Aptos Life - December 2012

Aptos High School Restaurant Feature Sports Inside Panda Inn Page C1

December 2012

Page C7

Aptos Life Aptos CCS title game

Monthly Tide Chart

HIGH TIDE

WENDSDAY, DEC. 5 TSI 3:40am 4.17ft TSII 2:08pm 3.77ft

FRIDAY, DEC. 7 TSI 4:55am 4.79ft TSII 5:05pm 3.28ft

11:33am 1.61ft 10:36pm 1.41ft

SATURDAY, DEC. 8 TS1 5:33am 5.22ft TS2 6:29pm 3.28ft

12:30pm 0.85ft 11:27pm 1.71ft 1:21pm 0.07ft

MONDAY, DEC. 10 TSI 6:54am 6.07ft TSII 8:43pm 3.64ft

12:18am 1.94ft 2:09pm -0.66ft

TUESDAY, DEC. 11 TSI 7:38am 6.43ft TSII 9:38pm 3.81ft

1:09am 2.13ft 2:56pm -1.21ft

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 12 TSI 8:24am 6.66ft TSII 10:30pm 3.97ft

2:01am 2.23ft 3:43pm -1.57ft

THURSDAY, DEC. 13 TSI 9:12am 6.69ft TSII 11:20pm 4.10ft

2:53am 2.30ft 4:30pm -1.71ft

FRIDAY, DEC. 14 TSI 10:01am 6.56ft TSII

3:48am 2.36ft 5:17pm -1.61ft

SATURDAY, DEC. 15 TSI 12:09am 4.23ft TSII 10:51am 6.20ft

4:45am 2.36ft 6:05pm -1.31ft

SUNDAY, DEC. 16 TSI 12:59am 4.36ft TSII 11:44am 5.68ft

5:48am 2.40ft 6:52pm -1.31ft

MONDAY, DEC. 17 TSI 1:50am 4.49ft TSII 3:03pm 3.67ft

6:57am 2.36ft 9:17pm 0.89ft

TUESDAY, DEC. 18 TSI 2:41am 4.63ft TSII 1:47pm 4.30ft

8:15am 2.26ft 8:27pm 0.30ft

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19 TSI 3:32am 4.79ft TSII 3:05pm 3.67ft

9:39am 2.00ft 9:17pm 0.89ft

THURSDAY, DEC. 20 TSI 4:21am 4.95ft TSII 4:36pm 3.25ft

11:01am 1.57ft 10:07pm 1.44ft

FRIDAY, DEC. 21 TSI 5:07am 5.09ft TSII 6:09pm 3.12ft

12:11pm 1.08ft 10:58pm 1.98ft

SATURDAY, DEC. 22 TSI 5:50am 5.22ft TSII 7:30pm 3.18ft SUNDAY, DEC. 23 TSI 6:30am 5.32ft TSII 8:33pm 3.31ft

Of Aptos Life

9:05am 2.79ft 9:01pm 0.75ft 10.25am 2.30ft 9:48pm 1.08ft

SUNDAY, DEC. 9 TSI 6:12am 5.64ft TSII 7:41pm 3.45 ft

By ERIK CHALHOUB

LOW TIDE

THURSDAY, DEC. 6 TSI 4:18am 4.43ft TSII 3:34pm 3.45ft

1:06pm 0.59ft 11:49pm 2.30ft 1:53pm 0.20ft

1:20am 2.69ft 3:08pm -0.33ft

WEDNESDAY, DEC 26 TSI 8:16am 5.54ft TSII 10:38pm 3.64ft

2:01am 2.76ft 3:41pm -0.46

THURSDAY, DEC. 27 TSI 8:50am 5.54ft TSII 11:10pm 3.71ft

2:39am 2.76ft 4:14pm -0.46ft

FRIDAY, DEC. 28 TSI 9:24am 5.54ft TSII 11:42pm 3.77ft

3:16am 2.76ft 4:45pm -0.52ft

SATURDAY, DEC. 29 TSI 9:58am 5.45ft TSII

3:55am 2.76ft 5:17pm -0.49ft

SUNDAY, DEC. 30 TSI 12:15am 3.87ft TSII 10:33am 5.25ft

4:37am 2.76ft 5:49pm -0.36ft

MONDAY, DEC. 31 TSI 12:48am 3.97ft TSII 11:11am 4.99ft

5:22am 2.72ft 6:21pm -0.10ft

TUESDAY, JAN 1 TSI 1:21am 4.10ft TSII 11:55am 4.63ft

6:15am 2.62ft 6:55pm 0.16ft

(TSI & TSII = Tide Set One & Tide Set Two)

Brian King to step down as President of Cabrillo Residents turn out Begins new position Feb. 1 to voice opinions on Rail Trail

By TODD GUILD Of Aptos Life

APTOS — Dr. Brian King, who has guided Cabrillo College as president and superintendent since 2004, overseen several major construction projects and led the college as it suffered $20 million in budget cuts, will be leaving for a new position at the end of January, Cabrillo officials announced Nov. 27.

King was appointed as chancellor by the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees on Nov. 26, a position in which he will oversee the district’s four colleges.

The Los Rios Community College District is the second largest in the state, and enrolls more than 80,000 students at its four colleges, which include: American River, Consumnes River, Folsom Lake and Sacramento City.

“It’s exciting,” he said. “It’s bittersweet because we love Cabrillo and we love Santa Cruz.”

King said he is looking forward to working in the state capital and being able to have an impact on state policy surrounding community colleges.

“Cabrillo has been fortunate to have Brian’s leadership for the past nine years, almost twice the average term for a community college president,” said Alan Smith, chair of the Cabrillo College Governing Board. “As one of the leading community colleges in the state, Cabrillo’s outstanding staff, faculty and administration provided fertile ground for Brian’s successes as Cabrillo president and his selection as Chancellor at Los Rios. Brian has been

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZ Of Aptos Life

APTOS — A large gathering of Aptos residents attended the first in a monthlong series of public workshops by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Committee (RTC) Nov. 26 at the Community Foundation.

The workshop was to elicit public feedback on the draft master plan of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network, which consists of 50 miles of trails, the spine of which will exist, where Graduate Brian Baker gets a warm handshake from Cabrillo College President Brian King. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life

a leader and catalyst for student success at Cabrillo and everyone at Cabrillo wishes him the very best.”

During his time at Cabrillo, King led the successful implementation of two bond measures that resulted in the construction of several new instructional facilities on campus.

In addition, he worked closely with Cabrillo College Foundation leadership to secure more than $20 million in funding from local and national donors for instructional programs and student scholarships.

King on Page A2

Rail Trail on Page A3

PRSrt std U.s. postage paid Permit no. 23

TUESDAY, DEC. 25 TSI 7:42am 5.48ft TSII 10:03pm 3.54ft

See title game story on Page C1

******EcrWsseddm****** Postal Customer Aptos, CA 95003

12:37am 2.53ft 2:32pm -0.10ft

ABOVE: An Aptos tackler moves in. BELOW: Head Coach Randy Blankenship (left) consoles coaches and players.

For the first time since 2003, Aptos High played for the CCS championship but lost.

See story and more photos in Sports, C1. Photos by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life

APTOS — Due to the recent storms, the Aptos Chamber of Commerce decided to postpone the holiday craft fair and annual tree lighting event in Aptos Village to Saturday, Dec. 8.

The event will take place from 2-5 p.m. on the corner of Aptos Creek Road and Soquel Drive.

The annual event will expand this year to welcome the first holiday craft fair around the decorated tree.

The craft fair will be the site for 12 vendors, said Meggie Schuller, operations manager for the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, and feature all kinds of handmade Christmas goods, such as jewelry, ornaments and candy canes.

All the vendors in the craft fair are local.

“We always encourage people to shop local,” Schuller said.

The tree lighting event will take place on a Saturday instead of the usual Tuesday, Schuller said, and is expected to draw around 500 people.

With the help of Lewis Tree Service and volunteers, John and Karen Hibble, co-executive directors of the chamber, will decorate the tree with lights.

To finish off the decorations, residents are encouraged to bring their own ornaments to hang on the tree, Schuller said.

Every year, local Girl Scouts craft their own ornaments to adorn the tree as well, she said.

A visit from Santa Claus and a performance by the Twin Lakes Church Youth Choir “Credo” round out the festivities.

Monthly publication dedicated to covering everything in Aptos CA.

MONDAY, DEC. 24 TSI 7:07am 5.41ft TSII 9:23pm 3.45ft

Storm postpones Aptos Village holiday event

A2 - Aptos Life - December 2012

www.AptosLife.com

Seacliff Park back on the county agenda

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZ Of Aptos Life

E v e ry t h i n g A ptos

Publisher - Jeremy Burke General Manager - Victoria Nelson Associate Publisher - Brad Koyak Editor - Tom Dunlap Editorial Erik Chalhoub, Todd Guild Tarmo Hannula, Roseann Hernandez Glenn Cravens, Laura Ness

Photography - Tarmo Hannula Advertising Manager - Jeanie Johnson Advertising Sales Tina Chavez, Susie Ronzano Jessica Woods, Jillian Hogan Production - Daryl Nelson Design - Jeremy Burke & Brad Koyak

Aptos Life is published monthly. All rights reserved, material may not be reprinted without written consent from the publisher. Aptos Life made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions.

Contact Us Aptos Life

7605-B Old Dominion Ct. Aptos, CA 95003 (located in the Aptos History Museum)

877-694-9048

info@aptoslife.com

Thank you for reading!

King

pantone process cyan pantone 185 pantone 355 pantone 021 pantone purple pantone process yellow Black White

ROAD

LE ACCESSIB PARKING

REST ROOM

DROUGHT TOLERANT SHRUBS

SKATEABLE ART (3,500 SF)

PLAYGROUND (5,500 SF) Includes: trike track, swings, climbing structure, benches, & flowering trees

PICNIC AREA (2000 SF)

DROUGHT TOLERANT TURF (15,000 SF)

ACCESS TO HOUSING

DROUGHT TOLERANT SHRUBS

AMPHITHEATER (3,500 SF)

DROUGHT TOLERANT SHRUBS

SCALE 0

20

40

60

N SIG RK PA

N

SEA RIDGE ROAD

McGregor Park Master Plan Approved December 9, 2008 County of Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors Meeting

raise funds through private donors, to efficiently use any grant money we may still have and to always to be on the look-out for new financial sources,” said Katherine Minott, 2nd District Parks Commissioner for Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation.

For Seacliff residents, the new park will provide much-needed space for family-friendly recreation.

According to Seacliff resident Rebecca Downing, who was a part of the Seacliff Needs a Park, Inc. action group, the county park should have been built years ago as Sea-

cliff developed.

The densely populated community, with its small yards and narrow streets with no sidewalks for pedestrians or bikes, does not create an ideal situation for many families with children.

“Seacliff is surrounded by ocean, freeway and State Park land, so we can’t walk to any county park with a playground,” Downing said.

To keep apprised of the Seacliff Park development and to see results from the Nov. 28 meeting, visit the Santa Cruz County parks website at www.scparks.com.

Continued from page A1

He also led several student success initiatives, including the Santa Cruz County College Commitment, a countywide collaborative formed with the goal of increasing the college readiness and success of every student in Santa Cruz County.

King is president-elect of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, a board member of Dominican Hospital, a member of the Santa Cruz Business Council and a member of Santa Cruz Rotary.

“I have been proud to serve as Cabrillo’s president for the past nine years,” he said. “Cabrillo is an excellent community

pantone process cyan

BURY CANTER

MCGREGOR DRIVE

APTOS — The long-delayed, $1.4 million, 1.25-acre park at the corner of McGregor Drive and Sea Ridge Road moved one step closer to reality after the county secured $643,000 in funding for the design and initial phase of construction.

The park, which has been designed to provide recreation for the entire family, is more than four years in the making. The process effectively stalled in 2011 due to lack of funds and staff reductions, explained county park planner Bob Olson.

With the new funding, in August the county was able to hire Santa Cruz-based SSA Landscape Architects to take the project where it was left off and provide complete design documents and studies necessary to secure the development permits and develop a plan for the initial phase of work.

At a public meeting on Nov. 28, Seacliff residents weighed in on the project to help determine priorities for the first phase of construction, due to begin in spring or summer of 2014. Some residents were a part of the initial planning process four years ago, and they helped secure the land for the park through their work in the community action group

called Seacliff Needs a Park, Inc. The last time the public was involved was in December 2008, said Olson, so the meeting was a good opportunity to “bring the public up to speed” and get their feedback.

At the meeting, Seacliff residents were shown the draft master plan, which had been approved by the Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation Commission in October 2008 and by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in December 2008.

Overall, Seacliff residents who attended the meeting were supportive of the plan, with the primary concern being about a lack of parking. The plan calls for only two handicapped parking spaces.

The park will feature a 5,500-square-foot playground designed for children ages 2-12, a large grass area, a 2,000-square-foot picnic area with picnic shelters, public bathroom, a recessed amphitheater at the southern end and skate-able street art — unique “street furniture” for kids to skate on.

The grass and trees on site will be drought-tolerant, and, where possible, California native plant species will be used.

“For a site of that size, it has a good variety of program elements for all ages,” said Scott Reeves, senior project manager for SSA Landscape Architects.

At the meeting, Seacliff residents were asked to give their feedback on the first phase of construction, which will focus on putting in infrastructure and installing the necessary utilities.

Also scheduled to go in the first phase is the playground, picnic area minus one picnic shelter, parking, security lighting and portable bathroom.

Where the plot is left undeveloped, drought resistant turf and /or meadow grasses will be laid.

Residents asked the landscape architects to prioritize security lighting and consider constructing the peripheral walkway, enjoining the Searidge Road sidewalk with a new McGregor Drive sidewalk, which has a lot of pedestrian activity.

Sidewalks along Canterbury Drive and Sea Ridge Road are laid by South County Housing as part of the Canterbury housing development, which will have direct access to the park via proposed walkways.

The cost of the park’s initial phase of construction is estimated at $500,000.

“The Seacliff neighborhood’s approach to raising the next round of monies for play equipment and for the Phase II infrastructure will be to work closely with the Santa Cruz County Parks Division and our next Santa Cruz County Supervisor (Zach Friend) to

college with a strong reputation throughout the state, and the accomplishments we achieved together certainly helped me to secure the chancellor position at Los Rios.

I will miss the wonderful people at Cabrillo College and within the Santa Cruz County community, but will look forward to working with them on statewide initiatives.”

Cabrillo history professor and faculty senate president Michael Mangin said college employees feel a sense of loss at King’s impending departure.

“We’re happy for Brian,” he said. “He has been looking for this kind of position and

this position in particular for a while.”

Mangin said that King is well-suited to the position’s added responsibilities.

“Everyone believes that he will make a wonderful chancellor for that district,” he said.

King is expected to assume his new role of chancellor on Feb. 1. Over the next several months, the Cabrillo College Governing Board will engage in a national search process to identify and name Cabrillo’s next president.

www.AptosLife.com

Rail Trail

Aptos Life - December 2012 - A3

Continued from page A1

possible, within the right-of-way of the recently purchased Santa Cruz Branch Line from Union Pacific Railroad for $14.2 million.

The total cost for the project is estimated at $86 million, which covers everything from the construction of the trails and bridges to rail track and street crossings and trail amenities such as signage, bike racks, lighting, fencing and restrooms.

As presented at the meeting, the network has been split into segments, and work will be initiated according to the priorities set by the public at the workshops and as funds become available.

“Currently, the RTC has about $7 million to begin the construction of the trail network, thanks in great part to Congressman Sam Farr,” Cory Caletti, senior transportation planner with the Santa Cruz County RTC said, adding that the RTC will investigate all potential and viable funding options to raise additional construction funds.

Some Aptos residents in attendance were skeptical about the project’s high cost and the need for a train service at all.

“I can see a bike or pedestrian path — that would be great,” said Mary Weber, who lives right next to the tracks in Seascape.

“Instead of doing an expensive rail (service), have a bus that would be easier to run and wouldn’t be mixing bikes and trains.”

Aptos resident Brain Peoples is highly skeptical of the prospect of passenger rail and freight service along the 136-year-old rail line and believes the estimated $86 million cost to establish a functioning dual-purpose rail trail is too much of a burden for the county.

Instead, Peoples suggested the county should focus on constructing the trails and making surface street improvements along the 32-mile transportation corridor — leaving the passenger and freight service out of the equation, which he said the county could not adequately sustain and for which there is no commercial or commuter demand.

“I am excited that we have the rail to do something with but question why we need the train,” said Tim Carl, an Aptos resident who lives near a segment of the rail line

Residents bunch together to get a close look as the train approaches the Aptos Village whis- Bret Stinson (left), design consultant, discusses the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail tle stop on Nov. 17. Photo by Roseann Hernandez/Aptos Life where he said there would be no possible Back in 2003, the Santa Cruz County Network Master Plan with a resident during way to put in a path.

RTC contacted the California Transporta- the workshop at the Community Foundation “We’d prefer to get rid of the tracks and tion Commission (CTC) and asked whether of Santa Cruz County. Photo by Roseann Hernandez/Aptos Life

put a trail right in the middle,” Carl said. “A train is not feasible.”

When asked why he came to the public workshop he said, “This is a community decision. We are here to shape it, not just people with special interests.”

Caletti, who stated later in an email that while she agreed the project price tag is hefty, “it does have a very significantly lower cost per mile than the construction of new roadway miles.”

“As an example, the Highway 1 construction project currently under way to build about one mile of one auxiliary lane in each direction has a cost of about $18 million.”

The matter of the train is a sticking point. $11 million of the $14.2 million used to purchase the Santa Cruz Branch Line was derived from Proposition 116 funds that had been allocated to the county to be used for rail projects that “facilitate recreational, commuter, intercity and inter-county travel.”

they would be liable to return Proposition 116 funds should their state-funded plan fail. In response, the CTC stated that they recognized the planned rail service could fail. But there were options available that could preclude the repayment of funds and they were committed to working with the county agency to “find any viable options for a rail project within your county should the currently proposed plan cease.”

Yet with an exuberant whistle stop tour, which brought thousands of county residents out during the weekend of Nov. 17t to celebrate the rail line acquisition and welcome the new Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Railway to the region, combined with a dedicated core of politicians — it appears, at least for now, train service is a go.

“Considering the continuing increases in population and the cost of motor fuels, the very limited availability of right-of-way in Santa Cruz County for motor vehicle transportation, the success and commitment of the rail operator … and the level of com-

munity interest for use of the rail line for at least limited passenger service, the RTC anticipates that at least limited passenger rail service will be viable on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line into the long term,” wrote Caletti.

The county will receive some revenue from the railroad operations if they are above certain thresholds per quarter as established in the operating agreement with the newly established Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Railroad — (the parent company of which is Chicago-based Iowa Pacific Holdings), explained Caletti.

“It is estimated that in the first year the RTC could receive up to $25,000 from the operator and the amount would increase as service on the rail line increases,” wrote Caletti.

The Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Railroad is also responsible for track and bridge maintenance throughout the duration of their 10-year contract.

Early flight captured in local book “Aeroplane” tested in Aptos in 1905

By TARMO HANNULA Of the Aptos Life

APTOS — A Ben Lomond man has penned a book, in concert with a co-author, about his greatgreat uncle who engineered and tested an “aeroplane” that soared as high as 3,000 feet above Aptos in 1905.

“Quest for Flight,” by Craig Harwood, an engineering geologist, and Gary Fogel teamed up on the 16-chapter, 247-page hardbound book, whose first two publications have now sold out. A third batch is on the way.

“This is my first book and it was an intense seven-year project,” Harwood said. “It’s a biography of a prolific and important California-based inventor, whose life story is framed against the larger landscape of 19th century California and the great technological drama of the conquest of the skies.”

Harwood said the book is based on exhaustive research and establishes California and the coastal California region in particular as the cradle of pioneering invention and achievement in the aerial realm of ballooning, airships and other flying machines.

“The story plays out against a background rich in California history in the later 19th century,” Harwood said. “For me, the book was relatively easy to write — it’s merely a skill. To make the work accessible to a general audience is much more difficult and requires that you formulate a vision of what’s compelling about the story and that you fold that compelling element into the story telling effectively. In the case of ‘Quest for Flight,’ the story involves a cavalcade of fascinating characters whose interaction and exploits flesh out the larger human drama.”

In 2005, the centennial of soaring flight was celebrated at Aptos Seascape Park. The event was headed up by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce and focused on Harwood’s great-great uncle, John J. Montgomery (1858-1911), a mathematics and science instructor at Santa Clara College, who engineered and tested an “aeroplane” that soared as high as 3,000 feet for 18 minutes in Aptos in March 1905.

Re-enactments, full-scale replicas, speakers, a monument dedication, music, food, entertainment and a parade filled the day to help give recognition to the famed inventor who predated the famed Wright brothers with his daring flights.

“No one had taken a craft up into the air with the aid of a balloon and cut it loose until my great-greatuncle did in numerous tests, including some in the Aptos area,” Harwood said in 2005. “It was a controlled, non-powered craft he called an aeroplane, and it weighed 42 pounds.”

Montgomery conducted three test flights in Aptos that were commonly manned by Daniel Maloney, a parachute jumper, stunt artist and exhibitionist.

At least 28 books about aviation history with numerous decade-by-decade accounts about Montgomery have been written, plus numerous articles in magazines and newspapers. “Father of Basic Flying” by Arthur D. Spearman is one of the most indepth and accurate accounts, Harwood said. In 1946, “Gallant Journey,” a major motion picture exploring Montgomery’s achievements starring Glen Ford was released. In the 1940s Disney ran a series of cartoons based on the flights of Montgomery called “History of Flight.”

Harwood said he believes the history books of flying misrepresent what actually took place regarding the first controllable flights, adding that the Wright brothers got undue credit for the first manned controlled flight of a heavier-than-air machine. The Wright brothers earned fame Dec. 17, 1903, for the first powered flight.

Montgomery died while test-flying one of his monoplane gliders called the Evergreen in 1911.

Accolades on the dust jacket include words from Gary Kurutz, principal librarian, special collections at California State Library, Daniel Rust, author of “Flying Across America: The Airline Passenger Experience,” and Kevin Starr, author of “California: A History.”

Starr wrote, “Informed and vividly written, ‘Quest for Flight’ revises the chronology of aviation in America decades prior to 1903 and, in terms of geography, locates the emergence of a far, far shore from Kitty Hawk.”

See C8 for the book review on “Quest for Flight”

Craig Harwood of Ben Lomond shows his new book, “Quest for Flight: John J. Montgomery and the Dawn of Aviation in the West.” Photo by Tarmo Hannula/ Aptos Life.

A4 - Aptos Life - December 2012

www.AptosLife.com

Twin Lakes gives big this holiday season

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZ Of Aptos Life

APTOS — For Twin Lakes Church, the act of giving is at the heart of what they do.

Last year the church made headlines with a one-million-pound food donation to Second Harvest Food Bank, and this year their month-long food drive raised the cash

equivalent of about a quarter of a million dollars, all of which the church donated to Second Harvest.

“So many people gave so creatively to this drive,” Senior Pastor Rene Schlaepfer said.

“One 7-year-old boy sold handmade crafts door-to-door, and their kids sold Christmas cards they’d made.”

One particularly hard worker is compet-

Fall Fitness Fashion Show APTOS — In November, Fleet Feet in the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center held a Fall Fitness Fashion Show, to display some of the hottest trends from many vendors in the fast-growing world of fitness apparel. A makeshift catwalk was set up in Fleet Feet. One of the models was Dawna Lipari, who runs the Baby Boot Camp Santa Cruz, at Rio Del Mar Beach in Aptos. Photo by Tom Dunlap/Aptos Life

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

831-688-4311

www.SandyJohnsonInteriors.com

itive snowboarder Marissa Hushaw, 15.

She’s a Hunger Fighter at Grind Out Hunger and has raised funds on behalf of the youth-focused action group that champions hunger-relief and healthy eating initiatives in the region.

“The kids have been a real inspiration for the church,” Pastor Mark Spurlock said, adding that one of the resulting dynamics of the annual food drive is that where adults may be more apt to think about obstacles, kids with their childlike faith are able to creatively reach amazing results.

Why did the church give so much to the food bank?

“The Bible says that the church is the Body of Christ,” Schlaepfer said. “We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus, helping the community, not just a giant mouth that lectures people.”

Twin Lakes also has its own food distribution center, People’s Pantry, that provides food year-round.

“Every Wednesday we welcome anyone in our community who needs food for any reason to stop by TLC between 3:30 and 5:30 and pick up groceries and fruit and vegetables,” said Valerie Webb, administrative assistant for the church.

During the holiday season, the church also works with the Salvation Army, Prison Ministry Fellowship and Bridge of Hope to provide Christmas presents for people in the community, explained Webb.

“We also have a small group in the church that takes bikes that people in the church donate, refurbishes them and distributes them to people in need,” Webb said. “Another small group collects and distributes

firewood for people who need help heating their home.”

The church, with its volunteer-driven charity initiatives and regular weekend attendance of approximately 3,200 — spread across five services including a new Spanish language service introduced this fall — bucks a growing national trend of decreased church attendance.

Pew Research reported in October that a fifth of adults and a third of adults under 30 consider themselves religiously unaffiliated, the highest percentage ever recorded in Pew Research Center polling.

When asked how the church remains relevant in the face of an increasingly “unaffiliated” population, Pastor Spurlock said, ”the good news of God’s grace is always relevant.”

Spurlock said we were entering a “post denominational age” and people did not want to be defined by what they are for or against, in terms of secondary concerns – politics chief among them.

“Religious figureheads have almost become spokesmen for a political party,” Spurlock said, adding there is no shortage of talking heads on TV arguing public policy, but as a Christian pastor he views his role differently.

“People want to hear about Jesus — and that is our first order of business — to talk about his significance in our lives,” Spurlock said.

“What it always comes back to is what is Jesus – what is his birth, death and resurrection and what it means to me. The story is compelling enough, and it has been for 2,000 years.”

Visit us online www.aptoslife.com

CARL W. JOHNSON CPA

Tax Preparation Individual Corporate Trust and Estate

Community Flea Market and Yard Sale “YOUR ONE STOP YARD SALE SHOP”

831-662-8506

JohnsonCarlW@aol.com

FREE Booth Space for Local Farmers & Sellers

FREE Admission FRESH PRODUCE • FOOD BOOTHS WETLANDS OPEN FOR KIDS & FAMILIES TO EXPLORE

Open Saturday & Sunday 9 am - 4 pm

Pajaro Valley High School 500 Harkins Slough Road

www.AptosLife.com

Aptos Life - December 2012 - A5

Cabrillo’s horticulture students turn their attention to organic food production methods

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZ Of the Aptos Life

APTOS — High above the hustle and bustle of college life, Cabrillo College student Max Laddon is preparing for a bumper crop of micro greens in one of the horticulture department’s hilltop labs.

Using a vacuum seeder, Laddon meticulously drops seeds the size of dust particles into a black growing tray.

The work requires a steady hand and good eyesight, and Laddon, who oversees the department’s crops of leafy greens and herbs, relishes the work.

“I’m a visual person and like to see things instead of just read about it — or being told,” Laddon said.

Previously at UCSC pursuing an economics degree, Laddon is now studying organic agriculture at Cabrillo College where he works as a student assistant in the horticulture department, which he calls “awesome.”

Laddon’s enthusiasm is not unusual.

About 60 percent of Cabrillo’s horticulture students are interested in food production, said Peter Shaw, chairman of the Horticulture Department.

“The focus changed about five years ago,” Shaw said, with the program shifting from an emphasis on landscape and ornamental horticulture to food production.

Shaw said the shift is due to a rising interest from students and, in particular, their interest in organic food production methods.

“We have to adapt,” Shaw said.

The interest in organic is not too surprising, considering the culture of Santa Cruz County and it being home to CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), the standard bearer of organic certification.

Shaw said there are between 75 to 80 students in the department, with most parttime.

Peter Shaw shows the root structure of an organic lettuce crop grown with aquaponics at the Cabrillo College Horticulture Department. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life

He said the students respond to the dynamic teaching environment.

“Kids get really involved and learn better by doing,” Shaw said, adding that all horticulture classes come with a lab, which is critical for hands-on learning, but is expensive to operate.

The department receives vital support from local agriculture businesses, which provided funding for the facilities, including two greenhouses and helps them with in-kind donations throughout the year, Shaw said.

They cultivate relationships with agri-business, which could lead to jobs for local students, but many youth in the department are more interested in starting up on their own with a few acres than working

for a major outfit.

“Agriculture is an entrepreneurial industry,” Shaw said, adding many people come to the county with the idea of changing the way things are done — even going beyond organic.

Due to student demand, the department is in the process of designing a class based on permaculture concepts, complete with new lab.

The hilltop facility is also home to an aquaponics growing system, with barrels of Koi fish providing the natural fertilizer for their red and green lettuce crops.

The fish do well here, and the soil-less system means there are no soil-borne pathogens to contend with, so it’s easier to harvest and perfectly clean.

Inside one of the greenhouses is the department’s massive crop of hydroponic tomatoes.

Referred to as a “long-term crop” because they start planting in June and begin harvesting a year later, the individual tomato plants grow in rows where they are supported by a cable that runs the length of the greenhouse.

Each plant can reach a height of 40 feet, and as they grow, the plants are shifted down and along the cement floor, which Shaw said should ideally be painted white in order to reflect as much light as possible, so the fruit rests gently on the ground.

Shaw said they are able to harvest 240 pounds of tomatoes per week, an impressive yield.

Next to the tomatoes are tables filled with basil and micro greens, demonstrating the nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system.

Shaw said the system results in very flavorful basil, and even though the plants are growing in water, they use less of it because it is being re-circulated throughout the basins.

A computer monitors PH and fertilizer concentration and once the greens are fully grown they can be sold or used by Cabrillo’s culinary department.

Like all the crops grown by the department, students have an active role in every step of the process – from planting the seeds, to tending them as they grow, to harvesting, marketing and selling.

Students get the full picture of what it is like to be a real farmer.

Shaw said all the instructors in the horticulture department — two fulltime and six adjunct — know what works and can combine hands on experience with teaching science concepts.

“We have built a program I would’ve wanted to go through,” Shaw said.

DO YOU HAVE OR NEED A

Medicare Supplement Turning 65 soon?

Losing Group Insurance?

Don’t Pay More Than You Need To!

Creating Young Adults

• Ballroom Dancing • Dining Etiquette • Social Courtesies • Conversation Skills • Dress for Success

Cotillion Classes Held at Best Western Seacliff Inn in Aptos • Build Confidence in Social Skills • Fun & Friendly Classes for Grades 5-12 • Friends & Family: $10.00 Rebate • Semi-private lessons available

Know ALL your options. We offer plans that give you the FREEDOM to keep your doctors and choose ANY DOCTOR that accepts Medicare!

Review Drug plans and New Health Plans with Lower Premiums

We Make it Easy for You! We are an independent agency representing California’s major insurance carriers.

We Do Not Charge a Fee! Our office is located in the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center above the Aptos Cinema.

Our goal is to help you find the health plan that fits your needs and budget.

We provide a free and friendly service.

CALL TODAY for your free in-home or office consultation INDEPENDENT—EXPERIENCED—KNOWLEDGEABLE

CALL TODAY

“Makes a Fun Party!”

Parents receive 25% Off dinner at Severino’s while your child attends class

Class size is limited – reserve now!

Mariann Eichhorn, 831.688.5678 www.centralcoastcotillion.com

831-661-0700 Kenneth Cook Insurance Services

To speak with your local licensed insurance agent

Lic. #0E46549

Bill Weber

Lic. #0D14246

SENIOR BENEFITS INSURANCE SERVICES 134 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos CA 95003

Serving Residence in Santa Cruz County Since 2000

A6 - Aptos Life - December 2012

www.AptosLife.com

Let me hear from you, the experts

By ZACH FRIEND

With the election season behind us, the transition into January has begun in earnest. On Jan. 7 I will take office, replacing County Supervisor Ellen Pirie, who is retiring after 12 years representing our district.

Since my election in June I’ve met with nearly all of the county department heads and staff, neighborhood organizations, local elected leaders and residents, and I continue to hear about the challenges and opportunities facing our county. My largest focus has been on the county budget and how we can create a stable funding structure for our local roads, parks and public safety.

In addition, Supervisor Pirie has been extremely generous with her time ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible for our district.

The 2nd District is a unique and beautiful place. Unlike some of the other districts, nearly our entire district is unincorporated, meaning the county is the primary provider of services. This means we face additional challenges to infrastructure — including roads and drainage, public safety and land use ­— than some other areas in the county.

ZACH FRIEND Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors

This also means that the primary conduit to these services is the county supervisor and supervisor’s staff. Because of this I place a significant amount of weight on community input. It is impossible to be everywhere

at once or know all of the issues as well as you do. You are spending every day in your neighborhoods traveling the roads, shopping at or even opening local businesses, seeing changes to neighborhood safety or experiencing land use matters.

You are the experts. I rely on neighborhood associations, homeowners groups, small business organizations and chambers of commerce to provide the input that allows us to effectively govern this area. In my opinion, we all have an important role to play in our community’s outcomes.

The key priorities I’ve heard while meeting with these groups are roads and the highway, public safety, the preservation of farmland, funding for parks and the need for responsible economic development.

It is clear that our roads need repair, the highway improvements are well overdue and that we can still support economic development that funds our vital services, while fitting within the character of our community.

I am a firm believer in increasing community access to local government. I plan on increasing neighborhood-based office hours (to reduce the need for you to travel

to the county building), and working with departments on technological tools that make the county more accessible.

I’m confident we can meet these challenges by taking a balanced approach to policy and making a commitment to tackle large problems over scoring easy political points.

I don’t pretend to have all of the answers.

As with any new position I know there will be a steep learning curve and some bumps along the road. But I’m confident that the challenges our county faces are not insurmountable. With clarity of purpose, a willingness to work together and ultimately your advice and support, I’m confident we can create a vision for our county that will make future generations proud.

Please feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts, questions and concerns. I hope to see you at one of my neighborhood office hours that will start in January. Beginning Jan. 7, I can be reached by calling the Board of Supervisors at 454-2200. Before that point I can still be reached via my website at www.friendforsupervisor.com.

Thank you for the honor and opportunity to serve you!

A new day for PVUSD

By Kimberly De Serpa

When I took my seat on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board, I knew of the economic difficulties facing public schools. Cognitively I recognized this, but on a personal level, I was not prepared for the feelings of sadness that this underfunding of public education would have on me.

Meeting after meeting, parents, teachers and valued staff would approach the podium with tears in their eyes and anguish in their voices as they relayed their deep concerns regarding large class sizes, unsafe playing fields, lack of technology, under- staffing of Kimberly De Serpa positions for both teachers and staff.

As a parent who had taken an active leadership role on our elementary school campus, I knew firsthand that these groups and individuals were right. Our campuses needed help.

Since we began to keep track of funding cuts to our district over the last decade, we had documented $53.4 million dollars in budget reductions. Governing, from that perspective, was a balancing act of maintaining basic services and nothing else. I believe I speak for the entire board when I say that keeping our district solvent during the past several years was heartbreaking.

How does one choose between cutting janitors, bus drivers, counselors, nurses or teachers? All staff members play a critical role in serving our 19,000 students.

Facility maintenance suffered drastically over the past 10 years, and each budgetary downturn took a toll — on students and staff alike. The board and administration made these hard decisions, keeping the district from bankruptcy, but it was a bitter pill to swallow.

I am happy to report that a new day has emerged for PVUSD. Thanks to voters throughout our entire district, and particularly in the Aptos/Corralitos area, Measure L was passed with a strong majority of 68 percent. This will provide $150 million in funding as well as the ability to pull down perhaps two thirds that amount in matching funds to improve our schools.

In addition, Proposition 30 was passed, which will prevent our board from having to cut away another projected

$8 million. Proposition 30 will provide stability for education funding in our community. Chief Business Officer Brett McFadden has ambitious plans to complete the majority of bond projects in less than six years. The projects include improvements to our dilapidated campuses with new green building, several energy saving solar projects, safety upgrades to all campuses, updated technology and improved sports and playing fields.

Stakeholders at all campuses and community groups who use our facilities will have an opportunity to have input to planned projects. A bond oversight committee will help to monitor our progress, and transparency about the process will be offered to our community.

I will be updating you via Aptos Life as to our goals and progress toward completion. My personal thanks to you the voter, for supporting our school bond. Aptos area schools stand to benefit greatly.

Kimberly De Serpa was elected to the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees in 2010 and is serving a four- year term representing Area 1. Kim also works at Hospice of Santa Cruz County, assisting families at the end of life. She lives in Aptos with her children and menagerie of pets.

New Burger restaurant opens in Aptos

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZ Of Aptos Life APTOS — Burger, the Santa Cruz eatery with a long beer menu, collegiate atmosphere and burgers with names like “The Dude” and “Kim Kardashian” (a double bacon cheeseburger between two grilled cheese sandwiches) has opened a second

location in Aptos.

The new Burger is across the street from the Rancho del Mar Shopping Center, at 7941 Soquel Dr. The menu for Aptos Burger follows the same format as the Santa Cruz restaurant but with one exception — no pizza.

The menu features sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, tasting plates, sliders and of course

a long list of burgers with 40 beers on tap.

Aptos Burger will host a Special Tap Takeover for Sierra Nevada on Dec. 12, said owner Michelle King.

Aptos’ newest burger hub is located in what used to be a few different nightclubs over the years, and King said they have done extensive renovations, including adding a new 30 foot bar and “gorgeous new

fireplace.”

“The outdoor patio was replaced and is now a great place to have lunch or dinner overlooking the redwoods and Aptos Creek,” King said.

To get the latest Burger news and whet your appetite over its menu, visit http:// burgeraptos.com/.

Dentistry for Infants, Children, Teens & Orthodontics More than 30 years experience in providing gentle children’s dental care

688-5892 www.aonedoor.com Offer expires 12/31/12

79

GARAGE DOOR $ TUNE-UP

Most insurance plans welcome Including Blue Cross, Delta Dental & Delta’s Healthy Families

00 per door

*Carriage House Doors extra. Saves on wear ‘n tear on door & opener.

We Also Repair & Service Gates & Gate Openers

Marc L. Grossman, D.D.S. James B. Smith, D.D.S. 230 Green Valley Road Freedom

831-722-9202

Check out our website! www.dental4kids.com

www.AptosLife.com

Aptos Life - December 2012 - A7

l a oc

Your Full Service L Jeweler Volunteers set up for Twin Lakes Church holiday concert series. Photos by Roseann Hernandez/Aptos Life

Twin Lakes ushers in the holidays with concerts, candlelight services

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZ Of Aptos Life APTOS — ‘Tis the season of Christmas concerts, and Twin Lakes Church is making the final touches as it gets ready to welcome the community to its annual concert series and candlelight services.

“Every church does something special — this is just Christmas done the Twin Lakes way,” said Valerie Webb, administrative assistant at the church, recently, as volunteers climbed up ladders to hang up decorations in the church’s main alcove and set up Christmas trees in each of four church buildings.

In the Children’s Enrichment Center, home to the Twin Lakes pre-school, a winter wonderland was constructed, complete with Frosty the Snowman, gingerbread house and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Church member Gloria Krom has been organizing the extensive Christmas decoration set-up for 20 years and said that more than 100 people came out to volunteer on the day the Christmas trees showed up.

All the hustle — all done in good cheer, of course — is in preparation for a monthlong celebration that includes a concert series and Christmas candlelight service.

Renowned throughout the community for their spectacular Christmas concerts, this year’s is entitled, “Christmas Blessings — a Celtic celebration.”

“The music is a beautiful, fun combination of Christmas classics and new surprises,” Webb said.

There will be 10 free concerts at the church from Dec. 13 to Dec. 16.

“The Candlelight services provide families a great opportunity to take a break for an hour, sit together, sing Christmas carols, hear a brief Christmas devotional all culminating with a beautiful candle lighting,” wrote Webb in an email. “When our whole auditorium is lit only by candlelight it is an absolutely beautiful sight.”

There will be six candlelight services running from Dec. 22-24.

A Spanish-language candlelight service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 29.

For Krom, the Twin Lakes Christmas events are a way to welcome the community into their church.

“People feel they can invite their neighbors and they will get a friendly atmosphere,” Krom said.

For a complete list of concert and candlelight service times, visit the Twin Lakes Church website at www.tlc.org/events/ christmas.

• • • •

Custom Wedding Rings Fine Gemstones Antique & Estate Jewelry Goldsmiths and Watchmaker on site • Insurance Appraisals & Evaluations

Aptos Center 7552 Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95003 (831) 688-2799

Carmel By The Sea Ocean & Mission Carmel, CA 93921 (831) 624-5621

www.MarkAreiasJewelers.com “All work done on premises.”

Since 1982

Valley Heights

�upp�r�ing independent seni�rs sin�e ����

���pare the ��st �� living t� all the ser�i�es� a�enities� and value at Valley Heights...

• Apartment with Washer/Dryer & Full Kitchen • • 2 Meals Daily in our Formal Dining Room • Activities • • Utilities • Housekeeping • 24-Hour Security • • Transportation Available to Doctors & Shopping • • WiFi & DSL Connection Available • • Pet Friendly Community • plus much more! ... y�u�ll ag�ee Valley Heights is the pla�e t� �e�

�a�ily O�ned and Operated

Ap Mo artmen ve in ts A by 1 vail get 1 2/ ab mon and 15/12leth F RE E!*

Valley Heights Senior Community 925 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-4884 www.valleyheights.com

* Contact our Marketing Department for more details on receiving 1 month free on a 2 bedroom apartment.

Valley Convalescent Hospital

Our patients live and thrive in the comfort of our facility: * * *

* * * *

All Electric High-Low Beds 24/7 Monitored Security Cameras HD Flat Screen TV’s available in each bedroom Semi-private rooms (2 patients) for Medicare Patients Wireless Internet connection throughout our Hospital FREE local calls from your personal bedside phone Access to our Valley Convalescent Internet Cafe, with Skype and webcam for audio/visual contact with relatives and friends worldwide tm

Aptos to Watsonville is only 10 minutes with no trafc congestion!

Valley Convalescent Hospital 919 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville CA 95076 (831) 722-3581

December 2012

B - Section

Holiday gift guide

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZ Of Aptos Life

APTOS — Holidays can be a trying time. Relatives visiting from out of state, taking up prime real estate on your sofa and loudly wondering why it is so cold in California whenever the temperature dips below 68 degrees.

The kids are out of school and engaged in hours-long video game marathons that you feel just can’t be good for them, but there you are plying them with snacks whenever there is a lull in play.

Then there is the cooking, the shopping, the decorating and the regular work commitments.

Yes, holidays can be rough. But never fear, this holiday gift guide, straight from local vendors, will take you through the hustle and bustle of the next month, to land you safely on the other side (January) perfectly satiated, buffed, styled and sparkly.

Crossroads Books

Just down the road in Watsonville, Crossroads Books features unique gifts from local artists and from around the world. This is your neighborhood store to find the latest must-reads from local authors, children’s books, specialty cookbooks and a wide range of stationary and cards. Find Crossroads Books at 1935 Main Street in the Crossroads Shopping Center in Watsonville.

Photo by Jana Marcus

Students at Mar Vista Elementary School in Aptos peer through a library window that was reportedly broken by thieves. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life

Burglars hit Mar Vista Elementary, other county schools

By TODD GUILD and TARMO HANNULA of Aptos Life

APTOS — Mar Vista Elementary School and three other Santa Cruz County schools were damaged recently when they were burglarized by unknown suspects, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office reported.

According to deputies, Mar Vista Elementary School and Live Oak Elementary School sustained the most damage.

In addition, someone tried unsuccessfully to break in to the office at Bradley Elementary School and damaged the door.

At Mar Vista, suspects smashed a window in the library and tried to take computers. They appear to have given up, however, when they realized the computers were chained to a desk.

That didn’t stop the suspects from dragging several computers to the ground in their attempt to steal them.

“Nothing stolen, but they left a mess,” said Pajaro Valley Unified School District Chief Business Officer Brett McFadden. “These were not professionals.”

Mar Vista Elementary School principal Todd Livingstone said vandals smashed a window to the campus library and knocked a dozen iMac computers onto the floor, leaving behind a jumbled mess of computers, wires, keyboards and other hardware.

“It’s really unfortunate,” he said. “We already don’t have any money. Fortunately they didn’t take anything. The computers are cabled securely. They did break the librarian’s computer; the other computers seem to be okay.”

Livingstone said the burglar or burglars mangled several window screens in one classroom in an apparent attempt to gain entry to that room.

Their efforts failed.

“They also tried breaking into one of our portable classrooms, but failed,” Livingstone said.

“It’s really disappointing. We work very hard to prepare our students for changing times and computers are a big part of that. Our computers play a critical role in getting students up to speed with the new common core standards. Incidents like this just make it harder on everyone.”

At Live Oak Elementary, the suspect entered the staff lounge and stole a computer and printer. The suspects tried to break into other areas of the school, but it was unclear whether they stole anything.

The Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to an alarm at Bradley Elementary School at 2:45 a.m. When deputies arrived, they noticed the door to an office was ajar and discovered an office computer had been moved but the suspects were unable to steal the equipment.

McFadden said the school has been targeted five times in the past three years by people breaking onto the school or vandalizing it.

Damage at both PVUSD schools was quickly repaired, and that all the computers were working.

“The kids were using computers by mid-morning,” McFadden said.

McFadden said the district will increase patrols and beef up security at its school sites, a task that will be easier thanks to the passage of Measure L, a local bond measure that is expected to fund hundreds of projects through the district.

Still, the number of such instances in PVUSD shocked McFadden, who has spent years working for school districts.

“I haven’t seen this level of criminal activity targeting schools in a long time,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 454-2311, or the anonymous tip line at 454-2847.

Marx Brothers’ ‘A Night At The Nutcracker’ opens

By ERIK CHALHOUB Of Aptos Life

APTOS — Be prepared to lose some weight from laughing — The Marx Brothers are coming to Cabrillo College.

The actual Marx Brothers won’t be rising from the dead, but the audience probably won’t know the difference. They will be “dumbfounded” into actually seeing the Marx Brothers on the stage, said Andrew Ceglio, director of the upcoming Cabrillo Stage production, “A Night At The Nutcracker,” opening Dec. 14 and running through Dec. 30.

“It’s a hilarious production,” he said.

“The audience can expect to drop a couple pounds from laughing.”

The Cabrillo Stage performance of the musical will mark its West Coast premiere.

In the musical, described as the Marx Brothers’ attempt at a ballet company, detective Felix T. Filibuster teams up with Pinchie the silent butler and his Italian friend, Pepponi. Together, they try to rescue Constance Stuffington, patron of the arts, whose fortune has been swindled away. It’s up to the team to save the Nutcracker Suite Ballet’s opening night.

Ceglio, who has directed other productions for Cabrillo Stage — including “Forever Plaid” and “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” — said “A Night At The Nutcracker” was a perfect fit for his personality.

“I grew up on the Marx Brothers,” he said. “My mother and grandmother were huge fans. The Marx Brothers comedy has been part of my roots.”

Slapstick comedy, one-liners, chases and more fast-paced action is what Ceglio grew up on.

“It’s recapturing my childhood to some degree,” he said.

While previous Christmas shows presented by Cabrillo Stage have been about Stage on Page B3

New lease on life for The Mediterranean Bar

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZ Of Aptos Life

APTOS — The Mediterranean Bar in Seacliff has entered a new chapter in its 45-year history with new owner Bob Tapella.

For the former owner of Garlic City Billiards in downtown Gilroy, the venue represented an opportunity to create a fun, inviting beach tavern where neighborhood people could pop in.

Yet, the beach-side dream almost did not happen. Initially, Tapella had his sights set further afield in Sebastopol, along the Russian River, when he found out The Mediterranean was up for lease.

“When I saw it was right on the beach – wow,” Tapella said, adding the bar did have a “bad stigma” they had to work through, but in six months, he is satisfied that he has turned the place around. “We saw the trees through the forest.”

Gift Guide Contunes on Page B4

Mediterranean on Page B3

Bob tapella outside his tavern. Photo by Roseann Hernandez/Aptos Life

B2 - Aptos Life - December 2012

www.AptosLife.com

Aptos Blue housing community

By ERIK CHALHOUB Of Aptos Life

APTOS — Set in a partially-wooded hollow across the street from the Rancho Del Mar shopping center, groundbreaking commenced on the Aptos Blue affordable housing community Nov. 13.

“It’s such an amazing addition to Aptos,” said Ellen Pirie, Second District Supervisor for Santa Cruz County. “It will set the standard on how affordable housing is done for the whole county.”

Aptos Blue, developed by MidPen Housing Corporation, will provide 40 affordable homes for low-income families on a 2.2acre plot.

It is expected to be finished in fall 2013.

Sitting on the acreage is the historic Castro House, originally built in the mid-1870s by rancher and orchardist Vicente Castro.

Throughout the years, the home saw many different owners and remodeling efforts.

In 2001, the house was added to the Santa Cruz County Historic Resources Inventory for its association with the rancho period in Santa Cruz history and its representation of Colonial Revival residential architecture

from the 1860s.

The Castro House will be preserved “in a way that it will be a long-term asset to the community,” said Jan Lindenthal, vice president of development for MidPen. The historic home will be renovated into a community space for the future residents, offering a computer lab and other resources.

Also included on the property will be a play area for children, a community garden and fully-landscaped outdoor areas.

The name, Aptos Blue, derived from the redwood trees of the same name which are situated on the property.

Financing for the $22.4 million development was provided by the County of Santa Cruz, the California Department of Housing and Community Development, CalHFA — Mental Health Services Act and Wells Fargo.

Pirie said the prime location of Aptos Blue will benefit the local businesses surrounding it greatly.

“All the local businesses are going to feel the impact of all the new people shopping here,” she said.

MidPen Housing and Santa Cruz County officials take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aptos Blue affordable housing community on Nov. 13. Photo by Erik Chalhoub/ Aptos Life

ls 20 Mea

Help us Set a Plate for Kate

Enter our online photo contest to win the 2012 “Plate for Kate” award 0

20

400 M eals

For more information please visit:

www.TheFoodBank.org/plateforkate #PlateForKate

als

Me

www.AptosLife.com

Aptos Life - December 2012 - B3 Aptos –Divorce is rarely easy and often means a lot of difficult decisions. One of the most important decisions is what to do about the house.

In the midst of the heavy emotional and financial turmoil, what you need most is some non-emotional, straightforward, specific information and answers. Once you know how a divorce affects your home, your mortgage and taxes, critical decisions are easier. Neutral, third party information can help you make logical, rather than emotional, decisions.

Probably the first decision is whether you want to continue living in the house. Will the familiar surroundings bring you comfort and emotional security, or unpleasant memories?

Do you want to minimize change by staying where you are, or sell your home and move to a new place that offers a new start?

Only you can answer those questions, but there will almost certainly be some financial repercussions to your decision process. What can you afford? Can you manage the old house on your new budget? Is refinancing possible? Or is it better to sell and buy? How much house can you buy on your new budget?

To help you know what questions you should ask and how to arrive at the right answer for your specific situation, a FREE special report as been prepared by industry experts entitled “Divorce: What You Need to Know About Your House, Your Home Loan and Taxes”.

To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your free copy of this report, call 1-877-566-8862 and enter ID# 1001. You can call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call now to find out how to make this part of your current situation less stressful.

This report is courtesy of (The Andrus Team, Dre# 01427618 American Dream Realty), Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale.

Paid Advertisement

ALDINA Real Estate Inc. Property Management

“Feel The Energy” “A Night At The Nutcracker” opens Dec. 14. Photo by Jana Marcus

Stage

Continued from page B1

peace and good will, “this one couldn’t be more of the opposite,” Ceglio said.

The musical is billed as a “musical farce,” which, as Ceglio explained, is the “best parts of a musical and extreme comedy rolled into one big ball.”

Capturing the essence of the Marx Brothers and translating that to the stage is one of the largest challenges Ceglio said he has to face as director. It’s a fine balance between making scenes funny, but not too over the top, which would kill the humor, he said.

The cast of 12 performers has been succeeding with this challenge, he said.

“We have a really slamming cast,” Ceglio said.

The musical will feature returning Cabrillo Stage actors, such as Nicholas Ceglio as Groucho (Felix T. Filibuster), Max Ben-

Mediteranean

nett-Parker as Chico (Pepponi) and Matt Dunn as Harpo (Pinchie). Jon Nordgren will direct the full pit orchestra.

A limited number of seats are available for a meet-and-greet session with the authors of the musical, Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, along with composer Ed Alton, on Dec. 15. The reception, taking place from 5-7 p.m. at the Cabrillo Sesnon House, is limited to the first 160 guests. To RSVP, visit www.cabrillostage.com.

“A Night At The Nutcracker,” performed at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Dr., will open Dec. 14 and run through Dec. 30. Wednesday through Sunday performances will be at 7:30 p.m. and weekend matinees will be at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20$40 and can be purchased at www.cabrillostage.com or 479-6154.

www.aldinapropperrtymanagem geme ment nt.ccom Office: (8 831)7 763 63-7 7777 Serving: Santa Cruz, z, Monnterey & Me Merced rc Counties

Continued from page B1

Among the new changes are all new lighting and refrigeration and an improved entertainment system, including five LCD flatscreen televisions – perfect for watching the NFL football games that will be showing throughout the season.

There is also Kinect Sports, a digital juke box and traditional bar-room favorites – darts and pool.

And for those who like to check their Facebook updates while enjoying a frosty tall one, there is free Wi-Fi. “We fixed it up like a sports bar and made it more fun,” Tapella said, adding the chang-

es have gone down well with the community with more neighborhood people coming by – in spite of having to raise prices “a bit.”

Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m.

A full-service bar with six beers on tap and many more by the bottle, The Mediterranean Bar is a cozy beach tavern with a new lease on life – cheers.

The Mediterranean Bar is at 265 Center Ave. and is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

December Special Reserve your space n ow for o ur January edition!

Aptos Life publishes monthly.

Don’t be left out of our next edition...

Call your advertising representative today!

Jeanie Johnson • 831.761.7354 Jessica Woods • 831.761.7352 Tina Chavez • 831.761.7359 Jillian Hogan • 831.227.8385 Susie Ronzano • 831.761.7356 Chelsea Johnson • 831.761.7351 If you have an idea for a story or information for our Calendar of Events, please email: info@aptoslife.com or reach us directly at 877.694.9048 www.aptoslife.com

Holiday Gift Guide Chic Boutique

For unique fashions and accessories, head on over to Chic Boutique at 7548 Soquel Dr., where you can find styles from casual to dressy. Offering sizes from x-small to 1x, their friendly staff can help you pick the perfect outfit for any occasion — from a candlelight dinner to a night out with the girls or a family trip to the local cinema — they have got you covered. If you want to stand out from the crowd, their Sherlock Holmes-inspired caplet made of wool, polyester and acrylic will have people stopping you to find out where you purchased it, while their colorful “shimmer”-print zip jacket with princess seams provides the right bit of zing at an affordable price. To set off your new outfit, go for the gold with their Karin Sultan Jewelry line from Paris, featuring rose gold bracelets and necklaces.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, this Sherlock Holmes inspired caplet made of wool, poly and acrylic will have people stopping you to investigate where you purchased it. $114

Colorful “shimmer” print zip jacket with princess seams, available in sizes x-small - 1X $125

Karin Sultan Jewelry line from Paris,

Rose gold bracelet and long rose gold necklace that can be doubled for added fashion both, $60. Gold Bracelet and triple layer gold necklace,v both $80.

Gift Guide Continues on Following Pages

g n i h t e m o s n o d n e i n F veryo for eour list... y 7500 Soquel Drive • Aptos STOREWIDE SALE DECEMBER 4th -16th.

20%OFF

ENTIRE PURCHASE Not valid on sale items. Must present this coupon to receive offer. Expires 12/16/12

Look Great For Your Holiday Parties

We proudly offer several contemporary lines that are made in the US, and our sizes range from x-small to 1x.

You deserve to be noticed...

• Eyelash Extensions

• Spray-Tans

• Waxing

• Facials

• Makeup & False Lash Application

• Massage

We offer these and many other products for all your Beauty Needs

CHIC BOUTIQUE • Aptos Center 7548 Soquel Drive • 684-2442

We Have Gift Certificates!

{Next to Shoe Fetish, Patrick James, and Pacific Coffee Roasting} Tues-Sat 10:30-6, Sun & Mon 11-5

7556 Soquel Dr. | Aptos I 688.3203 belladawnaesthetics.com

Quality, full service salon Established in 1968 in Aptos.

Att

we create lifelong relationships with our clientele.

Only the Best Stylists specializing in the highest standards in the industry for current, upscale and progressive Hair Styling, Permanent Wave and Coloring.

Campus Styling

Owner/Partners, Joaquin “Mike” Menezes and Kim Millet

www.CampusStyling.com

located in the Aptos Center 7562 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA 95003

(831) 688-1991

Your Full Service

l a c Lo

Jeweler

• • • •

Custom Wedding Rings Fine Gemstones Antique & Estate Jewelry Goldsmiths and Watchmaker on site • Insurance Appraisals & Evaluations Aptos Center 7552 Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95003 (831) 688-2799

Carmel By The Sea Ocean & Mission, Carmel, CA 93921 (831) 624-5621

www.MarkAreiasJewelers.com “All work done on premises.” Since 1982

Holiday Gift Guide Bella Dawna

Campus Styling Jurlique

A rich, repairing hand cream plus the rose balm for lips, cuticles, or chapped area. Part of Jurlique’s hand-picked Rose Collection this is a powerful duo rich in dynamic plant extracts, deeply moisturizing and hydrating, leaving skin revitalized and refreshed. Got a secret Santa? Send this one their way!

Don’t let the cold weather play havoc with your hair as you head into the party season — thank goodness Campus Styling at 7562 Soquel Drive in Aptos has been taking care of Aptos hairdos since 1968. Check out their range of hair care products including Redken Retail and Pureology, a salon brand featuring highly concentrated ZeroSulfate shampoos and the exclusive AntiFadeComplex, which helps color-treated hair retain its fresh-fromthe-salon vibrancy with every use, while their 100 percent Vegan, Dual Benefit Formulas provide custom care for every hair type.

If only beauty could be found in a bottle — oh wait, it can! Modern apothecary Bella Dawna at 7556 Soquel Drive sells natural, bio-dynamic and non-toxic products for face, body, bath, fragrance and nails. This winter, lavish yourself with Jane Iredale Cosmetics, a pure mineral line featuring standout foundation Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream — “BB” stands for “Beauty Balm.” It covers blemishes, minimizes pores, disguises wrinkles, smoothes and brightens skin leaving a luminous look and velvety feel. And for the Secret Santa in your life, treat them to products from Jurlique’s hand-picked Rose Collection, including their rich, repairing hand cream and rose balm for lips, cuticles or chapped areas. All these products and more can be found at Bella Dawna this winter.

7556 Soquel Drive Aptos 831-688-3203

Custom Care For Every Hair Type

Jane Iredale’s Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream

Created especially for professional colourists and their clients, Redken Retail - Specialized ingredients that transform hair’s inner structure while dramatically improving its outer appearance.

A luminous look and velvety feel!

Covers blemishes, minimizes pores, disguises wrinkles, smooths and brightens skin! Contains broad spectrum spf25, water resistant up to 40 minutes.

Grapefruit extract promotes luminosity.

Apple extract is a skin smoothing antioxidant that exfoliates, refines, and rejuvenates the skin. Sunflower seed oil is rich in moisturizing vitamin e. Aloe leaf juice soothes & calms the skin. Non-comogenic, hypoallergenic, sensitivity tested, clinically tested, dermatologist tested.

Pureology

Mark Areias Jewelers

For more than 30 years, Mark Areias Jewelers has been offering its customers a wide selection of custom-designed jewelry. You can find pieces such as their beautifully hand-crafted, all-original-design Tanzanite ring featuring a two-toned Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold setting. The shank is set with beautiful Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds. Or their diamond ring — an original design, hand-fabricated in platinum, featuring a beautiful split shank and halo covered in diamonds, surrounding a stunning round brilliant cut diamond. Both pieces are available at their Aptos location, 7552 Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95003

Blue Stoned Ring

A beautifully hand-crafted, original design, magnificent Tanzanite ring featuring a two toned Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold setting. The shank is set with beautiful Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds and available at our Aptos location.

Pureology is a salon haircare brand unlike any other. Our highly concentrated ZeroSulfate shampoos and the exclusive AntiFadeComplex help color-treated hair retain its fresh-from-the-salon vibrancy with every use, while our 100 percent Vegan, Dual Benefit Formulas provide custom care for every hair type. Available at Campus Styling.

Eye Shapes Opticians Eye Shapes Opticians in the Deer Park Marketplace is the only licensed eyeglass and contact lens fitter in Aptos. They have a lab onsite and offer a complete line of vision-correction products and a huge selection of designer frames. This Christmas, wrap your eyes in style with Jimmy Crystal New York eye-wear, featuring unique designs awash in Swarovski crystals, perfect for statement-making entrances. And because this is California where, thankfully, the sun is always ready to make an appearance — even during the winter months — check out their Maui Jim range of sunglasses, with their patented, color-infused PolarizedPlus2 Lens Technology at work in an optically correct, distortion-free lens.

Diamond Ring

An original design hand fabricated in Platinum. This ring features a beautiful split shank and halo covered in diamonds, surrounding a stunning Round Brilliant Cut Diamond. This piece is available at our Aptos location.

Gift Guide Continues on Following Pages

Locally Owned Since 1980

Today’s Skin Solutions a skin care boutique

• Customized relaxing facials • Result oriented microdermabrasion • Brow shaping specialist • Makeup enhancing technique tutorial • Wedding and special occasion makeup • Airbrush tanning

Gift certificates make the perfect holiday gift.

Mention this ad and receive a complimentary paraffin hand-treatment valued at 25.00, when you schedule your treatment or purchase a gift certificate.

Theresa Kloepfer licensed esthetician since 1998.

831-234-6205

Make their holidays bright

Providers for: • EyeMed • Seniority Plus • Health Net • MESC • SafeGuard

Read my reviews on Yelp

800 Hungtington Drive Aptos, CA 95003

with a gift certificate from Eye Shapes.

DEER PARK MARKETPLACE #37 - Above Deluxe Foods Rio Del Mar / Hwy 1 in Aptos

Holiday Gift Guide Outside-In

The local source for home, garden and kitchen products, Outside-In was opened in 1996 by husband and wife John and Terri Hammond, followed by Outside-In Kids in 2009. This holiday, entertain in style with their collection of lead-free talavera serveware and dinnerware, all hand painted by skilled artisans in Mexico and their selection of Laguoile steak knives and cheese tool sets. Their french steak knife set of 6 is an affordable introduction to the collection. And because it is Christmas, choose from a selection of whimsical ornaments, including the kitch octopus available in turquoise, grey or orange.

For some R&R, relax with a hand-poured Spicy Apple Candle that burns for 200 (or 300) intoxicating hours, while lounging in your PJ Harlow Loungewear, the ultimate in buttery, soft, luxurious pants, tops and robes. Or settle in for a relaxing soak in the tub with Blithe & Bonny Bath Products. Made in Santa Cruz County, the eco-friendly bath line is available in grapefruit, tuberose and lavender fragrances. For something sparkly, check out their line of Aptos-based CJ Studio Jewelry, ranging from intricate wire-work to creative bead stringing with vintage seed beads. All products can be found at Outside-In at 7568 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

For family fun time, check out Outside-In Kids’ selection of games that teach cooperation as well as friendly competition, including the board game Fastrack. And don’t forget the new mom in your life, with the Petunia Pickle Bottom collection of diaper bags and accessories. Both can be found at Outside-In Kids, 7560 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

Octopus Ornament

Our favorite cephalopod ornament adds a whimsical touch to any tree! Not wanting to camoflage itself amongst the other tree decor, the Kitch Octopus is available in turquoise, grey or orange. Available at Outside-In, 7568 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

Talavera Salsa Bowl

Our collection of lead-free talavera serveware & dinnerware is hand painted using lead-free glazes, by skilled artisans in Mexico. Perfect for everyday use, each piece can also be hung for display. Available exclusively at Outside-In, 7568 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

PJ Harlow Loungewear

The ultimate in luxurious loungewear, PJ Harlow buttery soft knits and silky soft satin combine to make incredibly comfortable pants, tops and robes. Designed for women by women, PJ Harlow is produced entirely in the USA. Available at Outside-In, 7568 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

French Steak Knife Set of 6

This gorgeous set of steak knives bears the tell-tale bee symbol found on all authentic Laguiole French cutlery. An affordable introduction to our assortment of Laguoile steak knives and cheese tool sets. Available at Outside-In, 7568 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

Fastrack

With Fastrack, the action is non-stop and the fun plentiful, as you race to send all of the wooden disks to your opponent’s side of the board. Many other available games teach cooperation as well as friendly competition. Available at Outside-In Kids, 7560 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

The Destination for Gifts, Decor and so much more...

Like us on Facebook for special fan-only offers!

Follow our blog at oihome.wordpress.com Mon - Sat 10am to 6pm Sunday 11am to 5pm extended hours beginning December 10th

7568 Soquel Drive (State Park Drive exit) in the Aptos Center Outside-In 831.684.0178

Outside-In Kids 831.684.0913

Holiday Gift Guide Outside-In Continued from page B6 Today’s Skin Solutions Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag

Every new parent derserves to carry the best in diaper bags. We love the Petunia Pickle Bottom collection, in either glazed fabric or organic cotton, with lots of pockets, perfect for storing Sophie the Giraffe, Swaddle Blankets from Aiden & Anais and more. Available at Outside-In Kids, 7560 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

CJ Studio jewerlry

Just because the sun has gone — at least for a few weeks — does not mean your sunkissed look has to migrate for the winter, too. Keep your skin in a healthy glow all winter long with Today’s Skin Solutions’ range of Fake Bake sunless tanning products at their location at 800 Huntington Drive. Esthetician extraordinaire Theresa Klopfer works with Skin Blends’ cleansing and moisturizing products to design a professional custom blending skin care system for all skin types, leaving faces supple and squeaky-clean.

Skin Blends Cleansing and Moisturizing

Professional custom blending skin care system for all skin types, designed by your esthetician Theresa Klopfer.

Today’s skin Solutions 831-234-6205

Fake Bake

Made right here in Aptos, the CJ Studio collection ranges from intricate wire work to creative bead stringing with vintage seed beads. The designer’s eye for color and style are evident in each creation she produces.

Available at Outside-In, 7568 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

Sunless tanning with a healthy glow all year long. Available at Today’s Skin Solutions. 831-2346205

Jane Iredale Mineral Make-up

The most beautiful cosmetic you can wear is a healthy skin. That’s why Jane Ireadale is the No. 1 makeup choice of skin care professionals. Jane Ireadale Amazing Base Mineral Makeup is a concealer, foundation, eyeshadow base, and SPF all in one. Complimentary skin color match at Today’s Skin Solutions 831234-6205.

Spicy Apple Candle

Our best-selling candle, hand-poured in the U.S., burns for 200 intoxicating hours (300 hour version also available).

Many other fragrances are also available, including two scents exclusive to Outside-In at 7568 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

Blithe & Bonny Bath Products

Made here in Santa Cruz County, this eco-friendly bath line is available in grapefruit, tuberose and lavender fragrances. Each label is printed on old book pages, so no two are alike! Available at Outside-In, 7568 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

Simply Skin Esthetics • Skin Care Spa & Gift Boutique

• new/used books • used audio books • unique Holiday Gifts • 1 minute off hwy 1 Watsonville’s Independent Bookstore

• special orders-no charge!

Season’s Greetings

• • • • • •

Gift Certificates Facials & waxing Micro-dermabrasion Skin care products Mineral Make-up Complimentary consultations

Gift Boutique • Jewelry • Apparel • Fashion accessories • Bath and body • small leather goods

500 Soquel Ave St. B, Santa Cruz, CA. 95062

831-429-9400

www.SimplySkinEsthetics.com Like us on Facebook and receive 10% off your first service or retail purchase

B8 - Aptos Life - December 2012

PHYSICIANS MEDICAL GROUP Monday, December 3, 2012 2:00p.m - 4:30p.m 5200 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060

IHOP Tuesday, December 4, 2012 1:30p.m - 4:00p.m 1549 41st Ave Capitola, CA 95010

PHYSICIANS MEDICAL GROUP Wednesday, December 5, 2012 2:00p.m - 4:30p.m 5200 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060

IHOP Thursday, December 6, 2012 1:30p.m - 4:00p.m 1549 41st Ave. Capitola, CA 95010

www.AptosLife.com

December 2012

C - Section

High School Sports Schedule BOYS BASKETBALL DECEMBER 11th 7:00 PM OVERFELT HIGH

13th - 15th TBA @GILROY TOURNAMENT

21st 7:00 PM WATSONVILLE HIGH

JANUARY 2nd 5:30 PM @SOQUEL HIGH

4th 5:30 PM ST. FRANCIS CCC HIGH

GIRLS BASKETBALL DECEMBER 3rd 7:00 PM @WATSONVILLE HIGH

6th 5:30 PM @SEASIDE HIGH

13th 6:30 PM SAN BENITO HIGH @Alisal

19th 5:30 PM @CARMEL HIGH

JANUARY 2nd 7:00 PM SOQUEL

4th 7:00 PM ST FRANCIS CCC @NEW GYM

BOYS SOCCER DECEMBER 7th 7:15 PM NORTH SALINAS HIGH

13th 5:30 PM

Aptos fell to Valley Christian High School in the championship game. Photo by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life

Aptos loses CCS title game Disappointing end to a stellar season for the Mariners

By GLENN CRAVENS

@KING CITY HIGH

Of Aptos Life

12th 3:30 PM

SAN JOSE — The final Aptos High football hurdle on Saturday proved to be too high to clear.

At the end of the loss to Valley Christian High, the players were on one knee as they listened to coach Randy Blankenship and the rest of the coaching staff give words of reflection on their 2012 season.

Behind the players were dozens of parents, friends and siblings, all who made the trek to Independence High to watch the Mariners attempt to do something it hadn’t since 2003 — play in a Central Coast Section championship game.

Unfortunately for the Mariners, Valley Christian High proved to be too much.

The Warriors rolled early, led from start to finish, and disposed of Aptos 51-20 to win the Central Coast Section Division III championship.

After receiving words from the coaches, the players lined up along the goal line on the west side of the field. One by one, players hugged and hi-fived teammates, thanking each other for a memorable season. There were some smiles but many wet eyes.

Blankenship was blunt after the game as he summed up the season he and the Mariners had.

“Losing always sucks,” Blankenship said. “The kids worked their tails off and deserved better. But the sun’s going to rise tomorrow. We’re undefeated league champs two years in a row, and we made a great run in the playoffs.”

Running back Elijah Marta had 141 yards rushing and one touchdown, Brodie Bennet had a rushing touchdown, and Alex Joh hooked up with Alec Bonsall for a firsthalf-ending touchdown for the Mariners (10-3), which saw its 10-game winning streak come to an end.

Aptos got on the board with 9:16 to go in the second quarter when Bennett ran 12 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown, cutting the team’s deficit to 20-7.

Seeking some momentum in the third quarter, the Mariners stopped Valley Christian’s opening drive of the second half.

SANTA CRUZ HIGH @Depot Park

21st 7:15 PM SOQUEL HIGH

GIRLS SOCCER DECEMBER 4th 7:00 PM LOS GATOS HIGH

6th 3:30 PM @MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH

11th 3:30 PM @ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON HIGH

13th TBA @WATSONVILLE HIGH

18th 3:30 PM SANTA CRUZ HIGH @Depot Park

20th 7:15 PM SOQUEL HIGH

WRESTLING DECEMBER 7th TBA @FREMONT HS

8th TBA @FREMONT HS

15th TBA @LYNBROOK HS NOVICE TOURNAMENT

27th TBA COAST CLASSIC

28th TBA COAST CLASSIC

JANUARY 4th TBA APPLE CIDER VARSITY DUALS @ Watsonville HS

5th TBA @GRANADA HS VARSITY INVITATIONAL

They then turned in a 13-play, 91-yard touchdown drive that took off five minutes of the third quarter. Marta capped the drive with a three-yard touchdown run into the end zone, cutting Aptos’ deficit to 34-20 with 4:22 to play in the third.

The Mariners, who rallied from a 13-point hole last week against Monterey, suddenly had that feeling it was going to pull off yet another spectacular victory.

However, Marta’s touchdown ended up being the final Mariners score this season.

“Mistakes. We made some mistakes, but I won’t let that get me down,” Marta said.

“Just tried to keep going.”

It ended up being a banner season for not only Valley Christian — it won its third CCS fall team championship — but the whole West Catholic Athletic League.

The league brought home four of the five CCS football championships this season.

Aptos was back in the title bout for the first time since 2003, when it won it all.

With hundreds of fans in attendance, the Mariners tried their best to stop the Valley Christian offense.

The Warriors showed right away that they had their own plans, and they were sticking to them. On the third play of the game, running back Kirk Johnson got the ball from quarterback Jay MacIntyre, broke a tackle in the backfield and ran down the right sideline 69 yards for a touchdown. One hundred seconds had come off the clock and Valley Christian had a 7-0 lead.

Aptos tried to answer and had its rapid-fire offense going. But it was stopped by itself. The Mariners went from their own 22-yard line to Valley Christian’s 40-yard line before a fumble did them in.

Valley Christian took advantage. It didn’t have a knockout play. Instead, it went 58 yards on 13 plays for its second touchdown.

It was 20-0 after the first play of the second quarter. MacIntyre had all day to throw and finally found Ryan Severson for a 34-yard touchdown on a third down.

“You go back and look at how many times we had them third and nine and they made a big play,” Blankenship said. “There’s three or four. We’ve been getting off the field, but we didn’t get off the field tonight.”

Valley Christian coach Mike Machado said getting off to a fast start was key, considering all of the team’s narrow losses this season.

“We were able to start quickly with the big run early,” Machado said. “The defense did a good job getting some stops and punts.”

MacIntyre, the signal caller and the son of San Jose State University football coach Mike MacIntyre, also did damage on the defensive end.

Although it was 37-20 at the start of the fourth quarter, Aptos had the momentum, even though it allowed a field goal to Valley Christian. The Mariners were marching with a fast pace. On a fourth down at the Aptos 41-yard line, Marta barreled forward for what seemed to be the first down. All of a sudden, MacIntyre emerged from a pile of players with the football and ran it back 45 yards for a touchdown, giving Valley Christian a 44-20 lead.

The Warriors, playing in their ninth championship game, won their fifth CCS title. Denied an opportunity to play in the Open Division, the Warriors made the most of their run in Division III. Machado praised Aptos for not only getting to the finals, but also putting up a fight.

“I watched them against Monterey, and I knew they were never going to quit,” Machado said. “But these 70 guys over here aren’t going to quit either.”

Marta said he would remember all of the good times he and his teammates shared throughout the season.

“We had a lot of memories throughout the season,” he said.

Blankenship said he would remember the team’s journey and how they overcame themselves and opponents repeatedly.

“We weren’t supposed to beat Saratoga, and we weren’t supposed to beat Monterey, and we weren’t supposed to win league,” Blankenship said. “This (loss) doesn’t lessen any of my pride I have for them. ... I’m going to ask them right now, if they knew the outcome, would they do it again? And I bet they would.”

See more photos on the following pages C 3-4.

C2 - Aptos Life - December 2012

www.AptosLife.com

Tough end to stellar season

All photos by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life

www.AptosLife.com

Aptos Life - December 2012 - C 3

Women in the Spotlight Date: December 5, 2012 Time: 11:30am1:00pm Location: Bittersweet Bistro, 787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos Join us for another wonderful Women in the Spotlight featuring Renee Shepherd of Renee’s Garden. She will be speaking on how to “Set your table from your Garden.” $35 per person, reservations required 831688-1467 What: Holiday Craft Fair & Tree Lighting. When: Saturday, December 8, 2012, 2:00 pm-5:30pm. Where: Aptos Village Tree corner of Soquel Drive & Aptos Creek Road. Bring the family on Saturday, December 8th at 2:00pm to Aptos Village Tree for the Aptos Chamber’s Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Craft Fair event! Enjoy Christmas caroling with the Twin Lakes Church Youth Choir, hot chocolate, Santa Claus, Holiday Shopping from over a dozen local vendors and the lighting the Aptos Community Christmas Tree! Please bring your favorite cookies to share! We will also be collecting canned food for Second Harvest Food Bank and/or unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

Holiday Mixer Date: December 12, 2012 Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm Location: Seascape Beach Resort It’s that time of year again!

Join us for our Holiday Mixer and view some of the amazing gift ideas offered by Wine Tasting is every Friday at Seascape Food in Aptos. $5 wine tasting every friday from 4 pm local Businesses during the holiday season! 6 pm. Featuring a different winery every week. For more information contact Seascape Foods in We will have food, music provided by Mu- Aptos 685-3134. sic Now DJ, holiday raffle, and much more! play “My Three Angels,” by Sam and Bel- 2:00 pm Matinees Tickets: $20 - $46 Tickets cember 3 – Sunday December 9 For store Call for more information, 831-688-1467 la Spewack, is produced by the St. Francis now available online at www.cabrillostage. locations and hours, visit ThatsMyPark.org December Breakfast Meeting. Date: De- High School Theater Arts Program, with com. Staffed box office opens 11/27 831- or call 429-1840 cember 13, 2012 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Lo- a special musical performance by the St. 479-6154 Cabrillo Crocker Theater Where: Natural Bridges State Beach, Cabrillo Stage concludes their 31st seacation: Best Western Plus Seacliff Inn, Ap- Francis High School Choir. Directed by Mr. Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, son with the hilarious holiday romp “A Dan Dewig. tos. Join us for our last breakfast meeting of Night At The Nutcracker.” The Marx Broth- Seacliff State Beach, Wilder Ranch State the year with special guest speakers Ellen Cabrillo Jazz Series presents A Night ers played havoc with the worlds of opera Park and online at www.ThatsMyPark.org/ Pirie, outgoing 2nd District Supervisor and of Vocal Jazz. Featuring the Cabrillo Jazz and horse racing. What if they’d had a crack store More: www.ThatsMyPark.org Zach Friend, incoming 2nd District SuperSingers, JAZZ@2:00, JAZZ@3:00, West at a ballet company? The hilarity ensues in visor. $20 members, $25 non-members Mad Hatter’s Holiday Tea Party Fall Coast Voices and special guests. The eve- this musical farce when the world’s greatdown the rabbit hole at our 4th annual est detective, Felix T. Filibuster, teams up ning features ensemble and solo vocal jazz Train to Christmas Town! Date: November-December 2012. Time: Various times, performances of traditional vocal jazz liter- with Pinchie the silent butler and his Italian fundraiser for Toys For Tots. If this is the check website for details Climb aboard the ature, such as Manhatten Transfer, Lambert friend, Pepponi. Together they come to the first time you’ve ventured into Wonderland, Train to Christmas Town! This holiday sea- Hendrix and Ross, and New York Voices. rescue of Constance Stuffington, patron of or you’re making a return trip, we know son, fall in love with the heartwarming tale Also featuring contemporary arrangements the arts, whose fortune has been swindled you’ll enjoy this festive and whimsical holof Janice, a little girl who looks forward to by Kerry Marsh, Peter Eldridge, Michele away. Can opening night of the city’s Nut- iday party. Of course, a hearty and plentiful riding the Train to Christmas Town every Weir and Paris Rutherford. Directed by cracker Suite Ballet be saved in time? With buffet with an array of sumptuous desserts year with her brother and grandmother. This Mark Bidelman. Saturday, December 8 slapstick comedy, one-liners, chases, beau- will be provided. Most importantly, tea will year is a little different though, as readers of 7:30 pm Tickets: $10 general $9 senoirs/ tiful girls, musical numbers and the craziest be offered while you are entertained by the the story already know. Accompanied by a students $7 w/SAC card. Cabrillo Crocker version of The Nutcracker you’ll ever see, beloved story book characters from Alice’s A Night at the Nutcracker is a Christmas Adventures in Wonderland. bag full of surprises, woodland friends and Theater The production has a new director this musical comedy that’s fun for the whole jolly elves, Janice relives happy memories Cabrillo Women’s Chorus presents family! Andrew Ceglio, Director; Jon Nor- year, Nathan Figone, who grew up particas she rides the train to Christmas Town Songs of Winter. A concert of music for dgren, Producing Artistic Director/Music ipating in our local theatre scene, and has once again. gone on to help produce live theatre in the You can share a visit with Santa Claus women’s voices celebrating the winter sea- Director.

San Francisco Bay Area. He’s going to carson.

Directed by Mark Bidelman.

Sunday, and receive a very special gift. See the story ry on with the tradition of creating a show Native Revival Nursery and our sister December 9 3:00 pm Tickets: $10 general come to life as families ride the same train with Janice and her friends. The conductor $9 seniors/students $7 w/SAC card Cabrillo shop, The Poppy Farm at The San Pedro full of whimsical mayhem this year to deSquare Market, are excited to announce our light young and old alike! will welcome you aboard and punch your Samper Recital Hall To further the magic of the event all holiday wreath making class. Celebrate that ticket as you find your seat in warm, decoTheatre Arts presents Actors’ Showcase fall has arrived and that the holidays are just net proceeds will be donated by Seascape rated cars. Meet Bumblebee the Polar Bear, Wabash the Squirrel, even Zephyr the de- Theatre Arts students performing scenes around the corner. Come create a holiday Beach Resort to Toys For Tots of Santa pot cat and laugh along with Elves while and monologues. Warning: may contain wreath for yourself or for a gift. Wreaths Cruz County. Additionally, guests are asked they’re busy serving cookies and cocoa, adult situations, content and language – pa- will be constructed from beautiful Cali- to bring an *unwrapped toy or a monetary and leading guests in singing Christmas rental discretion advised. Monday, Decem- fornia native plants, harvested from our 3 donation for Toys For Tots. Last year, there carols. Upon arrival at Christmas Town, ber 10 7:00 pm Tickets: Donations request- acre nursery. Wild rose hips, St. Catherine’s were smiles on the faces of over 300 chilLace, California Bay, Snowberries, Toyon, dren due to the generosity of the toys donatSanta climbs on board and walks through ed at door Cabrillo Black Box Theater and the fragrant Wax Myrtle, just to name ed at this event! the cars greeting each child with holiday Sunday, December 9th, starting at Westside Community Folk Song/ Gospel a few. Classes to take place: December cheer and his signature “Ho, Ho, Ho”!

Choir. Gospel and world music for choir. 8th, 10:30-1pm at Native Revival Nursery, 12:30pm. Tickets: $8 Children under 2 yrs Chaminade Resort & Spa- New Years Directed by Michael J. McGushin.Monday, $45 (inlcudes all materials) December 9th, old $31 Children 3-11 yrs old $47 Adults.

Eve Celebration. Date: December 31, December 10 8:00 pm Tickets: Donations 10:30-1pm at The Poppy Farm, $45 (inlcu- For details, please call 831-662-7141. To purchase tickets online, click here. Res2012 Time: 6:00pm-12:30am. Guest room requested at door Cabrillo Samper Recital des all materials) ervations are required by Friday, Decem packages starting at just $359 per couple Hall ber 7th. Please bring at least one new unThe Poppy Farm, 100 North Almaden includes the following: Luxury overnight Cabrillo Piano Ensemble. A rich selec- Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110 Native Reviv- wrapped toy per person attending. High accomodations for two NYE celebrationvalued at over $100 per person (includes tion of classical and popular works written al Nursery, 2600 Mar Vista Drive, Aptos, needs are for children up to 3 years old, and girls 9-12 years old (soccer balls, art sets, all of the below) -A unique strolling din- for piano duet, two pianos, and the sig- CA 95003 (831) 684-1811 boardgames, etc.) Please avoid guns or toys ner experience with themed interactive nature “Monster Concert” performed by of aggression, and for health reasons Toys Week-long holiday sale to support local twelve pianists at six pianos.

Directed by chef stations-A 5 hour NYE open bar from for Tots cannot accept unpacked stuffed anstate parks and beaches, 12/3 12/9.

Who: Susan Bruckner.

Wednesday, December 12 7pm-12midnight- The NYE beverage package includes select beer, wine, champagne 7:30 pm Tickets: $10 general $7 students/ Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks What: imals.

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is holdand cocktails-Their astonighingly beautiful seniors Cabrillo Samper Recital Hall Seascape Village Holiday Tree Lighting. ing its annual Holiday Sale. At each of four Sunset Room with panoramic views of the Cabrillo Classical Guitar Ensemble. ParkStores, as well as online, receive up Friday, December 7, 5pm to 7pm Gather in city lights of Santa Cruz -Santa Cruz’s PreThursday, December 13 7:00 pm Tickets: to 25% off on all merchandise including the Seascape Village Plaza for an evening miere DJ service, Music Now DJ Donations requested at the door Cabrillo iconic Michael Schwab park illustrations, of community fellowship with the lights of St. Francis High School Performing Arts Samper Recital Hall Selections of solo, park apparel, nature guides, local history our outdoor tree reflecting in the laughing Department presents. “My Three Angels,” duo, trio and orchestral guitar performanc- books, educational toys, jewelry and other eyes of family and neighbors. Rejoice in merchandise that represents the special cul- the comfortable glow of the place you call Saturday, December 8 7:00 pm Tickets: es. Directed by Guy Cantwell. tural history and environment of each park. home. For info call 831-708-2323 $10 Adults, $7 Students, free for children Cabrillo Stage - Professional Musical under 12. Tickets available at the door.

All funds stay local in support of our state Cabrillo Black Box Theater. The Christmas Theatre presents. “A Night at the Nutcracker.” December 14 - 30 7:30 pm Evenings parks and beaches. When: Monday, De-

www.AptosLife.com

Aptos Life - December 2012 - C 5

OPEN ENROLLMENT ELECTION PERIOD

C. Tuosto Insurance Services Chris Tuosto

5905 Soquel #550 Soquel CA 95073 831 464-2111

Park Ave

Soquel

* 5905

tuostoinsurance@sbcglobal.net

From HWY 1 take Park Ave turn off (Exit 436) Aptos High faces tough competition this year. Photo by Glenn Cravens

Boys basketball leads busy winter sports season

By GLENN CRAVENS of the Aptos Life

Regional Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Elite Eight. He was one of the school’s letter winners, as the team had backto-back seasons of at least 21 wins.

Howe also tried out for the Golden State Warriors in 1981 but was one of the last cuts.

He eventually played in the NBA’s Pro-Am League.

The girls basketball team isn’t the only one with a new coach. The boys soccer team welcomes back Roberto Zuniga, who once coached the Mariners for five seasons. Zuniga led the Mariners from 1997-2002, leading the team to three CCS tournament appearances.

In 2001, the Mariners made it all the way to the CCS finals, where it lost to Bellarmine 1-0.

Zuinga will try to turn around the Mariners’ fortunes from last season, when it went 1-123. The Mariners’ lone win last season was a 1-0 win against San Lorenzo Valley in Felton.

Two of its ties were 0-0 decisions against Harbor and St. Francis Central Coast Catholic.

Aptos will play its first home game Dec. 3 against Soledad. It has nonleague contests against North Salinas, King City and Hollister before traveling to Depot Park to start SCCAL play against Santa Cruz.

The girls soccer team returns to action seeking not only a sixth consecutive CCS tournament appearance, but also its first SCCAL championship in the current realigment (since 2006).

The Mariners were 12-4-3 last season, with two of its losses coming at the hands of defending three-time league champion Scotts Valley.

Over the past five seasons, the Mariners have posted a .533 win percentage, tallying 56 victories in 105 games.

Aptos’ wrestling team, one of the deepest in the SCCAL last season, returns to defend its league championship.

The 2011-12 season was one of the more memorable in recent history for the Mariners.

They not only captured the league title with an undefeated record, but one of its wrestlers, Joe Else, captured a CCS individual championship.

Nine of the 11 wrestlers that competed in the CCS tournament won at least one match.

They will be tested heavily throughout the season. Later this month, they will compete in their own Coast Classic tournament. They start the new year in Watsonville for the Apple Cider Duals. In mid January, they will travel to Gilroy for the 2013 MidCals Tournament.

They then finish January in San Jose at the Overfelt Invitational.

APTOS — Aptos High’s fall sports season came to a conclusion with the school enjoying some surprising and stunning success in several sports.

The tenacious football team lost the CCS Championship game Saturday (see story on A1), but the girls tennis team won their second consecutive Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League championship with an undefeated record. The girls volleyball team was once again one of the final four teams remaining in the Central Coast Section Division III tournament.

The girls water polo team survived a rough Monterey Bay League Gabilan Division and returned to the CCS tournament.

It’s now time to make way for the winter sports season. If it’s anything like last year, fans are in for a treat.

The boys basketball team is back to defend its SCCAL championship. The Mariners finished last season with a 21-7 record and had a season-high nine-game winning streak. It’s the second consecutive year the Mariners posted a 20-win season.

They finished the season winning 13 of their final 15 games. But most notably, they went 2-0 in the SCCAL postseason tournament to capture a share of the league championship. In the tournament finals, the Mariners went to double overtime before defeating Santa Cruz 79-76.

It was the second tournament the team won in the 2011-12 season. The Mariners went 3-0 to win the Bob Steinbach Classic at North Salinas.

The basketball team will play in three tournaments, including its own Seascape Holiday Classic. The Mariners will also take part in the Gilroy Mustang Tournament and the Bob Steinbach Classic before SCCAL play begins.

The girls basketball team will try to improve from last year’s 8-16 season. While the team lost their top scorers in Dierdre Wilson and Camisa Composti, it has several returners who are eager to lead the team.

Forward Karianna Crowder is one of five seniors on the team, along with guards Amanda Ang and Riley Nichols and forwards Kassandra Rodriguez and Vanessa Ramos-Rocha.

The squad will be led by new coach Ralph Howe, a familiar face on campus.

Howe, the school’s on-campus psychologist, previously coached the Mariners’ girls junior varsity team for the past two years.

He has coached on several campuses in Texas and California. He recently coached at his alma mater, Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. He also led Reserve your Watsonville High’s girls space n ow for o ur team in 2007, where the January edition! squad finished with a .500 record in the MonAptos Life publishes monthly. terey Bay League.

Don’t be left out of our next edition...

Howe was a threeCall your advertising representative today! sport student-athlete at Jeanie Johnson • 831.761.7354 Jessica Woods • 831.761.7352 Gunn High in Palo Alto.

Tina Chavez • 831.761.7359 Jillian Hogan • 831.227.8385 He then went to Foothill Susie Ronzano • 831.761.7356 Chelsea Johnson • 831.761.7351 College before transferring to UC Riverside.

If you have an idea for a story or information for our He played at RivCalendar of Events, please email: info@aptoslife.com erside from 1978-80, or reach us directly at 877.694.9048 leading the Highlanders www.aptoslife.com to an NCAA Western

Let’s work together to understand your Medicare options.

You have the freedom to choose your Doctors and take advantage of new opportunities to save.

I work with various companies. My career started in 1986. I have been working in this county sense 1989 serving clients and their families. My office is located at the Soquel Park Professional building. I work with clients by appointment in my office, where I can better assist you. My disability has impaired my ability to walk very far. I walk with two canes.

Now that you know a little bit about me I would appreciate your business and welcome you to my office.

E-mail me at tuostoinsurance@sbcglobal.net Visit my website at www.ctuostoinsuranceservices.com

Chris Tuosto

MEDICARE * New Healthcare options * HMO Plans *Supplement plans HOME HEALTH CARE *Assisted Living plans DRUG SOLUTIONS *Prescription plans

License # 0710982

Dr. Heidari & Dr. Moradi

New Patients Welcome

We Offer State-of-the-art Dentistry Services for the Entire Family • General & Family Dentistry • Oral and IV Sedation Dentistry • Cosmetic & Smile Makeover • Dental Implants • Invisalign Invisible Braces/Orthodontics

First Time offer!

Free Sedation with any major Dental Treatment

Call Today: 688.6531

“

Your dental visit should be a comfortable and relaxing experience where you’re treated with dignity and respect. We offer exceptional sedation and relaxation services for those of you who are apprehensive or afraid .

” www.CreekViewDentistry.com

www.AptosLife.com

Happy Hour

Football

7 Days A Week: 3-6 pm

Sunday Brunch 9am to 1pm TAKEOUT & CATERING Open 7 Days a Week 10110 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

831-662-2BBQ (2227)

www.SidsSmokehouse.com AMBROSIA SPECIAL AM

BEST

in Santa C ruz County ‘09, ‘10, ‘1 1

1/2 OFF 1

Gizdich Ranch

Buy one and get another 1/2 OFF of equal or lesser less price with wit this coupon. Not valid for buffet, take-out, catering or with other offers. Expires 12/31/12

Order Your Holiday Pies NOW!

FREE Soda Open Daily!

Lunch Buffet 11:30am - 2:30pm Daily Dinner Starts at 5:00pm Daily

“Nothing Less Than Our Best” ( reservations recommended )

Include your events in our Calendar.

Please email to. info@aptoslife.com

C6 - Aptos Life - December 2012

with purchase of lunch buffet

Fresh apples • Fresh Fruit Pies • Gift Baskets • Gift Certificates Apple Juice Press on Saturdays

MAXIMUM 2 PER TABLE. PRESENT COUPON TO SERVER WHEN SEATED. Not good with other offers.

Expires Expires 12/31/12

“Nothing Less Than Our Best”

india bistro

Gizdich Ranch

207 Seabridge Rd, Aptos 685-0610 www.ambrosiaib.com

Thanksgiving Pies Also Available At: Shoppers Corner • Ben Lomond Market Deluxe Foods • Corralitos Market • Freedom Meat Lockers• Sunnyside Produce

BREAKFAST BY THE BAY AT SANDERLINGS RESTAURANT

722-1056 • 55 Beckham, Watsonville

Something FOR You THE KidsToo When you bring

KIDS the family to for DINE Palapas dinner on FREE Monday thru

Thursday nights for our unique style of Mexican food , your children dine for free!* *Offer is good for one

THE SANDERLINGS SKILLET Potatoes, Eggs, Sausage, Spinach, Mushrooms, Onions and Cheese served with your choice of Toast or a Flour Tortilla

THE SKINNY SKILLET

Fine Dining Mexican Style

Eggs, Spinach, Asparagus, Mushrooms, Onion and Cheese served with your choice of Fruit or a Flour Tortilla

Ocean View Lunch & Dinner Daily Reservations Suggested

$6.99 Each 7:00am–11:00am, Monday–Friday

child’s menu item (children under 12) per entree purchased from our regular menu by an adult in party. Valid on Monday - Thursday except holidays.

Expires 3-14-13.

831-662-7120 • SanderlingsRestaurant.com Not available on holidays or private parties

21 Seascape Village, Aptos

831-662-9000

www.palapasrestaurant.com

www.AptosLife.com

Aptos Life - December 2012 - C 7

Lanterns, bamboo divider screens and subdued lighting set a relaxing atmosphere at Panda Inn. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life

Panda Inn a cut above typical Chinese restaurants

By TODD GUILD of Aptos Life

APTOS — The Panda Inn is nestled into a corner of the Deer Park Shopping Center, a short walk up a path that seems to take its customers from the sterile façade of the plaza to a quieter, quaint world where Chinese lanterns cast a soft glow and myriad pieces of artwork fill the walls.

In an outdoor dining area, small stands of bamboo growing from oversize pots further the sense of removal from everyday life, while rattan screens and bamboo decor inside separate tables and gives diners a sense that they have room to breathe in the crowded space.

A bright array of tasteful Chinese art and decorations hang from virtually every wall and even from the light fixtures, giving the place an eclectic, although not overcrowded look.

When Aptos Life photographer Tarmo Hannula and I entered the busy restaurant just after noon, it was about half full with customers, with just one waitress bustling about with plates of food, taking orders and chatting with customers.

A ring of a bell at the counter, however, immediately brought her to the front to show us to our seats and bring menus.

Without having to ask for them, we had glasses of ice water and a pot of hot tea at our table less than a minute after we sat down.

The waitress was at our table soon after that to take our order. She also let us order from the dinner menu, although we had the option of ordering single-plate lunch specials ranging from $7.50 to about $10.

In order to share our dishes and hoping to get a broader range of the restaurant’s offerings, we declined the lunch specials and opted instead for a la carte dinner items.

Tarmo suggested the curry chicken ($9.90), while I wanted to try the orange chicken ($9.50), being a huge fan of the dish.

We also decided to get the shredded beef ($11.50), which was recommended by our waitress and described as a house specialty.

The curry chicken was full of thinly sliced meat, carrots and onions, all covered in rich gravy with a hint of curry powder. While the menu lists this dish as spicy, anyone who truly wants spiciness would be best served asking for hot pepper sauce or going with another dish such as gong bao chicken, ($9.90).

Still, the dish was delicious and satisfying and more reminiscent of a hearty south Asian stew than a typical Chinese dish.

The orange chicken featured large chunks of chicken fried in a light batter and covered with a sweet, tangy orange sauce flavored by small pieces of orange and cherries. I was hoping for a stronger orange flavor, but it was succulent nonetheless.

True to our waitresses’ word, the shredded beef

Szechuan style was delicious and spicy, with tender beef mixed with shredded carrots, green onions and bamboo shoots.

Tarmo pointed out that the dishes were a welcome respite from the often-disappointing dishes found at Chinese restaurants.

“You know what sets these dishes apart? Each dish is loaded with flavor,” he said. “They really pack a punch.”

Not wanting to overstuff ourselves, we did not order an appetizer, but had a choice of several traditional dishes such as fresh spring rolls ($6.50), fried wontons ($5.50) and potstickers ($6.90), in addition to Szechuan dumplings ($6.90) and sesame chicken ($5.90).

The restaurant also offers cold appetizers such as bon bon chicken ($6.90), chicken salad ($8.50) and Hunan shrimp salad ($10.50).

A sizable seafood section was also tempting, with dishes ranging from $10.50 to $19.50.

My friend Ally, a devout vegetarian, said she swears by the eggplant with Peking sauce ($8.90.)

Owner Wynnsome Chau, a native of Burma, said the restaurant strives to use high-quality, natural ingredients and leaves out the MSG. That philosophy has earned the restaurant a growing base of customers, some who have been coming for years.

“I know what they want to order,” Chau said. “They don’t even have to tell me.”

In addition, Chau said she tries to keep her prices low.

“We make a tiny profit and make the community happy,” she said.

Chau’s husband Leng came to the U.S. as a refugee during the Vietnam War. While living in a church shelter, he told a priest of his desire to be a mechanic. Knowing his English skills needed improvement before he delved into the technical aspects of such a career, however, the priest suggested he look into restaurant work.

He ended up making a career out of the restaurant industry, working in several Asian restaurants and creating his own recipes from the dishes he cooked.

“He built a library of recipes from that experience,” she said.

The Panda Inn is known for the hors d’oeuvre it makes for Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust’s Evening of Wine and Roses, which Chau said she’s been doing as long as the restaurant has been open.

Chau said she also composts and recycles as much as possible.

“We care about our community,” she said. “We need to take care of each other. It’s important. I think we have to care for each other and make America beautiful.”

The Panda Inn is located at the Deer Park Center #5, 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd. in Aptos.

Hours M-TH 11-9, F-Sa 11:30-9:30, Su 11:30-9.

For more information call 831-688-8620

The Panda Inn, in the Deer Park Center, has been in the same location for 32 years. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life

Shredded beef Szechuan style (left), orange chicken (top) and curry chicken made for a tangy and varied lunch. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/ Aptos Life

C8 - Aptos Life - December 2012

www.AptosLife.com

Book Review - ‘Quest for Flight ‘

By Bob Walch

Many Central Coast residents do not realize that Santa Cruz County played a role in the development of early air flight. The Wright brothers may get the credit for successfully making the first controlled, powered flight in 1903, but there’s much more to the story.

Leading up to that day on the sandy beach of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, a lot of experimentation with balloons and gliders took place in the years before the Wrights made headlines.

Conquering the skies was a collective effort involving a number of individuals in both the United States and Europe.

Although he is often overlooked, John J. Montgomery, California’s “Father of the Aeroplane,” is one of the individuals who laid the groundwork for making the dream of human-controlled flight a reality.

The story of this intriguing individual is told in “Quest for Flight: John J. Montgom-

ery and the Dawn of Aviation in the West”

( University of Oklahoma Press. $29.95) by Craig Harwood and Gary Fogel.

After charting Montgomery’s early days growing up in both Northern and Southern California, the narrative settles on the young man taking a position at Santa Clara College in the late 1890s where he taught English and math. It was this academic environment that nurtured the young man’s desire to continue his experiments with gliders and small-scale flying models.

As with any inventor, Montgomery was anxious to try his innovative designs for gliders. Flights launched from hot-air balloons were one of the ways to test the aeronautical theories incorporated into the inventor’s gliders.

Although they took place at a number of places in Northern California, Aptos figured prominently in some of these 1905 experiments. Daniel Maloney, an aerial specialist, was the test pilot.

A number of glider tests flight followed in other locations and these are all addressed in the book, along with the Montgomery’s untimely death and the struggles to get his groundbreaking work recognized in later years.

A distant relative of Montgomery, Craig Harwood is an engineering geologist who lives in Ben Lomond. This highly readable biography is well illustrated with more than 30 vintage photos and diagrams that assist in telling the story of this aviation pioneer.

Anyone interested in the history of American aviation and Santa Cruz County’s role in the development of early, controlled glider flight must read this book.

Bob Walch is a freelance writer out of Monterey. He can be reached by email at bobwalch@hotmail.com. Mr. Walch’s opinions are not necessarily those of the Aptos Life.

Contents

Aptos Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center and The Register-Pajaronian 7605-A Old Dominion Court Aptos, CA 95003 Phone: 831-688-1467 • Fax: 831-688-6961 info@aptoschamber.com

www.aptoschamber.com Advertising Sales Register-Pajaronian 831-761-7300

Writers Amy Ramsey – ARTS, RELOCATION, and REAL ESTATE Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association – WINERIES Megan Bregante & Denise Ward – EXCURSIONS Denise Ward – WEDDINGS, DINING, ACCOMODATIONS, and INTRODUCTION Megan Bregante, Josie Cowden, & Denise Ward – RESTAURANT REVIEWS Karen Hibble – MEDICAL SERVICES

Aptos History Museum Photographers

Thanks to the community, the Aptos His“Pacific” left opposite ends of the county Tarmo Hannula/Register-Pajaronian tory Museum is celebrating 7 years of his- and met in Aptos.

Burke/Register-Pajaronian tory in May. We are open only becauseJeremy of October 18, 1881: King David Kalakaua community membership and support of our of Hawaii came to visit Claus Spreckles in Cover Photo:Aptos.

Tarmo Hannula/Register-Pajaronian events. Without your support this valuable resource will be lost to the community.

In 1905 first public Aeroplane flights were Each year, the museum hosts all of the in Aptos. third grade classes in Aptos for their “local Butch Voris, the man who started the Editing: history” field trip. The children learn about “Blue Angles” US Navy flight demonstraMegan our local history and a sense of place. Thank tion team,Bregante grew up in Aptos. you for participating in their education. Our Please stop by and visit your Aptos Hismuseum receives no government funding. tory Museum.

We are open 9-4 Monday ©2012 Aptos Chamber of Commerce Here are some facts you might not know through Friday and weekends by appointabout Aptos.

No portion may bement. reproduced with out written permission May 7, 1876, Opening Day Saninformation call 831-688-1467, from of thethe Aptos ChamberFor of more Commerce. ta Cruz Railroad from Santa Cruz through go to www.AptosHistory.org.

Watsonville. First trains, “Betsy Jane” and

The information in this guide has been gathered with every effort to ensure accuracy and is current as of May 2012.

However, the Aptos Chamber of Commerce cannot, and does not, guarantee authenticity of all the information furnished to them, or the complete absence thereof. Therefore, no responsibility for ommisions and errors can be made or is assumed. For advertising space reservations in future editions or for additional information, contact the Register-Pajaronian: 831-761-7300.

Visit us online www.aptoslife.com

5

Outdoor Activities

8

Golf

10

Excursion Ideas

13

Local Attractions

14

Wineries

15

Local Map

16-17

Weddings

18

Farmer’s Market

19

Dining

21-27

Accommodations

28

Real Estate and Relocation

30

Medical Services

30

T

he Aptos History Museum is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its expanded facility. Please come and visit and see all the fascinating history we have right here in Aptos.

The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm, and at other times by appointment.

SOQUEL DRIVE CHURCH SEACLIFF INN

OLD DO M I

NI

STATE PARK DRIVE

Published By

Traveler’s Directory

CT.

TRAVEL ADVENTURES

4

ON

Monterey Bay

Welcome

SAFEWAY

MUSEUM HWY 1

7605-B Old Dominion Ct. Aptos, CA 95003 Phone: 831-688-9514 www.aptoshistory.org