Entering Skypark last Saturday, during the Multicultural Fair, I heard the first words from “The Lion King” being sung by students, doing their best rendition of the “Circle of Life.” Being blasted by 95-plus temperatures, I surmised the production had thought of everything, even importing the searing heat from the African Savanna or Serengeti. Impressive, but even more so was their dedicated attention to their craft and the joy they were giving to their audience.
I stood back and regarded the very interesting configuration of the different booths that beckoned the visitors, each with their unique cultural offerings. Peru, Palestine, Iran, Ireland, India and many more countries were represented and captured the attention of a very large and curious crowd.
Children love crafts, activities and fun, and there were plenty to choose from as the diverse settings garnered the attention of countless kids. “SVHS Unity Starts Here Club” and the “Asian American Pacific Islander Club” were entertaining lots of visitors. And impressively, the planning and execution of this event was driven mostly by the high school students.
My high school experience typically offered a United Nations Day, where the guys would dress up in a suit and tie to discuss and debate solutions to a meaty subject or two like, “Will East and West Germany ever reunite?” or “Is World Peace Possible?” A little contrived.
The Multicultural Fair was different. Much more purposeful, organic and real. My John Lennon “Imagine” moment asked: What if we dropped these kids onto the world stage and let them solve an international issue or two? Dreamin’? Standing on that field, if you listened, there was a whisper of love, hope and peace, as if on this day, all things were possible. Who knows? President Clinton was poignant when he stated, “More unites us than divides us.” It’s hard, but don’t stop believing.
As mentioned, the day was hot and that meant a trip to Santa Cruz for some relief. After a smash burger at West End Tap, we drove another half mile to West Cliff, where we got only a micro-dose of cool air, but it was sufficient to continue a walk.
A drive down the coast led us to East Cliff and right around Sunny Cove, there it was: not one, not two, but three 12-year-olds (??) riding on the same e-bike with no helmets, on the sidewalk, going the wrong way. Wow. Talk about a clear and present danger to themselves and to drivers.
About a month ago, I brought up this topic at a city council meeting and it must have hit a nerve as many in the chamber, like me, have had close encounters with these silent, but swift little machines. A councilmember even had one hit her car as she pulled away from a stop sign.
My initial remedy was to have our police hold a morning instructional seminar to be attended by unlicensed riders/drivers, to help reduce the possibility of injury. The very real question is should these young riders be required to have some sort of formal permit? Sadly, I read where a couple of young dirt e-bike riders were seriously injured in Santa Cruz, so the problem is real.
On Scotts Valley Drive, I recently saw a couple of high school students riding on an e-bike. The passenger clung to the driver with one hand and in the other she carried a pastry and a latte. (Well-balanced but a little dangerous.) She had a helmet, but the driver did not. While stopped at the light, in a polite voice, I admonished her that she should be wearing a helmet. “We only have one,” was her response, and with the green light scooted down Glenwood Drive toward the high school. Probably going to need a little more help from the parents on this problem as the cautionary request of “Be safe” is not being heard.
Randy Johnson is mayor of the City of Scotts Valley. To reach Johnson, email [email protected] or call 831-438-0633.
