Aptos High School Sports Inside
Restaurant Feature Palapas
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Annual Dinner Honors Monthly Tide Chart HIGH TIDE
LOW TIDE
THURSDAY, NOV. 1 TSI 1:16am 3.67ft TSII 11:39am 5.15ft
5:32am 2.72ft 7:02pm 0.00ft
FRIDAY, NOV. 2 TSI 2:07am 3.61 ft TSII 12:12pm 4.95ft SATURDAY, NOV. 3 TSI 3:03am 3.54ft TSII 12:51pm 4.76ft SUNDAY NOV. 4 TS1 3:04am 3.58ft TS2 12:37pm 4.49ft
6:07am 2.92 ft 7:45pm 0.13ft 6:50am 3.08ft 8:31pm 0.30ft 6:48am 3.22ft 8:22pm 0.46ft
MONDAY NOV. 5 TSI 4:02am 3.71ft TSII 1:36pm 4.20ft
8:09am 3.22ft 9:14pm 0.59ft
TUESDAY, NOV. 6 TSI 4:47am 3.87ft TSII 2:51pm 3.97ft
9:40am 3.02ft 10:05pm 0.72ft
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 7 TSI 5:23am 4.13ft TSII 4:13pm 3.81ft
10:57am 2.62ft 10:54pm 0.85ft
THURSDAY, NOV 8 TSI 5:55am 4.46ft TSII 5:31pm 3.77ft
11:57am 2.00ft 11:38pm 1.02ft
FRIDAY, NOV. 9 TSI 6:25am 4.82ft TSII 6:40pm 3.84ft
12:48pm 1.32ft
SATURDAY, NOV. 10 TSI 6:56am 5.25ft TSII 7:42pm 3.94ft
12:21am 1.21ft 1:34pm 0.56ft
SUNDAY, NOV. 11 TSI 7:30am 5.71ft TSII 8:41pm 4.04ft
1:03am 1.44ft 2:20pm -0.16ft
MONDAY, NOV. 12 TSI 8:07am 6.07ft TSII 9:37pm 4.10ft
1:45am 1.64ft 3:06pm -0.79ft
TUESDAY, NOV. 13 TSI 8:46am 6.37ft TSII 10:32pm 4.10ft
2:28am 1.87ft 3:53pm -1.21ft
WEDNESDAY, NOV 14 TSI 9:29am 6.50ft TSII 11:28pm 4.10ft
3:13am 2.10ft 4:42pm -1.44ft
THURSDAY, NOV 15 TSI 10:15am 6.43ft TSII
4:01am 2.30ft 5:33pm -1.44ft
FRIDAY, NOV. 16 TSI 12:25am 4.10ft TSII 11:05am 6.20ft
4:4am 2.46ft 6:25pm -1.25ft
SATURDAY, NOV 17 TSI 1:25am 4.10ft TSII 11:59am 5.77ft
5:56am 2.62ft 7:20pm -0.92ft
SUNDAY, NOV. 18 TSI 2:26am 4.20ft TSII 1:00pm 5.22ft
7:09am 2.69ft 8:16pm -0.49ft
MONDAY, NOV. 19 TSI 3:26 4.36ft TSII 2:11pm 4.63ft
8:34am 2.63ft 9:13pm -0.00ft
TUESDAY, NOV. 20 TSI 4:22am 4.56ft TSII 3:31pm 4.10ft
10:04am 2.30ft 10:09pm 0.46ft
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 21 TSI 5:12am 4.79ft TSII 4:57pm 3.75ft 1
11:24am 1.80ft 1:02pm 0.92ft
THURSDAY, NOV. 22 TSI 5:56am 5.02ft TSII 6:18pm 3.58ft
12:29pm 1.25ft 11:51pm 1.35ft
FRIDAY, NOV 23 TSI 6:34am 5.22ft TSII 7:29pm 3.54ft SATURDAY, NOV. 24 TSI 7:08am 5.35ft TSII 8:29pm 3.58ft
1:22p, 0.72ft
12:35am 1.74ft 2:07pm 0.30ft
Aptos Chamber Dinner honors Man and Woman of the Year By ROSEANN HERNANDEZ Of Aptos Life
The Seascape Beach Resort was the epicenter of the ‘love radius’ as it hosted the annual Aptos Chamber of Commerce dinner and awards ceremony honoring the 2012 Man, Woman, Business and Organization of the Year. More than two hundred business professionals, public servants and community members donned feathered masks as part of the “Unmasking the Excellence” theme but it was the recipients of the awards and a special send-off to Supervisor Ellen Pirie, as she gets ready to leave public office and take a place in the Peace Corps that were the highlights of the evening. Congressman Sam Farr, Patrick Mulhearn from Assemblyman Bill Monning’s office as well as Supervisor Ellen Pirie were on hand to offer their congratulations to the recipients as they each took the stage. “It was wonderful,” said Karen Hibble, co-Executive Director of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce. “The thing we love about this event the most is honoring the people who live and work in our community – we are just blessed.” A video reel of all the award recipients was played during dinner. Man of the Year, Rene Schlaepfer, Pastor of Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, produced the most lasting meme of the night
County Supervisor Ellen Pirie
Right on track … an Aptos Village rail celebration By Ellen Pirie
Pastor René Schlaepfer is introduced as the man of the year at the annual Aptos Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony Friday at Seascape Resort. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life
when he said there was a “love radius” around Aptos and encouraged everyone to “have their own love radius.” Shlaepfer, who is the author of five Christian books, made national news last year with a record-breaking food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank. He challenged his congregation of 3,600 individuals to donate one million pounds of food by Thanksgiving. Parishioners answered the call by knocking on doors selling handmade crafts, performing chores in exchange for donations and some even went without Christmas presents to give. The chamber named Gwen Kaplan woman of the year for her tireless volunteering efforts spanning education,
1:15am 2.03ft 2:47pm -0.03
MONDAY, NOV. 26 TSI 8:10am 5.48ft TSII 10:06pm 3.64ft
1:52am 2.33ft 3:23pm -0.26
TUESDAY, NOV. 27 TSI 8:40am 5.51ft TSII 10:48pm 3.67ft
2:26am 2.53ft 3:57pm -0.39
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 28 TSI 9:10am 5.48ft TSII 11:28pm 3.67ft
2:59am 2.66ft 4:31pm -0.43ft
Pirie on Page A5
Measure L – An investment in our community By Kim De Serpa
The Aptos VFW Post holds a barbeque fundraiser at the Laguna Seca Raceway. Pictured are, left to right, Post Commander Chuck Woodson, Post Jr. Vice Commander Howard Althouse and World War II veteran Lupe Olvera. Courtesy Photo
Veterans hold fundraiser
By ROSEANN HERNANDEZ Of Aptos Life
SUNDAY, NOV. 25 TSI 7:40am 5.45ft TSII 9:20pm 3.61ft
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On Saturday, Nov. 17th, we’ll be having a party in Aptos Village to celebrate the public purchase of the rail right of way from Watsonville to Davenport. That morning a special train will leave Watsonville for Santa Cruz and will make a stop in Aptos Village. The celebration, including music and refreshments, will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and everyone is welcome. The train will only be in the village for a half an hour, so don’t miss it. Our esteemed local historian Sandy Lydon will give us a little background about the rail line and its connection to Aptos. Tickets are also available to take a short ride on the train from Santa Cruz northward later in the day. The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (often called
APTOS — When Lupe Olvera, 94, returned from World War II after surviving the Battle of the Bulge, he went to his doctor complaining about his ears. Except for a slight ability in his right ear, he couldn’t hear. “The doctor said ‘maybe you got something in it,’” Olvera said, and recommended the master sergeant who spent part of his service disabling land mines “put some oil in it” to see if that
would dislodge whatever the doctor suspected was blocking his ear canal. The oil did not work. It turned out Olvera’s eardrums had ruptured. Olvera, who was drafted into service, tells how he used to be able to hear enemy fire but could barely hear the bombs once they landed. The excessive artillery pounding left his ears shattered. Olvera left the war with a Purple Heart and Silver Star — the 3rd highest medal for valor givVeterans on Page A6
I am a lifelong resident of the Central Coast. I grew up nearby and started my own family in the Aptos community. We live in Aptos for specific reasons its beauty, way of life, and strong community. So we all know firsthand that a great community depends on having great schools. This Nov. 6th, we have an opportunity to make an investment in our most critical resources – our children and our local schools. The Measure L School Bond will provide locally-controlled funding to upgrade Aptos area schools so students are prepared for college and future careers in the 21st Century. During my tenure as an elementary school leader and now as a Pajaro Valley Unified School District Trustee, I have watched with dismay, as the state cut more than $53.4 million from our district’s budget over a 10-year period. Since elected to school board, my goal has been to improve our district and schools in spite of ongoing state budget cuts, declining teacher and staff morale and debilitated facilities. Challenges require action. So we didn’t sit idle and blame the state. InDeSerpa on Page A5
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the arts and civic life. As a trustee for the Museum of Art and History, Kaplan was part of the leadership team that recruited an executive director who has transformed the Museum into a hub of local art, history and culture. Kaplan has worn many hats in her support for local schools. She co-chaired the committee for Measure J in 2002, the voter-approved bond measure that steered $58 million in facility upgrades into the Pajaro Valley Unified School District and helped institute the annual Walkathon and Career Days at Valencia Elementary and Aptos Junior High. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the other volunteers in our community,” said Kaplan. “When I commit to something – I commit to it; I don’t wait to back out.” Supervisor Pirie introduced Organization of the Year, Grind Out Hunger to the audience. “There are many people who eat now that wouldn’t have without the organization and Second Harvest Food Bank,” said Pirie. Alongside Pirie was Congressman Sam Farr who called it a “magnificent thing” for the chamber to honor Grind Out Hunger as organization of the year. Grind Out Hunger uses music and the “skater” lifestyle to spread the word about hunger and malnutrition and get kids involved in food drives and other activities in
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conjunction with Second Harvest Food Bank. The organization is effective in recruiting bands and local celebrities to take up the cause and become “hunger fighters,” including singer Chris Rene, skateboard artist Jimbo Phillips and professional surfer Nic Lamb. Founder Danny Keith, who is also the Chief Development and Technology Officer of Second Harvest Food Bank delivered an emotional speech and said kids are more than willing to help if you ask them. “All Grind Out Hunger does is ask kids to help,” Keith said. Business of the year, Manuel’s Restaurant, has been an anchor of the Seacliff community for a generation. As a way of introduction, Farr said, “If you want to know where politics began – it began in Manuel’s Restaurant.” Started by the late Manuel Santana, an active community member, restaurateur and artist, who served on a number of boards of directors throughout the county – Manuel’s Restaurant is owned by Manuel’s son Leonardo Santana. Joined by his wife Patricia, Leonardo Santana thanked the audience for the recognition and said, “popularity is too important to leave to chance” and encouraged everyone to “come on by – we will feed you, even if its late.” The chamber’s Outstanding Achievement Award went to the Amgen Local Organizing Committee for bringing the second leg of the world-class bicycle road tour to Aptos earlier this year. On stage, Farr said the tour “will be bigger than the Tour de France” someday and he was amazed the committee was able to bring the tour to Aptos. After Santa Cruz chose not to sponsor the tour, long-time Amgen volunteer and cycling enthusiast, Maura Noel made the bold step to guarantee funding to bring the tour to Aptos – even if it meant losing her home. “Two hundred thousand was going to be paid one way or the other,” Noel said. In her acceptance speech on behalf of the 12-member organizing committee, Noel thanked Cabrillo College and the “phenomenal crowd” that showed up to cheer on the racers. The final presentation of the evening was devoted to Supervisor Ellen Pirie, who was honored for her 12-year service on the County Board of Supervisors and received the Lifetime Achievement Award. When her term is up in January, Pirie will leave the region for the Peace Corps. “Ellen Pirie has chosen not to retire but to extend her service in North Africa,” said Farr. The “love radius” zeroed in on the stage as Pirie was blanketed with kind words and presented with parting gifts, including a hard hat and shovel to remind her of all the potholes in District 2 and a specially designed road sign – “Pirie Place” – in recognition for her work on the Aptos Village development project. Zach Friend, who will be taking over Pirie’s spot on the Board of Supervisors, gave Pirie a backpack filled with emergency supplies – tick remover, Pepto Bismo, a mosquito and snake bite kit – to take with her on her journey overseas. Pirie thanked her husband, Terry Hancock for his “unflinching honesty cloaked in love” and said she had an “amazing twelve years.” “It has been a partnership and that’s what it takes – people wanting to come together.”
Gwen Kaplan, trustee for the Museum of Art and History, was named woman of the year. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life
Representative Sam Farr congratulates Leonardo Santana (left) and his wife, Patricia, owners of Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant, for being named the business of the year. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life
Supervisor elect Zach Friend shares a whimsical moment with outgoing supervisor Ellen Pirie who was presented with the lifetime achievement award. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life
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The rail line is shown where it passes through the Seascape area. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/ Aptos Life file
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Mid-county residents weigh in on the Coastal Rail Trail
By ROSEANN HERNANDEZ Of Aptos Life
APTOS — In the future, commuting in Santa Cruz County may look very different than it does now. Instead of driving slowly along Highway 1 or weaving through the county’s arterial roads trying to avoid traffic jams, commuters may be able to leave their cars at home and make the daily journey to school or work by bike on a designated trail that spans the length of the county. “It would be really neat to ride your bike all the way to Santa Cruz,” said Mike Wilson, owner of El Patio Grocery in La Selva Beach. Like many of his neighbors, Wilson is looking forward to the day when the quiet beachside community is connected to the rest of the county by a 31-mile long transportation corridor, called the Coastal Rail Trail. Stretching from Pajaro to Davenport and built within the right-of-way of an operational rail line, the Coastal Rail Trail will allow greater transportation options to 88 parks, 42 schools and more than half of the county’s population who live within one mile of the corridor (per 2010 census information), according to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Committee (RTC).
Acquisition of the Santa Cruz Branch Line
The Coastal Rail Trail and Wilson’s dream of riding his bike to Santa Cruz on a designated pathway came one step closer to fruition on Oct. 25 when, after more than 10 years of negotiations and due diligence, the Santa Cruz County RTC closed escrow for the purchase of the Santa Cruz Branch Line from Union Pacific– effectively putting the 136-year old rail line in public hands. Back in 2010, the Santa Cruz County RTC unanimously approved the spending of $14.2 million to buy the Santa Cruz Branch Line right-of-way for recreational rail, preservation and future transportation uses — including passenger rail, freight services and bicycle
and pedestrian pathways. “From our perspective, we were not able to consider passenger rail or pedestrian trails without first owning the rail line,” said Kerena Pushnik, senior planner and publications coordinator for the Santa Cruz County RTC. Much of the money came from Proposition 116 — a 1990 voter-approved law that sets aside funds for state rail projects. Congressman Sam Farr, who has been a champion of the proposed rail trail and acquisition of the rail line, also helped secure much needed federal funding, Pushnik said. According to Pushnik, uses of the transportation corridor will be implemented in stages, as resources become available. In the short term, Iowa Pacific Holdings, which was selected as the short line operator, will be responsible for increasing freight service and operating a holiday passenger service from Santa Cruz north where the tracks are ready for passenger rail. “They have started working with a range of businesses to see if they can increase freight transportation,” Pushnik said of the operator, which will be known locally as Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Railway. In the medium term, it could be a major component of the bicycle and pedestrian Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail in addition to rail service where there is sufficient right of way. “We have been limited for the last 136 years to freight rail uses only,” said Pushnik. “Now we have the ability to intensify usage for the community.”
Views from Seascape Village
“What bothers us is the foliage all along the railroad from here to Rio del Mar,” said Jeff Garrett, who along with his wife, Yvonne, own Garrett Jewelers in Seascape Village. “We want to see all that area cleared out.” From their vantage point in the shopping center, they watch pedestrians and cyclists compete with cars for space along Sumner Avenue, where litter from overhanging trees Rail Trail on Page A5
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stead, we got to work looking at ways we could craft local solutions. We carefully studied the state of educational funding and developed innovative ways to address our most critical needs. We conducted countless meeting with all school communities, talked to community leaders, and listened to parents and students. With broad input and support, the board of trustees voted unanimously to place Measure L on the November ballot. The average age of our Aptos schools is over 50 years. So just like our own homes, our schools are in need of upgrades and improvements. Some schools have been upgraded over time, but many have not. Measure L is a locally-controlled measure that will repair and improve our schools, providing both safe facilities and up-to-date academic technology our students need to succeed. Locally our students receive a great education. We already know this from spending time on our campuses. But success in Kimberly De Serpa is the Area 1 trustee for the 21st-century economy will require up- the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. to-date education resources no matter what Courtesy Photo career or vocation our children choose. We for local residents, pumping money back owe it to them to make sure they have a into our community and helping to get our competitive chance to succeed in a rapidly local economy back on track. In addition, it changing world. comes with strict accountability. An indeMany Aptos classrooms still desperately pendent citizens’ oversight committee will need updated technology to support learn- be established pursuant to law. The coming and give our children a modern 21st mittee will oversee all bond related expencentury education. Many of our Aptos area ditures and conduct an independent annual schools need basic repairs and safety up- audit to protect the taxpayers’ investment. grades like replacing leaking roofs, upgradThere are many issues on the ballot this ing classrooms, replacing old plumbing and November, but Measure L is the most imheating systems. portant for our community. In Aptos, we Parents at Aptos area elementary schools have high expectations for our students and know the roofs leak in classrooms. Parents for our schools. Measure L will help us at Aptos Junior High know the portable meet those expectations. After looking at classrooms need to be replaced. Parents at every option, with the utmost in fiscal diliAptos High School know the archaic com- gence, Measure L is the best investment we puter systems need to be upgraded. These can make for our students and community are just a few of the many needs that Mea- for generations to come. sure L will specifically address. Join me in voting YES on Measure L to The school board examined all of our fa- protect and improve the quality of educacility needs. We carefully developed Mea- tion here in Aptos. Thank you. sure L to address only our most pressing Kimberly De Serpa is the Area 1 trustee needs. To see what types of projects will for the Pajaro Valley Unified School Disoccur at specific Aptos schools go to www. trict. She was elected to the PVUSD board FriendsofPVUSD.org and click on “What of trustees in 2010 and is serving a fourSchools Will Receive.” year term representing Area 1. A former Measure L provides the added benefit of foster mother, Ms. De Serpa lives in Aptos, boosting our local economy, creating jobs with her family and menagerie of pets.
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the RTC) is the new owner of the rail line. The purchase has been under consideration by the RTC for many years and finally came to fruition in October of this year. The money to purchase the rail line came from a combination of State grants and Proposition 116 funds. In addition, the State provided funding to stabilize and strengthen some of the major trestles on the line. The RTC is a public entity with a small staff of transportation planners and a board of directors comprised mostly of elected representatives from the local cities and the county. It has been my privilege to represent the Second District on the RTC. The RTC will be the owner of the rail line but it has no experience running a rail operation. Therefore, the RTC has entered into a contract with rail service provider Iowa Pacific to operate freight and passenger rail service. Locally, Iowa Pacific will be known as the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Railroad (SCMB). SCMB will begin service in November with a holiday train known as the Polar Express, which is based on a popular children’s book and movie. The Polar Express will run from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk to a site north of town that will be decorated to represent the North Pole. Iowa Pacific operates other Polar Express trains in other parts of the country and they are very popular with families. This “entertrainment” will run through the holiday season. SCMB will also provide freight service on the southern part of the line, primarily for produce shippers. There has not been regular fright service north of Watsonville for quite some time since the demand for freight service is minimal. However, in south county there is a need for reliable and frequent service to get products to market in a cost-effective way. SCMB hopes to develop that south county freight rail business and reduce the number of trucks on our roads.
Longer term, the RTC hopes to use the rail right of way for an adjacent bike and pedestrian trail, eventually connecting with Monterey County trails and forming the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network. The RTC just issued a draft Master Plan for the Santa Cruz County portions of the trail network. The draft Master Plan can be found online at the RTC website (www.sccrtc.org/projects/multi-modal), and at the public libraries. If you are interested in a trail being developed along the rail line, please get involved and share your thoughts with the RTC. The RTC will hold a public meeting to discuss the Trail Master Plan on Monday, November 26th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Community Foundation at 7807 Soquel Drive, Aptos The possibilities for future uses of the rail line property are exciting and the first step has been taken by getting the line into public ownership. Please join us as we celebrate that accomplishment. Supervisor Ellen Pirie
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combined with a lack of sidewalks can make for a hazardous journey. The Garrett’s would like to see the rail corridor resemble something similar to the trails they have in Monterey’s Cannery Row or Pacific Grove and Yosemite. “That would be fantastic,” said Garrett.“We are in support of anything that goes with the ambience of the area.”
The railroad trestles
A resident of La Selva Beach since 1953, Wilson remembers as a kid running down to the tracks at the top of Manresa State Beach to watch the trains go by. “It used to be a big deal — we used to count 20 to 25 cars of coal going north at one time,” Wilson said, adding that there used to be a train station in La Selva Beach at one time called “Rob Roy” but that it was taken down sometime during the 1930s. Now he would like to see a bike path running alongside the train — somewhere safe for the kids to ride and possibly a light rail in the future. And as a small business owner, Wilson added, the development of the rail corridor would be good for business and bring more people to the area. One issue he does see: “The trestles are kind of spooky,” said Wilson. “The problem with the rail line is there are something like 32 to 39 bridges and trestles,” said Ellen Pirie, Santa Crucy County Supervisor for District 2, which includes La Selva Beach. “So wherever there is one of those you can’t have a bike path on the trestle - you would have to build a new structure or leave it.” “As long as there is active rail service you can’t use those trestles for a path — which is a pretty big issue that the community will have to deal with,” Pirie added. $5.3 million of the $14.6 million purchase price for the Santa Cruz Branch Line was set aside to upgrade a number of structures on the line, including the bridges and trestles. Pushnik said work to the steel and wooden structures would begin next year. In the meantime, mid-county residents are left to wonder what the future holds for the
Coastal Rail Trail. Rebecca Downing, a Seacliff resident and member of the Seacliff Improvement Association, lives on the line and thinks that if it is properly maintained and patrolled by law enforcement, it could become an asset to the community. “For residents of Seacliff, walking or riding a bike to Aptos Village on the line will become more important once the Aptos Village Plan development and expansion of the Safeway/Rancho Del Mar Center are complete,” said Swift. “The amount of automobile traffic may grow to the point that it will be easier to use the path – people already do.”
Rail celebration, public input meetings There will be a celebration for the acquisition of the rail trail. The party will be on Saturday, Nov. 17, with whistle stops in Watsonville, Capitola, Live Oak and the west side of Santa Cruz. Check the RTC website for more details, www.sccrtc.org. In addition to the celebration, there will be a public input period on the Draft Trail Network Master Plan. Public workshops to gather input on the plan are scheduled for the following dates: • Monday, Nov. 26: Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, Aptos (68pm) • Tuesday, Nov. 27: Pacific Elementary School, Davenport (6-8pm) • Wednesday, Nov. 28: Simpkins Family Swim Center, Live Oak (6-8pm) • Thursday, Nov. 29: Civic Plaza Community Room, Watsonville (6-8pm) The final Master Plan will include a list of short and long term projects that take into consideration accessibility, connectivity, trail management, environmental constraints, and agricultural impacts, and that can be constructed as
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A6 - Aptos Life - November 2012
Veterans
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valor given to anyone serving in the United States Armed Forces — for his service fighting in Europe and North Africa. When he returned to the United States, Olvera married his Rhode Island sweetheart, who used to write him letters during the war and proceeded to raise a family and build a career as a carpenter. During more than 50 years working as a member of the carpenters union, Olvera worked with some of the powerhouses of post-war development, including Howard Hughes and Del Webb. Now Olvera lives with his daughter in Aptos and serves other returning veterans as an active volunteer in the Aptos VFW Post 10110, known throughout Aptos for leading the annual Independence Day parade.
Buddy Poppy appeal
Olvera and his fellow former brothersin-arms are currently preparing for Veterans Day, when the post conducts its second
Buddy Poppy appeal of the year. To thank and honor all the men and women who have served in the military in war and in peacetime, the Aptos post gives red poppies — the international symbol for remembrance — at various locations throughout mid-Santa Cruz County during Veterans Day weekend. The VFW post will set up tables outside the Rancho Del Mar Safeway, 41st Avenue Safeway, Nob Hill in Capitola and Deluxe Foods in Aptos, where passersby can take a poppy and make a donation in support of veteran’s services. Hal Zamora, a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, has been a part of the Aptos Post for six years and is the lead organizer of the poppy appeal. He said that all donations from the event are used to “help veterans in need.”
Supporting our veterans
“Combat veterans are all brothers and help each other,” said Howard Althouse, Veteran Lue Olvera, left, and Robert Schultz, volunteer with Aptos VFW Post help with the Buddy Poppy Drive in front of Deluxe Market in Aptos. Courtesy Photo
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junior vice commander of the post. The Aptos post assists families of wounded warriors and provides emergency assistance to families of veterans during hard times to cover such things as rent and school materials. The post also helps with letter writing campaigns in support of legislation that benefit veterans and active duty members and speaks at local schools about what it is like to serve in the Armed Forces and why it is important to the nation. “Not enough younger kids know what a veteran is and what they do,” Althouse said. Working with county VA support services and the veteran’s information center and Cabrillo College, the post helps bridge the gap between veterans and vital services that can get them back on their feet. “The government doesn’t take care of everything,” said Althouse. “A lot of things can fall through the cracks.” Thoughtful and passionate about making a difference in the lives of fellow veterans, Althouse fought in the Vietnam War and said, “veterans are just like everybody else — they do not like to ask for help.” Members of the Aptos Post hark from all branches of the US military and understand the unique challenges returning veterans face — from completing higher education and getting back in the civilian workforce to rejoining the local community.
At the races Gently Used, Quality Furniture
The Aptos VFW Post annually participates at the Laguna Seca Raceway during the racing season, in support of SCRAMP (Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula). SCRAMP volunteers are responsible for
doing all the things that make the races possible — collecting tickets, directing traffic, parking cars, — and the Aptos post supports the volunteers by providing a massive BBQ, feeding up to 250 volunteers during each race day. Althouse said the race day events bring together military, retired military and civilians and helps veterans “feel good about being part of the community.” This year the post served up barbeque fare at the American Le Mans Series, Ferrari Racing Days, Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix and Moto GP World Championships, Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and the Continental Tire Sports Car Festival. Next year’s racing schedule will bring even more exciting opportunities for the Aptos Post to fire up the grill in support of county veterans.
Support from the community
Althouse said the Aptos VFW Post, which is open to all veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces including the Coast Guard, has received vital support from the local business community, including Deluxe Foods, Scurrich Farms, Earthworks, Home Depot, Watsonville Produce, Safeway stores. Althouse said the Seacliff Inn has been really supportive and thanks Severino’s Bar and Grill for hosting the post’s monthly meetings. For more information on joining the Aptos VFW Post 10110 or attending their upcoming Christmas party, call Hal Zamora at 831-687-0719.
Rancho del Mar Shopping Center Development moves along.
By ROSEANN HERNANDEZ Of Aptos Life
APTOS — The Rancho del Mar Shopping Center development project is moving steadily along, according to Charles Eadie, principal associate at Hamilton Swift & Associates, land use consultants hired by Safeway Inc. They are continuing to make presentations to different community groups in Aptos and are on track to submit a pre-application with the county planning department early next year followed by a proposed final application in late Spring, Eadie said. Safeway Inc. had agreed to participate in Aptos Focus, a public-private collaboration studying the effects of development on traffic patterns, but due to a lack of projects at three formerly identified sites – Poor Clares, Par 3 and the Appenrodt property across the street from the Rancho del Mar Shopping Center, the county planning department recommended the group not go ahead and efforts focused on the Transit Corridors Plan for Sustainable Communities. Eadie said they would still be doing traffic studies as part of the development application.
Meanwhile, at the Central Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Cabrillo College, where Safeway donated $50,000 to provide shopping center tenant businesses with technical support in the run up to construction, director Teresa Thomae said they have reached out to all of the tenants and have met with more than half of them. The SBDC has put together a team of advisors to help tenant businesses explore their options. “It is proceeding well — this is not something that is going to happen overnight but we have definitely started and are going well on the project,” Thomae said, adding they are working with commercial real estate brokers to take a full inventory of available commercial stock in Aptos. The SBDC have also met with Barry Swenson Builder to figure out when the commercial sites in the Aptos Village project will be ready and what type of tenants they want in those sites. The proposed Rancho del Mar Shopping Center renovation would expand Safeway to just under 60,000 square feet and displace an estimated 13 business tenants. Start of construction has yet to be determined.
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Aptos Life - November 2012 - A7
A part of the community
Seascape Foods strives to strengthen community ties By TODD GUILD of Aptos Life
Tucked into a cozy courtyard in a Seascape Village shopping plaza sits Seascape Foods, a small, a mom-and-pop business in the truest sense, where clerks greet customers by their first names and regulars come by just to say hello. It’s also a place where questions about products and special requests can be directed to the owners who can be found in the store. That is a rarity in a time when many businesses are owned by large corporations. The small, intimate store boasts a wide selection of organic ingredients, a sizable wine selection and a deli counter that offers a large menu of products made daily in the store. Julie Kellman, who purchased the store with her husband Dan Hunt seven years ago, said she arrives nearly every day at 5 a.m. to begin preparing the deli foods, which include breakfast burritos, fresh baked muffins, panini and sandwiches. In addition, customers may purchase pre-cooked dinners such as enchiladas, lasagna and shepherds pie, all made from fresh, local natural ingredients. “It’s like a healthy version of comfort food,” she said. Seth Kantor of Aptos said he comes in several times a week to purchase ingredients for dinner after working out at the nearby Seascape Sports Club. “They are so friendly and they always seem to be happy to see me,” he said. “I cannot emphasize how nice they are, and I think they really want their customers to be happy.” Kellman said she purchases her produce and other ingredients from local farmers
and suppliers. “This is our community,” she explained. “This is where we live. We try to keep it local.” In hopes to contribute to the community, Kellman said the store held a fundraiser recently that allowed them to donate $1,200 to Rio Del Mar School in Aptos. It was the second year they held the Endless Summer wine tasting event, launched last year when their 8-year-old son began attending the school and they realized it needed financial support. “It’s a great school but they do need improvements,” she said. These include the school’s playing field, where gopher holes make it unsafe, and heating system, she said. “There are basic needs you want to make sure the kids have,” she said. “We want a great school for our son to attend and our community to have.” The donation from the event was less than last year’s, which Julie attributed to competition from the San Francisco Giants games and from the Open Studios Art Tour. Still, Kellman hopes it will become an annual event. “In the years to come it will keep getting better and better,” she said. For the wine tasting event, participants paid $5, which let them taste local wines such as Storrs Winery, Micah Cellars and Cinnabar Winery. Kellman said that 83 people participated in the fundraiser, with the entire take from the admission fee going to Rio Del Mar, in addition to 10 percent of wine sales. “We live right here in Seascape,” she said. “Our business is here, and we feel like we know everyone. We want to make the space better, and we think it starts in the school.” Seascape Foods is located at 16B Seascape Village in Aptos. For information call Special sky tiles provide a relaxing ambience inside Seascape Foods in the Seascape Village. 685-3134 or visit www.seascapefoods.com. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life
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Election Guide
Acrimonious election seasons ends on Nov. 6 APTOS — On Tuesday, Nov. 6, the end of a long, acrimonious election season comes to an end. Residents will be voting for president, U.S. senator, U.S. representative, state senator and more. This year also features 11 statewide propositions, starting with Proposition 30 and ending with Proposition 40. Polling locations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Remember that your polling place may have changed, so visit www.votescount. com for more information. Here’s a roundup of the state propositions on the ballot.
Proposition 30
Temporary taxes to fund education What it would do: • Increase by 10.3 percent personal income tax on earnings for Californians who earn more than $250,000 annually for seven years. • Impose an 11.3 percent increase on incomes over $350,000 • Impose a 12.3 percent increase on incomes over $500,000. • 89 percent of the funds raised would go to K — 12 schools, and 11 percent would go to community colleges. • Bars the use of any funds raised for administrative costs and gives school boards the discretion to decide in open meetings how the funds are spent. Impact • If passed, it would mean an increase in tax revenues of approximately $6 billion. • If not passed, it would trigger $6 billion in cuts, mainly to education programs.
Proposition 31
What it would do: • Establish a two-year budget cycle instead of the current oneyear cycle • Prohibit lawmakers from creating expenditures of more than $25 million unless they offset the revenues or identify spending cuts. • Allows the governor to cut budget unilaterally if legislature fails to act. • Requires performance reviews of all state programs and performance goals in state and local budgets. • Requires publication of proposed bills at least three days before lawmakers vote on them. • Allows local governments to petition for exception to state-funded programs and regulations. Impact • Decreased sales tax revenue of $200 million, with a corresponding increase in funding to some local governments
Proposition 32
What it would do • Prohibit unions from using payroll deductions for political purposes. • Purports to apply the same restrictions to corporations, but allows them for Limited Liability Companies, real estate trusts, insurance companies and other business entities. • Other political expenditures remain unrestricted. • Prohibits unions and corporations from contributing directly or indirectly to candidates and candidate-controlled committees. Impact • If enacted, the State LegislaElection on Page B2
Aptos High’s Karen Jimenez nears the finish line during the team’s final SCCAL dual meet against Santa Cruz earlier this month at Pinto Lake County Park in Watsonville. Despite not having their top runner all season, the Mariners finished league play with a 5-0 record and a regular season SCCAL championship. Photo by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life
“Amber Headdress,” taken in Tibetan Plateau, China, by Mary Altier. Courtesy of Mary Altier
By GLENN CRAVENS
World-traveler Mary Altier photographs native cultures
Aptos High School Sports Of Aptos Life
The majority of Aptos High School’s fall sports teams proved they are championship worthy. While some teams are still weeks away from playing in the postseason, others got their opportunity this past month. Aptos High senior golfer Chloe Tsudama was the top Mariner going into the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League tournament championship at DeLaveaga Golf Course. She was in the hunt for medalist honors but eventually finished fourth, shooting a 91. She had to wait a few days to find out whether she qualified; she didn’t, making her outing at DeLaveaga her final as a Mariner. “It was a good day out there. It was hot but I did OK,” Tsudama said. Harbor High senior golfer Ellie Loustalot won the SCCAL championship by shooting an 84. In the 12-player tournament, Loustalot won by three shots over teammate Alisa Jin. Santa Cruz’s Chelsea Ficklin was third, shooting an 88. Playing in the first quartet, Loustalot shot a 42 on the front nine, while Ficklin and Tsudama each shot a 44. Tsudama notched the first birdie of the tournament. On the 11th, her tee shot landed less than five feet from the hole, and she tapped it in to help ease the pain of a triple-bogey from one hole earlier. On the 10th, two shots went out of bounds. She had to dodge some poison oak before finally getting the ball on the green. She stayed close with Ficklin and Loustalot but fell into trouble on the 16th and 17th holes to drop out of contention for first place. “I was hoping I could do better, but it is what it is,” Tsudama said. Loustalot’s lone birdie appeared as though it wasn’t going to happen. At the 14th, she chipped the ball to within
By ERIK CHALHOUB Of Aptos Life
about 15 feet of the cup. She gave just enough power on the putt to where the ball trickled along the sand-filled green toward the hole. The ball crept to a halt right at the lip of the cup and then fell in. Loustalot held her arms above her head, wondering why the ball didn’t go in. Once it did, she raised both of her arms in the air. She wasn’t the only one to get a birdie on that
APTOS — Despite traveling to six different continents to photograph, La Selva Beach photographer Mary Altier always finds herself coming back to her own town. “No matter where I travel to photograph, I am always happy to return to the natural beauty of the Monterey Bay area,” she said. “I am also influenced by the work of the amazing number of excellent and supportive artists who live here,” she added. Her inspirations are not only from local artists, but international ones as well, including Martin Chambi from Peru, Sabastiao Salgado from Brazil, Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher. Altier moved to La Selva Beach in 1971 after spending a year living and working in the Atacama Desert of Chile and traveling around South America. She has traveled to Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, tribal areas of India and other countries. She specializes in environmental portraiture, especially of people in remote locations, she said. In between portraits, she photographs the landscapes of these locations. “I also shoot landscapes since I believe the inhabitants of a region are inextricably linked to their land,” Altier said. Altier’s photographs are shot with Canon cameras, she said. Most of her photographs are from film, and digitized through scanning. In 2008, Altier went completely digital, she said.
Sports on Page B2
Altier on Page B7
Aptos High golfer Chloe Tsudama putts during the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League championship tournament earlier this month at DeLaveaga Golf Course in Santa Cruz. Tsudama finished fourth by shooting a 91. Photo by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life
Music Together encourages the natural musician By TODD GUILD of Aptos Life
Three-year-old Devin Lauderbach had a big choice to make on a recent morning. With a giant pile of musical instruments at his feet that included cymbals, sticks and tambourines, Devin chose a drum and sticks and began to play along to a song coming from a nearby stereo. He was joined by 10 of his peers, all of whom had their own instrument and seemed to be making their own rhythm, a hodgepodge of sound that was nevertheless music to the ears of the parents in attendance and to teacher Elizabeth Torres. The children and the 12 parents were participating in Music Together, a class geared to encouraging families to make music and which was designed with the notion that children are innate music makers who need only encouragement from the adults in their lives for their abilities to blossom. Music on Page B7
Parents and their children act out a song in a session at Music Together in Capitola. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life
B2 - Aptos Life - November 2012
Election
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Continued from page B1
tive Analyst says that the new law would cost approximately $1 million per year for enforcement.
Proposition 33
Auto insurance company-backed initiative What it would do: • Allow insurance companies to set prices and offer discounts based on whether the driver previously carried auto insurance with any company. • Allow insurance companies to increase cost of insurance to drivers who have not maintained continuous coverage. • Treats drivers with lapse as continuously covered if lapse is due to military service or loss of employment, or if the lapse is less than 90 days. Impact • No financial impact on state tax revenues predicted
Proposition 34
Repeal the death penalty What it would do: • Would repeal the death penalty in California and replace it with life in prison without parole • Would apply to all new cases and the 750 inmates currently awaiting death. • Would require convicted murders to work in prison and have their wages deducted and put into a victim restitution fund. Impact • Estimated to save the state $100 million in the first year and $130 million annually after that, which would be directed to law enforcement.
Proposition 35
Ban on human trafficking and sex slavery What it would do • Require anyone convicted of human trafficking to register as sex offenders • Mandate prison sentences of up to 15 years to life for convicted human traffickers. • Fines collected would be used for victims’ services and law enforcement. • Requires sex offenders to disclose information about their internet access and online identities. • Prohibits evidence that victims of human trafficking and sex slavery engaged in sexual conduct be used against the victim in court. • Mandates human trafficking training for law enforcement. Impact • Law enforcement costs of about $2 million per year • Potential one-time costs of a few million dollars for new training • Potential increase in revenues from new criminal fines
Proposition 36
Three Strikes law What it would do • Ease the state’s harsh three strikes law, applying mandatory life in prison only for serious or violent felonies. • Authorize prisoners currently serving life sentences for non-serious third strikes to be re-sentenced if it doesn’t threaten public safety. • Continue to impose life sentences if third strike was for certain non-serious, non-violent sex, drug or gun offenses • Keep life sentences for felons with non-serious, non-violent third strikes if previous convictions were for rape, murder or child molestation. Impact • Savings up to $90 million annually over the next two decades. • One-time cost of up to $3 million for court costs as current offenders are re-sentenced.
the new law ranging from a few hundred thousand dollars to $1 million • Possible costs to state and local governments from litigation from violation of the law.
Proposition 38
Early Childhood Education What it would do • Would increase personal income tax for anyone earning more than $7,316 on a sliding scale ranging from 4 percent for the lowest earners to 2.2 percent for those earning more than $2.5 million. • During the first four years, 60 percent would go to K — 12 schools, 30 percent to the state debt and 10 percent would fund early childhood programs. After four years, 85 percent would go to schools and 15 percent to early childhood education. Impact • An increase in personal income tax revenues of $10 billion 2013 and 2014. • Approximately $6 billion per year would go to schools in the first four years. $1 billion would go toward childcare and preschool and $3 billion would go to pay down the state debt.
Proposition 39
Taxes for multi-state businesses What it would do • Requires multi-state businesses to recalculate their California income taxes based on a percentage of their sales in the state. • Repeals an existing law that gives the businesses the option to choose their own tax liability • Provides $550 million per year for five years for projects that create energy efficiency and clean energy jobs. Impact • An estimated $1 billion increase to annual state revenues, which will grow over time • More than half the funds raised would go to alternative energy projects, while the rest would go to public schools an community colleges.
Proposition 40
Redistricting Explanation In 2008, California voters passed a law that entrusted drawing legislative districts to the bipartisan Citizens Redistricting Committee. The law took the responsibility out of the hands of politicians with vested interests in redrawing districts to suit their needs. Because of the state’s Democratic leanings, new lines were drawn in 2010 that predictably favored Democrats. In an effort to assure they keep high numbers in the state senate, Republicans put Proposition 40 on the ballot in hopes that their constituents will vote against it and subsequently reject the newly drawn districts. That would mean that boundary lines would be re-drawn by officials appointed by the California Supreme Court. To make matters more complicated, the California Supreme Court has ruled that the current boundaries will stand, and the Republicans who were urging a no vote have given up their fight. What it would do • Proposition 40 would keep the responsibility in the hands of the Citizens Redistricting Committee. Impact • A yes vote will have no fiscal impact. • A no vote would mean a one-time cost of $500,000 for the state, and a one-time cost of $500,000 for counties as each redraws their boundaries.
Proposition 37
Genetically Engineered Foods What it would do • Would require labeling on processed or raw food that contain genetically modified ingredients • Prohibits labeling food that contains genetically modified ingredients as “natural.” • Exempts foods that are certified organic; unintentionally produced with genetically engineered material; made from animals fed or injected with genetically engineered material but not genetically engineered themselves; processed with or containing only small amounts of genetically engineered ingredients; administered for treatment of medical conditions; sold for immediate consumption such as in a restaurant; or alcoholic beverages. Impact • Increased costs to the state to regulate
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THE SANDERLINGS SKILLET Potatoes, Eggs, Sausage, Spinach, Mushrooms, Onions and Cheese served with your choice of Toast or a Flour Tortilla
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Aptos Life - November 2012 - 3B
Jordan Stidham tends to bar patrons who can choose between indoor our outdoor seating. An abundance of natural light spills into Palapas Restaurant y Cantina during lunch. Photo by Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life
Palapas Restaurant y Cantina A place for a relaxing meal, high-quality food and ocean views
By TODD GUILD of Aptos Life
Palapas Restaurant y Cantina in Seascape Village is not a place to go for a quick bite to eat, despite the fact that the service is efficient and the staff attentive. A gentle ocean breeze blowing in through the open patio doors, a view of the Seascape bluffs and the ocean beyond and a superb staff give diners get a sense that they are far removed from their busy lives, that they can take their time and that they will be wellcared for. Aptos Life photographer Tarmo Hannula and I went for lunch, but passed up the lunch specials ($9.95 $11.95) that included enchiladas, chile verde and tostadas with ceviche, for the dinner menu. We were greeted soon after we walked in, quickly seated and immediately greeted by our server Richard, who told us that chips and salsa were on their way and took our drink orders. The restaurant is decorated in Mexican palapa style, with a faux thatch ceiling and bar, and Spanish tile floors. A row of giant picture windows let in ample natural light, and we had the choice between eating on the outdoor patio or inside. “They really thought this out,” Tarmo said of the decor. “I think there’s a lot of attention to detail.” The chips came fast and were freshly made, warm and crispy, which were a perfect snack with the tangy salsa. After giving us a moment to consider the menu, Richard told us about the day’s special, which was ahi tuna with four prawns on a tostada with mango-guajillo salsa ($15.95). We were tempted by the special, particularly when he told us that such dishes are a house specialty. “Our seafood is exceptional,” he said, pointing out that the restaurant receives daily deliveries from Stagnaro Bros. Seafood, Inc. But hoping to get a sense of the restaurant’s mainstays, we followed Richard’s suggestions for what he said are two customer favorites. I ordered the Tierra y Mar, ($22.95), a charbroiled skirt steak topped by large sautéed chipotle prawns and covered with a thick, rich chiplote sauce. Tarmo got the chiles rellenos con salsa y camarones, ($16.95), which were perfectly cooked chiles rellenos stuffed with two kinds of cheese and topped with traditional sauce and bay shrimp. We were also tempted by the Chile Verde ($16.50), which Richard heartily recommended, and the chicken enchiladas ($17.95.) Seafood dishes include Red snapper with red tomatillo sauce ($19.95), snow crab enchiladas ($21.95) and three types of ceviche ($11.95 - $12.95). Both our plates came garnished with healthy dollops of sour cream, guacamole and salsa, in addition to sides of light, flavorful Spanish rice and refried beans. All the dishes come with handmade corn tortillas. Forget for a moment that our plates were expertly arranged by someone who clearly cared about presentation, and that both were generously portioned. Being a lifelong gourmand, I knew from the first
small taste of the deep, rich sauce that covered my steak and shrimp that this was food to be savored. In fact, it was one of those meals I dreaded starting, because I knew that eventually it would be over. Every bite that followed was extraordinary. The steak, which I ordered medium, was perfectly barbecued and astonishingly tender, while the succulent shrimp were firm but tender and perfectly sautéed. The chiplote sauce, which I think could be a meal in itself, was just spicy enough to give it bite and was bursting with complex flavor. Tarmo said his dish was “loaded with lots of healthy stuff.” “Sautéed onions, bell peppers, cilantro, tomatoes — there is a lot going on,” he said. As is normally the case when we are working we declined alcoholic drinks, but did so rather sadly. Palapas boasts a selection of more than 60 varieties of tequila and margaritas described by regulars as the best in the county. Diners can also opt for a glass of wine from a large list ($5.50 - $13) and drinks from a full bar. Bartender Jordan Stidham, who has been working at the restaurant for nine years, said he appreciates the creative menu. “We mix high-class dining with a beach front theme,” he said. I managed to finish my dish, despite the fact that it was large enough for leftovers. Tarmo took half of his home and declined dessert, but having a hard time resisting dessert I tried the key lime pie, another of Richard’s suggestions. The pie was rich and creamy with just a hint of lime and had a crunchy graham cracker crust contrasting textures that meshed together to make an excellent treat. Palapas Restaurant y Cantina opened in August 1990. It is owned by Mark Holcomb, who also owns Seascape Resort. Dan and Irene Lamb, who live in Boulder Creek, said they have been coming about six or seven times a year since it opened 21 years ago. “The food has always been good,” Irene Lamb said. “We like to go for a walk on the beach after we eat. We have a lot of good memories.” Holly Heffner, who was eating lunch in the bar and chatting with a friend, said she lives about a block away and comes often. “The staff is the friendliest I’ve encountered in any other local establishment,” she said. “They are professional, accommodating and they take good care of out-of-towners.” Richard said he has been working in the restaurant for about six years, said he left and moved to Chico. He said he immediately regretted the decision and soon asked the management for his job back. “This place connects with people,” he said. “It’s such a good place to work. I’ve worked at a lot of other restaurants and no place has ever done that to me.” Palapas Restaurant y Cantina is at 21 Seascape Village in Aptos. Reservations are recommended. For information call 662-9000 or visit www.palapasrestaurant.com.
Have suggestions for our next restaurant feature. Please email us at info@aptoslife.com. Also please visit ww.AptosLife.com
Richard Bechtold serves up lunch Monday at Palapas Restaurant y Cantina in Seascape Village. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life
Tierra y Mar, a combination of charbroiled skirt steak and sautéed chipotle prawns, is on the lunch menu at Palapas Restaurant y Cantina. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life
Weekly/Multiple Day Events Rotary Club of Capitola/Aptos We meet on Thursdays at 12:15. Contact us at 831-662-3113. Seascape Golf and Country Club 610 Club House Drive Aptos, CA 95003. Nov 01, 2012 - Mike Milward, CEO, Hospice, Santa Cruz Hospice. Santa Cruz County. Nov 15, 2012 - Marco Barricelli Shakespeare Santa Cruz Nov 29, 2012 - Arnold Kunst “ Lincoln 365” Wine Wednesdays at Sanderlings -Sanderlings at Seascape Beach Resort, One Seascape Resort Drive Aptos. Offering a different Santa Cruz wine, tapas & live music weekly. $15 per person (plus tax & gratuity).Date: December 05, 2012 - December 26, 2012 Time: 5:30 - 7pm For more information call. 688-6800. pr visit sanderlingsrestaurant.com. Wine Tasting Seascape Foods. $5 wine tasting every Friday from 5 pm - 7 pm. Featuring a different winery every week. For more information contact Seascape Foods in Aptos, 685-3134. Aptos Farmers Market Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive with over 80 vendors, find an unmatched selection of locally grown fresh produce, flowers & artisan products. FREE. 8am - noon, rain or shine. For more information contact Monterey Bay Farmers 728-5060 montereybayfarmers.org. November 9 - December 7 . Cabrillo Gallery presents Jody Alexander: Preparing for Evanescence. Jody Alexander exhibits recent work in the Cabrillo Gallery after having received the Solo Exhibition Award from Ruth Braunstein and Shannon Trimble, of the former Braunstein/Quay Gallery, for her work in the Cabrillo Gallery exhibition, California. Funded, in part, by a grant from the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County. Reception: Thursday, November 8, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Artist’s Talk: Wednesday, November 14, 7:00 pm Tickets: Free Event Gallery (closed 11/11, 24 & 25) November 2 - 18 - Cabrillo Theatre Arts Department presents Black Snow Based on the novel by Mikhail Bulgakov, Keith Reddin’s Black Snow is a brilliant and hilarious comedy about a playwright’s plight when his play falls into the hands of a legendary theatre director in a climate of government oppression. Buffeted between ruthless autocrats and eccentric theatre artists, the playwright is reduced to a clog in the workings of the theatre bureaucracy and is forced to compromise or take desperate action. Directed by Robin Aronson. Friday & Saturday Nights at 7:30 pm Matinees Nov. 4, 11 & 18 at 2:00 pm Tickets: $19 general, $17 seniors/students, $14 w/ SAC card $12 Children under 10 Cabrillo Black Box Theater November 30 - December 2 Friday & Saturday, 7:30 pm Sunday Matinee, 2:00 pm. Cabrillo Winter Dance ConcertCabrillo dancers will perform an exuberant new choreography in an exciting mix of contemporary techniques and styles, from popping and locking to post-modern physical theater. The Cabrillo student dancers will perform new work by Bay Area and Santa Cruz based professional dance artists in a show of new and notable dances. Tickets: $14 general $12 seniors/students $10 w/SAC card Cabrillo Crocker Theater Saturday, November 24 1:00 & 4:30 pm shows Sunday, November 25 1:00 & 4:30 pm shows. International Academy of Dance presents The Nutcracker ~ Experience the Magic! Kick off you Holiday season with the Nutcracker Ballet! A delightful holiday tradition the whole family will enjoy. Special guest artists, Tricia Albertson (originally from Santa Cruz) and Didier Bramaz, principal dancers with the Miami City Ballet, grace the stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. Beautiful dancing, gorgeous costumes and inventive choreography sure to delight children of all ages. Tickets: $22 - $32 Cabrillo Crocker Theater December 8th, 10:30-1pm at Native Revival Nursery, $45 (inlcudes all materials) December 9th, 10:30-1pm at The Poppy Farm, $45 (inlcudes all materials) Native Revival Nursery and our sister shop,
The Poppy Farm at The San Pedro Square Market, are excited to announce our holiday wreath making class.Celebrate that fall has arrived and that the holidays are just around the corner. Come create a holiday wreath for yourself or for a gift. Wreaths will be constructed from beautiful California native plants, harvested from our 3 acre nursery. Wild rose hips, St. Catherine’s Lace, California Bay, Snowberries, Toyon, and the fragrant Wax Myrtle, just to name a few. Classes to take place: The Poppy Farm, 100 North Almaden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110 Native Revival Nursery, 2600 Mar Vista Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 (831) 684-1811 Fridays November 9 & 16 at 7:30pm Saturdays November 10 & 17 at 6:00pm & 8:30pm Sundays November 11 & 18 at 2:30pm POP TO BROADWAY! A musical revue in the Cabaret Style. DANCESynergy Dance Studio 9055 Soquel Dr. Aptos 95003 Free Parking. Reservations are required for all 8 performances. $35 for show, includes wine & cheese. $25 for Seniors 62 and over and children. For 2:30pm shows only Please call 831-359-1630 or purchase tickets online at www.dance-synergy.com November 30 - December 1 Cabrillo Latin Music Ensembles Concert. 8:00 pm Students enrolled in the Latin Music Ensemble will perform a selection of folk and popular music from Cuba, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Mexico. Enjoy an evening of beautiful singing and exciting rhythms, traditional songs and contemporary sounds, all part of the rich and diverse music of Latin America. Directed by Michael Strunk. Tickets: $10 general, $7 senoirs/students Cabrillo Black Box Theater
Friday, Nov. 2
Cabrillo Youth Strings/Suzuki Orchestra Concert An evening of classic and modern music for string orchestra featuring the Cabrillo Youth Strings, Festival Strings and Contemporary Ensembles. Susan C. Brown, Director. 7:00 pm Tickets: $10 general $7 students 15 yrs and under free Cabrillo Samper Recital Hall
Saturday, Nov. 3
Cabrillo Music Department presents French Impressions for Violin and Piano Faculty pianist Susan Bruckner and fellow alumnus from the Eastman School, Lin He, on violin in some of the most sumptuous music ever written. Program will consist of sonatas by Debussy and Ravel along with other impressionist masterpieces. 8:00 pm Tickets: $15 general $8 seniors/students Cabrillo Samper Recital Hall
Thursday Nov. 8
Aptos Chamber of Commerce November Breakfast Meeting. Time: 7:30am-9:00am. Location: Best Western Plus, Seacliff Inn Aptos Cost: $20 members, $25 non-members Breakfast Meeting with special guest speaker Dr. Brian King, President of Cabrillo College. Enjoy breakfast, networking, county reports and more! Please call for reservations, 831-688-1467
Friday, Nov. 9
Aptos Sports Foundation -Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament 6:00p at Seascape Beach Resort, Aptos, CA Aptos Sports Foundation presents - Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament at Seascape Resort. 100% of proceeds benefit High School Sports. Prizes for top 8 places, sandwich buffet & no host cocktails. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m. Play commences at 6:45 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 10
7:00 pm - Cabrillo English Department presents The Third Annual Morton Marcus Memorial Poetry Reading Featuring American Book Award winner Arthur Sze. The 3rd Annual Morton Marcus Memorial Poetry Reading will be hosted by Santa Cruz’s first poet laureate Gary Young, and feature a reading by renowned poet Arthur Sze, American Book Award winner and Chancellor of the American Academy of Poets. The evening will also feature the winner of the Morton Marcus Poetry Contest, who will read their winning work. Tickets: Free Admission First-come, first-served seating Doors open at 6:30
PM Cabrillo Samper Recital Hall More information at www.mortonmarcus.com or 831-479-5744
Friday, Nov. 16
Voice Masters Recital- 7:00 pm Cabrillo voice students present a vocal recital highlighting solo literature, duets and ensembles. Directed by Cheryl Anderson. Tickets: $15 general, $12 w/SAC card Cabrillo Samper Recital Hall
Saturday, Nov. 17
Cabrillo Chorale Autumn Concert. 7:00 pm. An evening of choral music presented by Cabrillo’s music majors. Literature will vary from master works to men’s choir, women’s choir, music from around the world and selections from all genres. Directed by Cheryl Anderson. Tickets: $15 general, $12 w/SAC card. Cabrillo Samper Recital Hall.
Sunday, Nov. 18
Aptos Academy, Preschool-8th Grade, Open House Sunday, November 18, 1-4pm Meet the school’s teachers and tour our five-acre campus complete with theater, running track, and horse facility. The school’s mission is to provide an arts entriched environment where students are excited about learning and can discoveer and meet their full potential. Individual programs, and mastery based learning set each student up for continued success. 1940 Bonita Drive, Aptos 831-688-1080
Sunday, Nov. 18
Cabrillo Youth Chorus Project Youth Sings! 2:00 pm Seven youth choirs, ages 8 to 18, in the Cabrillo Youth Chorus Project will sing both separately and together in an afternoon of music and celebration. Directed by Cheryl Anderson. Tickets: Donations requested at the door Cabrillo Samper Recital Hall
Monday, Nov. 19
Ray Brown’s Great Big Band 7:30 pm Tickets: $20 general at Brown Paper Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com or at the door. More information at (831) 479-6218 Cabrillo Crocker Theater One of the most anticipated shows of the year, the San Francisco-based all-star big band, “The Great Big Band” performs in the Cabrillo College Crocker Theater. November, being the last month of the centennial of Stan Kenton’s birthday, Ray (an alumnus of Stan’s band in 1971-72) will be programming a number of Stan’s well-known arrangements interspersed with Ray’s own music. This may possibly be the last time Stan Kenton’s name and music will be in the limelight which makes this a must-see performance.
Saturday, Dec. 1
Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting 2:00pm-5:00pm at the Aptos Village Tree (off Aptos Creek Road and Soquel Dr) Bring the family and join us for a Holiday Craft Fair and our Annual Tree Lighting at the Aptos Village Tree! There will be local vendors with holiday gifts, food, Christmas carols by Twin Lakes Youth Choir- Credo,
and a special visit from Santa Claus. Bring an ornament of your own to hang on the tree. We will have collection bins for unwrapped presents and/or canned food for Second Harvest Food Bank.
Sunday, Dec. 2
Gingerbread House Workshop 1:00pm4:00pm Start a new holiday tradition! Create your own charming and tasty gingerbread house along with Seascape Beach Resort’s very own executive chef Karl! $54.95 includes:- One Gingerbread House Kit per Family of Four - Assortment of Candy Decorations - Petite Sandwiches, hot chocolate, eggnog, cookies, and seasonal snacks Reservations are required, please call (831) 662-7140. An additional House available at $35 each
Sunday, Dec. 2
The Cabrillo Symphonic Winds Winter Festival Of Bands 3:00 pm. Wind band music from the 20th and 21st centuries. Directed by Jon Nordgren. Tickets: $10 general $9 seniors/students $7 w/SAC card Cabrillo Samper Recital Hall.
Wednesday, Dec. 5
Theatre Arts Department Improv Follies 7:00 pm Tickets: $3 donation requested at the door Cabrillo Black Box Theater
Thursday, Dec. 6
Cabrillo Orchestra Musical selections TBA. Directed and Conducted by Don Adkins. 7:30 pm Tickets: $10 general $7 senoirs/students Cabrillo Music Recital Hall
Sunday, Dec. 9th
Mad Hatter’s Holiday Tea Party 12:30pm. Fall down the rabbit hole at our 4th annual fundraiser for Toys For Tots. If this is the first time you’ve ventured into Wonderland, or you’re making a return trip, we know you’ll enjoy this festive and whimsical holiday party. Of course, a hearty and plentiful buffet with an array of sumptuous desserts will be provided. Most importantly, tea will be offered while you are entertained by the beloved story book characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. To further the magic of the event all net proceeds will be donated by Seascape Beach Resort to Toys For Tots of Santa Cruz County. Additionally, guests are asked to bring an *unwrapped toy or a monetary donation for Toys For Tots. Last year, there were smiles on the faces of over 300 children due to the generosity of the toys donated at this event! Tickets: $8 Children under 2 yrs old $31 Children 3-11 yrs old $47 Adults For details, please call 831-662-7141. To purchase tickets click here to visit Brown Paper Tickets (new window will open). Reservations are required by Friday, December 7th. *Please bring at least one new unwrapped toy per person attending. High needs are for children up to 3 yrs old, and girls 9-12 yrs old (soccer balls, art sets, boardgames, etc.) Please avoid guns or toys of aggression, and for health reasons Toys for Tots cannot accept unpacked stuffed animals.
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Aptos Life - November 2012 - 5B
B6 - Aptos Life - November 2012
Sports
www.AptosLife.com
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hole. Scotts Valley’s Jemina Cheyiam nailed a five-foot birdie putt. She also had a near birdie on No. 8, but her putt fell short, and she ended up two-putting for par. Aptos teammates Ashly Wenger shot a 110, and Tai Li Harrill shot a 120. Soquel High’s Neddi Gleitsmann shot a 99. The girls tennis team also saw postseason action, as the top four singles players competed in the SCCAL tournament. Teagan Knight went 1-1 in the singles tournament, losing to eventual runner-up Tatiana Podolsky of Santa Cruz. Rachel Riddick got a win before losing to eventual champion Caroline Casper of St. Francis Central Coast Catholic. The doubles team of Kelly McMinn and Sanika Kshirsagar made it all the way to the final before losing to Scotts Valley’s Desi Rakela and Serena Strehelke 7-5, 6-3. McMinn and Kshirsagar were singles players for most of the year — McMinn even went 10-0 in SCCAL play — but decided to team up for the doubles tournament. Both singles and doubles finals started about the same time. As Casper led 3-0, Kshirsagar and McMinn were leading 4-1. The Aptos partners did what Casper did: they returned everything sent their way. “We went out there and tried our best and played aggressive and it worked,” McMinn said. But then, Rakela and Strehelke started to find their openings. They got a game by prevailing on deuce thanks to a smash by Strehelke. The Scotts Valley duo tried to get another game immediately by powering balls by Kshirsagar and McMinn. But the hard-hit balls went wide, and the Aptos partners were on the brink of winning the first set. Scotts Valley then turned to its front-court game, which Rakela said was the duo’s strength. They smashed ball after ball that came their way. The Falcons won 20 of the final 29 points of the set and never trailed in any of the final five games. Games 11 and 12 went to deuce. Rakela hit a drop shot to win the 11th game, and Strehelke lobbed a low return to win the 12th game and the set. “I don’t even know how to explain it,” Rakela said. “I love playing with Serena,
and she’s a great partner. We just flicked the switch and got our game faces on. I don’t know how we did it.” Scotts Valley got a break early in the second set and made it stick. Leading 4-3, Scotts Valley closed it out with back-to-back wins. Rakela ended the eighth game with a smash after McMinn tried to hit a hard return past her. The final game went to deuce. Rakela hit a low return past both Aptos players to end it. Despite the loss, Kshirsagar said it was fun playing with McMinn and reaching the finals. “We tried our hardest, and we did what we could,” Kshirsagar said. The boys water polo team has struggled to find a win in Monterey Bay League play for most of this season, and the squad finally achieved it in its penultimate regular season game. The Mariners downed Salinas 12-9 in front of their home fans. Alex Stratton scored five goals in the win. Chris Staka contributed with three goals. Ryan Mauldin, Zach Evans, Michael Lucas and Myles Gutgsnell all scored as well. Nick Guzman made 17 saves as goalkeeper for Aptos. The Mariners’ girls volleyball team finished regular season play in the SCCAL third. Their only two losses in league play were to Soquel and Harbor, and they went in swinging against both teams. With the third-place finish, the Mariners go into the SCCAL postseason as the No. 3 seed and a first-round bye. It is almost a certain the team will earn a spot in the CCS postseason. The football team continues to roll, as it has won six games in a row. Its latest win was probably its biggest, as the Mariners defeated Soquel 32-21. It was the fourth consecutive time Aptos scored at least 30 points in a game. Alex Joh threw two deep touchdown passes to Alec Bonsall in the first half as it stayed even with Soquel at 14-14. Aptos iced the game with a touchdown in the fourth quarter, preventing any hope of a Soquel comeback. “The kids showed great heart and determination,” said Aptos coach Randy Blankenship. “The salty dogs helped us prepare
Aptos High’s Sanika Kshirsagar serves during the first set of the SCCAL tennis doubles tournament final earlier this month at the Seascape Sports Club. Waiting to hit is teammate Kelly McMinn. Photo by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life
for Soquel, and they did a great job. Everyone on the team and our coaches had a hand in this.” Blakenship credited his running backs, including Elijah Marta and Aaron McAnerney for helping power the Mariners’ offense. With two games to go in the regular season, Aptos is the last remaining unbeaten team in the SCCAL at 4-0. A lot of SCCAL fans pointed to this game being one of the key contests to decide who would be in the driver’s seat to be league champion, especially after Aptos outran Soquel 65-55 last season at Trevin Dilfer Field at Aptos. The scene for this year’s tilt changed to Soquel High, where the Mariners brought their defense, and Soquel brought their high-powered offense. Once again, Aptos’ defense locked down an opponent in the second half. The Mariners have allowed just three second-half touchdowns in their past five games. Soquel has not won after a bye since 2007. The cross-country teams continue to shine, especially the girls squad, which repeated as undefeated SCCAL regular season
champions. On its final dual meet of the regular season at Pinto Lake County Park, the Mariners rolled, with four girls in blue taking the top four spots. Leading the way was Yulisa Abundis, who set a new personal best with a time of 18 minutes, 32 seconds. “It’s really exciting,” Abundis said of winning the race. “I’m really happy because I P.R.’d as well.” Abundis led the way with a time of 18 minutes, 32 seconds. It was 20 seconds faster than her previous personal best, which she accomplished two weeks earlier at San Lorenzo Valley High. Aptos’ girls took the first four spots in the final race, with Matti Peoples coming in second at 19:40. Karen Jimenez (18:54) and Clare Peabody were third and fourth, respectively. “This proves we could win league, and it’s exciting,” Abundis said. Missing their top player all season, Nikki Hiltz, the Mariners proved they had plenty of depth. They will take that depth to the SCCAL championship meet at Pinto Lake.
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Music
Aptos Life - November 2012 - 7B
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One of the main goals of the class is to inspire parents to do more than merely play music on the radio for children, said Lizz Hodgin, who brought the 25-year-old program to Santa Cruz County in 1997. “It’s all about encouraging the parent to not just to consume,” she said. “Don’t just put music on for your kids, make it with them.” Torres said the classes are designed to teach parents how to play, sing and create music with their children, which she said parents often forget how to do, particularly in a society that too often insists on demonstrable academic results. Music Together is not performance based, she said. “We’re not here to watch kids make music,” she said. “They’re here to watch us make music.” In that way, making music becomes a natural, everyday act that can and should become a part of their home lives, Torres said. “Home is the most important classroom,” she said. “This class is a springboard for the rest of the week.” Tuesday’s class was attended by parents who ranged from young mothers to grandmothers to one heavily tattooed father who accompanied his 2-year-old daughter. “It’s fun,” said Jacob Smith. “I’ve noticed when we’re here that she’s able to express herself. It’s good to see her interacting with us and the other kids.” Devin’s mother Adele Lauderbach said her son has been taking the classes since he was 1. She previously took her older son. Both, she said, developed a growing interest in music. “They seem to light up when they’re here,” she said. “I feel it’s something they really connect with.” Alma Carlson, who is also a Music Together teacher, was at the class with her 3-yearold son Umi Wilson. She said the classes help debunk the notion that music is only for the talented. “It makes music available to everyone,” she said. “It gives kids permission to explore music and not be afraid of it.” Hodgin agrees. “We think we’re not musical,” she said. “We compare ourselves against stars and come up short.” Hodgin, who brought the program to Santa Cruz County in 1997, said she received a Music Together songbook and CD as a gift and enjoyed singing the songs with her son.
But despite training as a professional opera singer, she was unsure how to teach him. Seeing how much he enjoyed the Music Together songs and activities, she decided she wanted to bring the program to Santa Cruz. After teaching her first class of 35 students, the numbers of students grew from 105 to 275 to 350 as Hodgin hired new teachers and marketed the classes. The classes are now taught throughout Santa Cruz County and in Los Gatos and in Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino and Campbell. They’ve even made it internationally, with kids in Dubai, South Africa, Chile, India, Hong Kong and Japan also involved in the program. Hodgin estimates that the program in Santa Cruz County has served 20,000 families since its inception here. In addition to making music an everyday part of children’s lives, Hodgin said that the classes help with brain development.“There is a specialized part of the human brain whose only job is to process music information,” she said. “When were are singing and dancing and making music that part of the brain is lit up.” “We are creating. We are building brains,” Hodgin said. “The impact of singing and dancing and playing on a regular basis has a profound impact on their development.” Classes start with the “Hello Song,” in which every child is welcomed by name. There follows about a dozen songs that range from slow and melodic to quick and peppy. All the while, the teacher leads the kids and their parents in chants, dances, movement and rhythm exercises. They often break out instruments, employ giant parachutes and roll balls around the room. Torres, one of 13 Music Together teachers, has been leading classes for more than a decade. “This is the only job I leave happier than when I come in,” she said. “I love watching the interactions of parents and their children in a musical way. I love being able to facilitate that.” Music Together classes are offered in four sessions per year and typically last 12 weeks. Six-week summer sessions are also available. Classes meet once a week for 50 minutes at locations throughout the county. For information visit www.musicalme. com or call 438-3514.
“Poler,” taken in Botswana, Africa. Courtesy of Mary Altier
Altier
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Altier’s interest in becoming a professional photographer began in 1979, when she went on a sabbatical from teaching at Renaissance High School to travel to South America for a year. “As a traveler, I began shooting with the desire to keep my travel experiences alive,” she said. With a background in fashion design, Altier said she had no formal training in photography. When she returned, Altier shared her photography with other schools, and found that her work received a very positive response, she said. In 1982, Altier had her first exhibit at a Mexican restaurant in Watsonville. “Watsonville figures very prominent in my life,” she said. After her work started to be accepted into exhibits, she began taking classes in photography to further expand her skills.
Altier is currently looking for another venue to showcase her exhibit, “The Body as Canvas: Tattooed, Scarred, Pierced and Painted,” which was shown for three months earlier this year at Chimera Tattoo Studio and Gallery in Santa Cruz, ending in May. The exhibit featured more than 50 pieces, which were portraits of body ornamentation, such as tattoos and piercings that represent different cultures. “I try to connect with people in a variety of context,” Altier said. The photographs shown in that exhibit were a result of 25 years of travel. ••• To see more of Altier’s work, visit www.maryaltier.com.
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• Ballroom Dancing • Dining Etiquette • Social Courtesies • Conversation Skills • Dress for Success
Cotillion Classes Held at Best Western “Seacliff Inn in Aptos
• Build Confidence in Social Skills • Fun & Friendly Classes for Grades 5-12 • Friends & Family: $10.00 Rebate • Dining Etiquette Classes also held at the Bloomsbury Tea Room – “Makes a Fun Party!”
Parents receive 25% Off dinner at Severino’s while your child attends class
Class size is limited – reserve now!
Mariann Eichhorn, 831.688.5678 www.centralcoastcotillion.com
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