LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola & Soquel by Weeklys

APRIL 2018 EVERYTHING APTOS, CAPITOLA & SOQUEL Vol. 6 No. 8

Three K-9s join Sheriff’s Office

Sports

APTOS

Hernandez Marquez repeats as M.V.P.

SOQUEL

pg. 3

pg. 12

CAPITOLA Photo by Tarmo HANNULA

War veterans join local surfers in preparation to hitting the surf in Capitola March 23 as part of the annual Operation Surf. For the complete story, turn to page 2..

HISTORY CORNER

A visit to their future

By John Hibble Call: 688-1467

County’s fourth-graders visit Cabrillo By TODD GUILD

Visit us online: aptoshistory.org Visit the museum: 7605-B Old Dominion Court Aptos, CA

The building that changed its shape

Science instructor Alicia Bierson conducts an experiment for visiting fourth-graders. Bierson’s concoction created a mound of foaming in a soda bottle that created a great deal of excitement in the audience. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

APTOS — MacQuiddy Elementary School fourth-grader William Perez hopes to become an astronaut, a goal that could mean one day being among the first earthlings to step onto Mars. He may have taken the first step toward that goal on March 9, when he and 3,000 of his peers visited Cabrillo College for the annual Samper Fourth Grade Experience. The event was launched in 2012 to

Staff report

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — With March 16 marking the one-year anniversary of a federal disaster declaration for January 2017 storms, the County of Santa Cruz announced the completion of more than $20 million in debris removal and road repairs, including several priority projects. “By adopting repair guidelines and hiring additional staff to

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work on obtaining quick project approvals, the Board of Supervisors has prioritized and expedited the storm recovery process,” Board Chair Zach Friend said. “We still have a long road ahead of us, but we have come a long way since last winter.” With approximately $120 million in damage to more than 200 different sites, the 2016-17 winter storms caused more damage Please turn to Page 7

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County surpasses $20 million in road repairs

Recycling is not new, it is just back in style. Before trash and garbage pickup became a regular service, people reused many things. Garbage and trash were burned or composted, empty bottles were reused or returned to the store for money. Broken items were thrown into trash pits and covered up, to be rediscovered by archeologists and put in museums. Even buildings were recycled. Spreckels’ Aptos Hotel was disassembled and used to build his sugar factory near Salinas. The Bay View Hotel almost met the same fate, but it was moved 118 feet to the west into the old formal garden, which is why the old magnolia tree is now in front of the hotel. Many of the old railroad worker houses were moved around Aptos Village and one was disassembled and the lumber was used to build a new house on Bernal

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spark interest among young people in continuing their education after high school. Classmate Lizbeth Ramos, who has plans to become a doctor, said she was similarly captivated by the demonstrations. “It was fun to see the science people,” she said. Such future thinking is nothing new for fourth grade teacher Betty Aboytes, who said she makes it a point to connect each field trip —

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APRIL 2018

2 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Operation Surf hits Capitola Beach 15 injured veterans take to the waves

“[Surfing] lets me find a piece of myself I didn’t know was missing,” Pollock said. “There isn’t a part of my life that isn’t CAPITOLA — Martin Pollock intertwined in it.” Founder Van Curaza said he got into was deployed to Afghanistan after he completed training in the British Army. He surfing about four decades ago when he was severely injured just four months later was struggling with drug addiction. “It has given me a sense of worth and of in a blast that took both legs and his left peace,” he said. arm. And so he started his own surf school for After five years of rehabilitation, he was ready to get active, and he did so by trying young surfers, based in Avila Beach. He said his foray into helping injured various sports such as skiing and water veterans stemmed from his desire to thank skiing. Pollock, 34, said he finally found what them for their service. What he said he discovered is that the two groups share a he was searching for with surfing. He traveled from England to take part surprising similarity. Both, he said, thrive in Operation Surf, a program for injured on the adrenaline rush that comes from veterans run by San Luis Obispo-based participating in sometimes dangerous activities. Amazing Surf Adventures. That connection helps build a bond, About 20 veterans participated in the event at Capitola Beach on March which in turn helps the veterans feel 23, which was run with the help of 350 comfortable enough to share their stories, something that can be difficult with volunteers. The program was designed as a way to traumatic events. “Once you hit the water it just takes over offer veterans a chance to take part in a and it takes all your concentration and all safe but thrilling activity. Pollock said being on the water brings you can give to be one with the ocean,” he him personal serenity, and inspiration for said. “We respect what Mother Nature has to offer.” his artwork. Surfer Alana Hendrickson, 27, said she has participated in the program for three years. In taking veterans out onto the waves, Hendrickson said she wanted to share the sense of peace she gets from the sport. “I’m here to share the waves and the water and the power of the ocean,” she said. Richard Rodriguez of Santa Cruz, who served as a surf instructor for the event, said it was an honor to help the vets. “My dad was a Vietnam veteran so it only makes sense APTOS SOQUEL that I give back and help these

Photos by Tarmo HANNULA

By TODD GUILD and TARMO HANNULA

War veterans are joined by local surfers and a host of volunteers at the Esplanade band stand.

Richard Rodriguez of Santa Cruz prepares to hit the surf in Capitola on March 23 as part of the annual Operation Surf.

folks,” Rodriguez said. “Being out there on the waves with the veterans is one of the most gratifying and rewarding things I do. It makes you humble. When I am having a down kind of day I think of these wonderful folks and it puts it into

perspective. It’s my way of giving back.” ••• For information, visit www.amazingsurfadventures.org.

CAPITOLA

Publisher - Jeanie Johnson Editor - Erik Chalhoub Editorial Todd Guild, Johanna Miller, Tony Nuñez, Tarmo Hannula Photography - Tarmo Hannula Advertising Sales Tina Chavez, Jazmine Ancira, Mark Pezzini Production - Mike Lyon Rob Chalhoub Life in Aptos, Capitola and Soquel is published monthly. All rights reserved, material may not be reprinted without written consent from the publisher. Life in Aptos, Capitola and Soquel made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. Life in Aptos, Capitola and Soquel is a division of the RegisterPajaronian. Publishing in Santa Cruz County since 1894.

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newsroom@register-pajaronian.com

Thank you for reading!

By KAREN HIBBLE CHAMBER

COMMERCE

Congratulations to the RegisterPajaronian for 150 years of publishing the news. We hope that they can continue to bring us local news for another 150 years. The paper was called The Pajaronian at the time it was established on March 5, 1868. In this digital age we should not forget the importance of actual newspapers in our community. We are excited to announce our upcoming Fashion Show April 22 at the beautiful Seascape Beach Resort featuring local stores and local models. We will also feature a trunk show for sophisticated shoppers. Seascape Beach Resort will provide us with a delicious

APTOS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

brunch overlooking the beautiful bay. If you would like to be a vendor we still have three tables available for you. This event highlights spring fashions and gives us a wonderful opportunity to shop locally. We have fashions for the entire family and models you will know and love, including Phoebe Grant who began her modeling career with us at age 9 and will be graduating from high school this spring. She has modeled every year. Also joining us is Morgan Jett who began her modeling with us at the age of 3 and is now in junior high school. Patrick James, with great clothes for men, Hopscotch with all the latest

fashions for children, Cinnamon Bay for both women and men, Fleet Feet for our athletes, to name just a few of the amazing stores that will be participating this year. Please call today to reserve your tickets or table. We have had most of our local third grade classes visit the Aptos History Museum for their local history field trips. The children and their parents learn about local history and are entertained by the museum curator, John Hibble, while learning all about Aptos. If you want a special tour for your school or club please call the Aptos History Museum and let us know. We love to show off our history. Special thanks to our museum members and supporters who help us pay the rent and keep the doors open. The Chamber breakfast in March featured Susan True, the executive director of the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County. Susan is an exceptional speaker and we learned about many things that the Community Foundation provides. We are lucky that they have chosen Aptos as their home base. The signal at Soquel Dive and Trout Gulch in the Village is working and we have heard from residents that the traffic flow has really improved. Thanks to Public Works and PG&E for turning on the light. ••• Karen Hibble is the coexecutive director of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce.

APRIL 2018

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 3

Shooting suspect arrested after car chase

Photo by Tarmo HANNULA

Soquel incident may have ties to San Jose shooting By TARMO HANNULA SOQUEL — A San Jose man is in custody after he shot a man in front of a Soquel business March 7 and then tried to outrun police in his vehicle, police said. Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Stefan Fish said the victim was shot three times in the Safeway parking lot on 41st Avenue at 4:45 p.m. He reportedly had an infant child in the car with him but the child was not hurt, Sgt. Brian Cleveland said. Moments after the shooting a Sheriff’s deputy spotted the suspect vehicle, a bright orange Honda Fit, with at least one Hispanic male aboard. A short while later, Sheriff’s deputies got behind the fleeing suspect vehicle as it raced toward Santa Cruz on Soquel Drive. The driver tried to evade police as he crossed over Highway 1 to Soquel Avenue, where he lost control of the vehicle on a sharp curve and smashed through a bank of signs at 2842 Soquel Ave. Though seriously injured, the suspect, Joshua Strauss, 18, then scrambled out of the crumpled Honda and tried to flee

on foot but deputies caught up with him and took him into custody about 300 yards from the crash site. An unknown citizen who saw Strauss running from one of the deputies tackled him and assisted in the arrest. Strauss was arrested and a firearm was located in the Honda, Cleveland said. Strauss was flown to a Bay Area trauma center due to the extent of his injuries. He was later interviewed and booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on two charges of attempted murder. The commotion unfolded right on the midst of rush hour, sending traffic A car is shown lodged into a sign on Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz on March 7. The into a snarled mess around the clutch of driver reportedly shot a man and tried to evade police, but lost control and crashed. emergency vehicles. Numerous motorists blared their horns while others hollered business, upon noticing the caved-in sign and listed in critical condition. He is expected to survive, Cleveland said. out their windows after waiting for the with a Honda embedded in it. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone who light to change through three cycles with no progress. Meanwhile, adding to the received information that Strauss was witnessed the shooting in the Safeway tension, two emergency helicopters circled possibly a suspect in a shooting in San Jose parking lot to call Sgt. Daniel Freitas at overhead and scores of curious onlookers earlier in the day where a young teenager 454-7635. “We would also like to thank the citizen rushed to the scene for a glimpse of the was struck by gunfire. The Sheriff’s Office is working with San Jose Police who stepped in and assisted our deputies in action. apprehending Joshua Strauss,” Cleveland “Well, I guess I’ll have to replace Department to coordinate the cases. The adult victim in the 41st Avenue said. that sign,” said one man from a nearby shooting was taken to Dominican Hospital

Three K-9s join Sheriff’s Office By TARMO HANNULA SANTA CRUZ — Three new K-9s were sworn into duty March 12 at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. Before a crowd of about 70 people, the three dogs were led by their handlers into the Sheriff’s Office Community Room to be sworn in and to receive their new badges. “We’ve used this room to swear in 10 deputies and we didn’t get this kind of turn out,” Sheriff Jim Hart said. “It’s taken a lot

to get this program built up. I know that our staff and myself are looking forward to the help these dogs can provide.” At the center of attention were Deputy Emma Ramponi with K-9 Colt, Deputy Alex Spencer with K-9 Murph and Sgt. Nick Baldrige with K-9 Lola. Colt has been trained to specialize in patrol apprehension and narcotics. Murph will specialize in patrol apprehension and explosive location, while Lola has been trained to locate narcotics and will be trained in search and rescue.

Hart said each dog costs about $10,000, plus additional costs for each deputy to train with their individual dogs. “I feel we have a real good team and a good program,” Hart said. “I took the program in part after both of our dogs were injured. It takes a lot of time, money and personnel in order to get a program like this running. When those two animals were injured I thought it was a good opportunity

to really look at policy and procedure. It has taken about a year and a half to get this going to make this a safe program.” Baldrige said he was excited about the program. “Having a good cohesive team like this is so valuable,” he said. “Lola (who is a Labrador) loves people and she loves to interact with people; that’s why she is not trained in apprehension.”

April showers bring flowers... but also:

Photos by Tarmo HANNULA

• • • • Deputy Emma Ramponi with K-9 Colt, Deputy Alex Spencer with K-9 Murph and Sgt. Nick Baldrige with K-9 Lola are shown after the dogs were sworn in at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

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Deputy Alex Spencer gets a hand/paw shake from K-9 Murph.

Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart shows a K-9 badge.

APRIL 2018

4 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

ETHICS BOWL

JANUS OF SANTA CRUZ

LEO’S HAVEN

New DUI resource center opens in Capitola

Lions Club foundation awards $100K grant to LEO’s Haven

Staff report

Cabrillo College Ethics Bowl Team members Ella Carroll (from left), Jane Tobias, Cameron Ellis, Liv Johansson and Connor DeGraff. Contributed photo

Cabrillo Ethics Bowl finishes strong Staff report APTOS — The Cabrillo College Ethics Bowl team in December became the only community college to qualify for the national championship in Chicago, beating the team from Stanford University and narrowly finishing behind Arizona State University. Success in the IEB requires strong analytical skills, intensive research, tight teamwork and the ability to think quickly, Fabos said. Sponsored by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics, the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl holds regional and national competitions involving hundreds of college and university students across North America. Last year, Cabrillo’s Ethics Bowl team became the first community college team in the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl’s 21-year history to win a regional competition against four-year colleges and universities. Following that win, Cabrillo’s team advanced to the National competition in Dallas, Texas.

CAPITOLA — Janus of Santa Cruz has opened a new DUI resource center at 4245 Capitola Road, Suite 202, across from the Capitola DMV. The center offers restricted license and related insurance resources as well as DUI program resources to DUI offenders. Janus will be celebrating the grand opening of the center with free tacos, treats and information on from noon-1 p.m. Depending on the violation, DUI offenders may need to obtain a special insurance policy, install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle and/ or enroll in a licensed DUI program. The Janus DUI Resource Center helps get the process started by answering questions and linking people to resources. “If someone has recently been arrested for DUI, a trip to the DMV no longer has to lead to frustration and discouragement,” said Jaime Campos, director of operations for Janus of Santa Cruz. “The Capitola DUI Resource Center provides a ‘one-stop-shop’ right across the street, where they can speak with a specialist and overcome barriers towards license reinstatement.” For information, visit www.janussc.org/dui.

Staff report SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — Efforts to raise nearly $2 million to build Santa Cruz County’s first inclusive playground got a major boost with the announcement of a $100,000 donation from the Lions Clubs International Foundation. LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Park is one of only 18 projects worldwide selected during this review period by the foundation, which is the grant-making arm of Lions Clubs International. The playground’s sponsors are now just $400,000 shy of their $1.9 million private funding goal. “We are enormously excited to be able to contribute to the ground-breaking effort of LEO’s Haven in such a manner,” said Bob Stewart, district governor of Lions Clubs International. “Lions are all about hands-on service to the local community, and what better way than to help support a local playground for children and adults of all abilities.” “We are grateful for the support of Lion Clubs International Foundation in awarding this significant grant to a project that will be of such benefit to our community,” said Tricia Potts, founder of the Santa Cruz Playground Project. “It’s also really special to see such widespread support from all the local clubs.” Potts and her husband, Bob Potts, initiated the effort to build an inclusive playground in Santa Cruz County in 2014 after taking their children to the opening of Tatum’s Garden in Salinas. The Potts children, twins Lauren and Evelyn, and Oliver, are the namesakes for LEO’s Haven, being developed by the all-volunteer Santa Cruz Playground Project in partnership with Los Angeles-based Shane’s Inspiration, the County of Santa Cruz, and the Chanticleer Park Neighbors Association.

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APRIL 2018

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 5

SOQUEL CREEK

ART COMPETITION

Learning Center opens at Soquel Creek Water District Office

Congressional Art Competition submissions sought

Staff report

SOQUEL — The Soquel Creek Water District opened the doors to its new Community Water Plan Learning Center. The center includes educational displays illustrating the challenges to the endangered groundwater supply, and outlining the actions, tools, and programs contained in the District’s Community Water Plan. The Community Water Plan Learning Center is located in the District’s main office, 5180 Soquel Drive, Soquel. The Learning Center is designed to be self-guided, and takes visitors on a journey to explore “Our Path to a Reliable Water Supply.” “We’re proud to be able to bring the Learning Center to our community. It provides information about our Community Water Plan and new water supply options being evaluated,” said Bruce Daniels, president of the Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors. “Protection of our water supply affects every member of our community and the Learning Center is great at getting people informed and involved with solutions.” Visitors may walk around the Learning Center to view and interact with displays about the importance of sustaining the water supply, the science behind the groundwater basin, and the role of water conservation. Other display panels talk about water supply options such as desalination, storm water capture, river water transfers, and Pure Water Soquel – using purified recycled water to recharge the groundwater basin. The center was partially funded through a grant by the US Bureau of Reclamation.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — The 2018 Congressional Art Competition is seeking submissions for high school students throughout California’s 20th Congressional District. The U.S. House of Representatives sponsors this competition each spring to recognize and honor young artists from each congressional district across the country. The winning entry will be displayed in the corridors of the nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C. for one year. The winner and a family member will also be invited to attend a ceremony with other young artists from around the country in Washington, D.C. at the end of June. Karenna Fife, a student at Carmel High School, won the 2017 Congressional Art Competition for California’s 20th Congressional District for her photograph, “La Vieja.” Each school can submit up to five pieces of original student artwork. Exceptions will be made for schools that have 7th through 12th grades on one campus. Students are allowed to submit various styles and types of art, ranging from paintings and drawings to photography and mixed media pieces. The winner will be determined using criteria based on originality, skill of execution, excellence in use of materials, and conceptual strength of the project. All submissions are due by April 25. For full competition guidelines, visit panetta.house.gov/ services/art-competition, or contact Bertha Munoz, Congressional Aide, at 424-2229 or bertha.munoz@ mail.house.gov.

Your

OPEN STUDIOS

Santa Cruz artist Janas Smith Durkee talks about her approach to painting at her studio as part of the Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour in 2016. File photo by Tarmo Hannula

Artists invited to apply to Open Studios Staff report SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — Visual artists of all disciplines, from seasoned creators to those just stepping into the art world, are invited to apply to be part of the 2018 Open Studios Art Tour. The Arts Council has shifted the guidelines for participation in order to allow more artists to apply. In particular, to address housing and studio space challenges, artists now have expanded opportunities to be “hosted” by other artists. Participating artists can display their work and creative process in their own studios, or be hosted at a fellow Open Studios artist’s studio. All participating artist studios can host up to two additional artists, and in remote areas of the county, up to three artists can be hosted. Guidelines can be found on the Arts Council website, along with an Application Checklist, at www.artscouncilsc.org. Applications will be accepted online at bit. ly/2018OScall through midnight, April 30. Applications are juried by a panel of seven arts professionals from outside Santa Cruz County.

Natural Look

APRIL 2018

6 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

History Corner

Continued from page 1

Street. This is the tale of one such recycled building. During the lumber era in Aptos, 1883 to 1918, there were several lumber yards in the Village. The Loma Prieta Lumber Company had a mill up Aptos Creek in today’s Nisene Marks State Park. They had a lumber yard in Aptos Village to the west of the Bay View Hotel’s formal gardens. Sometime before 1888, the lumber yard constructed a small office just past the gardens, about 120 feet west of the hotel. This simple building was used as an office by two different owners of the lumber yard and then, after the major timber harvesting was in decline, it was used as a small house by 1908. In the early 1920s there were several bad fires in the Village, so the local volunteer firemen purchased a truck chassis and fixed it up to carry ladders, buckets and two chemical fire extinguishers. Initially the truck was kept in a building near the Aptos Garage, which was too small for the

truck. By 1923, Joseph Arano, owner of the Bay View Hotel, offered land for the lumber yard office building to be used as a fire equipment storage building for the Aptos Volunteer Fire Department. The building was moved on to the site and rotated 90 degrees and remodeled with materials donated by the Norton-Phillips Lumber Company. So, the fire truck and a new pumper truck were moved across the street to the remodeled lumber yard office. The building continued to be used as the fire station until 1952. A siren was erected on a tower next to the building. During World War II, the siren was used as part of an observation post to call out the local militia and to announce blackouts. A major observation tower was built by Ralph Mattison next to the building and it was manned 24 hours a day by two-person teams on two-hour shifts. Two, four-inch cannons were also located in the Village. Telephone lines were laid to Ralph Mattison’s house above

The first fire house is shown next to the Bay View Hotel. Aptos History Museum archives

This photo from the late 1940s shows a siren on a tower next to the building. Aptos History Museum archives

the Village so that he had a direct line to Army Headquarters in San Francisco and Fort Ord. The Fire Department building was a central point for the Military Coast Patrol. They covered the Monterey Bay up to Pigeon Point, and once or twice a day they would stop in and make their reports. The fire house always had coffee, cake and donuts for them. After the war, the Bay View Hotel was moved 118 feet west to make room for a new hardware store on the corner of Trout Gulch Road and Soquel Drive. That move placed the hotel and the fire house side by side. The front of the fire house was shortened and given a false front which made it look more like an “Old West” store front. There are reports that this same building was used as the Aptos Library for a short time, but that was the Norton Phelps Lumber Company office, a different building. Later, after the fire department moved out, the building was used by the American Legion, Monterey Bay Post 778, until 1979. Since that time, the building has been remodeled a number of times and used as an antique store, a produce stand and several retail stores. In 1994, the Aptos Chamber of Commerce was looking for a place to relocate from Redwood Village. Aptos Village would have been a good location, so we looked at the old fire house

building, but it was in such bad condition that we chose not to rent it. Because of the Aptos Village Plan redevelopment project, a great deal of time and effort was spent on the old building to determine its future. It was such a conglomeration of elements that had been relocated and altered several times. The structure also failed almost all of the tests used to measure the importance of a historic building, and because it was in such poor condition, it would have needed to have been substantially rebuilt. Sadly, the building was taken down in 2016. Maybe it was a victim of its own success. For over 128 years, this former lumber yard office showcased the concept of recycle, repair, reuse, and the stories that go along with the building are a rich part of our Aptos History. If you enjoy these stories, please become a member of the museum. At $45 per member or $75 per family, it takes a lot of members and fundraisers to raise the $13,000 for our annual rent. This month’s Coffee, Tea & History event will be “Mystery of the Lumber Mill” about the Loma Prieta mill in Nisene Marks State Park. Saturday, April 14, 2-3:30 p.m. $20 general, $15 museum members, at the Rio Sands Hotel community room, 116 Aptos Beach Drive. Reservations are required, 688-1467.

The building was used by the American Legion, Monterey Bay Post 778, until 1979. Aptos History Museum archives

Aptos Village Produce occupied the building in 2002. Aptos History Museum archives

APRIL 2018

Cabrillo Visit

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 7 Photo by Tarmo HANNULA

Continued from page 1

which she instead calls “field studies” — to a possible career, often grilling their hosts about their jobs. “I really appreciated the fact that the fourth-graders were provided the opportunity to see what the college has to offer,” she said. The college was playing host to more than 30 schools from across the county, for a program designed to show young people that post-secondary education is an attainable goal. “It’s a great opportunity for the fourthgraders to get to experience our college and programs and get them excited about coming here,” said Cabrillo College President Matt Wetstein. “It really is designed to foster a college-going mindset.” At the heart of the event lies the idea that exposing kids to college before sixth grade increases the likelihood they will attend

Road Repairs

one and graduate. “This is a chance for you to see into your future, and to be a student for the day,” Cabrillo Student Employment Coordinator Desha Staley-Raatior told a group gathered in the college’s Samper Recital Hall. The students then watched science instructor Alicia Bierson conduct a scientific experiment, which resulted in foam spewing out of several bottles. This elicited gasps and cheers from the audience, which was precisely Bierson’s goal. “I’m trying to get them really excited about going into the sciences,” she said. The Samper Fourth Grade Experience is run by Santa Cruz County College Commitment, which is organized by all Santa Cruz County K-12 school districts, Cabrillo College, CSU Monterey Bay, San Jose State University and UC Santa Cruz. It gets its name from Barbara Samper, who donated $1 million to the program.

Fourth grade students from MacQuiddy Elementary School take part in limbering up exercises during a tour of Cabrillo College in Aptos.

Continued from page 1

to public infrastructure than any storm in history, according to county officials. The Federal Emergency Management Agency eventually declared three major storm disasters for Santa Cruz County, with the Jan. 18-23, 2017 storm event impacting major routes across the county. Several major repairs have concluded, with both FEMA, the Federal Highway Administration and Senate Bill 1 contributing funding. They include SoquelSan Jose Road, Glenwood Drive, Soquel Drive at Aptos Street, and Laurel Glen Road. Valencia Road at Trout Gulch, the county’s largest repair project, is nearing completion. Several smaller routes needed to restore neighborhood access have also been

completed, including repairs on Mountain Charlie Road, Canham Road, Skyland Road, Green Valley Road, Jarvis Road, China Grade and more. Other major repairs, including Bear Creek Road and Swanton Road, are underway. County officials estimate it will take several years to repair all stormrelated projects. Earlier this month, the Department of Public Works announced pre-construction work at several more repair sites, including Vine Hill Road, Branciforte Drive, Eureka Canyon Road and more. For information, visit dpw.co.santa-cruz. ca.us.

Groups gearing up for Human Race fundraising

Skyland Road is one of many roads repaired over the past year across the county. Photo courtesy of County of Santa Cruz

Tools to Make Parenting Easier Preparations for the 2018 Human Race launched Feb. 22 at the Seacliff Inn in Aptos. Pictured, from left to right: Community Foundation Santa Cruz County CEO Susan True, Event Santa Cruz founder Matthew Swinnerton, Volunteer Center Director of Development Mariah Tanner, Volunteer Center Executive Director Karen Delaney and Community Foundation Director of Community Impact and Engagement Kevin Heuer. Contributed photo

Staff report SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — “Be A Star For Your Community” was the theme of the day as the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County and partners rolled out the red carpet in honor of the 38th Annual Human Race Walkathon and Fun Run. The Human Race is a familyfriendly walkathon and fun run along West Cliff Drive that annually attracts individuals from all corners of the community to participate on behalf of the organization of their choosing. Each year more than 130 organizations step out to collectively ask for financial support for the causes they champion. The race welcomes all nonprofits, schools, churches and community groups to join in the fundraising process. The Volunteer Center provides all teams with event support including

publicity and promotion from media sponsors, fundraising training, and free access to a peer-to-peer fundraising website run by Kimbia where agencies can receive online donations, communicate with their support network, and visually track financial progress. “We are thrilled to roll out our walk of fame theme this year to create an award-winning day at the race,” Tanner said. “Not only can you expect the usual features of a people’s parade of lively costumes and banners, free food, and music along the course but we will also have a post-race family-friendly fair and plenty of fun activities for all ages. We look forward to working with all of our partners to make this our most successful year yet.” For information, visit www.humanracesc.org or contact Tanner at the Volunteer Center at 427-5070 or humanrace@ scvolunteercenter.org.

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APRIL 2018

8 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Boardwalk to remove classic Ferris wheel By ERIK CHALHOUB SANTA CRUZ — After nearly 60 years, the Ferris wheel at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will spin no more. The park announced recently that it will be removing the ride, a Boardwalk mainstay since 1959. Boardwalk spokesman Kris Reyes said the decision was made as the ride was undergoing its annual winter maintenance. “After 60 years of dutiful service to the Boardwalk, we felt it was time to make a change with this particular Ferris wheel,” he said. The nearly 70-foot-tall ride, manufactured by Jacksonville, Illinois-based Eli Bridge Company, has spun around four million riders The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has retired its Ferris wheel (left), which since 1986, the first year the Boardwalk began first opened at the park in 1959. Contributed photo

tracking ridership. It was originally located near the Cocoanut Grove, where the Pirate Ship thrills riders today, before it was moved to its current location at the opposite end of the Boardwalk in the 1980s. The Ferris wheel will be removed over the next few weeks, according to Reyes. Park officials are currently researching a replacement ride, he said, with a new Ferris wheel at the top of the list. “We feel strongly that a Ferris wheel is a perfect fit for the location,” Reyes said. “It’s an iconic piece for a seaside amusement park.” Hundreds of people reacted when the Boardwalk made the announcement on its Facebook page, describing their favorite memories of the ride. Many also asked if the park would consider selling the seats, but Reyes said that is not currently in the plans.

Retired instructor earns recognition Rothwell’s ‘Practically Speaking’ receives award By ERIK CHALHOUB APTOS — A retired Cabrillo College instructor has garnered national recognition for one of his recently-published textbooks. J. Dan Rothwell’s “Practically Speaking” was one of 26 textbooks to receive a 2018 Textbook Award by the Textbook & Academic Authors Association. The textbook, which addresses the ins and outs of public speaking, is now in its second edition, published by Oxford University Press. “Receiving any award for writing a

textbook, but especially being honored by my professional colleagues in the authoring business, is especially gratifying,” Rothwell said. Rothwell, who retired from Cabrillo in May 2016, chaired the Communication Studies department for 30 years. He has received more than two dozen teaching awards, but 2018 Textbook Excellence Award is the first such award he has received for authoring a textbook. He has written 19 editions of his five published textbooks, and added that he is

currently working on four more textbooks. “As an author I believe that I can have a positive influence on the lives of students,” Rothwell said. “That is the driving force that propels me to continue writing textbooks even in retirement.” Rothwell will receive the award at the Textbook & Academic A u t h o r s Association conference in

J. Dan Rothwell

Santa Fe, N.M. on June 15. “This marks the high point of my publishing career, a career that I find enormously rewarding in many ways other than receiving public acknowledgment,” he said.

APRIL 2018

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 9

Second District Update

Navigating the new Aptos Village traffic improvements

By ZACH FRIEND

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SUPERVISOR

One of the largest issues in the greater Aptos Village area is traffic flow and improving flow in that area has been a focus of your county’s traffic engineers. County traffic engineers made signalization (along with new turn lanes and bike, bus and pedestrian improvements) as the model for improving flow in that area. With the new lights (and most of the other main improvements) completed at Trout Gulch and Soquel, we have been working to make refinements based on community feedback. The county has received some questions regarding the new signals (and general questions about traffic rules and procedures in that area) and I sat down with County Traffic Engineer Rodolfo Rivas and Assistant Public Works Director Steve Wiesner to get the most common questions we’ve received answered. Here are the questions and their answers: We’ve received some questions about

whether a motorist is allowed to turn right on a red light from Trout Gulch onto Soquel. If so, what’s the proper procedure? Yes. Motorists are allowed to turn right if safe to do so. If there is no pedestrian traffic in the crosswalk, motorists can advance past the limit line and turn right if there is a gap in traffic for a safe right turn. Right turns on red are common at signalized intersections and such turns are legal unless there is a sign that specifically prohibits right turns on red. Additionally, we’ve been asked where to stop on a red light at that intersection. There appears to be two different limit lines — one before the railroad tracks and one after. There is only one limit line and it is located before the crosswalk. Motorists should stop at the limit line. If there is no pedestrian traffic in the crosswalk, motorists turning right can move forward and perform right turns when safe to do so. Can a vehicle turn right on a red from Soquel into the Bay Federal/Mulberry Gallery shopping center? Yes. However, turning vehicles must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Will there be any signage changes or pedestrian markings in the coming weeks? Yes. Yield to pedestrian signs will be added for motorists turning right from Soquel Drive into Bay Federal as well as for vehicles turning right from Soquel Drive onto Trout Gulch Road. Additionally,

A new traffic signal located at the Trout Gulch Road and Soquel Drive intersection in Aptos is now up and operating. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

on Trout Gulch Road, the pavement arrow for left turn movements located after the railroad track will be relocated before the crosswalk, and crosswalk markings will be added for the driveway at Bay Federal. These changes have come directly from community feedback. Beyond the pedestrian changes, we have received questions about the light phasing coming out of the Bay Federal/Mulberry Gallery parking lot and we are working to improve that timing. Are there additional pedestrian improvements planned during this phase of

construction? Yes. Crosswalk markings will be installed on Trout Gulch at Cathedral Drive.

The questions above were the most common questions our office (and Public Works) has received with the new improvements. As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts. Feel free to call me at 454-2200 with questions or any additional feedback on the new traffic improvements in that area.

Financial Advice

Key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

By GARY E. CROXALL, CFP® and SOREN E. CROXALL, CFP® As you may well have heard, at the end of 2017 Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. While corporations might be celebrating the cut of the top corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, many might be wondering how the new tax law affects them personally. • Individual Tax Rates are Temporary — If you look at a tax table from 2017 to 2018, you will surely notice that the overall rates have changed. The top marginal tax bracket has dropped from 39.6 percent to 37 percent and the bottom rate remains at 10 percent. However, tax cuts for individuals and families are not permanent and are set to sunset after 2025 while tax cuts for businesses are permanent. • Changes to Personal Exemptions and Standard Deduction — The Tax Cut and Jobs Act essentially does away with the personal exemption in favor of a higher overall standard deduction. For example, in 2017 the personal exemption was $4,050 per qualifying family member. In 2018, there will no longer be personal exemptions in favor of a higher standard deduction ($12,000 for individual and $24,000 for married couples in 2018). This may affect families who had multiple children and were afforded both personal exemptions and the standard deduction under the old tax law.

• Changes to Itemized Deductions — There are several changes to expenses that may qualify for itemized deductions and it’s important that you work with your tax professional to determine how you may be affected. We will discuss just a few in this article. The biggest change is to the state, local and property tax deductibility. Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, state and local taxes could be deducted along with property taxes. Now the cap is a $10,000 (for individuals and married filing joint) limit for all state, local, and property taxes. This may disproportionately affect taxpayers in high income tax states like California. Additionally, another change made was to the deductibility of mortgage interest. Any new mortgages will be allowed to deduct interest on the first $750,000 of debt principal (it used to be $1,000,000 under the old tax law). • Changes to Estate Tax Thresholds — Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, estate tax thresholds get an increase. Under the old tax code, individuals could have passed $5.49 million ($10.98 million for married couples with some proper planning) to heirs free from estate tax in 2017. In 2018, the exclusion amount is set at $10 million for individuals and $20 million for married couples with proper planning (it will actually be slightly higher once the “indexed” amount is announced by the IRS). However, the new exemptions amounts are temporary and could revert back to old levels in the future if Congress lets them sunset. • Some Misc Items — The individual mandate to buy health insurance is set to go away in 2019 but remains in place for 2018. How this will ultimately affect the overall health insurance market remains

to be seen. Divorce agreements made after 2018 will no longer allow alimony payments to be tax deductible for the person paying it and taxable income to the person receiving. The items mentioned in this article are just the tip of the iceberg and only some of the changes to the tax code that took place with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Everyone’s situation is different and it’s important to seek out qualified professional advice to determine how you may be impacted by some of the changes.

Gary E. Croxall, CFP® Registered Principal of LPL Soren E. Croxall, CFP® Registered Representative of LPL Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. 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.

APRIL 2018

10 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Aptos Real Estate Update • April 2018

By RUTH BATES

Broker Associate & MBA

Spring is in the air and inventory is picking up. Since Jan. 1, 203 homes have come on the market across the county and 41 homes have been listed in Aptos. The highest new listing is 383 Beach Drive at $5,200,000. The lowest new listing is 1260 Trout Gulch Road at $599,000. The market snapshot as of March 9 shows 39 Active Listings in Aptos (34 SFR, 3 TH, 2 Condo). Thirty-six homes have sold in Aptos since Jan. 1. High sale is 161 Saint Andrews – 3 bed, 3.5 bath, 2687 Sq. Ft. with an ocean view – 81 days on market (DOM) – closed for $1,796,000. High nonbeach property is 163 Ridge View – 4 bed, 3.5 bath, 3658 Sq. Ft. on 2.3 acres – 153 DOM – closed for $1,625,000. Low sale is 430 Day Valley – 2 bed, 1 bath, 695 Sq. Ft. – closed for $539,300 after 2 DOM. The Average Sales price so far this year is $940,314 and the Median Sales price is $845,000. Bankrate.com quotes 30-year interest rates from 4.25-4.75 percent, and these rates are slowly inching up.

Downsizing? Downsizing can be a smart idea with lasting benefits, but the task may seem daunting. Here are some tips from CAR: 1. Start Early — Allow at least three months to downsize, sort through all your possessions and manage the details of a move. 2. Take Inventory — Honestly assess your belongings, what really matters? Outlived items tend to be in the attic or garage, so start your decluttering process there. 3. Make a Plan — As you sort, think about “keep,” then what goes to family, friends, charity? You can consider selling items online as well. 4. Innovate — In your new smaller space you can “live larger” by hanging mirrors, and using tall bookcases and double-duty furniture like futons to maximize space. Downsizing can be a big change, but it can be fun!

Buying? Yup — it is really tough out there. Here are some things you can do right. DO have your Pre-Qual letter from a LOCAL lender ready to go. DO be sure you understand the due date and any paperwork required to be submitted with the offer (often signed disclosures are part of the offer package). DO have your agent check in with the list agent just before the offer deadline to get a number of offers already in hand or expected; your offer depends on how many others are making offers. DO reduce your 17-day Physical Contingency period if you can. DON’T talk trash about the property you are interested in at the Open House; the list agent will remember you. Also, think outside the box. Purchase your home with a partner or co-signer. Get a roommate; the monthly income can definitely help with the mortgage payment. Get a “gift” for the down payment (many rules apply here, consult your Local Lender). Happy spring to all!

Ask Nicole: 30 ways to praise Dear Nicole,

By NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW In my line of work, I often hear people describe two communication patterns they’ve noticed in the workplace: 1) they have a hard time saying positive things about themselves, and 2) they tend to hear more “constructive criticism” than genuine praise and positive feedback from their colleagues. The two patterns are usually related and exist for many complicated reasons. The combined effect of these patterns is often insecurity, fear of failure, misunderstandings, and conflict in the workplace. It makes me wonder why it’s hard for some people to give and receive authentic praise. Hearing positive, encouraging words can be food for the soul, and it seems like we should be giving each other more praise versus less, starting with children. Giving intentional and appropriate praise is a vital part of raising confident, motivated, resilient children who grow up to be confident, capable, motivated adults who can think and talk positively about themselves and others. In recognition of April being the Month of the Young Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month, I’m answering the reader’s question by sharing 30 Ways to Praise. Mix, match and tailor the phrases to fit specific behaviors, skills or traits that you’re encouraging your child or teen (or partner) to develop.

There’s an ongoing debate among my friends about whether kids get too much or not enough praise. I’m in the camp that believes you can never praise too much, while some of my friends believe that praise can actually be bad for kids. I find that hard to believe. What do you think? — Alana Dear Alana, Good question! You’re right that there are a variety of opinions and beliefs about praising children. In the Triple P program, Descriptive Praise is a strategy that’s used to encourage positive behaviors by acknowledging children’s efforts or accomplishments. When used in combination with other positive parenting strategies, praise strengthens parentchild relationships and builds children’s confidence and self-esteem. Although general praise statements like “Good job” are common (and not automatically harmful, by the way), praise tends to be even more effective when: • It describes a specific behavior, skill, or characteristic — like following directions or being kind — that children are working on developing. This lets children know what they’re doing well so they can repeat it in the future. • It focuses on the positive — “Thank you for cooperating with each other” — instead of bringing up a past problem — “It’s nice to see you two finally getting along.”

• It’s said with enthusiasm and sincerity. Giving fake or overblown praise makes it meaningless and can weaken the effect of genuine praise. Here are 30 ideas for giving general or descriptive praise, one idea for each day of the month: • Great job! • That’s awesome. • What a good idea. • You did it! • I can tell you’re trying hard. • Thanks for your help. • I appreciate it when you listen. • Thank you for following directions. • I appreciate your cooperation. • You’re being really kind to your friends. • Thank you for turning off the TV right away. • I can see how much effort you’re putting into that. • You handled that problem really well. • Thanks for putting your things away. • I like how you’re sharing with each other. • You figured it out by yourself. Nice work. • That picture/story is so creative. • Good job getting ready on time this morning. • Thank you for being patient at the store. • I’m glad you told me how you’re feeling. • I’m impressed that you keep trying without giving up. • That’s a good suggestion for a family rule. • Thank you for remembering to do your chores. • I like how you’re using your indoor voice.

• You’ve gone to bed on time three days this week. Keep it up! • Thanks for setting the table for the family. • Good job putting everything in your backpack by yourself. • That was a mature decision to do your homework before playing video games. • I appreciate your positive attitude. • I love you just the way you are. Final Thoughts: Remember three key things when giving praise: 1) Give praise and encouragement every day. 2) Use praise to encourage small efforts that add up to bigger, lasting changes. 3) Praise children’s efforts as well as achievements. Try these ideas, then keep adding to this list! As always, if you have a question or idea for a future column, please email me at triplep@first5scc.org. ••• Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 14 and 18, 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 triplep.first5scc.org, www.facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

APRIL 2018

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 11

Guest Column Contributed by Communities United for Better Government The Aptos Village Project got underway illegally on Feb. 17, 2015 with the destruction of the bike jumps and the massive grading that followed, in violation of the Project Conditions of Approval, which required that no earth disturbance should take place prior to building permit approval. Additionally, Barry Swenson Builder had no winter grading permit in force. From the outset, work on this project has proceeded with questionable legality, and continues, liberally punctuated with egregious malfeasance, today. Time after time again, work requiring a permit proceeds in the absence of one which, under various circumstances, possibly placing the taxpaying public in positions of liability. And then, there have been instances of blatant violations of the law and regulations without regard to the consequences. Members of the public have observed many such instances and reported them to authorities or filed complaints, generally to no avail. It seems absurd that a profuse lack of respect for the law can go on virtually unabated in full view, but enforcement on this project, and others, is of a different sort than what the average citizen might assume. When one encounters illegal use of fireworks, one can simply call the local police to take care of the problem. Such is not the case with the project in Aptos Village, where a process called Administrative Enforcement is used and violations are reported to government officials. It would appear that the general public is not well aware of this fact. Truth be known, most folks are more concerned with the comings and goings in their daily lives, just trying to make ends meet. More

Flagrant disregard for law: The Aptos Village Project often than not, legal infractions related to the project never come to the attention of the public, nor result in any significant penalty to the developers. The name “Aptos Village Project” is a colossal joke to begin with. Whatever happened to the idea that a development ought to reflect the character of the neighborhood in which it is located? Is this not required by law or regulation? Somewhere there might be a place where the locals look upon a monstrosity such as this project, and call it a village, but not here. Plans for the development called for the protection of the “Gem of the Village,” the historic Bayview Hotel. How in the world did one of the developers ever gain permission to put their two-story modern building on the hotel property line after cutting down a number of beautiful trees in order to do so? One of the trees was an 18inch Laurel growing on the hotel property. This and all the other huge buildings, some three stories, with their modern architecture, simply do not fit here. And where else in the Village does one find multiple family dwellings — 69 apartments and condos — towering over the existing quaint small homes? So much for reflection of the community! Most reputable construction firms and contractors have a person on staff whose responsibility is to monitor the work in progress and ensure that it is done in accordance with the plans and within the law. If Swenson Builders and other firms on the Aptos Village Project employ any such persons, they are not doing their job very well, as potentially illegal activity goes on, unabated, virtually every day. And it is apparent that there may be a good deal of collusion between developers and government agencies as well. Time after time when valid complaints regarding

Ask a Broker To ask a question go to: primehl.com/ask-a-broker or call (831) 761-2200

Sergio Angeles | Broker/Owner | NMLS #341672

It’s time for a credit check So this “ask a broker” thing has gotten off to a good start, thank you! The winner was able to see the Warriors beat the Spurs and watched in horror as our superstar and savior Steph Curry got hurt, we need Kevin Durant to step up! But I digress. Let’s get back to the issue at hand, credit! The overwhelming questions came in regards to fixing credit and bettering your credit. By now credit karma has become a household name; give their marketing department a prize! What Credit Karma and all other credit websites do is they give you a consumer credit score and not a FICO score. If you’re reading this article I need to believe you’re somewhat interested in home loan financing so checking your credit online and your phone app daily for a credit score is of little value. FICO scores are what all mortgage lenders use to decide how risky you are. That 780 credit score you’ve been bragging about and getting online mortgage quotes with may actually be a 679 FICO score; rates are not the same at a 679 as they are at a 780. Ouch! Payment just went up and now you might not even qualify for the house you went out and promised your kids. As a parent I can tell you, don’t under any circumstances promise your kids something you can’t deliver. So before you make that promise, come see me and I will guide you on the steps to get you to a 740. Your credit is your credit and by law, for the most part, it has to be reported the way it is. I tell you this because of all the credit fixing companies out there. For a sizable upfront fee they will remove old collections that are not significant to your FICO score and they

will remove some newer collections and those will come back usually in 90 days once the collection company gets their act together and verifies that the collection was indeed yours. More advice (it’s my parental instincts taking over), beware of services that you pay for upfront, never a good idea. I don’t want to be one of those guys that gives you a droplet of information and then keeps you in the dark until you call me. So here are a few things you can do to up your credit. Pay down credit card balances to about 38 percent of their credit limit. Paying down a car loan doesn’t help much. Use your credit! If you think the current bad credit is going to magically disappear, it’s not! Start using credit and don’t be late anymore! (I’ve got four kids). Leave a balance on your credit card monthly. I know you anti-interest-paying protestors don’t like this but it’s necessary for FICO growth. Don’t focus on old collections that have not reported in over five years. Believe it or not those do go away after seven years and they have only a small impact on your FICO. Finally, if you do have an account with a long excellent payment history but one 30-day late payment (it happens); don’t be afraid to call and ask for forgiveness (along with a good story); as a courtesy often times they will remove the one late payment. Please keep sending in your broker questions; you might be the next one watching the Warriors live. If another player gets hurt on the next giveaway I’m going to stop giving Warrior tickets and start giving Ella’s at the Airport gift certificates. Go Warriors!

health and safety issues are lodged with code compliance officials, one does not even receive an acknowledgement or copy of a responding letter ... nothing! It is understandable that the county government is looking forward to the increase in tax revenue that is hoped to be generated by the project. Soquel Creek Water District will get more than $600,000 for Aptos Village Project’s new service connections to its system. However, there was no Environmental Impact Report (EIR) done for the project, but rather a Mitigated Negative Declaration, an early example of a concession to Barry Swenson Builders by the county government. A Public Records Act request revealed a copy of a 2012 email exchange between then-County Supervisor Ellen Pirie and Assistant Planning Director Wanda

Williams stating it was critical to avoid doing an EIR because “the Swenson team has said it would kill the deal.” Current County Supervisor Zach Friend reportedly refuses to hold any community meetings to update local residents on the Aptos Village Project and taxpayerfunded area street construction projects, turning a deaf ear to widespread outcry for information and discussion. There are many more examples of seemingly collusion, concession and potentially illegal activity on the project, some of which present situations of serious potential public risk. Please write us with your comments and/or questions: Communities United for Better Government, P.O. Box 2706, Aptos, CA 95001.

Lions clean up WWI memorial

The Cabrillo Host Lions Club and the Santa Cruz Veterans Club cleared the area around a World War I memorial at the corner of Freedom Boulevard and Soquel Drive on March 10 that had become concealed due to overgrowth. Contributed photo

APRIL 2018

12 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

SPORTS

WITH

TONY NUNEZ

Hernandez Marquez repeats as M.V.P.

By TONY NUNEZ APTOS — Aptos head coach Jessica Perkin did not beat around the bush when asked if this season’s team was the most talented squad she has had in her nine years with the Mariners. “Yes,” Perkin said. “We’ve had some amazing teams in the past, but this team was super special.” The league awards verified Perkin’s words. Seniors Monserrat Hernandez Marquez, Paige Dueck and Grace Rothman all received top honors after helping the Mariners to their fifth straight Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League title this season. Hernandez Marquez repeated as the league’s Most Valuable Player, Dueck was named the Midfielder of the Year and Rothman earned the Defender of the Year. “Their leadership was big for us,” Perkin said. “They took responsibility for this team.” Hernandez Marquez, who is headed to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on scholarship in the fall, scored 17 goals and dished six assists — both team-highs — for the Mariners, who finished 13-4-2 overall and advanced to the Central Coast Section Open Division playoffs for the third consecutive season. She scored 14 goals in league play and was drastically improved defensively from a year ago, winning back multiple possessions in the middle of the pitch with her quick feet and crafty positioning. “She was already an incredible player from the moment she stepped on the field as a freshman, but the amount she’s improved since that year until now is impressive,” Perkin said. Dueck, who is headed to Santa Clara on scholarship, finished with eight goals and

four assists, and beat out several standout midfielders for the honor. “There’s a lot of great midfielders across the league, that’s where the stars play,” said Perkin, who commended Dueck for how she led by example with her effort. “It’s tough to win that award.” Rothman led the Aptos defense to 13 shutouts from the all-important centre back position. The Mariners’ sectionchampionship hopes took a hit when the physical defender broke her wrist in practice leading up to the CCS playoffs. Without her, Aptos lost 1-0 to Sobrato in the first round. “It was a tough one for Grace and a tough one for our team,” Perkin said. “I’m proud of her. I thought she deserved it and I was happy she won it.” Scotts Valley senior Olivia Ross won Forward of the Year and Falcons’ coach Art Munoz won the league’s Coach of the Year. Aptos junior goal keeper Caroline Miller, junior forward Haley Veldhuis and junior midfielder Olivia Meier all made the SCCAL First Team. Velhuis and Meier combined for 10 goals and nine assists this season, as the Mariners showcased several talented weapons, including freshman defender Chantal Aguirre, who earned second team honors. “Our lineup never stayed the same,” Perkin said. “We had so much depth and versatility. There was no really no dropoff.” St. Francis had seniors Katie Farley and Clare Tershy make the SCCAL First Team. Farley led the St. Francis defense through its seven-game winning streak in the preseason, and Tershey scored 12 goals and six assists this season while spending time at multiple spots. The Sharks finished 9-9-1 overall and

APTOS SCHEDULE Baseball April April April April April April April April

7 vs. Woodside, 11 a.m. 11 vs. North Salinas, 4 p.m. 12 @ Leigh, 4 p.m. 14 vs. Mendota, 11 a.m. 17 @ Soquel, 4 p.m. 17 @ Scotts Valley, 4:30 p.m. 19 vs. King City, 4 p.m. 21 @ Santa Clara, 11 a.m.

SOQUEL SCHEDULE Baseball April April April April April April

2 @ Segerstrom, 11 a.m. 3 @ Northwood, 11 a.m. 7 @ Gilroy, 10 a.m. 17 vs. Aptos, 4 p.m. 21 @ Terra Nova, 11 a.m. 24 vs. San Lorenzo Valley, 4 p.m.

Aptos senior midfielder Monseratt Hernandez Marquez (left) was named the SCCAL’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season. File photo by Tony Nunez

2-9-1 in league action. The nine wins were a single-season program record. St. Francis junior midfielder Riley Croghan, who scored 16 goals and made five assists, earned a spot on the SCCAL second team. Six locals were given honorable mention: Brynn Mitchell (Aptos, So.), Kirsten Martin (Aptos, Fr.), Gisselle Vasquez (Aptos, Fr.), Samantha Bellucci (St. Francis, Sr.), Avery Croghan (St. Francis, (Sr.) and Savannah Guel (St. Francis, Sr.). ••• BOYS Aptos senior forward Cristoval Montejano earned a spot on the SCCAL First Team.

Montejano had 11 goals for the Mariners, who took fourth in the league at 6-5-1 and had a 9-8-2 overall record. League champion Soquel nearly swept the awards. Senior defender Jalen Graves won the M.V.P., junior forward Ryan Jordan was the Forward of the Year, senior keeper Nate Zeise earned the Goalkeeper of the Year and Jon Baron was named the Coach of the Year. Harbor senior Henry Puga stopped the sweep, winning Midfielder of the Year. Aptos junior midfielder Bryan Palacios made the SCCAL Second Team, while senior Cooper Jeffrey, sophomore Gilberto Vasquez and junior Francisco Casillas were given honorable mention.

April 2018

All home games take place at Aptos High School, 100 Mariner Way

April April April April May

23 @ Saratoga, 4 p.m. 24 vs. Harbor, 4 p.m. 26 @ San Lorenzo Valley, 4 p.m. 28 @ Leland, 2 p.m. 1 @ Santa Cruz, 4 p.m.

Lacrosse

April 6 vs. Windsor, 6 p.m. April 9 vs. Scotts Valley, 5:15 p.m.

April April April April April April May

10 @ Santa Cruz, 5 p.m. 16 @ San Benito, 5:15 p.m. 18 vs. Carmel, 7:15 p.m. 23 vs. Stevenson, 3:15 p.m. 25 @ Pacific Grove, TBA 30 vs. Salinas, 5:15 p.m. 2 @ Scotts Valley, 3:15 p.m.

Softball April April April April April April May

10 vs. Harbor, 4 p.m. 12 @ St. Francis, 4 p.m. 17 vs. Soquel, 4 p.m. 19 vs. Scotts Valley, 4:30 p.m. 24 @ San Lorenzo Valley, 4 p.m. 26 vs. Santa Cruz, 3:45 p.m. 3 @ Harbor, 4 p.m.

All home games take place at Soquel High School, 401 Soquel San Jose Rd. April 27 vs. St. Francis, 4 p.m. May 1 @ Scotts Valley, 4:30 p.m.

Lacrosse

April 9 @ York, 3:15 p.m. April 11 vs. Palma, 7:15 p.m. April 16 vs. Watsonville, 5:15 p.m.

April 18 @ York, 5:15 p.m. April 23 @ Santa Cruz, 7:15 p.m. April 25 vs. Christopher, 5:15 p.m.

Softball

April April April May

April 2018

17 @ Aptos, 4 p.m. 19 @ Harbor, 4:30 p.m. 24 vs. St. Francis, 4 p.m. 1 @ Scotts Valley, 4:30 p.m.

April 10 @ San Lorenzo Valley, 4 p.m. April 12 vs. Santa Cruz, 3:45 p.m.

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APRIL 2018

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 13

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APRIL 2018

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

MARCH 2018

April 7

April 21

May 4

Bonding with Animals Class

Soquel Village Sip & Stroll

Micro-Business Summit

The Bonding with Animals Class will be held at Pregnant Mare Rescue in Watsonville from 1-4 p.m.Â Learn more about your animal companions of all kinds and how to connect with them more deeply. Class fee is $24, with half the proceeds donated to the rescue. Call 332-8464 or email cambar@sbcglobal.net to register.

The third annual Soquel Village Sip & Stroll Wine Walk will take place from 1-5 p.m. in Soquel Village. Tasting stations are hosted by local businesses, and will offer an array of complimentary small bites. A portion of the proceeds will benefitÂ SoquelÂ Village beautification projects sponsored by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce and SoquelÂ Village merchants. Early bird tickets are $35, or $40 the day of the event. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ y8f92nr3.

The third annual Micro-Business Summit will take place at the Cabrillo College Erica Shilling Forum, 6500 Soquel Drive, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hundreds of local business leaders will gather to network, share ideas and learn how to grow their businesses. Admission is $49. Registration is available at www.microbusinesssummit. com.

April 12 Breakfast meeting The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly breakfast meeting at Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, from 7:30-9 a.m. Colin Disheroon, founder of Santa Cruz Mountain Naturals and Jason Heath, chief assistant county counsel, will talk about the cannabis industry in Santa Cruz County. Admission is $20 for chamber members, or $25 for non-members. For reservations, call 6881467.

April 13

April 22 Fashion Show The Bloom into Spring Fashion Show will be held at Seascape Beach Resort from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event will include lunch, an auction and trunk show with dozens of local boutiques selling merchandise. Admission is $60 per person. For information, call 688-1467 or visit aptoschamber.com.

April 28

Bruce McPherson Dinner & Roast Scotch tasting The Rotary Club of Capitola-AptosÂ will hold a roast of County Supervisor Bruce McPherson from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive in Aptos. The event is a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels.Â Admission is $150 per plate. For information, visit www. capitolaaptosrotary.org.

April 14-15 Bonsai Show Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai will present its 30th annual exhibit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St. The highlight of each dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show will be at 2 p.m. when Bonsai Masters, Jonas Dupuich (demonstrator for April 14) and Sensei Katsumi Kinoshita (demonstrator for April 15) will demonstrate the techniques of creating an artistic tree from common nursery stock. Admission is $5 per person. For information, visit www. santacruzbonsaikai.com.

Deer Park Wine and Spirits, 783 Rio del Mar Blvd. #27 in Aptos, will hold a scotch tasting event. Two tasting times, with a maximum capacity of 20 people, will take place from 3-3:345 p.m. and 4-4:45 p.m. A $25 donation benefits the Aptos History Museum. A $500 donations gets you a private tasting with 20 guests. For reservations, call 688-1467.

April 28-29 Bowl for Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sake Bowl For Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sake, Big Brothers Big Sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; largest annual fundraising event, will take place at the Boardwalk Bowl. To register a team, visit www. santacruzmentor.org/events/bowl-forkids-sake.