Aptos Life | Feb. 2020

FEBRUARY 2020 VOL. 8, NO. 6

N O I S I EC

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FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

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Editor’s note

D

ecisions, decisions. By the time this publication is in your hands, you’ll most likely be weighing the future of Santa Cruz County. There are two Supervisor seats up for grabs—District 5 Supervisor Bruce McPherson is also up for reelection but is running unopposed— and both races bring intrigue.

County voters are also tasked with selecting a new Superior Court Judge, Tony Nuñez a pair of U.S. Representatives, a state senator and two assemblymembers.

Oh, and don’t forget about those pesky measures. All of that can be exhausting, confusing and overwhelming— and I didn’t even mention the presidential candidates.

My hope is that this month’s Aptos Life will make the March 3 election—at least the local decisions—a bit clearer. We’re not picking sides in any of the offices on the ballot, and we’re not endorsing any measure either. What we are doing is presenting the case for each decision in two key mid-county battles and giving you quick introductions to the others.

Incumbent Zach Friend and challenger Becky Steinbruner are facing off for the District 2 Supervisor seat for the second consecutive election and Cabrillo College is once again asking voters to foot the bill for a slew of repairs, upgrades and additions to the county’s lone community college. You can find stories about these two races on pages 4 and 5, respectively. And interspersed between these stories and your usual Aptos Life entries you’ll also find bios for each candidate that has decided to journey into the crazy world of politics.

Some of you might already have your mind made up, and others might still be on the fence about one of the local races. Either way, I hope you can find this useful.

Happy voting!

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Local elections

8

History Corner

12 Community Chatter 13 Word from a Friend 15 New business 18 Cabrillo Gallery 22 Calendar CEO & Executive Editor

Dan Pulcrano Publisher

Jeanie Johnson Editor

Tony Nuñez Editorial

Todd Guild Johanna Miller Tony Nuñez Tarmo Hannula Photography

Tarmo Hannula Contributoring writers

John Hibble Zach Friend Nicole M. Young Gary & Soren Croxall Advertising Sales

Tina Chavez Lupita Ortiz Jazmine Ancira Production

Rob Chalhoub

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

CONTACT US

831.761.7300 tnunez@pajaronian.com

Because you are enough.

WWW.HOTSOURCEYOGASTUDIO.COM 831.661.5030 | 7960 Soquel Dr. Aptos, Ca 95003

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Pause. Unplug. Connect.

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LOCAL ELECTIONS: COUNTY SUPERVISOR, DISTRICT 2

photo by Tarmo Hannula

ROUND 2 Incumbent Zach Friend (left) and return challenger Becky Steinbruner are running for Santa Cruz County Supervisor in District 2.

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

A familiar fight Friend, Steinbruner face off again for Supervisor seat

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By TONY NUÑEZ

Z

ach Friend is running for his third term as Santa Cruz County Supervisor in the 2nd District against a familiar foe.

Becky Steinbruner, an outspoken community activist living in rural Aptos, will challenge the incumbent for the second time. She lost to Friend in 2016, a year after she tried to unseat the Supervisor via a recall effort.

“People should have a choice,” Steinbruner, 64, said. “I’m not running to make a name for myself or to advance my image or my status.”

Steinbruner said she ran against Friend in 2016 for the same reason. She said she now has a better grasp on

the process of local government, and wants to make it as accessible as possible for residents by increasing transparency and accountability.

“The [Board of Supervisors] meetings are held, but the outcome rarely reflects what the people said,” Steinbruner said.

She would also advocate for County Fire to receive more funding to help protect the rural and scenic areas of the county.

Friend, 40, championed the Supervisors’ stance and progress on affordable housing, public safety and parks.

For public safety, he promoted the addition of more Sheriff ’s officers and a special investigator for ➝6

LOCAL ELECTIONS: MEASURE R

Cabrillo College asks voters for support

By TODD GUILD

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Tony Nuñez/Aptos Life

ith several aging buildings in need of upgrades, and an ambitious list of projects on the drawing board, Cabrillo College administrators are hoping that voters will approve a $274.1 million bond measure on the March 3 ballot to pay for it all.

Measure R would place about $19 per assessed $100,000 value of homes on annual property tax bills. It needs a simple majority vote to pass.

See bit.ly/2vsGjdz for the full text of the measure, and www.cabrillo.edu/bond2020/ for the college’s description.

One of the largest projects on the college’s list is a public safety training center for the Watsonville campus,

where law enforcement officials and firefighters could receive professional training. That project is estimated at $23 million.

The college also plans to spend $84 million on a new science building, $72.9 million to renovate the library on the Aptos campus, $17 million for technology upgrades and $60.7 million for a complete redesign of the student services department.

The college would also redesign some of its larger lecture spaces to hold more classrooms, thus increasing the number of high-demand classes it can offer.

A $310 million bond with a similar list of projects failed in 2016.

The new comparatively smaller dollar amount and more comprehensive list of uses for the money ➝ 14

CAMPAIGN CIRCUIT Cabrillo College President Matthew Wetstein (right) is

making the rounds to organizations around the county asking for their endorsement.

Join Us In Supporting Zach Friend for Supervisor Representative Sam Farr (former) State Senator Bill Monning State Assemblymember Mark Stone Santa Cruz County Supervisor Robley Levy (ret) Santa Cruz County Supervisor Ellen Pirie (ret)

County Office of Education Superintendent Faris Sabbah Superintendent Michael Watkins (Ret) Trustee Rose Filicetti Trustee Dana Sales Trustee Jane Barr

Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau Santa Cruz County Democratic Party Democratic Women’s Club of Santa Cruz County Mid County Democratic Club Katharine Minott James Baker Dan Carillo Jeff and Adele Talmadge Maggie Barr Pat Shand Anne Marie Sorcenelli Maureen McCarty Andrew Goldenkranz Susan and Nels Westman Tere and Paul Carrubba Lila Steiner Steve and Amanda Allen

Lynn and Shirley Miller Pat Emard Marq and Liz Lipton Warren and Jana Barry Sara Clarenbach Mary Anne and Tom Jorde Al and Margit Aramburu Erik Swannack Karen and John Hibble Pat and Ed Manning Cindy Jackson Henry Cleveland Jeanne Harrison Al DeCamara Fay Levinson Joe Vela Doug and Kim Mattos Chuck and Ramona Allen Heysa Janssen Tim Carl Dave Culver Tom Hart Peggy Eklund Christopher M. DiMaio M.D. Ted Burke Les Forester Ben and Lori Dettling

Remember to Vote March 3rd! www.friendforsupervisor.com

Paid for by Friend for Supervisor 2020 FPPC# 1379918

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Sheriff Jim Hart District Attorney Jeff Rosell Sheriff Phil Wowak (ret) Watsonville Police Chief Terry Medina (ret) Sheriff Steve Robbins (ret) Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Aptos/La Selva Fire Union Local 3535 Aptos/La Selva Fire Board of Directors: Joe Foster, Orbrad Darbo Central Fire Protection Board of Directors: John Lucchesi

Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board Member Kim De Serpa Board Member Jennifer Holm Board Member Jeff Ursino (Former) Board Member Leslie DeRose (Former) Cabrillo College Board of Trustees Trustee J. Dan Rothwell

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SUPERVISOR

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crimes against seniors in the District Attorney’s Office, as well as the construction of the mid-county public safety center, which opened in Aptos last year. And for parks, he pointed to the creation of the Pinto Lake pump track and the ongoing construction of the beginner skate park in Seacliff.

Friend holds endorsements from a slew of local officials, including State Senator Bill Monning, State Assemblymember Mark Stone, County Office of Education Superintendent Faris Sabbah, Sheriff Jim Hart, District Attorney Jeff Rosell and nearly all Capitola and Watsonville city council members.

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

HOUSING

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The Supervisors in November of last year approved a 100 percent affordable housing project on Capitola Road that included 57 housing units, as well as community health and dental centers.

Friend said that it should be the “model” project for a county that continues to struggle with skyrocketing housing prices and homelessness.

“That’s an unassailable project,” Friend said.

Steinbruner, however, said the approval process did not involve the nearby neighbors enough. As supervisor, she would introduce a staking and flagging ordinance, which would require the county to create a temporary structure of the proposed development with the exact height of the project in the days leading up to its public hearing. That, she said, would allow residents to get involved at the right time.

“A lot of people call me a NIMBY, but I don’t think that’s a fair assessment,” Steinbruner said.

“I only want the public to have proper input.”

Friend said that the county can no longer look at housing with the same mindset of the last three decades, and that the process is not what many neighbors have gripes with.

“Everybody agrees that housing is the No. 1 issue and you talk about homelessness, which is directly associated with housing cost, and so how do you look at those two problems and ➝ 20

LOCAL ELECTIONS: COUNTY SUPERVISOR, DISTRICT 1 There will be a six-person race for Supervisor in the county’s first district. Betsy Riker, Benjamin T. Cogan, Mark Esquibel, Donald “Kase” Kreutz and Manu Koenig will all challenge incumbent John Leopold. The following statements were submitted to the county’s election office. Riker did not submit a statement.

John Leopold (Incumbent)

Benjamin T. Cogan

Manu Koenig

As your Supervisor, I continue to work tirelessly to strengthen our community, empower our neighborhoods and accomplish our shared goals.

We have protected our neighborhoods by limiting vacation rentals. When oil companies eyed our county for new development, we developed regulations that made us the first to ban fracking in the state. When flight paths changed causing severe noise pollution, we forced the FAA to come to the table to address the concerns of our community.

Through our shared commitment to our community we have built a Boys & Girls Club, the first family healthcare office in Live Oak, Heart of Soquel Park and the first all-inclusive playground at Chanticleer Park. Partnering with our schools we have created the awardwinning Cradle to Career program, helping families achieve their hopes and dreams.

The experience I have gained and the trust you have given me has produced results. Let’s continue by protecting our neighbors in mobile home parks from out-of-town speculators and provide resources for our most vulnerable families. Let’s work together to address the critical issues of transportation, climate change and affordable housing.

No one will outwork me. No one will listen more attentively. Send me your ideas: john@friendsofjohnleopold.com.

On March 3, please vote for John Leopold.

I am running to make a difference because I believe in Santa Cruz.

I see our government slipping away from the will of the people. Local policy is currently coming from appointed officials, stake holders and outside interest groups in the form of regional policy. AMBAG represents this. I will insure that the people’s voice is heard as part of the policy making process.

I have been a full time mechanic for over 12 years and work hard like you to pay my bills. I have a strong passion for our freedom. The constitution was written to protect people like us from government overreach and preserve our unalienable rights. I honor the position of county Supervisor as a way of service and a responsibility like jury duty. Standing up to unjust laws, unnecessary regulations and protecting property rights. I’m interested in re-instating the citizen’s appeals board for the planning department. I will open the dialog on potential impacts of the 5G infrastructure. I would like to find solutions for the housing crisis and create community gardens. I am a BSA Eagle Scout. On March 3 I recommend we vote via paper ballot, and then I request your vote.

Santa Cruz County has been my family’s home for three generations.

I’m committed to helping our community overcome impossible housing costs, stifling traffic, and appalling suffering among the homeless, so that this remains a great place to live.

I’m motivated by the climate crisis and have dedicated my career to building political will through community engagement and new solutions. After graduating from Stanford University, I founded a company enabling anyone to propose new policy and vote online. As Executive Director of Santa Cruz County Greenway I’ve advocated tirelessly for bike and pedestrian safety, building a trail in the rail corridor, and using our tax dollars wisely.

Having served on the Board of Directors for my own business, as well as that of Digital Nest, and the City of Santa Cruz’s Downtown Commission, I understand the importance of proactively setting the agenda.

I will set the agenda to serve you by: helping first time home buyers, building affordable housing, improving public transit, installing protected bike lanes, reducing needle litter and getting vulnerable people off of the streets and into places where they can heal.

Together we’ll make our county government transparent, responsive, and effective.

I’d be honored by your vote.

‘People should have a choice.

I’m not running to make a name for myself or to advance my image or my status.’

- Becky Steinbruner

Mark Esquibel Contaminated homeless encampments, sky-high taxes, needles everywhere, neglected roads, endless Highway 1 gridlock, “catch-and-release” for violent offenders, greedy out-of-town developers denying public access, a mental health crisis, and a billion dollar fantasy railroad bankrupting local taxpayers.

Is this the Surf City paradise that we grew up in? Enough is enough. Over 10 years of electing the status quo has taken its toll on our community. Everywhere around us, there are major challenges that go on ignored by the local political establishment. People have asked me, “Why are you running for this office?” So let me ask you this…are you better off now than you were a decade ago? If your answer is no, keep reading.

I have 20 years of experience in successfully managing hazardous and potentially life-threatening disasters.

Having been raised by a single Mom, I value family and am a working father of three.

In my early years, I served my community as a beach lifeguard assisting in ocean rescues. As a native son of Santa Cruz, I know I’m not alone in wanting to take pride in our hometown again.

It’s time for real representation, real change, and real results. Make your mark.

Vote Mark Esquibel for Supervisor.

Donald Kase Kreutz My name is Donald Kase Kreutz and I am running for Supervisor in the First District of Santa Cruz County. It is time at a local level to accomplish tasks that our leaders are incapable of resolving.

In broad strokes, and with apologies for the brevity of my explanation, I would pursue the following: build affordable housing, increase tenant protection including for mobile home owners, mobile home park rule changes and code enforcement, immediate naturalization for all foreign born residents, jobs training, increase 24 by 24 public transit while limiting auto access for non-residents, Aeolians on Summit Road, universal rent control, increase minimum wage, all employers required to provide some benefits.

The big votes: banning of all private firearm ownership including for police, an end to local taxpayer support for all United States wars and if passed, secessionparliamentary democracy-protection by a civilian army (Swiss model), a future as a true civilized democracy, beyond the NRA, CIA, the neo cons or the greed that is destroying the world, country and our lives.

LOCAL ELECTIONS: SUPERIOR COURT Annrae Angel, Nancy de la Peña and Jack Gordon will battle for Department 1.

The following statements were submitted to the county’s election office.

Annrae Angel Judges Matter. In Santa Cruz County, we can protect our community from violent and other crimes by improving how we manage drug and mental health offenses in the courts.

Over my three-decade career in civil, family, and criminal law, I have argued thousands of cases that exposed me to a range of solutions to problems that confront communities every day. My early days as a law clerk with a district attorney, my many years representing court-appointed and low-income clients, and my courtroom experience as a pro tem judge all taught me to listen carefully, treat everyone fairly, compassionately and with dignity, and decide each case ethically.

Nancy de la Peña If elected I will bring experience, integrity and diversity to the Santa Cruz County Superior Court.

Throughout my thirty-three years as both a Santa Cruz County Deputy Public Defender and an Assistant Santa Cruz County Counsel, I handled thousands of criminal, dependency and juvenile cases. My years of trial experience have taught me that listening and treating people with respect are not only good qualities in an advocate, but are the same skills that help ensure that I will be both an effective and fair judge.

With many years of local practice, I bring the respect, support and endorsement of numerous Judges from the Santa Cruz County Superior Court. Not only am I supported by many lawyers in the Santa Cruz criminal

Jack Gordon

Pregnant Mare Rescue Project P.O. Box 962, Aptos, CA 95001 Email: Pmrhorses@pregnantmarerescue.com

www.PregnantMareRescue.org

(408) 540-8568 We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charity #26-0484620

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defense bar, I am also endorsed

by Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart, members of the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement officers, and other elected officials. The local leaders who support my candidacy know I will work hard, treat people with dignity, and serve our entire community.

I am proud to be a part of this community. My wife, Janet, and I raised our two daughters in Santa Cruz. I coached local youth soccer teams for ten years here and have been a member of the Board of Directors of Familia Center, the Santa Cruz County Women Lawyers, and the Santa Cruz County Bar Association.

I would be honored to earn your vote for judge.

Prior to my law practice, I served as a law enforcement officer for the City of San Jose and the County of Santa Cruz for sixteen years. I was elected President of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, co-authored California State Sheriff’s Association Statutory Duties and Authorities Manual (1988-1989), served as Team Leader for the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), and worked on special assignment with both the Homicide Task Force and Rape Task Force. I earned my B.A. in History from San Jose State University and completed my Juris Doctorate degree from Santa Clara University.

The right experience equals the right choice.

Vote for Jack Gordon, Superior Court Judge.

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

I have spent my entire professional career in the local criminal justice field becoming a practicing attorney in 1993 and am known as one of the most respected attorneys in the Bay Area. In my law practice I have effectively handled over 1,000 juvenile cases and over 1,500 adult criminal cases, including 25 cases involving representation of individuals charged with murder. I have also served as an Instructor at San Jose State University’s Institute of Criminal Investigations and on the Santa Clara County Arbitration Panel. I was appointed for multiple terms by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors as a Civil Service Commissioner for over 10 years, including serving as Chair.

Most importantly, as a 27-year resident, with two children educated in Santa Cruz County public schools, I care deeply about the well-being of our community. That’s why I was the only attorney principled and courageous enough to challenge an incumbent who had violated judicial ethics. I will have the strength to bring drug and mental health services into the courtrooms, improve the juvenile justice system, and short-circuit the cycle of re-offense. That’s why 24 Superior Court judges and commissioners, over 100 attorneys, multiple local groups, and hundreds of community members throughout Santa Cruz County endorse me.

Please vote Annrae Angel, March 3, 2020.

Mention Pregnant Mare Rescue Project when shopping at Deluxe Foods and You’ll Help our Local Horses!

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HISTORY CORNER

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

T

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he Native people who lived here and gave Aptos its name, lived on the land and were stewards of it.

They may have been territorial, but they did not have the concept of land ownership. The first owners of this land would have been the King of Spain and the church. After the Mexican Revolution, the land was taken from the church and given to prominent local families for their service.

In 1833, the first private ownership of land in our community was granted to Rafael Castro by the Mexican Governor Jose Figueroa as a reward for his military and political service. The “Aptos Rancho” included 5,500 acres stretching from Borregas Gulch near Cabrillo College to Seascape Boulevard and inland over two miles. His father was granted Rancho San Andres to the southeast and his sister Martina, was granted Rancho Soquel to the northwest. In 1840, Aptos Rancho was increased to 6,685.91 acres by Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado.

Don Jose Rafael de Jesus Castro was born Oct. 15, 1803, at Villa de Branciforte, the town across the river from Mission Santa Cruz. He was the sixth child of 15 born to Jose Joaquin Castro and Maria Antonia Amador Castro.

Rafael’s father Joaquin, at the age of five, had traveled with his parents to Alta California with the Anza expedition. Because of the Russian presence in the north, Juan Bautista de Anza brought 30 soldiers and their families from Sinoloa, Mexico in 1775, to help populate California, reinforce Monterey and to establish a

photos courtesy of Aptos History Museum

The First Family of Aptos

John Hibble Aptos History Museum

mission at San Francisco.

As a young man, Rafael enlisted in the military and served 10 years in the Monterey cavalry where he attained the rank of corporal.

During that time, he married Soledad Cota at the Santa Cruz mission in 1823. He was 20 years old and she was 15. Their marriage was a rocky one and they filed for divorce three times, but they never completed the process.

Rafael made the mistake of building his first house on the river near the confluence of Aptos and Valencia Creeks. In 1840, flood waters filled the adobe house and it was abandoned. The next house was a two-story woodframe house with a porch on all four sides. The top floor was a dance floor and skating rink. There was a piano on each floor. This hacienda was located on the bluff above the creek. It once sat where the rear parking lot is now at 347 Spreckels Drive, and it extended out into Highway One where the northern/western railroad trestle crosses. It was reached by a long driveway off Wharf Road. Later, the abandoned house was known as Leghorn Castle for the flocks of chickens raised there. The house was destroyed by fire in 1920.

During the rancho period, a man’s wealth was counted in cattle and the Castros raised large herds for their hides and tallow which were traded to Yankee sailors.

Travelers were even allowed to kill cattle for food as long as they left the hide. There were far more cattle than the small population could eat. As a result, the abundance of surplus meat led to an increase in the population of Grizzly Bears who fed on the leftovers.

Rafael held many public offices.

Because he could read and write, he became a Juez de Campo, one who

A LOOK BACK Above: The Rafael Castro house was home to the “First Family”

of Aptos back in 1830s. Below: Rafael and Soledad Castro.

kept track of cattle herds and who settled questions of ownership. In 1835 he was Sindico of Branciforte and clerk of the election board.

They voted him Alcalde in 1836.

When it was determined that Branciforte didn’t have enough people to be an official pueblo, Monterey designated him an auxiliary Alcalde. In 1836 he worked for the Sindico and the following year held that office. In 1842 and 1843 he was the Justice of the Peace and Alcalde again in 1843.

In 1848, California was annexed to the United States as a territory and in 1850 became a state. The legal system changed. The official language changed from Spanish to English and the local Californios became second class citizens.

Landowners were required to provide proof of ownership. Many San Francisco lawyers charged one third of the value of the

land as their fee to represent the landowners. As a result, attorneys acquired large amounts of property in lieu of cash payment. Rafael was able to make it through the bureaucratic process on his own.

His property was surveyed in 1858

by John Wallace, Deputy Surveyor to the U.S. Surveyor General, recorded in 1859 and his patent was confirmed by letter from President James Buchanan dated April 23, 1860. It was the oldest surviving grant at the time it was confirmed.

(Case #172, Southern District.)

Rafael was an excellent businessman. He deeded some of his land to his children, but he was able to keep most of it for his retirement.

With the coming of the Americans, Rafael gave leases for farms, mineral rights, logging, a lumber mill, a flour mill and a wharf. He utilized the services of ➝ 19

ASK NICOLE

By Nicole M. Young, MSW

Raising children with special needs

R

aising children is like riding a wild roller coaster with exhilarating highs, terrifying lows, and unexpected twists and turns.

Some parents love the actionpacked roller coaster and find joy and laughter even in the midst of tantrums and attitudes. Other parents close their eyes and hold on for dear life. And when the wild ride ends each day, we catch our breath and get back in line to experience it all over again.

Now imagine being on that same wild roller coaster, but on a deserted island. This is an analogy I once heard from a family who has a child with special needs, or disability. They felt exhausted like many other parents, and also judged and isolated at times because their child had difficulty interacting with other people. Yet these parents also experienced the joys and rewards of parenting that led them to get in line to experience the wild ride every day.

This monthly article provides tips for families raising 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 have two daughters who are very strong-willed. However, I feel like they are “easy” compared to my 4-year-old who has autism. He can say a few words but mostly uses gestures and sounds to tell us what he wants and gets angry (aggressive) when we don’t understand him. It’s hard to go anywhere with him because it’s so stressful. What should I do?

Ann Dear Ann, Children of all ages and abilities need safe and loving environments in order to become healthy, welladjusted adults. And like their “typically-developing” peers, children with special needs benefit from having opportunities to develop new skills, form positive relationships and become active in their communities. Here are some tips:

ASK Nicole Spend quality time together This is the foundation for building positive relationships between all parents and children. Give your son brief and frequent attention throughout the day.

Stop what you’re doing and talk or sit with him while he’s engaged in an activity that interests him.

Although some children with special needs may not show an interest in or reciprocate the affection, the loving and consistent attention reassures them that their parents and caregivers are available when they’re needed.

Have realistic expectations

Teach your child to communicate what he wants Someone once said, “All behavior is communication.”

This is particularly true for children who have limited verbal

Final Thoughts: All children need love, affection, security, and opportunities to develop important life skills. Although their level of independence and abilities may vary, children with special needs can become adults who live full and meaningful lives. It all begins with finding a way off the deserted island and riding the wild roller coaster with all the other exhilarated, exhausted parents.

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.

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Children with special needs grow and learn at different rates, just like their typically-developing peers. Although that sounds obvious, it’s common to expect too much too soon and become disappointed or frustrated when children can’t do certain tasks. It can also be problematic if parents’ expectations are too low and they miss opportunities to teach their children important self-care, social and communication skills.

It’s equally important to have realistic expectations for yourself.

Many parents of children with special needs experience strong emotions such as fear, guilt, grief, anger and resentment. This can lead parents to believe they should be available 24 hours a day, or they must protect their children from all hardships, which can lead to burnout or a sense of failure.

Having realistic expectations is a form of self-care, which makes it easier for parents to remain calm, nurturing and available.

communication. Yelling, screaming and biting are often children’s way of expressing emotions, asking for attention or help, or avoiding unpleasant tasks or situations.

These behaviors can be replaced by teaching children to communicate with short phrases, sign language, pictures, printed words, or gestures. If your son gets frustrated when he needs help, teach him to point to a picture that represents help. Get his attention, then prompt him to ask for help by saying, “Point to the Help picture.”

At first, you may need to gently guide his finger to point to the picture. Keep practicing this, and give descriptive praise each time he points to the picture – “Nice job asking for help!” Eventually, he will learn to ask for help with fewer prompts and less physical guidance.

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FINANCIAL ADVICE

The SECURE Act

I

n December 2019, Congress passed the SECURE Act which is the first major change to retirement legislation since 2006 with the passage of the Pension Protection Act. The passage of the SECURE Act will affect retirement savers in a number of ways from changes to IRA contributions, Required Minimum Distributions, availability of annuities within workplace retirement plans, and so on. We have outlined a few of the major changes that may impact you or beneficiaries of your retirement accounts.

Traditional IRA Contributions

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Before the passage of the SECURE Act, once you reached age 70.5 you could no longer contribute to a traditional IRA even if you still had earned income. Now, you can continue to contribute to a traditional IRA beyond age 70.5 provided you still have earned income. This is a nice change considering that more Americans are working longer, and many are working into their 70’s. It’s also important to note that it was only traditional IRA contributions that were previously age capped. For example, Roth IRAs and workplace retirement plans like 401(k)s did not place

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are a few exceptions to this that we won’t discuss in this article).

This can allow for a few extra years of tax deferred savings and growth within the account.

The “Stretch” IRA

an age limit on contributions.

Required Minimum Distributions If you have any kind of retirement account, age 70.5 has probably stuck out in your mind as an important age. That’s because prior to the passage of the SECURE Act, age 70.5 was the age when typically you needed to begin taking withdrawals from your tax deferred retirement accounts and paying applicable taxes owed. There were a few exceptions to age 70.5 that we won’t get into in this article, but for the most part, age 70.5 was an important age for retirement savers. With the passage of the SECURE Act, anyone who has not reached age 70.5 by the end of 2019 can now potentially push back the start of their Required Minimum Distributions (“RMDs”) from tax deferred retirement accounts until age 72 (again, there

Unfortunately, in order to be able to push back the starting age of RMDs for retirement accounts, some things had to change. The SECURE Act does away with the lifetime distribution option for nonspouse beneficiaries of retirement accounts. Prior to the passage of the SECURE Act, a non-spouse beneficiary of a retirement account could elect to move the assets into an inherited IRA (or inherited Roth IRA) and take out annual required minimum distributions based on a life expectancy table produced by the IRS. This was particularly advantageous to younger beneficiaries who could withdrawal the minimum required each year and keep the bulk of the account tax deferred and growing over a long period of time (potentially decades). Now, with the passage of the SECURE Act, most non-spouse beneficiaries of retirement accounts will be required to completely withdrawal the account within 10 years (and pay all applicable tax owed).

Retirement Plan Changes The SECURE Act will make it easier for plan sponsors of

workplace retirement plans to offer annuities inside of retirement plans. The SECURE Act also makes a few changes to the rules regarding employee eligibility for participation in employer sponsored plans. Part time workers who may not have worked enough hours previously may find they are now eligible to participate under the new rules in the SECURE Act. Like most changes, the new SECURE Act offers both some advantages and some disadvantages to investors and their heirs. The important thing is to be aware of how some of the significant changes may affect your personal financial planning and if there are any changes or adjustments that should be considered.

Gary E. Croxall, CFP® Registered Principal of LPL Soren E. Croxall, CFP®, CFA 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.

REAL ESTATE REPORT

A recap of 2019’s real estate market

I

Broker Associate & MBA

condos closed at $815,000 and $879,000. Seven 3-bedroom townhomes backing to New Leaf parking lot sold for $895,000, the model sold for $940,000, two 3-bedroom townhomes facing the post office sold for $795,000 and four 3-bedroom tri-level townhomes sold from $1,055,000 to $1,195,000.

I thought it would be interesting to take a look back over the past years since the mortgage meltdown in late 2007 to review median pricing for homes in Aptos. Aptos impact was a reduction to 70 percent of peak pricing at the low in 2011, but since then, median pricing has almost doubled and well-surpassed the premeltdown peak. And pricing has been consistent for the past three years. The big question is, what happens next?

YEAR MEDIAN SALES PRICE (SFR) 2007: $820,000 2008: $749,500 2009: $655,000 2010: $630,000 2011: $570,000 2012: $630,000 2013: $699,000 2014: $750,000 2015: $825,000 2016: $869,070 2017: $1,000,000 2018: $1,008,000 2019: $1,000,000 Many economists are projecting a good year in 2020. The stock markets are up. Interest rates remain at alltime lows, hovering around 4 percent for a 30-year fixed rate. That said, there are those who do believe a recession is coming. Time will tell.

As always though, Aptos is a very special place to call home.

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

n 2019, the average sales price for single-family homes was $1,117,353 and the median sales price was $1,000,000.

This compares to 2018, where the average was $1,195,194 and the median was $1,008,000, so an ever-so-slight downtick in price in 2019. But, the volume was only 83 percent of 2018; 281 single family homes sold in 2018 versus only 233 in 2019. Townhomes sold for average price of $768,024 and median price of $780,000. Condos sold for average price of $673,178 and median price of $658,000. It is interesting to note that mobile home sales increased to 36 in 2019 versus 15 in 2018. The high sale for an all-age park was $629,000 for 101 Cherry Blossom in Aptos Pines. The high sale for a 55+ park was $599,000 for 10 Oak Shadows in Aptos Knolls. For all of Santa Cruz County, median sales prices are much lower; $889,000 for single-family homes, $675,000 for townhomes, and $549,000 for condos. So there is still a ‘premium’ being paid to live in Aptos.

Aptos has three MLS areas: Rio Del Mar (RDM), Seacliff (SEA), and then the rest of 95003. Sales prices do vary significantly by area. High and low sales for singlefamily homes, townhomes, and condos (AH=County Affordable Housing) are listed in the chart along side this entry.

The Aptos Village-Phase 1 almost completely sold out in 2019. Four one-bedroom affordable housing units closed (all <$300,000) along with seven other 1-bedroom units ranging from $600,000-$625,000. One 2-bedroom AH unit sold for $312,664 and two 2-bedroom

Ruth Bates

11

COMMUNITY CHATTER Community Foundation elects new President

Supervisor Caput elected Board Chair SANTA CRUZ—The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors unanimously elected Greg Caput as the Board Chair for 2020, and Supervisor Bruce McPherson as

Bay Federal raises nearly 75,000 meals for Food Bank CAPITOLA—Bay Federal Credit Union members and employees raised $18,690.61 for Second Harvest Food Bank’s Holiday Food Drive from Nov. 7 to Dec. 31 of 2019.

Thanks to Second Harvest’s partnerships with farmers, retailers, and food bank networks, this translates into 74,762 healthy meals for families in Santa Cruz County. Members and employees also donated non-perishable food items to Second Harvest food barrels at each location during the food drive.

“We are so proud of our history of partnering with Second Harvest,” said Carrie Birkhofer, president and CEO of Bay Federal. “The commitment and local impact that this incredible organization has on our community is an inspiration to us all.”

Christopher Del Earls FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Resident of Indianapolis, IN

12

Christopher Del Earls, 50, passed away on December 25, 2019. He was born in Watsonville, CA on May 25, 1969. Christopher graduated from Aptos High School in 1987 and became a mortician by trade. He lived all around California and later moved to Indianapolis, IN. There he worked at Flanner Buchanan and Crown Hill, and later worked at Blossom Chevrolet. Christopher was retired when he passed.

He was a Mason in Indianapolis. Christopher was also a part of several theater organizations, including Theater On The Square, Carmel Community Players and Civic.

He loved singing, theater, football and most of all, his son.

Christopher is survived by his son, Zachary Earls and ex-wife, Justine Taylor-Earls.

There will be a memorial service held at a later date. Please visit www.legacycremationfuneral.com for updates.

contributed photos

APTOS—The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County recently announced that David Doolin has been appointed president of the board of the foundation.

Doolin has been with Petrinovich Pugh & Company, LLP since 1992 and a partner since 1997. He is responsible for providing audit and tax services for closely-held businesses, their owners, and their families. He joined the Community Foundation’s board in 2015 and also serves on the boards of Hospice of Santa Cruz County and Kuumbwa Jazz.

The foundation also announced the addition of Chris Murphy to the Board of Trustees.

Chris Murphy is in his fifth season as the President of the Santa Cruz Warriors, the NBA G League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors. Murphy led their front office efforts to win the 2017-18 NBA G League Franchise of the Year award.

Vice-Chair.

“I’m honored by the trust placed in me by my colleagues on the Board,” Caput said. “As Chair, I remain and will continue to be a strong advocate for the people of Santa Cruz County.”

Caput replaces Supervisor Ryan Coonerty, and is expected to serve a one-year term.

GIVING BACK Committee chairs for Seascape Sports Club’s Pink Day charity event

awarded Jacob’s Heart and WomenCare of Santa Cruz County each a $9,240 check.

The tennis fundraiser is held in August in conjunction with the Seascape Challenger professional tennis tournament.

Dominican Hospital awards nearly $190k to local nonprofits SANTA CRUZ—Dignity Health Dominican Hospital awarded nearly $190,000 in grants to six local nonprofit organizations through its annual Community Grants Program. Each nonprofit was recognized for its commitment to providing innovative resources and support to improve the quality of life for Santa Cruz County residents most in need.

Nonprofits awarded: Care: $35,000 Cruz Free Clinic: $25,000 $40,000 County: $25,000 “Our guiding mission with the Community Grants Program is to ensure we support the most underserved among us, and it couldn’t be done without collaboration,” said Dominican Hospital President Nanette Mickiewicz, MD. “We are continually inspired by the ability of these organizations to coordinate and leverage their individual competencies to lift up the neediest in our community.”

Reward increased for information in kidnapping, murder case SANTA CRUZ—A group of community members is offering a $200,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case of a man who was kidnapped from his Pleasure Point home and murdered on Oct. 1.

The reward is the largest of its kind in Santa Cruz County history, Santa Cruz County Sheriff ’s Sgt. Brian Cleveland said.

Tushar Atre was kidnapped just after 2 a.m. He was later found dead from a gunshot wound on the 24000 block of Soquel San Jose Road, where he owned property.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff ’s Office held a press conference Jan. 29, during which it announced the reward, and released video of a “person of interest” who was seen stopping on a bicycle in front of Atre’s house and staring at it for several moments before riding away.

“We’re asking the public at this point, that if anybody recognizes this person or this bike, to please come forward and notify the Sheriff ’s Office,” Cleveland said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 454-7635 or email daniel.robbins@santacruzcounty. us.

WORD FROM A FRIEND

Update on local road repair projects

H

ere are some updates on local road repairs and proposed projects for bike and pedestrian safety this year. Funding for these projects comes from Measure D (which brings in about $900,000/ year to our district for local roads), SB 1 (gas tax) funding, which is currently being used for major storm damage repairs and other state and federal transportation funds.

Storm Damage Repairs First, an important update on storm damage repairs. Some roads with major storm damage that have been held up by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as they considered extension requests for projects, have been approved for extensions. The extensions were due mainly to federal environmental review. Now that these projects have been granted extensions the repair process can continue to move forward. This is a significant development and will allow projects that are desperately needed on locations like Trout Gulch and lower Valencia to move forward.

Upper Valencia (by Flume)

Zach Friend Santa Cruz County Supervisor

was approved in early winter for funding by the FHWA, including the secondary failure that occurred adjacent to the first failure. The County’s design is complete and the project is with State Fish and Wildlife for permitting. Fish and Wildlife have told us they anticipate issuing permits in the spring, which would allow the County to go to bid for construction in the summer. The state’s permitting process takes a minimum of 90 days.

Other projects, such as Trout Gulch and the lower Valencia damage, were waiting for the extension to now submit our initial plans, engineering and design to FHWA move forward.

With those approvals we can move to permitting, bidding and construction.

The storm damage repair on McGregor Drive is moving forward. In December, the Board of Supervisors authorized the bidding process on this and bids were opened in early January.

Construction is expected in the spring and the proposal is to restore the roadway to its pre-disaster condition including construction

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Re-elect Zach Friend

Measure D and other local road projects Beyond storm damage there is general maintenance work being done (through Measure D) as well as bike and pedestrian improvements through federal and state Transportation Development Act (TDA) funding and Regional Surface Transportation Program Exchange funds.

In Corralitos, we secured about $1.1 million in Regional Surface Transportation Program Exchange funds to resurface all of Pioneer and Varni Road. This is a significant project that is long overdue and the funding was secured by changing funding allocations at the Regional Transportation Commission to bring in a set formula to the County.

In Seacliff, Measure D local road funds will be used this year to resurface a number of streets and in the Rio Del Mar/Seascape area pedestrian improvements near Rio Del Mar Elementary will occur. Using Transportation his ability to achieve results; his accessibility; his responsiveness to constituent concerns; his excellent staff support. Please join me in voting for Zach.

Sara Clarenbach, Aptos

Support Jack Gordon for Judge Jack Gordon has been deeply embedded in our community for more than 40 years. Starting out as a Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff, Gordon has a profound understanding of public safety for all. After his time as a deputy, he switched from police uniform to suit, becoming a criminal defense

Development Act (TDA) funds we have secured just under $100,000 for pedestrian improvements near RDM Elementary to fill a sidewalk gap and provide curb extension and crosswalk realignment (to reduce crossing distance) on Pinehurst and Greenbrier. Additionally, this year $475,000 was set aside for bike lane maintenance from TDA funds for the county including areas throughout our district.

The last TDA funding element for our district is for $30,000 for the Street Smarts/Vision Zero campaign. You may have seen some of these educational signs on lights throughout Santa Cruz and this will provide funding to bring these educational materials to our district.

The Mar Vista Bike and Pedestrian Bridge The long-promised Highway 1 Mar Vista Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing will provide a safe link between schools, the beach, residential neighborhoods. With the passage of Measure D the initial funding mechanism is secured.

Combined with state funding the project is 60 percent funded. Initial engineering and environmental has started and is anticipated to be finished at the end of 2020. Final design and environmental should be completed in mid-2022 with construction contracts awarded soon after and construction to begin in 2023.

As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts on local roads or any other issues. Feel free to call me at 454-2200 or visit me at office hours in Aptos, Corralitos, Watsonville or Seascape. attorney in private practice. After decades’ experience as an attorney, he has defended people from all walks of life and ages; his case history includes civil, family, labor, immigration and criminal defense.

As an active member of the community, I hold general public safety and human rights for the whole community in the highest regard. I want a Judge with superior knowledge of the law, respect for human rights and who demands dignity for every person in their courtroom. I believe Jack Gordon is that individual and I support him becoming be Superior ➝ 16

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

As a long-time Second District voter, I write in strong support of Zach Friend’s re-election as our Santa Cruz County Supervisor in the March 3 election. He was originally elected in 2012 and was re-elected in 2016. A graduate of UC Santa Cruz with honors in History, Zach also earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University. In addition to serving on the Board of Supervisors itself, Friend also

represents the Board on over a dozen diverse regional agencies and boards, including those addressing natural resources, transportation and criminal justice. In particular, the following qualities have enabled Friend to serve as an extremely effective Supervisor: his experience in governance; his expertise in issues confronting local government; his collaborative abilities with constituents, stakeholders, fellow Board members and County Department personnel;

of an engineered fill/vegetated rock slope protection embankment, guardrail, asphalt concrete dike, reconstructed roadway, erosion control and revegetation.

On the corner of Sumner and Dolphin in Seascape, the emergency road repair is almost complete. This project required work on a culvert (approximately 40 feet below the road’s surface) that had failed as well as utility conduit that was leaking. The repair, estimated at $800,000, will replace the road’s surface, foundation and culvert system on Sumner and Dolphin and improve the overall drainage system.

13

LOCAL ELECTIONS: STATE SENATOR, 17TH DISTRICT Maria Cadenas, John Laird, Vicki Nohrden and John M. Nevill are running for State Senator in the 17th District, which covers most of Santa Cruz County. The following statements were submitted to the county’s election office. Nohrden and Nevill did not submit a statement.

Maria Cadenas We want the basics: housing that is affordable, accessible quality healthcare without high deductibles, clean water and clean air, good schools, and jobs that allow us to save and pay the bills. Right now, however, these

John Laird We have just ten years to take dramatic steps to save our planet’s climate, with increasing wildfires and sea level rise threatening our communities. Strong, effective action is required to tackle climate change, along with the affordable housing crisis, the goal

MEASURE

feel out of reach. As a mom of a 10-year-old girl, a renter, and a woman, this is personal for me. We cannot keep hoping that the old ideas that got us here will fix the problems they caused. We must do better.

For over 20 years, I’ve worked to improve healthcare, increase

support for small business owners, increase affordable housing, build housing for children aging out of foster care, increase legal aid to immigrant families, create academic and career pipelines for farmworkers, provide every newborn in Santa Cruz County with a college savings account, and fight predatory lenders. I’ve worked

with governments, corporations, growers, farmworkers, nonprofits, and policy makers across the U.S., California, and in our region to thoughtfully develop practical solutions that actually work to improve people’s lives. I’m not a career politician. I get things done by focusing on what matters most – people and planet. I’m

the only Democratic woman, only immigrant, only Latina, and only candidate in this race who will not accept corporate money. My personal commitment to service and my love of our communities is what compels me to run. Join me and let’s work together to create opportunity for all families and all people to thrive.

of universal health insurance coverage and the need for a sustainable and accessible education system.

There is no time for on-the-job training.

For eight years, I served as Governor Brown’s Secretary for Natural Resources, working hard on California’s climate change efforts, protection of prime agricultural land,

leading the state’s ocean protection program, and pushing back on federal attempts for more oil drilling off our coast.

As a Mayor, City Councilmember, Transit Director, Transportation Commissioner, Nonprofit Director, and Community College Trustee, I developed experience to tackle the key issues we face. As an Assemblymember, I authored 82 bills signed into law, including

on environmental protection, water conservation, first-time homebuyers, civil rights, restoring community college health services, and more. As Assembly Budget Chair, I fought for healthcare, education, and our environment.

I have the endorsement of teacher, firefighter, nurse, and building trades worker organizations – as well as the League of Conservation Voters,

Equality California, Governor Newsom, former Governor Brown, Senator Monning, and many local mayors, county supervisors, and school boardmembers. I have the endorsement of the Democratic Party. I want to take my experience, drive, and commitment to Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties to serve the people who live here. I respectfully ask for your vote.

5

were designed to make Measure R more palatable to voters.

“We didn’t want to do any of the preplanning work until we know

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that voters are in support of it,” said Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein. “I don’t want to spend taxpayer dollars to do all the preplanning and say we don’t have the money to do the project.”

OPPOSING VOICES That Cabrillo is an important Santa Cruz County institution is not in question, says Kris Kirby, spokeswoman for the No on R campaign.

Instead, Kirby questions the amount of the bond, which she said will cost taxpayers $569 million by the time it is paid off in 2053.

She said she would support a

pared-down version, which paid only for a new science building, and which lasted only 10 years.

“It’s too much money for too long,” she said. “They need to tone it down a lot.”

Kirby also pointed out that there are no exemptions for seniors, many of whom she said are already saddled with financial problems of their own.

She also questions why the college is asking homeowners to bear the brunt of supporting Cabrillo.

She pointed to two bonds from 2004 that are still being paid off.

“Why is it that the property

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owners always have to pony up,” she said. “There comes a time when we have to say, ‘enough taxes, make do with what you have.’”

A COMMUNITY ASSET Wetstein points out that Cabrillo recently refinanced those older bonds, which then were issued at $118.5 million. That move will save taxpayers $29.5 million through 2039, Wetstein said.

“We didn’t want to go out and ask for a new bond without having taken care of the existing debt, and making sure we were taking advantage of the interest rates that exist right now,” he said.

Wetstein said the proposed projects were chosen to serve the greatest number of students. Cabrillo officials are now hoping that the college’s reputation as an education mainstay will help garner enough votes.

Some 80 percent of the people who work in hospitals, Wetstein said, are community college graduates, most of which come from Cabrillo. The same is true for dental hygienists and X-ray technicians, he said.

“We’re the workforce driver for some of those allied health careers,” he said. “We’re also the supplier of the workforce for a lot of the small businesses that depend on our students and our grads.”

BUSINESS

Aptos welcomes new food, wine spots

By TARMO HANNULA

Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life

A

string of new businesses will soon punctuate the ongoing expansion and opening of the Aptos Village and the nearby Rancho Del Mar Center.

On the southernmost shoulder of the Aptos Village Project a new branch of the popular Betty Burgers could be open by the second half of February, weather providing.

Situated in the former Vapor Laundromat on Trout Gulch Road, just off of Soquel Drive, the singlestory space is now undergoing interior work and is being outfitted with furnishings and electrical. Most exterior work is done, except for signage and detail work. The eatery marks the fourth location for Betty Burgers, said owner Laurie Negro. She said

she had been searching for a spot to open in Aptos for over a decade.

Negro said the new location will feature the same menu as her other stores, on 41st Avenue in Capitola, Seabright Avenue and Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz. They will also offer wine and eight beers on tap.

A stone’s throw away is the recently opened Ser Winery tasting room, 10 Parade St., Suite B in the Aptos Village.

Owner Nicole Walsh features a host of fine red and white wines including their popular 2016 Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands. They are perched next door to the recently opened Cat & Cloud Coffee that features indoor and outdoor seating.

And just around the corner will soon be a new location for the Penny Ice Creamery, the only ice ➝ 21

WELCOME Sushi Garden in the Rancho Del Mar Center is just one of several

new businesses springing up in Aptos.

Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health

MHSA Annual Update 2019-2020 draft open for public comment

The report can be found at: http://santacruzhealth.org/MHSA under New Information: MHSA Annual Update 2019-2020 draft

Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Attention: Cassandra Eslami, MHSA Coordinator 1430 Freedom Boulevard Suite F Watsonville, CA 95076

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

You can provide comments about the draft plan in the following ways: At the Public Hearing: 2/20/2020 at 3pm at 1400 Emeline Avenue, Building K Room 207 By telephone: (831) 763-8203, By internet: http://santacruzhealth.org/MHSA by clicking “submit a public comment” By email to: mhsa@co.santa-cruz.ca.us, Or by writing to:

15

BUSINESS

Thrift store gives $710k to nonprofits

By TODD GUILD

S

Todd Guild/Aptos Life

ince Caroline’s Nonprofit Thrift Shop opened its doors in 2010, owner Christy Licker has given tens of thousands of dollars to local organizations that support children.

In 2017, Licker handed out $275,000 to 26 organizations, which at the time was a record-breaking amount for the store.

That record was shattered again on Jan. 18, when Licker gave out $710,000 to 24 nonprofits during a gifting ceremony at Resurrection Church in Aptos.

Licker said she looks for nonprofits that provide services for children with special medical, developmental or psychological needs.

They must also be based in Santa Cruz County.

The store was founded in memory of Licker’s daughter, Caroline, who died at 16 after receiving support from four nonprofit agencies dedicated to supporting children and their families.

She said the ceremony is a way for the roughly 80 volunteers who work for the store to connect with leaders from the nonprofit organizations that receive the financial gifts.

“We do this so that everyone is motivated and fired up and ready to go for the next year,” she said.

The boost in donations this year

BIG MONEY Christy Licker (left) who owns Caroline’s Thrift,

presents a check to Cece Pinhero and Dee Teutschel of the Special Parents Information Network. came in part thanks to the recent sale of the store’s former location at 402 Trout Gulch Road, Licker said.

The store also keeps its overhead costs low by utilizing volunteer workers and by selling quality donated goods, she said.

“We have a lot of beautiful things, donated by people who believe in what we do,” she said.

Volunteer JoAnne Goodwin said she has worked for the store since she brought in several items for donation.

“It feels good,” she said of her

work. “The community donates, and the money goes back out the door.”

Foster Anderson, who runs Shared Adventures, received a $15,000 check from Caroline’s that will help the organization continue to bring activities such as surfing to children with disabilities.

“It means everything in the world to me,” he said. “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without people giving to me.”

LETTERS

13

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Amy Sheppard, Santa Cruz

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

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One can say that: The growing homelessness situation is a product of a ridiculous growing wage disparity and the growing frequency of being able to jog faster than the “progress” of freeway traffic is a product of improper transportation.

Please Google, “The growing wage disparity” (Fifield)” as well as “Public Transportation: If you build it (properly), they will come.”

The world is a complex system of interacting factors that may not provide equability. Why is a sports figure making $40 million ➝ 21

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17

CABRILLO GALLERY

‘Extraordinary Ordinary’ on display through Feb. 28 Johanna Miller/Aptos Life

FROM SCRATCH A display made from cardboard and paint by artist Dag

Weiser is now on display at the Cabrillo Gallery.

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

18

C

ardboard is a material that nearly everyone has at their disposal.

Often used in packaging and shipping, it is usually broken down to recycle or saved to reuse.

But cardboard can also be full of possibilities for artists. This is apparent at “Extraordinary Ordinary,” Cabrillo Gallery’s first exhibit of the year. Five artists are currently showing their large cardboardbased pieces throughout the gallery.

Gallery Director Beverly Rayner said that cardboard art has been on her radar for a while, but that the gallery has never hosted an exhibit solely dedicated to it.

“You can do so many things with [cardboard],” Rayner said.

“It’s the absolute cheapest material… but can be transformed into some amazing things.”

Artists Taro Hattori, Jason Schneider, Ann Weber, Dag Weiser and Scott Fife are featured in “Extraordinary Ordinary,” and each has taken a different approach to the medium.

Weiser, who Rayner dubbed a “local cardboard wizard,” has installed a piece that takes up an entire section of the gallery, depicting a myriad of creatures such as crows, butterflies and bees, flowers and even skulls sticking out of Thanksgiving turkeys.

Every year for Halloween, Weiser works for months to create such displays—but usually takes them down right after the holiday.

This year, they were saved specifically for “Extraordinary Ordinary.”

East Bay artist Taro Hattori is showing “Obscenity,” a large sculpture depicting a crashed kamikaze airplane. Hattori brought the plane to the gallery in pieces and assembled it in a corner. He also created

Johanna Miller/Aptos Life

Protecting our Water Supply for Future Generations.

By JOHANNA MILLER

DON’T LOSE YOUR HEAD

Cabrillo Gallery Director Beverly Rayner installs two pieces by Scott Fife for “Extraordinary Ordinary,” now on display. a working harpsichord, which is attached to a bicycle, from cardboard, in the middle of the gallery.

“Walking into the exhibit… It almost feels like you are walking into someone’s really weird living room,” said Program Coordinator Victoria May. “It is really a world on its own.”

Cabrillo Gallery, in building 1000 at 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos, is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. It will be closed Feb. 14 and 17. For information visit cabrillo.edu/services/artgallery.

‘It’s the absolute cheapest material… but can be transformed into some amazing things.’

- Beverly Rayner

HISTORY

8

promoters to help him find tenants.

His lease terms always recovered the land for himself plus the tenant improvements. Rafael did sell a parcel of land to his son-in-law, Joseph (José) Arano, who married Castro’s daughter, Maria Augustia in 1862. Joseph opened the first grocery and post office in 1867 and built the Bay View Hotel in 1878.

In 1868, Rafael deeded land for the first school. He also gave land for a Catholic Church and cemetery. The chapel was dedicated in October of 1875.

Claus Spreckels, Rafael Castro, Joseph Arano and others subscribed $100 each towards its total cost of $799.60.

In 1872, Castro sold 2,390 acres to Claus Spreckels the sugar millionaire, for $71,900. He sold 200 more acres before years end.

They became friends. Over time, Rafael sold most of his holdings.

Rafael saw California go through tremendous change.

When he was born, Santa Cruz was a mission to the local Indian population. He was a subject of the king of Spain until he was 18.

He was a under the rule of Mexico for 27 years and of the United States for 30. He saw Aptos grow from a single hacienda and cattle operation into an industrious town across the river with a black smith and wagon shop, two stores of general merchandise, a butcher shop, a post office, a school, a

church, a wharf with two fine warehouses and a sawmill. He saw the first bridge span Aptos Creek in the early 1860’s and the first train to run through the county in 1876.

Rafael Castro died May 14, 1878, leaving an estate of $64,484.

He and his wife Soledad are buried in the cemetery between Resurrection Catholic Church and Aptos Center. His grave marker is inscribed in Spanish. He refused to speak English. According to the historian Bancroft, the Castro family was the most extensive in early California. Rafael could count his relatives by the hundreds.

He had at least 60 cousins, 83 nieces and nephews. He raised 12 children and his grandchildren numbered more than 40.

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FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

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LOCAL ELECTIONS: U.S. REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 20TH DISTRICT Incumbent Jimmy Panetta is being challenged by fellow Democrat Adam Bolaños Scow and Republican Jeff Gorman. The following statements were submitted to the county’s election office. Gorman did not submit a statement.

Jimmy Panetta (Incumbent) As your United States Representative, I’m fighting to give people the opportunity for a better life. Having grown up on the Central Coast, with a deep sense of public service, I’ve dedicated my career to giving back to our community and country.

As an Afghanistan War veteran, former deputy district attorney, and, now, your Representative, I know what it means and takes

Adam Bolaños Scow I’m the grandson of a farmworker and the son of school teachers. I’m a graduate of U.C. Berkeley and have been an environmental advocate for over 14 years.

As California Director for Food & Water Watch I helped win campaigns to ban fracking in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties.

I’ve also worked with community leaders to

SUPERVISOR

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FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

say, ‘so we should build nothing,’” Friend said. “I think the process was fine. It’s not about the process.

It’s easy to hide behind the process.”

Friend and Steinbruner said they would both push and help UC Santa Cruz and Cabrillo College to build more on-campus housing for their students, which would alleviate the impact of the schools’ population on the housing market.

Steinbruner would also push for the county to increase its affordable housing percentages from 15 percent to 20.

Friend, meanwhile, highlighted an accessory dwelling

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to serve our nation and stand up for our Central Coast values.

As the grandson of immigrants, I’m fighting for common sense immigration reform with protections for our farmworkers and an earned pathway to citizenship for families and Dreamers.

I’m defending our precious environment by protecting our pristine coastline and public lands from oil drilling, working toward agricultural and ecological sustainability, and most importantly,

creating sound policy to combat the growing effects of the climate crisis.

I’m working to lower costs for healthcare and prescription drugs, increase access to higher education, protect programs for vulnerable children and seniors, enact fair tax policies, support agriculture research and food security, and ensure veterans receive their deserved benefits.

I’m upholding the constitutional responsibilities of Congress in our democratic

system of checks and balances.

I’m promoting local jobs by supporting our diverse economy of agriculture, tourism, education, research, and small businesses.

I’m fighting for equality and to protect women’s rights.

I’ll continue to bring energy and new ideas to Congress and work together to get things done for our Central Coast families.

I’d be honored by your vote.

support public ownership of the water system on the Monterey Peninsula.

I’m running for Congress to help solve two big crises.

First we must solve an affordability crisis that is already forcing many to leave our district. I will fight for a range of solutions including Medicare for all, tuition-free public college, and a federal commitment to fund truly affordable

housing. New market-rate housing is unaffordable to most of us.

Second, we must solve a climate crisis that is growing worse.

We must transition to renewable energy and get off of fossil fuels. I will champion a Green New Deal with a plan to get to 100% renewable energy by 2030. This is an opportunity to create millions of new jobs and have a healthy

future for our children and grandchildren.

I strongly support a path to citizenship to all of our neighbors who have been working here in our district and their children as well.

I do not accept campaign contributions from corporations.

Our district deserves a member of Congress who will help pass bold solutions, because now more than ever, our lives depend on it.

units ordinance he introduced that removed all fees for ADUs under 640 square feet, and a forgivable loan program for people willing to deed restrict their ADU. “In the last few years we’ve not only approved more affordable housing projects but also set affordable housing policies,” Friend said.

time in Washington D.C. securing federal funding for several emergency road repairs around the county. Thirty projects over the next half year will begin construction because of those efforts.

“But that’s not a solution,” he said. “Emergency repair is not a solution and I don’t know if there is one.”

As for the ever-growing traffic on Highway 1, Steinbruner said the planned rail-trail path should be opened up to electric carts to alleviate the amount of vehicles on the road.

“We need to give transportation options,” she said.

Friend said the highway needs to be widened and the county’s two

TRANSPORTATION Steinbruner believes more funds from Measure D, the half-cent sales tax for county roads and transit passed by voters in 2016, should be used to resurface and repair more ailing roads, especially in District 2, which she called an “utter mess.”

Friend over the last year spent

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largest employers, UCSC and the County of Santa Cruz, also need to become a part of the solution.

He would like to see them expand and create more satellite offices in the southern portion of the county, and encourage them to allow more employees to telecommute.

The Supervisors, he said, should not be trying to solve today and tomorrow’s issues by using the methods of yesterday.

“Work isn’t a place you go to, it’s something you do and we, especially the public sector, need to understand that dynamic is shifting,” Friend said. “It would have a faster effect on traffic than any transportation solution I can do.”

BUSINESS

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cream shop in Santa Cruz that makes in house ice cream from scratch.

Owner Zachary Davis said he is excited to open the third location of the business.

“In August we will be celebrating 10 years,” he said. “I still can’t believe it.”

Davis said that while the Aptos location at 141 Aptos Village Way,will feature their same mix of flavors, they will try to showcase something unique to that store to offset it from the others.

He said he is aiming for an end of March or early April opening with a soft opening event. About a dozen new employees will be brought on board.

A few blocks north on Soquel Drive, several new businesses are in

the mix at Rancho Del Mar Center, which has undergone a major renovation over the past few years.

Sushi Garden Japanese Restaurant, which already has locations in Watsonville, Scotts Valley and Capitola, opened in December and is open seven days a week. They feature sushi, rolls, teriyaki and other menu items, with indoor and outdoor seating.

It is located in suite 38.

Across the parking lot, finishing touches are being put on a new branch of Mountain Mike’s Pizza, which has had a long-standing Watsonville location. Their chain restaurants are scattered by the dozens over several western states and host a wealth of pizzas, chicken, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

LETTERS

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in a year when they cannot even play for their value? How can it be justified for our country to allow one individual to (maybe inadvertently) suck essentials from thousands presenting much better value? Also, if only a fraction of just the Exxon’s previous CEO’s $170 million package was better distributed, thousands more deserving could have their homes back.

We need better leadership to stop this growing negative impact on Quality-of-Life. We can start locally by voting Manu Koenig to first district supervisor. Manu has a better vision for tomorrow.

Bob Fifield, Aptos

Thank you Zach Friend I want to thank Supervisor Zach Friend for planning and hosting the Emergency Preparedness Training. The forum was very well attended by residents interested in having a plan for any disaster. Thank you also to all the presenters which included: the Sheriff ’s Department, The Red Cross, CERT, our Fire districts, emergency services for the County and more.

Thank you all for taking the time to educate us on the importance of having a plan, and the specific steps to take!

Thank you to all who attended.

We need to work together to be a safe community.

Karen Hibble, Aptos

“There is only one happiness in this life, to love and ❤!"George Sand be loved.”

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FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

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CALENDAR

Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life file

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off

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The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk welcomes the 39th annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off. The popular fundraiser for Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department is a two-day event, with amateur chefs competing on Feb. 22 and professional chefs the next day. Entry fee for chefs is $50 and the final registration deadline is Feb. 14. For information, entry form and rules visit beachboardwalk.com/clamchowder/. Location: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St. Date & time: Feb. 22-23. Price: $10.

APTOS PATRIOT NUMBER 1 TRIVIA NIGHT

Come show off your knowledge of Patriot Number One. Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend will be the emcee and will conduct a lively evening. Book clubs are welcome. Food and drink will be

available for purchase from a custom menu for the event. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. RSVP at friendsoftheaptoslibrary@fscpl.org.

Location: Seascape Golf Club, 610 Club House Drive. Date & time: Feb. 6, 6 p.m. Price: Free.

FEBRUARY APTOS CHAMBER BREAKFAST Join us for our February Breakfast Meeting and come hear about all the new and exciting things that are happening at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Bring your promotional materials to network with other attendees. Location: Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Ct. Date & time: Feb. 13, 7:30-9 a.m. Cost: $25 members, $30 general.

THE GREAT CHILI COOKOFF The fifth Annual The Great Chili Cookoff is a fundraiser hosted by the faith communities group, Mid-County

Homeless Coalition (MCHC).

Proceeds will be used to support the needs of men, women and children in Aptos, Soquel and Capitola who do not have a place to live. MCHC is a portable, two-stall shower trailer with funds from the first two chili cookoffs. Funds from this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cookoff will be used for trailer/shower maintenance and support the day to day operation of the shower project.

Faith Communities are invited to accept the challenge, turn up the heat and compete in The Great Chili Cook-Off. Churches and faith communities interested in registering call Laura Hamby 325-9615 or email midcountyhomelesscoalition@gmail. com. Location: Resurrection Catholic Community Meeting Hall, 7600 Soquel Drive. Date & time: Feb. 21 6-8:30 p.m. Price: $20 (includes chili tastings, cornbread and dessert); $10 for ages 12-18; free for 11 and younger.

CALENDAR Johanna Miller/Aptos Life file

‘Mardi Gras’ Party and Museum Fundraiser

42nd Annual Quilt Show & Auction

PATRIOT NUMBER ONE AUTHOR TALK

your wine and beer. Buy tickets at: bit. ly/FebruarySipAndStroll. Location: Capitola Village. Date & time: Feb. 8, 4-9 p.m. Price: $30.

Let the good times roll at the Annual History Fundraiser at Best Western Seacliff Inn. Come in fun “Mardi Gras” style, enjoy fabulous appetizers, live music, a no-host bar (featured drink will be Hurricanes), silent auction with unique items (including a ferris wheel seat from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk), and prizes for the best dressed. Proceeds benefit the Aptos History Museum. Location: Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Ct. Date & time: Feb. 25, 5-7 p.m. Cost: $40 general, $35 museum members.

APTOS FARMERS MARKET This year-round farmers market (rain or shine) offers a wide range of fresh produce, prepared foods and other wares at Cabrillo College.

Professional knife sharpening services are available for knives and gardening tools. For information visit

CAPITOLA FEBRUARY SIP & STROLL Capitola Village is hosting its fourth Sip & Stroll. Enjoy this special shopping experience, strolling through unique shops, while sipping locally featured wines and beers in our charming, historic Capitola Village. All proceeds will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County and two other local non-profits yet to be determined. Each ticket comes a commemorative wine glass and 12 tickets good for 12 pours (2oz each).

Many of the participating businesses will be running specials that day and some will also have snacks to pair with

SANTA CRUZ SURFER’S PATH 10K, 5K Welcome to the Surfer’s Path 10k & 5k. This event covers a portion of the epic Surfer’s Path Marathon & Capitola Half Marathon course. The distance is reduced but the scenery remains breathtaking. Participants are treated to beachfront and bluff views of the Monterey Bay along the majestic Santa Cruz County coastline. There is plenty of surf music and celebration at the finish area in the heart of the Capitola Village. Grab some friends and take part in this event and make memories in this picture postcard setting. For information or for information visit

runsurferspath.com. Location: 816 41st Avenue. Date & time: Feb. 23, 8 a.m. Price: $40-65.

WATSONVILLE SIP FOR SECOND HARVEST 2020 Tickets are now on sale for one the Second Harvest Food Bank’s premier events, Sip for Second Harvest. There will be 15 wineries, light snacks and a great location inside the Martinelli’s Store and Tasting Room. All proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. For tickets visit thefoodbank.org/wine2020. Location: Martinelli’s Store and Tasting Room, 345 Harvest Drive. Date & time: Feb. 23, 2-4 p.m. Price: $40.

FEBRUARY 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Author of Patriot Number One, Lauren Hilgers lived in Shanghai, China for six years, writing about topics ranging from tomb raiders in rural Henan Province to political scandals in Beijing. Her work has appeared in Harper’s, Wired, BusinessWeek, The New Yorker, and The New York Times Magazine. Event sponsored by the Friends of the Capitola Library.

Location: Cabrillo College Samper Hall, 6500 Soquel Drive. Date & time: Feb. 27, 7 p.m. Price: NA.

montereybayfarmers.org. Location: Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive.

Date & time: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. Price: NA.

The Pajaro Valley Quilt Association Quilt Show & Auction returns for its 42nd year. There will be more than 300 quilts on exhibit. The fashion show will be on Feb. 22 at 12:30 p.m. and this year’s featured speaker, Meri Vahl, will follow at 2 p.m. The live Quilt Auction will run the next day at 12:30 p.m. Visit pvqa.org for information. Location: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave. Date & time: Feb. 22-23. Price: $10.

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