LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

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APTOS

MARCH 2016

SOQUEL

CAPITOLA EVERYTHING APTOS, CAPITOLA & SOQUEL

Vol. 4 No. 8

Aptos Village Project underway Workers to move old apple barn soon

By TODD GUILD APTOS — Construction crews have begun work on the Aptos Village Project, which when complete will feature a grocery store and deli housed in a historic barn, several new homes and restaurant and retail space, all located near the entrance to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park.

Crews from Barry Swenson Builder, which is developing and managing the project, have begun removing garbage, ripping out tree stumps and leveling the ground.

Once complete, the spot will be the new home for the Hihn Apple Barn, which will be moved 300 feet to make way for other development.

In approximately two months, workers will begin to move the barn, which will require gutting the interior and splitting it into two pieces. Once moved, the restored barn will be home to a grocery store and deli. That phase of the project is slated to be completed sometime in 2017.

“We’re finally starting to develop this project, so the Please turn to Page 6

An aerial photo shows the S.S. Palo Alto and wharf at Seacliff State Beach. The concrete ship has further decayed due to El Nino-driven waves. For the story, turn to page 3. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

Boy delivers flowers, smiles to elderly residents

HISTORY CORNER

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

New future for an old barn

I love old barns. They are symbols of early Americana. Our apple barn in Aptos Village is (to use the vernacular) a humdinger!

If you recall from our story in January, the barn was built at the direction of the amazing Frederick Augustus Hihn. Stan Stevens (the Jedi Master of local history) researched the Hihn archives and found that the barn was probably built in 1891. In his typical attention to detail, Hihn specified the dimensions of every piece of lumber and size of nails to be used in the construction of his warehouse/barn.

You may recall that in the January story that I Please turn to Page 7

By BEK PHILLIPS

APTOS — Workers recently dismantled much of the façade of the memorial wall in a far corner of Seacliff State Beach. While the wall is part of a private home, many people that have visited the wall over the years are upset over the change.

Tucked beneath a small row of trees at the end of a parking lot, the 15-foot-high, some 30-feet long, stone

CAPITOLA — After watching a Valentine’s Day flower commercial, 4-year-old Benjamin Hogan commented on how he wanted his great-grandmother to have flowers. This conversation with his mother started a chain reaction resulting in Deluxe Foods donating 144 bouquets for Benjamin to pass out to the residents at Kindred on Feb. 22.

His mother, Jillian Hogan, said they were watching the news when a Valentine’s commercial featuring elderly people came on.

“He said, ‘I wish I could give flowers to grandma,’” Hogan said. “He said he would be sad if she didn’t get any.”

They continued talking about how the other residents would like flowers too, and this sparked an idea in Hogan’s mind. Soon, she began to send out inquiries.

She asked florists if they had any leftover flowers, hoping for Benjamin to be able hand out one flower to each resident at the nursing and transitional care facility.

“I called six of the local florists,” she said. “I just want to nurture my son’s compassionate side. If he says something that is kind, I want to follow up as much as possible. And he is a good kid.”

Please turn to Page 13

Please turn to Page 6

A collection of memorials, recently removed from a wall at the edge of Seacliff State Beach, were available for people to pick up at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos.

Contributed photo

Memorial wall suffers a loss

By TARMO HANNULA and TODD GUILD

Inside ...

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March 2016

2 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

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March 2016

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 3

Fate of the S.S. Palo Alto remains unknown

El Nino storms pummel Seacliff Beach

By VALERIE LEMKE APTOS — Powerful El Nino storms brought heavy surf and pounding waves to the Monterey Bay coastline over the past few months, and Seacliff State Beach in Aptos is no exception. During this year’s powerful storms, seawater surged over the sidewalk railings and into the parking lots and picnic areas, even closing the campground during the worst of the storms.

Waves pounded the fishing pier as well as S.S. Palo Alto, the landmark concrete ship located at the end of the pier. This 97-year-old concrete ship has taken the brunt of these heavy hits by recent storms.

Changes have become obvious to visitors, especially to locals who are regulars at the park.

In January, it became apparent that after a series of big storms and heavy surf hit the central coast, that the boat had not only shifted, but appeared to have split in the section closest to the pier, tilting the front of the boat to one side. Visitors to the park have been wondering about the fate of this historic ship.

“What we don’t know for sure is the extent of the damage this round. Prior to that damage it was already in two pieces,” said Christina Cecchettini, Interpreter for California State Parks. “The stern is twisted badly.”

Officials have yet to examine the damage due to the persistent tidal and weather conditions.

“We haven’t gotten a really good look at it yet at a very low tide to see if it has indeed broken to all the way through,” Cecchettini said. “It appears it may be in four pieces instead of two, but due to the weather and the tides we haven’t really been able to get a close look. The piece closest to the pier is shifting and it’s continuing to shift. It hasn’t settled yet.

The pier is very damaged, not only railings and the deck, but some of the pilings are missing.”

The fishing pier will remain closed until the damage has been assessed and any

necessary repairs are made.

The S.S. Palo Alto was built in 1917 to be used during World War I as a wartime tanker. Before the war, a Civil Engineer named Nicolay Knudtzon Fougner, not only designed, but had successfully Before the latest noticeable damage had occurred, a winter storm built several of these and heavy surf hits Seacliff Beach and the S.S. Palo Alto on Jan. 16. concrete ships.

Photos by Valerie Lemke A combination of steel shortages due to Though the normal wear and tear of the the war and the heavy loss of U.S. ships to ship has been happening every year since German submarines caused the military to then, some years are more noticeable than look to different resources and technology others. This happens to be one of those to replace the lost military fleets. years.

According to John Hibble, Director As spring arrives, it is yet to be of the Aptos History Museum and Co- determined whether there will be more El Executive Director of the Aptos Chamber Nino storms on the horizon and continued of Commerce, Fougner and his brother, heavy surf for the Monterey Bay. Hermann, approached the U.S. Shipping “Unfortunately, unlike climate, waves Board Emergency Fleet Corporation are a little more volatile. It’s hard to put with a plan to build 38 of these concrete the models out further than say, a week,” ships, though only eight ships in total said Diane Henderson, meteorologist with were completed. The S.S. Palo Alto National Weather Service in Monterey. and its sister ship, the S.S. Peralta, were “It’s still categorized as a strong El Nino both built at the U.S. Naval Shipyard in even though it’s starting to diminish.

Oakland. However, the war ended before We’re still expecting El Nino-like storms construction was finished, and they were to continue to come in.” never used by the military.

What will happen to the S. S. Palo Alto In 1930, the Seacliff Amusement isn’t known at this time, but California Corporation bought the S.S. Palo Alto State Parks has no plans to remove the and arranged to have the ship towed to its concrete ship, as many have been asking current location at Seacliff Beach. The ship that question. was purposely sunk into the sandy floor “Some people wanted the concrete ship for stability and was renovated to be an to be removed, but there is absolutely no amusement center that was complete with plan to take it away,” Cecchettini said. a ballroom, concessions and a swimming “It’s part of the park, and it’s an integral pool. There were also reports of an illegal part of Seacliff State Beach. There are no gambling section and liquor sales during plans for it to be moved. It’s an artificial prohibition. reef behaving like a natural reef, and reefs Two years later, the Seacliff Amusement change. It’s a natural process that we are Corporation went bankrupt, and the ship seeing happen to the ship. It’s life on the was vacated and the fishing pier remained coast. It’s forever changing.” in place. Over the years, the ship became a local legend and the backdrop for generations of memories and photographs.

Publisher - John Bartlett General Manager - Amy Bartlett Editor - Erik Chalhoub Editorial Todd Guild, Tony Nuñez, Tarmo Hannula, Bek Phillips

Photography - Tarmo Hannula Advertising Sales

Tina Chavez, Allison Stenberg, Adriana Novack, Maribel Falcon, Andre Cano

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.

Contact Us

877-694-9048 newsroom@register-pajaronian.com

Thank you for reading!

Damage to the S.S. Palo Alto appears to be significant from recent storms.

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March 2016

4 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

CAPITOLA POLICE

MICRO-BUSINESS SUMMIT

BAY FEDERAL

Bay Federal Credit Union honors employees Staff report

County Economic Development Coordinator Barbara Mason (left) and Slingshot SV’s Andy Van Valer are helping organize the inaugural event. Contributed photo

County announces micro-business summit Staff report

Capitola Police swear in new officer Staff report CAPITOLA — Brittney Long was sworn in as the newest Capitola Police Officer on Feb. 17.

Long is a Colorado native who resides in Aptos. She is a lateral officer with a year of police experience. She will start the field training program immediately that will last approximately four months.

APTOS — Santa Cruz County Economic Development is announced the inaugural “82% - A Micro-Business Summit” event will be held April 22 at Cabrillo College.

Open to 500 local small businesses, the daylong conference will feature a keynote speaker and two dozen education sessions to help small business owners navigate the marketplace to increase their exposure, grow their business and boost profitability.

The event is also being sponsored by Santa Cruz County Workforce Investment Board, SCORE, Bay Federal Credit Union, Santa Cruz County Certified Green Business Program and the City of Santa Cruz Certified Green Business Program. Partners include Think Local First, Aptos Chamber of Commerce, Capitola Soquel Chamber of Commerce, Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture and the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The event will take place on April 22 from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive in Aptos. For information, visit www.facebook. com/82percent.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — Bay Federal Credit Union’s President and CEO Carrie Birkhofer has announced the recipients of the Credit Union’s 2015 Employee Awards.

Sharine Martin, Scotts Valley Branch Service Manager; Janice Bunao, River Street Branch Manager; and Laura Simmons, Deposit Servicing and Compliance Specialist, were lauded with the organization’s Service Excellence Award. This award honors employees who provide exceptional service and embody the organization’s values.

Selected from among the Credit Union’s 212 employees, Martin, Bunao, and Simmons were first nominated by peers and then evaluated by past winners.

“We offer our congratulations and sincere appreciation to these outstanding team members,” Birkhofer said. “They have raised the bar with their commitment to exceptional member service.”

The Credit Union also recognized the efforts and contributions of 11 other team members.

Complete 2015 Employee Honors: • Service Excellence Awards — Sharine Martin, Janice Bunao, and Laura Simmons • Efficiency Award (Finance) — Raymond Diep • Efficiency Award (Technology) — Tara Brown • Efficiency Award (Human Resources) — Cara Holbrook • Efficiency Award (Loan Services) — Jen Campagnolo • Sales & Service Award for Financial Service (Auto Loans) — Lupita Reyna • Sales & Service Award for Financial Service (Home Loans, Insurance) — Wimala Brown • Sales & Service Award for Member Service Representative — Marissa Ledesma • Sales & Service Award for Service Manager — Mariela Saldana • Sales & Service Award for AVP/Branch Manager — Manny Escarcega • Sales & Service Award for Home Loans Production — David Torres • Sales & Service Award for Indirect Lending — Venus Blake

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March 2016

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 5

SHAKESPEARE CLASS SOROPTIMIST AWARD

Shakespeare class scheduled

MEET THE AUTHOR

Aptos resident wins Soroptimist award

Staff report

Staff report

LA SELVA BEACH — For those who hated Hamlet and loathed Lear in school, help is at hand.

“Shakespeare for the Elizabethan Impaired” is a class created by longtime Shakespeare lover, teacher, director and producer Janis Hashe.

“So many times I hear from people, ‘Oh, I hated Shakespeare in school … I didn’t understand it at all,’” Hashe said. “But these same people, as adults, often realize they are missing something.”

So the interactive class, which Hashe has taught in multiple locations for more than 15 years, focuses on comprehension—and fun.

“We do things like ‘Shakespeare News of the Week,’ where class members bring in anything they’ve seen or heard about Shakespeare that week. He really is kind of everywhere,” said Hashe.

Students also get a chance to read aloud, if they wish, and local productions and screenings are discussed.

Plays covered this session will be “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Richard III” and “Hamlet.”

“If people aren’t sure if this class is for them, I encourage them to get in touch and ask as many questions as they like,” Hashe said. “I’ve had many converts over the years.”

Class size is limited to 12 people and reservations are required.

The class will take place at the La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays from March 14-April 18. Cost is $100 per person.

For information, call (423) 505-9950 or email openlinescom@gmail.com.

APTOS — Soroptimist International of Capitola-By-The-Sea has selected Janelle Bartlett of Aptos, a psychology student at Cabrillo College, to be a winner of a “Live Your Dream” Award.

The award is given to a woman who is enrolled in a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program, and is the primary financial support of her family.

She will be honored with a $1,000 cash award at the SI of Capitola-by-the-Sea Awards Reception and Ceremony in March.

Bartlett, 45, returned to school despite a difficult childhood, surviving circumstances such as abuse from two family friends. She made her way out of marital abuse, only to be met with the challenge of raising her children in poverty. With four children to support, including a five-month old at the time, she searched various service agencies for help with food, shelter, child-care, employment and counseling. During the search, she discovered a path to higher education and enrolled at Cabrillo College where she achieved a 3.16 grade point average.

With most of her studies at Cabrillo now complete, she plans to transfer to California State University at Monterey Bay in the fall and pursue a degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services and a masters degree in Social Work.

“I believe that my greatest challenges have given me the courage to go back to school as well as given me direction on my career path,” she wrote in her application. “I plan on helping women and children who have come out of a traumatizing past or hardship, and guide them into creating their new healthy life.”

Frank Perry. Contributed photo

Meet the Author Series continues Staff report SOQUEL — On Wednesday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m., the Porter Memorial Library will host Frank Perry at its 2016 Meet the Author Series.

Frank Perry has a degree in earth sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz and is the author of several books on the natural sciences and cultural history of the Santa Cruz region, including “Lighthouse Point: Illuminating Santa Cruz.” He is a Research Associate at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. He was project coordinator for the book “Lime Kiln Legacies” which will be the topic of his talk at the library.

The Meet the Author programs are informal coffee hours around the fireplace where local authors discuss their works, answer questions from the audience and autograph copies of their books. The programs are free and open to the public. They are scheduled for the second Wednesday of January, February, March and April at 10:30 a.m. Refreshments and coffee will be served with the Ugly Mug providing the coffee. The library is located at 3050 Porter St. Limited parking is available behind the library. Enter from Soquel Drive into the Bagelry parking lot and drive through to the left following the new sign.

For information, call the library at 475-3326 during library hours: Monday-Friday 12-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., or check the library website at www. porterml.org.

She Wore Blue Velvet Soft, rich blue velvet. It was the fabric of my mother’s favorite suit. She made it herself in the late 50’s after saving for months to buy the fabric on her file clerk salary. But she only wore her velvet suit on special days—Sundays and holidays.

Each year, all the way through high school, she would make a special dress for me too. And after fitting it perfectly, she delivered the same loving advice, “Stand tall”.

Now, mom doesn’t remember that advice. In fact, she struggles to get my name right and is losing the ability to button her coats. She can still hum the music of those days because that’s how Alzheimer’s works. It steals memories of many of our favorite people, but memories of music often remain.

Our family juggles her daily needs, but we are now at the point where 24-hour care is needed. And we need to care for our children too.

When memory loss caused by aging and dementia progress and the needs of your loved one demand more time from you, it can be a very difficult challenge. That’s when you may consider a visit to Áegis Living. We are a trusted source for senior living. From transitional care to memory care, our specially trained, dedicated staff serve our residents within a vibrant comfortable home.

We’re here to help. Call for lunch and a tour!

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831-706-2956 AegisofAptos.com

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March 2016

6 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Aptos Village Project

Continued from page 1

Construction to level the ground next to the historical apple barn in Aptos has begun as part of the Aptos Village Project. Photo by Bek Phillips

Sr. Project Manager Keith Henderson shows the plans for Aptos Village and explains how they intend to move and restore the apple barn. Photo by Bek Phillips

barn can be moved,” said project manager Keith Henderson.

The company is working with a historical architect who will help keep the building’s old look as it shifts 300 feet, Henderson said.

The barn was built by Frederick Augustus Hihn in the early 1890s and served as the epicenter of the Aptos apple industry.

After changing hands several times, the barn became home to Village Fair, which boasted antique dealers and gift sellers, as well as meat and produce vendors. The Toney family ran that business for nearly three decades before selling it to Barry Swenson Builder in 2007 for the new Aptos Village Project.

In all, Aptos Village Project will cover 11.5 acres and include 70,000 square feet of commercial space and 69 new homes.

In addition, the multi-phase project includes the construction of Aptos Village

commercial shops and not enough natural and community space.

Instead, the group calls for additions such as a community garden, a park for children and social gathering areas, more native areas for butterflies, bees, birds and other wildlife.

We Are Aptos organizers also say the addition of several new homes and businesses will increase water use.

Henderson said that his company has followed mandates from Soquel Creek Water District to offset more water than it is projected to use.

Plans also include additions such as pervious concrete and rain gardens that will diminish runoff.

Henderson acknowledged that the construction will bring more residents to Aptos, but pointed out that the closer proximity of a grocery store and other amenities will mean fewer Aptos residents overall will be driving to do their shopping.

Flower Boy

Way, a new road that will connect Trout Gulch Road to Aptos Creek Road. Parade Street, meanwhile, will connect Aptos Village Way to Soquel Drive.

Those roads are expected to reduce the flow of traffic through Aptos, and possibly ameliorate concerns by residents who say the development will increase traffic in an already congested area.

“We feel this project will help us better the village,” Henderson said.

Approved by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in 2012, the project garnered renewed opposition in December when the supervisors were set to approve a final plan of how the land would be divided.

Residents expressed concern about increased traffic and water use, and say the plan doesn’t fit into their vision of Aptos as a quaint village.

On its website, the group We Are Aptos states that the plan adds residences and

The new roads that pass through, meanwhile, will give pedestrians and vehicles an alternative to Soquel Drive.

“We want people to know we’re going to create a corridor to handle traffic flow,” Henderson said.

Aptos History Museum curator John Hibble said he was concerned at first about the project, but said he changed his mind after he realized that the restoration will help Aptos keep a sense of its history.

“What this is doing is giving the barn 100 years of life,” he said. “There is so little left of Aptos. I think this is going to breathe fresh life into the community.”

••• For information on the project, visit www.theaptosvillage.com.

Information on opposition to the plan can be found at www.weareaptos.com.

Continued from page 1

Benjamin Hogan, 4, presents two bouquets of roses to his grandmother, Hilda Wimer, to fulfill his wish of presenting flowers to the residents of Kindred Nursing and Transitional Care in Live Oak. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

As it turned out, full bouquets were offered for delivery.

“I said, ‘let’s do it,’” Benjamin said, recounting what happened when his mom told him about the donated flowers. “So I’m not going to go to school today, that’s for sure. I’m just going to do this instead.”

Marc Monte of Deluxe Foods said it was an idea he couldn’t say no to.

“I didn’t want to say no to a little boy’s idea,” he said. “I thought it was a pretty sweet idea. I have a soft spot for the elderly and I hope it brought a lot of smiles — I’m sure it did.”

His personal secretary has family in the

flower business, and Monte called it a winwin for everybody.

“It was one call away to set up,” Monte said. “I just hope everyone had a good time.”

Deluxe Foods has a history with flowers and the elderly. On the first Tuesday of every month, Monte said they have a senior day where they give the elderly a percentage off. Monte said he has a passion for them that stems from watching his parents and their friends deal with endof-life issues.

“I have seen a lot of people I care about get old and battle that last part of their

Kent Gallick delivers buckets of roses to the front door of Kindred Nursing and Transitional Care. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

life,” he said. “It is definitely something I am passionate about.”

Remarking on the donation, Hogan said that Monte was the only one to call her back, and the request for a flower for each resident was exceeded when he offered bouquets instead.

“He went over and beyond what we asked for,” Hogan said. “He just has a heart of gold, he is a very caring person.”

Monte said that Benjamin has a big heart and it wasn’t a hard decision.

“I just think the little boy reminds me of me,” Monte said “He has a big heart and is a sweet little boy. It was a natural fit.”

Kindred Executive Director Rae Ann Radford said they are always encouraging people to come volunteer and participate, but they weren’t expecting this.

“Oh my God, it’s a truck load,” she said when seeing the flowers. “It’s a much better thing than I expected.”

Benjamin fidgeted about as he waited for the flowers to arrive. Soon, buckets holding bouquets of a dozen flowers sat outside, and when it was time to hand them out, he knew what he was there to do.

“We give them flowers and hand them out,” Benjamin said. “And I come out for more and they will smile.”

March 2016

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 7

History Corner

Continued from page 1

referred to Mr. Hihn as Fred. It was gently brought to my attention by Stan Stevens, Carolyn Swift and Sandy Lydon (all historians of note) that Mr. Hihn would never have been called Fred. He would have been Frederick A., or F.A. Hihn. His son Frederick Otto Hihn might have been called Fred. He is the one who managed the apple business and it is also he who is sitting in the buggy in front of the apple barn in the 1905 photograph. Sandy Lydon described my re-educators as the “History Trifecta.” I am always happy to have my history fine tuned by experts.

Barns are amazing structures, handmade by carpenters who knew how to tie posts, beams, trusses, and rafters together with intricate joints, pins and nails. I think the inside of an old barn has much in common visually with the inside of a church. A soaring wooden ceiling with beams is what I expected to see on Feb. 9 when I was invited to visit the empty barn. When I formerly visited the antique dealers I never realized that the inside structure of the barn was not visible. It has been that way since the 1960s. What I saw in the empty barn were the cubicles that used to be the dealers spaces and a false ceiling to keep in the heat. Nothing of the original barn structure was visible except for the floorboards.

I met with Keith Henderson, the Senior Project Manager who is in charge of the Aptos Village redevelopment, and he is excited. He has worked on at least eight historic restoration projects in this county for Barry Swenson Builder including the restoration and salvage of the facade of the old County Bank building in Santa Cruz after the earthquake, the Del Mar Theater restoration, and the Victorian Lynch House across from the Dream Inn. He showed me around the barn and pointed out all of the old doors and windows that have been covered over and he showed me an

old scale that he hopes will be part of a historical interpretive exhibit in the barn when the restoration project is complete.

The relocation of the barn is easily the most significant and complex part of the entire Aptos Village Project. The relocation must conform to the National Park Service guidance for relocating historic buildings. During the first phase the non-historic parts will be removed.

That has already begun. The historic structure of the barn will be professionally measured and photographed. It will be temporarily braced and shored up to protect the integrity of the structure during the relocation. Eventually the barn will be separated into two parts. Kelly Brothers House Movers is experienced in moving and bracing this type of building and will be working with a structural engineer to ensure a successful move.

Long steel girders will be inserted below the existing floor. The building will be jacked up and multi-wheeled “trucks” will be placed below the girders. Then the building will slowly move the 300 feet to its new location where it will be placed on a new foundation and restored. The move should occur in about two months. The restored barn will house a grocery store and is projected to be completed sometime next year.

This will not be the first historic building in Aptos to be moved. Fred Toney bought the Bay View Hotel in 1942 and wanted to tear it down so that he could build a hardware store on the corner of Trout Gulch Road and Soquel Drive but instead he decided to move it. So in 1946 he and some friends jacked it up and moved it 118 feet to the west into the old formal garden, which is why the old magnolia tree is now in front of the hotel. Fred then constructed the building for his hardware store, which now occupies the corner location. Also, the famous Deer Park Tavern, built in

Hihn Apple Packing Warehouse 1905 showing Frederick Otto Hihn in the carriage to the left.

Aptos History Museum collection

1933, was directly in the path of the new Highway 1 construction.

It was moved up the hill in 1947 and is now Bittersweet Bistro.

I must admit, I was not initially in favor of moving the Hihn Apple Barn. If the barn was built in 1891, that would make the barn 125 years old this year.

The barn can properly be called Victorian as 1891 is the last year of Queen Victoria’s reign. That brings up the question, how many barns have you seen that have fallen down? Every one is a tragic loss, not just for the owner but for everyone who appreciates what barns represent, a vanishing heritage. The Cowell Hay Barn at UCSC was just restored. Our barn might not be on its last legs 1908 Sanborn map showing the location of the initial but it can’t be too far away. Our barn. Aptos History Museum collection community is fortunate to have a builder with the resources and experience generations.

Our next “Coffee, Tea and History” to restore and reuse our historic barn. presentation will be April 16. More on that The barn will have a facelift and we will be able to see more of the original next month. Also, May 15 from 3-5 p.m. structure inside and out than we did when we are having a 10th anniversary/birthday it was the Village Fair Antique Emporium. party for the museum titled “Swing into There will be a historic section with Spring.” We will have live jazz and a interpretive displays. Many people will be Roaring 20s theme with prizes for the best visiting on a regular basis. The barn will costumes. There will be a very special have a new future and a new lease on life. silent auction with items you could not It could easily be around for another 125 find anywhere else. Please save the date years preserving local history for future and call us if you would like an invitation.

UCSC Hay Barn restoration by Fernau & Hartman Architects and general contractor Cen Con, Inc. Frank Zwart photo.

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8 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

March 2016

March 2016

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 9

Aptos student becomes PVUSD board member

By TODD GUILD WATSONVILLE — The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees got its first student member in years on Feb. 10.

Aptos High School student Elias Nepa, 17, will participate in discussions and debates during meetings.

He will also cast a vote on issues that come before the trustees, although as an unelected member his vote will be strictly advisory.

Nepa has for two years represented his school for the trustees at the twicemonthly board meeting, where he joins several students reporting the goings-on at their schools.

But that role wasn’t enough for him.

“When I was a student rep I liked to stay later and listen to the discussions and decisions I knew would affect me directly,” he said. “I felt those decisions they were making were somewhat illinformed, basically because there was no student perspective.”

So Nepa studied board policy and state

education code, and on Feb. 10 successfully petitioned the board. He also had to gather 500 signatures from his fellow students supporting his efforts.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” he said. “I just wish that it would have happened earlier.”

Nepa explained that he likely doesn’t have enough time left in his high school career to accomplish everything he hopes for, but he hopes he will set a precedent for his peers.

“I don’t want this to stop after I leave,” he said. “I want students in the future to know this is an option for them.

“It’s very important to have a student speak on behalf of themselves when decisions are being made for them, and the only way to do that was to create an official status.”

Nepa has applied to several colleges, and hasn’t yet settled on one. But he said he is almost certain about his major.

“Everything I’m doing right now and everything I’ve been doing all fits with studying public policy,” he said.

Nepa said he gets inspiration from his parents.

Elias Nepa (center) stands surrounded by his fellow board members, from left: Jeff Ursino, Karen Osmundson, Leslie DeRose, Maria Orozco, Lupe Rivas, Kim DeSerpa and Willie Yahiro.

Photo by Alicia Jimenez/PVUSD

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The two immigrated from Africa two decades ago, his father from the Democratic Republic of Congo and his mother from Burundi.

Both had to go back to college when they got here, and learned a new language and culture.

His father is an engineer and his mother works as an accountant.

“They worked really hard to get here and I try to honor that in everything I do,” he said. “They had to start over, essentially.

They did it, and they did it well.”

Principal Casey O’Brien said Nepa is

taking seven classes, and has done so for two years. The two are working together to expand course offerings at the school, O’Brien said.

“He is a very remarkable student,” he said.

PVUSD Trustee Kim DeSerpa called Nepa a “role model for other students.”

“Elias is one of the nicest and most hardworking students I have ever met,” she said. “I can’t wait to hear about the wonderful things Elias will achieve in his life. I’m sure he will make PVUSD proud.

He already has.”

RDM Improvement Association seeks more participation del Mar in the traffic median across from Deer Park Center.

• Periodic clean ups at Hidden Beach RIO DEL MAR — The Rio del Mar Improvement Association is one in coordination with Save Our Shores.

• Working closely with Supervisor of the best kept secrets around. Despite receiving the Aptos Chamber of Zach Friend and other elected/appointed Commerce Community Achievement officials to improve the Rio del Mar Award for 2015, the association currently community • Coordinated RDMIA semi-annual has less than 10 percent participation of the Rio del Mar community as members. meetings as an opportunity for Rio del One of the goals for 2016 is to Mar property owners and residents to significantly increase that rate of discuss issues of concern.

The RDMIA Board intends to continue membership participation, to enable the association to continue and increase its efforts to improve the Rio del Mar improvements and maintenance of the community. With this in mind, the 2016 dues are payable now. Send a check or community.

The following are some of the goals use PayPal for $25, which is your 2016 that were accomplished in the past year. membership. Send checks to RDMIA, • Regular landscaping of traffic P.O. Box 274, Aptos, CA 95001-0274.

New members should fill out the islands on Rio del Mar Boulevard, the 2016 Annual Membership Renewal and Roundabout and “Flats area.”

• Relocation and installation of the Information Update found at RDMIA. org and send this and your check to the Whaley sculpture in the roundabout.

• Installation of “donor plaque” on above address. By doing this you will enroll in a drawing for a Gift Certificate large rock located in the roundabout.

• Constructed the entrance sign for Rio for dinner for two at Cafe Rio.

Staff report

March 2016

10 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

Shops shift, stores open

Several new business open in Capitola area Story & Photos By BEK PHILLIPS CAPITOLA — Shops and businesses sprout up in seasonal variations in Capitola, and the last few months have brought several new ones into the area.

Including a coffee shop, a children’s play place, breweries and hot dog stands, city officials say that there are always people coming and going, and these are just the latest.

“I think it is more routine than it is an expansion,” Capitola Community Development Director Richard Grunow said on the new business. “We try to make it as easy as possible, keep it quick and costs down. It’s something we encourage and want.”

Four to take note of include: Left Coast Sausage Worx, Sea Side Coffee, GigglesN-Wiggles and East Cliff Brewing Co.

Sausage Co., get their bread from Aldo’s Bakery, offer local tamales, and feature farm house cultures, sauerkraut and kimchi.

His first business, Fisher said he has been interested in cooking and food service, as well as customer service, for a long time.

“Since I was a little kid, I love when people enjoy my food,” he said. “I have wanted to open a restaurant for years and this is step one to get there as I create my brand Left Coast.”

Right now, he wants to focus on the people. Actively supporting Santa Cruz Boys and Girls Club and Hope Services, Fisher he hopes to have this location forever.

“My main focus and goal is to establish a community vibe with the emphasis on local products,” he said. “Shop local, buy local.”

They are open Thursday through Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 p.m. to midnight.

fail in their first year.”

For her, the joy comes in conversation and sharing her passion for coffee.

“I like being able to delight people and the connection we share over the morning ritual,” Burns said. “I have a love affair with coffee. It’s delicious and amazing and I want to share that with others.”

Burns uses Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Co. for her coffee, and says she especially enjoys a good double shot espresso.

Currently open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Burns said they will extend the hours in the summer.

“By relocating, it’s almost like starting a new business,” she said. “We hope people will accept us and we will fill a need and find our niche.”

James Hrica talks about the English Style beer he serves at the new brewery in East Cliff.

•••

East Cliff Brewing Co.

While his mother keeps an eye on him, Daniel Clark, 2, plays at the recently opened play place Wiggles-N-Giggles.

•••

Giggles-N-Wiggles

Owner Josh Fisher (right) talks to a customer before Left Coast Sausage Worx opened earlier in February.

••• Left Coast Sausage Worx

With a menu that boasts of local food and hours meant to cater to the lunch and late night crowd, Josh Fisher opened up his business in the Capitola Esplanade in February.

“We are new, fresh, local and stoked,” Fisher said. “That’s how we roll the dogs here.”

They serve Corralitos Market and

Kim Burns prepares a cup of coffee at her new location. Sea Side Coffee moved from the Mercantile to its own building recently.

•••

Sea Side Coffee

Sea Side Coffee underwent a move and expansion, leaving the Mercantile for its own shop under Kim Burns and co-owner Steve Sky. Aiming to broaden the coffee menu as well as start serving smoothies and bagels, Burns said with their business reaching the five-year mark it is exciting to have the opportunity to grow.

“We have made some solid roots here,” she said. “They say most small business

A ticking clock Author releases first historical novel

By ERIK CHALHOUB APTOS — One of the first female entrepreneurs in the United States, astrologer Evangeline Smith Adams knew she would die on Nov. 10, 1932.

She is also known to have accurately predicted the death date for a number of her clients, which included Charlie Chaplin, J.P. Morgan, Rudolph Valentino and others.

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But while this story helped inspire Clint Adams to write his first historical novel, it was not the most impressive part.

“This didn’t impress me nearly as much

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indoor place to take their kids to get rid of their energy that is safe and clean.”

She plans on starting an exchange for parents where they can share items.

“I try to see what mothers need,” she said. “I want mothers with kids to be able to get out and not feel cooped up and be able to chat with friends.”

When Christina Clark was looking for a place to take her son, 2, and grandson, 4, to play there were few convenient indoor locations.

Convinced that there was an easier way, Clark opened Giggles-N-Wiggles in the Capitola Mall.

A jungle themed play place, it has toys and climbing equipment for crawlers, toddlers and up.

“There are a lot of mothers that can use this place,” Clark said.

With a lounge area and light shopping options for parents, children can play in the ball pit, climbing, sliding and jumping around while being supervised. Clark hopes to become a drop-off location and start up mom groups to better support their busy lifestyle.

“I think about what I need as a mom and grandma,” she said. “People have been appreciative. They say they have had no

as the way I imagine she lived her life … via the ticking clock,” he said. “Looking back, I was mostly drawn to Evangeline because she was one of America’s first female entrepreneurs. She popularized astrology; she achieved fame and fortune while living in the closet and was on an unstoppable mission to accomplish every one of her goals by November 10, 1932.”

The Rio del Mar author has recently released “Evangeline: The Seer of Wall St.,” an historical novel that is a departure from the young adult novels he is known for.

Adams said he was originally drawn to Evangeline, who was a direct descendant of U.S. Presidents John and John Quincy Adams, because he thought he was related to her. Genealogical research proved otherwise, but it was the start to what Adams described as “thousands of hours of research.”

“Coming from middle-grade/young adult novels, I had no idea how far back I’d have to go and to which degree of detail I’d have to reproduce the era,” he said.

Adams said he spent the entire summer of 2014 adding finite details, attempting to recreate the speech patterns and nuances of the day to take the reader back to early1900s Manhattan and Boston.

In all, the book took three years to write, with 15 drafts.

After finishing the book, Adams said he hopes readers realize that “the clock never stops ticking.”

“Time is short,” he said. “When reaching a certain age, it becomes nearly a fatal choice to wait. With those long-established goals and dreams foremost in our minds, you just do it — either it works out or it doesn’t. Being afraid to take a risk is no longer an option.”

And Adams is taking his own advice.

While not in the Capitola limits, the new pub is just a breath away, and opened Feb. 19. Initially only open on weekends, the beer is brewed and served English style, but the decor has an easily recognizable Santa Cruz flare.

Owned by James Hrica, he had brewed beer at home for years before realizing that his niche was making English style beer.

“It’s something local breweries don’t focus on,” he said. “American craft brew has its own style. Where we fit in is filling in the space. We are not trying to convert people, just complement the rest of the scene.”

Served with hand pumps instead of gas, his beer is less carbonated and not as cold.

With four choices, Hrica said each kind has their own thing, and he is careful not to let the hops dominate.

“These exemplify what we are trying to do here,” he said.

While he knew he wanted the beer to be different, he also wanted to make sure it felt like it belonged in Santa Cruz. Hrica had his friends pick out the color tones, and had a local muralist come in to paint the wall.

“I didn’t want it to be a catchy English pub,” he said. “I wanted it to have a distinct Santa Cruz flavor — I’m a Santa Cruz kid. I want people to adopt this as our local pub.”

He is currently turning “Evangeline” into a screenplay, and said he imagines actress Nicole Kidman to portray the astrologist.

With Kidman recently in Monterey to film “Big Little Lies,” Adams said he wrote to her production company with the concept.

“Years ago, I would have thought it too presumptuous to do such a thing,” he said.

“Now, why not? I have nothing to lose. The clock’s still ticking.”

••• For information about “Evangeline: The Seer of Wall St.” and other works by Clint Adams, visit www.clintadams.com.

March 2016

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 11

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

Meeting our county’s housing needs at alarming rates, and I’ve heard from many seniors on fixed incomes struggling with rising rents. Additionally, we have a persistent homelessness problem that is out of scale to the size of our community.

The Housing Element works to address those problems.

By ZACH FRIEND

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SUPERVISOR

Every five to eight years, the state requires local governments to create a “Housing Element,” which is one of several required elements of our General Plan. The program is designed to make sure local governments create land use patterns that meet the future needs of the community.

In other words, the program is designed to make sure there is enough housing for our community, and that the housing provided meets the needs of varying income groups.

Unfortunately, we have evidence here in Santa Cruz County that not enough people have access to housing, and that the available housing is often unaffordable. Rents and home prices are rising sharply, and some families have trouble even finding available homes. Our children and grandchildren are being priced out of our community

Guest Columnist

What is the Housing Element?

Housing elements are state-mandated documents required of every county that report on existing conditions about housing in a community and establish the community’s priorities with regard to addressing housing issues. The Housing Element lays the foundation for the policies, programs and projects that will be the focus of housing efforts over a specific timeframe — in our case, until the year 2023.

The document outlines community demographics, the existing housing stock, local housing and environmental regulations, affordable and senior housing needs, identifies specific locations where housing projects could be acceptable and more. In essence, it helps provide a blueprint for addressing housing needs, all of which rightfully needs to be done within the constructs of the voter-approved local landmark law Measure J. Measure J is visionary law passed by a community who sought to protect Santa Cruz County’s beauty and agricultural land for future generations by shaping

development and assuring affordable housing was included in new housing developments. One key element of the law was focusing future housing within the urban core of our county to ensure rural and agricultural protections.

Over the last few years, the county has been actively working to ensure that current and future housing needs are met, and that we can adequately address this growing housing crisis. We’ve focused our efforts on the urban core by looking toward smaller, starter-sized (or downsized for empty nesters) homes that may be mixed use (residential above commercial) to provide the most environmentally respectful options toward meeting our housing needs. By moving away from a single-family home, these types of homes are designed to create walkable communities along transportation corridors that allow for live/work options and smaller sizes that provide greater options and affordability.

We know we have a long way to go.

For example, did you know that a household seeking to rent a modest twobedroom apartment in Santa Cruz County needs to earn $33.77 per hour, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition? That’s more than $70,000 per year.

These realities are starting to shape our neighborhoods. More homes are being purchased as second homes and vacation

Guest Columnist

The Roth IRA option have elapsed since your first contribution to the Roth IRA account and you’re over 59 ½, then withdrawals are tax free as well.

By GARY E. CROXALL, CFP® and SOREN E. CROXALL, CFP® There are several types of individual retirement accounts (IRA) options to choose from, each with their own set of rules and requirements on who is eligible and how much one may contribute in any given tax year. This article will focus on one in particular: The Roth IRA. What is a Roth IRA? A Roth IRA is a type of individual retirement account that is funded with after-tax contributions (you get no tax deduction when you make a contribution).

Generally speaking, while you don’t get any tax benefit upfront, your account can potentially grow tax-free. Also, if five years

rentals, leaving declining home ownership, declining rates among locals that mean, if current trends persist, fewer than half the households in Santa Cruz County will own their own homes within a matter of a few years. Additionally, as more and more people get priced out of the market, the Housing Element shows how we’re seeing many people (including children) crowding into substandard, and often unsafe, homes.

We have more than 1 in 6 children that live in poverty in our community, with housing costs one of the top barriers toward escaping poverty. Study after study shows Santa Cruz County has some of the most burdensome housing costs in the country, and many local community programs have shown how this has led to more children living with food insecurity, as families choose between rent and food.

Clearly, we can do more to address these issues, and the policies outlined in the Housing Element (along with other recent changes to affordable housing policy) are a key step.

After public hearings and input sessions the Housing Element was approved by the Santa Cruz County Housing Advisory Commission, Planning Commission and, just recently, by the Board of Supervisors.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Please feel free to call me at 454-2200.

What are the benefits?

There are a number of key benefits with Roth IRAs. One is greater flexibility than Traditional IRAs. You can withdrawal your contributions (not earnings) at anytime without owing taxes or paying a penalty.

With a Traditional IRA, you will pay taxes on any withdrawals. You may also pay a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty if you are younger than 59 ½. Also, as long as you are working and stay within the income limits, you can contribute to a Roth IRA beyond age 70 ½. Traditional IRAs do not allow contributions after age 70 ½.

Lastly, there are no mandatory required minimum distributions. With Traditional IRAs, account holders must begin taking distributions at age 70 ½ and pay federal and state taxes on those distributions.

Can anyone contribute to a Roth IRA and what are the annual contribution limits?

After reading all the benefits mentioned above, you may think that a Roth IRA is a great option for you. Not so fast, the

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IRS releases a chart every year that says what your maximum Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) can be if you want to contribute directly to a Roth IRA. Depending on your filing status, you may make too much money to contribute directly to a Roth IRA. However, there are other options to get money into a Roth IRA. You should work with a qualified financial or tax professional to discuss your options.

If you are eligible to contribute directly to a Roth IRA, the maximum contribution you can make for 2016 is the lesser of $5,500 if you are younger than 50 ($6,500 if you are 50 or older) or your taxable compensation for the year. Also, if you have multiple Traditional and/or Roth IRAs, you can only contribute up to the maximum mentioned above between all accounts. So for example, you can’t put $5,500 into your Roth IRA and then contribute another $5,500 into your Traditional IRA within the same tax year.

When does a Roth IRA make sense?

Roth IRAs generally make sense for people who expect to have a higher tax rate during retirement. Also, younger people who meet the IRS income qualifications to be able to contribute to a Roth IRA and who

aren’t looking for the upfront tax deduction might benefit from a Roth IRA. They will be able to allow this account to potentially grow tax free over a long time horizon.

A Roth IRA can be a great retirement accumulation tool for the right person in the right circumstances. If it is used in combination with other eligible plans it can be a great complement to an overall retirement plan. There are not a lot of places that money can be invested and potentially grow on a tax-free basis while it accumulates and then allow for tax free withdrawals.

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.

March 2016

12 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

MARCH 2016

Aptos’ Galindo wins CCS championship match

By TONY NUNEZ SAN JOSE — Aptos High’s Adrian Galindo had to fight off temptation at Feb. 20’s Central Coast Section wrestling championships.

The senior Mariner said he could hear the pizza and doughnuts calling to him from across the street of Independence High in San Jose while he sat and waited for nearly five hours from his introduction to the start of his 220 pound CCS championship match.

“I was very tempted,” Galindo joked.

But there were more pressing matters at hand.

Galindo fought off the urge to dig in and instead dug himself out of an early 2-0 hole to capture a CCS championship with a pin over Mitty’s Blake Flovin during the final seconds of their match.

Galindo’s match was the second to last of the night, which dragged on from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Getting a bite to eat was definitely still on his mind even after his come-from-behind victory. He compared the level of sweetness of his win to a Starburst.

“It just get sweeter and

sweeter,” Galindo said with a big grin.

Though he provided the comedy after his match, he was all business during.

After being put on his back during the first 30 seconds, the top seed was the aggressor the rest of the way.

He took command of the match with a go-ahead takedown as the buzzer went off to signify the end of the second round.

He never looked back after, scoring two more takedowns and cutting the match 10 seconds short with a pin 5 minutes, 50 seconds in.

Coming in, he said some fear started to creep in. Standing easily over 6-feet-tall, No. 3-seeded Flovin towered over the short-but-sturdy Mariner.

“He just looked so much bigger and dominant... but it’s all a mental game,” Galindo said.

“If you think you can, then you will.”

Now the two-time Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League champ will advance to the California Interscholastic Federation state meet at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield in March, a year after taking fifth at 220 pounds in the section meet and missing out.

Aptos High’s Adrian Galindo grapples with Mitty’s Blake Flovin during their CCS Championship match at 220 pounds at Independence High in San Jose on Feb. 20. Photo by Tony Nunez

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March 2016

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 13

Learn to Discover moves to new Capitola Mall space

By VALERIE LEMKE CAPITOLA — In the middle of Capitola Mall is a place where kids can virtually travel through space, sail with Vikings or dodge the deadly sting of a robotic scorpion, all while learning the latest in technology education at the same time. This innovative education center is called Learn to Discover.

Learn to Discover, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 2008 by local residents Brian and Shelly Laschkewitsch.

Their vision was to provide kids and teens with a hands-on and fun learning approach to technology while using real-life applications that also cover core school subjects, as well.

Though they have been teaching technology and robotics classes in the tri-county since 2008, the Laschkewitsch family opened the doors of their new education center in Capitola Mall last June, with the vision of creating a centrally located space in Santa Cruz County where they could provide the latest in the field, while integrating many other subjects.

“The mission of Learn to Discover is to provide ‘STEM’ opportunities and experiences to youth ages 4 and up,” said Shelly Laschkewitsch. “This is accomplished by delivering engaging and unique classes and activities that teach youth valuable career, life, and STEM skills, enabling them to become more successful in their future.”

The company offers a wide variety of classes including Robotics, Programming, Video Game Design, Earth Science and more. Some of their latest offerings are Fashion Design and Sign Language. Future workshops include 3D Printing, Virtual Reality and they will soon be introducing adult classes.

“Our new space is able to provide a place for birthday parties, homeschool groups, corporate events and even family

Memorial Wall

Shelly Laschkewitsch teaches a group of students history about Vikings through a computer MinecraftEdu-based program.

Photo by Valerie Lemke

reunions.” said Laschkewitsch.

Some of the most popular classes offered are the MinecraftEDU based workshops.

Minecraft, which is popular among kids and teens, can also provide a great learning opportunity.

“In our MinecraftEdu classes we provide educational opportunities where children use Minecraft as a tool to learn about science, technology and history subjects,”

Laschkewitsch said.

Special programs include homeschool, tutoring, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Homeschool groups and Scouts can setup specialized classes and workshops for their particular homeschool group or troop.

They provide math and science tutoring to students, as well. Schools can also request field trips to their site for “STEAM” workshops.

Besides their space in Capitola Mall, they also provide classes for afterschool programs at many school sites and community centers in Santa Cruz, Monterey and Santa Clara counties.

Learn to Discover is located inside the mall near Target. For information, visit www.learntodiscover.org.

passed ones. It’s a friendly place. I love the bronze hand; I really hope they leave it up.”

In 2014 a sign was placed, proclaiming that placing memorials on the wall is a violation of California law, and told visitors that the memorials would be removed in 30 days.

The wall, which delineates a Las Olas Drive house adjacent to the park, is not

State Park property.

Sgt. Todd Allen of California State Parks said the agency had no part in the decision to remove the memorials, and that it will not be doing the removal.

Similarly, Santa Cruz County can’t make any decisions about what happens to the wall.

Continued from page 1

composite wall has unofficially become an impromptu amalgamation of dozens upon dozens of memorials that have been affixed to it over the years by visitors.

These range from faded names scrawled in black ink to ceramic tiles to professionally made granite plaques or bronze sculptures. In places, flowers sit in vases atop stone ledges, while painted stones sit in others.

The memorials were tributes to wives and husbands, to grandparents and children and even pets that have died.

“I just don’t understand why they had to remove the memorials,” said Gary Broce, who said he has been visiting the wall for many years. “I even had a memorial for one of my dogs, Baby Shoe Shoe, here. A lot of people come here. There are a lot of memories and it is a good place to stop and reflect.”

The owner of the property where the wall

stands — who asked not to be identified — said in 2014 she had been concerned for years about visitors to the wall getting injured as they climb to place memorials.

She is also concerned about falling plaques and stones, as well as vandalism from less well-meaning people.

“It’s a liability,” she said.

The homeowner said she had asked State Park officials to put up a safer wall in another part of the park that could be used in place of the memorial wall.

“I am sure they are nice people, and I know they want to remember their loved ones, but they are just doing it in the wrong place,” she said.

Nancy Wameling said the wall has held a special place in her heart for years.

“There was a bronze plaque on it for my friend, Jan Russo,” she said. “It’s kind of sad to see this happen. This is a great spot to stand a few moments and think about

People congregate at the Memorial Wall at Seacliff State Beach where workers recently removed many of the wall’s memorial plaques, photos and other such artifacts.

Photo by Tarmo Hannula

March 2016

14 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

APTOS

SOQUEL

CAPITOLA

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

March 3

Planning Commission, 7 p.m.

March 8

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

March 9

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

Traffic & Parking Commission, 6:30 p.m.

March 10

Ongoing

March 10

March 17

Aptos Noon Toastmasters

Breakfast meeting

Awards Celebration

The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly breakfast meeting from 7:30-9 a.m. at Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court in Aptos. Kim Adamson, general manager of DeepWater Desal, LLC, will be the guest speaker. Admission is $20 for chamber members, $25 for non-members. For reservations, call 688-1467.

The Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Celebration takes place at the Seascape Golf Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive in Aptos, from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person, and include dinner, awards program, raffle and no-host bar. For reservations, call 475-6522.

Honored this year will be: • Man of the Year – Gary Wetsel (owner of Paradise Beach Grille) • Woman of the Year – Cherie Robideaux (owner of Woodworm Party Store) • Business of the Year – Triad Electric • Community Spirit – Target • Organization of the Year – Congregational Church of Soquel • Lifetime Achievement – Frosty Hesson

Aptos Noon Toastmasters will be held every Wednesday at 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Rio Sands Hotel, 116 Aptos Beach Drive. A group of people at all levels of experience from beginners to more advanced to help you discover your voice and share it effectively. Everyone is welcome.

For more information visit Facebook. com/AptosNoonToastmasters or call 236-1171.

March 19 Book sale

A book sale will take place at the Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by the Friends of the Aptos Library, proceeds will go to the summer reading program.

Hardback books are $2 and paperbacks are $1.

March 22

City Council, 7 p.m.

March 15

Finance Advisory Committee, 6 p.m.

Soquel Creek Water Board, 6 p.m.

March 17

Planning Commission Special Meeting, 6 p.m.

March 23

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

Commission on the Environment, 6 p.m.

March 24 City Council, 7 p.m.

Mixer

The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will hold a mixer at Comerica Bank, Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, from 5-6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for chamber members, $10 for non-members.

March 26 Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter Egg Hunt will take place from 11-11:30 a.m. on the beach in front of the Capitola Venetian Hotel, 1500 Wharf Road.

Aptos High School student Elias Nepa is the first student member in years to become a Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees member.

To the Editor, A proposal: Within the United States all guns and ammunition will be sold only by the United States Government in stores or by mail order or online. The stores will be named “United States Second Amendment Gun Stores.”

All gun owners must be licensed and have their guns registered.

Anyone found in possession of an unregistered gun will be prosecuted and the gun confiscated. If the person does not have a license he or she will be prosecuted.

Gun registrations and licenses will be available at any U.S. Second Amendment Gun Store.

These stores will located near all U.S. Postal Service offices.

The stores will be open seven days a week with the exception of national holidays. They will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The U.S. Government will purchase the guns and ammunition from manufacturers who offer the lowest price for the best qualified material.

The funding for the U.S. Second Amendment Gun Stores will come out of the National Defense Budget.

Pat Miller Santa Cruz

Elias Nepa discusses his plans as a student trustee.

Photo by Todd Guild

March 2016

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 15

Lyon

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

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

THAT MAKES 2 SERVICES FOR 1 LOW PRICE *Offer includes up to 6 quarts conventional motor oil. Valid on most makes and models. Synthetic Oil and Diesel vehicles may be slightly higher. Price does not include sales tax or hazardous removal fees.

Offer expires 3/31/16. Must present coupon at time of purchase.

Celebrating 21 Years!

Watsonville’s Independent Bookstore

• • • •

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

Thank You For Voting us Best In The Pajaro Valley

831.722.3522 500 AUTO CENTER DR., WATSONVILLE 95076 WWW.WATSONVILLEGM.COM

Serving Santa Cruz County since 1974

THUNDERBIRD REAL ESTATE

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

Host your next event at one of our facilities!

City of Watsonville Parks and Community Service Department 831-768-3240

www.watsonvillerec.com • Office Hours: M-Fri 9am-4pm

Get Pre-Approved Today!

Cindi Robinson Home Lending Officer 831-440-6222 cindi.robinson@citi.com NMLS# 728087

© 2015 Citibank, N. A. Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC. NMLS# 412915. Citi, Citibank, Arc Design and Citi with Arc Design are registered service marks of Citigroup Inc.

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

(831) 688-4311 www.SandyJohnsonInteriors.com

Every Friday in March come check out Bargetto Winery's Music in the Cellar 6-8PM Admission is FREE Wine Sold by the glass

Saturday March 12th 10am to 4pm Moreland Notre Dame School Presents

Get more info: www.mndschool.org SPONSOR PLEDGE SHEET

What to do • Ask friends and family members to sponsor you for a nickel, dime, quarter or dollar per shot that you score.

• Have sponsors write their name, address, and amount pledged on this Sponsor Sheet.

• TAKE THIS SPONSOR SHEET TO THE HOOP-A-THON. • Put your game on! Show us what you can do from 10 Feet Out in Six Minutes! at the 2016 Central Coast Hoop-A-Thon, March 12th at the Moreland Notre Dame Gym. How it Works • Players are responsible for obtaining sponsors prior to Hoop-A-thon event. You may ask friends, family members, neighbors, businesses, etc. to pledge an amount for each basket you make (.10$, .25$, .50$, $1, etc.) or they can make a flat donation ($10, $25, $50, $100, etc.). GREAT PRIZES FOR TOP PLAYERS IN EACH AGE CATAGORY! • Send pledge money and Sponsor Sheet by mail to Central Coast Hoop-A-Thon c/o Roy Melendez, Moreland Notre Dame School, 133 Brennan St. Watsonville, CA 95076 or bring to Moreland Notre Dame School, 133 Brennan St. Watsonville.

What to tell sponsors: • “Moreland Notre Dame School is doing a Hoop-A-Thon.

• Proceeds help support Moreland Notre Dame’s Tuition Assistance program.

• Please sponsor me by pledging a certain amount per basket that I score.

• I will have Six sixty-second rounds. I will have a hoop that is fit for my age and height.

• I will be shooting hoops at the Moreland Notre Dame Gym, March 12th between 10am to 4 pm.

• Come watch and cheer me on!”