Jeff Rodrigs in Paradise

By Teresa Hidalgo Dance

Paradise means something different to each of us. For Jeff Rodrigs who has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair, his hometown of Capitola is Paradise.

On a typical morning, Jeff is off to Mr. Toots Coffeehouse, one of several cafes he visits in Capitola Village. Jeff happily grabs the opportunity to meet and greet people.

“Have a good one,” and “Hi there,” he beams to people, whether strangers or friends. His face and wheelchair are well known by the locals.

People stop and chat with him, especially at the Capitola Wharf where he often enjoys his mocha macchiato.

Fishing is something Jeff can do from his wheelchair and the Capitola Wharf provides Jeff with this enjoyable pastime.

His caregiver uses this time to have him practice standing up; he grabs the wharf’s railings as he lifts himself from the wheelchair and stands for a few minutes. This practice supplements the balancing exercises he does at Dominican Hospital’s Personal Enrichment Programs or PEP, which offers medical fitness, among other things.

Before his illness, Jeff was a devoted surfer. He was a regular at Pleasure Point. Now he loves watching other surfers as he sits by the benches beside the Capitola Bandstand, which gives him a view of his old surfing spots. Or he may wheel himself to the Rockview by Pleasure Point, where views of the surf are spectacular.

Being a surfer is one of the things he misses most.

Jeff’s longtime surf buddy, Scott Hovey, believes the friendship and courage they built surfing big waves together has helped him take on his biggest life challenge head-on with grace and a spirit of love and hope.

Music is another one of Jeff’s favorite hobbies. He takes advantage of the numerous musical venues Capitola offers.

Jeff used to play the conga drums in many bands. When that no longer worked, Scott gifted him with a set of Tibetan bowls.

On Sundays he plays the bowls at the Bandstand with the Capitola Ukulele Players. On Fridays, you can find him at the Cork and Fork, one of several wine bars that hosts musicians.

Cathy Bentley, owner of the Cork and Fork, is also one of his many longtime local friends. Jeff plays the bowls and is accompanied by this writer on classical guitar.

Capitola has been very kind to its artists, including Jeff who has painted a number of the town’s scenic spots. Jeff discovered his talent for painting 10 years ago at the Stroke and Disability Learning Center in Aptos. This unique program at Cabrillo College starts where medical rehabilitation leaves off.

He also took art lessons at Palace Arts in Capitola. Several times Jeff was the guest artist at the Palace. He had regular showings at Mr. Toots Coffeehouse for several years before Covid struck.

Jeff is also trying his hand at ceramics at the Stroke Center, fashioning clay into unique art pieces.

His art can be viewed at his website www.JR-artist.com.

Jeff has lived with MS for 35 years. He was diagnosed at age 22. He has navigated his challenging life with multiple sclerosis with the support of his family and friends.

“We’ve been doing our best to help him enjoy a full and active life,” his mother, Judie Block, said.

Jeff and Judie want people to know that you can be disabled and still have a smile on your face everyday. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly faces in Capitola have contributed to Jeff’s upbeat attitude and zest for living.

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For more information on multiple sclerosis and how to be a donor and be a part of finding a cure for this debilitating disease, go to www.Nationalmssociety.org