June 19 – 25, 2024 - Bratton Online - A Weekly Column By Bruce BrattonBratton Online – A Weekly Column By Bruce Bratton (2024)

Highlights this week:

Bratton… Check out LandWatch; last chance for Maui timeshare… Greensite… on Losing the East Meadow: A Big Unnecessary Mistake… Steinbruner… Private campgrounds in rural fire-risk areas… Hayes… back next week… Patton… China’s housing woes… Matlock… Thomas hits the jackpot…Fauci faces Flaxen Klaxon…78 candles & a file, please… Eagan… Subconscious Comics and Deep Cover… Webmistress serves you… Donald Sutherland, R.I.P. Quotes on… “Donald Sutherland”

SANTA CRUZ POST OFFICE. July 1, 1911. As the writing on the photo says, “looking Southwest”. You can see many of the still standing structures along Front Street and over on Pacific Avenue. It was the Plaza Land Office there where Jamba Juice is now located.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.
Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

HITLER AND THE NAZIS. NETFLIX SERIES (7.5 IMDB) We’ll never the total truth behind World War II but this documentary fills in many blank spots. 6 years of war, 60 million lives lost, Nuremberg trials, Hitler and his love for some of Wagner’s operas, Goering, anti-British, mentioning the Messiah…it’s all in this well done documentary. We should memorize the lessons we need to learn.

WONDER. Netflix movie. (7.9 IMDB) When you haveOwen Wilson, Julia RobertsandMandy Patinkinas leads in a sentimental movie about a 10 year old boy born with a disfigured face after 27 surgeries you have a terrible chance at making a watchable movie….and this isn’t watchable.

PRESUMED INNOCENT. Apple series. (7.5 IMDB) Jake Gyllenhaaldoes his usual excellent job this time as a Chicago attorney. It’s almost all courtroom scenes plus murder of a pregnant woman, and why was she killed? Legalese takes first place plus some very tense moments….go for it.

THE IRON CLAW. HBO MAX movie. (7.6IMDB) It’s hard to imagine that they’d make a movie about the phoniness of tag team wrestling and expect it to contain anything resembling a believable plot.Zac Efronheads this semi true story of the wrestling Von Erich family. They managed to involve the Christian church in it but to little or no avail. Bad acting, flaky plot, and it’s half billed as a documentary, do not watch.

RAISING VOICES.Netflix Series. (7.2 IMDB) It’s just a bit dated because they have a relatively normal family who have built and operate a marijuana farm in their basem*nt. There’s also lots of alcohol and party times happening. Another sub plot is a momentary focus on whether or not some of the characters are lesbians. There is no reason for this topic and no reason to see this movie either.

HIT MAN. Netflix movie. (7.3 IMDB) It’s listed as a comedy andGlen Powellplays the lead as an undercover cop who takes on many jobs as a killer informant but fools everyone involved. The plot is amazingly confusing and full of posing and bad acting. The New York Times gave Powell big publicity and promotion last Sunday, pay no attention to it. They got it wrong, or are secretly managing Powell’s career.

ERIC. Netflix series(7.01IMDB). Now we get to see/hearBenedict Cumberbatchdo an American accent. He’s part of the 1980’s New York City startup of PBS’s Sesame Street in its most innovativeJim Hensenperiod. It’s partly funny, but it’s about the father son relationship thatCumberbatchhas with his son. They hit on the race issue, plus the gay life, and even the homeless scene. It has a corny ending but it’s still worth watching.

ATLAS. Netflix movie (5.6 IMDB) Just about another future earth after some kind of huge attack. This one stars (loosely) Jennifer Lopezand she’s terrible in this Hollywood 28 years after some horrible attack flop. Plenty of bots working with humans which seems to be nearly impossible. It’s even truer after you watch Dune part 2. Don’t bother.

MAESTRO IN BLUE.Netflix series(8.2 IMDB) A curious film made during the covid mask era in Greece. It’s about a music festival on an island, the handsome guy in charge of the festival, and all these gay guys who don’t seem to be happy while being gay. Then too there’s a sort of sub plot involving a 18 year old girl and a 40 plus guy. I couldn’t buy any of it.

DUNE. PART 2. Max movie (8.6 IMDB) (4 thumbs) An absolute genius of a special effects extravaganza. You’ll need to see (or read) the plot from Frank Herbert’s book to remember /learn all the names and plot twists involved in part 2. It’s about intergalactic spices and who owns them.TimotheeChalametis the lead andJavier Bardemplays a serious role too along withChristopher Walken, Zendaya, Josh Brolinand thousands of digital look a likes. It’s the best use of advanced screen effects I’ve ever seen. The scope, the plot, the movie itself is the biggest ever. Don’t miss it and go to a theater to see it on the biggest screen possible.

A SIMPLE FAVOR. Netflix movie (6.8 IMDB) It’s billed as a drama/comedy and doesn’t qualify as either one.Anna Hendrickis the lead and she is simply just not funny OR believable.Rupert FriendandHenry Goldingare in it too, but shouldn’t have been. A child goes missing and finding her son takes most of this movie, and your patience.

BRIDGERTON. Netflix series. (7.4 IMDB) The very definition of a British costume drama. But this is noDowntown Abbeyand contains only stereotypes of high court characters.Julie Andrewsis in it, if you wait long enough. It’s interesting and possible that there really were that many races represented in the British courts at that time or is it the film makers attempt to stage racial balance?

BETTER THAN US.Netflix series. (7.3 IMDB) This is a Russian attempt at a science fiction/ robot/ sex / half serious comment on where high tech will be taking us in the near future. A “female” robot vanishes and the search and her relationships are the crux of the plot. Interesting but not necessary.

DARK MATTER. Apple series (7.4 IMDB) Yes indeed, another space bending, time warping 9 episode distraction. This one starsJoel EdgertonandJennifer Connelly.There’s a robbery he gets beat up then he gets reborn backwards 14 months and 10 days in his life.He made and remakes mistakes and so do many other characters in their new growth decisions, but it’s not all that bad. Go for it.

A NEARLY NORMAL FAMILY. Netflix series. (6.4 IMDB)A beautiful 19 year old daughter gets raped by a 40 year old guy. Turns out he’s not such a bad guy except that he gets murdered and she gets accused. Her parents and many friends and you too, will defend her. The ending is a surprise. It’s enticing, engrossing, and it has just a few gaps in the telling of the plot but watch it at your earliest convenience.

Losing the East Meadow: A Big Unnecessary Mistake

In 1978, when we moved into one of the Family Student Housing apartments at UCSC I exclaimed, “I bet this is the fanciest place I’ll ever live in!” That turned out to be true. The two-bedroom apartments were spiffy, very well-designed for student families with young children. Clustered around multiple, fenced grassy common areas, each circle of apartments provided an ideal setting for toddlers to play safely and socialize outdoors. That was then, this is now.

Current residents of Family Student Housing (FSH) complain of persistent mold, leaks, and rust. If you look closely at bottom left, you can see sandbags against the sliding glass doors. They are there presumably to stop water leaking inside. Much of the wooden fencing and decking is visibly rotten. In a mere forty-five years, neglect by the UCSC administration has created a blight, a housing complex now described as “beyond its useful life.”

In 1978, the rent for one of these apartments was $110 a month. When word spread that the administration planned to raise the rent by $45 a month, we organized a rent strike. Going door to door we secured support from over ninety percent of residents who agreed to participate in the rent strike. We placed one month’s rent from each household in a bank account. Then we drew up a petition stating that we were withholding our rent until the proposed rent increase was dropped. Our rationale was that UCSC is equivalent to a factory town: they control Teaching Assistant (TA) salaries as well as FSH rents. If they want to raise the latter, they should raise the former. We requested a meeting with then Chancellor Sinsheimer, and with toddlers in tow, a small group of us explained our case to him in his office. He was sympathetic to the logic. The rent increase was dropped. Even more significant, FSH was removed from the state-required formula that future student housing building costs are amortized across all current students. Such formula means that any future UCSC growth will inexorably raise current on-campus rents to pay for loans for new building costs. And by extension, campus growth and ever-increasing on-campus rents drive up off-campus rents as landlords follow the money.

The current residents of FSH pay $1900 a month, almost twenty times what we paid for the same apartments, although then in excellent condition. I don’t know for sure, but I doubt TA salaries have risen twenty-fold over the same period. UCSC has given a $2500 stipend for FSH families. It appears from student comments to the press that rent increases have eaten up much of it. UCSC is currently proposing a further $65 a month rent increase for FSH. The residents have drawn up a petition signed by 400 people, not all of them FSH residents, protesting the increase. As of writing I do not know the outcome of their petition. The administration has stated that rent increases are to pay for, among other things, “repairs and maintenance.” It seems that little if any of that money went for repairs and maintenance of FSH over the years. Such neglect and waste should be an embarrassment for a world-renowned university that proudly features a Sustainability Office.

A FSH rent increase pales beside the plan to bulldoze the current FSH apartments and build a new complex at the base of the East Meadow. Instead of the current 199 apartments and child-care center, the new complex will have only 120 apartments and child-care center. Rents for the new complex are expected to be $2,400 a month. This plan, in the works since 2017, drew serious opposition from many UCSC academics, alumni, and donors via the East Meadow Action Committee. It was highly unpopular within the larger community. In a Sentinel Guest Commentary on March 6, 2024, those deeply involved in this effort laid bare the history of UCSC’s decision to relocate FSH to the East Meadow.

The big picture includes the Student Housing West project, at the site of current FSH. This project for three thousand new bed spaces sounds like a giant step forward in building student housing on campus. However, according to UCSC, it is bedspace for current students who have piled into dorms meant for half the number of students. It is catch-up for years of increased enrollment and too little building of on-campus housing. (Remember that any new campus housing raises rents for all current students.) As plans were proceeding for Student Housing West, a protected species was found onsite. It appears the UCSC administration had a choice. Wait six months and negotiate with US Fish and Wildlife Service over mitigation for the protected species. Or draw up a hasty new plan that included an increase in the height of Student Housing West and the relocation of FSH to the East Meadow. They chose the latter.

Such choice was unfortunate and unnecessary. Surely the stable of UCSC lawyers know that If mitigations cannot reduce an impact to a less than significant degree, the applicant can submit a Statement of Overriding Consideration under CEQA law? Had UCSC proceeded with its original plan, there would have been no lawsuits and at worst a six- month delay, not a six- year delay.

Many, including the UCSC Student Housing Coalition as quoted in the press, blame the lawsuits for holding up the building of much-needed student housing. Lawsuits are an easy target to deflect blame. Such finger pointers might think about campus growth and the inevitable rent increase connection. Or the campus history of superb environmental design. Or the beauty of scanning Monterey Bay over the unspoiled East Meadow. Once that’s gone, it’s gone forever. Rents, however, will keep rising with each new housing project.

SANTA CRUZ JUDGE RULES UCSC LONG RANGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS IS INADEQUATE
I happened to find a Santa Cruz County Superior Court tentative ruling this week, stating that the judge granted legal challenge of the UCSC plan for housing on Campus.

It was a consolidation of three related cases brought against the Regents byHABITAT AND WATERSHED CARETAKERS (“HAWC”) et al,CITY OF SANTA CRUZ, andCOUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ.

Amazingly, the Court’s tentative ruling opined that the Regents violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Education Code §67504, as follows:

1. The analysis of the 2021 LRDP’s wildfire impacts with respect to evacuation is inadequate;
2. The analysis of the LRDP’s consistency with regional land use policies is inadequate;
3. The EIR’s mitigation measure for the LRDP’s impacts to wildfire with respect to evacuation routes is ineffective;
4. The EIR failed to adequately respond to the City’s proposed mitigation measure for the significant impacts to the City’s tight housing market, by an ongoing contribution from the University; and failed to demonstrate that this proposed mitigation measure is infeasible;
5. The FEIR failed to adequately respond to Comment 07-25.

One of the parties, likely the attorney for the Regents, apparently contested the ruling and presented additional argument on June 13 to Judge Timothy Schmal. He accepted documents and argument of both sides, and has taken the matter into submission for further consideration. He has 90 days to issue a final decision.

You can keep an eye on this by logging into the Court’s case search system and researching Cases 21CV02683, 22CV00373 and 22CV00383

PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS IN OUR RURAL FIRE-RISK AREAS?
If you live in the rural area, pay attention to the proposed Low Impact Camping Ordinance (LICA) and plan to attend next Tuesday’s Board of Supervisor meeting on June 25 at 1:30pm or submit comment earlier.

Why would the County want to allow private campgrounds in the high fire-risk areas of our communities? The Planning Commission twice rejected the notion, but this Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors will discuss approval.

Why does Supervisor Zach Friend support this?

I think it’s because the camps would pay Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT), which would bolster the County’s need to raise money needed for debt service and to support the never-ending services handed out.

The Ordinance would allow any landowner with parcels five acres or more to establish campgrounds for up to 36 people at a time, with no water on site, no required communication connectivity to allow calling emergency responders if needed, and no required on-site supervision by the landowner.

A recent letter to the editor by Ms. Nancy Kille, a resident of Bonny Doon, pointed out that:

“I live at the end of the road in a residential area of Bonny Doon. A third of my community was lost in the CZU fires. Most people have not yet been able to rebuild. One requirement that must met before rebuilding is the installation of a 10,000-gallon water tank with fire hookups. The fire marshal asked for this to be part of the LICA ordinance but it was deemed “too restrictive” so water will not be required on LICA sites.
Various fire officials have asked that areas of extreme and high fire danger be excluded from becoming private campgrounds. We were told that would make about half of our county ineligible for LICA campsites so that will not be part of the ordinance. Slightly more than half of all wildfires are started by campfires. If our insurance is being canceled in these areas because of fire danger, why would camping in them be encouraged?”

Guest Commentary | Why Santa Cruz County should not support low impact camping on private land

Below is an alert from Chairman Justin Cummings’s Newsletter:

Many of you have been following the Low-Impact Camping Area (LICA) ordinance draft as it worked its way through the Planning Commission – a body that twice recommended the Board deny the ordinance. Now it comes before the Board of Supervisors onTuesday, June 25 at 1:30 PM.While staff has made small adjustments, the ordinance will still streamline the development of rural, private campgrounds in the unincorporated areas by providing a ministerial permitting process.

There will be no required CEQA analysis nor public hearings for these projects. Staff has added in an ‘environmental clearance’ procedure which is a ministerial, abbreviated map review thatcouldlead to further analysis. But this process would beinadequate to fully examinethe foreseeable impacts of thetotalproject in terms of potential wildfire risk and its effects on sensitive habitats.

After speaking with fire professionals, seasoned volunteers and law enforcement, I continue to question the feasibility of enforcing the ordinance due to the costs associated with it and the staffing it will require – a factor that has yet to be explored. Additionally, the roadways in rural parts of District 3, including private roads leading to eligible parcels, can be inaccessible for public safety vehicles. Since the ordinance does not require an on-site manager at these campgrounds, there is a lack of accountability built into the ordinance that is problematic.

For these and other reasons, I will be seeking clarification and information from staff. I invite you to pleaseexpress your views on this important matter by sending letters to the Board, by calling in during the hearing, or by joiningus in-person on Tuesday June 25th at 1:30 pm at the County Building, in Board Chambers at 701 Ocean Street,Room 525. The agenda report for this item will be available on the County website this Thursday June 20th in the afternoon.

Email:
BoardOfSupervisors@santacruzcountyca.gov

The County is jumping in on this State mandate not yet signed by the Governor as legislation Senate Bill 620:

SB 620, as amended, McGuire. Low-impact camping areas.
Existing law, the Special Occupancy Parks Act, establishes requirements for the construction, maintenance, occupancy, use, and design of special occupancy parks. Existing law defines “special occupancy park” to mean a recreational vehicle park, temporary recreational vehicle park, incidental camping area, or tent camp. This bill would specify that, for purposes of that act, a special occupancy park does not include a low-impact camping area.The bill would define a “low-impact camping area” to mean any area of private property that provides for the transient occupancy rental of a temporary sleeping accommodation, as defined, for recreational purposes that is not a commercial lodging facility and meets specified requirements. The bill would require the county in which the low-impact camping area is located to enforce some of those requirements, relating to waste disposal and quiet hours, as specified.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursem*nt. This bill would provide that no reimbursem*nt is required by this act for a specified reason.

Please weigh in on this local matter at the Board of Supervisor meeting Tuesday, June 25 at 1:30pm.

SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT COLLECTING FEES FOR A SERVICE NOT PROVIDED
The Soquel Creek Water District raised rates significantly to help pay for the PureWater Soquel Project benefits they insist will be provided to the MidCounty Groundwater Basin when the Project becomes operational.

It is not legal to charge customers for a service that is not provided. The District staff knows this because of the successful legal challenge against them by ratepayer Jon Cole.

Yet, here they are again, admittedly charging customers for a service not rendered.
Staff admitted it last Tuesday in Item #7.2:

The revisions to the District’s Reserve Policy include the addition of this Major Maintenance Account under a Pure Water Soquel Repair and Replacement Reserve.

In addition, the District began collecting revenue in April 2024 to support, in part, operation of the Pure Water Soquel facilities. Since the District’s revenue collection fluctuates between higher revenue in summer month and lower revenue in winter months,it is financially prudent to begin setting aside that portion of rate revenue, as identified in the 2024 Water Rate Study performed by Raftelis, that is for Pure Water Soquel operations and basin sustainability.This will ensure that when PWS operations commence the District has adequate cash flow to pay the service fees associated with the OMAR contract, including establishment of the Major Maintenance Account, as well as other expenses associated with PWS. For this reason a Temporary Operating Reserve for Pure Water Soquel has also been added to the revised Reserve Policy

https://www.(PAGE 178 of agenda packet)

This Project has been delayed, and the bills are coming due. The Board voted to allow the General Manager Ron Duncan to negotiate a new revolving loan agreement to be $30 million instead of $75 million, and not have to immediately repay $16.8 million borrowed on the line of credit. The State grant money will not be fully released until the Project is completed, and it may take six months to one year for that reimbursem*nt.

The June 4 District Final Budget revealed the anticipated annual operating costs for the Project will be $6.9 million.

What a financially foolish thing this Board has done.

WHEN WILL THE LIVE OAK LIBRARY ANNEX OPEN??
Recent Board of Supervisor consent agenda materials hinted that the Live Oak Library Annex may be supervised by Parks Dept. staff (if they have time). I wrote to the Santa Cruz County Public Library Director and asked when the facility would be open?

Here is Interim Director Eric Howard’s response:

Thank you for your inquiry. The study rooms are part of the Annex and they can be accessed now. The Annex isn’t a branch and so it’s operations and services will differ – but the space will be accessible during the hours of operations for the entire Center. We intend to introduce limited library services beginning in August. As we get closer to that time we will be able to provide more information on the services being offered, including when staff will be available. Librarians have already reserved some of the spaces for programming and those programs will be advertised in the coming weeks.
Kind regards,
Eric Howard, Interim Library Director

There are no books at this library, and no librarians there, yet Measure S Library funds built it. How can we hold our elected officials accountable for this lie? Please read the 2021-2022 County Grand Jury Report on this misuse of Measure S funding and contact your County Supervisor…or the Grand Jury again and think twice about approving any local tax measures coming on the November ballot: Measure S Report

NEW REPORTS OUT BY THE COUNTY GRAND JURY
The County Grand Jury has released more reports.Please take time to read through them and contact appropriate agencies required to respond with your thoughts: 2023-2024 Grand Jury Reports and Responses

LEGAL OPINION EXPECTED REGARDING YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE ON TAX ISSUES
At the time of this writing, a decision by the State Supreme Court is expected to be issued June 20, 2024 as to whether you and I will be allowed to vote this November on a tax initiative that has qualified for the ballot. In unprecedented action, the Legislature has sued the Secretary of State to block our ability to vote.

Please watch for this, andcontact the Governor with your thoughts.

LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA v. WEBER (HILTACHK)
Case: S281977, Supreme Court of California

Notes: To be filed Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

For more information on this case, go here

MAKE ONE CALL. WRITE ONE LETTER. ATTEND A BOARD OF SUPERVISOR MEETING IF YOU CAN.
DO ONE THING THIS WEEK AND MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.

Cheers and Happy Summer Solstice!
Becky

Grey is off camping in remote Big Sur this week, we will see him next week!

#167 / China’s Housing Woes (And Ours)

An under-construction housing complex by Chinese property developer Poly Group in Dongguan, in China’s southern Guangdong Province, in 2022

An interesting article in the June 6, 2024, edition ofThe New York Times(“Guess Who’s Angry?“)made me aware that housing market issues in Ch1na are not, perhaps, all that different from housing market issues in my own hometown.

Here is an excerpt from the article I am talking about (with emphasis added):

For much of the past decade,China’s efforts to curb speculation on real estate grew broader and more extensive.

Shanghai declared that anyone who got a divorce would be subject to restrictions on apartment buying for three years, tocounter couples who were splitting up just so they could buy second homes as investments. In Chengdu, in western China, only local residents who paid social welfare taxes and drew a winning ticket in a lottery could buy a new place. In the city of Tangshan, in the country’s northeast, anyone buying a home had to hold the property for at least three and a half years.

Those restrictions, along with limitations in other regions, have been lifted as China tries to revive a severe property downturn. Sincelast year, more than 25 Chinese cities have eliminated all restrictions on real estate purchases, as many local governments scrapped rules that prevented developers from cutting prices.

Last month, thecentral government went further. It lowered down-payment requirements and relaxed mortgage rules, and urged local governments to buy unsold homes and convert them into public housing.

But some of China’s efforts to stimulate home buying have upset one of the country’s most vocal constituencies: existing homeowners.

Many Chinese homeowners, who pinched and saved to buy apartments that serve as a main household investment, are now worried that the relaxing of restrictions will depress prices for their properties. The new policies have given rise to a dose of NIMBY-ism, short for “not in my backyard,” in a country ruled by the Communist Party.

The government must thread a needle as it tries to address the collapse of an industry that accounts for a quarter of the Chinese economy. While discontent over the economy could shake social stability, so could a backlash by homeowners, many of whom are holding on to hope that their properties will build wealth for future generations.

Many of the restrictions were lifted by the same policymakers who had introduced the rules only a few years earlier to adhere to the decree by China’s leader, Xi Jinping, that “houses are for living, not for speculation.”

It was more or less news to me that the “real estate boom” in China, which I did know about, has been supported by “investors” who have been buying up housing not, simply, to provide a home for themselves and their family, but as an “investment” that would pay off as housing prices increased.

In other words, despite the admonition that “houses are for living, not for speculation,” and despite the fact that China is supposed to be “communist,” not “capitalist,” those who were buying housing were, in fact, “speculating.” Recent government efforts to make housing more available are making some people “angry.” Who? Well, the homeowner/speculators who are afraid that actually making housing available to those who need shelter (and thus encouraging a pricing policy that will allow more people to buy) will depress housing prices, and thus undermine their strategy to use ever-increasing housing prices as a way to make money.

The situations in China and the United States are different, but a common thread is the idea – advanced by some, at least – that residential real estate should be an “investment,” as opposed to providing simple shelter for those who need housing.

In Santa Cruz County – and the City has a similar program, originally patterned after the County’s – some housing price increases are limited. The County’s “Measure J” inclusionary housing program (one of the first in California), allowed average and below average income people to buy housing at a price that they could afford. BUT… unlike what apparently happened in China, that housing was sold with a price restriction, so that when a Measure J inclusionary unit is resold, the price can go up only to reflect inflation and any additional investments made by the homeowner. The idea is that the purchaser of a Measure J inclusionary unit, when it is originally sold, will buy the unit at a price that is “affordable” to a person with an average or below average income. When resold, that housing unit will also go to someone who is at the same income level as the person who originally bought the home. Housing that is “affordable” when first sold will remain “affordable.” Buying up truly affordable, price-restricted housing, willnotbe the kind of investment that will make you a lot of money.

Clearly, the idea here is exactly the one articulated by Xi Jinping: “Houses are for living, not for speculation.” Alas, speculators abound – in both countries, it appears. Weknowthey abound in the United States!The Times‘ article points out that they abound in China, too.

Housing is a basic and fundamental human need. When housing is converted into a speculative good, with people buying housing not becuase they need a home, but in order to profit from an anticipated price runup, then the “Golden Rule of Economics” comes into play. You may remember that I have talked about this “Golden Rule” before:

Those Who Have The Gold Make The Rules

In my hometown, developers of a proposed new development adjacent to the Town Clock are telling everyone that all we need to do to provide “affordable” housing is just to build more housing, period (they’re the builders, of course). They say that the increased “supply” of housing will cause the “price” to come down, thus making “affordable” housing more generally available.

Don’t you believe it! That certainly doesn’t work in Santa Cruz, California. People from all over the world (including China, by the way) are going to be bidding for every new housing unit built in our local community. Unless there is a price restriction on the new housing units produced, those with the “Gold” will get the goods. Please be aware that this willnotinclude any average or below average working people who support community services. You know, the teachers, the store clerks, the guys who do landscaping, or who take care of customers in their local gym. Painters, waitresses, and house cleaners need not even think of applying!

Finding ways to take the “speculation” out of housing prices can solve our affordable housing crisis. In fact, it’s the only way to do it. More sixteen or eighteen-story buildings on downtown streets will just put more “gold” into the pockets of the developer/speculators who tout their deep commitment to the community and to “affordable” housing.

Santa Cruz residents should check out the pictures below.This proposed development, called “Clock Tower Plaza,” is the latest effort to deliver wealth to the property owners and developers, at the expense of everyone else. They won’t provide parking. They won’t restrict prices (except for a small number of units). And they will sell or rent their units to those who can pay the most. That won’t be most of us! There will only be a very few price-restricted units available. The developers will make out just fine, while the rest of us can have the privilege of watching our community disappear:

TUCKER SPUTTERS, AS THE CROW FLIES, GREENE DENIED

Just in case you were eagerly awaiting the release of the much-heralded biography ofTucker Carlson,Bryan Tyler Cohenhas disappointment for you on hisodactionnewswebsite…the publication has been shelved…at least untilTuck-Tuckregains some notoriety. As Cohen writes,“A biography about alt-right fanboy and testicl*-tanning enthusiast Tucker Carlson has been cancelled by a major publishing house, apparently because Carlson’s star power has waned since his unceremonious ouster from FoxNews last year. Politico’s Michael Shaffer attributed the book deal’s demise to Carlson’s diminished cultural relevance, writing that ‘the cancellation stems at least in part from the belief that Carlson, once the biggest name on cable, no longer has the kind of cultural footprint to warrant a pricey, complicated book by a top-shelf writer.’ For the record, we would argue Carlson never had the kind of cultural footprint to warrant a complicated book of any kind; he simply had hold of one of Rupert Murdoch’s very loud and very well-funded megaphones.”Dominion Voting Systemsseems to have a larger megaphone…to the tune of $787M worth! Make better choices next time, Tuck.

Bad news on another front, forSupreme Court Justice Clarence Thomasand his ‘son,’Mark Martin, who he claims to have raised from the age of six, comes word that they have evidently had a falling out, with no contact ‘in a long time.’ Mark is actually the grandson of Thomas’s sister, and was the beneficiary of donated gifts of tuition to two private schools, courtesy of the Clarence Thomas sugar-daddy,Harlan Crow. Martin, who is now 32, is awaiting trial inSouth Carolinaon drugs and weapons charges, saying in aBusiness Insiderinterview that despite his reaching out to Clarence andGinniseveral times over the years, he has been ignored and is unsure whether they are aware of his current plight…nor is he sure they would even care. He has said he was unaware of Crow’s footing the bill for his education, but that he“believed his intentions to be pure.”No word on whether or not he was a participant in any of the vacations enjoyed by the Thomas duo bestowed upon them by Mr. Crow. AfterProPublicarevealed that Thomas had benefited from the Crow largesse several times, he finally owned up to two trips which had been excluded in his filings, subsequently amending his 2019 financial disclosure; but then investigators questioning Crow himself offered him a deal, whereupon he spilled the beans about three more unreported private jet trips. Are there more dominoes about to fall? A statement from Crow’s office says Senators had been given information covering the past seven years, with the committee agreeing“to end its probe with respect to Mr. Crow. Despite his serious and continued concerns about the legality and necessity of the inquiry, Mr. Crow engaged in good faith with the Committee.”Crickets from Justice Thomas regarding his frequent use of Crow’sCanadian Bombardier Global 5000business jet which can cost over $10,000 per flight hour if chartered from a private company.

The senate committee also authorized a subpoena for conservative legal activistLeonard Leo, who joinedThomasandCrowon one trip, but is better known as a luxury fishing trip buddy forJustice Samuel Alito. Leo is defying the subpoena. The clamor that arose from the questionable ethics of Thomas and Alito led to theCourtadopting a historical-first code of conduct, which as might be expected, has no teeth and no enforcement mechanism. Last week theSenate Democratsattempted to pass a bill to tighten the Court-adopted ethics rules and create a process for investigating complaints of possible misconduct, butSenator Lindsey Grahamcalled it“unconstitutional overreach” as he led a group ofGOPSenators to block it.

Justice Thomas, in acknowledging the two free vacations reported byProPublica, said he“inadvertently omitted”the gifts on his financial disclosure forms. And though many legal experts have described his unreported trips as violations, Thomas’s attorney maintains that free flights don’t have to be reported. Somewhere in his reasoning, Thomas, who claims to be a Constitutional originalist with ability to parse definite meanings from the ambiguous language of that founding document, loses the thread when it comes to his personal lifestyle. Those definitive words he spoke last year become contradictory in newer situations as he becomes an advocate of evolving explanations toward a forgetful audience. After ProPublica started revealing the beneficence ofCrowtoward him, Thomas issued his ‘disclosure’ that these were“family trips with dearest friends,”further explaining advice sought from colleagues that,“this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable. I have endeavored to follow that counsel throughout my tenure.”So, intentional exclusions, eh? But with the newly filed amendment, he says his information had been“inadvertently omitted”earlier? So which is it, Justice Thomas? The trickster is at work here…amended filings list only“food and lodging”– how did he get toBali? Must have been a private jet or a luxury cruiser of some sort?The listing on the disclosure as a“reimbursem*nt”instead of a ‘gift’ enables Thomas to hide the dollar value of his Bali vacation just as was the case with other gifts. It is estimated that Mr. T has accumulated between $2m and $4 in gifts since 2004, to whichSteven LubetofThe Daily Beastwrites,“As a justice of the Supreme Court, Thomas must regularly interpret complex statutes, and determine the validity of laws based on his theory of ‘history and tradition,’ often with the life, fortune, or freedom of people at stake. If nothing else, it is a task that demands consistency, candor, and completeness. Although I seldom agree with Thomas’s jurisprudence, I can still appreciate the clarity of his written opinions. When it comes to his financial disclosures, however, it is all commission, contradiction, and obfuscation. Which raises the question: How gullible does he think we are?”

Still plying her wiles on our gullibility isGeorgia’s Flaxen Klaxon,Marjorie Taylor Greene. However, her tactics were stalled by fellowHousemembers, bothRepublicansandDemocrats, after her recent attempt to removeMike JohnsonasHouse Speakerwhen she could barely gather just a handful of backers. This led her to begin pointing fingers at both political parties as a“uniparty”even though there is not much unity to see…except where they want her to clam up and disappear.Charlie Sykescommented onMSNBCthat one doesn’t even have to like Speaker Johnson to enjoy this moment, where Greene is“basically reaching her expiration date.”Only after the former president posted that her action“will negatively affect everything,”did she back off, not daring to lose favor with her orange idol, though she was only following his example using a big mouth and a hate-filled heart.Amanda MarcotteofSalonidentifies“she”as the operative word in MTG’s case…theChristianright-controlledGOPsees women as support staff, not leaders. She was beloved when she paid little attention to legislative work and spent all her time spewing invective to rallyMAGAts…being a cheerleader. But then she jumped into the huddle and started trying to call plays, so a line was drawn, characterized by the boos and heckling from the House floor. As Marcotte says,“The GOP turned on her because, simply put, she got too big for her britches. Or, in more old-fashioned terms, she wanted to wear the britches, while they wanted her to stay in skirts. Greene is emblematic of the empty-headed fascism Trump has brought to life in American politics. Greene has painted a target on her back. Her relevance just took a big blow she may never recover from.”

But, never one to take a hint,Greenefaced off withDr. Anthony Faucilast week during aHousehearing where he was questioned, fending off criticism that he harbors secrets regardingCOVID-19and is responsible for governmental policies during his tenure…“crimes against humanity.”Greene refused to address him by his title of ‘doctor’ until she was admonished by the chair, though she continued with her snippy rudeness.Jimmy FallonofThe Tonight Showmocked her actions as a“strong stance,”saying her come-on line was,“If you’re a real doctor, how come you’re not walking toward me with a straitjacket?”Fallon also noted thatPepsihad been surpassed byDr. Pepperas the second top soda brand in theUSA, just behindco*ke. He imagines Greene’s response as a rant about ‘Mr. Pepper’ not being “a real doctor.” As theRed Queensaid toAlice,“you have to run as fast as you can to stay in the same place.”Run, Marge, run!

Marjorieseems to fall into the category described byAaron BlakeofThe Washington Postwhere he says that those who will be deciding the 2024 election this year are not“generally the ones who will be on the fence and making crucial calls late in the campaign.”He apologizes for this summation, which is not to be a reflection on those who read campaign politics newsletters and the like, because the decisive voters are going to be those who have little to no idea what those who have been paying attention are even talking about. He discusses a poll fromYahoo NewsandYouGovwhere people were asked a series of basic questions about current politics, with only about half of our citizens agreeingTrumphad been indicted for the subjects of his three remaining indictments. Sadly, 16 to 21 percent said affirmatively that Trump had not been indicted for these things…which he in fact has been indicted for. With some skepticism, he thinks someRepublicansanswered the questions wrong to skew the polling numbers. Blake attributes the range of answers simply to lack of paying attention, or a media diet on outlets that also don’t pay attention, with those least familiar with the indictments beingFoxNewsviewers and who don’t watch other cable news. Referencing those who purposely answered questions incorrectly, a protest of sorts might be at work if they feel indictments were unjustified…how could a‘witch hunt’be an indictment anyway? Lack of engagement is emphasized by the 1 in 5 polled who claimed not to know details of the TrumpManhattan Courtverdict, either saying the former president was‘not guilty’or the trial was still in process…with 2 out of every 5 registered voters under the age of 30! Yikes…not a good omen!

AMarquette University Law Schoolpoll finds that a majority of independents indicate that they have heard only“a little”or“nothing at all”regardingTrump’spurloined classified documents indictment. Last month, aReuters/Ipsospoll found that only 1 in 5 voters knew thatTrumpsaid purported voter fraud in the 2020 election“allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution.”Based on claims by Trump and hisMAGAts, some voters believe our economy is in recession, and think we have a 50-year high in unemployment. It is concerning that we may not see big shifts approaching the upcoming election, even with voters becoming more attentive.

Notably, one who hasn’t been paying attention isDonald J. Trumpwho still hasn’t figured out how our government works…in particular theHouse of Representatives. After his conviction on 34 felony fraud counts in theNew Yorkcase, he immediately contactedHouse Speaker Johnsonasking him to overturn the verdict, which in turn promptedSeth Meyersof ‘Late Night‘ to explain the Trumpian view of our three branches.“He treats them like his three adult kids. The executive branch is Ivanka, she can do whatever she wants; the judicial branch is Don Jr., his right-hand man who does his bidding; and, Congress is Eric,”Seth interprets, adding,“Send him a birthday card, even though Trump has probably tried to have him killed. Eric knew it wasn’t intentional that he got pushed into the quicksand.”Meyers rags on theMAGAfold for spouting conspiracy theories aboutJoe Biden, while ignoring“the real one right in front of them.”

Trumpreturned to the location of his four-year crime spree inDClast week, meeting withHouse Republicans, and was about as coherent as any of his verbal-incontinency rally speeches might be. One source described him as“rambling, like talking to your drunk uncle at the family reunion,”as he tried his repetitive bit at humor in describingHannibal Lecteras a nice guy who had a friend over for dinner. Most of those in attendance had great praise for the gathering saying he had brought“great unity.”…perhaps, with the exception ofRepresentative Chip Roywho spent part of his time watching golf on hisiPadas theOrange Onerambled on. Trump was serenaded with a round of‘Happy Birthday’as he exited, in celebration of his 78th birthday event to follow at aMar-a-Lagothe next day.

Keith Olbermann, formerly ofMSNBCandESPN, jumped on the reporting of theAssociated Pressfor its coverage ofTrump’sreturn toDC, saying onXwitter,“Fire everybody for describing the visit as ‘triumphant.'”His article was headlined,“Cheers, cake and a fist-bump from GOP as Trump returns to Capitol Hill in a first since Jan. 6 riot,”going on to say,“I am surprised to find the AP is still in business today after it published this wanton, biased, compromised, prostituted, unsurvivable pile of Trump-sucking propaganda yesterday.”Yeah, but what do you really think, Keith? Referring toAdolf Hitler’spropaganda minister, he adds,“Goebbels would have been embarrassed.”The AP did not immediately respond to his commentary, but the Trump campaign was quick to attack, with a post saying,“Joe Biden and his supportersshowing they are anti-press and in favor of punishing anyone who does not parrot their propaganda.”

Jimmy Fallonof the ‘Tonight Show‘ cracked,“Down at Mar-a-Lago, they’re planning a big party with candy ankle monitors and a bouncy jail house. Apparently, when the chef at Mar-a-Lago asked what kind of cake he wanted, Trump said, ‘The kind with the file baked into it.'”

Donald Sutherland passed away, and he will be missed. Check out this interview by Anderson Cooper.

Highlights this week:

Bratton… No faults with Fauci … Greensite… Back soon!… Steinbruner… High-rises increasing, County’s SB9 Ordinance, and more… Hayes… Natural reserves and Ecological reserves… Patton… Taking Some Advice From Ben… Matlock… RNC’s blooper, Melania’s plight, Bannon going away, and praying for dollars… Eagan… Subconscious Comics and Deep Cover… Webmistress serves you…Moldy watercolor painting restoration… Quotes on….”Pride”

EARTHQUAKES?? HOW ABOUT FIRES???? This is Pacific Avenue and Cooper Street on April 14, 1894 and because the water happened to be turned off that day, the fire consumed almost the entire block between Pacific and Front Street. That funny little “hut” on the right was the bank vault.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.
Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

THE IRON CLAW. HBO MAX movie. (7.6IMDB) It’s hard to imagine that they’d make a movie about the phoniness of tag team wrestling and expect it to contain anything resembling a believable plot.Zac Efronheads this semi true story of the wrestling Von Erich family. They managed to involve the Christian church in it but to little or no avail. Bad acting, flaky plot, and it’s half billed as a documentary, do not watch.

RAISING VOICES.Netflix Series. (7.2 IMDB) It’s just a bit dated because they have a relatively normal family who have built and operate a marijuana farm in their basem*nt. There’s also lots of alcohol and party times happening. Another sub plot is a momentary focus on whether or not some of the characters are lesbians. There is no reason for this topic and no reason to see this movie either.

HIT MAN. Netflix movie. (7.3 IMDB) It’s listed as a comedy andGlen Powellplays the lead as an undercover cop who takes on many jobs as a killer informant but fools everyone involved. The plot is amazingly confusing and full of posing and bad acting. The New York Times gave Powell big publicity and promotion last Sunday, pay no attention to it. They got it wrong, or are secretly managing Powell’s career.

ERIC. Netflix series(7.01IMDB). Now we get to see/hearBenedict Cumberbatchdo an American accent. He’s part of the 1980’s New York City startup of PBS’s Sesame Street in its most innovativeJim Hensenperiod. It’s partly funny, but it’s about the father son relationship thatCumberbatchhas with his son. They hit on the race issue, plus the gay life, and even the homeless scene. It has a corny ending but it’s still worth watching.

ATLAS. Netflix movie (5.6 IMDB) Just about another future earth after some kind of huge attack. This one stars (loosely) Jennifer Lopezand she’s terrible in this Hollywood 28 years after some horrible attack flop. Plenty of bots working with humans which seems to be nearly impossible. It’s even truer after you watch Dune part 2. Don’t bother.

MAESTRO IN BLUE.Netflix series(8.2 IMDB) A curious film made during the covid mask era in Greece. It’s about a music festival on an island, the handsome guy in charge of the festival, and all these gay guys who don’t seem to be happy while being gay. Then too there’s a sort of sub plot involving a 18 year old girl and a 40 plus guy. I couldn’t buy any of it.

DUNE. PART 2. Max movie (8.6 IMDB) (4 thumbs) An absolute genius of a special effects extravaganza. You’ll need to see (or read) the plot from Frank Herbert’s book to remember /learn all the names and plot twists involved in part 2. It’s about intergalactic spices and who owns them.TimotheeChalametis the lead andJavier Bardemplays a serious role too along withChristopher Walken, Zendaya, Josh Brolinand thousands of digital look a likes. It’s the best use of advanced screen effects I’ve ever seen. The scope, the plot, the movie itself is the biggest ever. Don’t miss it and go to a theater to see it on the biggest screen possible.

A SIMPLE FAVOR. Netflix movie (6.8 IMDB) It’s billed as a drama/comedy and doesn’t qualify as either one.Anna Hendrickis the lead and she is simply just not funny OR believable.Rupert FriendandHenry Goldingare in it too, but shouldn’t have been. A child goes missing and finding her son takes most of this movie, and your patience.

BRIDGERTON. Netflix series. (7.4 IMDB) The very definition of a British costume drama. But this is noDowntown Abbeyand contains only stereotypes of high court characters.Julie Andrewsis in it, if you wait long enough. It’s interesting and possible that there really were that many races represented in the British courts at that time or is it the film makers attempt to stage racial balance?

BETTER THAN US.Netflix series. (7.3 IMDB) This is a Russian attempt at a science fiction/ robot/ sex / half serious comment on where high tech will be taking us in the near future. A “female” robot vanishes and the search and her relationships are the crux of the plot. Interesting but not necessary.

DARK MATTER. Apple series (7.4 IMDB) Yes indeed, another space bending, time warping 9 episode distraction. This one starsJoel EdgertonandJennifer Connelly.There’s a robbery he gets beat up then he gets reborn backwards 14 months and 10 days in his life.He made and remakes mistakes and so do many other characters in their new growth decisions, but it’s not all that bad. Go for it.

A NEARLY NORMAL FAMILY. Netflix series. (6.4 IMDB)A beautiful 19 year old daughter gets raped by a 40 year old guy. Turns out he’s not such a bad guy except that he gets murdered and she gets accused. Her parents and many friends and you too, will defend her. The ending is a surprise. It’s enticing, engrossing, and it has just a few gaps in the telling of the plot but watch it at your earliest convenience.

THE HIJACKING OF FLIGHT 601. Netflix Series (6.7 IMDB)This is a thriller from Columbia and it’ll keep you attached for all 6 episodes. It’s based about 80% on the true story of that high jacking of a passenger plane in the 1970’s. It’s full of government officials, much airline hostess’s activity and genuine well developed suspense. They manage to portray a lot of politics and the evils of huge sums of money and be sure to allow yourselves enough time to watch all 6 of the series because you’ll care which side wins.

REPTILE.Netflix movie. (6.8 IMDB) Benicio Del Torois near perfect as the detective who works full time and near silent investigating the murder (cruel stabbing) of a housewife. Real Estate plays a background setting asJustin TimberlakeandAlicia Silverstonedo only halfhearted acting in their fill in parts.

MIDSUMMER NIGHT.Netflix series. (6.7 IMDB) Set in Norway this celebrates Midsummer Night which is the longest night of the year. (news to me!) It’s contemporary and they use their cell phones a lot. Lots of sex involved here and some of it is surprising because it’s between and older male and a young babe. You’ll probably up thinking about your own morals and their validity. Go for it.

Gillian will be back with more soon!

A 16 STORY BUILDING ON NORTH PACIFIC AVENUE?
Applications for super-tall buildings in the City of Santa Cruz are springing up right and left. On March 4, the day before voters went to the polls to decide whether Measure M would let people vote on building heights in the City, Workbench developers submitted a pre-application under SB 330 for a large project at North Pacific that includes two versions…an eight-story building and a 16-story building. Under SB 330, the City cannot require the project to implement any new building codes made after the date the pre-application is deemed complete.

Sit down before you take a look at what this could look like…

“One of the projects includes an eight-story mixed-use development encompassing approximately 120,932 square feet, including 174 residential apartment units, 8,184 square feet of commercial tenant space, and 29,884 square feet of on-site parking. A conceptual rendering is shown below. The other project includes a sixteen-story mixed-use development encompassing approximately 279,480 square feet, including 260 residential apartment units, 11,126 square feet of commercial tenant space, and 29,884 square feet of onsite parking.

Both projects include a merger of two adjacent lots (2020 N. Pacific Ave. and 113/115 Knight St.) and demolition of the existing commercial buildings and would require the use of Density Bonuses.”

SB 330, the Housing Accountability Act, is in effect until January 1, 2025.

It prohibits a local agency from disapproving any housing development project for very low, low, or moderate-income residents or an emergency shelter or conditioning approval in a manner that renders “infeasible” unless the local agency makes specified written findingsbased on a preponderance of the evidence in the record.

What is a preponderance of evidence? That is often determined by the court.SB 330requiresa courtto impose a fine on a local agency under certain circ*mstances and requires that the fine be at least $10,000 per housing unit in the development project on the date the application was deemed complete. This could happen if the local agency attempts to reduce the density as a condition of project approval after the pre-application is deemed compliant with SB 330

This bill, until January 1, 2025, would specify that an application is deemed complete for these purposes if a preliminary application was submitted

MAYBE FOUR NEW HOUSING UNITS IN YOUR BACKYARD WITH ONLY A FOUR FOOT SETBACK?
The State is mandating quick, dense development under SB 9, and requires Counties and Cities to approve them ministerially, without any public hearings. It allows lot splits so that instead of one single family home, there could be up to four 800-1200 SF homes, with zero to one parking place included.

Santa Cruz County is moving quickly to adopt new Senate Bill 9 Ordinance to comply, but at what cost to our Communities and the environment?This new Ordinance would be effective in all Urban Census areas of the County, not confined to the Urban Services Line, and includes broad areas of the San Lorenzo Valley, Corralitos, Soquel, La Selva Beach and Seascape. Take a look at the map on page 24…I think you will be amazed.

This week, County planning staff presented a Zoom webinar to take public comments and questions about what is proposed. People asked about inadequate definitions of “coastal bluff” and questioned why the County is moving forward on adopting this now when the relative state mandate could soon change with passage of SB 450, causing the County to again amend the Coastal Development Plan of the General Plan.

“This bill would remove the authorization for a local agency to deny a proposed housing development if the building official makes a written finding that the proposed housing development project would have a specific, adverse impact upon the physical environment. The bill would require the local agency to consider and approve or deny the proposed housing development application within 60 days from the date the local agency receives the completed application, and would deem the application approved after that time. The bill would require a permitting agency, if it denies an application, to provide a full set of comments to the applicant with a list of items that are defective or deficient and a description of how the application can be remedied by the applicant.” [Bill Text: CA SB450]

Some wanted to know if theCity of Redondo Beach, etal vs. Rob Bonta,in which the Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled SB 9 is unconstitutional relating to charter cities and counties, could apply to Santa Cruz County?

Superior Court Ruling: Charter Cities Not Subject to SB 9

The planners dismissed any effect this landmark case would have here, because Santa Cruz County is not a Home Rule, aka charter, county. What they did not mention, even when I commented that I would like the County to pursue becoming a charter county to retain local land use control, is that it is possible to amend a County’s organization and become a charter county.

This new proposed Ordinance will be soon coming before the County Planning Commission, and then the Board of Supervisors. Read this proposal carefully and weigh-in now because it could literally change densities in your Community, affecting evacuation route safety, biological communities and traffic where you live…not to mention the general quality of life.

PRISONERS AND STAFF AT ROUNTREE DETENTION CENTER SHOULD HAVE BOTTLED WATER
Would you want to drink water with elevated carcinogen levels known to exist? I wouldn’t, and I don’t think it is humane to force prisoners at the Rountree Detention Center in Watsonville to drink such water.

The County Water Advisory Commission, after hearing a presentation by the Director of County General Services, Mr. Michael Beaton, describing the carcinogenic hexavalent chromium and PFAS elevated contamination levels present in the well water serving the prisoners and staff at Rountree, sent a letter to the Board of Supervisors, recommending bottled water be provided until the proposed treatment plant is operational.

At budget hearings last week, I reminded the Board of this Commission recommendation during the Sheriff Dept. budget consideration. Sheriff Hart seemed annoyed, stating that he got a letter saying the well water was fine. Imagine my surprise when Mr. Beaton quickly stepped up to the podium and said “the water at Rountree is safe to drink.” The Board approved the budget without any request for contamination level reports or bottled water for the staff and prisoners at Rountree.

Therefore, it is curious that the State is awarding the County a $800,000 grant to treat the water at Rountree, as is shown in the Consent Agenda item #32 for the June 4 Regular Meeting.

A SMOOTH PATH THROUGH PARADISE OR A HELL OF A ROAD
Why are the roads in Santa Cruz County in such bad shape and what can be done to improve the problem? The 2023-2024 County Grand Jury Reports are now beginning to become public, and include an investigation and findings regarding the poor state of the roads here.

I am somewhat disappointed that the investigation focuses mostly on needing more money, and does not mention the County Supervisor big lie to voters in 2018 that money from Measure G’s new half-cent sales tax would be used to fix roads.

There needs to be more focus on mismanagement of existing funds, and the fact that the County Public Works no longer does much preventive maintenance, such as oil and screen to seal badly-cracked pavement to preserve it from further degradation. This is included, in part, in the findings:

The County of Santa Cruz has failed to perform resurfacing maintenance on many of the smaller unincorporated local roads, resulting in higher failure rates and at least a 10 times increased maintenance cost when and if those roads are resurfaced.

The County prioritizes preventive maintenance of roads in fair to good condition over road repair and reconstruction due to limited discretionary funds. As a result, many residents in local road areas will have to contend with very poor/failed roads into the foreseeable future

Measure K funds go directly into the General Fund and road maintenance funding expenditures are only recommended.This may allow the funding to go to other needs.

Recommendation:
The Grand Jury recommends that the DPW complete a public report by December 31, 2024 which shows the prioritization of culvert and drainage ditch maintenance in order to help prevent road washouts that are more costly to repair.

Maybe it would be better to replace old culverts with sturdy metal bridge crossings, such as what I recently saw in Washington state, and that reminded me of a reasonable and quick repair of a culvert failure on Nelson Road in Scotts Valley, which used an old railroad flatcar placed upon concrete abutments.

GOOD NEWS, THANKS TO THE SANTA CRUZ SIERRA CLUB EFFORTS!
Thanks to the persistent efforts of the Santa Cruz Sierra Club group and members of the Santa Cruz Bird Club, the protected migratory Cliff Swallows on the Laurel Street Bridge will be spared from Soquel Creek Water District’s disruptive construction crews working there until the birds have completed their nesting season under the Bridge.

On May 20, Ms. Melanie Mow-Schumacher, the District’s Assistant General Manager, finally responded to Mr. Guth’s letters imploring the PureWater Soquel Project pipeline attachment work on the Bridge be postponed during the summer to protect the federally-protected migratory Cliff Swallow nesting activity. Last year, the District paid no heed and the number of bird mud nests under the Bridge plummeted.

Good work, Sierra Club and Santa Cruz Bird Club stewards! Thank heavens, Soquel Creek Water District finally paid attention…

Sent via email:
May 20, 2024
Michael Guth, Executive Committee Chair
Sierra Club, Santa Cruz County Group of the Ventana Chapter
PO Box 604
Santa Cruz, CA 95061

Subject: Laurel Street Bridge/Pure Water Soquel Conveyance Project

Dear Mr. Guth,
Thank you for your letter dated May 8, 2024. We appreciate Sierra Club’s recent observations regarding the
presence of cliff swallow nesting under the Laurel Street Bridge. This is consistent with our biologist’s
observations.

Work associated with the pipeline and architectural cover on the bridge have not been conducted since April
24, 2024. Further, this work on the bridge will not commence until after the nesting season (anticipated
through August 31, 2024).

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your interest.
Sincerely,
Melanie Mow Schumacher, PE
Assistant General Manager/ Pure Water Soquel Program Director

IS IT SAFE TO WALK IN APTOS VILLAGE?
Many thanks to my friend, Al, for sending this survey to help determine what can be done to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in Aptos Village. Take this survey and provide your suggestions for making it safer to walk and bicycle in Aptos Village.

This project is a disaster for pedestrians and cyclists. The County disregarded the RTC Bicycle Committee early recommendation to put bike lanes on Aptos Village Way to link Aptos Creek Road and Trout Gulch Road, and instead allowed an extremely narrow roadway with the on-street parking numbers included to meet the parking requirement for the development.

Recently, I learned that the existing parking on Aptos Creek Road will soon disappear as the Phase 2 Aptos Village Project development gets built.

And where is that active recreation area that was a Condition of Approval for Swenson’s greenlight to destroy Aptos Village? It’s the steep hillside…for which County Parks has absolutely no idea what to do.

Well, take this pedestrian survey and let the Seacliff Improvement Association know your thoughts. It is open until July 15, 2024.

FIRE DEFENSIBLE SPACE SAVED THIS HOME IN SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS
Deputy Fire Marshal Tony Akin at Central Fire Protection District sent this video to encourage all living in the wildland-urban interface to pay attention and create fire defensible space now.
Our landlines may not be safe with this decision.

Is your Community a FireWise Community yet? There are 55+ so far in Santa Cruz County. Learn how to work together with your neighbors to become certified, and earn reductions in your insurance rates.

AT&T MAY HAVE ABILITY TO DITCH COPPER LANDLINES ANYWAY?
Many thanks to Nina Beety in Monterey County for this thoughtul analysis of the recent CPUC ruling on the AT&T application to drop copper landline telephone service:

“The proposed ruling in fact explicitly mentions this does not in any way preclude AT&T from phasing out copper and, for example, replacing it with fiber (“POTS over fiber”). That fulfills their obligation to offer regulated phone service to anyone. Two separate things. AT&T is required to provide phone service in its service area, but that is not required to be over copper and the CPUC clarified that to avoid any possible confusion.

If you mean copper landlines specifically, from a regulatory/legal perspective, not much, unfortunately. Neither the FCC nor the PUC has any mandates that they provide phone service over copper. In fact, they have acted to remove such mandates and requirements regarding copper retirement and transitions.

AT&T could provide “POTS over fiber” service, but has not done this to the same extent that Verizon has, which has done this aggressively in most metropolitan areas in its service territory the Northeast. It’s possible that AT&T doesn’t have plans to move copper customers to fiber unless it can get rid of its regulated service obligations altogether, in which case they have unnecessarily correlated the two, to the benefit of consumers.”

Please read the proposed decision.

Our landlines may not be safe with this decision.

POSITIVE THINKING REALLY MATTERS
It is easy to get discouraged by the events of the world, state and local government, but I encourage you all to keep a positive outlook, and keep participating in the wave of citizen-led efforts that will make a difference, and to fight for the things that matter to you most in your life.

A recent Merriam-Webster ‘Word of the Day” was a good one…

Meliorism
Meliorismrefers to the belief that the world tends to improve and that humans can aid its betterment.

WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. ATTEND A PUBLIC HEARING AND ASK QUESTIONS AND EXPECT ANSWERS.
MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE THIS WEEK BY JUST DOING ONE THING.

Cheers,
Becky

Protecting Our Most Precious Spots

The most highly protected terrestrial areas around California’s Monterey Bay are designated as “Natural Preserves” by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and as “Ecological Reserves” by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Let’s explore where those places are, and how the State’s premier land management agencies are directed to protect areas with these designations.

CDFW Ecological Reserves

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) manages 1.1 million acres of land in California. Unfortunately, CDFW does not publish summary statistics about how many of those acres are designated as Ecological Reserves, which have the highest protection of any state-owned public lands, as reflected in the following regulatory language:

“….ecological reserves are maintained for the primary purpose of …..protection of rare, threatened, or endangered native plants, wildlife, aquatic organisms, and specialized terrestrial or aquatic habitat types. Visitor uses are dependent upon the provisions of applicable laws and upon a determination by the commission that opening an area to such visitor use is compatible with the purposes of the property.” (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 § 630 Additional Visitor Use Regulations on Department Lands Designated as Ecological Reserves).

Note the stress on maintaining these properties for species and habitat conservation, first and foremost. And note that it takes a vote by the California Fish and Game Commission to allow any visitors to use those properties. Any such vote must be supported by an analysis of the impacts of such visitation on the species and/or habitats that the Ecological Reserve was designated to protect.

Local Ecological Reserves

The two CDFW Ecological Reserves that people regularly visit around the Monterey Bay are the Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve and the Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve. The two other CDFW Ecological Reserves do not allow public access without special permission: Quail Hollow and Watsonville Slough.

The Elkhorn Slough regularly has many visitors. The Fish and Game Commission appears to have at some point voted to approve visitor use at that property. However, a Commission-approved Elkhorn Ecological Reserve Management Plan outlining how visitor use is compatible with the conservation purposes of the property is not readily available. So, unfortunately, I can’t tell you what ‘conservation purposes’ were designated when the property was afforded such a high level of protection.

The other CDFW Ecological Reserve that the public visits is much more definitely legally off limits despite CDFW’s allowance for visitor use. In contravention to the regulation cited above, CDFW has allowed public use despite the Fish and Game Commission never having approved a management plan analyzing the compatibility of visitor use and protection of the Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve. And there is no publicly available documentation about what ‘conservation purposes’ were designated when the property was designated as an Ecological Reserve.

State Parks Natural Preserves

The California Department of Parks and Recreation manages 1.6 million acres of land. As with CDFW, Parks does not publish how many acres are designated as Natural Preserves. Natural Preserves have the highest protection of any State Parks managed lands, as reflected in the following policy language:

“… natural preserves will be established to give full protection to environmental and ecological integrity, from the standpoints of watershed influences, scenic and visual unity, cultural values, and other appropriate environmental factors.

Developments in natural preserves are limited to trails and interpretive facilities required to make possible the visual and sensory enjoyment of the resources by visitors. Vehicle access and parking are not appropriate; visitor centers, restrooms, structures, and facilities other than signs shall be placed outside natural preserves.

Bicycles are allowed only on paved roads in…Natural Preserves.”

Note the language, as with CDFW, stressing the primary importance of these State Parks areas for ecological conservation, and how Parks adds to this designation watershed processes and areas of cultural significance.

Local Natural Preserves

There are 5 Monterey Bay spots with State Parks Natural Preserve designation: Wilder Beach Natural Preserve (small, Wilder Ranch State Park); San Lorenzo Headwaters Natural Preserve (1800 acres, Castle Rock State Park); Theodore Hoover Natural Preserve (23 acres, Big Basin State Park); Año Nuevo Coast Natural Preserve (925 acres, Año Nuevo State Park), and; Point Lobos State Natural Preserve (550 acres). A large portion of the Año Nuevo Coast Natural Preserve has restricted public access and there is no public access allowed at Wilder Beach. The other spots allow public access, but, as noted in the above policies, no one is allowed to leave trails in areas with this designation, and bicycles are not permitted except on paved roads.

One Natural Preserve is missing from State Park’s list: the one that was to be designated for the coastal prairies in upper Wilder Ranch. During the process of approving use of that part of the park, Parks was discussing designation of vast areas of the diverse grasslands as a Natural Preserve. However, it turned out that Parks never updated the Wilder Ranch General Plan and so didn’t pursue such a designation, possibly due to opposition from mountain bikers.

How Are They Doing?

Many people reading this will be familiar with at least some of the areas listed above, places afforded the highest levels of conservation protection. For each spot, ask yourself: how are the managers doing? Do those areas seem to be better managed for conservation than other places? In the case of Wilder Beach, are snowy plovers nesting there…do people get away with trespassing there? In the case of the Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve, is visitor use truly compatible with protecting the many species and habitats, which includes the most endangered ecosystem in North America? How can we tell these stories and help the managers elevate these very special places to give them the protection they deserve?

#158 / Taking Some Advice From Ben

The Wall Street Journalis reporting that “AI Employees Hesitate to Speak Up.” I am linking the article, byAlyssa Lukpat, to a statement of the headline as that headline appeared in the hard copy edition of the paper. You will get a slightly different headline (but the same article) if you click that link and are then able to penetrate what is likely to be a paywall, protectingThe Journal’sintellectual property rights.

The basic story is as follows: A number of leading AI researchers believe that the companies developing AI (includingOpenAI) are not taking enough steps to make sure that this new technology doesn’t become what the researchers believe might be an existential danger. These researchers are frustrated because the companies they are working for are constraining their ability to speak out, by employing “non-disclosure” and “non-disparagement” provisions in their employment contracts. Considering what’s at stake, this limit on free discussion carries a huge risk, according to these researchers.

Here’s a key quote from the article: “Some AI researchers believe the technology could grow out of control and become as dangerous as pandemics and nuclear war.” A number of these researchers, including Geoffrey Hinton (whom I have mentioned before), have recently authored a letter, laying out their concerns.

One statement in the article particularly caught my attention, and that statement has stimulated my comment here: “OpenAI said in response to the letter … that it agrees there should be government regulation.”

Well, this seems fine, and a step in the right direction – at least theoretically. Our government is supposed to “represent” the public, and the public interest, and so when the government “regulates” private and corproate activities, that should be something that benefits the public, and that would help protect the public from the kind of dangers that the AI researchers are worried about.

However….. it has surely not escaped your attention that “our” government has become largely subservient to the interests of the very same corporations whom the concerned researchers are saying need to be regulated.

I feel very certain– I am just positive – that this fact hasnotescaped your attention.

So, what to do? Aren’t we just kind of stuck? What can be done about this situation? Giant corporations are working at full speed to develop a technology that many of those most informed believe could end up being as bad as pandemics and nuclear war, and essentially lead to the end of human life on Earth. These corporations are also attempting to suppress any real understanding of the dangers, and our government, which should be helping to protect the public, is actually controlled by those very same giant corporations.

As I have just said, “What to do?” If my description of our situation is accurate, one might well think that the statement by OpenAI, that it supports “government regulation,” is an artful effort to avoid any significant impediment to what it is doing and wants to do, and that the company hopes will make it boatloads of money.

I think there is a clue about what to do in the word “our.” Theoretically, “our” government is working for the public. In fact, it is working for the giant corporations and the extremely rich. You may remember a relatively recent blog posting of mine, titled, “Signature Lines.” That blog posting considered the following question, and then made the observation I am displaying below:

“Why do the rich have so much power?”

“The rich have so much power because the rest of us don’t use our own.”

“Our” government is only theoretically “ours.” Many, many more of us need to become deeply engaged in the political activities that ultimately create the world in which we most immediately live.

Time allocation! That’s what I am talking about.

Getting organized!That’s what I am talking about.

If we spend more time watching Netflix and playing computer games than we do engaging in the immensely interesting and productive job of making “our” government actually work for and represent all of us, it is no surprise that “our” government isn’t actually “ours,” at all.

People can beat money. But only with their time!

“Time is money,” remember that one? I know you do! To employ a style popularized by Bob Dylan, as I reference that “Time is money” quotation: “Ben Franklin said that.”

That Ben Franklin guy was pretty smart. So, let’s put that lesson to work! We will never have “self-government” if we are not directly, and significantly, involved in government ourselves.

I can testify. I know it works!

HO, HO, HO CHI MINH, APOLOGIZING TO MIERS, PRISON BE BEST

Wow!…that was a close one for theGOP! TheRNCwebsite ran an ad for the upcoming convention to be held inMilwaukee, WIonJuly15…only problem being that the imagery featuredHo Chi Minh CityinVietnam. Maybe they meant to use aHanoiimage, or even one ofPyongyang?Kim Jong Ilwould probably welcomeTrumpand his minions since they developed such a cozy relationship duringThe Don’spresidency…they“fell in love”according to the record…and who can forget the“love letters”kept by Don, interspersed with classified documents, as he fled toMar-a-Lagoin 2021? After the press pointed it out, the RNC website was quickly changed to the proper host city, butJimmy Fallonon‘The Tonight Show’had to have his chance to run a spoof ad, using hisTrumpyvoiceover, saying,“From the Capitol building to the White House, we’ll celebrate the wall on our southern border,”as imagery of theTaj Mahal, aWhite Castle Restaurant, and theGreat Wall of Chinacrossed the screen. TheBoston Globeran a screenshot of the RNC’s error, gleaning 598,000 views and 3,700 Likes. The WisconsinDemocratic Partyposted onXwitteran edited shot of a t-shirt reading,“I attended 2024 RNC convention in Milwaukee, WI, USA,”with the location Xed out and replaced with“Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.”Dems chairperson,Ben Wikler, posted,“It appears that Trump’s RNC is unfamiliar with the location of Milwaukee, WI.”Upon correcting the imagery on the ad, the RNC claims the photo came from a web developer who is no longer on the payroll. Wondering if Trump is refusing them payment for their efforts?

The former president is expected to be nominated at the convention four days after his sentencing in the hush money/falsified business records case…guilty on 34 felony counts…add ’em up!RNCchairMichael Whatleysays the convention is planning for the possibility ofTrumpsitting in jail during thisGrand Old Partyparty, and as he toldNewsmax’s ‘Wake Up America,’“I’m actually going to Milwaukee, and we’re going to have a series of conversations.”One would certainly hope so! And wake up that fly on the wall who can relay the details!

Jimmy Fallonfeels thatMelania Trumpis not doing “fine” as husbandDonstated after his New York guilty verdict. Fallon said,“Trump indicates Melania is doing fine, but that this hush money trial has been hard on her, and you know Melania is boiling because whenever your spouse says, ‘I’m fine,’ they’re most definitely not fine,”adding,“If you want to show her your support, send her a message on any of the five dating apps she just joined. The big question now is whether Trump will get jail time or house arrest. If he’s sentenced to jail, Melania will be inside the courtroom chanting ‘four more years!’ Trump will be sentenced on July 11, and his lawyers told him, ‘You should get your affairs in order,’ to which he replied, ‘That’s what got me in trouble in the first place!'”In a similar vein,Andy Borowitzwrites,“Writing an impassioned letter to Judge Juan Merchan, Melania Trump argued that sentencing her husband to house arrest would mean cruel and unusual punishment for her,’ arguing further, ‘…that confining her husband to any place where she resides would be a clear violation ‘not only of the US Constitution, but of the Geneva Conventions. Your honor, you can prevent a humanitarian crisis. The human I speak of is me.'”Andy ends by writing,“Suggesting an appropriate sentence for her felonious husband, Mrs. Trump wrote, ‘Prison be best.'”

In a recent conversation with the toadies of‘Fox and Friends,’ Trumpwas asked,“What’s your relationship with God like, and how do you pray?”His reply from left field (right field?) was,“OK, so I think it is good. I do very well with the evangelicals. I love the evangelicals. And I have more people saying they pray for me – I can’t even believe it. They are so committed, and they are so believing. They say, ‘Sir, you’re going to be OK. I pray for you every night.’ I mean, everybody, almost – I can’t say everybody, but almost everybody that sees me, they say it.”MSNBChost,Joe Scarborough, had to laugh uproariously, afterwards saying,“Just go to church…once! It’s beyond parody…sad!”Joe’s co-host,Willie Geist, says Trump should carry around a few printouts ofBiblepassages to recite for the ‘right‘ occasion. But although Trump missed the point of the question, or avoided it deliberately, he is doing something right in courting the religious right, by calling out his multiple prosecutions as persecutions.The New York Timesreports that he now finishes some rallies with a devout closing…“The great silent majority is rising like never before and under our leadership. We will pray to God for our strength and for our liberty. We will pray for God, and we will pray with God. We are one movement, one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God.”Let us pray that hisTeleprompterdoesn’t start waffling.

StuartandDickinson, inRolling Stonemagazine, write ofJustice Samuel Alitospeaking at theSupreme Court Historical Society, of the ideological battle of the left facing off with the right, concerned about the hardship of existing“peacefully”in the face of“fundamental”differences that“can’t be compromised.”In a discussion he agreed that it is necessary to fight to“return our country to a place of godliness,”with the final resolution being that,“One side or the other is going to win.”The duo writes that Alito’s comments make no attempt to present himself as neutral, but as a partisan, as a“member of a hard-right judicial faction that’s empowered to make life-altering decisions for every American.”Interviewed by documentary film maker,Lauren Windsor, posing as a religious conservative, Alito says“there are fundamentals that can’t be compromised…so, it’s not like you’re going to split the difference.”InterviewingChief Justice John Roberts,Windsorfound that he differs with the opinion that the nation is polarized, believing that the Court is experiencing nothing new historically. He argues that it isn’t theCourt’sobligation to get the country onto a more“moral path,”believing it’s for the people we elect to office…not lawyers. Roberts disagrees that the high court should be“guiding us in that path”toward being a“Christian nation,”mentioning his“Jewish and Muslim friends,”adding,“It’s not our job to do that. It’s our job to decide the cases as best we can.”Windsor is putting together a documentary entitled‘Gonzo for Democracy,’dealing with the Trumpism phenomena of election denial and religious extremism. In the words ofDon Pardo,“Watch for it next time…if there is a next time!”

Elie Mystalin a recent piece inThe Nation, writes that she owes an apology toHarriet Mierswho was first nominated to theSupreme CourtbyGeorge W. Bush, withSamuel Alitoas a second choice. She describes Miers as a Bush crony and sycophant, who was criticized by everyone as a partisan hack who would be in step with all that Bush and theGOPwanted done. Coming fromTexasto be deputy chief of staff, before beingWhite Housecounsel, she was one of Bush’s closest friends, a born-again evangelical, and a good friend ofCondoleeza Rice. Mystal says that“Miers was nominated because she spent most of her public career…in service to Bush. And she treated Bush, the bumbling oaf and war criminal, with a saccharine level of sycophancy.”Her nontraditional experience didn’t meet up with the GOP’s idea of aSupreme Court Justice, particularly the more conservative bloc who felt she was unreliable as a vote against abortion, offering no proof that she would reject court precedents. Republicans wanted a candidate who was willing to reject precedent and produce the right-white outcomes, instead of one who would uphold the law. Enter theFederalist Societyand Samuel Alito. In Mystal’s view, the world has been worse every day since, though she doesn’t necessarily think Miers would have been a good choice. She writes that Alito is the most partisan justice on the high court…Clarence Thomasis only the most corrupt,Neil Gorsuchis the most dangerous to society’s functioning, andBrett Kavanaughthe most attempted-rapey.FoxNewshas picked Alito to fashion their talking points into national laws…and to fly his flags high. Mystal’s argument that the GOP rejection of Miers was“the precise moment the party was lost to MAGA, laying the groundwork for the antidemocratic authoritarianism now in our foreground…cultism came to the Supreme Court before it arrived anywhere else in government. I’ve learned that you’re always better off going with the person who loves what you hate, instead of the person who hates what you love. The former might create something you find appalling, but the latter will only destroy that which you find most precious.”

Rob Boston,SeniorAdvisor at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, calls the placement of a statue of theReverend Billy Grahamby the state ofNorth Carolinaan undeserved honor. Though it does replace the removed statue of a formerWhite Supremacistgovernor, he thinks it is a misguided decision. He feels Graham was uniquely positioned to bringAmericanstogether during a painful, divisive time, but lacked the courage or vision to do so, despite his popularity and fame as an evangelist for his particular form of fundamentalistChristianity. His antisemitic comments and crusading againstLGBTQ+equality evoked the pain caused by unjust social norms, yet he“was unwilling to break with the White status quo,”writesAnthea Butler, author of‘White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America.’“He bemoans racism as a sin, yet offered only small, cosmetic adjustments to change the ethos…characteristic waffling.”

Trumper Steve Bannonis finally going to prison for contempt ofCongress…for four months. Not long enough in the eyes of many, but long enough for him to miss the remainder of the 2024 election cycle, putting a serious damper on his ability to carry out whatever election antics he was hoping for, saysBocha BlueandBill PalmerofThe Palmer Report. One thing he won’t be able to do is line his pockets from his podcast crowd, being locked away without his mic and camera. Blue says,“So Bannon would have been smarter to just serve his four month sentence back when he was convicted and get it over with. It’s the latest reminder that Bannon is very much the opposite of smart. He’s a guy who digs himself a hole, then labels himself savvy for crawling out of it, and somehow gets the media (on both sides) to portray him as a political genius. But the larger point here is that this is just the beginning for Bannon. He’s also set to go on criminal trial in New York for his ‘build the wall’ scam…Bannon is likely to be convicted in his NY trial. It’s centered on the kinds of serious felonies that come with multi-year prison sentences…In other words Bannon is now on track to go from Federal prison, to criminal trial, to state prison…if Trump were somehow to win in November, he wouldn’t be able pardon Bannon on state charges. He’s seventy years old and seemingly in poor health, so he may never get out.”

AndyBorowitz, on hisThe Borowitz Report, writes,“Panic gripped the nation’s prison guards on Thursday as they reacted to the prospect of body-searching Steve Bannon. The thought of interacting with the naked Bannon had many in the guard community rethinking their careers, insiders confirmed. ‘I’ve been living in fear of this day,’ Frank Klugian, a veteran correctional officer, said. ‘I knew it was bad news the minute I heard Mrs. Alito was flying her flag upside down again.’ Harland Dorrinson, the warden of the penitentiary that will be receiving Bannon, said that ‘every protection’ will be provided those carrying out the procedure, including, obviously, hazmat suits.”Who will getTrump’sprayers in this instance?

Highlights this week:

Bratton… New news… Greensite…on Good Friends and Lasting Legacies… Steinbruner says…smaill, important repeat…. Hayes…Right livelyhood…Patton…Let it be known… Matlock……Haikus, all for you, and 34 for 45…Eagan…Subconscious Comics and Deep Cover. Webmistress serves you…Bruce Bratton Day announcement… Quotes on….”Proclamation”

1982 MUSICAL SAW FESTIVAL. One of the first Musical Saw Festivals. This was in the now shuttered Veterans Hall. Hidden in the photo are Tom Scribner, Faith Petric, Morgan Cowin, David Weiss (from the LA Philharmonic, in a tux!!) That’s Arlene Sutton at the piano and Herman Olson in the derby and vest plus many whose names I’ve forgotten. Yes, that’s me on the farthest right, leading the ensemble.

photo credit: Bruce Bratton’s personal photo collection.
Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

ERIC. Netflix series(7.01IMDB). Now we get to see/hearBenedict Cumberbatchdo an American accent. He’s part of the 1980’s New York City startup of PBS’s Sesame Street in its most innovativeJim Hensenperiod. It’s partly funny, but it’s about the father son relationship thatCumberbatchhas with his son. They hit on the race issue, plus the gay life, and even the homeless scene. It has a corny ending but it’s still worth watching.

ATLAS. Netflix movie (5.6 IMDB) Just about another future earth after some kind of huge attack. This one stars (loosely) Jennifer Lopezand she’s terrible in this Hollywood 28 years after some horrible attack flop. Plenty of bots working with humans which seems to be nearly impossible. It’s even truer after you watch Dune part 2. Don’t bother.

MAESTRO IN BLUE.Netflix series(8.2 IMDB) A curious film made during the covid mask era in Greece. It’s about a music festival on an island, the handsome guy in charge of the festival, and all these gay guys who don’t seem to be happy while being gay. Then too there’s a sort of sub plot involving a 18 year old girl and a 40 plus guy. I couldn’t buy any of it.

DUNE. PART 2. Max movie (8.6 IMDB) (4 thumbs) An absolute genius of a special effects extravaganza. You’ll need to see (or read) the plot from Frank Herbert’s book to remember /learn all the names and plot twists involved in part 2. It’s about intergalactic spices and who owns them.TimotheeChalametis the lead andJavier Bardemplays a serious role too along withChristopher Walken, Zendaya, Josh Brolinand thousands of digital look a likes. It’s the best use of advanced screen effects I’ve ever seen. The scope, the plot, the movie itself is the biggest ever. Don’t miss it and go to a theater to see it on the biggest screen possible.

A SIMPLE FAVOR. Netflix movie (6.8 IMDB) It’s billed as a drama/comedy and doesn’t qualify as either one.Anna Hendrickis the lead and she is simply just not funny OR believable.Rupert FriendandHenry Goldingare in it too, but shouldn’t have been. A child goes missing and finding her son takes most of this movie, and your patience.

BRIDGERTON. Netflix series. (7.4 IMDB) The very definition of a British costume drama. But this is noDowntown Abbeyand contains only stereotypes of high court characters.Julie Andrewsis in it, if you wait long enough. It’s interesting and possible that there really were that many races represented in the British courts at that time or is it the film makers attempt to stage racial balance?

BETTER THAN US.Netflix series. (7.3 IMDB) This is a Russian attempt at a science fiction/ robot/ sex / half serious comment on where high tech will be taking us in the near future. A “female” robot vanishes and the search and her relationships are the crux of the plot. Interesting but not necessary.

DARK MATTER. Apple series (7.4 IMDB) Yes indeed, another space bending, time warping 9 episode distraction. This one starsJoel EdgertonandJennifer Connelly.There’s a robbery he gets beat up then he gets reborn backwards 14 months and 10 days in his life.He made and remakes mistakes and so do many other characters in their new growth decisions, but it’s not all that bad. Go for it.

A NEARLY NORMAL FAMILY. Netflix series. (6.4 IMDB)A beautiful 19 year old daughter gets raped by a 40 year old guy. Turns out he’s not such a bad guy except that he gets murdered and she gets accused. Her parents and many friends and you too, will defend her. The ending is a surprise. It’s enticing, engrossing, and it has just a few gaps in the telling of the plot but watch it at your earliest convenience.

THE HIJACKING OF FLIGHT 601. Netflix Series (6.7 IMDB)This is a thriller from Columbia and it’ll keep you attached for all 6 episodes. It’s based about 80% on the true story of that high jacking of a passenger plane in the 1970’s. It’s full of government officials, much airline hostess’s activity and genuine well developed suspense. They manage to portray a lot of politics and the evils of huge sums of money and be sure to allow yourselves enough time to watch all 6 of the series because you’ll care which side wins.

REPTILE.Netflix movie. (6.8 IMDB) Benicio Del Torois near perfect as the detective who works full time and near silent investigating the murder (cruel stabbing) of a housewife. Real Estate plays a background setting asJustin TimberlakeandAlicia Silverstonedo only halfhearted acting in their fill in parts.

MIDSUMMER NIGHT.Netflix series. (6.7 IMDB) Set in Norway this celebrates Midsummer Night which is the longest night of the year. (news to me!) It’s contemporary and they use their cell phones a lot. Lots of sex involved here and some of it is surprising because it’s between and older male and a young babe. You’ll probably up thinking about your own morals and their validity. Go for it.

MAXTON HALL.Prime series. (7.5 IMDB). This saga is centered on the full relationship/courting of a rich, well-endowed, young male and a girl who barely makes a living and still they both go to Oxford. They use iPhones which keeps it current but the tensions and the repairs to their coupling start out so boring and end up barely making it plausible. He also plays lacrosse which should give you clues right there.

SUGAR. Apple series (7.8 IMDB) A genuine Hollywood movie about Hollywood. It stars Colin Farrell who does an excellent job in this absurd exploration of improvable plots. They throw in many, many cuts from classic Hollywood films in B&W and color. James Cromwell plays a legendary producer whose granddaughter is missing. It’s fun to watch especially when you try to match the old footage with the current confusing action.

FRANKLIN. Apple Series (7.01IMDB) Michael Douglasdoes a half convincing job as an older version (70) of Benjamin Franklin in this politic filled boring movie. Noah Jupe is his young boyfriend. It’s full of twists, romance, and a lot of the script is in French so you’ll be watching subtitles more than usual. Not recommended.

Good Friends and Lasting Legacies

On Sunday. June 2, the room was packed with well-wishers to celebrate Bruce Bratton’s 90^th birthday. Such a grand age! So many planetary revolutions around our star. May we all be so fortunate to celebrate this milestone. Those who came to wish Bruce a Happy Birthday included many whose political imprint is indelible on the Santa Cruz landscape. The saving of Lighthouse Field from development, the preservation of the Greenbelt lands, including Pogonip and Wilder Ranch, are just a few of the treasures passed down from those who worked so hard in the early days to preserve nature and beauty for all to enjoy. They get flack now as being responsible for the current housing cost crisis, having dared to temper the seventies development frenzy, as though Silicon Valley, second homers, UCSC and market forces are irrelevant. We all owe them a debt of thanks as we bird Lighthouse Field (photo above) or walk the quiet trails of Pogonip and Wilder Ranch.

Celebrating Bruce’s 90^th birthday brings the question of time and ageing into sharp focus. As a young child I thought old people came that way. I didn’t dwell on the question of how that could possibly happen. The reality that we are all on the wheel of life and death never occurred. It’s not something one reckons with in a youth-oriented, commercial culture that hides the reality of impending death behind the shades of disinfected nursing homes.

Some images however are memorable. While at the University of Sydney in the mid-1960’s I saw the film, The Ballad of Narayama, the earlier version of this Japanese classic than the one released in 1983. Set in a remote Japanese village in the Shinano mountains during the mid-19^th century, the film explores the ancient rural tradition where a villager on reaching age seventy is carried up the mountain by a son to be left to die. Orin, who is the focus of the story, is determined to fulfill this tradition with one problem, she is in very good health. The tension between this fact and her need to follow tradition makes for gripping drama. One scene etched in my mind has Orin smashing her sound teeth on a boulder to destroy her strength, her ability to survive and thereby end the tension.

Maybe it’s that image that makes me bristle whenever I hear young or old complain that “the room was full of old people” or “we need more young people” as if the former are expendable and the latter always wise. I’m not saying there is no need to consider youth and other constituencies when forming a group, mounting a campaign, or even making friends. When I was able to recruit a young Latina as teen representative for the City Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women, at the next big Commission event at Soquel High, Latina teens were the majority in attendance, all due to the connections made by our teen rep. It’s the generalizations that feel misplaced. Efforts should be made to reach out to youth as well as to underrepresented groups but it’s a mistake to fill a box, sit back and think the job is done. UCSC made several mistakes in this regard, by selecting and placing weak candidates in high positions simply because they filled a particular category.

The sooner we drop the annoying categories of Gen. X et al. the better. I’m sure they are designed mainly for commercial exploitation. They serve to divide us and pit one group against another as though all in one group are hom*ogeneous and different in kind from the other. Shared experience can give a common bond. However, the life experience of someone who was drafted into the War on Vietnam is different from someone of the same age who got a deferment due to bone spurs. We are all on the same wheel of life and death, just at a slightly different angle.

Webmistress here: I jumped the gun on the column this week in order to catch everyone before Bruce Bratton Day is over. I didn’t catch Becky in time, so I’m running a quick repeat of a piece from last week:

Show up at the June 4 Final Budget Hearing at 1:30pm and let the Supervisors know you expect them to uphold the funding promised at the ballot box…

I don’t know about you, but I don’t go on spending sprees when I know I have no money. Apparently, CAO Palacios and the County Supervisors need to learn that. Maybe it’s too late…the County has borrowed an unprecedented $95 Million, and will lease back the buildings owned used as collateral…with massive debt service burden sucking the General Fund and Contingency Fund nearly dry.

No money for repairing the County’s miserable roads? Oh, well..Supervisors will just deceive the voters yet again and reach deeper into their wallets with a smile on their faces, because no one is discussing staffing cuts, furloughs,or management salary cuts.

Please attend the June 4 Board of Supervisor meeting, either in-person at 701 Ocean Street, 5th Floor Supervisor Chambers (Room 525), or remote. The Final Budget Hearing is scheduled to begin at 1:30pm. You can also speak at the 9am public comment time during the Regular Board meeting.

Please share this with your family, friends and neighbors.

FIRE INSURANCE TOWN HALL MEETING AVAILABLE TO REVIEW
The recent Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce town hall meeting to provide information about property insurance issues was excellent and well-attended. In case you could not attend it, here is the link to the YouTube video recording and slide presentations: Community Wildfire & Insurance Preparedness Workshop

MAKE ONE CALL. WRITE ONE LETTER. ATTEND THE JUNE 4 FINAL COUNTY BUDGET HEARING. TAKE A PHOTO OF POTHOLES AND ROAD WASHOUTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND SEND THEM TO THE COUNTY SUPERVISORS.

MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE THIS WEEK AND JUST DO SOMETHING.

Cheers,
Becky

Right Livelihood

Picking a livelihood that helps to reduce suffering and creating a community that has access to such livelihoods are big and necessary challenges for everyone. The centrality of these goals is often overlooked. Here, I illustrate some hiccups with this process for those pursuing careers related to biology.

Biology Jobs

Bright-eyed young people gravitate towards careers outside, working with critters or plants, hoping that somehow they can help save the world by becoming experts at biology. They work hard to get biology degrees up against others who are pursuing more lucrative careers as doctors or genetic engineers. They compete for volunteer positions and internships to get hands-on experience. They go into further debt to attend a Master’s degree program so that they are competitive in the biology market.

A very few of these well-educated students will go on to get PhDs to become research biologists or even professors. There are fewer and fewer of these jobs, however, and most realize that this is a losing proposition unless they are affiliated with the best University faculty and labs as doctoral candidates.

Most budding biologists discover that the most available, and well-paying, jobs are as biological consultants; they have loans to pay and families to raise, and that is the easiest way forward. But, some can’t stomach being biological consultants (more on that later) or just never seem to be competitive in the application pool. These folks settle for jobs with government agencies such as public parks (BLM, State, City, or County Parks), regulatory and planning agencies (state or federal wildlife agencies, water districts), or advisory agencies (US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Resource Conservation Districts).

Teaching and Research

How well does teaching and research mesh with ‘right livelihood?’ I will paraphrase Thich Nhat Hahn with this example. I teach biology and conservation to many students, but some of those students will get jobs in biology just to make money which will enable them to raise children who likewise have no ethical appreciation for conservation of life on earth. I already benefit from those students’ contribution to the economy and their unethical children will likely pay for my social security.

Does that mean I shouldn’t teach and research about conservation? No. What it means is that I need to consider these outcomes of my work seek to improve my approaches to conservation. I also realize the need to improve my community, so that the biological careers that are available to the students I teach are more ethical, so even those who enter those fields ‘for the money’ can do less harm.

Agency Biologists

It is nearly impossible for biologists working for agencies to practice excellent biology for conservation. At best, they might incrementally reduce harm to nature, but more likely they are enabling harm to nature by helping to ‘cover’ for the other, more politically supported mandates of the agencies. For instance, the tidal wave of outside influence on parks by well-funded groups such as the Outdoor Industry Association has created a situation where parks agency biologists’ opinions are marginalized, and they are not allowed to insert any meaningful biological protective language into parks planning (for instance, for BLM, see this, and for State Parks, this). Instead, as you will see when following those links, they are asked to rationalize imbalanced planning approaches that will cause environmental degradation. When such approaches from agencies are challenged in court, there is a long legal history of courts siding on behalf of the agencies. I need to do another column on the bad news that happens when courts are asked to decide on biological matters: the quote that comes to mind is ‘if a scientist testifies to affirm it in the courtroom, a pig can fly.‘

Consulting Biologists

Another career choice that biologists might make, and the most profitable by far, is biological consulting. Biological consulting is an area of the economy that has mostly been made feasible through regulations designed to protect the environment. However, such consultants might make a living helping agencies that don’t have in-house biologists; in this latter case, the same pitfalls play out as outlined in the prior section. In the former case, biological consultants have a variety of approaches to helping their clients navigate regulations. There is a spectrum of such approaches, and at the far end of the spectrum there are what a mentor of mine called ‘biostitutes’ – biologists who are in the business of ruining the earth for money.

Biostitutes

During my 35 years of watching environmental discourses play out across the Central Coast, I have seen quite a few biostitutes profiting from environmental destruction, but their numbers are diminishing for a variety of reasons. I’ve seen perfectly well educated biostitutes claim over and over again not to understand clearly written, required monitoring guidelines; instead they have created half-baked reports on poorly collected monitoring data in order to reduce costs for their clients. And, I’ve witnessed biostitutes misrepresent the extent of endangered, legally protected habitats by inventing their own methodology of vegetation classification. And, in my experience, it is not at all uncommon for biostitutes to, without any evidence whatsoever, claim that it is feasible to restore new areas of habitat or rare species so that there is ‘no impact’ when destroying natural habitat or rare species populations. It is amazing to me that these people keep getting employed, but they do…why?

The Politics of Biology

It is my contention that biostitutes and other less blatantly unethical career biologists keep earning their livings because of their expertise in navigating interpersonal political bond formation. Subtly or not so subtly, a biologist can signal their willingness to be helpful to those with ‘biology problems.’ Be it a subdivision developer, a parks manager, or a public works director, there will inevitably be environmental protections to integrate as part of getting things done. The biologist is faced with the dilemma of telling their clients (or their bosses) that there is ‘serious work’ that needs to be done to avoid biological impacts or, on the other hand, that such impacts are normal, inevitable and relatively easy to justify or repair. In the case of the biostitutes I’ve seen, there’s also often the formation of chummy comradery via framing: ‘us’ (the world-improvers) vs ‘them’ (the regulators). This last situation is particularly weird as the regulators easily recognize this and so the clients of the biostitutes end up paying a lot more money than if they had been advised by biologists with collegial working relationships with regulators. Ask a suspected biostitute to show you where they have succeeded with environmental protection measures, take a guide/buddy to help, and you’ll either not be able to find anything or be led to something less than success.

Learning and Growing

Those with the more collegial approaches to ‘biology problems’ are seeking the path of right livelihood. They serve as educators to both the regulators as well as those who are navigating the regulations. This approach helps the regulators learn and improve environmental protection while also helping push practitioners to be more environmentally sound. These ‘learning and growing’ biologists keep up on the science, are great communicators of science, and have a track record of succeeding with well-informed environmental protection outcomes. They will be proud to show you where they have succeeded, where they are learning, and where they look for evidence of moving in the right direction for environmental protection.

Aren’t these examples with right livelihood in biology interesting to apply across the spectrum of other jobs? I hope that you will now more easily identify the right livelihoods around you and work to make it possible to have more of these options in our community.

SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2024
#154 / Let It Be Known

It would be pretty hard to overstate the impact of “Ripple,” the Grateful Dead song that you can listen to and see performed on thePlaying For Changevideo that is presented below. Some of the musicians who appear in that video are famous. Some aren’t. They are all great.

Here is a link to the lyrics, in case you don’t know those lyrics all by heart. I am, personally, swept away by that verse that I have put at the top. It’s Sunday, and a good day to remember that all our human works, including the world we create ourselves, are ultimately dependent upon that other world, the “World of Nature,” the “World God Made.”

That world – the world into which we have been so mysteriously born – is not a world that was “made by the hands of men.”

The songs that remind us of this – andeverythingthat reminds us of this – can, and perhaps will, and certainly should, bring tears to our eyes.

Click that video link, below, to see if I am right about that.

HUSH…NOTHING FOR LOSERS, SUCKERS, AND SCUMBAGS

The winner of the haiku contest, identified only asAJ, and held byAndy BorowitzofThe Borowitz Report, was announced at a very opportune moment. Contestants submitted haikus on the theme,‘Trump’s innermost musings as he sits in court.’AJ says that he would not have incited a riot had he lost the contest, while lauding the community for their submitted taunts against a“wannabe dictator.”Rather than write a haiku in it’s original form of three lines or phrases containing seventeen syllables, with the phonetic units in a 5, 7, 5 pattern, he realizedTrumpwould break the rules just as he breaks everything, so he bent the rules to fit the former- and now felonious-president’s character. Exaggerating his greatness, as he insults others smarter than him, AJ submitted Trump’s likely musings:

I write the best haikus
You’ve never seen anything like these
Counting syllables is for losers

MAGAprinceling,Eric Trump, drew slings and arrows after hisMemorial Dayweekend post onXtwitter, when he shared another user’s post of a photo ofDaddy Don,Melania,EricandLara, andDJT, Jr., withKimberly Guilfoyle, crediting the clan with“giving up everything to Save America.”“And we will do it again,” added Eric, sansIvanka,JaredandTiffany, evidently. FormerIllinois Representative Adam Kinzingerpounced with,“Your family has sacrificed nothing, your name will become synonymous with ‘Benedict Arnold’ and how dare you tweet this, THIS weekend. You don’t know the first thing about service you child.”Other posters called outThe Don’sderogatory comments onUSservice members and veterans, and fallen soldiers as“suckers,”mentioning his five deferments to avoid the draft.Snark Tankposted,“Yup, Donald even sacrificed his bone spurs after the draft was over.”One poster asked,“How many years in service or number of deployments do you all have? FYI, taking part in the events leading up to J6 doesn’t count as military service.”Of course we got the usual respectful, solemn but upbeat Memorial Day message from theOrange Bully…to all the,“human scum that is working so hard to destroy our country.”To his credit he also posted an image of himself saluting at the tomb of theUnknowns…Photoshopped?Bocha BlueonThe Palmer Reporttook a jab atMr. Trumpwith,“We know you’re stressed, Donnie. However, you need to know that Memorial Day isn’t all about you. You see, on this day, we honor those who are your direct OPPOSITE. We honor the courageous, not the cowardly. We honor the strong, not the weak. We honor America, not those who hate her. It is fitting that the jury will decide your fate on the week of Memorial Day. How lovely to see you get what you so richly deserve.”

The Borowitz Reportdivulges that,“In what has become a Memorial Day tradition for him, on Monday Donald J. Trump laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Podiatrist. Trump made his annual pilgrimage to pay homage to the heroic doctors who issued bogus diagnoses to ensure that their privileged patients never answered the call of duty. In an emotional tribute, Trump thanked the fallen foot specialists who bravely risked their medical licenses so that others facing military service could be free. Choking back tears, he said, ‘They gave everything so people like me could give nothing.'”

And it came to pass, that onMay30, 2024, history was made with theNew Yorkjury convictingThe Trumpmeisterof all 34 counts in his business records coverup case, commonly known as theStormy Daniels Hush Moneytrial. The rule of law asserted itself, that no man is above it…and with certainty, not even the former leader of the country. The jury glossed over the defense’s attempt to criminalizeMichael Cohen, quickly considering the preponderance of evidence that would have takenTrumpdown anyway…emails, texts, phone recordings galore and twenty witnesses.Steve SchmidtonThe Warning, applauds the results of the trial, saying,“Donald Trump is a convicted felon and the Republican nominee for president. He is running on a platform of rage, revenge and payback, and his party stands behind him. A great tragedy is at hand, and the American people should understand the last nine years have been a short preface to what is coming next. Something terrible is building in America, and the only political question that matters is: how do we get through this? The corruption of this era is deep, wretched and everywhere. We are about to pay the bill, and it will be brutal. Things will get better, but not before they get much worse. Much worse.”Steve believes that one day people will look back on this era with the profound contempt it deserves, and ask: how did this happen? The answer will always be the same: one day at a time.

Trumpteased for weeks that he might take the stand and testify (test-a-lie?) in his own defense, with legal experts warning it would be a risky undertaking. OnWABC Radio, he blamedJudge Juan Merchan’srulings throughout the trial while other witnesses were on the stand, when he often ruled for the prosecution.“Because he made rulings that makes it very difficult to testify. Anything I did, anything I did in the past they can bring everything up. And you know what, I’ve had a great past. The other reason is because they have no case. In other words, why testify when they have no case? There’s no crime, so when you say, ‘Why not testify?’ they have no case, other than it’s a corrupt system.”Trump’s most laughable post sent out with a fundraising appeal is,“Mother Teresa could not beat these charges. These charges are rigged. The whole thing is rigged!”Got that? With the guilty verdicts, there has been no rioting in the streets…so far…just the expected overdose of whining. With Judge Merchan’s scheduled sentence hearing onJuly11 we might look for more activity, all dependent upon what combination of penalties are levied…a fine, probation, probation with supervision, or prison time. Merchan also has to consider Trump’s age, his lack of previous conviction, and possibly his violations of the court’s gag orders as he arrives at a decision. With the threatened appeal of the verdict, Trump will likely remain free on ball in this process, as his legal team prepares to face theAppellate Division CourtinManhattan, or possibly theCourt of Appeals.

Professor Anna CominskyofNew York Law Schoolsays grounds for an appeal might be that evidence provided by adult film starStormy Danielscould be viewed as not necessary, where it becomes irrelevant and prejudicial. For the prosecution, her detail makes her a credible witness, and during her testimony the defense twice called for a mistrial, both denied byJudge Merchan. Falsifying business records are usually a low-level misdemeanor inNew York, but theClass Efelony charges arise fromTrump’scrime of an alleged illegal attempt to influence the 2016 election. Prosecutors allege that violations of federal and state election laws, along with tax fraud apply to Trump’s case, but it was not specified to the jury exactly which was broken, which might form a basis for appeal. There is no precedent of a state prosecutor invoking an uncharged federal crime, which then questions whether or notManhattan DA Bragghas jurisdiction to do just that. Trump’s impeachment counselor,Norman L. Eisenhas calculated that during Bragg’s first year in office his team filed 166 felony counts for falsifying business records against 34 people or companies, with about 1 in 10 cases resulting in some term of imprisonment, with other charges possibly tipping the scales toward incarceration. Bet that raises a red flag for our former president!

Many legal minds believe that if onlyTrumphad kept his mouth shut during the trial, and not violated the gag orders which resulted in multiple fines, he might have expected lighter sentencing. But his breaches, not holding back in public, raises the possibility of incarceration, not to mention thatClass Efelonies are punishable by 16 months to four years in prison.Michael Cohenraised the specter that a“loose-lipped”jailed Trump might spillUS“secrets,”jeopardizing national security, from which he might garner financial benefits, or simply“bragging rights.”“You now have a Republican leading candidate, who’s a felon, who’s going to be debriefed on national security issues, knowing how loose-lipped he is, and how he’s willing to give away America’s secrets to Vladimir Putin…with the Australian billionaire at Mar-a-Lago…with the Russian foreign minister and Russian ambassador. So, my concern is, in a prison situation, he is willing to give away these secrets. He will do it because he does not care. If America turns against him, he’d rather see America burned to the ground. And that’s who Donald Trump is.”

“It’s time for everybody to realize that the world is not trying to unfairly screw Donald Trump. In fact, it constantly seems like Donald Trump is trying to screw Donald Trump. Nobody tricked him into having an affair with a p*rn star. Nobody made him assault E. Jean Carroll in a dressing room. Nobody forced him to become a grifter and commit fraud in every aspect of his life. He ran for president the first time because he wanted to appear powerful and finally do something successful. Ironically, it screwed him. He was exposed. And now, no matter how badly he wants his old tabloid cover life back, he can’t have it. He has to run again in November. It’s the only way to stay out of prison. He’s a felon. We all know he’s going to appeal, it’s the only way to delay the inevitable. But if he wins, it all goes away. This conviction, and three more potential ones that won’t even begin until after November. We have to stop him. Justice has to be served.”–The Lincoln Project

David Frumwrites inThe Atlantic:“The wrong case for the wrong offense just reached the right verdict. Donald Trump will not be held accountable before the 2024 presidential election for his violent attempt to overturn the previous election. He will not be held accountable before the election for absconding with classified government documents and showing them off at his pay-for-access vacation club. He will not be held accountable before the election for his elaborate conspiracy to manipulate state governments to install fake electors. But he is now a convicted felon for all time. It says something dark about the American legal system that it cannot deal promptly and effectively with a coup d’état. But it says something bright and hopeful that even an ex-president must face justice for ordinary crimes under the laws of the state in which he chose to live and operate his business.”

“He’s trying to sell me an America that doesn’t exist,”says sports punditColin Cowherd. Nor did it EVER exist, Colin.“Donald Trump is a felon. His campaign chairman is a felon. So is his deputy campaign manager, his personal lawyer, his chief strategist, his national security adviser, his trade adviser, his foreign policy adviser…they’re all felons. If everybody in your social circle is a felon, I don’t think it’s rigged,”Colin goes on to say. Authoritarianism expert atNew York University,Ruth Ben-Ghiat, wrote,“These MAGA acolytes also came to New York to wage information warfare and discredit the judge and the democratic justice system that dare to try and hold their idol accountable for his crimes. Republicans have been on a larger crusade to delegitimize democratic institutions, turning the public against the courts, judges, the press and politicians who uphold the rule of law, truth, and accountability.”John Boltonechoed her in warning of the danger of undermining the system, saying prior to the court’s verdict,“It’s dangerous to question the integrity of our entire legal system. Our enemies in Moscow and Beijing believe that anything that undercuts America’s general faith in the Constitution weakens America. A lost faith in our Judicial Branch is a win for our enemies.”The lies that flowed following the 34 guilty verdicts are coming from those who should be educating and informing the public about how our laws work…they should know better! Just remember,Trumpsays he is doing this forYOU!

And, according toAndy Borowitz,Trumpwould like to do even more:“Calling the situation a ‘rigged disgrace,’ Donald J. Trump said on Thursday it is ‘totally unfair’ that he is not on the jury of his trial. ‘You have these twelve losers in a room, trying to figure our what the hell was going on,’ he told reporters. ‘Meanwhile, I was there the whole time and know everything, but I’m not allowed to be a juror? This is like some kind of banana republic. I saw the movie ‘Twelve Angry Men.’ I should be one of those angry men. I would be the angriest man, by far.’ Blasting Judge Juan Merchan, Trump said, ‘Look at him. Look at where he’s from. I’m not going to name the place, but he’s from a very bad place. That’s why he won’t let me be a juror. I’d be a juror if Aileen Cannon was the judge.'”That’s right,Donny…just keep pitching it and you may succeed…forus, of course!

Highlights this week:

Bratton… The Food Bin Neighbors… Greensite…back next week… Steinbruner says….$0 for County Road repairs? Speak up June 4!... Hayes…Aphids in the mist…Patton…Special Edition… Matlock……Abbott stands his ground in Texas, Alito’s flag collection…Eagan…Subconscious Comics and Deep Cover. Webmistress serves you…some Randy Rainbow… Quotes on….”Verdict”

NORTH END OF PACIFIC AVENUE – CIRCA 1880. We’re looking right at where the Town Clock is now. Then it was the intersection of Main, Willow and Mission streets. Note the accessible, affordable and horse driven trolley (on the tracks). That streetcar went just about every place worth going to back then.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.
Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DUNE. PART 2. Max movie (8.6 IMDB) (4 thumbs) An absolute genius of a special effects extravaganza. You’ll need to see (or read) the plot from Frank Herbert’s book to remember /learn all the names and plot twists involved in part 2. It’s about intergalactic spices and who owns them.TimotheeChalametis the lead andJavier Bardemplays a serious role too along withChristopher Walken, Zendaya, Josh Brolinand thousands of digital look a likes. It’s the best use of advanced screen effects I’ve ever seen. The scope, the plot, the movie itself is the biggest ever. Don’t miss it and go to a theater to see it on the biggest screen possible.

A SIMPLE FAVOR. Netflix movie (6.8 IMDB) It’s billed as a drama/comedy and doesn’t qualify as either one.Anna Hendrickis the lead and she is simply just not funny OR believable.Rupert FriendandHenry Goldingare in it too, but shouldn’t have been. A child goes missing and finding her son takes most of this movie, and your patience.

BRIDGERTON. Netflix series. (7.4 IMDB) The very definition of a British costume drama. But this is noDowntown Abbeyand contains only stereotypes of high court characters.Julie Andrewsis in it, if you wait long enough. It’s interesting and possible that there really were that many races represented in the British courts at that time or is it the film makers attempt to stage racial balance?

BETTER THAN US.Netflix series. (7.3 IMDB) This is a Russian attempt at a science fiction/ robot/ sex / half serious comment on where high tech will be taking us in the near future. A “female” robot vanishes and the search and her relationships are the crux of the plot. Interesting but not necessary.

DARK MATTER. Apple series (7.4 IMDB) Yes indeed, another space bending, time warping 9 episode distraction. This one starsJoel EdgertonandJennifer Connelly.There’s a robbery he gets beat up then he gets reborn backwards 14 months and 10 days in his life.He made and remakes mistakes and so do many other characters in their new growth decisions, but it’s not all that bad. Go for it.

A NEARLY NORMAL FAMILY. Netflix series. (6.4 IMDB)A beautiful 19 year old daughter gets raped by a 40 year old guy. Turns out he’s not such a bad guy except that he gets murdered and she gets accused. Her parents and many friends and you too, will defend her. The ending is a surprise. It’s enticing, engrossing, and it has just a few gaps in the telling of the plot but watch it at your earliest convenience.

THE HIJACKING OF FLIGHT 601. Netflix Series (6.7 IMDB)This is a thriller from Columbia and it’ll keep you attached for all 6 episodes. It’s based about 80% on the true story of that high jacking of a passenger plane in the 1970’s. It’s full of government officials, much airline hostess’s activity and genuine well developed suspense. They manage to portray a lot of politics and the evils of huge sums of money and be sure to allow yourselves enough time to watch all 6 of the series because you’ll care which side wins.

REPTILE.Netflix movie. (6.8 IMDB) Benicio Del Torois near perfect as the detective who works full time and near silent investigating the murder (cruel stabbing) of a housewife. Real Estate plays a background setting asJustin TimberlakeandAlicia Silverstonedo only halfhearted acting in their fill in parts.

MIDSUMMER NIGHT.Netflix series. (6.7 IMDB) Set in Norway this celebrates Midsummer Night which is the longest night of the year. (news to me!) It’s contemporary and they use their cell phones a lot. Lots of sex involved here and some of it is surprising because it’s between and older male and a young babe. You’ll probably up thinking about your own morals and their validity. Go for it.

MAXTON HALL.Prime series. (7.5 IMDB). This saga is centered on the full relationship/courting of a rich, well-endowed, young male and a girl who barely makes a living and still they both go to Oxford. They use iPhones which keeps it current but the tensions and the repairs to their coupling start out so boring and end up barely making it plausible. He also plays lacrosse which should give you clues right there.

SUGAR. Apple series (7.8 IMDB) A genuine Hollywood movie about Hollywood. It stars Colin Farrell who does an excellent job in this absurd exploration of improvable plots. They throw in many, many cuts from classic Hollywood films in B&W and color. James Cromwell plays a legendary producer whose granddaughter is missing. It’s fun to watch especially when you try to match the old footage with the current confusing action.

FRANKLIN. Apple Series (7.01IMDB) Michael Douglasdoes a half convincing job as an older version (70) of Benjamin Franklin in this politic filled boring movie. Noah Jupe is his young boyfriend. It’s full of twists, romance, and a lot of the script is in French so you’ll be watching subtitles more than usual. Not recommended.

UPGRADED. AMAZON Movie. (6.1IMDB) Listed as a comedy I thought I’d try finding something to laugh at in this lengthy half interesting vehicle.Marisa Tomeiplays a driven manager of an art investment company in London that auctions off “masterpieces”.Lena Olinis back in her usual tempestuous bossy role and has always been a favorite of mine so all in all there are a few smiles and near laughs… so do watch this one.

SOUND OF FREEDOM. PRIME Movie. (7.61 IMDB) The story centers on child abuse and the pedophiles who run the children’s sex trafficking between Honduras, Columbia, and South America. The actual statistics are horrible and run into millions of children annually. The movie stat3es that there are more slaves today than there ever were even during the time we had slavery in the USA It’s still not a great film but it does get the message across.

STOLEN.NETFLIXMovie (5.6 IMDB) In northern Sweden / Lapland there’s a settlement of islanders who raise reindeer as a way of life. They are known as Sami and are treated as racially and inhumanly as any minority ever has. This is a drama about a deer kill that brings out the worst in this isolated community. Watch it but be prepared to squirm.

Gillian will return next week.

LOCAL ROADS DESERVE MORE THAN $0

Last week’s County Budget Hearings were shocking. Public Works Director Matt Machado admitted, when questioned by Supervisor Manu Koenig, that ZERO DOLLARS from the General Fund will be allocated for maintaining the County’s roads. Nearly all the money from gas taxes and other state revenues will be used to pay for debt on some projects already done, and debt service on the $95 Million lease bond debt the Supervisors approved earlier this month.

Supervisor Koenig said:
“We’re never going to achieve our vision zero goals if we’re not making consistent investments in our road infrastructure even you know we’re talking about [ ] new funding sources butwe just passed a new funding source and in fact we advertise it to voters by saying we are going to spend money on roads. We also passed the funding measure back in twenty eighteen called Measure G, a sales tax where roads is one of the things we spend that money on but apparently we’re notbecause zero if that goes into the general fund budget we’re spending zero dollars from our general fund budget on a consistent road maintenance that expires in 2030.

We’re going have to go back out to voters and ask them for another measure. How are we going to do that with a straight face if we don’t do what we say we’re going to do and if we don’t uphold the most basic service that people expect us to uphold.

So this is the biggest problem I see in our county budget.

Frankly, I don’t know. I mean we’re even if we choose not to allocate another dollar here other than what’s asked for which which is not enough I mean we’re not even taking advantage of some of the potential FEMA money for these remaining [ ] storm damage sites. We always say oh, we should invest in health or human services because that’s where the matching dollars are. We can get four to one match on that. But here, we’ve we’ve got a four to one match that we’re going to leave on the table.

So we’ve got to make a larger investment in roads even just to have the money on hand to respond to these disasters. I mean we are razor thin right now. I mean between the contingency fund going down, not having I mean what happens is another storm is like three or four roads go out.

We’re going to be facing lawsuits is hat we’re it’s going to happen and whether we like it or not, we’re going to have to start spending money to now be on the defensive.And frankly i’m worried about my own liability right as a fiduciary make sure that we maintain the integrity of county infrastructure. How can I sit here and not allocate a single dollar of general fund money to county roads and honestly say that i’m fulfilling my duties as a county supervisor. So I think it’s got to be ten million bucks as a starting place in this budget. We thought ok, fine, let’s say six million of that will come out of measure k when that’s finally made available we’ll carve out for from the rest of the general fund budget and if that sounds like a lot to you, consider it. Eighty million dollars is coming from property tax money and forty million is coming from vehicle license fees and guess what vehicles need people roads so it’s a drop in the bucket but at least it would be a starting place.”

Transcript; County of Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors BUDGET HEARINGS, May 22, 2024 9:00 AM

Did the Supervisors approve allocating $10 Million from the General Fund for local road maintenance? NO. The Board approved the Public Works Budget 3:1, with Supervisor Koenig voting NO.Supervisor Zach Friend was absent. Why?

Do you think it is right that the County is not spending any money from Measure G or Measure K sales tax General Fund money, and maybe not any road work from Measure D, either?

Write your Supervisors and let them know your thoughts. Show up at the June 4 Final Budget Hearing at 1:30pm and let the Supervisors know you expect them to uphold the funding promised at the ballot box..
Board of Supervisors < boardofsupervisors@santacruzcountyca.gov >
Call 831-454-2200.

Below is a photo from Paulsen Road in Watsonville…it might be closed for a long time, just like Mountain Charlie Road in the mountains unless you and your neighbors speak up June 4 at Final Budget Hearing, scheduled for 1:30pm. If that time doesn’t work for your schedule, you can also register your comments during the 9am Regular Board meeting during Public Comment.

WHY IS THE COUNTY SO BROKE? TAKE A TRIP TO THE NEW COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER.
Where has all the money gone? The Supervisors have approved purchasing many large real estate ventures. One is a new South County Government Center at 500 Westridge Drive in Watsonville, the former West Marine warehouse.

I took a field trip there, because CAO Palacios said recently it was open, and Supervisor Hernandez said his new office was at nearby 150 Westridge.

I stopped first to see Supervisor Hernandez to talk with him about yet another large real estate purchase (180 Whiting Road 38-acre new South County Park not accessible by bus). The door was locked, but a lady came to see what I wanted. She invited me in to see if Supervisor Hernandez could meet with me. The office lobby was large, but the meeting and office space was cavernous. She disappeared to find the Supervisor, returning after awhile to let me know everyone was in a meeting.

“Is this door always locked?” I asked as she lead me back outside.

“Yes. We are administrative workers and do not accept visitations from the public.” she replied.

“How do I access the Supervisor and his staff if I return another day?” I wanted to know. She pointed to a button to push next to the door to summon the Supervisor’s staff. If they are available, they will come to the door.

Wow. Is this improved public access to an elected representative?

Next, I continued down the street to 500 Westridge, the new South County Government Center. I had to walk around a bit to find a door that was not locked.

When I did, and walked inside, I was met by a guard wearing a bulletproof vest. There were five or six window stations resembling bank tellers from the past, each with a lady standing expectantly behind the plexiglas window.

“What is that for?” I asked the guard.
“They provide information for services, like CalFresh, and other health benefits.” he answered. There were rows and rows of chairs that reminded me of a DMV lobby on steroids.

When I asked to look around, he offered to escort me. He explained the place had been open only since May 20. Pretty recent! He said eventually people will be able to pay taxes there, and there will be an Election Dept. office.

I saw an empty computer resource room, and a large office adjacent labelled “Career Resource”.

“What’s down there?” I wanted to know, pointing to a long, wide hallway that looked like it must go somewhere important.

“That’s the Ag Extension” he answered, and escorted me there. We passed an empty room labelled “Ag. Library”, filled with empty shelves. The former office on Freedom Blvd. will be demolished and “used for something else”.

I was introduced to the receptionist, who explained all the ag services she handles. Mosquito Vector is there. Hmmm…didn’t the County just finish an expensive remodel of that office on Capitola Road? Yes, but now they are here.

The Ag Commissioner is here. “Where was your office before you moved here?” I asked. “Across the street.” I could not help but notice all the cracks in the concrete floor that had been caulked.

It was 5pm. The staff exodus began. I walked out with the very kind receptionist who explained that all but one main door had to remain locked at all times as she tested to make sure the one we exited was securely closed.

Was this a wise investment to make when the County is broke, and the CAO knew it all along? How much property tax revenue is now removed from the General Fund as a result of this new County purchase? Why isn’t the office space of 150 Westridge administrative staff consolidated in the massive 500 Westridge South County Government Center?

Please take a field trip to 150 Westridge and 500 Westridge and see for yourself. See if you can gain access to Supervisor Hernandez and his staff for a discussion about your concerns. (don’t forget to push the button to summon them).

I don’t know about you, but I don’t go on spending sprees when I know I have no money. Apparently, CAO Palacios and the County Supervisors need to learn that. Maybe it’s too late…the County has borrowed an unprecedented $95 Million, and will lease back the buildings owned used as collateral…with massive debt service burden sucking the General Fund and Contingency Fund nearly dry.

No money for repairing the County’s miserable roads? Oh, well..Supervisors will just deceive the voters yet again and reach deeper into their wallets with a smile on their faces because no one is discussing staffing cuts, furloughs, or management salary cuts.

Please attend the June 4 Board of Supervisor meeting, either in-person at 701 Ocean Street, 5th Floor Supervisor Chambers, or remote. The Final Budget Hearing is scheduled to begin at 1:30pm. You can also speak at the 9am public comment time during the Regular Board meeting.
Please share this with your family, friends and neighbors.

FIRE INSURANCE TOWN HALL MEETING AVAILABLE TO REVIEW
The recent Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce town hall meeting to provide information about property insurance issues was excellent and well-attended. In case you could not attend it, here is the link to the YouTube video recording and slide presentations: Community Wildfire & Insurance Preparedness Workshop

MAKE ONE CALL. WRITE ONE LETTER. ATTEND THE JUNE 4 FINAL COUNTY BUDGET HEARING. TAKE A PHOTO OF POTHOLES AND ROAD WASHOUTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND SEND THEM TO THE COUNTY SUPERVISORS.

MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE THIS WEEK AND JUST DO SOMETHING.

Cheers,
Becky

Aphids in the Mist

The fog is thick and drippy as I, like a good farmer, walk through the orchard to see what there is to see. As I glance at the delicate leaves at the fast-growing tip of a newly planted medlar, suddenly I’m on alert! Dark spots – aphids!! There’s a gentle skill needed for this situation. Thumb on the underside of the new leaf, forefinger on the top and a firm but not too firm pinch-pull from the base of each leaf to the tip. Soon, every aphid is squished. It was a recent infestation, not too many to eradicate. Do I have a green thumb? Well, right then my thumb was a slimy gray.

Rabbits to the n^th Power

Aphids are amazing pests, reproductively. These tiny critters have a life form that has wings, so they can disperse widely to find the right food. Once they land, those flying mothers are already carrying their grandchildren. That’s right: their unborn children are already pregnant! It’s not exactly a form of immaculate conception, and it’s not at all miraculous, because evolution can sure produce some amazing results. As they have many generations in a single season, hypothetically a single mother could be responsible for billions of offspring each year. So, my early-season squishing was killing at least millions of potential pests. Their quick reproduction is necessary to keep aphid populations viable in the face of a wave of growing predator populations that follow close behind.

Colorful Suckers, These Insect Cows

Aphids have piercing mouthparts that stab into a plant and suck out its juices. As their saliva combats the plant’s chemical defenses, their complex digestion converts the plant juice to food and they excrete “honeydew” from their tail end. I liken them to cows because they eat plants and excrete honeydew, but both processes are quite different. Cows eat a variety of plants, but most aphid species are far more specialized in what they can eat. And, that honeydew isn’t meant for their babies, rather it is sometimes ‘milked’ by ants that protect them from predators. But still, I think they look like itsy bitsy cows with long legs. There are so many types of aphids, I couldn’t begin to name them all. The ones I squished on the medlar were a dark gray, and there are others that are green, black, orange, red, and even some white, woolly ones. Aphids being prolific herbivores, they have naturally become the base of a complex food chain.

Prey Tell

The most recognized aphid eater is the lady beetle, aka lady ‘bug.’ When most people think about lady beetles, they picture shiny, round, dome-shaped scarlet creatures (image by Judy Gallagher)…nice, neat-looking creatures that look nothing like their larval form (image in link thanks to Katja Schultz, licensed by Creative Commons), which fiercely devour aphids. Some folks have likened lady beetle larvae to tiny, spiny crocodiles. They are generally (around here) mostly black with red or orange spots and 6 skinny, fast moving legs in the front with a long, flexible, scaly-looking tail wiggling behind. Each larva eats hundreds of aphids in its lifetime. Another well-recognized insect, often considered a pest, also likes to eat aphids.

Yellow Jacket Wasps

Besides clouds of winged aphids, I recently noticed that queen yellow jackets are still cruising around the landscape. They’ve been out for a while now, and some of them have settled down to raise brood. Walking through the freshly mowed orchard, I noticed 2 patches of flung-apart pieces from 3″ diameter paper wasp nests that the mower hit as I walked right behind. There were so few wasps in those nests that I didn’t even notice, I didn’t get stung! That’ll change soon as the nests get big, fast. I’m not sure if they are different species or just different queen proclivities, but some nests are in the ground and some are hanging in low-lying vegetation. Some call them ‘meat bees’ some call them ‘vespid wasps,’ and I was raised to call them ‘yellow jackets’ – I’m sure that there are a few other names…some even mistakenly calling them ‘bees.’

Yellow jackets love to eat soft bodied insects, so they naturally devour aphids. In addition to aphids, these wasps also eat maggots, keeping the blue bottle fly, one of the most reviled of human pests, at bay. Because yellow jackets sometimes sting people, silly humans often put out nasty, yellow, heartless wasp traps where these important pest-controlling critters suffer for days until they succumb. Unthinking people pass such torture chambers, writhing with suffering wasp-friends, and don’t set them free. Think of all the maggots and aphids those wasps could have eaten if they weren’t haplessly and unnecessarily trapped by some eco-illiterate person! Luckily, meanwhile, tinier wasps are at work controlling aphids.

Mummy Dearest

If you look closely at aphid colonies, you may see an occasional anomalously colored brown one. Look closer still and you may see that some of those brown ones have holes in their backs. Evolution has created another interesting aphid phenomenon: parisitoids! I am most familiar with tiny wasps that are parisitoids to aphids. These wasps inject an egg into an aphid. The egg hatches and the larvae grow up inside the aphid, eventually killing it. As the larvae pupates, it has formed what is known as an aphid ‘mummy.’ Eventually, the pupae transforms into an adult wasp, which chews its way out of the dead aphid body leaving behind an aphid husk with a telltale hole. These parisitoid wasps are too small to be bothersome to humans, so our fellow people haven’t set out traps to kill these particular types of beneficial aphid killers.

Birds Eat Aphids

I understand that people have a hard time relating to insects and that many more people have an affinity for birds, which also feed on aphids. Many species of birds have been seen enjoying aphid meals. Colorful insect-eating birds perhaps unsurprisingly eat aphids. The often bright-yellow colored warblers and currently electric blue bluebirds nab an aphid meal from time to time. And birds you might not expect to eat such insects might surprise you by taking aphid snacks. Acorn woodpeckers get their nutrition mostly from bugs, including aphids…relying on acorns for their ’empty’ carbs. Mainly known for plucking thistle seed from pokey flowerheads, goldfinches are frequent aphid hunters. Given how numerous aphids are, and the varied types I’m betting that different birds have favorite different aphids to hunt; there’s a hobby for you – figure out which color and type of aphid is the favorite food for your favorite colorful bird species!

If You Must

If you have aphid pests that simply must be controlled, what do you do? Some of us don’t have the patience to let wasps or birds do their thing controlling aphids on our cherished plants. And, not everyone has the time or inclination to squish aphids with their bare hands. In such cases, too many people spray terribly toxic chemicals which not only kill the aphids but also kill beneficial insects like those tiny wasps or ladybugs. Without beneficial insects, pests can more quickly get out of control once the insecticides deteriorate. The best thing is to have patience and a diverse growing system. For instance, if you get early-season aphids on a cover crop, those aphids will raise parisitoids that will control aphids which might have otherwise done more major damage to your later season crops. Hedgerows and beneficial insect gardens can also be hubs for colonies of aphids and their control agents. And still, humans want to do more…

Soap, Spray, Repeat

Insecticidal soaps that are certified for use in organic gardens work pretty well at controlling aphids as do hard jets of dislodging water. Check out your local garden store for OMRI certified aphid control sprays and apply them only when you have truly tested your level of tolerance: be as patient as possible to see if birds, wasps, or ladybugs can get around to the job, first. You might also try spraying hard jets of water at aphid colonies to dislodge them from the plant. When aphids don’t have wings, they have a hard time moving around and getting back up on the plant they were devouring.

Passive Aphid Appreciation

If all this talk about bugs and bug ecology has made you uncomfortable or seems irrelevant, I hope that you take away one message: “a person is a person, no matter how small!” (from T. Geisel’s Horton Hears a Who). It is we who decide, actively or passively, to conserve or let go of Nature’s species big or small. The fascinating interactions of Big Predators (lions, mountain or otherwise) and Big Prey (deer, pronghorn) are recapitulated in tiny realms wherever we give them space. Nature is all around us when we allow it. And it is all connected. Appreciating aphids and their roles in the environment may be a steppingstone to appreciating All Life. And watching the unfolding saga of aphids, ladybugs, warblers, and wasps is a whole lot easier for most of us than watching lions and their prey dynamics. If you can find the wherewithal, keep an eye out for aphids this coming week. Look a little closer if you find them.

Dateline: May 30, 2024 SPECIAL EDITION

You can access the text ofDavid Remnick’sstatement byclicking this link.

My first notice that the jury in the New York trial of Donald J. Trump had returned a guilty verdict (on all thirty-four counts against our former president) was the statement byRemnickthat I have linked above.An email, which linked his statement,just happened to be right at the top of my email inbox when I returned home from lunch. Remnickis the editor ofThe New Yorker, and he is, of course, correct that the “final judge” will be the voters.

Let me, however, add a personal thought about my reaction to this news. What the jury did in this case is a demonstration that ordinary men and women, assigned a serious task within our system of self-government – one of the most serious tasks to which any citizen can be assigned – were able to disregard all of the pressures upon them, from all sides, and to render a verdict that the conduct they heard about in the trial was a violation of the law.

We are being invited, almost daily, to conclude that “democracy” is dead, and is headed for the scrap heap of history, and that the travails of our society, economy, and political life portend that our history as a self-governing people is exhausted, and will perish. This verdict, handed down by a New York jury, should strengthen our faith in our system of self-government.

Thank you to the jurors who were both willing and able to do what they were asked to do: (1) To listen to the evidence; (2) To listen to the arguments from both sides; (3) To hear from the judge on what the legal issues were; and then (4) To deliberate and reach a verdict in a case in which neither fear nor favor prevailed over the solemn task entrusted to those who served on the jury.

If I were called upon to make a statement to the nation, I think I’d pretend to be president, and end my comments by saying: “God bless each and every one of you – you who have served so faithfully, as each one of use might well be called upon to serve – and God bless the United States of America.

INJUSTICE IN TEXAS, REAGAN’S GHOST, DURBIN’S DILEMMA

Last week,Governor Greg AbbottofTexasfurther emphasized that laws are enacted to regulate the actions of progressives and not conservatives when he pardoned a convicted murderer, who had killed aBlack Lives Matterprotester, making a mockery of the justice system. The governor invalidated the decision of the dozen jurors who spent time away from family and jobs, to hear the forty witnesses in reviewing sufficient evidence to convictDaniel Perryof his crime; but, because Abbott was not supportive of the BLM protest, and because he had a grievance against theDAwho prosecuted the case after a grand jury investigation found ample evidence for a trial, he ignored the systems available to address any wrongful conviction. Indeed, if Daniel Perry felt the jury was in error, he could have appealed on his own. This should be viewed as a consequential decision no matter where one’s political affiliation lies, but to date Abbott has offered no reasonable explanation for his repugnant action, obviously taking as his example that of formerPresident Trumpwho pardoned a batch of criminals as his term expired. Many Texans take advantage of the state’s open carry law, which loosely supports a‘stand your ground’aspect, with being in control its only political philosophy or motivation. TheAustin American-Statesmaneditorialized that Greg Abbott should have a face-to-face with the jurors to explain his decision and that he should be willing to listen to them regarding their conclusion…fat chance!

Thom HartmanninThe New Republicwrites that a theory from the slaveholdingSouth“explains a whole spectrum of Republican behavior that otherwise seems baffling and self-defeating.”The 1858“mud-sill theory of labor”bySouth Carolina Senator James Henry Hammond, asserts that for a society to function smoothly, it must have a“foundational”class of people who equate to a mud-sill that stabilizes a house upon its foundation, to perform manual labor which produces most of the wealth – a menial class, locked into that strata, that benefits an upper class. With no upward mobility, this group justifies for Hammond, the quote byJesusin theBible,“The poor you will always have with you.”Right-wing billionaires have urged states to ghettoize red state public schools by subsidizing middle- and upper-class children’s schooling, with poorer students flailing in sub-standard, underfunded facilities. Further,GOPstates make it difficult for unionization by labor, a sure-fire deterrent to upward mobility, with its“right to work for less”outlook. Hartmann believes we can blame theReaganrevolution for the change since the 1950-1980 decades when theUSAled the world in social mobility, ending when Reagan killed the union movement and defunded public education, bolstering the“mud-sill theory.”

President Lincolnwas resentful ofHammond’stheory, as his goal was to promote social mobility, and he signed legislation creating over 70 land-grant colleges where tuition was free or quite affordable…untilReagancame along. Hartmann mentions a 1951 book,‘The Conservative Mind’byRussell Kirk, which is held in high regard by today’sGOP, for advocating societal“classes and orders”to ensure stability. Kirk’s argument was that if theAmericanmiddle class grew too large and was well paid, this access to“wealth”would result in social disaster, with minorities forgetting their“place,”with women demanding sexual equality, and youth losing respect for their elders. He foresaw social chaos, moral degeneracy, revolution and collapse of the American social order. With eccentrics such asBarry GoldwaterandWilliam F. Buckley, Jr. quoting Kirk’s theory, the GOP leaders later pronounced ‘The Conservative Mind’ prophetic as theCivil Rights Movementtook hold, women were making new demands, with draft cards and bras being burned. Ronald Reagan to the rescue in complete repudiation ofAbraham Lincoln, the firstRepublicanpresident! Now we have former presidentTrump,Justices AlitoandThomas,House Speaker Johnson,Governors Sarah Huckabee Sandersand RonDeSantis,and their retinues nearing the finish line at fulfilling the mud-sill vision of Russell Kirk and Ronald Reagan.

Justice Samuel Alitois still catching flak for the revelation that he flew the upside-downAmericanflag at his home following the insurrection at theUS Capitol, for which he blamed his wife,Martha-Ann. The story is that she flew the flag in response to a neighbor’s anti-Trumpyard signs, a statement that might be true according to aWashington Postreporter who discussed it with her at the time, later discounting it as a non-story. Justice Alito didn’t disavow or reject the message of the“stop-the-steal”symbolization, hoping the brouhaha would simply die, but his wife’s expressed concern that children would read the degrading and profane language on the neighbor’s signs as they walked, or were bused, to school doesn’t hold water. This was during theCOVIDpandemic…Alexandria, VAschools were closed at the time. So now,The New York Timesjust released photos of yet another flag being flown at the Alito’sNew Jerseybeach house…the“Appeal to Heaven”flag prominent at theJanuary 6event, which is rooted inJohn Locke’s“appeal to heaven,”implying“a responsibility to rebel, even use violence, to overthrow unjust rule,”now embraced byChristian Nationalists. Coincidence?Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbindoesn’t think so, saying,“This is not a chance discretion. This is a conscious decision by the Alito family to advertise their political feelings. That doesn’t help the Supreme Court one whit, and he ought to accept the responsibility of recusing himself from cases involving the Trump administration.”Senator Brian Schatzsaid he was disturbed by the sense that Alito, or someone close to him, appeared to be advocating for more“religiosity”in government by flying this flag which dates back to theRevolutionary War.

Jennifer Rubinwrites inThe Washington PostthatSenator Durbinhad responded that he hasn’t“anything planned”in response to theAlito’supside-down flag, aside from issuing“a terse Tweet or letter,”prompting Rubin to ask,“What more does Alito have to do before Durbin gets serious?”Rubin termed as weak-kneed Durbin’s excuse that if Alito doesn’t recuse from Trump decisions,“the recourse is impeachment, and we’re not at that point at all.”With discovery of the second,‘Appeal to Heaven’banner, Durbin“got huffy on social media,”saying,“This incident is yet another example of apparent ethical misconduct by a sitting justice, and it adds to the Court’s ongoing ethical crisis. Justice Alito must recuse himself immediately from cases related to the 2020 election and the January 6th insurrection.”Durbin’s hollow words prompted constitutional scholarLaurence Tribeto declare the issue as no longer“just about the insurrection-abetting Sam Alito, but about the AWOL Senator Durbin. He has no excuse for not holding hearings about Alito now.”Sam can’t point a finger at his wife or another unmannerly neighbor for the second flag; neither can he continue to insist on the veracity of the first flag excuse. His favoring an undemocratic,White Christiangroup which repudiates separation of church and state, which views the country as being under siege from secularism cannot stand.

It likely wasn’tSenator Durbin’sintent, but his one statement points to his dereliction in his chairmanship:“The Senate Judiciary Committee has been investigating the ethical crisis at the Court for more than a year, and that investigation continues. And we remain focused on ensuring the Supreme Court adopts an enforceable code of conduct, which we can do by passing the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act.”Jennifer Rubinis indignant, writing,“More than a year? At least we know he has remained “focused” on ethics reform.”She thinksAlito’smisconduct also bringsChief Justice John Robertsto a crossroads…if he does nothing, Roberts is complicit in the destruction of theCourt’sreputation.“Such spinelessness might even snatch from Roger B. Taney, the author of the majority opinion in ‘Dred Scott,’ the title of ‘worst chief justice ever,'”she maintains. Both Durbin andSenator Sheldon Whitehousehave sent a letter to the chief justice, requesting a meeting as soon as possible, though Roberts will likely make himself unavailable…spurring Durbin to honor his oath of office to protect theConstitution? Rubin saysDemocratsmust be prepared to offer solutions toward rehabilitating the Court to rid it of the stench of scandal and insulate it fromMAGAextremists.

The flag stories will pitch further scrutiny toward theHigh Courtwhen it is already facing considerable blowback, particularly withJustice Thomasand honorary justice, conservative-activist-wife,Ginni Thomas, who attended theTrumprally preceding theJ6 Capitolattack, and who exerted tremendous effort in the months after to discredit the election results.Clarence Thomasjust recently at a conference inAlabamaaccused his critics of“nastiness and lies,”for not having recused himself in Trump-related court cases.DemocratssayAlitoand Thomas have cast aside decorum and judicial ethics, letting their personal views and friendships reign over any sense of obligation to avoid the appearance of bias or political favor.Dick Durbinis pushing for a vote on theSupreme Court Ethics, Recusal and Transparency Act, requiring Justices to adopt a binding code and setting up a mechanism for investigating alleged violations of that code or other laws. Both Thomas and Alito should not be able to rule on theTrumpcases before them, and those that will surely arise, but they won’t! So, peel them a grape, fetch their slippers and put another log on the campfire…and then prep the bedding in the RV!

Ian MillhiseronVox, writes,“Samuel Alito is one of the worst judges of his generation. He rejects the very basic idea that courts must decide cases based on the law, and not based on their partisan views. He routinely embarrasses himself in oral arguments, and in his published opinions, with legal reasoning that no sensible lawyer can take seriously. And he even tries to distort public debate and silence critics. But most of all, Alito is one of the most uninteresting thinkers in the country. Here he is, in one of the most powerful and intellectually rigorous jobs on the planet – a philosopher king, presiding over the mightiest nation that has ever existed – and his only big idea is ‘Republicans should win.'”He goes on to say,“Alito – a judge with no theory of the Constitution, and no insight into how judges should read ambiguous laws, beyond his own driving belief that his team should always win – is the perfect fit, in other words, for what the Republican Party has become in the age of Trump. Alito lashes out at his colleagues when they accuse white lawmakers of racism. Indeed, one of the unifying themes in Alito’s race cases us his desire to write a presumption of white racial innocence into the law – and especially into American voting law.”

Last weekDonald Trumpwas greeted with boos repeatedly at theLibertarian Party’snational convention inWashington, a switch from his usual raucous rally receptions. Taking the stage to boos and jeers from the majority, a smaller contingent clad in theirMAGAhats and t-shirts attempted to cheer him on with chants of“USA, USA,”and“We want Trump.”Shortly before his appearance, one Party member yelled,“Donald Trump should have taken a bullet,”an apparent reference to the MAGA lie being bandied about, that theFBIduring their ‘raid’ and search ofMar-a-Lagofor purloined classified documents was authorized to assassinate him…of course, the ‘visit’ was planned with knowledge that he would not be on the premises. A request for a comment on the hostile reception to which the former president was subjected was met with silence by his campaign as they searched the video for clips that show their candidate in a good light. Trump’s appeal to the gathered conventioneers was,“We should not be fighting each other, but work toward defeating Biden,”which was met by more jeering. A mix of applause and jeers was heard when he said,“The Libertarian Party can make a big difference. If we unite we will be unstoppable.”Trump tried to poke fun by claiming that if they chose not to back him, they would continue to get their 3% of voter support in the upcoming election. His pledge to appoint a Libertarian to his cabinet if he wins was countered with cries of“b.s.”from a large segment of the disbelieving crowd. One attendee holding a sign that demanded“No Wannabe Dictators”was disappeared by security, and after Trump calledPresident Bidena“tyrant”and the“worst president in the history of the US,”many screamed back at him,“That’s you!”So, in the end Trump’s handlers couldn’t find ten seconds of his Libertarian debut video where he was speaking coherently or not being jeered, resulting in posting of right-wing articles proclaiming his success, where thousands upon thousands of participants had his back. “Who does not know the truth, is simply a fool…yet who knows the truth and calls it a lie, is a criminal.” – Bertolt Brecht.

But,Rudy Giulianiis still searching for just a bit of success himself, having declared bankruptcy to escape his mountain of debt. His unwitting disclosure of his whereabouts, after thumbing his nose at authorities for weeks, allowed the servers of hisArizonaindictment to pounce on him at his 80th birthday party. This ranks high on Rudy’s résumé…almost matching the infamous news conference atFour Seasons Total Landscaping…you remember, the one next to the adult sex toys store, across from the crematorium?Jill TwissofThe Daily Beastreports that during aZoommeeting last week, Rudy had to use the bathroom, forgetting to turn off his Zoom microphone while standing at the urinal…an added contribution to the streaming event, so to speak. Jill gives Rudy a bit of leeway by saying we’ve all done it, or will do it…totally normal.“Just being Rudy Giuliani for the past 80 or so years? Pretty embarrassing,”she hastens to add.

Today, as we celebrate this historic occasion, how about some Randy Rainbow? Happy Conviction Day!

Highlights this week:

Bratton… The Food Bin Neighbors… Greensite…on the loss of our big trees… Steinbruner…Housing on campus…. Hayes…Re-run, and it’s all Gunilla’s fault…Patton…The Downside Of Upzoning… Matlock……trial of the century drags on, Giuliani is 80 and served…Eagan…Subconscious Comics and Deep Cover. Webmistress…… Quotes….”Democracy”

SELECTIVE TREE HARVESTING IN THE SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS. As the now historic “SELECTIVE” harvesting goes, they SELECT all the trees they can make big bucks from and strip the mountain sides.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.
Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

DARK MATTER. Apple series (7.4 IMDB) Yes indeed, another space bending, time warping 9 episode distraction. This one starsJoel EdgertonandJennifer Connelly.There’s a robbery he gets beat up then he gets reborn backwards 14 months and 10 days in his life.He made and remakes mistakes and so do many other characters in their new growth decisions, but it’s not all that bad. Go for it.

A NEARLY NORMAL FAMILY. Netflix series. (6.4 IMDB)A beautiful 19 year old daughter gets raped by a 40 year old guy. Turns out he’s not such a bad guy except that he gets murdered and she gets accused. Her parents and many friends and you too, will defend her. The ending is a surprise. It’s enticing, engrossing, and it has just a few gaps in the telling of the plot but watch it at your earliest convenience.

THE HIJACKING OF FLIGHT 601. Netflix Series (6.7 IMDB)This is a thriller from Columbia and it’ll keep you attached for all 6 episodes. It’s based about 80% on the true story of that high jacking of a passenger plane in the 1970’s. It’s full of government officials, much airline hostess’s activity and genuine well developed suspense. They manage to portray a lot of politics and the evils of huge sums of money and be sure to allow yourselves enough time to watch all 6 of the series because you’ll care which side wins.

REPTILE.Netflix movie. (6.8 IMDB) Benicio Del Torois near perfect as the detective who works full time and near silent investigating the murder (cruel stabbing) of a housewife. Real Estate plays a background setting asJustin TimberlakeandAlicia Silverstonedo only halfhearted acting in their fill in parts.

MIDSUMMER NIGHT.Netflix series. (6.7 IMDB) Set in Norway this celebrates Midsummer Night which is the longest night of the year. (news to me!) It’s contemporary and they use their cell phones a lot. Lots of sex involved here and some of it is surprising because it’s between and older male and a young babe. You’ll probably up thinking about your own morals and their validity. Go for it.

MAXTON HALL.Prime series. (7.5 IMDB). This saga is centered on the full relationship/courting of a rich, well-endowed, young male and a girl who barely makes a living and still they both go to Oxford. They use iPhones which keeps it current but the tensions and the repairs to their coupling start out so boring and end up barely making it plausible. He also plays lacrosse which should give you clues right there.

SUGAR. Apple series (7.8 IMDB) A genuine Hollywood movie about Hollywood. It stars Colin Farrell who does an excellent job in this absurd exploration of improvable plots. They throw in many, many cuts from classic Hollywood films in B&W and color. James Cromwell plays a legendary producer whose granddaughter is missing. It’s fun to watch especially when you try to match the old footage with the current confusing action.

FRANKLIN. Apple Series (7.01IMDB) Michael Douglasdoes a half convincing job as an older version (70) of Benjamin Franklin in this politic filled boring movie. Noah Jupe is his young boyfriend. It’s full of twists, romance, and a lot of the script is in French so you’ll be watching subtitles more than usual. Not recommended.

UPGRADED. AMAZON Movie. (6.1IMDB) Listed as a comedy I thought I’d try finding something to laugh at in this lengthy half interesting vehicle.Marisa Tomeiplays a driven manager of an art investment company in London that auctions off “masterpieces”.Lena Olinis back in her usual tempestuous bossy role and has always been a favorite of mine so all in all there are a few smiles and near laughs… so do watch this one.

SOUND OF FREEDOM. PRIME Movie. (7.61 IMDB) The story centers on child abuse and the pedophiles who run the children’s sex trafficking between Honduras, Columbia, and South America. The actual statistics are horrible and run into millions of children annually. The movie stat3es that there are more slaves today than there ever were even during the time we had slavery in the USA It’s still not a great film but it does get the message across.

STOLEN.NETFLIXMovie (5.6 IMDB) In northern Sweden / Lapland there’s a settlement of islanders who raise reindeer as a way of life. They are known as Sami and are treated as racially and inhumanly as any minority ever has. This is a drama about a deer kill that brings out the worst in this isolated community. Watch it but be prepared to squirm.

BABY REINDEER. (Netflix Series) (8.2 IMDB) A cute and cuddly title for a British series from a book written about a true story. There’s a bartender who doubles his life as a standup comic. He becomes stalked, really stalked by a hefty woman who doesn’t give up. They go to the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and have quite a weird time. It’s neurotic but well worth watching.

FALLOUT.Amazon (8.6 IMDB). You’ll probably recognize and try hard to rememberKyle McLachlanwhohas a small part in this ridiculous, violent, near satire of an atomic attack on Hollywood in 200 years from now. There’s long scenes of mindless murders and just plain script flips of a plot that never makes sense… don’t go here.

LAKE ERIE MURDERS. MAX (7.1 IMDB) Being from Buffalo, New York I hoped this was filmed there but nope Lake Erie borders on four states and parts of Canada. It’s a documentary and is also referred to asWho Killed Amy Mihaljevic. Amy was only 10 in 1989 and the murder is still unsolved to this day. Dozens of interviews with possible kidnappers, yes they found her body but have never found enough proof or evidence to convict anyone. Go for it but don’t expect any satisfactory ending.

If ever asked to describe the worst thing about Santa Cruz, I’d not hesitate to say, “the wanton destruction of big, beautiful mature trees.” From my early days in Santa Cruz to today, the chain saws are still hard at work felling nature’s creations. What we didn’t know then, that we know now, is the critical importance of big trees in storing carbon. That trees give us oxygen and take in carbon dioxide should elevate them to a status of reverence. Many old cultures did worship trees without knowing a thing about climate change. Poets capture the beauty of trees and our place amongst them. And still, the chainsaws whine and another giant is brought down, carefully, as ever more machines make human labor less arduous.

The big tree in the photo is a recent casualty of human power over nature. It was growing on Rio Del Mar Avenue. I’d estimate it at over a hundred years old. The species can live up to four or five hundred years but few, if any, will, given the casual disregard for non-native trees, irrespective of their age or habitat value. Add a dose of hatred for the species and you get the usual slew of online comments such as “good riddance” and “this is what should happen to all eucalyptus.”

Such disregard for non-native trees is not limited to the layperson. A recent op-ed in the Santa Cruz Sentinel by an evolutionary biologist made essentially the same point. In minimizing the impact of tree loss (803 trees to be cut down) for Segments 10 and 11 of the rail trail, she wrote “Of the 1,883 trees in the arborist’s table, more than a thousand are invasives, such as eucalyptus and acacia. But of the native trees slated to be cut, only about 67 are even moderately substantial trees, 20 or more inches in diameter.” Apparently, 736 trees are not considered a loss because they are non-native. She does acknowledge that “all trees have value-for wildlife, for our enjoyment, and for carbon storage” but that lone sentence does not deter from the main thrust of the argument that it’s only 67 large native trees that will be cut down for human infrastructure. And after all, “it’s not like clearcutting square miles of ancient coast redwoods.” No it’s not, but that style of arguing belies any lesser impact that still is keenly felt.

A few facts are needed to counter lay ignorance and academic bias. The first is that eucalypts are generally not invasive. That fact can be checked from aerial photographs in McHenry Library. For example, look at Moore Creek and Arroyo Seco over a sixty- year period. The trees are bigger of course but their spread is limited, and their range is shrinking.

Eucalypts did not eradicate native oaks. Dairy farmers cut down the oaks and then, looking for a quick-growing tree for windbreaks, planted eucalyptus, imported from Australia in the mid-nineteenth century. Despite ignorant statements to the contrary, the wood of the Tasmanian blue gum makes excellent structural timber so long as it is properly dried. If we want to favor native trees and were wise, we would plant blue gums for fence material and spare native redwoods.

Then there is the issue of habitat. Before cheering the demise of the eucalyptus, consider the research of Dr. David Suddjian. On eucalyptus and birds, he writes: “the flowers of blue gum, red gum and other species provide a bounty for many different birds during the winter and spring.” He continues, “Over 90 species of birds make regular use of eucalyptus in the Monterey Bay region during the course of the year, in addition to a wide variety of rare migrants…” On nesting, he writes, “at least 59 species of birds have been found nesting in eucalyptus stands, in the Monterey Bay region. That is equivalent to about 40% of all species known to nest in Santa Cruz County.” Such habitat value is not so easily dismissed under the pejorative, non-native.

I do not know the reason for that majestic trees’ demise. The County does not protect big trees outside of a narrow strip of the Coastal Zone or in a mapped creek and habitat area so elsewhere, anyone can cut down a significant tree without consequence. The County also has a poor history of protecting big trees even in a habitat area. Moran Lake, a recognized overwintering site for Monarch butterflies has had hundreds of its eucalyptus trees cut down for views or just cos they are non-native. Historical photos document the loss.

As the science of global warming temperatures becomes more recognized as urgent, there are valiant efforts underway to plant more trees on a local and global level. However, planting saplings is a fool’s errand without also protecting the big trees. Neither the birds, nor the planet care about their heritage.

COUNTY BUDGET WOES
The Board of Supervisors heard a tale of woe from the County Administrative Officer Carlos Palacios and Budget Manager Marcus Pimentel on the first of two days of County Budget hearings. CAO Palacios began by whining that “an individual” has decided to move forward with a legal challenge regarding the County allowing city voters to decide the fate of Measure K’s new half-cent sales tax even though the tax only applies to businesses in the unincorporated areas. CAO Palacios cast aspersions that even though the legal challenge had not succeeded in obtaining an injunction before the election, insinuating that it will not succeed on legal merits in the Courts either. Rubbish. The reason Judge Volkmann denied the injunction to stop ballots including Measure K from going out to city voters was because he did not see “adequate proof of harm” if the measure were presented to the city voters. It was shocking.

Now the legal challenge continues and I am grateful to that individual for standing up to demand that the County follow the law. According to CAO Palacios, the County can still collect the money, but it is embargoed and cannot be spent. Can we trust that the County will keep separate the Measure K half-cent sales tax monies it collects from the unincorporated businesses and NOT spend it? If the legal challenge is successful, will the County return the money to the businesses and taxpayers?????

If the County Board of Supervisors responded to the Grand Jury Report recommendation that monies from another sales tax measure in 2018 (Measure G) could not be kept separate for public transparency because it would be too complicated, how can we trust the County to be able to keep Measure K monies separate and embargoed until the legal challenge is resolved???

Budget Manager Marcus Pimentel presented a whirlwind summary of the County’s Budget. The discretionary fund of $7.5 Million will get spent down to less than $1.25 Million now to save worker jobs, according to him and CAO Palacios. Three new jobs will get added in Public Defender and one new job for the District Attorney Dept. to accommodate an unfunded State mandate to implement the CARE Act (CARE-ACT) Capital Improvement Projects will now be handled by the General Services Dept., not Public Works, and will cause 10 full-time staff to transfer to General Services Dept. and also add a new full-time person to General Services.

Hmmm… No one could answer my question as to how this can improve efficiency, or if it is even realistic logistically.

At the same time, the $4.4 Million General Fund money that used to support General Services Dept. will evaporate to $0, in order to allow in part the $8.5 Million payment needed from the General Fund to pay the County’s debt service on the unprecedented $95 Million lease bond the Board approved last week, plunging Santa Cruz County into massive debt.

What bothers me is that the Supervisors and CAO complain that our County only receives 13cents/$1 property tax, yet the Supervisors never seem to express interest in trying to change that with lobbying action at the State legislation level. Why not?

I am very worried about this. Are you?

Write your County Supervisors and let them know your thoughts. You and I have had to learn to live within our means on a realistic budget…don’t you think it is time the County does, too?
County Board of Supervisors 831-454-2200 BoardOfSupervisors@santacruzcountyca.gov

HIDING A SPECIAL PROPERTY TAX INITIATIVE IN THE BUDGET CONSENT AGENDA
The Board of Supervisors heard Budget Matters on May 21 and May 22. However, hidden on the May 22 Consent Agenda was a Resolution to allow the Santa Cruz County Land Trust-sponsored Special Property Tax initiative on the November, 2024 ballot.

Take a look at Consent Item #19

Why did the Supervisors hide this in the Budget Hearing Consent Agenda? Who would suspect to see such an action during the Budget Hearings? Why isn’t it scheduled for the June 4 regular Board Meeting?

If you think the Board is eroding public trust and local government transparency, please let them know: 831-454-2200
Board of Supervisors BoardOfSupervisors@santacruzcountyca.gov

DID SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT STAFF LIE?
The Board of Directors for Soquel Creek Water District approved a Resolution on March 5 to approve the contract with CH2M Hill and Jacobs Engineering to operate the PureWater Soquel Project wastewater treatment plant for ten years. The problem was that the Board nor the public ever saw the complete contract and had no idea what was really included in it. The Resolution stated that the Agreement could be viewed by contacting the General Manager, the custodian of the document.

I filed a Public Records Act request on March 23 and March 25 to obtain the Agreement, and to also make an appointment with General Manager Ron Duncan to review the document at District Offices.

Just this week, I received the District’s response:“The District does not have this document in its files as of March 23, 2024, the date of the request.”

So, did District staff lie or misrepresent information to the Board to convince them to approve the Resolution 24-04 and give the General Manager a blank check to do whatever he wanted regarding how the Project treatment and injection wells will be operated, or what safeguards would be put in place to protect the public drinking water or be transparent with the costs the Board were earlier told would justify the recent four-year annual rate increases to customers??? Hmmmmm……

Well, the matter returned to the Board on May 7, to let the Board approve everything. That landed a 2,000+ page attachment in their agenda packet, and I am convinced that none of them read it before approving it as what initially was a consent agenda item. That Resolution 24-07 was missing sections and had no explanation of the costs inherent in the Agreement.

What’s more, the Board did not revoke their first Resolution…so what is operative now in the Agreement with CH2M Hill and Jacobs Engineering????

The Board is asleep. Rate payers should rightfully be worried. CH2M Hill stated March 5 that the PureWater Soquel Project wastewater treatment plant will only be staffed Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, and will run on auto-pilot with operators on call at all other times. Hmmm…what could go wrong? Injecting contaminated water into the groundwater supply for other water users? Oh well, the District’s mitigation for that is to provide bottled water to those affected, such as the Pine Tree Lane Water Mutual and other private well owners nearby.

However, with the lack of transparency the District seems to embrace thus far, how would anyone ever know if there is a malfunction of the treatment process???

THE SIERRA CLUB AGAIN PLEADS WITH SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT TO POSTPONE LAUREL STREET BRIDGE COSMETIC WORK TO PROTECT CLIFF SWALLOW NESTS

Once again, the Santa Cruz Chapter of the Sierra Club wrote to the Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors to plead that the District’s contractor, Garney Construction, halt all work on the Laurel Street Bridge in Santa Cruz in order to not disturb the migratory Cliff Swallows nesting under the Bridge. This urgent request is in compliance with the PureWater Soquel Project Mitigations, which Garney seems to be ignoring.

[Sierra Club letter – URGENT – PureWater Soquel Project wildlife impact]

The PureWater Soquel Project construction update issued last Friday by Soquel Creek Water District for this week states there will crews resuming work on the Laurel Street Bridge regarding the conveyance pipeline:

Laurel Street:(Work hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00-4:00 PM)

• Architectural cover work will resume next week and continue for approximately two weeks.
• Construction Updates

The Cliff Swallows are now in their active nesting season, and likely are either incubating eggs or have live hatchlings. Crews working on the Bridge will disturb the birds and interfere with their breeding season.

Cliff swallows are federally protected, migratory songbirds, and it is a violation of state and federal laws to harm them or interfere with their nests while they are breeding.All swallows are state and federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Both the Sierra Club and I have asked the District to please cease and desist any and all work on the Laurel Street Bridge until September 1, 2024 when the Cliff Swallow breeding season is complete.

No one from the District responded to my request. Purportedly, the only response the District provided to the initial March 5 request made by the Sierra Club was “We care about the environment, so thank you for your letter.” Period. (pages 9-12)

Please write the District <bod@soquelcreekwater.org> and the Santa Cruz City Council <citycouncil@santacruzca.gov>

Garney Construction’s behavior and the District’s complicity are unacceptable.

CPUC REJECTS AT&T APPLICATION TO DITCH COPPER LANDLINE TELEPHONE SERVICE
On May 10,the proposed decision of Administrative Law Judge Thomas J. Glegolawas published.

[CPUC Proposes Rejecting AT&T’s Request to Withdraw as Carrier of Last Resort; Initiates New Rulemaking Process]

First, we learned that the California Public Utilities Commission denied AT&T’s request to no longer meet its obligation to provide basic telephone service as the carrier of last resort. I weighed in with the Commission to protest AT&T’s request because many of my constituents rely solely on their landline service for all their communications. Many live in remote, hard to access areas where cell service and internet access is spotty, unreliable, and in some cases, completely unavailable. Others are elderly and retired, living on fixed incomes. Maintaining carrier of last resort status ensures every Californian has access to reliable and affordable communications no matter where they live. This decision is a victory for them. The final vote by the CPUC on this decision will on June 20th.

WOULD ALLOWING PRIVATE RURAL CAMPGROUNDS INCREASE FIRE HAZARD FOR RESIDENTS AND DISTURB WILDLIFE HABITAT?
Yet another unfunded State mandate,

SB 620 would amendexisting law, the Special Occupancy Parks Act, andrequire counties statewide to allow Low Impact Camping on private lands and to establish codes and requirements that adhere to County Fire Codes, but mandating only waste disposal and quiet hours, as amended by the Senate on March 22.

Santa Cruz Planning Commissioners have been reviewing the proposed Santa Cruz County Code changes since February, 2024, and most recently on May 8, when the Commission sent the proposed Ordinance UNAPPROVED to the Board of Supervisors. This matter will be heard on June 25.

The CalFire Chiefs had requested each campsite have 10,000 gallons water stored on site and accessible for fire engines. However, Supervisor Zach Friend and his analyst Alysson Violante, who happens to be the Chair of the Planning Commission, removed that requirement.

The proposed Low Impact Camping ordinance would allow one campsite per acre on parcels five acres or more, with four campers per campsite. No on-site campsite host would be required, but someone must be responsible for the site and be either 15 miles or 60 minutes away. What if there is no phone service at the campsite to call the host, or to call 911 if needed?

Listen to the Planning Commissioners deliberate:Item #8,Planning Agenda

• Read the correspondence page 48 Fire Chief’s Association requiring connectivity to report 911
• page 36 excellent letter by Patricia Damron
• page 29 Jonathan Wittwer…this is NOT CEQA exempt
• One owner who has been hosting campers already reported a camper started a fire, even though no campfires allowed.

Speak up about this on or before June 25 Board of Supervisors meeting.

DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE ARE PUBLIC INSURANCE ADJUSTERS AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU?
A Public Insurance Adjuster is there to help you when you need to file a claim…like a flood, fire, etc. They are an insurance adjuster, licensed with the California Department of Insurance, that may be hired directly by the insured to represent them against their insurance company for the purpose of settling the insurance claim. Typically a public adjuster will charge a percentage of the claim proceeds for their services as their fee. Go here for more info!

WORK BEGINNING AT THE RISPIN MANSION GARDEN
The work has finally begun on the Rispin Mansion Garden project in Capitola. I am glad to see that the original plan to remove the historic masonry wall bordering Capitola Wharf Road was altered so that portions of it will remain (see attached photo below)

According to Capitola Councilman Kristen Brown, the City has no plans to restore the mansion.

WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. ATTEND A BUDGET HEARING IF YOU CAN AND ASK QUESTIONS.

MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE THIS WEEK BY JUST DOING SOMETHING.

Cheers,
Becky

[Webmistress here. Grey was supposed to have had the week off last week, but I somehow ended up posting his piece for this week. Hence this re-run… all my fault!]

Fog, and Fog Lifting
Tall black burned tree trunks hazily emerge into view through the thick fog. Days upon days of fog prevalence make many scenes more mysterious. That eerie scene of black tree poles joins other fog-induced memories this past week: puffs of blowing dense fog hiding and then revealing drippy, dark groves of live oaks; awakening to a wall of silver cloud obscuring everything beyond the window ledge, and one evening’s approach of fog…suddenly pouring over the farm’s western ridge and down the hillsides towards the farm like a wave of terrifying suddenly-released floodwater. Each morning every spider web is illuminated by silver moisture, every leaf and blade adorned by shiny droplets.

Us Moist Critters
The dawn bird chorus is delayed and the songs fewer because all animals are made chilled and sleepy, enveloped in low clouds. The brush rabbits shake the wetness from their pelts between bouts of meandering nibbles. Extended families of quail wander slowly along roads to avoid vegetation soaking their feathers. In the absence of bird song, there is a more peaceful constant patter of dripping. Sweaters, jackets, and long pants are in order for spending time outside. The richly humid air makes breathing feel refreshing and helps accentuate late spring farm scents.

Peak Perfume
The transition between spring and summer is the season of peak perfume. Eight foot tall bolting poison hemlock emits its telltale dusty, bitter odor, which carries far in the fog-moist air. When the clouds lift and the day warms, sweeter, resinous scents are released from the sage, coyote brush, and fir. Fresh-cut-hay smell is omnipresent across the fields and down the roads as mowers constantly challenge the burgeoning grass. Warmer days bring surprising clouds of sweetness, begging for a pause to ponder the origins of scent: madrone, French broom, lilac or lupine could be the source, but maybe there’s something new to discover. I squint to the distance, upwind for patches of flowers, then shift my gaze closer to see if there are bunches of hidden flowers. There it is! – clusters of tiny poison oak blossoms sparkling with nectar and wafting notes of clove and citrus.

Fog recently drapes the ridges surrounding Molino Creek Farm

Drying
The drippy fog does little to keep the inevitable drydown at bay. Deep soil cracks split and widen. Dust cakes vehicles and brush along the roads. This is the first week that the farm must irrigate everything or the plants will wilt and begin to die. The solar well pump runs continuously and the diesel generator will start shortly to push greater volumes of water to the grapes and storage tanks. The summer pattern of orchard watering commences: zig-zagging across acres of trees, digging 8″ deep into the soil to test moisture, adjusting irrigation strategies, turning valves, recording data, monitoring storage tanks, and communicating between many farmers to assure smooth operations. For now, cool days keep this work less hectic, but one eyes the forecast and makes plans for hotter spells.

Molino Creek Farm’s amazing onions, freshly planted and regularly irrigated

Snakes, a Month Late
April is normally snake month, but the cool, wet start of this season delayed the emergence of our slithery friends. Sylvie and her brother Isaac reported a surprising night time rubber boa, crossing the road despite the drippy fog. Smooth, fresh snake tracks cross the dusty roads, always wisely perpendicular. An irate hissing baby gopher snake lunged at my leather gloves from a patch of freshly pulled weeds. We are constantly surprised by scaled creatures jetting away from disrupting orchard management: a swift yellow-bellied racer snake, head held high, escaping…giant alligator lizards making for safer ground away from hoeing. Wherever we look there are oodles of lizards and snakes, an homage to organic tilth, the diversity of plants, and the wealth of prey that result from good land management the collective respect for nature found at Molino Creek Farm.

Cherries, lushly growing with irrigation and nestled in fog drip

Dateline: May 17, 2024

#138 / The Downside Of Upzoning

The five-story building pictured above is located in Washington, D.C. I found the picture inThe New Republicmagazine, illustrating an article titled, “The Case Against YIMBYism.”

YIMBYs would, presumably, cheer the newer building pictured as helping to meet local housing needs. Others, quite likely, would think that the new building is an affront to the character of a beautiful little neighborhood, and might point out some practical problems, too, like parking demand, solar shading, and the like.

Those who regularly read my blog postings may remember thatI have writtten about “YIMBYism” before, andIdidn’t have much good to say about it in my earlier comments. While I absolutely believe that there are often very good reasons to urge new residential development projects, and increased density in urban areas, I strongly object to efforts by those who advocate pro-development policies, and who call themselves YIMBYs (“Yes In My Backyard”), to pretend that there is a comparable, organized, and anti-development group called NIMBY (“Not In My Backyard”).

There is no such “NIMBY” group. No one has ever organized a group to oppose all development, period, and called it “NIMBY.” Saying that someone is a “NIMBY” is plain-old name calling. Those who oppose specific developments are usually better called, “neighbors,” and they often have very good reasons to oppose a proposed development project, when they do come out in opposition. Such project opponents are not – as the name “NIMBY” is meant to imply – selfish, greedy, uncaring and probably racist opponents to anyone who isn’t already living in their neighborhood.

The New Republicarticle, linked above, focuses on how the YIMBY movement operates. The main point of the article is revealed in its subtitle: “Why encouraging more private development won’t solve the housing crisis.” I endorse the findings outlined byThe New Republic, but want to add on an observation that is only very briefly mentioned in what that article says.

YIMBY (the group) is of, by, and for the development industry. The actual aim of YIMBY, which tends to claim that its main purpose is to promoteaffordablehousing, is to promote housing development, period. If there is any validity (or sincerity) to the YIMBY claim that building more housing will make housing more affordable, that claim rests upon the fallacious argument that there is a “law of supply and demand,” and that if the supply of housing is increased, the price of housing will inexorably fall, thus making housing more affordable simply by building more of it.

There are a number of fallacies involved in this claim – andThe New Republicarticle gets at a number of them. What the article does not stress, though, is the following. In order to increase the “supply” of housing, YIMBY advocates routinely want to “upzone” land. “Upzoning” means changing local ordinances, and/or the local General Plan, to designate a particular piece of real property with a zoning designation that will allow more development than the former zoning designation would allow.

Obviously, if the zoning designation on a piece of property would allow the construction of ten new units of housing on that property, and the zoning designation is changed, and “upzoned,” to allow the construction of twenty new units, the “upzone” that made that change possible will permit the property owner/developer to produce more housing. Even if you believe that producing “more” housing will automatically mean that the “more” housing produced will be “more affordable” (which is not necessarily the case, asThe New Republicarticle notes), there is a fallacy in the argument for “upzoning.”

The price of a new residential unit, where prices reflect the so-called “free market,” will depend, of course, on how much it costs to produce that residential unit. When land is “upzoned,” permitting more housing to be built, the price of the land will increase, to reflect this new reality. So, the benefit of “upzoning” will go to the property owner, not to the purchaser of the new units produced under the new zoning.

That is one of the major “downsides” of upzoning. It’s not the only one, of course, because community costs will also go up as land is “upzoned” for greater density.

Who mainly benefits from upzoning? Not those seeking more affordable housing. Who benefits are the property owners, whose property just became more valuable, thanks to the upzoning approved by local officials. Lucky for the property owners, it just so happens that those folks have a bonafide nonprofit corporation to represent them, and to help them argue for those very profitable “upzonings.”

I know you have already guessed. That nonprofit corporation, of by and for the property owners and developers is called, “YIMBY,” andThe New Republicis right on target in presenting its case against YIMBYism.

TRUMP COUNTING SHEEP, RUDY BREWS ESCAPE
Don’t hold your breath for this one, butRepresentative Lauren Boebertco-sponsoredHousebillH.R. 8386to award the twice-impeached, indicted felonDonald TrumptheCongressional Gold Medalfor his“dedication to strengthening America’s diplomatic relations.”The former president’s diplomacy is notable for his attempt to extortUkraineto get incriminating information onJoe Biden, and most recently encouragingRussiato“do whatever the hell they want” to our allies. The Congressional vault probably has a few extra medals on hand after Boebert voted‘No’on awarding such to theCapitol Policeofficers for defending the lives of Congress members during the January 6Insurrection.

Perhaps we’ll get to seeTrumpexercise his diplomacy bona fides at the upcoming debate withPresident Bidenon June 27 atCNN’s Atlantastudios. Catching the Trump team off guard, Biden challenged Mr. Trump to two debates onABCand CNN, with Trump’s immediate acceptance and his keepers probably gagging at the prospect, especially with Biden’s taking the lead on the debate issue…will they or won’t they? Many are saying we will only see a walking corpse, with Trump stumbling his way around, no idea what’s going on in a nonexistent campaign where his babysitters keep a tight rein on his appearances. FormerFox Newshost,Chris Wallace, who moderated the first 2020 debate between the two candidates, says it will be“suicidal”if Trump conducts himself as he did in that flame-out of a debate. Trump interrupted both Biden and Wallace in excess of 100 times, with his own team saying he“came on way too hot.”Wallace suggests,“If I were giving Trump advice, I would let Biden talk, because sometimes Biden gets himself in trouble. And then I’d counterpunch…I think Trump thought, ‘I’m going to be able to throw Biden off his game, I’m going to be able to get him confused.’ It didn’t work, Biden kept his cool, and the person who ended up looking bad was Trump. If he does the same thing again, he’s a fool.”What will Trump do without a teleprompter?

It does seem thatMr. Trumpis able to scribble notes to pass on to hisGreek ChorusofGOPacolytes who have started to show up at his hush-money trial, which they then elaborate from outside theNew Yorkcourt house, sounding very much like a limited vocabulary Trump with endless, whining recitations.New York Magazine’s Andrew Ricenoted that during the trial the former president was seen editing the statements of witnesses that he wanted his cohorts to feed to the media gathering.MSNBC’S Alex Wagnerquestioned the legality of this activity since the gag order prohibits Trump from directing others to say those things he is not allowed to utter. Case in point being,Senator Tommy Tubervilleadmitting that“one of the reasons”for his attendance and commentary was“to overcome this gag order”imposed on Trump, who is enduring“mental anguish”in this“depressing”courtroom. And, chiming in wasSenator J.D. Vance, who criticizedJudge Juan Merchan’sdaughter which Trump himself had done previously but is now gagged against doing so. Parroting Vance wasNorth Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who denied that Trump had instructed him to speak of the judge’s daughter. Tuberville doubled down later onNewsmax’s Chris Salcedo Show, saying,“Hopefully, we’ll have more and more senators and congressmen go up every day to represent him and be able to go out and overcome this gag order, and that’s one of the reasons we went – is to be able to speak our piece for President Trump.”MSNBC’sChris Hayessaid he sees it as“both thuggish and pathetic”how Trump appears, via his stooges, to be trying to circumvent the gag order which bans him from talking about witnesses, jurors, court staff and their families.

Lawrence O’DonnellofMSNBCwas in attendance, reporting thatVanceandTubervillesat in the“vice presidential nominee audition bench”behind the“Eric Trump bench”during the court proceedings. At the first recess, the two senators left their seats, going straight to the reporters outside the courtroom, with Vance questioningMichael Cohen’scredibility and criticizing the judge’s daughter, while Tuberville questioned the citizenship of the jurors, wisecracking that“supposedly American citizens were in that courtroom.”O’Donnell described Vance as being“on his phone the entire time…there was really no reason for him to come if he wasn’t going to take in everything that was happening,”referencing Vance’s statement that he was there“to show support for a friend”and to be a“friendly face in the courtroom.”For a friend who will soon select a VP running mate?! Co-hostWillie Geiston‘Morning Joe’described the duo’s commentary as performative outrage on behalf of the presumptiveGOPpresidential nominee.“Vance is a US Marine, for God’s sake, where it’s all about honor. It’s very sad,”he added.Joe Scarboroughreminded him of Vance’s previous disdain for Trump, when he said in 2016,“If you love Jesus, if you were a Christian, you cannot support Donald Trump. Now furiously on the vice presidential treadmill, he has changed his mind and has decided that this is the most noble of men in his p*rn star trial.”

The following day, theGreekChorussawHouse Speaker Mike Johnson, along withFlorida Representatives DonaldsandMillsfill the space for“friendly faces,”joined also byVivek RamaswamyandGovernor Burgum. A fed-upSenator Lisa Murkowski, who voted to convict the former president in his second impeachment trial in 2021, unloaded on fellowGOPerswho have attended Trump’s hush-money trial, saying toHuffPost,“Do we have something to do around here other than watch a stupid p*rn trial? I mean, this is ridiculous.”ButTrumpappears happy with such visible support from hisMAGAbase, commenting,“I do have a lot of surrogates, and they are speaking very beautifully. We have a lot of great people here to talk to you.”Speaker Johnson declared,“President Trump is innocent of these charges. This is the fifth week of a sham trial…they are doing this intentionally to keep him here and keep him off the campaign trail.”But Trump has squandered his days off from the trial by playing golf or holing up atMar-a-Lago…talk to his babysitters!Senator Mitt Romneysays the entourage of GOP leaders showing up outside theNew York Citycourthouse is“a little embarrassing…a little demeaning where we’re talking about an allegation of paying a p*rn star. Really difficult to watch. There is a level of dignity and decorum that you expect from people who are running for the highest station in the land, and going out and prostrating themselves in front of the public to try and apparently curry favor with the person who is our nominee.”

AfterTuesday’strial,MSNBC’s Rachel Maddowexpressed her surprise at the“sad”way in which the latest batch ofGOPgrovelers attended the proceedings, dressing like the former guy…“It was like they were the Rockettes,”she observed. However, she mockingly suggested thatSpeaker Johnsonwas allowed to wear a striped tie because of his leadership role, but they all used“the same language, describing Trump as their friend. I don’t know if Trump has friends. I don’t think Vivek Ramaswamy is one of them, if he does have friends. And this is a display of sycophancy and a job interview,”she added. PanelistNicolle Wallace’sone-word description hits the bullseye…“clownish.”This is a sensitive subject for manyRepublicanswho prefer anonymity, who feel that Johnson, a supposedly devoutSouthern Baptistwho built his political career on his fight forChristianvalues and moral conservatism, is undermining the party’s family values image forTrump’sfavor. One House GOPer feels that Johnson has to answer for that dichotomy at sticking his neck out in light of his previous standing. Johnson disclosed a couple of years ago that he and his son monitor each other’s p*rn intake with the app,Covenant Eyes,“a platform that helps you live p*rn-free with confidence,”according to its website. The Speaker bragged back then that,“I’m proud to tell you, my son’s got a clean slate.”“I wonder if he had to report the New York visit to his son?”one lawmaker asked facetiously. FormerRepresentative Liz Cheneyaccused Johnson of abandoning his commitment to advancing high-minded moral principles, by admitting he wants to be in the“I Cheated On My Wife With A p*rn Star”club.

While someRepublicanshave veered from the path by ignoring the actual charges, and defending the former guy from the process, a familiar refrain being,“I don’t think it has anything to do with what he’s charged with. I think it’s all about just the way the trial itself has been conducted and the fact that there’s a lot of unfairness that’s going on.”That coming fromRepresentative AderholtofAlabama. On the other side of the aisle,Democratsargue that it was irresponsible for theSpeaker, a figure who is third in line to the presidency, to disparage the country’s judicial system, undermining the public’s trust in a foundational institution that’s long been a source of national pride.California’s Pete Aguilarsaid,“It’s disappointing to see the Speaker speak negatively of independent criminal investigations, but that’s the price House Republicans have to pay; specifically, Johnson, for Trump to have his back.”Another anonymousHouse Republicanraised concerns thatJohnsonwho is a constitutional lawyer was casting doubt on the judicial branch, saying,“What I really didn’t like was the fact that as an officer of the court, he walked out and bashed the proceedings, the court, the judiciary, and that’s not fair. And as an officer of the court you have a duty to uphold that. It’s one thing when Trump, who’s not a lawyer [nor a president…yet], does it. It’s quite another thing for a member of the bar.”

‘Late Night’s’ Seth Meyerssays it was probably inadvisable forTrump’sentourage of“MAGA weirdos”to show up at his criminal trial, especially where character is essential to the case…andMatt GaetzandLauren Boebertaren’t the role models you want in the room.“Man, Beavis and Butthead are everywhere! That’s like if O.J.’s buddies at his trial were Charles Manson and Hannibal Lecter,”he quipped, adding,“I’m surprised to see Boebert there. Not surprised she showed up…just surprised she hasn’t been kicked out yet. Seriously, there are more Republican members of Congress at Trump’s trial than there are in the Capitol. Just going to throw this out there…might be a good day to storm it.”He goes on to say that they had to sit next toEric Trumpbecause they got their tickets fromSeat Freak.Stephen Colbertcommented aboutTrumpspeaking to reporters outside the courthouse, complaining about his prosecution, calling the trial“a scam, and it’s a sham.” “Coincidentally, ‘scam’ and ‘sham’ are the Secret Service code names for Eric and Don Jr,” Colbert disclosed.Desi Lydicon the ‘Daily Show’said,“Michael Cohen is the linchpin of the government’s case, because his testimony directly ties Trump to the falsification of business records, which, remember, is the actual crime here. The p*rn star hush-money part is just a little thing we keep saying because it’s fun. Trump’s defense attorneys have been doing their best to make Michael Cohen seem less credible than a Boeing in-flight safety video.”Bill Maheron his‘Real Time’show asks,“Why can’t everybody live in my world, in the middle, where we’re not nuts?”He also comments aboutRepublicansshowing up at the trial dressed likeTrumpwith this observation:“J.D. Vance was there, and Vivek Ramaswamy, Tommy Tuberville, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. No wonder Trump falls asleep in the trial…he’s counting his sheep.”

You’re probably too late to get in on the special sale during the launch ofAmerica’smayor’s new coffee enterprise.Rudy Giuliani, saddled with his $148M debt amid his bankruptcy filing is attempting to at least maintain his lifestyle, the debt being secondary to him…no doubt. A two pound bag of his beans…regular price $29.95…was available at $17 with the first 100 bags adorned with his signature, as he aims for aJuneship date! So, let’s see…how many $30 bags does he have to sell to even approach his outstanding debt…yikes!? Better keep those roasteries hot! Poor Rudy was indicted by anArizonagrand jury last month for his attempt to reverseTrump’s2020 election loss in that state, but the servers were finding it difficult to serve him with the summons as he eluded their efforts to find him. The prosecutors were faced with issuing an arrest warrant as the appointed date for this flibbertigibbet’s appearance approached, with Rudy seeming to relish the game of taunting the authorities by posting clues of his whereabouts, while bragging that you“can’t catch me!”…which would result in some kind of exoneration? Actually, an arrest would have landed him in jail, while being denied bail. But his boldness led to his downfall as he sent a tweet from his eightieth birthday party held inPalm Beach, boasting that he had avoided being served with only a day to go! Within the hour process servers had their own celebration by handing Rudy the summons, thanks to his hot tip onXwitter.Andy Borowitz, in ‘The Borowitz Report‘, says the process server followed a trail of jet-black hair dye to locate him, and“the former mayor willingly accepted the summons, apparently mistaking it for a co*cktail napkin.”

Early, EARLY color photography. This is fascinating!

Highlights this week:

Bratton… is back!…Greensite …Grand Jury server Gillian will soon return… Steinbruner…Housing on campus…. Hayes…Fog, and Fog Lifting… Patton…A Community Conversation on Surveillance … Matlock…Trump in TIME, drilling for a billion dollars, and an escape from the delegation … Eagan…Subconscious Comics and Deep Cover. Webmistress…… Quotes….”Recycling”

strong>BOARDWALK FILLING IN THE PLUNGE April 25, 1963. This was before they decided to install the miniature golf course. It was an amazingly successful place for folks to swim who didn’t want to brave the ocean. It was a salt water pool.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.
Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

REPTILE.Netflix movie. (6.8 IMDB) Benicio Del Torois near perfect as the detective who works full time and near silent investigating the murder (cruel stabbing) of a housewife. Real Estate plays a background setting asJustin TimberlakeandAlicia Silverstonedo only halfhearted acting in their fill in parts.

MIDSUMMER NIGHT.Netflix series. (6.7 IMDB) Set in Norway this celebrates Midsummer Night which is the longest night of the year. (news to me!) It’s contemporary and they use their cell phones a lot. Lots of sex involved here and some of it is surprising because it’s between and older male and a young babe. You’ll probably up thinking about your own morals and their validity. Go for it.

MAXTON HALL.Prime series. (7.5 IMDB). This saga is centered on the full relationship/courting of a rich, well-endowed, young male and a girl who barely makes a living and still they both go to Oxford. They use iPhones which keeps it current but the tensions and the repairs to their coupling start out so boring and end up barely making it plausible. He also plays lacrosse which should give you clues right there.

SUGAR. Apple series (7.8 IMDB) A genuine Hollywood movie about Hollywood. It stars Colin Farrell who does an excellent job in this absurd exploration of improvable plots. They throw in many, many cuts from classic Hollywood films in B&W and color. James Cromwell plays a legendary producer whose granddaughter is missing. It’s fun to watch especially when you try to match the old footage with the current confusing action.

FRANKLIN. Apple Series (7.01IMDB) Michael Douglasdoes a half convincing job as an older version (70) of Benjamin Franklin in this politic filled boring movie. Noah Jupe is his young boyfriend. It’s full of twists, romance, and a lot of the script is in French so you’ll be watching subtitles more than usual. Not recommended.

UPGRADED. AMAZON Movie. (6.1IMDB) Listed as a comedy I thought I’d try finding something to laugh at in this lengthy half interesting vehicle.Marisa Tomeiplays a driven manager of an art investment company in London that auctions off “masterpieces”.Lena Olinis back in her usual tempestuous bossy role and has always been a favorite of mine so all in all there are a few smiles and near laughs… so do watch this one.

SOUND OF FREEDOM. PRIME Movie. (7.61 IMDB) The story centers on child abuse and the pedophiles who run the children’s sex trafficking between Honduras, Columbia, and South America. The actual statistics are horrible and run into millions of children annually. The movie stat3es that there are more slaves today than there ever were even during the time we had slavery in the USA It’s still not a great film but it does get the message across.

STOLEN.NETFLIXMovie (5.6 IMDB) In northern Sweden / Lapland there’s a settlement of islanders who raise reindeer as a way of life. They are known as Sami and are treated as racially and inhumanly as any minority ever has. This is a drama about a deer kill that brings out the worst in this isolated community. Watch it but be prepared to squirm.

BABY REINDEER. (Netflix Series) (8.2 IMDB) A cute and cuddly title for a British series from a book written about a true story. There’s a bartender who doubles his life as a standup comic. He becomes stalked, really stalked by a hefty woman who doesn’t give up. They go to the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and have quite a weird time. It’s neurotic but well worth watching.

FALLOUT.Amazon (8.6 IMDB). You’ll probably recognize and try hard to rememberKyle McLachlanwhohas a small part in this ridiculous, violent, near satire of an atomic attack on Hollywood in 200 years from now. There’s long scenes of mindless murders and just plain script flips of a plot that never makes sense… don’t go here.

LAKE ERIE MURDERS. MAX (7.1 IMDB) Being from Buffalo, New York I hoped this was filmed there but nope Lake Erie borders on four states and parts of Canada. It’s a documentary and is also referred to asWho Killed Amy Mihaljevic. Amy was only 10 in 1989 and the murder is still unsolved to this day. Dozens of interviews with possible kidnappers, yes they found her body but have never found enough proof or evidence to convict anyone. Go for it but don’t expect any satisfactory ending.

We’ve been told we can safely say that Gillian will be back next week!

CABRILLO COLLEGE ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PROJECT WILL BREAK GROUND NEXT SPRING
The multi-story 624-bed dormitory next to Highway One and on Cabrillo College campus, housing a mix of students from Cabrillo and UCSC, went out for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on May 15 and will break ground next spring.This will be a private/public partnership, and President Wetstein said that the company building this massive dormitory will also operate and manage it.

Cabrillo is working on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents only now? Hmmm….

Last week,. Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein presented the plan to the MidCounty Democratic Committee to build a new 624 bed student housing structure on campus, next to Highway One to provide UCSC and Cabrillo students an affordable place to live. He explained that funding the anticipated $181 Million project was initially a $4 million project to be done via State grants, but the College’s 2022 application was rejected. Then, SB 159 passed, giving project applications a 10% scoring favor if joint educational jurisdictions collaborated. That’s when UCSC and Cabrillio College teamed up to help each other.

They submitted an application last year, only to have Governor Newsom make a sudden and unexpected edict that all such educational housing projects must be funded by bond sales, and grants would no longer be available. Cabrillo College has not had good success with passing bond measures, and the recent backlash over the potential re-naming of the College would likely not help.

President Wetstein joined many other college CEO’s to lobby the State to change this. Senator John Laird stepped in to assist the $181 Million Cabrillo College and UCSC project to allow UC Regents to sell the bonds and the State will buy them, interest-free.

Cabrillo College students have priority for 40% of the 624 beds planned (250 beds) that will have four bunks per room. The monthly rent/bed will be $925-$950. Priority will be given to homeless, transitional youth, veterans and those with great financial need. They will be required to be a full-time student and maintain at lease a 2.0 GPA, showing progress toward obtaining a degree.

The other 374 beds (60% of the Project) will be dedicated to students from UCSC. It is unknown what those beds will cost, but President Wetstein referred to the Cabrillo student beds as “the cheap beds”, so one can only guess.

He discussed that he had insisted there be a child care facility adjacent to the dormitory, because 30% of Cabrillo students have children. Adding this to the Project placed it at a disadvantage, because of funding metrics. However, Congressman Jimmy Panetta successfully earmarked $1.7 Million to pay for the Project’s child care facility and the hope is that Early Childhood Education students could do internships at the center and gain credit and experience toward their education.

I thought it was interesting that President Wetstein said the College is “working on” CEQA issues now. He said impacts of of the Project on historic resources, biological habitats, water and traffic are being examined now., The Project EIR link and findings lead one to documents dated 1999:

• EIR
• Findings

Stay tuned for an interview with President Wetstein on Friday, June 14 at 2pm on Santa Cruz Voice online radio program…call in with your questions.santacruzvoice.com

THE COUNTY WILL BORROW $95 MILLION TO STAY AFLOAT AND USE ROAD FUNDING TO HELP PAY THE DEBT SERVICE
Last Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors waited until the very end of the very long meeting to discuss what was perhaps the most crucial item of the day….shoving the County into an unprecedented level of debt and not asking about an alternative to borrowing $95 Million to fund extravagant real estate purchases at a time when they and the CAO knew there was no money to pay for them.

Of course, FEMA was made to be the whipping boy.

CAO Carlos Palacios said it did not help that FEMA refused to reimburse $10 million the County spent in Project Room Key funds (to rent six hotels) to isolate homeless people during Covid. I did not understand that…Project Room Key was a State program, not federal.Project Room Key

I asked the Supervisors to request staff to submit a summary of the nature of the $104.8 Million that FEMA is balking on reimbursing, and is expected only to reimburse $41 Million, so that future County staff will know better next time regarding extravagant spending during the next disaster. Public Works Director Matt Machado stepped up top the podium and said that in the future, the County will not be so quick to respond to natural disaster damages. I suppose filing a Public Records Act request will be the only way to get the revealing information.

The focus was only on the disaster responses, but no mention made of the County’s acquisition of 150 West Marine Drive in Watsonville to create a new County Government Center that has no evidence it is needed or that it will reduce the number of vehicles traveling on Highway One (that was mentioned earlier in the day in a Climate Action Plan presentation).

This was Items #17 and #18 on May 14 Board agenda. Please click on Item 17 in the split screen and listen to the staff presentation

How can it make sense to borrow money to complete the purchase of 150 West Marine building with $4.5 Million so that theroom keyCounty will not have to pay rent, yet as part of the lease revenue bonds the Board approved, the County will have to “lease back” the three buildings owned, and pay massive amounts of interest out of County Road Funds and Health Services funds???

Here is the analysis from Supervisor Manu Koenig’s newsletter:

The County has $125 million in outstanding claims to FEMA and State agencies to help pay for disasters including the 2017 Storms, COVID-19, 2020 CZU Fires, and the 2023 Storms. The County has had to pay upfrontfor disaster repairand response out of pocket. The long FEMA reimbursem*nt timelinehas put the County in a challenging financial position.

On the positive side, the County’s advocacy efforts haveyielded $21.5 million in new FEMAreimbursem*nts since last November and theCalifornia Office of Emergency Services has given the County a “cash advance.1 Nevertheless, a funding gap remains.

That’s why the County is consideringissuinglease revenue bonds worth $95 million. Lease revenue bonds mean that County facilities including 701 Ocean St, Emeline and the Live Oak Library are put up as collateral for the bonds and the County “leases1 the buildings back.

Total costs for this financing include up to $24,185,000 in interest, $7,793,000 in capitalized interest, and $1,147,000 in fees and issuance costs. Interest costs could decrease to a projected $10,708,000 assuming a reasonable level of federal and State reimbursem*nt over the next decade.

The annual debt payments would be financed from Road Fund revenue sources up to $2 million annuallywith the remainder covered by the General Fund resources. Based on current projections, the General Fund annual contribution would begin in FY 2027-28 (see Table 4) up to $1.39 million. The Measure K ballot measure approved by voters on March 5, 2024, will be an important resource for this portion of the General Fund’s future cost.

Take a look at the County’s projected debt service data

I am really worried about this. Are you? Attend the County Budget hearings next Tuesday and Wednesday and speak up, or write your County Supervisors. Board of Supervisors <boardofsupervisors@santacruzcountyca.gov>

AUDIT THE STATE’S AGENCY THAT IS FLOGGING LOCAL GOVERNMENT INTO MASSIVE BUILDING
State Senator Steven K. Glazer (7th District) asked the Joint Audit Committee to approve an audit of the State’s Housing and Community Development (HCD) for inconsistent and untimely procedures and processes regarding the approvals and implementation of Housing Elements of all cities and counties in the State.

The Committee approved Senator Glazer’s request on May 14. Senator John Laird is the Vice Chair.

Senator Glazer’s pleading justified auditing HCD, based on his investigations and observations within his District.

HCD is the all-powerful fist of the State that is mandating all local government agencies to rush to meet unrealistic deadlines to get their blessing on their Housing Element in their General Plans, or risk losing all local control over how projects are designed or how large they are. This is known as “Builder’s Remedy” and it strips all discretionary ability over local land use projects.

Even if a jurisdiction has met the deadline for HCD approval, it could lose it at the mid-term evaluation if 50% progress in building the crazy-high mandated numbers is not done, automatically reverting to Builder’s Remedy!

Tune in to Catalysts for Local Control every Monday at 5pm to get updates on this issue and more:
catalystsca.org

WHY NOT JUST ANSWER MY QUESTION?
Last week, the Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors affirmed their agreement with CH2M Hill / Jacobs Engineering to operate the PureWater Soquel Project sewage water treatment plant and injection wells. You may remember that the Board initially approved the $4.5 million baseline agreement that will allow real people operating the plant Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, with the rest of the time being on-call for problems. You may also remember that the Board approved this agreement without seeing the contract…just snippets of words here and there.

Well, the District had the opportunity to fix that by providing the full contract, which they did, however, no costs are included. Also, the Board failed to revoke the March 5 Resolution authorizing the agreement, and passed another modified version that was missing four numbered Sections.

When I pointed this out to them, General Manager Ron Duncan asked for a two-minute break and went running out into the lobby. He quickly returned and suddenly, Legal Counsel Josh Nelson from Best, Best and Krieger announced from his remote location that “staff is confident there is language in the agreement that addresses the cost of the contract.” I had examined the 2000+ page agreement and appendices before the meeting began, and did not see anything describing the cost of service.

“Where in the contract is it?” I asked from the audience. My question was met with immediate angry retort from Mr. Duncan and President Bruce Jaffe, instructing me to be respectful. “Well, give me a page number. You did read it, didn’t you?”

President Jaffe adjourned the meeting.

In the past, I have attempted to discuss follow-up issues after meetings with Mr. Duncan and received only insults, but President Jaffe has been reasonable and would discuss things. So, I went to him and asked for his help in finding the information in the Agreement about the cost of the service to be rendered.

Immediately, Mr. Duncan stepped in front of me, put is face about six inches from mine and said “This is not a safe space! You need to leave!” I explained that I just wanted to know where to look in the Agreement for the cost of the service, because it relates to the recent District rate increases.

“Leave now!” Mr. Duncan screeched, his bespectacled eyes bulging and inches from mine. I refused, then agreed to leave if he would meet me at the back of the room where the two large binders of meeting documents resided on a table.

I retreated and went to the binders. As I was skimming the Agreement, Engineering Director Taj DuFour took the binders away and said “The meeting is over!”

As Director Rachel Lather walked past, I asked her for help but was ignored. I suspect she had not read this lengthy document…she had not read the Final EIR for the Project either when she rubber-stamped it in 2018, evidenced by her confusion about why people claimed we only had 10 days to read it, claiming it had been released months ago (she was talking about the Draft EIR, not the Final, and did not seem to know the difference).

Soquel Creek Water District Board approved Resolution 24-07 without revoking previous 24-04, with incomplete sections, no financial terms, no reference to Contract sections relative to cost, no explanation of “fixed cost savings” referenced in the staff summary. The Board asked no questions at all.

How can they justify the need of the new rate increase calculations, based on cost of the contract?

What a mess. Why didn’t the Board just answer my question?

I think it does not bode well for transparency, should there be any problems with the massive debt-ridden project to pressure inject treated sewage water into the pristine groundwater that all residents of MidCounty depends upon for clean drinking water.
[STAFF REPORT FOR REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 14-15, 2023]

Write the Soquel Creek Water District Board with your questions about having the brand new high-tech energy hog PureWater Soquel Project operating on auto-pilot, injecting 1.67million gallons of treated sewage water daily into the drinking water source for MidCounty residents.
Board of Directors <bod@soquelcreekwater.org>

WILL WE GET TO VOTE ON THIS?
Why wouldn’t the Governor want to allow taxpayers to vote on whether there is a 2/3 approval required at the ballot box for new property taxes? Stay tuned for what the State Supreme Court thinks:
Will California voters decide tax limits in November? It’s up to the Supreme Court

Will California voters decide tax limits in November? It’s up to the Sup…
Alexei Koseff / CalMatters

The California Supreme Court will decide in the coming weeks whether to kick a measure off the November ballot t…

WHY GO FIREWISE?
The FireSafe Council of Santa Cruz County, along with local Firewise USA Recognized community leaders, are presenting a Why Go Firewise event onThursday, May 30th. We will educate neighbors about the impact Firewise communities can make in reducing our risk to wildfire. After presentations from Central Fire and CalFire leaders, we will walk through the nuts and bolts of the program and leave time for Q&A. Supervisor Manu will be serving up free icecream!

Curious about Firewise –Maybe you’re concerned about insurance and the upcoming fire season, but don’t know what to do next. Or have you heard about Firewise, but don’t really know the benefits or what it’s all about?
Want to form a Firewise Community– You are onboard with the program and need help getting things going or need help finding neighbors who are interested in joining.

What a mess. Why didn’t the Board just answer my question?

– You have already seen a Why Go Firewise presentation and are in the process of applying, but either stalled out or need extra coaching to get to the next step.

Event Details:

Why Go Firewise Community Event
Thur, May 30th 5:30PM-8PM
Seventh-Day Adventists Conference Center
1931 Soquel San Jose Rd, Soquel, CA 95073
FREE and OPEN to the Public
RSVP here

DID YOUR PROPERTY INSURANCE GET CANCELLED?
If you were not able to attend the recent Wildfire Summit sponsored by the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce, here is another opportunity offered by the Santa Cruz County FireSafe Council: Thursday, June 6, 2pm-6pm at the Veteran’s Building in Santa Cruz.Wildfire Resilience Summit

WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. ATTEND A FIRE SUMMIT FIND OUT WHY URBAN AS WELL AS RURAL INSURANCE POLICIES ARE BEING CANCELLED IN CALIFORNIA.

MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE THIS WEEK BY JUST DOING SOMETHING.

Cheers,
Becky

Fog, and Fog Lifting
Tall black burned tree trunks hazily emerge into view through the thick fog. Days upon days of fog prevalence make many scenes more mysterious. That eerie scene of black tree poles joins other fog-induced memories this past week: puffs of blowing dense fog hiding and then revealing drippy, dark groves of live oaks; awakening to a wall of silver cloud obscuring everything beyond the window ledge, and one evening’s approach of fog…suddenly pouring over the farm’s western ridge and down the hillsides towards the farm like a wave of terrifying suddenly-released floodwater. Each morning every spider web is illuminated by silver moisture, every leaf and blade adorned by shiny droplets.

Us Moist Critters
The dawn bird chorus is delayed and the songs fewer because all animals are made chilled and sleepy, enveloped in low clouds. The brush rabbits shake the wetness from their pelts between bouts of meandering nibbles. Extended families of quail wander slowly along roads to avoid vegetation soaking their feathers. In the absence of bird song, there is a more peaceful constant patter of dripping. Sweaters, jackets, and long pants are in order for spending time outside. The richly humid air makes breathing feel refreshing and helps accentuate late spring farm scents.

Peak Perfume
The transition between spring and summer is the season of peak perfume. Eight foot tall bolting poison hemlock emits its telltale dusty, bitter odor, which carries far in the fog-moist air. When the clouds lift and the day warms, sweeter, resinous scents are released from the sage, coyote brush, and fir. Fresh-cut-hay smell is omnipresent across the fields and down the roads as mowers constantly challenge the burgeoning grass. Warmer days bring surprising clouds of sweetness, begging for a pause to ponder the origins of scent: madrone, French broom, lilac or lupine could be the source, but maybe there’s something new to discover. I squint to the distance, upwind for patches of flowers, then shift my gaze closer to see if there are bunches of hidden flowers. There it is! – clusters of tiny poison oak blossoms sparkling with nectar and wafting notes of clove and citrus.

Fog recently drapes the ridges surrounding Molino Creek Farm

Drying
The drippy fog does little to keep the inevitable drydown at bay. Deep soil cracks split and widen. Dust cakes vehicles and brush along the roads. This is the first week that the farm must irrigate everything or the plants will wilt and begin to die. The solar well pump runs continuously and the diesel generator will start shortly to push greater volumes of water to the grapes and storage tanks. The summer pattern of orchard watering commences: zig-zagging across acres of trees, digging 8″ deep into the soil to test moisture, adjusting irrigation strategies, turning valves, recording data, monitoring storage tanks, and communicating between many farmers to assure smooth operations. For now, cool days keep this work less hectic, but one eyes the forecast and makes plans for hotter spells.

Molino Creek Farm’s amazing onions, freshly planted and regularly irrigated

Snakes, a Month Late
April is normally snake month, but the cool, wet start of this season delayed the emergence of our slithery friends. Sylvie and her brother Isaac reported a surprising night time rubber boa, crossing the road despite the drippy fog. Smooth, fresh snake tracks cross the dusty roads, always wisely perpendicular. An irate hissing baby gopher snake lunged at my leather gloves from a patch of freshly pulled weeds. We are constantly surprised by scaled creatures jetting away from disrupting orchard management: a swift yellow-bellied racer snake, head held high, escaping…giant alligator lizards making for safer ground away from hoeing. Wherever we look there are oodles of lizards and snakes, an homage to organic tilth, the diversity of plants, and the wealth of prey that result from good land management the collective respect for nature found at Molino Creek Farm.

Cherries, lushly growing with irrigation and nestled in fog drip

Dateline: May 10, 2024

#131 / A Community Conversation on Surveillance

Beginning in 2014, and continuing to last year, I taught a Legal Studies course at UCSC that focused on “Privacy, Technology, And Freedom.” If you click that link, you’ll be able to read one of my earlier blog postings, from 2015, which discusses the course. My past involvement with that UCSC “Senior Seminar” is what must have garnered me the honor of acting as the moderator for an upcoming, online examination of “Privacy,” in the context of recent actions by local governments in Santa Cruz County.

The “Community Conversation on Surveillance and the Expectation of Privacy,” over which I am slated to preside, will take place on Monday, May 20th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The discussion is being hosted bythe Santa Cruz County Chapter of the ACLU of Northern California. This community discussion will focus, most specifically, on the use of “Automated License Plate Readers” by Santa Cruz County law enforcement agencies.

If your schedule permits, please join our online discussion on May 20, 2024, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. I will be moderating.Click right here to register.

Participants in this community discussion will includeTracy Rosenberg, the Executive Director of Oakland Privacy;Nick Hidalgo, staff attorney for the ACLU of Northern California, head of its “Technology and Civil Liberties Program”;Matthew Guariglia, Senior Policy Analyst with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, andMike Gennaco, who serves as an independent Police Auditor for the City of Santa Cruz, and serves, also, inthe Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office of Inspector General.

Again, I hope you’ll sign up and join in because this is an extremely important topic, and we all need to know what’s happening, and to understand the implications of what’s happening for both our “privacy” and (ultimately) our “freedom,” as automated license plate readers are deployed throughout our local communities. Here’s that link, one more time:

Please join our online discussion on May 20, 2024, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.Click right here to register.

REOPENING PANDORA’S BOX FOR A NEW OUTCOME ON DAY ONE

The much-trumpetedTIMEmagazine interview withDonald TrumpbyEric Cortellessaa couple of weeks ago, further emphasizes the danger he poses to our democracy should his presidential campaign be successful inNovember. The former president diagnoses pivotal mistakes in his term in office as“being too nice”to those who disagreed with him. Cortellessa questioned him why he has the trust of a wide swath of voters, yet many of those who worked closely with him refuse to endorse him for a second shot at theOval Office. Without meeting the question head on, he replies,“I let them quit because I have a heart. I don’t want to embarrass anybody. I don’t think I’ll do that again. From now on, I’ll fire.”The interviewer admits that Trump is stronger and better positioned for a win than in either of his two previous campaigns despite facing criminal court proceedings which he characterizes as a badge of honor, and in spite of his fascist tendencies which he is embracing more fully as the election year progresses. He has expressed his desire to deport more than 11 million people, and is willing to build migrant detention camps with use ofUSmilitary forces for border control. His wishy-washy standing on pregnancies and abortion has become more cruel by the day, and he is ready on“day one”to free the imprisoned“hostages”who were involved in theUS Capitolinsurrection ofJanuary6, 2021, who he terms as the“J-6 Patriots”…unless someone“was evil and bad.”And how would someone like him even know?NATO’sexistence is in jeopardy, as is the security of ourEuropeanallies who may not be“paid up”with their protection racket monies.

Still stuck in his craw is the existence of theWhite Housepandemic-preparedness office, so that will go by the wayside…just likeCOVID-19,“one day, it’s like a miracle, it will disappear.”His future staffing will include only those who will back him in his insistence that the 2020 election was stolen, loyalists who will adhere to his detailed agenda to grant him complete power.Trumpfeels he knows the ins-and-outs ofDC, having done the drill once, when he had to depend upon others to guide him through the mysteries ofWashingtonpolitics…plus, he will have more support inCongressthan previously. He toldTIMEhe would not attempt to overturn theConstitution’sbarring of a third term, with public opinion providing a check on any attempt to do so.CortellessaquotesGeorge Orwellwho wrote in 1945, that the ability of governments to carry out their designs“depends on the general temper in the country.”The true believers of the Trump base see his election as one of revolutionary promise, but to much of the country and the civilized world it personifies alarming probabilities. Presidential historianDouglas Brinkleysays a second Trump presidency could bring“the end of democracy, and the birth of a new kind of authoritarian presidential order.”His cohorts are planning a restructuring of the underpinnings of the office into that of a unitary executive theory, removing those impediments imposed by Congress and the courts, favoring a more powerfulCommander in Chief, with a heavier thumb on theDepartment of Justice. Now attempting to downplay his earlier threats of retribution toward his perceived enemies, he leaves a slight opening saying,“It would depend on the situation. We’re gonna look at a lot of things. What they’ve done is a terrible thing.”A previous threat to appoint a“real special prosecutor”to go afterJoe Bidenfor his“crimes”was soft-pedaled with a confident“I am sure Biden will be prosecuted for his crimes,”though no evidence of such has been brought to light.

When asked about his remark toSean Hannityon not being a dictator –“except for day one. I want to close the border, and I want to drill, drill, drill”– he claims it“was said in fun, in jest, sarcastically,”comparing it to 2016’s askingRussiato hack and leakHillary Clinton’semails…which seemed to bring results. Yet he maintains of his dictatorial aspirations,“I think a lot of people like it,”which is unfortunately true.Jeffrey EngelofSouthern Methodist Universitysaid,“This was a president who did to like the results of an election, did not like the fact that he was being voted out, and decided that his personal interests were more important than the constitutional process.”And of 2024, Trump was asked if he’s worried there would be violence if he loses, saying,“I don’t think we’re going to have that. I think we’re going to win. And if we don’t win, you know, it depends. It always depends on the fairness of an election,”or as he told theMilwaukee Journal Sentinel,“If everything’s honest, I’ll gladly accept the results. If it’s not, you have to fight for the right of the country.”And the only fair election is in Trump’s favor? Or so it would seem from all his supporters who offer only insipid, pathetic answers when questioned about the election outcome and its ramifications. Then we have to considerArizona’s Senatecandidate,Kari Lake, suggesting supporters“strap on a Glock”prior to the election, orArkansas Senator Tom Cottonadvocating tossing protestors off theGolden Gate Bridge, and the latest byGovernor Kristi‘It Had to Be Done’Noemin offing her 14-month old puppy because it was too puppy-ish.

InJanuary,Trumpwarned us that if his four criminal indictments prevent him from winning, the result will be“bedlam in the country. It’s the opening of a Pandora’s box.”“He’s telling us what his intentions are, as he did before January 6,”saysHarvard Universityterrorism expert,Juliette Kayyemin aPBSinterview.“The language of incitement. If he loses, we certainly know from what Trump has said – and we know from what the FBI is telling us – that there are large groups and organizations that are preparing to continue the fight.”He claimsHillary Clintonand theDemocratsrigged the 2016 vote to prevent his achieving a popular vote dominance, and the 2020 election will never be settled for him, saying,“2024 is our final battle.”Aldous J. Pennyfarthingsays, “The best way to interview Trump is to…not interview him. But sinceTIMEmagazine did that very thing, with his latest fibs being just fragrant fish heads in a whopping seafood ‘n’ BS paella, it’s important to at least take as taste if we want the full picture of his depravity.” To fact check Trump’s claims, go here.

Alas, poorDonald Trumpsaw the departure of a member of theFloridadelegation headed to theJuly GOPconvention inMilwaukee…sonBarronwho was to join his two half-brothers and half-sister,Tiffany, has bowed out due to prior commitments. Or was it because mamaMelaniadecided he didn’t need to follow in the sleazy footsteps of the other family members? Most media outlets gave him bad coverage after the announcement so Barron may not be labeled a monster after all…at least until his next misstep. Delegate, and son,Eric Trumpclaimed onFox News Saturdaythat his family has never done anything wrong! InterviewerMark Levinasked about the criminal hush money trial against his father, with Eric replying,“Well, Mark. A hundred and ten subpoenas in the last seven years. Those are ones that I’ve received personally…I’ve never gotten so much as a traffic ticket. We’re a good family. Never done anything wrong. The way they’ve come after my father since he’s gone down that elevator is unthinkable.”He failed to mention that in the last year alone,Popshas been found liable in separate civil cases for fraud, defamation and sexual abuse, compounded by hundreds of millions of dollars in punitive actions; or, how about the four criminal indictments for stealing classified documents, for attempting to overthrow the US government, for attempting to subvert the election results in Georgia, or falsifying business records after romping with a p*rn star? So, Eric, what about the ‘family’ of current and former allies who are now convicted, and in the hoosegow, for their white-collar crimes?

Xtwitterwas quick to respond toEric’sclaim:“I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that if you have received 110 subpoenas in just the space of a few years, you might be either a head of agency or a criminal,” “Your family is a bunch of con artists, traitors, crooks, and all-around miserable human beings,” “Eric needs his head examined. This is a factual statement,” “We’re a vegan family. We’ve never harmed any chickens. – Colonel Sanders.”A rough estimate of fines and penalties forTrumpand his enterprises since 1988 total approximately $710,528,000, which seems just a tad into the criminal realm. Which brings up the report from lastSaturdayfromThe New York TimesandProPublica– a lengthy investigation by theIRSindicates Donald Trump could owe more than $100M in underpaid taxes for losses he claimed on hisChicagoskyscraper,Trump International Hotel and Tower– by double-dipping in his filings. Eric claims this matter was settled years ago, supported by tax experts including the former general counsel of the IRS, but was revisited only when his father ran for the presidency. Donald bullied his way as a TV personality and a supposed real estate mogul into building his own political movement, refusing to release his tax filings“because we are being audited.”Well, maybe he was being truthful, after all…not justification for hiding his IRS returns, however! Trump has a history of ‘tax mishaps’ and underpayments, and it is known that he paid no federal taxes for a decade before winning the presidency.

And just when we thinkTrump’s Sleaze-athoncan’t get any worse, he can barely hide his wide-open corruption tendencies. In a meeting atMar-a-Lagowith the country’s top oil executives, he responded to one of the attendee’s complaints of burdensome environmental regulations and futile lobbying of theBidenadministration to the tune of $400M in 2023, by making an offer that stunned many. He asked them to raise $1B to put him back in theWhite House, whereupon he would reverse many of Biden’s rules and policies, and head off any new regulations from enactment, while making their tax burdens lighter.Aldous J. Pennyfarthingcomments,“Of course, while a Trump promise is usually worth less than the sallow flap of neck skin his prison tattoo will eventually be printed on, you can rest assured he’d keep this one. For one thing, he wants that money spigot to stay open. For another, he hates anything that might save the planet and/or muss his golden tresses. And, well, he’s not exactly a policy maven so much as a clean slate that anyone with a couple billion dollars can write on like a yard sale Etch-A-Sketch.”Politico reports that theUSoil powerhouse is completing ready-to-sign executive orders for Trump, aimed at pushing natural gas exports, cutting drilling costs and increasing offshore oil leases in the event he wins his second term, but then loses focus on energy issues for a quick reversal of green policies. Aldous adds,“And you should remember this excerpt in four years when you’re squatting in an ice bucket in northern Alaska, celebrating Earth Day by watching oil refineries explode. All this is particularly sad considering the clear benefits of Biden’s green infrastructure initiatives, which Trump would no doubt seek to roll back out of ignorance, spite, love of money, and a presumed hatred of narwhals. Well, as the old saying goes, ‘you got to dance with them what brung you,’ and it’s clear Trump is dancing for dollars – when he’s not fixing to jitterbug his way out of jail.”

QuotingThe Atlanticmagazine,Shirley Kennedywrites onThe Palmer Report,“The Atlantic called Trump’s action ‘entirely legal and absolutely corrupt.’ The magazine wanted to put this information in the public eye so that people can learn to look at every aspect of Trump as a candidate. Promising favors to people for money is despicable, and that sort of behavior does not deserve a position of power to change laws. While Trump and his cronies may think they know what’s best for all of us, they don’t even give us an opportunity to contribute, by holding these meetings behind closed doors. Kudos to The Atlantic and Washington Post for bringing this vile information too light. As The Atlantic said, Trump is ‘arguably worse’ than other politicians who use these methods to gain entrance to the highest office in the land. Should he be elected, Trump will do nothing for anyone but himself. For this and reasons too numerous to name, Trump cannot be allowed to resume the presidency.”

Robert Harringtonposted onThe Palmer Report,“Of course we don’t know what their [the oil executives] decision will be – yet. But we do know something else about them. Of the couple dozen oil criminals on hand at MAGA-Lardo, only one person came squeamishly, anonymously forward to tell about it. The rest were going to just let it slide. Maybe they wouldn’t make a deal with the devil after all. Maybe instead they’d just hope the devil would do it anyway without their having to pony up a billion bucks. And you know what? They’re probably right to think just that.”

Highlights this week:

Bratton… is back!…Greensite …Grand Jury server Gillian will soon return… Steinbruner…Water, water, water…. Hayes…What Do I Want for Wildlife? … Patton… Signature lines… Matlock…Dependence of democracy on the First Amendment … Eagan…Subconscious Comics and Deep Cover. Webmistress…… Quotes….”Birthdays”

CIVIL RIGHTS SYMPATHY MARCH. March 13, 1965. Back in 1965 this was probably 98% of the Santa Cruz Democrats. It was at the corner of Lincoln and Center Streets according to the street sign. I believe Herb and Ellie Foster are in there someplace and so is Norm Lezin but I can’t find them.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.
Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

[Bruce is changing his work/play schedule and will have more flicks for us next week. ~Webmistress]

SUGAR. Apple series (7.8 IMDB) A genuine Hollywood movie about Hollywood. It stars Colin Farrell who does an excellent job in this absurd exploration of improvable plots. They throw in many, many cuts from classic Hollywood films in B&W and color. James Cromwell plays a legendary producer whose granddaughter is missing. It’s fun to watch especially when you try to match the old footage with the current confusing action.

FRANKLIN. Apple Series (7.01IMDB) Michael Douglasdoes a half convincing job as an older version (70) of Benjamin Franklin in this politic filled boring movie. Noah Jupe is his young boyfriend. It’s full of twists, romance, and a lot of the script is in French so you’ll be watching subtitles more than usual. Not recommended.

UPGRADED. AMAZON Movie. (6.1IMDB) Listed as a comedy I thought I’d try finding something to laugh at in this lengthy half interesting vehicle.Marisa Tomeiplays a driven manager of an art investment company in London that auctions off “masterpieces”.Lena Olinis back in her usual tempestuous bossy role and has always been a favorite of mine so all in all there are a few smiles and near laughs… so do watch this one.

SOUND OF FREEDOM. PRIME Movie. (7.61 IMDB) The story centers on child abuse and the pedophiles who run the children’s sex trafficking between Honduras, Columbia, and South America. The actual statistics are horrible and run into millions of children annually. The movie stat3es that there are more slaves today than there ever were even during the time we had slavery in the USA It’s still not a great film but it does get the message across.

STOLEN.NETFLIXMovie (5.6 IMDB) In northern Sweden / Lapland there’s a settlement of islanders who raise reindeer as a way of life. They are known as Sami and are treated as racially and inhumanly as any minority ever has. This is a drama about a deer kill that brings out the worst in this isolated community. Watch it but be prepared to squirm.

BABY REINDEER. (Netflix Series) (8.2 IMDB) A cute and cuddly title for a British series from a book written about a true story. There’s a bartender who doubles his life as a standup comic. He becomes stalked, really stalked by a hefty woman who doesn’t give up. They go to the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and have quite a weird time. It’s neurotic but well worth watching.

FALLOUT.Amazon (8.6 IMDB). You’ll probably recognize and try hard to rememberKyle McLachlanwhohas a small part in this ridiculous, violent, near satire of an atomic attack on Hollywood in 200 years from now. There’s long scenes of mindless murders and just plain script flips of a plot that never makes sense… don’t go here.

LAKE ERIE MURDERS. MAX (7.1 IMDB) Being from Buffalo, New York I hoped this was filmed there but nope Lake Erie borders on four states and parts of Canada. It’s a documentary and is also referred to asWho Killed Amy Mihaljevic. Amy was only 10 in 1989 and the murder is still unsolved to this day. Dozens of interviews with possible kidnappers, yes they found her body but have never found enough proof or evidence to convict anyone. Go for it but don’t expect any satisfactory ending.

CROOKS.Netflix Series (7.0 IMDB). A German film made mostly in Berlin. Taking a deep look, after much thought, it’s a deep look at the psychological makeup of two gangs of bank robbers with their opposing points on what life is all about. They both get involved in a very complex robbery, not of jewels as we are led to believe, but of a very valuable coin. It really centers on one robber who wants to go straight, but is tricked into helping the two gangs. Complex, tricky, well done and well worth puzzling through.

ONE DAY.Netflix Series (8.1 IMDB). Let’s face it every one of us has had or will have had deep meaningful relationships. This series is titled a comedy by Netflix but you’ll go much deeper than a laugh watching this introspective, meaningful insight. Two people meet on their graduation night and we all spend the rest of the story watching what go through, NOT being together but keeping each other in their thoughts, and hearts. You’ll be forced to project and identify with many moments in this beautifully produced drama, except for the ending. Don’t miss it.

SHIRLEY. Netflix Movie. (6.3 IMDB) If you’re into politics, which most of us are, you’ll be delighted to watch this saga aboutShirley Chisholm’srole in the 1972 presidential campaign. Chisholm was the first black USA congresswoman and was elected in 1966. But this movie is all about her 1972 run for president and takes us back to those very different political times. We seeHuey Newton, George Wallaceand other sad reminders of the Vietnam War. She lost to Richard Nixon andRegina Kingdoes an amazing job of portraying Shirley.

Gillian has taxing Grand Jury duties, but assures us she’ll be back soon!

CITY OF SANTA CRUZ WILL CONSIDER ANOTHER WATER RATE INCREASE IN 2026 TO FUND DEBT SERVICE AND SALARIES
Hold on…another round of rate increases for your City of Santa Cruz water will be coming soon, with studies beginning in 2026.

The City’s Water Advisory Commission heard the preliminary Water Dept. Budget presentation at their meeting last Monday evening (Item #6). The debt service on the many projects being undertaken is staggering. Over 83% of the Capital Improvement Project costs are debt-funded, totaling $310 million.

The projects will allow the City to take more water from the San Lorenzo River when it is available and store the water in the aquifer for later use. It is responsible use of surface water, making sure to leave plenty in the River. In fact, the City will be required to pay nearly $500,000 for monitoring the River levels and reporting that data, once the Water Rights Project is finalized, allowing the City to send water from the River to other nearby water agencies, such as Scotts Valley and Soquel Creek Water District.

The second big cost increase is for staff salaries and benefits. Three new jobs will be added for electronic billing and customer service…gone is the job called “conservation specialist”. This somehow does not seem to comport with the 2014 Water Supply Advisory Committee (WSAC) recommendation that conservation be the primary means of helping the City meet water demands and a clean supply of water, does it? Nope…the staff has decided that “we can’t conserve our way out of this” and now embraces the likes of either buying treated sewage water from Soquel Creek Water District’s “Pure” Water Soquel Project, or building a similar treatment facility somewhere on the Westside, being dependent on massive amounts of energy consumption and chemical supplies.

This all means, according to staff, that in 2026 another round of rate increases will begin with studies.

I think it is time for the City of Santa Cruz Water Dept. and Soquel Creek Water District to consolidate, sharing water and sharing debt burden over a larger population, thereby helping to reduce the looming debt service per capita.

What do you think?

Write the Santa Cruz City Council. They will be finalizing the City Water Budget June 11. Santa Cruz City Council <citycouncil@santacruzca.gov>

SENDING WATER HERE AND THERE WITH HIGH COSTS AND UNCERTAIN QUALITY
The Santa Cruz City Water Advisory Commission received a report from Mr. Cameron Tana, hydrologist for Montgomery & Associates, regarding the Water Optimization Analysis…how to best use the water in collaboration with Soquel Creek Water District. This long-awaited computer AI modeled report was funded in part by a $7.6 million grant from the State Water Resources Dept. to help figure out what needs to be done to meet anticipated water demand during prolonged drought.

(See Item 5 for Staff Report, but the presentation slides were not available on the City website at the time of this writing)

The report was interesting, pointing out that the City water planners use a different climate model than the MidCounty Groundwater Agency, producing different results and recommendations. It bothered me that only one possible scenario would make use of the existing water supply intertie between the City and Soquel Creek Water District to send treated surface water in wet years to the District, allowing their production wells to rest and the groundwater levels to rise passively by reduced pumping.

Hmmm…that would make sense and take alot less energy and chemicals to achieve, and with likely better quality water.

Instead, the Water Optimization groups and Montgomery & Associates (on the payroll of Soquel Creek Water District) recommends increasing the production of PureWater Soquel Project treated sewage water from currently-planned 1500 AcreFeet/Year to 1900-2100 AcreFeet /Year and adding a fourth pressure injection well near the Research Park area of Soquel and another near the Capitola Mall. Mr. Tana stated the study is still in progress, but the injected sewage water would help the City’s production wells and raise the groundwater levels in the Purisima Aquifer.

But wait a minute…the Research Park area of Soquel and 41st Avenue of Capitola are not where Soquel Creek Water District claims there is threat of saltwater intrusion due to overdraft. The high chloride levels purportedly indicative of seawater intrusion are in the Seascape area. How can this Water Optimization analysis make sense??? Hmmm….

The City Water Advisory Commissioners asked a few questions…Would the City sell the treated surface rainwater to Soquel Creek Water District rather than use it to inject it into the aquifer for storage and later use by the City? Mr. Tana replied that the PureWater Soquel Project treated sewage water injection would help the City’s production wells. Could it be possible that there would not be enough sewage water to supply the entire area’s drinking water needs? The answer was that it is possible all of the area’s sewage water could be processed for either direct drinking or blending with surface water and stored in the tanks near Bay Avenue and UCSC. The Commission Chair wanted to know how best to maintain a good relationship with the District, since the City could be dependent upon the District’s treated sewage water injection during dry years? The answer was to continue regular meetings and data sharing of the City’s Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR) pilot project in the Research Park area of Soquel.

I suggested it is time to consider consolidation of the City of Santa Cruz Water Dept. and Soquel Creek Water District to regionally manage the water that we have, and not inject the PureWater Soquel Project treated sewage water into the groundwater, thereby contaminating and degrading the water quality. I asked about how the Water Optimization models verified the required holding times of the injected sewage water, as is required by the State?

No answers.

I asked what had changed in Mr. Tana’s hydraulic modeling because in 2018, his work showed that if the City injected potable water (ASR) and the District injected treated sewage water concurrently, water would flow to the surface near the injection wells, but that had not been mentioned in the Water Optimization report. No answer. Hmmm….

The Soquel Creek Water District Board will also receive the Water Optimization report at their May 7 meeting (Item 7.3)

Stay tuned.

SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT REMODELS OFFICE FOR THIRD TIME?
Amazingly, the Soquel Creek Water District Office is under construction for the third time. The District website alerts all ratepayers that the Office is closed May 3-10 for construction

HOW CAN A TEN-YEAR ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR PUREWATER SOQUEL PROJECT OPERATIONS BE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA?

I have learned that when governing agencies want to hide something significant and potentially controversial, the matter gets tucked away on the consent agenda, avoiding focused staff reports and public discussion. It appears that is the aim of the Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors and staff by placing the ten-year contract with Jacobs Engineers and CH2M Hill to operate the “at-risk” PureWater Soquel sewage water treatment plant in Live Oak that could inject millions of gallons of treated sewage water into the pristine groundwater and drinking water supply for the midcounty.

Take a look at Consent Agenda item 4.5:

Adopt Resolution 24-07 to Reaffirm and Ratify, Pursuant To The Previously Certified Pure
Water Soquel Environmental Impact Report And Previously Adopted Agenda, Entering into a
Service Contract for Operation and Maintenance At-Risk Services for the Pure Water Soquel
Advanced Water Purification Facility

Agenda(watch out…the agenda is over 2600 pages!)

What is the District hiding? Maybe it is that they failed to inform themselves and the public on March 5, 2024 when the Board somehow thought it would be acceptable to approve this incredibly important contract without actually seeing the complete contract, and not allowing the public to see it either.

The March 5 version stated the complete set of documents could be viewed at the District Office, with General Manager Ron Duncan being the custodian of the records. Well, I asked for an appointment to review them and was denied. A few people, including me, filed Public Records Act requests to obtain the documents. The District gave one person documents that were corrupted and incomplete. The District responded to me that the materials would be ready in six weeks, and when that date arrived, instructed me that the Board would review the documents on May 7 but failed to provide them.

So, what is “at-risk” operations, relative to the PureWater Soquel Project treatment plant and three pressure injection wells? Treating secondary treated sewage water and removing some contaminants while creating more related to disinfection by-products…Hmmmm…..

The incomplete contract with CH2M Hill and Jacobs Engineering the asleep-at-the-wheel Board approved without ever seeing the actual contract on March 5, 2024 allowed freshly-trained certified operators to actually be in the treatment plant Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm. The rest of the time, the place will run on auto-pilot, with people on-call.

In 2018, this same scenario caused millions of gallons of raw sewage to flow into the Monterey Bay…because no one was there at the treatment plant in Marina to monitor things, and the “redundant warning system” failed to notify anyone.

If you have thoughts about the way Soquel Creek Water District is handling operations that will potentially foul the drinking water for the Midcounty area, please write the Board <bod@soquelcreekwater.org> and consider writing a Letter to the Editor of your favorite local news media.

The District’s arrogance and seeming malfeasance is shocking.

SIGNIFICANT TREES ONLY MATTER WITHIN THE COASTAL ZONE?
In 2019, County Fish & Wildlife Advisory Commission wrote a letter to the County Board of Supervisors to extend protection of large heritage trees to include areas on the mountain side of Highway One, not just the Coastal Zone (aka, the coastal side of Highway One). Supervisor Bruce McPherson had responded that he felt the request could interfere with CalFire’s jurisdiction and timber harvesting.

Last week, the County Fish & Wildlife Commission discussed this matter with CalFire Unit Chief Rich Sampson. They crafted language that addressed Supervisor McPherson’s concerns, and will bring try to send a letter of recommendations for the June 11 Board meeting correspondence.

There was good discussion regarding allowing exemptions for permitting when there are dead and dying trees, noting that many bird species rely on such trees for habitat. There was also an exemption for non-native trees, such as eucalyptus. I asked about the removal of eucalyptus on Trabing Road that was prohibited after the 2009 Trabing Fire. Chief Sampson did not respond.

Here is the current County of Santa Cruz Significant Tree Protection code.

Please contact your County Supervisor with your thoughts. Why would large trees only need protection in the Coastal Zone and not the entire County?

COTONI-COAST NATIONAL MONUMENT WILL BRING THOUSANDS TO DAVENPORT
There has not been not much public comment coming along on the new Cotoni-Coast Dairy National Monument, even though the BLM has let it be known that a very large parking lot will open near Davenport within a year after the Monument opens. What will this mean for the small town of Davenport? What will it mean for sensitive habitat areas when throngs of people who are out of touch with nature go tromping hither and yon?

The County’s Fish & Wildlife Advisory Commission letter to Board of Supervisors recommended that the Board ask the BLM to update the threatened species list, otherwise, they won’t, and there will be no protection or considerations provided to sensitive habitats.
(See #n in April 30 Correspondence)

Take a look at the project. Even though public comment period closed April 19, please send written comment if you can.

COUNTY BLUE PLAQUE HISTORIC AWARDS THIS SATURDAY
For the first time since 2019, the Museum of Art and History (MAH) will hold a Blue Plaque Award ceremony this Saturday, May 11, 1pm-2:30pm. The event is free and will be held at the MAH, next to the Octagon Museum in downtown Santa Cruz.

Fifty years ago, the County began honoring historically-significant structures countywide with the Blue Plaque Award. Unlike State or County Historic Designation, it does not restrict a property owner’s ability to change the structure, but does promote and incentivize a sense of pride and respect for those properties that are at least 50 years old and have some significant quality or history.

Pajaronian: Historic Blue Plaque Awards named

If you have a candidate for next year’s Blue Plaque Award consideration, nominate it!

BRINGING THE HISTORY OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ALIVE
On Saturday, May 18, noon -5pm, you can learn more about the history of where you live and work by attending the County History Fair. This year, the event will be at the Santa Cruz Mission. It’s free and lots of fun to know more about the connections to the County’s rich past that still influences us in subtle ways.

SCRABBLE FUN SUPPORTS THE COUNTY LAW LIBRARY
This Saturday, May 11, join the fun with your fancy words and help support the Santa Cruz County Law Library. Walk-ins welcome, 9am-noon in Room 70 of the County Government Building (701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz).

The Law Library is an incredible resource that helps many people understand the law and to defend themselves and others for public benefit. See details for the Scrabble Tournament

WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. TAKE A WALK IN A PARK OR HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD AND LOOK CAREFULLY AROUND YOU.

MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE BY JUST DOING SOMETHING THIS WEEK.

Cheers,
Becky

What Do I Want for Wildlife?
We might ask ourselves, “What do I want?” This important reflective question is a good one and becomes even more poignant in those moments of realization that we have limited time on Earth. There’s a fairly malignantly overused neural pathway of “What do I want?” used for shopping and consumption, but let’s try to dismiss that one and turn our focus on another. “What do I want” from the world around me, the world less likely to be affected by my purchases? For instance, ask yourself what do I want my experience to be when I go for a walk, or what do I want from the natural world: for the forests and streams? What do I want for wildlife? What do I want for my family and friends…for my neighbors…for my community? As we look outside of ourselves and express our desires for the larger world, we encounter our social potential: what can we do as members of a community? How can we influence the world to be a better place? Most people know that we influence those closest to us the most and come to know our circle of influence better with age. Some people work to broaden their circle of influence, some to narrow it. If we feel frustration towards the state of the world, we might explore politics at the local level to see how we grow our influence to make a better world. How does this work for what we want from Nature?

I Want Healthy Wildlife Populations
The majority of Americans want wildlife to thrive, to know that humans are well stewarding, even restoring, wildlife populations: this is something with which both liberals and conservatives agree. As I’ve addressed many times in this column before, that sentiment largely lacks evidence in local politics. Our City and County elected officials fail almost every time they are given a choice to better protect wildlife. We live in an area with a very high number of rare and endangered species, and those are only protected because State and Federal officials step in to enforce protections. How can this be the case with the local legacy of environmentalism and environmental education?

The “Teach Them and They Will Care” Fallacy
While people may say “I want healthy wildlife populations!” they apparently favor the sentiment of “I want money” as they keep electing pro-business officials who (mistakenly) believe that environmental protection comes at unacceptable costs to social welfare. And still, the local environmental education community unanimously embraces the fallacy that if you teach them about the environment, they will care enough to protect it. The corollary fallacy is ‘if you give them access to nature, they will care about nature and so nature will be protected.’ These are convenient fallacies because both allow the environmental education and trail building communities to raise funding from the wealthy, pro-business elite; that funding is crucial to keeping their organizations operable. With the “carrot or the stick” dichotomy for environmental protection, there goes the carrot. What about the stick?

Environmental Protection has Become Non-Local
Over the past 20 years, local environmental protection owes much to State and Federal legal ‘sticks.’ Twenty years ago, we made headway with environmental battles via the Coastal Commission’s authority to protect sensitive habitats at Terrace Point, the University, on City Greenbelt lands, and in State Parks. That agency has since abandoned its environmental protection arm, but the US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have since helped protect what they could from a federal perspective. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has only occasionally helped protect the environment on the Monterey Bay, more commonly turning a blind eye to environmental impacts that are clearly within their jurisdiction. However, even so, CDFW has done more than local authorities to protect wildlife. In short, we apparently respond more positively to ‘sticks’ than ‘carrots’ when it comes to caring for wildlife around the Monterey Bay. Ask yourself if this approach aligns with your political beliefs? Do you want more State and Federal enforcement of wildlife protections? Or, would you rather believe that people only need ‘carrots’ to do the right thing for protecting wildlife? If the latter, how do you see things changing, socially or politically, to make that happen? If the former, how is it that you are actively supporting State and Federal agencies who are using sticks to protect wildlife?

Uh-Oh, Wildlife Protections in State Parks?
A while back, Californians realized that State Parks needed better planning to protect wildlife. And so, politicians created a rule that every park must have a plan that addresses wildlife protection, even specifying that those plans have what is called a carrying capacity analysis. Carrying capacity analysis defines an approach to determining how to design park access so that wildlife populations remain healthy. Locally, because of repeated negotiations with environmentalists, State Parks has evolved its approach to such analyses, though they have more recently apparently given up on creating plans for parks, altogether. The General Plan for Castle Rock State Park illustrates how landscape architects very badly approached their mandate for good carrying capacity analysis. In that plan, planners who were inadequately trained in wildlife protection sharpened their crayons and shaded huge bubbles across the park, vaguely labeled as high, medium, and low intensity use. This vague and unenforceable planning conveniently allowed unbridled access everywhere. Now, visitors are degrading very rare wildlife habitat associated with rock outcrops and regionally unique wildlife habitat associated with a black oak forest. Because of the terrible approach outlined in the General Plan, an environmental non-profit was able to construct a visitor center in close proximity to these very sensitive wildlife habitats.

A Curious Evolution
Realizing that people wanted State Parks to do more for wildlife protection, the more recent General Plan for Big Basin State Park improved a smidge on their carrying capacity analysis. That plan well reflects the modern principles of analyzing carrying capacity for wildlife protection, but curiously falls very much short of being meaningful. The Big Basin plan rightly says that it is important to address negative impacts of visitors on wildlife by defining science-based thresholds which would be monitored and, if surpassed, would trigger management actions. However, the plan then (very curiously) fails to define such thresholds.

Aiding and Abetting
The same environmental group that built a visitor center precisely where it would be most likely to negatively impact the most sensitive wildlife habitat at Castle Rock State Park is now proudly advertising a similar approach at Big Basin. Instead of helping the People get what they want (wildlife protection), they are doing a great job of raising capital to support their organization through a campaign of increasing access to Big Basin without a viable method of protecting wildlife at that park. In such a way, the organization illustrates its embrace of the fallacy that increased access somehow increases wildlife protection. As you might suspect, this same organization also embraces the fallacy that milktoast environmental education somehow increases wildlife protection. They are funding the interpretive signs for the planned entrance at Cotoni Coast Dairies; the signs, no doubt, will fail to provide visitors with either the inspiration or information needed for them to take meaningful actions to improve the Bureau of Land Management’s stewardship of wildlife at that park. Wait and see.

What Do You Want?
As you consider Big Basin State Park, Castle Rock State Park, or Cotoni Coast Dairies, ask yourself ‘what do I want for the wildlife of these parks?’ How would you know that you are getting what you want? In no case will you, or the managers of those parks ever know…unless things drastically change. That change will only occur if enough of the right people decide that what they want is important enough to act. In the meantime, please know that all visitor use of parks causes negative impacts to wildlife. If we want to conserve wildlife in parks, it will take a new level of dedication of parks managers to perform adequate carrying capacity analysis, monitoring, and adaptive management. That dedication will only occur with the ‘sticks’ that are luckily available to the citizens who are willing to use them.

#130 / Signature Lines

That guy pictured above,Lee Brokaw, is someone whom I would call a “community activist.” Lee resides in my own hometown, Santa Cruz, California. He’s a general contractor, too, which background often informs his public engagements. You canclick right here, for instance, to see what Lee has to say about the quality and sustainability of newly constructed downtown buildings in Santa Cruz.

Coming, as I do, from a tradition of “environmental activism,” with a particular focus on “Growth Management,” I am not used to finding general contractors who have similar political views. In fact, I am not so sure that Lee and I would always come down on exactly the same side on the kind of issues with which I tend to get involved. Lee is, though, definitely someone who wants our local community to be “in charge” of its own future – and of its own present! We are definitely in agreement on that!

I was pleased to learn that Lee liked one of my blog postings from the middle of last March, which was titled, “Answering An Important Question.”

What was that important question, to which I suggested I might have a good answer? Here is how I put that question in my blog posting:

“Why do the rich have so much power?”

I answered the question as follows:

“The rich have so much power because the rest of us don’t use our own.”

Lee sent me a message, suggesting that I should use that response as a “signature line” on the emails I send – just to be sure, I suppose, that I don’t forget what I said, and to remind others to think about that topic themselves.

That’s a pretty good idea, and anyone who would like to append my question and/or response to their own emails is certainly invited to do so.

Lee himself, I note, has now incorporated my statement into his own signature line. Credit to Lee for his decision to employ the following, three-part closure to the emails he dispatches. They go out widely, and they go out often!

“Things are the way they are because filthy rich people think they don’t have enough money”– M. Lee Brokaw

“The rich have so much power because the rest of us don’t use our own”–Gary Patton

“Activism keeps me young.” – Jane Fonda, 82 years old

PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE AND THE FAIRNESS OF THE OUTCOME

Surely you all celebrated theCongressionaldecreedNational Day of Prayeron the firstThursdayof the month, despite theConstitution’s First Amendmentdemand that“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.”A groundswell ofChristian Nationalismin 1952 brought this about, along with aNational Prayer Breakfastand the adoption of“under God”being added to thePledge of Allegiance, and“In God We Trust”becoming the national motto, which is also stamped on our metal currency. TheReverend Billy Grahamprovided the dynamics for these changes, withPOTUSannually issuing a proclamation for recognition of the NDP. A scattering of local and state governments also recognize the day, which purports to welcome all participants, yet ostracizes the nonreligious, those who don’t pray and most religious minorities, making it clear historically and rhetorically that it’s aChristianobservance. Graham’s pomposity was a call to Christian Nationalism, saying,“Our nation was founded upon God, religion and the church. Christ, through his men, directed the affairs of this Nation for many years. We have dropped our pilot, the Lord Jesus Christ.”A side note:Tennessee’sUS Representative,Percy Priest, introduced the bill that resulted in36 USC § 119proclaiming the day of prayer, while crediting Reverend Graham, but clouding his Nationalism in ecumenicalism…which the Rev did not do.

TheNational Day of Prayer Task Force, with its militaristic sword-and-shield graphic, is in the vanguard of the day’s activities emphasizes Nationalism with their 2024 prayer,“Jesus, we profess our faith in You. Lead us forward to dispel the darkness and bring light throughout the Church, Family, Education, Business, Military, Government, and Arts, Entertainment, and Media.”Task Force president,Kathy Banzell, wrote this prayer, and is author of her book,‘Prayer Warrior: The Battle Plan to Victory.’A pernicious element of Christian Nationalism called ‘dominionism’ references in the prayer, theSeven Mountains Mandate, a demand that adherents take dominion over seven “mountains” or spheres of sway in our society. TheWashington Post’scolumnist,Kate Cohen, wrote,“We shouldn’t ignore it. We should get rid of it.”“Our government should not be involved in telling our citizens when or how to pray, or that they should pray at all, our democracy depends on it,”writesRachel K. LaserofAmericans United for Separation of Church and State.

Arizona’sextremistRepublican Senatecandidate,Kari Lake, recently told a crowd,“We are going to put on the armor of God. And maybe strap on a Glock on the side just in case.”What? No prayer to start off the violence? She is blatantly manipulatingChristianityfor political and personal gain, with religious websiteFaithful Americanaming her a topChristian-Nationalist False Prophetin 2022, as she continues to undermine our electoral system, promoting conspiracy theories and propping upMAGAandTrump. Lake’s referencing“the armor of God”appears in theNew Testament’s Ephesians 6as a metaphor for spiritual strength, not a call to arms but to spreading a message of peace. But the far-right, clergy as well as politicians, insist on misusing the verse to motivate warfare toward the opposition, threatening to kill lawmakers and judges, while calling for the nullification of the 2020 presidential election.The New York Timeswrote of Lake’s encouragement of violence,“Political violence experts say that even if aggressive language by high-profile individuals does not directly end in physical harm, it creates a dangerous atmosphere in which the idea of violence becomes more accepted, especially if such rhetoric is left unchecked.”

Billy Grahamis quoted as saying,“I don’t want to see religious bigotry in any form. It would disturb me if there was a wedding between the religious fundamentalists and the political right. The hard right has no interest in religion except to manipulate it.”He got that right, but his religious blindness and science-denial led him to believe theBiblewould solve racism and poverty, being grounded in apocalyptic prophecy. Then his embrace of bothNixonandReaganopened the entryway for the hard right’s takeover ofRepublicanpolitics…enter the son,Franklin Graham.The Critical Mindwrites onDaily Kos, that father Billy was a mensch compared to Franklin. TCM says,“Conservative evangelicals say they agree. They will not stop bleating about the 10 Commandments, moral absolutism, family values, and leading ‘a good Christian life.’ So when Franklin Graham implores his tribe to pray for Trump, I would expect the rest of the message to demand that Trump repent his sins – and take time away from public life to work on his faith and his relationship with his Savior to become born again into God’s grace in the expectation of eternal salvation. Just kidding. This sanctimonious hypocrite has no shame.”Trump only wants to be borne again…to theOval Office! After all, Graham, like Trump, is blaming everything on political enemies who are creating this legal peril. The prosecutors, the judges, the grand jury all share the blame! Graham implores,“I’m not asking you to vote for him – I’m asking you to pray for him.”That’s the ticket…pray away the rape and defamation, the business fraud, the charity fraud, the educational fraud, and we may as well pray that all the little people stiffed by Trump over the years receive manna from heaven. Trump would be happier if we all just bought a bunch of his Bibles…get one for Mom when you buy one ofMelania’sexclusive $245 Mother’s Day necklaces. Prey for money!

Axiosreleased a leaked audio of theRNC/MAGAcult’s two-day confab atMar-a-Lagolast weekend, with theOrange Leaderdiscussing the traits and strengths of his possible running mates who were out in force to parade their wares as an added bonus before the assembled donors.Trumptook the stage to the recording of the national anthem by the‘J6 Prison Choir,’or as it is known to most MAGAs,‘The Biden Administration Hostage Choir.’The former president’s 90-minute tirade attacked Biden and his“Gestapo administration”as he rehashed the indignity of having to endure his unfair trials and the 88 felony charges across four different jurisdictions…with an extra helping of the 2020“election fraud”thrown onto the plates of the luncheon attendees. Trump’s use ofNazi-like language seemed to go over just fine with the donors, being met with applause, especially when daughter-in-law,Lara Trump, presented him with a plaque commemorating the triumph of the ‘J6 Choir’ on theBillboardmusic charts.MAGAmanintroduced the auditioning wannabe running mates, revealing that they all had one extremely important trait in common – they really, really like him…and, a prerequisite, they all agree that acceptance of the upcoming election depends on the“fairness of the outcome.”Stand back and stand by!

Wearing herSundaybest as she paraded her bonafides atMar-a-LagowasSouth Dakota’s Kristi Noemfrom“one of America’s top rectangular states,”asAldous J. Pennyfarthingdescribes her, having added to her résumé,“capricious dog killer.”Noem endured quite a week after revealing in her new book that she gunned down her“untrainable”14-month-old hunting dog,Cricket, after it attacked the neighbor’s chickens. There it is in black and white, an example of her grit, determination and wisdom, which was her only recourse when Cricket spoiled a pheasant hunt by her excitement having a great adventure chasing the birds and doing dog stuff. Speculation was that her braggadocio had destroyed the possibility of her ever becoming considered aVPselection, but there she was rubbing elbows with dog-haterTrumpin spite of her cruelty, her reprehensible audition evidently meeting his approval. Noem says she had tried an electronic collar to train Cricket to no avail…“I hated that dog…she was dangerous to anyone she came in contact with and was less than worthless as a hunting dog.”The solution was to take her to the killing field of a gravel pit which only stimulated her blood lust. The“nasty and mean”family goat made her list because the“smelly, disgusting, musky, rancid”male goat chased her children, knocking them down and ruining their clothes. Back to the gravel pit! Tied to a stake, the goat caused her to miss the first shot, so she had to boot-scoot back to her pick-’em up truck for another shotgun shell to dispatch the animal. Pennyfarthing is drawn to his conclusion:“This is exactly the kind of cruelty GOP voters want. And they’re increasingly bad at hiding it.”The Onionwas quick to capitalize on Noem’s doggy tale with this headline:“Kristi Noem Euthanizes Son After Disappointing Basketball Season. ‘I hated that kid,’ she is quoted as saying.”

Not so confident aboutNoem’sfavorability isodactionnews.com, which posted:“It’s been a rough week for South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem, who until recently looked like a strong contender for Trump’s #2 on the GOP ticket. In the midst of a PR tour she surely hoped would be a victory lap of sorts, hyping the release of her new memoir, ‘No Going Back,’ Noem has spent the last several days, well, going back, feebly defending the indefensible – she once shot and killed a puppy because it was a poor hunting dog – and haplessly trying to explain away the unexplainable – she invented a fantastical story about once meeting and ‘staring down’ North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. But wait, there’s more! Noem also wrote in her career-killing autobiography that her first priority should she ever make it into the White House would be to personally put down President Biden’s dog, Commander. Looks like Noem will have plenty of time to work on volume two of her life story, ‘No Going Forward.'”

Let’s not forget thoseGOPdog stories that are still in circulation: Who can forgetRichard NixonandCheckers? OrSeamuswho rode on the roof ofMitt Romney’scar for a 12-hour road trip? Then there’sFloridagovernorRick Scott’sadopted dog,Reagan, which was abandoned in 2012 for doing dog stuff. AndRonald Reagan’sdog – famous for humpingEd Meese’sleg? Two guys were walking their leashed dogs on a hot day when they passed a bar, so one suggests they pop in for a cold one. The other reminds him of health laws, believing it was improbable that dogs would be accepted inside. Determined, the first guy tells his companion to wait and watch. Adjusting his sunglasses, he walks into the bar with his dog and is immediately told to leave…no dogs! The guy protests that he is blind and has a seeing-eye dog, which gets him an apology, a beer, and a water dish for the dog from the bartender. The second guy, encouraged, tries the same tactic, whereupon the bartender tries to bounce him. The guy responds, “Hey, can’t you see I’m blind? This is my guide dog!” Response from the bartender is quick, “Guide dog? That’s a chihuahua!” Momentarily taken aback, the guy says in disbelief, “What?? They gave me a chihuahua??”

Highlights this week:

Bratton… is back!…Greensite …Gillian will soon return with her regular weekly piece… Steinbruner…Charter cities and counties, Soquel Creek Water…. Hayes… Advocates for Wildlife Protection: Where?… Patton… How We Think And What We Do… Matlock… back soon… Eagan…Subconscious Comics and Deep Cover. Webmistress…… Quotes….”May”

ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE MAY 17, 1952. Pacific Avenue and Church and Cooper Street back in the day when our police and City Officials encouraged community events like parades, Just about the only remaining recognizable landmark in view here is the old Santa Cruz County Bank (now Pacific Wave). The IOOF (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) building is still there and contains Artisans, Heavenly Couture and Shoe Fetish. Also note the parade is marching South, not northward to Mission Street. They reversed parade directions back in the day”.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.
Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

FRANKLIN. Apple Series (7.01IMDB) Michael Douglasdoes a half convincing job as an older version (70) of Benjamin Franklin in this politic filled boring movie. Noah Jupe is his young boyfriend. It’s full of twists, romance, and a lot of the script is in French so you’ll be watching subtitles more than usual. Not recommended.

UPGRADED. AMAZON Movie. (6.1IMDB) Listed as a comedy I thought I’d try finding something to laugh at in this lengthy half interesting vehicle.Marisa Tomeiplays a driven manager of an art investment company in London that auctions off “masterpieces”.Lena Olinis back in her usual tempestuous bossy role and has always been a favorite of mine so all in all there are a few smiles and near laughs… so do watch this one.

SOUND OF FREEDOM. PRIME Movie. (7.61 IMDB) The story centers on child abuse and the pedophiles who run the children’s sex trafficking between Honduras, Columbia, and South America. The actual statistics are horrible and run into millions of children annually. The movie stat3es that there are more slaves today than there ever were even during the time we had slavery in the USA It’s still not a great film but it does get the message across.

STOLEN.NETFLIXMovie (5.6 IMDB) In northern Sweden / Lapland there’s a settlement of islanders who raise reindeer as a way of life. They are known as Sami and are treated as racially and inhumanly as any minority ever has. This is a drama about a deer kill that brings out the worst in this isolated community. Watch it but be prepared to squirm.

BABY REINDEER. (Netflix Series) (8.2 IMDB) A cute and cuddly title for a British series from a book written about a true story. There’s a bartender who doubles his life as a standup comic. He becomes stalked, really stalked by a hefty woman who doesn’t give up. They go to the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and have quite a weird time. It’s neurotic but well worth watching.

FALLOUT.Amazon (8.6 IMDB). You’ll probably recognize and try hard to rememberKyle McLachlanwhohas a small part in this ridiculous, violent, near satire of an atomic attack on Hollywood in 200 years from now. There’s long scenes of mindless murders and just plain script flips of a plot that never makes sense… don’t go here.

LAKE ERIE MURDERS. MAX (7.1 IMDB) Being from Buffalo, New York I hoped this was filmed there but nope Lake Erie borders on four states and parts of Canada. It’s a documentary and is also referred to asWho Killed Amy Mihaljevic. Amy was only 10 in 1989 and the murder is still unsolved to this day. Dozens of interviews with possible kidnappers, yes they found her body but have never found enough proof or evidence to convict anyone. Go for it but don’t expect any satisfactory ending.

CROOKS.Netflix Series (7.0 IMDB). A German film made mostly in Berlin. Taking a deep look, after much thought, it’s a deep look at the psychological makeup of two gangs of bank robbers with their opposing points on what life is all about. They both get involved in a very complex robbery, not of jewels as we are led to believe, but of a very valuable coin. It really centers on one robber who wants to go straight, but is tricked into helping the two gangs. Complex, tricky, well done and well worth puzzling through.

ONE DAY.Netflix Series (8.1 IMDB). Let’s face it every one of us has had or will have had deep meaningful relationships. This series is titled a comedy by Netflix but you’ll go much deeper than a laugh watching this introspective, meaningful insight. Two people meet on their graduation night and we all spend the rest of the story watching what go through, NOT being together but keeping each other in their thoughts, and hearts. You’ll be forced to project and identify with many moments in this beautifully produced drama, except for the ending. Don’t miss it.

SHIRLEY. Netflix Movie. (6.3 IMDB) If you’re into politics, which most of us are, you’ll be delighted to watch this saga aboutShirley Chisholm’srole in the 1972 presidential campaign. Chisholm was the first black USA congresswoman and was elected in 1966. But this movie is all about her 1972 run for president and takes us back to those very different political times. We seeHuey Newton, George Wallaceand other sad reminders of the Vietnam War. She lost to Richard Nixon andRegina Kingdoes an amazing job of portraying Shirley.

ROAD HOUSE. (6.2 IMDB)Another remake to the ever growing list of trying to make a sure buck on a one time hit. This one hasJake GyllenhaalreplacingPatrick Swayzein the 1989 hit. (Swayze died in 2009!) It’s amazingly violent boxing wise and Jake has some real violence in his past. There’s crime thugs, secret love affairs and not any other reason to see this bloody copy.

RIPLEY. (7.9 IMDB).Again a remake of another near 1999 classic.Andrew Scott(Morarity in the Sherlock Holmes/ Benedict Cumberbatch masterpiece).Dakota Fanningis in it too but it doesn’t matter much. It’s deep, filmed all in black and white and with a plot so twisted, and complex you wouldn’t believe it. Go see this as soon as possible

SALTBURN.. (7.0 IMDB).A very class conscious drama (also listed as a comedy) about a young student at Oxford who gets completely involved with an odd and driven “upper class” family. There’s romance, mystery. Rosamund Pike has a deeply involved role in his too unreal view of life among the super rich. Don’t give up anything important to watch this one.

Gillian is still busy, but assures us she’ll be back soon!

COURT RULES SB 9 IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
This week, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin ruled that SB 9, which allowed ministerial approval of lot splits to create new separate parcels is unconstitutional because there is no assurance that it would ensure access to affordable housing and is too broad, thereby interfering with local government.

Five charter cities (Redondo Beach, Torrance, Carson, Whittier and Del Mar) filed the petition for writ of mandate (asking the State to follow the law) against the State of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Their petition was granted.
Read the Judge’s opinion here

What is a Charter City? It is a self-governing provision of the California Constitution recognizing HOME RULE…that local government knows best what is needed and conduct their own business and affairs.

What might this mean for cities in Santa Cruz County? Take a look at the list of 121 Charter Cities in the State…Santa Cruz and Watsonville are on the list

Well….what about Charter Counties?

Charter counties:

• have a limited degree of “home rule” authority that may provide for the election, compensation, terms, removal, and salary of the governing board
• for the election or appointment (except the sheriff, district attorney, and assessor who must be elected), compensation, terms, and removal of all county officers
• for the powers and duties of all officers
• consolidation and segregation of county offices.
• does not give county officials extra authority over local regulations, revenue-raising abilities, budgetary decisions, or intergovernmental relations.

Charter Counties:Alameda, Butte, El Dorado, Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange, Placer, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Tehama

Two Types of California Counties – What are They?

General Lawis one type of California county. The other type is Charter. There are currently 45 general law counties and 13 charter counties. A county may adopt, amend, or repeal a charter with majority vote approval. A new charter or the amendment or repeal of an existing charter may be proposed by the Board of Supervisors, a charter commission, or an initiative petition. The provisions of a charter are the law of the state and have the force and effect of legislative enactments.

Here is the link to SB 9, signed by Governor Newsom on September 19, 2021

Want to learn more about how you can join people in our Community who are really tired of State mandates taking away more and more local control of our cities and County?Check out the Catalysts for Local Control, a very well-organized group of people who really care about what is happening in our Communities

Catalysts Institute for Local Control

GOVERNMENT SUES TO BLOCK TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT
The California Supreme Court will hear attorneys for Governor Newsom and the legislature and the Secretary of State Shirley Weber present oral arguments May 8 at 9am regarding whether or not a ballot measure, “The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act”, that has qualified for the November, 2024 election will be allowed to stay on the ballot for us to vote upon it. Case No. S281977 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA [pdf]

If approved by the voters, it would repair the result of the State Supreme Court’s ruling in 2017 (California Cannabis Collective vs. City of Upland)allowing that when a special tax is put on the ballot by the voters (not the government leaders), it can be approved with a simple majority, rather than the 2/3 approval required if the government puts it on the ballot.

Governor Newsom and legislators have filed this suit in an effort to strike the initiative from the November, 2024 ballot entirely.

We will have an opportunity to listen to the legal argument in the State’s high court regarding whether we, as voters, will be allowed to vote this November on an important tax correction matter. You can watch this on Wednesday, May 8 at 9am. Here is the link to the Supreme Court Oral Argument website (Case S281977)

This affects Santa Cruz voters because this November, the Land Trust will have an initiative (their paid signature gatherers obtained the necessary 10,000 qualified signatures) on the County ballot totax all parcels in the County $87 in perpetuity, to fund “the Santa Cruz County Clean Water and Wildfire Protection Act” and it could be approved by asimple majoritybecause it is not being placed on the ballot by the County(in theory). Such tax measures placed on the ballot by the County would require a 2/3 super-majority to pass.

The County would, however, profit by taking 1% off the top for administration costs, and the County Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience (OR3) would take 5% for administering the grants to local groups, such as the Land Trust, and also to the County itself, and the four incorporated cities.
SCCforWaterandFireProtection.org

Here is the link to theUpland case analysis

WILDFIRE PLANNING AND INSURANCE
About 20% of State Farm Insurance Company’s 72,000 non-renewal notices are in Santa Cruz County. Are you worried about getting cancelled by your insurance company? Have you already been cancelled?You certainly are not alone.

Consider attending this May 14 free event and learn what to do and not do.

All are invited to the Community Wildfire Preparedness Workshop hosted by the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce and the City of Scotts Valley.

A representative from CaliforniaInsurance Commissioner Lara’s office to discuss homeowner’s insuranceand answerquestions.

For more details and to register for the event, use this link:

Community Wildfire Preparedness Workshop – Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce

COUNTY WILL FOOT THE BILL FOR SWENSON
Last Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors heard a presentation about the North Coast Facilities Plan, the culmination of a few years-worth of Community meetings and consultant fees. What caught my attention was that the County will be responsible for a multi-use trail on Cement Plant Road in Davenport, and that it is of high priority on the list of things to do.

This trail was supposed to be built by Swenson Builders as part of their closing the private at-grade railroad crossing to nearby Warenella Road. That crossing was selected by the County as one of two such private at-grade railroad crossings that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ordered closed in order to approve Swenson’s new private at-grade railroad crossing for Parade Street entry to the Aptos Village Project.

When I pointed this out at the Board meeting, County Park Planner Mr. Robert Tidmore said that was the first he had heard of the deal. That’s when Public Works Director Matt Machado stepped up and explained that the County was going to make Swenson pay for the multi-use trail on Cement Plant Road as a mitigation for closing the Warenella Crossing, but decided not to when County staff was able to work out a different way to close the crossing by just removing the railroad tracks.

Wasn’t that nice of them?

So, now the taxpayers are on the hook for the work that Swenson was supposed to do. Don’t expect this trail to happen any time soon. Swenson representatives let me know a few years ago that it was going to be very expensive for them because of the large eucalyptus trees that are so close to the rough-and-tumble Cement Plant Road.

However….this trail is of high priority now, because the North Coast Facilities Plan states it is imperative for access to the North Coast parks, and the Plan will be administered by Santa Cruz County Parks Dept. The Land Trust has a new Special Parcel Tax that we will see on the ballot in November that might grab money from your wallet for a grant (administered by the County) to pay for Swenson’s path if approved.

RAIL AND TRAIL BETWEEN 17TH AVENUE AND APTOS MOVES FORWARD
Last Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisor chamber was full and overflowing with people wanting to weigh-in on the Supervisors revoking their former Resolution snubbing $68 million to fund the rail and trail project (Segments 10 and 11) through MidCounty. Item 17, the last on the Board’s April 30 agenda, went long, but the two Supervisors who had voted March 26 to reject the project due to funding shortfalls, agreed to sign on in support.

Supervisor Bruce McPherson said he felt his vote against the project had helped bring forth better information, and that if Measure D money were going to be moved around to help fund the Segment 10 and 11 project, the voters should have an opportunity to weigh in on that happening.

Supervisor Koenig said “It’s a hell of a project to take on at a time when the County has no money, but I will not stand in the way of it happening.” The audience cheered.

Watch the proceedings here, clicking on “Item 17” to go directly to the item

WHY IS THIS PROCESS NOT TRANSPARENT?
Supervisor Justin Cummings wanted to know why the Board of Supervisors is not allowed to see the applications of the 127 non-profits who are asking for a piece of the $4.5 million CORE Investments that County taxpayer monies dole out annually for various purposes, but predominantly health care services locally? The answer County Health Services staff gave was that it was better to allow all decision-making to be done by a selected panel of “experts”, but that the Supervisors would be allowed to see the applications after the awards were final.

“I was told a group was rejected because they didn’t have a good application, but when I asked to see their application, I was told “NO”. That doesn’t lend well to informed decision-making for the Board” he explained.

Staff assured him that there will be about $660,000 saved for the Supervisors to award to non-profits at their discretion, but held fast to the secretive panel decisions on whose applications are accepted. Oddly, if an application has been rejected once, the agency may not be eligible to apply again.

I was glad to see Supervisor Cummings hold his ground and be the lone dissenting vote on Item 16 CORE Investment awards. You can watch the discussion here (click on Item 16)

ANOTHER APTOS VILLAGE BUSINESS BITES THE DUST…THANKS TO INCREASED RENTS
Yet another business in the Aptos Village Project is closing…Doon to Earth Winery…because the rent is just too high now. Looming adjacent to the historic Bayview Hotel, the building is owned by Aptos Ventures (Pete Testorff and Joe Appenrodt) and the rest of the disgusting mess behind that is owned by Swenson Builders.

Purportedly, Cafe Cruz owners investigated moving into the Phase 1 area of the Aptos Village Project, seeking to have some outdoor dining space on the “Village Green” (aka astro-turf) plaza where Penny Ice Creamery and New Leaf Market both have outdoor seating, Swenson refused to allow Cafe Cruz outdoor dining area, so no deal.

So much for the vibrant space former County Supervisor Ellen Pirie crowed about when the Aptos Village Project was getting shoved through, against the wishes of the local residents.

Gee, it is s good thing for Swenson that the Santa Cruz MidCounty Sheriff’s Safety Center (housing Supervisor Zach Friend’s office) has a 15-year lease in the Phase I ghetto…our tax dollars are likely keeping Swenson somewhat above water financially. Isn’t that heart-warming?

SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT’S SHAM OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN

Recently, the Sierra Club of Santa Cruz wrote Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors to point out the problems the Garney construction crews were causing at the Laurel Street Bridge, disrupting the migratory Cliff Swallows and their nesting under the bridge. The District basically blew the Sierra Club off, and the crews continued to work, painting the large pipes now attached to both sides of the bridge and installing bird netting over them so the birds don’t nest or poop on their precious poopwater-filled pipes.

Well, the crews seem to have finished, and the Cliff Swallows are busily building nests. It is a thing of beauty to watch the large flock fly in unison over the San Lorenzo River and swoop gracefully up under the bridge. So far, they seem to avoid getting tangled in the bird netting, but last week, I saw a humming bird repeatedly visiting the face of the netting….that was worrisome.

Supposedly, a biologist hired by the “so-what” Water District is monitoring the site. The sandwich board poster on site in the past has explained this, and given the contact information for Ethan Martin, the Project foreman.

This week, however, I spotted the sign thrown down under the bridge. Maybe the biologist used it as a skim board to go out on the River to observe the Cliff Swallow nesting progress and forgot to put it back where the public could read it?

Cowabunga!

Please write the Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors with your thoughts on the PureWater Soquel Project and bird netting attachment on the pipeline on Laurel Street Bridge: Board of Directors <bod@soquelcreekwater.org> and Ethan Martin <ethan.martin@garney.com>

SOQUEL DRIVE BUFFERED BIKE LANES MOVING ALONG
If you travel on Soquel Drive in Aptos near the new library, you can’t help but notice the on-going construction happening daily with inherent lane closures. This work is part of a 5.6 mile long project on Soquel Drive between State Park Drive and the Dominican Hospital area to add buffered bike lanes and new sidewalks.The crews are also installing fiber-optic cable underground.

Cabrillo College students and visitors will lose all on-street parking on Soquel Drive…that will all go away to make room for the buffered bike lanes.

The work will likely take another year to complete, but will hopefully be a good safety improvement for pedestrians and bicyclists.
SoquelDriveBufferedProject.com

By the way, the 91X bus shown on the website is now operational again, as the 90X

NO MORE DOWNTOWN METRO STATION
Demolition is underway at the former site of the Metro Station downtown, making room for a new station with housing incorporated.

The closure of the METRO Pacific Station is the first step in a two-year project to redevelop the property into a vibrant, community hub featuring 126 units of affordable housing along with retail, office space, and onsite transit services. The new mixed-use complex is slated to reopen in February 2026.
https://www.scmtd.com/images/department/ceo/METRO_Pacific-Station-Development_013024FINAL.pdf

It will be five stories tall, with 22 bus bays.

That side of the Front Street will be a seven-story mixed-use development

The quaint and quirky Downtown Santa Cruz is fading fast at the jaws of the wrecking crews and a City Council that is eager to rubber stamp towering buildings without character, resembling San Jose more and more.

REPORT YOUR FAVORITE POTHOLE AND GET RESULTS
Many roads in our County have potholes that are sometimes hard to avoid and cause hazardous driving in order to avoid them. Do you have a “favorite” one that you wish the County would repair?

County Public Works crews are very responsive to reports of such problems, if you take the time to report them. Here is the link to the Problem Report Form

WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. ATTEND A PUBLIC MEETING AND LET OFFICIALS KNOW THEY NEED TO BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC.

MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE THIS WEEK BY JUST DOING SOMETHING.

Cheers,
Becky

Advocates for Wildlife Protection: Where?

When was the last time you heard about someone advocating for wildlife protection in our region? Who was it? Why?

I am disturbed by the lack of advocates for wildlife protection and I wonder why that might be. Here are some reflections.

A Plea for Help
Occasionally, I find a need to call out for help for wildlife protection advocacy. My most recent call for assistance was a seeming ‘no brainer.’ There was a clear need for wildlife advocates to ask the State of California office of the US Bureau of Land Management to consider a science-supported update of their statewide sensitive wildlife species list. The one BLM has been using doesn’t protect a bunch of State listed wildlife species, as it should. And, the BLM is required to work with our State Wildlife agency to do just that. This is one of the most straightforward issues I’ve faced: the facts are easy to illustrate and quick to research. And so, I reached out to the obvious pro-wildlife advocacy organizations. Who comes to mind when I say that? Pause, don’t read on…think: who would that be?

The Sierra Club
If you are a pro-wildlife advocate, the Sierra Club seems a great place to work. Well, it could use some help. My pleas to the Santa Cruz Group of the Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club went unanswered. The one or two in the group who are apt to answer such requests are totally stretched. A while back, the local club was taken over by the pro-bicycle lobby, a group that has little regard for wildlife conservation. It should be telling that Santa Cruz doesn’t even have its own Sierra Club chapter: the local one is a sub-group of the Ventana Chapter, based in Monterey where most of the pro-environmental activism has been traditionally located.

The Wildlife Society, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
Another far flung chapter of an organization that is supposed to represent Santa Cruz County’s wildlife conservation concerns is the SF Bay Chapter of the Wildlife Society. Unlike the Sierra Club, this Chapter did return my queries. However, after a long wait they wrote me that they were uncomfortable advocating for this issue. They actually told me that they weren’t an advocacy organization, despite their website saying that they “work to ensure that wildlife and habitats are conserved” by “advocating for effective wildlife policy and law.” It seems like whoever is active in the organization right now is uncomfortable being advocates. Luckily, their parent organization was a much better help.

The Western Section of the Wildlife Society
Even more far flung than the SF Bay Chapter, the Western Section of the Wildlife Society was a great help. Their leadership, though obviously overworked, were enthusiastic and helpful with the straightforward request for assistance. They did due diligence and had adult conversations about the need for advocacy and wrote an amazingly strong letter on the issue. If you want to support a good (local?) organization for wildlife advocacy, this is a logical choice. Unfortunately, they probably won’t be proactively monitoring our local situation and helping out without us asking.

Audubon Society
Not so far flung, the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society is very active and quite influential…just over the hill. When approached, their overworked volunteers can sometimes be enticed to help with local conservation. I have to give them a call on this one.

Land Trusts
The Land Trust of Santa Cruz, Sempervirens Fund, Save the Redwoods League, Peninsula Open Space Trust and others…clearly all competing with one another with no unified messages or strategy for region-wide wildlife conservation. Instead, they are as likely to be public-forward with pitches for increased recreation in natural areas, which runs counter to wildlife conservation. With this contradiction, none of these organizations are able to build credible coalitions to advocate for wildlife conservation.

Wildlife Biologists
I have long approached local wildlife biologists for assistance, with mixed results. This time, I reached out to a few and was surprised. What I was asking experts to do was to do a bit of analysis so that their opinions about adding species to the BLM’s list were well supported. A handful of wildlife biologists said that they would consider advocating for this cause, but only if paid for their time for analysis. One biologist, Jacob Pollock, stepped up as a volunteer. Dr. Pollock is a steadfast advocate for science-supported wildlife conservation. He has an inquisitive mind and powerful analytical abilities. He deserves recognition and thanks for his wildlife conservation volunteerism. This is apparently quite rare. He will shortly offer up a methodological approach to updating the BLM’s State Special Status Wildlife Species list with an example from a statewide analysis of the rarity of American badger, including BLM’s contribution to its recovery.

The rarity of such volunteers was recently emphasized when a community organization contacted me to speak at a public forum considering a potentially wildlife-impacting regulation. I couldn’t speak and couldn’t think of another wildlife advocate to do that speaking engagement. Have you seen an inspirational wildlife conservation advocate who regularly speaks to local threats to wildlife and solutions for conservation?

Why So Few?
What has created this dearth of local wildlife advocates? We have no reliable analysis about what has happened. One day, maybe I’ll find the time to do some investigative work about what went on with the local Sierra Club. Meanwhile, I suggest that mere intelligent leadership in our community would result in that person getting elected to the Santa Cruz Group. However, that person would be lonely without a couple or three more such people to make a majority vote happen in favor of wildlife…and, a group of such volunteers would be necessary to pick up the workload for responsible advocacy.

Cost of living might have something to do with the situation. The Monterey Bay area is very expensive to live in, so wildlife biologists must work hard to pay their bills, leaving no time for volunteer work. And, when professional wildlife biologists do advocacy, they threaten some of their employment opportunities, so there’s further disincentive.

Parallels with Environmental Educators
If there are any social scientists out there, read my column from last week and compare the notes with this week’s – I think there are parallels. Besides wildlife biologists, why are so few environmental educators meshing conservation advocacy with their work? Is it likewise the threat to income? Or, is there something cultural going on here? There might be some redundancy with this issue as perhaps a large number of environmental educators are also wildlife biologists.

What Are We To Do?
I heard recently that progressives might be getting some funding to support a revitalization to allow improved political campaigns in Santa Cruz. Perhaps there is a similar need in wildlife advocacy. It does seem that we need a new organization to advocate for wildlife in our region. How would one go about setting it up for success? I imagine it starts with funding the set up and also creating an endowment for some staff positions. The mission would need to be building a supportive, diverse, and active public. I am looking for such change.

#121 / How We Think And What We Do

I have previously given my opinion (with recognition to my mother) that “comparisons are odious.” I have contended that the best way to think about things isnotby comparing one thing to another, and then picking out the one you like best.

Good advice bears repeating. Therefore, let me provide you with another example of what I donotthink is a good way to contemplate important public policy issues. Previously, I contended that trying to compare “capitalism” with “socialism,” picking out the “best” system, was a flawed approach. Here, the comparison I want to draw to your attention is between “progressive” politics and “conservative” politics. This is the choice discussed in a recent edition ofThe New York Times’“The Morning” newsletter, byDavid Leonhardt. Here is his opening salvo from the newsletter published on April 25, 2024, which was titled, “Chaos and Oppression.”

Arnold Kling, an economist, published a book a decade ago that offered a way to think about the core difference between progressives and conservatives. Progressives,Kling wrote, see the world as a struggle between the oppressor and the oppressed, and they try to help the oppressed. Conservatives see the world as a struggle between civilization and barbarism — between order and chaos — and they try to protect civilization…

The debate over pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia and other universities has become an example. If you want to understand why university leaders are finding the situation so hard to resolve, Kling’s dichotomy is useful: The central question for colleges is whether to prioritize the preservation of order or the desire of students to denounce oppression.

According to this way of discussing the issue, colleges need to face the “central question,” and pick a side. The choice is whether to “denounce oppression” or to seek “the preservation of order.” Another way to evaluate the two options, according to Leonhardt, is to pick either “chaos” or “oppression.”

If we approach the world as a series of binary choices, and think our job, as we seek to govern ourselves, is to “pick a side,” we will exclude from consideration anything new, or creative, and we’ll be the losers!

Dale will be back!

Highlights this week:

Bratton… is back!…Greensite …Gillian will soon return with her regular weekly piece… Steinbruner…apply for the Civil Grand Jury! Deadline Monday…. Hayes… Environmental Education Without Civics Lessons… Patton…… Matlock…motion to vacate… Eagan…Subconscious Comics and Deep Cover. Webmistress…Alan Tudyk… Quotes….”Sunshine”

SALINAS RODEO GROUNDS, 1942. The photo is a bit dark and fuzzy, but so are our memories. This is the Japanese and Japanese-Americans holding camp before they were transported to Manzanar and other prisons.

[Webmistress comment, affiliate link below]
George Takei just released a new book about his time in the WWII internment camps. It’s beautifully illustrated, and aimed at children 6 – 9. Grownups can, and should, read it too!

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.
Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

BABY REINDEER. (Netflix Series) (8.2 IMDB) A cute and cuddly title for a British series from a book written about a true story. There’s a bartender who doubles his life as a standup comic. He becomes stalked, really stalked by a hefty woman who doesn’t give up. They go to the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and have quite a weird time. It’s neurotic but well worth watching.

FALLOUT.Amazon (8.6 IMDB). You’ll probably recognize and try hard to rememberKyle McLachlanwhohas a small part in this ridiculous, violent, near satire of an atomic attack on Hollywood in 200 years from now. There’s long scenes of mindless murders and just plain script flips of a plot that never makes sense… don’t go here.

LAKE ERIE MURDERS. MAX (7.1 IMDB) Being from Buffalo, New York I hoped this was filmed there but nope Lake Erie borders on four states and parts of Canada. It’s a documentary and is also referred to asWho Killed Amy Mihaljevic. Amy was only 10 in 1989 and the murder is still unsolved to this day. Dozens of interviews with possible kidnappers, yes they found her body but have never found enough proof or evidence to convict anyone. Go for it but don’t expect any satisfactory ending.

CROOKS.Netflix Series (7.0 IMDB). A German film made mostly in Berlin. Taking a deep look, after much thought, it’s a deep look at the psychological makeup of two gangs of bank robbers with their opposing points on what life is all about. They both get involved in a very complex robbery, not of jewels as we are led to believe, but of a very valuable coin. It really centers on one robber who wants to go straight, but is tricked into helping the two gangs. Complex, tricky, well done and well worth puzzling through.

ONE DAY.Netflix Series (8.1 IMDB). Let’s face it every one of us has had or will have had deep meaningful relationships. This series is titled a comedy by Netflix but you’ll go much deeper than a laugh watching this introspective, meaningful insight. Two people meet on their graduation night and we all spend the rest of the story watching what go through, NOT being together but keeping each other in their thoughts, and hearts. You’ll be forced to project and identify with many moments in this beautifully produced drama, except for the ending. Don’t miss it.

SHIRLEY. Netflix Movie. (6.3 IMDB) If you’re into politics, which most of us are, you’ll be delighted to watch this saga aboutShirley Chisholm’srole in the 1972 presidential campaign. Chisholm was the first black USA congresswoman and was elected in 1966. But this movie is all about her 1972 run for president and takes us back to those very different political times. We seeHuey Newton, George Wallaceand other sad reminders of the Vietnam War. She lost to Richard Nixon andRegina Kingdoes an amazing job of portraying Shirley.

ROAD HOUSE. (6.2 IMDB)Another remake to the ever growing list of trying to make a sure buck on a one time hit. This one hasJake GyllenhaalreplacingPatrick Swayzein the 1989 hit. (Swayze died in 2009!) It’s amazingly violent boxing wise and Jake has some real violence in his past. There’s crime thugs, secret love affairs and not any other reason to see this bloody copy.

RIPLEY. (7.9 IMDB).Again a remake of another near 1999 classic.Andrew Scott(Morarity in the Sherlock Holmes/ Benedict Cumberbatch masterpiece).Dakota Fanningis in it too but it doesn’t matter much. It’s deep, filmed all in black and white and with a plot so twisted, and complex you wouldn’t believe it. Go see this as soon as possible

SALTBURN.. (7.0 IMDB).A very class conscious drama (also listed as a comedy) about a young student at Oxford who gets completely involved with an odd and driven “upper class” family. There’s romance, mystery. Rosamund Pike has a deeply involved role in his too unreal view of life among the super rich. Don’t give up anything important to watch this one.

Gillian is still busy, but assures us she’ll be back soon!

SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT OPERATING EXPENSES WILL RISE BY $6.9 MILLION
Last week, the Soquel Creek Water District Board heard staff explain at the Budget Workshop that the PureWater Soquel Project alone will increase the District’s annual operating costs by an estimated $6 MILLION per year, once the treatment plant and forced injection wells come online.

What amazed me most was hearing Director Tom LaHue’s confusion about whether the new 10% rate increases have gone into effect. They have, and he voted for that in February. Staff had to explain to him that the new rate increases had already gone into effect.

Hmm… do you think maybe it’s time for him to leave the Board?

Unfortunately, Community Television did not record the Budget Workshop, held one hour before the regular meeting, but you can see the slide presentation here.

For the first time, staff mentioned the financial consequences of not paying CalPERS andOther Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) that are non-pension benefits provided to employees upon retirement, a risky move made in order to lower the first year of the four-year rate increases needed to prop up the debt incurred with the PureWater Soquel Project. That not-so-wise decision, never explained to the Board, (and they never asked) will cost $1.2 million, a 12.5% increase over last year’s personnel operating expenses. Wage and salary increases will add $20,000.

Director of Finance, Ms. Leslie Strohm, who has been getting a $1000/month bonus since the PureWater Soquel Project broke ground and will continue to do so until it is operational, explained that she did not include a slide in her budget presentation to show the debt service on the Project, but estimated $4.9MILLION in the coming year. “Because of that,” she said”the District must either decrease expenses or increase revenues to balance things out.”

Well, it is obvious that the staff and Board have chosen INCREASE REVENUES by further burdening their customers with high water bills, and the recent tactic to increase fixed service rates by 60% (at the perky suggestion of new Director Jennifer Balboni) will make it impossible for anyone to conserve their way out.

Here are some comments that ratepayers wrote on their rate increase protests (the protests are public record):
“We cannot believe you are asking for 4 years worth of higher fees that increased each year. We live on a retirement income and feel it will be quite difficult to keep paying these increases. We are as frugal as we can be.”

“Our rates have increased tremendously over the last few years and on top of that, we are penalized for conserving water. These unbelievably drastic increases have got to stop!”

We are protesting the proposed water rate adjustments. ?There have been continual increases year after year and we are paying some of the highest rates in the state, with no end in sight.”

“We are retirees on fixed incomes. Increasing rates so significantly over the next 4 years will make it a challenge for us and other low income customers. The rates should be reasonable and proportional to needs. It is unfair to burden residents and we ask that you explore other funding options.”

The District’s Budget will return for consideration on June 4, with final approval on June 18.
Please write tothe Board and ask them to reconsider the recent fixed rate increases and volumetric rates that penalize those who are working the hardest to conserve water.

Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors <bod@soquelcreekwater.org>

SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT BOARD REMOVED MANY WATER CONSERVATION REBATES
It seems more obvious that the Soquel Creek Water District is less interested in supporting and rewarding conservation efforts of customers, and more interested in covering their extravagant bottom line for staffing salaries and benefits. Last week, the Board agreed with staff that, because long-time Water Conservation Specialist Mr. Roy Sikes is now retiring, his job will not be filled, and therefore, it will be difficult for existing staff to manage the water conservation rebates available to customers.

So, many of those rebates that might incentivize water conservation will disappear.

Coupled with the fact that the Board just voted to raise rates the most on customers who have been conserving most, and give cheaper water to those who use more, leads one to conclude that the District is not serious about rewarding or incentivizing water conservation to the fullest extent possible.

Hmmmm….

What are they thinking??? Well, they are eliminating the conservation specialist position now vacant upon retirement of the wonderfully helpful Mr. Roy Sikes, but will instead add a person to do inventory of supplies needed for the PureWater Soquel Project operation. When Assistant Manager Melanie Mow-Schmacher moves up to General Manager on October 1, her Assistant job will not be filled. Does that mean she has been doing the job of current General Manager Ron Duncan all this time?

Don’t forget, yet another Assistant General Manager job to do “all things PureWater Soquel” has been filled, and will jump on the gravy train pretty soon.

You can listen to their discussion of this in Item 7.3 (at minute 23.50).
You can read the staff report on page 110 here

Please write the Board with your thoughts: Board of Directors <bod@soquelcreekwater.org>

YOU CAN’T GET HELP UNLESS YOU SIGN UP FOR SMART TECHNOLOGY
Soquel Creek Water District Board reviewed their leak adjustment policy last week. They decided not to help anyone with a one-time reduction in their bill due to leaks unless the customer signs up for Smart technology that allows the District to see exactly how much water you are using and when, and to do that, you have to sign up for a Smart meter.

About 125 customers have opted not to get a smart meter, according to staff, and not all areas of the District have the WiFi connection to make the Smart technology actually work.

They also said the District won’t grant any adjustment for values below $25, because these adjustments just take alot of staff time to handle. Well, for a District that claims to value customer service so highly, I would bet there are some customers who would really appreciate any amount of help on the bills when they have a leak, even if it is less than $25…which could make a big difference for some fixed incomes.

The District staff’s arrogance is rather shocking, don’t you think?

Please write the Board with your thoughts: Board of Directors <bod@soquelcreekwater.org>

Here is the link to the Community TV recording of the meeting.Discussion of the water leak adjustment policy (Item # 7.4) at minute 1:00:09
You can read the staff report on page 115 here.

CALIFORNIA WATER BOARD APPROVES LOWERING HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM LEVELS ALLOWED FOR DRINKING WATER
Last week, as was expected by many, the California State Water Board approved new lower limits for carcinogenic Hexavalent Chromium (“Chrome 6”) levels in drinking water to 10ppb, one fifth of the existing regulatory level. This is expected to meet with the same resistance by water agencies who must now install treatment systems as it met in earlier years, forcing the State to hold more public hearings and conduct financial feasibility studies for treatment and alternatives.

The new limit will likely go into effect October 1. Compliance will be required by January 1, 2027.

Soquel Creek Water District Board and staff have known that 25% of the District’s production supply water from three of the wells in the Seascape and La Selva Beach areas have higher levels of Hexavalent Chromium than the new levels just approved. he District had contracted with a company called Ionex and had a pilot project for Chrome 6 removal, but when the State had to postpone the implementing the lower regulatory limit, the District cancelled the contract with Ionex.

At last week’s District Board meeting, during Item 7.5, the Board approved $1 million for design of a treatment plant at the Bonita Drive Well, with details due by June 30. Staff anticipates the construction will take two years (2025-2027) and cost $14.5 million. The new plant will likely use a different technology than the ion resin removal that the Ionex pilot project used, due to concerns about the brine effluent disposal.

You can watch the Board’s deliberation of this matter (Item 7.5) at minute 1:19:55. You can read the staff reporton page 122 here.

I wonder if any of the hundreds of thousands of dollars that the Soquel Creek Water District customers were illegally charged to fund the non-existent Chrome 6 Treatment Plant have been set aside to fund this Project now? That illegal collection of customer money was stopped by ratepayer Mr. Jon Cole in 2017 thanks to his hard work as a self-represented litigant. (Case 17CV00689) [Santa Cruz Superior Court]

Judge Paul Burdick agreed with Mr. Cole that it was illegal for Soquel Creek Water District to charge customers for a service (Chrome 6 treatment plant) that did not even exist, and ordered the District to stop collecting the money. However, Judge Burdick did not require the District to refund the illegal money. So….where is it? Maybe a Public Records Act request would shed some light on that issue…

Stay tuned.

SUPPORT SB 1060 TO HELP PROMOTE INSURANCE RECOGNITION OF FIRE DEFENSIBLE SPACE AND HOME HARDENING WORK
Many Californians are still reeling in shock at news their property insurance is being cancelled, as a result of State Farm Insurance cancelling 72,000 policies statewide, to reduce their financial risk.

Please contact Senator John Laird and ask that he support SB 1060.

HOW CAN THIS BE???
Many thanks to my friend, Al, who shared this worrisome information that the California Unemployment Insurance Fund was deemed “structurally insolvent” by State Finance staff. The State borrowed $17.8 BILLION from the federal government in 2020 for Covid-related unemployment payments, which included $1BILLION in payment to prisoners

The State stopped making payments on the loan, and now owes $55 BILLION. Ms. Julie Su, who was in charge of the State’s Unemployment Dept. when this fraud all happened, has been promoted to the Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor, and will now be in charge of authorizing whether or not California’s defaulted loan payment will be waived.

Think about that for a moment.

In case she decides that is not going to be allowed, the State may move to increase the amount of unemployment tax businesses will be required to pay by five-fold, to gather the amount of revenue needed to make good on the loan for the fraudulent payments Ms. Su’s office authorized.

Please write Governor Newsom about this stupid situation, and maybe the Attorney General as well.

By Mail
You may contact Governor Gavin Newsom at:

Governor Gavin Newsom
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-2841

Due to limited resources, responses to inquiries via mail may take longer than those submitted using the email form.Please note that we are unable to accept e-mail attachments because of the risk of internet viruses; please send your attachments via traditional mail.

Contact the California Attorney General:

1. Description: Primary public access window to the Attorney General’s Office. …
2. Email:piu@doj.ca.gov.
3. Phone(s): (916) 210-6276, (800) 952-5225, (916) 323-5341, (800) 855-3000, (916) 445-9555, (800) 735-2929.
4. Hours: Monday through Friday 8 am – 5 pm.

ANOTHER LOCAL BUSINESS BITES THE DUST…
In Aptos – this one hurts..

From Cafe Sparrow on instagram:

“Hello everybody. It is with heavy heart that we tell you that @cafesparrow will be closing its doors on April 28th after 38 years of service. Due to the inflation of the world it is not a feasible task anymore. We hope to see all of you at least 1 more time before next Sunday. We understand this news is sudden and it is just as sudden for us, but we just can not hang on any longer.

Come support our last few days of service and come say hi. We would love to see all of you before this chapter closes. Thank you to the amazing people of Aptos/ Santa Cruz for the years of support.”

(Thank you to my friend, Al, for sharing this post on social media)

APPLY TO SERVE ON THE COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY
If you really want to help examine issues of concern in our County, please consider applying to serve on the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury

The deadline is Monday, April29.

WRITE ONE LETTER. MAKE ONE CALL. MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE THIS WEEK BY JUST DOING SOMETHING.

Cheers,
Becky

Environmental Education Without Civics Lessons?
There are so many opportunities for environmental education around the Monterey Bay, but all seem to avoid anything related to civic engagement. Why?

Whale Watching
The most impactful environmental education I recall was aboard a whale watching boat in the early 2000’s. We left the Moss Landing harbor with a full boat and shortly were surrounded by whales, then pods of dolphins. The captain knew where to go, aided by friendly radio chatter from fishing vessels out on the Bay. We learned a lot about the biology of the whales and dolphins, including about the history of whale populations. The whales were so dense that summer that you could smell them! The guides noted historical journal entries that spoke of that smell from the era when there were many more whales. We seemed to be returning the Bay to the dense whale populations of deep history. How exciting to be steeped in biology, history, and the hopeful story of whale recovery! The lessons didn’t stop there.

The captain noticed bad behavior of another boat, which was chasing some whales to get a better view. It is illegal and ill-advised to closely pursue whales, and our boat was radioing the other one to let them know. All aboard our boat were getting a first-hand education about the Marine Mammal Protection Act and civic engagement. Our captain shared information about how common this bad behavior was and about the inadequacy of enforcement by the responsible agencies. We were informed about how we could be involved: by supporting more responsible whale watching enterprises, through contacting the appropriate enforcement agencies, and by supporting advocacy groups working on this issue.

The owners of that whale watching business sold to someone else. Now, none of the whale watching boats educate about this important issue. Predictably, the issue of whale harassment has declined in the news and enforcement has never improved.

Museums, Parks, Aquaria, and Hikes
Think about your experiences with environmental education – do any of those include anything about civic engagement? One highlight is the advice from a local aquarium about buying responsible fish for your meals, a program which is expensive an no doubt has had a big impact. Are there any stories about how environmental advocacy groups made a difference? Are there any stories about a politician who pushed forward an environmental initiative? Are docents trained to help you to understand how you might be more engaged, civically? Do leaders of environmental education hikes tell the history of environmental struggles and how ordinary people made a difference? I’d love to hear if you have experienced any of this in any of our many local environmental education programs. I haven’t.

Terrace Point, Santa Cruz
Many people on the westside of the city of Santa Cruz take walks at Terrace Point, aka Seymour Center or the ‘coastal campus’ of UCSC. There is a trail network through swaths of habitat. There are even guided walks to view Younger Lagoon which, no doubt, avoid any discussion of the political struggles that resulted in their ability to have that experience. The trail network and the swaths of habitat are brought to you by the Terrace Point Action Network (TPAN) formed by a wide-ranging group of local residents with great leadership as well as coalitions of local environmental organizations. I doubt if anyone reading this remembers the names of any of the groups or leaders. Readers would also probably be surprised to learn the names of the leaders of the opposition: faculty of the University who proclaimed that the sprawling development for which they advocated would become the ‘Woods Hole of the West Coast.’ The delusional architects who were designing the site plans testified to the public that the site would be improved by such development, much like “castles along the Rhine (River).”

TPAN’s Good Work
The battle saw TPAN engaging the nation’s leading wetland scientist, pitted against the second best hired by the University. The areas set aside are based on a wetland delineation battle mediated by the only ecologist at the time with the Coastal Commission, who advised that agency to force the University to set aside the swaths of habitat you experience there now. The pro-access division of the Coastal Commission also exacted the trails from the University, despite those trails destroying areas of the wetlands the other division of the Coastal Commission had advised be set aside. And they also won the requirement that Younger Lagoon Reserve be opened to the public, even if it was by reservation at a scheduled tour. There are many other hilarious and telling parts of the Terrace Point story, which would make for an inspirational and entertaining docent-led walk, interpretive sign, or brochure for the site; but I doubt those will happen.

Coastal Campus Now
It is typical that these environmental battles are never over and if the activists disappear the protections slip. The Coastal Commission also required the University to only build buildings that supported ‘coastal dependent’ uses. Labs requiring use of the sea water intake system, for instance, would fit that bill. After not that many years, the entire University biology department moved to Terrace Point – classes are being held there, there are offices and meeting spaces. None of these are in the least bit coastally dependent: the University is getting away with blatant disregard to prohibitions of a much-changed, pro-development Coastal Commission.

When I ask biology professors who once helped with the opposition to the University’s development of the site, they note that the classes held at Terrace Point include environmental education about coastal ecosystems, allowing students to walk outside and participate in hands-on restoration.

Environmental Education Without Civic Engagement
UCSC has succeeded greatly with hands-on, experiential environmental education, but seemingly without much success getting students to be engaged civically. When I was a student at UCSC, professors taught about the social and political aspects of their class content, which was very much based on situations in and around the University. We were encouraged to become civically engaged in those ongoing issues. City Council and County Supervisor meetings commonly had students testifying on environmental issues and local environmental organizations recruited new generations of well-educated activists. Not so now.

I hear about environmental programs in local high schools: are these, too, lacking in any civic engagement components?

Has the rancorously divided politics of our nation made our environmental educators shy to raise political issues to the many eager learners?

How do we do this better?

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2024
#113 / Thinking About Moby Dick

The wonderful image above, which is fromSanta Cruz artist Marie Gabrielle, has put me in mind ofMoby Dick, although the whales depicted are quite “local,” spouting off right here in Monterey Bay, and not in the South Seas somewhere. That image above, as I suddenly realized when I was writing out that first sentence, can be seen as a kind of visual reference to what I do right here, in this daily blog: “Spout Off.”

In case it is of interest, I do have a close family connection toMoby Dick,Herman Melville’s great novel. My wife Marilyn has written extensively aboutMoby Dick, and it is her argument that Ahab’s pursuit of the White Whale is actually intended to refer to a writer’s pursuit of that singular written work that both haunts and inspires the writer, but that seems always to elude capture.Click this linkif you want to get a fuller argument in support of that reading ofMoby Dick.

My posting from Sunday, March 10th, which was, essentially, a fragment of my own writing, and which fragment has just recently resurfaced from the depths of some long-forgotten files, has made me think, rather explicitly, about my own writing, and about what I think I am pursuing in these daily blog postings, which I began publishing on January 1, 2010, and which have appeared, on a daily basis, every day since then.

I have, metaphorically speaking, been on a long voyage, and perhaps, like Melville, I have been pursuing something more singular than what can be seen in the series of my “spouting off” thoughts that have surfaced in the more than 5,000 blog postings that have appeared right here. As thatfragment of my writing said, “I am pretty sure I know some things.”

I think Idoknow some things, and what I must admit is that I would like to be able to set them down, in some singular form, so others can grasp their import – not as a scattered commentary but in some integrated way, as a piece of writing that can inspire action.

I believe that we all, individually and collectively, are coming to a testing point. Many perceive that we will confront this testing point in the elections coming up in November of this year. There is truth in that, I think, though I believe that the testing point we are soon to encounter – that we are already encountering, in fact – is greater, and more serious, and more dangerous than the test we will face in our presidential elections.

I am going to continue pursue the singular thought that both haunts and inspires me – that the time has come to renew the American Revolution, shifting power as significantly as political power was shifted in 1776.

Can that even be done? I do believe it can.

I think we need to try.

A MOTION TO VACATE THE COURTROOM FOR co*kES AND HAMBERDERS
ReporterOlivia BeaversofPoliticoposted a report last week that a sub-group of theHouse Freedom Caucusactivated itsFloor Action Response Team (F.A.R.T.)to thwart any attempts by associates ofSpeaker Mike Johnsonfrom making moves to diminish the Caucus’ power…this coming prior to the key votes on foreign aid toIsrael,Taiwan, andUkraine. Calls for Johnson’s removal from his Speaker’s position in the debate leading up to the aid vote was precipitated byMarjorie Taylor Greenewho has since been joined by a handful of other disgruntledHousemembers who are decidedly in the minority at this point. Of the $95 billion, $61billion will go toKyiv, $9 billion of which is in the form of“forgivable loans.”Kentucky’s Representative,Thomas Massie, one of the ‘F.A.R.T.’ supporters has asked Johnson to resign, as his team works to monitor the chamber to block any sudden rule changes by theGOPleadership which might lead to a reduction in power of the Freedom Caucus through raising the vote threshold governing removal of a House Speaker. Johnson has said he would attempt no changes to the‘motion to vacate’rule, as didKevin McCarthywhen he held that post…but his concession is likely to be in vain as his position is very tenuous. Author and formerHouse Republican,Denver Riggleman, responded to Beavers’ post,“Actually, I have a source that tells me it’s the ‘Wrong Every Time Floor Action Response Team,’ a loud and slippery crew. Beware.”ANew Yorker,‘BrooklynDad_Defiant,’posted,“House Republicans have just formed a Floor Action Response Team in order to fend off silent but deadly attempts to curb their influence. Total clown show, folks.”MSNBCcontributor,Charlie Sykes, added his post:“Beyond parody.”

Finding no humor in theHouse’snew team formation will be those sitting in the courtroom ofJudge Juan Merchan, where one flatulent sleepyhead,Donald J. Trump, is being tried for falsifying business records to conceal hush-money payments toStormy Danielsas part of his strategy to influence voters in the 2016 presidential election. The former president has appeared to be dozing off several times during the trial, butJimmy Kimmelis convinced that his attorneys are tranquilizing him to knock back his outbursts, with Judge Merchan having to caution the defense team on one occasion to instruct their client to remain quiet as prospective jurors were being questioned.Stephen Colbertcouldn’t hold back with his comments, saying,“Yesterday, Trump fell asleep during the proceedings. He took a little ‘white power’ nap. But today he was sharp, focused but he fell asleep again. And in a totally unrelated story, there’s a national Adderall shortage. No relation. Trump must have snoozed for awhile because the court sketch artist had time to draw him. Well, I think we have a new mascot for Celestial Seasonings: Sleepy Crime Tea.”Social media jumped on the bandwagon with new nicknames:‘Sleepy Don’and‘Don Snoreleone’…where’s theMyPillowguy when he’s really needed?JoJoFromJerzposts:“Honestly, let him sleep. Wheel him into a fake Oval Office on the back nine of Trump National Golf Course, tell him he’s president, hand him a Diet co*ke and a “hamberder,” play a nature video, quietly close the door, and walk away.”

DefendantTrumpdozed off intermittently during the first two days of his criminal trial, and though this could land him in prison, ending his political ambitions, he doesn’t show an interest, or understand what’s occurring, a sign of worsening senility? Day number three saw him pulling out his cell phone to check messages, prompting an attorney to stop him, which earned him a glaring look of annoyance. Trump will only continue to show his defiance, since it will have a magical ending for him in his thinking, but this immature behavior only points to mental incompetence.The Donis not one to sit around for eight hours at a time on public view, a very boring sentence for the candidate who does a rally speech, then disappears to tally the money flowing into his coffers as the highlight of his day. Unable to focus or stay awake, even forgetting that a trial is in progress, is what most clinical observers would expect from a patient with severe dementia, or is it too much posting of his rants onTruth Socialuntil the early hours?

Bocha Blueposts onThe Palmer Reportthat he sees something terribly wrong withTrump’shair. At first, he thought it could only be his imagination, but aMorning Joesegment validated his concern about Trump’s appearance…verbal gaffes aside. Trump’s vanity is well known, always wanting to look ‘spiffy,’ but now DJT’s hair is beginning to“look worse than Matt Gaetz’s.”The Morning Joe panel calls the usual hair color ‘Carrot Orange.’ Blue now terms it as a cross of “orange algae coupled with bits of baby food…our insurrectionist has invented a new color.” He says Trump has taken his hair color to new heights, but hasn’t noticed how horrible it looks…looking harsh, an unbecoming color that makes him look old. The only advantage being that this newly named “Algae Orange‘“might match his orange prison jumpsuit.”p*rn star,Stormy Daniels, in the recent documentary entitled,‘Stormy,’tellsSeth Roganabout a conversation she once had with Trump regarding his hair. He told her about aSamson-and-Delilah-like dream from which he concluded that his power rested in his hair, and losing it would mean a loss of power and stature, a superstition he still observes quite obviously.

Speaking of mental incompetence,Aldous J. Pennyfarthingwrites thatTrump’sfirst campaign ruined everyone’s mental health for a full decade, while claiming he hired“only the best people”for his administration…which translates to hiring the best in his estimation, only to fire them almost immediately. Or, keeping them around long enough for them to realize the president was a dangerous affront to democracy, resulting in a departure and becoming unqualified “losers” to their former boss. Of course, as everyone knows by now, Trump’s greatest weaknesses are compassion and generosity of spirit, so he simple couldn’t help himself at hiring awful, unqualified losers who were begging him for a job. Pennyfarthing says,“Unfortunately, when you make over your party to appeal strictly to lowlifes, your applicant pool becomes pretty shallow, and the dose of chlorine needed to disinfect it could melt the eyeballs out of every skull within a 15-mile radius.”

Which brings up the subject ofGOPvetting as revealed by aHuffPostarticle: ADJTcounty campaign chair inNew Hampshirelost his job as a police officer after threatening to kill colleagues in a shooting spree, to murder the department chief and rape the chief’s wife, simply as retaliation for his suspension over a relationship with a high school girl…Trump’skind of guy? Ten years later, this guy,Jonathan Stone, currently a second-term state rep, was picked as Trump’sSullivan Countychair inJune2023, because he gifted Trump an inscribedAR-15assault rifle at a 2016 campaign stop.Aldous J. comments,“Just a few bad apples? Well, no…sadly, this is kind of a pattern. Ever since Sarah Palin made addlepated-ignorance great again, Republicans have been trying to extra hard to separate the wheat from the chaff, but unfortunately, they tend to throw out both the wheat and the chaff, keeping Herschel Walker instead. In other words, when it comes to vetting candidates, employees, and county campaign chairs, Republicans are simply awful, and arguably getting awful-er. It should have been clear from the outset that Walker was a terrible candidate, but apparently no one knew his Georgia Senate campaign wasn’t the only abortion he’d been financing.”

Continuing, we can consider“New York Representative George Santos, the biggest vetting fail in American political history…if you disregard Trump himself. The Jew-ISH congressman was a font of scandals and controversies, all of which slipped under the GOP’s glowing red Eye of Sauron. And, we can’t forget the current Hitler-quoting Lt. Governor of North Carolina and gubernatorial hopeful, Mark Robinson, who never saw a forced birth he didn’t like. Robinson and wife, Yolanda, have filed for bankruptcy three times since 1998, and failed to file income taxes for years 1998 to 2002. Next up is Montana’s GOP senatorial candidate, Tim Sheehy, who lied to a national park ranger about the origin of a bullet wound in his arm, claiming it was a war wound. Sheehy was fined in 2015 for discharging a gun in Glacier National Park after a hospital reported his injury to law enforcement, about which he claimed his Colt .45 had accidentally discharged when it fell to the ground. Later, he told the Washington Post he sustained the wound in Afghanistan as a Navy Seal in 2012, but failed to report it in fears that it may have come from ‘friendly fire’ that would spark an investigation of his platoon. He deserves the Purple Chickenheart medal.”

It has now come to light thatTexas Representative Ronny Jackson(formerWhite Housedoctor who concluded thatTrumpcould live to age 200, with a better diet, or by eatingKentucky Fried Chicken & Donuts Sandwiches, acknowledged to be a superfood chock-full of antioxidants) allegedly over-prescribed meds during hisDCtenure with Trump. Sleeping/wakefulness medications were freely handed out, precipitating a power struggle with another physician, resulting in decimated morale in theMedical Unit. Jackson is also facing allegations that he drank on the job, but evidently that didn’t stop his boss from nominating him to head theDepartment of Veterans Affairs, from which he withdrew after charges of inadequate vetting for the position.CNNis suggesting a pattern of deliberate negligence, one example being thatRepresentative John Ratcliffein 2019 withdrew from consideration as Trump’s director of national intelligence over concerns that he was dangerously unqualified, having exaggerated portions of his résumé. So, what does Trump do? According toPennyfarthing,“In 2020, Trump would renominate Ratcliffe – who remained dangerously unqualified – and he skated through on a party-line vote.”

It didn’t matter toTrumpthat his administration had failed to perform even a cursory vetting ofRatcliffe, or any nominee, and that he made announcements without the participation of any adults…besides, that kind of work was best left up to the enemy of the people…the press! Trump explained to a reporter that he likes to disclose a name to journalists, who then do background checks, saving“a lot of money”for the government, as they uncover embarrassing details about the nominee, who then slinks away into hiding. Pennyfarthing concludes,“Of course, the half-assed vetting goes way, way back to the OG GOP embarrassment, Sarah Palin, who announced shortly after becoming John McCain’s running mate that her unwed teenage daughter was pregnant, très gauche to 2000s-era Republicans! The McCain camp had also somehow failed to discover before it was too late that her head was stuffed with newspapers – ALL OF THEM! So what does that tell us? That the party that elevated Donald Trump is lazy, irredeemable, and a really horrible judge of character? Well, yeah. But also: They don’t seem to care much about any of that. After all, what are they going to do? Hire sane, qualified people? If they did that, they wouldn’t be Republicans, now would they?”

And, just for clarification…asTrumprecently stated in aNew Hampshirespeech,“Which is incapable of salvin’ even the swollest, smallest problem. We are an institute in a powerful death penalty. We will put this on. And they calmly walk to us see, and ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. They’ve only got 17 seconds to figure this whole thing out. Bomp. Okay. Missile launch, psheem, pfoom.”Sounds akin to the anonymous haiku:“Haikus are easy. But sometimes they don’t make sense. Refrigerator.”We have just over six months to arrive at our own sense of clarity.

Highlights this week:

Bratton… is back!…Greensite …Gillian will soon return with her regular weekly piece… Steinbruner…the county’s broke… Rio Del Mar Flats…. Hayes… meanderings in nature… Patton…the in-between… Matlock…on repentance and Marjorie Taylor Greene… Eagan…Subconscious Comics and Deep Cover. Webmistress…the new drug talk… Quotes….”Drugs”

SANTA CRUZ BEACH FRONTAGE 1960. Lots for sale, and it’s hard to believe that development hadn’t hit harder along West Cliff Drive by 1960. This is long before The Dream Inn and the Sea and Sand Inn and what seems like hundreds of cookie cutter apartments covered and defaced every square foot of this photo.

photo credit: Covello & Covello Historical photo collection.
Additional information always welcome: email bratton@cruzio.com

CROOKS.Netflix Series (7.0 IMDB). A German film made mostly in Berlin. Taking a deep look, after much thought, it’s a deep look at the psychological makeup of two gangs of bank robbers with their opposing points on what life is all about. They both get involved in a very complex robbery, not of jewels as we are led to believe, but of a very valuable coin. It really centers on one robber who wants to go straight, but is tricked into helping the two gangs. Complex, tricky, well done and well worth puzzling through.

ONE DAY.Netflix Series (8.1 IMDB). Let’s face it every one of us has had or will have had deep meaningful relationships. This series is titled a comedy by Netflix but you’ll go much deeper than a laugh watching this introspective, meaningful insight. Two people meet on their graduation night and we all spend the rest of the story watching what go through, NOT being together but keeping each other in their thoughts, and hearts. You’ll be forced to project and identify with many moments in this beautifully produced drama, except for the ending. Don’t miss it.

SHIRLEY. Netflix Movie. (6.3 IMDB) If you’re into politics, which most of us are, you’ll be delighted to watch this saga aboutShirley Chisholm’srole in the 1972 presidential campaign. Chisholm was the first black USA congresswoman and was elected in 1966. But this movie is all about her 1972 run for president and takes us back to those very different political times. We seeHuey Newton, George Wallaceand other sad reminders of the Vietnam War. She lost to Richard Nixon andRegina Kingdoes an amazing job of portraying Shirley.

ROAD HOUSE. (6.2 IMDB)Another remake to the ever growing list of trying to make a sure buck on a one time hit. This one hasJake GyllenhaalreplacingPatrick Swayzein the 1989 hit. (Swayze died in 2009!) It’s amazingly violent boxing wise and Jake has some real violence in his past. There’s crime thugs, secret love affairs and not any other reason to see this bloody copy.

RIPLEY. (7.9 IMDB).Again a remake of another near 1999 classic.Andrew Scott(Morarity in the Sherlock Holmes/ Benedict Cumberbatch masterpiece).Dakota Fanningis in it too but it doesn’t matter much. It’s deep, filmed all in black and white and with a plot so twisted, and complex you wouldn’t believe it. Go see this as soon as possible

SALTBURN.. (7.0 IMDB).A very class conscious drama (also listed as a comedy) about a young student at Oxford who gets completely involved with an odd and driven “upper class” family. There’s romance, mystery. Rosamund Pike has a deeply involved role in his too unreal view of life among the super rich. Don’t give up anything important to watch this one.

Gillian will soon return with her regular weekly piece!

WHY THE LAND TRUST’S SPECIAL PARCEL TAX WOULD NOT NEED A 2/3 VOTER APPROVAL THIS NOVEMBER
Last week, the Santa Cruz County Land Trust announced that their paid signature gatherers successfully achieved gathering 16,049 petition signatures and the petitions have been submitted to the Santa Cruz County Elections Department for verification. They need 10,417 qualified signatures to get their quest to have the countywide $87 Special Parcel Tax on this November’s ballot.

Many feel it is worrisome that this Special Tax would not require a 2/3 voter approval, as other special taxes require. When asked about this at a recent presentation to the County Water Advisory Commission, Land Trust staff said it was “because of the Upland Decision”.

That was a California Supreme Court case decision in 2017, known as the California Cannabis Coalition vs. City of Upland that allows tax measures placed on the ballot by the voters to be allowed to get approved with a simple majority, not the 2/3 majority required under Prop. 13.

“In concept, that opened the door for more tax revenue votes based upon a simple majority, rather than the 2/3 majority. That led toAssembly Constitutional Amendment 1, introduced in September 2023 for a vote in the 2024 general election. If passed, it would lower the bar for new taxes from the 2/3 super majority to 55%. On the flipside, Prop 13 supporters introduced “the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act” for the 2024 ballot to, among other things, restore two-thirds voter approval for all new local special tax increases. Indeed, thenewsletter for the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Associationspecifically cited the Cannabis lawsuit as motivation.”

California Prop 13 Faces New Challengers in 2024 and Tough Questions of Equity

Many thanks to my friend Bruce for letting me know that the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA) has an initiative qualified to be on this November’s ballot, theTaxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act”that, if passed, would allow initiatives like the Land Trusts’ measure to be effective for 12 months, then must be reaffirmed by a 2/3 majority after that to remain in effect. The HJTA initiative is under legal attack in the California Supreme Court (CaseS281977) by the California legislature and Governor Newsom:Appellate Courts Case Information

Keep your eye on this.

COULD BUILDERS REMEDY HAPPEN HERE?
Every five years, all cities and counties must update the Housing Element portion of their General Plans to accommodate new regulations and report to the State the status of the compliance with the State-required affordable housing numbers, known as the Regional Housing Number Allocation (RHNA).RHNA FAQ

The latest eight-year cycle of the RHNA updated this year, and greatly increases the number of housing units in general that the State mandates all jurisdictions approve and include in planning their Housing Elements.

If cities and counties do not get their Housing Element portions of their General Plan approved by the State Dept. of Housing & Community Development (HCD), developers can use what is known as “Builders Remedy” to force their projects to be approved, regardless of size and impacts, as long as the projects include 20% of the units as affordable.

This year, Attorney General Rob Bonta and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks proposed AB 1893 that would address some loopholes they claim local governments are using to avoid giving up control over their local building environment.

“As a perk to developers, the bill would reduce the number of affordable units that builder’s remedy projects must set aside, to 10% from 20%, making it easier for a project to pencil out financially. As a nod to housing-hesitant cities, it would also limit projects to two or three times the current zoned densities to prevent developers from proposing the mega-projects that generate the most controversy.”

Some developers think this will actually weaken their power because their mega-projects would no longer be a threat to leverage power over the local government planning agencies.

I think it is counter-productive to lower the affordable housing requirement to only 10% and dilute the amount of affordable housing getting built.

In Santa Cruz City, this likely will not apply because the State has blessed the City’s Housing Element and Governor Newsom designated the City as one of three additions last August to the State’s Pro-Housing List.Governor Newsom Designates Three more California Communities as Prohousing for Strides Made to Accelerate Housing Production | California Department of Housing and Community Development

Builder’s Remedy could be invoked in Scotts Valley and Capitola, and perhaps the County of Santa Cruz, where the Housing Elements are not yet approved by the State.

Keep your eyes open for more on this in the future and be on the lookout for taller and taller buildings without the infrastructure to support the residents who might live there.

Toto, I’ve got the feeling we are not in Kansas anymore…..

COUNTY BUDGET IS IN TROUBLE
Last Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors received a very dismal report from the County Administrative Officer (CAO) Mr. Palacios, and his assistant, Mr. Marcus Pimental. They warned that this year’s necessary borrowing of a record $85 million to make ends meet for the next couple of months is a harbinger of the doom that is to come within the next couple of years.

What neither mentioned was the massive unfunded CalPERS pension liability the County is facing, which Mr. Palacios has warned the Board of in previous years but not now.

Maybe the Board should not have gone along with the CAO’s empire building strategy, purchasing the large West Marine Building in Watsonville to create a new South County Government Center, purchasing a 38-acre parcel for a new South County Park on Whiting Road that is far from urban centers and has no public transportation to serve it, and purchasing the building adjacent to the County Sheriff’s complex on Soquel Avenue Frontage Road to create a new children’s crisis residential center. Now, none of those parcels will bring any property tax revenue at all.

Is it fiscally responsible to continue buying shiny new objects when the County is broke and can’t maintain the buildings, roads and parks it already has?
Take a look at the information and listen to the presentation here (click on “video” at the top of the agenda, and on Item #7 to go directly to the Budget Hearing):2024/04/09 09:00 AM Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting – Web Outline – Santa Cruz County, CA

Please send your thoughts on this matter to the Board of Supervisors, and ask for a meeting if possible before the May 21 and 22 Budget Hearings begin. Once there, the dog and pony show will go live, so try to get through to your Supervisor before then and talk sense. How do you want them to spend your money?

DON’T RIDE THERE
Last Tuesday’s County Board of Supervisors meeting was interesting in that there was a real division in the vote and active discussion rather than rubber-stamping approvals. The Board had approved “in concept” the County Ordinance for motorized bicycles on March 26, and a second reading of what finally got worked out was on the April 8 Consent Agenda as Item #15.

However, Supervisor Koenig had received alot of correspondence from the mountain biking community and other residents who felt the County’s Ordinance should ban electric bikes from trails in local parks, and also from sidewalks. He pulled the item for discussion and explained the concerns that had been brought to his attention, and asked that the Ordinance not be approved just yet.

Supervisor Zach Friend took umbrage. “I think we have something that is workable, and should not be delayed just because of special interest groups. This feels sort of weird, since you and I originally brought this forward together.” He made a motion to approve the second reading of what had been approved in concept last month.

County Parks Director Jeff Gaffney stepped to the podium and essentially declared his support of Supervisor Friend, and declared he felt he already had the tools to handle any future problems with electric bikes in County parks.

“Well then, I make a substitute motion to have more work on this Ordinance to have language prohibiting these bikes on trails in the parks.” said Supervisor Koenig. That brought about some very lively discussion, including from members of the public who want explicit language included to prohibit the electric bikes on sidewalks.

The substitute motion was passed 4:1, with Supervisor Friend casting the only NO vote. His initial motion was dead.

It was a rare and refreshing event to witness, and hearkened back to memories of the Board of Supervisor lively debates that happened regularly in the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Santa Cruz County CA | Agenda Item | DOC-2024-260

CANTHIS AREA THRIVE?
Also at last Tuesday’s Board of Supervisor meeting was the public auction of the parcel adjacent to the former Seabreeze Tavern in the Rio del Mar Flats area. The County had refused to allow Seabreeze owner Mr. Rich McGinnis to get a permit for the vacant lot he owned at the time so that he could have outdoor dining and project outdoor movies on the side of the Seabreeze. His frustration led him to speak out publicly about the problems in the Planning Dept., and that Supervisor Zach Friend was no help at all.

It all spiraled in Mr. McGinnis running for Supervisor to challenge Supervisor Friend publicly on the matter, and resulted in police raids of his business. The empty lot was taken somewhat under duress by the County in 2016, with claims the sewer system pump station nearby could use the space.

That never happened. Instead, Parks Director Jeff Gaffney announced to the Parks Commission that the space would be used as a park, and a vendor for beach items and snacks would be soon arriving on the scene. The County paid to install rock and picnic tables…but the chosen vendor rarely appeared on weekends.

Now, coming full circle, the County has decided this parcel is surplus property and wants to sell it for $240,000. The public auction during the hearing brought no offers from anyone, and no written offers had been received by the Clerk.

The Board authorized lowering the price and trying again. Maybe the current owner of the parcel where the Seabreeze Tavern used to be will feel like taking the risk to buy it and ask the Planning Dept. for a permit for outdoor dining if a new restaurant gets built? Maybe this time, the Planning Dept. might say yes? Maybe not.

The County Administrative Officer Mr. Palacios always attaches some Strategic Plan accounting key number to all Board actions so that there is an appearance of accountability and progress in meeting the nebulous County Strategic Plan. This particular item is key-coded“6.C Operational Excellence: County Infrastructure.”

Hmmmm…I think that needs to be added to the sewer.

Santa Cruz County CA | Agenda Item | DOC-2024-302

IS YOUR INSURANCE CANCELLED?
With State Farm Insurance whittling down 72,000 policies in California, many property owners in Santa Cruz County and beyond have been receiving letters informing them their insurance will soon be cancelled. Are you one of them?

The Santa Cruz County FireWise Coordinator, Ms. Lynn Sestak, organized a great presentation recently on this topic and it is well-worth taking time to watch it.

Mr. Joel Laucher from United Policy Holders gave an excellent presentation, explaining the California FAIR Plan…the policy of last resort.

What should you do and NOT do if you get that dreaded letter from your agent, notifying you that your property insurance will soon vanish?

Take a look at this excellent presentation video and learn more.

Many thanks to Ms. Lynn Sestak and the Santa Cruz FireSafe Council for good work to help so many better protect their homes and property from wildland fire by becoming FireWise Communities, which also earns discounts on insurance premiums if you are within one.FireWise USA Recognition Program

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MAKE ONE CALL. WRITE ONE LETTER. TAKE A WALK IN THE WOODS AND ADMIRE SOME WILDFLOWERS WHILE SENDING GOOD THOUGHTS TO OUR TENSION-FILLED SOCIETY.

MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE THIS WEEK BY JUST DOING ONE THING.

Cheers,
Becky

April 14

Meanderings in Nature
I had the luck to take some recent walks in nature, and have some field notes to share with you that I hope will inspire you to get out and look around.

Coyotes
The biggest mammal news of many hikes and observations lately is the preponderance of coyotes in wild areas of Santa Cruz County’s North Coast. Coyotes are one of two local wild dog relatives, and the other is such a distant relative that it almost shouldn’t count: the grey fox. Coyote prints in the mud are common and seeing coyotes isn’t unusual. In the 1990’s, one could hike at Wilder Ranch State Park and hear what sounded like large groups of coyotes giving choruses. Then that music tapered off. I wonder if large groups will sing again, but now they sing alone or in pairs.

Wildland coyotes eat berries, acorns, insects, birds, rodents… and a lot more. At least at Año Nuevo, they’re even starting to eat things on the beach. But, there’s a lack of acorns and berries right now, so they must be eating the other things more. I’ve seen then snuffling about looking for rodents, and there are lots of holes from them digging in the grasslands – looking for gophers or voles, maybe. Whatever they are eating, all the individuals I’ve had a good look at are healthy looking. Unfortunately, our State wildlife agency, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, doesn’t seem to have any readily available reports about population trends that I can share. City coyotes seem on the rise, from what I hear from those who live in Santa Cruz.

Great Blue Heron – a Rodent Killer
In the meadows of the North Coast, I frequently see great blue herons hunting rodents. They slowly stalk, seeming to tip toe gently through areas of livestock-grazed short grass. Then they stop. Sometimes they seem frozen, their beaks slightly down, body low, and neck coiled to strike. And, sometimes they seem to be relaxed, enjoying the view, and then pounce from an upright position. This video shows a great blue heron hunting gopher after gopher, and when it eats one – what a difficult swallow! Set against the brilliant green grass, the great blue herons in breeding plumage sure are especially beautiful! One wonders if some birds specialize in terrestrial hunting and some hunt mainly in aquatic areas, or if they switch around.

Flowers
The flush of spring wildflowers is under way from sea level to 2,000 feet elevation across Central California. In short-grass prairies, rafts of sky lupines have opened in the past two weeks. Whorls of blue-and-white flowers rise up in sweet-smelling spikes. In taller grass prairies, in shallow soil areas, patches of flame orange California poppies are aglow. In wet areas, huge umbels of bright-white cow parsnip flowers are showing off. Tassels of gold-green live oak flowers are dangling and dancing from branch tips. A hundred variations of grass flowers bob and toss about on flexible stalks in the Spring breezes. Old farm fields are dazzling with yellow mustards and oxalis, lovers and friends sending their partners to stand in the show for photographs in pullouts along Highway 1.

In the forest understory, the iris display is underway as is the currants, snake roots, oxalis, trilliums, and cicely. Wild blackberry vines twine, displaying huge 5 petaled white flowers. Along the forest edges, poison oak has leafed out with shiny red leaflets and clusters of white-green flower buds. Along dark, moist forest trails, the 4-petaled milk maids are blossoming white.

Bees
With millions of blossoms, the bees are trying to catch up. Honeybees give their familiar buzz, showing off their nectar-filled, honey-colored beautiful striped bodies; I am pleased to see them pollinating orchard tree flowers. Black-tailed and other, bigger bumble bees (subgenus Pyrobombus) make a deeper buzz, bobbing black and yellow hairy bodies clumsily from blossom to blossom. At the base of the California poppy’s orange petals, the bigger bumble bees encounter parties of small black beetles that have beaten them to the food. Other fuzzy bees, but not quite bumblebees zip around: digger bees! In hopes of providing a home for native bees, my neighbor erected what looks like a bird house, but it is packed with a variety of diameters of straw-like tubes- something more to visit on exploratory outings. Maybe more people should own homes for native bees.

Water and More Water
If you do nothing else in the coming weeks, get to a creek, river, or pond! Streams and rivers are moving, and they don’t always do it this well. There were years of drought, and the streams slowed down (or stopped!). Now, after two years of good rain, water is flowing again, and it flows most strongly and cleanly in the spring, in intervals between the gentle late rainstorms. Ponds are full to the brim, chorus frogs hopping around their margins, pursued by garter snakes. Below the pond surface, clusters of egg masses- toads, frogs, and salamanders- wriggle, writhe, and hatch. Through the water column, a myriad of water beetles and clouds of zooplankton dance and swim and dart. I somehow forget how enriching looking into living water can be. I bet it will do you some good to do the same.

Soundscape
Wherever you go in nature, go early and take a moment to be really quiet. The spring bird chorus is providing some amazing song, which is strongest at dawn, but continues longer into the morning than at most times of the year. Many birds are just arriving from the tropics, new birds every day. The new birds sing, and the old birds sing, and together they make quite a musical ruckus. Maybe with the warming days, you can leave your bedroom window open so you can year the dawn chorus even if you are still in bed.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
#105 / A Guest Book Review

I have previously mentionedHadley Vlahosand her book, which is titled,The In-Between. If you would like to read my earlier blog posting,here is where to click. In that earlier blog posting, I commented on a conversation between Vlahos andNew York TimeswriterDavid Marchese. Marchese superintends the “Talk” column atThe Times, which appears in the newspaper’s Sunday magazine.The column focusing on Vlahosis dated October 21, 2023.

Vlahos is a hospice nurse, but my earlier discussion didn’t really center on that. My attention was captured by Vlahos’ assertion that she often had the feeling, after one of her patients had passed, that the world was unaware of the significance of that person:

There’s this moment, especially when I’ve taken care of someone for a while, where I’ll walk outside and I’ll go fill up my gas tank and it’s like:Wow, all these other people have no idea that we just lost someone great. The world lost somebody great, and they’re getting a sandwich.

I was struck by that observation because it is my belief that we very seldom understand the point that I think Vlahos was recognizing with her comment. We areallgreat. We areallimportant. We don’t even recognize that ourselves. Generally, I cite toUgo Bettiwhen I say this.Click right hereto find out something about Betti that you won’t get from theWikipediaarticle that I have linked to his name.

At any rate, my earlier blog posting didn’t really get into Vlahos’ work as a hospice nurse, nor did it much feature the main thrust ofThe In-Between, which is accurately described on its front cover as a book containing “unforgettable encounters during life’s final moments.” My lack of much comment on the central message of Vlahos’ book, in that earlier blog posting, is of course quite natural, since I had not read the book. All I had read was just the Marchese column.

In what was a pleasaant surprise to me, someone who had read that earlier blog posting of mine went out and got Vlahos’ book, and then sent me an email to thank me for drawing her attention to it. She did read the book (which I hadn’t done), and the email I received constituted what might be thought of as a “guest book review.” Here it is:

I want to tell you about the Hadley Vlahos book you mentioned in your blog #334 from last year, “We’ve Just Lost Someone Great.”

I’d bought it online [and] I think it is a fantastic book, in part because it is accessible to most people who have any interest in death, whether natural or forced by circ*mstances to finally have to face it… Actually I couldn’t stop reading it, though I tried to manage it in measured doses like my antibiotics. I think she’s done a profound thing in a very simple format, which normally would make me judge it to be less-than-serious….

So – I’ll bet your local library has a copy, since it was on the NYT bestseller list for weeks last year, according to that NYT interview you referred to in your piece. I’d say it’s an easy read … but I don’t think it’s lightweight. I am profoundly grateful to you for bringing it to my/our attention!

Well, given this review, I thought I had better read Vlahos’ book for myself! And so I did, and I am glad I did! I am writingthisblog posting to say that I absolutely agree with my “guest book reviewer.” Vlahos’ book is, I think, profound.

Take it from me, or from my guest reviewer. Hadley Vlahos’ book is recommended!

REPENTANCE STILL STANDING ON THE PRECIPICE OF 1864

Well…seems that most of us are still standing afterGeorgia’s Marjorie Taylor Greenewarned after the 4.8 magnitude earthquake centered inNew Jerseywas a warning fromGodfor our citizens to“repent,”whatever that means. Mentioning the upcoming eclipse, she said,“God is sending America strong signs to tell us to repent…earthquakes and eclipses and many more things to come. I pray that our country listens.”While earthquakes are still unpredictable, we have all been informed about common occurrences of eclipses long before they happen. Her faith, and reliance on conspiracy theories explains complex or tragic events for her, a self-described“Christian Nationalist”who calls anyone who doesn’t agree with her an“America and God-hater.”The Southern Poverty Law Centerhas called out “white Christian Nationalism” as extremism that stands againstMuslims, theLGBTQ+community, and other minority groups. Greene’s current temper tantrum is directed atHouse Speaker Johnsonfor dealing withDemocratson the budget, and over his waffling on the US aid toUkraineissue, prompting her to file a motion to vacate the speaker’s chair, and throwing the House into turmoil once again.‘House Screamer’ Margecompared Johnson toSenate Minority Leader McConnell, saying,“People are fed up with Republicans that say one thing and turn around and literally join the flock and just continue the same old crap everybody’s tired of…Johnson has turned into Mitch’s twin, and worse, he’s a Democrat. There’s not even any daylight between him and Nancy Pelosi at this point.”Whew! Last week’s meeting between Johnson and former presidentTrumpatMar-a-Lagomay cause her to repent and temper her tantrum after Trump praised the speaker’s efforts. As for ousting Johnson from his speaker position,Representative Matt Gaetzcautioned that in doing so,“We may end up with a Democrat in that slot,”recalling the difficulty in landing Johnson in the spot. And, Greene could never qualify for the position, as much as she probably desires…indeed, who could possibly fill the ‘screamer’ position? Marge may not be the dumbest person on the planet, but she’s probably glad thatLauren Boebertis still standing.

Actually, a non-office holder who would certainly qualify for that ‘screamer’ title would be comedianRoseanne Barrwho distinguished herself recently at aMar-a-Lagofund raiser forArizona’ssenatorial candidate,Kari Lake. Facing the camera and holding her glass of wine, she said to college students in particular,“Hey, Old Row, how are you doing? I’m here at Mar-a-Lago supporting Kari Lake, and it was a fantastic evening. And our Trump is here being the DJ, and I’ve just danced and everyone’s amazed. So, I’m just saying to you, please drop out of college, because it’s going to ruin your lives. Do me a favor, drop out, they don’t teach you nothing good. Email me, or Twitter me, or whatever you want, call me and I’ll help your with your life, but you gotta get out of college ’cause it isn’t nothing but devil-worshiping, baby-blood-drinking Democrat donors. Love ya.”Ms Barr is known for her support ofQAnonand delving into political conspiracies, especially the alleged secret plot by the ‘deep state’ and a cabal ofSatan-worshiping pedophiles opposing Trump. It is known that Barr dropped out of school at age 17, and about the same time she sustained a traumatic brain injury from being hit by a car which led to her hospitalization in aUtahmental health facility for several months. In 2012, she went after theGreen Party’spresidential nomination and eventually received votes from thePeace and Freedom Party. Upon Trump’s entry into the 2016 presidential race, she supported him, saying,“I think we would be so lucky if Trump won. Because then it wouldn’t be Hillary. I like Trump because he financed his own campaign. That’s the only way he could have gotten the nomination. Because nobody wants a president who isn’t from Yale or Harvard and in the club.”Barr was fired from her self-titledABCnetwork show in 2018 after posting a racist tweet about formerObamaadministration officialValerie Jarrett, and last year she had aYouTubepodcast pulled for screaming hate speech aboutJewsand theHolocaust. Maybe she can get an endorsem*nt fromMarjorie Taylor Greene’sPeach and Freestone Partynow.

With no heavenly, orMTG, retribution following the big eclipse event,Stephen Colbertmade light of news coverage of the celestial happening. ACNNbroadcast ran the chyron“Animals at Dallas Zoo react to total solar eclipse,”about which Colbert joked,“Thank you, CNN. That is news you can use. I wish they’d give more animal takes on current events. I want to see “Breaking: Ringtail lemur reacts to RFK Jr.’s VP pick.”An item about an ostrich laying an egg brought his response:“No offense but laying an egg is one of the things that ostriches do. Not sure if that’s news. Call me when an ostrich poaches an egg.”He then called outFoxNewsfor having“the dumbest coverage of this event.”The cable news channel declared that immigrants were dressing in dark clothing and using the eclipse to sneak across theUS-Mexicoborder.“They won’t get another opportunity like that until tonight,”Colbert smirked. Of course our former president had to be called out for running a fan-base-created ad of a photo-enlargedTrumphead slowly eclipsing the sun, making the occurrence“all about him.”

Another made-to-order event for citizenTrumppopped up at aChick-fil-Arestaurant inAtlantalast week, all arranged byMichaelah Montgomery, a conservative activist and founder ofConserve the Culture. The organization recruits and educates college students and young alumni at Atlanta’s historicallyBlackcolleges and universities, mainlyMorehouseandSpelman Colleges, which have turned out many prominent and influential graduates, as well asClark Atlanta UniversityandMorris Brown Collegeboth of which have been strongholds pre-dating theCivil Rightsera. The area is noted for supportingDemocrats, and theGOPis making a thrust to win Black support based on Trump’s messages criticizingBiden’seconomic and immigration policies. The campaign’s playing on racial stereotypes, emphasizing Trump’s $399 sneakers, and stressing the many felonious charges against Trump, has offended theAfrican Americancommunity from which support is needed. Michaelah Montgomery says,“People find it hard to believe that there are young Black people who would have loved the opportunity to meet Trump,”and she moved quickly upon finding that he would visit theVine Cityneighborhood during a fund raiser. Notifying a group of like-minded students, she found interest in gathering at Chick-fil-A to meet the president’s entourage, and she is offended by the media’s depiction of the meeting as a coincidence.

Bill White, a businessman and friend ofTrumpfelt the entire day was a success and bodes well for events across the country aimed atBlackvoters.Jasmine Harrisof theBidencampaign criticized the restaurant meet-up, saying,“Thinking Black voters relate to Donald Trump because he spent twenty minutes handing out freebies at a fast food restaurant is yet another insult to our intelligence – and perfect example of just how disingenuous Trump’s outreach to voters continues to be.”Nevertheless, the ostentatious visit was not met with accolades by students on campus, or in the local community, whileMontgomerydenounced the criticisms of those she had brought together for the gathering.“They are claiming that the students made a mockery of their institutions and saying that they are disrespecting their ancestors. It is really, really bad,”she lamented. Trump’s argument that he is a victim of political persecution has culminated in his comparing himself to the likes ofNelson Mandela,Alexei Navalny, andJesus, with his comment,“And a lot of people said that’s why the Black people like me, because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against, and they actually viewed me as I’m being discriminated against. It’s been pretty amazing but possibly, maybe, there’s something there.”Bryan Tyler Cohen’swebsite,@Advocacy, reports,“A video of a Trump supporter who hugged the presumptive Republican nominee and shouted out support during a visit to an Atlanta Chick-fil-A turned out to be a Republican operative according to social media posts reviewed by Meidas Touch: ‘Nothing about Trump and his campaign is authentic. Every event is carefully set up ahead of time and staged. They all fit into the same pattern every single time. On every road trip to an event or rally, the campaign sets up an excursion to a fast food restaurant either before or after his speech. It is all supposed to craft an image that there is a groundswell of spontaneous support for Trump from the grassroots. But it’s all staged.’ Well, color us shocked, folks.”And we shouldn’t be shocked that he ordered 30 milkshakes for patrons and promised food, but no mention about whether he actually bought and paid for any of it…the last time he made a bigfuss about paying for people’s food at a restaurant he didn’t.

Social media comments were quick to appear, with one posting,“How much do we bet that he walked out without paying??”Another wrote,“Better enjoy ’cause I heard prison food sucks.”Gen-ZcelebrityJake Paulwas promoting his upcoming celebrity boxing match with former heavyweight champ,Mike Tyson, saying during an interview,“I’m probably gonna be at Chick-fil-A with Mr. Trump trying to gain weight for this fight.”One social media poster remarked,“Must be serious…He broke out the regular co*ke and what could be co*cktail sauce, which I think throws stronger than regular ketchup.”FormerTrumpemployeeCassidy Hutchinsonhas said that Trump’s peculiar preference forHeinzglass ketchup bottles is linked to his fear of being poisoned, using the small bottles because he wants to hear his server make the small popping noise as the cap comes off. Some observers have noted that Trump has a fitter figure of late, with one commenting that,“Ozempic does wonders.”And speaking of wonders, evenStevie Wondercan see that everything Trump touches turns to crap despite hisKing Midasfixation.

Claiming theOutrageous Trophylast week was the state ofArizonaas the stateSupreme Courtrevived a near-total abortion ban from 1864, when onlyWhitemen could vote, slavery was not fully abolished (slavery was disallowed in Arizona and it was illegal to enticeBlackpeople to leave the state to be sold into slavery), most women couldn’t own property, and the age of consent was only nine-years old. We can only conclude that ban was adopted in the dark of night since there were no light bulbs in existence, which offers no excuse for the way our currentUS Supreme Courtis operating, as an aside. For instance,Justice Alitofor the majority wrote in overturningRoe v. Wade,“Roe’s failure even to note the overwhelming consensus of state laws in effect in 1868 is striking.”Laws from the 1860s in our states and territories, as was Arizona at the time, were enacted decades before the suffrage movement was even a glimmer; however, those precedents led the Supremes to the“inescapable conclusion…that a right to abortion is not deeply rooted in the Nation’s history and traditions.”Therefore, the Court concluded with theDobbs v. Jacksondecision, in overturning Roe v. Wade, that the 1970s idea that women shouid have certain rights harkened back to the 1860s giving the states jurisdiction…leaving a patchwork of abortion-rights states and abortion-ban states. So, Arizona’s knuckle-draggerRepublican-appointed Supreme Court concluded the old law is valid because the state legislature“has never affirmatively created a right to, or independently authorized, elective abortion.”Democraticgovernor,Katie Hobbs, citing the decision as“a dark day for Arizona”called on the Republican-led and -controlled legislature to repeal the 1864 law, but both stateHouseandSenateleaders are both supporters of the old law, being active in the court case. TheCivil Warera law would ban nearly all abortions, except to save the life of the mother, carrying a prison sentence for abortion providers, although the state’s Democratic attorney general issued a statement saying it would not be enforced…despite the court’s ruling that it“is now enforceable.”

The law as written reads:“[E]very person who shall administer or cause to be administered or taken, any medicinal substances, or shall use or cause to be used any instruments whatever, with the intention to procure the miscarriage of any woman then being with child, and shall be thereof duly convicted, shall be punished by imprisonment in the Territorial prison for a term not less than two years nor more than five years: Provided, that no physician shall be affected by the last clause of this section, who in the discharge of his professional duties deems it necessary to produce the miscarriage of any woman in order to save her life.”So wait a sec! “Imprisonment in theTerritorialprison?” Consider thatArizonais now aSTATE! And the former location of the territorial prison is now aSTATE PARK! Does that mean prisoners will be provided with a tent or perhaps a small RV, with privileges at the park store for supplies, and maybe a can of bear spray per month?

President Lincolnsigned the act creating theArizonaterritory in 1863, appointing judges to administer it, one of whom was nativeNew Yorker William T. Howell. The appointed governor,John Goodwin, saw that the territory’s laws, based on those ofNew Mexico, weren’t adequate, so ended up appointing Howell to write laws and procedures with the assistance ofColes Bashford, a formerWisconsingovernor. Toward the end of 1864, theHowellCode came into existence, now the bane for 21st century womanhood inArizona. Other parts of Howell’s output point to a legal framework for a frontier territory…such as sanctions for refusing to join a posse and rules governing citizen’s arrests. One section establishes a process for holding elected officials accountable where third parties can level accusations of misconduct against office holders, forcing them to appear at a hearing. Barring admission, a jury can be assembled, possibly ending in a trial that forces the person from office. Now we’re talkin’ – let’s see how long that one remains in effect! You can take your 1864 and….

PerhapsPhilip BumpofThe Washington Postsays it best:“It isn’t that the law is old that makes it a dubious fit for the moment. After all, the Bill of Rights is old and it contains rules and guidelines that deserve to be maintained. Instead, the point is that the Howell Code was a product of its time and its time’s morality, a point that is made more obvious when considering other elements of the law that clearly do not conform to 2024 beliefs.”Time for the courts to repent!