eyes on the once-upon-a-time working fountain in the center. I recalled a September day in 2002 when cable news trucks surrounded city hall and CNN went live covering a thousand-plus crowd that had come to witness the Santa Cruz city council support for WAMM’s weekly distribution of medical marijuana right out there on the steps of city hall as a DEA helicopter whirred overhead.

Suddenly, overcome with tears, I looked back at Shawn and related that episode to him and added, “The city council holds the potential to wield great power. And with that comes great responsibility.”

This city has led the way before in combatting off-shore oil drilling, modeling how to preserve green spaces, and on that September day protecting the most vulnerable in our community from the predatory reach of the federal government. (We are doing it again with our sanctuary city ordinance, if coming somewhat late to the party.) We can do it again, I told him. That is what I would like the council to take from this meeting…leave perhaps with a sense that we have the ability to do great things if we think big, and work together.

The public, guaranteed by the Brown Act, can view these council retreat exercises, and weigh in during a mandatory public comment period. Remember, councilmembers just might disclose how some of their “norms and values” inform the votes they cast on the council. I for one am looking forward to these two sessions. Stay tuned for the location”.

~(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).

THE BOARD ROOM WAS FULL AND OVERFLOWING…
Last Tuesday’s (3/7) Soquel Creek Water District Board meeting drew another standing-room-only crowd from the neighborhoods near the District offices. The District has been seriously considering the installation of a sewage treatment plant in that location, immediately adjacent to a quiet residential neigborhood. Those people feel the District staff has not been forthright in the information presented and are paying little attention to the neighborhood concerns. They are not happy. Here is a link to the neighborhood online petition.

The Board started off by discrediting nearly all of the Water for Santa Cruz information. I had already been publicly accused by Ron Duncan at the previous meeting of speaking false information, but without any substantiation. He never responded to my message asking for clarification on exactly what I said that was false. The Board then made all the people wait for the item on the agenda relative to the Carollo Engineer presentation on contaminants. I had seen this presentation before at the Secondary Supply Subcommittee meeting, and I noticed that this time, there were no charts or information about what contaminants persist through various stages of treatment process. I was still outside in the hallway at that point but tried to look in to see the presentation screens. He also addressed the issue of high energy demand that is inherent with the reverse osmosis process. He quickly said that it takes less than desal, so it is a good choice.

By the time the Board finally let people speak, many had left. Many talked about the lack of clear and honest communication that the District has had with the community. Many are worried about their property values. I raised the issue of the later item on the agenda where the Board would consider a draft agreement with Santa Cruz City for wastewater. The Board insisted it is not a draft contract, just a memorandum of understanding. I also talked about NDMA and the fact that it makes it through the reverse osmosis process about 50% of the time. The presenter insisted that it is all removed by UV, but that is not what the presentation showed at the Subcommittee meeting… NDMA was there, but below State health levels. There were 17 other contaminants that made it through R/O, but were shown to be removed by UV disinfection.

The Board then took a break, at which nearly all of the audience left. There was then, albeit out of order for the agenda listing, a very interesting presentation by Mr. Vind from Denmark, representing a company that has sponsored him to live in Los Gatos for three years to promote the use of Electro-Resistivity Technology (ERT) to map salinity in groundwater supplies, including areas UNDER the Bay. He mentioned Dr. Knight from Stanford, who has recently published her work using this technology to assess the sea water intrusion along the beaches from Seaside to Capitola. It is the same technology, but Mr. Vind insists that his company can use it to get information about the aquifer areas that are beneath the seawater interface. Director Bruce Daniels pointed out that Dr. Knight has said the technology does not work reliably for that situation.

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The Board is considering hiring this Danish company to conduct some studies. I asked how this would dovetail into the current model that HydroMetrics is working on (and it seems like to me that they will never complete but continue to need more funding for upgrades). In fact, Soquel Creek Water District is proposing that the Mid County Groundwater Agency approve $100,000 for this study when that group meets this Thursday March 16 (7pm at Simpkins Swim Center).

So, then the talk came back to the issue of Item 6.3 Receive/provide direction on PureWater Soquel Project and re-evaluation of treatment facility locations. There were very few people left in the audience, but some from the neighborhood group were still there. Ms. Melanie Schumacher presented the Board with a list of 24 locations they could consider. Some had been suggested by members of the public. Someone had rated them and the area near the District offices still came out on top. New to the list were the Capitola utility yard area that Capitola City Councilmember Ms. Stephanie Harlan talked about during her earlier public testimony. Another location is the Par 3 Golf area in Aptos.

The Board still wants the location near their office, but voted to remove the bio-reactor option for a raw sewage treatment plant from the EIR study in progress. That will be welcome news to the residents near the District office however, the District is still actively pursuing the idea of the plant being there, along with the Capitola yard area. The Board assured one remaining resident that the District office area property was pretty much empty…just one vacant house and another structure. They did NOT admit publicly that the house is vacant because the District evicted the elderly man who had been living there many years. My neighbor knows him from Grey Bears and told me he had no idea where he would go.

There will not be another District Board meeting until April 4, due to the big water convention in San Diego during the week of March 20. Rosemary Menard, Santa Cruz City Water Manager, will be at the April 4 meeting. I suppose the talk will focus on the agreement for receiving treated sewage water and the contract to study the contaminants found therein this summer.

MIDCOUNTY GROUNDWATER AGENCY MEETING… MORE MONEY FOR STUDIES?
The collaboration of Soquel Creek Water District, Central Water District, Santa Cruz City Water Department, and representatives of private well owners and small water companies compose the MidCounty Groundwater Agency (MGA). This group must, under a state mandate, devise a plan for managing the critically-overdrafted Purisima Aquifer. That Board will meet Thursday, March 16, 7pm at Simpkins Swim Center.

On the agenda is a proposed conflict of interest statement required of all Board members. I wonder if the consulting firm, HydroMetrics, needs to consider this issue. Former Soquel Creek Water District General Manager, Ms. Laura Brown, is a senior owner of the company. Her husband, Mr. Jess Brown, is a member of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. Former Santa Cruz County hydrologist, Mr. Mike Cloud, now works for HydroMetrics. Hmmmm…..

Also on the agenda will be whether to approve an additional $107,070 for the consultant company, HydroMetrics, to continue working on the groundwater computer model that Soquel Creek Water District hired them to do well over one year ago. Last year at this time, the MGA approved $356,000 for HydroMetrics to continue developing the model that would provide information necessary for the MGA Working Group to develop the sustainable plan required by the State. Then, in September, the Board approved an amount not to exceed $239,085 for further modelling studies. Now, HydroMetrics wants an additional $107,070??? HydroMetrics also recommends the MGA hire Mr. Barry Hecht, to act as a private technical advisor for the groundwater model (another $1,840).

HydroMetrics also wants $8,000 for delivering quarterly reports to the MGA Board on the model’s progress. Last year, consultant Mr. Cameron Tarmo gave two such reports for $4000. Wow.

I wonder why Santa Cruz City Water Department has hired a different consultant, Kennedy-Jenks, and sub-consultant Trussell Technologies, Inc to study groundwater problems and using treated wastewater?

Soquel Creek Water District is asking the MGA to also approve $100,000 for the Danish company to do evaluations of where the salt water interface might be in the areas of the Purisima Aquifer that are beneath the Monterey Bay.

The MGA has an annual budget of $1.3 million, with the focus of developing the plan by 2018. Thursday’s budget meeting will consider hiring a legal consultant, Mr. Russ McGlothlin of Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber & Schreck to handle legal matters that the Santa Cruz County Counsel cannot handle. But wait, the newly-hired MGA Senior Water Planner, Ms. Darcy Pruitt, is an attorney with specialty in land use and water law. She was hired at $148,000/year to oversee the legalities of the sustainability plan that the MGA Working Group develops. Does the group need so much redundant legal counsel? Hmmmm…..

Well, I suppose the good news is that the MGA Working Group has met four times since last December. Notes state that the group supports the notion that the sustainable water plan they are charged with developing must interface with the County Planning Department to acknowledge that the land uses issues must coordinate with the water availability. Also, discussion notes state that the Purisima Aquifer users must protect the Basin structure by pumping within the sustainable yield levels while preventing contamination of the water supply.

So, why hasn’t Soquel Creek Water District and the County of Santa Cruz declared a moratorium on new connections until this can all get resolved? The District declared a groundwater emergency in June, 2015. I asked the Board of Supervisors over one month ago for the County to hold a public hearing to discuss the issue and the 2016 Water Resources Report, and whether or not the criteria for declaring a groundwater emergency have been met. No response. The Board has the legal right and responsibility to take this action under the 1987 County Well Ordinance.

Maybe they hope to continue to ignore the issues, and hope curious, concerned citizens will just go away….

WHAT IS A CURIOUS CITIZEN TO DO???
The County is planning to begin major road and railroad track construction on Trout Gulch and Soquel Drive in Aptos. Supervisor Zach Friend recently stated that the contract agreement with John Madonna Construction, of San Luis Obispo, started on March 6. I think there are a number of problems with that project….such as public safety and fiscal responsibility.

The 1928 Aptos Creek Bridge was inspected in 2013. The report advised that the bridge be monitored during heavy storm events, and possibly closed. The report noted serious erosion at the abutments. So, is the bridge that my family and community depend on for safe ingress/egress to the Aptos Village area safe? The crumbling status of other local bridges of similar vintage due to storm damage made me wonder.

The online information that I found stated that the bridge must be inspected every two years. I could not find any inspection reports done since. Since the report stated that the County has jurisdiction on the matter, I submitted a Public Records Act (PRA) request for all inspection reports for the Aptos Creek Bridge.

You see, County Public Works Department staffmember, Ms. Peggy Ducey, informed me that I am NOT ALLOWED to talk directly with any staff in her department, and that she will not answer any questions that I ask. She has informed me that I must submit PRA requests for documents and find my own answers. Last week, her department refused to accept my PRA, and said I must submit them only to County Counsel. Those attorneys are paid at least $250/hour…is that responsible and wise use of taxpayer money when departmental clerks cost MUCH less?

I received no response from Public Works regarding the PRA and bridge inspections. However, I did happen to see Public Works Director Mr. John Presleigh in the elevator at the County Building, so I asked him about the bridge.

He said the bridge was inspected in 2015 and “it was great.” I wondered how that could be, given the notes in the 2013 report. I do not recall seeing any work done on the bridge in recent years. I asked if it had been inspected since recent major storms? He said “we’ll get somebody out there.”

Meanwhile, Aptos Village Project developer Barry Swenson Builder has been hauling in large earthmoving equipment…did it come over the uninspected Aptos Creek Bridge or the only other entry, on Soquel Drive coming from Rio del Mar Boulevard, which has been reduced by storm damage to nearly one-lane at the railroad trestle?

I just want to know that my family and neighbors will be safe traveling into and out of the Village area. Valencia Road remains closed at Trout Gulch (although the federal government just awarded $4 million for repairs). There isn’t an alternate route.

So, why did Public Works Director Mr. Presleigh accost me at my place of employment, publicly accusing me of twisting the facts and misrepresenting his Department? I tried to calm him and ask for discussion, but he shouted “You were wrong about the bridge! CalTrans did the last inspection, so that’s why our files didn’t include it!” He caused such disturbance, my supervisor rushed over to quiet things down. Mr. Presleigh walked away.

Well, at least I got some information, even though it was under very upsetting circumstances and public personal attack. I can only think that Mr. Presleigh is under great stress and forgot professional conduct etiquette. Maybe we should all offer him some calming tea?

AVOID APTOS VILLAGE AREA BEGINNING MARCH 20
According to the Santa Cruz Sentinel’s Coast Lines announcement on March 7, the County’s $2 million project to help Aptos Village Project developers Barry Swenson Builder and Joe Appenrodt will begin March 20.

According to the Sentinel: “These delays and potential lane closures are necessary for roadway and storm drainage improvements for the Aptos Village Project, according to John Presleigh, the county public works director. The motoring public is asked to avoid this area if possible or be prepared for delays of up to 20 minutes.:” Wow. .

What if you are among the 1200 rural residents of Aptos Knolls Mobile Home Park, Trout Gulch, Quail Run and Cathedral/Redwood communities who have no alternate route to avoid the Aptos Village area? I wonder how the existing Aptos Village merchants will survive financially if customers DO avoid the area?

Do you think it is the best use of precious County road maintenance money to spend $2 MILLION to move the bus stop for the Aptos Village Project developers and add a traffic light and turn lanes to their businesses?

Write Mr. John Presleigh, Director of Public Works: <John.Presleigh@santacruzcounty.us> 454-2160

and Supervisor Zach Friend <zach.friend@santacruzcounty.us> 454-2200 He loves to hear from you.

ARTIFACTS, ANYONE?
As mentioned earlier, Barry Swenson Builder is doing major earth work at the Aptos Village Project these days. One of the County Planning Department’s requirements of Swenson is that there be a qualified archaelogist observing all earth disturbance work. This is because of the rich historic significance of the Project area.

No archaeologist has been there watching over the auger drilling holes for the steel I-beams that will support a 17′ tall retaining wall near Granite Way. No archaeologist has been there watching over the massive amount of grading work going on in the area where Mr. Lam Pon, the grandfather of George Ow, Jr., partnered with Mr. Ralph Mattison and ran a very significant apple drying business. No archaeologist has been observing at all….even though the County requires it.

Residents of the area report observing scavengers visiting the Project site almost nightly. It is easy to push through the chain link fence perimeter, and many do. I would think the County Planning and Building Department would enforce their own requirements to ensure significant historic artifacts are preserved for the public to view.

That is what last year’s ‘We Are Aptos’ legal action was all about….a Writ of Mandate to insist the County enforce their own rules. However, even though Judge Paul Burdick agreed that the County was in violation of upholding their own requirements of the Aptos Village Project developers, and requested that the County and Aptos Village Project developers sign an agreement that they WOULD follow the rules in the future (they refused), he denied our request for a Writ of Mandate. County Counsel Ms. Brooke Miller said the County would “probably enforce” requirements in the future, but must allow the developer flexibility for maximum feasibility.

So, why even pretend to have Codes and requirements if the County will not enforce them?

By the way, Judge Burdick afterwards disclosed that he is a long-time neighbor and friend of Aptos Village Project developer Joe Appenrodt. Hmmm….shouldn’t that have warranted his recusal? In the words of County Counsel: “Probably”.

I wonder why We Are Aptos Counsel, Mr. Bill Parkin, thought that recusal issue was “silly”? Hmmmmm…….

COUNTY TO HIRE CONSULTANT TO FIND NEW CAO…
County Administrative Officer (CAO) Ms. Susan Mauriello will retire from her job this July. She has been directing all levels of local government for the past 28 years.

The County has yet to advertise for her replacement. County Personnel Director, Mr. Michael McDougall, told me that the County has hired a consultant in Santa Rosa to find Ms. Mauriello’s replacement. That consultant will cost well over $20,000. Mr. McDougall said the job description will be advertised beginning April 1, 2017. No kidding. It seems to me that date allows very little time to advertise for, select and interview potential candidates nationwide. I wonder if Ms. Mauriello has really already chosen Mr. Carlos Palacios, her Deputy CAO, for her job? Hmmm…..

By the way, Mr. McDougall mentioned that any consultant contracts under $35,000 do not have to be approved publicly by the Board of Supervisors. Wow.

Here is the link to the County Personnel website. Take a look at the link there for “salary schedule/job specs” for some interesting reading.

IS THE COUNTY HIRING A SECOND PLANNING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR?
Postcards on the Planning Department front desk advertise the County is hiring an Assistant Planning Director, as well as a couple of more planners. Is current Assistant Planning Director, Ms. Wanda Williams retiring? Nope. Apparently, future business is looking up, so the County will be hiring a SECOND Assistant Director, maybe with starting salary of $170,000/year.

Hmmmm….could this be connected to the massive in-fill development plans outlined in the “Sustainable Santa Cruz County Plan” that are coming down the pike?

Water? What water?

~WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.

BUT DO SOMETHING.

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).

Sunday, March 12, 2017 #71 / Article II

“WE THE PEOPLE”

The Constitution of the United States is organized into seven different “Articles.” The first three Articles outline the duties of the three branches of government that the Consitution establishes:

Article I – Legislative
Article II – Executive
Article III – Judicial

This is pretty basic, and most of us understand the concept pretty well. Each branch of the government has its own assignment, or assignments, and to the degree that the government is going to be able to act at all, the three branches have to “agree,” or at least not “disagree.” The fact that each branch can (and is supposed to) act as a “check and balance” on the other branches is one of the ways we make sure that our democratic government doesn’t turn into despotism.

Speaking about despotism, I sense some concern about the potentially despotic tendencies of our current president. Some are calling him “erratic” (raise your hand if you agree), but despotic or erratic tendencies shouldn’t cause any terminal hysteria among the public, if our governmental system is, in fact, operating as it’s supposed to. To have any chance of enduring over time, a governmental system must be robust enough to survive an “erratic” period, once in awhile.

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~Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for indivuduals 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. DeCinzo depicts Danged UCSC students facing reality…or Santa Cruz!!! Scroll below just a bit…

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Tim Eagan’s “The President Who Cried Wolf” 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.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Childhood is not for sissies. But marginalized kids on the fringes of the social norm get their story told with humor an compassion in the charming animated featutre, My Life As a Zucchini, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com).” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

MUNCHING WITH MOZART. Every third Thursday Carol Panofsky presents… “MUNCHING WITH MOZART & FRIENDS” it’s this Thursday, March 16th, 12:10 – 12:50 at the Santa Cruz Public Library Downtown Branch – in the upstairs Meeting Room. It’ll feature Mozart and Chopin played by Carol Panofsky and Ben Dorfan, solo pianists. Carol will be playing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Sonata in A Major, K. 331 and Ben will play Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849) Ballade in G Minor, op. 23. Get there early, the good- but few seats fill fast.

JEWEL THEATRE’S “The Dance of Death” a play by August Strindberg plays March 16-April 9 at the Colligan Theatre over in the Tannery Arts Center. Wikipedia says it has black humor. It’s about a soured marriage and reviews have almost always said it has overtones of George and Martha in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”. Tickets and more information here.

PATRICE VECCHIONE’S ONE—WOMAN SHOW. Author, artist, teacher, poet and performer Patrice Vecchione has created and will perform her newest one –woman show “Words Dressed & Undressed:Women, Aging & Identity” Friday March 17 and Saturday March 18 at the Center Stage Theatre 1001 Center Street. With humor, fashion and flair she’s put together a performance that reveals much of her most surprising personal history. Get tickets at Brown Paper Tickets online.

LAND OF MINE. Denmark’s entry for best foreign film 2017. Subtitled and deeply magnificient. Pefrectly acted, 100% engrossing, and for me it was a deep as any Greek tragedy. It’s 1945, the Germans lost the war and Denmark has forced 1000’s of young Deutsche POW’s to defuse and de-activate the millions of land mines that they buried along the miles of Denmark’s beaches. Human, realistic, painful, If you like films that make you think AND re-consider what you hold deeply, go see this one… as quick as possible.

KONG:SKULL ISLAND. Kong is back and after his appearance about 45 minutes into the film I figured why Kong is always mad. Unlike all gorillas, Kong has hair all over his butt and he has no penis! He does have his usual minute or two with a beautiful blonde…that’s Brie Larson (playing Faye Wray). Samuel. L. Jackson is a very bad guy, Tom Hiddleston is the big hero John Goodman gets killed before you expect it and John C. Reilly saves the movie from being just another numb & dumb box office smash. It beat Logan at the ticket office so that proves it. Truthfully though, it isn’t all bad IF you like monster gorilla movies.

LOGAN. Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart lower themselves considerably by playing the lead roles in this last of the Wolverine series. I’ve tried hard and failed to stop thinking that this is exactly the kind of film I’ll bet that Donald Trump likes. Even though the Wolverine (Jackman) is a comic book character and the special effects are just about 90% of the picture, the cruelty, killing, blood, evil, are all so typical of today’s biggest boxoffice hits, it’s too over the top for me. No plot, no emotions, no humanity…just more blood and more killing. Even the ending when Wolverine is in a stone covered grave I kept worrying and watching to see if some of the stones didn’t start shaking, meaning we’ll be tortured by an even worse Wolverine # 10. Yes Jackman has played the part nine times!!! Go if you like Donald Trump type movies.

MOONLIGHT. Best Oscar film 2017!!! For starters, Moonlight has a 98 % on Rotten Tomatoes, so it’s not just me who really not only enjoyed this tale of drugs, gangs, and love, but people who like deep, serious films loved it too. Set in Miami, this sharp, delicate, brilliant story of a Black man’s life is told in three parts. It’s best not to read too much about the plot and just watch with wonder as it unfolds. You’ve never seen a film like this one. Yes, It’s back again…many nominations and winning an Oscar did it!!

I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO. James Baldwin began writing a book in 1979 and this documentary uses the 30 pages his finished as continutity between the 6 chapters in the film. The links are stories of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Medgar Evans. It’s Baldwin working for unity and equality and we all need to see this film. It’s a lesson in humanity, and probably no Republicans or any of the 22, 438 Santa Cruz Trump voters will see this important film. It’s narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and got a 98 % on Rotten Tomatoes. Please see it!!!

A UNITED KINGDOM. “Based on a ture story” has almost become a law for movies lately…but this one really is. And It’s an excellent film. There’s a bunch of Black & White themed films out there now and that’s a good thing. This “historical” film about the King of Botswana land falling in love with and marrying a white Brit. woman is still deeper and more meaningful than most of the rest. (“Loving”, etc.) Recent award winner David Oyelowo and the brilliant Rosamund Pike star of Gone Girl (one of my favorite actors) grab hold of every scene and make you believe it. More than that you (we) become completely involved with the story. Somehow you’ll begin to wonder just how far you’d go in this “mixed marriage” thing. Rotten Tomatoes gives it an 85%.

GET OUT. Rotten Tomatoes gives this one an amazing 99%. Plus, it’s a huge box office hit !!! That’s surprising to everybody because it’s a low budget semi horror-comedy, black and white theme film. Probably released in February because that’s when they release films that aren’t expected o make much money. Catherine Keener is about the only actor whose name any of us might know. It’s a white girl brings home a black boyfriend topic. Only it goes into zones and situations that will amaze and get you laughing!! Wild, inventive, new, fine acting, twisted…you’ll love it.

LION. A true story of a little 5 year old boy getting lost in India. At last we get to see Dev Patel portray somebody serious and he does an excellent job. It’s a very cornball plot that you can guess every turn and twist, but still just because it’s India you do stay tuned in all the way through. Rooney Mara is his girlfriend for part of the plot and Nicole Kidman is the Australian wife who adopts him. It’s 100% feelgood and there are much better films out and around now, but it does have a certain charm.

HIDDEN FIGURES. A syrupy, Hollywoody much- altered story of three Black American women who did spectacular mathematical and technical work at NASA while fighting against a lot of racial and female prejudice. All to launch John Glenn into orbit. It’s both a cute and painful story at the same time. It’s a contender and still lacks something that could have made it a classic. It almost outdrew Star Wars on opening weekend!

LA LA LAND. It all depends on how much you remember the glorious and very bright and brilliant days of the Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Betty Grable, even Barbara Striesand, Judy Garland, and especially Ginger Rogers musicals. La La Land works very hard to convince us that the world hasn’t changed since those days and tries earnestly to recreate the innocence, and obvious genius of those performers. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone make La La Land fun and happy to a degree, but it’s not the same. The music and songs aren’t anywhere near as good and the photography of today’s LA doesn’t add much either, besides that Stone and Gosling are not professional dancers or singers like all of above. It’s like having Eddie Redmayne play Tarzan.

JOHN WICK Chapter 2. Keanu Reeves is back as the star of this sequel. That should be warning enough. One of the most splatteringly bloodiest films I’ve seen in years. Seems like all American made big studio films are violent nowadays, but this one is more than that. They justify the plot by adding sworn Mafia type family oaths , scenes in Rome, and just blood and more blood and as I said, most of it gets splattered on walls… a lot. However. I’m more than willing to entertain the possibility that it’s a generational thing. Most of my younger friends love it…and Rotten Tomatoes gives it 90%!! It’s in “THE SAME VEIN” as Logan and Jack Reacher movies.

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. Patrice Vecchione returns March 14 to talk about her one-woman show “Dressed and Undressed” happening March 17 & 18, then Bruce Van Allen from the Affordable Housing Now and S.C. Tenant’s Organizing Committee will talk about short term vacation rentals. Espressivo conductor and artistic director Michel Singher talks about their March 30 concert on March 21 followed by Chip from The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz. Roy Malan discusses the Hidden Valley String Orchestra concert happening April 9. John Aird follows with an overview of UCSC growth, water, and our tourist driven wharf plans. On April 4 Linda Burman-Hall returns to talk about The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival’s spring concerts. After Linda, Ben Leeds Carson details the April In Santa Cruz concerts. 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

I absolutely love bellydancing, and this girl is great! Check her out.

NEW UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVE FEATURE. Stuff changes at KZSC a lot. If you missed 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.

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. “WALLS”

“Men build too many walls and not enough bridges.” Joseph Fort Newton

“If there is a hard, high wall and an egg that breaks against it, no matter how right the wall or how wrong the egg, I will stand on the side of the egg. Why? Because each of us is an egg, a unique soul enclosed in a fragile egg. Each of us is confronting a high wall. The high wall is the system which forces us to do the things we would not ordinarily see fit to do as individuals . . . We are all human beings, individuals, fragile eggs. We have no hope against the wall: it’s too high, too dark, too cold. To fight the wall, we must join our souls together for warmth, strength. We must not let the system control us — create who we are. It is we who created the system. (Jerusalem Prize acceptance speech, JERUSALEM POST, Feb. 15, 2009)” Haruki Murakami

“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance”. Robert Kennedy

“There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect”. Ronald Reagan

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
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Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
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BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

Posted in Weekly Articles | Comments Off

March 7 – 13, 2017

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Bruce

PRE DEPOT PARK 1905. The Santa Cruz Union Station was built in 1892 for the South Pacific Coast Rail Road. Note the Santa Cruz electric open car on the far right. Now there’s mostly an artificial turf soccer field taking up all that space.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.

Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE March 6, 2017

K’LONGPUT ARTIST!!

VIETNAMESE “ZITHER”

WHARF TO WHARF COMPARISON. The editorial in Sunday”s Santa cruz Sentinel (03/05) had a great bit of statistics that hopefully convince locals of the need to preserve our Municipal Wharf instead of developing it into a non descript shopping mall. To quote the Sentinel…

“For Monterey, a recent Herald report found that city’s Fisherman’s Wharf was the second most visited attraction in the area in 2016 (Cannery Row was number 1 and the Aquarium was number 3.)”. It clearly shows that visitors go first to the historic and preserved sites (Cannery Row) then second they go to the more modernized Monterey Wharf. Lastly they go to the Aquarium. Adult admision to the Aquarium is now $49.95!!!

22, 438 TRUMP SUPPORTERS IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. One way or the other I’m going to repeat this voting statistic often. We must remember that even in this heavenly liberal bubble we somehow keep thinking we live in..that the reality is that 22,438 neighbors voted for Trump! (lest we forget)

THE COTONI-COAST NATIONAL MONUMENT NEWS. Everyone one who cares about the environment, climate change, tourism, and politics waited with bated breath to see if President Obama would declare this space a national minument just before leaving office….and he did it.What’s been happening since? How do the neighbors who live near the “monument” feel about it? What’s the future hold for the development? The Latest issue of The Rural Bonny Doon Association newspaper The Highlander has thai article in it…it’s four or more pages long and if you want to understand more about what monument status means…go for it.

Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument:

LOTS OF QUESTIONS, FEW ANSWERS.

As most of us expected, on Jan. 12 then- President Obama, under the auspices of the National Antiquities Act, proclaimed Coast Dairies a national monument, and added to it the name of the Cotoni (pronounced Cha-tone-ee) band of Amah Matsun people who used to inhabit the area.

Along with other local groups like Friends of the North Coast and the Davenport/North Coast Association, the RBDA Board feared the designation would attract many more visitors to the 5,800 acre property that stretches from Highway One up into Bonny Doon, surrounds Bonny Doon Road, and reaches up the coast into Swanton, than if it were simply maintained as a protected area managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management, a division of the Interior Dept.

The problem is that national monument designation gears up a global barrage of publicity, while guaranteeing only a pittance of additional funding for management and stewardship.

Cotoni-Coast Dairies faces the same dilemma as most other protected lands. They are managed for two conflicting purposes: public recreation, and environmental and habitat preservation. But Cotoni-Coast Dairies is different from most other large protected lands: it is just two hours or less away from a population of 8 million people, many of whom are enthusiastic hikers and bikers. It isn’t hard to foresee that when a visitor center and trails are established, 500,000 or more people a year may be enjoying the property. [State Parks estimates that that many visitors—obviously, many of them locals who use it frequently—tramp or ride about on Wilder Ranch State Park each year. We think that estimate is high.] Since being named a monument, Ft. Ord’s visitation has zoomed to over 400,000.

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Will BLM have the personnel and funding to protect the land and minimize fire danger and other impacts? Republicans, who control Congress, and now the White House, too, are hostile to spending money for environmental protection. The Interior Dept. budget has been shrinking, considering inflation, for several years, and it has an estimated $15 billion backlog in deferred maintenance. Private funding may make up some of the budget shortfall for Cotoni-Coast Dairies, but it can’t make up for a serious deficit. Historically, conservation organizations have been willing to donate funds for programs and facilities, but not for operational budgets.

Adding to our concerns are more studies that show that top predators—mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, etc.—shy away from areas frequented by humans, even people just hiking through. Cotoni-Coast Dairies is a significant territory for those predators.

Undoubtedly BLM will proceed slowly, and, we hope, thoughtfully and carefully, in opening trails. It will take several years, perhaps 10 or more, for them to fully develop a visitor center (most likely at the Davenport cement plant site), parking lots and other facilities. Everyone acknowledges that successful stewardship will require the development of a dedicated volunteer cadre; BLM itself has only four rangers right now for the 278,000 Central Coast acres it manages.

It remains a mystery where the money will be found to meet the additional costs for local emergency services and law enforcement, and there seems no way to cope with increased traffic on Highway 1/Mission St., and feeder roads like Highways 17, 92 and 84, and even Felton Empire and Empire Grade. Along with the near-term prospect of opening San Vicente Redwoods to the public, we fear that Davenport, in particular, Bonny Doon and even Santa Cruz may become much busier than many of us will like.

To follow this issue as it develops, and share your thoughts, go to friendsofthenorthcoast.org, and join the Facebook group Friends of the North Coast.

Cotoni-Coast Dairies Supervisors’ Conditions Missing from Monument Proclamation

Responding to concerns raised by the RDBA and the Davenport/North Coast Association, in April 2015 the County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution basing their support for Coast Dairies becoming a national monument on a set of conditions that could help mitigate the impacts of the expected increase in visitation. President Obama’s monument proclamation failed to meet many of those conditions. The Supervisors’ resolution specifically stated, “There should be no implication in the Proclamation that the National Monument is adjacent to the California Coastal National Monument.” Instead, Coast Dairies is now officially part of the CCNM.

Condition 10 said “Long-term funding from private, as well as public, institutions should be secured to assure adequate management of the Monument.” While Sempervirens Fund, which initiated and spearheaded the campaign for monument status, has promised some funding, it is a pittance compared to the amount needed for “adequate management,” and Congress is more likely to reduce the Interior Dept.’s budget than expand it.

Condition 3 stated that “The Proclamation designating the National Monument shall contain a commitment that the National Monument Management Plan shall: a. Be comprehensive and specific to the land included in the Coast Dairies National Monument.” The Proclamation ignores this, and the Cotoni-Coast Dairies management plan may instead be included in the CCNM management plan, which could well make it much less specific to Cotoni-Coast Dairies. The Proclamation also ignores Condition 2, which calls for the management plan to be completed within 3 years. Condition 3f. said the Proclamation should direct that the management plan “Assure that local fire and rescue services are not overburdened by increased use.” That language isn’t in the Proclamation. Condition 3g. demanded that a fee-for-service be negotiated for emergency services, and take into consideration “costs that occur off the property as a result of its public use.” Again, not in the Proclamation.

Condition 9 was that “There should be no specific reference to plant communities not specifically listed as endangered on Federal or California state endangered species lists.” The Proclamation specifically names several such plant communities. Will the Supervisors push BLM to live up to the conditions their Resolution demanded? We think they are honor-bound to do that, and that it is very much in the community’s interest.

Sempervirens Fund and other organizations that backed the monument campaign have an ethical obligation to try to reduce the negative impacts of that designation. Ironically, we who fought this designation on the grounds that Coast Dairies was already fully protected and that greatly increased visitation would bring only negative consequences, must nevertheless work hard to try to make the best of this by participating in the management plan process, overseeing BLM’s plan implementation, and by volunteering as docents on the property itself. It will be about three more years before you can hike, ride your bike or horse, or walk your dog on San Vicente Redwoods, the 8,500-acre property that stretches from Empire Grade nearly to Davenport. That was the word at the January RBDA meeting from Bryan Largay, the Conservation Director at the Santa Cruz Land Trust, which has been developing a public access plan for the property for about three years . Earlier, the Land Trust had been hoping to have one or more trails open by 2016, but detailed studies of the flora, fauna, geology and other critical matters have not only pushed the timeline back, but added to the projected overall costs of trail construction to protect against erosion and impacts on such things as mountain lion denning and roaming. Some of those costs have been underwritten by a $500,000 donation earlier this year from Santa Cruz Bicycles, the world-renowned mountain bike manufacturer, and a matching grant from an anonymous donor. Mountain bikers are eager for more local trails, including on Cotoni-Coast Dairies and Pogonip. Those whose job is to reduce bikers’ impact on land, plants and animals, and other recreational users (hikers and equestrians) are very aware that a small subset of bikers will strike out on their own if legal, managed and monitored trails aren’t provided (or even if they are).

To that end, the Land Trust has worked with its conservation partners in San Vicente, Sempervirens Fund and Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), who will fund it, and with County Parks and the County Sheriff, to implement a patrol program on San Vicente. Largay said current plans call for 38 miles of trails. Trail design will separate hikers, equestrians and bikers as appropriate to try to eliminate problems. Some of the old logging roads will be made into trails. When it owned this property CEMEX logged it extensively. Projected costs have been rising because of the neglected state of those roads.

Eventually, of course, the San Vicente trails will link up on the southern end to Cotoni-Coast Dairies, which separates it from Cement Plant Road in Davenport. In the beginning, the plan calls for a short dog-walking trail paralleling Empire Grade, and loop trails going down into the property. Largay said there will be a free 25-car parking lot off Empire which will be locked at night, and will be expanded when and if needed to ensure people don’t park on Empire or on nearby private roads. In response to a question at the January RBDA meeting, he said there definitely will not be access to the property from Bonny Doon Road.

San Vicente Trails may make up some of the budget shortfall for Cotoni-Coast Dairies, but it can’t make up for a serious deficit. Historically, conservation organizations have been willing to donate funds for programs and facilities, but not for operational budgets.

~
KZSC’S NEW NEWS. The Monterey Bay Area News coverage scene has changed. UCSC students at KZSC have been creating and broadcasting weekly news every Thursday morning from 8:00-8:10 am. They work hard and wisely on gathering and checking sources…and the enthusiasm is unbeatable. Tune in Thursdays 8 am to KZSC 88.1 fm or online at KZSC.org.

More Views from Australia

Public transportation in and around Sydney is a delight. This is no indictment of Santa Cruz, whose small town size, relative isolation and funding sources make public transportation a challenge. In Australia, public transportation, similar to education, is state, not locally funded. This ensures that trains serve all towns and counties and school districts receive essentially the same state funds, whether they are affluent or working class. Public transportation is widely used and user friendly. All ages and social classes travel by bus and train, both of which are spotless, comfortable and clearly marked. If you are over 60, retired and a resident, your senior card allows you to travel up to distances of 100 miles in all directions for a maximum of $2.50 and all school buses are free.

I travelled by train from Central Station in Sydney to the Blue Mountains at Katoomba to visit my sister. These are not bullet trains but fast enough. The trip of two hours passed by the many small, historic train stations, each immaculately maintained and punctuated with lovingly tended islands of landscaping. Apparently the stations vie with each other to present the best landscaping. As a non-resident, my fare was $6 each way.

Despite the wide availability of excellent public transportation and gas at over $6 a gallon, car traffic is a nightmare in and around Sydney. My hunch is that this will hold true for the future of Santa Cruz, irrespective of the push for non-car forms of transportation. The assumption on the part of Santa Cruz city planners, city council and transportation activists that providing bike lanes, sidewalks, the rail trail and eradicating on street parking as well as reduced required parking for new dense developments will result in people getting out of and getting rid of their cars is in my view a pipe dream or a sop to development interests.

One last reflection: on a 10K hike along the headlands of the many northern Sydney beaches from Collaroy to Manly, I was struck by the huge swaths of open public land punctuated by perhaps a small children’s playground. One or two people even on a Sunday. Space to throw a ball or spread out a blanket and have a picnic. This within a metropolitan area of 5 million people. I could hear echos of Santa Cruz park planners intoning that the space is “under-utilized” and should be “activated.” I was also struck by the respect for pedestrians. On reaching our destination and heading for the bus to catch home I observed the clear signs alerting bike riders to dismount and walk in pedestrian crossings and signs that prohibited bikes on frequently used promenades. The signs were respected.

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).

March 5,2015

Oh, What a Night, late February Back in ’17!

The bomb blast you may have felt last week came during the ninth hour (10:20pm) of the Santa Cruz City Council meeting of February 24th. 2017 During a lengthy discussion about whether Santa Cruz should have both a sanctuary city resolution and an ordinance provision, several community members asserted at the public podium that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has a desk inside the Santa Cruz Police Department. When the conversation came back to the council, Vice-mayor David Terazzas said people should be careful in making accusations about the police. Councilmember Sandy Brown chimed in that she had an email from Santa Cruz County Supervisor John Leopold corroborating the existence of HSI’s physical presence within one of our city’s public safety facilities. With that, Police Chief Kevin Vogel spoke up. Yes, in fact “an agent (from HSI-ICE) has had a desk at SCPD” since 2009, he said. Vogel followed up that comment with, “my intention is to serve the DHS (Department of Homeland Security, HSI’s parent organization) agent with an eviction.”

Move him out of the facility in other words?

It is a question that still looms over an otherwise productive and sensitive discussion—over 250 showed up—that placed the protecting of our local immigrant community at the top of the city council’s evening agenda. It is important to state here that both the resolution and a toothier ordinance fashioned on the city of Santa Ana’s law were both passed by the council. (see the New York Times editorial on the Santa Ana ordinance here)

When asked if our ordinance is as strong as it could be, city attorney Tony Condotti said, “I don’t’ think this is the strongest policy statement from among the ones I’ve seen…it’s a measured policy statement in my view.”

Other questions that remain:

How could SCPD not know earlier about the entire scope of the DHS-HSI-ICE operation that was carried out in the early morning hours of February 13th? Why has Department Of Homeland Security (DHS) not yet provided SCPD with a list of immigrants who were detained that day? And that’s after being prodded several times by our Deputy-chief of Police, Dan Flippo? “It is upsetting that HSI has not been forthcoming,” Flippo stated. And of course, a question that does not go away: How is it that Santa Cruz County Sherriff, Jim Hart opted NOT to provide county resources to DHS after his officers attended an initial pre-planning meeting for this operation?

What also needs to be pointed out here is that it is rare, and somewhat heartening, to see a local police chief, and deputy chief, so sincerely take professional responsibility for a federal operation gone wrong. Vogel and Flippo, while acting as a Santa Cruz David, stridently and forcefully went after Goliath, the Department of Homeland Security. The Washington Post reported on February 23rd that Chief Vogel said, “We cannot cooperate with a law enforcement agency we cannot trust.”

SCPD’s verbal pushback, and the police hierarchy’s stated concern in carrying out our city’s sanctuary resolution and ordinance, remain as a positive outcome to an otherwise sordid affair. There is much more to this story and I hope our local media will be reporting it. I urge readers of BrattonOnline to check out UCSC’s City on a Hill last week. Their coverage is exemplary and the newspaper’s cover picture incorporates Spanish and English over a picture taken inside the city council chambers during the sanctuary discussion. The picture deserves a journalism award!

Snapshots and Take-Aways

Wells Fargo bank holds over $20 million of Santa Cruz City money at any given time. It handles our city’s payroll. Wells is helping finance the “Dakota Access Pipeline” (DAPL). Cities from Seattle to Santa Monica are divesting from Wells Fargo. Should Santa Cruz also pull out? How difficult would it be for us to divest? Are there other banking services available, local ones to be specific? Let the city council know how you feel: citycouncil@cityofsantacruz.com mailto:citycouncil@cityofsantacruz.com

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The People’s Democratic Club (PDC) retreat

The PDC retreat this past Saturday was energizing and encouraging. Twenty-five of us sat around a rectangular table at SEIU’s union hall on Mission Street and discussed a community-centered agenda beginning with continued support of sanctuary city protections for immigrants, support for statewide issues like single-payer (universal) healthcare, allying the club with younger voters by supporting their issues (affordable housing, free college tuition), not only registering voters but empowering them too, and also to continue searching for good candidates to run on local city councils and school boards throughout the county. It appears like the political health of the PDC is better than ever!

On the heels of the PDC retreat came the Campaign for Sensible Transportation’s overt facilitated discussion of “parking demand management.” While a not so covert conversation was also being waged on how can the community can decouple and sideline the SC city manager office’s apparent dream of building a $33-$37 million five-story parking garage-library. It’s envisioned on the site of where the Farmer’s Market now sits at Cedar Street bounded by Cathcart and Lincoln downtown. Brodie Hamilton was the featured speaker. Hamilton directed Stanford University’s successful demand management program that he says saved over $100 million in avoided costs for parking lot construction. Seems like he thinks we can do the same here.

The significance of his presentation was perhaps reflected by who actually attended: Planning commissioner, Mark Mesiti-Miller; Metro’s bus driver union president, Eduardo Montesino; former SC city parking czar, Matt Farrell; UCSC’s current Transportation and Parking Services Director, Larry Pageler; former Brand New City Council candidate Steve Schnaar; UCSC professor emeritus, Peter Scott; elections consultant and former mayor Bruce Van Allen; former SC councilmember Ed Porter; and housing and transportation visionary, Ron Swenson. (Wow, looking back that’s a lot of male energy in one room…)

The media even showed up to the SCPD Community room to cover the event. I saw Kara Guzman reported the story in last Sunday’s Santa Cruz Sentinel, while the Good Times’ Jake Pierce will likely come out with his own piece this week. Although Guzman quotes deputy city manager Scott Collins (who was not in the room) as contending that the garage-library project is “largely conceptual,” the very large elephant that is now sitting behind city hall’s currently closed doors is that others inside the city manager’s office actually see this project as some sort of done deal. If it’s not, it’s at least near the top of city manager, Martin Bernal’s project priority list. It’s refreshing to hear that Collins believes it’s “conceptual.”

The indefatigable, Rick Longinotti was really to blame for this local-vocal pushback on the project. He wants to reward residents who bike, bus, and walk more, and leave the current downtown parking spaces for residents who opt to bring their car. He would also call for rewarding those city employees who choose not to drive downtown with bus passes as part of their paycheck. The employees at Stanford saved over $1000 each per year by carpooling, busing, and taking the train instead of driving to campus. Longinotti thinks there’s already enough parking spaces, but would still support the city undertaking a “parking demand management study” before investing so much money in another garage.

Mayor Cynthia Chase Put Aside $10,000 to Fund a Community Conversation

Mayor Chase wants to talk about housing this year, in all of its myriad forms—rental, market-driven, houseless-homeless, and the hundreds of NEW students the UC administration continues to invite onto “the Hill,” thus forcing juniors and seniors to look for housing in town. I say great, let’s talk and plan, but at the end of this discussion, let’s invest our scarce dollars into the people who live here now, not the vacation renters and second-home folks who might just be finding out about Santa Cruz for the first time.

Leftovers
Can’t wait to get to more Bernie-issues on this council gig…the tough policy ones like the “Fight for $15,” assisting students in obtaining free public college tuition, a just-cause eviction ordinance, raising the hotel tax to help fund our housing trust fund and a 24/7 homeless shelter, and how about rent control and ranked-choice voting too? This week we will hopefully be taking on Wall Street and a Banks, aka Wells Fargo.

And this just in…
A friend texts: “The Pope drives a Leaf (Nissan), how are you liking your Bolt?” Lovin’ it! Goes over 200 miles. We can finally get up and back to see the in-laws in Berkeley on a single charge.

~Bernie Quote of the Week:
“I am going to do my best to try to create a country in which children are not living in poverty, in which kids can go to college, which old people have healthcare. Will I succeed? I can’t guarantee you that, but I can tell you that from a human point of view it is better to show up than give up.”

(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).

WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO BE INFORMED ABOUT…LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROCEEDINGS?
Last week seemed to be full of various County government meetings. Citizens who are concerned about what is going on and want to become educated have to work very hard to get information. While the standard answer from government staff is “you can look that up on our website”, I have found that I learn much more by attending meetings and hear what gets said but not necessarily reported in minutes.

I appreciate that Community Television records and broadcasts the County Board of Supervisor meetings and many others, but many Commission (e.g., Water Advisory, Housing Advisory, Historic Resources Advisory) meetings are not recorded. It would be good for the public if they were. Ask your local elected officials to do so, in the name of government transparency.

Here is the link to the Community TV schedule of current government broadcasts.

Take advantage of this good resource…maybe someday the County Board of Supervisors and the Regional Transportation Commission will accommodate the working class and students who cannot currently attend their 9am weekday meetings.

A LONG DAY ON THE FIFTH FLOOR AT 701 OCEAN STREET
The February 28 County Board of Supervisor meeting was a long one. Why were two critical matters placed on the agenda for the same day? The Cannabis Cultivation and Licensing Environmental Impact Report Noticing brought a room full of people with many good questions and ideas. Cannabis Enforcement Officer Mr. Dan Peterson also presented a great deal of information.

Unfortunately, it seems the District 2 ban on outdoor growing on less than 5 acre parcels is still on the books….all because County Administrative Officer Ms. Susan Mauriello doesn’t like the smell in her backyard. Doesn’t that place residents in District 2 at an unfair economic disadvantage by forcing them to pay higher electric bills for lighting and ventillation to grow their medicine? I think so, not to mention the fire hazard from over-loaded electrical circuits. My neighborhood had to evacuate in the middle of the night three years ago due to a fire for that very reason.

Maybe Ms. Mariello will have that same pleasure and see the errors of her ways…..

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SMOKE AND MIRRORS…A DISMAL COUNTY BUDGET REPORT
The $711 million Mid-Year Budget Report was scheduled for the last item of the day. I could not stay later than 3pm…and the staff presentations were still going. What I heard worries me greatly.

The County is operating at $8.1 MILLION DEFICIT. What happened to that balanced budget promised last June? But hang on, there’s more:

An additional $4.5 million is needed to bring reserves up to the desired level of 10% by FY 2020-21.
Project that PERS costs will continue to rise by over 12% by FY 2018-19 resulting in increased costs of $5 million.
GENERAL FUNDS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS OR MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE. (read that one twice to let the true meaning sink in)
Funding needs for road improvements will be significant.

Cheery, isn’t it?

Hang on, there is more….

Directors of Public Works, Sheriff, County Fire, Human Services and Health Services each made presentations of “Emerging Issues”. I could only stay to hear Public Works and the first half of the Sheriff reports. Take a deep breath and read on….

County Public Works Director Mr. John Presleigh reported the current estimate for repairing the damaged County roads and bridges is $40 million and climbing. He hopes to get State and Federal money to help pay that bill but the County will still need $5-$9 million for matching funds. Now, let me repeat the note from above:

“GENERAL FUNDS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS OR MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE.”
Mr. Presleigh stated that to save money, engineering staff will do much of the repair designs in-house. That is good…all those consultants and outside contractors the County hires are very expensive. Mr. Presleigh also said his department plans to increase County Service Area 9 (CSA) taxes on all county property tax bills to get more money for road repairs. He said that the County will conduct a poll (probably done by an expensive consultant) of the three general county areas to see just how much additional tax money people would be willing to pay.

The Board of Supervisors seemed to think this is a good idea, and urged Mr. Presleigh to take action quickly, before people get used to the damaged roads and forget what distress the storms brought them. Supervisor Ryan Coonerty said, “Let’s borrow now, before the interest rates go up.” Maybe he did not understand that the Mid-Year Budget Report states the County is operating at $8.1 MILLION deficit?

So much for a balanced budget and living within one’s means…. But County Administrative Officer (CAO) Ms. Susan Mauriello’s report promises a balanced budget by May…just in time for her retirement and hefty pension.

KUDOS TO RTC COMMISSIONER MR. RANDY JOHNSON
It was refreshing to hear Regional Transportation Commissioner (RTC) Mr. Randy Johnson (Scotts Valley) question the effectiveness of an additional $70,000 consultant to go door-to-door in select areas of Watsonville and Branciforte to ask why people do not take the bus or bicycle. “How will you measure the success of this survey?” he asked. RTC staff (Ms. Blakeslee) answered: take another survey. Wow. Commissioner Mr. Oscar Rios (Watsonville) pointed out that residents of Watsonville have the highest per capita bus ridership in the County already. Mr. Johnson recommended enlisting the help of community volunteers who are passionate about reducing greenhouse gasses (quite a few of them were in the audience) to do the door-to-door surveys. The Commission voted to approve the additional $70,000 for the project, with Commissioner Johnson voting “no”.

KUDOS AGAIN TO COMMISSIONER JOHNSON
The next item on the agenda was a different RTC staff member (Ms. Dykaar) asking for an additional $500,000 to hire a consultant to incorporate the public input from the recent online “Unified Transportation Corridor” survey for the County. It seems that the 3,300 responses presented information that now legally must be reflected in the Transportation Plan, and update a couple of studies because they are now out of date.

Again, Commissioner Johnson asked “Why do we have to spend more money studying this? Now that Measure D has passed, my constituents are asking when will Highway One get widened? It seems like there is all kinds of money from the State to study projects but NO money available to actually get anything done.”

Ms. Dykaar reported that she had already sent out invitations to consultants for the survey compilation work, but at a lower budget amount. No consultants were interested in the job because it wasn’t enough money…she needed half a million to get a consultant to do the work.

Once again, the Commission approved the $500,000 additional funding, with Commissioner Johnson voting “No”. I am glad someone is paying attention. Now, tell me about that Measure D Oversight Committee? Will we have to hire a consultant to select those five people? Hmmm…..

RTC DIRECTOR HAS PREDICTIONS REGARDING IMPACTS OF WHITE HOUSE TWEETS
Mr. George Donderos, Director of the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) had a dismal report with information from the profession regarding federal funding for transportation.

At best case, the funding will be flat, but probably will decrease due to congressional emphasis to increase the Defense Budget while not increasing the total federal budget. Currently, half of the federal funding to the National Highway Trust Fund comes from the general budget. “In 2020, Congress must act to provide an equivalent of doubling the gas tax just to stay at current funding levels.” Last year, Congress lowered the gas tax rate.

Here are the implications for our region:

Expect funding for bridge replacements, highway maintenance, and freight movement.
Potential cuts to transit, and programs considered “non-essential” such as bike & pedestrian.
Shift in decision-making to the states (Governors, not necessarily CalTrans, or regions).
Expect little for congestion relief for interchanges or other improvements.
THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF THE TAX EXEMPT STATUS OF MUNICIPAL BONDS

SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTS LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANACING OPTIONS AND INCREASES COSTS. (legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Paul Ryan)

Here are some Issues:

“1. Acknowledgement by many that tolling will not replace the need for traditional revenues for maintenance and improvement of existing facilities, nor is it an option in rural areas.

Current law does not allow tolling on existing facilities.
A significant concern is that many polticians see “increased financing” opportunities as equivalent to increased funding. It is not, and there remains a significant need for increased revenues.
TIGER grants (competitive transportation grants) will likely be stricken; transit reduced; and bike, pedestrian, and Safe Routes to School funding will potentially be in jeopardy.”

How cheery. Mr. Donderos encouraged all Commissioners to lend support to SB1 that, if approved would allocate millions to fund local roads and Metro. You can track transportation-related bills in the state legislature on a website: www.calcog.org . Click on the “Bill Tracker” and hope for the best.

LAFCO MEETING….CONSOLIDATING APTOS/LA SELVA AND CENTRAL FIRE DISTRICTS AND…..
The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) met to discuss that agency’s budget. I was surprised to learn that they must, along with any non-county agency, pay rent to the county for space. The Commissioners also discussed the proposal to consolidate the Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District with the Central Fire Protection District. Interestingly, Aptos and Corralitos divisions of the County Fire Department, those wonderful well-trained volunteers that respond 24/7 to medical calls and fires in the rural areas of the County, were also added into the consolidation proposal.

However, somehow County Fire Chief Ian Larkin was never invited to attend any of the ad hoc committee meetings to discuss the consolidation proposal. Hmmm…

Commissioner Zach Fiend (whose supervisorial district includes Corralitos and Aptos) admitted that he had not instructed LAFCO Director Mr. Pat McCormick to invite Chief Larkin to join the discussion about including County Fire in the consolidation. “We have the other two fire agencies that are motivated to take action now, and I was advised that adding County Fire into the discussion would just slow things down.”

But wait a minute, don’t you think the County Fire Chief needs to have some input on matters of consolidation that would take away the areas that provide some of the highest tax money to financially support County Fire Department’s budget? I do, and I live in rural Aptos. If you do, too, maybe Supervisor Zach Friend would love to hear your thoughts about this matter:

Zach Friend zach.friend@santacruzcounty.us 454-2200 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Stay tuned next week for news on the County’s irresponsible plan to spend $2 MILLION on Aptos Village’s Soquel Drive/Trout Gulch Road intersection, moving the westbound bus stop for Aptos Village Project developer Barry Swenson Builder, and adding dedicated turn lanes for Aptos Village Project developer Joe Appenrodt’s Bay Fed/Starbucks shopping center.

Is the 1928 historic Aptos Creek Bridge safe? The last time it was inspected (2013), the report advised careful monitoring (and possible closure) during heavy storm events. Hmmm…… Did you see any bridge inspectors there? I didn’t. No word yet from the Public Works Department if any inspections have occurred since 2013. Is it safe for construction trucks and heavy equipment???

What about the integrity of the buried gas lines on the other end of the Aptos Village area, near the trestle abutment? Given the dramatic road shoulder failures on both sides of Soquel Drive, should the area be re-named to “Isthmus of Aptos”?

Will Valencia Road ever get funded for repair so Valencia Elementary School can re-open?

Tell me again why the County would rather spend $2 million to help Aptos Village Project developers instead of Valencia Elementary School’s 600+ students, families and staff and the 140 households in adjacent Rolling Green Estates and Aptos School Road?

Is there a consultant in the house?

~WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.

2/28/17 #59 / Time And Space

Albert Einstein is quoted as saying that time is an illusion. Apparently, though, Einstein did believe in a more conventional understanding of “space.” That is the way I construe his reluctance to accept what he called “spooky action at a distance.” This phenomenon, predicted by quantum physics, and largely proven, is defined by the fact that two particles, widely separated in space, can be shown to affect each other, instantaneously, despite the distance separating them, and despite the limits on communication supposedly imposed by the speed of light.

If I am correctly understanding the implications of that “spooky action at a distance” thing, it would seem largely to negate our common sense understanding of what “space” must be, since geographic separation (the “space” between us) would not interrupt an immediate exchange of information between two widely-separated particles, or “things.”

According to Scientific American, recent experiments seem to be eliminating any reason to think that the “spooky action at a distance” phenomenon is not an accurate description of how physical reality is actually organized. Doesn’t this mean that “space,” too, is an “illusion,” just as Einstein said that “time” is? As I said a week or so ago, I am a “sucker for physics,” with that confession going along with an acknowledgment that I don’t understand it. What I draw from all these things that I don’t understand, though, is that what we think of as “reality,” based in material existence, may not be our actual “reality” at all.

My friend Mr. Dylan puts it this way: “Something is happening here, but [we] don’t know what it is.” We are all playing the role of a materialist “Mr. Jones,” as we find out more about the World of Nature. What we are finding out is that we actually live in a world that is a something quite different from what we have assumed to be the case”.

Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for indivuduals 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. Check out DeCinzo’s idea of our housing problem a page or two below.

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s ” What Smell “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.

RUSSIAN SYNCHCHRONIZED SKATING. I’m not a big ice skating fan but this teamwork is beautiful.

SANTA CRUZ CHAMBER PLAYERS. “The Greatest Music You’ve Never Heard” is the title of their next concert happening Saturday March 11th at 7:30 pm; and Sunday March 12th at 3:00 pm. That means Rarely Performed Chamber Works by Jaun Crisóstomo Arriaga, Aaron Copland, William Grant Still, and others. The concert will be performed by Ivan Rosenblum, Concert director and piano; James Pytko, clarinet; Shannon Delaney and Rachel Magnus Hartman, violins; Arlyn Knapic, viola; Aude Castagna, cello. Their press release says, “Rarely performed?” We know what you’re thinking: surely there are good reasons for that! Our program judiciously avoids those unworthies in favor of first-rate, seldom-performed pieces that deserve wider exposure. We explore why even excellent music is sometimes under- programmed and under-appreciated. For example, Arriaga, the “Spanish Mozart,” who died at age 20, didn’t have time to amass enough compositions to insure a lasting reputation. Even though Aaron Copland is well-known, his Sextet is not, because it’s written in a less popular style than Appalachian Spring. Some composers, for sociological or historical reasons, never received their full due. Such was the fate of Afro-American composer William Grant Still, whose lively dance Dance Suite will be performed. By exploring the twists and turns of “rarely performed” repertoire, we discovered the intriguing Zemlinsky Trio and opera composer Gian Carlo Menotti’s instrumental Trio. With its 18th-20th century varied repertoire and diverse instrumentation, this concert is not to be missed. You might not get another opportunity to hear these pieces for quite some time! Once again…it’s Saturday March 11th at 7:30 pm; Sunday March 12th at 3:00 pm at Christ Lutheran Church in Aptos off Freedom Blvd. near the old run down CHP headquarters.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Find out if Hugh Jackman’s last Wolverine movie LOGAN is a worthy send-off, and join the countdown to publication day for my next book, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). Also, fasten your seatbelts for the Return of the Oscar Barbies — 2017 edition!” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

MANCHESTER BY THE SEA. Casey Affleck single handidly sustains this deep, emotional film. It’s on the way to several awards and should win them all. It’s an intelligent, beautifically acted in depth portrait of people going through trauma and relationships. Along with Affleck there’s Michelle Williams, Gretchen Mol, even Mathew Broderick in a bit part and especially the 16 year old Lucas Hedges. It’s a cold and unrelenting film that demands your attention.

THE SALESMAN. This great film won the OSCAR for best Foreign language film. It’s from Iran …and it’s a winner anyway. Subtle, subtitled, human, complex…it’s a story about a young couple who are acting in a staged version of Death Of A Salesman. A secret tragedy happens and the plot handles the truth about it very slowly and very beautifully. You could call it searing, emotionally draining, and a lot more. Go see it quickly.

SPLIT. M. Night Shyamalan makes some pretty weird and frequently awful movies. But Split has James McAvoy playing a very disturbed guy with 23 distinct and split personalities (and most of them are very crazy). He’s lured and locked up 3 teen aged girls and it’s scary and more or less predictable after that, but you’ll stay glued to the screen and your seat…go for it …if you like scary stuff. Not anywhere near as a good as Hitchcock, but he tries. (Shyamalan even makes a secret cameo appearance like Hitch always did).

OSCAR SHORTS. LIVE ACTION. There s five of them. 100 % on R. Tomatoes.They range from really, really soapy cornball love story to a really, really, soapy, cornball car attendents secret dancing between parking cars. One is very heavy and serious about a guy being questioned about his loyalty, and you’ll question yours too after seeing it. All in all nit my favorite year for Live action shorts. All foreign, all subtitled.

OSCAR SHORTS, ANIMATION. There’s five of these animated shorts too. They range from a sickingly slick, cutesy Pixar baby sandpiper confection to an adults only “Pear Cider and Cigarettes” 35 minute graphic saga that is brilliant. Don’t take the kids to any of these shorts they simply aren’t worth it. But see Pear Cider if you can.

THE GREAT WALL. Matt Damon heads this almost all Chinese cast in a huge special effects battle against thousands of 20 foot man killing, organized, queen – led Iguanas during the 12 century. Damon’s accent goes from Ireland to Massachusetts (his birthplace). Damon can and has done some fine acting in the past but he’s lost in this computer generated, darkly filmed big, big box office success (in China). 36 on Rotten Tomatoes.

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. On March 7 Newton and Helen Harrison talk about their book, “The Time of The Force Majeure”. Tony Russomano follows talking about the structure of the Democratic Party in California. Patrice Vecchione returns March 14 to talk about her one-woman show “Dressed and Undressed” happening March 17 & 18, then somebody from the Sanctuary Santa Cruz group will give us new details. Espressivo conductor and artistic director Michel Singher talks about their March 30 concert on March 21 followed by Chip from The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz. Roy Malan discusses the Hidden Valley String Orchestra concert happening April 9. John Aird follows with an overview of UCSC growth, water, and our tourist driven wharf plans. On April 4 Linda Burman-Hall returns to talk about The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival’s spring concerts. 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

There are no words, this is pure joy 🙂

QUOTES. “MARCH”

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade”, Charles Dickens

“Indoors or out, no one relaxes
In March, that month of wind and taxes,
The wind will presently disappear,
The taxes last us all the year”. ~Ogden Nash

“March brings breezes loud and shrill,
Stirs the dancing daffodil”. ~Sara Coleridge

“Don’t ever become a pessimist… a pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun, and neither can stop the march of events”. ~Robert A. Heinlein

“By March, the worst of the winter would be over. The snow would thaw, the rivers begin to run and the world would wake into itself again. Not that year. Winter hung in there, like an invalid refusing to die. Day after grey day the ice stayed hard; the world remained unfriendly and cold.” ~Neil Gaiman

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

Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

Posted in Weekly Articles | Comments Off

February 27 – March 5 – 2017

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Bruce

FRONT AND SOQUEL STREETS January 1959. The lower left corner is now the CVS/Trader Joe’s parking lot also known as Riverwalk Plaza. How many Santa Cruzans have ever said or even used the term Riverwalk Plaza?? And in the upper center where the gas station was, sits the infamous Wells Fargo Home Mortgage building.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.

Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE February 27, 2017

COSSACK DANCE. This is brand new to You Tube. It went online Feb 27, 2017.

Amazing Voice!Judges stopped her because they couldn’t believe it’s her real voice!English Subtitles

You have not seen anything like this! Incredibly beautiful sight!

PLAN WHAT NEW GARAGE & LIBRARY? There’s a workshop this Saturday March 4th in the Police Community room at 11 a.m to hear experts tell why and how we can easily do without a new FIVE (5) story parking garage that the City wants to build on Cedar Street between Lincoln and Cathcart streets. Go here to read The Campaign For Sensible Transportation’s views and news about it. http://sensibletransportation.org

Part of that plan is to build a new Public Library on the first floor of that 5 floor parking garage. The Santa Cruz Public Library just (2/14) put an anouncement online…

“HELP DESIGN THE NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY”
They are looking for seven(7) folks to meet regularly to plot and plan this new library. They want to create a Downtown Library Advisory Committee Read about it here on their website… Aren’t they jumping the gun just a bit?

SANTA CRUZ SHOULD WITHDRAW ALL CONNECTIONS AND JOB ORDERS WITH GRANITE CONSTRUCTION.
Like conscientious cities and institutions everywhere are doing with Wells Fargo …The City and County of Santa Cruz should cancel, stop and cease any and all dealings with Granite Construction unless and until Granite ends any plans cooperating with TRUMP and his plan to build the wall. Granite has been an involved part of the county community for decades

and

ANOTHER POINT!!! Even if this wall idea becomes closer to reality why wouldn’t it be better to build a FENCE? Aside from the fact that a fence would be cheaper, doesn’t it make better sense to be able to see what’s on the other side? Sure, cameras & expensive tech gizmos would give some screening opportunities over the top of the wall, a fence would provide 100% vision of any action on the other side. And of course I’m as opposed to a fence as I am to a wall but just in case….read the Granite construction article here…

And on the internet I found, “OK Santa Cruzans, time to make a phone call or send a letter. James Roberts, the president of Granite Construction (headquartered in Watsonville) has announced that they are bidding on the WALL. This is unacceptable on so many levels. Please call 831-724-1011 or write to 585 W. Beach St., Watsonville, CA 95076. Build bridges, not walls!”

SANTA CRUZ SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES RAID MONTEREY COUNTY POT GROW. Why??? Ralph Davila sent this link to this week’s Monterey County Weekly and asks “Can’t figure out why Judge in Santa Cruz County would issue a warrant in Monterey County & why Santa Cruz County Sheriffs would have any jurisdiction in Monterey?” The article tells about how our County Sheriff’s raided a well known Monterey Pot growing facility and how attorney Ben Rice was involved and the possibility that some former Santa Cruz Deputy quit the force and is now growing pot and maybe this was a grudge raid by his former cop friends…read it and think again about the role our police play in so many areas.

SMART PHONES, TEXTING THE LAW AND HAMBURGERS!!! I can’t be the only one who wonders why, if “texting” while driving is illegal because it takes our attention away from the road and traffic threats why then hasn’t eating hamburgers and tacos and eating all drive-thru food been made just as illegal?? Munching a hamburger, managing those fries, sipping that cola, and avoiding pedestrians all at the same time has to be as absorbing and tricky as any “texting”.

READING ORWELL’S 1984. Hopefully you’ve heard and read about a bunch of us locals reading the complete George Orwells “1984” at Bookshop Santa Cruz this Thursday March 2nd, starting at 10 am. As of Monday noon Feb 27 here’s the lineup, in case you want to miss or hit your favorite readers
SPECIAL NOTE…some readers are not reading in their official capacity, titles provided for identification only!!!

10:00 – Steve Kettmann, Wellstone Center in the Redwoods
10:20 – Rabbi Paula Marcus, Rabbi Temple Beth El
10:40 – Alisun Thompson, Santa Cruz City Schools Board Member
11:00 – John Sandidge, KZSC Host
11:20 – Amy Ettinger, Author
11:40 – Elizabeth McKenzie, Author
12:00 – Ryan Coonerty, Santa Cruz County Supervisor
12:20 – Giovan Michael, UCSC Student
12:40 – Paul Skenazy, Author
1:00 – Stephen Kessler, Author
1:20 – Jolene Kemos, Librarian
1:40 – Steve Palopoli, Good Times Editor
2:00 – Paul Fleischman, Author
2:20 – Danusha Lamerias, Poet
2:40 – Patrice Vecchione, Author and Poet
3:00 – Bruce Bratton, Columnist and Radio Host
3:20 – Jenny Bitner, SF Writer’s Grotto
3:40 – Rico Lange, Author and Bookseller
3:50 – Rachel Goodman, Professor & Radio Host
4:00 – Farnaz Fatimi, Professor
4:20 – Clifford Henderson, Author
4:40 – Micah Perks, Author
5:00 – Nikki Silva, Radio Personality
5:20 – Laurie R. King, Author
5:40 – Mayor Cynthia Chase, Mayor of Santa Cruz
6:00 – Thad Nodine, Author
6:20 – Reverend Deborah Johnson, Reverend Inner Light Ministries
6:40 – Karen Joy Fowler, Author
7:00 – Mike Ryan, Santa Cruz Shakespeare Artistic Director
7:20 – Michael Mehr, Immigration Attorney
7:40 – Lisa Jensen, Author
8:00 – Susan Freeman, Poet & Educator
8:20 – Wallace Baine, Santa Cruz Sentinel Arts Editor
8:40 – Katherine Farrell, UCSC Student

THE VIEW FROM AUSTRALIA

Sometimes it is instructive to see how an issue is handled in another country in order to evaluate how it is handled in one’s own. Conditions vary and comparisons approximate but normalcy may be more a matter of familiarity rather than wise policy.

I am currently visiting friends and family in Australia where I grew up on the northern beaches of Sydney, an area of stunning natural beauty. Similar to Santa Cruz, escalating property values have resulted in a class shift from working class to well-off, except for the working class old-timers who bought their house 40 to 60 years ago. Dissimilar to Santa Cruz, the northern beaches are not marketed as a tourist destination by either local government or business interests. There are no hotels. While vacation rentals and Airbnb do exist, the numbers are relatively small and impacts minor. And while there is no equivalent Silicon Valley nor UCSC pressure to fuel the housing inferno, the market here is hot and everybody would love to live on the northern beaches. Pressure on housing supply has led to greater density with the state government requiring local communities to shoulder their share of new construction similar to California and Santa Cruz. However the scale and siting of the new housing is a far cry from what we are having forced upon us in Santa Cruz. New apartment buildings here are small in scale, perhaps 4 to 8 separate units, mostly two stories although there might be an additional ground floor retail in areas where such development already exists. There is no equivalent massive, out of scale, 100 unit plus retail development such as is being constructed at 555 Pacific Avenue nor the large multi-unit developments springing up in the middle of single family homes on the eastside.

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The human-scale, low-rise shopping centers of the various beach towns strung like pearls along the 20 miles of coastline north of Sydney are not being threatened with tear-down and replacement by 85 foot high retail and market-rate housing, erasing the familiar small town feel of Front St., Pacific Avenue, Soquel, Water, Ocean and Mission Streets. And while expensive boutiques and coffee shops have replaced some of the fish and chips and pie shops in the town I grew up in, the town still retains a similar size and scale. It seems local government here makes land-use decisions in the best interests of those who are residents, not future residents, tourists, “stakeholders” or special interests. People are shocked when I describe the changes planned for the century old iconic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.

A good example of the difference I’m describing is reflected in the recently unveiled Parks Master Plan for the city of Santa Cruz. Despite the fact that for residents, the overwhelmingly most popular usage of open space and parks was recorded for hiking and walking ( 38%) followed by swimming, with mountain biking way down at 9%, by some sleight of hand or favoritism or catering to special interests, the debate at council was over whether to construct new downhill thrill rides in Pogonip and De Laveaga for mountain bikes. How did that happen? Council member Richelle Noroyan understood that there might well be significant impacts on habitat and wild animals but no-one questioned how a low level usage rose to the top of concern. Mountain bikers have taken over Santa Cruz open space, displacing hikers and walkers wherever they go. By contrast, in the national parks and open space in Australia and wherever I’ve hiked since I’ve been here, you see no mountain bike erosion and no mountain bikes on single track hiking trails. They are limited to fire trails and they stay on fire trails. Even there they are expected to give way to walkers and dismount when a group approaches. Rangers do their job but in general people respect the laws. There seems a commonsense view that everybody has a right to enjoy the open space with no one activity dominating and destroying the experience for others. Similarly with the stunningly beautiful golden sand beaches. No dogs are allowed on beaches and you don’t see dogs on beaches. Signs are clear and the rangers do their job. No frenetic bird chasing, dog poop or incessant barking to transform the serenity of a beach into a single-use activity displacing seniors, the frail, small children and birds. Aussies love their dogs as much as Santa Cruzans. They go to dog parks for off leash fun and walk them on leashes elsewhere. No dogs in restaurants, parks, open space, beaches, theaters or art gallery openings.

At this point or before, someone is wondering why don’t I stay in Australia? Or is considering offering me a one-way plane ticket, SFO to SYD. I draw comparisons to puncture our tendency to view the changes that are being imposed on Santa Cruz as “inevitable” and in our self-interest. They are neither. Much work lies ahead.

“Tale of Three Cities: One Armed, One Hiding, and the Third Just Plain Angry” 2/27/17

About a dozen journalists, five police officers including the Chief, Kevin Vogel and his two deputy chiefs—Rick Martinez and Dan Flippo, along with three city councilmembers and one mayor Cynthia Chase were present inside the Police Community room on Center Street last Thursday morning (2/23) to hear about what went down, and what went wrong, in Santa Cruz during the February 13th DHS—Department of Homeland Security—raid. It was a press conference for the ages.

The press actually showed up and the police spokesperson on this day was Deputy-chief Flippo. He expressed a full-throated, “We would never have participated had we known it contained an immigration enforcement operation.” While Chief Vogel, Flippo, and Mayor Chase were issuing their statements, a group of about twenty-five huddled around the ornate police plaza fountain outside and exchanged text messages while listening on speaker phone and trying to follow the blue-line mea culpa happening inside.

The night before I had received a cell phone call while attending my daughter’s CCS soccer match vs. the Menlo School from Atherton. (Had to fit that into this column somehow.) The game was being played on the plastic turf of Santa Cruz High. The call was from a stunned-sounding Deputy-chief, Rick Martinez. He outlined for me how Homeland Security had acted “outside the scope of their operation” on that certain Monday morning terrorist hunt. DHS arrested a dozen alleged gang members, but they also detained several other residents they claimed were undocumented. The latter part of this action disgusted him he said. It flies in the face of the Santa Cruz City Council’s recently passed Sanctuary City Resolution he stated. It’s against our community values he said. Wow, I thought.

It seems DHS has been duplicitous with SCPD. Under a supposed cooperation agreement with local police they should have been hunting down known gang members who the DHS said were planning to possibly commit murders in our community. But DHS went further. Without communicating with SCPD they turned the operation into an old-fashioned La Migra raid, something this town experienced often in the 1980’s and 90’s when ICE, then called the INS, raided neighborhoods at odd hours and hauled away fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers in order to deport those who did not have their “papers.” But remember, the deputy-chief reminded me, FEMA falls under DHS, and we also need to work with them in investigating terrorist acts and underage sex crimes. Finally, he said he had been so incensed over the DHS actions that he contacted our US Rep., Jimmy Panetta and one of our US Senators, Kamala Harris. And by the way, there would be a press conference the following day at 11am, he said. I hung up the phone and my daughter’s team was already losing, 3-0.

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So, on Thursday morning, at the press conference Chief Kevin Vogel was up first. “And I say with tremendous concern…Homeland Security acted outside the scope of this activity” when they detained at least 10 Santa Cruz residents.

“The only reason SCPD involved itself with DHS,” Vogel said,”was to arrest violent gang members” that were threatening our community. “We did not know there was an immigration component,” he said. “Had I known immigration status was part of this, I would not have participated.” Next speaker was Deputy-chief, Dan Flippo who came across as honest and contrite, even if a bit baffled by the outcome.

Flippo’s job was to outline what took place that entire day, February 13th. It began around 4am he said, and for the Santa Cruz Police Department, it ended at 9:16am. “We understood going in we were going after criminal gang members.” Then, around 2pm, Flippo hears there are “identification checks” being done on the eastside of Santa Cruz on Market Street, and wonders who that might be.

It’s HSI, Homeland Security Investigations, another branch of DHS along with ICE–Immigration and Customs Enforcement too. (Aah, so many acronyms in this story…thank goodness for Google!) Six of the 10 who were detained outside the “scope of the operation” were transported to San Francisco, Flippo stated, where they were processed. Five were released and forced to wear ankle bracelets upon returning to Santa Cruz he said.

Our community was now feeling the full force of a post-911 created federal government agency birthed from terrorist activity on the home soil, and it was anything but pleasant.

Batting in the press conference clean-up spot today was Mayor Cynthia Chase. She said she was “Deeply disturbed and upset.” She called the DHS raid,”outrageous.” And I concur as we all may be wondering if this is a run-up to an even larger scale DHS engagement. Chase went on to say that there is “no question, this action has torn the city apart.” She also said the council would discuss this issue at the 7pm session of the Santa Cruz city council next Tuesday night, February 28th. (See next week’s column for an update.) “We are a community that protects its members,” the mayor stated reassuringly.

Note to self: there were also about 6 or 7 others on the periphery of the tight press gathering inside the Police Community Room who I did not recognize (plain clothes police? friends of police? Family members of someone?).

Chief Vogel came back to the press conference podium one more time after the mayor was done to talk about changes he said that are now on the horizon. “We’ve been working on our Police Policy Manual,” he remarked. And indeed, he has. One of the suggested manual changes even strikes out the word “alien” and substitutes “undocumented immigrant.” Hurray!

“We will be presenting that policy to the council at its next meeting.” Before taking questions from the assembled journalists Vogel added, “We look forward to supporting a stronger Sanctuary City policy…and we will not collaborate with agencies we cannot trust.” See you at the meeting Chief. Seems like unprecedented stuff from my perspective.

RANCHO DEL MAR FACELIFT

More than 300 people attended the Rancho del Mar informational meeting last Thursday at the Seascape Golf Club, hosted by property owner Terramar Retail Center (TRC). I was not able to attend, but spoke with a few who did. Everyone felt disappointed. The main issue of a theater returning to the Center was side-stepped. Finally, after persistent questions on the issue, Mr. Bruce Walton, TRC rep., said that he is “looking into” one possibility, but that Safeway does not want a performing arts center in the complex. Many wondered why Safeway has so much power in deciding what tenants and uses will be allowed? Sadly, it appears that the Rancho del Mar Center will just have a new facade and coat of paint, with no electrical upgrades, charging stations for electric cars, or even new landscaping. Nope, no pervious paving for stormwater runoff and groundwater recharge. Nope, no new trees. I wonder if the folks at Fleet Feet know they will still not have air conditioning? Will local contractors be hired to do the remodel work? Mr. Walton would not say. One resident asked if Barry Swenson Builder will be doing the work? “We’ve been talking with them,” replied Mr. Walton. Hmmm………

GREEN LIGHT, GO!

Aptos Village traffic.

About 50 residents of the Redwood/Cathedral Drive area of Aptos attended the meeting at the Community Foundation last week to learn how the impending Aptos Village Traffic Improvement Project Phase I construction will affect their emergency response and access. Organized by Supervisor Zach Friend in response to a citizen petition (now, isn’t that remarkable?), the meeting included County Department of Public Works Mr. Esenwein, Aptos/ La Selva Fire Chief Jones, and County Sheriff Sgt. Demick as presenters.

The work could begin as early as March 6, weather permitting, and operate for 80 days. We were all relieved to learn that earlier information from Public Works Traffic Engineer Mr. Jack Sohriakoff stating that the Trout Gulch/Soquel Drive intersection could be closed for 48 hours has been changed to maintain one lane open at all times. It will still be a congested mess…remember three years ago when the sewer pipes were replaced? Yikes.

One resident pointed out to Mr. Esenwein, Public Works Department rep. (who did not seem familiar with the Project or the neighborhood) that now, drivers will allow others from the Cathedral Drive and Aptos Post Office area to enter the congested flow of traffic, because everyone will eventually have to stop at the Trout Gulch/Soquel Drive intersection. But when the traffic light goes in, drivers will most likely not behave so courteously in the mad dash to “make the light!” Mr. Esenwein had no answer.

Aptos/La Selva Fire Chief Jon Jones said “I think the traffic on Trout Gulch will be easily managed. I do not think there will be any problem with traffic and the Aptos Village Project. I meet with the developer weekly.” Hmmm….

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Here is the source those who live in the area will need to check for information…and maybe a sign or two at the construction area as well: http://aptosvillageimprovement.blogspot.com

I was unable to sign up for the posts and comments…maybe you will have better luck.

The Phase I Project includes moving the westbound Metro bus stop to accommodate Barry Swenson Builder, Pete Testorff and Joe Appenrodt, all developers of the Aptos Village Project. Their new main entrance to the Project from Soquel Drive is proposed to enter where the bus stop is currently located. The new location does not appear to meet all requirements for bus bay turnout specifications, and will move to an area with no parking for bus commuters. Does this make any sense to you? Not me.

Also included in the work is replacing the railroad crossing, 200′ of track and ballast, a new 25′ rail signal light, crossing arms, a new traffic light, and adding turn lanes on Soquel Drive to accommodate Joe Appenrodt’s Center where Bay Federal Credit Union and Starbuck’s live.

There is no Development Agreement between the County and the Aptos Village Project developers that clearly spells out who will pay for what in all this…but, according to Mr. Sohriakoff, the County traffic engineer, there are some “unwritten agreements”. The total Phase I work will cost about $2 MILLION. Hmmm……

DOES IT REALLY MAKE SENSE TO YOU TO SPEND $2 MILLION IN OUR PUBLIC TAX MONEY TO HELP THE APTOS VILLAGE PROJECT DEVELOPERS WHEN THERE IS NO MONEY TO REPAIR VALENCIA ROAD FOR THE VALENCIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO RE-OPEN?

I just don’t think so. Contact “Supervisor Friend” Zach.Friend@santacruzcounty.us 454-2200; and Department of Public Works Director “John Presleigh” John.Presleigh@santacruzcounty.us 454-2160 with your thoughts. He claims he loves to hear from us.

SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WAS STANDING-ROOM ONLY
Last week’s District Board meeting was well-attended by residents who live near the District office, the proposed site for the PureWater Soquel wastewater treatment plant. Those folks are upset with the District’s somewhat deceitful manner in pushing through a treatment plant in their residential neighborhood without being forthcoming about what other locations have been considered for this industrial land use.

Take a look at the large banners on Soquel Drive near the District offices. Read more about it at:

“Bob Mettalia via Change.org” reply@exacttarget.change.org

Other members of the audience spoke about the problems of the PureWater Soquel project itself, which would inject 3.1 million gallons of treated sewage water per day into the groundwater supply for the entire mid-county area. I spoke about attending the District’s Supplemental Supply Committee meeting and hearing the Carollo Engineering team talk about NDMA being present in water disinfected by the proposed advanced tertiary treatment process, citing studies done for Oxnard’s similarly-proposed project..

I WONDERED: WHAT IS NDMA? N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a liver toxin and suspected human carcinogen. Reverse-osmosis, the main disinfecting process proposed in the PureWater Soquel project, only removes 50% of it. Ultra-violet light (UV), the other proposed disinfection process, breaks apart some of the nitrogen bonds, but some still persists. Read more about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N-Nitrosodimethylamine

The Carollo Engineers felt it was not a problem that NDMA persisted through the complete advanced tertiary sewage treatment process, because the levels were below the State health limits. But what about the Professional Advisory Group comments to the legislators on this issue, in their report to evaluate the direct use of this treated sewage water (known as Direct Potable Re-use or DPR)? That group stated that there is insufficient information regarding the long term effects of low-dose and trace levels over time on various segments of the population, especially children, fetuses, and the elderly.

Regardless, Soquel Creek Water District is moving full steam ahead on their “preferred project”, and is contracting Carollo Engineering to conduct a contaminant study of Santa Cruz sewage water this summer. Are they not going to wait for the PureWater Soquel Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to evaluate all alternatives???

Let the Board know what you think: www.soquelcreekwater.org

WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

THANK THE SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT BOARD FOR CORRECTING THEIR POLICY
That’s the policy regarding written submittals by the public to the Board. Recently, the Board adopted the policy that any written material submitted after 4pm Wednesday before their Tuesday Board meeting would not be included in the meeting packet or considered by the Board. That was ridiculous because the meeting agendas are not made public until the Friday before the Tuesday meeting. Happily, the Board seemed to realize that the public cannot comment on invisible agendas, so they voted last week to change the deadline for written comment to 9am Monday before the Tuesday meeting. That makes sense….thank you.

THANKS FOR THE POLO GROUNDS TREATMENT PLANT TOUR!
Soquel Creek Water District staff provided a free tour of the new Polo Grounds Well and Chlorine Treatment Plant for the public last week. I now understand the four service area schematics, and appreciate the thorough explanation of the process to pump and treat water. I found the display boxes of soil materials from previous well drilling samples especially interesting…sudden layers of coarse gravels at 380′ below sea level.

I also thought it was interesting that the new Granite Way well soils were pretty much clay all the way to 625′, when the drilling stopped because there was no water-bearing material. “The well drillers were bummed,” said the staff person. Apparently, that well will not be a big producer afterall.

Do you think that will bother Barry Swenson Builder or limit the Aptos Village Project’s proposed 38 acre-feet/year new water demand on the critically-over-pumped aquifer? The District’s current Water Demand Offset (WDO) policy only allows for 4 acre-feet/ year in new demand, due to the over-pumping problem and sea water moving in to irreversibly destroy the area’s water supply.

Let Soquel Creek Water District know what you think: www.soquelcreekwater.org

YOU CAN ALSO TELL THE MIDCOUNTY GROUNDWATER AGENCY BOARD DIRECTLY at the March 16 meeting, 7pm-9pm at Simpkins Swim Center (979 17th Avenue), with informal drop-in discussion available 6pm-7pm. Do you own your own well and live in the area between La Selva Beach, Corralitos Summit and Live Oak? Meters and taxes are most likely coming your way. Get involved now. Here is a link to the private well owner page on the Mid County Groundwater Agency website: http://www.midcountygroundwater.org/node/99

DO YOU THINK THE SANTA CRUZ POLICE KNEW THEY WERE HELPING FUTURE DEPORTATION EFFORTS?
After helping Homeland Security agents raid multiple neighborhoods on the premise of capturing gang members, Santa Cruz City Police were told by residents of those areas that immigration police returned and deported 10 residents who were not gang members. The next day, news agents reported that the Department of Homeland Security plans to enlist the help of local law enforcement more in conducting future statewide deportation raids. Under program 287(g), part of the 1996 approval of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, the Department of Homeland Security can demand cooperation of local law enforcement if officers have been trained and there is an agreement.

Read more about it here: https://www.ice.gov/factsheets/287g

It seems that Santa Cruz City Police must have met those criteria…so what might happen in the future?

Current state Senate Bill 54, authored by Senate leader Kevin de Leon, would prevent agencies from collecting information on people’s legal status or from responding to certain requests from federal agents for information such as phone numbers, work adresses or release dates. That would strengthen the 2013 California Trust Act, which prevents jails from keeping someone in custody for immigration authorities after they are eligible for release. Contact your state Senator, City Council members and County Supervisors now…before yet another Executive Order gets tweeted. Am I dreaming or is that the Gestapo marching into town? Maybe it’s just the Santa Cruz City Police in their Bearcat……

HELP SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL FLY AWAY….
Every winter, beautiful Monarch butterflies come to town to roost in protected groves of trees. Natural Bridges State Park is the best-known spot, but there are others, such as DeLaveaga Park. These beauties are in trouble for quite a few reasons, but you can help them by tracking migration and milkweed food sources at this site: www.monarchmilkweedmapper.org

This will give scientists at the Xerces Society, National Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Game, and other state biologists information about the western migration and food status of the lovely Monarch butterfly. In these times, we all need to look up, take a deep breath, and count our blessings…and remember to

~MAKE ONE CALL. WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

#53 / Rotten To The Core

Here is a quote from a column that was published online in the February 18, 2017 edition of The New York Times. I snagged this quote from Amor Mundi, the weekly blog of the Hannah Arendt Center: Fascists the world over have gained popularity by calling forth the idea that the world is rotten to the core. In The Origins of Totalitarianism, Hannah Arendt described how fascism invites people to “throw off the mask of hypocrisy” and adopt the worldview that there is no right and wrong, only winners and losers … In the last decade and a half, post-Communist autocrats like Vladimir V. Putin and Viktor Orban have adopted this cynical posture. They seem convinced that the entire world is driven solely by greed and hunger for power, and only the Western democracies continue to insist, hypocritically, that their politics are based on values and principles….

This month, Mr. Trump … was asked about his admiration for Mr. Putin, whom the host Bill O’Reilly called “a killer.” “You got a lot of killers,” responded Mr. Trump. “What, you think our country’s so innocent?” To an American ear, Mr. Trump’s statement was jarring — not because Americans believe their country to be “innocent” but because they have always relied on a sort of aspirational hypocrisy to understand the country. No American politician in living memory has advanced the idea that the entire world, including the United States, was rotten to the core.

These observations come from Masha Gessen, who writes for The Times on LGBT and Russian issues. What she says should make us think.

Historically, Americans have been willing to believe the very best of themselves, because Americans have always credited themselves with good intentions. Mistakes may have been made, but, we have always told ourselves, we are trying to do good. The idea that our good intentions are what really count can very easily be characterized as “hypocrisy,” and many would say that hypocrisy is hypocrisy, whether “aspirational” or not. Before we adopt that position, let’s pause for just a moment.

When “we, the people” no longer believe that we are (or even can be) “good,” we turn over governance to those who are beyond any pretense of trying to do good. We abandon our government to the authoritarians, and the despots, and the “killers.”

To the degree that we believe that our entire politics is “deplorable,” that it is “rotten to the core,” we abandon the possibility of genuine self-government.

That is exactly how a free democracy turns to totalitarianism. Let’s not go there!

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. DeCinzo (now residing in Cuba) looks at our county timber management see below.

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “Clean Sweeping Cabinet” 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. It‘s about simple things like “What is True” and things like that.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Now that we’re all living in an Orwellian nightmare, the good folks at Bookshop Santa Cruz, the Wellstone Center, and Wallace Baine are staging a public reading of “1984” at the Bookshop on Thursday, March 2, from 10 am until the book is done. Read all about it this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com ).” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

A UNITED KINGDOM. “Based on a true story” has almost become a law for movies lately…but this one really is. And It’s an excellent film. There’s a bunch of Black & White themed films out there now and that’s a good thing. This “historical” film about the King of Botswana land falling in love with and marrying a white Brit. woman is still deeper and more meaningful than most of the rest. (“Loving”, etc.) Recent award winner David Oyelowo and the brilliant Rosamund Pike star of Gone Girl (one of my favorite actors) grab hold of every scene and make you believe it. More than that you (we) become completely involved with the story. Somehow you’ll begin to wonder just how far you’d go in this “mixed marriage” thing. Rotten Tomatoes gives it an 85%.

COMING ATTRACTION…Harold Pinter’s “No Man’s Land” Following their hit run on Broadway, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart return to the West End stage in Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land, recorded live in 2016 from Wyndham’s Theatre, London. One summer’s evening, two ageing writers, Hirst and Spooner, meet in a Hampstead pub and continue their drinking into the night at Hirst’s stately house nearby. As the pair become increasingly inebriated, and their stories increasingly unbelievable, the lively conversation soon turns into a revealing power game, further complicated by the return home of two sinister younger men. Also starring Owen Teale and Damien Molony, don’t miss this glorious revival of Pinter’s comic classic. The broadcast will be followed by an exclusive Q&A with the cast and director Sean Mathias. Sunday, March 5 at 11 am. And Tuesday March 7 at 7 p.m. at the Del Mar Theatre

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. Robert Stoll from the Santa Cruz Bonsai Club guests on February 28 talking about the ancient art of making bonsai. Then Cynthia Berger and Zav Hershfield talk about the Santa Cruz Tenants Association. On March 7 Newton and Helen Harrison talk about their book, ” The Time of The Force Majeure”. Tony Russomano follows talking about the structure of the Democratic Party in California. Patrice Vecchione returns March 14 to talk about her one-woman show “Dressed and Undressed” happening March 17 & 18. Espressivo conductor and artistic director Michel Singher talks about their March 30 concert on March 21 followed by Chip from The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz. Roy Malan discusses the Hidden Valley String Orchestra concert happening April 9. John Aird follows with an overview of UCSC growth, water, and our tourist driven wharf plans. On April 4 Linda Burman-Hall returns to talk about The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival’s spring concerts. 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

Ninja Rebel Wilson!

QUOTES. “DICTATORS”

“Dictators can fix up their entire families in good jobs, in or around government, and often do. In democracies, such a practice is frowned upon. Privileged access to the corridors of power through family connections and a kind of old boys’ network is also deemed an abuse of power, and so it is”. Jimmy Reid

“Italy in the 1920s, Germany in the ’30s, East Germany in the ’50s, Czechoslovakia in the ’60s, the Latin American dictatorships in the ’70s, China in the ’80s and ’90s – all dictatorships and would-be dictators target newspapers and journalists”, Naomi Wolf

“All dictators, the rich and famous, to the lowest security guard who holds a gun, easily forget that power is transitory”, F. Sionil Jose

“Dictators never invent their own opportunities”, R. Buckminster Fuller

“Dictators must have enemies. They must have internal enemies to justify their secret police and external enemies to justify their military forces”, Richard Perle

Speaking of quotes…..

Donald Trump retweeted a quote from Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini In February 2016.The Republican President shared the saying made famous by the founder of the fascist movement with his 6.4 million followers. “@ilduce2016: ‘It is better to live one day as a lion than 100 years as a sheep,’ – @realDonaldTrump #MakeAmericaGreatAgain,” the tweet said.

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

Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

Posted in Weekly Articles | Comments Off

February 20 – 26, 2017

Posted on February 21, 2017 by Bruce

THE CASTLE AT SEABRIGHT BEACH BEING DEMOLISHED. This was March 23, 1967. It was just about across from where our Natural History Museum with the whale is today.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.

Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE February 20, 2017

REVISING OUR DOWNTOWN…IN 30 DAYS!!!

BUILD A BETTER MOUSETRAP.

JONATHAN WINTERS, GARRY MOORE AND MARINES.

City Planning and Community Development just announced that they are doing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that will both affect and effect fully one third (12 acres)of our downtown. That’s from Cathcart south to Laurel and from the San Lorenzo river on the east to Front Street on the west. Officially stated they say….”The proposed amendments and potential increased building heights could result in additional development. City staff estimates that the proposed amendment to height zones could result in a net increase of approximately 711 residential units and approximately 2,200 square feet of office space with a net decrease of approximately 14,700 square feet of commercial building space over existing conditions within the study area.”

The announcement goes on to state that the impact would include changes in;

Aesthetics. Potential aesthetic impacts related to increased building heights.
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG)
Potential impacts resulting from emissions related to potential future development.
Biological Resources
Potential impacts to San Lorenzo River habitat and species
Potential development resulting from increased building heights.
Cultural Resources
Potential impacts to historical resources with redevelopment under the proposed plan amendments Hydrology and Public Services and Utilities.
Fire and police protection services, schools, parks and recreation, wastewater treatment, municipal water service and solid waste disposal. will be reviewed based on potential future development that could occur as a result of the proposed amendments
Traffic and Transportation. Findings of a traffic impact analysis, which is being preparedfor the City’s Planning and Community Development Department, will be provided and supplemented as needed in the EIR. Updated traffic counts and level of service analyses.

We have until March 15 to respond. This EIR will be huge, every environmental and human centered group and individual should be concerned. The announcement says,

“Please respond with written comments regarding the scope and the content of the EIR as it may relate to your agency’s area of statutory responsibility or your areas of concern or expertise. Your agency may need to use the EIR prepared by our agency when considering your permit or other approval for the project, if any is required. Responses are due within 30 days of the receipt of this Notice, as provided by State law. PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 809 Center Street Room 206 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Alex Khoury Acting Director. We should all place bets on what kind of support or influence our City Council will have on this. It is only the future of our Downtown that is at stake here.

ROBBIE SCHOEN UPDATE. All things considered, Robbie Schoen of Felix Kulpa Gallery and MAH, is doing pretty good after his stroke last week. He’s been moved to a regular hospital room at Stanford and his daughter Nikita has been taking good care of him. Brigette “Jet” Cawiezell is going up there today to stay with him for a while. Streetlight Records who owns the Kulpa Gallery is planning on a benefit to help with the financial costs of Robbie’s setback. Jet sent this…” if folks don’t do online then they can make their checks payable to:

Robbert Schoen Rehab Fund
Santa Cruz County Bank
720 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Attn: Mary Ann Carson

Check the Felix Kulpa website for updates, and the gallery will probably be closed for the month of March, while future details are worked out. There’s a special fundraiser being worked on for March’s First Friday.

THE BEST MOVIES OR THE OSCARS ???

The more movies I see (maybe 250 per year) and the more I read about and watch the Academy Awards the more I’m convinced that great films and Oscars have little, if any connection. The enormous money influence, the growing support of violence and gross humor in our major film releases have taken the Academy far away from what will be entered into cinema books of fame.

My only Oscar sharing picks this year are Manchester By The Sea, and Moonlight. I’ll bet neither wins for Best Film next Sunday. My really sincere choices are Julieta, Captain Fantastic, Paterson, I am Not Your Negro, 20th Century Women, A Man Called Ove, The Light Between Oceans, The Handmaiden, and Jackie. Down just one small notch are; Demolition, Sing Street, The Innocents, Our Little Sister, Indignation, Hell or High Water, Don’t breathe, The Hollars, Nocturnal Animals and Anomalisa (Charlie Kaufman’s animated masterpiece).

HISTORIC PHOTO DATA. If you scroll down to last week’s flood photo taken at Soquel and Seabright you’ll see cars splashing through the overflow. I asked what year the photo might have been taken John Wilkes replied…Bruce — The photo in today’s “Bratton Online” shows a 1949 Oldsmobile and a Studebaker of the same vintage in front of it. That’s as close as I can come to the date of the photo” . Thanks John, at least we know it was after 1949!!! Maybe the ’55 flood???

GREENSITE’S INSIGHT.

Gillian is still in Australia….and the storms knocked out neighboring power lines there too…so no computer, no article this week.

“Gawd, I love this town!”

Was ICE—Immigration and Customs Enforcement—actually a part of the recent DHS urban blitzkrieg?
Last week in Santa Cruz began with a blitzkrieg-style raid by agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A BearCat-style tank was seen near the Boardwalk. It was reported by several residents that children were left alone after their parents were taken into custody. An immigration raid? Searching for terrorists? Or was it both? Pretty serious stuff.

My week ended at an academic conference on the UCSC hill, “Democratizing the Green City: Sustainability and the Affordable Housing Crisis.” It was a discussion that ranged from Ernest Callenbach’s, Ecotopia to the current research findings of UCSC sociology professors, Miriam Greenberg and Steve McKay concerning the Santa Cruz plague of high housing rates combined with low wages. They invited a bunch of their friends from New York City, Minneapolis, Seattle, Berkeley and Davis to share their research as well. Turns out we’re screwed, but not alone.

I felt like it was a surreal week and that these two events were perhaps interrelated.
While the raid was an out-of-nowhere slap-upside the head to all undocumented area residents who are not members of the Mara-Salvatrucha 13 gang, the conference was a further head-scratching discussion of the age old question, ‘Who gets to live in Santa Cruz?’ The Greenberg-McKay investigation of the extreme differences between the high cost of housing and the miserably low wages paid to workers right here in Surf City often pushed hard against Callenbach’s visionary book. That book was a green revolution bible for many, but essentially it presents a segregated nation-state concept that seeks to transform the Sixties dominant paradigm into a green paradise with a hippie veneer. Who knew that Callenbach’s greening—trees, greenbelts, bike lanes—would end in a boon to real estate developers while failing to produce a cross section of housing for all income groups? Is equity even possible in Santa Cruz? Or Minneapolis, Berkeley, Davis, or New York City?

click here to continue (link expands, click again to collapse)

Can Democratic Cities Be Made Green?
Conference participant, Jennifer Rice, a professor of geography at the University of Georgia quoted an activist in Seattle, but could’ve easily been describing one from Santa Cruz. She said, “Our planning department continues to approve significant numbers of market rate housing (and upscale hotels) while people with families are forced to move,” (first to Live Oak then to Watsonville and finally out of the county). Of course, many of us are keenly aware of those who perform even a different housing dance. The first move is often from their house or apartment into a vehicle, then inside a tent they go looking up at the trees within the university footprint, and finally they may end up under the eaves of city hall or the post office. Prof. Rice also suggested in her talk that residents can successfully protest large capital projects in Seattle, for example, where a proposed $160 million police headquarters was scratched in favor of affordable housing bonds. It seemed to be one positive activist response in the era of sky-high housing costs.

Gawd, I love this town!
The late Herb Caen used to use the phrase, “Gawd, I love this town,” and I am appropriating those words in this week’s column. I love Santa Cruz because our people can put up a fight in the face of injustice, no matter how well-armed the foe may be. There were urgent, organized, and immediate responses by neighbors and activists to the DHS raids this past week. Homeland Security’s intrusions into our community sent ripples of fear and uncertainty through the homes of hardworking Santa Cruzans. A day later, several groups were present at city hall to confront the city council I serve on. They were led by “Sanctuary Central“and demanded a community forum to talk about the Department Of Homeland Security’s tide of terror that was witnessed by residents, many who are now too fearful to even leave their homes. The Activists shut down the meeting for about twenty minutes as the city council huddled in the back room wondering what to do next. Before additional police officers actually arrived to clear the room of protesters- as called for by some councilmembers, a negotiation of sorts took place. Vice-mayor Terrazas and I waded back into the council chambers to open negotiations with the 200-plus crowd. An agreement was soon reached that agenda item 17, which had to do with Santa Cruz sanctuary city status, would be moved up so that those present could immediately comment on the DHS-ICE raids from the day before. The police never had to arrive to clear the room, and residents were able to vent about this serious and delicate issue. Is that what “a win-win” is?

Bottom Line
The affordable housing conference at UCSC cannot have come soon enough because Greenberg and McKay actually provide plenty of data, on the ground interviews, and open-ended analysis of the severe housing crisis that is no longer the elephant standing in the Santa Cruz city living room. This crisis is now front and center and may be the story within the story in the immigrant neighborhoods that were raided. Mayor Cynthia Chase, upon taking office this past January said she would be pursuing an affordable housing agenda this year. The community appears urgently poised to join her.

Short-takes
In between the raids and the conference, I encountered several other locals and experiences that made me say to myself again and again, “Gawd, I love this town.” I will offer a Cliff Notes version here of those conversations, while hoping to expand upon the themes in future columns.

Airbnb is large—$37 billion and growing—and an exceedingly complex corporation. Its social reach includes the disabled, the temporarily unemployed, or single moms just renting out a room in order to make ends meet, all the way to individuals renting and re-renting large numbers of units and in the process wholly transforming Santa Cruz neighborhoods. In addition, I fear the Airbnb model is more numerous than any of us might have imagined. It is now estimated that there are 577 dwellings, and counting, according to one local well-placed real estate investor. This same close observer also told me that “perhaps hosted vacation rentals represent even a greater threat than un-hosted ones.”Stay tuned, the STVR—Short-Term Vacation Rentals—committee is studying the vacation rental issue and will send it to the city council “soon,” perhaps by May or June I am told. But a couple of sticking points that may not go away are the existing ADA provisions along with parking requirements that could be enforced on each vacation rental?
Who is the “General Strike Planning Committee” and what are their intentions? I do know that hundreds have turned out to their five “planning” meetings and beer hall (Lupulo) reading group discussions. In fact, over 100 showed up at the Louden (London) Nelson center last Friday to participate in an “(Un)President’s Day” event. It was a smorgasbord of social justice and environmental groups presenting themselves and all organizing in the spirit of resistance during the age of Trump. Along with the Woman’s March it seems very encouraging, if somewhat chaotic with lots of unplanned planning sessions along the way.
At the UCSC affordable housing conference I was struck by one of NYU sociology professor named, Gianpaolo Baiocchi. One of his solutions to the rental crisis included: “Squatting is a pretty effective housing solution.”
The Fruit Tree Project, led by Andy Moskowitz, Debora Wade and Steve Schnaar, organized a work day to plant fruit trees where San Lorenzo Blvd. meets Riverside Ave., alongside Mike Fox Park. Seventy-five volunteers showed up one morning to assist in furthering the local community garden revolution.Wow!
From the too many conversations I’ve had with locals I’m fast becoming convinced that the enduring 3-legged stool of high rents has many causes. a) the university’s ability to allow more students to enroll and its inability to provide more beds; b) the city’s Rental Inspection Ordinance that took out hundreds of housing units, many unpermitted but not unsafe according to local architect, Mark Primack; and c) the rampant growth of Airbnb and the entire vacation rental market.

But what is really troubling is that the seat of this 3 –legged high rent stool is not really for the people of Santa Cruz to sit on, but is actually a resting place for the enormous derrière of Silicon Valley disposable income.

~ (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).

YEARS AGO, I STOOD IN FRONT OF THE BULLDOZER

It was at the Aptos Village Project, and I was determined to save the world-famous Aptos Post Office Bike Jumps for the kids. I had watched them being built over the years. But because I did not have the information I needed then, I was tricked and intimidated by Jesse Nickell’s foul language and claim that he had another location set up for the Bike Jumps, and that my action was damaging that deal. I did not know he was Sr. Vice-President for Barry Swenson Builder….he introduced himself as an advocate for the kids and biking community. I walked away….and have many, many times regretted it. I learned alot that day, and have not stopped learning since. The file of information supposedly available then for public review at the County Planning Department regarding the proposed changes to the Aptos Village Project was EMPTY, except for a photograph of the sign posted at the site. I started digging for information…and have not stopped. The world-famous Aptos Post Office Bike Jumps should have, and could have, been saved, had local political leaders done the right thing in the best interest of the area youth and community.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, NO ONE SPOKE OUT AGAINST THE INJUSTICE
of Executive Order 9066, signed on February 19, 1942 by President Franklin D.Roosevelt. The action directed the U.S. military to forcibly remove Japanese, Italian and German Americans from their homes and hold them without cause in concentration camps throughout the country.

In Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties, more than 3,600 Japanese-Americans were forced to the Salinas Assembly Center before being shipped to a concentration camp in Poston, Arizona. In all, some 120,000 people were detained without cause across the U.S.

We cannot allow that history to repeat itself. Speak out against President Trump’s Executive Orders that ban immigrants from seven Muslim countries, and to deport thousands.

Write one letter. Make one call. Speak out now.

WOULD YOU WANT A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN YOUR BACKYARD?
Residents near Soquel Village don’t, but Soquel Creek Water District is moving fast to put one there anyway. Take a look at the three large banners on Soquel Drive in the 5180 area.

SIGN THEIR ONLINE PETITION!

I wonder why District General Manager Mr. Ron Duncan told the County Water Advisory Commission that, after a few meetings, the local residents now understand the plan and are okay with it? Hmmm…

click here to continue (link expands, click again to collapse)

VALENCIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IS NOW CLOSED DUE TO UNSAFE ACCESS.
Principal Ms. Caryn Lane notified parents last week that the school is closed indefinately. Starting February 21, students will attend classes at various locations, including Mar Vista Elementary, Aptos High, Cabrillo College and Watsonville’s Rolling Hills Middle School.

County Supervisor Zach Friend has reportedly told Valencia Elementary School staff and parents that there is NO MONEY immediately available to repair the unsafe Valencia Road access. Wow.

COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS WILL SPEND $2+ MILLION FOR APTOS VILLAGE PROJECT AREA ROAD IMPROVEMENTS NEXT MONTH??????
That’s right, as early as next month, Phase I improvements in the Aptos Village Project area will begin. The project, funded mostly by taxpayers, will bring changes to the Trout Gulch Road/Soquel Drive intersection: a new traffic light, new railroad crossing warning lights on a 25′ post, new rail crossing with new crossing guard arms, 200′ of new track, two new dedicated turn lanes on Soquel Drive for developer Joe Appenrodt’s shopping center/Bay Fed area, and relocating the westbound Metro bus stop to accommodate Barry Swenson Builder’s new entrance on Soquel Drive to the proposed Aptos Village Project.

Did I mention this is a $2+ million project, mostly funded by taxpayers?

CONTACT Supervisor Zach Friend if you think the County needs to adjust funding priorities to help re-establish a safe road for the Valencia Elementary School students and staff, as well as the residents of the 140 homes in adjacent Rolling Green Estates and Aptos School Road. Shouldn’t Barry Swenson Builder be paying for all those upgrades to serve the proposed Aptos Village Project development???

Supervisor Friend <Zach.Friend@santacruzcounty.us> 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz 95060 454-2200

By the way, the Trout Gulch/Soquel intersection may be closed for up to 48 hours during construction. I wonder how emergency response vehicles will access residents in the rural areas affected by this construction? Stay tuned for next week’s update…..

HOW BIG WILL THE COUNTY DEFICIT BE THIS YEAR?
Last year at this time, County Administrative Officer, Ms. Susan Mauriello presented the Board of Supervisors with the unpleasant surprise that the budget was $12.7 million in the red. I wonder what the news will be on February 28 when that mid-year report comes before the Board? Citizens need to take a close look at the County finances, given not only the critical state of our roads, but also the less-visibly dangerous state of the County’s employee retirement and pension obligations.

The 2015 County Grand Jury Report “Funded for the Future?” examined the past, current and future retirement costs of six jurisdictions in Santa Cruz County. Here is the link to that report: http://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Portals/0/County/GrandJury/GJ2015_final/FundedForTheFuture.pdf

The taxpayer-supported portion of funding retirement for public employees is ballooning, due to a higher number of people retiring, and a lower amount of funding by the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). This independent state agency is the largest public-sector pension system in the United States. Their investment rate of return was recently lowered a half-percentage to 7.0%/year, requiring local government payments to increase by at least 20%. The Grand Jury Report lists Total Unfunded Liabilities for Pensions in 2011 and 2013 (page 12)….the increasingly high numbers are astonishing (for the County, $479,192,624 in 2013 was an increase of nearly $100 million!)

The summary ratio of current employees to retirees (shown on page 11 of the Report) is also cause for concern, with most of the agencies investigated having more retirees than current employees (the County ratio was 1 employee : 1.03 retiree while the ratio for Capitola City was 1 : 1.41).

WHY SHOULD YOU WORRY?
Read the February 6, 2017 article in the LA Times: “Cutting jobs, street repairs, library books to keep up with pension costs; Generous retirement benefits for public employees could help push the Bay Area City of Richmond into bankruptcy” by reporter Judy Lin.

Here is the link.

By 2021, retirement expenses for Richmond’s public employees could equal 41% of that city’s general fund. The cities of Vallejo, Stockton, San Bernadino and Mammoth Lakes have filed for bankruptcy protection since 2008, and according to the article, many others are on the brink.

Santa Cruz County Employee salaries can be viewed at: www.transparentcalifornia.com

County Administrative Officer Ms. Mauriello has been the highest-paid employee for many years, ($302,839 in 2011 with a $20K-$30K annual raise each year since) but in 2015, Sheriff Deputy Jim Hart’s salary and benefits surpassed her, coming in at $391,258 for that year.

When Ms. Mauriello retires this July, she will look forward to receiving about one-third of a million dollars every year forward in retirement. Wow.

What will be the news that Ms. Mauriello delivers to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors at their February 28 public meeting? I wonder……

~MAKE ONE CALL. WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

#49 / Johnny Depp And The Umbrella Revolution

Johnny Depp has been having some problems with money management. At least, that’s what I have gathered from an article in the February 1, 2017, edition of The New York Times. The article was titled, “The Depp Riddle: Who Should Watch the Money?” On that very same day, a column by Trudy Rubin appeared in the print edition of The (San Jose) Mercury News, headlined, “Hong Kong informs protesters in the U.S.” Rubin is generally considered to be a largely right-wing pundit, though she is showing some exasperation with respect to the presidency of Donald J. Trump. She writes for The Philadelphia Inquirer, which had published her column a few days earlier.

I was struck by an underlying theme, common to both The Times’ article on Johnny Depp and Rubin’s opinion column on the 2014 political protests in Hong Kong, probably best known as “The Umbrella Revolution.”

Depp’s problem was that he trusted other persons to “take care of him,” with respect to the management of his money. Bad idea! According to Mr. Depp, his financial advisors didn’t actually put his interests first, thinking mainly of themselves. There is probably some truth to that, I’d say, based on the article, but The Times writer did have this comment, which also seems pertinent: Mr. Depp should … have paid at least a little attention to what was going on.

click here to continue (link expands, click again to collapse)

Rubin explores the case of the Hong Kong protestors as a possible model for actions in the United States. “Can the energy of last weekend’s post-inaugural march be channeled into electoral politics?” That is the question that Rubin is exploring, a question that she notes has become “more urgent as President Trump lays the ground for wrecking-ball policies that will weaken America at home and abroad.” More or less agreeing with Zeynep Tufekci, Rubin is skeptical of the ability of marches and demonstrations to change political realities. She cites to “The Umbrella Revolution” as proving her point: Beijing’s advance rejection of fully democratic elections for the chief executive in 2017 led tens of thousands of Hong Kong students and other pro-democracy activists to take to the streets in the 2014 Umbrella Revolution. For 79 days the activists peacefully occupied major thoroughfares, clearing their trash each day and using umbrellas to fend off tear gas and rain.

Ultimately, the activists lost. China stood firm, the protesters dispersed, and Beijing further curbed Hong Kong freedoms.

Rubin, though, is actually heartened by what happened in Hong Kong, for one reason: “After the Umbrella Revolution, people were discouraged. They felt helpless,” recalled Nathan Law, a slim, bespectacled 23-year-old. Then head of the Hong Kong student union, he was a key protest organizer. “Support for the democratic movement had grown, but people were tired of expressing that by protesting,” he said. Distraught, divided among themselves, the organizers could have given up. There was much finger-pointing between more radical elements and traditional democracy activists. But finally, says Law, the various factions took the long view – they would try to change the system from within.

“A core group of people became very active in electoral politics,” Law told me. They organized new pro-democracy parties (including Demosisto, which Law chairs) in order to run for seats for Hong Kong’s Legislative Council last September. “This was David vs. Goliath without the slingshot,” says Margaret Ng, a Hong Kong lawyer and longtime democracy activist. The young people helped organize the largest voter turnout since 1997, which handed pro-democracy forces 55 percent of the popular vote. Beijing-imposed rules prevented them from gaining a majority of the 70 seats, but the 29 they won are sufficient to block government changes to parliamentary rules or Hong Kong’s constitution. Getting involved in electoral politics! There is the key to turning a street protest into real change. I think that Rubin is right on target. It’s the same principle that applies when you think about who is going to manage your money:

Better pay attention and get personally engaged in the effort. We can’t have self-government if we don’t get involved ourselves.

ALEC BALDWIN DOES TRUMP

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. Another week, another Girl Scout Cookie shout out!!! See De Cinzo just a bit further below.

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “A Galactic Disease” and it’s spreading fast… see 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.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Who’s going home with the gold at the Oscars Sunday night? Compare my fearless (often clueless) predictions with yours, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). Also, what does it means when a girl gets roses from her editor? Good news for the latest revision, I hope! ” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

THE SALESMAN. Up for best Foreign language film from Iran …and it’s a winner anyway. Subtle, subtitled, human, complex…it’s a story about a young couple who are acting in a staged version of Death Of A Salesman. A secret tradegy happens and the plot handles the truth about it very slowly and very beautifully. You could call it searing, emotionally draining, and a lot more. Go see it quickly.

FIFTY SHADES DARKER. I must confess to having seen Fifty Shades of Grey back a few years ago (In the now dead Aptos Cinema). It was beyond dumb and didn’t qualify as a movie. This sequel (9% on Rotten Tomatoes) is even worse. What sex is on scrreen isn’t believable or sexy, the characters are 1. Poor actors and 2. Dull and unbelievable. If you’re out for cheap thrills it would be cheaper to go to Frenchy’s.

MOONLIGHT. For starters, Moonlight has a 98 % on Rotten Tomatoes, so it’s not just me who really not only enjoyed this tale of drugs, gangs, and love, but people who like deep, serious films loved it too. Set in Miami, this sharp, delicate, brilliant story of a Black man’s life is told in three parts. It’s best not to read too much about the plot and just watch with wonder as it unfolds. You’ve never seen a film like this one. Yes, It’s back again…many nominations did it.

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. Dean Kaufman and Travis Deyoung from Veterans Services bring us up to date on veterans issues and programs on Feb. 21…then Becca King Reed reports in on our Santa Cruz Community Television station. TBAguests on February 28 talking about TBD Then Cynthia Berger and Zav Hershfield talk about the Santa Cruz Tenants Association. On March 7 Newton and Helen Harrison talk about their book, “The Time of The Force Majeure”. Tony Russomano follows talking about the structure of the Democratic Party in California. Patrice Vecchione returns March 14 to talk about her one-woman show “Dressed and Undressed” happening March 17 & 18. Espressivo conductor and artistic director Michel Singher talks about their March 30 concert on March 21 followed by Chip from The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz. Roy Malan discusses the Hidden Valley String Orchestra concert happening April 9. John Aird follows with an overview of UCSC growth, water, and our tourist driven wharf plans. 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

Wow. You could not get me in to that water. Those waves are amazing and scary!

QUOTES. “FEBRUARY”

“February is merely as long as is needed to pass the time until March”, J.R. Stockton

“Good morrow, Benedick. Why, what’s the matter,
That you have such a February face,
So full of frost, of storm and cloudiness?”,
~William Shakespeare, Much Ado about Nothing

“Late February days; and now, at last,
Might you have thought that winter’s woe was past;
So fair the sky was, and so soft the air”, William Morris, The Earthly Paradise: A Poem, 1870

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

Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

Posted in Weekly Articles | Comments Off

February 14 – 20, 2017

Posted on February 16, 2017 by Bruce

SEABRIGHT AND SOQUEL AVENUES 3:22 pm but CIRCA??? Car enthusiasts should be able to pin point the year this was taken. Maybe these aren’t flood waters, maybe just drain/plumbing water department problems? Do note that Horsnyder’s Pharmacy was located right there where Ace Hardware is now.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.

Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE February 13, 2017

ADELE. Since she won so big on the Grammys this week I think we should join the 1,874,170,338 folks who have seen this clip from an earlier album of hers. There’s a bit of acting before she sings. Be patient.

ALL GIRL SWING

SUGAR CHILE ROBINSON. Plus Van Johnson and Keenan Wynn

DESTROYING OUR OCEAN VIEW. Many, many reactions to my words last week (scroll down) about that almost constant addition by our officials of junk and art and exercise equipment and water fountains that subtract and diminish the pleasure of having an ocean view.

Lee Taiz wrote to the City Council, “Hello Council, I dislike having the view from West Cliff Drive disrupted by artwork, even good artwork. There are a great many other places for art. The view of the Bay from West Cliff is a unique treasure, and marring it unnecessarily with human structures of any kind is cruel. I was happy to hear that one of our misplaced, and now deteriorating, artworks was about to be removed at last. Now it seems that not only will it be repaired, and continue to blight the view, but a tall ugly fountain has been added in another spot. A peaceful view of the Bay without human structures is priceless. I don’t understand why humans are so bent on destroying natural spaces with ill-placed human constructs. When you gild a lily, it dies. I hope both the old artwork and the new fountain will be removed”.

Adding to that, let’s be clear it’s not about ART… even statues by masters such as Rodin, DaVinci, Picasso, Moore and Andy Warhol would ruin the view. Sure it’s possible to become attached to almost anything. I’ve got an ugly coffee cup with a broken handle that I’ve kept on my shelf for decades because I used it so long it’s like a friend but I don’t expect others to like looking at it. Another constant reader wrote, ” Count me as one who loves Guardian I on West Cliff. It’s always been a part of my Santa Cruz, for the last 30+ years”. Guardian I is that sculpture that is rotting out and apparently will be refurbished at some cost by our City funds. Let’s not re-live that battle over the tacky, un-necessary Surfer Boy sculpture. Keep our cliffs clean. As I said before tourists do NOT come here to see that huge amount of stuff our City allows to ruin our Ocean View.

ROBBIE SCHOEN’S STROKE. (Felix Kulpa Gallery) Friends and professional connections were shocked, amazed and hurt by the news that Robbie Schoen who runs the Felix Kulpa Gallery had a stroke Friday (2/10) while working at MAH and is still (Monday 2/13) in ICU and is rated CRITICAL at Stanford Hospital. Not only did Robbie hang all the art and do all the booking at F. Kulpa, he also did almost all of the display work at MAH and was very good at it. Friends tell me he had high cholesterol levels before, but this stroke was a total surprise. In the meantime friends are planning to run the Felix Kulpa Gallery just as before and will soon have the schedule figured out. If you happen to know anyone who still prays tell them about Robbie. We are all hanging in there. MAH’s Nina Simon adds, ” Robbie has given so much to the MAH and to our artistic community. We want to do whatever we can to help him and his family at this time. Marla Novo is in conversation with his daughter Jett. Jett has encouraged us to set up a fund where people can donate to support Robbie. We are working today on how to do so… We will let you know as soon as we have information on that” Plans are also underway to do a benefit plus a Kickstarter thing. Go to the Felix Kulpa website for late breaking details.

SYPHILIS & GONORRHEA IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY. Speaking of love, the latest issue of City On A Hill Press (Feb. 9) says…”Santa Cruz county has had a higher percentage increase in cases of gonorrhea and syphilis compared to the rest of the U.S. Nationwide”. The article by Sydney Griffith Gladu also has a chart showing there was a 41 % increase of syphilis in Santa Cruz County (2015-16) compared to a 19% national increase. The chart also shows a 31% increase of gonorrhea in Santa Cruz County (2015-16) compared to a 13% national increase. In case you’re ok as of the moment, the same article leads off with….”Over half of all people will contract a sexually transmitted infection(STD) in their lifetime” . Unfortunately the article doesn’t say why or who…we’ll just have to guess.

POLICE CHIEF RETIRING. Santa Cruz Police Chief Kevin Vogel is retiring in June after 30 years on the force and with no replacement in sight. Yet another reader asks if this is the first time a Police Chief has retired while a killing by Santa Cruz Police is still under investigation. Seems like an awkward move. Any clues on this???

GREENSITE’S INSIGHT. Gillian went to Australia to visit family AND will give us a “down under” view of politics next week.

Feb. 12 “SANTA CRUZ PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN II”

The Santa Cruz city council chambers was packed last Tuesday night (2/7) with well over one hundred coming to voice their comments and concerns about the future of city sponsored recreation. There was also an overflow crowd of some sixty more who watched the proceedings across Church Street in the ABC Room at the Civic Auditorium. Whether folks realized it or not, political urgency was in the air because this PMP—Parks Master Plan—laid out what some Santa Cruzans believe might be our recreational priorities going forward over the next fifteen years. Of course those priorities took a hit when no clear consensus on what “passive” recreation might be; mountain biking? hiking? bird watching? They’re all listed as “passive” activities in the PMP.

Exactly fifty members of the public addressed the council. They were each given the paltry sum of 60 seconds—one minute each, that’s it—to sum up their thoughts on the 500-plus page PMP document. There have been plans before such as the Pogonip Master Plan, Jesse Street Marsh Plan, Wharf Master Plan and about 10 or 12 others, and this one pretends to merge many of them into one document. These plans have been presented to the city council over the past 20-plus years as defining documents. But were they ever much followed?

Plans come and plans go, and so do city staff members, and with each new era there seems to come another plan. That’s not so much my cynicism as it is an observation. Planning for any future is generally a good thing. Planning for our city parks future is essential for any improvement in our quality of life, the continued expansion and preservation of our green spaces, and a way to analyze the upside and down side of what we think our priorities should be.

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From the exactly fifty residents who spoke on a rain-soaked Santa Cruz evening, it appears that hiking, mountain biking, opening the Harvey West pool year-round, expanding community gardens, preserving and maintaining greenbelt lands, not losing any more tennis courts to pickle ball, keeping mountain bikes out of the Pogonip and off some already badly eroded trails, supporting beach volleyball, bird watching, and holding the Parks and Recreation department responsible for protecting our city’s natural resources all were the major issues on this night.

If I plucked the two most popular issues out of the conversation, ones that perhaps might sum up the tension within both the plan and our community, they would be hiking and mountain biking. The large contingent of mountain bikers who came, many representing local companies like the helmet maker Giro (Scotts Valley) and Santa Cruz Mountain Bikes, were organized, friendly, and as a group, on message. The hiking-pedestrian-protect the greenbelt crowd was equally enthusiastic and well prepared if somewhat less numerous. From a councilmember perspective, there was obviously a call within the mountain biker world to write letters and come out to this meeting, which is how people influence decision-makers. The mountain bikers wanted a couple more trails through the Pogonip and they let the council know it.

As I stated in last week’s column, I don’t think mountain bikers should go away (full disclosure: I ride one too, and I love it!), but they can tear up wild lands and natural areas as fast as Donald Trump can tweet nasty hash tags, so I believe the council needs to carefully contain the bikers on very specific trails while also providing for this activity.

What I heard loud and clear from this meeting, and what I saw as bridges that might bring councilmembers together, was hiring a grants writer, placing permanent valet bike parking downtown or by the beach, equality and equity in the siting of new parks spaces across the city, increased funding for community gardens, and placing a focus on the San Lorenzo River corridor in terms of recreation, preservation, housing and future food venues. There seemed to be among these issues within councilmember comments during the meeting.

What I called for, seconded by Councilmember Sandy Brown, was a replacement motion to take additional time to study this voluminous document. While there were many in the audience, they still represented a limited number of issues raised, perhaps no more than fifteen really. There are literally dozens and dozens more that might be addressed, debated and decided upon. I voted against the main motion to pass on the plan to the Parks and Recreation Commission because not enough input was collected by the city council, and not enough direction was offeredas the document now moves on to that commission.

I am especially concerned when it comes to the section on “goals, policies, and actions.” While this was a council study session it had all the earmarks of a narrow debate,with perhaps a set of prearranged findings. We were tinkering around a few edges, more mountain bike trails or pickle ball or tennis amenities, or support for more hiking and pedestrian access. Are these the only issues? Much more is at stake in this plan and we barely scratched the surface.

Hiking has by far the single greatest appeal in resident surveys (38%) collected by the city, but it’s just not clear what the priorities should be in that area. When will Beach Flats enjoy expanded green spaces given its current underserved needs? How is the city to work with the school district and the university in sharing resources? (No one from the latter two entities was present to answer questions or make comments.) And what to make of the amount of persuasion or influence mountain bikers may have had this night in the face of so many past plans calling for increased preservation of our precious resources?

Surely the council needs to hear from more city residents on what they want and what they’re willing to pay for. There needs to be more discussion on how this city will be paying to maintain the present parks and greenbelt lands, and also how we might raise money to expand on what almost everyone at the meeting might agree is a precious and exemplary, if somewhat vulnerable, set of community resources.

No, there will be no film at eleven, nor will they televise this revolution. To make it happen residents must remain engaged and demand more for their tax dollars. The council is here to serve the public, but as Frederick Douglas said in 1857, with no apologies to the current US President, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” I urge residents to stay engaged in this Parks Master Plan (PMP) process.

~Bernie Sanders quote (tweet) of the week: “Donald Trump was going to drain the swamp. Well guess who’s running the swamp now? The same Wall Street guys.”

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).

FIND OUT ABOUT THE NEW PLAN FOR RANCHO DEL MAR CENTER IN APTOS.

Current Rancho del Mar Center owners, Terra Mar Center (TRC) is hosting a public meeting on Thursday, February 23, 6:30pm-7:30pm at Seascape Golf Club (610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos) to unveil the plans for renovation of what locals call “the Safeway shopping center”.

Doors will open at 6pm with TRC representatives available to discuss the renderings that will be available of what the proposed improvements will look like. TRC executive, Mr. Bruce Walton, has assured me that citizens may photograph the drawings that will be displayed, so that they may be shared with those (like me) who cannot attend.

I have talked with current tenants of the Center who attended the tenant meeting last week with TRC (some did not get the notice). Those who attended felt encouraged that the actual footprint of the development will not change, not even the empty building where Kentucky Fried Chicken used to be. Second-story offices will actually be removed from the area above the “food court” and now-empty theater area. The store fronts of all shops are due for change. The Center will be better for those with mobility issues. The biggest worry of the existing tenants is how the construction will affect their business, and if they will get leases at a price they can afford. That is indeed a BIG worry. I wonder if local construction companies (NOT Barry Swenson Builder) will be doing the construction work? I wonder if there will be storm water catchment facilities for the expansive parking areas that could help recharge the overdrafted aquifer? Attend the meeting on February 23, ask questions, and stay tuned…..

THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DID NOT APPRECIATE MY QUESTIONS
at their meeting Tuesday, February 7 when I asked that three items from the Consent Agenda be pulled and placed on the Regular Agenda to allow discussion. “Ms. Steinbruner, are you making full use of staff before hand to get answers to your questions?” said Chairman John Leopold, obviously irritated.

I replied that I research the supporting documentation of agenda items and when I am concerned, I bring it publicly before them for discussion.

“Well, you can call the Department Heads and talk with them to get your questions answered,” he replied, “and not make staff wait here to answer questions.” I have two problems with this suggested course of action:

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1) How can members of the public actually expect to have their questions answered in a timely manner before the issues come before the Board of Supervisors? My experience is that Department Heads and staff do not always respond promptly, if at all. The Board agenda becomes public on the Friday before the Tuesday meeting. The Planning Department is closed to the public on Fridays. Top staff from some departments, such as Public Works and Planning, have instructed me NOT to ask questions of them or staff, but to file a Public Records Act request for documents that will provide the answers to my questions. That takes at least 10 days, and sometimes 30 days if the department wants to stonewall me (yes, that happens…Assistant Planning Director, Ms. Wanda Williams considers 10 pages of documentation as “voluminous” and therefore can legally extend response time.).

2) What about the issue of PUBLIC discussion and PUBLIC involvement in the Board of Supervisor’s transparent decision-making? When I mentioned this to Chairman John Leopold, he responded “Well, I try not to get into other peoples’ heads to guess at what they want to know.” Well…maybe the Board is used to making closed-door decisions that do not involve public process…..maybe the Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Susan Mauriello, just tells them what she wants to have happen and they are somehow obliged? That’s pretty much what happened behind the scenes in advance of all the large trees being cut down around the County Building last September…stay tuned for more on that issue.

KEEP ASKING THOSE QUESTIONS…..
One question I asked of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors last Tuesday (2/7) during Open Comment Period (when you can talk for 3 minutes about items not on the agenda) was about the process for selecting a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to replace Ms. Mauriello when she retires this July. She has held that un-elected office for 27 years. I pointed out to the Board that I have observed that former Watsonville City official, Mr. Carlos Palacios, is a constant shadow of Ms. Mauriello, and I assume that he is in line for her job.

Mr. Palacios was the Watsonville City Manager for 18 years, until he accepted the job in 2015 as County Deputy Administrative Officer. According to a June 28, 2012 article in The Register-Pajaronian (“Grand Jury Again Blasts Watsonville”), there were big problems with city financial procedures and disclosure under Mr. Palacios. The 2012 Grand Jury Report “The Power of Transparency” brought to light many disturbing financial procedural problems, such as paying over $18,000 cash to three bands for performances at the Strawberry Festival, and using $225,000 in Community BLOC Grant money to buy a fire engine that did not get delivered for three years and was laden with problems. The Grand Jury Report stated “The repeated efforts required to get basic information, and the disparity between the initial information provided, and ultimately discovered, painted a disturbing picture.”

At the time, Watsonville City Councilman Mr. Emilio Martinez also repeatedly asked for accountability from the City Manager, Mr. Palacios. Mr. Martinez is quoted in the Register-Pajaronian article: “Every time I asked questions about expenditures, City Manager Carlos Palacios would find a way to either keep information from me, lie to me, and/or find a way to retaliate against me.”

THAT IS, IN PART WHY I told the Board at the February 7 meeting “With all due respect, I would like the selection of a new CAO to be more public, and that the Board advertises for and seriously considers other qualified people from out of the area. I think this County would benefit by a fresh set of eyes and some new ideas.” The Board did not respond. Maybe that was because they are not supposed to during that particular time (but sometimes do).

WHY ARE TAXPAYERS FUNDING CONTRACTORS TO DO WORK THAT COUNTY STAFF COULD DO AND WHO ARE THESE CONSULTANTS?

Last Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors approved, via the Consent Agenda, several large expenditures, but the ones that caught my attention were Items #40 and #45. Item #40 approved $127,675 for Moore, Iacofano and Goltsman, Inc to develop a social media campaign to find foster homes for kids with high special needs. Item #45 approved $158,870 for MIG to develop Countywide Commercial Design Guidelines, a Pleasure Point Commercial Area Vision and a Portola Streetscape Plan. I had several concerns about these two items, so that is why I asked the Board to remove them from the Consent Agenda and place them on the Regular Agenda. That requires the Board and appropriate staff to PUBLICLY answer any questions raised about the Item during the 3 minutes that I am allowed. The first issue that I raised was that Moore, Iacofano and Goltsman, Inc and MIG are one and the same company. I noticed that the address was the SAME for the two company names when I read through the supporting documentation in advance of the Board meeting. Planning staff was not aware of that.

Problems that I see with Item #40:

1) How can social media contacts be thoroughly investigated to make sure this is not setting up a human trafficking network? According to several sources, human trafficking is a very real problem in our County.Social media is uncontrollable. Isn’t this putting vulnerable high-needs foster kids at risk? I looked through the documentation of the contract and noticed that Moore, Iacofano and Goltsman, Inc. will be subcontracting the actual work, and I saw no proof that there are real safeguards in place for local staff interviews of respondents.

2) Why can’t County staff search for potential foster families with local charitable organizations and churches, where local people have known each other for an extended period of time and can offer information about any possible respondents? The Board saw no merit in my concerns and brought no Human Services staff forward to discuss the potential problems within the contract. Supervisor Ryan Coonerty chided me for not understanding that most of the population now gets information via social media. The Board approved the $127,675 contract without any discussion.

Problems that I see with Item #45: 1) MIG is the same company that handled the “public outreach” for the Aptos Village Plan. That was a miserable failure to actually incorporate what people wanted and DID NOT want into a plan. MIG was contracted by the County to conduct the design charettes…and that was a joke. People were railroaded into how they responded (“What kind of a grocery store do you want?” when you really don’t see a need for a third grocery store in the area at all.). Many of those people who attended the charettes felt the process was pointless and did not address their real concerns at all.

But MIG developed the Aptos Village Plan supposedly based on this “robust public input” that really just supported the plan that Barry Swenson Builder and the County staff had already made behind closed doors. Yes, I have the staff meeting notes and agendas that prove it. I told the Board that I do not think that the County should hire MIG again, based on what happened in the Aptos Village Plan. “People did NOT get what they said they wanted in the Aptos Village Plan at all.” I said.

At that point, CAO Ms. Mauriello, made some protest noises and Chairman John Leopold interrupted my comment to explain that he wants to involve the residents of Pleasure Point in an open, public process of developing a commercial plan for their community, and that they have already successfully developed a residential plan. I tried to point out that I had heard otherwise from the Pleasure Point residents when I heard their appeal hearing at the Planning Commission in December, 2015, but Chairman John Leopold said I could not comment further. Even though he had interrupted my comment when I still had nearly two minutes remaining of my three-minute allotment, I was not allowed to speak.

2) Why can’t County staff conduct the meetings with Pleasure Point residents and determine what a responsive plan could be? Chairman John Leopold had earlier directed me to seek out Planner Ms. Paia Levine to answer my questions during a break. I did so. She said MIG is a big company and everybody contracts with them. The Board of Supervisors approved the $158,870 contract with MIG without discussion and did not ask Planning staff to step forward for answers to my questions.

When I later asked Ms. Levine via e-mail about the large outside contractor issue, she wrote: “Staff is often tasked with projects that we are not able to complete within existing staff resources. When a project requires specialized expertise that we do not have on staff, we contract to ensure that the right experience is brought to bear. In the case of Pleasure Point, specialized design expertise is essential to translate the community’s concerns into workable guidelines or ordinances.”

Does this mean that we need to hire staff in the County Planning Department who ARE qualified, and save the taxpayers the enormous expense of multiple large outside contractors from out of our area? How hard is it to listen to residents of an area and, as a QUALIFIED planner, create a plan that works for what people want, need, and are compliant with existing regulations? What do you think?

Take a look at how MIG likes to manipulate public comment in the December 1, 2013 issue of “The Western Planner”. MIG staff Ms. Joan Chaplick, a Principal and Director of Management and Policy Services, and Ms. Ellie Fiore, Project Manager, outline tactics for NOT allowing extensive debate by “agitated community members” who are opposed to plans for dense mixed-use developments in their neighborhoods during public meetings. Are these really the people we want to pay big bucks to listen to our citizens and create proposals for development? Gee, based on the Aptos Village Project, I just don’t think so.

NEW ACCESSORY DWELLING (“GRANNY”) UNIT ORDINANCE COMING ALONG WITH INPUT FROM A SELECT CONSTITUENT…
Last Tuesday’s County Board of Supervisor meeting was also eventful in that the Planner, Ms. Paia Levine, read into the record during her staff report about proposed ADU ordinance to the Board a comment that had been submitted from a constituent. She did not at first identify the constituent, but when Chairman John Leopold asked for the name of the constituent, she replied “Mr. Sokolow”.

Chairman Leopold then directed her to continue reading the comment into the record, and eventually, Mr. Sokolow’s comment became part of the proposed ordinance language.

WOW! I figured Mr. Sokolow must be a building or housing industry professional. He was in the audience, and testified, offering to give the County some template plans for anyone to use when applying in the future for a permit to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). I was not able to talk with Mr. Sokolow during the break (I was instructed by Chairman John Leopold to talk with Ms. Levine), but I later learned in an article published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel about the ADU ordinance that Mr. Sokolow is an orthodontist. I guess Sentinel reporter Ms. Jondi Gumz also took note of the unorthodox import of Mr. Sokolow’s comments to the Board. So, I have asked Ms. Levine to let me know the criteria she used for mentioning his comment publicly during her staff report. Usually, constituent comments are completely ignored. Stay tuned on her answer….we all want to be heard, right?

ROLLING GREEN ESTATES RESIDENTS WANT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SUPERVISOR ZACH FRIEND TO HEAR THEIR CONCERNS
Sunday afternoon (2/12), about 50 residents of Rolling Green Estates met at Valencia Elementary School picnic tables to talk about how to organize their Aptos community of 130 homes to have a voice with their County Supervisor, Zach Friend. Despite multiple requests by the lead resident, Supervisor Friend refused to attend Sunday’s neighborhood meeting or any other meeting they might try to organize. Hmmm…

Last Friday, Valencia Road was blocked at both ends, canceling school and stranding residents. Many phoned Zach Friend’s office and “had a very nasty response.” Their community received no reverse 9-1-1 emergency notification of the dire problem. One woman, determined to get to her 93-year-old Mother who was trapped in and alone, climbed over the fence just erected at the Trout Gulch side, and then crawled under the fence on the other side. Three weeks ago, Valencia Road was closed at Trout Gulch Road when a large culvert began collapsing. That forced residents and school traffic to travel in from Freedom Boulevard, adding 3-5 miles each way to their commutes. Last Friday, that route closed due to fallen trees and road failures. County Public Works and PG&E workers did yeomans’ jobs at re-establishing the road, which now is one lane and very precarious in two spots.

Zach Friend has reportedly told Valencia Elementary School staff that there is no money to fix the first road failure. The alternate route from Trout Gulch Road,Valencia School Road, is also closed. These residents are really worried about being trapped in without emergency response, and worry that the 600+ Valencia Elementary School students and their staff could also be trapped in without emergency response, should the road fail completely in the Freedom Boulevard direction while school is in session. They are worried that when school re-opens this week, buses will navigate over dangerous, possibly unstable road areas, risking the students’ safety while once again possibly stranding their community. Why doesn’t Supervisor Zach Friend seem to care about all this?

One resident at Sunday’s meeting seemed to know about plans for a temporary bridge to span the Trout Gulch side of the closure, but noted that Federal officials will have to sign off on the project, and engineers must declare the still-unstable soil on either end safe. PG&E has already relocated their gas and electrical supplies overlying the failing culvert. How did Superviso rBruce McPherson get such rapid help for his constituents on Nelson Road, faced with a similar catastrophic situation? He invited Congresswoman Anna Eshoo to view the site, and got Fast-Track funding to get things moving quickly. So where is Supervisor Friend?

Write one letter. Make one call. Insist on safe secondary emergency access for Valencia Elementary. Zach Friend <zach.friend@santacruzcounty.us> 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 454-2200.

Ask why the County has $2 million available to benefit Aptos Village Project developer Barry Swenson Builder to move the westbound Metro bus stop to accommodate the new entrance to the development at Soquel Drive while also replacing 200′ of railroad track and crossing, plus a traffic light. No money for Valencia Road repairs for safe school commutes? Does this make sense to you?

REQUEST THE BOARD TO REVISIT RUBBERSTAMP APPROVAL OF THE 2016 COUNTY WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT REPORT.
The County Board of Supervisors gave rubberstamp approval on January 31 to the 2016 County Water Resources Management Report. Given the critical state of overpumping in the mid-County areas, I think the Board needed to take more leadership and action. I asked for that at the January 31 meeting, but got nowhere. So, I wrote a letter to the Board and submitted it at the February 7 meeting with my oral comments. I asked that the Board rescind approval of the Report until the County Water Advisory Commission has had an opportunity to review the Report and make their recommendations. That Commission, a group of citizens and local water experts appointed by the Board, has been established as an oversight body for local government.

However, that Commission never reviewed the Report before it was submitted to the Board by Mr. John Ricker, County Environmental Health Department. That needs to be fixed. The Report had many omissions and misrepresentations of information.

I also asked in my letter that the Board set a public hearing to consider, under their purview granted by the 1987 County Well Ordinance, to declare a Countywide Groundwater Emergency. The County Water Advisory Commission has recommended several times to the Board that they take this action, but to no avail. Soquel Creek Water District Board declared their service area a state of groundwater emergency in June, 2014, just after granting the Barry Swenson Builder the hookups for the Aptos Village Project that will require about 38 acre feet/year. The District just reduced total annual allotments to 4 acre feet/year, because the consequences of overpumping are intensifying, despite admirable conservation efforts of existing customers.

It will be a huge challenge this year to help citizens and tourists to accept the continued need to conserve water, despite the recent deluges. Soquel Creek Water District General Manager, Mr. Ron Duncan, states that to heal the overpumping problem, which is causing irreparable harm to the aquifer and local water supply, their customers would have to double current conservation efforts and maintain that level for 20 years OR the District would have to completely stop pumping for 8 years. Wow. I think the County Board of Supervisors needs to reconsider their rubberstamp approval of that 2016 County Water Report. What do you think?

COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORTS AND WATER ISSUES…..

So, if our area is in critical overdraft, why does the County keep handing out so many building permits? There is a real disconnect between land use policy and the real water crisis much of our County now faces.

The 2004-2005 County Grand Jury Report “Water Planning in Santa Cruz County: Soquel Creek Water District” investigated the overdraft issue back then and determined that “Current demand exceeds the safe yield of local aquifers.” Also, “Santa Cruz County’s 1994 General Plan anticipated that the cumulative demand of growth both within Soquel Creek Water District and outside the urban service line will result in an overdraft of 500 acre feet by 2010.” And, going on, “The Santa Cruz County Draft Housing Element (of the General Plan) would re-zone 44 acres for higher density housing to provide affordable housing. The proposed affordable housing provisions will increase water demand within the district.”

What happened as a result of that Grand Jury Report? Then-County Supervisor Ellen Pirie (remember, it is her area that is in most serious overdraft) got the Board to approve adding a subjective criteria to the 1987 County Well Ordinance that made it more difficult to declare a Countywide Groundwater Emergency. The Board must determine no progress is being made to address the overdraft crisis. Now, is that responsible leadership? And don’t forget that last year, the Board of Supervisors approved the Housing Element Update without any environmental impact report. The revised Housing Element did not address the local water crisis at all, and the document admitted that the increased growth rates surpass what is required by state law.

SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT’S ANSWER IS TREATED SEWAGE WATER
AND A HUGE ENERGY BILL…

Last week, representatives of Carollo Engineering gave a presentation to the Soquel Creek Water District Supplemental Supply Committee about the risk of contaminants in advanced tertiary treated sewage water. Results showed that low levels of chemical contaminants can sometimes still be present after the disinfection treatment process and that some are a result of disinfection reactions.

The Carollo representatives did admit that the premier disinfection method, reverse osmosis (R/O), is a HUGE energy hog, requiring three to five times more energy than other disinfection methods. How would their proposed “PureWater Soquel” project affect future water rates for customers? How does that concur with the State Dept. of Drinking Water Central Coast Region plans to ensure efficiency and the “Human Right to safe and affordable drinking water” currently under consideration?

The District is hiring Carollo Engineering to conduct a wastewater quality study this summer to determine what contaminants are in the Santa Cruz area treated sewage water. All this for a “preferred project” in the process of the Environmental Impact Report process that is supposed to identify and consider all possible alternatives…. Hmmm…could it be that Soquel Creek Water District has already made a supplemental supply decision and is just going through the EIR process to placate the public? Maybe the District is somehow getting pressure from the State Water Board.

Their December, 2016 Feasibility Report for using advanced tertiary treated sewage water for direct consumption stated (pg. 14): “The policy of the State Water Board includes the following goals related to water recycling:

1) Substitute recycled water for potable water as much as possible by 2030.

2) Increase the use of recycled water over 2002 levels by at least 1-million acre-feet per year (AFY) (3.3-million m3.d) by 2020 and by at least 2-million AFY by 2030 (6.6-million m3/d).”

If you have concerns about drinking treated sewage water, you had better get involved NOW.
www.soquelcreekwater.org 831-475-8500 AND www.midcountygroundwater.org 831-454-3133

Santa Cruz City Water Manager, Ms. Rosemary Menard, will present information at the next District Board meeting on February 21 (6pm at Capitola City Council Chambers). Representatives from the DeepWater Desal Project in Moss Landing will be presenting at the April 4 District Board meeting.

WHAT ABOUT TRANSFERING WATER FROM THE NORTH COAST CREEKS?
“Water for Santa Cruz” is a group of local people who would like to see quicker action on the overdraft problem but make use of a less-problematic supplemental source. One of their members, Mr. Scott McGilvray, who has served on the State Water Advisory Commission, gave an excellent presentation on February 6 to the Santa Cruz City Water Commission.

The creeks on the North Coast could provide 3300 acre feet/year of fresh water for groundwater recharge in the Mid-County over drafted area while still maintaining healthy stream flows in the creeks. The water agencies are working at securing State approval for transfers from the San Lorenzo River to supply Soquel Creek Water District with treated water. However, water rights laws established in 1914 prevent Santa Cruz City from sending water from the river to customers outside of the City service boundaries, except in emergency. It may take years to get those legal changes made. The water rights for the North Coast creeks pre-date the 1914 laws, so could be available now. Some pipeline and treatment process with phosphate buffers to prevent corrosion in supply pipes would need to be included, but at a fraction of the cost that the PureWater Soquel project would cost and less risk of contaminants posing unknown health problems. I was amazed that none of the Commissioners had any questions for Mr. McGilvray regarding his information. Later in the meeting (which ended somewhere near midnight), Ms. Menard, Director of Santa Cruz City Water, recommended to the Commission that citizens no longer be allowed to give presentations, but instead be limited to three-minute oral comment. After much debate, the Commission approved her recommendation, except Commissioners Baskin and Engfer voting “no”. Maybe you’ll have some questions….take a look at www.waterforsantacruz.com

~WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. 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).

From Gary’s “We Live In A Political World” website… Feb. 11, 2017

#42 / Predictions Are Not The Same As Destiny

David Talbot is a longtime leftist San Franciscan, journalist and author. His book, Season of the Witch, is a history of San Francisco from the 1960s to the 1980s. Talbot is also the author of The Devil’s Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA and the Rise of America’s Secret Government. Talbot founded the pioneering online news site Salon, and was an editor at the Hearst-owned San Francisco Examiner. He has been published in The New Yorker, Time, The Guardian, The Los Angeles Times, and many other publications. Talbot’s columns are now running three times a week in The Chronicle, found online at SFChronicle.com. That’s where I got this biographical information.

On February 9th, the print edition of the Chronicle put the following headline on Talbot’s column: “The case for calm in resistance to Trump.” I appreciate the sentiment, and recommend the column. “Calm” resistance seems like a good strategy to me. “Resistance,” per se, is what many have identified as the appropriate response to the actions and statements of our current president, but without the modifier, “resistance” could quickly get out of hand. The idea that “resistance” to ill-considered and unconstitutional actions ought to be carried out “calmly” seems like very good advice.

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In making his case for “calm,” Talbot specifically references a recent article by Chris Hedges, as distributed by Nation of Change. Hedges, who is also a journalist (and a very good one, in my opinion), headlined his recent article this way: “Make America ungovernable.”

Here is Hedges’ pitch for what might be called the “non-calm” form of resistance:

Donald Trump’s regime is rapidly reconfiguring the United States into an authoritarian state. All forms of dissent will soon be criminalized. Civil liberties will no longer exist. Corporate exploitation, through the abolition of regulations and laws, will be unimpeded. Global warming will accelerate. A repugnant nationalism, amplified by government propaganda, will promote bigotry and racism. Hate crimes will explode. New wars will be launched or expanded. Americans who remain passive will be complicit.
As you will note, Hedges suggests that our worst fears will be realized. We are already cooked. Are we actually willing to concede that?
Talbot not only refers to Hedges. He also refers to a suggestion by Rosa Brooks, a law professor at Georgetown University Law Center who served as a human rights counselor to the Clinton State Department and the Obama Defense Department. Without directly advocating this, Brooks observes that “a military coup” could be a solution to the bad Executive Orders and other “crazy” policies being advanced by President Trump and his cohorts.

So, Hedges says we should be trying to make our nation “ungovernable,” if we don’t like the person elected to be our chief executive. Brooks suggests that we should (implicitly) admit that we can’t govern ourselves, and turn the job over to the military.
I’m with Talbot in wanting to discourage this approach. I don’t think that making the nation “ungovernable” will lead to a good result. I am also with Talbot in thinking that our government is not going to get better if the military takes it upon itself to carry out a “military coup,” and to decide what’s good policy and what’s bad policy for all of us civilian types.
Instead of “calm” resistance, those suggestions sound like “hysterical” resistance to me, and I don’t think that public hysteria is going to make our government better. Quite the opposite. It is precisely when civil life appears to become “ungovernable” that authoritarian dictatorships arise, and these are all too often fronted by military men who promptly put everyone under their military command.
Let’s be honest. We are facing terrible times ahead. Our president is, in many ways, “crazy,” a word employed by Talbot. The President’s policies, are, in a very large part, wrong-headed and of dubious constitutionality. What should we do? Let’s “keep calm and carry on,” as the Brits aspired to do just prior to World War II.
It is important to take seriously predictions about all the bad things that can happen to us (and that are being threatened – no doubt about that). But predictions are not the same as destiny. What actually happens to our nation in the future will depend on what we do. “Resistance” to authoritarianism is absolutely required. But let’s demonstrate that the United States can govern itself, even with Caligula in The White House.

That’s what maintaining a government “of the people, and by the people, and for the people” requires of us right now.

EUBIE BLAKE. Great real musical, not like La La Land.

CELEBRATE PIANO ENSEMBLE. Everybody loves piano music and there’ll be a huge piano concert on Sunday, Feb. 19.This annual piano extravaganza presents music for piano 4-hands and for two pianos, featuring 18 of Santa Cruz County’s finest pianists. From Schubert to Gottschalk, the program includes the lively Sabre Dance for 8 pianists. Performers are Amy Beal, Susan Bruckner, Mary Jane Cope, Ben Dorfan, Roger Emanuels, Rose Georgi, Nicki Kearns, Ellen Khayat, Lynn Kidder, Lavinia Livingston, Stefanie Malone, John Orlando, Carol Panofsky, Ivan Rosenblum, Michel Singher, Marina Thomas, Vlada Volkova-Moran, and Leah Zumberge. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund for Santa Cruz County music students, presented by the Santa Cruz Branch of Music Teachers’ Association of California. Suggested donation at the door: $10. It’s at 2 p.m. at the UCSC Recital Hall.

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. Scroll down to see one of my favorite DeCinzo rain and flood masterpieces.

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “week number 4 ” 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.

LISA JENSEN LINKS Lisa writes: “Now that Oscar front-runner La La Land is racking up the accolades, the inevitable backlash is in full swing. Find out why I still love it, this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). Also, a workaholic daughter copes with her fun-loving father — and vice-versa — in the offbeat German comedy Toni Erdmann.” Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975. .

TONI ERDMANN.Aside from Billy Wilder and Ernst Lubitsch’s films Germany has never been known for producing great comedies…and Toni Erdmann tries very hard to be a funny film. It’s gross and not subtle, it tries total nudity in a stunbling, embarrasing way…plus it’s boring. It’s about a father and daughter relationship, and that’s a very complex topic, no matter how you look at it.

FIFTY SHADES DARKER. I must confess to having seen Fifty Shades of Grey back a few years ago (In the now dead Aptos Cinema). It was beyond dumb and didn’t qualify as a movie. This sequel (9% on Rotten Tomatoes) is even worse. What sex is on scrreen isn’t believable or sexy, the characters are 1) Poor actors and 2) Dull and unbelievable. If you’re out for cheap thrills it would be cheaper to go to Frenchy’s.

JULIETA.We are lucky that directors as good as Pedro Almodovar are still able to make films. His films are usually excellent and have been getting even better over the years. Julieta is a masterpiece.Filmed in Spain and subtitled this is a woman’s film in more ways than one. Deep, complex, heartbreaking, sensitive…it’s a story about a mother and her daughter. Just go see it but only if you appreciate great filmmaking.

PATERSON. Jim Jarmusch is one of a very few directors working today whose films are so unique and so stylized that you could guess who directed them without reading the credits. Think of films such as Sling Blade, Ghost Dog, Mystery Train and Down By Law. More than that, they are major additions to cinema mastery. Adam Driver plays a Paterson, New Jersey bus driver and we become part of his life for a week. That’s all you need to know…just don’t miss it if you appreciate great filmmaking.

20th CENTURY WOMEN. Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Billy Crudup, and Greta Gerwig do award winning roles in this very independent, off kilter story of a “family” group trying to exist in Santa Barbara in 1979. Bening deserves every possible acting award for her role as a mom trying her damndest to raise her son while surrounded by rapidly aging girls. It’s not an easy film to follow and takes twists, turns and flashbacks with little or no warning…but go see it. You’ll be completely intrigued by it.

ARRIVAL. Amy Adams has always been an excellent actor and she’s even better in this pretty sophisticated science fiction spellbinder. 12 alien speceships hover around earth just a few feet above ground while Amy and Jeremy Renner attempt to communicate with them. It’s a thoughtful film and it’ll make you wonder just how would anybody relate to aliens (and vice versa) Like the Trump victory the world is in a state of shock over these visitors. No killings, violence or cheap cliches…a fine film. I forgot to add that like so many Special effects films nowadays it is photographed in a very dark style. (Saves money I guess)

FENCES. Denzel Washington and Viola Davis acted in August Wilson’s play “Fences” in 2010. Now Denzel directed this film version starring the two of them and most of the rest of that NYC cast. It’s drama after drama and is about a dysfunctional black family that takes place almost entirely in their small backyard. To watch the always articulate and brilliant Denzel play a black jerk who is forever down on his luck and is also mean, poorly motivated, and plain nasty was more than I could believe. I didn’t care for this film at all, and it’s doing very poorly at the boxoffice. Yes, it’s back again.

SPLIT. M.Night Shyamalan makes some pretty weird and frequently awful movies. But Split has James McAvoy playing a very disturbed guy with 23 distinct and split personalities (and most of them are very crazy). He’s lured and locked up 3 teen aged girls and it’s scary and more or less predictable after that, but you’ll stay glued to the screen and your seat…go for it …if you like scary stuff. Not anywhere near as a good as Hitchcock, but he tries. (Shyamalan even makes a secret cameo appearance like Hitch always did).

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY. We can only guess that now that the Star Wars movie property is Walt Disney Property it would change, but not like this latest mess. Instead of being more cute, cuddly and cartoonish (like traditional Disney films)…Rogue One is darker, colder, meaner and full of war and killing. It has none of the charm, humor, humanity, mystery, history, tradition or fun quirkieness that the original Star Wars films brought us. The plot is tripe stuff about stealing Death Star plans. Darth Vader is back and James Earl Jones voice is too, but he looks thinner and smaller. The biggest afult for me is that it was filmed so dark it’s hard to see details, or look anywhere besides center screen. No great intricate space ships stay in view long enough to enjoy the fantasy. The acting is ok but there’s not much screen time for it to happen. Big disapointment.

THE COMEDIAN. This is a sad movie. Sad because Robert DeNiro is or was a fine actor BUT he’s not funny. He tries hard in this pathetic movie but he’s not any more likable than he is laughable. You’ll cringe a lot at the “jokes” and wish DeNiro once again would be offered some challenging acting roles. Don’t go.

THE SPACE BETWEEN US. In an effort to stop you from seeing this disaster Rotten Tomatoes gave it an 18%. A boy born to an astronaut on Mars goes back to earth when he’s a teenager and meets a girl and it gets even worse than that. Tacky, unbelievable, meaningless, plot holes larger than the Milky Way. Trust me.

GOLD. Mathew McConaughey went to a lot of trouble and looks a lot like Marlon Brando in Gold. He gained 40 pounds and actually shaved most of his hair and added a phoney false front tooth, and the movie still isn’t very good. Not that anybody cares, but it’s based on some real story about bank fraud, gold mining, illegal gold salting, and almost a total cast of illegal characters…with no redeeming interest or plot. Forget about it.

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. Feb.14 has Lisa Robinson director of The San Lorenzo Valley Museum talking about their new exhibit re…the Explosive history of the Valley. Then author Dave Evans shares ideas from his bestselling book, “Designing Your Life”. Veterans Advocate Dean Kaufman brings us up to date on veterans issues and programs on Feb. 21…after Dean, Becca King Reed reports in on our Santa Cruz Community Television station. Sculptor, artist Peggy Snider guests on February 28 talking about her political sculpture show opening March 3rd. Then Cynthia Berger and Zav Hershfield talk about the Santa Cruz Tenants Association. On March 7 Newton and Helen Harrison talk about their book, ” The Time of The Force Majeure”. Patrice Vecchione returns March 14 to talk about her one-woman show “Dressed and Undressed” happening March 17 & 18. Espressivo conductor and artistic director Michel Singher talks about their March 30 concert on March 21.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

This week’s video is positively hypnotic!

QUOTES. “CALIFORNIA”

“Best way to live in California is to be from somewheres else”, Cormac McCarthy, No Country for Old Men
“Things are tough all over, cupcake, an’ it rains on the just an’ the unjust alike…except in California”, Alan Moore, Watchmen
“If you’ve had good gin on a hot day in Southern California with the people you love, you forget Nebraska. The two things cannot coexist. The stronger, better of the two wins”, Ann Patchett, The Magician’s Assistant
“God will break California from the surface of the continent like someone breaking off a piece of chocolate. It will become its own floating paradise of underweight movie stars and dot-commers, like a fat-free Atlantis with superfast Wi-Fi”, Laura Ruby, Bad Apple

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

Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

Posted in Weekly Articles | Comments Off

February 7 – 13, 2017

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Bruce

OTHER STORMS OTHER TIMES. This was Pacific Avenue and Front Street and Mission Street and Water Streets intersection in 1957. Bank of The West is there now on the left and so is our Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park high atop the hill above the Burgermeister Beer & Wrigleys Juicy Fruit billboard.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.

Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE February 6, 2017

MAYBE GREAT & NEW INVENTIONS

FATS WALLER…Gonna sit right down and write myself a letter.

BERKELEY POLICE PASSIVELY WATCH “ANARCHISTS”. Here is something our City Council and The Santa Cruz Police should consider. From Sunday (2/5/17) San Francisco Chronicle.

“When it comes to its treatment of anarchist protesters like the ones who trashed Sproul Plaza the other night, UC Berkeley’s attitude amounts to this: “We’d rather deal with broken windows than broken heads”.

The result was about $100,000 in damage to the campus — and a worldwide image of UC police standing by as “black bloc” protesters fired bottle rockets at them and used police barricades as battering rams to break the windows of the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union, where right-wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos was scheduled to speak.

It wasn’t just the building that took damage. Some people who the anarchists concluded were there to hear Yiannopoulos were attacked, and one of the organizers of the Berkeley College Republicans, who were hosting the Breitbart News website editor, was splashed with red paint.

Police made no attempt to stop the attack or arrest any of the rioters. It was a legacy, in part, of the infamous incident during the Occupy protests of 2011 in which a UC Davis police officer shot pepper spray directly into the faces of peaceful, seated demonstrators on the campus quad.

After that PR disaster — which resulted in UC agreeing to a nearly $1 million lawsuit settlement — the university rewrote its police rules to mandate that officers use the minimum amount of force needed to ensure the maximum safety of everyone involved.

Taking on the anarchists at the Berkeley protest with batons and tear gas might have resulted in arrests, but it would also have resulted in injuries — and not just to black bloc types. The hundreds of demonstrators who were behaving peacefully would have been in the middle of the mess.

“We’re not talking about people who, if you try to arrest them, are going to say, ‘I’m sorry’ and just let themselves be cuffed and taken in,” UC Berkeley spokesman Dan Mogulof said of the anarchists. “There would have been confrontations that involved innocent bystanders, and we would have had far more than the six injuries we had.”

Having the police scurry for cover may have been a bad look on TV, but it was an easy call for campus officials, Mogulof said. “It was too dangerous for everyone.”

Something happened Wednesday, however, that is causing law enforcement officials to re-examine their procedures. In the past, when violent protesters have shown up at East Bay demonstrations, they’ve mixed with the crowd and used peaceful protesters as human cover. This time, the 100 or so black bloc anarchists marched brazenly up Bancroft Way and into Sproul Plaza after the protest was under way, lined up directly in front of their target and attacked. It was as if they knew no one would stop them — which turned out to be the case. “That is a real game changer,” Mogulof said”. UCSC Campus Police should go on a retreat and think about this as well.

MAXIMIZING & TRIVIALIZING TRUMP IN SANTA CRUZ. Scroll down on last week’s issue and see what I wrote about how our Santa Cruz City Council has much the same effect locally as Trump’s meaness and lack of humanity is having on the world. I’m pleased to announce that the reactions I received are just about 50-50. Half saying I trivialized what Trump is doing and the other half saying they were happy to see that I was right in bringing to light some of the behind the door…under–the-dais treatment our City Council doles out against the homeless, the houseless, the Beach Flats locals and so many others. More later.

ART & JUNK ON WEST CLIFF DRIVE. The Sentinel story about that rusting, rotting piece of art sculpture over on West Cliff should make any and all of realize that our West Cliff Drive and any Ocean Frontage in the county shouldn’t be trashed by any “art” or exercise equipment, or any man-made structure at all. Well, except for a few benches to better enjoy the view of our Ocean. Think of it this way…how many times have you or any of our money- laden- tourist- targets said “lets go to the cliffs and see the art”? If the City or County wants to help struggling artists by displaying their art …put the largest possible creations in front of Starbucks, Safeways, New Leaf, Burger joints, like they did on Pacific Avenue in front of Jamba Juice.

POPCORN POPPING IN SLOW MOTION.

A BIT OF GOOD NEWS. Long time friend (Pasadena ’50’s) David McReynolds turns out and forwards very progressive/socialist emails nearly daily. Here’s one he sent Saturday 2/04…

RESISTING, FIGHTING TRUMP IS WORKING!
For everyone who believed in #resist, congrats on helping with the following successful efforts.
Because of you:
1. Federal hiring freeze is reversed for VA (Veteran Affairs).
2. Federal judge imposes temporary nationwide halt to Trump’s travel ban.
3. Green card holders can get back in country after massive airport protests and litigation efforts. Iraq war vets were part of those protests.
4. Uber CEO drops off presidential advisory council and pledges $3M and immigration lawyers for its drivers after #DeleteUber trends on Twitter. 200,000 Uber users drop the app. Lyft gives 1m to American Civil Liberties Union to fight immigration ban.
5. Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) enrollment ads are still going to air with help from private companies.
6. The ACLU raised 24M over one weekend (normally 3-4Mil/year).
7. HHS, EPA, USDA gag order lifted due to tremendous protests and pressure.
8. 800,000 scientists have signed up for a march in support of science.
9. More people of different career/religious/economic/ethnic/gender backgrounds are considering running for political office than ever before.
10. White House contender Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has opposed almost all of Trump’s nominations and is getting support as a result.

Trump’s approval ratings are low by historical comparisons.
Governors are standing up against Trump – most notably in California. They are joined by over 17 state attorney generals.
Big City mayors are defying Trump on immigration issues and more.
Renewable energy is growing despite Trump, and is likely to continue to do so.
High profile athletic teams – and many others – are joining the effort to boycott Trump hotels.
Theaters are absolutely packed with viewers of the just released and extraordinary documentary on James Baldwin. This must see film is the latest in asking us to face the racism that continues to plague the heart of America.
There will be a growing number of efforts to impeach Trump.
Reproductive rights activists are pushing for protection at state level.
Most important perhaps, hundreds of thousands of new people are engaged. Scores of new platforms for engagement have been launched including:

Justice Democrats
Unite for America
Americans Take Action
https://www.facebook.com/TownHallProject
dailyaction.org

These are dark times and the threats are colossal. While more resistance and creative forward-moving strategies will be needed, sometimes we have to celebrate our wins. Stay vigilant, but also take self care seriously. Activist burnout is a thing. Marathon, don’t sprint. Give thanks for all the others – known and unknown – who are shoulder to shoulder with us in this fight.
#resist. Feel free to copy and circulate and amend as you feel moved. I’m sure I’ve missed a boatload of things”. Thanks to David for that.

A FOUNTAIN OF ABUSE

Have you seen the latest example of the city’s failure to respect the coastline beauty of West Cliff Drive and to follow established codes? If not, check out the new drinking fountain at Dutra Point, the overlook near the Sea and Sand Inn. It should be hard to create an eyesore out of a drinking fountain but the city has managed to do just that. There was a former drinking fountain in the same location, a simple, low structure that in no way impacted this world class view. Then, the landscaping at the Point was torn out and re-done and suddenly this gem appeared.

It is actually worse than is captured in this static photo. Whether you walk or ride a bike along West Cliff or drive on the road, the full sweep of this magnificent view from the mountains to the east, the municipal wharf to the south, the arc of Monterey Bay and the cliffs at Indicators all now have this dark maroon, five and a half foot tall industrial structure in the foreground. The old drinking fountain’s sightlines were below the guardrail and painted the same color. No I’m not proposing a new paint job will fix this act of visual sabotage. I’m proposing the city remove this eyesore and relocate it out of the line of sight. There is plenty of space at Dutra Point for its relocation.

click here to continue (link expands, click again to collapse)

One wonders what process was followed, if any, for this installation? Did a person at a desk just research the latest in multi-use drinking fountains and like the look of this one? Did anyone consider the impact on this iconic view? Did it pass muster at the commission level? Did anyone involved ever walk, bike or drive West Cliff? Did anyone check the city codes relative to structures along West Cliff Drive?

If they did, they would have been aware and should be aware that West Cliff Drive is within the Ocean Front Recreational District (OF-R) and the Shoreline Protection Overlay District (SPO). Both codes contain strict and clear guidelines for protecting this world-class view shed from structures. The stated purpose of the SPO code is to, ” Maintain public view corridors between the sea and the first public roadway parallel to the sea and maintain natural views of the coastline.”

A similar act of visual sabotage and failure to follow the code was achieved by the city Parks Department last year, when it erected without a required coastal permit, a 14 foot tall giant chair- like structure, a piece of outdoor gym equipment, at the furthest ocean overlook opposite Swanton Boulevard. It was removed after diligent community members pointed out the code and the need to comply with it plus the obvious visual intrusion into the ocean view shed. The community should not have to be the watch- dog for the city to follow its own codes and protect its ocean views. This latest example, if not nipped in the bud is probably a harbinger of things to come. The draft Parks Master Plan makes reference to “linear” parks and that includes West Cliff Drive. Since the current Parks Department leadership seems to favor Venice Beach style activities, gym structures and “activated” open spaces as opposed to passive, peaceful soaking in the view or bird watching we may have a fight on our hands to protect what’s left.

As for the drinking fountain at Dutra Point, no doubt the city will extol the advantages and “green” features of this new structure with its space for filling water bottles and dog drinking bowl at the base. All good except on Saturday I observed a woman with her dog by-pass the dog bowl and instead allowed her dog to jump up, have its paws on the rim and drink from the bowl intended for people’s use. Whether green or obscene, the point is that this drinking structure is in the wrong place and should be relocated. To achieve that you will need to send an email to city council. And the people in charge of making such decisions need to be reminded that they work for the community; that this community cares about its beauty; that the codes in place to protect such beauty should be followed, not ignored.

“Parks Master Plan is Master Boondoggle?”

It was an honor to sit among a study group of village elders this past Saturday (2/04/17). They included former mayors and city commissioners, neighborhood activists and agitators from the eastside, westside, and downtown Santa Cruz. We discussed the two-inch thick document known as the “City of Santa Cruz Parks Master Plan 2030” (PMP). It is a proposed city policy setting instrument, which some present called “flawed,” “too pro-mountain biking,” “not respectful of the 38% of survey respondents who supported hiking and pedestrian trail access,” and simply “a boondoggle,” and then they got into how they really felt. The group was preparing for last night’s Santa Cruz city council discussion of the PMP.

Due to a deadline constraint I will let you know the details of that discussion next week. I am confident that the dialogue surrounding this significant park’s planning document will last for several months. What remains mildly disturbing is that last night the PMP came to the council not as a “Draft Plan,” but as”The Plan” for the future of what parks and recreation could look like in Santa Cruz for many decades to come. The last time an effort like this was carried out was in 1983. And just to let the reader, and voter, know how this stuff comes to the council,with the approval of the city manager, the Parks and Recreation Director went ahead and wrote out a motion for the council before the meeting, “to accept the staff report and direct staff to work through identified issues…”

So let’s get into the weeds of the PMP, but not too far into the weeds. As you might imagine, this study group of Santa Cruz elders went to town “identifying issues” in carrying out the suggested staff’sparliamentary motion.

I’ll call the group”The Fighting Fourteen.” (They’re different than my “Dissecting Dozen” steering committee, but more about that group later.) The Fourteen spent the better part of Saturday afternoon debating, discussing and digesting yet another “Plan.”Running through our hours-long conversations were references to the ghosts of the fifteen other “Plans” that have come to the city council over the past 20 years. Some are referenced in the current PMP, but most appear to be forgotten by the authors of this present “Plan.” Past efforts include: Pogonip Master Plan (1998), Jessie Street Marsh Management Plan (2002), San Lorenzo Urban River Plan (2003), City-wide Creeks and Wetlands Management Plan (2008) and the Delaveaga Master Plan among others. Where have all the Plans gone, long time passing? (Apologies to Pete Seeger.) Were they implemented or shelved and discarded? The Fighting Fourteen wanted to know. One reason being, these plans don’t come cheap. The costs of the PMP are approaching $115,000, just to put it together, with another $85,000 budgeted for environmental review, which the Fourteen deemed as inadequate.

click here to continue (link expands, click again to collapse)

My sense is that we all have a common interest here, the future of our parks and greenbelt lands is at stake. I believe it’s close to a moral imperative to wrestle with this Parks Master Plan with the goal of leaving a legacy—a better Santa Cruz—for our children and grandchildren, and also for the children and grandchildren we don’t even know but who will inhabit surf city long after we’ve been laid to rest.And by the way, there may be more surf than city if climate change has its way.

“Visit Santa Cruz?”

What’s at stake in the PMP is whether we will recognize our park resources as community benefits and manage them in meeting the needs of the community—families, students and neighbors—or turn these same parks over to commercial entities, part of some kind of “Visit Santa Cruz” tourism sell-off with the outcome serving tourist needs over those of locals. It’s yet another battle of the few telling the many what’s good for them. The battle lines seem to be drawn between commercial interests who wish to control the design, development, and construction upon these resources vs. the many who seek solace and adventure in recreational hikes where they can even find occasional sightings of wildlife. The PMP as it is places lines in the sand all over Santa Cruz. Folks, the battle’s on!

This discussion about the plan got me thinking a lot about Chief Seattle and his letter to the “The Great White Chief.” Words from his famous letter came to mind. “How can you buy or sell the sky, the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?” He goes on to write, “this we know, the earth does not belong to man-woman, man-woman belongs to the earth.”

Santa Cruz vs. Drumpf-World

My moral compass tells me all things are connected (and to follow the money). As we continue our daily encounter with some strange and uncertain politics wafting our way from the east coast we see a not so “great white chief” in Washington, D.C. beginning to gut, shred and dismantle so much of what the local and national progressives have worked for all our lives. The things we hold dear—clean air and water, access to public education, equality for all, and combatting racism—are all at stake. Therefore, we must act locally if we are to preserve our Santa Cruz “ecological hotspot” for the generations to come. Getting involved locally on issues like the Parks Master Plan allows us to ward off the depression of the environmental and political insanity that’s masquerading as some “new” public policy initiatives inside the white house. The opening weeks of this administration has pulled back a curtain of shame. If they have their way from building the Dakota and Keystone XL pipelines to disempowering the Environmental Protection Agency, to drilling for oil offshore they will,in fact speed up global warming. But here, Santa Cruz needs to save Santa Cruz and use the Obama “Yes we can” spirit to do it!

“The Coast is Never Saved, The Coast Is Always Being Saved”

For example, the PMP speaks of “connectivity” in terms of moving people from place to place in a kind of economic subsidy program for the recreation industry. The community needs to respond. Where is the connectivity for the mountain lions, bobcats, foxes and birds in this plan? Remember the plan’s survey results, 38% of park users self-identify as hikers and walkers, by far the largest single category of parks and open space users. So may I suggest five areas in which to focus our efforts with respect to the PNP: 1) City residents have priority over the tourist industry when it comes to our parks and open spaces, 2) open spaces like Pogonip, the Moore Creek Uplands, Bethany Curve, Arroyo Seco and even Lighthouse Field need to remain open to hikers and free of new development; 3) Mountain bikes are welcome, but not everywhere. We know there are erosion problems, so certain terrain for mountain bikers must be kept open, but carefully contained; 4) Certain program outcomes in this plan are flawed given the data collected. For example, there is less emphasis on hiking, more on biking; less attention and resources for restoration of degraded hillsides and marshes, more on adding trails in Pogonip; and focus on restoring bird habitat to the San Lorenzo River corridor, instead of suggestions of renting kayaks on the River Walk, even before the Coastal Commission has signed off, (which they probably won’t); and 5) We need to focus our efforts on using scarce dollars for trail maintenance, locating more benches and bathrooms everywhere, and how about opening up the Harvey West swimming pool to year-round use? 6) Let’s set aside money in this year’s budget hearings (May) and purchase the Beach Flats Community Garden in its entirety and set it aside for the community forever. People are excited about that! And finally, an idea whose time has come: what about placing moveable street furniture downtown, as most European cities do, and declaring a portion of Pacific Avenue to be a city park too? Doing less with respect to this plan may actually be doing more to protect the awesome parks and green spaces we already have. Why not approach our parks this way: before adding amenities, let’s fix those trails, foot bridges, marshes and beaches,first?

Deep Throat Said…”Follow The $$$”

There exists a tension, clearly apparent in the Parks Master Plan 2030 PMP, between our parks as accessible recreational spaces for the people of Santa Cruz, the ones who pay taxes and raise their families here vs. the tourism and commercial interests (a minority, but a powerful one for sure) who see dollar signs in the exploitation of our local resources. It is up to the people acting through their city council to be stewards of our stunning natural environment. Although the discussion about the future of neighborhood parks and greenbelt lands began anew in earnest last night, it will continue and your input is urgently needed. If you have an idea or comment about our city’s parks please let the city council know at 420-5020, or drop us an email at citycouncil@cityofsantacruz.com.

~This week’s Bernie Sanders quote from CNN 2/5/17:

“[Trump’s] a good showman, I’ll give you that. He’s a good TV guy. But I think he’s going to sell out the middle class and the working class of this country.”

(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 recently elected last November to another 4-year term on the Santa Cruz city council).

MEASURE D IS IN THE WORKS…
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) met last Thursday, February 2 in Watsonville to discuss a number of issues, but there were two biggies: sorting out Measure D procedures and 2) allocating money to do more work on the Coastal Rail Trail between Davenport and Santa Cruz.

The discussion about Measure D centered on how to follow through with the annual reports, annual audits, and establishment of the Oversight Committee. Supervisor Greg Caput had some questions about how the division of funds will be assured of dispersements as promised to voters. “I just want all decisions to be public, not a backroom shoving match with the Commission” he said. Other Commissioners took issue with that insinuation of problem transparency. Supervisor Leopold said maybe Supervisor Caput had not been paying attention when the RTC voted on all that. Ouch.

Well, I think Supervisor Caput has reason to voice transparency concerns. How did the RTC have the sudden idea last spring when discussing how to divide the money, to pull off developing the Pajaro Train Depot that would link any future County passenger rail service to Amtrak and CalTrain lines? I was at that meeting and was stunned that the RTC had such a sudden remedy for coming up with more money for Metro to satisfy the audience members who testified at that day’s meeting. Removing the Pajaro Depot funding was not publicly discussed, it just suddenly came up on the chopping block.

Brown Act violation? Well, maybe.

I am grateful that Supervisor Greg Caput brought the subject up because Section 31of the actual Measure D ordinance reads: “Section 31. ENVIRONMENTAL. This Ordinance is not a project as defined in Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and is therefore exempt from CEQA requirements. Approval of this Ordinance and Expenditure Plan does not commit to implementation of any specific project or activity listed herein. Prior to commencement of any specific project or activity identified in the Expenditure Plan, applicable provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) shall be completed.”

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When I read “Approval of this Ordinance and Expenditure Plan does not commit to implementation of any specific project or activity listed herein.”, I have to wonder what that really means? To me, it says “we don’t really have to do anything we said we were going to do with the money.” Let’s keep our eyes on the Oversight Committee (maximum of 5 members, with no guidelines regarding criteria for their selection) and those annual audits.

And what about that Rail Trail? The RTC voted to get moving with a 2.1 mile section of trail that will connect Davenport with Santa Cruz. The price has gone up…and the trail is now increased in width to 16′. Gee, that is wider than many rural roads (or what is left of them) in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

RANCHO DEL MAR UPGRADES….STAY TUNED FOR A COMMUNITY MEETING!

Mr. Bruce Walton, representing Terra Mar Centers (TRC), says a second community meeting is in the works for folks interested in knowing what is planned for the Rancho del Mar Shopping Center in Aptos. Last April’s first meeting at Seascape Golf Clubhouse brought an audience of about 300, fueled largely by the closure of the Aptos Cinema. Mr. Walton and his team were amazed by the high level of interest. “We usually only have about 15 people show up to these meetings in other places,” he said. Well, maybe it’s because the County and Barry Swenson Builder shoved the Aptos Village Project through and woke people up. It helped to have the meeting during evening hours so that people could attend. The County government officials need to take note of that. Mr. Walton feels the Rancho del Mar meeting date will be confirmed soon, and will most likely be held within the next month. Stay tuned…..

MAKING SECURITY AND CITIZENSHIP POSSIBLE…..
Continuing with something positive, the International Rescue Committee, recognized by the US Department of Justice, is holding a free Citizenship Workshop and Information Session on Saturday, February 18, 11am-3pm at the Downtown Public Library (224 Church Street, Santa Cruz). The presentation will explain how to apply for naturalization to gain security against deportation and to provide other protections while becoming a US citizen. Participants who want to file an N-400 application for citizenship may do so at the workshop, provided payment of $725 to U.S. Dept. Of Homeland Security and information is submitted. Registration is required; register here.

Please share this information.

HOW CAN YOU COMMENT ON AN UNKNOWN AGENDA?
Recently, Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors decided on a new rule regarding the deadline for public comment submissions being included in the Board agenda packet. Now, you must submit your comments to the Board two days BEFORE their agenda is public. Anything submitted after 4pm on the Wednesday before the next meeting (held on Tuesday nights), will NOT be included in the Board’s agenda packet but will be available for review at the District Offices. The Board agendas are made public on Fridays. Does that make sense to you? Maybe the Board was just tired of getting so many people protesting the proposed plan to inject treated sewage water into the drinking water supply for one-third of the County? Contact them if you have thoughts about how people are to comment on an invisible agenda. 831-475-8500 or <Board@soquelcreekwater.org>. Maybe this is their idea of transparent government..

LOOK AT THIS LIST OF STORM-BATTERED SANTA CRUZ ROADS…..
Item #49 on the February 7 County Board of Supervisor agenda includes a list and some photographs of the storm-related road damages in Santa Cruz County. Mr. John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, estimates the cost of repairing the various storm damage sites is over $20 million. Here is the link

If you click on the date (February 7), you can sort through supporting documentation according to the item number on the agenda. If you click on the “agenda”, you can’t link to the compartmentalized documents like you used to. This new system also requires that you log in with considerable information in order to be able to submit comments on the agenda items.

I wonder if Trump will really cut all federal funding to our County and cities for failing to follow his deportation orders? That could make it difficult to get many of these road repairs done anytime soon.

VALENCIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEEDS A SECONDARY ACCESS NOW…..
One of the storm-damaged roads that has been closed is Valencia Road, near the Trout Gulch Road intersection in Aptos. The road is unstable, having sunk an additional 14 inches further this week. School officials have warned students and parents not to even walk over the area to get to school from the Aptos Village area. Supervisor Zach Friend has informed school staff that there is no money to repair Valencia Road, so it may be closed indefinately.

Parents and staff now must travel an additional three to five miles to get to school, traveling from Freedom Boulevard. That adds lots of traffic to the narrow country roads, and adds delays to critical emergency response times.

WHY NOT BUILD A BRIDGE across Valencia Creek to access the school via Soquel Drive? There happens to be a parcel of land for sale that is almost directly across the creek from school property. Last year The County Parks Department bought a 150′ span of a metal bridge capable of handling pedestrian and light vehicle traffic for the Farm Park in Soquel, but residents there are rather angry at the sudden change in promises regarding a bridge (as well as other issues). They were promised a 40′ footbridge would be all they would look out at from their backyards….

Couldn’t this be made into a win-win? Valencia School has needed a secondary emergency access for many years (the Community Safety Officer recently told staff that if the kids ever had to be evacuated, teachers would have to lead them out through poison oak and the creek bed). Emergency responders, students, families and staff sorely need a quicker access now. Why not purchase the parcel on Soquel Drive ($329,000 asking price), and put in the mammoth and unwanted bridge from the Soquel Farm Park?

Maybe there is emergency grant money available from the State. Maybe, since it is an emergency, all the customary California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) hoops could be wiped off the slate. Maybe, it could happen fairly soon.

Where there is a will, there is a way. Contact Pajaro Valley Unified School District, County Office of Education and Aptos / La Selva Fire Protection District with your thoughts. Maybe even County Supervisor Zach Friend would love to hear from you. Zach Friend <Zach.Friend@santacruzcounty.us> or 831-454-2200.

Maybe you can ask him why the $2 million Aptos Village Traffic Improvement Project Phase I that will move the westbound bus stop to benefit Barry Swenson Builder and the Aptos Village Project is still on board to begin any day now.

BEAUTIFUL…
Take a moment to appreciate the amazing photography display on the 5th Floor of the County Government Building (701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz) now through March 31. Amateur photographer Mark Holsapple’s exhibit featuring various birds is guaranteed to lift your spirit as you make your way to the next meeting (Board of Supes, Planning Commission, Regional Transportation Commission, etc.)

Mark Holsapple told me that about 18 months ago, he almost died. He underwent a liver transplant and was struggling to recover. A drive down the Big Sur coastline inspired him to choose to do what he most wanted, focused on what he loves in life. He said ‘goodbye’ to his corporate job as Global Director of Logistics at Seagate Technology and began experimenting in photography. He loves and appreciates the natural world and, having lived a stressed corporate life, strives to bring to the public the beauty of nature that few seem to have time or patience to explore and appreciate in the outdoors.

What captured my attention first were the piercing eyes of the falcons. I moved on to the hummingbirds…then the pelicans…and was stunned by the close-up of a sleeping Snowy Plover chick. Mark tells me that particular photo won first place in a local competition and is featured on the cover of the 2017 Elkhorn Slough Foundation calendar. Each photo has some information about the bird or circumstances of the photo. Each is priced, with a portion earmarked as donation to UCSC Arboretum, Ventana Wilderness Society, or the Elkhorn Slough Foundation.

Take time to view Mark Holsapple’s exhibit. It really filled me with a sense of awe…for the amazing beauty of the subjects, and the incredible talent of the artist…inspired by what he loves.

(Mark Holsapple 831-915-3288 markdholsapplephotography@gmail.com with permission)

March 3 will be First Friday, with artist receptions throughout the building’s exhibits.

~WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. 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).

From Gary’s “We Live In A Political World”website…Thursday 02/02/17

“AFTERWARD”

Zeynep Tufekci, is an assistant professor at the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina. She has a new book coming out soon, the title of which includes this phrase: “The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest.” In a recent column in The New York Times, Tufekci commented on the Women’s March on Washington, pictured below. The March was impressive, and may have been, as Tufekci says, “the largest protest in American history,” with an estimated 3.5 million participants in various locations throughout the United States. So….does size matter? Tufekci delivers what she calls, “bad news.” In the digital age, the size of a protest is no longer a reliable indicator of a movement’s strength. Comparisons to the number of people in previous marches are especially misleading….

This doesn’t mean that protests no longer matter — they do. Nowadays, however, protests should be seen not as the culmination of an organizing effort, but as a first, potential step. A large protest today is less like the March on Washington in 1963 and more like Rosa Parks’s refusal to move to the back of the bus. What used to be an endpoint is now an initial spark.

More than ever before, the significance of a protest depends on what happens afterward. Read Tufekci’s column. I think you’ll agree. Marching, and getting a lot of people to a big demonstration, does not change history. President George W. Bush called the marchers against the war in Iraq a “focus group.” We didn’t stop the war. “Afterward” is, in fact, what counts, and it’s already “afterward” now. (Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for indivuduals 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. Girl Scout Cookie time…see DeCinzo’s report just below…

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “Immigrant’s new view” 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.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa writes: “Why was it so quiet over at the blog last month? Why has the spinning of cobwebs and the lonely chirping of a solitary cricket been the only activity on my social media pages? Find out this week at Lisa Jensen Online Express http://ljo-express.blogspot.com . While you’re there, take a look at my Top 9 movies of 2016 (I couldn’t come up with 10). What movie would you add?”. Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

JACKIE. I can’t honestly critique this film. Watching Natalie Portman portray Jackie Kennedy so perfectly as she went through those agonizing moments just seconds before the assassination and a few days after, just ripped me apart. It took just minutes into the film before I was back there in November of 1963 sharing her shock and horror as we all tried to face the reality of losing our president and all the dreams and hope that vanished with him. It’s a sad, monumental film. It also shows the cruel, condescending power of the males surounding Jackie in her time of need. See this film, no matter how old you are

FOUNDER. Michael Keaton is just about the only reason to see this McDonald’s Burger saga. Founder is probably President Trump’s favorite movie, both he and Roy Kroc bought and fought their way to the top by every hook and crooked means they could think of. Roy Kroc bought the rights to McDonalds from the McDonald brothers. He then screwed them out of every deal they made with him. Keaton plays this part perfectly. Laura Dern is in this for about three minutes, a must for Keaton fans., maybe his best role yet.

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. . Sexpert, author, lecturer, and performer Susie Bright guests on Feb. 7 talking about lots of things, some maybe even sexual! Then Abbi Samuels talks about the Freedom Sleepers and more current issues and causes. Feb.14 has Lisa robinson director of The San Lorenzo Valley Museum talking about the Explosive history of the Valley. Then author Dave Evans shares ideas from his new book, “Designing Your Life”. Veterans Advocate Dean Kaufman brings us up to date on veterans issues and programs on Feb. 21. Sculptor, artist Peggy Snider guests on February 28 talking about her political sculpture show opening March 3rd. On March 7 Newton and Helen Harrison talk about their book, “The Time of The Force Majeure”. Patrice Vecchione returns March 14 to talk about her one-woman show “Dressed and Undressed” happening March 17 & 18. 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

This is a very powerful take on patriotism. Delivered by none other than John Cena; I’m sure this will turn a head or two.

QUOTES. “IMMIGRATION”

“Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists”, Franklin D. Roosevelt
“The truth is, immigrants tend to be more American than people born here”, Chuck Palahniuk, Choke
“I take issue with many people’s description of people being “Illegal” Immigrants. There aren’t any illegal Human Beings as far as I’m concerned”, Dennis Kucinich
“A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in.. And how many want out”, Tony Blair
“We asked for workers. We got people instead”, Max Frisch

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

Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

Posted in Weekly Articles | Comments Off

January 31 – February 6, 2017

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Bruce

DEDICATION OF THE OCTAGON/HALL OF RECORDS IN 1882. People have always loved tradition and had great respect for their about to be opened Hall of Records as we can see from this photo. Now you can go to Cooper Street and see how Nina Simon director of MAH (Museum of Art & History) is destroying the uniqueness of The Octagon and of the more recent but equally important…Abbott Square. Abbott Square was dedicated in 1972 to the memory of Chuck and Esther Abbott who gave so much to our city. We’ll have to create something extra special for Nina when she leaves… so we won’t forget her.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.

Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

STAN KENTON 1965. Once upon a time Kenton’s music was so far out we argued about it even being jazz.

DATELINE January 30, 2017

SANTA CRUZ CITY COUNCIL SPLIT. The difference between the “establishment” or “centrist” members and the “progressive” or “Brand New Santa Cruz for Bernie” members of our Santa Cruz City Council is every bit as huge as the division between Trump and “the rest of the world”. The majority city council members positions on Beach Flats residents, supporting the militarizing of our local police, the complete failure and even persecution of our homeless must finally be waking up enough Santa Cruzans to realize (Trump) is happening here and now. Last week the council refused to allow newly elected councilmembers Chris Krohn’s and Sandy Brown’s appointing Drew Glover and Steve Schnaar to any City commission. Both Glover and Schnaar came very close to winning the last election and being on the council!!!

The Trump-line-in-the-dirt has been drawn here in Santa Cruz and still voters are failing to see the unfair and anti-civil rights beliefs and practices of the majority of our City Council. The first action that can help show the council that change is needed is to attend the Council’s next meeting on February 14 and tell them what they are doing against Drew Glover and Steve Schnaar is not just wrong but that it’s become the local version of what Trump is doing to the USA.

Watch this space for ways to get involved.

“WHOSE MASTER PLAN ?”

The city’s new draft Parks Master Plan is a thickly worded, thinly disguised attempt to privilege and cater to the mountain biking community and related business interests, despite the city’s data confirming that mountain biking is not a priority for the vast majority of Santa Cruz city residents.

In 2015, the city hired Godbe Research to conduct randomized interviews of 16 minutes each, weighted to represent 52,000 adults, to gather data on a wide range of issues relative to the city’s 32 neighborhood parks; 6 community parks; 7 open spaces and 16 recreation facilities. City beaches are included. The data showed a high rate of satisfaction with our parks and open spaces with also a need for more enforcement of existing regulations to ensure the parks and open spaces are safe. In terms of usage, the top preference was found to be hiking and walking (38%) followed by swimming (18%); running, track and field (18%); biking (12%); surfing (11%) and mountain biking (9%). The relatively low ranking for mountain biking must have disappointed the lobbyists.

The city then decided to do another survey with the explanation that, “the outreach process identified several issues that needed more feedback from a representative sample of the community to inform the recommendations in the plan.” Ok, contacting the original randomized sample for more information could have been done. Rather, the city conducted a new data collection survey, which, according to their methodological overview, consisted of online interviewing from email invitations. There is no entry on the criteria for invitations. One can speculate.

This time, mountain biking was elevated somewhat but the highest ranked usage remained hiking and walking by a huge margin. Curiously, the satisfaction ratings on mountain bike trails dropped considerably from the first survey.

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Given the clear community preference for hiking and walking trails, supported by evidence, one would expect that the recommendations, goals, policies and actions in the draft PMP would reflect the data. That might have happened. But those involved in drafting the plan seem to have had an a priori agenda to foster, nurture and cater to mountain biking interests whose every input rises like cream to the top. The rest of us are skim milk. I may be non-fat. I attended one of the three public workshops; wrote copious notes on post-its; filled out hard copy questionnaires; attended the city staff/councilmember sub-committee and spoke at length as did other local environmental activists who detailed the need to better protect our greenbelt open spaces. At the same meeting, sat a mountain bike organization paid staff member. He said nothing. The final document has sparse entries on protecting our bio-diverse open spaces while it prioritizes new mountain bike trails and downhill thrill rides for mountain bike riders in those same fragile areas.

How is such a sleight of hand achieved? Well, first you ignore the data. Then you re-define mountain biking as in the following entry of the PMP page 2.4-7 referencing our open space greenbelt lands:

“The Beauty of these areas compels resident and visitor uses that are more typical of passive recreational activities such as walking, jogging, mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, and relaxing.” Is this written with a straight face? Mountain biking contaminates hiking, walking jogging, bird watching and relaxing.

Then, despite all quantitative evidence to the contrary, you neatly place mountain biking under Goals, Policies and Actions (4.1-13) as Action 1: “Develop, improve and enhance the mountain bike trail system “ and “expand (mt. bike) trails and connections.” What just happened? A use of our open spaces that was relatively low in community priorities as revealed by the data is suddenly the poster child. But that’s not all. A new category in the draft PMP titled “Emerging Trends” is highlighted. It anticipates future activities that might become popular and the city feels it needs to accommodate them. Activities such as pickle ball and pump tracks (even though the latter was well below the expressed need for more children’s play areas in the survey.) Lo and behold, up pops mountain biking as an “emerging trend” despite the fact that mountain biking has been “emerging” since the mid-nineties. The new iteration of mountain biking is the lobbying for steep down hill trails with obstacles, which the draft PMP recommends as ideally suited for Pogonip and possibly De Laveaga. As someone who documents trail erosion caused by heavy mountain bike usage, all sending silt into the San Lorenzo River, our source of drinking water, I am alarmed at this cavalier attitude on the part of our city.

At the conclusion of the PMP, there is the stated assurance that the “City will be transparent and accountable in its decision-making process.” So far that is sophistry. Whether the city council will rubber stamp the PMP or reflect the community’s priorities for hiking and walking and the attendant need to protect the natural environment of our open spaces is up to them and up to us.

The city’s draft Parks Master Plan (PMP) is available at: http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/home/showdocument?id=58251.

Appendices at: http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/home/showdocument?id=58253

On February 7th at 7pm there will be a joint study session on the PMP with the city council and the parks and recreation commission. Public comments will be allowed.

The story this week is former city council candidate, Drew Glover.

Glover was rejected by the Santa Cruz City Council majority at the council’s regular January 24th meeting. I nominated him to serve on the Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women (CPVAW), only Councilmember Sandy Brown and I voted for him.

Drew Glover came in fifth in a field of eleven city council candidates for four open seats this past November. Almost 11,000 Santa Cruz voters thought he should be on the city council. Drew came very close and that is why I used my nomination on this commission because he was determined to serve the city in a capacity that fit his skills and interests. Many concerned residents appeared at the public podium in support of Drew. Tatanka Bricca, Sarah Durant, Candace Brown, Ernestina Saldana, and Danny Drysdale among many others, all spoke about his hard work, dedication, and commitment to the greater Santa Cruz community.

I first met Drew at a SCRAM meeting. The Santa Cruz Resistance Against Militarization was organizing to raise awareness around this city’s purchase of a Lenco BearCat tank. During those meeting I found Drew to be genial, deliberative, collaborative and thoughtful. He also consistently brought his long-haired seventeen-inch dog, Courage, to every meeting, and I became impressed by his love and care for the tiny Courage. Drew often kept our group on track. His comments were cogent and he became an uplifting force within our dozen-member group.

When I was contemplating running for city council after the gut-wrenching hatchet job that Deputy-chief of police, Steve Clark performed against Leonie Sherman’s 2014 for campaign for city council I was heartened that someone like Drew would step up and run for city council. I saw him as a co-creator and candidate during the campaign. We worked closely during the entire effort. But it was during a BearCat hearing at city hall that gave him grounds for filing a complaint with the police department.

The council was trying to decide whether to accept a Homeland Security grant of around $240,000 to purchase what is essentially an urban tank. In fact, if you Google, “Bearcat Tank,” a picture of the Lenco Corp. vehicle appears. Acronym aside, it’s real name is “Ballistic Engineered Armored Response Counter Attack Truck.” It is an “armored personnel carrier designed for military and law enforcement use,” according to the Lenco Armored Vehicle web site. This vehicle has become a poster child of the militarization of police forces around the country. It represents a disturbing trend within the Santa Cruz community public safety force. Drew and myself, along with over 200 other community members descended upon city hall to protest this purchase.

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Former councilmember Tim Fitzmaurice accompanied me that night to the city council meeting. This vehicle was not a model for a beachside community possessing significant environmental resources and a long history of peaceful resistance to all things war-like. Tim and I were opposed to the BearCat acquisition based on principle, democratic procedure and the manner in which it was being procured. As we exited the city council chambers that night after urging the council to do as Berkeley and Davis had done: reject the militarization of our local police force we took up a standing space near an open side door to we could listen to other speakers.

While we stood there between the ornate pillars we were approached from behind by Deputy-chief Steve Clark who was dressed in a black suit and striped tie. His voice was loud and edgy, his words were directed towards former mayor, Fitzmaurice. He told Tim he couldn’t believe he would be here tonight opposing the purchase of this vehicle. Both Tim and I were surprised by Clark’s words. They bordered on intimidation and frankly, were insulting. Santa Cruz is a tolerant community and two ex-councilmembers should be welcome in opposing such an unprecedented agreement with the US Department of Homeland Security in the purchasing of military-style hardware. I sometimes wonder if that night was perhaps another turning point in Santa Cruz politics, a kind of neo-progressive era projecting itself more broadly.

Close by, about 6 feet away, was Drew Glover who a few minutes before had been thanking us for opposing the tank. After Clark’s incendiary outburst, Glover approached us and wondered aloud who had been yelling at us? He had no idea it was the Santa Cruz Deputy-chief of Police. Glover said he could not believe Clark’s words and said he was so upset that he might just file a complaint with the police department.

As it was to turn out, only Micah Posner voted against acquiring the BearCat tank. Cynthia Mathews, Don Lane, Pamela Comstock, David Terrazas, and Cynthia Chase all voted to buy the Lenco BearCat with Homeland Security money. It represented a literal shot across the bow of a town steeped in non-violence, pro-police review and a “nuclear free zone” since at least 1978. That was also the year socialist-feminists, Bruce Van Allen and Mike Rotkin were elected to the city council, heralding in the golden age of progressive politics.

Glover did file a complaint and he said it took a full year to investigate, and I’m still not sure the department ever did get back to him with a final report. It was a frustrating process he told me several times. The investigative journalist, John Malkin in 2015 wrote a lengthy piece “Thin Blue Line,” detailing some of Deputy Chief Clark’s police-political tactics. Clark is now relieved of SCPD duties, while Glover continues his work as a community activist, non-profit director, and staff person at the Resource Center of Non-violence here in Santa Cruz.

I am hoping to bring back this nomination as I believe Drew Glover has a right to serve on this commission; to be given a chance. If this past fall’s election meant anything, it meant that new voices, new faces and differing views were selected by the people of Santa Cruz, and we ought to be given a chance to succeed. Drew Glover for CPVAW! Join us February 14th at the city council chambers in seeing Drew appointed to the Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women. This community deserves an African American local who majored in feminist studies and sociology at Cabrillo College, and he’s also a past class president of Harbor High School.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER WAYNE BARRETT, ONE OF MY JOURNALISM HEROES.

Reporter, Wayne Barrett’s memorial took place last Friday at a church in Brooklyn. Barrett epitomizes reporters who “afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.” He did it for over 30 years in hard hitting news stories, essays, and books covering most political figures in New York machine politics. He may have written the best investigative book on “Forty-Five” too, “Trump: The Deals and the Downfall.” (Laurence Fishburne refers to the current President simply as “Forty-Five,” choosing not to speak Voldemort’s name.) Barrett must’ve thought the church scene a bit odd after years of skewering the likes of Sen. Chuck Schumer, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and former New York city mayor, David Dinkins, and then looking down from writer-heaven and there inside the church were all three and telling Barrett stories no less. We need Barrett-style reporters now more than ever.

TWO LARGE GATHERINGS OF POLITICAL ACTIVISTS.

Trying mightily to meet Bratton’s deadline I will briefly mention two major energetic and engaged meetings I attended Sunday, one in Aptos and the other in downtown Santa Cruz. Over 150 were present at “Sanctuary Central’s’” convocation at Resurrection Church. It was all about celebrating and supporting our county’s political, religious and student attention for the plight of our county’s immigrants. Personal and heart-wrenching stories abounded from the mouths of immigrants as news of a thousand protesters were marching on SFO’s international terminal.

The other gathering was a follow-up to the January 20th “Santa Cruz General Strike.” More than half of this group appeared to be under 30 and very serious about organizing a Santa Cruz “resistance” to what’s being offered in Trump’s Brave New World of angry, hate-filled dystopian politics. This group seemed determined to put out “love” and “responsibility for each other” as an alternative blueprint in this new political era. Stay tuned, more about this “General Strike Committee” in later columns.

~Bernie Sanders quote of the week: “A nation will not survive morally or economically when so few have so much and so many have so little.”

Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) ex-Santa Cruz City Mayor (2001-2002) an employee of UCSC. And newly re-elected to the Santa Cruz City Council).

“ASK QUESTIONS…..AND KEEP ASKING”.

The storms, family health matters and the political events of the weekend have taken a bit of a toll on my time and internet energy, but I want to encourage everyone to keep up the great level of connectedness we all saw around the county, country and the world over the weekend. Keep involved in what most interests you, and keep asking questions.

I have lots of questions regarding local water issues:

Why did Soquel Creek Water District Board choose (a vote of 3-2) to expedite a brand new request for service because the developer did not want to pay the New Brighton Water Mutual the hook-up fee of $133,000 for his 3600+SF new home? Well, that developer did NO water demand offset measures, but the Board actually moved his request to the second place for approval, even though the people in #3 place had been told they were entitled to move up to that spot and could begin their building permit application process with City of Capitola. Does that seem fair to you? By the way, the developer said his neighbor is also interested in coming to the District for hook-up privileges for his 6500+SF home. Does it seem the Board has set a precedent here? How would you feel if you were the people that have been waiting in line as #3 for the connection approval, be told you had a green light to start your permit process, then find out that some new developer got what could be considered special privileges to hook up with no wait?

How will the agencies participating in the Mid County Groundwater Agency (Soquel Creek Water District, Central Water District, many privately-owned small water companies and commercial water users such as golf courses and Cabrillo College) convince their users that conservation efforts must remain in effect and that people still need to conserve even more if possible? These folks all rely on groundwater for 100% of their supply. We saw water use increase last summer by these agencies when Santa Cruz City, which gets a large percent of their supply from the San Lorenzo River and Loch Lomond Reservoir, remove all mandatory conservation rules. Ouch. Really? Can anyone in this state relax conservation? Certainly not those whose water comes from the critically-overpumped Purisima Aquifer. Well, San Diego’s public works leaders are asking that ALL state-mandated conservation measures be removed. Do you think that is worth a letter to your state representatives? See the list of contacts at the end of this missive.

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Does the 2016 County Water Resources Annual Report, submitted to the Board of Supervisors on the January 24, 2017 Consent Agenda (item 33) really show the progress that is required to satisfy requirements spelled out in the 1987 County Well Ordinance? According to the original document guidelines, objective and scientific criteria for declaring a Groundwater Emergency were met long ago. However, the County Board of Supervisors added a subjective criteria…that the Board must determine that no progress has been made to solve the water supply problem. I have been told by top-level County Water staff that having lots of meetings counts as “progress”. Do you drink words? I don’t.

What progress is ACTUALLY being made to solve the critical water shortage in our County? Soquel Creek Water District is zooming along on their “preferred plan” to inject treated sewage water into the aquifer. Is that safe? Is that financially sustainable? How will this harmonize with the State Waterboards “Human Right to Safe, Affordable Water” now making it’s way through the legal process?

Why didn’t the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors discuss the merits of the 2016 County Water Supply Report before rubber-stamp approval last Tuesday, even though I asked that it be taken off the Consent Agenda and made part of the Regular Agenda to allow discussion? The Board apparently felt there was no merit to answering my questions about the supply problems and groundwater overdraft issues, or to be concerned about the news that Soquel Creek Water District’s new O’Neill Ranch well (near 41st & Soquel) HAS BEEN TAKEN OFF LINE due to a steady and unexplained increase in ammonia levels at a time when the District was sending 1000 gallons/minute for three days to Santa Cruz City water users (because they did not conserve enough during the major pipe break from Loch Lomond).

What I really had wanted to discuss with the Board was the issue of the County meeting all four requirements to declare a groundwater emergency under their purview of the 1987 County Well Ordinance. When the warning beeper went off at the podium, my thoughts got a bit scrambled and I spoke instead about the potential health risks of Soquel Creek Water District’s plan to inject treated sewage water into the drinking water supply for the entire mid-county area.

Chairman of the Board John Leopold quickly instructed me to stop talking promptly at the 3-minute beeper, and responded “For an agency not in the water business, we sure hear a lot about water problems.” Somehow, I guess the Board has not made the connection that water supply problems are related to land use policy. Do you have any ideas about how we as citizens can heal that glaring disconnect?

Why didn’t the County staff person in charge of the Mid County Groundwater Agency Drop-In Discussion ever convene the group so that everyone could benefit from the knowledge gained by questions asked by the public and answered by water agency experts? The multiple small “informal chat groups” were interesting, but we all lost an opportunity to learn from each other. Maybe next time…..February 16 10am-noon at Community Foundation

The next Board meeting is March 16 7pm-9pm at Simpkins Swim Center

ON A DIFFERENT NOTE….

Can the Redman-Hirahara House in the Pajaro Valley be saved? It seems that some on the County Historic Resources Commission would like to remove it from the National Historic Registry.…that would make it easier to demolish. A group of citizens concerned about various land use, water policy and historic preservation issues in the County, have talked with the property owner’s manager, met with a number of local government staff, and have an idea that could create a landmark Urban Agricultural Demonstration and Research Center at the house. This would not only preserve the historic home and farm land, it would bring in customers for the two new hotels the same property owner is going to build across the street from the house. Could this become something like the Emma Prusch Farm Park in San Jose? Many feel it is worthwhile to consider this. Maybe the Pajaro Valley Historic Association will be interested in helping to support the idea at their meeting February 1 (10am-noon) Borina Archive Center, 332 East Beach Street, Watsonville.

TRAFFIC GOT YOU DOWN?

Will the Feds really stop sending money for road improvements and other vital public health and safety programs because City and County officials have vowed not to cooperate with President Trump’s impending deportation of undocumented residents? If so, we are in for some real belt-tightening and pothole blossoming.

Stay tuned next week for an update on the Aptos Village Traffic Improvements Phase I, news about Rancho del Mar Center improvements, and the Historic Resources Commission review NEXT MONTH of the Aptos Village Project Apple Barn progress…and modifications? Hmmmmm…

Enjoy the sun and go take a look at the dislodged portion of the Cement Ship at Seacliff State Beach! Wow.

~AND REMEMBER…MAKE ONE CALL. WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Governor Jerry Brown c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173, Sacramento, CA 95814 916-445-2841
U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta Santa Cruz Office: 701 Ocean St., Room 318C, Santa Cruz, Ca 95060 831-424-2229
State Senator Bill Monning 701 Ocean St., Suite 318A, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-425-0401
29th District State Assemblyman Mark Stone 701 Ocean St., Suite 318B, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-425-1503
30th District State Assemblymember Anna Caballero, 275 Main St., Suite 104, Watsonville, CA 96076 831-761-7428
Santa Cruz County Supervisors www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us
Watsonville City Council www.cityofwatsonville.org/city-government/city-council
Santa Cruz City Council www.cityofsantacruz.com/city-government/city-council

FROM GARY. From Gary Patton’s “We Live In A Political World” website…Jan. 30, 2017#30 / “One Big Difference”

“This is a big difference between Democrats and Republicans. Republicans try to change the polls, whereas Democrats try to follow the polls”.

I am quoting, above, from George Lakoff, a linguist who explained in a recent interview a recent interview how the Democrats helped elect Donald Trump. Click the link to review what Lakoff says; it is well worth your time.

Mainly, Lakoff is discussing how “framing” the issues, in politics, can have an important impact on the outcome of the political process. Lakoff’s ideas on this topic are presented at length in his 2004 book, Don’t Think of an Elephant! In this recent interview, Lakoff documents the unwillingness of the Democrats to consider the idea (obvious to many of us) that the advertising and other campaigning done by the Clinton campaign was really building Trump’s political “brand.”

While Lakoff’s observations on how the Democrats got their “framing” wrong are worth reading about, I was more interested in a related point made by Lakoff in the interview. Namely, that the Democratic Party is “poll driven,” treating poll measurements as if they documented “reality.”
We always need to remember that “reality” is what we make it. WE are in charge of reality, because what exists depends on what we do. If you “follow” the polls, instead of “changing” the polls, you are very likely to lose. In case you haven’t noticed, that is exactly what the Democratic Party just did!

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

SHIP LAUNCHES GONE WRONG. Try not thinking about our Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor.

AMAZING FLYING MACHINES

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. See DeCinzo’s “Now you See It….Now you don’t” demo…Scroll below.

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s definition of “Populism“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.

“THE BOOK CLUB PLAY”. The Jewel Theatre Company opened THE BOOK CLUB PLAY by Karen Zacarías and Directed by Kirsten Brandt. It runs now through Feb 19, 2017 with a matinee performance added Saturday, February 18th. It’s a hit comedy about books and the people who love them. When the members of a devoted book club become the subjects of a documentary filmmaker and accept a provocative new member, their long-standing group dynamics take a hilarious turn. Sprinkled with wit, joy and novels galore — from Jane Eyre and Moby Dick to Twilight and The DaVinci Code — this hilarious comedy of manners reflects the ironies of contemporary culture. At The Colligan Theatre in the Tannery. Get tickets quickly ’cause they sell out rapidly, and really. Go here… http://www.jeweltheatre.net/santa-cruz-performing-arts-Book-Club-archive.php

TOUR DE FRANCE. The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival presents its 44th season kick off with folk & baroque music from France. Music from the French provinces elicits a sense of the Mediterranean breeze and the rolling fields of central France with popular tunes and dances for Baroque wind instruments. Sheila Willey’s clarion voice will sweep you off to France on the Baroque airs, while Alan Keith’s authentic French bagpipes will inspire you to dance the Bourrée. Shelley Phillip’s romantic oboe d’amoure causes a distinctly French love to fill the air. In authentic fashion, Debra Dawson will play the vielle (or hurdy-gurdy), which has been a staple in French folk music since the 16th century.Marianne Steeger percussion, Linda Burman-Hall organ, Yueh Chou, bassoon and Nicola Canzano, harpsichord plus percussion, complete the players.

February 4th at 7:30pm UCSC Music Recital Hall, 402 McHenry Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95064

Tickets and more information at: www.scbaroque.org

SPLIT. M. Night Shyamalan makes some pretty weird and frequently awful movies. But Split has James McAvoy playing a very disturbed guy with 23 distinct and split personalities (and most of them are very crazy0. He’s lured and locked up 3 teen aged girls and it’s scary and more or less predictable after that, but you’ll stay glued to the screen and your seat…go for it …if you like scary stuff. Not anywhere near as a good as Hitchcock, but he tries. (Shyamalan even makes a secret cameo appearance like Hitch always did).

ELLE. This French (subtitled) film is a cinema masterpiece. Especially because Isabelle Huppert plays the lead role. Isabelle deserves any and all awards she’s up for. She plays the CEO of a Video Game production company that produces very kinky films. Elle too is a very kinky film. Isabelle is strong, puzzling, full of angst, guilt, hatred, and even more strong. Just go see Elle, it’s a shocking and amazingly well done movie. ENDS THURSDAY FEB. 2

20th CENTURY WOMEN. Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Billy Crudup, and Greta Gerwig do award winning roles in this very independent, off kilter story of a “family” group trying to exist in Santa Barbara in 1979. Bening deserves every possible acting award for her role as a mom trying her damndest to raise her son while surrounded by rapidly aging girls. It’s not an easy film to follow and takes wtists turns and flashbacks with little or no warning…but go see it. You’ll be completely intrigued by it.

ARRIVAL. Amy Adams has always been an excellent actor and she’s even better in this pretty sophisticated science fiction spellbinder. 11 alien speceships hover around earth just a few feet above ground while Amy and Jeremy Renner attempt to communicate with them. It’s a thoughtful film and it’ll make you wonder just how would anybody relate to aliens (and vice versa) Like the Trump victory the world is in a state of shock over these visitors. No killings, violence or cheap cliches…a fine film. I forgot to add that like so many Special effects films nowadays it is photographed in a very dark style. (Saves money I guess)

PASSENGERS. Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt do as best they can in this spaceship drama about waking up too soon (90 years too soon) on a 120 year voyage to another planet to find a home away from earth. For obvious reasons it has to be love at first sight after Chris wakes Jennifer up early but “Hollywood level” problems arise and the plot goes lower and more predictable. Nothing here you haven’t seen before.

SILENCE. Martin Scorsese has been consumed with the need to portray faith, despair, and tensions of religion in every one of his films. Here he has two Catholic Jesuit Portuguese priests in 17th century Japan searching for a lost brother priest. Adam Driver, Adam Garfield and later Liam Neeson are deeply involved in the roles. You’ll need to be seriously religious especially Christian or Buddhist to enjoy this slow moving twisted exercise in faith. I didn’t like it. Too long (almost three hours) and too twisted and hard to follow, I wouldn’t advise seeing it. Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Good Fellas, and many of his other films were much better and more understandable and universal.

SLEEPLESS. Jamie Foxx plays a Las Vegas cop who operetaes undercover in this very bad re-hash, violent, senseless, bloody, meaningless, pointless mess. Michelle Monaghan and Dermot Mulroney are in it too. Only the weird, young and poorly oriented could find anything worth seeing in this waste of time, money and special effects.

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. ). January 31 has UCSC Professor Linda Burman-Hall informing us about the 2017 season of The Santa Cruz Baroque festival and their Feb.4th concert. Willow Katz follows Linda talking about Solitary Confinement. Sexpert, author, lecturer, and performer Susie Bright guests on Feb. 7 talking about lots of things, some maybe even sexual! Then Abbi Samuels talks about the Freedom Sleepers and more current issues and causes. Feb.14 has author Dave Evans sharing ideas from his new book, “Designing Your Life”. Veterans Advocate Dean Kaufman brings us up to date on veterans issues and programs on Feb. 21. Sculptor, artist Peggy Snider guests on February 28 talking about her political sculpture show opening March 3rd. On March 7 Newton and Helen Harrison talk about their book, ” The Time of The Force Majeure”. Patrice Vecchione returns March 14 to talk about her one-woman show “Dressed and Undressed” happening March 17 & 18. 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

I love this guy. I hope he comes to Santa Cruz one day!!

QUOTES. “FACTS”

“All political thinking for years past has been vitiated in the same way. People can foresee the future only when it coincides with their own wishes, and the most grossly obvious facts can be ignored when they are unwelcome”, George Orwell
“Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please”, Mark Twain
“Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts”, B. White
“Telling a teenager the facts of life is like giving a fish a bath, Arnold H. Glasow
“Sometimes paranoia’s just having all the facts”, William S. Burroughs
“Every religion is true one way or another. It is true when understood metaphorically. But when it gets stuck in its own metaphors, interpreting them as facts, then you are in trouble”, Joseph Campbell

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

Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

Posted in Weekly Articles | Comments Off

January 24 – 30, 2017

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Bruce

SOQUEL RAINS IN 1955. Taken on the Soquel Bridge looking east we can see that rains and storms have done some damage many times before these last two weeks.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.

Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE January 23, 2017

I FORGOT THAT BURGER JOINT ON “REVITALIZED” OCEAN STREET. Last week I wrote about the unmitigated mess that Ocean Street (and all our other Santa Cruz entrances) have become. Then I wrote about how our City Planning Department shovels out the muck about making Ocean Street vibrant, and revitalized. All the while inviting and encouraging such buck’s up franchises like Dunkin Donuts to open massive new outlets. I forgot that IN THE SAME NEW BUILDING on Ocean Street they’re allowing HabitBurger Grill to add another franchise/joint. From their website… “The first Habit Burger Grill opened in Santa Barbara, California in 1969 and has since grown to more than 150 restaurants in 16 markets throughout California, Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Utah, Virginia and Washington. More information is available at www.habitburger.com. Check out their grills, their architecture, their burgers, uniforms…everything!!!

Once again, this is the City of Santa Cruz’s idea of how to beautify our Ocean street entrance. More facts from Wikipedia… The Habit Burger Grill was founded in November 15, 1969 in Goleta, California as a family-owned business.[4] In 2007, it was purchased by KarpReilly, a private equity firm that began to rapidly expand the chain, including franchising. Multiple newspapers reported in 2013 that Habit Burger LLC, the parent company to the chain, was planning an IPO. On November 19, 2014 the company raised $83.7 million in an initial public offering (IPO). And this is supposed to re-vitalize Ocean Street???

SANTA CRUZ WOMEN’S PROTEST PARADE NUMBERS. Chris Krohn was there and he says 10,000, Tony Russomano has the Sentinel saying 8,000, Jodi Frediani has it at 16,000. Nobody really, really knows and someone said it was definitely the biggest protest/crowd/march Santa Cruz has ever created….any evidence otherwise???

FLOODS, THE TANNERY, ARTISTS AND HOMELESS. Reading about the San Lorenzo River flooding again I remembered all the reasons so many of us fought creating and building The Tannery. Santa Cruz can’t get it together to provide adequate shelter for our homeless yet we build affordable housing for people who dabble in art. We ignore the flooding San Lorenzo river and build The Tannery in that flood plain. Why do art hobbyists deserve housing and not teachers, nurses, students, and especially day workers. Throughout history artists have always made art under impossible conditions. Many times those very conditions are what push them to make art. Santa Cruz made a serious error when they made The Tannery exclusivly for art hobbyists.

LAND WATCH MONTEREY VICTORY. This is taken directly from Landwatch Monterey’s newsletter of Monday January 16. It’s about The Monterey Downs Development being defeated.

“VICTORY AFTER 11 YEARS”.

The California Coastal Commission voted 9-0 last Thursday to deny the proposed 26-unit Rancho Roberto subdivision in North Monterey County. LandWatch first opposed the project at the County level in 2005, alongside Friends, Artists, and Neighbors of Elkhorn Slough (FANS) which had opposed the project since 1999. FANS appealed the Monterey County Board of Supervisors’ 2005 approval to the Commission in the public interest, and kept a vigilant eye on the project for the last 11 years. Download our letter submitted to the Coastal Commission.

Testifying on behalf of LandWatch, former Executive Director Gary Patton, urged the Coastal Commission to deny the project. Testifying on behalf of FANS, Mari Kloeppel, and legal counsel Molly Erickson, also expressed strong objections to the project, describing FANS’ sustained opposition over 17 years, the on-the-ground impacts of critical overdraft and citing applicable North County Land Use Plan policies.

GIRL SCOUTS MARCH IN TRUMP’S PARADE. Lee Quarnstrom sent this article “Girl Scouts Defend Their Involvement in Donald Trump Inauguration” check it out… See, it’s not just the cookies!!! Or the uniforms!!!

No Greensite’s Insight this week. Gillian’s beloved partner of 29 years, John Phillip Bergwall, died suddenly on January 19th. Grief takes its own time. Gillian will resume writing after a short break.

This Santa Cruz city council life is serious business. Seven council members can seriously affect the everyday lives of the people who live, work, and play in our “ecological hotspot,” vulnerably located near the thirty-sixth parallel, north of the equator. The city council can intervene to make things better or to make life worse for our residents. We often do both.

At the outset of this column, I take a moment to remember the words of the former editor at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Joseph Pulitzer. Around 1902 he said it was his business to “afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.” Pulitzer was talking about journalism, but somehow city councils also might pay close attention to those words. I know I will.

The city council frequently offends one group as they go ahead, at any given meeting and support the economic and social interests of another interest group. My intentions are to represent those who either currently have no representation, or who feel like their issues are going unheard, while the interests of “the comfortable” go to the head of the line because somehow they’ve figured out how to get their agenda item near the top of the list. No, it’s not magic. It is the stuff of politics, and one thing I have come to learn in this town is that the squeaky wheel does get the grease. So take heart, our agenda items will be moving up the ladder soon.

The goal of open government is perhaps one of our nation’s most laudable achievements, but also a work in progress. Open government means that elected representatives ought to provide residents with a transparent process, one that is understandable and easy to use. As your city councilmember, my goal is to hear more from the public, not less; provide you with more services, not fewer; and to hopefully place you, the (under represented?) residents, front and center in co-creating a healthy and sustaining civic relationship.

Shall we get started?

WOW! This weekend saw two big marches descend upon downtown Santa Cruz. On Friday I marched with a thousand UCSC students from campus to the town clock. A “General Strike” was called for by the “General Strike Committee of Santa Cruz” for January 20th, the day of the presidential inauguration. It became a day of protest and teach-ins throughout Santa Cruz. When students and staff arrived at the Town Clock they were met by over a thousand “townies.” A loudspeaker was placed atop an old Toyota pick-up and the first teach-in commenced at the intersection of Pacific, Front, and Mission streets. Everyone sat down on the asphalt for an hour to hear from UCSC professor, T.J. Demos and community activist, Ernestina Saldana. Both recounted the “trumposities” that will be visited upon us Californians during the next four years beyond what we already can see: cuts to the Affordable Care Act, calls for deportations, and attacks on iconic figures like civil rights marcher and US Rep., John Lewis from Georgia.

The following day, Saturday, more than 10,000 (yes, you read that right: ten thousand) marched slowly down Pacific Avenue to protest the Donald Trump presidency. The Woman’s March carried out here and in cities around the world was a major push back on the misogynist, homophobic and racist language and actions the incoming President has unleashed on the American people over the past year.

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The mood on Pacific was anxious, sometimes uncertain, often joyful, but always filled with hope and ideas on how this community might confront the next four years. “Free Melania!” “You’re so vain, you probably think the march is about you, don’t you!?” and “This Pussy bites back,” were some of my favorite messages. The outpouring of people, stories, songs and music was invigorating and made me realize why I love Santa Cruz so much…we may be a bit down for the count right now, but we’re not out of the fight by any means (necessary!).

A couple of weeks ago the city council met for the first time this year with three new members, two from the BNC, Brand New Council slate, Sandy Brown and myself. The agenda was rather slight, a scant ten items (there are sometimes over thirty). No evening meeting was scheduled. The council entered “closed session” at 1:30p inside the windowless white-washed conference room behind the main city council chambers at 809 Center Street. We finally exited open session for the day at 6:38pm, five hours and eight minutes of meeting. Get ready I told myself, we’ll work our way up to the nine and ten-hour marathon sessions.

In politics there are issues put out that are real and personal and heartfelt. And sometimes those same issues might cloud or obfuscate or provide cover for a more $money-centric$ set of issues. In political life I always remember Deep Throat’s admonition, “Follow the money.”

The unfamiliar issues, ones with perhaps more of a backstory on this past January 10th agenda were ones I will continue to follow and they include: the lease agreement between the city and Stagnaro’s restaurant on the wharf; 1100 Cedar Street, one that was pulled from closed session concerning “real property negotiations” (address is across the street from Café Benne and under the old walnut tree behind the old Bookshop Santa Cruz…It was casually mentioned to me that some 75(?) condos were approved on the old Bookshop site back in 2007(!), and maybe the project might start soon? Ten years ago a project was approved at this site and there has been no real update given to new council members about what the project entails…maybe that’s why it was taken off the agenda?

And then there is the 350 Ocean Street apartments near the corner of Broadway, cattycorner to the 7/11 store on the same block. Council was asked by staff (who mostly seem to determine how agenda items get on the agenda) for an “Urgency Interim Ordinance” for residential demolition. A man identifying himself as the lawyer for the 350 Ocean property owners appeared before the council, possibly hoping we would not pass this demolition ordinance. He seemed to contend that the council presumably would “eminent domain” his client’s property and scrape off the now uninhabited former low income rental units. These same units were boarded up recently by the city. The demolition ordinance passed in open session, but going forward I felt a bit queasy about how it might be used. These are difficult and complicated issues and it is almost impossible for council members not to get caught up in historic battles they sometimes know little about.

The large social issue on this agenda had to do with declaring Santa Cruz a sanctuary city. It was a resolution and not an ordinance, meaning it fit the spirit of Santa Cruz, but not the letter of any law. Councilmember Sandy Brown asked for a friendly amendment, that councilmembers be notified by the police department when ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or La Migra) comes to town. It was turned down by the councilmember who made the motion to approve the sanctuary city status, Councilmember Cynthia Mathews. I asked if we could add the language, “No human is illegal.” She turned it down as well.

It was heartfelt bordering on wonderful to see 27 members of the public speak so forcefully and passionately about how our community could and should provide a safe space for immigrants. Many urged the council to adopt ordinance language, so my friendly amendment was accepted in so much as the staff (city attorney) will bring back ordinance—teeth—language (Feb. 14th) for the council to wrestle over and vote on. The Sanctuary City resolution passed unanimously, and although it is “one small step forward” in protecting our immigrants, it is a “giant leap” for the community in getting this city council engaged in one of THE community issues of our time. I was proud.

A “Taxicab Industry Regulation” item also was on the agenda. It seemed to be a measure that would help shore up our existing taxi cab industry (21 Yellow, 4 Deluxe, and 2 Go-Greencabs. Who knew, 27 cabs in town?!) against the rapid onslaught of technology-friendly, fast, and furious, Uber. It seemed though like it is too little, too late for our local cabs. But I wondered if a different business model might still perhaps save them? I was able to get staff to bring back a taxi issue to look at electric cabs. Now that seems like it would sell here in surf city, doesn’t it?

The issue of “oral communication,” a time for the public to speak on an issue NOT on the agenda, has become troubling. It is no longer agendized with a number, nor at a “time certain” that the public can rely on. In the past it was always set for 7pm. Even if no other city business was on the agenda the council would still meet to hear from the public. A few years ago it was moved to 5pm, but now it seems mostly to be a moving target. The public might have to now come and sit for an hour or two until, at the discretion of the mayor, it is called for. Here’s an example of how “oral communication” might be used.

On the night of January 10th, seven members of the public spoke about the broken process of city development known as the “corridor plan.” So, on advice from the city attorney, since the issue was not on the agenda, I tried to bring back the Corridor Advisory Committee. I used agenda item #10, “Council Meeting Calendar,” to call for a reset and a renewed discussion about the corridor plan, much the way the desal discussion was revitalized and reset. I made a motion to place this item on the next city council agenda, Sandy Brown seconded, but it failed by a 5-2 vote. This motion was not to approve anything other than simply placing it on the next agenda for discussion and presumably, an up or down vote. But no, it was not to be. Not even with seven residents looking on and hoping for a rebirth of this committee could we place it on the next agenda. It was clear during the fall election that eastside neighbors want staff and council to look again at this plan that contemplates five and six story buildings along Ocean, Soquel, and Water corridors among others. But what we did win was a minor victory in having staff bring back a discussion of the corridor plan at the February 14th city council meeting. You can’t always get what you want…ya get what you need…oh yeah.

Krohn’s Council Watch for next week, January 24th

ISSUES: a) UCSC/City/County/CLUE settlement agreement (item 6), b) resolution amending city’s bail schedule (item5), c) city living wage annual increase of 3.1% as prescribed by ordinance (item 10), d) resolution ratifying existence of a state of emergency due to severe weather and requesting funds from Governor (item 9), e) approve $117k for bike/ped bridge, “Branciforte Bridge,” (item 15), f) approve issuance (not by city but needs city approval?) of $10.5 million “of tax-exempt obligations” for Kirby school, and g) approve members (by 4-vote majority) of members on the city’s 7-member commissions (item #20). This last issue might take the longest? Closed session begins at 1:30p and open session is scheduled to begin at 2:30p. Oral communication is somewhere near the end, but no time certain (yet!).

~Chris Krohn is a father, writer, activist, former Santa Cruz City Councilmember (1998-2002) ex-Santa Cruz City Mayor (2001-2002) an employee of UCSC. And newly re-elected to the Santa Cruz City Council.

Probably the weather or the political climate but nary a word from Becky this week.

~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).

From Gary’s “We Live In A Political World” website…Thursday, January 19, 2017

#19 / Born Bad?

This column is stimulated, in fact, by a column in the January 5, 2017 edition of The New York Times. That column, by Robert Leonard, the news director for two radio stations in Tennessee, was titled, “Why Rural America Voted for Trump.” Mostly, the column describes a number of reasons that rural residents might resent city residents, specifying both tax allocation issues and perceived cultural differences.

Leonard, who says he is a pretty liberal Democrat, was having a hard time understanding why his friends and neighbors seemed to be so willing to vote for Donald Trump. None of them were fascists, racists, misogynists, or otherwise deplorable, at least not visibly so, so what could possibly be motivating them? Here is how Leonard describes his enlightenment: For me, it took a 2015 pre-caucus stop in Pella by J. C. Watts, a Baptist minister raised in the small town of Eufaula, Okla., who was a Republican congressman from 1995 to 2003, to begin to understand my neighbors — and most likely other rural Americans as well. “The difference between Republicans and Democrats is that Republicans believe people are fundamentally bad, while Democrats see people as fundamentally good,” said Mr. Watts, who was in the area to campaign for Senator Rand Paul. “We are born bad,” he said and added that children did not need to be taught to behave badly — they are born knowing how to do that.

“We teach them how to be good,” he said. “We become good by being reborn — born again.” [Watts] continued: “Democrats believe that we are born good, that we create God, not that he created us. If we are our own God, as the Democrats say, then we need to look at something else to blame when things go wrong — not us.”
Leonard’s column doesn’t really go much further with this kind of theological differentiation, which hypothesizes that the different political parties are made different by their different approaches to God. What you get from Leonard on this topic is what you have just read, right here, and I personally don’t find the argument very convincing. In fact, I don’t really get the point that Reverend Watts is trying to make in that last sentence. To me, his statement seems contradictory on its face. If Democrats (supposedly as opposed to Republicans) believe that they ARE God, then when things go wrong, who else could those Democrats possibly blame but themselves?

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CLASSICAL DeCINZO. Water, Water everywhere..or nowhere? Scroll below and see DeCinzo’s take on the problem!!!

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s ” Worm’s eye view” 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.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa too, is missing this week but you should always check out her Good Times review of the week and Check out her Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

20th CENTURY WOMEN. Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Billy Crudup, and Greta Gerwig do award winning roles in this very independent, off kilter story of a “family” group trying to exist in Santa Barbara in 1979. Bening deserves every possible acting award for her role as a mom trying her damndest to raise her son while surrounded by rapidly aging girls. It’s not an easy film to follow and takes wtists turns and flashbacks with little or no warning…but go see it. You’ll be completely intrigued by it.

PATRIOT’S DAY. Mark Wahlberg, J.K Simmons, Michelle Monaghan and the ever popular Kevin Bacon plus a weird John Goodman with odd looking dark eyebrows, all add up to a saga revolving around the Boston Marathon bombing and how the cops found the perpetrators.It’s almost an advertisement for the Boston Police and their speed in shooting the last bomber while he was hiding in a boat in someone’s back yard. There isn’t a point to this docudrama, and Wahlberg’s role is all fictional. But you’ll definitely stay awake all through it.

LIVE BY NIGHT. Ben Affleck both stars in and directed this 1920’s gangster re-hash. He shouldn’t have done ether one. I couldn’t stop from thinking James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, and George Raft, plus Ann Dvorak, Merle Oberon, Lauren Bacall, and dozens more molls would show up…they didn’t, darn it. The plot is twisted and pointless and would take pages to even provide an out line. The great old cars are used in wonderful shots (pun). Why in this day and age these films of killing and hatred make as much money as they do is beyond me.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. The first Harry Potter spinoff from J.K. Rowling, and it’s only the first of four more FBeast movies planned!! Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrell are the only actors we know of. In this very dark, depressing, beast filled mistake. Set in New York City in 1926 it lacks any semblence of the charm, magic, character or even cuteness of Harry Potter’s world of Hogwarts and vicinity. Special effects produced beast like snakes, octopii, Dragons, Hydras, and more than 85 different types according to Rowland’s book. Redmayne and Farrell aren’t given a chance to be likable or empathetic. You probably catch my drift…don’t go.

SLEEPLESS. Jamie Foxx plays a Las Vegas cop who operates undercover in this very bad re-hash, violent, senseless, bloody, meaningless, pointless mess. Michelle Monaghan and Dermot Mulroney are in it too. Only the weird, young and poorly oriented could find anything worth seeing in this waste of time, money and special effects.

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. Environmentalist Grey Hayes opens the program January 24 listing and discussing environmental issues in the county. Then former newspaper reporter and author Steve Shender talks about his new Hawaii book, “Once There Was Fire” (Kamehameha and friends). January 31 has UCSC Professor Linda Burman-Hall informing us about the 2017 season of The Santa Cruz Baroque festival and their Feb.4th concert. Sexpert, author, lecturer, and performer Susie Bright guests on Feb. 7 talking about lots of things. Feb.14 has author Dave Evans sharing ideas from his new book, “Designing Your Life”. On March 7 Newton and Helen Harrison talk about their book, ” The Time of The Force Majeure”. 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

After the week we’ve had, I think we need something like this. I know I do. These two are so cute, it’s almost painful 🙂

QUOTES. “REVOLUTION”

“The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall”, Che Guevara
“If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution”, Emma Goldman
“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable”, John F. Kennedy

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

Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

Posted in Weekly Articles | Comments Off

January 17 – 23, 2017

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Bruce

OUR CLASSIC CITY LIBRARY. On September 12, 1966 the city tore down this classic Carnegie Library at the same location our threatened library sits today. Carnegie built 1689 libraries in the USA. You can see the funeral home that still sits across Church street. It’s now Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.

Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

PREDICTING TRUMP.

Billie Holiday & Louis Armstrong – The Blues Are Brewing

The Beach Boys – Help Me Rhonda

DATELINE January 16, 1017

ENTERING SANTA CRUZ??? It’s no secret that every Highway, Route, Road or Street entrance into or through Santa Cruz City is ugly and filled with such unattractive businesses. Your friends must have commented on it for decades. The latest part of this mess is that the City Planning Department’s website is filled with such phrases as We’re “Revitalizing” Ocean Street. They talk about making Ocean Street a “vibrant gateway”. What’s the plan? What’s already underway to beautify Ocean Street??….A NEW DUNKIN DONUTS!!!

This worldwide franchise business is going onto a lot right across Ocean Street from Ferrell’s Donuts. Check out Dunkin Donuts website you’ll read their bragging about the number of stores they have. To quote, “Today, there are more than 11,300 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants worldwide – more than 8,000 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in 41 states in the U.S. plus the District of Columbia, and more than 3,200 international restaurants in 36 countries”.

Why does Santa Cruz keep bending over to attract and allow our city to grow in this direction? We also recently gave away one of our most prominent corners of Ocean and Soquel to Starbucks.

Ferrell’s is locally owned and has been here for more than 3 decades. Their profits stay here and yet we allow our city to create a monstrous competition, and all in the name of a vibrant gateway or Revitalizing Ocean Street? Drive up and down Ocean Street… count the motels, restaurants, and cheesy looking businesses and ask yourself or better yet, ask City Planning, why are you allowing and even encouraging this?

RUMOR DEPARTMENT. Really hard to track this down but murmurs and rumors have it that Juliana Rebagliatti’s announced departure as Director of the City Planning Department was due to her taking too long to approve new developments. Does that mean that City pressures want even faster approval and more developments like we’ve been crushed with since the ‘89 earthquake?

MORE FACTS NEEDED. First I heard that there was/is renewed pressure to cut down the historic Walnut tree on Cedar Street across from Café Bene. Then I got the news second hand that there are new plans to build 74 condo units facing Pacific Avenue where the hole still sits from the ’89 quake. The City Planning Department’s website is both out of date and impossible to find any data on who the developer is, why that Walnut Tree is in the way of the project or any other facts on this development. It was all proposed before, the condos, the tree removal, etc, but it fell through.

Watch this space, or better yet, if you have any news or even facts …do let me know. It’s our city and we all need to be made more aware of what’s happening to it.

WHITHER LOCAL DEMOCRACY?

On a national level, the state of our democratic republic is being assessed and its longevity debated. On a local level the same issues are frequently at play. A recent exchange between incoming council member Christopher Krohn and council member Richelle Noroyan had me pondering the role of elected officials with respect to the community they serve. At issue was the Corridors committee, the select group that held public meetings and workshops to present the Corridors Plan, that high rise, dense development Plan intended for Mission, Soquel, Ocean and Water Streets. There has been consistent, vocal and major opposition to this Plan from neighbors on the eastside where the impact will be felt the most. At the first council meeting of the year, Krohn moved that the Corridors committee be reinstated due to the neighbors’ concerns that they had not been listened to. Noroyan, who had served on the committee, objected to that description and retorted that the committee had listened to the neighbors but just didn’t agree with them. The motion failed on a 5-2 vote. At first utterance I found myself somewhat persuaded by Noroyan’s statement. “Yes, we listened but we disagree,” sounds honest and reasonable. That is until you consider more carefully the role of an elected representative and in this case, the role of the Corridors committee.

Council candidates run on very broad issues. Unless you know the individuals, know their track record if they have one, or are familiar with the groups who back them, it is very hard to distinguish one from another on major issues. All claim to be for affordable housing; all claim to be champions of the environment; all support social services and neighborhood integrity. Campaign literature and candidates forums deal in generalities. Unless a candidate has declared a position on a specific issue, such broad strokes afford little idea how a council member will vote on projects such as 85 foot tall buildings on Front St. lining the river or moving the downtown library under a 5 story parking structure or supporting the commercialization and transformation of the historic Municipal wharf. And these are the big issues! Scores of important smaller issues are decided at every meeting. However, what we do know is that each council member was elected to represent the community, guided by the General Plan. It is the duty not just the obligation of each council member to listen to the public. The Corridors committee was designed to gather information from the public and present that to the full council for consideration. In that context, Noroyan’s comment that the committee listened to but disagreed with the neighbors is troubling. It suggests that the committee came into the process with its mind made up. That the public input was tolerated at best but never taken seriously. And the public like a bloodhound can always sniff out when it is being patronized.

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If the democratic process were taken more seriously by city council, what would it look like? I notice that 2 minutes for public comment is now the norm. That’s a backward step. A minor irritant is the practice of demanding to know how many people want to speak to an item, counting raised hands (hold them higher!) looking at the clock and then magnanimously allotting a minute or two per person. This does not make members of the public who come to meetings feel welcome and listened to. President Obama urges us to become more involved in politics. Too many city politicians make us feel like a necessary nuisance to be endured. Beyond minor irritants there are more substantial erosions of the local democratic process. Major issues and projects used to be placed on the evening agenda to allow for maximum public attendance. That rarely happens now. The current practice is to have a packed afternoon agenda allowing for only rushed public comment and often no evening agenda. Oral communications used to be the first item on the evening agenda. Now it is the last item on the afternoon agenda and the exact time is flexible. People wishing to speak are told to hurry it up; that there are other ways such as email to reach council members. This last statement fails to grasp the significance of the face -to -face interaction of elected representative with a member of the public that cannot be duplicated by email, nor easily accomplished at other than a local level. It should be treated with more respect as the cornerstone of our democracy.

Perhaps the most significant erosion of democratic process is the practice of city department heads hiring out of town consultants, who talk to carefully selected “stake-holders”, develop expensive Plans such as the Wharf Master Plan, avoid proper environmental review and by the time the Plan or project reaches council after being discussed at the Commission level it is a done deal. By the way, why is the city of Santa Cruz Planning Commission not broadcast on Community TV? Scotts Valley, Capitola and Watsonville all broadcast theirs. Perhaps if the public had a better chance of knowing what is in the wings they could better articulate their views to their elected representatives. And if you aren’t aware of the scores of projects that are stacked up for council approval, hold onto your hats.

It is up to us to be involved: it is up to city council to create the conditions to maximize public involvement (that is in the General Plan); to encourage, respect and listen to public input and that should be the main guide for their decision-making. Developers, not so much.

THE DROUGHT MAY BE OVER BUT …
THE AQUIFER IS STILL IN CRITICAL OVERDRAFT

The recent rains may lift drought conditions, but regardless, we will continue to be in big trouble with groundwater shortage for years to come. That means folks between Live Oak and La Selva Beach will still be required to practice strict conservation. Well, we all need to, actually.

Soquel Creek Water District’s studies show that, in order to prevent further sea water intrusion into the underground drinking water supply, recent customer conservation levels need to DOUBLE and stay at that level for twenty years, or the District needs to STOP PUMPING COMPLETELY for seven years. Wow.

For the past six years, farmers in the Central Valley have been doing something amazing to recharge the aquifers there: flooding their farmland with winter storm runoff. Researchers from UC Davis are initiating a study this year to determine the effects of winter flooding on different tree and forage crops. “We really have to find new ways of storing and capturing rainfall in winter when water is available,” said UCD groundwater hydrologist Helen Dahlke. That sure makes sense!

Maybe that’s what Barry Swenson Builder is doing at the Aptos Village Project site…big ponds of standing water there. I wonder, though, about the possible unremediated soil contaminants from that buried 5,000 gallon diesel tank leaking who-knows-what near the utility pole area and Village Drive last March. I was glad that someone from their crew finally took action to stop the muddy (contaminated?) water and demolition debris from overflowing under the chain link fence onto Trout Gulch Road and into Trout Gulch and Valencia Creeks. Diesel and arsenic and lead! Oh, my! I wonder if Fish and Wildlife folks know about this? 707-944-5500 Bay Delta Regional Office.

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The response could not have been because someone called the 24-hour emergency phone number posted at the site, as required to be posted by the County. That number: 831-475-7100, is only good for Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. The Barry Swenson Builder receptionist confided that messages left on that number’s general mailbox only get checked about once a week. So much for the County’s requirement for an emergency number to be posted.

SOMEONE NEEDS TO TELL THE COUNTY
TO ENFORCE THEIR REQUIREMENTS UNIFORMLY

That was the goal of the We Are Aptos suit last year. Judge Burdick agreed that the County had failed to enforce it’s own requirements regarding the Aptos Village Project Subdivision Permit Conditions of Approval, and that the lots left blank (about 60% of the Project area) on the Final Map approved by the Board of Supervisors were not legal “Remainder Lots”. So why did he then deny the writ? Who knows. To add to the mystery, Judge Burdick disclosed (after reading his decision) that he is a long-time friend and neighbor of one of the Aptos Village Project developers. Does that make your jaw drop? It did mine.

MIDCOUNTY GROUNDWATER AGENCY DROP-IN DISCUSSION SESSION THIS THURSDAY (1/19) EVENING, 6pm-8pm AT SIMPKINS SWIM CENTER

Here’s your chance to have a real discussion with a few representatives of the MidCounty Groundwater Agency regarding your ideas and concerns for water policy. You need not be a customer of Soquel Creek Water District, Central Water District or any of the small water companies located between Live Oak and Corralitos to be welcome at this discussion opportunity. Are you a private well owner? You need to attend and ask questions about possible future taxation. Want to actually get some answers to your questions about Soquel Creek Water District’s plan to inject treated sewage water into your groundwater drinking supply? Here’s your chance. This is the first time this sort of session has been scheduled for a time other than 10am on a work day. I hope to see you there! 6pm-8pm, Thursday January 19, Simpkins Swim Center.

START WHERE YOU ARE, USE WHAT YOU HAVE AND DO WHAT YOU CAN

Feeling a bit anxious this week with Presidential matters? Yep, these are interesting times, and we are in for a wild ride. However, I encourage you all to not be afraid, but rather to be informed and not caught off-guard. Afterall, look what happened during the hysteria after Pearl Harbor was bombed. Did anyone speak out against this?

Executive Order 9066: The President Authorizes Japanese Relocation

In an atmosphere of World War II hysteria, President Roosevelt, encouraged by officials at all levels of the federal government, authorized the internment of tens of thousands of American citizens of Japanese ancestry and resident aliens from Japan. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066, dated February 19, 1942, gave the military broad powers to ban any citizen from a fifty- to sixty-mile-wide coastal area stretching from Washington state to California and extending inland into southern Arizona. The order also authorized transporting these citizens to assembly centers hastily set up and governed by the military in California, Arizona, Washington state, and Oregon. Although it is not well known, the same executive order (and other war-time orders and restrictions) were also applied to smaller numbers of residents of the United States who were of Italian or German descent. For example, 3,200 resident aliens of Italian background were arrested and more than 300 of them were interned. About 11,000 German residents—including some naturalized citizens—were arrested and more than 5000 were interned. Yet while these individuals (and others from those groups) suffered grievous violations of their civil liberties, the war-time measures applied to Japanese Americans were worse and more sweeping, uprooting entire communities and targeting citizens as well as resident aliens.

(reprinted from www.historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5154)

AND DON’T FORGET THE HYSTERIA after the 9/11 event… Guantanamo Bay still has prisoners waiting for a trial, many tortured, and our civil liberties are in shambles. Were there protests in the streets? Not really.

PERHAPS THE SILVER LINING WILL BE that citizens will wake up, pay attention, unite and take action.

WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

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).

PATTON’S PROGRAM. From Gary’s “We Live In A Political World” website…

Peter Thiel is a Silicon Valley billionaire. He is now advising our billionaire president-elect, Donald J. Trump, and Thiel is apparently arguing for “authoritarian government.” Furthermore, rumors have it that Thiel would like to import the Trump brand of politics and government into California. Business Insider says Thiel may be planning to run for Governor in 2018.

The following is what Thiel has to say about freedom and democracy. Let’s consider what this all might mean for our state, before we get too enthusiastic about a “Thiel for Governor” campaign. I am quoting, below, from a comment by Thiel published in Cato Unbound, the journal of the right-wing Cato Institute:

“I remain committed to the faith of my teenage years: to authentic human freedom as a precondition for the highest good. I stand against confiscatory taxes, totalitarian collectives, and the ideology of the inevitability of the death of every individual … But I must confess that over the last two decades, I have changed radically on the question of how to achieve these goals. Most importantly, I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible”. (emphasis added).

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Thiel’s statement has been much repeated, and to great applause from those who see life as a contest between “freedom” and the tyranny of the majority. The illustration at the top of this posting, for instance, appears in an online comment by Derek Balling, who was seeking to answer this question: “What did Peter Thiel mean when he said, ‘I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible?'”

Here’s Balling:

Democracy is the tool of a majority to enforce their will upon a minority. It gives an illusion of “say in the decision,” but ultimately those who control the votes control the outcome.

Freedom is about a lack of encroachment of others into one’s own affairs. This means that – for example – freedom is about a majority not being able to tell you “you can’t marry this person,” or “you can’t smoke this plant,” or “you can’t own this gun.” It also limits your ability to encroach on others, which is why you have no freedom to, say, walk up to someone and punch them in the side of the head.

Democracy on the other hand is the opposite of that, it is a majority of folks saying, “We don’t care if you have made a decision for yourself, you’re not allowed to poison yourself with that plant,” or “We don’t care if both of you are in love and happy, we say you can’t be joined together in marriage,” or “We don’t care if you’re not actually harming someone with that gun, we say you aren’t allowed to have it.” So I can’t pretend to know what Peter Thiel was thinking about with that quote, but that’s the sense that it evokes in me. I can’t, in fact, understand how anyone ever consider them compatible. To me, it is pretty clear that the resolution of this debate hinges on how we see ourselves. If we are each to understand ourselves as radically separate and individual, then “democracy” really does impose on our individual ability to do whatever we want.

If however, we see ourselves as connected, and believe that we are, in the end, “together in this,” if we have a self-conception that recognizes our mutual interdependence, and if we believe that our interdependence is at least as important as our “individuality,” then it should be obvious that we need to have some mechanism for making collective decisions about what we are going to do. An “authoritarian government” is certainly one way to solve the problem of collective governance. One person is the “decider,” and he or she tells everyone else what to do. Maybe we will soon be calling this the “Trump/Thiel” model. It used to be called “Monarchy.”

“Democracy” takes the opposite approach (the United States did have an entire revolution about this), and it requires us to get along and to make decisions in common that (generally speaking) are agreed to by the majority. I would hasten to note that in the American version of democracy there are some constitutional guarantees that prevent the majority from burning up the “Straw Man.” The illustration at the top of the posting, in other words, is truly a “straw man” argument!

I try not to miss a chance to insert a Bob Dylan reference into these blog postings, if I think there is a plausible excuse. On the question whether we should see ourselves as radically individual, or as part of a whole, I’m with Bob. As he says in one of his album titles, we are “Together Through Life.” If that’s our basic reality, and we really are “together in this,” then I think Winston Churchill beats Peter Thiel, hands down:

Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time….
Thiel for Governor?
NOT!

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. One more DeCinzo take on our National Monument… see downwards just a bit.

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “Inauguration Day” 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. P.S. Read Tim Eagan’s Eagan Blog on Tilikum the “Killer” Orca.

MUNCHING WITH MOZART. Tatyana Rekow, flute and Rose Georgi, piano will perform “Music for Flute and Piano” in the monthly free concert series in the upstairs meeting room in the Santa Cruz Main Library downtown this Thursday, January 19th 12:10 – 12:50. They’ll play works by Reinecke, Bach, Mozart, Delibes, Massenet and Bolling. Get there early, the seats go fast.

LISA JENSEN LINKS.No words or answers from Lisa this week.She must be really busy. . Check out her Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

THE EAGLE HUNTRESS. Charming, cute, girl-empowering and all for the sake of tradition and making this very staged “documentary”. Male Mongolian tribes folk trained eagles to kill foxes in the old days probably because they needed the furs and meat. Now that everybody lives in houses, eats in cafeterias, and wears spin off clothing from Target, L.L. Bean, via China why still kill foxes?? But this cute 13 year old girl defies tradition with 100% help from staged camera work and a devoted dad…she too kills a fox. Besides the making of this film it also helps the tourist trade who visit the Mongol Mountains every year to watch the Eagle Hunt with vans, television, and lots of posters in English pushing the event.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. The first Harry Potter spinoff from J.K. Rowling, and it’s only the first of four more Beast movies planned!! Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrell are the only actors we know of. In this very dark, depressing, beast filled mistake. Set in New York City in 1926 it lacks any semblence of the charm, magic, character or even cuteness of Harry Potter’s world of Hogwarts and vicinity. Special effects produced beast like snakes, octopii, Dragons, Hydras, and more than 85 different types according to Rowland’s book. Redmayne and Farrell aren’t given a chance to be likable or empathetic. You probably catch my drift…don’t go.

UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS. Kate Beckinsale is back her black, tight tights again in this fifth kinky mess of the Vampires versus the Lycans battle against the light. I tried to nap during the first half-hour but the sound effects were too loud. The thread (usually called a plot) is so nutsy and impossible that you can’t possibly care or even know who’s winning. It had the poorest opening of any of the previous four films in the series, and it deserved it.

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. Jewel Theatre’s Julie James talks about “The Book Club Play” that is playing 1/25-2/19. She’s followed by newly elected Santa Cruz City Councilpersons Chris Krohn and Sandy Brown, They’ll talk about their plans and future years on the council. Environmentalist Grey Hayes opens the program January 24 listing and discussing environmental issues in the county. Then former newspaper reporter and author Steve Shender talks about his new Hawaii book, “Once There Was Fire” (Kamehameha and friends). January 31 has UCSC Professor Linda Burman-Hall informing us about the 2017 season of The Santa Cruz Baroque festival and their Feb.4th concert. Sexpert, author, lecturer, and performer Susie Bright guests on Feb. 7 talking about lots of things. On March 7 Newton and Helen Harrison talk about their book, ” The Time of The Force Majeure”. 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

Maz Jobrani talks about the Boston bombing and stupid people on Twitter. He’s great 🙂

QUOTES. “FLOODS”

“We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear”, Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Everyone who is critical of Israeli policy is deluged by crazed messages intended to flood their email system or, more insidiously, passwords are accessed and messages sent out under their name! I’m sure it’s illegal. It’s also an effort to undermine free speech”, Noam Chomsky

“There was an ocean above us, held in by a thin sac that might rupture and let down a flood at any second” Stephen King

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

Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

Posted in Weekly Articles | Comments Off

January 10 – 16, 2017

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Bruce

PACIFIC AVENUE December 22, 1955. This was about between where Rip N’ Curl and PaperVision are today. Many Pacific Ave business basements on the river side still flood today.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.

Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DATELINE January 9, 2017

INK SPOTS DOING “IF I DIDN’T CARE”

SPIKE JONES: ALL GIRL BAND MEDLEY.

SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARY,THE HOMELESS AND MAH. Far too many people have been sucker punched by Nina Simon’s attendance numbers at what used to be a very credible Art Museum and a history museum. It took Eloise and Page Smith, and Charles Hilger and hundreds more artists and organizers to establish what was our combined art and history museum. With the City Council’s and many other’s encouragement Nina has ruined the one source and location Santa Cruz had for being exposed to the art of the world. As we know NFL football games outdraw Opera, liquor bars outdraw art galleries, Marvel Comic hero movies bring in higher attendance than Fellini, Kurosawa and Hitchcock films ever did. Now the Santa Cruz Public Library is being talked about as a Homeless Services Center IN ADDITION to remaining a library!!! Or as some folks are noting, as a way of giving up the present library building so they can justify building that new six story parking structure with a new library on the main floor. It is the same pattern as our Art and History Museum was ruined by events that bring in crowds and provide nothing of lasting value to the community. As one friend emailed…

“Users of our library system encompass all of our community, most certainly including some or many of the homeless. Right now the library is a daytime place of last resort—at least during the winter months. It is an institution that has for years existed to encourage reading, provide information and for such other purposes as may be appropriate. These purposes have been enlarged over the years and now include such things as the upstairs room that is used for meetings and concerts. I believe libraries are places with a discreet set of functions. If the community wants, it surely can change those purposes. I don’t think the community has yet to be heard on this. It should be.

The assumption behind the librarian’s comments is that the homeless congregate at the library because there is no other place to go. I believe there should be other places appropriately designed, equipped probably also close to or in the downtown business center. Indeed, creation of what the military would call a “dayroom” could well be a priority for the Council. This is a huge issue. The primary function of the library is not as a community center, unless the community decides differently. . Surely anyone may want to and should be encouraged to use the library for such purposes. But those who do not want to use it for its designed purposes should not have to go there by default.

Another friend emailed on the same issue…” A library is not a homeless services center. Most of the homeless I see are hanging around, not using library services as they are meant to be used. The City could find a place to long-term lease for a homeless services center, including warming on very cold nights, where the service agencies and charities can send their people to help the homeless. The old Midas Muffler shop is still vacant on the June streetview of Google Maps, with a sign saying that the current lease holder (Midas) is looking for a sublessee. The City cleaned up a worse environmental mess when it acquired the Tannery. This cleanup should be easy in comparison. The site is next to McDonalds and the new location of Dunkin’ Donuts, on a bus line, not too far to walk to Food-Not-Bombs. There must be other under-utilized places around downtown, too. This would be just an interim solution until the City builds permanent housing. Watch this: Housing First as Kevin Fagan of the San Francisco Chronicle talks about housing and homeless. Some folks are saying “gee, I go to events at MAH much more since Nina took over than I ever went before”. Those people should ask their devoted historian friends and their serious artist friends whether they went to MAH more before Nina Simon took over or after ? Remember too, as a tourist, don’t you visit Art Museums, and Historical Museums more than you visit any Community Centers??

SAN LORENZO RIVER ISSUES…FEW ANSWERS. Jane Mio and Barbara Wiverwoman have a blog “San Lorenzo River Mysteries” she sent this river update, check it all out..

https://sanlorenzoriverblog.com

GREENSITE’S INSIGHT.

CHALLENGING HOUSING ASSUMPTIONS.

Some verbal exchanges stick in the mind like mud on a hiking boot. Disgruntled at the majority council decision to permit a planned development on a beautiful piece of open space along Western Drive in the mid-1990’s, I muttered under my breath loud enough for the person sitting next to me to lean in and say, ” but Gillian, it’s housing!” I suppose I was meant to feel that housing is always an inherent good; that more housing will lead to more affordable housing and if we just build more, then the folks who work at low paying jobs in Santa Cruz will eventually be able to afford to live here. This myth has persisted ever since investors noticed that Santa Cruz was ripe for the taking. It is a myth promulgated by both the business and the progressive communities. With housing poised to take center stage at city hall in the coming year it is time to ask some hard questions, challenge some long held assumptions and assess what options remain.

First the “low hanging fruit” as the expression goes. Stop using the term “affordable” housing. It is meaningless without the qualifier “for whom?” Inclusionary housing, that 15% percent of new development required to be offered at lower than market rate (unless the developer opts to pay instead of provide) is no longer affordable to that group of workers for whom it was originally targeted. A one bedroom “affordable” unit will rent for $2,150 a month in one recently approved development and a 500 square foot unit will rent for $2,600 in another. With rents rising 6% a year, some individuals will be able to afford these “affordable” units but not the usual folks that stir housing activists to action.

Second, who are the folks buying and renting these new houses and housing units? Are they local workers? Students? People who don’t yet live here? The answers to these questions should be important guides to policy makers. That information is obtainable but rarely examined. If I were making decisions on whether to approve yet another high rise housing complex such as those springing up like mushrooms on the eastside and downtown, I would have little difficulty approving a development guaranteed to provide housing for a local worker of average means. My guess is that this is the exception rather than the rule. I would have no difficulty not approving a development obviously designed for student housing and would say to the university, no more growth…this town cannot accommodate more of your growth.

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Nearly fifty percent of the growth in the city of Santa Cruz’s population over the past 40 years is attributable to student growth at UCSC, roughly half living off-campus. As for those (non-student) people who don’t yet live here, who are the main buyers of current housing and new housing, I would put the brakes on that bottomless demand. All new housing developments that I’ve tracked in the last 20 years are advertised outside Santa Cruz with the “come live by the sea in sunny Santa Cruz” inducement and local real estate agents report that houses are being snatched up by outsiders wanting a second home by the beach. The belief that new housing is providing homes for local workers is a myth and should not be aired as justification. That doesn’t mean that all development can or should be stopped or that new comers are never welcome. It’s a question of scale and impact.

Third, housing activists and property speculators who uncritically accept supply and demand and lobby the state to preempt local decision making in housing to eradicate zoning to make it easy and quick to add housing should be challenged on their assumptions. Since when did density and infilling lower rents and housing costs, absent rent control or a tax on housing speculation? Since when did increased housing, which leads to increased population, not have a snowball effect? A report provided for the city and county of SF as part of their Inclusionary housing analysis titled the Residential Nexus Analysis concluded that for every new 100 market-rate condominium units there are a total of 43 lower income households generated through the direct, indirect and induced impacts of the consumption of the condominium buyers. In other words, folks who can afford market rate units eat, buy, play, get sick and those activities require workers who are predominantly lower income workers who also need housing. To put it in stark terms, market rate housing creates the need for far more additional affordable housing for lower income workers than is ever provided through Inclusionary zoning or through subsidized housing. Development itself is a source of the problem not the solution.

While there are no easy answers to the housing cost crisis short of regulating the market, it would be refreshing if the decision makers would drop the Trumpian pronouncements that have no basis in reality. Pledging to “take a robust approach to affordable housing” as the top vote getter in the city council race was quoted as saying should be challenged. What exactly does that pledge mean in practice? If it is based on the usual assumptions of supply and demand it is as hollow as “make America great again.” No amount of development will contribute positively to the housing cost crisis: it will only worsen the situation. And in so doing, the unique character of Santa Cruz will be forever lost to high rise, dense, ubiquitous market rate housing generating the need for more and more low income workers who will increasingly be squeezed to the margins of existence “.

STEINBRUNER STATES.

MAKE ONE CALL. WRITE ONE LETTER….GET ONE ANSWER…NEWS ABOUT COUNTY PARKS AND SAN VICENTE REDWOODS PATROLS…

Last week, I asked the question here about how Santa Cruz County Parks & Open Space could afford to fund the three (maybe more) park rangers to patrol San Vicente Redwoods, privately-owned by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) and Sempervirens Fund. I wrote a letter to County Parks Director Mr. Jeff Gaffney with that question. He replied rather quickly that the rangers would be funded by the property owners and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. Representatives of those agencies contacted County Supervisor Mr. Ryan Coonerty on November 22, 2016 to ask for his support. He immediately placed the issue on the December 6, 2016 Board consent agenda as item #17. The formal agreement proposal will be on the February 14, 2017 Board agenda. The projected three-year budget is $1,230,000.

These private landowners will request Board approval of a fee-for-service structure for patrols to begin during the 2017-18 fiscal year. The program would run for three years, at which time the agreement and financial structure would be re-evaluated. County Parks rangers would lead routine maintenance and nature interpretation, conduct nighttime patrols, and enforce the rules and the law. This allows the Public Access Plan to move forward with public safety and address local concerns about stewardship. This would “provide a critical tool (i.e., the Ranger Program) for regional stewardship and natural resource protection.” The rangers would gain access via other nearby state and federal lands.

County Parks Rangers will be the legal representative for law enforcement and public safety responsibilities and will lead the response for any trespass, illegal activity or emergency within the private property. “County Parks will collaborate with POST and Sempervirens Fund to resolve any conflicts between public access and their activities on San Vicente Redwoods, recognizing that public access will be SUBORDINATE IN PRIORITY to those activities and must be consistent with the conservation easement held by Save the Redwoods League.”

County Park rangers will also provide guided tours during a period of provisional public access before access is opened to the public. They will not carry firearms. The rangers will have a team of seasonal assistants.

I’m still a bit leery of the long-term agreements of County employees being hired to patrol privately-owned land, especially when public access is subordinate to planned activities by the property owners. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Hmmmmm…

click here to continue (link expands, click again to collapse)

SANTA CRUZ REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON UNIFIED TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR INVESTMENT STUDY PHASE 2….

The RTC wants your help evaluating the transportation investment options of the three parallel transportation routes:

Highway One
Soquel Avenue / Soquel Drive
Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line

Evaluation topics include investments, economic vitality and natural environment. “This study will identify the multimodal transportation investments that will provide the greatest benefit based on a performance-based decision making process…..A scenario analysis will be performed to analyze a number of alternative groups of projects using the modeling tools that were developed in Phase1.” I thought the RTC had already done all that work in order to arrive at the Measure D wording. Hmmmm…

Get information at https://sccrtc.org/projects/multi-modal/unified-corridor-study

(maybe you will understand more of the language there than I seem to be able to do)

WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. ATTEND THIS PUBLIC MEETING this Thursday, January 12, 6pm at Simpkins Swim Center at 979 17th near Brommer.

MORE ON THE MILITARIZATION OF LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT…

I think local law enforcement training policies need to change. State Assemblyman Mark Stone told me the changes must come from proposals by people at the local level. I propose that military veterans cannot be hired for active duty law enforcement jobs until at least eight years have elapsed after discharge from the military. I also propose that all active duty law enforcement officers be required to train regularly and continuously in some form of martial art, in order to provide “muscle memory” tactics other than pulling a taser or gun.

I found some interesting information that you might like to read on this issue. In one article in Military.com, a veteran, Mr. Jason Deitch discusses the opinion similar to mine that although it is an easy transition for veterans to move into law enforcement jobs, it may not be the best for the veterans. He cites the continued stress imposed, and the fact that many veterans have big issues, such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic injuries, to work thought after discharge from duty. It takes time to work through those issues. Working in active-duty law enforcement and being re-traumatized on a daily basis does not help the process. He urges caution.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police also is concerned about the issue. Three years ago, that organization developed guidebooks for veterans and any agency considering hiring veterans. The health and well-being of the veterans needs to be addressed. However, at a Hire Our Heroes job fair in Santa Clara County two years ago, San Francisco Police Department was actively recruiting veterans because they have the needed skill set (i.e., they know how to handle guns), and need little training for the job. Military.com has links to “Five Hot Jobs for Ex-Military”…police officer is the second job listed. Many police departments offer perks to ex-military applicants.

Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), an arm of the Department of Justice, recently offered 220 cities $114.6 million in incentives to hire post 9/11 veterans to fill 800 law enforcement positions.

Here’s the Military.com link…it’s interesting…

http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/search/law-enforcement-jobs/military-transition-to-police-force.html

The second article disturbed me. The article, “The Rise of the Warrior Cop” in ‘New American’ discussed the fact that more municipal law enforcement officers are training with military special operations groups. Homeland Security offers money and equipment to municipal law enforcement, in the name of anti-terrorism. That’s how Santa Cruz Police got the Bear Cat, right? It is also how the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Department was able to help pay for extra deputies (about 100) last July 4. They used a $65,000 grant from Homeland Security that was mostly for surveillance of North Coast beaches and illegal drug deliveries from sea, but patrolling the North Coast and other beaches in the County on July 4 also seemed to fit.

Here’s the link….give it some thought. .

http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/constitution/item/17474-secret-military-training-blurs-line-between-police-and-soldiers

Remember, Assemblyman Stone said that the local communities must insist on changes in police training that could prevent future tragic deaths such as Mr. Sean Arlt, who wielded only a garden rake, and the 15-year-old Mr. Luke Smith, who had a pocket knife and a bad LSD trip.

WRITE a letter to the Editor. SPEAK UP at public comment times in local government meetings.

PUT ON YOUR PROTEST BOOTS AND SHOW UP ON JANUARY 21…..
WOMEN’S MARCH SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PROTEST.

Come join us in standing together for a peaceful and family-friendly march and rally that represents our community and joins us together.

WE STAND WITH YOU OUR PARTNERS AND ALLIES, TO MARCH IN SOLIDARITY TO:…protect the rights of all including women, LGBTQ, immigrants, religious freedom, people with disabilities’, and the rights of people of color. And to recognize that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country. This all-inclusive, non-partisan event allows us to send a bold message to our administration and to the world that all human rights matter.

WE CALL ON ALL DEFENDERS OF HUMAN RIGHTS TO JOIN US!

When: January 21, 2017, 11:00 am – 5:30pm

The Rally starts in Watsonville at the Plaza 11:00 am Joining in Solidarity and Community Strength with North County: at Santa Cruz City Hall, 1:30 PM The March will conclude at London Nelson Ctr., Santa Cruz For up to date information, visit www.womenmarchsantacruz.com

FREE WOMENS SAFETY TRAINING this Thursday, January 12 at London Nelson Community Center, 6pm-9pm. Class taught by Jane Weed Pomerantz and Leonie Sherman, self-defense trainer. This is sponsored by the Women’s March of Washington Santa Cruz County group.

“Participants are suggested to be prepared to face the unknown and stick together.”

HUZZAH!!”

~Becky. (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).

BRAND NEW DeCINZO. A well meaning North Coast protector of all that’s good had DeCinzo create this last minute visual saga of the hassle over protecting The Cotoni-Coast Dairies land. It’s worth much more than a thousand words…

PATTON’S PROGRAM. From Gary’s “We Live In A Political World” website…Monday, January 2, 2017.

#2 / Over-Inflated

Loretta Lynch is currently the Attorney General of the United States (but not for long). Lynch was quoted in a recent article in The New York Times, titled “Loretta Lynch’s Parting Message.” She is clearly worried about whether the federal government will continue to “march toward a more just and peaceful future.” That’s something worth worrying about, given that the person whom president-elect Trump has named to succeed her is Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions. Sessions has a record indicating support for racial discrimination, and a commitment, in particular, to preserving Alabama’s long history of “separate and unequal education,” to quote from another article in The Times. By way of an antidote to despair, The Times quoted Lynch to this effect:

The way we achieved voting equality in this country was always from the community level up. It was the leaders on the ground who raised these issues, who had people out there on the streets, who had people out registering people to vote. The Times noted that it was “sobering to hear a departing attorney general implicitly telling vulnerable Americans that the federal government may fail to protect their rights and that they will have to do this work themselves. But any other message would whitewash the painful truth.”

click here to continue (link expands, click again to collapse)

~(Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney for indivuduals 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

The Beach Boys & Annette Funicello – The Monkey’s Uncle

ACLU’S ANNUAL MEETING. The Santa Cruz chapter of the ACLU will hold its annual membership and awards meeting Sunday Jan 15, 2017 at Michaels on Main restaurant (2591 S. Main St Soquel, Ca.) from 2pm to 4 pm. Tessa D’Arcangelew of the Northern California ACLU will be the featured speaker. She’ll discuss how to protect civil rights and liberties in the Trump presidency. This year the ACLU will be honoring Michael Mehr, Ruth Hunter and Keith McHenry for their outstanding contributions to the community. The public is welcome. Cost is sliding scale from $10.00 TO $20.00 with no one being turned away. To RSVP contact Joyce at 335-1060

CLASSICAL DeCINZO. Sad and true rainey day blues…scroll down just a bit.

EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. See Eagan’s “Ethics and Swamps”” just below 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. Be sure to think about and play his “Desert Island Game”

ANNIE LYDON AND DAVE STAMEY AT DON QUIXOTES. Dave Stamey is the winner of more Western Music Association Awards Than He Can Fit in His Saddlebags! ie…
• Songwriter of the year (3 times)
• Male Performer of the Year (6 times)
• Entertainer of the Year (6 times) including 2014 Entertainer of the Year

And Annie Lydon will be singing with him. Annie Lydon has been writing and performing the harmonies for Western singer-songwriter Dave Stamey’s recordings for many years. All of the CD work has been done in studio with Annie laying down the harmonies – often three-part and sometimes four-part – over Dave’s already-recorded vocal and instrumental tracks. They have rarely sung together, most frequently at the Monterey Cowboy Poetry Festivals in December and several times at Don Quixote’s in Felton.It’s happening this Thursday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m.

At Don Quixote’s 6275 Highway 9 Felton – 831-603-2294 for tickets (and they sell out every time) www.donquixotesmusic.info and more about Dave at www.davestamey.com

SANTA CRUZ CHAMBER PLAYERS. Their concert #3 is titled “MADE IN VIENNA” with music by Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert is the third concert in their season. ‘Made in Vienna’ brings audiences traditional works, such as Haydn’s Trio in C Major for piano, violin, and cello, inspired in London, and composed after Haydn returned to Vienna. Hear well-known Schubert Lieder, including Rosamunde and Der Tod und Das Mädchen for voice and piano, composed in Vienna between 1817 and 1825.The second half of the concert features less common pieces by Mozart, including selections from 6 Preludes and Fugues (from Bach transcriptions) for violin, viola, and cello. They finish with Haydn’s Arianna à Naxos, a setting of the famous Greek mythological story of Princess Ariadne’s desertion by Theseus on the island of Naxos. Originally written for voice and keyboard, this transcription features mezzo-soprano and string quartet. Solmaaz Adeli, Concert director and voice, Elizabeth Schumann, Co-concert director and piano, Shannon Delaney, violin; Rebecca Wishnia, violin, Chad Kaltinger, viola; and Kristin Garbeff, cello. The concerts happen at Christ Lutheran Church which is at 10707 Soquel Drive near the Calif. Highway Patrol turnoff from Freedom Boulevard in Aptos. Go here for tickets and directions… http://www.scchamberplayers.org/concert-three . These concerts are on Saturday, January 14, 7:30 pm and Sunday, January 15, 3:00 pm.

LISA JENSEN LINKS. Lisa’s editing her latest tome, saga, epic, or something special and will be back here next week….more than likely. Check out her Lisa Jensen Online Express (ljo-express.blogspot.com). Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.

JACKIE. I can’t honestly critique this film. Watching Natalie Portman portray Jackie Kennedy so perfectly as she went through those agonizing moments just seconds before the assassination and a few days after, just ripped me apart. It took just minutes into the film before I was back there in November of 1963 sharing her shock and horror as we all tried to face the reality of losing our president and all the dreams and hope that vanished with him. It’s a sad, monumental film. It also shows the cruel, condescending power of the males surounding Jackie in her time of need. See this film, no matter how old you are

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY. We can only guess that now that the Star Wars movie property is Walt Disney Property it would change, but not like this latest mess. Instead of being more cute, cuddly and cartoonish (like traditional Disney films)…Rogue One is darker, colder, meaner and full of war and killing. It has none of the charm, humor, humanity, mystery, history, tradition or fun quirkiness that the original Star Wars films brought us. The plot is tripe stuff about stealing Death Star plans. Darth Vader is back and James Earl Jones voice is too, but he looks thinner and smaller. The biggest afult for me is that it was filmed so dark it’s hard to see details, or look anywhere besides center screen. No great intricate space ships stay in view long enough to enjoy the fantasy. The acting is ok but there’s not much screen time for it to happen. Big disapointment.

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. Dr. Rachel Carlton Abrams guests on Jan. 10 talking about her new Rodale Book, “Body Wise.” It is about our “Body’s Intelligence” and health & healing. She’ll be followed by Gillian Greensite talking about wharves, trees, and environmental problems we are facing. Jewel Theatre’s Julie James talks about “The Book Club Play” that’s playing 1/25-2/19. She’s followed by newly elected Santa Cruz City Councilpersons Chris Krohn and Sandy Brown, They’ll talk about their plans and future years on the council. Environmentalist Grey Hayes opens the program January 24 listing and discussing environmental issues in the county. Then former newspaper reporter and author Steve Shender talks about his new Hawaii book, “Once There Was Fire” (Kamehameha and friends).

It’s hard to imagine that there are people still alive, who were alive back when lynchings were a thing. I can’t even begin to imagine all the things and changes in the world that this woman has witnessed.

January 31 has UCSC Professor Linda Berman-Hall informing us about the 2017 season of The Santa Cruz Baroque festival and their Feb.4th concert. Sexpert, author, lecturer, and performer Susie Bright guests on Feb. 7 talking about lots of things. On March 7 Newton and Helen Harrison talk about their book, ” The Time of The Force Majeure”. 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

QUOTES. “STORMS and…”

“Storms make the oak grow deeper roots,” George Herbert
“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship,” Louisa May Alcott
“Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else,” Margaret Mead
“Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes”, Jim Carrey

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

Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
Direct phone: 831 423-2468
All Technical & Web details: Gunilla Leavitt @ godmoma@gmail.com

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

Posted in Weekly Articles | Comments Off

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.

Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.

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