Pajaro Valley Magazine | October 2, 2020

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE PAJARO VALLEY

OCTOBER 2, 2020

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A supplement to The Pajaronian

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month P4

MIXING BOWL P6 | HOME OF THE WEEK P7 | PHOTO GALLERY P8

OCTOBER 2 - 8, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

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Raeid Farhat Real Estate Inc

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21 Brennan St, Suite 18, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: 831.761.7301

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Dan Pulcrano Publisher

Jeanie Johnson

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Editor

Erik Chalhoub Contributing Writers

Erik Chalhoub Johanna Miller Kate Russell

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Give me a call today regarding buying or selling your property

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Cover story

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Mixing Bowl

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Published by WatsNews, LLC, Watsonville, CA. Entire contents © 2020. All rights reserved.

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Circle of Champions - Watsonville Office

PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2 - 8, 2020

Sarah Ringler

We hope you are all doing well during the most confusing and scary times of our lives. Please be safe and sane and when you feel it’s overwhelming, practice patience and kindness and find some peace in it all. Change is difficult.

- The house rental playing field has changed with new laws regarding tenants’ rights that are not landlord-friendly and, to date, state and federal officials have offered little relief for rental property owners.

- The current fire is impacting our challenging housing market. Supply will be at a critical level with great demand.

- The current COVID-19 crisis is changing our industry constantly, as we learn more about it.

So, if you’re overwhelmed it’s natural in this environment. Some of you might be wondering about the current housing sales market. We can tell you this: For those of our clients who have decided to sell for one reason or another, the market remains strong. After listing the homes for our clients we have had healthy responses from buyers that have resulted in multiple offers and quick sales, much to the delight of the property owners.

If you have any questions regarding current rent regulations or to consider selling your property, we would be happy to assist you.

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OCTOBER 2 - 8, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Katz Cancer Resource Center promotes breast cancer awareness

By JOHANNA MILLER

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ccording to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in breast tissue change and divide, resulting in a lump

Claire Henry

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PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND SUPPORT

KEY RESOURCE Nurses Jenna Norvell ( from left) and Renee Aispuro

Gonzalez consult with a patient at the Katz Cancer Resource Center in Santa Cruz.

or mass. As there are typically none or very few symptoms at first, regular breast screenings and check ups are vital in prevention.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Katz Cancer Resource Center (KCRC) at Dominican Hospital is promoting the importance of regular screenings. They work closely with the Dominican Breast

Center, which offers the screenings and exams, and aim to educate both patients and the public.

“Screening for breast cancer is vital,” said Oncology Certified Nurse Renee Aispuro Gonzalez. “The goal is to catch things early. A lot of times, the cancer is curable.”

While most start regular screenings at age 40, KCRC recommends that younger people

MAKING A DIFFERENCE The Watsonville Police Department’s annual Pink Patch Campaign has kicked off. Proceeds of the patches will benefit the Katz Cancer Resource Center. with proceeds benefiting KCRC. The patches will be available to the public for $10 at its lobby Monday-Thursday from 9am-4pm.

“The Watsonville Police Department has been very helpful in raising funds,” Gonzalez said. “They are a great ally.”

KCRC also acknowledged the Dominican Hospital Foundation, who have aided them year-round in providing grants for patients with special needs.

“It's all about education,” Finnigan said. “When people have a better grasp of what’s going on, and they

know there’s someone who will support them, it reduces their anxiety.”

The Katz Cancer Resource Center is complying with local and statewide Covid-19 guidelines, including temperature checks, masks/face shields and social distancing, as well as rigorous sanitization. Visits to the center are by appointment only. For information, call 462-7770.

To schedule a breast cancer screening, call the Dominican Breast Center at 476-7711. Watsonville Community Hospital (761-5626) and Sutter Health (458-5521) also offer screenings and support.

PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2 - 8, 2020

be vigilant—especially if they have a family history of cancer or other genetic abnormalities. And though they only make up 5% of cases, men can be diagnosed with breast cancer, too.

Gonzalez also recommends that people learn how to perform a selfexam. There are many resources online on how to do so.

“It’s a good way to know your own body,” she said. “I had a patient in her 20s—she was being told that the lump in her breast was just a cyst. She knew it wasn’t normal, and kept advocating for herself. It turned out it was cancer.”

Katy Pagliaro, clinical coordinator at KCRC, added that it is important for patients to not compare their cancer cases, as there are many different types.

“People will be given a diagnosis and go get information from other patients,” Pagliaro said. “But it’s really important not to compare… everyone’s experience is unique, so treatment and information will differ.”

Kathy Finnigan, manager of Oncology Services, explained that this is why cancer treatment has changed over time.

“In the past we treated cancer by location, by where it was in the body,” Finnigan said. “Now we’re treating it by people’s biological profile… by what is driving the cancer to change that person’s cells.”

Every October, the National Breast Cancer Foundation kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a campaign to raise awareness of the disease. Their website lists various resources and ways for people to help.

The pink Breast Cancer Ribbon has become a universal symbol of the disease and a way for people, businesses and agencies to spread awareness and raise money. The Watsonville Police Department has launched its Pink Patch Project Campaign,

File photo by Tarmo Hannula

‘It’s all about education.

When people have a better grasp of what’s going on, and they know there’s someone who will support them, it reduces their anxiety.’

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THE MIXING BOWL Batter: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup water 1 egg beaten 1-2 cups deep fat frying oil like peanut or avocado oil

Tom Brezsny’s

REAL ESTATE OF MIND

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Continuing the conversation…talking about the incredible run real estate has been on since it emerged from shelter in place (SIP) and found itself in a decidedly different post-Covid environment - one profoundly transformed by the pandemic experience.

When SIP restrictions were lifted in May, the market saw a wave of new listings come on, since so many properties had been held off the MLS during the shutdown. The median sale price for single family homes in June was $905,000 - a number more or less commensurate with pre-Covid norms.

It was a welcome surprise to see prices rounding back up towards normal so soon.

But what we didn’t know was that the postCovid market was just getting started, and that almost overnight it would ratchet up in intensity way beyond anything resembling normal.

Like a mystery switch being flipped, the median price jumped $100k in July, hitting the $1million mark for the first time ever in Santa Cruz County! And right along with it, the average price rose to an astonishing $1.2million. (Go ahead, say it: “An average home in Santa Cruz costs $1.2 million!”)

As the acceleration continued into August, the median price jumped up to another new record of $1,050,000, while the average price climbed to a whopping $1,228,000. Judging by the number of escrows in the queue and the sheer intensity of recent multiple-offer situations, we’ll likely see another increase in prices when the September data rolls in.

Bottom line? We’ve never seen prices rise like this in such a short period of time.

Values usually trend up or down in relatively small increments, but lately it feels like a surge-pricing algorithm has been programmed into the market, one that raises prices instantly based on real time demand.

Heading into October lots of questions remain: Where’s this going? Is it a bubble? Can it continue going up? The best place for answers lies at the heart of every market-driven phenomenon - the underlying relationship between supply and demand.

And as I write this, the supply side of our equation shows there are only 176 single family homes available in Santa Cruz County. Since the rush of new listings in May, the inventory has continued to decline. There was never a second wave of new listings.

For some perspective, 176 is the number of active listings we normally have around Christmas. Last year, heading into October, buyers had more than 400 active listings to choose from - a veritable smorgasbord of choice compared to today. Next week we’ll talk more about the demand side of the equation and what we can expect between now and the start of 2021.

Tom Brezsny

Realtor® DRE#01063297

831-818-1431 getreal@serenogroup.com PA I D A D V E R T O R I A L

Topping:

Tarmo Hannula

OCTOBER 2 - 8, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Provoking thought since 1990

UNUSUAL TREAT A simple custard made with milk makes a surprised

filling for these sweet fritters.

Fried milk custard

By SARAH RINGLER

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his unusual sweet treat with an almost oxymoronic name evolved out of a collision of cultures, that began in 1841 with the colonization of Hong Kong by the British Empire.

It lasted until 1997 when the Sino-British Joint Declaration signed by both countries in 1984 came into effect giving China sovereignty over Hong Kong but allowed the continuation of the previous capitalist system for another 50 years.

Milk has not traditionally been part of the Chinese diet. Dairy, the domestication of animals for their milk, goes back 9,000 years and occurred in various places around the world like ancient Turkey, Mongolia and West Central Africa among the Fulani people. Cow, sheep and goat milk, to name a few, are usually indigestible by humans, but in those regions where it became part of the diet, genetic changes occurred in humans that allowed them to tolerate it, according to Dr. Ananya Mandal, from news-medical.net. A large part of the earth’s population doesn’t have the genetic mutation and often experience lactose intolerance, a condition that often results in stomach problems. Since so few people have

the mutation, it calls into question the American Heart Association’s diet recommendation that includes dairy as part of a balanced diet.

When the British colonized Hong Kong, they brought their love of dairy.

However, dried milk powder was the only kind of cow’s milk available in Hong Kong until 1940. As anyone who has drunk dried milk powder mixed with water knows, it generally tastes more like water than milk.

This recipe was invented in Hong Kong, according to Kian Lam Kho at redcook.net, as a way to make powdered milk more palatable. Luckily, we have fresh milk.

The custard in this recipe resembles Jello made with milk. Left to harden in the refrigerator, it is cut into squares, dipped in a batter, then deep fried like a doughnut. It is a bit unusual. The powdered sugar provides most of the sweetness. They taste best just after they are made.

FRIED MILK CUSTARD Custard: 2 cups milk 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt

Confectioner’s sugar Sweetened condensed milk for dipping – optional Combine all 4 custard ingredients in a medium saucepan and whisk. Be sure to blend the cornstarch completely with the milk.

Heat the mixture and stir constantly over medium heat with a wooden spoon. As the custard begins to thicken, stir the custard vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. Turn the heat off once all the mixture becomes a very thick custard. It will have the consistency of mashed potatoes. While the custard is still hot, spread it in a 4-inch by 8-inch loaf pan as evenly as possible. You don’t have to butter the pan. Cool the custard and refrigerate for at least four hours.

Remove the cooled custard from the loaf pan. Use a spatula around the edges to help it slip out of the pan. Cut it into strips or squares, as desired.

Whisk the flour, salt and baking powder together in a medium mixing bowl. Beat the egg and water together, then add to the flour and stir to combine.

Fill a wok or saucepan with about 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil and put over medium to medium high heat until it just begins to shimmer at about 350 degrees. Do not leave the stove at this point.

When oil is ready, dip the strips or squares into the batter, coat, then place into the oil and deep fry for about 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the fried custard from the wok and drain excess oil on layers of paper towel.

Arrange the fried custard sticks on a plate and dust with confectionary sugar. Serve immediately while still hot. Traditionally, they are also dipped in sweetened condensed milk.

HOME OF THE WEEK

The tastiest week of the year.

October 21 - 28

831.458.1100 sales@goodtimes.sc Submitted photo

TOPS

SMITH ROAD This Watsonville home sits on nearly two acres.

Ocean view horse property

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his home with ocean views is located just past the Spring Hills Golf Course.

Located at 990 Smith Road in Watsonville, the 2,199-square-foot home includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The spacious floor plan features high ceilings, along with new carpet and flooring throughout. There is a fireplace in the living room with a wet bar.

A separate “granny unit” that’s not included in the square footage has two bedrooms and one bathroom, along with its own driveway and entrance.

The nearly two-acre property features a barn, chicken coop as well as a variety of fruit trees.

The home, built in 1977, is listed at $1,295,000 by Coldwell Banker Realty. For information, visit tinyurl.com/y26bycw8.

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PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2 - 8, 2020

Watsonville home in private community near golf course

In Their Field

DESIGN DEPARTMENT weeklys.com

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PHOTO GALLERY

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Tarmo Hannula

OCTOBER 2 - 8, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Have a recent photo you’d like to share? Send it to us for consideration by emailing it to echalhoub@weeklys.com or mailing it to 21 Brennan St., Suite 18, Watsonville, CA 95076.

Please include a brief description of the photo as well as the name of the photographer.

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PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2 - 8, 2020

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Tarmo Hannula

BEACH VISIT A sprinkling of people visit New Brighton State Beach.

SILENT DUSK Beach-goers enjoy

Ed Show

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cat keeps track of his “Mom’s” new aluminum cane.

a quiet wade through the shallows of the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz.

Tarmo Hannula Tarmo Hannula

OCTOBER 2 - 8, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

STANDING GUARD Nori the

HOMEOWNER’S SERVICE GUIDE Keep your home in top shape with the help of these local professionals.

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For information on how to include your business, email sales@pajaronian.com

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FURNITURE

Baker Bros.

31 E 5th Street Watsonville

(831) 722-1776

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EQUIPMENT RENTAL

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WINDOWS

Delta Glass 1811 Freedom Blvd.

285 W. Beach Street Watsonville

(831) 724-6385 delta_glass@sbcglobal.net

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PLUMBING

PLUMBING

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HOUSE CLEANING

HOUSE CLEANING

JOHN SKILLICORN Realtor®

CALDRE #01875872

831-818-1540 | www.JohnSkillicorn.com | johnskillicorn@att.net

PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2 - 8, 2020

(831) 722-0334

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