Aptos Life | March 2020

MARCH 2020 • VOL. 8, NO. 7

Skate park opens New youth outlet expands on Seacliff Park P6

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Editor’s note

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s a kid and an adult, my balance has been, at best, suspect. That means me and skateboards do not mix.

But being a big punk rock and underground hip-hop fan in my teen years, I tried to force the marriage. My knees and elbows paid the price—my pride also forked over a steep bill.

That experience makes me appreciate the sight of Tony Nuñez young skaters dominating a bowl, ramp or street even more.

When I was in grade school, there were few spots around South County to gather and skate. Most of my experiences ended with my friends and I being chased away by angry neighbors. The stigma around skateboarding started to dissipate as I made my way through high school—I graduated from Watsonville High School in 2010. Today, the action sport is so universally accepted that it will be a part of the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Our short but sweet story about the new skate park at Seacliff Village Park warms my heart. I love that a once niche sport with California roots has grown from a nuisance into a worldwide pastime with video games, clothing lines, television shows and movies dedicated to the craft. And I love that the community came together for a project that benefits a critical population: young people.

Today, I can think back and laugh about the times my friends and I were chased away from parking lots, schools and buildings because we were skateboarding. But, in the moment, those experiences were not fun. We had nowhere to go.

No outlet for our energy and passions. I’m ecstatic that today’s South County kids have what I didn’t. Let’s give them more.

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Bricks

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History Corner

12 Community Chatter 15 Food 16 Girls basketball 18 Girls soccer 22 Calendar CEO & Executive Editor

Dan Pulcrano Publisher

Jeanie Johnson Editor

Tony Nuñez Editorial

Juan Reyes Tony Nuñez Tarmo Hannula Todd Guild Cover 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 Tony Nuñez

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.

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Pause. Unplug. Connect.

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COMMUNITY

Tarmo Hannula

BUILDING COMMUNITY John Hibble, co-executive director of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce and curator of the Aptos History Museum,

MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

heads a ribbon-cutting for the Celebration Brick Program in Aptos.

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Bricks highlight Aptos L Program helps keep memories alive, fund Chamber, History Museum

By TARMO HANNULA

asting memories of loved ones, events, businesses and organizations might now last a little longer in Aptos thanks to the Celebration Brick Program and a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony that unfolded Feb. 15.

About 100 people gathered around one of eight tree wells at the Village Green, the centerpiece of the new Aptos Village Center, to aid the Aptos Chamber of Commerce in cutting a red ribbon. They were celebrating the completion of a brick-lined planter with 144 bricks, each emblazoned with commemorative inscriptions, the first of eight such tree wells.

“We’re making history here,” said John Hibble, coexecutive director of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce and curator of the Aptos History Museum. “Our goal is to complete all eight tree wells. This is for people who

want to have something left behind in the village and to help a good cause.”

Each brick costs $200 and features words of the purchaser’s choice commemorating friends and family, special moments, businesses, organizations, events, pets, passed ones and just about anything else they can fit on a small red brick.

One brick read: “ROSEMARY F. WILL YOU MARRY ME? GEORGE.” The letters accompanied a small heart sign. Aldina Real Estate and Aptos/La Selva Firefighters had bricks in there along with another that read: “HOWARD & HELLEN FOLGER, TOGETHER 74 YEARS.” “I think it’s a great idea,” said local realtor Ruth Bates.

“I’ve been a part of this community for the past 21 years and I think things like this help build a community.”

Hibble shared with those gathered key ➝5

BRICKS

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elements of Aptos history while underscoring the importance of maintaining history today.

“The railroad came here in 1875 and Aptos was largely a lumber yard village,” he said. “There were 13 saloons and a few hotels. Most people lived in the lumber camps.”

Looming behind Hibble was the historic Hihn apple-packing warehouse, which, as part of the Aptos Village Project, was transformed into the New Leaf Community Market. The building, whose construction started roughly in the 1890s, was just a hint of the grandeur of Aptos history that Hibble touched on in trying to garner interest in the Celebration Brick Program.

Hibble reminded the crowd that thanks needed to go to folks like former supervisor Ellen Pirie, who set the wheel in motion to revitalize the village.

“This was a communityplanned village in its third incarnation,” Hibble said.

He welcomed applications for the next round of commemorative

‘We’re making history here...

This is for people who want to have something left behind in the village and to help a good cause.’

- John Hibble bricks, whose fee includes engraving and installation.

“Buy a brick; preserve a memory,” he said.

Money raised goes to support the Aptos History Museum and the Aptos Chamber.

To purchase a brick, call 688-1467.

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PARKS

Seacliff skate park opens New youth outlet features skateable art

By TARMO HANNULA

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Tarmo Hannula

MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

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he new Seacliff Skate Park opened Feb. 8 in Seacliff Village Park.

The park is nestled in a curving section of McGregor Drive at Canterbury Drive and beside the State Park exit from Highway 1. It features “skateable art,” features a view of the Monterey Bay and includes references the S.S. Palo Alto, Aptos’ famed concrete ship, also known as the “cement ship.”

Made possible by donations from Richard Novak and Rowland and Patricia Rebele, the park abuts a fenced play area, benches, covered picnic areas, bike racks and a walking path available at Seacliff Village Park. That park is highlighted with drought-resistant foliage and trees, and a 15,000-square-foot center area landscaped with droughtresistant turf. Several local artists, including Watsonville’s Kathleen Crocetti, created design features throughout the park.

“The skate park is a true measurement of what happens when you say ‘yes,’” said Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend.

“Yes to partnership, yes to creativity and yes to our local youth. For decades there was a need, and in less than a year we were able to provide a key recreational opportunity for Mid and South County that future generations will use.”

Dreamland Skate Parks helped with design and construction in concert with Bredy Construction. The project was a joint effort between those businesses, Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks and local residents Tricia Proctor and Marie Martorella.

SHREDDING The newly opened Seacliff Skate Park has been a boon for South County’s young people.

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HISTORY CORNER

The grand hotel of Aptos

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swings and various games were provided. The great novelty of the occasion was the ride on the new railroad at 50 cents for the round trip from Santa Cruz.

The hotel was situated above the creek and surrounded by hills, covered with shady trees, on three sides which sheltered it from winds. The hotel was an imposing two-story structure of 50-by-150 feet, with a basement. The hotel provided 50 rooms with views of the bay, or the forest and creek.

The furniture in the reception area was elegantly carved black walnut.

The furniture and woodwork in the rooms and halls were laurel and oak. All areas were carpeted.

The first floor contained the offices, reception rooms, and a parlor with two large, French, plate glass mirrors in carved and gilt black walnut frames (one of these

was the pavilion or clubhouse. Its dimensions were 75-by-115 feet and it housed two bowling alleys, a reading room, a billiard room, and two card rooms. During dances, the bowling alley was converted into a bar with all of the finest liquors.

Additional buildings included a laundry, a three-story barn with 24 stalls and another two-story barn with 18 stalls. The barns provided excellent horses, buggies, rockaways and four-in-hands, with experienced drivers. A bathing house with 12 changing rooms was located at the beach with a surf boat for emergencies. In addition to hiking trails, there was a Deer Park for those who wished to hunt.

A two-story private residence for Spreckels was located above the hotel site on today’s Bayview Court. When Spreckels built a larger house closer to the Coast Road, this residence became the caretaker’s house.

An island was created between the hotel and the clubhouse by damming the chasm to make a small lagoon for breeding fancy stocks of fish. A footbridge spanned the lagoon and crossed to the island filled with a beautiful grove of trees. The island was christened Lovers Retreat, which is today’s Treasure Island Drive. The ➝ 21

photo courtesy of Aptos History Museum

MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

C

lause Spreckels of San Francisco was one of the richest men in America because of his imagination and his energy. He was a whirlwind. When he purchased most of the Aptos Rancho from Rafael Castro in 1872, he had big plans for Aptos. He wanted to develop the sugar beet industry here. He wanted to build a railroad.

He wanted to raise racehorses and build a racetrack. He wanted a summer house here. He built a 170acre hunting preserve for his friends called the “Deer Park.” He extended the wharf for his shipping empire.

But the thing that really put Aptos on the map was his grand hotel.

Spreckels saw the tourism potential of the estuary and beach where Aptos Creek enters the Monterey Bay, so he made plans to build the finest summer resort in California. The Grand Opening Reception for the Aptos Hotel was held on May 22, 1875, concurrently with the formal opening of the Santa Cruz Narrow Gauge Rail Road from Santa Cruz to Aptos.

The event included an Inauguration Banquet and Ball for Governor Pacheco. Rafael Castro was an honored guest. Music was furnished by a Santa Cruz quintet of violins and horns. Supper was served at midnight with three separate seatings. The revelers danced until 4:30 in the morning.

Two weeks later, three trains from Santa Cruz brought over 1,000 people, plus another 500 by private conveyance, to the Dedication Picnic for the hotel.

A capacious dance floor was erected, and music was supplied by a full quadrille band. Also,

John Hibble Aptos History Museum

mirrors still exists at Sand Rock Farm bed and breakfast). It also contained a grand piano, the main dining room, a children’s room, a large French range in the cook room and a dish room.

The bakery, the wine room, meat and other storerooms, employee sleeping rooms and the employee dining room, were located in the basement. Joe Hickmein, formerly chief cook at Paso Robles Hot Springs, presided over the mammoth French range in the kitchen and Mr. Jerome Backus, formerly of the Lick House in San Francisco, was the steward in charge of the domestic affairs. The proprietor/lessee was Mr. H. F. Gasque.

Modern amenities included gas lighting from a Union gas machine that furnished gas for 1,000 lights.

Additionally, bathrooms and water closets were on each story at each end of the building. Outside the hotel building, there were five double cottages of four rooms each. Chinese reclining chairs were placed in cozy groups about the hill in front of the hotel. A lawn and flower gardens sloped away from the main building. Lamp posts were placed around the grounds for illumination at night.

About 200 feet from the hotel, to the west, but in pleasant view,

A LOOK BACK Spreckels’ Aptos Hotel on Spreckels Drive 1878

ASK NICOLE

By Nicole M. Young, MSW

Kids need opportunities, skills & recognition

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’day from Australia, the “birthplace” of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program! I’m here for the Helping Families Change Conference for Triple P researchers and practitioners, where I had the opportunity to present about our local and statewide efforts to obtain governmental recognition of Positive Parenting Awareness Month in January. It was thrilling to share our story with an international audience and hear how they were inspired by our creative, collective efforts to elevate the importance of positive parenting in Santa Cruz County and across California.

In turn, I’ve been inspired by several messages that have been emphasized throughout the conference by Professor Matt Sanders (creator of Triple P), researchers, and parent educators from around the world:

of positive parenting are passed on to each generation. likely to adopt healthy social and emotional behaviors when they have strong relationships with parents and other caring adults who communicate healthy beliefs and clear expectations. To create those strong relationships, children and youth need: Opportunities to actively participate in and feel a sense of belonging in their families, schools, and communities.

2. Skills that will help them navigate school, relationships, work, and life.

Recognition and praise for their efforts, improvements, and accomplishments.

life are a critical period in a child’s development…and every subsequent

provide children and youth with opportunities, skills, and recognition, whether we’re a parent, teacher, neighbor, elected official, or just a caring community member.

So this month, instead of

family relationships are crucial in every stage of a person’s life—even through adulthood.

offering a few positive parenting tips that anyone can use to provide opportunities, skills, and recognition for children and youth.

multiple goals—including good physical, mental, behavioral, and

Talk about things they’re interested in

ASK Nicole This shows you value their thoughts, opinions, and feelings— even when they’re different from yours—which is essential to building a strong relationship based on trust. Having everyday casual conversations also helps children and youth develop important language skills, including the ability to listen, ask questions, learn new words, and express themselves.

Provide engaging activities This could be anything from going to the park to enrolling children in preschool or recreational activities, to volunteering at an animal shelter, or participating in an environmental clean-up day. Safe, interesting activities keep children occupied (which can prevent challenging behaviors), and provide opportunities for children to practice communicating their thoughts and needs, cooperating with others, and showing compassion for other people and living things.

Create teachable moments

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Give meaningful praise It’s true that praise can become ineffective when it’s overused, too general, or given half-heartedly.

But in Triple P, descriptive praise is a way for parents to

praise helps builds children’s skills to be active, engaged, cooperative members of their families, peer groups, schools, and communities.

Final Thoughts: Raising children independent adults is one of the most important and rewarding, but often most undervalued, jobs in our society. And yet, as Matt Sanders says, “The future wellbeing of our communities depends on how well we raise our children.” While that might sound like a daunting responsibility, just remember there’s no such thing as a perfect parent, and no one should have to do this job alone. Just like children, all dads, moms, stepparents, grandparents, foster parents, and other caregivers need opportunities, skills, and recognition to develop their parenting “muscle.”

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@ 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.

MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

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Encourage children and youth to be curious and ask questions, then use incidental teaching to involve them in the learning process. Ask if they have an opinion or think they can answer their own questions.

Encourage them to share their thoughts, even if they don’t know the exact answer. This sends the message that we all learn by trial and error, and that it’s often more important to be curious, thoughtful, and open-minded than to be right.

acknowledge and encourage children’s efforts, improvements, and accomplishments. When it’s

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FINANCIAL ADVICE

Changes to credit score calculations

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few months ago, we wrote an article about what factors are used to determine your FICO® “credit score,” a number ranging anywhere from 300 to 850. Achieving and maintaining a “good” or “excellent” credit score is imperative for anyone who wishes to borrow money at some point, as well as being able to possibly get a lower interest rate on certain types of loans which could save them hundreds or thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Credit scores are also often considered when looking at job applicants or potential renters. In January, the Fair Isaac Corporation, the company responsible for creating the FICO® score, announced it

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was tweaking its formula. With the changes, most would probably see a change in their credit score of 20 points or less. However, some could see a change of more than 20 points in either direction. We break down some of the changes below.

What has changed?

While Fair Isaac routinely updates their scoring methodology (usually about every five years or so), this time they are updating and planning on producing two numbers, FICO 10 and FICO 10T. FICO 10 will continue to be formulated with a “snapshot” at a point in time of balances, whereas FICO 10T (with the “T” standing for trended data) will be looking at a longer lookback period as well as analyzing how people have utilized debt over that

period. Have they been steadily paying it down? Have they been incurring new debt? What type of debt do they have? Average FICO scores under the old scoring model have continued to creep higher.

This is in part due to the current state of the economy. People are employed and paying their bills on time as well as the fact that negative marks on credit reports often drop off after seven years or so. Now that we are 10-plus years out from the Great Recession, less borrowers have these negative marks. However, some borrowers who experience fluctuations in income may turn to revolving debt sources, like credit cards, to fill in the gaps. FICO 10T aims to look more closely at trends like this.

The new FICO 10T score will allow lenders, in theory, to take a more holistic view of borrowers.

For example, certain types of debt are likely to face more scrutiny under the new FICO 10T scoring method. In particular, personal loans, which have increased exponentially in usage since the Great Recession, as well as credit cards are two examples that may face more scrutiny. Let’s look at our hypothetical example of Bob. Bob currently has a mix of credit card debt and a personal loan that he took out two years ago to consolidate credit card debt he had at the time. Let’s also assume that Bob pays his bills on time and he

recently applied for a new credit card. Under the old scoring system, lenders would see a snapshot of current balances on the credit cards and personal loan and see he makes on-time payments. There wouldn’t be much insight into “trends” though. Under the new FICO 10T, lenders would be able to have more insight into Bob’s balance histories. Have they been trending upwards or downwards over time?

A possible lender utilizing the new FICO 10T, might flag Bob as a riskier borrower because they would be able to see trending history that he consolidated his credit card debt into a personal loan and then subsequently ran up his credit card balances again and applied for another credit card.

What can you do?

There isn’t a whole lot to do differently with managing your credit score in light of this new scoring method. Just keep in mind that the potential usage of the FICO 10T score (probably starting in summer 2020 or possibly 2021), means that lenders may emphasize and scrutinize certain types of debt more than they used to and they may be looking closer at “trends” in your credit usage.

Paying bills on time and keeping credit card balances low relative to their available credit line or paid off completely are still of paramount importance when managing your credit score. Other factors like age of credit history, recent credit inquires and the type of credit continue to factor in as well.

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.

WORD FROM A FRIEND

Making housing more affordable

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ith median home prices in the county currently hovering around $875,000, it’s easy to see why many in our community find the cost of living challenging. The National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates that one would have to earn $35 per hour (or over $70,000 per year) to afford a twobedroom apartment in our county.

Similar housing challenges are occurring throughout the state and, as a result, the most recent legislative cycle produced a number of housing bills aimed to streamline and stimulate housing production.

What housing bills did the state pass?

Over the last few legislative cycles, state lawmakers have focused on bills that remove barriers to housing production and encourage the production of accessory dwelling units (ADUs or granny flats) and multifamily housing

Zach Friend Santa Cruz County Supervisor

close to job centers and transit.

On the ADU side, four new laws took effect in January. Assembly Bills 68, 587 and 881 along with Senate Bill 13 addressed a streamlining of ADU review times, reduced fees, lowered parking requirements in some instances, looked at owner-occupancy requirements and more. For example, ADUs are now exempt from parking requirements if they are within a half-mile walking distance from any transit stop.

Additionally, ADU applications must be approved or denied within 60 days from the date an application is deemed complete and short-term rentals (less than 30 days - vacation rentals) are now prohibited by state law in ADUs (this provision already existed in our local code).

Outside of ADUs, state legislation (such as Senate Bill 330) focused on accelerating housing production over the next five years by streamlining permitting and approval

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR What’s up with the Republican party?

What is being done at the local level?

Locally, we’ve eliminated fees on smaller accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and significantly streamlined the process so much work can be done over the counter. The County has taken significant steps toward modernizing and improving affordable housing regulations (such as with bonus densities) to encourage the creation of affordable housing. New County policies encourage smaller unit sizes (which are often more affordable) and makes it easier for builders to construct more sustainable housing along urban transportation corridors. It also provides incentives for property owners wanting to build deedrestricted ADUs with a forgivable construction loan program.

Additionally, the County has created regulations around vacation rentals to preserve current rental and owneroccupied housing stock. While this isn’t a comprehensive list of things the County has done disenfranchisement of the opposition, mainly minorities and especially blacks. A long history of gerrymandering voting districts to their advantage and often putting party interests ahead of those of the nation. Currently, while the Democratically controlled House has sent hundreds of bills to the Senate, well over 300 of them are just sitting on McConnell’s desk.

While Trump is accusing others of lying, there is a written record of some 15,000-plus of his lies while in office. There are more issues, too numerous for this letter, many of which could well have ordinary people in prison for years.

Thomas Stumbaugh

it provides a general overview.

Why does it matter to address these housing costs?

The high housing costs have social, environmental and economic costs. High housing costs lead to displacement and even changes in community diversity as working families are forced to live further away from their jobs. According to a study done by McKinsey Global Institute, California’s housing shortage costs the state more than $140 billion per year in lost economic output, including lost construction investment as well as foregone consumption of goods and services. Given that Californians pay $50 billion more for housing than they are able to afford, the report concludes, there is a significant reduction in the ability to support our local businesses and economy.

Additionally, the job/housing imbalance - where people have to live further away from jobs to find affordable housing has significant impacts on traffic and quality-of-life.

It took years for our county to be faced with the housing issues we have today so there will be no quick or immediate fix. However, the state and County are working on ways to help improve affordable housing options. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to stop by my office hours in Aptos, Corralitos, Seascape or Watsonville or call at 454-2200.

Medicare for All hoax Medicare for All sounds good and makes us all feel better. However, it lacks the infrastructure to accommodate all of the new participants. You can add 20, 30, 40 Million to health care but you need the staff and facilities for these people. None of the present plans account for this additional need. Secondly, we saw under the Affordable Care Act [ACA] that doctors and clinics turn away patients because ACA and Medicare pay so little that these doctors and clinics could not afford to treat them. Under Medicare for All, this situation ➝ 19 will be even worse.

MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

We are living in a situation that one of the founders was referring to when he said: “you have a democracy if you can keep it.”

The behavior of Trump and other officials of the Executive Branch is grievously out of control, as is that of certain amongst their civilian associates. It is high time for the other branches, the Congress and the Supreme Court, to exercise their powers of control to bring the Executive into line and appropriately

penalize all persons abusing the law in this situation. If they fail to do so, we could be kissing our democracy goodbye.

Donald Trump has, in public, called the “Democrat” party the party of crime. First off, Donald, it’s the Democratic party, not the Democrat party. Get it right.

Furthermore, if there are parties of crime in America, the Republican party is the largest among them. The list of possibly criminal, certainly loathsome, activities of Republicans has grown large over a long period.

To mention only a few,

processes. For example, under this legislation, a maximum of five public hearings may be held for any housing development project that is consistent with standards in place at the time the application is deemed complete. After an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is certified, a decision to approve or deny a project must be made within 60-90 days depending upon the project’s size.

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COMMUNITY CHATTER Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off raises $81,000

MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

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State apologizes to Japanese Americans for imprisonment SACRAMENTO—Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring Feb. 19, 2020, as A Day of Remembrance: Japanese American Evacuation in the State of California.

Starting in 1942 roughly 120,000 Japanese Americans were rounded up and held at 10 “internment camps” during World

Tarmo Hannula

SANTA CRUZ—The 39th Annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder CookOff raised $81,000 for Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department programs, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and City of Santa Cruz recently announced. The event has raised more than $1,658,250 for since 1981.

Chef Elbert Richard from Latin Asian Fusion Food Trucks and Catering, a new competitor from Scotts Valley, took home the judge’s top prize for their Professional Boston Chowder.

“We loved the competition, it was so much fun,” said owner Roddy Diaz. “It was a great opportunity to meet the community and many people from outside the Bay Area including Sacramento, San Diego and Los Angeles.”

Also in the Professional Boston category, chef John Viray led JV’s BBQ to a second-place finish, and

Sutter Health’s chef Corby Chavez brought home third.

Two returning competitors with an excellent track record were rewarded for their Manhattan chowders. Michael Midgley’s Public House in Stockton won Best Professional Manhattan and Derek Rupp’s East Side Eatery, took home second place.

Chef Viray and chef Josh Martin with the UCSC Chowder Slugs received the top “People’s Choice” Awards.

REBUILD CONTINUES Framing construction is underway on The Hideout

restaurant that sustained massive damage in a fire in May 2019. Workers from Graaskamp Construction have built the skeleton of the eatery’s frame, nestled beneath a canopy of redwoods at 9051 Soquel Drive between Rio del Mar and Freedom boulevards.

War II over two and a half years, as ordered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s executive order No. 9066.

The governor’s proclamation called the incarceration of thousands of United States citizens a “stain” on the country’s history that should serve as a lesson for future generations.

“Despite these experiences, thousands of young Japanese-American men enlisted in the U.S. armed forces, bravely fighting to defend

the nation that was abridging their own freedoms at home,” the proclamation reads. “We honor their sacrifice, as well as the resilience that made it possible for thousands of Japanese-American families to reclaim and rebuild their lives after the war. A decision motivated by discrimination and xenophobia, the internment of Japanese Americans was a betrayal of our most sacred values as a nation that we must never repeat.”

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PUBLIC HEALTH

Local officials brace for coronavirus STAFF REPORT

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ocal Public Health officials are bracing for Coronavirus after the first case of unknown origin was diagnosed in this country in Solano County, located just southwest of Sacramento.

The victim reportedly did not have relevant travel history or exposure to another known patient with the virus.

Also known as COVID-19, the virus has grabbed national headlines as it has spread throughout the world.

Even though there are zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Santa Cruz County, Public Health is facilitating preparedness efforts to assure effective community-wide response to any future cases, county spokesman Jason Hoppin said.

This includes initiating coordination with hospitals, clinics and providers; identifying resources needed to treat patients and limit disease transmission, and reviewing pandemic preparedness plans.

Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel said that everyone can do their part to respond to this “emerging health threat.”

“Our Public Health Division is working with other county agencies, health care providers and community partners to take the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of our residents,” Newel said.

As of Feb. 27, 15 cases have been confirmed in the U.S. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is closely monitoring the spread of the virus.

“Preparing for an outbreak in our local area requires the whole community to work together,” said Kathleen Conley, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency staff overseeing the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program.

In order to reduce the risk of domestic virus transmission, the federal government has imposed travel restrictions for people returning from China, including denying entry to non-residents who have traveled to China within the past 14 days unless they are relatives of U.S. citizens or residents. U.S. citizens returning from Hubei Province in China are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Symptomatic U.S. citizens returning from other parts of mainland China are also are subject to quarantine.

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FOOD

Live Oak Farmer’s Market a big draw

By TARMO HANNULA

F

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Tarmo Hannula

or 25 years the Santa Cruz Community Farmers Markets have been thriving around the county in five outdoor locations: Downtown Santa Cruz, Felton, Live Oak (Eastside), Scotts Valley and the Westside.

The Live Oak market, in the East Cliff Village shopping center, unfolds every Sunday (rain or shine) in the heart of Live Oak and draws a wide spectrum of vendors, from organic produce to seafood, balsamic vinegar, baked goods, olive oil, coffee and flowers.

A trio of Watsonville businesses, Happy Boy Farm, El Pajaro CDC Commercial Kitchen Incubator and Hidden Fortress Coffee, has served as the underpinnings

of the market along with other long-standing local businesses: Rooster Ridge Farm of Aptos, Fog Line Farm, Wild Stone Bakery, Pro Edge Professional Knife Sharpening Service and Blossoms Farmstore and Coffee Shop, which is now in the former Five Mile House in Corralitos.

The market also features live music, a kid’s play area and outdoor seating for dining.

Started in 2000, the neighborhood market has grown into a weekly event that is shared by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. Now in its eighth season as a year-round market, it is also the epicenter of the clean food movement, showcasing brunch offerings such as smoked, pasture-raised local

LOCAL FOR LOCALS Nancy Abramson fills an olive order at the Rooster

Ridge Farm stand at the weekly Live Oak Farmer’s Market on East Cliff Drive. pork and egg street tacos and cookto-order custom traditional Michoacán Mexican dishes using fresh organic ingredients.

Nancy and Curt Abramson have been selling fruit, flowers, olives and herbs at the market for the past four years. ➝ 20

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GIRLS BASKETBALL

Aptos completes dominant run Ackerman, Giuffre help Mariners thump Knights for SCCAL title

By JUAN REYES

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Juan Reyes

MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

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he Aptos High girls’ basketball team was a heavy favorite going into the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League Tournament championship against Soquel High.

Guard Gabby Giuffre made that clear from the start, scoring the game’s first eight points to help the Mariners cruise past the Knights, 56-19, at Cabrillo College on Feb. 14.

She finished with a game-high 23 points, making 10 of her 15 shots, including back-to-back 3-pointers that helped Aptos jump out to an 18-3 lead.

“I came in ready to focus, the team was focused, we were ready to go,” said Giuffre. “And my team found me and I was ready.”

Forward Natalia Ackerman finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds—her 15th double-double of the season—for the Mariners (195, 10-0).

The 6-foot-1 senior along with the rest of her Aptos teammates posed for photos with their two new banners for winning the SCCAL regular season and tournament titles.

“Super excited,” Ackerman said.

“It was one of major goals this season and we just got it done tonight.”

The Knights (9-9, 6-4) couldn’t figure out a way to produce on offense against a tough defensive effort by the Mariners.

Aptos coach Bruce Funk said they’ve been working really hard on defense in practice throughout the year. That included improving their man-to-man defense.

FLYING HIGH Aptos High senior Natalia Ackerman recorded a double-double against Soquel High

to lead the Mariners past the Knights and win the SCCAL title outright.

“But we have three different types of zone defenses, with traps, and they’re able to go from one to another. We’ve been working on that all year,” Funk said.

The Mariners suffocated the Knights’ offense which went 0-for-6 to start. Aptos took a commanding 35-9 lead going into halftime.

Giuffre and Co. kept the pedal to the metal in the third quarter. They extended the lead to as many as 40 points.

The third quarter ended with Giuffre connecting with Ackerman for a layup.

The Mariners’ stars pointed at

each other, acknowledging the perfect pass for the score, before taking a seat on the bench for the remainder of the game.

Ackerman said the win will help build confidence before heading into the Central Coast Section playoffs.

“We just gotta keep going,” she said.

Giuffre said she’s aware they’ve been at the top of the standings for the last couple of years but the big goal was to go undefeated in league play.

“We came in the gym, got ready to play and have our mind right

before the games we can do it and it was possible,” she said. “It was just a matter of being ready and being there.”

Guard Emma Stefanini added eight points and five rebounds for the Mariners, who were in the hunt for a third CCS title and their fourth straight berth to the NorCal playoffs. Aptos was ranked No. 112 in the state by MaxPreps heading into the postseason.

Giuffre said the rankings mean nothing.

“We got to go to CCS and prove ourselves every time we step out on that court,” she said.

JC BASKETBALL

Marcopulos steps down after 20 years STAFF REPORT

T

Juan Reyes

Kinetic Health

CURTAIN CALL Cabrillo College

men’s basketball coach Tony Marcopulos will step down from his position after spending the past 20 years at the helm.

He led his teams to at least a share of the Coast Conference South championship 10 times and won 59 percent of their games. led 56 players to earn all-conference honors.

Marcopulos’ time as head coach is over but he will continue to teach in the Kinesiology Department at Cabrillo.

Inside the Numbers: Coast Conference South Championships (10): 06-07 (9-3), 07-08 (22-9), 10-11 (20-8), 11-12 (24-4), 12-13 (10-2), 13-14 (20-9), 15-16 (20-7), 16-17 (20-8), 17-18 (17-11), 19-20 (8-4) Coast Conference South Coach of the Year: 06-07, 07-08, 10-11, 11-12, 12-13, 13-14, 15-16, 16-17, 17-18

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he Cabrillo College Athletics Department announced Feb. 27 that longtime men’s basketball coach Tony Marcopulos will step down from his position.

Marcopulos spent 20 years at the helm, leading his teams to at least a share of the Coast Conference South championship 10 times and winning 59 percent of their games.

According to a press release, his overall record as the Seahawks’ head coach was 333-231. During his tenure, Marcopulos led his teams to more wins than any other coach in the program’s history.

James Page has been selected as the next head coach of the program.

He spent the past eight seasons as an assistant coach under Marcopulos.

Last season, Page went 7-2 in his stint as an interim head coach including a win against City College of San Francisco, the state champion in 2018 and runner-up last year.

In the last nine years, Marcopulos’s teams have won at least a share of seven conference titles while making three Sweet 16 appearances and an Elite Eight appearances–the only such appearance in program history–in the postseason.

Marcopulos won the Coast Conference South Coach of the Year nine times since the 2006-07 season.

Maropulos first came to Aptos in 2000. He was two years removed from working as an assistant at the University of the Pacific.

There he worked with Micheal Olowokandi, the first overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft.

Marcopulos, also known as “Coach T” by his players, has always had a knack for developing young stars.

Marcopulos coached 10 of the past 20 Most Valuable Players of the Coast Conference South, which is 10 more than the program had total prior to his arrival. He’s also

17

GIRLS SOCCER

Mariners sweep SCCAL Aptos girls pair tournament championship with regular season crown

By JUAN REYES

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Juan Reyes

MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

A

ubree Westjohn helped lead the Aptos High girls’ soccer team to a Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League regular-season title.

But the Mariners’ senior wasn’t satisfied.

She scored two goals on Feb. 15 en route to a 4-1 victory over rival Santa Cruz High in the league tournament final at Cabrillo College.

“It was definitely pretty big. We already won the league so we just really wanted to come out here and prove ourselves that we deserve it,” Westjohn said.

The Mariners (15-2-2, 8-1-1) now have 12 SCCAL titles including six of the last seven. Aptos coach Carlos Bover said the girls were truly committed since the start of the season.

“These girls work really hard,” Bover said. “Santa Cruz has an amazing team. For us to compete with them and hold them, it says a lot about our girls.”

Sophomore Kylie Nelson also stole the show, making a pair of incredible saves that secured both a regular season and tourney title for Aptos. “(Nelson) kept us in, she was there in the right place,” Bover said. “She was mentally focused, which is something important for the goal keepers.”

On offense, the Mariners wasted no time, as Westjohn netted her first goal in the eighth minute. The shot came off a rebound that went straight to her about five yards away

ALL SMILES Aptos High junior Susana Estrada, right, celebrates with sophomore Jazmine Castañeda after

a goal was scored in the 48th minute of the SCCAL Tournament championship against Santa Cruz High. from the goal posts.

She recorded her second goal 12 minutes later, this time from about 15 yards out to give Aptos a 2-0 lead.

“I just come out here wanting to win and wanting to get those goals in,” Westjohn said. “I don’t really think much. I just get the ball and go for a goal.”

However, Santa Cruz found some hope in the 28th after sophomore Natalie Wanger’s 30-yard free kick slipped past Nelson to cut the lead in half.

The Cardinals’ offense continued to press near the end of the first

half. Jasmine Nguyen had a golden opportunity to knot it up in the 33rd with a free kick that bounced off the left post.

Nelson said she believed she’d given up the game-tying goal, which would have shifted the momentum toward Santa Cruz’s way.

“I was like, ‘Oh shoot, it’s going in,’” Nelson said.

Bovar said the girls looked gassed, especially after coming off an exhausting overtime win against Soquel High in the semifinals two days prior.

“We were tired,” he said.

Still, the Mariners stuck to the game plan and Bover made some minor adjustments at the half, including how to conserve some of their energy.

“Let’s not make runs that really make no sense,” he said. “Just make sure we pass the ball, move the ball, instead of running behind the ball.

But we were struggling.”

Sophomore Jazmine Castañeda extended the lead with a strike in the 48th minute, while senior Brynn Mitchell sealed the deal with a score in the 73rd.

COUNTY SUPERVISORS

Plan hopes to help women break free

By TONY NUÑEZ

T

he Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a slew of proposed changes to the county’s justice system recommended by the Justice and Gender Task Force, a large coalition of lawmakers, public service and nonprofit directors, law enforcement officials and previously incarcerated women.

The task force, created in 2017 to better address the needs of incarcerated women, laid out an ambitious eight-task plan aimed at stopping the cycle it says many fall into while wading their way through the criminal justice system.

Chief among those tasks is rebranding the Domestic Violence Commission as the Commission on Justice and Gender, which will oversee the county’s implementation of

LETTERS

11

We are tired of paying We are not against Cabrillo College, but we are tired of paying for more and more bonds to support them. We currently are

paying for two bonds, with one going until 2039. Why would we give them another $274,100,000 dollars if they can’t take care of the infrastructure that they have? The picture of the rusty roof equipment shows me that they aren’t maintaining what they should be taking care of.

The buzz words for 2020 are affordable housing and they’re willing to make everyone’s housing (residential and commercial, owned and rented) less affordable?

This bond will throw many seniors on fixed incomes into having to sell their homes and move or become homeless. All because they can’t live within their means as we all do? They should be finding private donations from people who want to have a building named after them. If you want to contribute, feel free but don’t force others into financial ruin.

The two bonds we are already paying for total to more than $200,000,000 and they want another $274,100,000. And in their bond statement, some of this will be for remodeling the new buildings that we aren’t

address several deficiencies in the county’s substance abuse treatment, release process, court rooms, reduction of domestic violence and prevention of incarceration.

Approved recommendations: vide medication-assisted treatment while in custody. bation Department work with Monarch Services to develop a safer release process in order to reduce the amount of women who are released from jail with no place to go. courtroom in which the judge, prosecutor, public defender, probation officer and bailiff are all women. ed Special Advocates, consider creating a pretrial diversion program based on Senate Bill 394 for parents who are primary

finished paying for. Enough craziness, no more taxes. Live within your means just like homeowners have to. President Wetstein is a very nice guy, but he still lives in Stockton and is here just to get this passed. Please join us in saying No on Measure R. Enrollment numbers are 30 percent down and with more and more online classes this amount of money just doesn’t make sense Kris Kirby, Aptos

Elect Becky Steinbruner We, the undersigned, do seriously and enthusiastically endorse Rebecca (Becky) Steinbruner for election to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to replace Zach Friend, and strongly urge our fellow residents of the Second Supervisorial District to do the same. It is high time for change and her voice on the board could prove to be a much-needed step toward overhauling the political situation in this county.

Shirley Coleman Dolores Frye Leticia Miller

caregivers for children. conduct a survey on the effectiveness of an Alternative Domestic Violence pilot program under Assembly Bill 372, and relay its results to the board by the end of 2020. ty Office of Education and Probation Department use a “restorative justice” approach with attention to gender differences. The approach has been successful at Sequoia High School in Watsonville as part of the Comprehensive School Safety Program. data by gender across all departments—including probation, corrections, health services and the courts—and report back to the board by August.

Lowell Webb Karen Miller Denise Miller Al Hughes Karl Maret Nancy Howells George Goodwin Rae Schwaderer Rob Gaskill Dondi Gaskill Marilyn Garrett Valera Templeman Shannon Freed Duane Thompson Mary Thompson Joanne Thompson Zandra Kaufman Debbie Hencke Robert Nunes Susan Stanford Tom Evans Thomas Stumbaugh Margaret Evans Monica McGuire Jerry Ball Nancy Ball Sharon Nunes Additionally, two commercial endorsements, Nutrient Concepts and Webb’s Farm Supply, are also behind Steinbruner.

MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

We need to develop a plan to increase the number of doctors, nurses, facilities and other staff.

One way is to underwrite the college costs for doctors such as requiring full reimbursement provided the doctor spends five years or so in community service.

Something similar could be done for nurses. Thirdly, what impact will adding these many people have on a system that was paid for by its present participants and employers? Does this mean diminished coverage? Who is going to pay for these additional people who have not made any contributions? Is it the same people who have already been contributing? Medicare for All is a great campaign banner but it lacks the necessary planning to make it work.

Bill Beecher, Aptos

the task force’s recommendations and advocate for the rights of incarcerated women.

The creation of that commission will need board approval at a future meeting.

The task force was formed in response to a report from Dr. Susan Greene, Gender Matters: A Profile of Women in Santa Cruz County Jail.

That report, which garnered support from the Sheriff ’s Office, interviewed 31 women at Main Jail and the Blaine Street Women’s Facility and found that a majority of the interviewees had a parent who had been incarcerated and that nearly three out of four were mothers.

Led by Greene, the 19-member Task Force met 18 times over two years in a multitude of venues and formats. Those gatherings helped the task force build its list of recommendations that hope to

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Tarmo Hannula

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Carin Fortin, owner of Blossoms Biodynamic

Herb Farm of Corralitos, helps a customer at her Live Oak Farmer’s Market stand.

MARKET

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MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

“It’s a great crowd,” Nancy Abramson said. “We sell produce unique to this market. We sell a lot of flowers, lemons and olives. What I like about this market is that people here like to spend time talking with the sellers and learning about our products; it makes it special.”

Kim Tush, who owns Santa Cruz Balsamics and bottles her products at the El Pajaro Commercial Kitchen in Watsonville, said she has had her stand at the market for two years.

“I like the people here,” she said.

“I sell at markets between Palo Alto and Carmel and Live Oak is different. The vibe here is different;

20

Business & Service Directory To include your business in this directory, call 761-7326

people are relaxed. To me, this place feels like a community, like family.”

Tush said she was happy to introduce Deborah Muschari and Pat Stevens, owners of Bella Vista Ranch in Hollister, to the Live Oak market. She said she met them at the Palo Alto market and encouraged them to feature a table of their organic olive oils at Live Oak. “We’ve been growing organically since 1998,” Muschari said. “That’s before a lot of growers even knew what that was. We have so many friendly customers here. A lot of people ask the deeper questions about quality here. I had one person ask me about polyphenols; I was really impressed.”

HISTORY

8

newspapers described the hotel and grounds as a perfect paradise.

Aptos’ first 4th of July celebration was held at the hotel.

The day was ushered in with explosions and firecrackers until 9 a.m. At 10 a.m., as trains arrived, a procession around the grounds to the dance platform where the entertainment was to begin, was led by a small string band. Music was followed by a speech from Claus Spreckels, then speeches, maneuvers by the local militia, poetry, humorous readings and dancing. A fireworks display took place in the evening.

The hotel was enlarged for the 1876 season with a three-story

addition making it twice as large, and five additional cottages were constructed. The hotel was under the management of Mr. F. Baehr, formerly State Treasurer. The Santa Cruz Narrow Gauge Rail Road was completed to Pajaro and on May 7, 1876, the Opening Day, trains left Santa Cruz and Pajaro and met in Aptos for a grand party and picnic at the Aptos Hotel, to celebrate the railroads opening and the nation’s centennial. Hats flew, guns went off, the air was filled with the earshattering sounds of bells and steam whistles and screaming voices.

The Aptos Hotel operated during the summer months and most guests stayed for the entire season.

In 1877, as the ranch and racetrack operations expanded, Spreckels built

a summer mansion near Valencia Lagoon and the Coast Road.

In 1880, Mr. W. H. Stedman became the proprietor/lessee of the hotel. Rates were $2.50 per day or $12-14 per week. That same year, Charles Crocker of Southern Pacific Railroad opened Hotel Del Monte in Monterey. It was an instant success. With just over 100 rooms, the manager had to turn down 3,000 reservation requests in the first six weeks. It had a big impact on the future of the Aptos Hotel.

Stay tuned for part two next month. If you enjoy these stories and photographs, please consider becoming a member of the Aptos History Museum or make a donation of any size. Visit us at 7605 Old Dominion Court, Aptos.

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CALENDAR

It’s High Time for Tea and Fashion MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Dust off your hats and sundresses, and enjoy an afternoon with your best friends at the beautiful Seascape Beach Resort. Join us and help give to Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services. Shop and sip at the hottest trunk show of the year, and enjoy the fashion show featuring all the latest spring trends from local stores. Local vendors, local fashion—for the locals. Location: Seascape Beach Resort, 1 Seascape Resort Drive. Date & time: March 15, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Price: $60.

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APTOS WEST COAST CROSSFIT CLASSIC 2020 The West Coast Classic is bringing the California & West Regional fitness community together, to the venue that has laid host to a collection of incredible regional memories.

Location: U.S. Bank, 783 Rio Del Mar

Blvd., No. 73. Date & time: March 20-22. Price: NA.

March 20-21. Price: TDB.

SANTA CRUZ JAZZ FESTIVAL

This quick dip is not a swim, it is a chance to charge into the freezing cold water in your best costumes to raise awareness and money for an incredible cause. The money raised helps approximately 24,000 athletes with physical and mental disabilities cover the cost of their sports training, education and leadership programs. If

An educational Festival featuring the adjudicated performances of statewide college, high school and middle school jazz bands, vocal jazz ensembles and combos. For information visit cabrillovapa.com.

Location: Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive. Date & time:

SANTA CRUZ POLAR PLUNGE

you don’t fancy taking the plunge then consider signing up for the ‘Chicken’ ticket, which gives you access to all the fun and festivities but saves you from the frigid water. For information or to buy tickets visit sonc.org.

Location: Rio Del Mar Beach. Date & time: March 21, 10 a.m. Price: $125.

ART OF COMMUNICATION FESTIVAL Join us for a day to explore compassionate communication with family members, friends, co-workers, community members— and with yourself. In the morning, we will demonstrate Compassionate Communication with Conflict Improv, where the teachers act out suggestions from the audience. Then we will have three rounds of short workshops. Art of Communication is dedicated to sharing the philosophy of Nonviolent Communication as a method for facilitating deeper

CALENDAR

contributed

Tarmo Hannula file photo

Santa Cruz Tattoo Expo Watsonville Film Festival The Santa Cruz Tattoo Expo returns for its fourth year. Artists from all over the country will gather in Santa Cruz to tattoo and network. Don’t miss this event. Come out and get tattooed by more than 100 artists from around the nation. Location: Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St. Date & time: March 6-8. Price: $15-25.

connections within individuals and communities. For information visit nvcsantacruz.org. Location: St. John the Baptist Church, 125 Canterbury Drive. Date & time: March 21, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Price: $25-$100.

APTOS WINE WANDER

SANTA CRUZ THE 2020 NEXTIES The NEXTies are back. Join us for a night of celebrating the area’s best and brightest doers. Pull out

SHE.IS.BEAUTIFUL This 5k and 10k welcomes all levels of participants: runners, joggers, walkers, and stroller pushers. We want every level to feel celebrated and inspired. All participants receive a goodie bag and sweet finishers shirt.

The top three women finishers in the 5k and 10k receive prize money.

We offer a “competitive race start” for those who are looking to race for top spots. We also award the top Bumbleride Baby Mama finisher in the Bumbleride Baby Mama division of the 5k and 10k with a Bumbleride stroller. Location: Bay Street and National streets, Santa Cruz. Date & time: March 21, 7:45 p.m. Price: NA.

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ BEER MARCH The Beer March was created to achieve the dream of sampling great local beers, but it also provides a chance for our community to come together to explore downtown Santa Cruz. Some of the best beers are found at our small businesses, which are the backbone of our wonderful community. Each bar will have a featured local brewery and different beer tasting options to choose from.

Location: Santa Cruz Information Kiosk, 1130 Pacific Ave. Date & time: March 28 12:30 p.m. Price: $30 in advance, $35 the day of.

WATSONVILLE 18TH ANNUAL CESAR E. CHAVEZ COMMUNITY AWARDS Join us at our 18th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Community Awards. The

Cesar E. Chavez Community Awards recognizes community members, businesses and organizations who intentionally engage youth in positive, pro-social activities and provide them with leadership opportunities that empower them to help others and contribute to their community.

The evening will include a welcome

by Mayor Rebecca Garcia and will culminate with dinner and the presentation of awards. This year’s event theme is “Determination.”

Location: City of Watsonville Community Room, 275 Main Street, Fourth Floor. Date & time: March 26, 6-8 p.m. Price: $15.

WATSONVILLE FARMER’S MARKET The Watsonville Certified Farmer’s Market takes place every Friday from 3-7 p.m. on Peck Street in the downtown Plaza. It offers organic and ethnic produce, flowers, live music and plenty of goodies to eat.

MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

Join us in the heart of Aptos for an afternoon of wine tasting. Discover Santa Cruz wineries, while strolling through Aptos Village businesses.

Check in for your wristband, glass and a map of the pouring locations.

Proceeds benefit Rio Del Mar Elementary, Mar Vista Elementary and Valencia Elementary schools.

For information or to buy tickets visit scmwa.com. Location: Mulberry Gallery, 8050 Soquel Drive. Date & time: March 28, 1-4 p.m. Price: $40 online, $49 at event.

the pearls and cufflinks and join us for an evening in honor of those in Santa Cruz County who inspire the community. This year’s annual award show, now in its 11th year, is sure to be the best one yet. See you on the red carpet. For information or to buy tickets visit the event’s Facebook page. Location: Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St. Date & time: March 20, 6-8:30 p.m. Price: $20-40.

The Watsonville Film Festival returns for its eighth year. A conversation between Watsonville-based filmmakers, educators and activists on how to showcase local film talent and share relevant community films sparked the idea for the Watsonville Film Festival. Be part of our annual celebration of film and community in the heart of Watsonville. For information or to buy tickets visit watsonvillefilmfest.org. Location: Watsonville Woman’s Club, 12 Brennan St. Date & time: March 12-15. Price: TBD.

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MARCH 2020 | APTOS LIFE

go where the locals go

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Visit SantaCruzNaturals.org for delivery, menu and more!