LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola & Soquel

SEPTEMBER 2017 EVERYTHING APTOS, CAPITOLA & SOQUEL Vol. 6 No. 1

Sept. 13,14,15 & 16

Aptos High senior lineman Alex Austen

@ 1:00 pm Sept. 15 @ 7:30 pm

APTOS

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium

SOQUEL

pg. 12

CAPITOLA

HISTORY CORNER

Photo by Tarmo HANNULA

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

Claus Spreckels in Aptos The Industrial Revolution changed the world. People could travel by steam trains and steam ships instead of horse drawn wagons and sailing ships. Steam was also used to power the machinery in factories. The fuel for these new factories was either coal or wood. Since wood cost onethird the price of coal, the Santa Cruz Mountains were a gold mine waiting to be exploited.

Claus Spreckels, whose home and sugar factory were in San Francisco, needed fuel for his expanding empire. In the 1860s, it was not unusual to find 4,000 cords of oak firewood on the Aptos Wharf waiting for shipment to San

This man rolls his sea kayak out to sea on the Capitola Wharf.

Embracing a tradition Santa Cruz County Fair to be held Sept. 13-17

Please turn to Page 6

Begonias bow out

By JOHANNA MILLER

Final Begonia Festival scheduled for Sept. 1-4

By ERIK CHALHOUB CAPITOLA — What started in 1991 as a way for their children to ride on a begonia-covered float down Soquel Creek has turned into a multigenerational affair for the neighbors of Riverview Terrace.

Now, the Riverview Terrace Bunch are gathering one last time to construct their float for the 65th and final Capitola Begonia Festival, taking place Sept. 1-4.

Fittingly, the group’s first float was constructed at the Alcaraz house in Riverview Terrace, and now, so will the last one, said Linda Robinson of the Riverview Terrace Bunch.

“We are so happy that we got to participate,” she said.

“We are also so said that it’s going to be the last one. We hope something will continue.”

In January, the Capitola Begonia Festival committee announced that the 2017 iteration of the festival will be the last. Golden State Bulb Growers, which grows the begonia blossoms in Marina, is retiring from the business of growing begonias, but agreed to donate the blossoms for the festival for one final time.

In 1991, a number of families of Riverview Terrace Please turn to Page 15

Highway 152, Watsonville, California

Highway 152,

santacruzcountyfair.com Watsonville, California

santacruzcountyfair.com

WATSONVILLE — On Wednesday, Sept. 13 the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds will open its gates once again for five days of familyfriendly fun.

Event organizers are currently preparing for what they believe will be another successful year at one of the region’s most popular fairs.

“This is truly a county fair, in the

purest sense,” said the fair’s Marketing Director Steve Stagnaro. “We haven’t gotten too sucked into the fashionable side of things. We’ve tried to stay true to what we are.”

The event will be held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave. in Watsonville. Livestock shows and exhibits, live music and other entertainment, horse shows, Please turn to Page 7

A welcome relief

Temporary Valencia Road bridge reconnects residents

By TODD GUILD APTOS — After months of taking a circuitous route to take their children to and from school and to run everyday errands, residents of a small Aptos neighborhood on Aug. 7 for the first time walked across a new bridge that connects them to their community.

County officials opened the temporary bridge on Valencia Road after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by dozens of neighbors and

school district officials.

Aptos resident Kassandra Thomsen she has taken the one-hour drive to her kids’ school, three times per day since the bridge was closed on Jan. 22.

The short trip, which normally takes about 15 minutes, was turned into a sizable road trip early this year, when heavy winter rains damaged the road and the bridge that spans Trout Gulch.

County officials closed Valencia Please turn to Page 7

Inside ...

Chamber update ...............2 Briefs ...............................4-5 Guest columns .............9, 11 Calendar ...........................18 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WATSONVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 23 ******ECRWSSEDDM****** POSTAL CUSTOMER APTOS, CA 95003 CAPITOLA. CA 95010

SEPTEMBER 2017

2 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

New human resources director takes reins

Department reducing numbers of vacant teacher positions before selecting a school district to work for.”

Killeen immigrated from The Philippines WATSONVILLE — Since Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in 1972 when she was “a baby,” and grew Chona Killeen started her position ion July up in a socioeconomically disadvantaged 1, she and her department have hired more community in Southern California.

Killeen graduated from her high school than 100 new teachers.

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District as valedictorian and then attended UC Los in early August was still looking for 22 Angeles, where she majored in history. She teachers, a number that was shrinking as then went to Southwestern Law School in candidates came in for interviews less than Los Angeles.

She worked as a law clerk and then a week before classes resumed, Killeen practiced in a firm that specialized in said.

The number is down from about 200 immigration law and personal injury. She vacancies four weeks ago, said interim became disillusioned when the firm took Assistant Director of Secondary Education on divorce cases, where children are often thrust into contentious battles.

Terry Eastman.

That cemented her desire to become a That is no surprise in PVUSD, which employs hundreds of teachers, Eastman teacher, she said.

“I love teaching,” she said. “There were said.

“In a district this size you’re going to teachers and administrators and counselors who made a difference in my life, and I have openings all the time,” she said.

Killeen came to PVUSD from Coachella want to do the same for the kids.”

Killeen taught world history, Valley School District (CVSD), where she served as assistant director of human government and driver’s ed at middle and high schools. She also held principal and resources. She replaced Ian MacGregor.

Eastman, a former PVUSD principal, assistant principal positions at middle and came out of retirement to serve as Assistant high schools, and served as an athletic and Director of Secondary Education. She activities director.

In addition, Killeen helped implement a replaced Ken Woods.

“I’m a very lucky little chick here,” $3 million STEAM initiative at CVSD. All of this, she said, was the ideal Killeen said. “I have a phenomenal team.”

“This is the kind of community where preparation for her newest role.

“Of all the jobs in the world, HR is the I belong,” she said. “I did my research perfect place,” she said. “I can combine my legal experience with 30-plus years in education to find that sparkling person who truly deeply cares about kids. And if you can put them in the right place, and if they can rock and roll with the kids, that what it’s all about.”

Despite her high-level position in the district’s Green Valley Road headquarters, Killeen said she plans to stay involved in the classrooms.

“In HR you don’t want to be APTOS SOQUEL here just pushing paper,” she said.

“That’s not me.”

CAPITOLA While most schools are fully staffed, Killeen said that PVUSD is in the same bind as districts Publisher - Jeanie Johnson statewide: finding math and special education teachers.

There is also a shortage of Editor - Erik Chalhoub

By TODD GUILD

Chona Killeen is the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Photo by Todd Guild

substitute teachers throughout California, she said.

Killeen comes to the district as negotiations approach between the district and the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers.

The teachers’ union and the district have found themselves at odds during negotiations, which frequently grow contentious.

Teachers claim the district historically understates its projected ending balance, and that the money should be used for raises.

The district counters that year-end balances frequently come from one-time monies, and cannot be used for ongoing raises. The district also says that it needs to keep a reserve as a cushion against financial troubles.

The teachers’ union has also said that several of their peers have left for districts that offer higher salaries.

Editorial Todd Guild, Johanna Miller, Tony Nuñez, Tarmo Hannula Photography - Tarmo Hannula Advertising Sales Tina Chavez, Jazmine Ancira, Mark Pezzini, Veronica Iniguez, Production - Daryl Nelson Rob Chalhoub 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 RegisterPajaronian. Publishing in Santa Cruz County since 1894.

Contact Us

877-694-9048

newsroom@register-pajaronian.com

Thank you for reading!

But most people who left the district did so for health reasons, and many others left for family reasons or to relocate, Killeen said.

Few, however, left because of low pay, Killeen said.

“We’re not even in the double digits of people who cited salary a reason,” she said.

Killeen she hopes that her new perspective will help yield positive results when negotiations resume. She added that she hopes employees will bring questions and concerns to her.

“I’m coming in with a fresh set of eyes,” she said. “Hopefully there is something there, and some alternative ideas. I welcome what the teachers have to say.

What we want at the end of the day is, we’re here for the kids.”

Killeen will make an annual salary of $157,559, plus a $3,725 stipend for her master’s degree.

Around Aptos

By KAREN HIBBLE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A wonderful new event has surfaced in our Aptos community thanks to Friends of the Library and Denise Ward, a local resident who also loves to read and to bring community together.

The Friends of the Aptos Library just held a reception to select a book

APTOS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

for a new program they are calling “Our Community Reads.” The idea for the community reads came from one of the Friend’s members, Denise Ward, who was visiting a friend in the Lake Oswego area, which is a satellite city of Portland, Ore. When she heard

SEPTEMBER 2017 about the success of their program, now in its 12th year, she thought about trying to implement a similar program in Aptos. At that time she had no idea how widespread these types of programs are, and how they have grown in popularity over the past 10 years.

The concept is to provide a shared experience around a single book. Not only will the program offer residents plenty of fun and interesting events to engage in, but it will also promote libraries, local bookstores, and the joy of reading.

The photo with this article shows our fabulous summer visitors to Aptos who have been putting on a show for us for weeks. We want to welcome them and thank them for sharing their summer with us. And no, they are not a part of the terrible traffic on Highway 1.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

Enjoy the last days of summer.

••• Karen Hibble is the coexecutive director of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce.

SEPTEMBER 2017

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 3

Massive bike ride brings community together

By TARMO HANNULA SANTA CRUZ — Around 400 bicyclists filled Capitola and Santa Cruz on Aug. 19 as part of a nationwide cycling event to bring bicyclists together to show off their skills and simply bring the community together.

The ride, orchestrated on social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter, started on 41st Avenue in Capitola. By the time the herd got rolling hundreds of bicyclists joined in and the huge mob eventually took over major intersections on their journey to Santa Cruz.

“This ride is about community and coming together,” said rider Romel Rojas.

“We like to ride and we like being together as a community. It’s a good group of people and there’s a lot of talent here.”

For about 40 minutes the group of cyclists lined a section of Chestnut Street in Santa Cruz where they took turns performing a host of daring stunts on their bikes. Swarms of community members flocked to the area to check out the action.

One man, who only went by the name Auggie, said he has taken part in numerous rides.

“It’s a good way to meet people and to bring people together; I enjoy it,” he said.

Carlos Perez of New York (center) show his skills at bike stunts in Santa Cruz during a mass bicycle gathering on Aug. 19 that included people from around the country. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

experience

Enroll now for fall 2017 408-847-2717 MountMadonnaSchool.org Pre/K - 12th grade CAIS & WASC accredited Nonsectarian

Cabrillo College preparing ‘Makerspace’

By ABIGAIL ACOSTA APTOS — Cabrillo College has developed a plan to create a “Makerspace” that will take over two classroom spaces.

The Makerspace will include 3-D scanners, 3-D printers, laser cutters/ etchers and more and will be designed for students, faculty, staff and residents of Santa Cruz County.

At the Aug. 2 Board of Trustees meeting, Cabrillo accepted a $350,000 grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, which can be renewed for a second year. The $700,000 grant is the maximum award amount available to any college.

Cabrillo was one of 24 colleges to

receive the funding, which college officials say is highly competitive.

Cabrillo’s addition of the Makerspace will total in 2,817 square feet, a large expansion of its current 407-square-foot Art Department FabLab. Cabrillo officials say the Makerspace is on track to open late this fall at the 1300 Building located behind Cabrillo’s 3-D Art Building.

Students will also be able to prepare for internships and employment opportunities and work on entrepreneurial ventures of their own.

The new space will be open to the public as well, offering member services through Cabrillo’s Extension program.

SEPTEMBER 2017

4 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

APPLE PIE CONTEST

CAPITOLA PLEIN AIR

VOLUNTEER CENTER

Nominations sought for volunteer awards

Staff report

Apple pies await judging during the Santa Cruz County Fair in 2016. Contributed photo

Apple pie contest needs entries

Staff report WATSONVILLE — Entries are sought for the 41st Annual Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau Apple Pie Baking Contest during opening day of the Santa Cruz County Fair, Sept. 13.

The entry deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 5, postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m.

This contest is sponsored by the Pajaro Valley apple growers, shippers and related industries as well as pie lovers throughout Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. It has been organized by the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau since 1977.

Entry forms can be found in the fair’s premium book located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Office, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville or online at www.santacruzcountyfair.com and at the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, 141 Monte Vista Ave., Watsonville. There is no entry fee for this opening day event.

There are three divisions: • Juniors – 17 years of age and under • Seniors – 18 years of age and over • Masters – Anyone who has won first, second place in the Senior Division In each division, the first place prize is $50, second place is $40, and third place is $30. Best of Show is $50.

Alisa Hites works on an acrylic on canvas painting of Capitola during Capitola Plein Air in 2015, a convergence of artists drawing and painting in the open air. File photo by Tarmo Hannula

Artists sought for annual plein air competition Staff report CAPITOLA — Registration is now open for the third annual Capitola Plein Air juried competition, exhibition and sale.

The event, taking place from Nov. 1-5, includes four days to paint, an artists’ mixer, and an indoor exhibition and competition judged by artist Laurie Kersey. More than $2,500 in prizes will be handed out.

The registration deadline is Sept. 5. The entry fee is $50. For information, visit capitolapleinair.com.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County kicked off a call for nominations on Aug. 21 for the 11th Annual Be the Difference Awards.

The “Be the Difference” Awards are about honoring the individuals, groups, nonprofits, and businesses who make a difference in Santa Cruz County through volunteerism.

All community members are invited to share their stories of inspiration. Individuals who have worked alongside a dedicated volunteer, admire the way a particular nonprofit engages volunteers, or have observed a business going the extra mile for civic engagement are encouraged to fill out a nomination form.

Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 13.

“Each of us can think of a volunteer that has touched our lives in some way, big or small. The Be the Difference Awards provide the annual opportunity for the larger community to say thankyou and to share the powerful stories of our local change-makers,” said Volunteer Center Executive Director Karen Delaney.

“It is wonderful to see this number grow each year, to hear fresh new stories of individuals of all ages and from all walks of life who are dedicating themselves to the causes they care about. In a time of great divisions, the stories of volunteers help to provide a very different narrative about the potential for connection and the power of what we can accomplish when we act together as a constructive force for good,” Delaney said.

The top 50 nominees will receive a complimentary ticket and recognition at the Be the Difference Awards Lunch Gala which annually brings together nearly 300 attendees in celebration of service. This year’s event will take place on Friday, Oct. 27 at the Cocoanut Grove from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

For information or to download a nomination form, visit www.scvolunteercenter.org or call 4275070.

SEPTEMBER 2017

YOUTH MUSIC PROGRAM

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 5

OPEN FARM TOURS

OUR COMMUNITY READS

Youth music program begins semester Staff report APTOS — Registration for the Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program is underway.

An entry level string orchestra class, fourth-sixth grade beginning strings for violin, viola and cello will be offered on Fridays from 4-5:15 p.m. in room VAPA5137, located on the Cabrillo College Aptos campus, 6500 Soquel Drive. Students must provide their own instruments.

Auditions for Festival Strings (beginning note-readers), VAPA5156, and Cabrillo Strings (intermediate-advanced), VAPA5141, will be held on Friday, Sept. 1, from 3:45-4:15 p.m., with rehearsals on Fridays, 4:15-5:55 p.m., beginning on Sept. 1 at the Music Building, VAPA 5000.

String players ages 5 to 18 are welcome to join the private lesson and string orchestral programs.

For those interested in participating in or making contributions to this program, call 479-6101 or visit cabrillo.edu.

A variey of U-Pick events will be held during the Open Farm Tours. Contributed photo

Staff report CORRALITOS — Tickets are now on sale for “Hot Cuban Nights!”, a fundraiser dinner dance to benefit Open Farm Tours in Corralitos.

The dinner will be held Sunday, Sept. 17, at Whiskey Hill Farms, 371 Calabasas Road in Watsonville, from 4-8 p.m., and will include a Cuban-inspired dinner complete with drinks and dancing.

Tickets range from $49-$99 on a sliding scale basis and include a mojito or beverage of your choice. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite. com.

The fundraiser benefits the Open Farm Tours, a chance to meet farmers and tour 11 local family farms on Sunday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. All 11 farms implement sustainable agriculture practices and are within a 10-mile radius of each other.

The tour is free and open to the public.

The Market Place will take place at Alladin Nursery, 2905 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville, featuring lunch, beverages and wine with an assortment of food from local artisan food vendors.

Visit openfarmtours.com to download a free tour map and to register to be entered in the lunch drawings and raffles.

More than 40 people filled the Aptos Library for the unveiling of the “Our Community Reads” program on Aug. 9. Contributed photo

Staff report APTOS — On Aug. 9, more than 40 members of the community gathered at the Aptos Library. A new program, “Our Community Reads,” was unveiled by members of the Friends of the Aptos Library.

Five books were presented as candidates for a program that is designed to bring members of the community together around one book. Guests were asked to vote for their top three choices from a list of five: “The Map that Changed the World,”

by Simon Winchester; “Half Earth,” by Edward O. Wilson; “The Boys in the Boat,” by Daniel James Brown; “Born a Crime,” by Trevor Noah; and “The Radium Girls,” by Kate Moore.

After the chosen book is revealed, community members and area schools will be encouraged to read it and participate in planned activities centered on the themes of the book. Events such as film, art, music, exhibitions, discussions, author visits and other activities will be offered to all members of the community.

The result of the vote was a tie. The chosen book will be announced soon.

For information on how to become involved in the planning and roll-out of this program, contact Denise Ward at friendsoftheaptoslibrary@fscpl.org or visit friendsofaptoslibrary.weebly.com.

What a Wonderful World My mom has always been an optimist. She sees hope when others just see rain.

For as long as I can remember, each fall, when temperatures cooled and the autumn rains rolled in over our pasture, she pointed out a symbol of that hope. We would wait, and when the sun broke just the right way, it would emerge. A rainbow!

I cling to those now. Rainbows. Because they are harder for her to point out.

Over the course of my mom’s life, severe arthritis and a weak heart now make bending and reaching painful. Cooking and laundry are impossible without help.

My dad and I have tried home care services and worked shifts ourselves, but Dad is exhausted and they’re becoming housebound. I think it’s time for a change.

If an older parent needs daily assistance, maybe they’re not independent anymore.

Consider Áegis Living for professional help. We are the trusted, local senior care provider, specializing in assisted living and memory care. We offer the finest care, cuisine, social activities and comfortable warm home surroundings with committed staff. Come in for a tour and lunch with your parent. Let them experience our community filled with new friends, and new hope.

Please call our community and learn how we can help you take the break you need.

Áegis of Aptos 125 Heather Terrace Aptos, CA 95003

831-706-2956 AegisofAptos.com

RCFE #445202057

SEPTEMBER 2017

6 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

History Corner

Continued from page 1

Francisco. Although virgin redwood is a magnificent building material, huge quantities were also burned as fuel.

Spreckels was also looking for suitable farm land to raise and process sugar beets.

At 69, the aging Rafael Castro sold over one-third of his Aptos Rancho to Spreckels in 1872. Ultimately, Spreckels purchased almost all of the rancho.

There was nothing small about Claus Spreckels. Everything that he did was on the grandest scale. He saw opportunities everywhere. Santa Cruz was trying to get Southern Pacific to build a railroad connection into the county. By June 1873, Claus Spreckels and Frederick Augustus Hihn helped convince Santa Cruz County businessmen to build the railroad themselves. Spreckels and Hihn purchased stock in the new railroad.

Spreckels also saw the tourism potential of the estuary land where Aptos Creek enters the Monterey Bay, so he made plans to build the grandest hotel on the California coast. By 1874, Spreckels had a deer park built with a 12-foot high fence to hold deer and elk for his future guests to hunt.

This 170-acre area was between today’s Monterey Drive and Bonita Drive and is where Deer Park shopping center got its name. Spreckels also built a race track at today’s Polo Grounds Park location and a two-story private residence for himself, above the hotel site on today’s Bayview Court.

Claus Spreckels was not a man to be trifled with. On the day before the hotel’s Grand Opening, one of the employees was caught sneaking into a servant girl’s room.

Spreckels fired the employee but found him still hanging around on Opening Day. The ex-employee said, “I will go away when I get ready and not before,” whereupon Spreckels took him by the collar to show him the door. The ex-employee pulled a knife and Spreckels took him to the ground and disarmed him.

The formal opening of the Santa Cruz Rail Road from Santa Cruz to Aptos and

the Grand Opening Reception for the Aptos Hotel were held concurrently on May 22, 1875. Spreckels Drive was the private entrance road to the hotel. The event included an Inauguration Ball for Governor Pacheco. Two weeks later, three trains from Santa Cruz brought more than 1,000 people, plus another 500 by private conveyance, to the Dedication Picnic for Spreckels’ Aptos Hotel. The hotel was described as the largest and finest summer resort in the state. The hotel was enlarged for the 1876 season.

The following year the rail line was completed through Watsonville to Pajaro.

On May 7, 1876, the Opening Day, trains left Santa Cruz and Watsonville and met in Aptos for a grand party at the Aptos Hotel.

The Aptos Hotel operated during the summer months and most guests stayed for the entire season. In 1877, as the ranch and race track operations expanded, Spreckels built a larger summer mansion on the Coast Road, (9565 Soquel Drive) nearer to his ranch and farther away from the hotel. His view included the Valencia Lagoon and the Deer Park. The Valencia Lagoon is now part of the salamander protection area and is no longer visible due to the trees planted around it. It is bordered by Highway 1, Freedom Boulevard, Bonita Drive and Rio Del Mar Boulevard. It has a small security fence visible from the freeway. Spreckels turned over his previous summer home to the Aptos Hotel manager.

Spreckels made his fortune by controlling the west coast sugar market using raw cane sugar from Hawaii and the Philippines, but he was aware that sugar was also made in Europe from sugar beets. In 1870, the first successful beet sugar factory in America was in Alvarado, Calif. but after three years it was a financial failure. Spreckels put together a syndicate and moved the mill to Capitola on land owned by F. A. Hihn. In 1874, Hihn invested $22,000 in the mill, and leased them the land where Nob Hill grocery is located on Bay Avenue.

The mill provided sugar beet traffic for

the railroad and the railroad would reciprocate with lowcost bulk hauling of refined sugar for the mill. Sugar beets were grown on 700 acres of the coastal plain north of Capitola and south to Aptos. The plant operated from 1874 to 1879. Consider that all of these achievements were completed within the first five years of Spreckels’ purchase of his Aptos property.

In 1876, Spreckels developed sugar cane plantations in Hawaii. He became so powerful that he purchased the entire sugar output of the Islands for his San Francisco factory.

While in the Islands, Spreckels became friends with, and financed, the Hawaiian King, David Kalakaua. King Kalakaua visited Spreckels at his Aptos home on Oct. 19, 1881.

By 1886, politics and sugar cane grower’s resentments forced Spreckels out of Hawaii but his investment in sugar beet technology ultimately kept him well supplied with raw sugar. In 1888, he opened the Western Beet Sugar Refinery in Watsonville, the largest beet sugar factory in the America. Pajaro Valley farmers agreed to plant at least 2,000 acres of sugar beets each year. Spreckels built a railroad to Moss Landing so that the product could be transferred to his family’s ships. The Watsonville factory operated for 10 years.

As production increased and beets were planted farther into the Salinas Valley, Spreckels moved production near Salinas and built the largest beet sugar refinery in

the world.

The industrialization of Aptos as a lumber town and competition from new hotels in Santa Cruz, Capitola and Monterey, caused Spreckels to close his Aptos Hotel. In 1896, Spreckels tore down the Aptos Hotel and used the materials to build the factory and town of Spreckels near Salinas. He moved several whole buildings from Aptos to Spreckels.

Claus Spreckels donated to the construction of the first Catholic church in Aptos which was completed in 1875. In 1899, Claus also paid for the construction of the second Aptos School. It was built in today’s Aptos Village Square where Kristy’s School of Dance is located.

In 1908, at the age of 80, Claus Spreckels contracted pneumonia and died the day after Christmas, in his San Francisco mansion.

SEPTEMBER 2017

SCC Fair

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 7 Continued from page 1

horticulture, food and artisan vendors and art displays are planned to return this year.

Stagnaro says there is a balance in evolving while also being sure to stay with tradition.

“That’s our philosophy, really,” he said.

“Keeping things fresh while also staying as close as we can to our roots.”

One of the major draws of the Santa Cruz County Fair is its agriculture and livestock displays. Large barns with chickens, cows, pigs, sheep and goats line the end of the grounds, many tended to by young 4-H members.

Nearby, the horse arena hosts various shows throughout the week – everything from Western barrel racing to English show jumping.

“The wide-eyed wonder kids convey when seeing one of these farm animals for the first time is amazing,” Stagnaro

said. “It’s so important that they have that opportunity.”

Educational experiences for both children and adults are alive and well at the fair, especially at the Agricultural History Project. The nonprofit charitable organization is headquartered at the fairgrounds and opens its doors to visitors.

It offers hands-on learning, exhibits about the history of agriculture in Santa Cruz County.

In addition, the fair aims not only to look back, but also promote the preservation and future of agriculture and the importance of keeping it alive.

But Stagnaro says that fair organizers want to encourage people to come to the fair for their own reasons.

“If the carnival is why you come here, that’s great,” he said. “Some people are here to see horses jumping hurdles, others

Valencia Rd. Bridge Road on Jan. 22, and Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez closed Valencia Elementary School a week later.

That forced students to relocate to Mar Vista Elementary School, Cabrillo College, Aptos High School and Rolling Hills Middle School.

The temporary bridge was welcome relief for the neighbors, and for parents whose children attend Valencia Elementary School.

“This is a big day for us,” Thomsen said.

“It really does feel like we’re getting our lives back.”

The winter rains took a toll on the county, causing $129 million in damages at 320 sites, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend said.

While the Valencia Road bridge repairs carry the largest price tag, the county is still struggling to complete all the repairs, Friend said.

“We recognize that we still have a long

are here to see [hypnotist] Michael Mezmer.

We encourage people to find a part of the fair that is inciting to them and embrace that.”

Locals are also encouraged to participate in the various contests and exhibits that occur throughout the weekend.

Many departments – such 4-H Club members show their pigs in the market as the Apple Pie Baking competition. File photo by Tarmo Hannula Contest and the Diaper Derby/Toddler Contest – are still accepting entries.

For information, call 724-5671 or visit santacruzcountyfair.com.

Riders brave the Drop Zone ride during the Santa Cruz County Fair in 2016. File photo by Erik Chalhoub

Continued from page 1

way to dig our way out of the damage,” he said. “But the fact that we can restore that access back to people is really the gift we’ve owed you for quite some time.”

The Federal Highway Administration in March approved the $4 million bridge repair plan. The temporary span will allow workers to continue working on a permanent replacement.

“We are so, so grateful that we now have our main way into our campus,” said Valencia Elementary School Principal Caryn Lane. “It has been a long journey for our teachers, our kiddos and our families and the people we care about that we share our community with.”

Rodriguez praised county officials who quickly completed the necessary paperwork needed to secure funding.

“Today is truly a fantastic day for our community, and for the school of Valencia,” she said. “When the going gets tough we come together and we make sure our students have the best of all of us.”

A group of residents await the ribbon-cutting opening of Valencia Road.

Photo by Tarmo Hannula

NON-PROFIT

Join These Businesses in Supporting Non-Profit Organizations

Seniors and age 55+

Tools to Make Parenting Easier

Receive a shopping bag of groceries every week from

MATCHING CAMPAIGN MAKES YOUR GIFT GO TWICE AS FAR.

Recycling Centers – Resale Stores – Volunteer – Donate

(831)479-1055 – greybears.org 2710 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz

Every $1 matched through September 30, 2017

Give today at www.thefoodbank.org/ffc17

Providing healthy food to children in need in Santa Cruz County.

First 5 Santa Cruz County triplep.first5scc.org 831.465.2217

8 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

SEPTEMBER 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 9

Caution, slow down for home loans

By SERGIO ANGELES

Prime Home Loans Owner/Broker

I’m not sure who to blame for just how fast consumer services are rendered. I think with the advent and revelation of the seven-minute

abs work out video companies have pushed for faster is better. I think faster is sometimes better … I mean, I go fast in my car and that’s kind of cool and getting information off my blazing fast internet is useful, but closing a mortgage loan in 10 days sounds … not right! If you’re a seasoned home buyer or a seasoned refinancer then this article might not be for you.

Maybe check out the home improvement article on page 3. For you first time buyers or move up buyers, pay attention! Buying a home or refinancing is not like buying a pair of jeans, not even close! For you home buyers, have you really had a chance to think about whether or not you chose the right house? Have you had a chance to drive by on a weekend night? What about school research and prospective neighbor recognizance … it’s your chance to finally be a ninja and now you’re being rushed through the transaction?

that affects their financial future. I know this to be true because three out of five people I council with, we determine that no refinance is necessary and not beneficial. My ol’ mentor always said liars always figure but figures never lie. I miss that man. Running the numbers is important but what about all the intangible factors like: Is this the house I plan to stay in? Will my house need major repairs in the next few years? What if instead of refinancing I sell my home and buy a better one?

These are just a few of the valid questions that must be taken into account before committing to a new mortgage. So don’t let the promise of speed push you into committing a financial error. Just like those seven-minute ab videos, it’s a fad that will soon rocket away.

Home buyers have been led to believe that buying a house is a game of musical chairs and if you don’t move fast you won’t get a “chair.” I’ve been doing this business for 17 glorious years and I have yet to encounter someone looking for a house that didn’t get one. What I have encountered is that people who rush generally don’t always get what they want … but they try real hard and they only get what they need. Rolling Stone fans everywhere unite!

What about refinancing? Is this an appropriate transaction to go at a ludicrous speed? In Mexico, they say “Los zapatos con el Zapatero.” Once you figure out what that means you will understand that making a decision like to refinance or not is best left to a professional mortgage broker for guidance (like me).

The average homeowner equipped with an iPhone 7 should not be pressing buttons

Second District Update - State transportation funding

By ZACH FRIEND

Santa Cruz County Supervisor

Over the last year, in response to significant declines in transportation funding, the state legislature proposed a number of bills to stabilize funding. Ultimately, in April, the state passed Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act. The bill focused on providing a steady stream of transportation funding to address the backlog of state and local transportation projects. The legislation combined new diesel and gasoline taxes with vehicle fees and Caltrans efficiencies to fund local and state roadway repairs (including storm damage local matches), public transportation, congested corridors, bike and pedestrian improvements and more. The bill also allows for cities and counties with their own local tax measure (such as our recently passed Measure D) to apply for additional funds.

With the passage of Measure D locally, and SB 1 statewide, it’s reasonable to ask

CA License #651452

why new funding measures were necessary and why had state transportation funding been reduced?

The state gas tax was last increased in 1994.

With no adjustment for inflation and more fuel efficient vehicles on the road the real (and actual) dollars associated with the tax dropped significantly over the last 20 years.

Additionally, most of the remaining pricebased excise tax on gasoline was diverted to repay state bond debt service, resulting in a large drop in funding for local governments that had received these funds as part of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP pays for a number of local road (and bike/pedestrian) improvement projects in our county.

The passage of SB 1 remedies a number of these issues. While it doesn’t fully restore transportation funding to what it could have been with inflation adjustments over time, it does provide a significant new funding stream into our county. The State Department of Finance estimates that, once the tax is

Quality at a reasonable price!

Residential & Commercial Garage Doors & Openers Entry Doors & Windows • Tracy Armintrout – Owner

Office: 763-0563 Fax: 763-0636 www.thedoorcomp.com

fully implemented for 12 full months (in FY 2018/2019) the unincorporated county will receive about $4.5 million in new funding.

Local cities will also receive significant boosts in funding from SB 1 with the City of Santa Cruz receiving $1.1 million and Watsonville receiving over $900,000.

Additionally, Santa Cruz METRO (bus and paratransit) is projected to receive over $1 million in new funding annually as a result of the passage of the bill.

What does this mean for us locally?

Projects that we’ve outlined as priorities within the mid and south county areas, including improvements on Highway 1 (including the next phase of auxiliary lanes between Soquel and 41st Avenue), the new bike and pedestrian crossing at Mar Vista, local road resurfacing and repairs (in addition to storm damage repairs) are all eligible through this new funding stream to augment our new local Measure D funding.

Measure D funding in our district provides local road improvements in Corralitos, Rio

Del Mar, Seacliff, La Selva and more, as well as planned highway improvements and funding for METRO, paratransit, active transportation and the coastal trail project.

Combined, these two new funding measures will allow us to start addressing the backlog of repairs needed in our county and also make new improvements to the highway, coastal trail and local roads.

The congested corridors funding in the bill will allow for competitive funding to alleviate congested arterials in our county (such as Soquel) as well as Highway 1 projects (the Highway 1 and 9 interchange in Santa Cruz for example). The funding isn’t guaranteed but local agencies can work with Caltrans on applying for projects that meet the criteria.

Funding to improve some of these congested corridors would be a welcome improvement for some of the most frustrating locations of congestion in our county.

As always, I appreciate hearing your feedback. If you have any questions feel free to call me at 454-2200.

Always the right choice.

40

For

years running.

Celebrating FOUR DECADES serving the pet community.

Look no further than Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital for your best choice in pet care. Our highly-skilled veterinarians and staff offer you diverse services that include: • Wellness Exams • Microchips • Laser Therapy • Radiology Services • Parasite & Flea Control Programs • Small Animal Surgery & Anesthesia • Puppy & Kitten Packages • Diagnostic, Therapeutic & Preventative Services

$

25off

WELLNESS EXAM FOR NEW CLIENTS ONLY: BRING IN THIS COUPON TO RECEIVE $25 OFF YOUR PET’S FIRST WELLNESS EXAM. Offer does not apply for illness and emergency exams. Offer excludes products and medications.

Offer cannot be combined with any other offer.

Pass along to friends and family Promotion Code: SSC02

Expires: 9/30/17

• Behavioral & Dietary Counseling

Call 831.688.4242 to schedule an appointment 10404 Soquel Drive, Aptos • aptos-creeksidepets.com

10 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

SEPTEMBER 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 11

Fit for the Fight a success Seascape Village Fitness & Physical Therapy recently hosted their Fifth Annual Fit for the Fight Fundraising Event. This evening of fun and community celebration took place Saturday, July 15 and was a

huge success. We greatly appreciate the generous support from all who gave their time, energy and donations to this important cause. With your help, we raised nearly $13,000 for the ACS Santa Cruz Relay

for Life and for the Santa Cruz Children’s Charities. We have sent a message of love and support to local families who are affected by childhood cancers, as well as supporting important research, education

and resources in our local community. We could not have achieved this without your help and generosity. Thank you.

Seascape Village Fitness & Physical Therapy

Financial Advice

Reviewing your investments

By GARY E. CROXALL, CFP® and SOREN E. CROXALL, CFP® As we are writing this month’s article, the Dow Jones Industrial Average just crossed over 22,000 for the first time in history (Aug. 2, 2017). Year to date the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up approximately 11.4 percent while the S & P 500 is up approximately 10.61 percent (as of Aug. 1, Source: Morningstar). With markets sitting at all-time highs, it can lead to questions about whether you are over/under allocated in stocks or if your current investment portfolio is still aligned with your long term goals and objectives. Below are some reasons to re-examine your current investments and potentially make changes as necessary.

Reason #1 - Rebalance The stock market has had quite a run in the nine months or so since the end of 2016. It might be a good time to review your overall asset allocation. For simplicity, let’s assume that you’ve determined that your portfolio should consist of 60 percent stocks and 40 percent bonds. Since the market has had a run up, it’s possible that your portfolio is

now overweight in stocks and underweight in bonds, which may no longer align with your overall risk tolerance. You might consider “trimming the trees” and rebalancing your portfolio to bring it back in line with your stated allocation of 60 percent stocks and 40 percent bonds. However, before you do anything, make sure you understand any tax implications that may come from selling positions in your portfolio and any costs involved. For example, if your portfolio consists of a taxable account, rebalancing may cause you to incur capital gains or losses. Coordinate with a tax professional to understand your situation.

Reason #2 – You’ve Had A Life Event Change Goals, both short term and long term can change over time. It’s important to periodically check to make sure your portfolio matches your current goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. For example, let’s say you have been saving for a down payment on a home that you would like to purchase in the next 3-5 years. However, you’ve been investing the money you’ve been saving in an aggressive stock or stock fund. We would say, you probably should reevaluate that investment because it doesn’t align with your stated goal and time horizon.

A less extreme example would be to adjust your portfolio as you approach retirement.

Younger workers typically have more time to allow their retirement portfolios to grow and weather short term volatility. As workers age, they can examine their portfolios and make necessary adjustments that align with

their time frame to retire and their appetite for risk. A qualified professional can help quantify qualitative goals like wanting to retire in the future.

Reason #3 – Something is Not Working Let’s face it, sometime things just don’t go the way you expect them to. It could be the category of what you are invested in or just the choice you have picked to fill that category.

It could be that something has changed from when you made your original choice and your original pick is not performing well compared to other options that may be available. You should always consider the time you have held the current investment as well as the tax and transaction cost of making a change. If you are considering an alternative be sure to evaluate it after taking this into consideration.

During times like we have been experiencing in the stock markets over the last six months and over the last year it is easy to become complacent and lose perspective.

We believe this is one of the greatest dangers in this market right now. It is human nature to get excited about the good news, just as it is easy to overreact to bad news. We do not advocate trying to “time” the markets, and encourage individuals to maintain clear objectives and maintain proper allocation and diversification after considering your personal objectives in light of your time frame and tolerance for risk.

Remember that even prudent diversification and reasonable asset allocation will not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. However, it may spread your

risk so that investments that do poorly may be balanced by others that do relatively better. It just makes good common sense to keep this in mind and review your investments on a regular basis.

Gary E. Croxall, CFP®

Soren E. Croxall, CFP® Croxall Capital Planning Advisory services provided by Croxall Capital Planning (CCP), a Registered Investment Advisor. Separate advisory and securities services may be provided

by National Planning Corporation (NPC), member FINRA/SIPC, and a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. CCP & NPC are independent and unrelated companies. Please consult with your representative to confirm on which company’s behalf services are being provided. 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. Indices are unmanaged measures of market conditions. It is not possible to invest directly into an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Examples used as illustration only.

Investment decisions should be based on individual’s goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk.

SEPTEMBER 2017

12 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

SPORTS

WITH

Mariners’ Austen a BIG deal

By TONY NUNEZ APTOS — The word gigantic, as defined

by Merriam-Webster, means exceeding the usual or expected (as in size, force or prominence). The word doesn’t quite do Alex Austen justice.

“Ginormous is more like it,” said Aptos senior center Justin Torres. “You see him and it’s like, ‘holy cow.’ People shouldn’t be that big.”

Austen, a senior offensive lineman for the Aptos High football team, stands at a towering 6-foot-5-inches and 311 pounds.

Standing next to his fellow lineman, the starting left tackle makes them all look like members of the freshman squad. Sixfoot-2, 283-pound senior tackle Joseph Gutierrez-Lee might as well be 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds.

Austen and his family are still a bit puzzled as to where his size comes from.

His father, Thomas, is 6-foot-1 and his mother, Jasmine, measures in at 5-foot-6.

Oh, and Austen has a twin sister, Ana, who is a whole foot shorter than him.

“It makes no sense,” said Aptos senior cornerback Blake Wheeler. “You see her and then you see him. It’s like, ‘how the heck?’ All I know is I’m glad he’s on our team.”

Austen has poured over pages and pages of articles on the internet, read several books and watched a handful of videos on the normal height of humans — about 5-foot-10-inches, he said — and what leads to variations. It’s not a normal summer pastime for a high school senior but Austen is anything but normal.

“I thought it was interesting and a bit weird,” said Austen, who explained that his hours of research led him to believe height is a mix of genetics, nutrition and

chance. “I’m thinking, at this point, it’s just because I eat a ton.”

Austen did plenty of that over the summer — many burgers met their sad fate in that time — but he somehow got leaner, stronger and quicker. Overall, he gained 50 pounds while also growing an inch taller.

“I feel faster than last year,” Austen said.

“I don’t know how.”

And it’s not just a feeling. Austen’s athleticism is what makes him special. An immovable object in pass protection and an unstoppable force while run blocking, Austen is as flexible as a ballerina in the middle of a hot yoga session and moves his feet quicker than a hungry mouse chasing cheese.

“You don’t see big guys like that, that can move around and are flexible like he is,” said Aptos senior linebacker Marcos Reyes. “He might be our fastest lineman and that’s crazy.”

Blankenship said Austen has been recorded at 18 percent body fat and is also one of the strongest kids to ever pass through the program.

“There’s kids that are 310 pounds and are sloppy,” Blankenship said. “He’s not sloppy. He has the hips and feet of a 170-pounder and he has the body of a man but he’s only a young man. That’s why he’s going to be a big haul for whoever lands him.”

Yet Austen, who said he has plans of pursuing a degree in engineering, has not yet been contacted by any college football programs as of early August.

It’s not unusual for talent from Santa Cruz County to go unnoticed and overlooked.

Both Ty Sambrailo and Andy Levitre were only considered two-star recruits coming out of high school. Sambrailo, a tackle for the Denver Broncos, received

TONY NUNEZ

At 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, Aptos High senior lineman Alex Austen (left) is a massive football player that head coach Randy Blankenship said could play for any NCAA Division I program in the country. Photo by Tony Nunez

just one scholarship offer from Colorado State after starring at St. Francis High in Watsonville. Levitre, who plays guard for the NFC champion Atlanta Falcons, garnered college offers from Oregon State, L.S.U., Fresno State and Arizona because of his upside and his family’s roots in the NFL — his older brother, Erick, played college football at Arizona and also spent four seasons in the pros.

This summer, Fresno State and Cal Poly were the only schools to visit Aptos.

Blankenship, who has rarely contacted Division I programs for kids in the past, said he couldn’t help but to reach out and make a case for Austen. He made calls to Stanford and Cal and even dialed

up national power Alabama, a 16-time national champion which also played for the title last year.

“I’ve never called Alabama before but this kid is something special,” said Blankenship, who has had several former players compete at the NCAA level, most notably former NFL QB Billy Volek. “He can play at any program for any coach.

He’s big, he’s fast and he’s smart. The only problem is he doesn’t have five stars next to his name…The whole recruiting process is political. The first thing they say is who’s recruiting him? It baffles me that he has gotten no looks.”

Austen will be hard to miss this season.

SEPTEMBER 2017

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 13

14 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

SEPTEMBER 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 15

Begonia Festival

Continued from page 1

Begonia-covered floats bob along Soquel Creek in 2014 during the Nautical Parade, which is part of the Capitola Begonia Festival. File photo by Tarmo Hannula

got together to construct a float that their young children could ride on. That year, their float resembled a Hobbit house, while the children dressed as the small fictional characters.

The group has participated a number of times throughout the years, but one thing has always remained a constant.

“It’s all about the kids for us,” Robinson said. “We do it for the kids. We have a wonderful time with all the families getting together.”

Now, those children who dressed as Hobbits in 1991 have gotten their own children involved in building the group’s float.

“It’s the next generation,” Robinson said.

This year, the Riverview Terrace Bunch will debut a float modeled after a carousel, complete with cut-out figures of sea creatures on board.

“We think it’s going to be very big and beautiful and colorful,” she said.

The four-day Begonia Festival, themed “Begonias Take a Bow” and held during Labor Day Weekend, will feature a horseshoe tournament, a fishing derby, live music, activities with begonias and more, capped off with the Nautical Parade, where begonia-covered floats drift down Soquel Creek.

On Aug. 24, the Capitola City Council proclaimed the tuberous begonia as the official city flower.

“This year’s festival is dedicated to the begonia growing families that invited us to enjoy the spectacle of their begonia growing fields, the grandeur of lath houses filled with flowering plants and the precious opportunity to pick begonia blossoms for our events,” said Begonia Festival President Laurie Hill. “All of this will be deeply missed.”

For information and a schedule of events, visit begoniafestival.com.

Thank you

Capitola

for 65 years of BEGONIA memories

16 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

SEPTEMBER 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 17

Ask Nicole: Taking the hassle

out of homework

By NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW

M

any parents, including myself, have “homework battle scars.” I still cringe when I remember the endless hours, late nights, and tense “discussions” (arguments) when my kids were working on mission projects, science fair projects and other homework. I’ll admit that homework hassles have tested my patience and parenting skills, and I haven’t always been successful at staying calm. But as my kids have gotten older and learned to manage their time and study habits, the light at the end of the tunnel has grown brighter. My kids have learned they’re responsible for completing and turning in their homework, and I’ve learned to trust that they will get the work done. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s nice to see all of our efforts finally paying off.

This monthly column provides tips for anyone who is raising children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, please email me at triplep@first5scc.org.

Dear Nicole, Help! School just started and I’m already having problems getting my 6- and 10-year-old kids to do their homework.

They tease each other, go to the bathroom a million times, and find any excuse to wander around the house. Then they throw

a fit at night when it’s time to go to bed and they haven’t finished their homework.

How can I get them to do their homework without yelling – or doing it for them?

— Desiree Dear Desiree, Homework is a challenge in many families! It’s often difficult for kids to focus on homework because they’re physically, mentally and emotionally tired after school. Or kids are ready to do homework, but find the assignments are too hard, tedious or overwhelming. They may need help or encouragement, but it’s hard for parents to be present and patient when they’re also exhausted at the end of the day. Here are some tips to try: Help your children make the transition from school to home. Let them have free time when they get home so they can relax, have a healthy snack, or get their extra energy out. This also gives you a chance to spend quality time with them and find out how their day went. Agree on the amount of free time they can have, and then give them a 10-minute “warning” before free time is over so they can start the transition to homework time.

Establish a homework routine. Set a time for doing homework that works with your family’s schedule. Although the specific

time might vary each day depending on other family activities such as work, afterschool care, or extracurricular activities, having a regular “homework time” will help children learn that it’s part of their daily routine, just like eating, getting dressed, and going to school. Arrange a space for each child to do their homework that’s comfortable, has enough room for them to work, and minimizes distractions as much as possible. Set a few simple ground rules that focus on what you want them to do instead of what not to do – e.g. Get all your books and supplies ready before starting homework. Finish homework before screen time.

Offer “just enough” help and encouragement. Stay near your children and check on their progress, but do not do their homework for them. Give descriptive praise to acknowledge their efforts and progress – “You’ve finished five questions already. Keep up the good work!”

If they want your help, ask questions that encourage critical thinking and problemsolving, such as “What do you think that means?” or “Where could you find the answer?” If they have difficulty finding an answer after 1-2 prompts, then provide or guide them to the solution so that they stay engaged in the learning process instead of giving up.

If they are overwhelmed by the amount of homework they have, help them break it down into smaller segments that feel

more manageable. Let them have a small reward after finishing each segment of homework, such as taking a stretch break or listening to a song. When your children have finished all their homework, let them choose a special activity or game as a reward for completing their homework routine.

Final thoughts: A few positive parenting strategies can help take the hassle out of homework for everyone. If the problems continue, ask your children’s teachers about other school-based assistance or resources that could help determine whether there’s a learning disability or challenge that requires a different solution.

••• Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 13 and 17, who manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program.

Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department.

To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit triplep.first5scc. org, www.facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

Ensuring Educational Excellence Lead. Serve. Inspire!

Contact the Admissions office to schedule a shadow day or a tour of the campus!

St. Francis High School Salesian College Preparatory 2400 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville www.stfrancishigh.net 831-724-5933 x 206 admissions@stfrancishigh.net

SEPTEMBER 2017

18 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Sept. 1-4 Begonia Festival

The Capitola Begonia Festival is returning for its 65th and final year. The annual festival celebrates the begonia growing and water festival history of Capitola. The festival will be held in the Capitola Village. For information, visit begoniafestival.com.

Sept. 13 Quintessential Santa Cruz County Art Reception

The art show will exhibit local artists while providing local wine and food. All artwork on display is for sale and proceeds go directly to the artists. The reception will take place at the Santa Cruz County Bank, 720 Front St. in Santa Cruz, from 5:30-7 p.m. For information, visit sccountybank. com.

Sept. 22 ‘Golden Auction’

Goals

Celebration

and

The Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy will be hosting the “Golden Goals Celebration and Auction” at the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, 7807

SEPTEMBER 2017

Soquel Drive in Aptos, from 4-8 p.m.

The event will benefit the Azteca players, whom were involved with gangs and the juvenile justice system. Tickets are on sale at aztecasyouthsocceracademy.org/ goldengoals.

Sept. 23 A Taste of Soquel

The Congregational Church of Soquel and the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsoring the “Taste of Soquel” to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. The event is a celebration of the 252,000 meals that have been provided to children and families in Santa Cruz.

The annual event will take place at the Congregational Church of Soquel, 45951 Soquel Drive, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sept. 24 Fashion Show and Luncheon

The American Cancer Society’s 8th Annual “A Fashionable Fashion Show and Luncheon” will be held at the Seascape Resort. The fashion show will have models all of who are cancer survivors. Contact ACS for tickets and information at nancy. valdez@cancer.org.

Sept. 26 Sons in Retirement

Sons In Retirement is having a buffet luncheon and talk by George Dondero, “Santa Cruz County Transportation Issues”, at 11:30 a.m. at Severino’s Restaurant, Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court in Aptos. For information, call Dave at 708-2673 or Jim at 708-4133.

Oct. 6 Capitola Foundation Golf Tournament

The 12th Annual “Capitola Foundation Golf Tournament” returns for another year of donations. The tournament will be held at the Seascape Golf Club. There will be a raffle, silent and live auctions. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m. and the tournament begins at 1 p.m. For information and registration, visit capitolafoundation.org.

class is designed to broaden writing skills in all forms including: poetry, blog posts, songs, essays and more. Residents of the county receive a discounted price for the class. Registration for the class is offered online at tinyurl.com/ya4lrqh6.

‘Bingo, the Winning Musical’

NextStage productions is hosting “Bingo, the Winning Musical.” The Benefit Show is supporting NextStage Productions, a nonprofit providing Creative and Expressive Arts programs for adults, 50 and over, of Santa Cruz County.

The interactive musical will be held Sept.

9-10 at the Mid County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave. in Capitola. For tickets and information, visit nextstagesantacruz.org.

Ongoing Writing classes

The Kickstart Your Creative Writing Habit class will begin on Sept. 11 and go till Oct. 9 and will meet every Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Capitola Community Center, 4400 Jade St. The

APTOS

SOQUEL

CAPITOLA

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SCHEDULE

APTOS SCHEDULE Boys Football Sept. 1 vs. Aragon Sept. 8 @ Placer Sept. 22 @ Palma Sept. 29 @ Seaside

SOQUEL SCHEDULE Boys Football Sept. 2 @ Los Altos Sept. 8 vs Pajaro Valley Sept. 15 vs Jefferson

All home games take place at Aptos High School, 100 Mariner Way Girls Volleyball Sept. 7 @ Saint Francis Sept. 12 @ Santa Cruz Sept. 14 vs Saint Francis Sept. 15 @ Carmel

Sept 19 @ Soquel Sept. 21 @ Harbor Sept. 26 vs San Lorenzo Valley Sept. 28 vs Mt. Madonna

All home games take place at Soquel High School, 401 Soquel San Jose Rd. Sept. 22 vs Gonzales Sept. 30 @ Harbor

September 2017

September 2017

Girls Volleyball Sept. 14 @ Harbor Sept. 19 vs Aptos Sept. 19 vs Santa Cruz

Lyon

Business & Service Directory 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

SEPTEMBER 2017

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel - 19

20 - LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel

SEPTEMBER 2017