LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola & Soquel by Weeklys

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Toys for Tots Page 3

APTOS

DECEMBER 2015

SOQUEL

CAPITOLA EVERYTHING APTOS, CAPITOLA & SOQUEL

Vol. 4 No. 5

‘An old fashioned Christmas’ Tree lighting, craft fair returns By ERIK CHALHOUB APTOS — When Santa Claus rode in to Aptos’ annual tree lighting event aboard a fire truck, one little boy last year noticed that something was missing. Where, he asked, are the reindeer? The boy posed the question to members of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, who host the event. The reindeer are off eating somewhere, they told the boy, and Santa gathers them up after the tree lighting. Performed by John Fuchs, Santa Claus will come to town on Dec. 5 during the Holiday Craft Fair and Annual Tree Lighting from 2-5 p.m. at the Aptos Village Tree. The event will include Christmas carols, free hot chocolate provided by Manuel’s Restaurant, performances by Kristy’s School of Dance, Soquel High School Jazz Band and Twin Lakes Choir, and more. “We love people to just come and enjoy the season,” said Karen Hibble, co-executive director of the Aptos Chamber. “It’s the one time people can get unconnected, Please turn to Page 6

Chase Bank on 41st Avenue in Capitola features a large mosaic mural. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

Capitola Plein Air to be annual event

HISTORY CORNER By John Hibble Call: 688-1467 Visit us online: aptoshistory.org Visit the museum: 7605-B Old Dominion Court Aptos, CA

By TARMO HANNULA

Things that go Homelessness, bump in the night crime decrease And now, for something completely different! Every now and then I get visits or calls from people who want to know something about Aptos history or the museum, or who have read one of these articles and have comments, or who want to expand our knowledge about our history or make a donation. At the end of last July we got a call from a man who had donated some items and wanted to know if they were on display in the museum. I am not going to tell you the man’s name and you will see why. This man was 70 years old and had retired to Grass Valley but he had grown up in Aptos and had spent much of his youth on the property that is now Nisene Please turn to Page 7

Community Assessment Project also shows gap between Latinos, whites By TODD GUILD APTOS — Homelessness in Santa Cruz County has declined 44 percent since 2013, shrinking from more than 3,500 to 1,964 this year. The decrease came thanks to two projects designed to house homeless county residents and one geared toward veterans. It was part of Nov. 23’s release of the annual Community Assessment Project, a comprehensive Please turn to Page 9

CAPITOLA — Creating fine art in the open air was the theme of the day during “The Magic of Capitola En Plein Air,” a juried competition, exhibition and sale of original art on Nov. 7. Under sunny skies, 38 professional and four amateur artists set up their easels around Capitola Village and settled into a day of drawing and painting the many dramatic landscape scenes the village has to offer. “It just struck me one day that artists should convene in the village in a plein air event — it only made sense,” said Stephanie Gelman, who concocted the event that she hopes to stage on an annual basis. “There’s so much talent in our area and today we have some incredible artists out here.” Though artists were allowed to get a running start on their works Nov. 6, the bulk of their compositions had to be done in one day. On Nov. 8, judging took place with the winner taking home a $1,500 purse and second place claiming $750. The body of work will eventually be displayed as a complete exhibit in the village, Gelman said. “I signed up for this one hour before the deadline,” said Judy Miller of Santa Cruz. “I usually do studio work but this gave me an excuse to paint outdoors and I’m glad I did.” Please turn to Page 6

Inside ...

Sam Farr retires..................2 Briefs ...............................4-5 Guest columns..................11 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WATSONVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 23 ******ECRWSSEDDM****** POSTAL CUSTOMER APTOS, CA 95003 CAPITOLA. CA 95010

December 2015

2 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Are you ready for possible storms? Jose Ruiz of Pacific Gas and Electric uses a model of a street scene to demonstrate how to safely navigate around downed power lines Nov. 10 at the Community Emergency Preparedness Workshop at the Best Western Seacliff Inn. Put on by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, the event featured tables from the California Highway Patrol, Aptos/La Selva Fire, the Sheriff’s Office, Red Cross and Public Works. The heavily attended event served as an arena to bring the public up to speed with bracing for the predicted El Niño driven storms this winter. Chamber Co-Executive Director Karen Hibble said 350 people attended, and the next day, many stores in the area were sold out of emergency supplies. The Aptos Chamber, 7605 Old Dominion Court, will have sandbags available after Dec. 13. GreenWaste is supplying a container at the chamber’s office. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels to fill the bags. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

Farr announces retirement By TODD GUILD SALINAS — With his wife Shary at his side and a room packed with supporters, Congressman Sam Farr on Nov. 12 announced he will not seek reelection next year, an announcement that ends an uninterrupted 23-year stint in Congress and a political career that spanned four decades.

APTOS

He will serve out the remainder of his term, which ends in January 2017. His only plans for post-retirement, he said, are to be a “full-time babysitter” for his grandchildren. “Next July 4, I will be 75 years old, and I was thinking about what do you do with the rest of my life,” he said in a brief conference at the Steinbeck Center in Salinas. “And what you want to do with the rest of your life is spend some time with your family.”

“When I asked Shary, she said ‘it’s time to come home,’” Farr said. Farr gained his congressional seat in 1993 through a special election to fill the vacancy left when Leon Panetta resigned. He was reelected without fail every year since then in the heavily Democratic 20th Congressional District. His career in public service dates back to 1964 when he was a Peace Corps volunteer in Colombia, a fact he rarely lost an opportunity to tout during stump speeches

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Production - Daryl Nelson Design - Mike Lyon 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 Register-Pajaronian. Publishing in Santa Cruz County since 1894.

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Congressman Sam Farr announces Nov. 12 in Salinas that he will not seek reelection. He is shown here with his wife, Shary. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

and talks. Even before his inauguration to Congress, Farr served 12 years in the California State Assembly and six years as a Monterey County Supervisor. He helped establish the Central Coast Veterans’ Cemetery at Fort Ord, which is expected to open next year. Farr also helped with the creation of the Major General William H. Gourley VA-DOD Outpatient Clinic at The Dunes, which will open in 2016 to serve 80,000 Central Coast veterans. Farr has also been working on securing federal funding for improvements on the Pajaro River Levee. He has worked on agriculture issues, authoring federal standards for organic food and legislation to establish Pinnacles National Park. “One of my proudest achievements was creating the 59th national park,” he said. Farr serves on the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees the distribution of the federal budget. He is the ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development and Food and Drug Administration, and is the longest serving Democrat on the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. He also serves on the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch. Farr declined to say who might take his place. “I prefer to let that play out in the primaries,” he said. Farr is the Central Coast’s 20th District’s longest serving member of Congress. The conference was attended by several community organizers, in addition to city and county politicians. “I think Congressman Farr has a legacy on the Central Coast, and we’re very proud of his work,” said Cesar Lara, executive director of the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council. Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend, who worked as a staffer to Farr from 2002 until 2004, said the congressman’s team of longstanding staff is a testament to the way he treats them like family. Friend also said Farr based his policy decisions on what was best for his constituents. “Sam has always led from the heart,” Friend said. UC Santa Cruz Chancellor George Blumenthal called Farr “a true champion of public higher education and a tremendous partner for UC Santa Cruz.” “I’ve always said that every campus needs a champion like Sam Farr,” Blumenthal said. “He has served the people for decades and leaves an impressive legacy.”

December 2015

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 3

In ‘season of miracles,’ volunteers and toys needed Toys for Tots hoping for help said Delilah Valadez, who coordinates Santa Cruz County’s Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots of Santa Cruz County program. “It’s been non-stop shop ’til you drop.” But while the pile seems imposing, organizers hope it becomes even more so as Christmas approaches. Valadez estimates the organization has collected around 1,500 toys, a fraction of the 15,000 needed. That should be an easy fix, with more than 100 donation locations around the county. Toys for Tots officials are therefore hoping for a post-Thanksgiving surge of holiday spirit and energy. Their task will be aided by donors throughout the county who will be asked to drop off toys at nearly 100 sites.

By TODD GUILD SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — As holiday revelers prepared to celebrate Thanksgiving and hit the stores, a team of volunteers ramped up to make sure children throughout the county have something to unwrap Christmas morning. In a warehouse in an industrial sector of Watsonville, volunteers have already gathered an impressive pile of toys, from Star Wars ships to dolls to bikes to games. Those came almost entirely from donations by businesses and county residents. A shopping spree by volunteers at the Toys R Us in Soquel brought many of the toys, which came thanks to customers’ donations at the register. “We’ve been shopping since September,”

A team of volunteers will sort the toys, include batteries when needed, pump up balls and put together bikes. “We make sure everything is ready for Christmas morning,” Valadez said. The gifts will be distributed by organizations such as Salud Para La Gente, Janus Recovery, Above The Line, and Loaves and Fishes. “More than the gift itself, it provides hope that somebody cares,” Valadez said. “It’s a season of miracles, and we’re here to help one along.” ••• For information, visit santacruzcounty. toysfortots.org Donations for Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots are accepted through Dec. 17.

Drop-off locations Watsonville Fire Station 1 115 2nd St. Fire Station 2 370 Airport Blvd. Fire Station 3 312 Estrella Drive Cal Fire Corralitos 120 Eureka Canyon Road Cal Fire Pajaro Dunes 2661 Beach Road

Aptos Fire Station 1 6934 Soquel Drive Fire Station 2 300 Bonita Drive

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Delilah Valadez, coordinator for the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots of Santa Cruz County, takes inventory of new toys in Watsonville. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

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4 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

CAPITOLA POLICE

Jackie Yeung. Contributed

New officer joins Capitola Police Staff report CAPITOLA — The Capitola Police Department announced a new police officer has joined its ranks, Jackie Yeung. Yeung is a long-time Santa Cruz County resident and a graduate of Harbor High School. He started as an Explorer for Capitola and eventually worked as a Community Service Officer for the City of Sacramento. He returns to his roots where his family currently resides. He was introduced to the Capitola City Council on Nov. 12.

GOLDEN CARROT AWARD

HUMAN RACE

Nominations sought for Golden Carrot Award

Community Foundation receives grant

Staff report

SANTA COUNTY COUNTY — Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency and the Go for Health! Collaborative are bringing back the Golden Carrot Award. The award exists to provide a ready list of restaurants that feature healthy menu options. According to a survey done in 2014 by the Community Assessment Project, 61 percent of Santa Cruz adults are either overweight or obese, along with one out of three children ages 12-17. Previous GCA winners have included: The Picnic Basket and Charlie Hong Kong in Santa Cruz; Second Street Café and California Grill in Watsonville; Auntie Mame’s Café and Jia Tella’s Cambodian Cuisine in Scotts Valley; Fresh Choice and Dharma’s in Capitola; and Land of Medicine Buddha and El Chipotle Taqueria in Soquel. Restaurants are invited to submit a completed nomination form, which they received from the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency. Restaurants and the public can also nominate restaurants by visiting www.facebook.com/GoldenCarrotAward. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 11. All nominations will be reviewed by a panel of health and nutrition experts. Winners will be awarded a Golden Carrot Award certificate to display in their restaurant. The applicant with the highest overall score will be named the Ultimate GCA and host a community event at their restaurant complete with menu tastings.

APTOS — The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, with help from a $260,000 grant from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, has invested in a three-year partnership with the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County to assist local nonprofits raise more money through the Human Race, one of the center’s successful signature events that takes place each year in May. Grant funds awarded to the Community Foundation will be used to build a new crowdfunding website, powered by Kimbia, to manage online giving and race day activities. Over the next three years, $170,000 will also be available as incentive matching funds for eligible county nonprofits participating in the Human Race. In addition, the Community Foundation will support a portion of the Volunteer Center’s staffing for the event, as well as additional marketing and training for nonprofits. “With a major investment in technology, matching gifts and incentives, we are excited to take on the challenge and setting a goal of doubling what we raise in the Human Race with and for our partners over the next three years,” said Karen Delaney, executive director of the Volunteer Center. The Volunteer Center will continue to manage and brand the Human Race. The Community Foundation will provide support services and help with the center on a transition strategy for when the funding from the Community Foundation ends after the event in 2018. Details on how nonprofits participate and how to give through the Human Race will be available by the start of 2016. For information, visit www.cfscc.org/MPFgrant.

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December 2015

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 5

WINTER DANCE CONCERT

TRAFFIC SAFETY

Cabrillo presents ‘Winter Dance Concert’

CHP offering traffic safety class

Staff report

APTOS — The Cabrillo College Dance Department presents “The Winter Dance Concert” from Dec. 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. The concert will be held at The Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive in Aptos. This concert includes world premieres by guest choreographers Robert Kelly (Santa Cruz Ballet Theater), Joslynn Mathis-Reed, and Cabrillo College Dance Department alumnus, Collette Kollewe. Cabrillo faculty choreographers include David King, Sharon Took-Zozaya, Cassandra Owen and Cher Anabo. Also on the program are dances by youth companies from Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School and Motion Pacific. New works will be choreographed in the Contemporary, Hip Hop, Salsa, Jazz, African Diasporic, and Experimental Dance traditions. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 students and seniors, and $6 with student activity card. Visit cabrillovapa.com or call 479-6154 to purchase tickets.

APTOS — The California Highway Patrol is offering a traffic safety program for senior drivers. The Age Well, Drive Smart Program is designed to provide drivers with the keys to driving safer and driving longer. This program is designed as an educational tool for mature drivers. Topics of discussion will include: • How to tune up driving skills. • Refreshing their knowledge of the rules of the road. • Learning about normal, age-related physical changes and how to adjust to them. • When it may be time to limit or stop driving. • Understanding the alternatives to driving. Age Well, Drive Smart classes are approximately two-and-a-half hours long and are free of charge. These classes are geared toward drivers age 65 and up, but they are open to anyone who feels they can benefit from this information. The next class will be held Thursday, Dec. 17 from 9-11:30 a.m. The class will be held at the Aptos branch of the Santa Cruz Public Library. The library is located at 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos Space in this class is limited. For information and to make a reservation, call the Santa Cruz CHP Office at 662-0511.

HOLIDAY GIVING

Hundreds of community members showed up for the Community Thanksgiving meal in 2013 sponsored by the City of Watsonville and the Mariposa Wellness Center. File photo by Tarmo Hannula

Volunteer Center gearing for holiday season Staff report SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — With Thanksgiving on Nov. 26 marking the unofficial start of the holiday season, the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County is in the midst of arguably its busiest time of the year. “Our phone lines always pick up this time of year, with community members and businesses looking for new ways to reach out,” said Christina Thurston, Volunteer Mobilization Coordinator at the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Each year the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County posts an online holiday volunteering guide, which is available at www.scvolunteercenter.org. Individuals can register to volunteer directly online or download the guide. For the last several years, more than 300 individuals from across the county have attended this meal, according to the Volunteer Center. Beyond Thanksgiving events, the holiday volunteer guide has opportunities running through Dec. 31 ranging from wrapping gifts, adopting a family for the holiday, preparing meals, to serving as an usher at the Nutcracker. For information, call the Volunteer Center at 427-5070.

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December 2015

6 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Tree Lighting

Continued from page 1

come out and be a part of a beautiful community.” The event is sponsored by Aegis Living of Aptos, who will bring a bus full of their residents to attend. An “old fashioned family Christmas,” Hibble said attendees will have the chance to make ornaments, as well as kids’ crafts. A variety of local arts and crafts vendors

will be setting up shop as well. “It’s an event for young and old alike,” she said. Toys for Tots will collect toys for distribution, and food donations to Second Harvest Food Bank are encouraged. Should a heavy storm pass through the area, a rain check date is set for Dec. 12.

Plein Air

Continued from page 1

Miller worked atop Depot Hill on a pastel on paper view of the village and beach. Alisa Hites, an art instructor at the Art Factory, set up her easel on the cliffs on the north side of Capitola. “I haven’t painted for six years and I felt it was time to get back at it,” she said.

“Capitola is such a wonderful place to paint.” Gelman said Watsonville artist Charles Prentiss took first place with his painting of Capitola Esplanade. Al Shamble walked away with second place for his seascape composition.

Alisa Hites works on an acrylic on canvas painting of Capitola during The Magic of Capitola En Plein Air, a convergence of artists drawing and painting in the open air. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

Santa Claus stopped by to take photos with children during the Aptos Chamber of Commerce’s annual tree lighting ceremony in 2014. File photo by Erik Chalhoub

Stephanie Gelman works on an oil on canvas landscape of Capitola. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

December 6, 2015

San Lorenzo Park, Santa Cruz

9:00 am for Kids 1K 9:15 for 5K Come and join our annual year end holiday event! Its all about the toys and the fun. This is the 6th year for Jingle Bell Rock and each year as the participation grows we try to set a big goal for collecting toys. Last year was great - over 800 toys donated at our sponsor locations and at the race. This year let's try and hit 1000 toys. All the collected toys stay in our community.

For more info go to www.finishlineproduction.com

December 2015

History Corner

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 7 Continued from page 1

Ray Liebenberg. Aptos History Museum collection

Marks State Park. He had given the museum a number of items including pack irons, used on mules to carry “split stuff” wood, like fence posts, and two handed saws from the lumber era which were on display. I had not met this man because these items had been brought to the museum by his friend, a man named Woods Mattingly who gave us his whole collection of timber industry items and photographs from the days of the Loma Prieta Lumber Mill. We had a very enjoyable chat for the best part of an hour about his dad being a contractor and being involved in the community. He talked about the old abandoned lumber camps and trails that he had visited as a child and then he very casually and earnestly told me the following story about what happened to him in April of 1958. He was a 13-year-old boy and he and his friend were riding their bikes in a remote part of the Nisene Marks property. At that time this was private land that had been logged over in the late 1800s and early 20th century. The land was steep, with redwoods and coastal oaks, very dense and rugged. Nothing in the way of logging, ranching or man-made activity was happening or for that matter since the last logging in the 1920s. This was a place that maybe saw a handful of people a year. They had pushed their bikes uphill for the last two hours and were riding downhill on the fire road between Sand Point overlook and Hinkley Creek. They were going fast and quiet, when he slowed down for a muddy spot so as not to lose control, he noticed to his right just behind a redwood tree, a figure that was about the same color of the tree bark, dark brown. It burst from behind the tree and ran down a very steep slope. The boys stopped, dropped their bikes and ran the 20 feet to the edge of the road. By that time, whatever it was, was running fast, with the unmistakable sound of two feet treading on Tanbark Oak leaves. They listened to it running for at least two minutes. The creature was over six feet tall, and had the shape of a man. They knew it was not a bear because of the size and the movement. In 1963 he rode a motorcycle at night near to the location of the sighting. He stopped at Sand Point overlook and shut off the engine. A very strange noise came from the road just below the overlook where the road forks down to Hinkley Basin. It was a noise he had never heard before or since. Sort of a scream but different. As it approached coming up the switchbacks, it got louder and it was beginning to cause him some alarm. After another rather close scream he quickly started the engine and

left at full throttle. I checked with the Bigfoot Discovery Museum in Felton, and they have statements from three people who have had similar sightings in the last 15 years. ••• On the other hand… By any measure, the late Ray Liebenberg was a character. This story of Ray comes from Robin (Musitelli) and Howard Liebenberg, who is the late Ray’s nephew. Ray worked with his brothers in the family tree service business in the San Lorenzo Valley and was known for his flashy Cadillacs that he used to carry his chainsaws and ropes. He was a politically active tree topper, chiropractor, and self styled philosopher. He loved to free climb the tall trees just to eat his lunch at the top. He also ran for President and Governor, but that’s another story. Ray was a tall, thin man and a longdistance runner. He ran with rounded shoulders, a big-loping gait and wore his tree climbing boots when he ran. He had flowing white hair down his back and a long white beard. He and his brother, Ted, lived in Ben Lomond at the top of a hill at what is now sand parkland, a sand quarry and the former landfill. Ray loved to run, and especially loved to run under the moonlight in the sandhills. In the 1970s stories were circulating of Bigfoot sightings and footprints in the San Lorenzo Valley, many of them in the Ben Lomond sandhills. During that time, Howard saw his uncle carrying a large foot-shaped board. When he asked his Uncle Ray about it, Ray just winked and smiled. Knowing Ray’s sense of humor, family members harbored suspicions. Fast forward about 40 years to Howard’s discovery of Ray’s “big foot” which was discovered in a family storage shed. The plywood foot is about 18 inches long and about a foot wide. On the bottom, the foot has been shaped with plaster. The top is covered with strings of yarn and topped with lace-up leggings. Hmmm ... was Ray Liebenberg the San Lorenzo Valley Bigfoot? Ray’s secret went with him when he died in 1982 at the age of 70. But his “big foot” lives on. One of history’s mysteries. Although this story may have been more appropriate around Halloween, it is our gift to you for the holidays. I will leave you with this line from an old Scottish poem. “From ghoulies and ghosties, and long-leggedy beasties, and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!”

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8 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

December 2015

CAP Report

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 9 Continued from page 1

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Jeff Brody, executive director of First 5, heads up an introduction at the event at Temple Beth El in Aptos. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

195-page report that spotlights public perception of several indicators such as economy, public safety, education and health. The survey, which focused on the year 2014 and compared it to previous years, gives a snapshot of community perception of those topics. “The CAP tells us where we are now and where we were in the past,” said United Way of Santa Cruz Executive Director Mary Lou Goeke. “The goals tell us where we want to be.” According to Goeke, Santa Cruz County residents are most concerned about the dwindling water supply and the ongoing drought. But they also weighed in on access to health care, their experiences with racism and how safe they feel in their neighborhoods. The information is often used to help government officials and social services workers determine where to focus their efforts. It is spearheaded by United Way of Santa Cruz County and conducted by Applied Survey Research, whose researchers interviewed more than 700 people throughout the county to get representative samples. Hundreds of people gathered in Temple Beth El in Aptos for the release. Among other things, the report shows unemployment rates countywide at 8.7 percent, a decrease from 2013, when that number was 9.5 percent. And while Santa Cruz’s 7.8 percent unemployment rate surpassed that of Watsonville’s 11.2 percent, the city showed an 8.9 percent decrease from 2013, the county’s largest decline. Meanwhile, many respondents reported being “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with their overall quality of life. Median family income was up $11,000 from 2010, and homeowners were buoyed by a 45 percent increase in median home sale prices. But the rising house prices also means renters find themselves struggling to find affordable places to live, said Joe Foster of PG&E, who presented the report on the economy. “We are seeing people in the community being priced out,” he said. “It’s a big concern.” The report also shows a disparity between Latino and Caucasian residents in economics, education and basic needs. Just over 26 percent of white households reported being below self-sufficiency income standards, compared to 63 percent of Latinos. Approximately 32 percent of white residents were served by Second Harvest Food Bank, compared to 62 percent of Latinos. In addition, 94 percent of white people surveyed said they have access to healthcare, compared to 80 percent of Latinos. The report shows that 19,000 people are insured through Covered California, the state’s arm of the Affordable Care Act, in

the year since it was rolled out. In addition, the county saw a 65 percent increase enrollment in medical insurance. But the increase in insured patients is outpacing the numbers of healthcare providers, leading to longer wait times for appointments, said Abbie Stevens, Senior Director of Community Research at Applied Survey Research. Santa Cruz County Chief Probation Officer Fernando Giraldo said a decline in crime rates shown in the report could be attributed in part to Assembly Bill 109, also known as Public Safety Realignment, which allows some inmates with nonviolent offenses to serve their sentences in county jails. He was referring to a 10 percent decrease in overall crime rates in Watsonville since 2008, and an overall countywide decrease of one percent in that time. The law allows counties to focus on rehabilitation services that lower recidivism, he said. “You should reserve jail for the most violent offenders,” he said. “I think people understand that now.” ••• For a look at the comprehensive report, visit www.unitedwaysc.org/communityassessment-project.

Community heroes

The highlight of the CAP project is the naming of the “community heroes” who contributed to each of the report’s categories.

Economy

Barbara Mason, County of Santa Cruz; Dr. Tamara Ball, UC Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz Works

Education

Susan Freeman, Stanford School of Education

Graduate

Health

Kathleen King, Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust; Stephanie Connor-Kent, Palo Alto Medical Foundation; Jose Joel Vasquez, Jovenes SANOS

Public Safety

Les Forster, Cypress Charter High School; Jorge Zamora, Watsonville Police Department; Sarah Emmert, Youth Violence Prevention Task Force

Social Environment

Phil Kramer, Goodwill Industries; Maria Elena de la Garza, Community Action Board; Jorge Jarrow, Dignity Healthy Dominican Hospital

Natural Environment

Kristen Kittleson, Santa Cruz County Water Resources; David Robles, Ecology Action; Steve Gliessman, UC Santa Cruz; Andy Shatney

The CAP Lifetime Achievement Award went to Deborah Blumberg.

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December 2015

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 11

Guest Columnist

Doing final preps for winter weather By ZACH FRIEND

Santa Cruz County Supervisor

County, state and federal officials have been meeting in preparation for what is estimated to be the strongest El Nino event since the winters of 1982-83 and 1997-98. As many remember, those winters caused widespread flooding, damage and even the loss of life. Homes were lost in Rio Del Mar and Seascape and other areas of the district were also hit hard. While there is no guarantee that this winter will bring that type of rain it does seem prudent to make sure our homes and businesses are protected. We’ve held a few community meetings with Public Works, Office of Emergency Services and Public Safety personnel along with the Red Cross and PG&E to allow residents to ask questions about the best way to prepare and I wanted to provide some of their advice in this column for those that were unable to attend. One of the first things that you can do is visit the county’s El Nino resource page: www.santacruzcounty.us/elnino. It

provides a wealth of information on what to do before, during and after a storm. It provides checklists on what to have on hand at your home, contact numbers and more. This information is also available via the county’s mobile app (called Citizen Connect), which also allows for the reporting of non-emergency road hazards and more. In advance of the storms Public Works is requesting that you call them at 4542160 if you know of any culverts that need inspection or repair or brush that needs to be cleared. Public Works is also asking that residents rake (if it’s safe) and clean storm drains to help prevent flooding. This simple task can significantly improve drainage. If you believe that a tree has the potential to impact a power line, PG&E is offering to have their arborists inspect trees and perform maintenance if needed. You can call them at 1-800-743-5000. Residents can also sign up for mobile alerts regarding power outages directly from their website. If a road is impassible, trees or power lines are down or there is any other type of emergency please call 911. Our local

911 center suggests residents sign up for mobile alerts (called Code Red) from their website, www.scr911.org. These alerts will be used for evacuations, boil-water notices and other critical information. Local public works, fire and emergency services personnel are encouraging residents to winterize their homes and create supply kits for your car, homes and business should it be necessary. If strong rains and winds occur, it’s possible that areas will be without power for multiple days or roads can become impassible. Therefore, one of the best things we can do to help out local emergency responders is to be as self-sufficient as possible so they can dedicate their resources to the most pressing needs. One thing to do is create a disaster supply kit. They are available for purchase through the Red Cross or others online or you can visit the county’s El Nino website to see a checklist of items to create your own. Additionally, clearing out the drains around your roof and home and having sandbags or soil to prevent flooding may be useful.

Sandbags will be available at a few locations in and around the district in the coming month including Central Fire (2425 Porter St.), the Aptos Chamber of Commerce (7605 Old Dominion Court), Cal/County Fire in Corralitos (120 Eureka Canyon Road) and Pajaro Valley Fire (562 Casserly Road). As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you need any additional suggestions, please feel free to reach out to our office at 454-2200.

Guest Columnist

Year-end money moves

By GARY E. CROXALL, CFP® and SOREN E. CROXALL, CFP® It seems like 2015 has flown by and we are already well into another holiday season. While it’s easy to get caught up in the merriment, knocking off a couple of financial to do’s before the year end can go a long way and put you on the right track going into 2016. • Portfolio Review — If you’re like most people, the investment choices you’ve made in your company retirement plan or IRA are probably a distant memory. Now would be a good time to review your overall investment choices and make sure they are still aligned with your investment time horizon and risk tolerance level. Also, make sure you are maximizing contributions to your employer sponsored retirement accounts. “Maximizing contributions” may mean different things to different people. For some it may mean putting the annual maximum contribution allowed under current IRS guidelines. For others, it may mean contributing enough to take full advantage of an employer match. Everyone’s situation is different, and you

should target saving what your budget will allow for. • Review Beneficiary Designations — We have mentioned this a few times in previous articles, but it is something that is easily forgotten about or neglected. Review the beneficiary designations you have listed on various assets including but not limited to: retirement plans, life insurance, and annuities. Take a few minutes and make sure assets that have beneficiary designations will go where you want them to go when you pass away. • Review Deductions — As the year draws to a close, make sure you are maximizing any potential deductions you may have if you itemize deductions on your tax return. If you were planning on making some charitable contributions throughout the year but haven’t done so yet — do it! Just be sure to keep good records and receipts. Keep track of un-reimbursed employee expenses or miscellaneous items like job hunting expenses or tax preparation fees. A qualified professional can help ensure you are taking advantage of all deductions and credits that may be available to you. • Review Overall Spending Habits — December is a good month to review year to date spending. Where is your money going? Where are areas that you could be more efficient? Doing a formal review of your overall spending may surprise you. You may be able to tweak certain expenses to allow you to save more toward your goals in 2016 and beyond. We wish everyone a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

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Management offered through Croxall Capital Planning (CCP), a Registered Investment Advisor. CCP and NPC are separate and unrelated companies. NPC and CCP do not provide tax or legal advice. The information contained herein is for general education and is not intended as specific advice or a recommendation to any person or entity. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of NPC.

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December 2015

12 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

DECEMBER 2015

Peoples runs to CCS repeat, record books By TONY NUNEZ BELMONT — It didn’t take long before Matti Peoples was all by herself on the Crystal Springs Cross Country Course. And when she crossed the finish line of the 2.95-mile course, she was all by herself in the record books. The Aptos Mariner added another achievement to her senior season, winning the Central Coast Section Division III individual championship for the second time in as many years. Her championship time of 17 minutes, 37.8 seconds was not only a personal record but it put her in special company. She’s the lone female Aptos runner to win a pair of CCS titles. The last cross country runner, male or female, from Aptos to accomplish the feat was Brett Gotcher in 2000 and 2001. On the day after signing her letter of intent with UC Santa Barbara for track, Peoples produced the program’s fourth individual CCS championship in the last five years — NCAA Division I athletes Clare Peabody and Nikki Hiltz being the other two Aptos runners to win titles. Despite all that, Peoples wouldn’t declare Nov. 14’s win in Belmont as her best race of her career or year. Head coach Dan Gruber wouldn’t go that far either, but said it’s definitely up toward the top. “When you win a section title it’s got to be one of your better, more memorable,

races,” Gruber said. The CCS D-III race was hyped as a battle between Aptos teammates for the individual title. Peoples, the reigning champ, against Marea Zlatunich, the up-and-coming sophomore star that had consistently been the Mariners No. 1 runner this season. After the first mile, however, Peoples pulled away from Zlatunich and never looked back. By the start of the second mile, Peoples had a 30-second lead on her teammate. “This one is a little more special because this year I didn’t think I was going to win,” Peoples said. “I thought, ‘oh, shoot I’ve got Marea. She’s going to win.’ So I’m really excited.” “I wish we could both win,” Peoples added. “I think she just had a really off day. She’s going to bounce back.” Really, who would win the individual title was the lone lingering question in the D-III run. The Mariners were heavy favorites to win their fifth straight team section championship and followed through on everyone’s projections with ease. Aptos blew away the rest of the field with a score of 20. Aragon was second at 95, while Prospect was third at 111. Annika Niles followed Peoples and Zlatunich at third with a time of 18:40.8, Annika McBride was sixth at 18:57.3 and Reina Garcia rounded out the Mariners scoring five by taking eighth at 19:13.3. Olivia Quinn (10th, 19:34.5) and Olivia

Berhan (17th, 20:09.8) also competed for Aptos and finished before three of the 11 teams in the division had a runner cross the finish line.

“We knew that there was going to be other girls in between us but we knew that we’d be up there dominating,” Peoples said.

Aptos Mariners senior Matti Peoples makes the final turn of the 2.95-mile cross country course at Crystal Springs in Belmont during the CCS Division III championship. Photo by Tony Nunez

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December 2015

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 13

Aptos knocked out in Semis by Sacred Heart Cathedral in sweep By TONY NUNEZ SAN JOSE — The streak will live on for another year. Aptos was knocked out of the Central Coast Section Division III playoffs by West Catholic Athletic League power Sacred Heart Cathedral, 25-16, 25-8, 25-15, Nov. 18 at Valley Christian High in San Jose. The Mariners’ (23-7) semifinal exit at the hands of the Fightin’ Irish extends their storied struggle against WCAL teams. Aptos has yet to beat a private school from that league in the postseason since 1994. “I thought we played some good volleyball,” said Aptos head coach Lucas Bol. “We weren’t as consistent as them, which led to the scores being quite skewed, but you look at some of those rallies, you look at the digs -- the plays. We were keeping up with them. It’s just consistency wise we weren’t there every single play.” “They made much fewer mistakes than us and I think the score shows it,” Bol added. Aptos, the No. 3 seed, took the lead on the opening point of the game, but it was one of just two advantages it held all match. SHC (28-7) quickly gained control with a pair of points. It led comfortably until early in Game 3. The No. 2-seeded Fightin’ Irish stymied the Mariners’ powerful duo of seniors Maddy Bol and Karsen Welle with a strong block and some lightning-quick reaction on defense from their backline. Bol and Welle teamed up for just 10 kills. Fellow senior Madi Dueck added four kills. On offense, the Fightin’ Irish moved at a breakneck tempo and kept Aptos guessing with quick sets and reverse sets, which

led to pummeling kills from multiple SHC players. It also didn’t help that the Mariners made five errors on serves in Game 1 to dig themselves in a hole which was much too deep to work their way out of. SHC, meanwhile, had nine aces in the match. Once Aptos’ passing fell through, its offense was sputtering. “They had some really good servers so I think that’s what broke us down,” said Maddy Bol, who will play for the University of Chicago next season. “I mean serve-receive is usually the whole game. If you can pass the ball then you’re usually winning.” Isabella Dominici, Mary Tran, Kayla Yew, Maia So-Holloway, Jennifer Ryan, U’neque Cross and Sophia Plett all had multiple kills for SHC. “We really play as team,” Dominici said. “At the beginning of the season we weren’t really that close but we had retreats and our coaches did really well at bringing us together. We’re just a really connected team.” Co-champions of the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League, the Mariners recorded their first undefeated league regular season since 2009 — that season they also lost to SHC, which has won six section titles, in the semifinals of the CCS D-III playoffs. Aptos will graduate six seniors, including Welle, Dueck and Bol, which have started on varsity since they were freshman. Sophie Bruce, Victoria Lovelave and Ashley Devery will also graduate. “I’ve been playing with Karsen and Madi all four years,” Maddy Bol said. “I’ve never not played volleyball with them so this was a really big year for us.”

Aptos Mariners senior Karsen Welle (16) hammers the ball into the block of a Sacred Heart Cathedral defender during their CCS Division III semifinal game at Valley Christian in San Jose. Photo by Tony Nunez

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December 2015

14 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Aptos Chamber holds annual awards dinner By BEK PHILLIPS APTOS —The Aptos Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards dinner and auction Oct. 30 honoring members of the community, businesses and organizations. The honorees included: Robert “Bobby” Salazar for Community Hero, Agricultural

History Project for Community Enhancement, Rio Del Mar Improvement Association for Outstanding Achievement, Grey Bears for Organization of the year, Christy Licker for Woman of the Year and Zach Friend for Man of the Year. Jeff Gaffney, director for County of Santa Cruz Parks Department, said he attended the event because he knows how

much the Chamber of Commerce does for the community. “I’m just lucky to be part of this community,” Gaffney said. “I feel lucky that I can be here, and I feel lucky to be a servant of the community.” Among the awardees was Bobby Salazar, who is the custodian and wrestling coach for Aptos High School. Nominated for the

Community Hero Award, Salazar said he hopes the students will be proud of him. “I think they will be proud,” Salazar said. “It would mean that they care about me the way that I care about them.” The dinner, held at the Seascape Resort in Aptos, sold out beforehand and is an annual fundraiser for the Aptos Chamber of Commerce.

John Fuchs (left) speaks before receiving the award for Business of the Year. Photo by Bek Phillips

Zach Friend (right) shakes hands with Sam Farr after receiving the award for Man of the Year. Photo by Bek Phillips

Pat Kelley (center) is Vice President of the Rio Del Mar Improvement Association, which won the Outstanding Achievement award. Photo by Bek Phillips

Christy Licker (right) shares a moment while receiving the award for Woman of the Year. Photo by Bek Phillips

Jess Brown accepts the Community Anhancement Award during the Aptos Chammber of Commerce awards night. Photo by Bek Phillips

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Bobby Salazar (left) accapts the award for Community Hero for his work at Aptos High School. Photo by Bek Phillips

December 2015

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 15

Cowboy Church rounds up the Friday night faithful

By CATHY KELLY APTOS – A small church that celebrates the love of God along with the love of all things country has taken root just off Freedom Boulevard, recently celebrating two years in operation. Cowboy Country Church hosts a country-gospel-filled Friday night service where you can leave your hat on, tap your boots and sing with the Pickin’ for Jesus band. Most everyone at a recent Friday night service was friendly and seemed to know one another. “It’s so laid-back and fun,” said Sally Stogden of Watsonville, who attends regularly. “It just feels so comfortable.” The church meets at 7 p.m. Fridays at Christ Lutheran Church at the south end of Soquel Drive, on a small hill just past the California Highway Patrol office. It is led by Pastor Guy Routley, a 59-year-old father of five children and stepchildren who works as a builder. Routley said he is also active at Twin Lakes Church and helped start the Stephen Ministry counseling program there. He and his wife, Karen, live in Mount Hermon. Routley led the band for roughly half of the hour or so program. Songs included such country gospel stalwarts as Hank Williams’ “I Saw the Light” and Albert Brumley’s “I’ll Fly Away.” Routley told the congregation he had attended Christ Lutheran Church as a boy and remembers hearing some of the same songs then. “It was my dream to play and sing in a church,” he said. “I bought this guitar in 1978, but it sat in a closet for more than 25 years.”

Finishing a slow ode, Routley said it always gets him choked up when he “gets to sing to the Lord like that.” His sermon focused on the gentleness he said Christians are called to display, and the love of enemies. He said that while working at an old field years ago, it had always taken a while to convince people that the tall, burley man was a gentle person. After the service, Routley said he started the church because there was nothing like it in the area. “We are trying to do something different on Friday night,” he said. “I’ve been in many churches with my music and we Pastor Guy Routley leads the service on a recent Friday night at Country Cowboy Church in Aptos. To the right is bassist are all so close in Ken Mabie. Photo by Cathy Kelly our beliefs. I like to help take the Cowboy Church International for 15 years. the blessings we need.” barriers down and all worship together. I He said they host a concert annually on the never wanted to present myself as anything Friday of the Salinas Rodeo. For information, visit but a child of God.” He said he loves what he’s doing and has www.cowboychurchaptos.com. Routley said he’s been a member of faith the young church in Aptos will “get

December 2015

16 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Soquel resident Norm Bei sent over photos of yard art that he has collected or made himself over time. Photo by Norm Bei

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December 2015

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 17

Ask Nicole: Developing healthy sleep habits By NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW There are three things (besides family and friends) that I need to survive: my computer, cheese and a lot of sleep. I’m only partly joking. My computer is necessary for work, cheese makes everything better, and I’m much more fun to be around when I’ve had 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. So you can imagine how hard it was when my kids were young and not sleeping through the night. There were at least four solid years of sleep deprivation, which felt like centuries. I vaguely recall eating a lot of cheese. This monthly column provides tips for anyone who is helping raise children, based on the world-renowned Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, email me at triplep@first5scc. org. Dear Nicole, It’s a battle getting my 5-year-old twins to go to sleep every night. They refuse to take a bath, then they refuse to get out of the tub. They take forever to get into bed, then they get up a million times – they’re thirsty, scared, heard a noise, too hot, too cold. I know they’re just trying to avoid going to sleep. I have to tell them to be quiet many times before they finally fall asleep. We’re always tired and cranky in the morning. How can we make bedtime easier? Michelle Dear Michelle, Ah yes, bedtime battles. For many families, bedtime is stressful instead of a calm, loving way to end the day. And the bedtime struggles can lead to challenges during the day. Children who do not get enough sleep are often tired, irritable, moody and have difficulty concentrating. This can affect their behavior at home and school. Parents and caregivers can become exhausted, stressed and lose their patience more easily. Here are a few tips to help your children develop healthy sleep habits that will benefit the whole family: Identify possible causes of bedtime difficulties. Some children have difficulty falling asleep on their own when they’ve always been rocked, held or fed until they fall asleep. Other children have a hard time settling down if they haven’t had enough physical activity or they’ve had too much activity before bedtime. Fears, anxiety or stress can also keep children awake. Sometimes, parents accidentally encourage poor sleep habits by giving in to what children want (stay up later, watch more TV) in order to avoid arguments. These are just a few of the things that can affect children’s

bedtime behaviors. Follow a consistent bedtime routine. Consistent, predictable routines help children make the transition from being active during the day to being calm and quiet at night. Review your kids’ bedtime routine with them and discuss whether to add or change any steps. Here’s an example of a bedtime routine: Play quietly before bedtime Brush teeth Go to the bathroom Go to bed at the set time Read a book Say goodnight Stay in bed until the morning Prepare your children to follow the routine. Write a list, draw or print pictures that show each step of the routine. Talk about each step and have your kids pretend to do each step before it’s actually bedtime. This allows your children to practice the routine when everyone is calm. Help them transition from daytime to nighttime. At least 30 minutes before bedtime, tell your children they will be going to bed soon. Turn electronics off and engage them in a quiet activity such as puzzles, coloring or reading. Then 10-15 minutes before bedtime, tell your children it’s time to finish up the activity. Give them a clear, calm instruction to start their bedtime routine — “It’s time to get ready for bed. Please go brush your teeth.” Give descriptive praise when your children follow the bedtime routine. This lets your children know you’re noticing their efforts, which encourages them to keep trying. Descriptive praise works best when it’s specific, sincere and focuses on the behavior you want to see more of. For example, “You’ve brushed your teeth and gone to the bathroom. You’re doing a great job following the bedtime routine!” In the morning, give more descriptive praise if your child stayed in bed the whole night. Final thoughts: There’s a reason why sleep is a basic human need. Our bodies and brains need time to rest and prepare for the next day. Developing positive bedtime routines is one way to help children develop healthy sleep habits that will last a lifetime. It’s a gift for both children and parents. ••• Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 11 and 15, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P - 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. For more information on Triple P classes and one-on-one sessions for parents, visit triplep.first5scc.org, www.facebook. com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@ first5scc.org.

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December 2015

18 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

y t i n u m m Co r a d n e l a C Dec. 3 Lighthouse Lighting

From 5-6:30 p.m., the fourth annual Lighthouse Lighting ceremony at the Crow’s Nest restaurant’s Harbor Room will illuminate the Walton Lighthouse to benefit O’Neill Sea Odyssey, the free, ocean science and environmental program.

Public Meetings All meetings take place at Capitola City Hall, 420 Capitola Ave.

Dec. 3

Planning Commission, 7 p.m.

Dec. 8

Art and Cultural Commission, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 9

Architectural and Site Review, 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 10 City Council, 7 p.m.

Dec. 15

Soquel Creek Water Board, 6 p.m.

Dec. 17

Commission on the Environment, 6 p.m.

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December

Dec. 4-6

Dec. 4

Christmas Open House

Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair

Alladin Nursery and Gift Shop, 2905 Freedom Blvd. in Corralitos, will hold its 11th annual Christmas Open House from 4-8 p.m. For information, visit www.alladinnursery.com.

The fair will be held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave. in Watsonville, from noon to 8 p.m. Three buildings will be filled with crafts and gifts. Admission is $5.

Dec. 5 Holiday Factory Sale

The Watsonville Holiday Factory Sale, featuring more than 10 vendors, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a list of participating vendors, visit cityofwatsonville.org/visitors/ watsonville-factory-sale.

Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair

Dec. 5-6

Dec. 6

Art in the Cellars

Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair

Bargetto Winery, 3535 N. Main St. in Soquel, will hold Art in the Cellars from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call 475-2258, extension 10 or visit bargetto.com.

The fair will be held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave. in Watsonville, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Three buildings will be filled with crafts and gifts.

Multicultural Celebration and tree lighting

Dec. 8 Holiday Mixer

The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will hold a Holiday Mixer from 5-7 p.m. at Seascape Beach Resort. Admission is $5 for chamber members, $10 for non-members.

The Watsonville Multicultural Celebration will be held in the City Plaza from 1-5 p.m., including a visit by Santa Claus at 4 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will follow the event at 5 p.m.

Christmas Tea

The Pajaro Valley Historical Association will hold its Old-Fashioned Christmas Tea from 1-4 p.m. at 332 East Beach St. in Watsonville. The public is invited. Donations are accepted.

Dec. 10

Dec. 12

Breakfast meeting

The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly breakfast meeting from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court. Christy Licker of Caroline’s Non-Profit Thrift Shop will be the guest speaker. Admission is $20 for chamber members, $25 for non-members. For reservations, call 688-1467.

Christmas Dinner

The Slavic American Cultural Organization will hold its Christmas Dinner at the Watsonville Woman’s Club, 12 Brennan St. Social hour begins at 4 p.m., dinner starts at 5 p.m. Admission is $25 per adult and $10 for children. RSVP by phone to Susan before Dec. 6 at 722-3268 or email SlavicAmericanCulturalOrg@gmail. com.

Ongoing

The fair will be held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave. in Watsonville, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Three buildings will be filled with crafts and gifts. Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting from 2-5 p.m. at the Aptos Village Tree. For information, visit www.aptoschamber.com.

Capitola Village Holiday

The Capitola Village Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting will take place from 2-5:30 p.m. at the Esplanade. Enjoy music from the New Brighton Middle School Jazz Band and carols from the Soquel High Jazz Singers at the Capitola Mercantile. Tree lighting in front of Quality Market at 5:30 p.m. The free event is sponsored by Capitola Village businesses and the CapitolaSoquel Chamber of Commerce. For information, call the Capitola-Soquel Chamber at 475-6522.

Lighted Boat Parade

Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Yacht Club and including a canned food drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank, the Lighted Boat Parade features 50 decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. For information, visit www. santacruzharbor.org/events.html.

Dec. 20 Breakfast with Santa

The event will be held at the American Legion Post 121, 214 Center St. in Watsonville, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Cost is $7 adults and children 10 and under is $5. Every child attending will get a goodie bag as well as a chance to do a Christmas

Aptos Noon Toastmasters Aptos Noon Toastmasters will be held every Wednesday at 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Rio Sands Hotel, 116 Aptos Beach Drive. A group of people at all levels of experience from beginners to more advanced to help you discover your voice and share it effectively. Everyone is welcome. For more information visit Facebook.com/ AptosNoonToastmasters or call 236-1171. APTOS

SOQUEL

CAPITOLA

December 2015

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 19

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Business & Service Directory COME IN FOR A LUBE, OIL, FILTER • TIRE ROTATION • MULTI POINT INSPECTION • EXTERIOR CAR WASH FOR JUST

3495

and receive a certificate to have the SAME service done on your next visit for FREE!

THAT MAKES 2 SERVICES FOR 1 LOW PRICE *Offer includes up to 6 quarts conventional motor oil. Valid on most makes and models. Synthetic Oil and Diesel vehicles may be slightly higher. Price does not include sales tax or hazardous removal fees. Offer expires 12/31/15. Must present coupon at time of purchase.

Celebrating 21 Years! Watsonville’s Independent Bookstore

• • • •

Serving Santa Cruz County since 1974

THUNDERBIRD REAL ESTATE

831-475-8400 2601-41ST Avenue, Suite A, Soquel, 95073 www.thunderbird.com

new/used books used audio books 1 minute off hwy 1 special orders -no charge!

Get Pre-Approved Today! Cindi Robinson Home Lending Officer 831-440-6222 cindi.robinson@citi.com NMLS# 728087

Thank You For Voting us Best In The Pajaro Valley

831.722.3522 500 AUTO CENTER DR., WATSONVILLE 95076

WWW.WATSONVILLEGM.COM

TAXES • PAYROLL • 2290 NOTARY ACCOUNTING • DACA • UNEMPLOYMENT GREEN CARD RENEWAL LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESS START UP BOOKKEEPING DEBT CONSOLIDATION RETIREMENT PLANS INTERNATIONAL BILL PAYMENTS AND MONEY TRANSFERS

Linda Chavez Tax/Payroll Specialist Se Habla Español

(831) 763-1663 • thetaxdoctors@gmail.com

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Fine Draperies, Custom Bedding and Furniture, Custom Area Rugs, Upholstery, Slip Covers, Shutters, Blinds & More

Planning for the Unexpected There are many what-ifs in life: What if I lose my job? How will this affect my retirement outlook? What if I need long term care in the future? Will my assets be able to support me? What if I were to pass away prematurely? Will my family be taken care of? With all of these what-if scenarios, it’s important to have a plan in place to prepare for the unexpected.

www.SandyJohnsonInteriors.com

Gary E. Croxall, CFP®

Registered Principal of NPC

Croxallcapital.com

(831) 688-4311

Registered Investment Advisor

Soren E. Croxall, CFP® Registered Associate 9 Seascape Village Aptos, CA 95003 Email: gary.croxall@natplan.com

Securities and advisory services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC), member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Consulting and investment management offered through CCP. CCP & NPC are separate and unrelated companies.

ENHANCE YOUR LIFE IN 2015!

1 Seascape offers over 60 weekly group exercise classes 2 Regular exercise cuts risk of death from heart disease by 50% 3 Seascape has a State-of-the-Art Fitness and Wellness Center 4 Regular exercise promotes leaner, healthier, wealthier lifestyle 5 Seascape Junior Olympic Size Lap Pool is heated year-round 6 Regular exercise builds brain cells and brain power 7 Seascape has more tennis players, tennis teams and tennis events 8 Playing tennis provides valuable interval training (On our Hard or Clay Courts) 9 Seascape has more junior programs (See our New Junior Activity Center)

q NEW MEMBERS RECEIVE 3 Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FREE Dues* *Restrictions Apply (Offer Ends 12/31/15)