Volume 4: Issue 4 www.mountainbulletin.com April-May 2015 THE VALLEY LOSES THE BREWERY Top: The Boulder Creek Brewery on fire. Bottom: The aftermath from inside the kitchen. Photos by Wendy Sigmund What’s Next and What Has Been Lost? by Steve Kuehl As known by dare I say everyone in the SLV – the beloved Boulder Creek Brewery was destroyed by fire early Sunday morning, March 29th. The cause of the fire has been identified as electrical and started in the women’s restroom from the vent fan. The owners of the brewery, Stephan Wyman and Nancy Long have endured a shock-to-the-senses sequence of events, so to avoid further unnecessary stress, all information pertaining directly to them has been obtained from their own statements via associated media and social media. The pair of owners also own and operate the Surfrider Café in Santa Cruz. History The building itself dates back over 75 years and has housed various businesses including a market, a café and since 1989, the Boulder Creek Brewery - one of only a few dozen breweries like it in existence when the doors opened. The CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 INSIDE THIS ISSUE . . . Growing Pains - New, Old Cultivation Laws -page 3 April-May 2015 www.mountainbulletin.com The Drought - New Regulations in Effect - page 4 Page 1 Kindergarten Open Registration by Steve Kuehl San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School principal, Mrs. Calden, hosted an openhouse style kindergarten registration day last month on campus. All potential parents and new kindergarten students were encouraged to attend and learn about enrollment requirements, enjoy a campus tour, learn about on-and offsite extracurricular programs, and even receive free dental screenings for their children. School staff, Mountain Community Resources, Valley Women’s Club, and various other support groups all had tables set up to offer awareness and assistance for incoming families. Mrs. Calden expected enrollment to remain constant with the number of students and number of classes to be offered for the 2015/16 academic year, and also expressed that she felt the entire day had been a success. Several parents I interviewed expressed how easy and Internet friendly the registration process was, and several commented on how nice it was to have the oral screenings being offered for free. Most noticeably, the campus is now being referred to as “SLVE” rather than “SLE” most locals are accustomed to – apparently enough confusion had arisen regarding a school in the Bay Area. Guns Drawn in Boulder Creek by Steve Kuehl At 8:30 PM Wednesday, April 1 2015 a suspect allegedly brandished a firearm to on-duty paramedics in the downtown district of Boulder Creek. The paramedics immediately called for the sheriff ’s assistance. The suspect allegedly disposed of the firearm prior to deputies responding and confronting the suspect at gunpoint. After the suspect was detained by the sheriff ’s deputies, the fire department was called in to ladder the nearby buildings in hopes of locating the weapon after an initial area search proved futile. The Santa Cruz Sheriff ’s Office later released that Jeffrey Greer, a convicted felon for firearms possession was the suspect arrested. No firearm could be located in any of the searches. The sheriff ’s office asks for anyone that may know of this individual’s activities that evening and/or who he may have handed the gun to to please contact them at 471-1121. For the latest news throughout the month, like the SCM Bulletin on Facebook! www.facebook.com/SantaCruzMountainBulletin CREATING ENRICHING EXPERIENCES Camp and Swim Lessons YMCA CAMP CAMPBELL Summers at the Y are critical out-of-school moments for kids. Our swim lessons, day and overnight camps help kids stay physically active and mentally engaged while they learn new skills, develop character, play in nature, and have fun with friends. • Programs for ages 3–17 Choose from weekly day camps or 3-night, 5-night or 11-night camps Swim lessons and swim team Financial assistance available • • • 831 338 2128 • ymcacampcampbell.org Page 2 www.mountainbulletin.com April-May 2015 Think about it as having sand kicked in your face, then having your assailant offer you a towel soaked in glue. Growing Pains The New , Old Cultivation Laws by Steve Poikonen The Board of Supervisors, enrapt by nostalgia, decided that a return to the early 90s was the wave of the future when they voted 3-2 to adopt the most draconian cannabis laws outside of Wyoming. At a time when Federal cannabis laws are relaxing or disappearing altogether and another ballot amendment in California is proposing full, legal recreational use of cannabis, our Board of Supervisors chose instead to follow the path of most resistance. If you are one of the tens of thousands of medical marijuana patients or dispensary providers in the county, and your garden exceeds 10ftx10ft, congratulations! You’re now a criminal. That’s right. Anything beyond 10x10 is banned in Santa Cruz County. Those gathered to support the measure cited, among other things, use of harmful pesticides and stream/river poaching as reasons for the ban. Guess what, concerned citizens? You just made sure the people who don’t care about you in the first place will now be guerrilla growing. And they’ll be poaching our dwindling water supply even more because of your NIMBY attitudes. A myopic midget without legs buried in the sand couldn’t be more shortsighted. In a surprising (at least to residents of the San Lorenzo Valley) vote, our district Supervisor, Bruce McPhearson, voted to adopt this ban. A spokesperson from McPhearson’s office stated that the Supervisor “was simply trying to enforce a policy that limits out-of-town entities and land speculators from moving into the area and driving up property costs while neglecting our environment.” Which sounds great until you think about it for two seconds. Property taxes generate a decent chunk of the county’s revenue. McPhearson’s office also stated, “This ban will not target local residents who have been growing for years and provide the community with their medicine.” Sure, but enforcement is complaint-driven. That means that a neighbor with a grudge now has a legal way to get back at anyone who’s pissed them off. It isn’t a narco-state: It’s a narc state. Locals have different takes on the ban, of course. Some honestly feel that the grow scene in the mountains has exploded over the last two years and are genuinely and accurately concerned about the environment impact it’s having in our community. It is absolutely true that no one needs to cut down a football field sized area of trees to grow medicinal cannabis. And there are a handful of idiots who have moved into the area to take advantage of Santa Cruz County’s amicable pot laws. These hapless bastards are no more than poachers and should be treated the same way anyone killing a rhinoceros for its horn is treated. The county already has a list of over 100 sites that have been determined to be in violation of the adopted proposal- the majority of which are in the Santa Cruz Mountains. As always, proponents of the bill were also concerned about the children. Because nothing says “political ploy” like using children as a shield for intolerance and incompetence. Bonny Doon just approved two additional wineries. How many more drunk flatlanders will that add to the area’s windy, dangerous roads? How many trees will be cut down? How much water does it take to produce one bottle of wine? Oh wait, wineries pay over $100,000 in permit fees before they even begin production. Money really is God. This ban boils down to a few major things: Thing One – The residents of the San Lorenzo Valley have never been big on letting government tell them what to do in the first place. Larger than 10x10 grows will continue at the property owner’s risk. Thing Two – This ban will potentially have a widespread and directly local economic impact. The income generated from cannabis cultivation has been conservatively estimated at $500,000 spent locally per year. We’re talking about money going to Scarborough and True Value, Mountain Feed & Farm, every restaurant and bar and grocery store and beer store, all locally owned and operated. Thing Three – Do you trust your elected officials? Do you trust the word of former police spokesman-turned-Supervisor Zach Friend? Do you trust the word of Supervisor Greg “I don’t know anything about marijuana” Caput? Do you trust our Supervisor Bruce McPhearson? McPhearson has proven time and time again that he is a disengaged septuagenarian with an apparent case of workplace sleep apnea. Wherever you fall on this issue, you can guarantee it will impact this community in myriad and unexpected ways. Among the concerned are members of local collectives, such as the Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance. These folks provide discounted or, at times, free medicine for patients who would otherwise seek black market means to relieve pain from traumatic injuries. “We at the Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance are disappointed and saddened by the passage of this ordinance. We believe this is a step in the wrong direction and that safe patient access is at risk,” says founder Aaron Newsom. The Bulletin has been assured by McPhearson’s office at least that the ban does not apply to these collectives or restrict them from purchasing or obtaining medicine. Nor did the Board adopt the ridiculous “three provider per dispensary” provision that was in the original language of the measure. A small kindness, to be sure, in the harsh reality of changing the landscape of the entire community. The Staff: Publisher - Wendy Sigmund Editor - Julie Horner Graphic Designer - Bree Karpavage Columnists - Marnie Defosset, Deb Longley, Dennis Gobets, Ray & Chandala Snow-Shiva, Lisa Robinson, Mahlah Karpavage, Mr. Astrology, Julie Horner Reporters - Steve Kuehl, Wendy Sigmund, Rachel Wooster Header Artist - Ebin Lee The Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin 13090 Central Ave. Suite 3 Boulder Creek, CA 95006 831-338-7262 scmbulletin@gmail.com www.mountainbulletin.com www.facebook.com/santacruzmountainbulletin Subscription Info: 1 Year for $50.00 (Subscriptions cover postage and handling) FREE locally. The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin (SCM Bulletin). SCM Bulletin is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement. Written permission from the publisher of the SCM Bulletin is required to reprint this issue of the SCM Bulletin in part or in whole. Please Recycle the SCM Bulletin! April-May 2015 www.mountainbulletin.com Page 3 THE DROUGHT View from Sentinel Dome, Yosemite April 4, 2011 (left) & April 4, 2015 (right) Images courtesy of www.yosemiteconservancy.org Our Water District’s Response to Mandatory Water Cuts by Rachel Wooster On April 1st, Governor Brown ordered mandatory statewide water usage cuts. These cuts apply to our water district as well, even though Santa Cruz County is among those using the least amount of water and is completely self sufficient because we have our own water supply. The SLV Water District wasted no time addressing these new regulations and planning for them. During their regular board meeting on April 2nd, extensive discussion ensued about what clarifications should be requested from the state, where the district stands in its current water usage reductions, what more can be asked of residential and business users. It should be noted that the wording of this new regulation was not available until earlier that afternoon. The board is requesting clarification on how our district will be treated compared to other districts that have not been as wise with their water in the past. When reward programs are started up again for reducing water use, how is the state going to help in offsetting those costs? And finally, if the district makes water reductions, does that affect the goal set forth in this new regulation or does the new regulation only apply to users? The district has already been doing some things to reduce water usage. For example, the yearly system flush is always done during a time when the river is high. This year’s flush is complete and went quite smoothly. The major task has been fixing leaks in the infrastructure. It is estimated that the current infrastructure leaks 18% of our water supply. Earlier this year a leak and fix job was completed and the updated water leak report will be submitted at the upcoming April 16th board meeting. Future leak and fix jobs are scheduled for May and June this year, as well as two additional jobs next year. How the new water restrictions will affect users is still unknown, and after some discussion it was unclear whether rebate programs would start up again before July 1st. Eric Hammer suggested that the district go further than the new regulations with a goal of 30% water usage reduction, instead of the 25% required by the new regulations. At the end of the meeting the goal of the water district was the same: To be as water wise as possible and to encourage users to conserve. However, this is a double edged sword for water districts because when people use less water, there is less revenue to the water district. Which means that the aging infrastructure still needs to be maintained and replaced but there is less money to do so. We will see in the coming months how the water district is going to handle this, as well as how the state is going to help individual water districts. Upcoming important meetings: Thursday April 16th starting at 6:00pm regular board meeting at Operations Building Thursday May 7th starting at 6:00pm regular board meeting at Operations Building Saturday May 9th starting at 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Felton Community Hall to go over infrastructure priorities, details still in the works. Page 4 Snowpack at 5% of Normal by Rachel Wooster As many of you probably heard earlier this month, Governor Brown ordered mandatory water use reductions for the first time in California’s history. Every year on April 1st the California Department of Water Resources calculates the mountain snowpack for the state. This is a very important number because during the months of no rain, this is where large portions of our state get their water. This year the number was five percent of normal. Not five percent below normal, but five percent OF normal. They have been recording these numbers since the 1940s statewide, but this is the lowest number we have ever had. In 1977 the number was twenty five percent of normal; this was the previous lowest number recorded. In the San Lorenzo Valley we have an average rainfall of 51 inches a year. Our rain year is recorded from October 1st to September 30th. Here are the stats for the last four years: 2011-2012 received 34.9 inches 2012-2013 received 38.26 inches 2013-2014 received 22.41 inches 2014-2015 is 33.81 inches currently That gives us a total of 129.38 inches of rain for four years - 74.62 inches below average. The average rainfall that we get from May through September is less than 2 inches, so even if we get that rain this year, this will still be our fourth year of drought. Now I should point out that even though 51 inches is our average, it is not unusual for us to get 70 to 80 inches a year. Our highest rainfall on record was 124.26 inches in 1889-1890. That should really put our current four-year drought into perspective: Our current rainfall for four years about equals what we have had previously in just one year! While this may be the worst drought on record for major portions of our state, it is not the worst on record for the San Lorenzo Valley. Our lowest rainfall was recorded in 1986-1987 when we got 18.8 inches; it was the first year of a fiveyear drought and the worst drought on record. In the next issue we will have detailed analysis of our dry and wet years from 1888 to present in a color-coded chart showing yearly rainfall highs and lows, as well as articles on how to save water. www.mountainbulletin.com April-May 2015 BREWERY FIRE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 outside structure hadn’t changed much even as businesses occupying the building had, with the cinder brick, mortar, concrete, plaster abutments and vertical girders creating the familiar exterior. Craft breweries became increasingly popular over the next 25 years, thanks in large part to the Grossman family and a brewery by the name of Sierra Nevada out of Chico (more on that later). Coincidentally, in 1989 as Boulder Creek’s brewery was opening, the town lost one of its few restaurants with the last multialarm fire to occur in downtown Boulder Creek: The Peach Cottage restaurant was destroyed by fire under suspicious circumstances. Later it was revealed that one of the only [alleged] unsolved homicides within the town limits had occurred, as a body was located inside the building’s remains a month later. As the brewery’s popularity and customer base grew, both from inside and outside the surrounding area, the amount of specialty brews increased as did their menu selections. The weekend just prior to the fire, a charter bus was observed unloading over 25 travelers who then lined up for lunch. Online ranking sites contained several hundred reviews all putting the brewery at or above the fourstar range with numerous accolades of great food and amazing beers. With those crowds came an employment roster to match, with upwards of fifty staff filling the ranks. New Blood and Revamped Digs Within the previous calendar year, a new, young brew master had taken over that part of the operation, and a new head chef was creating different menu items; he was regularly seen interacting with customers to get valued feedback. The much-asked for renovations were taking on beautiful proportions as new hardwood floors and a redesigned main bar took shape. Larger tanks were installed for storing the beer, nooks with leather seats adorned the dining area, and the front of the restaurant was dressed with beautiful newly lit signage. Social media boasted thousands of followers and positive reviewers alike in their love of the establishment. The Morning of the Fire As with most restaurants in the SLV, the last ones to leave are the dishwashers and cleaners. The brewery had closed by 11:00 p.m that night with food having stopped service slightly before that. The town was having a fundraiser dance for the new radio station just down the street at the Odd Fellows Hall, with most of the townsfolk congregating there in those later hours. The last man working the cleaning shift in the brewery kitchen heard something in the upstairs office space and investigated shortly prior to 2:00 a.m, finding the area ablaze. Let Us Make Your Building Dream a Reality! Boulder Creek Fire Department staff was immediately dispatched by the local 911 center (Netcom) and upon their arrival within minutes, called for additional resources from as far away as the City of Santa Cruz. That in itself may sound strange, but the Santa Cruz Fire Department has the closest piece of fire apparatus that can serve a particular high-volume water need in cases of large commercial fires: a ladder truck. There are only three like it in this county and as was shown that morning, this one had definitely been needed. The county emergency command and response structure has been designed to handle incidents of this magnitude, and within the first hour resources had been utilized from over ten agencies involving fire, medical and local government groups. With there being no immediate threat to any potentially trapped individuals or unknown persons inside, and with the fire having blown through the roof, the attack crews were pulled out of the structure and a defensive posture was mounted to protect the surrounding area and nearby building (also a town historical structure dating over 100 years in age). Battalion Chief Vega and Fire Chief McClish oversaw the incident with well over 45 men and women filling active and supportive fire suppression and mutual aid roles. By 5:00 a.m. the fire had been completely extinguished and the last groups of firefighters verified that all possible avenues for the fire to rekindle were eliminated. As the sun arose, what had befallen our town became devastatingly apparent. The outside walls still stood, but light and openness could be seen from every now vacant window and door space, where only a restaurant’s interior had been visible the night before. Broken glass, charred piles of wood and leftover firefighting foam filled the sidewalks. As with all of the SLV fires that occur in the middle of the night, only now with the sun did the news crews begin to appear. Nancy and Stephan also arrived and began to experience what only those who go through a loss by fire can understand. What’s Next? Insurance companies and investigators of varying kinds take up the days now. But what runs through all of our minds is what happens next? A plethora of individuals and businesses stepped up to assist with immediate needs and to manage donations. There was an impromptu fundraiser at Joe’s Bar nearby, online funding sites were put up to help former employees, job offers were made to those displaced, philanthropist types gave matching sums to the cause, even free pool memberships at the Trout Farm to the newly unemployed were doled out. The Surfrider Café crew reduced their own hours so brewery staff could fill in those openings. So many in the community stepped up to help in more ways than we could hope to describe here. Unfortunately, the building was underinsured, especially considering all of the recent upgrades. The longterm financial and permitting processes that apply to rural Santa Cruz County are now the obstacles that stand in the way of attempting to rebuild/reconstruct a commercial structure (and it can be noted that these obstacles are also the reason that other commercial properties in Boulder Creek remain empty). One temporary bright glimmer has been the aforementioned Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. There is talk with the strong possibility of creating a collaborative brew for SLV folks to enjoy at the Mountain Sol Festival later this year. As the investigation continues into the stability of the remaining structure and the actual amount of lost property and contents, only time will truly tell what materializes. What Was Lost? An immeasurably valuable business and social asset for the town and all of SLV was lost – the full impact of which has yet to be felt. I have blogged and written about the Boulder Creek Brewery for years now and could include in these pages numerous stories of families, SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN friends, dates, groups, travelers and folks of all kinds having a safe and fun place to eat and drink within the limits of our 150-year-old town. BULLETIN 831-239-8895 P.O. Box 471 Brookdale, CA 95007 CA Lic#853995 erichammerconstruction.com April-May 2015 YOUR AD HERE Advertise with us and reach over 8000 residents of the Santa Cruz Mountains! CALL TODAY! 831-338-7262 www.mountainbulletin.com I took a picture of the Brewery from the dance fundraiser building that evening just a couple of hours before the fire, mainly because I loved the blue light that emanated from the new sign. And without having interviewed the thousands of residents in our town and throughout the SLV – I feel confident in saying I know in my heart that we all hope to see some version of that sign light up again someday. Page 5 Mr. Astrology Mercury enters your 10th house of career. Your accountability and expertise are attractive qualities under this influence. April 2015 Tycho Brahe was born in Scania, (then in Denmark, now part of modern-day Sweden) on December 14, 1546. At the age of 12, Tycho began studying law at the University of Copenhagen. On August 21, 1560 he witnessed a total eclipse of the Sun and from then on dedicated his life to the investigation of celestial phenomena. In 1563 Tycho observed a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. At this point, he recognized that the existing charts indicating the progression of the stars and planets were not accurate. Subsequently Tycho resolved to produce his own precise tables. On November 11, 1572 he observed a new star in the constellation Cassiopeia. Five years later Tycho observed a comet and was able to establish that its position was above and beyond the Moon. This demonstrated that the heavens were not fixed and immutable as Aristotle had contended and as contemporary academics still asserted. He published his conclusions in two of several books he authored on astronomy, Of A New Star and Introduction to the New Astronomy. Aries March 21-April 20 Your ruling planet warrior Mars harmonizes with poetic Neptune on the 12th, inspiring your instincts, empathy, and hopeful yearnings. On the 11th gentle Venus enters your 3rd house of communications. You are especially adept at smoothing over any ruffled feathers that may occur during this influence. Taurus April 21-May 21 On the 14th your ruling planet elegant Venus opposes sober Saturn. An element of somberness pervades your romantic associations. But also that day Mercury enters your first house of self, making your temperament more cerebral than usual. Making yourself heard is effortless at this time! Gemini May 22-June 20 The full moon lights up your 5th house of leisure and creativity on the 4th. You may require space to allow you to gain perspective on a current situation. A new phase of romance begins! On the 7th your ruling planet Mercury is in a stressful alignment with powerful Pluto. Take care to not read between the lines too much during this influence. Cancer June 21-July 21 On the 18th the new moon illuminates your 10th house of public standing, revealing new understandings about your career. Explore how to modify or expand work duties. The sun enters your 11th house of friendships on the 20th. Over the next four weeks, discover new parts of your community. You can gain valuable insights. Leo July 22-Aug. 22 Your ruling planet the Sun is in a difficult alignment with probing Pluto on the 5th, creating an intense desire to get to the bottom of things. Let things unfold in due course. On the 14th, Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 You communicate at a rapid pace when your ruling planet Mercury joins with trailblazing Uranus on the 8th, but take extra care in your interactions! Others may not be able to keep up! On the 11th charming Venus enters your 10th house of public standing, bringing social opportunities to your career. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 On the 19th your ruling planet affectionate Venus squares off with mystical Neptune, imbuing your desires with a lack of clarity. On the 22nd Venus is in a harmonious alignment with lucky Jupiter. You are warm and demonstrative and your emotions are unrestrained during this influence. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 22 On the 22nd mental Mercury harmonizes with your ruling planet powerful Pluto, giving you the ability to muscle through any test and emerge triumphant. On the 20th the sun illuminates your 7th house of partnership. Over the next four weeks relationships will be the main focus. Sagittarius Nov. 23-Dec. 21 On the 2nd the Sun is in a harmonious trine with your ruling planet lucky Jupiter. Your eagerness is limitless, and you are predisposed to see only the best in other people. On the 14th Mercury enters your 6th house of health and service, providing you with a good opportunity to sort out the details of your everyday life. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 20 On the 11th Venus enters your 6th house of daily work, giving you a more diplomatic and considerate disposition, making for excellent camaraderie with your colleagues. On the 14th Venus opposes your ruling planet Saturn. Avoid inhibition and distancing of your emotions, for in reality you really are a truly loved individual! Aquarius Jan. 21-Feb. 19 On the 6th the willful Sun fuses together with your ruling planet revolutionary Uranus! Unexpected and surprising occurrences can happen to you seemingly from out of the blue! On the 18th the new moon lights up your 3rd house of communications. Now would be an ideal time to explore further education and development of new skills. Pisces Feb. 20-March 20 On the 18th the new moon occurs in your second house of resources, providing you with opportunities to reflect on your skills and talents. On the 19th Venus is in a stressful alignment with your ruling planet Neptune, temporarily obfuscating your feelings and making your inner vision less than clear. Take time to reflect on what it is that you really want. Tycho Brahe was one of the last astronomers to observe the heavens using only the naked eye. He rendered the most accurate observations ever made until that time by developing the best instruments available prior to invention of the telescope. Tycho Brahe’s confirmation that the universe is changeable is part of the foundation of modern astronomy and physics and is fundamental to our understanding of our place in the universe. Have a great month, and always remember: Keep looking to the stars! Maya Angelou says: “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” If you haven’t heard of her yet, check her out on the internet. Very cool inspirational person. Hope Remember, tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life! (And a little help for the rest of us!) So many people I know, myself included, are going through tough times right now: Problems at school, at work, and in relationships with friends and family. During hard times it’s easy to fall into feelings of desperation and hopelessness which just makes everything worse. Sometimes people get so depressed, they lose all of their hope and start thinking about ending their life. Don’t do it! You’ve got to fight to get your hope back and pull yourself out of your rut. Marnie Defosset Experiential Life Coach Certified NLP Practitioner Marnie.scmbulletin@gmail.com If you have any topic requests or suggestions, drop me a line at the email above. When I’m down and feeling blue, I try to reach out to others to help me out and make me laugh. It’s true, laughing IS the best medicine. It releases endorphins into your bloodstream that make you feel better. Life isn’t always full of sunshine and rainbows. That would be boring. We might not be in control of some of the bad things that happen to us in life, but we are responsible for how we handle the situation and how we choose to recover. 9 techniques to change your state of mind at least for a little while Let the negative feelings out! Cry, stomp around, scream, beat up your pillow, go for a bike ride Find something to laugh about – Watch videos about crazy cats on YouTube. Reach out to another human – Call a friend, talk to your grownups, get some hugs. Do something you are good at even if it’s cleaning your room or doing the dishes. A sense of accomplishing even small things can change the ‘I’m not good at anything’ feeling. Find a good counselor, minister, spiritual guide, etc. and make an appointment. Pray/Meditate – Ask the higher power of your choice for help. Write down 10 things you like about yourself (make stuff up if you have to). Pretend you are your own best friend and write yourself a letter to cheer you up. When you notice negative thoughts coming up, refocus on positive things in life. Page 6 www.mountainbulletin.com April-May 2015 Living Healthy in the Santa Cruz Mountains Autoimmune Disorders: When the Body Turns on Itself by Marcey Klein BS, CNC We’re hearing a lot about autoimmune disorders (ADs), and that’s because these ailments are on the rise. ADs are the third most common category of disease in the U.S. after cancer and heart disease, and of those suffering from ADs, about 75% are women. (Bauman, ‘13) Among the best known and most studied autoimmune disorders is rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks proteins within the joints. Other disorders include multiple sclerosis (MS), which attacks the nerves’ myelin sheaths; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which attacks DNA, RNA, nuclei, and more; and Type 1 (insulin- dependent) diabetes, which attacks the pancreas, impairing its ability to produce insulin. There are several likely reasons for our body’s upregulating the immune system to attack its own tissues, organs, and cells. One is a high total toxic load: Too many stressors combine to overwhelm the system. Another is leaky gut syndrome, micro-fissures in the intestines through which molecules of food can pass into the bloodstream, which shouldn’t normally happen. In fact, there is a strong correlation between losing the integrity of our intestinal lining and autoimmune disorders. Toxins can circulate in the body more easily, overloading the liver and causing our immune system to go on hyper-alert, potentially attacking different body parts that may look like that substance. Another possible reason is bacteria that the system just can’t pick up on its radar, like the common Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), also called human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), one of eight viruses in the herpes family. The immune system knows something is there but can’t pinpoint it, so it goes along attacking the body instead. Genetics also play a role, as autoimmune disorders do seem to be passed down in families. and dietary factors like gluten and dairy. It’s interesting to note that studies have shown a link between Type 1 diabetes and early cow’s milk consumption in those who are genetically predisposed. Casein, a protein commonly found in mammalian milk, is very hard to digest - it has a gluey consistency, one which makes Elmer’s glue what it is (Elmer the cow is on the label after all!). And some multiple sclerosis patients have reported feeling better when they eliminate gluten from their diet. What can we do to optimize our bodies to prevent autoimmune attacks? What can we do if we already have autoimmunity? Key nutrients can lower our oxidative stress, support the proper function of our immune system, and bring down inflammation. First of all, vitamin D is very important. Vitamin D can help to inhibit autoimmune reactions by regulating the balance of certain hormones. I safely take 5,000 IU per day and have seen my immune system strengthened greatly. Vitamin A, C, E, selenium, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin B6, folic acid, essential fatty acids, and zinc will do wonders to support our immune and detoxification systems as well. I take extra of almost all of these nutrients and have really seen my body respond favorably. When one is in pain from an autoimmune disorder, a bromelain/curcumin complex taken on an empty stomach is beneficial. A magnesium + malic acid supplement will bring down the inflammation. Increasing your fatty fish oil intake by taking 2 grams of EPA (omega-3) can help, as can cooking with garlic, ginger, turmeric, and greens. Stimulators also include toxic metals (especially mercury), environmental toxins (like agricultural and household chemicals, cigarette smoke, and smog), infections, certain medications, hormones (higher than normal estrogen), certain nutrient deficiencies (nutrients help regulate inflammation and immune system), Cleaning up the diet, increasing fluids, increasing fiber (I recommend ground flax), and eating a mostly organic gluten free diet will help reduce the total toxic load. There ARE things we can do to take charge of our health and help us live long, happy, productive lives. Healthy Is Wealthy this be your big feast for the day so it is easier to eat light later on. When that sun is high in the sky, it’s feast o’clock! Eat lots of enzyme-rich foods. The best way to have energy and stay slim is to have rocking digestion! I just wrote all about this subject in the last issue, so I won’t say much now. The Summer Slim Down The warmer, longer days are here and it’s nearly time to hit the beach or your favorite swimming hole. For me, I notice I always feel like I’ve stored a little “extra” away for the winter and that it’s time to tone up and slim down. Being less active in winter and eating heavier foods is not “bad.” This is a pretty natural seasonal phenomenon. And so is the desire to shape up and be revitalized in the spring. Here is an easy-to-use spring cleaning for the body that will likely make you feel a little better about putting that bikini back on for the season. This is not a fad diet article. This is not a “you should be skinny because society says so” article. This is me finding another way to slip in better health with a little natural weight loss as a side effect. Hydration! This is the number one way to regain health, energy and shed a few pounds. Drink half your weight in ounces of water per day. That means if you weigh 100 lbs, drink 50 oz. of water. For extra benefit, add ¼ tsp. of sea salt, 1tsp. maple syrup or RAW honey, and a squeeze of lime or lemon. Inflammation leads to water weight gain, puffed up tissues and an acidic pH. And acidic pH leads to infection and the inability to dispel toxins. Guess what your body’s response is to an overload of infection or toxins it can’t process? Wrap it in fat to deal with later. Eat breakfast. Eat as soon as you get up. It doesn’t need to be big, but it should be rich. Eggs, cheese, yogurt, your favorite smoothie…just eat something with some good fat and protein. If you don’t eat when you wake up, your body will go into stress response thinking it needs to conserve resources. It will store fat in the liver. If you eat upon waking, your body will store sugar in the liver that will fuel it for the day. Don’t eat after dark. Ayurvedically speaking, when the sun is up it’s eating time. When the sun goes down, your body wants to go into a reset and deep digestive cleanup mode that will leave you feeling fresh and energized the next day. If you are up past 10:00 pm, you will likely get hungry again, so rather than reset, your body has to work on more food instead. If you do need to eat after dark, keep it light. Fruit, salad, soups. But best to avoid any oil or protein. Eat whatever you want for lunch. Yes, whatever you want. This is the best time for any “cheating:” Huge meals and dishes with meat if you’re a meat eater. Let April-May 2015 Exercise. Why is exercise last on my list? Because according to Ayurveda, a clean and smooth running internal system is by far the best medicine. Once you have accomplished that, exercise becomes easy. Exercise is definitely important. But if you are not caring for yourself internally, it is far less effective. And by now you probably know my stance on creating new habits or reaching new goals. Start with small digestible goals, and let the fuel of your success lead to bigger changes. Start walking, or swimming, or dancing, or yoga-ing. Whatever seems inspiring, add a little at a time. If you are already a big exerciser, be very serious about the five tips above, especially hydration and eating breakfast. We don’t want you getting depleted. Side effects of following these lifestyle changes may include increased energy, weight loss, less seasonal illness, healthy skin, better mood health, improved sleep and increased confidence. Best of health to you! Chandala Snow-Shiva Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of this information is meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical conditions or disease. Ayurveda is a spiritual tradition of wellness and longevity meant to educate about foods, including herbs and supplements, and about meditation. This information is not meant to replace or in any way substitute for medical advice. For medical advice consult a licensed medical physician. www.mountainbulletin.com Page 7 be opened up to allow the honey to flow out of the hive. Then the Flow™ Frame can be reset and the bees will fill in the channels in the frame with wax and then fill it with honey again. All of this is done while the frame is still in the hive, leaving the bees were they are and undisturbed. The graph accompanying this article shows this process in detail. Some other nice features about the Flow™ Hive is that there are clear panels to allow the beekeeper to observe the bees and see when honey is ready to harvest. This allows the beekeeper to be more attuned with their bees, check in on them with out disturbing them, and do basic observations with out stressing them out. The clear panels do not, however, replace the need for regular hive inspections for general hive health, mites, and other pests. Honey on Tap What the Flow™ Frames and Flow™ Hive does allow is beekeeping in more populated areas. Meaning you can now harvest your honey and care for the health of your bees without worrying about the bees getting mad and being a problem for your neighbors. Even if you’re in a rural area, it allows you to observe your hive and harvest honey while keeping your bees happy and relaxed. Find out more at http://www.honeyflow.com “End of Life Option Act” Passes out of Senate Judiciary Committee Stuart & Cedar Anderson, father & son inventers with a Flow Hive. Photo: Honeyflow.com (SACRAMENTO, CA) – Legislation carried by Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel) and Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to expand the end of life options available to Californians passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 5 to 2 vote today. Senate Bill (SB) 128, the End of Life Option Act, will allow a mentally competent adult in the final stages of life due to a terminal illness to request aid-in-dying medication from a physician. SB 128 now moves on to the Senate Appropriations Committee. by Rachel Wooster “It should be a fundamental human right for people with terminal diseases to determine the quality of their final days based on their own personal beliefs,” Senator Monning said. “SB 128 continues to gain support, which illustrates that public sentiment is in favor of expanding access to end of life options. Californians with terminal diseases should have the autonomy to approach death on their own terms.” “We believe that this voluntary option is a compassionate addition to the existing continuum of care that may be used by modern medicine at the end of life. SB 128 ensures that we honor the freedom to have end-of-life options, but with appropriate protections to prevent any abuse,” said Senator Wolk. “After the successful passage out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today, we are one step closer to ensuring that this fundamental right is protected for those facing end of life in California.” Equipment needed Time commitments and expectations Hive placement Basics of care of your hive Bee breed and new colony options Biology and life cycle of your hive Feeding Mite and pest management Hive inspections, and much more • • • • • • • • • The Flow Hive™ is an amazing invention that has been a decade in the making and is changing the way honey harvesting is being done. But before we get into the details of this new invention, it is important to remember that having a bee hive is more than just about honey. Just like having goats is more than just getting milk to make cheese. There is a lot to learn before you get your first bee hive and lots to consider as well. The best way to learn these things is to join Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild and to take a beginners class, which is taught through Mountain Feed & Farm Supply. In a beginners class you will learn the following: The Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild meets the first Wednesday of every month. Find out more details on their website: http://www.santacruzbees.com The End of Life Option Act will establish criteria for a patient who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness that must be met prior to being prescribed medication. SB 128 is modeled on current Oregon law and on statute in other states where the aid-in-dying option is currently provided. The bill includes the following provisions: • Once you have learned the basics of beekeeping you might want to consider the Flow Hive™ for your bees. Inventors, Cedar and Stuart Anderson, a father and son team based in Byron Bay Australia, started a funding campaign on Indiegogo on February 22 of this year with an initial goal $70,000 to bring their invention to market. The funding closes on April 19 and currently has over $8.6 million raised by over 24,000 funders worldwide. That should give you some idea of how excited the beekeeping industry and the public in general are about this new invention. Protect yourself from stings Fire up a smoker to sedate the bees Crack the hive open Lift heavy boxes Pull out the frames, trying not to squash bees Brush or blow the bees off the combs Transport the frames to a processing shed Cut the wax capping off each frame with a heated knife or automatic uncapping machine Put the frame in an extractor to spin out the honey Filter out all the wax and dead bees Clean up all the mess Put the hive back together again while trying to not kill more bees • • • • • • • • • • • • The basic concept of the invention is to extract honey from the hive without stressing the bees or killing them. Traditional honey harvesting requires you to do the following: • • The Flow™ Frames make that whole process above much easier and much less stressful on the bees. And doesn’t every beekeeper want happy unstressed bees. The Flow™ Frame is made of high quality, food-grade, BPA-free plastic, which can Page 8 • • • • • • Only adults with terminal diseases who are residents of California may request and obtain prescriptions from their physician for medication that the patient has the capability to self-administer. A person may not qualify solely because of age or disability. Two separate physicians are required to confirm the patient’s prognosis of six months or less to live and that the patient has the mental competency to make their own health care decisions. Two oral requests are required to be made by a patient with a terminal disease to a physician, a minimum of 15 days apart, in addition to one written request, with two witnesses attesting to the request before the prescription is written. Patients maintain the right to rescind their request for the medication at any time. Only the patient may administer the medication. Safeguards against any coercion of patients by establishing felony penalties for coercing or forging a request. The attending physician is required to discuss feasible alternatives or additional treatment alternatives with the patient, including, but not limited to, comfort care, hospice care, palliative care, and pain management. Physicians, pharmacists, and healthcare facilities are protected from civil or criminal liability, and from professional disciplinary action, if they fulfill a terminal, mentally-competent individual’s request. Participation by doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare facilities is voluntary. No insurance policy may be conditioned upon or affected by a person choosing to request aid-in-dying medication. Medical aid-in-dying is currently authorized in Oregon, Washington, Montana, Vermont, and New Mexico. More than half a dozen other states are also considering similar legislation this year, including Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Nevada, Iowa, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. www.mountainbulletin.com April-May 2015 Mountain Mama Reusable Produce Bags I hate plastic. Hate is such a strong word but when you learn about how devastating plastic is to our planet, the word “hate” becomes more acceptable, at least in my eyes. Here are some of the facts: First, plastic is a petroleum product. That means it comes from oil. Plastics are made from the sledge that is produced when they refine oil into gasoline. Second, most plastics leach chemicals after they’ve been made into something, especially when introduced to real life circumstances. That is, any heat source from the microwave, dishwasher or the sun. For example, plastic baby bottles will leach chemicals into the milk or other liquid in the bottle. If you leave the bottle, sippy cup, or water bottle in the sun, the leaching is much stronger. If you put plastic in the microwave it leaches even more, according to Environmental Health Perspectives, a monthly journal of research and news published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. When my boys were babies it was completely acceptable to put a plastic baby bottle in the microwave as long as it didn’t get too hot. I wish I knew then what we know now. Photo by Heidi Warren - Mother Earth News October 2009 Muslin. That was my answer. It is lightweight, easy to use, easy to wash, and easy to store - and cheap. And a lightweight cotton muslin bag will keep your produce fresher than a plastic bag. You can buy cotton produce bags online, or you can follow these instructions to make your own 100% cotton muslin produce bags. Cut a rectangular section of fabric so that it is 12” wide by 24” long then fold it in half so that the fold will be at the bottom to form the bottom of the bag. So what are these chemicals? The most talked about is an artificial estrogen-like chemical called Bisphenol A (BPA) that has been shown to cause breast, testicular, ovarian and prostate cancer. BPA overloads the body with a low dose of estrogen, and studies are being conducted to determine how much effect this has on our bodies, especially the very young. Results that have been published so far indicate premature development of breasts and menstrual cycles in young girls, and the government has issued strong warnings about the use of plastic products that contain BPA. And BPA-free plastic products designed to replace BPAcontaining polycarbonate products can also contain estrogenic activity (EA) that leaches into whatever is being contained. This is all around bad for anyone using plastic to store, purchase, or carry their food or water. The sides are sewn together with a French seam. For a French seam, sew the wrong sides of the fabric together with a 1/4” seam allowance. Turn the bag inside out, with the right sides together, and sew another seam, this time with a 1/2” seam allowance. This traps the raw edges of the fabric and completes the seam nicely. The top of the bag is finished off with a traditional hem. To close the bag, a lightweight ribbon is attached with reinforcement to the bag. Or make a pocket in the top to thread a drawstring through. After learning more about the disgusting nature of plastics, I decided to look at my own shopping to make some changes. I was amazed to discover how much plastic I bring home each and every time I go to the market. Everything from the plastic bag inside the cardboard box of my crackers to the bread which is, of course, in a plastic bag. So this is where I started. What can I do to reduce the amount of plastic I bring home? Happy sewing and keeping those nasty chemicals away from your family. First was the obvious. Here in Santa Cruz County there is a plastic bag ban. The market cannot use plastic bags to pack your groceries. We mostly already bring our our canvas or reusable bags to bring home the groceries. The next step for me is to not buy products in plastic containers. Many beverages come in plastic so I will only buy ones in glass. Honest Tea for example rather than Lipton in the plastic bottles. Then there are the more difficult finds like condiments. Most ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish and the like are sold in plastic. I try to buy the ones in glass, which mostly are sold in health food stores like New Leaf or Whole Foods. They are usually more expensive but in next month’s column I will be discussing an alternative. The one thing I collected the most were plastic produce bags. Even at New Leaf the option is plastic for produce. I try to buy as much product in bulk as I can but even bulk flour is placed into a plastic bag to bring home. Sometimes they have the compostable ones but it is still plastic. Many people I talk to tell me all the other uses they find for the plastic bags they bring home. Using the plastic container, be it bag or tub, more than once, will help the environment; if you use a plastic item twice it cuts consumption in half. Good job those of you reusing plastic. But for me it wasn’t enough. For me it is still using plastic, which is leaching chemicals into my family’s food. I started researching reusable produce bags and found a wide array. But again I was faced with more plastic. I found bags made of nylon mesh - so much better to use a reusable nylon mesh bag instead of grabbing a plastic bag every time I buy some carrots - but there had to be a better way. These bags can be used to hold just about any bulk item, even flour or produce, and you can store produce in the refrigerator or bulk items in the cupboard right in the bag. It is a great alternative to plastic use and no leaching. Former Olympia Mutual Water Company Customers Join SLV Water District CONSOLIDATION PROVIDES SAFE DRINKING WATER TO 51 HOMES, IMPROVES FISH HABITAT IN ZAYANTE CREEK AND INCREASES FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES APRIL 3, 2015 — BOULDER CREEK, CA — The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) today announced it has completed a consolidation project to supply clean, reliable water to 51 homes on Zayante Road in Felton that previously were under a state-mandated boil water order. The area previously received water service from Olympia Mutual Water Company, a privately owned mutual water company that sourced water from a natural spring. The spring, which also feeds Zayante Creek, was classified by the State of California Department of Water Resources as “under the influence of surface water.” Since 2003, Olympia Mutual has been under a State Compliance Order, requiring the mutual to bring their source water and system into compliance with California code. Without appropriate treatment, Olympia Mutual had been operating under a state-issued boil water order for years. Olympia Mutual proposed a consolidation with the San Lorenzo Valley Water District in 2006 that would connect the 51 homes served by Olympia Mutual to SLVWD. The District agreed and, in 2008, SLVWD submitted an application to the Department of Water Resources under the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for the Olympia Mutual Consolidation Project, which would provide a loan to fund part of the new distribution system. The total cost of the project is $916,710. An assessment district was formed at the request of the 51 homeowners to fund the remainder of the project. Each homeowner will pay $20,000 over a 20-year period. The State approved the project in August 2013. Work began in October 2014 and was completed in early April, allowing former Olympia Mutual Water Company customers to enjoy SLVWD water service. Completion of the project not only provides a reliable domestic water supply for the homes, it also increases base flows to Zayante Creek, which improves fish habitat in the San Lorenzo River. Also as part of the project, undersized water mains were replaced and fire hydrants were added, improving fire protection services in the area. “We now have water for fire suppression in areas where fire hydrants had been nonexistent,” Zayante Fire Chief John Stipes said. “This type of upgrade may lower homeowner’s insurance.” Like other SLVWD customers, the new service area is subject to water restrictions due to the drought, including limited outdoor irrigation and other conservation methods. April-May 2015 www.mountainbulletin.com Page 9 Living Simply letting go as a regular practice in your life. There’s a comforting feeling knowing that you are no longer holding on to what you no longer need. Recently I pulled an archive file box out to add my tax receipts from 2014. I started to look through the contents of this “archive” box. I ended up tossing half of what was in there. This got me thinking about how much what we value or think we “need” to save can change. I had old files from when I was in college. I realized that I needed little of that anymore. There were other files like that too. It felt so good to condense that box. Boxes like that one move from house to house with us. How often do we open these and say “I’m ready to let go?” Try looking at all possessions this way. Look around the room you are in right now. Are there items there that move from place to place with you or are always there in that spot? Do you truly need or even want these items? Would you really want to pack these things and move them to yet another house? How about across the county? If you are planning to move, have just moved, feel like you have “no space” for things, or are just ready to lighten up your life and home, then it’s a great time to explore the practice of “letting go.” Exciting ideas may emerge! For instance, after cleaning out my archive box, I was inspired to take a look at all the artwork I had saved from my years in interior architecture & design school. I had always wanted to make a scrapbook of this work. So I created an album to preserve and showcase photos of material boards and scale models; original watercolor, charcoal, pencil, painted artwork, and drafted space plans. This was the perfect way to save and enjoy the pieces that matter to me; way better than having them sit in a box moving from place to place. When we make room in our lives we are opening the door to fresh ideas and inspiration in many ways. Happy Spring cleaning! ~ Mahlah Karpavage About the Columnist Holding On and Letting Go Mahlah Karpavage is an Interior Designer, Home Stager, and Organizing Consultant. She has a BFA in Interior Architecture & Design from the Academy of Art University, SF. She opened her business Design Me By Mahlah in 2011 in Santa Cruz County. There are many things both emotionally and physically that we hold on to often for far too long. If you have ever walked in your attic or basement and felt overwhelmed by the boxes and heaps of items within, then read on. It is said that the bigger the house, the more items we collect. We say “but there’s plenty of space so I’ll just save this a little longer.” If you ever had to move from a large house to a small one, then you likely know that feeling of practically being forced to let go of possessions or live in an overly crowded space. www.designmebymahlah.com designmebymahlah@gmail.com www.facebook.com/DesignMeByMahlah Regardless of your current situation, I urge you to consider simplifying and Locally Owned and Community Oriented Pizza • Pasta • Salad • Appetizers • Draft Beers • Local Wines Gluten-free Cider on Draft Sp rin g Sa le 24¢ Color Copies $10 Custom T-Shirts $3.99 per ream of Printer Paper $40 for 500 Full Color Business Cards 30% OFF Magnets & Graphic Design We Deliver! 338 - 2141 www.bcpizzapub.com - Just mention this ad. Like our facebook for new menu additions and community events www.facebook.com/bcpizzapub Page 10 www.mountainbulletin.com April-May 2015 SLV HISTORY MUSIC, ART, MOVIES AND MOLE SAUCE APRIL 7, 2015—SANTA CRUZ, CA—Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks today announced the return of its free and family-friendly Summer Series at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park in downtown Santa Cruz. The Summer Series includes seven events with a wide spectrum of cultural experiences, fine art and outdoor movies, culminating with the third annual Mole & Mariachi Festival on Sept. 19. The 2015 Summer Series kicks off May 1 with the first of three First Friday Art events, featuring a FashionTEENS showcase. The FashionTEENS program invites fashion-oriented middle and high school students from throughout Santa Cruz County to explore art and creativity. Felton Covered Bridge damaged during the severe weather of December 1955. Felton Volunteer Fire Department Collection. San Lorenzo Valley Museum. A Bridge for Feltonites Two other First Friday art events will be part of this year’s Summer Series. PIVOT Fashion will have a show June 5 and, on Aug. 7, several local artist groups including the Watercolor Society of Santa Cruz, Urban Sketchers, and the Plein Air Meetup group will converge on the Santa Cruz Mission for a live Plein Air Action event. by Lisa Robinson All First Friday Art events run 5-8 p.m. May is National Preservation month and a great time to recognize one of California’s few historic covered bridges. Of the twelve listed as authentic, three are here in Santa Cruz County, and two are recognized nationally: Felton Covered Bridge and Paradise Park Bridge. The Summer Series also includes a concert and two outdoor movies screenings. In February 1878, the Santa Cruz Weekly Sentinel announced that Feltonites needed a bridge across the San Lorenzo River on the old Graham Hill Road to Santa Cruz. The river had to be forded, which could be quite treacherous during the winter months. In September, the contract for building the bridge was awarded to the Pacific Bridge Company. The $2,980 required had been raised by county subscription. By the end of November the frame of the bridge was up and described as being “in the same style as the Santa Cruz covered bridge.” In mid-December the bridge was completed and accepted by the board of supervisors. The concert, called Music @ the Mission, will feature Mylo Jenkins, a Santa Cruz-based Americana band. Families are invited to picnic on the lawn during the show, 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, May 30. By 1892, however, the bridge was in need of repair and deemed unsafe. It was decided to replace the bridge, on the same spot, with a new bridge. The contract was awarded to Cotton Bros. of San Francisco. A structure, called falsework, supported by guy ropes was erected to allow for the old bridge to be dismantled. Unfortunately, the ropes gave way and the six men working on the bridge were plunged into the river below. Had it not been for the efforts of two Feltonites, Gus Washam and Charles Glass, who pulled the men from the river, they might all have drowned. The inspirational surfing movie, Soul Surfer, will be shown for the first Movies @ the Mission night, Saturday, July 18. The Disney classic, The Gnome-Mobile, which was partially filmed in Big Basin, will be shown on Saturday, Aug. 22. Both films are family-friendly selections, and attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to get cozy in the outdoor space at the Mission. The Snack Shack will be open with proceeds from food and beverage sales to benefit the park. The injured, suffering internal and external bruising, and lacerations, were taken to the Grand Central Hotel where they were treated. Hubbard McKoy, hotel proprietor, “paid every attention to the unfortunate men.” The foreman, Norris L. Kirk of Oakland was described as “dreadfully hurt.” He died a few days later. The new bridge, today’s Felton Covered Bridge, was used as a wagon bridge until 1938 when it was replaced by a modern concrete and iron structure. Now just a foot bridge, it fell into disrepair and was severely damaged during the 1955 floods. Through the efforts of the Felton Volunteer Fire Department, and using funds raised during their annual pancake breakfast, the bridge was restored and maintained. The bridge was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The San Lorenzo Valley has several National Register attractions for visitors and locals alike – have you visited them? For more information visit www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com For Movies @ the Mission, doors open at 7 p.m. and films start at sunset. The hugely popular Mole & Mariachi Festival returns Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and the park will be full of music, food and children’s activities. Tasting kits will be for sale to allow tasting multiple, mouth-watering private recipes from local chefs. Applications for mole chefs, festival food purveyors and festival arts & crafts vendors are now available online at www. thatsmypark.org/projects/santa-cruz-mission/ mole-and-mariachi-festival. April-May 2015 www.mountainbulletin.com Page 11 -COMMUNITY CALENDAR- April- May 2015 Friday April 10 8:00 pm Damn Yankees playing at the Mountain Community Theater. All proceeds going to the employees who lost their jobs due to the Boulder Creek Brewery Fire. All donations from the remaining shows will be matched by the Theater. Come out see the show and help raise money for the Brewery employees. http://mctshows.org/ Saturday April 11 This day in history 1912: The RMS Titanic leaves Queenstown Ireland for New York City. The ship never arrives. Sunday April 12 Santa Cruz Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. This run/ walk takes in some of Santa Cruz’s most scenic seaside neighborhoods & spectacular coast north of town. http://www.firstwave-events.com/events/ santa-cruz-half-marathon-10k/ Thursday April 16 Business Girls Networking is holding their monthly networking group from 9-10:30am at the Felton Satellite Center. All women in business are invited to attend! Featuring positive and supportive business networking. Get your business out there and make some valuable connections! www.businessgirlsnetworking.com April 21 - April 27 April 25, 2015 - April 26, 2015 Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road Felton, CA 831-335-4484 roaringcamp.com Wildflower Weekend. A profusion of wildflowers on display. See them in the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center and then discover them on your hike. http://ranchodeloso.org/ May 30 - 31 - Redwood Mountain Faire Music, Food, Arts and crafts and so much fun. Fundraiser for Valley Women’s Club. Roaring Camp Railroad. http://redwoodmountainfaire.com/ Saturday April 25 25TH ANNUAL DUCKY DERBY A fun filled day of activities for children and adults with exciting rubber duck races, carnival games, food, music and prizes benefiting scholarship funds and local non-profits. duckyderbysantacruz.org. Friday May 1 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm New Bohemia Spring Fest Celebration. Join us at the Roaring Camp “Beerhall” (Bret Harte Hall) on May Day for a spring beer release party. We’ll be tapping a few fresh beers along with serving a feast of meats and old world style fixings, as well as enjoying some festive music and other entertainment. Tickets are $50 for adults and $18 for kids under 21. Adult entry includes an exclusive NuBo beer hall stein, your first two pints of beer, dinner, entertainment and parking. Roaring Camp (Bret Harte Hall) 5401 Graham Hill Road Felton, CA nubobrew.com/events/ Sunday May 3 SCM Makers Market - Arts, Crafts Live Music, Food and so much fun! 10am-5pm at 6134 Highway 9, FELTON (Mountain Community Resources Lot, across from Rite Aid. FREE ADMISSION - FREE PARKING http://www.scmmakersmarket.com/ Operation Surf - Severely wounded active duty and veteran service members from various branches of the U.S. military who served in Afghanistan and Iraq will take part in an epic life-changing experience at beaches across the Central Coast. Through the healing power of the ocean and surfing, these wounded heroes, will overcome challenges and build a new understanding of their life potential. Opening Ceremony at 11:00 am at Cowell’s Santa Cruz. Surfing Cowell’s 22-24 and Capitola 25-26 http://amazingsurfadventures.org/event/ operation-surf-santa-cruz-2015/ 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Downtown Santa Cruz Wine Walk . Taste the best of the Santa Cruz Mountains right here in the heart of the Central Coast as we present the Downtown Santa Cruz Wine Walk. Enjoy tastings from the best of our local wineries while strolling through some of your favorite Downtown shops. This walking event will be from 3-6 pm, so plan ahead for a dinner or movie to follow! http://www.downtownsantacruz.com/ wine-walk/ Thursday April 23 Mothers Day 2:30-6:30pm The grand opening of the Boulder Creek Open Air Market. COme on out and enjuoy live music while shopping for local produce, soaps, coffee, fresh bread, and so much more! Located in downtown Boulder Creek behind the IOOF building. Mother’s Day Walk: Women of Big Basin. Celebrate Mother’s Day in the park by honoring the spirited women who lived in, worked in and fought for the Basin throughout its history. Living history reenactments bring you back in time. http://www.savetheredwoods.org/ event/mothers-day-walk-women-ofbig-basin-2/ Friday April 24 9:00 am - 4:30 pm TEDX Santa Cruz: Radical Collaboration Do you believe in the power of ideas to change the world? Join us for this event and prepare to be empowered by speakers who have radically collaborated across disciplines, boundaries, geographical distances, languages, ideologies, cultures, and technologies. Rio Theatre 1205 Soquel Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 831-423-7970 tedxsantacruz.org/ Saturday April 25 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Little Basin for our 4th Annual “This Land is Your Land” and Recreation Festival. A great day for kids and people of all ages, attend for the day or reserve a campsite for the weekend! Come for the music and food and stay for the evening campfire. The festival is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Little Basin Cabins & Campground 21700 Little Basin Road Boulder Creek, CA 831-338-8018 littlebasin.org Page 12 Sunday May 10 Ongoing Traditional Irish Music Session. Third Thursdays at Rosie McCann’s Irish Pub 7:00 pm, 1220 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, https://www.facebook.com SantaCruzTradIrishSeisiun Boulder Creek Business Association meeting 6pm - 7pm first Wednesday of each month at the IOOF building upstairs Hwy 9 at Forrest Street Boulder Creek BC Parks and Recreation Board meeting 7pm - 9pm first Wednesday of each month at the Boulder Creek Parks and Rec Department 13333 Middleton Ave Boulder Creek SLV Water District Meeting 7pm every third Thursday of the month at the SLV Water district office 13060 Hwy 9 Boulder Creek Boulder Creek Family Crafts at the Boulder Creek Library 3pm – 4:30 pm 13390 W Park Ave Boulder Creek The Mountain Spirit Writing Group meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 5pm to 7pm lead by Wendy Ledger. This group is designed to support and inspire writers of all levels. We request a $15 donation for the class. Bring a notebook and pen. It’s time to write. Mountain Spirit 6299 Hwy 9 Felton Dance your Amazing Workout with belly dance instructor Kristy Aguirre as she teaches the steps of traditional belly dance! Every Wednesday at 6:00 pm Mountain Spirit 6299 Hwy 9 Felton, CA Classified Office space for rent. Share the office with the Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin. Includes copier, mini kitchen, bathroom desk filing cabinet. This is an enclosed separate area with locking door and some storage. Call 831-338-7262. Save the Date May 15, 2015 - May 17, 2015 - Eat Like a Greek. The annual Greek Food Fair in the courtyard at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, Santa Cruz. Join us for traditional Greek food, desserts and spirits, and of course live bouzouki music and dancing! FREE 223 Church St. between Cedar & Center Santa Cruz, CA 831.429.6500 propheteliassc.org/ info@eatlikeagreek.org Fri. 5-10 pm, Sat. 11 am-10 pm, Sun. 12 pm-8 pm May 23, 2015 - May 25, 2015 -34th Annual Civil War Battles and Encampment 10AM - 5PM. Visit encampments of Union & Confederate soldiers. See battles at one of the West’s longest-running Civil War reenactments. Grand Ball in Bret Harte Hall 7:00 - 10:00 with Crooked Road & The Celtic Junket, live local music. Roaring www.mountainbulletin.com April-May 2015 LOCAL SERVICES Auto Repair Construction Mountain Home Pest Control George Galt’s Mobile Repair Service “Steel Healing” A.R.D. # 00186563 831-338-3660 Box 931 Boulder Creek, CA 95006 Bookkeeping Steve Briscoe CA Contractor #479302 Office: 831-338-7129 Cell: 408-234-1847 briscoe9@yahoo.com www.briscoeconstruction.com Bookkeeping & Business Management Electric Classes/Events Serving local businesses & residences since 1985 Subpanels, Remodels, Generator Installations, Lighting Design, New Construction, Troubleshooting, Emergency Service Jeff Sheets / C-10 Lic#639615 DBA- Alternative Power & Electric 831-338-6644 831-359-5909 P.O. Box 1692 Boulder Creek, CA contactjinaye@yahoo.com Garimo’s Real Soap Studio 6225 Hwy. 9, Felton Handmaking organic soaps from local and sustainably sourced ingredients. Soap making demonstration and classes. GreatBarsofSoap.com garimo@GreatBarsofSoap. com Cleaning Women at Work Residential Cleaning Free Estimates Bonded & Insured 831-338-9383 831-338-9237 womenatworkcleaningservice.com Happy Energetic House Cleaning Been cleaning 10+ years, have great references. I am also pretty handy if you ever need help with small projects around the house. 831-421-2634 List your business in our Local Services section! Affordable rates. Call the SCM Bulletin today! 831-338-7262 April-May 2015 Pest Control Electric Electric Co. Termites & General Pests Botanical Alternatives Avaliable FREE Competitive Bids 831-338-0888 Plumbers The Plumber Plumbing Repairs & Drain Service Serving Locally Since 1991. Call James Gullo 831-338-6774 / 831-247-3669 Trash & Recycling Kunz Valley Trash Recycling and Hauling Weekly, Bi-weekly, & Monthly Pick-ups www.kunzvalleytrash.com kunzvalleytrash@hughes.net 831-338-9050 Event Planning Tree Services Beneath the Redwoods Richard’s Tree Service Weddings, Parties, & Events Boulder Creek, CA 831.278.1613 beneaththeredwoods.com Handyman SLV Handyman Locally based. No job too small! Give John a call 831-588-8377 Matthew Sigmund Handyman & Custom Woodworking If you can dream it, we can make it! Call for a free quote. 831-241-3036 Steve Driscal Drywall patches and repair 831-706-6520 13266 Hwy 9 Suite E Boulder Creek 831.337.4625 bcvapors.com www.mountainbulletin.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Voted #1 in the Valley 831-338-9294 Travis Tree Professionals Every time we cut, we plant two. Bob Pilgreen 831-338-6361 / 831-588-2306 A Team Tree Service Licensed, Insured, Workers’ Comp, Affordable, 24 Hour Emergency Calls. Contractor License # 991861 831-338-2175 Yoga Join us for Yoga - Chair/ Gentle Yoga Now moved to the Highland Park Senior Center, Thursdays 1:00-2:00 pm $12 sliding scale Beginning & Ongoing Intermediate Levels : Boulder Creek Golf & Country Club, Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00 am The Healing Center in Felton Sundays, 10:00 - 11:30 am For more info: Call Ruth 831-338-3560 List your business in our Local Services section! Affordable rates. Call the SCM Bulletin today! 831-338-7262 Page 13 Arts & Music A look at the local art scene in SLV Out of the Blue – Chas “The Shotgun Suitor” by Julie Horner Alabama 1989, maybe the early 90s – all he remembers is that the first Batman movie had just come out, the one with Jack Nicholson as The Joker. Robert Johnson, John Brown, and Johnny Winter were chilling on the tour bus parked out back, taking a break from recording in his mom’s home studio. These legends of electric blues had just let the then 12-year old guitarist jam with the big boys and now they were all shooting the bull on the bus waiting for the stripper to show up. Until his mom found out and hauled him off the bus by his ear. Fast forward a few years, this southern gentleman has taken Santa Cruz by storm, materializing out-of-the -blue with a prolific schedule hosting open mics and collaborative jams, maintaining a thriving online forum that brings local musicians together to tout their performances in a non-competitive atmosphere, and basically becoming the go-to for hooking musicians up with each other and with killer venues all over the county. “The Shotgun Suitor” is the operative extension of this all-inclusive mindset. As of March 2015, Chas says he has played more than 230 shows in 365 days since coming to California. Sometimes solo, sometimes with one or more seasoned local musicians, you’ll hear everything from swamp rock and Delta blues to music that’s “southern-ish with a California vibe.” Sometimes, as guitarist Scott Polland puts it, “…it’s just straight-on right down the middle rock.” DOG & CAT ALERT Is Your Flea &Tick Treatment Poisoning Your Pet? Countless dogs and cats get sick from flea and tick products that contain deadly pesticides, even the medication you get from your veterinarian. They can also be harmful to your family, especially your kids. Wally’s All Natural Flea & Tick Kit: The Safe Solution • Powerful, all-natural and organic ingredients • Kills fleas & ticks by contact and they don’t come back • Safe, soothing, animal-cruelty free • Fresh peppermint scent leaves your pet smelling great! You Get All This For One Low Price: • Flea & Tick Shampoo • Flea & Tick Carpet Powder • Pet Spray With Convenient Sprayer • Bonus: Organic Pet Ear Solution FREE BONUS Call Now, Toll-FREE 1-800-267-6986 “I didn’t think a natural product would 7:00 am – 7:30 pm EST Monday – Friday ONLY Use Promo Code: NATURAL03 www.wallysnatural.com/offer Page 14 work, but after using Wally’s pet products, my pets no longer have fleas — without putting my pets or family at risk.” – Scott H. Sacramento, CA Shotgun Suitor is at its most soulful, gritty, earthy, country raw, and danceable as a quartet featuring four-part harmony with Chas Crowder (rhythm guitar, harmonica), Scott Polland (‘lectric guitar), David Clark (drums), and Diana Wells (standup and electric bass) singing unapologetic originals and covers with a twist. The stars were lined up the day I walked over to Barry Tanner’s Boulder Creek studio to meet the band in person: It was Chas’ one-year anniversary in California. And yes, he had a show scheduled that evening at Joe’s Bar down the street to celebrate. The full band had converged at the studio to do some recording, and I was in the right place at the right time to have a quick sitdown with these busy players. Chas started playing harmonica and then drums as a kid growing up in Alabama and began rubbing elbows with blues legends who influenced his playing and his persona early on. He joined his mom’s band in Memphis, Tennessee and, according to his online bio, went on to play over two thousand gigs with various bands in thirty-three states at over a thousand venues across the south, southeast and west coast. He told me he met California bassist, Diana Wells on Craigslist and decided to cut bait and head west. He said after a pickup gig in Seligman, AZ, “I crossed the state line and never looked back.” That first night in Santa Cruz he played at Blue Lounge. Chas has fallen into good company here in the Golden State. Diana is a member of the Sweet Adelines barbershop harmony organization and substitute bassist for The Killer Queens, an all-girl Queen Tribute band. She shares Chas’ tenacity and propensity to jump into challenges, “What can I do now that will scare the heck out of me!” She says they do a lot of things off the cuff on stage – with just a wink or a gesture she knows where to go; she watches Chas’ hands. Scott “The Shredder” Polland slings the six-string for a number of local outfits including Squeeze Daddy and Funkranomicon while Dave is the mad dog on drums, balancing passion for family, surfing, and music while wielding an understated gift for turning a wicked phrase. Playing in the band, he says, is “so much fun it’s ridiculous!” A couple of weeks ago Chas thanked his family and friends on Facebook for helping make his first year in California so rich. One friend wrote, “There could not be a person who has worked harder and stuck to their guns more, brother… your peers will be in awe of your tenacity where e’r you go...” Chas’ mom added, “Here Here!!! People are always asking about u here and I tell ‘em to check Facebook and I give the latest news...It has been a BIG year for you, indeed, with many more wonderful ones ahead....!!!” Drummer Dave summed it up: “Chas, you’re an animal. Thank you for promoting all the local bands, music and events in S.C. County. You’ve done more for the local music scene than anyone else I can think of in recent memory. Now go get some sleep!” Catch the Shotgun Suitor at the Felton Remembers Parade and Covered Bridge Festival on Saturday, May 23 2015 and all over SLV and Santa Cruz. On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ChasShotgunSuitor Julie Horner is an Irish folk musician and writer living in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. Email: leap2three@gmail.com www.mountainbulletin.com April-May 2015 Molten Glory ~ Viscosity Glass by Julie Horner Early spring in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the air is fresh and sweet, and warmth finally seeps into the frosty nooks that haven’t seen sun in a while under the shadow of the ridgeline. Welcome heat from a roaring furnace took the initial chill off, the open aperture beckoning like a porthole to the center of the earth as I arrived at the working studios of local master glass artists, Viscosity Glass. Owners, Scott Graham and Cristy Aloysi settled in Boulder Creek from the world-renowned Seattle glass-blowing scene to open their own studio where they could create their art freely using decades of skills mastered from their experiences studying and teaching at some of the most prestigious glass studios from Brooklyn to Venice, Italy, Maine to the U.S. Virgin Islands. I arrived as Cristy was working on a new piece. Wielding a long iron rod, or blowpipe, with a blob of gooey material spun around the tip, she welcomed me quickly then excused herself to deftly continue the process I had caught her in the middle of. “Let me finish this…it’s a timing thing!” With amazing grace, she poked the blob end of the rod into the maw of the furnace (called the “glory hole”), and with a series of fluid movements, came to a stopping place with what she was making. I was witnessing the inception of what would become a delicate and unique hand-blown work of art. The art of glass blowing is its science. Cristy explained that the term, viscosity, is the resistance of a liquid to flow; the trick is getting the molten glass material to the right temperature to shape. “The most beautiful moment in glass is right when it comes out of the furnace…when the fresh, hot glass is dripping off.” This molten blob, or gather, comes from another furnace that contains a crucible, a basket filled with clear viscous material glowing volcanic red and seemingly bottomless. The gathered material is then manipulated by a combination of breath through the blowpipe and rolling on a table topped with steel or other resistant surface to cool and shape, often with the help of other tools, into the final piece. To have a piece “survive” from gather to completed object takes time and patience. Cristy says it gets easier over time but she never stops learning. “It’s like playing an instrument. The longer you play the more fun it gets.” And where un- derstanding the science of it plays a role, Cristy says, “It’s the making of it where the object gets its life.” Cristy and her husband, Scott met in art school in Brooklyn. Scotts remembers, “We started blowing glass together, drinking beer together, and, well…” Nuff said there. “For us, glass blowing is an art that goes beyond the object itself. It is a dance between two people, perfectly choreographed to form a unique creation.” Deciding between whether to continue to create art with a commercial studio or branch out on their own was a question of what they wanted to make versus what they had to make. “We didn’t get into this to be machines, we wanted to express ourselves.” And they’ve gotten pretty good at blowing glass in general, “We can make almost anything.” Scott says he loves finding out what people enjoy, making that connection, and the satisfaction of making the piece, packing it, and sending off. For Cristy and Scott, glass blowing is a social art. “It’s exciting and super fun when you’re on a team of two or three other people, especially when you’re making something big and monumental.” Opening their first storefront in downtown Boulder Creek this March 2015 definitely qualifies as both monumental and off the hook socially. The shop sits on the sunny side of the street, the western light pouring through the windows setting the glass inside aglow. Scott says, “It’s been nice seeing people coming through, a mix of part-time BCers and people from out of town,” and of course the locals, “It’s great to see folks, talk to folks.” The community has been very supportive. With a successful long standing wholesale business, countrywide art shows, community glass blowing classes, and the new display space for foot traffic downtown, Viscosity Glass clearly brightens the Santa Cruz Mountains, CA. On the Web: www.viscositystudio.com On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viscosityglass Julie Horner is an Irish folk musician and writer living in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. Email: leap2three@gmail.com April-May 2015 www.mountainbulletin.com Page 15 The Road Home Begins With Us. . . DRE#00498325 LIC#01466579 $525,000 $649,000 Mesa Grande ~ Aptos 2+ Acres Lower Hutchinson Rd. • Adjacent to Nisene Marks • Well, Beautiful Meadow Setting • Septic Approval for 5 Bed House • Pre-development Reports Complete 5+ Acres ~ Los Gatos Mtns. • Photo of home for visualization only • 2400SF 4Bed/3Bath • Sale includes weather-tight shell • Gorgeous Views $75,000 $124,000 Middle Ellen Timberwood ~ 2 Acres BC 9+ Acres ~ Los Gatos • Completely Undeveloped • From Zayante Creek to Ridge Top • Gated, Private Road • Owner Financing Available • Close to Town • Possible SLV Water Service • Priced to Sell • Surveyed $219,000 $890,000 Amber Ridge ~10+ Acres Corralitos, CA • Nestled Behind Private Gate • Sunny Cleared Area • Close to Downtown Boulder Creek • Oaks & Redwoods Throughout • 18 acres Zoned SU •Several flat and sunny acres • County predevelopment complete • 2 Wells Deborah J. Donner ~ Broker 408.395.5754 MaryBeth McLaughlin ~ Realtor 831.252.4085 www.donnerland.com “ The Santa Cruz Mountains Coffee Roaster” ours! h d e d n e t x New e m 5am-6p Mon.-Fri. am-5pm 6 . n u S .t a S New Local Ow ners! New Name! Free WiFi MAY 3, SUNDAY 105 6134 HIGHWAY 9 - FELTON CA, 95018 / Downtown Felton next to Rite Aid Roasting Company, Coffee House, & Much More! Fresh Pastries & Donuts Daily Fresh Deli Style Sandwiches 13266 Hwy 9, Boulder Creek, CA 831.338.3050 www.bcroasting.com Page 16 FREE LIVE MUSIC! Artisan food ~ fine art ~ crafts and much MUCH MORE! SCMmakersmarket.com scmmakersmarket.com facebook.com/santacruzmountainsmakersmarket facebook.com/santacruzmountainsmakersmarket www.mountainbulletin.com April-May 2015
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