APRIL 6, 2022 • VOL. 9, NO. 10
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On the heels of a prestigious national award, Aptos musician Jake Nielsen isn’t letting his disability get in the way of his musical ability BY ADAM JOSEPH
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ABOUT THE
COVER
APRIL 6, 2022 | APTOS LIFE
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blues band that plays in Aptos is not a remarkable occurrence. Good lord, you can catch one pretty much every night of the week just by dropping into Aptos BBQ. But Aptos blues musician Jake Nielsen has a unique story, which Adam Joseph chronicles in this issue’s cover story. I won’t spoil too much, but let’s just say that Nielsen has refused to let his lifelong battle with cerebral palsy get in the way of absolutely shredding on guitar—and he’s even incorporated the crutches that he uses to walk into his playing style. He started his blues rocktrio Triple Threat when he was a teenager, and they’re good enough to deserve this attention based on their playing alone. But there’s another way Nielsen is making a mark, too— as an ambassador dedicated to raising awareness of cerebral palsy, and supporting others who are living with it, as well. Those two parts of his life were both honored last month when he won a Danny Award from Daniel’s Music Foundation, a national group that promotes the achievements of people with disabilities. Joseph’s story offers some great insight into Nielsen and his music, and if you haven’t discovered him yet, now is a great time. — Steve Palopoli | Editor
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Cover Story
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Word from a Friend
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Local Scene
10 Ask Nicole CEO & Executive Editor
Dan Pulcrano Vice President
Lee May Publisher
Jeanie Johnson Editor
Steve Palopoli Contributing writers
John Hibble Zach Friend Johanna Miller Soren E. Croxall Hugh McCormick Photography
Tarmo Hannula Cover photo
Courtesy Jake Nielsen Advertising Director
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Advertising Sales
Tiffani Petrov Kate Kauffman Ilana Packer Lisa Buckley Sue Lamothe Editorial Production Manager
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Rob Chalhoub Hon Truong
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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APRIL 6, 2022 | APTOS LIFE
SHRED
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Alert
As leader of the Aptos blues-rock trio Triple Threat, Jake Nielsen is blowing minds and inspiring others with disabilities By ADAM JOSEPH
J
CRUTCH TIME Jake Nielsen is becoming known for his unorthodox guitar work, including using the aluminum part of his crutches to create a unique sound.
thousands of touring miles since. Nielsen is accustomed to the skeptical looks when he first walks into clubs on crutches. But when the group begins, any lingering uncertainty dissipates— Nielsen shreds with the intensity of Stevie Ray Vaughan. He has to sit for most of the performance; sometimes, he stands for solos, just to prove to the audience that he can. During one of the group’s earliest gigs, his crutch accidentally hit his guitar, and the inadvertent slide effect has become a signature move. Nielsen likens the sound to a car shifting gears. Fans go nuts, though; it has a dissonant appeal similar to Tom Morello’s use of a screwdriver or Allen wrench on his ax. “Anyone can play guitar, but it’s hard to get people to feel [the music],” Nielsen says. “Your heart and soul have to be in it. It’s hard enough to make it as a musician, but I have to work even harder.” Even if it’s only for two hours, Nielsen forgets about the CP; his focus is on the connection
forged with the audience. It’s cathartic. Many shows went nearly three hours nonstop on a recent tour spanning from South Lake Tahoe down to San Luis Obispo. Sometimes, Nielsen wants to keep performances going all night; for the sake of his bandmates’ sanity, he hasn’t gone that far—yet. When Nielsen isn’t on stage, he sits at his computer, shooting off emails to organizations, offering his time to talk to others with disabilities. He’d like to be an ambassador, someone who encourages people to use their art as a tool for healing. Recently, Nielsen received a response from Daniel’s Music Foundation, a nonprofit that showcases talented musicians with disabilities. They asked him to enter a video of a Triple Threat performance to be considered for its annual Danny Awards. From there, everything moved faster than Eddie Van Halen’s finger-tapping. Nielsen was voted “Fan Favorite” out of hundreds of submissions. He, his band (bassist David Palmer and
drummer Kyle Talty), and his wife Ashley and their two kids, 10-year-old son “Baby” Jake and 8-year-old daughter Lily, flew out to New York City—it was their first time in the Big Apple. In addition to receiving the award at a large Manhattan symphony hall, Nielsen’s Triple Threat performed B.B. King’s “Everyday Blues” with a punk twist and the crutch slide, of course, to close the event. “I feel like people are recognizing how hard I work and how much I put into my music,” Nielsen says. The hard work will continue without any signs of slowing down. The band’s full-length debut Everyday Thing is set to drop sometime before summer, then the group will set out on a countrywide tour with gigs already on the books for Nashville. Another place Nielsen has always wanted to go. He wouldn’t have it any other way. For more information about Jake Nielsen, go to jakenielsenstriplethreat.com.
APRIL 6, 2022 | APTOS LIFE
ake Nielsen is well aware that there’s no cure and not really any treatment for cerebral palsy. The 32-year-old will likely have to use crutches or a wheelchair for his entire life, since the disorder affects his legs and hips—his hips are so riddled with painful bone chips he needs a hip replacement. But this isn’t a sad story. It’s a story about music, perseverance and a forthcoming career landmark. When Nielsen picked up a guitar for the first time 20 years ago, transcendental energy radiated from those six strings into his hands. He spent hours studying legends like Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters, teaching himself pentatonic blues scales and chords. “Early on, I’d play open mics in San Jose and San Francisco, and I was just a sponge soaking up all those brilliant guitar players,” he says. “That’s really how I learned.” Jake Nielsen’s Triple Threat took flight 15 years ago, and the Aptos blues-rock trio has logged
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WORD FROM A FRIEND
Winning and Giving
APRIL 6, 2022 | APTOS LIFE
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ecently, I had Aptos, the Krakauers quickly to his coaches, who, he said, can support their efforts, please the honor of offered a unique donation: a “coached at another level. contact league president Ernie proclaiming a day portion of all of the restaurant’s “This is what makes our team Camacho at 831-332-4831. for the Pop Warner sales for the month of February. special,” Forbus said. “We never Super “The community of Aptos has stopped, and that’s why we Red Apple Donates Bowl Champion Santa always come together when one are national champions.” to Memorial Cruz Seahawks— of their own has been in need. Much of the team the first local youth The Red Apple Cafe, and Dan expects to return next It is no secret that the past team to win a national and I personally, we’re happy year and defend their two years have been difficult championship. The to be involved in the efforts to title. “I don’t hope, I know for family-owned restaurants, team, family and memorialize Sgt. Gutzwiller’s I will be back in Florida but that has not dampened the friends gathered ultimate sacrifice for our to defend our national giving spirit of Dan and Gracia outside of the county community,” said owner Gracia championship” Forbus Krakauer, owners of the Red building for the Krakauer. Local diners were said. “I want to go out Apple Cafe in Aptos. When they ceremony and to share eager to help as the Krakauers’ there and compete and first heard about the fundraising stories about their efforts helped raise over $4,100 By Zach Friend play ‘Cali football.’" campaign to build a memorial for historic run. The to build a memorial for Sgt. If you’re interested Santa Cruz County fallen Santa Cruz County Sheriff Seahawks, a 12-andDamon Gutzwiller, who was Supervisor in learning more about Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller at under D-1 football killed in the line of duty on the team or ways you Willowbrook County Park in team, are comprised of players from throughout Santa Cruz County. The team went undefeated on their journey that took them to all the way to Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida for the 64th Pop Warner Super Bowl. According to their head coach, Jake Clark, the national championship “means a lot for football in Santa Cruz County. When people think of Santa Cruz, they think of surfing and maybe soccer.” But Santa Cruz is more than surfing and soccer, Clark noted. “We have some great football players that come from this area, many of whom have come through our program, and I am just glad we could put Santa Cruz on the map for football.” On their way to the national championship, the team (including coaches, parents and supporters) put in hundreds of hours of practice, travel, and work. Kelton Forbus, one of the captains of the team, spoke to the amount of time and close relationships the team has put in: “My team is family. I have played football with some of these guys since I was in 6 yearsPOP STARS Local Pop Warner football team the Santa Cruz Seahawks went undefeated old.” Forbus also gave credit on their way to being the first local youth team to win a national championship.x
‘The community of Aptos has always come together when one of their own has been in need. The Red Apple Cafe, and Dan and I personally, we’re happy to be involved in the efforts to memorialize Sgt. Gutzwiller’s ultimate sacrifice for our community.’
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First 5 Santa Cruz County triplep.first5scc.org 831.465.2217 many local causes and always asking how they can help make our community a better place. The cafe is a local institution, having operated as a family-owned restaurant serving breakfast and lunch 7 days a week since 1988. As Red Apple Cafe has demonstrated, businesses can come up with unique ways for community members to support the project. “This is a simple, creative way for businesses to get involved and have an impact,” said Mariah Roberts, Executive Director of County Park Friends. The Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff ’s Association is coordinating the fundraising effort in partnership with local nonprofit County Park Friends and they hope to raise $805,000 in community donations and sponsorships through a variety of giving opportunities. Visit www.countyparkfriends.org/ willowbrook.html for renderings of planned park renovations and more ways to get involved. Kieran Kelly contributed to this column.
APRIL 6, 2022 | APTOS LIFE
June 6, 2020. He is survived by his wife and two young children. The proposed memorial will include the installation of a circular seating area in a quiet part of the park that faces south towards a new flagpole. The memorial will feature engraved footprints of Sgt. Gutzwiller’s boots alongside the footprints of his young family. As part of the project, improvements will also be made to the park’s entrance, playground, and sport courts. The project’s supporters selected Willowbrook Park for the memorial site because Sgt. Gutzwiller was a resident of the surrounding neighborhood and could be frequently found there with his dog Shasta. The Red Apple Cafe’s fundraiser is not the Krakauers’ first contribution in support of Sgt. Gutzwiller’s family. Whether it was donating meals to the family in the weeks after the tragedy or jumping at the opportunity to generously contribute to the memorial, Dan and Gracia represent the best of our community. They put the community first, supporting
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LOCAL SCENE
Tarmo Hannula
DISTRICT SUPERVISORS Two Aptos residents have been appointed to the first board of directors for the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District,
which will oversee Watsonville Community Hospital.
APRIL 6, 2022 | APTOS LIFE
Aptos Residents Join Health District Board
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The Santa Cruz County Board of Trustees on March 22 appointed the first board of directors for the newly formed Pajaro Valley Healthcare District (PVHCD), the group that will have oversight of Watsonville Community Hospital. The board is made up of John Friel, Katherine GabrielCox, Jasmine Nájera, Tony Nuñez and Marcus Pimental. Friel, an Aptos resident, is former vocational nurse and former CEO of Watsonville Community Hospital. He has also led several other healthcare districts. Gabriel-Cox, also from Aptos, is a physician with Salud Para La Gente, and previously worked with Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Sutter and Kaiser Permanente. She also worked with the nationalized universal health system in New Zealand. Nuñez is managing news editor of The Pajaronian and the Scotts Valley Press Banner,
and is news editor of the Good Times. He has spent his life in Watsonville, attending local schools and graduating from Watsonville High School in 2010. Nájera, from Watsonville, is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked with Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance and in behavioral health with the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency. Pimental, a resident of Monterey County, formerly worked as finance director with the cities of Watsonville and Santa Cruz. He currently serves as Santa Cruz County’s Budget Manager, and as Assistant Health Services Agency Director in Santa Cruz County. He is a board member of Salud Para La Gente. The board will be tasked with overseeing most aspects of the hospital, including acquisition and oversight. Future board members will be chosen by voters during district elections. The selection committee included supervisors Greg
Caput and Zach Friend, County Administrative Officer Carlos Palacios, Health Services Agency Director Mónica Morales and Salud Para La Gente Executive Director Dori Rose Inda.
Chamber Welcomes Library Director The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will host a breakfast meeting on April 14 from 7:30-9am. The meeting will feature guest speaker Yolande Wilburn, director of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Admission is $25 for chamber members or $30 general. To RSVP, visit bit.ly/3iUgQiG.
Longtime Golf Tournament Returns The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will hold its 31st annual Golf Scramble on May 5 at Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive. For information and to register, visit aptoschamber.com/event/ golf-tournament.
Basketball Camps Return Registration is now open for Basketball Jones Hoop Camps, taking place June 20-24 at Aptos High School. Designed for boys and girls ages 6-15, Basketball Jones Hoop Camps include a combination of body conditioning, mental strength exercises, fundamental training, skills contests, teambuilding activities, competitive games, guest speakers, and theatrical skits with coaches. Basketball Jones Hoop Camps is a division of the Live Like Geno Foundation, whose mission is to inspire “Passion Purpose and Positivity” into the lives of community youth. All proceeds raised from the camps go toward awarding college scholarships and renovating public basketball courts. Price for the camp is $280. Space is limited to 200 campers per location. For information, visit basketballjonescamps.com.
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ASK NICOLE
By Nicole M. Young, MSW
Asking About Masking
T
he California Department of Public Health recently changed its guidance on masks in school settings from “required” to “strongly recommended.” What does this mean for students, teachers, and families? Just like the last two years of COVID-19 guidance, this latest shift generated lots of questions and reactions. So I’m sharing what I’ve learned from local pediatricians, educators, and public health leaders who are facing the same questions as both parents and professionals. This monthly column provides tips for anyone raising children, based on the worldrenowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, email me at triplep@first5scc.org.
APRIL 6, 2022 | APTOS LIFE
Dear Nicole,
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I welcome the return to “normal” after constant disruptions to our lives, but I’m also worried for my child. They’ve been great about wearing a mask because of a sick grandparent who lives with us and a younger sibling who can’t be vaccinated yet. They want to keep wearing a mask at school, but feel pressured not to. At a recent birthday party, I was shocked when some parents criticized my child and others who wore masks, then got angry when their kids repeated those behaviors. It’s stressful and confusing as an adult, and I worry that it’s affecting my child. How do I keep my family safe and help my child navigate the changing guidelines at school and with peers? — Norma Dear Norma, Many parents and families are struggling with these same issues. Your question is about COVID and mask-wearing, but also about
Use other available tools to protect your family’s health:
MASKING FOR A FRIEND The recent shift in masking guidelines
for local schools has left some parents confused and anxious.
broader issues like peer pressure, problem-solving, respect, and compassion. It might help to think of the COVID-specific guidance as an opportunity to help your child build those skills, which will be useful in many situations throughout life. Here are some tips:
Acknowledge the challenges: The situations you described can create pressure for kids. Even for adults, changes in guidance, constant risk calculations, and conflict with others who don’t agree with our views and decisions can be stressful. Just listening and acknowledging that these situations aren’t easy can help your child feel supported.
Have a problem-solving discussion: Help your child identify options and develop a plan they feel comfortable and confident about. Ask them to describe the pros and cons of wearing a mask in different situations—the classroom, outdoors at recess, a friend’s house, etc.—and whether they would make the same decision in every situation. Ask, What makes
you feel safer? What worries you most? How can you communicate your choices in a respectful, kind way to others? What could you say or do if someone criticizes your decision to wear a mask?
Practice: It can be tough and lonely to stand up for your beliefs, especially if you feel outnumbered. On this issue and many others, your child may feel more prepared to state their views with confidence after practicing at home. Try pretending you’re a classmate who’s criticizing your child for wearing a mask, then have your child practice responding—e.g., “I understand your decision not to wear a mask. I’m trying to protect my little sister, so I will keep wearing one. I hope you’ll respect my decision, like I respect yours.”
Build support for your child’s choices: If your child chooses to wear a mask, how can you surround them with support? Consider talking with your child and other adults about recognizing bullying behaviors, such as ridiculing or excluding those who wear masks, and how to respond if it happens.
Vaccination against COVID is still the best way to avoid serious illness, hospitalizations, and longterm consequences (which may occur even with a mild case of COVID), but only about onethird of children aged 5 to 11 are currently vaccinated in California. The rates for 12- to 17-year-olds are better but still lag behind adults. If an exposure occurs, testing can help you and your family make informed decisions about whether to be around others.
Model behavior you want to see more of: Even if we have different opinions about what’s safe, safer, and safest, we can communicate those opinions respectfully and honor other choices, even if we profoundly disagree with them. Our children are watching us. No matter what happens next with COVID-19, it’s clear we’ll be making more decisions on a day-to-day basis. Learning to navigate these with care and concern for ourselves, our families, and others is a useful skill for all kids (and adults!) to develop. Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 18 and 22, 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, http://www.facebook. com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.
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