LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel by Weeklys

Sports Page 12

La Selva Trestle Page 2

APTOS

MARCH 2015

SOQUEL

CAPITOLA EVERYTHING APTOS, CAPITOLA & SOQUEL

Vol. 3 No. 8

Famous bike tracks get the ax

HISTORY CORNER By John Hibble Call: 688-1467 Visit us online: aptoshistory.org Visit the museum:

By TARMO HANNULA

7605-B Old Dominion Court Aptos, CA

Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant Leonardo and Patricia Santana will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of their Seacliff restaurant, Manuel’s, from March 9 to 15. Now, that is a history story worth telling. Manuel’s restaurant’s success is based on consistently good, affordable, authentic Mexican food and friendly service where you are treated like family. It has historically been the only dining place in Aptos open until midnight. Leonardo says that “if there is no one waiting in line for a table I am not doing my job.” However, the restaurant’s history begins with the story of Leonardo’s parents, Manuel and Alice Santana. In 1927 they were born in Watts, a community in South Central Los Angeles famous for the artistic sculptural Please turn to Page 6

Apple box labels from Day Valley Apples and Pleasant Valley Apples are featured in the mural. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

New mural adorns rail trestle

By TARMO HANNULA

APTOS — A new colorful mural is going up on the railroad trestle at Soquel and Spreckles drive. Mural artist Arturo Thomae, who has completed numerous large outdoor murals around the county, is painting the work that depicts the early-day apple industry in Aptos. “The idea of the mural has been in the works for the better part of the last year,” said Steve Allen of Allen Property Group, Inc., whose business

is right around the corner from that trestle. Allen is footing the bill for the mural installation. “The mural plan started with the Aptos Enhancement Committee. You’d be surprised how much paperwork is involved with a project like this. I’m glad it has now been set in motion.” Thomae said he has heard nothing but encouragement from passersby. “I get compliments all day long when I’m out here,” Thomae said.

A half-century celebration Mar Vista School marks milestone

Open space district in early stages By ERIK CHALHOUB APTOS — When it comes to parks and open space in Santa Cruz County, there is no shortage of ideas, said retired county treasurer Fred Keeley. But when it comes to finding out how to fund those ideas, there is no clear picture, he said. Keeley is heading up a proposed county-wide Open Space District, and spoke about the initiative during the Aptos Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast and at the Fitz Wetlands Educational

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Resource Center in Watsonville on Feb. 5. What the Open Space District might look like in Santa Cruz County is still too early to tell, Keeley said. In Sonoma County, the Open Space District preserves agricultural land to protect its robust vineyards from development, he said, and voters approved a quarter-cent sales tax to help fund the district. In Santa Clara County, the district heads up recreation programs and

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portrait photo as part of celebrating 50 years of the school in Aptos. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

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APTOS, CAPITOLA & SOQUEL,CA.

register black voters. Now, with much of King’s dream long APTOS — A half-century ago, a group since a reality and a black man in the of students collected their books and school White House, nearly 500 students, parents supplies from their desks at Valencia and administrators gathered in Mar Vista’s Elementary School, and walked out the playing field Feb. 6 to commemorate the school’s 50th anniversary. doors for the last time. “It’s a great school,” said Pajaro Valley They began the next day as Mar Vista Unified School District Superintendent Elementary School students. That was February 1965, when Lyndon Dorma Baker. “Just look at all the retired Johnson was president and Martin Luther teachers who came back.” Baker was referring to approximately King. Jr. had just begun his efforts to a dozen educators and staff who came to the celebration, and who get together twice a year or so to swap memories of their time there, and to catch up on their lives. “We all love Mar Vista,” said Edna Lindquist, 84, who was the school’s first secretary. “It’s been wonderful since day one.” Beverly Motter, 88, who taught third grade at the school’s inception, said the staff was like a big family. “We all looked out for Former teachers and staff at Mar Vista Elementary School (front each other,” she said. row, in chairs) join about 450 students for a massive group

By TODD GUILD

APTOS — Following a brief protest, a bulldozer operator got to work Feb. 17 leveling the world-famous Post Office dirt track as dozens of bicyclists mournfully looked on. Photographer Rick Puckett said he visited the track that morning and learned that about 40 bicyclists slept on the track the previous night as a form of fond farewell to a spot that they have been riding and meeting one another for years. “It was very moving,” Puckett said. “I guess they put lights on their bikes and they had fireworks and they rode the jumps at night. Just minutes before the bulldozer started up a woman reportedly stretched out on the ground in front of the bulldozer to protest the demolition. After a Sheriff’s deputy showed up things calmed down and the work began. Someone reportedly dumped some dirt into the fuel tank of a large Caterpillar excavator the previous night at the site, disabling the entire machine. A mechanic was on hand the next morning to remove and clean the gas tank. Puckett said a crew of bicyclists made the first step in the demolition — a symbolic move — by tearing down the wood platform at the top of the track with

March 2015

2 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Rail trestle complete Community celebrates new La Selva bridge

A challenge indeed. With the exception of the foundation, Dorsa said the project LA SELVA BEACH — After the was a complete rebuild, tearing down the Regional Transportation Commission old structure and replacing it with new purchased the 32-mile Santa Cruz Branch steel girders, towers, deck and more. Tucked away in a tight space, crews also Rail Line in 2012, it contracted Stacy & Witbeck to rehabilitate four bridges along had to build access roads for two cranes, a 285-ton and 300-ton, in addition to pads to the line. Three of them, along Harkins Slough park the machinery on. Dorsa thanked the residents of the in Watsonville, Hidden Beach in Aptos, and Wilder State Park in Santa Cruz, were area for allowing access through their timber trestle bridges which required properties. “We were scratching our head at Stacy & replacing rotting pieces and other structural Witbeck as to how we were going to build work. And then there was the La Selva Beach this thing, and without their patience and Trestle, built in 1927 and in a battered help in allowing us access to their private property, we would not have been able to shape. “While those bridges were challenging, construct the bridge,” he said. To mark the completion of the new by far the most challenging of the four bridges was this one here in La Selva,” trestle, the RTC held a ceremony Feb. 26, said Michael Dorsa, construction manager attracting a large gathering of residents and officials. To top off the ceremony, a at Stacy & Witbeck. pair of EMD F-9 diesel electric locomotives, carrying vintage passenger cars, traveled from Watsonville to park on top of the trestle. The vintage locomotives were built in 1951 in Baltimore, Ohio, said railroad historian Gary Plomp. At the height of construction, Dorsa said 20-25 people were working on the bridge, made up of iron workers, carpenters, operating engineers and others. Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend, who serves on the RTC, said when the commission purchased the rail line, it had set aside $5 million to improve structures along the line. The original bid price for the La Selva project was $3,000,654. Friend said that although the Carol Searle came to the event sporting railroad bridge won’t solve all transportation earrings. Photo by Tarmo Hannula issues in the county, it is in important

By ERIK CHALHOUB

A crowd listens to words from officials and builders about the new trestle. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

step toward that goal. “It’s one of the steps of showing that the Regional Transportation Commission is committed toward all options for improving transportation in our county,” he said. Jeff Weeks, general manager of the Santa Cruz & Monterey Bay Railway, said the completion of the trestle opens

up a number of opportunities, including commuter passenger rail service, and tourist and excursion service. The Train to Christmas Town, which has embarked from Watsonville for the past two years, is expected to make a comeback this year, Weeks said. Construction on the trestle began in August.

Symphony League sponsoring Swing Gala SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz Symphony League is sponsoring a Swing Gala at the Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz featuring the 17-piece “Swing Into Spring” swing band led by Jon Nordgren on March 7. The event will feature the swing classics of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, and many others, a silent auction, dinner and live

auction. The event supports the Santa Cruz Symphony conducted by Maestro Daniel Stewart. Tickets are $125 per person. A table of eight is $100. To purchase tickets or for information, visit SantaCruzSwings.org or call Harry Domash at 685-1932.

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Production - Daryl Nelson Design - Mike Lyon Life in Aptos, Capitola and Soquel is published monthly. All rights reserved, material may not be reprinted without written consent from the publisher. Life in Aptos, Capitola and Soquel made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. Life in Aptos, Capitola and Soquel is a division of the Register-Pajaronian. Publishing in Santa Cruz County since 1894.

To the Editor, I have been living in Santa Cruz County since 1975 and I have always been a bird and animal lover. Two recent letters to the editor about the young boy chasing birds really disheartened me. Although no animal should be deliberately harmed, some laws are simply ridiculous. Didn’t Clint Eastwood reportedly seek to become mayor because, among other things, he discovered it was illegal to consume ice cream on Carmel sidewalks? Aren’t Santa Cruzans supposed to remain off the railroad tracks? Thank goodness for priorities. Should the law against bird harassment extend to joggers on the beach, as well as innocent children? Perhaps Santa Cruz should employ their newly-purchased army tank in pursuit of these bird chasers, in that case. Incidentally, I looked up the word “harassment,” used by one of the writers in reference to this boy on the beach. Harassment is defined as a “malicious act, repeatedly done” (Webster’s College Dictionary). I hardly think the word accurately describes the boy on the beach’s childlike behavior, do you? Those two writers should check their own hearts. We already have too many finger-pointers in Santa Cruz. Chris “Merlin” Bushman Capitola

877-694-9048

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March 2015

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 3

PG&E to dismiss power pole upgrade application By ERIK CHALHOUB APTOS — A judge ruled Jan. 27 that Pacific Gas & Electric must prepare a motion to dismiss its proposed power line upgrade. California Public Utilities Commission Administrative Law Judge Robert Mason ruled that PG&E is instructed to meet with all parties involved to acknowledge that all agree that the application should be dismissed. Those parties include Neighbors Organized to Protect Our Community, a grassroots organization of Santa Cruz County residents, who have voiced their concern over the project. Called the Santa Cruz 115kV

Reinforcement Project, the project was proposed to extend from roughly Pinto Lake in Watsonville to Aptos High School, winding through the Corralitos and Day Valley areas, and converting an existing 7.1 miles of wood poles with 90foot tubular steel poles. On Dec. 17, the California Independent System Operator notified PG&E that the project is not necessary at this time. PG&E soon after requested that the application for the project be dismissed. The motion to dismiss the application should be filed no later than Feb. 9, Mason ruled.

Focus on business

The main lobby of the Capitola Mall was transformed into showcase for local businesses and services Feb. 19 for the annual Aptos and Capitola-Soquel Chambers of Commerce Business Showcase. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

Transparency Certificate of Excellence awarded to Soquel Creek Water District Staff report SOQUEL — The Soquel Creek Water District has become the first Santa Cruz County Special District to receive a “Transparency Certificate of Excellence” from the California Special District Leadership Foundation. The certificate was awarded on Feb. 19 in recognition of outstanding transparency and good governance. “We are honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Bruce Daniels, President of the District’s Board of Directors. “Earning this award recognizes

our dedicated efforts to be transparent in everything we do and our commitment to being open and accessible to all our customers.” In order to receive the award, a special district must demonstrate the completion of eight essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports with the State Controller in a timely manner. Soquel Creek Water District also fulfilled the 15 website requirements

required by the Special District Leadership Foundation. The requirements include providing readily available information to the public, such as board agendas and packets, past board meeting minutes, the current district budget, and the most recent financial audit. The Transparency Certificate of Excellence also requires special districts to demonstrate public outreach that engages its constituents in its governance. Soquel Creek Water District has accomplished this through a regularly distributed district newsletter and special community engagement projects such as its recent

Groundwater Stakeholder Meetings, the yearlong back-up water supply evaluations, and the regional conservation campaign this past summer. “The entire District staff is to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight,” said Kim Adamson, Soquel Creek Water District’s General Manager. Special districts are independent public agencies responsible for delivering core services — such as water, fire protection, sanitation, libraries and parks — to the communities that they serve.

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4 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

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MakersFactory relocates to Cabrillo College

Staff report

APTOS — Cabrillo College and MakersFactory announced the establishment of a new Cabrillo facility for Additive 3D Printing technology, as well as the relocation of MakersFactory to Cabrillo’s campus. This new alliance will bring new courses, and increased educational and vocational opportunities for the students of Cabrillo College, for MakersFactory customers, and for the broader Santa Cruz community. MakersFactory moved from its downtown Santa Cruz location to Cabrillo’s Aptos campus on Jan. 1. “This move makes sense from an economical, social and business perspective,” said MakersFactory founder and president Dave Britton. “We’re more centralized, we have a greater audience and we already share the same educational goals with Cabrillo — to educate, inspire and train today’s modern student. We’ve had a warm welcome from Cabrillo and have already begun implementation of a number of programs.” The first program to launch has been the inclusion of MakersFactory 3D EdTech workshops in the Cabrillo Extension Spring 2015 catalog. The new courses include Youth Programs, Adult Courses and Professional Development. In April, a new Cabrillo FabLab will be created within the 3D Visual Arts building utilizing MakersFactory 3D Machinery, including state-of-the art 3D printers (sometimes referred to as “additive” manufacturing equipment), and computer-controlled laser cutters and scanners.  “The co-location of technology in arts divisions across the country, including at such institutions as the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), the Chicago Art Institute School, and Indiana University, has led to all sorts of creative STEAM discoveries and learning opportunities for students in the arts and sciences,” said John Graulty, Dean of Cabrillo’s Visual, Applied and Performing Arts Division. “As it does at these other world-class institutions, such cross-disciplinary learning will help to prepare Cabrillo’s graduates with the broad array of skills that are increasingly in demand in the new creative economy.”

Staff report

Adon S. Valenziano’s piece, “Stemonitida croceus.”

Gallery presents ‘Material Illusions’ Staff report APTOS — The Cabrillo College Gallery will present “Material Illusions,” March 9 through April 10. Working in materials ranging from the “precious to the mundane,” six artists, Cheryl Coon, Bella Feldman, Yvonne Escalante, Biagio Scarpello, Adon S. Valenziano and Lynda Watson aim to challenge perceptions about materials. Their mediums include bronze, glass, porcelain, straws, steel, wood and wool. A reception will be held on March 7 from 5:30-7 p.m. The Cabrillo Gallery is located on 6500 Soquel Drive in Aptos. For information, visit www.cabrillo.edu/services/ artgallery.

WATSONVILLE — On March 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1275 Green Valley Road in Watsonville, the Live Earth Farm Discovery Program’s 6th annual Sheep to Shawl event will feature hands-on stations demonstrating the entire progression of processing wool, local artisans sharing their wares, and vendors dishing up locally sourced food. Organizers are looking for skilled and unskilled individual alike to volunteer. The event will be exhibiting shearing, carding, spinning, dyeing, knitting/crocheting, felting, and weaving. Those with experience are invited to help demonstrate their talents. The Live Earth Farm Discovery Program is a nonprofit farm-based education organization making seed to mouth, farm to fork, and child to community connections. It serves the communities of Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and Monterey Bay. The Sheep to Shawl event is one of three annual, on the farm celebrations open to the public; all of which aim to further the nonprofit’s mission of teaching the value of seasonal, sustainably sourced, plant rich meals. For information, contact Peter Nelson, LEFDP Education Coordinator, at lepdpeducation@gmail. com or 728-2032. If you are unable to volunteer but would still like to support the Live Earth Farm Discovery Program, you can make a donation to the Spring Fund Drive that provides summer camp scholarships to low income community members. For information, visit www. liveearthfarm.net/springfunddrive.

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March 2015

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 5

TEDXSANTACRUZ

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TEDxSantaCruz gears up for 2015 event

Tickets on sale for annual music festival

SEASCAPE RESORT

Staff report SANTA CRUZ — TEDxSantaCruz 2015 announced that tickets for the April 24 TEDxSantaCruz 2015: Radical Collaboration event are available online. Dr. David Haussler, known for his work leading the team that assembled the first human genome sequence in the race to complete the Human Genome Project, is the first confirmed speaker, with many more to come in the weeks ahead. Haussler is scientific director of the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute and director of the Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering. His work has spawned a cancer research project, a project to map the genome of 10,000 animal species, and programs in computer science, mathematics, microbiology and medical research. “UC Santa Cruz is the trusted global partner in the fight against cancer and other diseases with a genetic component, working with researchers and medical centers around the world,” said Haussler. “We are building the infrastructure for radical collaboration. The secure global exchange of genomic information is the only way we will achieve the statistical power to understand and defeat these diseases.” This will be TEDxSantaCruz’s fourth daylong local TEDx conference. “We’ve curated a three-year arc of themes: Engage, Open, Activate,” said TEDxSantaCruz co-organizer Nada Miljkovic. “This year’s theme seemed a natural progression: Radical Collaboration. We’re challenging ourselves to walk the talk and explore radical collaboration as a team, with our speakers, our audience and our community.” Tickets for the all day-event are $70, with a limited number of half-price discounted tickets for students. The all-day TEDxSantaCruz event — from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 24 — will take place at the Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. Last year’s event sold out, so attendees are advised to buy their tickets early. Tickets are available at www.tedxsantacruz.org.

Staff report

Staff report APTOS — Tickets are now on sale for the American Music Festival this Memorial Day weekend, May 2324, at Aptos Village Park in Aptos. The lineup for this year’s festival includes Bonnie Raitt, Los Lonely Boys, Big & Rich, JJ Grey & Mofro, Ryan Bingham, Coco Montoya with Chris Cain & Friends, Ana Popovic and Big Sam’s Funky Nation. More artists will be announced in the coming weeks. For more than 22 years, Aptos Village Park has been the host to the festival. For information, visit www. santacruzamericanmusicfestival.com.

APTOS — Adrienne Cleary was appointed general manager of Seascape Beach Resort on Feb. 15, after 20 years at the resort with the last four years as Assistant General Manager. Jim Maggio, the resort’s GM since its inception 22 years ago in July 1993, has mentored Cleary throughout her career at Seascape Beach Resort. With Maggio’s guidance, Cleary takes over the reins with first-hand experience running the day-to-day operations and is committed to providing a highquality resort experience for its guests, owners and employees. “Jim has contributed to the business model and success of the resort in numerous ways,” said Mark Holcomb, President/Managing General Partner. “He enriched the resort experience through friendships developed with unit owners and guests, through working with the local community and by establishing a positive work environment for employees.” Both Cleary and Maggio will continue to work together as Maggio has become the Association Manager for Seascape Resort Owner Association. Seascape Beach Resort has received the coveted AAA Four-Diamond Award for years and offers 285 suites and beach villas with fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, fireplaces and private balconies. For information, visit www.seascaperesort.com.

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History Corner

Continued from page 1

towers that were built while Alice and Manuel were sweethearts growing up. Manuel attended Los Angeles State College, (Cal State LA) and Otis College of Art and Design. Upon graduation he drove a cab and painted houses because he could not support his family as an artist. While he was at Otis College of Art, Manuel met Al Johnson who moved to Santa Cruz County and opened Scott Creek Pottery. Al invited Manuel up for a visit to “paradise” and when he went back to Los Angeles he told Alice, “I don’t know what you are going to do Alice, but I am moving up there,” and in 1961 they did. Manuel continued to paint houses and work in construction and he liked to invite friends over and prepare family style meals. His friends continually told him that he was such a good cook that he should open a restaurant. Al Johnson egged Manny on and found a condemned building in Seacliff that had been a snack bar. Manny borrowed money from friends and got restaurant equipment on loan. He did the construction himself. Despite having never

Leonardo Santana is shown at Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant in the present day. Aptos History Museum photo

worked in a restaurant he opened Manuel’s on March 15, 1965. He used the income from the first night to purchase the food for the next night. There were nine tables, a limited menu and a license for beer and wine. Manuel was the cook, server and dishwasher. Manny had no days off for the first two years. On Mondays when the restaurant was closed he cleaned, shopped, prepped and cooked the food and then took his family out to a movie in Capitola. Alice handled the restaurant’s administration, volunteered at numerous nonprofits, and worked for the school district in order to provide a second income. Leonardo grew up around the restaurant from the time he was 6 years old. He learned to ride his bike on the sidewalk out front and met his best friend Jon Nordgren there. He worked in the office counting money for the deposits and eventually he did the payroll. Leonardo remembers counting beer bottle caps from the bottles that were served to determine which brands were most popular. At 12 years old he bused tables every summer and weekend. He was fired several times but was always reemployed. At 16 he worked in the kitchen. Manuel considered that learning how to paint was character building and every year he closed the restaurant for two weeks for a “paint-‘em-up” where everyone pitched in to paint and freshen up the restaurant. This always required a closing party to use up the food on hand. One of the pieces of art in the restaurant was an antique Mexican “Tree-of-Life” candelabra behind the bar and young Leonardo was told to get the wax off of it and clean it up. So he put it in the dishwasher. The candelabra still sits behind the bar although much of its glory was washed down the drain. In 1977 the Santanas opened Jardines restaurant in San Juan Batista, and at 21, Leonardo became the manager. In the 1960s Manuel’s restaurant was

Patricia, Oliver and Leonardo Santana. Aptos History Museum photo

a hangout of Ken Kesey and some of the Merry Pranksters. It is mentioned in the book, “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.” In 1968 the restaurant expanded to 21 tables. In 1973 Flamenco dancers were regular entertainment in the late hours of Wednesday nights. In 1974 it was headquarters for a farm workers cooperative Manuel formed to help migrant farm families settle, find housing and send their children to school. Manny and Alice could not afford to buy a house so Tom Ray offered them three acres in Day Valley. Manny said he had no money so Tom gave them one acre and they used it as collateral to finance the other two. Manny built the house himself. Manny was a liberal political activist motivated by social justice and a cultural leader as well as a talented artist. Many people came to the Santana’s house including Cesar Chavez, Aaron Copeland and Ray Bradbury. Leon Panetta launched his campaign for Congress at the Santana’s home. In 1989 Manuel retired from the

restaurant to do his art and his son Leonardo took the reins. In 2001 Alice retired and Patricia took over her administrative duties including doing the graphics. She also grows magnificent dahlias for the restaurant and makes Mexican chocolate truffles for special occasions. Alice passed away on June 1, 2002 at the age of 75. Manny went on to produce a huge body of work as a painter, printmaker and sculptor and had solo shows throughout California and Mexico. He was awarded Artist of the Year by the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission in 2008. Manuel passed away on July 1, 2008 at the age of 81. Leonardo, Patricia and their son Oliver carry on the tradition of sharing good food and good company. Leonardo says, “It’s all about the people that work here, the best people in the world.” Manuel’s Restaurant 261 Center Ave., Aptos 688-4848 www.manuelsrestaurant.com

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Manuel Santana is shown in his restaurant in a 1968 Register-Pajaronian photo. Aptos History Museum collection

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Mural

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

“People take the time to walk up and say how much it adds to their community. It’s definitely in a highly visible place and a lot of folks see it going up.” The mural depicts the Aptos Mountain Grown Apples label, Pleasant Valley Apples, Day Valley Apples, and Valencia Hihn Orchard Co. Included in the mural is an apple drying shed, an apple packing building and a pair of rivers that meet. On Wednesday Thomae completed painting one section that featured rows of crops. “It’s coming together and at the end of the day Wednesday it was shaping up really well,” Thomae said. Thomae said several students from a continuation school at Cabrillo College have pitched in some volunteer hours with the painting. Magi Ruiz of the Graffiti Removal Project partnered with the organizers of the mural. She said she sees the project not only as a mural, but painting over a potential graffiti spot. “It’s a beautification project for the

Bike Track

whole community,” she said. When such murals go up, Ruiz said, it shows those that choose to paint graffiti that the community takes these areas seriously. The addition of a mural most commonly deters graffiti, according to Ruiz. Her sister, Lizzy Ruiz, an accomplished artist, has volunteered to help paint the mural alongside Thomae. The numerous apple box labels, depicted in larger than life murals around Watsonville, helped inspire the mural model, Allen said. King Paint and Sherwin-Williams donated the paint for the job. “Arturo has been so inspirational,” Allen said. “We hope to do the trestle on the other side of Aptos if all the paperwork goes through.” Thomae said co-executive director of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce John Hibble and Supervisor Zach Friend helped Mural artist Arturo Thomae works on a new mural depicting early day apple growing in Aptos fast track the project. on a rail trestle that crosses over Soquel Drive in Aptos. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

Continued from page 1

their own hands and tools. Meanwhile, a handful of bicyclist made their last rounds on the adjoining Aptos Pump Track behind Epicenter Cycling before the bulldozer made it over there. “The main issue now is where do these people ride and enjoy this kind of challenging track?” Puckett said. “Currently there is no back-up plan in place. I hope an alternative track comes soon.” The demolition sets in motion the longawaited Aptos Village Project, a broad plan to develop retail spaces and homes on the land, which will ultimately give a town center to Aptos. On the weekend before the demolition hundreds of people flocked to the site for one last farewell blowout. With some riders coming from as far away as Sweden and Spain, bicyclists took turns showing off their dazzling and daring skills, executing airborne jumps and other such stunts. The event, which included a barbecue, was hosted by Epicenter Cycling. Bicyclist Garret Kniss said he has been coming from Fremont to the tracks for the past eight years and made it a point to attend the farewell event. “There just aren’t many places like this,” he said. “It’s a local spot and it’s free

and open to everyone. Tearing it down means there’s going to be a lot of riders with nothing to do.” The bike tracks were actually on the chopping block a few years back when Barry Swenson Builder acquired the land. But when the Aptos Village Project got bogged down with delays, a new plan was set in motion. Jesse Nickell III, company senior vice president of construction and development at Barry Swenson Builder, made arrangements for Santa Cruz County to lease the land for $1 a year in order to make it a temporary public park. “The short-sightedness of tearing down this park is unparalleled,” said Sheila J. George, whose 21-year-old son has been using the track since 2008. “These kids out here today are not using drugs or alcohol. They are out here having a safe and healthy time. I’ve lived in Aptos a long time. We have Cabrillo College, Nisene Marks and this great park. This is something cultural and is something you are not going to find in many places.” The Aptos Village Project, which was approved by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in 2012, will be a town center-style mixed-use community including residential, commercial, a village green and new county park. Plans

also include the restoration of an historic apple barn on the land. The 11.5-acre site is also the gateway to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. “We wanted to show there was a social need for a place where expert and pro riders could work on their freestyle dirt jumping and also a pump track for everyone of all ages and riding capabilities to work on their riding techniques,” Nickell said. “Many good things have come out of these temporary parks and we now are seeing bicycle pump track Bicyclists enjoy a final ride on the Aptos Pump Track as parks being built throughout a bulldozer leveled the adjacent Post Office Dirt Jumps. Santa Cruz County. While Photo by Tarmo Hannula it is sad to see these parks close, it is exciting to see what happy with the idea of it coming down changes the future holds for Aptos and the and that there is no back-up plan, no biking community.” replacement.” The project will also include new public One man, who said his name was Pete, streets featuring rain gardens, canopy said he and his son have been visiting the street trees, vintage lighting and a new jump track for several years. entry kiosk for the Forest of Nisene Marks “It’s sad it has to go,” he said. “It has State Park. become an international place. We watched “I live right here and I’ve seen so many a video on international bicyclists, jump kids — girls and boys — enjoy the bike tracks and the like from around the world jumps,” said Nick Eichman. “I’m not and there was Aptos, in the video.”

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March 2015

8 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Roux Dat brings new flavor to Capitola Cajun, Creole cuisine in a small setting By TODD GUILD CAPITOLA — When I walked out of Roux Dat Cajun and Creole restaurant in Capitola one recent afternoon, I was dusted with powdered sugar and satiated by some of the best food I have encountered in my time as a restaurant reviewer. My journey to that happily besotted state came thanks to the culinary counsel of manager Angelina Rugne, whose knowledge of the menu was outpaced only by her ebullient, welcoming nature. That set the tone for the entire visit — the service was prompt and Rugne checked on us several times. And with a somewhat limited knowledge of the Louisiana-based cuisine, her help was welcome as we ordered at the counter. She told me the jambalaya and gumbo are big sellers, as are the po’ boy sandwiches, all of which are staples of the cuisine. She also recommended the crawfish and sausage maque choux (pronounced mock chew), a dish I had never encountered but thoroughly enjoyed. We could have ordered a single dish for $9, but elected instead to order two dishes in the half-and-half option for $9.50. In either case they come with white or brown rice and a generous slice of Cajunspiced bread. I went for the chicken and sausage gumbo and the chicken Creole, both of which Rugne said paired well. With the same guidance, Aptos Life photographer Tarmo Hannula ordered the jambalaya and the maque choux. I also got a side of hush puppies, which came hot and sizzling and with a sweet, tangy dipping sauce. They were crispy and tender and a perfect start to the meal. My dishes were deeply flavored and savory. The gumbo featured Andouille

sausage and tender chicken, while the creole was more lightly flavored and was an excellent complement to the gumbo. A basket of several types of hot sauces sat unused on the table; while I love spicy food, my order needed no embellishment. I also tried both desserts on the menu, the house-made pralines ($2) and the beignets ($4). The latter is a dessert commonly served for breakfast in New Orleans, and came liberally dusted with powdered sugar, hence the confectionery besmirchment of my shirt. My advice to any would-be customers of Roux Dat is this: do not leave without ordering dessert. While the beignets are served hot out of the fryer and best eaten immediately, the pralines come packaged and ready to take home. Tarmo described his jambalaya as a tangy mix of shrimp, chicken, Andouille sausage, tomatoes, onions and garlic, and said it “boomed with flavor.” The rice was dusted with a red spice mixture and was well prepared that it became more than a mere accompaniment to the meal. I came back the next day to try the oyster po’boy ($12), which came with a side of sweet potato fries. The po’boy, basically a New Orleans sub, came on excellent French bread with lettuce, tomato and Cajun mayo, and as Rugne promised, the oysters were perfectly prepared. The sandwich can also be ordered with fried shrimp or roast beef. My sweet potato fries were fantastic, too: crispy on the outside with a creamy interior, and the light Cajun spice complemented the sweetness. Incorrectly categorized as being spicy, Cajun food is instead known for its rich, savory seasoning and darker sauces. It has its roots in French cuisine and is thought

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Patrons enjoy lunch at Raux Dat Cajun Creole restaurant in Capitola. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

to originate from the Acadians, who were expelled from Canada during the French and Indian war in the mid-1700s and settled in Louisiana. Louisiana Creole cuisine has European, French, Caribbean, African, and American influences and stretches back to the European settlers who lived in Latin America and the West Indies. Creole cuisine is somewhat lighter in flavor and color. In fact, it is the varied pedigree of the cuisines that draws owner Chad Glassley to the cuisine. “It’s not elaborate, but you take these ingredients — vegetables, Andouille sausage, chicken — and they complement each other really well,” he said. Glassley received his bachelor’s degree

in culinary arts from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, R.I., which allowed him to teach culinary classes at The Art Institute of Indianapolis. He has worked as executive chef at The Plaza Bistro in Sonoma and the Broadmoor Country Club in Indiana. His love affair with Cajun and Creole cuisine began on a trip to Louisiana. There, he purchased The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine by John Folse. “I just devoured the book, and I fell in love with the cuisine and the culture,” he said. With dreams of launching their own Cajun/Creole restaurant, he moved to Santa Cruz with his wife, who had family Continued next page

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March 2015

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 9

Mar Vista

Continued from pg1

Yvonne King, 72, described herself as “just a kid” when she came to the school at 21 fresh out of college to teach fifth and sixth grade. She stayed for 24 years. “It’s such a cool school,” she said. “I think it’s fabulous,” said Sharon Anderson, who taught gifted classes at the school for two decades. “It’s such a strong community.” That, Anderson said, is bolstered by a population of current and former students and parents who in many cases goes back three generations. Marcia Areias, who taught at the school for 32 years, and at one point

Open Space A popular New Orleans dessert are these hot, powdered sugar covered beignets. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

here. The dearth of a place offering the cuisine here cemented their decision. Roux Dat opened 10 months ago in Brown Ranch Marketplace, the Clares Street strip mall that also houses Trader Joe’s and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Since Glassley opened the doors, the restaurant has seen a growing customer base that sometimes packs the small space waiting for their meals. With just seven tables inside and a few outside, the place has a homey feel made more so by tasteful decorations and bright, earth tone red walls. That effect was enhanced by Zydeco music playing softly from overhead speakers. All of this countered the restaurant’s rather impersonal location in a strip mall. Two dispensers — one with iced tea and the other with lemonade — are available with free refills (both $2.50). I had the lemonade, which was refreshing and paired well with the food. Several soda choices were also on tap. On his first trip to the restaurant, Tim

Anderson of Santa Cruz said the discovery was a pleasant surprise after discovering Cajun food at a Seattle restaurant. “I’d definitely come back,” he said. ••• Roux Dat is located at 3555 Clares St. in Capitola. For information, call 295-6372 or visit www.rouxdatcajuncreole.com. Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Cuisine type: Cajun and Creole Food: ★★★★ Décor: bright, colorful Service: quick, friendly Atmosphere: comfortable neighborhood place Price: $$ Key (per meal) $ = $5 - $10 $$ = $11- 20 $$$ = $30 ★ = average, ★★ = good ★★★ = very good, ★★★★ = excellent

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taught Anderson’s daughter and her grandson. “This school is my heart,” Areias said. “I love the teachers, I love the kids, I love the spirit in the community.” Principal Richard Determan, who came to the school one year ago after 20 years at Aptos Junior High School, said he always enjoyed the students at his former post. “But now I know where all those great students came from,” he said. “It has been my ultimate privilege to be principal here.”

Continued from pg1

builds trails at existing parks, among other projects. “Think of it as ice cream,” Keeley said. “Every community gets its own flavor.” To begin forming Santa Cruz County’s Open Space District, Keeley said 2015 will be the year where supporters will take existing plans and ideas that have been adopted, and hold a series of conversations in the community. Such topics could be parks, open space, wetlands conservation and more. “What is it that an open space district can carry on its shoulders?” he said. With an open space district, the county could attract more funding for projects, as state entities favor those communities that have established such a district, according to Keeley. Keeley also pointed to efforts to turn 5,800 acres of the Coast Dairies property, which is north of Wilder Ranch State Park and south of Swanton, into the Santa Cruz Redwoods National Monument. A kick off event for the effort was held Feb. 12 at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz. For information, visit www.

Fred Keeley

santacruzredwoods.org. It also ties in with discussions of the open space district and the rebounding county parks department after the recession, Keeley said. While an open space district can’t do everything, he advised, it can pave the way for future opportunities. It is up to voters on a future ballot if they want to see it established in Santa Cruz County, Keeley said. “An open space district can close the delta between aspiration and dreams and reality,” he said.

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March 2015

10 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Dreaming of California Bank opens new exhibit

John Maxon’s oil on canvas work, “Emerald.”

By ERIK CHALHOUB APTOS — California has long been an artist’s dream for its colorful landscapes, seascapes and skyscapes. Five local artists look to capture the diversity of the state in “California Dreaming,” a new exhibit presented by the Santa Cruz County Bank across its five branches. The exhibit, which opened Feb. 20, runs through Aug. 7. A reception will be held on March 12 at the bank’s Santa Cruz branch, 720 Front St., from 5:30-7:30 p.m. “California Dreaming” includes 55 works by artists John Crawford, John Maxon, Michael Mote, Charles Prentiss and Margaret Rinkovsky. “In response to the stunning allure of our amazing Golden State, each artist, whether painting by memory or in plein air, has captured spirituality on canvas,” said Mary

Anne Carson, director of the Santa Cruz County Bank Arts Collaborative. Cabrillo College adjunct art professor Maxon, who lives in Corralitos, said most of his oil on canvas work is “brightly colored, regionally based landscapes.” “I sometimes refer to my work as ‘implied realism,’” he said. “When you look at my paintings, I definitely have the feeling of landscape, it tends to be expressionistic.” Maxon is participating in his second exhibit with the Santa Cruz County Bank. “All of us as artists certainly appreciate the opportunity to show with the bank to allow our imagery to be more widely viewed by the Santa Cruz community,” he said. Santa Cruz artist Rinkovsky has nine oil paintings throughout the bank’s five branches. Five of those she refers to as “oil studies,” based on views she witnessed

“Hillside,” an oil on canvas work by John Crawford, is part of the Santa Cruz County Bank’s “California Dreaming” exhibit.

while driving through California freeways. “There’s certain areas where you’re traveling on freeways and there’s really interesting views,” she said. “There’s a split second; you don’t see them very long.”

••• “California Dreaming” runs through Aug. 7, and is shown across the bank’s five branches: 595 Auto Center Drive, Watsonville; 7775 Soquel Drive, Aptos; 819 Bay Ave., Capitola; 720 Front St., Santa Cruz; 4604 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley.

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March 2015

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 11

Guest Columnist

Outliving your money

By GARY E. CROXALL, CFP® and SOREN E. CROXALL, CFP® Everyday there is a new article about how little Americans have saved for retirement and how more and more people are outliving their money as longevity continues to increase. A survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute in 2013 found that 60 percent of workers age 55 and older had $100,000 or less in retirement savings. While that statistic may be frightening, workers that are nearing retirement still have options available to them. •••

A few ideas

Perhaps one of the most underutilized

and overlooked tool available to workers are employer sponsored retirement plans like a 401(k). The new IRS guidelines for 2015 allow eligible employees to contribute up to $18,000 per year or $24,000 if they are over age 50 into a 401(k) plan. Additionally, many employers offer programs where they will match up to a certain amount of employee contributions. Depending on individual cash flow needs, workers should be contributing what they can into an employer sponsored plan even if that means starting small and electing to increase the contribution amount annually. Also, if you received a raise, consider putting that difference into your employer sponsored plan. Chances are you won’t be missing the money anyways. If you aren’t offered a workplace retirement plan, you can still contribute to an IRA. For 2015, you can contribute an annual maximum of $5,500 or $6,500 if you are older than 50. Another idea that workers nearing retirement can consider would be to gradually work their way into retirement instead of setting a hard date. Some people find that they enjoy remaining in their jobs part time or doing consulting work. However, it is important to note that if you

continue to earn an income and apply for Social Security before your full retirement age, the Social Security Administration may withhold a portion or all of your benefit if your income exceeds certain thresholds. Work with a financial professional about your individual situation. You should also look at ways to potentially maximize Social Security benefits. This may mean delaying receiving benefits until age 70 if your cash flow allows you to do so in order to receive a higher monthly benefit. Or you can look at coordinating benefits with your spouse. Again, everyone’s situation is different and a one size fits all strategy doesn’t work for everyone’s individual situation. Lastly, when factoring in what you plan to spend in retirement, don’t forget to look at health care and long term care costs. These are costs that are often overlooked, yet they can have a drastic impact on how long your money may last you in retirement. Planning for a steady income while considering the realistic expenses you will face during retirement can be challenging. However, planning ahead and considering the sources and nature of your income

after entering retirement can certainly go a long way to helping you get into a position where you will not be “outliving your money.”

Gary E. Croxall, CFP® Soren E. Croxall, CFP® Croxall Capital Planning Securities and Advisory Services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC), member FINRA/ SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Consulting and Investment Management offered through Croxall Capital Planning (CCP), a Registered Investment Advisor. CCP and NPC are separate and unrelated companies. NPC and CCP do not provide tax or legal advice. The information contained herein is for general education and is not intended as specific advice or a recommendation to any person or entity. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of NPC.

Guest Columnist

Selecting an in-home care provider

By RYAN COLLIGAN

Director at Safe at Home Senior Care

Try as we might, we can’t always be all things to all people. One situation where that is especially true is taking care of the day-to-day needs of our elderly parents. Two of the most important issues for seniors are to remain independent and in their own homes. However, health and safety issues can sometimes make normal day-to-day living more challenging — if not impossible. In some cases, it may be necessary to move your parents to a skilled nursing or residential care facility. Instead, many seniors are able to remain in their own homes with the assistance of hired care

providers. Hired care providers can either be independently contracted or individuals employed by a professional agency. Hiring an independent care provider is typically a less expensive option. While there are many talented and experienced care providers who work as independents, there are certain risks and considerations to make in hiring an independent: • You are responsible for performing a criminal background check. • You are responsible for finding a replacement if the care provider is absent. • You bear the burden for withholding payroll taxes, and providing state mandated workers compensation insurance coverage. • You bear the burden for liability problems like theft from or damage to your property. • You must verify their references and level of experience and training. Santa Cruz County is home to several agencies that specialize in providing professional non-medical, in-home care. These agencies provide a wide range of services including light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, transportation, medical

reminders and assistance with personal care. The one-on-one services offered can continue should your parents move out of their home and into an assisted living or nursing facility. Care providers employed by these agencies are bonded and covered by liability insurance to prevent any personal liability to you or your loved ones. Care providers are provided with ongoing training and scheduling is handled by the agency to prevent situations in which your parents might be left alone in an unsafe environment. While the services of a professional agency are typically more expensive than hiring privately, there are several benefits that come with the increased cost: • Services are customized to each client’s needs. • The agency provides training and thoroughly vets employees by performing criminal background, checking professional references and conducting interviews before hiring. • The agency is responsible for all employer tasks such as payroll, taxes, workers compensation, liability insurance and bonding.

• The agency is responsible for providing a replacement should the assigned care provider fail to arrive or need a day off. • Many agencies will offer the ability to meet and interview the care provider before beginning services. Fortunately, there are an abundance of options when it comes to finding care for your parents to remain safe in their own home. Determine what factors are most important to you in selecting a trusted partner. Take your time, do your research and hopefully you will find an in-home care provider that can make that final phase of your parents’ life as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

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March 2015

12 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

MARCH 2015

Aptos, Santa Cruz finish as co-champions of SCCAL after crazy final

Aptos High senior forward Dante Gomez (center) powers through a pair of Santa Cruz High defenders for a layup during the SCCAL Tournament Final Feb. 21 at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz won, 73-67, in overtime. Photo by Tony Nunez

By THOMAS FREY SANTA CRUZ — The Aptos High Mariners lost, 73-67, to the Santa Cruz High Cardinals in overtime of the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League Tournament Championship Feb. 21 at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz. After being down by five points with less than a minute left, Nemo Howe, of Aptos, tied the game with 1.8 seconds left to send it to overtime, but Santa Cruz (196, 9-3) powered past the Mariners in the extra period. The win by the Cardinals means they are co-champions of the SCCAL with Aptos (20-6, 11-1), which won the regular season title and beat Santa Cruz twice during the year. It was the fourth time in five seasons that the teams have met in the finals and

the third time that the Cardinals have won. Last season Santa Cruz beat Aptos in OT as well. Santa Cruz junior guard Kaijae YeeStephens had a big game in last year’s tournament final — 23 points — but he outdid himself by going off for a gamehigh 34 points, including seven in OT. “It feels great,” Yee-Stephens said of getting a co-championship. “I got into a zone at the end, Oscar [Mahoney] and Keenan [Williams] played great on defense and Kiree [Hutchings] hit free throws down the stretch that were huge.” Santa Cruz had a chance to put the game away up 60-55 with 59.5 seconds and Yee-Stephens on the free-throw line. YeeStephens had made both of his earlier free throws and was heading back to the line for a one-and-one with an opportunity to put the Cardinals up by seven. He missed and Aptos didn’t hesitate.

Senior point guard Jonah Gonzales took the ball down the floor and nailed a 3-pointer to bring the Mariners within two with 44.1 seconds left. Aptos didn’t foul on the ensuing Cardinals’ possession and it paid off. They forced a bad shot, and with under 10 seconds remaining, had a chance to tie or win the game. Jack Wolfe drove the lane and missed but Howe secured the offensive rebound and hit the shot to tie the game with 1.8 seconds left. “It’s always exhilarating to get a clutch shot like that in a game like this,” Howe said. “It’s just a great game, which is what you would expect from two good teams.” With the game in overtime, the Cardinals went up 69-62 and nearly surrendered another lead. Right after Aptos scored to cut the Cardinals lead to five, senior guard Ben Dorfman stole the inbounds pass and immediately drilled a 3-pointer from the

corner to cut the lead to 69-67. But it wasn’t enough and the Cardinals hit four straight free throws to win 73-67. Hutchings, who was clutch at the charity stripe late in the game, finished with 20. “We had to stop those two guys,” Dorfman said. “They just had a good game. It’s always a good game against Santa Cruz, close as usual.” Dorfman hit four 3-pointers including one to keep the Mariners within one point heading into the fourth quarter. He finished with 24 points, 22 of which were in the second half and overtime. Aptos went down early and had to dig itself out of a 33-23 deficit after Yee-Stephens got an offensive rebound and put it back in for two. Down 35-23, the Mariners went on a 9-0 run that was capped by a Gonzales 3-pointer. Gonzales finished with 11 points.

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March 2015

Aptos High School sports schedule All home games take place at Aptos High School, 100 Mariner Way, unless otherwise noted.

Boys varsity basketball

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 13

Soquel High School sports schedule All home games take place at Soquel High School, 401 Soquel San Jose Road, unless otherwise noted.

March 3 @ Gilroy High, 3:30 p.m. March 4 @ Watsonville High, 7 p.m. March 9 @ Carmel High, 4:30 p.m.

Boys varsity basketball

March 14 vs. Los Altos High, 4 p.m.

March 18 @ St. Francis

March 6 vs. MVC, 3:30 p.m.

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March 17 vs. Harbor High, 4:30 p.m. March 20 vs. St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High, 4:30 p.m.

March 21 vs. Aptos High

March 24 @ Scotts Valley High, 4:30 p.m. March 27 vs. Aloha High, 4:30 p.m.

Boys Varsity Golf March 3 vs. Scotts Valley High @ Seascape, 3:30 p.m. March 5 vs. Soquel High @ Seascape, 3:30 p.m. March 6 vs. Clovis West High @ Seascape, 3:30 p.m. March 10 vs. St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High @ Seascape, 3:30 p.m. March 12 vs. Santa Cruz High @ Seascape, 3:30 p.m. March 17 vs. Harbor High @ DeLaveaga, 3:30 p.m. March 19 vs. Palma High @ Seascape, 3:30 p.m. March 24 vs. San Lorenzo Valley High @ Boulder Creek, 3:30 p.m. March 26 vs. Scotts Valley High @ DeLaveaga, 3:30 p..m.

CoEd Varsity Lacrosse March 3 vs. St. Francis High, 7:30 p.m.

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March 25 vs. Scotts Valley

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March 28 vs. Harbor High

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March 12 @ Scotts Valley High

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March 26 vs. Scotts Valley

Boys Varsity Volleyball

March 6 vs. University High, 7 p.m. March 7 @ St. Mary’s High, 10:30 a.m.

March 4 @ SLV, 6:30 p.m.

March 7 @ Lincoln High, 1 p.m. March 11 vs. Carmel High, 7 p.m. March 16 vs. Watsonville High, 7 p.m. March 20 @ Salinas Sports Complex, 7 p.m. March 21, Play By the Bay Tournament, 8 a.m. March 24 @ Soquel High, 6:30 p.m. March 27 @ Salinas High, 6 p.m.

March 11 vs. Aptos High, 6:30 p.m.

March 13 @ Pacific Collegiate, 6:30 p.m.

March 18 @ Scotts Valley High, 6:30 p.m.

Girls Varsity Softball March 3 @ Monterey High, 4:30 p.m.

March 20 vs. Mt. Madonna, 6:30 p.m.

March 6 @ Notre Dame Salinas, 4:30 p.m. March 13 vs. Watsonville High, 4 p.m.

March 25 @ Harbor High, 6:30 p.m.

March 17 vs. SLV, 4 p.m. March 20 vs. Christopher High, 4 p.m. March 21 @ Watsonville High, 8 a.m.

March 27 vs. Harbor High, 6:30 p.m.

March 24 @ Harbor High, 4 p.m. March 26 vs. Scotts Valley, 4 p.m. March 28 @ Salinas Sports Complex, 8 a.m.

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March 2015

14 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Community Calendar APTOS

SOQUEL

CAPITOLA

MARCH

March 10 Networking Lunch

March 5 Breakfast meeting

March 4 SIR Branch 36 meeting

SIR Branch 36 will meet at the Portuguese Hall on 216 Evergreen St. in Santa Cruz, at 11:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be Brenna Ewing, Humane Educator with the Santa Cruz SPCA. Sons in Retirement is open to all working, retired, and semi-retired men. The organization offers men the opportunity to meet other men and get involved in activities such as bowling, golf, computer club, bocci ball and more. Luncheon is $17. For information, call www.SirBranch36.com.

March 19

The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will hold its March breakfast meeting from 7:30-9 a.m. at Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court in Aptos. The guest speaker will be Joaquin Menezes, co-founder and President of Yardarm Technologies, which has developed the world’s first wireless sensor for firearms. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. For reservations, call 688-1467.

Friends of the Aptos Library

The newly formed Friends of the Aptos Library will meet at 7 p.m., in the community room at the Aptos Branch, 7695 Soquel Drive. The group is planning a Book Sale for April 25 with the proceeds benefiting the library. Looking for volunteers, new members, donors, people with ideas and those who want to be involved with their community. For information, email friendsattheaptoslibrary@gmail.com.

Community Awards Celebration

The 74th annual Capitola-Soquel Chamber Community Awards Celebration will be held at the Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive in Aptos, from 6-9 p.m. The 2014 Man of the Year, Woman of the Year and Business of the Year will be celebrated. For information, call the Capitola-Soquel Chamber at 475-6522.

March 24 Dining for History

Dine at Severino’s Grill at the Best Western Seacliff Inn anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. and 15 percent of your proceeds will benefit the Aptos History Museum.

Safe at Home Senior Care

The Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking lunch at Bargetto Winery, 3535 North Main St. in Soquel, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will include lunch catered by Whole Foods Market Capitola, and a presentation about conceptual plans for the park site adjacent to the historic Rispin Mansion by Michael Arnone & Associates Landscape Architecture. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers. For reservations, call 4756522 or visit www.capitolachamber. com.

March Mixer

The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will hold a mixer at True Olive Connection, 7960 Soquel Drive, Suite C, Aptos, from 5-6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

March 24 Aptos Branch Soons In Retirement Luncheon

The luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m.,Severinos Restaurant,7500 Old Dominion Court in Aptos. The speaker will be Bruce Margon, Professor of Astronomy at UC Santa Cruz. He will speak on the latest findings in the sky. SIR is a club for retired men for which there are no dues or fees,religious or political agendas. For information, call Jack at 688-0977.

Ongoing Nar-Anon family groups

Nar-Anon Family Groups is a 12 step program/support group for friends and families who have been affected by the addiction or drug problem of another. Nar-Anon members share their experience, strength and hope at a weekly meeting. Meets at Freedom Roads Church, 7200 Freedom Blvd. in Aptos, Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. Helpline: 291-5099. Find other meetings: www.nar-anon.org. For information, contact saveyoursanity@aol.com.

Aptos Noon Toastmasters

Come join a dynamic, supportive group of people at all levels of experience from beginners to more advanced. Meets Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. at Rio Sands Hotel, 116 Aptos Beach Drive. The group will help you discover your voice and share it effectively. Everyone is welcome. For information, visit Facebook.com/ AptosNoonToastmasters or call 236-1171.

March 25 SIR Branch 20 meeting

SIR (Sons In Retirement) Branch 20 meets at the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewel St. in Santa Cruz, at 11:30 a.m. This month’s program will be Marv Tuttle and Yara . Marv will present the “Canine Companions for Independence” program. SIR is a men’s organization “just for the fun of it.” No dues, fees or assessments. Retired men meet once a month for a program, food and fellowship. Other activities include golf, bocci, photography, travel and more. Lunch is $16. Call 234-6185 by March 20 so the group can let the caterer know you are coming.

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LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 15

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Public Meetings All meetings take place at Capitola City Hall, 420 Capitola Ave. March 3 Museum Board, 5:30 p.m.

March 17 Finance Advisory Committee, 6 p.m.

Soquel Creek Water District, 7 p.m.

March 5 Planning Commission, 7 p.m.

March 18 Traffic and Parking Commission, 6:30 p.m.

March 10 Art & Cultural Commission, 6:30 p.m.

March 25 Architectural & Site Review, 3:30 p.m.

March 11 Architectural & Site Review, 3:30 p.m.

Commission on the Environment, 6 p.m.

March 12 City Council, 7 p.m.

March 26 City Council, 7 p.m.

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Fresh. Local. Organic. All-Natural. We carry an array of organic, local, regional, and sustainable products. Our meats include Meyers, Certified Humane Vegetarian fed Angus Beef and Mary’s air chilled Chicken. Our dairy includes Clover all natural and organic milk and yogurt. Our eggs come from our local Aptos Glaum Egg Ranch. You will find local Surf City Coffee and Alta Coffee on our shelves along with Marianne’s and Polar Bear ice cream in our freezers. Kelly’s French bakery delivers fresh bread and baked goods daily. Gianna’s cakes and cookies are the perfect hostess gift.

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