LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel | Dec. 2019

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EVERYTHING APTOS, CAPITOLA & SOQUEL

HISTORY CORNER

/LifeA.C.S

Vol. 8 No. 4

Photo by JUAN REYES

It came from outer space People are the source of my stories. I may have to do the research and the writing, but often, local people point me in the right direction.

Rio Del Martians might particularly enjoy this story. Art Childers pointed me toward a story by Wally Trabing.

Wally was a person who would listen to anybody, talk to anybody and find something interesting in anybody.

I could not rewrite this story as you will see, so I am reprinting it with permission from the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

What would you do if this happened to you?

Mostly About People,

by Wally Trabing - Feb. 21, 1965

By John Hibble of the Aptos History Museum Visit us online: aptoshistory.org Visit the museum: 7605-B Old Dominion Court Aptos

The Aptos High girls’ volleyball team won the California Interscholastic Federation Division IV championship, the program’s first-ever state title. See story Pg. 13.

Single-use cup fee approved

Turn to Page 6

Ordinance goes into effect in July, 2020

By TODD GUILD

mid-November, raises funds for 37 selected nonprofits via SantaCruzGives.org, where donors can browse individual pages to learn about each nonprofit’s mission and “Big Idea” project for 2020 that will be funded with the online donations.

SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 19 unanimously adopted an ordinance that will require restaurants and stores to charge a 25-cent fee on all single-use cups starting next summer. The move is aimed at reducing the estimated 50 million to-go cups used in the county each year.

The ordinance will go into effect on July 1, 2020. It’s set for final approval on Dec. 10. About 300 businesses in the county’s unincorporated area will be affected by the ordinance, said Tim Goncharoff, the county’s integrated waste management programs coordinator.

“We will be doing extensive

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Santa Cruz Gives launched for its fifth year last month.

LIFE joins Santa Cruz Gives campaign

By TONY NUÑEZ SANTA CRUZ—LIFE this year has jumped on the growing digital giving movement Santa Cruz Gives, the first crowdsourcing website for multiple Santa Cruz County nonprofits.

The campaign, which launched for its fifth holiday season in

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DECEMBER 2019

2 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

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Tony Nuñez

Editorial

Todd Guild Johanna Miller Tony Nuñez Tarmo Hannula

Photography

Tarmo Hannula

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Rob Chalhoub Life in Aptos, Capitola and Soquel is published monthly. All rights reserved, material may not be reprinted without written consent from the publisher. Life in Aptos, Capitola and Soquel made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. Life in Aptos, Capitola and Soquel is a division of the Pajaronian. Publishing in Santa Cruz County since 1868.

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The Capitola Mall will soon undergo a massive facelift. — Tarmo Hannula/LIFE

Mall redesign to house hundreds

By TONY NUÑEZ CAPITOLA—Too many housing units.

Not in line with Capitola’s “unique” feel and community. A financial “wash.”

These critiques and concerns—and several others—came to light at the Capitola City Council’s Nov. 14 meeting concerning the planned redevelopment of the hollowed Capitola Mall.

The council took no action on the project, as the meeting—and the Planning Commission meeting a week prior— was only held to provide Merlone Geier Partners (MGP), a property investment firm that became the mall’s majority owner in 2016, further feedback as it prepares a formal application for early next year.

A public hearing for the project is not expected until fall 2020.

If approved, construction could start in spring or summer the following year and be completed sometime in 2024, MGP Vice President of Development Stephen Logan said.

Council members, a third-party design group and residents all picked apart MGP’s preliminary plans, which proposed a complete teardown and rebuild of 31.44 of the mall’s 46 acres. Included in the renovation: nearly 340,000 square feet of new commercial space, small scattered parks, a theater, 637 residential units and a pedestrian-friendly street grid that connects 41st Avenue, Clares Street and 38th Avenue.

The addition of housing—roughly a 12 percent population increase on the small

A rendering of Merlone Geier Partners’ proposed rebuild. — contributed

tourist-heavy city—was the largest concern for most residents and the council. All of those multi-family units would be confined to two buildings, one seven stories and the other five, situated above retail businesses.

MGP said a fiscal impact report from Kosmont Companies found that the estimated yearly revenue of the project could be roughly $850,000 to $1.2 million, but the increased city expenditures ($875K-$1M) as a result of the large population bump would make the restoration a financial “wash.”

“While I’m always excited about new neighbors, the impacts are certainly daunting,” councilwoman Kristen Petersen said.

Several council members agreed with Kosmont’s suggestion of incorporating a

hotel into the final application to increase the city’s revenue stream from the mall.

The name “Capitola Town Square” also drew criticism from the council and community, as did the look and size of the project. Some called it “cookie-cutter” and others compared it to shopping centers from the Silicon Valley.

“We must retain the look and feel of Capitola,” one resident said.

Traffic, already a well-known issue for the city, was also a critique raised by many residents. An expanded public transportation hub was proposed as a solution. MGP said it is currently working with Santa Cruz METRO to move the current bus stop to the back of the mall near Macy’s and Kohl’s.

Nonprofit coalition working for pay equity

By TONY NUÑEZ APTOS—Nonprofit workers in Santa Cruz County are two times more likely than the general public to require the very social services they help provide.

That’s according to a recent survey conducted by the Human Care Alliance (HCA), a coalition of nonprofit agencies from around the county.

The HCA on Nov. 18 invited nonprofit leaders, as well as local officials and donors to the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County for a sneak peek of its Nonprofit Wage Equity Campaign, a movement aimed at closing the pay gap between nonprofit workers and their peers working

in the private sector.

Seventy-three percent of the nonprofit workers included in the survey reported making less than $40,000 per year, and more than half reported going without one or more basic needs, such as doctor visits and food, in the last 12 months.

The HCA will release the full report this month. It hopes the survey’s findings and suggested solutions will spark interest in the campaign and change the structures of the county’s nonprofits.

The draft presented to the roughly three-dozen people gathered in Aptos proposed solutions to all three sectors Turn to Page 7

DECEMBER 2019

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 3

Supervisors approve Live Oak housing project, ban no-fault evictions

By TODD GUILD & TONY NUÑEZ SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in early November approved a proposal to sell a property in Live Oak, and a plan to develop it into an affordable housing project that will include a dental and a medical clinic.

MidPen Housing, which is purchasing the 3.6-acre parcel at 1500 Capitola Road, will build 57 units of one-, two- and threeroom apartments. The project will include an 11,000-square-foot dental clinic to be run by Dientes Community Dental Care and a 19,000-square-foot medical clinic, which will be run by Santa Cruz County Community Health Centers.

The development will also include an after-school program, a community room, a garden and 190 parking spaces.

Construction will include a second eastbound lane in front of the development along Capitola Road.

In April, MidPen completed a similar project known as the Pippin Orchard Apartments at 56 Atkinson Lane in Watsonville. Nearly 2,500 families applied, hoping to snag one of the 46 units, said Director Betsy Wilson, adding that affordable housing projects are essential in a time when increasing numbers of people are facing poverty.

“The need certainly isn’t abating,” she said. “It’s increasing in terms of the need for low-cost housing.”

The three agenda items addressing the property – all of which received unanimous support – allowed the sale of the property, approved the overall project and allowed the county to spend

The concept drawing for MidPen’s approved 57-unit housing project in Live Oak. — contributed

$5 million from its Low-and ModerateIncome Housing Asset Fund to help with the project.

Midpen will pay $2.175 million for the property, while the clinics will each pay $337,500, said Santa Cruz County Housing Manager Julie Conway. The proceeds will go to schools, fire services and to the county’s general fund.

When complete, the development will allow families to live affordably in the Mid-County location, thus reducing traffic, Conway said.

“By placing dense affordable housing in the center of our community, we are actively addressing our traffic issues

along with our housing issues,” Conway said.

The county’s redevelopment agency originally purchased the property near 17th Avenue and Capitola Road in 1994, with plans to build a library. But that – and many other projects like it – were thrown into limbo when then Gov. Jerry Brown disbanded the state’s 400 redevelopment agencies to shore up an ailing economy.

Since then, the Office for Economic Development and the Planning Department have been looking to offload the property, which has sat largely unused for about three decades.

The organizations will now seek

financing and building permits, Conway said.

She said construction could start in midto late-2020, but called that an optimistic prediction.

Nearly all of the two-dozen people who addressed the supervisors favored the project, saying that affordable housing is an essential part of a healthy community.

“There is a high need in our community and our county for projects like this,” said Aracely Contreras.

Robert Singleton, executive director of the Santa Cruz County Business Council, said that affordable housing can improve the quality of life for workers across the county.

“We desperately need affordable housing,” he said.

But a handful of neighbors, many of whom live on nearby Leila Court, said they were concerned about the increased traffic and noise likely to come from the dense housing development.

Carole Childers spoke of the already “hellacious” traffic congestion.

“I know we all need housing,” she said.

“I’m aware of that. But I don’t see how this is going to benefit those of us in our neighborhood who are near retirement age. It’s going to drive us out.”

Childers said she is now considering relocating to Oregon.

“If this project goes in, my quality of life in my little neighborhood where I’ve lived for 18 years is going to change dramatically,” she said.

Leila Court resident Joseph Chairez Turn to Page 7

Embattled Santa Cruz County judge announces retirement

By TODD GUILD

prosecutorial skills, and contribute to our community’s safety,” she said. “Serving in SANTA CRUZ—Santa Cruz County the courtroom, seeking justice and being the Superior Court Judge Ariadne Symons in last voice of the victim was truly an honor.”

Symons said that she has tried “some early November announced she will retire of the most challenging and from the bench at the conclusion complex murder cases this of her current term in 2020. county has seen.”

Symons issued a press “As Chief Deputy District release outlining her nearly Attorney and Head of the four-decade career.

Homicide Unit in Santa Cruz “Serving for more than a County, I am proud of having decade on the bench has been a never lost a criminal case in our great privilege,” she said. county,” she said.

Symons said that thenSymons has served as a judge District Attorney Art Danner Symons since January 2009. recruited her to join the DA’s That time has not been homicide division in 1997, an easy move because she held a similar without controversy. She was censured by the Commission on Judicial Performance position on the East Coast. “…the move to Santa Cruz County was on May 20 for four separate violations of a wonderful opportunity to utilize my judicial ethics, the most severe punishment

a judge can receive short of removal from public office.

She was later reassigned from felony to dependency court.

Despite this, and despite several attorneys who said they refused to bring cases before her, Symons said she received support from “judges, attorneys and leading community members” who disagreed with the commission.

With reelection fast approaching in 2020, Symons said she has garnered support and more than $100,000 in contributions.

“I am confident that I would win,” she said.

But Symons said that a recent injury, coupled with the death of two close friends prompted her decision to retire.

“After 38 years in the legal profession, the prospect of another six-year term as a judge does not actually bring me joy,” she said. “It is time for me to switch gears.”

By TARMO HANNULA

gun toward the officer,” Garcia said. As the officer wrestled with Roberts over the gun, Roberts then tried to grab the officer’s gun, Garcia said. The second officer then deployed one shot, killing Roberts.

Police searched the car and found a loaded model 26 Glock 9mm pistol with an extended magazine.

The incident stemmed from an Oct. 24 run-in Roberts had with police when members of the Violent Crimes Enforcement Team stopped him on Stevens Creek Boulevard at Monroe Street in San Jose. Garcia said Roberts handed police

The Bola Wrap device, center, fits easily in the hand. The barbed hooks are shown above. The empty cartridge on the right has the same primer used in 9-mm guns. — Todd Guild/LIFE

Sheriff testing ‘less-lethal’ Aptos man shot, killed by San Jose Police devices SAN JOSE—A 29-year-old Aptos man was shot and killed on Nov. 9 by police on Highway 85 during a vehicle stop, San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia said on Nov. 13.

San Jose police say that Andrew Joseph Roberts—identified by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office—was the passenger during the stop on southbound Hwy 85 at 3:09 p.m. He was reportedly shot while reaching for an officer’s gun.

Police spotted the Roberts, who had an outstanding misdemeanor arrest warrant for evading police, in the passenger seat of

a vehicle that his father was driving. When police stopped the car, officers ordered the man to get out but he did not respond, Garcia said.

Roberts’ father then reached across his son’s lap and opened the passenger door to get his son to get out of the car, Garcia said.

“The suspect then started to manipulate his cellphone,” Garcia said. “The officer observed the suspect pull a gun from his waistband and raise it toward the officer.

The officer grabbed the suspect’s arm, while a second officer used a Taser on the suspect.”

However, the Taser did not incapacitate Roberts, and he “continued to raise the

Turn to Page 14

By TODD GUILD

SANTA CRUZ—Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies have a new tool to help them arrest uncooperative suspects without serious injury.

Dozens of sheriff’s office personnel on Nov. 20 were training on the use of the Bola Wrap, a handheld device that fires an 8-foot cord with barbed hooks on either end.

The cord is designed to wrap around a suspect’s legs, immobilize them and give law enforcement officials time to arrest them.

The SCCSO is the first in the region that Turn to Page 9

DECEMBER 2019

4 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

COMMUNITY CHATTER Five mid-county stores cited in alcohol, tobacco sting

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies issued misdemeanor citations at five mid-county businesses after employees allegedly sold alcohol or tobacco to minor decoys, Sheriff’s Lt. Greg Lansdowne said.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance Unit conducted the Nov. 7 decoy operation at 13 restaurants and businesses in Live Oak, Aptos and Soquel.

The goal of the operation was to limit minors’ access to alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, Lansdowne said.

The minor decoys are under 21 years of age and are under the direct supervision of deputies during the operation.

The decoy attempted to purchase alcohol or tobacco products from the following locations but was refused: • El Jardin Live Oak – alcohol • Mediterranean Aptos – alcohol • Burger Aptos – alcohol • Safeway Store Aptos – alcohol • Vino Cruz Soquel – alcohol • Rite-Aid Aptos – alcohol • Quik Stop Soquel – alcohol and tobacco • Aptos Village Liquors Aptos – alcohol and tobacco The following businesses sold alcohol or tobacco to the minor decoy: • Manuel’s Aptos – alcohol • Marianne’s Aptos – alcohol • Seacliff Plaza Aptos – alcohol • Safeway Gas Aptos – tobacco • Aptos St. BBQ Aptos – alcohol The store clerks from Manuel’s, Marianne’s, Seacliff Plaza and the Aptos Street BBQ restaurant were each issued a citation and a court date for furnishing alcohol to a minor. The store delivery clerk from the Safeway Gas was issued

Your

a citation for furnishing tobacco to a minor. All were given court dates for the misdemeanor charges.

Aptos burglary case ends in mistrial

The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office will retry the case of a man who was shot as he allegedly broke into an Aptos residence to burglarize it.

The trial of Damien Welch ended in mistrial on Nov. 1 when a single juror did not agree Welch was guilty of felony burglary and misdemeanor loitering, Assistant District Attorney Pamela Dunlap said.

This despite the fact that, as the victim was breaking down her door, he said, “I’m coming in, I’m going to get you,” Dunlap said.

“It’s an unfortunate outcome,” she said. “After so much time and effort that so many people put into it, that one juror couldn’t follow the law.”

Welch, 26, has been in Santa Cruz County Jail since Aug. 5 in lieu of $275,000 bail.

The resident shot Welch multiple times on June 20 as he tried to enter her home in the Seacliff neighborhood.

She told deputies that she feared for her life, and was never charged in the shooting.

Meanwhile, Welch is suing the homeowner who shot him, accusing her of intentionally hurting him as he sought her help.

In court documents, Welch states that he approached the woman’s home on June 20 “under duress and scared for my life.”

“While knocking and pleading for help, (the woman) proceeded to shoot me through the glass door,” the court document says.

As he was being wheeled away, Welch

Natural Look

said that the woman apologized to him.

In a separate court filing, the woman denied the allegations.

LIFE is not naming the resident. She did not return a call seeking comment.

Welch was shot as he reportedly took a large rock and smashed the window of a side door trying to get inside, not realizing the resident was armed.

The woman called 911 as she went to her upstairs bedroom, but Welch climbed onto the roof leading to the bedroom.

The woman fired her handgun at Welch striking him again, causing him to stop.

When deputies arrived they found Welch on the roof. He was taken to the hospital.

Dunlap said that she expects the retrial to start in January.

Soquel Creek Water District awarded $50M grant for Pure Water Soquel

The Soquel Creek Water District (SCWD) announced last month that it was awarded a $50 million State Proposition 1 Groundwater Implementation Grant for its Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project. The award was unanimously approved by State Water Resources Control Board in Sacramento.

This grant—which covers about half of the projected construction costs for the new Pure Water Soquel advanced water purification facility and distribution system—is significant for the customers and community served by the SCWD, both in the near future and for generations to come. Pure Water Soquel is the primary, most cost-effective and efficient means of creating a sustainable alternative water supply to address the critically overdrafted Mid-County Groundwater Basin, the SCWD said in a press release.

With this grant, the state is demonstrating

its strong support for preventing further seawater contamination and increasing water reuse in the region.

“On behalf of the SCWD and the community we serve, I want to thank the members of the State Water Resources Control Board for recognizing the value of the Pure Water Soquel Project in protecting our groundwater supply from seawater intrusion and providing our community with a safe, reliable, drought resistant water supply for future generations,” said Dr. Tom LaHue, president of the SCWD Board of Directors said in a press release. “Our staff worked diligently in applying for this substantial grant and their remarkable effort is to be commended. We also greatly appreciate the support of the people who live and work here and our staff, including local community members and organizations that collectively sent over 100 letters to the State Board supporting the Pure Water Soquel Project. This support means a lot and keeps us on track to move forward with the design and construction of this crucial project.”

In addition to the $50 million grant, the State Board also approved a $36 million loan through its State Seawater Intrusion Control Loan Program at a 1.3 percent interest rate. This lower interest rate will save the SCWD customers more $11 million in interest payments, compared to original projections.

Pure Water Soquel will take treated, recycled municipal wastewater and use advanced water treatment methods to produce 1,500 acre-feet of purified water annually. This purified water will then be sent to seawater intrusion prevention/ recharge wells to replenish the critically over-drafted groundwater basin. The Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin, which is the sole source of supply for SCWD customers and other residents

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DECEMBER 2019

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 5

State Water Resources Control Board members, Soquel Creek Water District representatives, district partners and supporters and the Division of Financial Assistance Staff gathered after the SWRCB awarded project funding at the Nov. 19 board meeting in Sacramento. — contributed

in the mid-county, is designated by the State of California as one of 21 basins throughout the state that is critically overdrafted. Recharging the basin with purified, clean, safe water, will create and maintain a barrier against seawater contamination, and provide a safe, high-quality, reliable and sustainable water supply for generations to come in the Santa Cruz Mid-County region, SCWD said.

Beyond a shortage of drinking water for the community, the over-drafting has resulted in seawater contamination of the basin, verified by water quality sampling

and numerous studies conducted by the SCWD and the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency. Those studies show that seawater intrusion is significant within the groundwater basin and along the entire coastline, with an imminent threat of seawater contaminating SCWD’s water production wells, in addition to wells used by other agencies and many private well owners.

New countywide actions to address homelessness announced for early 2020

The Homeless Action Partnership, a collaboration of the County of Santa Cruz and each city within the county, along with local homelessness service providers, recently announced specific actions to improve the community’s response to the crisis of homelessness.

With approval from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and based on the work of the nationally recognized consulting firm Focus Strategies, which was engaged to help examine the response to homelessness in Santa Cruz County, the following will be implemented

countywide in early 2020: 1) Retooling of the Smart Path coordinated entry program—a system to assess homeless individuals and refer them to the most appropriate services—with a goal of more quickly moving vulnerable people into services in order to reduce the number of people who are homeless.

2) Implementation of systematic diversion strategies to enable homeless individuals or those facing homelessness to utilize existing resources and networks to avoid becoming homeless.

3) Revision of existing shelter strategies to maximize effectiveness and accessibility of housing resources, designed to more quickly move people from shelters into permanent housing, as well as increase the efficiency of shelters to serve more clients.

4) Redesign of the delivery of streetlevel outreach to those experiencing homelessness, based on a new coordinated and standardized approach that brings together outreach teams and their funders to share information, methods and measurable outcomes.

5) Restructuring interagency homelessness governance to more effectively and efficiently address decision-making, planning, funding and outcomes.

“Through partnership, community input, study sessions and review by the Board of Supervisors, these strategies represent the first phase implementation of a coordinated, system-wide approach to addressing homelessness in Santa Cruz County,” said Rayne Peréz, homeless services coordinator for the County of Santa Cruz. “We’re committed to demonstrating improvements and tangible results through this proactive and evidence-based approach.”

DECEMBER 2019

6 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Commercial crab season pushed back

By TARMO HANNULA SANTA CRUZ—Based on updated information and in response to concerns from the commercial Dungeness crab fleet, including written requests from Port Associations to further delay, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham has delayed the start date for the California Dungeness crab fishery south of the Mendocino/ Sonoma county line.

Bonham said the previous start date (Nov. 22) posed a significant risk of marine life entanglement, including migrating whales. The risk has led officials to further delay the commercial crab season until Dec. 15.

“People have been reporting that the crabs have been real

good, as far as sports crab fishing goes,” said Dennis Smith of the port commission. “We’re just in a holding pattern now.”

An aerial survey conducted by CDFW within Greater Farallones and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries on Nov. 18 showed whales throughout the survey area with concentrations foraging in depths between 180-300 feet off Point Reyes and Half Moon Bay. CDFW is working to schedule a follow up aerial reconnaissance flight to further evaluate whale presence in advance of Dec. 15 and will convene the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group the first week of December.

Longtime crab fisherman Joe Tomasello, who works out of the Santa Cruz Harbor, said he’s

History corner He Said: ‘I Talked To A Spaceman.’

Sid Padrick, a La Selva Beach radio and TV technician, sat in my car for an hour the other afternoon and told me about his visit on a spaceship from another planet Jan. 30.

I dislike this type of interview because I like people and like to believe in them.

And here was Mr. Padrick, 45, a seemingly straight forward man married 22 years to his good wife, father of three sons, and an eightyear resident of La Selva Beach,

“beyond frustrated” with the delay.

“There’s all kinds of buoys and lines out there in the water for things like black cod traps that commonly have 10 traps on a string and weigh 4-to-500 pounds each,” he said. “How come we’re the only ones that get restricted?

There’s commercial sport rock crabbers, prawn fisherman with their prawn traps out there right now. They finally killed us with no crabs for Thanksgiving.

“And not one single person has come up to me to ask, ‘how’s this affecting your business?’ I can’t do anything; I can’t go anywhere.

We’re fighting against the marine protection act, which is a tough one. It’s so unfair. And we all have to have a crew. What are they supposed to do while we’re on hold; they all take off to find

A fisherman works on loading his boat with crab pots in the Santa Cruz Harbor in preparation for the commercial crab season. — Tarmo Hannula/LIFE

other work.”

For the latest information on the Dungeness crab season,

visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab and 2019-2020 Dungeness Crab Fishery Best Practices Guide.

Continued from page 1

sitting there frequently looking me straight in the eye and telling me these things.

Padrick is either lying or he is telling the truth. I hate to be the judge.

••• There was nothing unusual, he said, about his being on the parking lot of Manresa State Park beach at 2 a.m. His house is three blocks from this spot and quite often he wakes from fretful sleep and either works his ham radio or puts coffee on the stove and takes a short walk to the beach for a half hour - returning in

time for hot coffee.

It was unusually clear on the morning of Jan. 30, and Padrick was sitting on a parking lot post surveying the twinkling lights around the rim of the bay.

He sat five or six minutes, then started home when he was attracted by an unusual noise, “like a jet” over the roar of the surf. He looked around, then saw the shadowy outline of a huge craft, some 50 feet in diameter and 30 feet high - “like two real thick saucers inverted.”

He said the sight nearly paralyzed him with fright, but he managed to run up a steep bank. He fell and bruised his knee, got up and ran again.

“Then what really scared me was a sudden voice, coming from the ship; ‘Do not be frightened - we are not hostile!’” he said.

“I ran some more, and the voice repeated the phrase and added - ‘we mean you no harm,’ and then the ship landed on the beach and the voice invited me aboard.”

Padrick said he slowly returned, went down to the beach and a door opened. He walked aboard, and the door closed behind him. The room was about 6-by-7 feet. Another door slid open, and he walked through to see a man standing there.

“He was no different than me in basic appearance - his features were clean cut - his flying suit covered most of his body, but I noticed there was no hair on the back of his hands.

I’d say he was 5-foot,10-inches and 150 pounds – slim.”

Padrick said the man spoke distinct English, slowly, and paused some 15 seconds before answering questions.

“I was still quite nervous and frightened, but I realized I was involved in a fantastic situation and managed to ask questions,” said Padrick. “The man, who said his name was Zino or Viena, said he was the only one of a crew of eight who spoke English.

“I received the impression that he was as curious about me as I was about him, but he didn’t ask questions.”

“He said he was from a planet – at least this is how I remember it – a planet in back of a planet we could observe – but not his earth.”

“I remember he said – ‘We are people like you in our own way.’”

I asked him how he could elude our radar, and he said their craft was double hulled and that the inner hull absorbed energy but would not allow a reflection as we knew it.”

•••

Padrick believes the spaceship moved while he was aboard - where he did not know, but he said he left the ship to inspect the exterior and noted they were in the mountains. He felt no motion.

The spaceman did ask Padrick, have our scientists developed a system of transferring energy by a light source? Padrick had to say he didn’t know.

“I asked how fast they traveled, and he said, ‘Many lights.’ I asked him how long it took to get here and he said again, ‘Many lights.’”

Padrick said the man mentioned that every planet had a distinct means of identification and that the earth’s was the magnetic pole.

••• I learned that Padrick’s story had attracted the attention of the UFO (unidentified flying objects) command at Hamilton AFB and that a Major D. B. Reeder was flown down in a C47 and talked to him for three hours.

Padrick was given a tour of the ship and in one room there was a chapellike facility and he was invited by the spacemen to pay respects to “the supreme Being.” The TV repairman said he was a believer but not a religious man.

About this time, the strain of trying to believe the unbelievable broke, and Padrick said he broke down and cried.

The spaceman told Padrick he was the first earthman to visit his particular ship.

He was then invited to leave and found the ship on the beach again.

••• He said his wife and boys are not too happy with the situation and that he was bracing himself for ridicule.

“All I know is this wasn’t a dream,” he said.

This is either true or it isn’t true.

Art Childers happened to have been attending Valencia Grammar School with one of Mr. Padrick’s sons at the time, and needless to say, his son, Don, suffered a bit of ribbing about the incident. The family, for the most part, was your typical ‘Leave It To Beaver’ family, and there did not seem any apparent reason for his father wanting to get famous, especially full well knowing that his kids would be subject to some unrelenting ridicule and teasing.

Many thanks to all of the museum members who support our ability to write these stories. If you like reading these stories, and are not a member, please join us at aptoshistory.org.

DECEMBER 2019

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 7

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s office released video footage related to the kidnapping and murder of Tushar Atre. — contributed

Reward in kidnapping case bumped to $150K STAFF REPORT The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s office on Nov. 13 released a video of the suspects who allegedly kidnapped a man from his Pleasure Point home in October and then killed him.

Tushar Atre, 50, was kidnapped from his upscale oceanfront home on Oct. 1 around 3 a.m., and driven away in his girlfriend’s white 2007 BMW, according to SCCSO spokeswoman Ashley Keehn.

Sheriff’s deputies located the BMW on

the 24000 block of Soquel San Jose Road near the summit along with Atre’s body.

A reward of $150,000 is now being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people involved in the crimes. The information must be received no later than Dec. 30.

The video footage shows the suspects walking out of an alley from East Cliff Drive onto Pleasure Point Drive where Atre lived.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Jacob Ainsworth at 454-7635.

Nonprofit wages around nonprofits: Nonprofit agencies, institutional funders (government and foundations) and individual donors.

Among those solutions was adopting a wage equity ratio of 1-to-5 between the lowest and highest paid workers, and having institutional funders incorporate cost of living increases into all multi-year contracts.

The survey included 30 nonprofit leaders who provided data representing roughly 16 percent of all nonprofit workers in the county. Also, 221 anonymous nonprofit employee surveys

were submitted.

This year’s study was a continuation of a previous wage study conducted by the HCA in 2016 that found pervasive wage inequity at nonprofits and alarming impacts on the organization’s staff and quality of service.

Nov. 18’s conversation was underscored by the county’s housing crisis and the state’s impending minimum wage increase, which, according to the HCA, will require county nonprofits to raise at least an additional $5.87 million of funding to avoid making cuts to its workforce or services.

Live Oak housing said he agreed about the importance of affordable housing, but expressed concern about increased parking woes from the additional residences.

This will come from residents, employees and the 10,000 patients estimated to use the clinics annually.

“I don’t want you to forget about the neighborhood and the people who live there,” he said. “We’re just as important as they are.”

Supervisor John Leopold said the project has evolved since 2012 after numerous community meetings, and was altered slightly to address concerns from Leila Court residences.

“It’s hard to say no to a simple request to have an affordable place to live,” he said.

Supervisor Zach Friend praised the addition of the clinics to the development.

“This is a remarkable project in that it found a way to make many things happen in one place,” he said.

County officials estimate the rent will be $1,099 for a one-bedroom, $1,167 for a two-bedroom and $1,307 for a threebedroom apartment.

In other action, the supervisors unanimously approved a moratorium on no-fault evictions until a state law limiting rent increases goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

The emergency ordinance went into effect immediately.

Continued from page 2

Tools to Make Parenting Easier

First 5 Santa Cruz County triplep.first5scc.org 831.465.2217

Continued from page 3

Signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 8, Assembly Bill 1482 is a statewide law addressing the housing crisis by limiting annual rent increases to 5 percent plus inflation, or 10 percent of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling unit at any time during the prior 12 months, whichever is lower, said Santa Cruz County spokesman Jason Hoppin.

The supervisors placed the item on their agenda, worried that landlords would evict tenants unjustly in advance of that law.

“This is happening in our community right now,” Friend said. “This will protect people. This will keep people in their homes that deserve to be in their homes.”

AB 1482 also requires landlords to have and state a just cause in order to evict tenants who have occupied the premises for more than one year, including owner occupation, failure to pay rent, breach of the lease, and creating a nuisance or more.

Both the rent cap and the just cause provisions are subject to exemptions, including housing built in the past 15 years and single-family residences unless owned by a real estate trust or corporation.

AB 1482 sunsets after 10 years.

“We know how challenging it is for working families to find housing in our community,” Board Chair Ryan Coonerty said. “It is important that we protect them until this legislation goes into effect.”

Anthony Banovac, a Realtor for

Community Food Hotline

Century 21 and property owner in the county, said that the new law will hurt landlords “somewhat,” but predicted it will hurt renters more.

“I can’t imagine one landlord that is not going raise their prices every year going forward,” he said. “It’s going to hurt both sides, and that’s what people at the state level don’t understand.”

Banovac said he that landlords are going to be extremely protective against their tenants going forward because of the “just

evictions” portion of the law. He said most times he has been able to solve conflicts on his own, and that he does not like giving a reason for eviction, because when he files something to Department of Housing and Urban Development program it sticks with the renter and kills their opportunity to find a new house.

“Anytime something comes down from the state, it kills our power to solve things, person to person,” he said. “It’s not good policy.”

DECEMBER 2019

8 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Annual CAP report hits 25th year

By TONY NUÑEZ WATSONVILLE—Santa Cruz County has some work to do in the fight against obesity, discrimination and housing inequality. But it’s making steady progress in the diversity of its student body, teenage pregnancy rates and the number of incarcerated young people.

That’s according to the annual Santa Cruz County Community Assessment Project (CAP) presented to a standingroom-only crowd in Watsonville’s Civic Plaza on Nov. 25.

Conducted and presented by the United Way of Santa Cruz County, the project has for the last 25 years been a valuable tool in highlighting where the county is falling short and where it is excelling in the quality of life for its residents, according to Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley).

“This report gives us the evidence we need to do our jobs better in congress, to implement policies that directly affects all of our lives here on the Central Coast,” Panetta said during the press conference.

Panetta, who is up for reelection, met with local high school students from the United Way’s Jovenes SANOS—a youth advocacy and leadership program based in Watsonville that strives to empower, educate and raise awareness about childhood obesity—prior to the press conference at nearby El Valle Produce to hear how they are impacting their community.

“These young men and women are trying to empower their peers, empower their fellow students, educate them and raise awareness about some of the important issues here in our community, especially when it comes to childhood obesity,” Panetta said.

Stephen Gray, chief administrator and operations executive with Sutter Health/

Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) talks during Nov. 25’s Santa Cruz County Community Assessment Project presentation at Watsonville’s Civic Plaza. — Tony Nuñez/LIFE

Palo Alto Medical Foundation, said the Latino population has the highest rate of being overweight or obese (76.3 percent) in the county, up from 2017 (72.1). In the county overall, 61.7 percent were overweight or obese based on their Body Mass Index, according to the report.

But teenage pregnancies have continued to decrease. The number of teen moms reached a record low last year of 89, down from 93 in 2017.

The United Way partnered with Applied Survey Research (ASR) to gather data for the report, which this year surveyed 861 residents from around the county—a larger sample size than last year’s report, according to ASR president Susan Brutschy.

The presentation divided the major findings of the report into six aspects: economy, education, health, public safety, social environment and natural environment.

Thirty-six percent said the cost of living is a factor that affects their quality of life, and 22 percent said homelessness has also impacted their quality of life.

The report also found that 20.7 percent of people surveyed went without one or more basic needs—medical care, food, housing—in the last 12 months. More Latinos (26.2 percent) went without a basic need than whites (17.3), according to the report.

Roughly 86 percent of those surveyed said they trusted local law enforcement, and Watsonville Police Captain Jorge Zamora

said that the number of incarcerated young people has steadily dropped over the years.

The report showed about 17 juveniles per 1,000 were arrested in 2018, down from 35 juveniles per 1,000 in 2012.

In education, the county has seen a steady drop in chronic absenteeism— students missing 10 percent or more of their education—but there has been an increase in suspensions and expulsions, according to County Office of Education Superintendent Farris Sabbah.

Enrollment at Cabrillo College is dropping slightly but the diversity of the student body has increased, with more than 50 percent being Latino, according to Sabbah.

For the full report, visit unitedwaysc.org.

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DECEMBER 2019

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 9

Less-lethal devices is using the devices, said Sheriff Jim Hart.

The office recently purchased 20 to field-test them for the next six months.

If successful, the SCCSO will purchase enough of the $1,000 devices for all its staff.

But Hart said that the focus of the discussion should not be about money, but rather about halting the use of lethal force whenever possible.

“Even if we have one case where we prevented lethal force from having to be

used, it’s worth the investment,” Hart said.

“It’s not about money, it’s about trying to find something that works out there.”

According to Hart, deputies last year responded to a serious mental health crisis an average of 10 times per day.

“And we have to get every one of those calls right,” he said.

The sheriff’s office has been criticized in the past for using lethal force.

Luke Smith, 15, was fatally shot in November 2016 after he reportedly

Santa Cruz Gives Santa Cruz Gives, which was founded by LIFE’s sister paper Good Times with the support of The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, prides itself on reaching donors during their busy day-to-day schedules.

“We’re trying to take advantage of technological advances,” said Santa Cruz Gives Director Jeanne Howard. “I feel like we’re creating money out of thin air for all of these great causes.”

Projects cover the county geographically and represent a variety of needs: youth, seniors, animals, the environment, education, health and wellness, food and nutrition, housing and homelessness, arts, families, the disabled and LBGTQ+. A seven-member committee with diverse nonprofit experience vetted the applications.

Selected nonprofits will receive donated funds, matching funds and be eligible for three awards: Most Donors Overall, Most Donors Under 35 years old and Most Innovative Program. Each honor comes with a $1,000 award.

Fundraising ends at midnight on Dec. 31.

Last year, giving to nonprofits was up by an average of 4.5 percent nationwide. But donations to the nonprofits participating in Santa Cruz Gives grew by 19 percent in 2018 over the previous year.

The program raised $234,571 in 2018 for 33 nonprofits.

“Santa Cruz Gives is the gold standard for giving in this community, in my opinion,” said Karen Delaney, executive director of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. “There is massive growth across every metric every year compared to the previous year: number of donors, donation amounts per donor, and challenge grant totals. In the past, only large national organizations had a tool like this at their disposal Santa Cruz Gives puts this tool into the hands of local people.”

Participants in Santa Cruz Gives reported that a majority of donors are new donors as well as younger donors.

“Any business, nonprofits included, is always looking to reach new people,” Howard said. “Getting younger people to donate is big too. We want to show younger people that it feels so good to donate, and,

Continued from page 3

stabbed his father and then led law enforcement on a foot chase.

Investigators say Luke had ingested LSD before the incident. He resisted numerous orders to surrender and kept fighting despite being struck by several non-lethal rubber bullets and Taser blasts.

Still armed with a knife, he was shot to death during a struggle with a police dog.

“A number of years ago I made a commitment to the community that we would examine all new technology that came out, particularly around less-lethal devices,” Hart said.

Deputies currently carry pepper spray, batons, Tasers and less-lethal sponge

rounds fired out of a shotgun, collectively known as less-lethal weapons.

Law enforcement officials are also trained to use their communication skills to handle dangerous situations, Hart said.

“The idea is that we want to successfully de-escalate cases where people have a weapon that’s not a gun without causing harm to that person,” he said. “This is one more option – one more device – our staff will have in order to successfully resolve some of these odd cases that we’re seeing.”

Continued from page 1

Participating nonprofits • Big Brothers Big Sisters • Bird School Project • CASA of Santa Cruz • Coastal Watershed Council • Community Bridges • Dientes • Farm Discovery at Live Earth • Food What?!

• Girls Inc. of the Central Coast • Grey Bears • Groundswell Coastal Ecology • Homeless garden project • Housing Matters • Live Like Coco • Mesa Verde Gardens • Mountains 2 Sea • Nourishing Generations • Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes • Pajaro Valley Shelter Services • Regeneración – Pajaro Valley Climate Action • Resource Center for Nonviolence • Safe Families for Children Alliance • Santa Cruz Chamber Players • S.C. County Animal Shelter Foundation • Santa Cruz SPCA and Humane Society • Save Our Shores • Second Harvest Food Bank S.C. County • Senderos • Shared Adventures • Teen Kitchen Project • The Diversity Center • UnChained • Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County • Warming Center Program • Watsonville Wetlands Watch • Wings Homeless Advocacy • Youth N.O.W.

hopefully, it becomes a lifelong habit.”

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County joined as a major sponsor in 2018 and is on board in 2019. Other business sponsors are Santa Cruz County Bank, Wynn Capital Management and Oswald.

Disposable drink cups litter a gutter along Brennan Street in Watsonville. — Tarmo Hannula/LIFE

Cup fee approval outreach to them between now and when the ordinance takes effect,” Goncharoff said. County officials will also conduct follow-up visits with businesses, he said.

Similar to fees on single-use bags at grocery stores, the ordinance means that anyone requesting a paper or plastic cup for their hot or cold drink will have to cough up a quarter, which will go to the businesses.

According to Goncharoff, fast food litter tops the list of the waste found throughout the county, and king among that is cups.

There is no charge under the ordinance if the customers come with a reusable cup.

“This is our effort to remind people to bring your own cup,” Goncharoff said. “It’s the easiest thing you can do to help protect our environment.”

Supervisor Bruce McPherson suggested a regional ordinance through which cities could enact their own fees on single-use cups.

“I think that’s the way we can really have an impact across the whole county,” he said.

In Watsonville, businesses will charge 10

Continued from page 1

cents per cup starting Jan. 1, 2020, per a city ordinance that was passed over the summer.

Supervisor Greg Caput called the new rule “a step in the right direction,” and said that the county should take a broader look at reducing waste from fast-food restaurants.

“That’s a lot of garbage that’s going in the landfill,” he said.

The supervisors at future meetings will consider similar ordinances on other pollutants, such as balloons and disposable contact lenses, many of which are washed into Monterey Bay, Goncharoff said.

They will also look at clothes made from microfiber, which result in microscopic bits of plastic washing out to sea.

“The board is not done dealing with litter and pollution,” he said. “There is so much more to do.”

The new to-go cup ordinance also includes fines and penalties for noncompliance, a step rarely taken, Goncharoff said.

“Our goal is really just to help everyone get compliant,” he said, “and that usually works just fine.”

DECEMBER 2019

10 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Preventing senior fraud What common scams are out there?

IRS Scam Calls: Criminals posing as IRS agents call local residents asking for “delinquent” tax payments. Often the callers threaten arrest if you don’t pay the taxes or fines. They often request (as many of the fraud perpetrators do) that the money be sent to them via wire transfer or gift cards.

By ZACH FRIEND Santa Cruz County Supervisor Recently I partnered with the District Attorney’s Office to host a fraud prevention training—geared toward seniors—at our new Aptos public Safety Center. The District Attorney’s Office has noted that they’ve received a number of cases from the mid and south county areas.

Social Security Administration Calls: The suspect usually says your Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity or has been involved in a crime. Often they will ask you to confirm your Social Security Number to reactivate it or will say your bank account will be seized. Wire transfers or gift cards are generally the method they request you submit payment to address the fake situation.

Email Blackmail Scam: Scammers send emails to victims demanding payments in bitcoin in exchange for keeping quiet about nefarious online activity the recipient allegedly engaged

in. The email often includes one of the victim’s usernames or passwords, making the victim believe their computer has been compromised.

Sweetheart Scams: The victim meets someone online, or via a dating app, and develops a relationship via the phone or Internet. These can sometimes specifically target widowers or other single seniors.

Before you get a chance to meet the person they ask for financial help possibly to have them fly out to meet you.

Once you give them the money they are not heard from again.

Grandchild in Trouble Scam: Posing as relatives or friends they urge you to wire money immediately. They will say they need emergency money for getting out of jail or paying a hospital bill—or may be in a foreign country with funds needed to get out. Social media networks make it easier to know the names and additional information about family members to make the scammer seem believable.

This is just a short list of some of the fraud—many that target seniors. Very

few of these are reported as some people feel embarrassed by falling victim. Please report when you are a victim. You can contact the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office—Consumer Protection team at (831) 454-2050. You can report identity theft, scams and unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP or online at www. ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

Lastly, you can add your name to the Federal Communications commission National Do Not Call Registry at 888-3821222.

Want to learn more?

We are hosting another fraud prevention training on the evening of Dec. 10.

If you’re interested in attending visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ SCCountyElderAbuse or you can call me at 454-2200 for more information. If this training fills up, as our previous one did, we will be happy to schedule another one.

As always, I appreciate hearing from you. Feel free to visit my during my open office hours in Aptos, Corralitos, Watsonville or Seascape.

Tax Matters: Hello IRS debt, goodbye passport

Patricia Beckwith Santa Cruz Tax Relief The winter holiday season is the most popular time to travel abroad. What could possibly be more exciting that a week in the Caribbean enjoying the white sandy beaches and warmth of the sun or a going on a European ocean cruise (think Midnight Chocolate Buffet). But did you know that if you have a seriously delinquent tax debt, you might not be able to get a passport or that your existing passport can be in danger of being revoked?

Yes, its true. It’s been a couple of years since the IRS teamed up with the State Department to prevent people from renewing their passport. But can you get one if you owe back taxes? If you ask the Magic 8 Ball the most likely answer

will be “Outlook not so good” according to the passport website. And while it appears the State Department is not confiscating passports they are, however, preventing people from renewing them (and presumably from getting one.) They are also preventing children from getting passports if a parent owes back taxes. Say goodbye to that Disney Cruise and your kid’s lifetime memories of Mickey! The threshold amount you can owe is $50,000 or more. And while that might sound like a lot of money the $50,000 includes interest and penalties and those continue to add up, fast.

So what happens if you apply for a passport, only to find out you don’t qualify due to back taxes? There really isn’t any reason to panic.

Even if you owe the IRS money, you can still get a passport if the following circumstances apply to you. Here is how you can get off the IRS “naughty list”: • You can negotiate an installment agreement, and you need to be making monthly payments as required.

• You can settle the debt with the IRS via an offer in compromise, or with the Justice Department via a settlement agreement.

• The IRS has notified you of a levy or lien, and you’ve requested a Collection Due Process hearing.

• You can request “Innocent Spouse Relief” and the IRS will agree to suspend

the collection activity against you.

It can take up to 30 days to resolve this issue so consider consulting with a reputable tax professional sooner rather later.

Your IRS Questions Answered Here…

Question: I own a small business and in order to keep afloat, I did not send the IRS

my employee’s withholding (941) taxes for a few years. How much trouble am I in?

Answer: Owing (941) payroll taxes is very different from owing personal income taxes. Not only can the IRS padlock the doors to your business, they can come Turn to Page 14

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LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 11

Ask Nicole: Gratitude and the joy of giving Nicole M. Young, MSW My Nana (my dad’s mom), taught me about the joy of giving versus receiving.

When I was a teen, Nana informed everyone she would continue to give all of us gifts for holidays and birthdays, but that she no longer wanted materials gifts from us. Instead, she asked her adult children and their families to volunteer or make donations as their gift to her. My family bought toys for other children during the holidays, and we loved selecting toys and imagining kids opening their presents. I continued that tradition even after I left home, and now, my parents and I have reached the same agreement. We donate to causes or organizations that matter to the other person instead of giving physical gifts.

Looking back, I realize how wise my Nana was to teach us to “pay it forward” – she was ahead of her time. Thank you, Nana.

This monthly column provides tips for anyone who is helping raise children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, please email me at triplep@first5scc.org.

Dear Nicole, My wife and I work hard to support our family, but it seems like my kids are always asking for more things. They see their friends getting new phones, video games, expensive clothes, and they expect us to buy them the same things. My wife says they just want to fit in with their friends, but I think they need to learn to be grateful for what they have. What can we do?

— Martín Dear Martín, That’s a good question, especially during this time of year when many holiday celebrations remind us to be thankful, grateful, kind, and generous.

Here are some tips to try: Teach by example. Sometimes the best way to teach children new attitudes, values, and skills is through our own words and actions. Talk about ways to show respect and appreciation of others, such as saying “please” and “thank you,” then model those behaviors in front of your children. Take it a step further by talking about the things you appreciate, especially non-material things, such as love, affection, and help from others.

Create opportunities for children to give instead of receive. This gives children a chance to practice being kind, caring, generous, and empathetic. It also teaches

children that they are part of a larger community, which can help children develop a sense of purpose and belonging.

Try making a “giving list” with your kids that includes activities they can do to help other people, animals, or the planet.

Encourage them to think of things they could do throughout the year, even after the holidays, and include some things that don’t involve material gifts. For example, if your kids care about the environment, add “Participate in a community cleanup day” to the giving list. Or if they love animals, add “Volunteer at the animal shelter” to the list. Try to include some things your whole family can do – like providing toys, clothing, and food for people who need them – so that giving to others becomes part of your family’s traditions.

Give descriptive praise. As you work through your “giving list,” give descriptive praise to show your children you notice their helpfulness and generosity. For example, “When we were buying toys, I could see you were thinking about what other kids might want. That was really thoughtful.” Afterwards, ask them how it felt to give instead of receive, and how they think their words or actions made a positive impact on others.

Make gratefulness a daily habit. The holidays often remind us to be grateful for what we have and give to others.

However, the attitude of gratitude often fades after the New Year. Try creating

family routines so that gratefulness becomes a daily habit. For instance, use family meals or bedtime to talk with your kids about the things they (and you) appreciated or felt good about that day.

Encourage them to notice and appreciate non-material things, like a friend’s kind words, a sibling’s help, or eating their favorite food for dinner.

Final Thoughts: Teaching children to be grateful and “pay it forward” is an important job for parents and caregivers.

It takes consistent effort and modeling, but the reward is worth it. Children and teens who learn to be kind, giving, and grateful when they are young will eventually grow up to be parents, caregivers, teachers, and leaders raising our next generation of children.

Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 16 and 19, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit http://triplep.first5scc.org, www. facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

Completing the end-of-year checklist off a couple financial “to-do’s.”

Portfolio Review

By GARY E. CROXALL, CFP and SOREN E. CROXALL, CFP It’s that time of year again for our annual article on end of year financial tasks to complete. It’s hard to believe that 2019 is already drawing to a close as it just seems like yesterday we were celebrating New Years! In between festivities, take a few minutes to knock

As we wrote our end of year checklist article last year, the stock market was cratering. The last quarter of 2018 was a wake up call that the stock market can be volatile and you should be comfortable with the amount of risk you may have in your portfolio. 2019 has been a solid year for stocks, but no one can foresee with certainty what the future will be for stocks, bonds, or any other asset class for that matter. If you haven’t reviewed your overall allocation in a while, now would be good time. Reassess your tolerance for risk. How did you feel in the last quarter of 2018? Were you nervous about the volatility? Do your current portfolio holdings align with your time horizon, tolerance for risk, and overall goals? Also, consider working with a tax advisor or qualified financial professional to see

Source: Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Study

For a complimentary consultation on your long term care planning options A: 9057 Soquel Dr. Bldg B, Ste A Aptos, CA 95003 P: (831) 661-4006 E: gary.croxall@lpl.com W: www.croxallcapital.com

Gary Croxall is a registered principal of and securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. CA Insurance Lic. #0532176

if tax loss harvesting (taking a tax loss to offset gains) might be a strategy you could benefit from this year.

Review Contributions

Make sure you are maximizing contributions to your employer sponsored retirement accounts.

“Maximizing contributions” may mean different things to different people.

For some it may mean contributing the annual maximum contribution allowed under current IRS guidelines. For others, it may mean contributing enough to take full advantage of an employer match.

Everyone’s situation is different, and you should target saving what your budget will allow for.

Take Your Required Minimum Distributions

We cannot stress this enough! If you are 70 ½ or older, be sure you are taking out your Required Minimum Distributions from various retirement accounts as needed. The potential tax penalty is steep for forgetting to do this. Keep in mind too, waiting until the last minute can put you at risk of the custodian that holds your account not processing your distribution request by the required deadline. Also, consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) if you don’t need the money from your Required Minimum Distributions for living expenses and you’re charitably inclined.

A financial professional can explain how a QCD works and how to qualify.

Review Debt Repayment Goals Utilize December to review your annual budget and actual spending.

Was your actual spending more or less than what you were budgeting for?

Are there areas you could cut back or cut out completely? Also, do you have a payoff plan in place for consumer debts like credit cards? After reviewing your budget, decide if there is room to

potentially start paying down consumer debt more aggressively.

Use Up FSA Money

Do you need a new pair of glasses or box of contacts? If you have money that you’ve been putting into an FSA (Flexible Spending Account), consider using up the account before year end with qualifying expenses. Be sure to check with your benefits department first, however, FSA dollars typically don’t carry forward into the New Year (some companies have an exception and allow up to $500 to be carried forward). It’s important to pay attention to deadlines with FSA accounts because they are typically “use it or lose it” accounts.

Check Estate Planning Documents

Double check beneficiary designations on accounts to make sure they are up to date. Also, if it has been a while since you’ve had your estate planning documents reviewed or you haven’t gotten around to creating an estate plan, consider setting up an appointment with a qualified attorney. Given recent tax law changes, it could be that your estate plan may be due for some fine tuning.

We wish everyone a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

Gary E. Croxall, CFP® Registered Principal of LPL Soren E. Croxall, CFP® Registered Representative of LPL Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC. LPL Financial and Croxall Capital Planning do not provide tax or legal advice. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

DECEMBER 2019

12 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

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DECEMBER 2019

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 13

SPORTS

WITH

JUAN REYES

The Aptos High girls’ volleyball team reacts after winning the California Interscholastic Federation Division IV championship over Nordhoff at Santiago Canyon College in Orange on Nov. 23. — Juan Reyes/LIFE

Aptos wins first-ever state title

By JUAN REYES APTOS—The Aptos High girls’ volleyball team made a big splash on Nov. 23 and continued to shake up the world, as the legendary Muhammad Ali once did.

The No. 7 Mariners pulled off another stunning upset, this time against top-seeded Nordhoff High in four sets, 25-12, 25-17, 26-28, 25-21, in the CIF State Division IV championship match at Santiago Canyon College.

Aptos senior Peyton Dueck had 20 kills and scored the match-winning point to help the Mariners capture their first state championship in program history.

“It’s indescribable,” Dueck said. “We’re so excited for each other and so proud of each other, we’ve all worked so hard.”

The Mariners’ front line signaled “tipped” and pleaded to the referee’s for the point, which was ultimately given to them.

It was Aptos’ first appearance in a state final since the 1992 team that lost in straight sets to Newport Harbor.

Aptos had a large section of fans cheering for them, which included Mount Madonna junior Savannah Cambell and other players who were fresh off their D-V state championship Friday night.

Senior Gabby Giuffre had six kills and was at a loss of words after the win.

“It’s insane,” she said. “We all know how important it is but it will set in in a couple of days and it’s going to be like, ‘We really just did that.’”

Giuffre also mentioned they’ll finally get to see a banner go up inside the school gym with their names on it. She said it was an amazing run, especially during a stretch where they became road warriors.

They went into the NorCal playoffs and won their opener against No. 10 Union Mine High at home.

From then on, they played the role of the underdogs and won the final four matches on the road. Aptos won the NorCal D-IV

Above: Aptos High head coach Lake Merchen makes adjustments. Below: Aptos High senior Gabby Giuffre (17) leaps to block a Nordhoff player. — Photos by Juan Reyes/LIFE

Aptos High fans voice their support. — Juan Reyes/LIFE

championship against No. 5 Tamalpais High.

Giuffre said battle through a tough Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League prepared them for the long road, including their trip to Orange.

“I think it testifies to a lot of the other teams in Santa Cruz as well,” Giuffre said.

“It shows how strong and how competitive the area is around us.”

The victory was part of a storybook finish to the NorCal playoffs and state final.

Aptos (23-15) finished third in the SCCAL and fell to co-league champ Soquel High in the league tournament.

They also lost in the Central Coast Section D-III final against Burlingame High in four sets.

But the Mariners won their final five matches, only dropping two sets throughout the CIF playoffs.

Aptos coach Lake Merchen said it seemed like they improved after each match. He said many teams like to find their peak at the end of the season and remain there going into the postseason.

“For us, it was we found a peak but

what’s our next peak,” Merchen said. “For the girls to set in and set out for every single match and improve every single game, that’s what impressed me the most.”

Dueck added 19 digs, while senior Sophia Williford added 11 digs.

Sophomore Emma Yeaman contributed 12 digs for the Mariners.

Freshman Jordyn Waite-Ward had eight kills and senior Natalia Ackerman contributed six kills. Senior Brynn Mitchell had seven kills. Senior Alana Patyk-Randa led the Mariners with 37 assists and she also had two kills.

“I wanted to make sure I kept my composure so I could help people get their head in the game,” Patyk-Randa said. “I really wanted to make sure I was one of those role models on the court, keeping my cool and making sure to stay confident in my setting.”

The Mariners won the first set with ease and continued to roll in the second.

The Rangers kept things interesting in the third set. Dueck picked up a hat trick to give Aptos a 23-20 lead and move the team within reach of its first state title.

But Nordhoff fought back with a string of points and forced a fourth set. The teams exchanged the lead six times in the third set.

The Rangers continued to keep Aptos on the ropes in the fourth, yet, they were never able to take the lead.

“Today, we just kept going up and they just kept getting better,” Merchen said.

“When (Nordhoff) started to push us, we pushed back. We responded really well.”

DECEMBER 2019

14 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Second Harvest goal: 4.8 million meals

By TODD GUIILD APTOS—In Santa Cruz County, one in four children are considered food insecure, a number Second Harvest Food Bank CEO Willy Elliott‑McCrea called “staggering” and “unacceptable.”

The growing numbers of hungry people who struggle to feed themselves and their families was the impetus – and the backdrop – for the food bank’s annual Holiday Food & Fund Drive and Kickoff Luncheon, an event that serves as a call to arms of the two-month effort.

The event at Twin Lakes Church Thursday drew hundreds of people from throughout the county.

Soon, donation barrels will appear

at locations throughout the county, where people can place food to be distributed to dozens of programs and services throughout the county.

“There is nothing we can’t do when we truly come together as a community,” McCrea said.

Last year, SHFB reached its goal of raising 4.8 million meals and is keeping that goal this year.

“Unfortunately, the high cost of living in Santa Cruz County continues to strain people’s budgets and a large number of individuals and working families need to rely on help from The Food Bank,” McCrea said. “For those of us who are a little more fortunate, it’s a great time to come together and help those who are struggling with food insecurity.”

Willy Elliott McCrea, CEO of the Second Harvest Food Bank, welcomes a huge crowd to the annual Hunger Heroes Food & Fund Drive at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos on Nov. 7. — Tarmo Hannula/LIFE

Experience the Magic Taxes Staff report The Nutcracker Ballet is back for its 10th year at Cabrillo College’s Crocker Theater.

Add some sparkle to your season with the ballet, featuring gorgeous costumes, dazzling sets and exquisite dancing.

Event will run Dec. 14 and 15 with performances at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. each day.

Presented by Santa Cruz City Ballet at International Academy of Dance, the full length Nutcracker Ballet is filled with local talent and principal dancers from the Oregon Ballet Theater, as well as guest dancers from the Bay Area.

Nutcracker and Santa Cruz City Ballet Artistic Director/ Choreographer Shannon Chipman, a Juilliard alumnae, began the Nutcracker tradition in Santa Cruz as the first Snow Queen at Cabrillo’s theater in 1988.

The Nutcracker Ballet will return to Cabrillo College’s Crocker Theater on Dec. 14 and 15. — contibuted

Chipman has continue to share the timeless tradition with the community alongside Vicki Bergland—also co-director of the original Santa Cruz Nutcracker in 1988—and choreographer Melissa Palumbo.

For tickets, visit nutcrackersantacruz. com.

Continued from page 3

after you personally, levy your bank accounts, confiscate your receivables and seize your property. Scarier still is that it could turn into a criminal matter. And no, there is no get-outof-Jail-Free card. Why? Because the money has already been deducted from your employee’s payroll checks; so it’s not your money to begin with! The IRS will look at it as if you stole their money. Payroll tax delinquency is the IRS’s number one enforcement priority.

If you have fallen behind with your payroll tax deposits and are struggling to get caught up you should consider getting help from an experienced professional who deals with the IRS every day.

Give yourself an early present and get off the “IRS naughty list” now.

If you have an IRS issue or question, I’d love to hear from you. I can provide a no-obligation confidential consultation to help you solve you IRS problems.

Happy Holidays!

Patricia Beckwith is a Certified Public Accountant and a Tax Resolution Specialist.

For more info: trish@santacruzcpa.com or visit fasttaxdebtrelief.com.

Police

Continued from page 3

his driver’s license, then intentionally backed his vehicle into a patrol vehicle during that car stop. He reportedly fled the scene, and police gave a short chase before calling it off for safety reasons, Garcia said.

Roberts was on Santa Cruz County postrelease community supervision for a conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, “a pattern that would repeat itself,” Garcia said.

That’s when investigators obtained arrest warrants.

Garcia said Roberts had numerous convictions, including arson, burglary, receiving stolen property, drunk in public and grand theft auto. Garcia added that almost all of the previous charges stem from Santa Cruz. He had recently served about two years in jail.

The shooting marks the fourth officer-involved shooting in San Jose this year, Garcia said.

Body-worn cameras by police were deployed during the shooting incident. The Santa Clara District Attorney and the SJPD Homicide Unit are conducting a joint investigation into the incidents.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR December 7 Holiday Craft Fair & Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Join us for a free familyfriendly holiday celebration at Aptos Village Square from 2-5 p.m. Enjoy a visit from Santa Claus, Christmas carolers, dance performances, gifts for sale from a dozen local craft vendors. Plus free coffee, cookies, ornament making and much more. Call the Aptos Chamber of Commerce for more information 688-1467.

December 7-8 Sounds of the Season

“Sounds of the Season,” a concert featuring the Aptos High

School and Aptos Junior High School choirs, will be held at the Aptos High School Performing Arts Center, 100 Mariner Way, Aptos on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for general admission and $5 for students and will be available to purchase at the door. At both shows the choirs will be accepting new, unwrapped donations for Toys for Tots.

Capitola Village Holiday Cookie Walk Capitola Village is having its first cookie walk. For $20, each participant will be given a special souvenir holiday cookie box with a custom Capitola graphic that they can take to over 50 participating stores and restaurants throughout the

Village who will have a selection of delicious holiday cookies to choose from. The cookies are included in the admission cost and all proceeds go to Angel Tree. Event is from noon to 4 p.m. each day. Check-in will be at the Craft Gallery and Capitola Reef.

ParkStore Holiday Sale

Shop four ParkStore locations for thoughtful holiday gifts. All proceeds benefit our local state parks and beaches. Members receive up to 30 percent off on select iconic Michael Schwab park illustrations on apparel and more, plus jewelry, maps, nature guides, local history books, educational toys and other gifts that represent the cultural history and environment of our parks.

Non-members receive 20 percent off. Become a member at the sale to receive the 30 percent discount.

Locations: Seacliff State Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park and Wilder Ranch State Park.

pass or gift for Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services “Holiday Hearts” Program. Toys are always appreciated but prepaid gas and gift cards which will make a greater impact.

December 10

December 14-15

Holiday Mixer & Gift Drive

Nutcracker: Experience the Magic

Network with other Aptos Chamber and community members and browse our shop local raffle from 5-7 p.m. at the Seascape Beach Resort.

Mouthwatering appetizers and desserts will be provided by the resort. Entrance is $5 for members and $10 for general admission. Free with mixer

The Nutcracker Ballet is back for its 10th year at Cabrillo College’s Crocker Theater.

Add some sparkle to your season with the ballet, featuring gorgeous costumes, dazzling sets and exquisite dancing.

Performances at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. each day. For tickets, visit nutcrackersantacruz.com.

DECEMBER 2019

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 15

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