LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola & Soquel | Sept. 2019

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SEPTEMBER 2019

Old song and dance

Small but mighty

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EVERYTHING APTOS, CAPITOLA & SOQUEL

HISTORY CORNER

/LifeA.C.S

Vol. 8 No. 1

Photo by TARMO HANNULA

Flagpoles for giants What are those four huge flagpoles doing near Highway One and State Park Drive in Aptos? Flagpoles?

Maybe. Radio antennas? For sure.

At an Aptos Chamber of Commerce meeting in January of 1976, Grant Wrathal Jr. announced that, after eight years of trying to get government approvals and $50,000 in expenses, he hoped to have a midcounty radio station going within a year. The Cabrillo Broadcasting Company would be comprised of himself, his brother Larry, his sister Loretta, his father Grant Sr., and Jim Fenton, the owner of Rancho Del Mar shopping center. The plan was to have three, 160-foot-tall antennas located on the Cabrillo Golf Course, (the old Aptos Par 3), and that the antennas would look like flagpoles

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

Turn to Page 6

Discussions are underway about a proposed five-story, 88-room hotel in this parking lot of the former Capitola Theater in Capitola Village. See story on page 2.

Wetstein, Goodman honored by Aptos Chamber Awardees to be recognized in October

By TONY NUÑEZ The Aptos Chamber of Commerce recently named Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein and Lifespan Founder Pam Goodman its Man and Woman of the Year.

Wetstein took over as the Superintendent/President of the county’s lone community college in 2016. Under his leadership, Cabrillo strengthened its partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank to double the number of Fresh Market food distributions at the college.

Also, Cabrillo this spring had a record number of graduates, and new programs have been established like the Cabrillo College Promise Program, which provides free tuition

The Aptos Chamber of Commerce recently named Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein and Lifespan Founder Pam Goodman its Man and Woman of the Year. — Contributed

to full-time students for two years to any graduating senior from the Cabrillo College District service area. The Cabrillo College Promise

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2 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

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Tony Nuñez

Editorial

Todd Guild Johanna Miller Tony Nuñez Tarmo Hannula

Swenson Builders’ conceptual design of the 120 Monterey Ave. property in Capitola. — Contributed

Tarmo Hannula

Capitola community, officials ask for reductions to village hotel project

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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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CAPITOLA — The “NO HOTEL” stickers attached to dozens of Capitola residents’ shirts spoke volumes.

Their stern verbal rejections did too.

For roughly an hour and a half of the Aug. 22 Capitola City Council meeting, residents and city officials picked apart Swenson Builders’ proposed five-story, 88-room hotel project in the Capitola Village.

Concerns about parking, traffic, water use and changes to the village’s “character” were all at the forefront following the developer’s presentation of its conceptual designs for the repurposing of a parking lot at 120 Monterey Ave. — once the location of the Capitola Theater.

The council was not required to take any action, and it will not have to until Swenson Builders submits an official application, which is not expected to happen for months with the city’s updated zoning codes still under review by the California Coastal Commission.

Of course, that official application could look very different from Aug. 22’s presentation, as Swenson Builders Development Project Manager Jessie Bristow said they would take the feedback from the meeting and make adjustments to their design, which included 92 onsite guest parking spaces, a public plaza,

swimming pool, bar/lounge and meeting/ banquet room.

Bristow also said they’d like to improve the bathrooms and Junior Lifeguard facilities at the Esplanade Park during the hotel’s development, while also making possible changes to the flow of traffic near the Esplanade, which during tourism season is highly-congested with traffic.

The proposal, according to Bristow, was shaped by the city’s general plan, which calls for new development to respect the character of Capitola Village’s unique “sense of place,” contribute to the economic vitality, support active and engaging area for pedestrians, remain below the elevation of the iconic Capitola Bluffs and minimize the vehicle traffic in the village by incorporating shuttle services and remote parking.

“With this design, we’re really trying to meet what the general plan calls for,” said Bristow, who added that the hotel will bring in an estimated $1.3 million in transient occupancy tax (TOT) while also creating more than 200 construction jobs and 40 full-time employees.

Still, members of the community were skeptical of the hotel’s positive impacts on the Capitola Village, which many called the “heart” of the sleepy beach town.

Former Capitola Mayor Gayle Ortiz joined several others in saying the muchneeded tax dollars should not supersede

the community’s overwhelming call to keep the character of the Village.

“Don’t sell the Village to save to the city,” Ortiz said.

One resident said his house lies directly behind the proposed hotel on the Capitola Bluffs, and that his serene view of the village and beach would be all but destroyed if the project is given the green light.

“It’s a monstrosity that should never be built,” he said.

Roughly a dozen other residents said their biggest concern was upped water usage, which could lead to rate increases and sustainability concerns with the addition of a full-service hotel of its size.

Mayor Jacques Bertrand, too, was skeptical of the feasibility of the hotel’s current design but said the city and community should continue to work with Swenson Builders to find a compromise.

“It’s not that we don’t want you, we do want you, we want that site developed,” Bertrand said. “We do want a hotel… that’s not the issue. It has to fit into the city. It has to add to the city. It has to be something that fits into the character of the city. This is my view, not the view of the council, if Swenson can’t provide that, then maybe we need a different developer.”

Sheriff: Aptos High threat was joke, no pending charges

By TODD GUILD APTOS — Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies investigated a potential threat to Aptos High by a student on Aug. 25, and determined the threat via social media was meant as a joke.

The student, who was not named, is not facing any charges, Sheriff’s Sgt. Dee Baldwin said.

“After an in-depth interview, it was determined that the threat was meant as a joke with no intention to carry out any harmful acts,” he stated in a press release.

According to Baldwin, the message essentially said ‘don’t

come to school.’ It made no mention of weapons or specific violence that would occur.

Baldwin said investigators took several steps to determine there was no danger.

“We have worked diligently with the school and made sure that they were kept abreast of the information as the investigation developed,” Baldwin stated. “We take these types of cases very seriously and dedicated many resources to conduct a thorough investigation.”

The Sheriff’s office assigned numerous deputies to the school on the following day as a precautionary measure, Baldwin said.

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s deputies maintain a presence Monday at Aptos High after they learned of a potential threat on social media on Aug. 25. — Tarmo Hannula/LIFE

SEPTEMBER 2019

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 3

Santa Cruz Follies presents: ‘Fascinatin’ Rhythms’

By JOHANNA MILLER SANTA CRUZ — For performer Joe Ferrara, being a member of the Santa Cruz Follies is like being part of a large, extended family.

Since joining three years ago Ferrara has become an enthusiastic spokesperson for the group, which has performed in Santa Cruz for the past 64 years.

“We all get so close,” he said. “It’s always comfortable to come here, hang out and practice. It’s a warm, welcoming environment.”

Founded in 1956, Santa Cruz Follies consists of performers aged 50 and older— dancers, singers and instrumentalists. The group is the longest-running organization that has utilized the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Every autumn, the Follies perform a string of shows at the Civic— after rehearsing for months at the Market Street Senior Center.

The shows bring audiences from as far away as Grass Valley. One year, said member Dee Sargent of Watsonville, there was even a group from Reno, NV who made the trip to see the show.

“For whatever reason… I don’t think people expect it to be so good,” Ferrara said. “But it really is. There is so much incredible talent in this group.”

This year’s show, “Fascinatin’ Rhythms: Broadway to Hollywood,” is slated for Sept. 11-14. It will cover a wide range of pieces; from classics such as “Guys and Dolls” to Disney hits like “You’ve Got

Above: Santa Cruz Follies will present its annual show Sept. 11-14 at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Right: Joe Ferrera will perform “If I Were a Rich Man” from “Fiddler on the Roof.” — Steve Niemann/Contributed

a Friend In Me.” The lengthy program consists of “fast acts;” one piece quickly following the next.

“You come up with an idea and it just blossoms from there,” said director and longtime member Jo Luttringer. “That’s what happened. This is a true variety show.”

This is Luttringer’s third time directing the Santa Cruz Follies. She said she enjoys seeing people in the audience getting inspired by the show.

“When they see people their age perform, they might think, ‘Hey, maybe I can do it

too,’” she said.

Dee Sargent, who has been with the follies for about 10 years, said that the show’s success is just as dependent on the people offstage as the ones performing. She singled out costumer Kris Wheeler, who has accumulated an impressive amount of outfits in her years or so with the Follies.

“The community really rallies around us,” she said. “All of our volunteers, the tech team… everyone is so supportive.”

Ferrara said that for many, being a part of the Follies has been life-changing.

“Some of our members face significant

challenges,” Ferrara said. “That is the reason why we’re all here. It keeps us going, it keeps us active and part of the community.”

••• “Fascinatin’ Rhythms: Broadway to Hollywood” is dedicated to the memory of cast member Jacqueline Lockwood.

Shows will be held Sept. 11-14 at 1 p.m., and Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St. Tickets are $22 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Preorder at santacruztickets. com. or purchase at the box office prior.

Proceeds benefit the Market Street Senior Center. For information call 423-6640.

Still no plea in Aptos murder case

Saturday Sept. 28 11-2 p.m.

By TODD GUILD SANTA CRUZ — The Aptos woman accused of stabbing her husband to death inside their home on Aug. 24 made her second court appearance on Aug. 30, and delayed entering a plea while she hires an attorney.

It was the second time Amanda Owens has continued her arraignment hearing so she can retain counsel.

Owens will return to court on Sept. 24.

She is out of jail after posting $1 million bail, jail records show.

Owens has been charged with murder and using a weapon during a felony. She faces as much as 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

During the short hearing, Owens asked Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge John Salazar to lift a protective order prohibiting her from contacting her 22-year-old son, who is severely disabled.

She also has a 17-year-old daughter.

Owens and her husband Thomas Owens were caretakers for their son, who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair. She was hoping to continue caring for him.

But Salazar kept the order in place after Santa Cruz County Assistant District Attorney Jason Gill objected.

According to Gill, an argument over finances — which Thomas Owens tried to avoid — ended when Amanda Owens stabbed her husband in front of their son.

“We don’t think it’s appropriate for Ms. Owens to be in contact with her children, and that’s based on the evidence in the case,” Gill said.

Amanda Owens is a founding member and former board chair of Special Parents Information Network (SPIN), which supports parents of special-needs children.

Pregnant Mare Rescue is hosting their annual fundraiser at the spectacular Bargetto Winery in Soquel. “Lunch with the Babies” promises to be an afternoon full of surprises!

The rescued mares and foals of 2019 will be on hand to say hello as you check-in at the door.

Enjoy a hearty gourmet vegetarian lunch on the creek side patio.

Lynn Hummer will be hosting a book signing of her two newly published books, “For The Love Of Horse” and “Stories From Our Rescue, Angel’s Family.”

Amanda Owens leaves Superior Court on Aug. 30 following an arraignment where she faces a murder charge for stabbing Tom Owens to death on Aug. 24 in their Aptos home. — Tarmo Hannula/LIFE

Anthony Arya, a contestant from “The Voice” lends his acoustical magic to the afternoon.

A raffle and silent auction await you.

Visit www.pregnantmarerescue.org/coming-events or Eventbrite.com (https://tinyurl.com/ y6cwhqeq) to get your tickets.

This will be a sell-out!

Her husband was also involved in the organization, and among other things helped during a recent move to a new office, said Executive Director Cece Pinheiro.

“They are a great family,” Pinheiro said.

She added that the couple showed none of the red flags that many in their situation do.

“Families of kids with disabilities have a higher divorce rate than other families,” she said.

That, she said, comes in part from the

Pregnant Mare Rescue Project

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We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charity #26-0484620

www.PregnantMareRescue.org

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SEPTEMBER 2019

4 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

COMMUNITY CHATTER Friends of SC County Parks hires new executive director

Mariah Roberts will take the helm of Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks as executive director, the non-profit organization recently announced.

Roberts is an educator and designer raising her children in Live Oak. She spent 12 years working throughout South Bay and Central Coast counties as an education consultant designing, building and implementing unique play spaces and curricula for children with developmental and medical needs.

More recently, in her position as executive director of the Chanticleer Park Neighbors Association, she created a groundbreaking public-private partnership with the County of Santa Cruz and grassroots volunteer organizations to design, fund and build the county’s first fully-inclusive playground, LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Park, which is slated to open winter of 2019-20.

As one of Roberts’ first executive actions, she spearheaded the launch of a County Park Friends Membership Program to support expanded access to swim lessons for youth across the county.

National Preparedness Month

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday proclaimed September 2019 as National Preparedness Month, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for local emergencies or disasters.

“Santa Cruz County has seen more than its share of emergencies, and our community knows the importance of disaster preparedness,” Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chair Ryan Coonerty said. “We encourage

Work continues on a major renovation of the quad area at Aptos High between the gym, cafeteria, classrooms and administration building. — Tarmo Hannula/LIFE

everyone to sit down with their families and create emergency plans that take into account neighborhood evacuations, disaster supplies, family medical needs, pets, family communications and more.

The more we do now to prepare, the more resilient we become.”

Santa Cruz County is vulnerable to a variety of disasters, including storms, earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, power outages and more. Residents are encouraged to download the Code Red app to make sure they receive emergency notifications, and the County Office of Emergency Services maintains a number

of preparedness resources for residents and their families at santacruzcounty.us/ OES.

Dominican adds 3D navigation system for lung cancer A new 3D navigation system for lung tumors at Dignity Health Dominican Hospital helps doctors save lives by finding and treating early stage lung cancer sooner than previous technology allowed.

Dr. Elizabeth Martin

The new technology can help find cancers at stage 1—where the cure rate is at least 80 percent—compared to the average survival rate of just over one year by the time the cancer reaches stage 4.

“Dominican Hospital is the first facility in Santa Cruz County to offer this new, life-saving tool,” said Dominican President Nanette Mickiewicz, MD. “It’s part of Dominican’s ongoing commitment to ensure that our community has access to leading-edge technologies and care.”

The lung biopsy navigation system generates a 3D roadmap of the lung and

Dr. Patricia Wilson

Dr. Molly Tackabury

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SEPTEMBER 2019

pathways to the tumor by incorporating CT scan images together with electromagnetic sensors, which are placed on the patient’s chest during the procedure. Utilizing advanced mapping software, physicians are able to follow the most accessible pathway through the airway to the lesion.

9/11 stair climb

Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District’s Local 3535 Union has organized a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, to raise awareness and funds for local and national charities.

All firefighters, law enforcement and other emergency personnel are invited to register for this memorial climb, though space will be limited to 50 participants.

The climb is to be held at the stairs at Seacliff State Beach near the cement ship, where participants will climb 13 times up and down the stairs to honor the climb made by rescuers on that day.

For more information, or to register by email, contact: aptosstairclimb@gmail. com.

Cost of registration is $30 per participant, with funds to be donated to local and national charity organizations benefitting firefighters and their families.

Those unable to climb can also donate directly to their Go Fund Me page at gofundme.com/Aptos-911-Stair-Climb.

Wine tasting benefits Habit for Humanity

Staff of Life Natural Foods will host “Taste the Best and Forget the Rest Fest,” a benefit for benefit Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, a local non-profit in Santa Cruz County, on Sept. 8 from 3-6 p.m.

Staff of Life will offer more than 50 wines at the event, including local wines Storrs, Alfaro, Keenan Vineyard, Mountain Peoples and imports from around the

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 5

world. Tasting categories include: Local Wine, High-end Wine, Biodynamic Wine, Natural Wine, Pink Wine, Summer Sippers and Cider. Gourmet cheese will also be available to taste and purchase.

“We have pulled together the top wine makers and wines to offer Santa Cruz, Monterey, Los Gatos and surrounding areas a not-to-miss event,” said Cesar Olivares, Sommelier, Cheesemonger and Director of Specialty at Staff of Life.

Tickets available at eventbrite for $10.

At the door they are $18. Must have ticket to taste.

Suspects nabbed in brazen burglary

Two men are in custody and a cache of expensive stolen bikes are back in the owner’s hands following a dramatic smash-and-grab burglary on Aug. 22.

The incident began around 6 a.m. when the suspects broke a large windowpane at the front of Family Cycling Center on 41st Avenue in Capitola. An alert witness saw the commotion and called 911. When Sheriff’s deputies arrived moments later they spotted a U-HAUL racing east on 41st, the van described by the witness, said Sgt. Dee Baldwin.

As the van raced onto southbound Highway 1 the Sheriff’s deputies began a high-speed chase that topped out at 90 mph. The suspects exited the highway in Aptos and sped toward Huntington Drive.

That’s where they abandoned the van and took off on foot.

Deputies were then joined by officers from the California Highway Patrol in setting up a perimeter near the Polo Grounds. Baldwin said that within 90 minutes the suspects were rounded up and taken into custody.

“All six high-end mountain bikes were recovered and returned to the owners,”

Baldwin said.

Several of the bikes were located inside the abandoned van.

Kristen Romero, sales for Family Cycling, said the store has been hit four times in the past year and that Aug. 22’s burglary marked the first time the products were recovered. The stolen bikes were placed at a value of around $30,000.

A seventh bike was also stolen but left behind at the rear of the shop.

“We’re so pleased by the quick response by police,” she said.

CHP celebrates 90 years

A celebration 90 years in the making is underway at the California Highway Patrol.

Through legislation, on Aug. 14, 1929, California witnessed the evolution of traffic enforcement with the creation of a statewide law enforcement agency known today as the CHP. The purpose of creating the CHP was to provide uniform traffic law enforcement statewide.

“The history of the CHP is storied tapestry,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. “Today, we, as an organization, celebrate 90 years of serving the people of this great state, which is possible because of the dedicated women and men who make up the CHP and the support of the public and our traffic safety partners.”

As California continues to grow and change, so does the span of enforcement responsibility of the CHP. When the organization began with its 285 personnel, California had a population of roughly 5.6 million people and 2.1 million registered vehicles. Today, the CHP has nearly 11,000 uniformed and non-uniformed personnel. The state now has about 40 million people, with more than 35 million registered vehicles.

Your

Man arrested for campus death threat

An Aromas man was arrested at Cabrillo College in Aptos on Aug. 28 after allegedly making threats of violence against someone on the campus.

Jonah Watson, 20, was arrested when he returned to campus, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brian Cleveland said.

He was not armed and had no weapons in his backpack.

Watson has been a student at Cabrillo since 2018, his Facebook page states.

Another student heard Watson make death threats against a specific person under his breath on Aug. 27, and reported it to Cabrillo administration early the next day, Cleveland said.

Sheriff’s investigators tracked Watson through his phone, and arrested him when he came onto campus, he said.

Watson, who lives in Aromas, was charged with threatening with the intent to terrorize. He was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail, jail records showed.

Cleveland said that law enforcement officials take every threat of violence as valid until they prove otherwise.

“Whether it’s a joke or not, it’s obviously something we take very seriously,” he said. “We want students to go to school and feel safe.”

Cabrillo spokeswoman Kristen Fabos said that Watson made the threats against someone in the college’s Accessibility Support Center (ASC), where he was receiving services. The ASC supports students with disabilities.

According to Watson’s Facebook page, he graduated from Aptos High School. He works at the Target store in Capitola as a guest advocate.

Natural Look

SEPTEMBER 2019

6 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

History Corner

Continued from page 1

to present a more pleasing appearance.

The station would concentrate on news, sports and music, and would operate only during daylight hours.

Two months later, Wrathal came back to the Chamber for additional support because the county Planning Commission’s zoning administrator would not grant a permit since the golf course property was zoned residential.

The Chamber and the Capitola City Council both agreed to support the appeal. Eventually, the permit was granted, and the first antenna was raised in May of 1977.

The station’s broadcast studio was to be located on Soquel Avenue near 41st Avenue but initially, it was housed at 519 Capitola Avenue. The station eventually moved to Crown Center, 7600 Old Dominion Court in Aptos, (where Palo Alto Medical Foundation is today). The station would start out serving midcounty with a 1,000-watt transmitter. An additional application was also submitted for a 10,000-watt transmitter. Larry Wrathal was to be general manager with Grant Wrathal Jr. to be chief engineer.

The station’s call letters would be KKAP-AM at 1540 on the radio dial.

In October, the Wrathals asked the Rio Del Mar Improvement Asociation to endorse having a sign at the base of the antenna with the call letters. At that time, they made it clear that the flag pole was an antenna even though there was a brass ball located at the top and that a 20 by 30 American flag was occasionally flown, (it was a very patriotic sight). They also referred to the antenna as being 175 feet tall.

The station went live in November of 1977. The format was public service, community affairs and soft contemporary music with only 12 minutes of

Today, these four broadcast antennas stand as silent sentries over a now-defunct golf course, a testament to 20 years of a once-powerful mid-county and Monterey Bay presence on the airwaves. — Aptos History Museum

commercial advertising per hour. In the fall of 1979, the Federal Communications Commission approved to increase the station’s power to 10,000 watts which would allow the signal to be heard as far away as King City and Point Sur.

An additional antenna was installed and the call letters were changed to KMFO. The antennas were the only ones in the country used as flagpoles and were the tallest flagpoles west of the Appalachian mountains. KMFO began broadcasting at 10,000 watts in September of 1980.

KMFO’s format changed away from music and more toward information, especially during the morning commute.

What’s not to like? Well, some people today complain of being sensitive to radiation from cell towers. People living anywhere near the “flagpoles” began to hear the radio station over their landline telephones. When Aptos Chamber of Commerce meetings were held at the Seacliff Inn, we sometimes heard the radio station’s broadcast through the walls. I have also heard that the station could be heard through people’s toasters and the fillings in people’s teeth, although I cannot confirm that. It was a little more than people had bargained for.

In August 1981, Grant Norlin, former manager of the Phil Donahue Show in New York, became the managing partner, president and general manager of the station. He intended to increase the station’s air time to 24 hours a day. Grant Wrathal Jr. continued his interest in the station as an engineer and Larry Wrathal became a consultant. When Norlin’s tenure did not work out, the Wrathalls reacquired the station.

In 1984, KMFO adopted a Sportstalk program on Sundays which soon increased to a daily program. In 1985, they produced live coverage of the Wharf to Wharf race with commentary by wellknown area runner and former winner, Dan Gruber.

As part of the plan to increase the broadcasts to twenty-four hours per day, in March of 1985, two additional flagpole antennas were raised on the golf course.

In September of 1986, the owners of KMBY rock and roll radio in Monterey purchased KMFO from the Wrathals.

The stations call letters changed to KNZS (K news) on October 6th. The newstalk format continued for another fifteen months, but on New Year’s Eve 1987, the station went dark. The next day, on January first, 1988, KMBY began broadcasting rock and roll music at 1540 on the radio dial. During the first week, the owners of KMBY received so much negative criticism that they

returned KNZS newstalk radio to the airwaves with the understanding that a new unnamed investor planned to buy the station.

With numerous changes in the call signs of the station and the changes in various formats, rock and roll proved to be the most inevitable in a different way.

At 5:04 PM, on October 17, 1989, the 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake struck Aptos approximately three miles away from the radio antennas. Rock and roll might describe the way the antennas snapped back and forth like whips. Three of the four brass balls at the top of the antennas broke free like they had been launched from slingshots. One ball remains lopsided at the top of one antenna. A second ball was found at the heather farm which was formerly located where Heather Terrace and Aegis of Aptos are today. The ball had crashed through one of the heather farm’s greenhouses.

The other two were never located, (if you have one, please donate it to the museum).

In 1993, KMBY purchased Capitola based oldies station KLAU, and on September 15th they began broadcasting KLAU/KMBY 1540 Underground, the first alternative rock station programmed locally.

The radio station’s long career was based on the strength of its 10,000-watt signal which covered such a wide area, but it was also the cause of the station’s demise. The license was due for renewal in December of 1997, but Westinghouse Broadcasting wanted to increase the signal strength of its San Francisco station, KPIX 1550 to 50,000 watts and that would have caused problems for listeners with the stations being so close together on the radio dial. Westinghouse worked a deal and the license for KMBY AM 1540 was canceled May 4, 1998.

Today, the four broadcast antennas stand as silent sentries over the nowdefunct golf course, a testament to twenty years of a once-powerful midcounty and Monterey Bay presence on the airwaves.

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.

SEPTEMBER 2019

Chamber

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 7 Continued from page 1

Wetstein serves on the board of a number of local community organizations, including the Santa Cruz Symphony, Agri-Culture, the United Way, Santa Cruz County Business Council, Santa Cruz Criminal Justice Council and SutterPAMF Community Advisory Board.

For the last 36 years, Lifespan has provided various forms of care for the elderly, including dementia and hospice services, as well as medication management and placement assistance.

Goodman said she moved to the area in the early 1980s and started Lifespan with Becky Peters. Together, they’ve pushed to keep the quality of service at a high level, while continuously adding different useful tools.

“It’s such an honor,” Goodman said. “I was surprised they chose me, of course, but I’m happy that people recognize the work we’ve done in the community.”

Goodman has also volunteered with numerous community organizations and boards which serve older people in the greater Santa Cruz Community. As a 24year member of Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club, she expanded her philanthropy to less-developed areas of the world including Guatemala, Ghana, Peru and Tanzania.

She currently serves as the Chairperson on the Grey Bears Board of Directors, and is also on the Cabrillo College Women’s Educational Success Committee. As part of serving the elder community, every year the Lifespan Cares team fundraises for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Goodman said she is most proud of the connections she has made in the community.

“That’s what means most to me, the relationships,” she said.

Wetstein and Goodman will be honored at the 92nd Aptos Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner and auction on Oct. 25 at the Seascape Beach Resort.

For information or to make reservations visit aptoschamber.com/ad or call 6881467.

Other awardees include: BUSINESS

Seascape Foods is the area’s leading source of fresh, organic, locally sourced foods and goods.

Owners Julie Kellman and Dan Hunt have a mission to use local food, celebrating the richness of our community’s resources.

At Seascape Foods, Kellman and Hunt do this on every level — from local coffee roasters to local fishermen. This translates to the freshest ingredients possible. They even have a local produce grower in La Selva Beach and eggs from Aptos farmer Glaum Egg Ranch.

Both pride themselves in connecting with their customers and the local Seascape residents, whether greeting them on a first-name basis or making up a custom dish in their incredible kitchen.

Seascape Foods also contributes their time and money to many local fundraisers.

ORGANIZATION

Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services exists to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and support their families in the challenges they face.

Jacob’s Heart provides family-centered care that addresses the emotional, practical and financial struggles for families of children and teens during treatment, families experiencing anticipatory grief and those who are bereaved.

Jacob’s Heart envisions a community where every child with a serious or life-threatening condition has a strong, supported and informed family empowered to fully participate in their care.

For information: jacobsheart.org or 724-9100.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

For the second time in three years, Aptos High School’s Robotics Team, Seal Team Scalyr, won the International

Marine Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle (MATE ROV) competition.

Through a whirlwind three days of piloting, demonstrating and presenting their underwater ROV, the Aptos team won both ROV ability and marketing display categories, placing them first overall against 45 teams from 19 different countries, including Newfoundland, Egypt, India and Japan. The second-place team was from the Center of Robotics Development in Vladivostok, Russia.

Teams were also judged on their technical report and sales presentation.

Additional points are given for community outreach, which involves spreading interest in technology and awareness of environmental issues.

The team’s latest robot, the Argo VI, solves simulated tasks that real industrial ROVs perform in oceans and lakes, from restoring a broken dam, identifying underwater wildlife and recovering sunken artifacts. The team created solutions to their mission, using custom-designed tools like a 3D-printed, infinitely-rotating claw, a deployable micro-ROV and original image recognition software.

Tools to Make Parenting Easier

First 5 Santa Cruz County triplep.first5scc.org 831.465.2217

COMMUNITY HERO

Denise Ward of Community Reads has lived most of the past 20 years in Aptos.

She arrived in 1999 with her husband and two sons. After living most of her adult life overseas she was looking for a small town where she could get involved with the community and her husband could begin his startup.

Her professional life has been diverse and includes conducting intercultural training workshops for UCSC Fulbright Scholars and Ward Humphrey Fellows, teaching cooking classes and working as an interior designer for architectural firms in San Francisco, NYC and Manila.

Three years ago, she was inspired to create a One Book One Read type of program in Aptos after learning of one in Lake Oswego, OR that had found successful. After approaching the Friends of the Aptos Library with the idea, she left the meeting as the Steering Committee Chair for “Our Community Reads.” With the help of volunteers they held 12 events over a six-week period in 2018, their inaugural year.

In 2019 the project received a California Humanities grant and they were able to expand the program and host an author visit.

Now in their third season, they are excited to build on what they have begun with the goal of creating strong community through exploring themes from a single book each year.

June

Jacqueline Deely California’s Coastal Birds

Harry & Mary Blanchard

Community Food Hotline

LIFETIME ACHEIVEMENT

Larry deGhetaldi, M.D. is Chief Executive Officers of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s (PAMF) Santa Cruz Santa Cruz division. PAMF Santa Cruz coordinates with Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center to provide integrated health care for thousands of Santa Cruz County residents.

Dr. deGhetaldi is a board-certified family medicine doctor who has served in a number of leadership positions within the Santa Cruz Medical Clinic and PAMF since he deGhetaldi began practicing in 1984. He represented the clinic in its affiliation negotiations with Sutter Health and additionally chaired the Clinic Management Board.

Dr. deGhetaldi has served on several boards of directors including the Palo

Alto Medical Foundation, the California Medical Association, Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center and the Central California Alliance for Health. He was appointed to the California Financial Solvency Standards Board (FSSB) whose task is to address the implications of federal health care reform and how it will affect the California health care landscape.

He is also a member of the Integrated Healthcare Association’s (IHA) Pay for Performance governing committee. He chairs the Sutter Medical Network’s Quality

Committee which focuses on advancing the quality of ambulatory care for millions of Sutter Health patients.

PAMF is one of the country’s largest multi-specialty physician organizations with more than 1,300 physicians. It has received the Integrated Healthcare Association’s award for “Top Overall Performance” multiple times. The 30-bed Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center is a nationally-recognized and award-winning acute care hospital and has received the Press Ganey Summit Award for top industry performance multiple times.

SEPTEMBER 2019

8 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Entrepreneur takes gamble on new career

By TODD GUILD RIO DEL MAR — Craig Hammond spent a majority of his career in the casino industry, working executive sales and marketing positions around the U.S. Now, he has launched a new venture, one vastly different and considerably smaller than that in his former life.

The Hiccuping Dragon is a small hot dog stand nestled in Rio Del Mar Esplanade.

With a beachside real estate, ocean views and a steady crowd of hungry beachgoers, Hammond couldn’t have picked a better spot for his four-month-old stand.

The business was named for Hammond’s son, whose nickname ‘Hiccup’ stemmed from his frequent twitchy movements in the womb before he was born in the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese astrology calendar.

If locally sourced ingredients and handcrafted American food delicacies are a plus for Hammond’s customers, the venture is also a personal boon for him. It allows him to live near his family, while the part-time gig lets him take care of his young son.

In fact, it was a desire to live near his aging parents that drew Hammond back to the West Coast, where he was planning on returning to Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, which he helped open. He also worked in Oklahoma, Vermont and New York.

But during the drive across the country

to California, Hammond said he learned that a tribal dispute caused the casino to temporarily close and his job offer to evaporate.

“So my family went from Fresno to Watsonville,” he said.

Hammond runs the stand at Rio Del Mar from Wednesday through Sunday from noon until sundown. He also offers his towable stand for catering services.

He taps into local businesses, getting his products from Corralitos Market and Sausage Company and Freedom Meat Lockers, and from Paulino’s Bakery.

Hammond offers a condiment bar that includes several types of mustard, freshly chopped onions, shredded cheese, relish, and, of course, ketchup.

“I like people being able to play with their food,” he said. “It’s kind of fun listening to the adults come in and giggle and say, ‘look a this!’”

For the future, Hammond hopes to add kettle corn to his menu, and fresh-squeezed lemonade — an endeavor his daughter would help him with.

Hammond said customers can expect a made-to-order hotdog that comes out “nice and juicy, hot and perfect.”

“We’re doing this full-time and trying to make it a go,” he said. “I’m here and I am ready for whatever comes my way.”

••• For information, visit www. hiccupingdragon.com.

Craig Hammond fixes a hot dog at his stand, Hiccuping Dragon hot dog and catering stand, at Rio Del Mar State Beach. — Tarmo Hannula/LIFE

Seascape Physical Therapy owners pass the torch Staff report APTOS — Jim and Kathy Tucker, owners of Seascape Physical Therapy, have sold their physical therapy business after 16 years of service to the Aptos community.

Jim, a clinical orthopedic specialist, said it was “time to scale down.”

He plans to focus his energy on the wellness and fitness services provided at Seascape Village Fitness Center. The training center has been an extension of the physical therapy practice for the past seven years.

There, Jim and his fitness team specialize in sustainable fitness programs, athletic conditioning, weight loss, postrehabilitation and injury prevention.

“The past 16 years has been a wonderful journey,” said Kathy, who has been the office manager of the physical therapy clinic. “We are thankful for the thousands of patients who have enriched our lives over the years. We will miss seeing the beautiful smiles that have walked through the door of our small physical therapy office.”

She hopes the community will continue to come to the Seascape Village to participate in their wellness and fitness programs or just to say, “Hello.”

The Tuckers sold their physical therapy business to Precision Physical Therapy, who is planning to move in on Sept. 16.

“We expect this transition to be nearly seamless,” Jim said. “Precision Physical Therapy is well established and well qualified to take over where we left off. We will maintain a close relationship between the rehabilitation services that Precision provides and the post rehabilitative fitness and wellness services that we provide at the training center.”

Seascape Village Fitness Center was awarded 2018 Business of the Year by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce.

They were recognized for the many charitable contributions they provide to the community. Their annual Beauty Bash, which raises money for Santa Cruz Children’s Charities, will return in early December.

For information on the Seascape Village Fitness Center call 708-2323.

Seascape Physical Therapy owners Jim and Kathy Tucker have sold their physical therapy business after 16 years of service to the Aptos Community — Contributed

Aptos murder Continued from page 3

pressures of having a disabled child.

According to Pinheiro, families with disabled children must weather societal pressures to have “perfect” children and go through a “spiritual revelation.”

“You have to question everything that you believed in at one point, and you have to go through a process to come out the other side to then be in acceptance,” she said.

“In that moment of frustration and anger Amanda snapped and she did not have her faculties to make a right decision,” Pinheiro said. “And the stressors that added to that are unknown.

To have that happen she had to be under some really severe pressure.”

Still, Pinheiro said she agreed with Salazar’s decision to keep the protective order in place.

“Of course, anybody that is in such crisis that they could stab somebody close to them needs to have some time to slow down and breathe and have a therapist to talk to,” she said. “In the near future I’m sure it will all be resolved and she will be able to see her son again, and that will be in the best interest of him because he does need to see his mom.”

SEPTEMBER 2019

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 9

All-inclusive playground moves ahead

By TARMO HANNULA LIVE OAK — Concrete work was set in motion recently as work moves forward on LEO’s Haven, a playground at Chanticleer County Park designed for children with disabilities such as blindness, mobility impairment and autism.

“We’re delighted that everything is still on schedule and aiming for an open in early 2020,” said Rebecca Hurley, Santa Cruz County Parks Superintendent. “The new play structure is geared for age groups 2-5 and 5-10. It’s such a exciting addition to our parks.”

The mammoth play structure is the main feature of the proposed $4 million rebuild in the heart of the 4.5-acre park.

The project was put in motion by the parents of Oliver Potts, who is largely wheelchair bound. The dream for Santa Cruz County’s first inclusive playground for children of all abilities began when Tricia Potts, of Watsonville, took her three children to a local park. Her son Oliver, 3, had just gotten his first wheelchair and was eager to see how he would navigate the world on wheels. Right away, Potts said, they had a problem: his chair was unable to go over the wood chips they needed to

cross in order to reach the other children.

Potts said she came away asking how her son cold play at a playground like any other kid. That’s when her husband, Bob, suggested she visit an all-inclusive playground, Tatum’s Garden, in Salinas, the first such playground in the Monterey Bay region. That visit sparked a new mission for the Potts family.

LEO’s Haven is an acronym for the three Potts children, Lauren, Evelyn and Oliver. Organizers held a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 13.

“I used to live in Monterey County and I took my kids to the park and I know, as a parent how important that is,” Hurley said.

“I’ve always wanted to see something like LEO’s Haven in Santa Cruz County. It’s projects like this that keep me in this line of work.”

LEO’s Haven, which was designed

by Shane’s Inspiration and is being built

by Granite Construction, will include a bathroom and parking lot and will be surrounded by community gardens, bike pump tracks, off-leash dog areas and picnic areas, which, Hurley said, will be built in various stages of the overall project.

Hurley said a ribbon cutting ceremony A Granite Construction worker is part of a crew building LEO’s Haven at will be in the works once the job is finished. Chanticleer County Park recently. — Tarmo Hannula/LIFE

State reports growing cannabis revenue; funds lagging locally

By TODD GUILD California’s cannabis industry generated $144.2 million in the second quarter of 2019, a jump from the first quarter, and a promising indicator for an industry many local jurisdictions saw as a cash cow for tax revenue when voters legalized marijuana in 2016.

The California Department

of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) reported $120.8 million for the first quarter of the year.

As of Aug. 16, California’s cannabis excise tax generated $74.2 million in revenue reported in the second quarter 2019 returns due by July 31, and the cultivation tax generated $22.6 million.

Sales tax from cannabis businesses totaled $47.4 million

in reported revenue for the same period, the CDTFA stated in a press release.

The $144.2 million does not include tax revenue collected by each jurisdiction.

After Proposition 64 went into effect, two new cannabis taxes followed two years later. The first was a cultivation tax on all harvested cannabis that enters the

commercial market. Purchasers of pot also pay a 15 percent excise tax for cannabis and cannabis products.

Also, sales are subject to state and local sales tax.

Santa Cruz County reported $2.028 million in tax revenues from its dispensaries in the 201819 fiscal year, a 10 percent decrease from the year before.

The county’s cultivators and

other non-retail cannabis businesses brought in $470,512 in 2018-19, representing a 46.5 percent drop from the previous year.

A Santa Cruz County spokesman said that the dispensary taxes fund ongoing cannabis operations and regulation. The excess goes toward county programs such as the Thrive

by Three program, which supports young children and their parents.

“We are proud to be water stewards of conserving, recycling, and protecting the environment and creating a thriving community.”

Toni Castro and Carrie Arnone

Capitola Soquel Chamber of Commerce

10 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

SEPTEMBER 2019

2019

Broadway to Hollywood

Directed by Jo Luttringer

September 11, 12, 13 & 14 at 1:00pm September 13 at 7:30pm Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium Tickets: $22 Call: (831) 423-6640 Email: santacruzfollies@att.net Facebook: Santa Cruz Follies Website: santacruzfollies.COM

SEPTEMBER 2019

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 11

Addressing senior isolation

By ZACH FRIEND Santa Cruz County Supervisor

The Board of Supervisors recently held a special meeting at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art ant History (MAH) to tour the “We’re Still Here” exhibit and hear from practitioners and local residents about the challenges facing seniors in our community.

Overall, the board meeting focused on stories of seniors and social isolation and actionable ways we can all take to help address it.

The exhibit was made by seniors and included art, audio and visual depictions and interactive exhibits to showcase the challenges facing seniors (such as costs of living) and impacts of social isolation.

As part of a group envisioning process a set of goals were created for the exhibit.

Specifically, the group said they wanted visitors to the exhibition to: understand the diverse causes and impacts of loneliness on seniors, build empathy by experiencing what loneliness and isolation feels like for

seniors, honor and learn from the wisdom of culturally-diverse seniors, build a collective vision of a connected, inclusive, intergenerational future in Santa Cruz County and take action beyond the exhibition to end senior social isolation.

WHAT ARE SOME FACTS ABOUT SENIOR LONELINESS AND ISOLATION? According to the Seniors Council, Santa Cruz County’s 60+ population has increased about 43 percent since 2011 while the population of those under 60 has dropped over 3 percent during the same time. Of this population, 18 percent of Santa Cruz seniors live alone and 36 percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis. In fact, about 20 percent of adults over 75 reported having contact with another person less than once a week. Some reported having contact less than once a month.

HOW DOES ISOLATION IMPACT HEALTH? According to data from the Seniors Council, lonely seniors are more likely to have adverse health outcomes. Seniors who reported feeling lonely saw a 45 percent increase in their risk of death and had a 59 percent greater risk of mental and physical decline compared to their social counterparts.

WHAT STEPS CAN WE TAKE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? As part of the board meeting, local seniors and community program experts spoke to ways in which we can all help address issues of isolation and other challenges facing seniors. One of the main factors was ensuring stable, affordable housing. Many Turn to Page 14

Ask Nicole: Helping children cope with traumatic events Nicole M. Young, MSW It’s been hard to read and watch the news lately. Three mass shootings within one week. Migrant children in detention camps. Families torn apart after immigration raids. With each “new” story, I feel sad, angry, and heavy with worry. I worry about the safety of my children when mass shootings occur in public places without warning. I worry about what children of undocumented immigrants must feel, not knowing if they’ll see their parents again, or living in constant fear of being separated from

their families. Traumatic events like these create emotional scars that last a lifetime, long after the media has moved on to the next big story.

This monthly column provides tips for anyone who’s 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, I’ve been really scared and stressed lately. Every day there’s another horrible story in the news or social media about mass shootings or children and families being separated or deported. I used to think I could shield my kids from the

news, but they’re hearing about these things through their friends and social media. They’re afraid something bad will happen to our family, and I feel like a liar when I tell them everything will be ok.

What can I do?

•

MJ

Dear MJ, Thank you for asking this question.

It’s difficult for many adults to cope with crises and traumatic events. It’s often harder for children and teens – especially if they already view the world as unsafe because of abuse, neglect, bullying, or discrimination – since they might not have the skills and support to cope with extreme stress and trauma. Here are some

tips to try: PROVIDE A SAFE, LOVING HOME ENVIRONMENT It’s important for children to know that their parents and caregivers love them and will do everything they can to keep them safe. Spend quality time talking, playing, reading, eating meals, or cuddling together. Maintain your regular morning, mealtime, and bedtime routines as much as possible. Consistent routines create predictability, which can be very reassuring to children and teens, especially in stressful times.

Turn to Page 14

How much car can you afford?

A study published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York stated that as of the end of 2018, the share of Americans more than 3 months behind on their auto loan payments was at its highest level since 2010. With delinquencies increasing in a solid economy are people paying for more car then they can reasonably manage? Below are a few guidelines to consider if you are in the market to buy a new (or used) car.

By GARY E. CROXALL, CFP and SOREN E. CROXALL, CFP

PRICE OUT THE TOTAL COST

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

OF OWNERSHIP

Before even trying to figure out how much of a monthly loan payment you can afford, you should consider all of the other costs that go into owning a car like: gas, both routine and unforeseen maintenance, insurance, DMV annual registration fees, bridge tolls, and parking fees. These costs alone are easily several hundred dollars a month, so budget accordingly. Be sure to factor in certain costs that will likely increase like DMV registration fees and insurance costs if you buy a newer model car. Other costs, like gas, may decrease if you buy a car that’s more fuel efficient. Next, review your net income (after taxes and deductions like retirement plan contributions). You should target having your total auto costs (both the cost of the car loan plus all the other expenses associated with owning a car) be no more than 15 percent of your net income (preferably less if possible). This is just a guideline and individual circumstances may make the percentage of your monthly budget allotted toward auto costs be more or less.

WHAT ABOUT THE ACTUAL AUTO LOAN?

After you have reviewed costs of car ownership outside of the actual cost of purchasing the car, you next should turn your attention to the type of car you can truly afford. Of the 15 percent of your net income allocated toward auto expenses, you should target between 7-8% of that toward the auto loan itself. Also, getting lured into a longer loan period in order

to lower your monthly payments is not always the best choice. You should target a maximum loan term of 48 months if possible. Also, when looking at car prices, you need to factor in other costs that aren’t advertised such as sales tax and dealership fees.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT DEPRECIATION

Cars are a depreciating asset. Edmunds estimates that a new car loses nine percent of its value when you drive it off the lot and 19 percent of its value by the end of the first year of ownership. Depreciation is not an explicit cost that you can see every month, but it’s something to consider when it comes to resale value as well as how much you should finance.

Let’s take a look at the hypothetical example of Bob. Bob buys a new car and finances 100 percent of the purchase price (he puts no money down). Bob drives off the lot and immediately his car loses some value due to depreciation. 10 months later, Bob’s car is stolen and his insurance will only cover the replacement value of the car which is less than the loan he has outstanding on the car. Bob will now need to come up with the difference between what his insurance will pay and what the loan balance is to pay off the lender. For reasons like this, consider putting a down payment of 10-20 percent of the purchase price instead of financing 100 percent of the cost to buy the car.

Turn to Page 14

12 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

SEPTEMBER 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 13

SPORTS

WITH

JUAN REYES

Small but mighty senior class powering Aptos

By JUAN REYES APTOS — The number of seniors on the Aptos High football team continue to drop year after year but it’s no excuse for a team that expects nothing less than a trip to the Central Coast Section playoffs.

And those seniors who remain on the team are ready to meet those expectations.

“Everyone’s kind of worried about it because we lost a lot of starting seniors from last year, but we also got a lot of returners who are super excited to play,” said senior Josh Powell. “I think it’s still going to be a great year.”

Powell is a perfect fit for the Mariners’ run-heavy attack. He ran for 801 yards and 11 touchdowns on 127 touches last season Joining him in the backfield is senior fullback Dre Gomez, who’s also a huge contributor on defense as the team’s linebacker.

Gomez recorded five sacks and a pair of interceptions for the Mariners last year.

Both players have banded together, and pushed one another and the rest of the team to play as one unit.

“We’re super tight,” Powell said. “We’re staying after practice, talking and making jokes, so we’re like a family out here. It’s fun playing with your brothers right beside you.”

Powell and the other seniors that have gone the distance hope to return one last time to end their high school career with a league championship and a deep run in the CCS playoffs.

Aptos High is coming off a championship season after it captured its fourth CCS title since 2013.

The Mariners defeated Sacred Heart Prep

The Aptos High football team practices leading up to the 2019 season. — Juan Reyes/LIFE

in last year’s CCS Division III title game after they failed to win a CCS playoff game for the first time since 2011.

Aptos (1,458 students) will be the second-smallest public school in the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Gabilan division, according to USNews.com.

The Mariners are going to miss Shane Modena, Marco Reyes and Hunter Matys, who were all difference makers during last season’s title run.

Reyes was named the PCAL-Gabilan division Player of the Year and finished with more than a dozen school records at running back. He set season marks for rushing yards (1,933), points (218) and touchdowns (36).

He also set career marks in rushing attempts (372), rushing yards (3,683), points (344) and touchdowns (57). On defense, he

l o o h c S o t ck

Ba

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recorded more than 100 tackles last season The Mariners also lost all-league first team selections Silvano Lopez and Josh Sousa- Jimenez.

Powell said there’s a lot more four-year seniors who played big minutes for a team that advanced to the postseason for the ninth straight season.

“We have a lot of people still in the program, understanding that football is big around here,” Powell said. “Seeing all the seniors lead and stepping up...it’s real cool seeing all the seniors, not just the juniors who started last year.”

Powell will be a go-to option in head coach Randy Blankenship’s Wing-T offense. The 5-foot-9, 182-pound back got some significant playing time last season.

Gomez will also be another big back that

could pound the ball in during goal line situations.

“I feel like we can expect a lot of high tempo plays and expect a lot of leadership from this year’s team,” Gomez said. “I feel like this year’s team is as great as last year.

I feel like we can really make a name for ourselves this year as well.”

PCAL-G newcomers Carmel High (870) will be the smallest of the seven public schools in the division.

The league also features Christopher High, Alvarez High, Gilroy High, Salinas High and San Benito High. Palma is the lone private school in the division.

“It’s different and we got a different vibe,” said senior Casey Bailey. “We’re able to run the ball and we’re fast. Our lineman is good.”

Bailey (6-1, 215) is expected to miss a little bit of time at the beginning of the season because of an injury. But he said he should be back soon.

“We run to the ball and guys are hitting,” Bailey said. “Since the jamboree I noticed that every one is ready to hit and not afraid to hit people.”

The experience up front could lead to more open gaps and running lanes to run through.

Vaughen Holland (6-2, 170) is expected to see more carries this season after Bubba Gallardo left following graduation.

“This year I’ve been motivating younger groups and just being more of a vocal leader, encouraging more and stepping up by being a better player this year,” Gomez said.

The Mariners will head into their PCAL-G opener against San Benito (Sept. 27).

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28% or 1.6 million crashes each year involve cell phones.

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates 1.4 million crashes each year are caused by drivers using cell phones and a minimum of 200,000 additional crashes are caused by drivers who are texting.

Distracted driving claimed 3,450 lives in 2016 alone.

Distracted driving kills. It’s up to you to stay focused and pay attention behind the wheel.

This urgent message of safety brought to you by:

SEPTEMBER 2019

14 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Senior isolation Helping children Continued from page 11

seniors are struggling with increasing costs of rent, medication, food and transportation.

As a result, having stable, affordable housing provides a basis for everything from social contact to financial stability. Supporting affordable senior housing projects, pairing seniors with additional rooms with roommates (and vice-versa) and increasing the amount of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for seniors were all mentioned as important policy approaches.

Other takeaways from the meeting included increasing the number of in-home supportive services (IHSS) workers. These workers provide lifeline help and regular contact and companionship for seniors. The exhibit offered other ways that we could all help including volunteering more with programs that help seniors including meals on wheels and other programs as well as offering to install grab bars in bathrooms or other mobility supports.

If you’re interested in visiting the exhibit, and looking at the action center in the exhibit to see ways you can help with senior isolation, it will run at the MAH until Jan. 12 of next year. After January the exhibit will be taken to a few additional counties on a regional tour. As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts. Feel free to call me at 454-220 or visit my office

How much car A QUICK EXAMPLE

Let’s look at the hypothetical example of Bob using some of the rules of thumb we laid out. Bob makes $60,000 net income (after-tax). He should target at most $9,000/yr or $750/mo on auto expenses. Of the $9,000/yr, Bob should target a maximum of $4,800/yr on auto loan payments (or $400/mo). Bob diligently researches used cars and finds one for sale at $20,000. He factors in sales tax and fees and understands the true sales

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS Children (and adults) have a wide range of feelings and reactions to traumatic events, including anger, fear, sadness, confusion, guilt, depression, and anxiety. Some children express themselves verbally, while others are quiet or withdrawn. Sometimes, children’s behaviors speak louder than words.

Crying, angry outbursts, and difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating are common signs that children and teens are in emotional pain.

PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN TO EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS If children and teens want to talk, listen to their thoughts, feelings, and opinions.

Encourage them to ask questions, and answer with age-appropriate information.

Young children may need help putting their feelings into words, while older children and teens may want concrete reassurance – or have their own ideas – about what can be done to restore a sense of safety at home, school, and in the community. If children or teens don’t want to (or can’t) talk, encourage them

Continued from page 11

to express themselves through art, music, picture books, or imaginary play.

MONITOR CHILDREN’S EXPOSURE TO NEWS, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND ADULT CONVERSATIONS. While being aware of current events is important, constant exposure to negative news can contribute to increased anxiety and fears. When young children see or hear repeated news coverage of a traumatic event, they might believe it’s happening repeatedly or close by. And even if they don’t understand what’s being said, children can sense and react to their caregivers’ emotions. Older children and teens are more likely to be able to understand what’s being said, which could lead to feeling hopeless or a lack of control over their friends’ and family’s safety.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF Notice your emotions and take a break from the news when you feel overwhelmed, anxious or angry. Set a good example by telling your kids how you’re feeling and saying you need to take care of yourself. Then find a healthy outlet for those feelings – e.g. exercising,

meditating, deep breathing, praying, reading, talking to someone, journaling, or just sitting quietly by yourself.

FINAL THOUGHTS It’s often easier to let fear rule our heads and hearts instead of love and compassion.

Teaching children (and ourselves) tools to cope with distress might not stop traumatic events from happening again, but it can help restore a sense of safety and hope for a better future.

Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 15 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.

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price will be closer to $22,000. Bob puts 20 percent (or $4,400) down and finances the remaining balance of $17,600 over 48 months at a rate of four percent. That puts his monthly loan payments within budget at just under $400/mo or $4,800/yr.

As you can see, there are many factors and expenses to consider when purchasing a car. It’s important to remember that the guidelines laid out in this article are exactly that, guidelines. Your individual circumstances may mean that you

can afford more or less than what is outlined here. What you don’t want to do is be lured into a car payment that looks enticing at the dealership without budgeting for the all the other expenses that come with owning a car.

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.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Sept. 11 Santa Cruz County Fair The Santa Cruz County Fair celebrates the rich agricultural history of our community and people, and invests heavily in bringing this heritage to our youth. The 2019 Fair will be held Sept.11-15 at the fairgrounds located on Highway 152 just east of Watsonville. Information on the fair and the fairgrounds — a year round entertainment and event venue — can be found at santacruzcountyfair.com

Sept. 14 Capitola Art & Wine Festival

Capitola Art & Wine Festival combines art, wine, music and food, all in charming

Capitola Village overlooking the Monterey Bay from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The kids art & music area provides ongoing craft projects for the younger set, as well as musical play featuring MusicalMe. Enjoy fantastic entertainment all weekend, including local dance and performing arts groups, street performers and live music. For information: capitolaartandwine. com.

Pasta Dinner and Auction A delicious way to support kids and families in our community. Join us at the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, 7807 Soquel Drive, for dinner, drinks and a lively auction to support the Live Like Coco foundation. Wine is included in price of ticket ($50).

Event starts at 5:30 p.m. Buy tickets at eventbrite.

Sept. 15 Run for Rio 5k

The sixth annual Run For Rio 5k is a fun community event for the entire family at beautiful Seascape Park in Aptos. The event promotes health and wellness, while also raising funds for Rio Del Mar Elementary School. This race is hosted by the Rio Del Mar Parent Alliance in support of students and teachers. There is also a 1k run for kids 7 & under.

To signup: runsignup.com/Race/ CA/Aptos/RUNFORRIO5k.

Sept. 20 Golden Goals Auction and Celebration Join our many supporters at Community Foundation of

Santa Cruz County, 7807 Soquel Drive to celebrate Aztecas’ inspiring successes and dreams for our community. Enjoy great local food, drink and music while socializing and bidding on auction items to benefit the Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy.

Event starts at 5 p.m. Tickets available on eventbrite.

Santa Cruz Mountain SOL Festival

A three day music festival in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains at Roaring Camp Meadows. A weekend of great music, community, craft beer & wine, camping and art. Beach Train Shuttle (Saturday and Sunday only) also available. 2019 Artists: Bob Weir (Grateful Dead, Dead & Co) and Wolf Bros, Chicano Batman, Beats Antique, Billy Strings and more. Tickets: santacruzmountainsol.com

Sept. 21 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to fight Alzheimer’s. Join the Aptos walk at Seascape Resort and Park at 9 a.m. and help raise awareness and funds for care, support and research.

Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival

Julia Robinson Mathematics Festivals inspire students to explore the richness and beauty of mathematics through 10 different math stations staffed with a mathematical guide to encourage collaborative, creative problem-solving. The festival is open to students from 5th to 8th grade.There are a limited number of tickets, which are available through eventbrite.

SEPTEMBER 2019

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 15