DECEMBER 2017 EVERYTHING APTOS, CAPITOLA & SOQUEL Vol. 6 No. 4
Sports
APTOS
women’s basketball
SOQUEL
pg. 12
Holiday food drive
pg. 2
CAPITOLA Photo by Tarmo HANNULA
The couple settles in the calm of a dramatic sunset near Pleasure Point.
Aptos honors community leaders
HISTORY CORNER By John Hibble Call: 688-1467
By ERIK CHALHOUB
Visit us online: aptoshistory.org Visit the museum: 7605-B Old Dominion Court Aptos, CA
In the beginning
Where did your people originally come from? Did you ever think about what life was like for your ancestors? What were their traditions? The native people who named Aptos may have lived here when ancient Egypt was founded. They are still here. What was it like to be a Native American? They were as different as the French and the Chinese; different languages, different resources, different traditions. The Indians of the Great Plains were nomadic and followed the buffalo. They rode horses, were fierce warriors and fought over resources. The Indians from the Monterey Bay area lived in the “Garden of Eden,” did not need to travel far and were relatively peaceful. (Remember, Columbus called them Indians because he thought that he had landed in the Please turn to Page 6
LEO’s Haven receives the Outstanding Achievement of the Year award.
APTOS — In June 2016, the Santa Cruz Playground Project embarked on a two-year capital campaign to raise nearly $2 million for an inclusive playground. Named LEO’s Haven, the playground, designed in a way so a child with a disability can play side-by-side with their friends, will be built at Chanticleer Park in Live Oak.
Now, as the group inches closer to its fundraising goal to make the playground a reality, LEO’s Haven was bestowed with the Aptos Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Achievement of the Year award on Oct. 27. The Santa Cruz Playground Project was founded by the Potts family of Watsonville, who visited an inclusive playground for the first Please turn to Page 7
Leaders take stock of county issues Annual Community Assessment Project released By JOHANNA MILLER WATSONVILLE — The Watsonville City Council Chambers was packed Nov. 20 with community leaders, organization representatives, media outlets and other county residents for the release of the 23rd annual Community Assessment Project report. The event, which was sponsored by the City of Watsonville and First 5 Santa Cruz County, presented the
findings of the Santa Cruz County Community Assessment Project (CAP), produced by Applied Survey Research every year. Speakers took to the podium to shed light on everything from local housing issues to educational rankings. Throughout the morning, community members from various agencies and organizations were awarded accolades for their work. Watsonville Mayor Oscar Rios thanked everyone present at the event
for what they do for the community, particularly in South County. He acknowledged the work that still needs to be done, urging residents to “be vigilant” in protecting each other’s rights. “Every one of us wants to move forward, to keep improving life here,” Rios said. “Together we can overcome all of these challenges we face.” The event itself was broken up Please turn to Page 7
Inside ...
Chamber update ...............2 Briefs ...............................4-5 Guest columns ..................11 Calendar ...........................14 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WATSONVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 23 ******ECRWSSEDDM****** POSTAL CUSTOMER APTOS, CA 95003 CAPITOLA. CA 95010
DECEMBER 2017
2 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel
Holiday food drive kicks off By TARMO HANNULA APTOS — Second Harvest Food Bank has now entered its most intense two months of the year, when it encourages the community to organize the dozens of local food and fund drives throughout the county, forming the Holiday Food and Fund Drive. County businesses, civic, community leaders and activists gathered for a luncheon on Nov. 2 at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos to launch the annual campaign. The drive is Second Harvest’s biggest event of the year, and 100 percent of the food and funds it raises supports food donations to its network of 200 pantries, soup kitchens, recovery centers, assisted living homes, and food and nutrition programs throughout the county. Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz, president of Dominican Hospital, told the gathering of about 250 people that about one in four children in America lack access to
Photo by Tarmo HANNULA wholesome food. “We’re excited to spread human kindness,” she said. “Are you prepared to help lives, including your own?” Willy Elliott-McCrea, CEO of Second Harvest, said the event marks his “favorite day of year.” “I love the compassion and caring in this room. This is a time to roll up our sleeves and get the community involved,” he said. At the event, the community heard from speakers such as Plantronics CEO Joe Burton and organizers of past community food drives, shared strategies and ideas, and more. This year, the food bank has raised its goal for the drive from 4.5 million meals last year to 4.75 million meals, a target that the drive’s co-chairs — Jess Brown, executive director of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, and Martina O’Sullivan, engaged citizen — intend to meet. “With the stock market at record highs, you might think fewer people need food assistance these days,” Elliott-McCrea said. “Unfortunately, the economic recovery has not done as much for working families, and expensive housing continues to strain people’s budgets. So high numbers of local individuals and families still rely on help from the food bank.”
Food drive co-chairs Jess Brown and Martina O’Sullivan take the stage at the “Be a Hunger Hero” kick off for Second Harvest Food Bank’s Holiday Food & Fund Drive 2017.
Around Aptos CHAMBER
APTOS
SOQUEL
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, Mike Lyon Production - Daryl Nelson 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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Thank you for reading!
OF
COMMERCE
By KAREN HIBBLE
APTOS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Have a wonderful and safe holiday. Please remember to shop and dine locally. We want to support our local businesses who do so much for our community, like giving gift certificates for your school auction or your favorite nonprofit. Amazon.com does not support any of our important fundraisers or pay taxes to help fix our roads and pay for local services. Please remember that Rancho Del Mar, Seacliff Village and Aptos Village are open during construction. If you are stuck trying to find a special gift, give the Aptos Chamber a call at 688-1467 and we will try to help. Speaking of nonprofits, if you are feeling generous, consider a donation to the Aptos History Museum. They need your support to continue to teach local history to our children. We hope you will join us on Dec. 2 for our Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting in Aptos Village at the entrance to
DECEMBER 2017
Aptos Village Park from 2-5 p.m. Join us for hot chocolate from Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant, coffee, cookies and Santa who will arrive on a fire truck at 2:30 p.m. We will have lots of wonderful arts and crafts for sale as well as music around the tree. We live in paradise and want to celebrate together. If you need a tree, Cabrillo College Athletic Department will be selling Christmas Trees to support their athletic programs. We have emergency sand bags and sand in front of the Chamber office thanks to Green Waste and Santa Cruz County Public Works Department. You must bring or own shovel. ••• Karen Hibble is the co-executive director of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce.
Children’s museum celebrating three years Staff report CAPITOLA — “I love the puppet I made in the class that lights up in the black room,” said smiling, 3-and-ahalf-year-old Aurora holding up her bright green sock puppet fish. She’s referring to the bio-luminescent room, one of several new exhibits at the nonprofit Santa Cruz Children’s
Museum of Discovery (MOD) located in the Capitola Mall. Created by local artist and puppeteer, Ricki Vincent and his team of artists at The Puppetry Institute at the MOD, the eight-foot square tent is an immersive undersea experience with black lights illuminating fluorescent flora and fauna covering its interior. Executive Director and Co-founder Patrice Keet said the remodel of the
museum, which is celebrating its third anniversary this weekend with a free community day, was a community effort, bringing in local business partners and volunteers who helped do everything from exhibit installation to making handmade, two-foot fabric fish. “We partner with many local organizations and other nonprofits and are just venturing into the world of business sponsorships,” she said. “Parents have been telling me that they are happy to see us promote local companies in this mutually beneficial way.” Board member and former educator, Sue Creswell, teaches a weekly class and says she is pleased that she has found a meaningful and fun way to remain involved with families and their young children who learn through their play at the museum. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Low-income families and qualifying childcare centers and family day care homes can receive free annual memberships through the support of donors. Those who would like to make a donation or would like to volunteering at the museum, can visit www. sccmod.org or contact Keet at patricekeet@sccmod.org.
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LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 3
Cabrillo College narrows presidential pool
Photo by Tarmo HANNULA
Staff report APTOS — Cabrillo College officials announced Nov. 6 that they have selected five finalists to fill the president’s seat when current president Laurel Jones retires on Jan. 2. A series of forum-style interviews of the candidates was held Nov. 29. The announcement followed a “rigorous, national process,” Cabrillo spokeswoman Kristin Fabos said. The president search committee included two search consultants, representatives from Cabrillo’s Board of Trustees, student representatives, faculty, staff, a student and a community member. “This has been a national search, with broad representation from all campus constituent groups — faculty, staff, administration, students, the Foundation, and the community were all represented on the committee,” said Gary Reece, Cabrillo trustee and chair of the President/ Superintendent Search Committee. “We are pleased with the extremely qualified pool of candidates, and we look forward to presenting this impressive slate of finalists to the Cabrillo and broader community and having the opportunity for open dialogue.” The Cabrillo Community College District Board of Trustees will conduct final, individual interviews of each candidate in a closed session on Nov. 30. At the conclusion of the forums, each
In plein air
Cleo Vilett works on an oil on canvas painting on Nov. 2 for the annual Plein Air art event in Capitola Village. The City of Capitola Art & Cultural Commission hosted the third annual Capitola Plein Air, juried art competition, exhibition and sale. Forty local and regional artists sold their works and competed for the top prize.
finalist candidate will meet with the Cabrillo College Board of Trustees for a final interview. The board expected to make a decision on the final candidate in December. •••
Candidates • Kimberlee Messina, currently Interim Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Planning at San Mateo Community College District, San Mateo • Matthew Wetstein, currently Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction & Planning at San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton
• Susan Lamb, currently Interim Chancellor at City College of San Francisco, San Francisco • Melinda Nish, currently Executive Advisor to the President/Acting Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at the College of the Marshall Islands, Majuro, Marshall Islands • Georgia Lorenz, currently Vice President of Academic Affairs, Santa Monica College, Santa Monica
Long-time Cabrillo instructor dies Don Young published a number of short stories, poetry books Contributed article APTOS — Don Young, a long-time Cabrillo College instructor and local author, died in his Aptos home Oct. 22, at the age of 94. He went from being a prisoner of war in Germany bombed by his own air force to becoming a revered teacher and scholar and writer of multiple books of prose and poetry. As a young soldier during the Battle of the Bulge, Young and his comrades were swept up in the massive invasion of the Wehrmacht in the Ardennes Forest of Belgium in the frigid winter of 1944-1945 (beginning on Dec. 14). His regiment, the 422nd Infantry of the U.S. 106th Division, lasted only hours in the face of the German
advance and he was captured along with 9,000 other GIs. The 106th Division was completely destroyed. Young was wounded during the battle and was taken as a POW, first to a German hospital, which was the mistaken target of U.S. B-17s, even though it had the usual the red cross markings on its roof. (It was later learned that one of Young’s fellow English faculty members at Cabrillo was a B-17 pilot on those runs.) Then he was moved to a series of POW camps as far east as Poland. Along with other POWs, Young managed to escape toward the end of the European war. After serving a second, brief imprisonment (they were held by the advancing Russian army), what followed was a long, dangerous trip on foot across
war-torn Poland, Germany and final release in France. There, he spent more than a year in the hospital, being treated for wounds he had incurred and frostbite. One of Young’s early novels, “The Lion’s Share,” is based on his war experiences. Back in the states, he received a master’s degree from Harvard University and began teaching writing and literature at various schools (notably Williams College and the Webb School of Claremont, California) including 30 years at Cabrillo, before retiring. Along with another Cabrillo English instructor, Fred Levy, he formed the Porcupine Theater Company on campus, staging short plays Young wrote and Levy directed. After retiring, Young formed an off-
campus Shakespeare study group which has been meeting for more than a dozen years. His partner in the endeavor, the late Jeff Towle, would present analytic insights into the plays studied while Young would explore the bawdier material and earthier interpretations. In retirement, he wrote at least three novellas, a book of short stories, and 11 books of poetry. Young is survived by his wife of 50 years, Viviane Young, a daughter, two sons and grandchildren. There will be a private ceremony at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery later in the year.
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DECEMBER 2017
4 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel
DRIVE FOR SCHOOLS
Lisandro De Lat of Watsonville is the Grand Prize winner of the Drive for Schools fundraiser sponsored by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola Auto Mall Dealer Group. Contributed photo
‘Drive for Schools’ sets new fundraising record $714,588.16 raised for county schools
Staff report SANTA CRUZ — Drive for Schools, the largest school fundraiser in Santa Cruz County, broke all previous sales records this year, bringing in $714,588 for 85 local schools. Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Capitola Auto Mall Dealer Group, Drive for Schools has raised $5.4 million for Santa Cruz County schools since it started in 2005. The Drive for Schools Grand Prize winner, selected during a ticket drawing on Sunday, Oct. 29, was Lisandro De Lat, a cook from Watsonville. De Lat purchased his winning ticket from Amesti Elementary. As the Grand Prize winner, De Lat had the choice of a new Subaru Outback, Toyota Prius or $25,000 cash. The Capitola Auto Mall Dealer Group and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk share the cost of the car and $1,000 cash prizes as well as donate staff time to organize and run the fundraiser. Hundreds of school volunteers coordinate their school’s ticket sales. Tickets and posters are printed by Mission Printers. For information including a complete list of prizes and winners, visit beachboardwalk.com/ driveforschools.
ADOPT A FAMILY
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Adopt a Family project opens
County seeks input on strategic plan
Staff report
Staff report
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — Community members are invited to be the difference this winter and share the spirit of the holiday season by adopting a family less fortunate. The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, in partnership with 22 fellow nonprofits, invites individuals, families, businesses, clubs or churches to adopt one of the 450 families in need. There are number of ways to support the program. Individuals can call the adoption line to select a family or complete the online adoption form on the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County website. Family packages include food gift certificates, clothing for the children and adults, a small toy for each child, and may include household items such as blankets, towels or sheets. Additionally, community members can make individual contributions of items, gift certificates or cash that will be blended with others to fulfill the wishes of a family. Donations can be made online at www. scvolunteercenter.org or can be mailed to the Volunteer Center at 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. 95062. Finally, individuals can provide support by volunteering for the project. Individuals and groups can register for a variety of volunteer positions online at www.scvolunteercenter.org. “This program has been maintained for over 20 years due to the generous support of our local businesses, community members, and willing volunteers. We are so thankful to be a part of a community that comes forward each year to make the holiday brighter for those in need and we look forward to the launch of another successful year,” said Volunteer Center Executive Director Karen Delaney. Volunteers will be at the Adopt a Family Phone Line through Dec. 14 in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. For information, call the Volunteer Center Adopt a Family Project at 722-2364 in Watsonville or 457-9834 in Santa Cruz.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY -- The County of Santa Cruz is looking for the public’s input on its first-ever strategic plan. Designed to create a vision for the county that includes its values, mission and goals, the strategic planning process, dubbed Vision Santa Cruz County, is a way for residents to help determine an overall plan for the community, county spokesman Jason Hoppin said. Eventually, the strategic plan will guide future decision-making when it comes to applying county resources and energy. “Strategic planning is one of my first initiatives after becoming CAO,” County Administrative Officer Carlos J. Palacios said. “I’ve seen the positive change strategic planning brought to the City of Watsonville and many other communities. This is one of the best tools we have to improve our community, and public participation is an important part of the process.” The county expects to finish the Strategic Plan by June 2018, with final adoption by the Board of Supervisors. At that point, the county will begin work on the second phase of the process, including drafting specific objectives and performance measures based on the guidance created by the Vision Santa Cruz County process. For information about the Strategic Plan, visit www.santacruzcounty.us/sp.
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TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS
LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 5
TOY DRIVE
Grant to help county tackle drunk driving
PLAYS BY YOUNG WRITERS Kiegan Lee. Contributed photo
Staff report SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (HSA) Substance Use Disorder Service was recently awarded California Office of Traffic Safety grants totaling $100,000 to implement programs that emphasize education to improve safety on area roads. Local traffic data directed HSA to focus on impaired driving and access to alcohol. The Santa Cruz County Community Assessment Project (CAP) reported that the juvenile misdemeanor DUI arrest rate per 10,000 youth ages 16-17 years increased by 13 percent from 2014 to 2015. The National College Health Assessment (NCHA) conducted at UC Santa Cruz in 2013 showed that 26 percent of students reported driving after having any alcohol in the last 30 days. Data also indicates that the number of collisions/injuries of had been drinking drivers ages 21-34 is increasing. The Santa Cruz County adult binge drinking rate increased from 16.7 percent in 2005 to 19 percent in 2015, according to CAP data.
Actions for 2017 include: • DUI Place of Last Drink survey to educate and support on sale venues to enhance responsible beverage service and sales practices to decrease impaired drivers leaving bars and restaurants. • “Real DUI Sentencing In Schools” presentations where the courthouse is moved to high schools to build understanding of the process and consequences. • Responsible Merchant Awards honoring onand off-sale vendors who comply with or exceed requirements of the law to limit youth access to alcohol. • Choose Your Ride designated driver campaign hosted by local bars and restaurants to ensure patrons get home safely. • Salon and barber alcohol service education campaign.
CHP hosting toy drive Staff report APTOS — California Highway Patrol Santa Cruz Area is hosting the annual Annual CHiPs for KiDs Toy Drive. The toy drive has helped families throughout California for more than 25 years by bringing packaged gifts to disadvantaged children in Santa Cruz County. The drive ends Thursday, Dec. 21. New unwrapped toys can be taken to the CHP office, located at 10395 Soquel Drive in Aptos. Toys will be distributed on Christmas Eve. Toys collected will benefit local children from infant to 16 years of age. CHP officers will be at CHP Office between 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 20 and 21 for those who would like to drop off a toy but can not make it during normal business hours.
Aptos High grad’s play to hit the stage Chosen from 432 scripts in contest By TODD GUILD APTOS — Kiegan Lee spent the entirety of her time as an Aptos High School student involved with theater. She helped with sound design, served as a volunteer and held onstage roles, most notably as the female lead in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Lee, 18, is now studying theater sound design at University of Southern California, far from the place she grew up. But she received a phone call recently that, in a Please turn to Page 14
What a Wonderful World My mom has always been an optimist. She sees hope when others just see rain. For as long as I can remember, each fall, when temperatures cooled and the autumn rains rolled in over our pasture, she pointed out a symbol of that hope. We would wait, and when the sun broke just the right way, it would emerge. A rainbow! I cling to those now. Rainbows. Because they are harder for her to point out. Over the course of my mom’s life, severe arthritis and a weak heart now make bending and reaching painful. Cooking and laundry are impossible without help. My dad and I have tried home care services and worked shifts ourselves, but Dad is exhausted and they’re becoming housebound. I think it’s time for a change. If an older parent needs daily assistance, maybe they’re not independent anymore. Consider Áegis Living for professional help. We are the trusted, local senior care provider, specializing in assisted living and memory care. We offer the finest care, cuisine, social activities and comfortable warm home surroundings with committed staff. Come in for a tour and lunch with your parent. Let them experience our community filled with new friends, and new hope.
Please call our community and learn how we can help you take the break you need.
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DECEMBER 2017
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History Corner
Continued from page 1
East Indies, and the name stuck). The local Native Americans were called Costaños by the Spanish and later, Coastanoans, (coastal people,) but are known today as Ohlone (oh-lone-ee). The name may mean “People of the west,” or “Those people over there” by Indians that lived to the east and traveled here. (Yes, this was a trade and tourist destination even then.) What tribal name these people called themselves is lost to history, but the local group called this place Aptos. The local people spoke a dialect called Awaswas, which is one of more than 10 different historical spellings to describe this place. Ohlone villages were usually on hills above fresh water. The Aptos village was near the intersection of Aptos Creek and Valencia Creek. Historically, the translation of Aptos has been, “Meeting of the Streams,” but since most tribal names mean, “The People,” we think, “The People Who Live at the Meeting of the
CA License #651452
Streams,” is a mouthful, but is probably more appropriate. Most of us think the Native Americans lived in a wilderness, however, many California tribes, including the Ohlone, actively managed their environment. A pointed stick was a useful tool. At low tide, they were used to work the clam beds. Large Pismo clams used to be numerous on our beaches and there is a direct correlation to their disappearance because of inattention to their needs. Children used sharp sticks to catch small game and rodents. Women used sharp sticks to straighten out the roots of sedge plants as they grew, so that they could be used for making baskets. Every fall, the coastal plain was burned to remove brush and trees so that grass would grow and provide grazing for deer and other game. The Ohlone were hunter gatherers. The only thing they had to do every day was to get food. There were so many birds, that
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if they all took flight, the sky would turn dark. The streams were filled with salmon and steelhead beyond imagination. A dead whale washing up on the beach was a party waiting to happen. This area had such an abundance of everything that there was time left over to enjoy life. The people loved to play games, tell stories, sing songs and dance. The primary food was acorns. Every day the women would use stone mortars and pestles to remove the shells and grind the nuts into flour. Then, the flour was sifted, and water was poured through to leach out the bitter tannin. Acorn flour could be turned into cereal mush and made into bread. In addition, the women and children gathered roots, berries, seeds, shoots and nuts. The men did the hunting. They would gather in the sweat lodge and then jump into the creek to remove their scent. Then they would don deerskins and antlers and sneak into the herds of deer. They were so skillful that they could get close enough to touch the deer before shooting them with bow and arrow. Russian fur traders who saw this could not tell the deer and the hunters apart. The Ohlone did not make pottery but they were some of the most accomplished basket makers that the world has ever seen. Their cooking baskets were water-tight. They would fill a basket with water, heat a stone in the fire and drop the rock into the basket which would cause the water to boil. Many of their baskets were works of art using different colored materials, incorporating shell beads, and bird feathers. They made beautiful baskets as gifts, for to be rich as an Ohlone, it was how much that you could give away that defined wealth, not how much you had. Ohlone baskets are rare as they were usually destroyed when the owner died. The few survivors are in museums in Russia, France, London, Washington D.C. and Pacific Grove. Native Americans used whatever materials were available. Canoes on the
East Coast might be birch bark. In the Pacific Northwest, they might be cedar. The Ohlone made use of tule (too-lee) to create myriad items including their canoes and huts. Tule are the reeds that grow at water’s edge in golf courses like Seascape on hole 13, lakes like Pinto Lake, and marshes like Corcoran Lagoon where KSCO radio is located. The people lived in relative harmony until the coming of the Spanish. The first contact came in 1769 when Gaspar de Portola led the first land expedition from San Diego to San Francisco but the natives in this area did not permit themselves to be seen. The Aptos village, which consisted of 11 huts, and its people, were discovered by the military governor of Alta California, Fernando Rivera y Moncada and Father Francisco Palou on Sunday, De. 11, 1774. The Spanish were charged with converting the natives to Christianity. Construction of the Santa Cruz Mission began in 1791. At first, the Indians were offered free food as an attraction but eventually they were forced into labor. The natives were decimated by European diseases and the population declined by 90 percent. Within 20 years, no Ohlone villages remained. After statehood, “An Act for the Government and Protection of Indians” was passed, which allowed vagrant Indians to become indentured servants to white people. As a result, for generations, Native Americans pretended to be of Mexican heritage. Today, there is a resurgence of pride and self-determination in Native American communities across the country. The Ohlone community is reestablishing itself, working for federal recognition, and rediscovering the traditions of their ancestors. If you enjoy history, please join the Aptos History Museum or make a donation.
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LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 7
Chamber Awards
Continued from page 1
Photos by Erik CHALHOUB of guests ranging from community forums, supervisorial updates, emergency planning and polling place events.
time in 2013 and witnessed their son Oliver, who uses a wheelchair, play together with his sisters Lauren and Evelyn. LEO’s Haven, which is an acronym of the Potts siblings, was designed by nonprofit Shane’s Inspiration, based upon input from local children. Since the capital campaign began, businesses, foundations, service organizations, and many other community members are stepping forward, said Tricia Potts. “Our hearts are just overwhelmed by the generosity of the community,” she said. Kristin Fabos is the Aptos Chamber of Commerce’s Woman of the Year.
Doug Deaver (center) was named Man of the Year.
Fabos, the director of Marketing and Communications at Cabrillo College, has 25 years of management and marketing/ public relations experience. This past April, she, her husband Rye and a team of 15 others traveled to Lesotho, South Africa with Habitat for Humanity and built a house for a grandmother who was raising her four grandchildren. In 2009, Fabos volunteered outside of Nairobi, Kenya with the nonprofit group, the Kenya Orphanage Project.
Also during the awards ceremony at the Seascape Beach Resort, Doug Deaver was honored as Man of the Year, and Kristin Fabos as Woman of the Year. The Business of the Year went to Rio Sands Hotel, while the Organization of the Year is the Advocates for the Forest of Nisene Marks. Rounding out the list is the County of Santa Cruz Department of Public Works as Community Heroes. Deaver, who retired from Cabrillo Jimmy Panetta College as director of Facilities Congressman Planning, Purchasing, Contracts & Risk congratulates Maggie Moya of the Management, volunteers with numerous Business of the Year, Rio Sands Hotel. community organizations, such as the Rotary Club of Capitola-Aptos, Interact Originally built in 1962, the Rio Clubs of Aptos and Soquel High School, Sands Hotel has provided its meeting Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp room facilities, free of charge, to various (RYLA), the American Music Festival and community and civic groups for many Rotacare Free Medical Clinic. years. The property has hosted thousands
Community Assessment into several sections: Economy, Education, Health, Natural Environment, Public Safety and Social Environment. Watsonville City Manager Charles Montoya introduced each speaker, who reported on findings from their areas of interest. The CAP Community Heroes were also introduced throughout the program. While speakers and Heroes alike touched on a number of topics, one specific issue arose consistently throughout the event: the county’s lack of affordable housing. According to Ed Durkee of Goodwill Central Coast, Santa Cruz County residents are particularly struggling with rising rental prices and other housing costs. The
John Fuchs (right) of Advocates for the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is congratulated by Supervisor Zach Friend after the group was honored as Organization of the Year.
The Advocates for the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is a nonprofit allvolunteer organization that supports the maintenance and improvement of the park. Once a month, volunteers head out onto the trails to remove obstructions, maintain drainage, and grade the trail surfaces as necessary.
County of Santa Cruz Public Works Roads Superintendent Dawne Harman (from left) and Director John Presleigh listen to Supervisor Zach Friend as the department was recognized as Community Heroes.
Due to winter storms from late 2016 into early 2017, the County Public Works Department was faced with about 300 storm damage sites with estimated damages of $128 million across the county. Crews have worked around the clock to reopen roadways and repair damage, said Public Works Director John Presleigh.
The Potts family stand on stage as LEO’s Haven receives the Outstanding Achievement of the Year award.
Continued from page 1
county’s Latino population pay higher on average, which Durkee attributes to many white residents already being retired homeowners. “This is definitely the big issue we all have to address,” Durkee said. “We really need to sort through our values, to come up with better solutions.” Other issues brought up during the event were the need for more child care services, confusion over health care coverage, public transportation/traffic frustration and the increase in hate crimes countywide. But this year’s CAP Report revealed plenty of positive results as well. Watsonville Police Capt. Jorge Zamora reported that gang membership is down
from last year, and Laura Segura of Monarch Services revealed that civic engagement in Santa Cruz County had increased, with more than 30 percent of people having attended a protest or demonstration. Toward the end of the event, Mary Lou Goeke of the United Way was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Goeke, who received a master’s degree in Social Work before moving from Missouri to San Francisco, is retiring after 25 years as the executive director of the United Way of Santa Cruz County. “This is definitely the best day of the year,” Goeke said. “Seeing everyone here, working together to make our home a
better place.” To access all results of the 2017 Santa Cruz County CAP report, visit appliedsurveyresearch.org/scccap. ••• This year’s CAP Community Heroes are: Roy Sikes, Nora Caruso, Ron Indra, Steve McKay, Denise Pitman-Rosas, Nathan Nguyen, Peggy Benedum, Jonathan Pilch, Kristy Shulman, Dr. Sepideh Walthard, Holly Hughes, Charles “Stoney” Brook, Gabriella Grant, Rich Casale and Mary Lou Goeke.
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DECEMBER 2017
8 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel Photo by Tarmo HANNULA
A safe place for children County opens first interview center for child victims By TODD GUILD CAPITOLA — When children are the victims of crime, several agencies need information both to protect the child and to prosecute the perpetrator. This includes law enforcement, the district attorney’s office and child advocates. But with each interview comes new trauma, as the child is forced to relive the crime several times. Often, this occurs in sterile police interrogation rooms. That will change with the Safe Kids and Youth (SKY) Center, where a specially trained interviewer will speak with the young victims in a space specifically designed to be child-friendly. That detail is an important one, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart said. According to Hart, investigators looked into 22 sexual assault cases last year, just two of which involved children. Having an interviewer versed in dealing with young people is therefore critical when trying to minimize trauma and extract useful answers, he said. “Interviewing children is not the same as interviewing adults,” he said. Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell unveiled the center on Nov. 6, flanked by the county’s top law enforcement officials, local lawmakers and child advocates.
Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell (center) addresses the importance of the new center. Photo by Tarmo Hannula
Athea Tabor, 10, poses with a stuffed unicorn in the newly-opened SKY, a multidisciplinary interview center for child victims and witnesses in Capitola.
“Talking about serious crimes is a scary thing for children,” Rosell said. “The SKY Center will provide children with a space in which they can feel safe to have important conversations. This new resource is going
to help make our community safer by increasing the number of prosecutions.” At first glance, the interview room looks much like a small elementary school classroom, with kid-sized chairs and table, colorful carpet and a tree painted in a corner. “This shows an understanding of the victim’s needs,” Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend said. “This is definitely a long overdue thing.” But it is also equipped with one-way glass, which allows police investigators, prosecutors and child advocates to watch and, if the need arises, feed questions to the interviewer through an earpiece. Monarch Services Executive Director
Ice on the beach
Pop-up skating rinks open in Capitola and Santa Cruz
Boardwalk Holiday Ice is now open at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Contributed photo
Laura Segura praised the center, and the opportunity it offers child victims. “It’s a time when they feel, just for a moment, that the world is not stacked against them,” she said. Located at an undisclosed location in Capitola, the SKY Center is run by the Santa Cruz County Interdisciplinary Team, which is made up of every law enforcement agency in the county, along with the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department and District Attorney’s office. Monarch Services and the Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center are also a part of the team. Each agency will share the cost of running the center, Rosell said.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — Ice skating isn’t an activity that one would usually associate with beach towns, but the cities of Capitola and Santa Cruz have set out to change that. Two separate pop-up skating rinks have opened to Santa Cruz County residents and visitors for the first time. Capitola Village’s “iSkate Capitola” runs through Jan. 7. Further north, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s “Boardwalk Holiday Ice” attraction will run through Jan. 1. According to a press release, iSkate Capitola’s rink will be made of synthetic ice that is designed to give the same feeling as skating on real ice, without the water waste and energy costs of conventional rinks. The addition of the rink will be adding to the village’s lineup of holiday traditions, such as Surfin’ Santa and the Lighting of the Palm Tree. Sponsored by the Dignity Health Medical Network, “Boardwalk Holiday Ice” will be open for daily skating in the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Main Plaza. The 40-by-60-foot rink is the focal attraction of the amusement park’s new holiday festivities. Classic holiday movies will be screened at Neptune Kingdom’s outdoor stage after dark. Arcade attractions such as mini golf will be open to guests, as well as certain rides and games. Boardwalk Holiday Ice is $12 an hour, rain or shine. For information and skating reservations, visit beachboardwalk.com. iSkate Capitola is $10 for admission and $5 for skate rentals (guests may also bring their own). For information, visit capitolavillage.com.
appy olidays
DECEMBER 2017
PET
Care
LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 9
By DR. NICHOLE M BROOKS, DVM
Combating bacteria Have you heard about the terrible bacteria affecting our Sea Lion population? Did you know that same bacteria are attacking our dogs? The bacteria is called Leptospirosa, and we often refer to it as lepto or leptospirosis. This is a contagious and life-threatening bacteria that causes a severe infection and has also been called “Weil’s disease.” It is considered zoonotic which means it’s contagious to people! The vaccine for this bacteria has been available for many decades, however it has evolved and changed and has new strains. The reappearance of leptospirosis over the last few years may be due to how much wildlife has become part of our lives even in our urban areas. The animals most commonly identified carrying this are small rodents, raccoons, foxes opossums, skunks, deer, mountain lions and of course sea lions. In addition to wild animals some of our domestic species can carry this too, animals such as pigs, cattle, horses and of course dogs, and humans too! Unlike our large cats, our feline fur babies seem to have an incredible resistance to this ugly bacteria. It can be hard sometimes to identify a
sick animal. This bacteria does not make every animal sick. Some can carry this bacteria and shed it in their urine infecting other animals, while remaining symptomfree. Animals are often infected with this bacteria by ingesting contaminated urine, soil, water or grass. It can also be contracted from mother to offspring and sometimes bite wounds. It is most common during the spring and fall when we have some rainfall and the temperature is moderate, but in areas like Aptos we see cases year round. It can survive for 180 days in a moist or wet environment. The symptoms of leptospirosis can be vague and difficult to identify. Symptoms often develop within one to two weeks of exposure. The symptoms can include, but are not limited to, the following: fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, conjunctivitis, muscle pain, stiff gait, and weakness. Once infection is established and the animal is sick many patients develop progressive or acute kidney disease and sometimes liver failure. After the illness has progressed patients will have clinical signs of kidney and liver failure. These clinical signs include marked dehydration, decreased to no urine production with an abnormal appearance to the urine, severe gastrointestinal disease including
Contributed Photo
vomiting and diarrhea, jaundice, breathing difficulty and even death. That all sounds really bad and it is! So what do we do about it? Early detection and early treatment is often the answer. Initiation of appropriate antibiotics and aggressive supportive care is key to helping an animal survive. Hospitalization is also recommended. Many patients require an intensive care unit designed to treat contagious zoonotic diseases. Dialysis to save or supplement kidney function may also be needed to save their life. The outcome and prognosis depends on at what point we diagnosis this illness. If we make the diagnosis early before there is major organ failure, many dogs (around 80 percent) will leave the hospital with mild to moderate kidney disease. This can adjust back to normal in the few months following. How do stop the spread of this terrible bacteria? Vaccines are always recommended, but do not guarantee immunity. There up to 10 strains (serovars) of leptospirosis and we only have vaccines for four of them. With vaccines we can increase survival from the following serorvars: grippotyphosa, canicola, icterohemorrhagicae, pomona. The vaccine needs to boostered yearly
and for high risk animals it can be given every six months. To kill this bacteria, use bleach or dry the environment. Also prevent wildlife in your yard or in areas your pets play. Leptospirosis is an extremely toxic disease and we should all know about it in this area. More than a hundred people are infected with leptospirosis every year. Fortunately, we only see five to 10 cases a year, but there is growing concern with our Sea Lions becoming infected and therefore exposure for beach dogs. With the past drought years and our desire to live in more rustic and rural areas, wildlife becomes a regular part of our day. Just remember that most wildlife does not receive healthcare, vaccines, flea or tick medicine and can carry a variety of diseases. Wildlife should be revered and respected, but as a guideline try not to interrupt their habitats for their wellbeing, yours and your doggy companions. If you have questions about vaccines or about this terrible illness contact your regular veterinarian or email me. ••• Dr. Nichole Brooks, DVM of Del Mar Pet Hospital, 7525 Sunset Way in Aptos, can be reached at delmarpethospital@ gmail.com or 688-2016.
Cabrillo launches tech apprenticeship program Staff report APTOS — Cabrillo College on Nov. 13 launched an apprenticeship program designed to train students for high-tech positions. It was the first of three apprenticeships run with Cloud Brigade, a consulting and managed service company based in Santa Cruz. The project is funded by a $552,737 grant from the West Valley-Mission Community College District. That money came from the U.S. Department of Labor to develop the Silicon Valley High Tech Apprenticeship Initiative (SVHTAI). The announcement coincided with the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s National Apprenticeship Week, which was Nov. 13-19. The model uses existing Cabrillo courses as a pre-apprenticeship program. The project aims to increase the enrollment of minority students and place those students into apprenticeships after they complete the Cabrillo coursework. This first apprenticeship launched with Cloud Brigade is a help desk/information technology support position.
“This apprenticeship is an extended boot camp of sorts, that bridges the gap between where college classes leave off and where job requirements start,” said Cloud Brigade President Chris Miller. “It’s both a comprehensive training program for the apprentice and a working agreement with the employer.” Each apprenticeship is 2,000 hours. Apprenticeships within the next two years will be in the areas of developmentoperations and applications support, and Cloud engineer. As part of the program, Cabrillo CIS students would complete four core courses, and then would work with Cabrillo’s Student Employment Office to create and revise their resumes. They would then conduct interviews at Cabrillo and apply to Cloud Brigade and other companies that partner with Cabrillo in future years. “The benefit for the student is that they get practical, on-the-job experience that leads them to a rewarding career, and the benefit for the employer is that they get quality talent in an area that is traditionally difficult for direct hires, and because the employer has made an investment in them,
they stick around longer,” said Gerlinde Brady, Cabrillo College Dean of Career and Technical Education.
Your
For information about Cabrillo’s Apprenticeship Program, visit www.cabrillo. edu/services/careered/employers.html.
Natural Look
DECEMBER 2017
10 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel
Developing an attitude of gratitude By NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW I live five minutes away from the beach, and yet I often go months without stepping foot in the sand. Sometimes, the closest I get to the ocean is when I take the back roads instead of the highway to get to or from meetings. It’s ridiculous, especially when I know that many people dream of living near the ocean or travel for hours to spend a day at the beach. And yet every time I get a glimpse of the ocean – or actually make it to the beach – I automatically take a deep breath, say a silent “thank you,” and feel a sense of peace and contentment that had been absent only moments before. It’s little moments like these that remind me how grateful I am for the life I live. This monthly column provides tips for anyone who is helping raise children or teens, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, please email me at triplep@first5scc.org. Dear Nicole, I have great kids (9 and 11) who are polite, get along with each other, and don’t have any behavior issues (yet). I’d like some ideas, though, about how to teach them to be grateful for what they have, instead of always wanting or feeling entitled to have more things. Do you have any tips for me? — Desiree
Dear Desiree, What a great question! It’s common for children – and many adults – to behave in ways that appear self-centered, materialistic, or constantly dissatisfied. It might seem like these behaviors are part of human nature or our society that we have to accept, but they are actually learned behaviors that can be reduced or replaced with gratitude. In fact, research shows that having an attitude of gratitude changes the structure of the human brain, making people feel happier, healthier and more peaceful. Here are some tips to try: Set a good example. Take time to notice the things you are grateful for, even if it’s something that seems trivial. Talk to your children about the peace, satisfaction or happiness that you feel when you watch the sunset, smell your favorite food, read a good book, get their help with chores, or put on your sweatpants and slippers at the end of a long day. Avoid complaining or criticizing other people or things, especially in front of your children. Remember they are constantly watching, listening, and learning from you – even when it seems like they are ignoring you. Make gratitude a daily habit. Ask your children to identify one thing they are grateful or thankful for each day. Younger children might enjoy drawing pictures of the things that make them feel content and peaceful. Older children can also draw, write in a journal or take pictures. Have conversations about the things they appreciate during mealtimes, bedtime, or as you’re going about your daily activities. These simple steps can teach children to notice and find joy in the everyday moments of their lives. Give them responsibilities at home. Running a household and raising children is hard work! Give children age-appropriate chores and responsibilities to teach them that family life runs more smoothly when everyone pitches in. Give descriptive
praise and positive attention to show your appreciation when they help with laundry, dishes, cleaning, feeding pets, or doing yardwork. This will encourage them to continue being helpful, as well as increase the likelihood that they’ll be grateful – instead of taking it for granted – when other people do things for them. Encourage children to help and care for others. Receiving gratitude from other people gives children the chance to feel good about being kind, helpful and generous. Try to find an activity your whole family can help with – provide baked goods for a school fundraiser, serve meals at a shelter, pick up trash in your community, or visit seniors who live alone without family close by. Involve your children in picking the activity and talk about how it will be helpful. Acknowledge their helpfulness during the activity, then talk to them afterwards about how they felt. Encourage your children to continue helping others without expecting anything in return, so that they learn to receive gratitude throughout the year. Final thoughts: Take a few moments each day to notice the people and experiences that make you happy, content and peaceful. Express your appreciation and gratitude, and teach your children to do the same. Make this a daily habit, and you’ll find that gratitude becomes contagious. ••• Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 14 and 17, 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. 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.
From the orchard to the bottle Everett Family Farm’s Soquel Cider a hit By JOHANNA MILLER SOQUEL — Visitors to the Everett Family Farm Stand in Soquel are often puzzled by where exactly the farm’s food is grown. Turning into a gravel driveway right off of Soquel San Jose Road, there is the farm stand structure itself, and adjacent to it a rather small plot of land with some row crops and a greenhouse. “People are always looking around and asking, ‘Is this it?’” joked owner Laura Everett. “It can definitely be deceiving at first glance.” Everett Family Farm’s main property is just a short walk down the hill from the farm stand. A large valley surrounded by wild land is filled with a multitude of different orchards and other crops, a henhouse, and a few barn structures. Laura Everett and her husband Rich purchased the farm back in 2000. Together, they had experience in both agriculture and business, and so they set out to establish a farm that produced fresh, organic food to Santa Cruz County. The Everetts became certified organic growers in 2001 and have continued to expand the types of food they produce. One thing that has remained constant, however, are the apples. “Every type of apple is grown for a different reason,” Laura Everett said. “Some are delicious to eat right off the tree. Others are only good for juicing or making cider. We try to utilize them all.” The Everetts’ apple orchards dominate Please turn to Page 12
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DECEMBER 2017
LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 11
Second District Update
Addressing local homeless issues
By ZACH FRIEND
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SUPERVISOR
Homelessness, including those living in insecure or inadequate shelter options, is a significant problem in our community. While much of the visible issue is concentrated in the cities of Santa Cruz and Watsonville, it is an issue that impacts the entire county. According to the most recent Santa Cruz
County Homeless Census (often referred to as the Point in Time Report), our county has a population of approximately 2,250 homeless individuals — an increase of about 15 percent over 2015 numbers. Eighty percent are unsheltered with about 20 percent being veterans and another 10 percent as families with children. There are many reasons for homelessness, including domestic violence, substance use disorder, mental health challenges, exceptionally high housing costs (it takes about $70,000/ year to afford a two-bedroom apartment in our county), disability and much more — which makes the solution to the issue complex. But even with this complexity there are some coordinated efforts that the cities, county and service providers are working on to make an impact. At a recent Board of Supervisors meeting we considered a report that outlined the demographics and public costs of homelessness, impacts and specific recommendations to address known gaps in our current services. We adopted a set of policies and intend to consider additional changes in January to expand upon our services.
Ultimately, the focus is on permanent supportive housing, ensuring that we can create or find housing for those in need. But the first steps are coordination with the cities and service providers to ensure that we are maximizing resources and also providing resources countywide. Historically, there has been an underinvestment in resources in the South County and this year the county and cities have invested funds to ensure that there are shelter beds and additional program services in Watsonville. Specifically, the Board of Supervisors adopted three recommendations and will be coming back in January with additional approaches. The three adopted recommendations were: 1. Work in partnership with the City of Santa Cruz and the City of Watsonville to establish drop-in day centers in each of the respective jurisdictions at which homeless people can rest in a sheltered location, access essential services including bathrooms, showers, laundry, and have access to services that will assist them in finding housing. 2. Work in partnership with the City of Santa Cruz and the City of Watsonville
to establish new year-round emergency shelters (currently there are just shelters during the winter). 3. Work in partnership with the Homeless Action Partnership to secure, on an urgency basis, new housing units for the homeless while continuing to cultivate the development of permanent housing. The Homeless Action Partnership is the collaboration in Santa Cruz County that acts as the HUD mandated Continuum of Care. Additionally, county staff is researching and considering a model in Yuba County where they created temporary bridge housing through concentrated tiny homes. These homes can be located on public or private property and provide temporary housing as individuals transition to permanent supportive housing. This is just an overview of some of the things the county and cities are working on. Clearly, it’s an issue that needs our entire community’s participation to be effective. We do believe that these are important first steps in addressing the need and working toward permanent supportive housing. As always, I’d like to hear your thoughts. Please call me at 454-2200 with your questions and comments.
Financial Advice
End of year checklist By GARY E. CROXALL, CFP® and SOREN E. CROXALL, CFP® It’s that time of year again. As 2017 draws to a close, it’s easy to get caught up in holiday travel, parties and family gatherings. However, knocking off a few financial to do’s before the ball drops in Times Square to ring in 2018 can go a long way and put you on the right track for the New Year. • Portfolio Review — If it’s been a while since you last reviewed your company retirement plan or other investment accounts, 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. If you are 70 1/2 or older, be sure you are taking out your required minimum distributions from various retirement accounts as needed. The potential tax penalty is steep for forgetting to do this. • 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 2018 and beyond. • Use Up FSA Money — Do you need a new pair of glasses or box of contacts? If you have money that you’ve been putting into an FSA (Flexible Spending Account), consider using up the account before year end with qualifying expenses. Be sure to check with your benefits department first, however, FSA dollars typically don’t carry forward into the New Year (some companies have an exception and allow up to $500 to be carried forward). It’s important to pay attention to deadlines with FSA accounts because they are typically “use it or lose it” accounts. • Check Your Credit Report — With news of the massive Equifax breach a couple months back, if you haven’t
reviewed your credit report in a while, now would be a good time to do so. You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three reporting agencies every 12 months. Look through the reports and be vigilant about reporting any errors or accounts you don’t recognize. We wish everyone a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year. Gary E. Croxall, CFP® Soren E. Croxall, CFP® Croxall Capital Planning Securities and Advisory Services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC), member FINRA/ SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Consulting and Investment 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.
DECEMBER 2017
12 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel
SPORTS
WITH
TONY NUNEZ
Cabrillo retools with experienced local talent area code. “I did not know a single one before I APTOS — The Cabrillo College came to Cabrillo and I feel like they all women’s basketball team has eight new know each other because they’re from the players but there has been no need for area,” Lacey said. “It’s been refreshing.” And it’s also helped streamline the introductions. All of them have either played together, against each other or Seahawks’ progression through their first few weeks together. heard of one another. Third-year coach John Wilson has four Sophomore point guard Lauren Lacey, who is one of the Seahawks’ three returning players from Aptos High and two from players from last year’s squad, might be the Santa Cruz High. Scotts Valley High, only one who has had to make new friends. Soquel High, North Monterey County A four-year varsity starter at Los Gatos High and Pacific Collegiate School are High, Lacey is the lone player on the team also represented with one player each. A few, like Aptos alumni Teal Maixner, that did not go to a high school in the 831 Samantha De La Torre, Valerie Jimenez and Britni Fernandez, have played on the same team — all four are freshmen. Others, like Scotts Valley alumna Grace Giguiere and Santa Cruz alumna Maddy Miller, have locked horns at the high school level. And then there’s Pauli Pappas, who graduated from Santa Cruz in 2012 and already has a degree from a four-year university but decided to lace up the sneakers again to play for her uncle. The last time Pappas played organized basketball, she led the Cardinals to a Santa Cabrillo College freshman wing Pauli Pappas (right) Cruz Coast Athletic shoots over the top of assistant coach Amber Martinez League championship during a practice in Aptos. Photo by Tony Nunez and poured in 15 points
By TONY NUNEZ
per game in her senior season. She also helped Santa Cruz win its first and second Central Coast Section titles. There might be a little rust, Wilson said, but her game is still there. “Pauli hasn’t picked up a basketball in a long time but the basketball IQ is there,” Wilson said. “She gets it and I think a lot of them do.” Pappas is one of a half dozen players on the roster that not only have a natural feel for the game but the experience of playing deep into the section playoffs at the high school level. Maixner and Jimenez helped Aptos win its first CCS title since 1983 last season. As a senior, Giguiere was a focal point of a Scotts Valley team that advanced to a section final. Nthabi Anderson-Bahr was also a part of a pair of CCS-contending teams at Pacific Collegiate School. “You don’t get that too often,” Wilson said. Along with experience, Wilson has been blessed with size this season, too. Freshman center Sarah Bargetto, a Soquel High alumna, is the team’s true center at 5-foot-11 and Miller stands at a rangy 6-feet. The leading scorer and top shot blocker for Santa Cruz last season, Miller can get out and run with the wings and guards. Her versatility and size has allowed Wilson to move Giguiere, who is 5-foot-10, back to her normal spot on the wing, where she can swish 3-pointers with the best of them. “I like to shoot,” said Giguiere, who last year was one of the team’s top rebounders. “I know everyone knows that shooting is my thing but I just feel comfortable. Last year I was one of the taller players but now I’m in the middle.”
Cider
Sophomore forward Julissa Torres, an N.M.C. alumna, Anderson-Bahr and Jimenez are all 5-foot-9 and will see time at the four and five. Fernandez is only 5-foot7 but plays bigger than her height and will play primarily at the three and four. Giguiere, who also plays softball at Cabrillo, and Pappas, who is also 5-foot10, can also play four in a pinch and will be asked to replace the scoring lost with the graduation of guard Amber Martinez, who is now an assistant coach for Wilson. In the Seahawks’ first game against Marin, which they won by two points, Pappas paced the team with 20 points and Giguiere added 17, while Maixner, the team’s spark plug on both ends of the floor, chipped in with 12. Four other girls also scored. Wilson feels like there are four to five girls that can lead the team in scoring on any given night. “We’re a tight team. No one really cares about who scores the points; we just want to win,” Maixner said. “I love the spirit of this team. We’re really supportive and we pick each other up. I feel really good about this team.” The Seahawks last year started the season on a six-game winning streak but Wilson said the team might not get off to the same hot start this season with a few juggernauts on their preseason slate, like Chabot College, Reedley College and Shasta College. However, those tough games, Wilson said, will get the Seahawks ready for what should be a competitive Coast Conference South division slate. “We’re going to be competitive,” Wilson said. “They get along well and they support each other. It’s refreshing. That’s what keeps you coaching.”
Continued from page 10
Laura Everett shows off her farm’s cider barn, where various types of ciders are created. Photos by Johanna Miller
the property. Taking a closer look, one can start to recognize the differences in each type of apple tree. The Everetts have also cheekily dubbed “his” and “hers” orchards, with Laura’s dedicated to her heirloom crops and Rich’s to his favorite Honey Crisp. About 10 years ago, Laura Everett began to do research on how to make hard cider, interested in using her heirloom apple orchard’s fruit in a new way. She realized that unlike regular apple juice and “soft” cider, hard cider did not need pasteurization, and could last much longer. The Everetts had no idea that a hard cider boom was about to take off when they began producing it. “Honestly, it was just a coincidence,” she said. “All of a sudden all these hard cider producers were popping up, and people were interested in what we were doing.” Soquel Cider, as their product is named, now has nearly as many varieties as the apples it’s made from. The Everetts continue to experiment, adding in flavors from other stone fruits they grow, and aging the cider in different kinds of barrels and containers. Many restaurants and pour houses, such as Beer Thirty in Capitola, 99 Bottles in Santa Cruz and Aptos’ Cantine have taken to serving Soquel Cider. Certain grocery stores in Santa Cruz County are also now selling it by the bottle.
“We’re still trying to get the word out there,” Laura Everett said. “But we also want to focus on making the best product we can. We always say: make good cider, and the people will come!” By this time of the year, apple harvesting is coming to an end. For Everett Family Farm, it has been a difficult season, with weather fluctuations particularly affecting a portion of their crop. “That major heat wave we had over Labor Day weekend was brutal,” Laura Everett said. “Lots of apples were sunburned beyond use.” As the apple season wanes, their apple products — particularly their ciders — continue to sell. And now the Everetts are preparing for the next big harvests. “We’re a year-round farm,” Everett explained, as she pointed out the bright fruit trees near the farm stand. “Persimmon season is now in full swing.” The farm also grows a number of other winter crops, such as broccoli, kale, chard, cabbage, beets, carrots and root vegetables. According to Everett, the trick to succeeding as a small farm is being adaptable. “There’s never a dull moment,” she said. “Every day there’s something new. It can be challenging and tiring at times, but I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”
DECEMBER 2017
LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 13
Janet Napolitano visits Cabrillo
UC president, others encourage transfer from community college By TODD GUILD APTOS — In 2012, Jesse Silva was serving in the military in Afghanistan, battling the Taliban. A year later, he was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail through Yosemite National Park. That, he said, was the beginning of an educational path that would begin at Cabrillo College. Silva was speaking at the Community College Transfer Experience on Nov. 20 at Cabrillo College. “I wanted to go to UC (Santa Cruz) because I promised myself, that maybe after the war I owed it to myself to be successful,” he said. “And I owed it to those men who didn’t come back. I had to make something happen, and I wanted to give myself the best.” Silva was joined onstage by UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal, Cabrillo President Laurel Jones and UC President Janet Napolitano. In the audience were students from Cabrillo, along with those from Hartnell, Gavilan and Monterey Peninsula colleges. Silva started at Cabrillo in June 2014, and soon transferred to the university. “In June 2018 I will be up at UCSC graduating with a double major in philosophy and politics,” he said, which drew loud applause. The Community College Transfer Experience was created to encourage community college students to transfer to a four-year university, and to tout financial programs and other incentives that make such transfers possible. Napolitano, who formerly served as the Governor of Arizona and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, said that about 30 percent of the undergraduate students are transfers from community colleges. “And we want to increase even that number,” she said. In addition, 42 percent of undergraduates
are the first in their families to go to college, she said. Those students can be part of the university’s “First-Gen” program, made up of more than 900 faculty members who share that experience, and who volunteer to serve as mentors for those students. Napolitano also said that 57 percent of UC students take advantage of the Blue and Gold program, which allows lowincome students to attend with no tuition or fees. As for fears over college debt, Napolitano said that half of students graduate with none, and that the average for those that do is $20,000, a cost she likened to a new, medium-sized car. UCSC also has created programs that make it easier to transfer community college credits, Napolitano said. “I want you to know that the doors to the university are open, and the opportunity is there,” she said. Blumenthal admitted he was biased after painting a bright picture of the UC experience. “But my message today is unbiased,” he said. “Move on to a 4-year UC campus and do it wherever you choose … What matters is that you go and do transfer and you get that bachelor’s degree.” But not everyone in the audience was happy with the message. UC Santa Cruz student Max Jimenez came to the event with a group of students holding protest signs demanding that the college provide adequate support to existing students. Jimenez said that students currently pack into crowded lecture halls, jockey for scarce time with professors and fight for transportation and other limited resources. “Getting in is one thing,” she said. “We need to make sure the students have everything they need.” Jimenez also pointed out that the UC system recently imposed a 2.5 percent
tuition increase. One of the signs her fellow students was carrying displayed the message, “Janet
Napolitano, your salary is $570,000. That’s nice. My college debt will follow me to my grave.”
UC President Janet Napolitano addresses a body of students and staff at Cabrillo College in Aptos on Nov. 20. Photo by Tarmo Hannula
Students stage a protest at Cabrillo College. Photo by Tarmo Hannula
DECEMBER 2017
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Dec. 1-3 Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair
The 40th annual Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair will take place Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 2-3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Three buildings at the fairgrounds will be filled with crafts, gifts, antiques, toys and more. Admission is $6, and children under 5 are free. Parking is free. For information, visit fairgroundsfoundation.org/holiday-fair. Christmas Open House
Aladdin Nursery & Gift Shop, 2905 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville, will hold its 13th annual Christmas Open House from 4-8 p.m. The event will include live jazz, local wine, hot coffee and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bag of non-perishable groceries to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank to receive a 10 percent discount on purchases. Two bags will receive a 20 percent discount. ‘Music for the Feast of Christmas’
The Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus will present “Music for the Feast of Christmas” Dec. 1-2 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, 126 High St. in Santa Cruz. The performance will include “The
Peace of Wild Things” by Imant Raminish and traditional carols. Admission is $25 general, $21 seniors, $20 students and $19 for Cabrillo SAC cardholders. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 479-6154. For information, visit www. feastofchristmas.com.
Dec. 2 Holiday Factory Sale
Ten Watsonville businesses will participate in the Holiday Factory Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual event features local businesses offering Christmas gifts at deep discounts. Participating merchants this year are La Selva Designs, American Hatmakers, El Pajaro CDC Commercial Kitchen, Martinelli’s Company Store, Annieglass, Smith & Vandiver, Integrity Wines, Hidden Fortress Coffee, Roche Leather Company and Creator Haven. For information, visit www.watsonvillefactorysale.com. Aptos Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting
The annual Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting will take place at the Aptos Village Park Tree from 2-5 p.m. The evening will including dancing, music, crafts and a visit from Santa Claus. The rain check date is set for Dec. 9.
DECEMBER 2017 Christmas Dinner
The Slavic American Cultural Organization will hold its Christmas Dinner fundraiser at the Watsonville Woman’s Club, 12 Brennan St. Social hour begins at 4 p.m. followed by dinner and a drawing. The Soquel High Choir will provide carols at 6 p.m. The menu includes roast pork, rice pilaf, vegetables, desserts and mo re. Admission is $25 per adult, and $10 for children under 12. Tickets must be reserved by Nov. 27 by calling 722-3268.
Dec. 3 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. Watsonville Multicultural Celebration and tree lighting
The festivities begin at 2 p.m. with the Watsonville Multicultural Celebration, featuring activity booths for children hosted by local cultural groups, food booths from different cultures and live entertainment on two stages. Santa Claus will arrive at 4 p.m. Following the Watsonville Multicultural Celebration at 5 p.m., the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin.
Dec. 6 Holiday mixer
The Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce will hold a holiday mixer at The Closet Shopper, 1203 41st Ave. in Capitola, from 5-6:30 p.m.
Dec. 7 Holiday mixer
The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will hold a holiday mixer at Seascape Beach Resort, Riviera Room, from 5-7 p.m. Admission is $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers.
Dec. 14 Breakfast meeting
The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will hold a breakfast meeting from 7:30-9 a.m. at Best Western Seacliff Inn. This month’s guest speaker is Laurel Jones, president of Cabrillo College, who will be retiring in December. The Aptos High Choir will perform. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. For reservations, call 688-1467.
Lyon
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Playwrights Project way, brought her back to her high school days and gave her a first taste of recognition outside of a school community. That’s when she learned that a one-act play she wrote as a senior was selected to be performed by a professional theater company during the 33rd annual festival of Plays by Young Writers in January. Presented by the San Diego nonprofit Playwrights Project, the festival will take place at the Old Globe Theater in San
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Diego from Jan. 18-27. Contest winners were selected from 432 plays submitted by students from across California. Four scripts will receive full professional productions, and two scripts will receive staged readings in this highly regarded festival of new voices. According to Playwrights Project spokeswoman Emily Fleet, selection criteria focused on creative ideas, intriguing and authentic characters, fresh
use of language, a story that is revealed through dialogue and action, and a script that would benefit from further development in the production process. “I was really excited,” Lee said. “It was definitely exciting.” She said her play, “Sina and the Eel,” is a modern version of a story in Samoan mythology that explains the origin of the coconut tree. It focuses on a young woman who seeks to solve her island’s famine,
and gets mixed up with an eel god in the process. She said she spent a little more than two months writing the play for her advanced theatrical production class, but decided she didn’t want to stop there. “I decided if I was going to write it, I should submit it to a contest,” she said. ••• For information, visit www.playwrightsproject.org.
DECEMBER 2017
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DECEMBER 2017