Pajaro Valley Magazine | Jan. 3, 2020

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE PAJARO VALLEY

A supplement to The Pajaronian

JANUARY 3, 2020

‘START SMALL’

Keys to following through on New Year’s fitness goals P4

THE MIXING BOWL P6 | TRY THIS P8 | ART AT THE AIRPORT P7

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JANUARY 3 - 9, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

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or the past month I have been seeing many articles, Instagram posts and YouTube videos about New Year’s JOHANNA “intentions.”

MILLER As an alternative to the classic resolution, an intention, people claim, is a more freeing version of an individual’s goals at the start of the New Year.

I’m not sure if the noun switch really changes anything for me.

Whether I intend to do something or resolve to doesn’t seem to matter.

Especially when it comes to health and fitness.

I was a competitive swimmer through high school. Since then, my health has fluctuated—partly due to things beyond my control, but also because of my own actions.

No matter how many times I try getting healthy, things always end up going wrong. It can be frustrating—especially when its your New Year’s resolution/ intention that you “ruin.”

Editor Tony Nuñez’s interview with Brian Orozco from Watsonville’s Functional Fitness Training Center touches upon the idea of “starting small.” That is, not diving head-first into an unrealistic goal but instead gradually changing habits.

Orozco often works with seniors, who face a number of challenges that I do not (yet). But the idea is the same: small changes can lead to big results throughout the year.

Limiting yourself to a certain time frame—losing 20 pounds by your wedding or vacation, or starting your diet after your birthday, can also be detrimental.

Perhaps that is what people mean when they talk about “intentions”— that falling short of your goal once doesn’t mean you can’t try again.

I’m still not sold on it, but as long as we have passionate people in our community like Orozco, I’m willing to give it a try.

Here’s to a healthier, and more importantly, happier 2020.

MAGAZINE

21 Brennan St, Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: 831.761.7301

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Cover Story

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The Mixing Bowl

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Try This

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The Buzz

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Art

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Live Music

10 Photo Gallery CEO & Executive Editor Dan Pulcrano Publisher Jeanie Johnson Managing Editor Tony Nuñez Contributing Writers Jim Tucker Tony Nuñez Sarah Ringler Tarmo Hannula Advertising Account Executives Tina Chavez Lupita Ortiz Design Director Kara Brown Production Johanna Miller Cover Photography Tony Nuñez

Published by WatsNews, LLC, Watsonville, CA. Entire contents © 2019. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

TO PLACE AN AD Email:

tchavez@pajaronian.com Phone:

831.761.7301

JANUARY 3 - 9, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

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photo by Tony Nuñez

SEEING RESULTS Functional Fitness Training Center owner Brian Orozco (right) guides a client through an exercise on New Year’s Eve. Orozco’s business, which

moved to downtown Watsonville last year, is celebrating 15 years of service.

JANUARY 3 - 9, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Rethinking fitness, goals

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Local trainer celebrates 15 years, dishes tips for New Year’s resolutions

By TONY NUÑEZ

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ost of Brian Orozco’s clients are in constant pain before they walk through the doors of his Main Street business, Functional Fitness Training Center. Tasks as simple as bending over to play with their grandkids seem out of the question with their achy joints and tight muscles. Orozco prides himself in relieving that pain and giving people their lives back.

“I have people that come in, in pain and that has a whole negative impact in their life,” Orozco said. “If I can get them out of pain, they can get out and start enjoying life, enjoying their family, enjoying their grandkids and really living life to the fullest.”

Functional Fitness Training Center is celebrating 15 years in 2020.

Orozco is also commemorating a one-year anniversary of his move downtown. He operated on Crestview Drive before moving into his current location at 434 Main St. “Being in downtown has been great,” Orozco said. “It’s brought a new diverse clientele.”

That clientele is mostly seniors— though he also works with local athletes—that have aches and pains and struggle with everyday tasks

after years of faulty movement patterns. Orozco works to correct those faults with a plethora of exercises that mimic mundane duties with an athletic twist. His method is a fresh, relaxed change from the typical training found at a meat market-type gym, as he focuses on his client’s balance, strength and coordination.

“Getting people moving correctly is my top priority,” he said.

Orozco graduated from Watsonville High School in 1986 and then earned an associate’s degree at Cabrillo College. He later transferred to the University of Nevada in Reno, where he earned a bachelor's degree in health education.

He also has a master’s degree in kinesiology. He came back home and

worked at Juvenile Hall and various school districts, before teaching adaptive physical education at Cabrillo College.

There, he taught classes such as weightlifting, basketball and tennis, all for people confined to wheelchairs. He also helped people who had suffered from strokes, reteaching them how to walk, talk and everything in between. He did that for five years before becoming a physical trainer at a local health club and then starting up his own business.

Orozco said starting a business in his hometown has been extremely rewarding.

“It’s great to still be a part of my community and work here,” he said. “I still see my old friends and teachers.” ➝8

THE MIXING BOWL

Party snack: Japanese-American Arare

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photo by Tarmo Hannula

JAPANESEAMERICAN ARARE 4 tablespoon salted butter ¼ cup vegetable oil ¼ cup pure maple syrup 3 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 tablespoon soy sauce 12 ounces Crispix cereal, one box ¾ cup nori furikake 1.7 ounce Heat oven to 250 degrees. Line a 18 by 13 inch sheet pan with parchment paper.

Combine butter, oil, syrup, sugar and soy sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until butter melts and the sugar dissolves.

Spread the cereal in an even layer on the sheet pan and drizzle with the butter mixture. Fold gently until evenly coated and spread out into an even layer. Sprinkle with the furikake.

Bake, stirring once or twice until golden brown for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Stir again and then cool completely in the pan. Keeps in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

‘Weighing-in’ on weight loss

By JIM TUCKER

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ave you recently noticed that some of the simple things in your life have become a challenge?

Maybe climbing in and out of bed, or taking out the garbage is more difficult. Perhaps playing golf or tennis is more of a struggle than fun, or working in the garden causes pain for several days following. Some

may be experiencing painful joints or muscle soreness and weakness.

Others might have a feeling of sluggishness and fatigue that slows you down. In either case, it may be time to “Weigh-In” on what might be causing these symptoms. A more common cause of these symptoms may be weight gain and the added pounds may be affecting your health and vitality. Of course, it is always

important to see your doctor on a regular basis and to follow up on any unusual symptoms that you may be having as they could be indications of a more serious medical condition.

Carrying excess body fat has many health implications that are well known and the risks are even greater if one is physically inactive and unfit. When we combine the natural aging process and the tendency to

gradually gain weight, one's chances of developing weight-related health problems increases significantly. For this reason, losing weight is a healthy goal for many. The good news is that weight loss can result from even a small reduction in body fat. Research shows that losing 5 to 10 percent of one’s body fat may significantly reduce their risk of weight-related diseases. From my experience, this ➝9

JANUARY 3 - 9, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

voking winter on the TV tray. Of course, in their name, nowadays, the screen can arare are go everywhere. addicting sweet Chex Mix was one of the and salty party snacks. more popular homemade In Japan, they are tiny versions. The recipe first packaged crackers made appeared in Life Magazine from glutinous rice in 1952 where it called flavored with soy sauce. for boxes of Wheat Chex The name refers to little and Rice Chex mixed with SARAH snow pellets, also called Worcestershire sauce and RINGLER soft hail or graupel melted butter. It later which they resemble. included Corn Chex, when Arare are consumed as part that product was developed of Hinamatsuri, the Doll Festival, in 1958. The are many commercial held on Girls’ Day on March 3 in pre-made versions today.

Japan. There is a large assortment I used Kellogg’s Crispix because available at Yamashita Market, 114 that’s what the recipe called for Union St. but found out through research This version is a Japanesethat Kellogg developed Crispix to American hybrid adapted from compete with Ralton Purina’s Chex Elyse Inamine who got it from cereals in 1983. So, you could use her mom’s San Fernando Valley either. Crispix distinguished itself Japanese American Community by having “crispy rice on one side, Center’s cookbook. My sister crunchy corn on the other.”

Ann brought it with her to snack Snacks like these can be on while we waited for our addicting and are not particularly Thanksgiving dinner. Once she set healthy. Crispix rated 1.5 out it on the table, it was difficult to of 5 stars in Australia and New stop eating.

Zealand’s Health Star Ratings of This snack falls within the breakfast cereals due to salt, sugar category of “TV mixes,” developed and saturated fat content. I also in the 1950s that were made to believe that you don’t really taste snack on while watching television, and appreciate what you are eating implying that you didn’t need to when you are occupied watching stop watching TV to eat. This same TV, on the computer, or engaged mentality produced the TV tray, in a too-stimulating conversation. individual portable and collapsible Have you ever downed a bag of tables, and TV dinners, complete chips while watching TV then been frozen, packaged dinners to put surprised when it was gone?

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THE BUZZ

TRY THIS

Scoville Units Tandy Beal and Company presents Scoville Units!—a celebration of Jon Scoville’s musical compositions and art featuring musicians and dancers.

Named after the scale of spiciness for peppers, Scoville Units! is a multiarts celebration of Scoville’s beguiling compositions. For information is it tandybeal.com. Location: Cabrillo College Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos. Date & time: Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 19, 2 p.m. For tickets visit cabrillovapa.com.

Shadowbrook Dining for Hospice Dine at Shadowbrook Restaurant and one-third of your bill becomes a donation to Hospice of Santa Cruz County. Reservations are required.

Call Shadowbrook directly to make your reservation: 475-1511. For information: shadowbrook-capitola. com. Location: 1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola. Date & time: Jan. 28, noon10 p.m. Price: NA.

A weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like.

FOOD Dutch stroopwaffle If any of you have been following along with my European travel series, you’ll remember that I was recently in JOHANNA Amsterdam, The Netherlands. While MILLER there I tried one of the Dutch’s most famous delicacies: stroopwaffle. To my surprise, on Christmas morning I came into my family’s kitchen to find a tin of stroopwaffle that they purchased at Grocery Outlet. They are also available at various coffee shops and supermarkets in Watsonville. The treat is best eaten after placing it atop a hot cup of tea or coffee. This warms the caramel inside, making it soft and gooey when you bite into it.

FOOD

JANUARY 3 - 9, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Banda El Recodo in Watsonville

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Legendary Mexican band Banda El Recodo will make a stop at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. First formed by clarinetist Cruz Lizárraga in 1938 in Mazatlán, in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, the band, officially named Banda Sinaloense el Recodo de Don Cruz Lizarraga, has been going strong ever since with an everevolving lineup of musicians. The group specializes in banda, a style of music from Mexico featuring various wind instruments, primarily brass and percussion. Banda el Recodo has been instrumental in forming and popularizing the genre over its 80 years. Tickets available on ticketon. com. Location: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Date & time: Jan. 12, 5 p.m. Price: $45.

Open House at Apple City Cidery and Tasting Room Come taste and tour our new cidery, the Apple City Cidery and Tasting Room. Flights, glasses and tasters of all our dry ciders will be available.

Also available: a collaboration release

by Santa Cruz Cider Co. and Tanuki Cider. Food on site and beer by Elkhorn Slough Brewing Co. Location: 65 Hangar Way Watsonville. Date & time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Price: NA.

Pizza My Heart

DRINK Peet’s chai latte with oat milk I’ve mentioned before that Peet’s Coffee is a bit too strong for me, so I usually order some kind of tea from the popular chain. Whether it be an iced hibiscus or hot peppermint, the tea is always a winner. I also love their chai tea latte. Some shops make their chai too sweet, others, not sweet enough. Peet’s is a great in-between. This weekend I tried the latte with oat milk—a milk substitute that has caught on recently. It added a unique flavor and creamy texture to the drink.

Fresh hot pizza keeps the customers lining up at Pizza My Heart in downTARMO town Santa Cruz. Founded HANNULA in 1981 in Capitola Village

by Fred Poulos and Keith Holtaway (and now owned

by Chuck Hammers), the chain currently has 23 locations. They are also located around the greater Bay Area, including San Francisco, Monterey and scores of spots in between. One thing I've always enjoyed about their pizzas is the way they serve them: When you order a slice they slide it into the oven to make sure you're getting a piping hot meal. Informal and casual, their restaurants almost always have a crowd. I've found their plain cheese pizza, their mushroom and cheese and their meat combos plenty satisfying. They also offer scads of toppings, from oregano and basil to garlic powder and parmesan cheese as well as a selection of hot sauces, including a dangerous one called Shark Repellent. The folks that tend the place are welcoming and friendly, often sharing a joke with the customers to help them get through their day. I regularly see a few cops standing in line on their lunch breaks, which brings a nice community feel to the place. They're at 209 Esplanade and 2180 41st Ave. in Capitola, and 1116 Pacific Ave. in Santa Cruz.

Framing the Pajaro Valley

By TARMO HANNULA

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artwork by Ed Penniman

SERENE SCENE "Hunter Ligget III" is an oil on canvas painting by Ed Penniman that is one of 14 original paintings now

showing at Ella’s At The Airport Restaurant and Lounge on Aviation Way through Jan. 27. rudimentary daily activities were practiced and re-learned—Penniman was given an easel and paints.

Since he could only move his head, he held the brush in his mouth.

Rather than feeling disappointed by the results, Penniman soon felt “liberated.” Through painting, Penniman could momentarily transcend his physical limitations and express himself.

“I learned to appreciate what I had,” he said.

During the artist’s reception on Dec. 22 Penniman said he sold eight paintings so he had to fill the empty spaces on the walls at Ella’s with new works.

Penniman, 77, said he worked in his family’s title insurance business

in Watsonville for five years.

“I support the Pajaro Valley Community Heath Trust, PV Arts Center, the Ed Kelly Foundation and Rotary Club of Watsonville,” he said.

Several years ago one of his original paintings was used for the promotional poster for the annual Evening of Wine and Roses. “[Ella’s at the Airport] is a great place to have a show and Ella is such a warm and kind person,” Penniman said. “I feel good about this new show. My work is constantly changing. If you talk to any artist [they’ll agree] you are always learning.”

For information visit edpenniman.faso.com.

‘I feel good about this new show. My work is constantly changing. If you talk to any artist [they’ll agree], you are always learning.’

—Ed Penniman

JANUARY 3 - 9, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

wenty paintings by Capitola artist Ed Penniman are currently showing at Ella’s At The Airport in Watsonville. The oil on canvas and oil on birch panels, titled “Landscape Paintings of the Central California Coast,” will be displayed through Jan. 27.

“These are all current works from 2019,” Penniman said. “It’s a solid body of work created from a similar palette. My intention is to do restful and meditative works.”

The works include South County, Harkins Slough, Pajaro Dunes, and Mann’s apple packing shed.

Penniman’s familiarity with the coastal landscape of Santa Cruz inspired his first oil painting at the age of 12. He was mentored by his grandmother, Lenora N. Penniman, who was one of the “Santa Cruz Three” famed women landscape painters of the 1920-40s.

Penniman is an outdoor and studio painter who has followed the painting trail of Winslow Homer throughout the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. His artistic path took him to the West Indies, the California Coast, Italy, France, Hawaii, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Mexico, the Southwest and Midwest and the Canadian border. He also followed Gauguin’s path to Tahiti, Moorea and Rarotonga.

His career began in design after graduating from the Chouinard Art School with a degree in Fine Arts. Penniman worked in advertising before he “took a detour into his family’s escrow business.” His career included several awards in graphic design.

Then, at 42, Penniman experienced a traumatic illness: he was struck by Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), an inflammatory nerve disorder that brought convulsions followed by paralysis.

“I had come to a crossroads in my life – a point in which my existence as I knew it needed to die,” he wrote on his website.

During his rehabilitation process—in which the most

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FITNESS

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The start of the New Year, Orozco said, means more folks will start walking through his door and that of other fitness centers looking to get in shape, a common—almost cliché—New Year resolution.

Here are Orozco’s tips to stick to those resolutions:

START SMALL Many people starting New Year’s weight loss plans have lived a sedentary lifestyle, so injuries—big and small—and discomfort is very common, Orozco said.

“A lot of people have big ideas and they start off really fast, and do something to hurt themselves. Or they go out and their body is sore and they feel this new strange feeling in their body that they haven’t felt before,” Orozco said.

So it’s important to “start small,” Orozco said. If you haven’t run in some time, it would not be smart to jump off the couch and try to string together a five-mile run.

A short run-walk might be more your speed. Setting a solid foundation and tempo for the rest of the year is key for the first few weeks of a new plan.

JANUARY 3 - 9, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

SET REALISTIC GOALS

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It can be easy to look at the mirror and say, “I want to have sixpack abs by the end of the year.”

It’s much tougher, however, to follow through on that goal and other similar, lofty plans.

So Orozco says to be practical when setting weight loss and fitness goals. Losing 50 pounds in a year might be out of the question, but losing 10 or 20 pounds—and keeping it off—could be achievable.

USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM Starting a new activity—running, biking, weightlifting, yoga, etc.— alone can be intimidating and isolating. Orozco said the best way to ease into the new pursuit is to bring a friend, or multiple, along for the ride. Go to a class together or join a running group. Seek a community where you can see yourself making

SAT

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SUN

1/5

APTOS ST. BBQ 8059 Aptos St, Aptos

Blues Mechanics Free 6-8p

Andy Santana Free 6-8p

BLUE LAGOON 923 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

The Big Video Dance Party 9p

The Box: Gothic/ Industrial Free 9p

BRITANNIA ARMS 110 Monterey Ave, Capitola

Karaoke 9-12:30a

MON

1/6

Sam Pace Free 6-8p

TUES

1/7

Mojo Mix Free 6-8p

WED

1/8

James Murray Free 6-8p

THU

1/9

A.C. Myles Free 6-8p

1/10

Magpies Blues Band Free 6-8p

Comedy Night w/ Chree/Retro Dance Party Free 9p

Funk Night w/ Ed G 9p

Alex Lucero & Friends 8p

CAPITOLA WINE BAR 115 San Jose Ave, Capitola

FRI

Karaoke 9-12:30a

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THE CATALYST 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz THE CATALYST ATRIUM 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz CILANTROS 1934 Main St, Watsonville CORRALITOS CULTURAL CENTER 127 Hames Rd., Corralitos

KPIG Happy Hour 5:30-7:30p

Hippo Happy Hour 5:30-7:30p

Acoustic Open Jam 3-5p

THE CREPE PLACE 1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Bernie & the Wolf w/ Sollomon Hollow & more $8 9p

CROW’S NEST 2218 E. Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz

Joint Chiefs $7 9:30p

THE FISH HOUSE 972 Main St, Watsonville

Try Me w/ Brother PZ 8p

Open Mic 7-10p

Live Comedy $7 9p

KUUMBWA JAZZ 320-2 Cedar St, Santa Cruz

Funk Night! w/ Space Heater $6 9p

Bandaid Brigade w/ the Bart Budwig w/ Joe Randy Savages $10 9p Kaplow $10 9p

First Tunes-day w/ John 7th Wave Michael Free 8p $3 8p

Drifting Compass $5 8p

The John Michael Band $6 9p

Layali Morocco & more $26.25/$31.50 7p

AZA Celebrating the Amazigh New Year $20/$25 8p

Benny Green Trio $36.75/$42 7p

friends and having some fun while inching toward your goals.

GO TO A PROFESSIONAL

FIND THE RIGHT ACTIVITY

It might cost a little extra but an expert’s opinion and advice can go a long way, especially if you have little to no experience in the fitness world.

“Having someone there to guide

Running is a surefire way to shed some pounds, but if you detest the activity then don’t do it.

“Find something you’re going to enjoy doing,” Orozco said. “You’re not going to keep doing it if you hate it.”

Maybe cycling is your cup of tea, or perhaps weightlifting, swimming or dancing strikes your fancy.

Who said exercise couldn’t be fun?

YOU VS. YOU Seeing someone bench press a small car off their chest as you struggle to complete a push-up can be a bit demoralizing. Don’t get stuck in that “trap,” Orozco said.

“Don’t measure your progress against anyone else’s,” he said. “Focus on yourself and how far you’ve come.”

you is helpful,” Orozco said.

Most trainers will take away the guesswork and put you on a universally accepted fitness plan.

Seeing a nutritionist, Orozco said, is also an important step, as losing weight with exercise alone is extremely tough.

MEASURE YOUR WAIST

SAT

1/4

MICHAEL’S ON MAIN 2591 Main St, Soquel

Painted Mandolin ft. Joe Craven & AJ Lee & more $15/$18 8:30p

MOTIV 1209 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Thomas Young 9:30p

MOE’S ALLEY 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

Bowie Birthday Bash $12/$15 8p

PARADISE BEACH 215 Esplanade, Capitola

Dennis Dove 2-5p

SUN

1/5

MON

1/6

TUES

1/7

The Takeover 9:30p

WED

1/8

THU

1/9

Shady Rest $10/$12 7:30p

Soul Doubt $10 7:30p

Hi Ya! By Little John 9:30p

Libation Lab w/ King Wizard & Chief Transcend 9:30p Edge of the West $10/$15 8p

Mojo Cruz 2-5p

Erin Avila 6-9p

FRI

1/10

Harpin’ & Clark Free 5p Spirit of ‘76 $15 8:30p

Thriftworks $10/$20 8p

Alex Lucero 6-9p

RIO THEATRE 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Perry Gershkow/Elude Surf Film $10 7p

THE SAND BAR 211 Esplanade, Capitola

Touch’d Too Much 9p

SANDERLINGS 1 Seascape Resort, Aptos

Calico 8-11p

SEVERINO’S BAR & GRILL 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos

Snarky Cats 8-11:30p

Don McCaslin & the Amazing Jazz Geezers 6-9p

Fishhook 8-11:30p

SHADOWBROOK 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola

Claudio Melega 7-10p

Ken Constable 6:30-9:30p

Joe Ferrara 6:30-9:30p

Dennis Dove Open Jam 7:30p

UGLY MUG 4640 Soquel Ave, Soquel

Alex Lucero 7:30p Yuji & Steve 8-11p

Open Mic w/ Steven David 5:30p

VINOCRUZ 4901 Soquel Drive, Soquel

Bobby Markowitz 5p

ZELDA’S 203 Esplanade, Capitola

LOSS

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generally equates to losing about 10 to 20 pounds. For many, losing 20 pounds is all that is needed to restore their energy, strength and confidence and reduce many of the aches and pain they are experiencing.

For these health benefits to be lasting I don’t recommend going on a “quick-fix” or “miracle” diet program as most people who diet like this regain their weight within a year. Sustainable weight loss involves a long-term commitment to building healthy habits. Eating

BODY MASS INDEX This is a tool that uses height and weight to estimate whether an individual is at a healthy weight.

A healthy BMI is between 19 and 24. Remember, this is a general estimation and it does not take into close consideration one’s individual bone density and or muscle mass. There are easy-to-use BMI calculators and charts available online.

CHECK MEDICAL HISTORY If you have a family history of weight-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or obesity, you may also be at an increased risk for these diseases. These three factors, when considered together, will help you determine what weight is healthy for you.

If you have discovered that you need to lose weight and you have decided to set a weight loss (fat loss) goal, your next step is to begin eating well and exercising regularly. Remember, this is a lifelong approach and so it needs to be enjoyable and sustainable.

Healthy eating involves a balanced diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains.

There are many resources available to help you learn how to eat well and you may consider seeing a dietitian or nutritional specialist to help guide you. Increasing your daily physical activity and participating in regular exercise is key to losing weight.

One should aim to do at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense exercise three to four times a week and should do some form of physical activity every day. If you have never exercised before or are very unfit, you may consider seeing a physical therapist or hiring a personal trainer to help you get started safely.

Remember losing weight results from a combination of diet and exercise so when developing your plan, set realistic, specific and measurable goals. It takes commitment, time and support for your new behaviors to become healthy habits. But once they do, the benefits will last a lifetime.

Jim Tucker is the co-owner of Seascape Village Fitness in Aptos.

For information call 708-2323 or visit seascapevillagefitness.com.

JANUARY 3 - 9, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

well and getting regular physical activity are the building blocks of a healthy lifestyle. The first step is to determine a healthy weight for you. Getting on a scale will only tell you how much you weigh and it does not factor in how much of your weight is from fat, nor does it tell you where you are carrying your extra fat. Getting an accurate body fat analysis can be expensive and timeconsuming, so I suggest looking at these three general factors when determining your healthy weight:

This measure can give information about where you store your fat.

Excess fat stored in the abdominal area is linked to increased health risks. For example, waist measurements associated with high health risks are generally 40+ inches for men and 35+ inches for women.

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PHOTO GALLERY

JANUARY 3 - 9, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Have a recent photo you’d like to share? Send it to us for consideration by emailing it to tnunez@pajaronian.com or mailing it to 21 Brennan St., Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076. Please include a brief description of the photo as well as the name of the photographer.

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SUNSET PLAY A man gets in a run on the west side of Santa Cruz with his dog during sunset.

Photo by Tarmo Hannula

photo by Roger Vail

photo by Ed Show

WATERWAY Runoff from Christmas week rains divides an apple orchard along Green

STRANGE SHAPES A work ladder can be seen through a

tarp covering in a building on Main Street in Watsonville.

Valley Road.

photo by Tarmo Hannula

TRICKY SITUATION A man works on a plan on how to make it from a log to the shoreline

while crossing Soquel Creek in Capitola.

A cat named Hunter poses after jumping up onto a kitchen counter in a Scotts Valley Home. photo by Johanna Miller

JANUARY 3 - 9, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

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The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Presents

A Roaring 20s Gala Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Saturday, February 1, 2020 5:00pm - 10:30pm

Lifetime Achievement: Harold “Hal” Hyde Man of the Year: Bob Culbertson Woman of the Year: Barbie Gomez Business of the Year: K&D Landscaping Organization of the Year: SC Fairgrounds Foundation

JANUARY 3 - 9, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Event of the Year: Corralitos Lumberjack Breakfast

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Live Music and Dancing with The Ramblers following Awards!