Aptos Times September 2012

September 1 2012

C O M M U N I T Y N E W S T H AT M A K E S A D I F F E R E N C E

Vol 21 No. 17

Serving Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom, Watsonville, & Pajaro

It’s the Season of Festivals!

Relaxing at the Santa Cruz County Fair

Seeking an end to a perfect summer in paradise

By Noel Smith

ow truly blessed we are to have such a variety of fun stuff to do and see. While the rest of the country has been sweltering and wishing for rain, we have had our foggy, cool mornings and sunny, zephyrous afternoons to enjoy.

Now is time for celebration as the summer ends!

••• Begonia Festival ver Labor Day weekend, Aug 31Sep 3, we have the 60th Begonia Festival in Capitola by the sea. Music, Entertainment, Movies, Sand Sculpture contest, a not-to-be-missed Nautical Parade, and much more. It’s just a great time for both adults and kids.

••• Capitola Art & Wine f that wasn’t enough, the following weekend, September 8-9 is the Capitola Art & Wine Festival.

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Donna and husband Myles with their Ferrari in 2001.

CHANGING LANES, CHANGING LIVES Aptos Resident Survives Cancer by Turning Negative to Positive

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Rancho Del Mar Update Safeway gets help

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Hospice Needs Volunteers Santa Cruz County

passions including racing Ferraris at Sears Point and Laguna Seca Raceway, walking on the beach with friends and family, and turning fascinating sea creatures into watercolor works of art, Donna rarely has a minute to spare. She clearly has

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onna Rummwell, a 63year-old Aptos Resident and breast cancer survivor will compete in her first team relay triathlon on September 9 in Pacific Grove. All three women

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on the team are over 60-yearsold and call themselves, “Team Splash, Flash, and Dash.”

With a firm handshake and radiating personality, one can tell right off the bat that Donna is living the life she dreamed of.

Full of stories about her many

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By Courtney Dimpel

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a lot she wants to do, and isn’t wasting any of her precious time.

Shortly after her 50th birthday, Donna was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, the

Letters to the Editor Measure “L” • Safeway

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Locally owned & operated www.TPGonlinedaily.com

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Table of Contents

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Cover

VOL. 21 NO. 17

Changing Lanes, Changing Lives – Aptos Resident Survives Cancer

by Turning Negative to Positive By Courtney Dimpel It’s the Season of Festivals! – Seeking an end to a perfect summer in paradise By Noel Smith

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APTOS TIMES

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Community News

OPA! The 32nd-annual Greek Food and Cultural Festival Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center Update By Courtney Dimpel Hospice of Santa Cruz Needs Volunteers Rotary Club Looking for Members Aptos Schools get IT Upgrade By Noel Smith California Launches New Grade Level By Noel Smith PVUSD Offering TK Grade TEDxSantaCruz 2012 Explores An Open World Safeway Grant of $50,000 to assist Rancho Del Mar Tenants

Sports Wrap

Roberto Zuniga Returns as Aptos High Soccer Coach • Varsity Football Season Schedule

Back to School 12 Conversations About Online Child Safety Business Profile 14 Dan Casagrande – Security 1 Lending on Reverse Mortgages By Cynthia Howe

20 Fiorito Interior Design By Cynthia Howe

Letters to the Editor 24 Vote No on Measure “L” • Safeway Plans are Disaster for Aptos Businesses

SPCA Featured Pet • Page 27 – Posey, the Blind Puppy, Is a

Great Catch

Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28 & 29

Monthly Horoscope • Page 29 - Your September Horoscope Annabel Burton, Astrologer©

Featured Columnists 21 Out & About by Josie Cowden 25 Work in Progress by Camille Smith – Want success? Learn to Embrace Failure

31 Extremely Dangerous Fire Season in California – By Mike Conrad, Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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APTOS TIMES

CoverStory

publisher

OPA! The 32nd-annual Greek Food and Cultural Festival

Patrice Edwards publisher’s assistant

Lindsay Nelson editor

Noel Smith contributing writers

Courtney Dimpel, Noel Smith, Cynthia Howe, Annabel Burton, Josie Cowden, Camille Smith, Mike Conrad layout

Michael Oppenheimer, Mike Lyon graphic artists

Mike Lyon, Michael Oppenheimer production coordinator

Sandra Gonzalez advertising sales

Don Beaumont, Sadie Wittkins, Meredith Pozzi Feldsted office coordinator

Cathe Race distribution

Bill Pooley, Jana Mears

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-weekly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, printed twice annually and Hospice Magazine, printed once annually, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission.

PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Opinions / Letters: editorial@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.cyber-times.com Graphics Dept: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: assistant@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com

CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT:

www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment.

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he Greek Community of Santa Cruz County is proud to present this annual, award winning (Voted Best Festival) and free event that features live Greek music and dancing, not to mention scrumptious foods and pastries from the Mediterranean. All along Church Street, between Cedar and Center in Downtown Santa Cruz, visitors will find homemade moussaka, pastitso and kabobs, tours of our church, plus crafts, family activities and a whole lot of Greek people having a good time.

The Santa Cruz Greek Festival has grown from a small affair in the courtyard of the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, to a huge block party alive with the sounds of live Greek Bouzouki music and the smells of delicious Greek specialties like BBQ Souvlaki (soo-vla-kee) and Gyro (YEERO).

The festival also features its usual handcrafted variety of wonderful dishes such as Moussaka (Moo-SA-Ka) lamb dishes, calamari, Pastitso and many more.

The tavern will be serving Greek and American beer, wine and traditional Greek spirits.

After dinner delicacies include the

ever-popular baklava (Bak-la VA), Loukoumades (Loo-koo-mathes), and Diples, a large but delicately rolled pastry, pre-fried and quickly dipped in honey and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Also in the pastry booth we are featuring Kutaisi, a shredded wheat pastry saturated with honey and spices. In the Kafenio (Coffee Shop) in addition to our handcrafted Greek coffee, we are whipping up authentic Greek Frappe, shaken by hand in the traditional style of cafes served everywhere in Greece. This drink won’t be found here in the States!

New this year, we have added a Kid’s pavilion featuring various carnival games, as well as our usual Mt. Olympus climbing wall. Euro Style Fashions Inc. will hold a

fashion show of contemporary Greek women’s clothing. Also, Greek Dancers in traditional garb from all over the Bay Area will perform a variety of dancers that have been performed for hundreds of years.

Belly Dancers from local dance studios will also perform. See our website or Facebook page for a schedule of dancers. Free Admission.

2012 Greek Festival Friday, September 14: 5 -10 pm Saturday, September 15: 11 am - 10pm Sunday, September 16: 12 – 8 pm ••• For more information call (831) 429-6500 or visit us at www.propheteliassantacruz.org All Proceeds benefit the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church of Santa Cruz.

“Festival Season” from pg 1

If you like browsing though one of the most picturesque places on the planet looking for that perfect piece of art, decoration or jewelry, Capitola is the place to be. Try some of the best wine California has to offer from grapes grown in the Mountains of Santa Cruz, listen and dance to local entertainment and feast on gourmet offerings from artichokes to zucchini. Life can’t get any better!

••• Santa Cruz Greek Food and Cultural Festival till more to come! September 14,15 & 16 is the Greek community’s offering to Santa Cruz as they bring the Greek culture’s best in food, dancing and entertainment for the enjoyment of all. You don’t have to spell or perfectly pronounce the delicious foods of the Mediterranean, just enjoy.

••• Santa Cruz County Fair elping to make September the most celebrated month of the year is the County Fair from September 11-16. This is when you get to see all those farm animals, equipment and livestock that is such a part the history of our region. The 4-H and the

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4 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Festival Season is here! Clockwise from top left: Capitola Art & Wine Festival • Capitola Begonia Festival • Santa Cruz Greek Food and Cultural Festival • Santa Cruz County Fair

FFA youth get to show what they’ve learned and the county’s best apple pie is chosen. If that is not exciting enough for you, there are the carnival rides, horse

shows, professional entertainment and the food to help fill your day.

Truly, there is such a thing as a perfect ending to your summer. n

“Donna Rummwell” from pg 1

most common cancer diagnosed in the United States, after skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women today, after lung cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 230,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer annually in the United States, and more than 39,000 will die from the disease.

“I knew I had a lump in my breast for a little while,” said Donna, “I was teaching fourth grade in Palo Alto at the time, and the news came on the first day of class back in 2000. I was upset and very concerned about how this would affect my students. I was very fortunate to have a great job with good insurance, and amazing support group that consisted of friends, coworkers, and family who were a tremendous help during the surgery and throughout treatment. It’s a sad reality, but some people don’t have that.”

Donna’s treatment was aggressive; double radical mastectomy, chemo, and radiation. She lost her hair, but not her will to live her life the way she had always dreamed. “I always wanted to own a house on the ocean, so my (now) husband Myles and I sold our homes in Silicon Valley and moved to Aptos. I’ love to go fast and am intrigued by exotic vintage cars, so I learned how to drive them on the track. And, I’ve always been passionate about art so I started painting again and now sell my watercolor pieces.”

Some, (the cup half empty folks) would have fallen into depression with this type of news. Not Donna. Instead, she said, “I always ask myself how can I make something good come out of a situation. It was no different with cancer. It forced me to make changes, and brought me closer to family, particularly my daughter who is now in the process of becoming a nurse. It was a wake up call.

CoverStory

Donna and her daughter Jessica finish the 2011 Wharf to Wharf race.

It’s strange how we can make big life changing decisions when faced with challenges. While I loved teaching, and influencing children in a positive way, I felt stuck in my career. For me, cancer ended up being a good thing. If I look at the big ‘life’ picture, the little things don’t stress me out as much.”

The past few years have been rough for Donna, losing several friends to cancer.

“If there’s one thing I can impress upon people it’s that you never know what is going to happen in your life.”

Currently, the view is pretty good from where Donna and her husband Myles are standing (or sitting in the cockpit of a Ferrari!). “Staying in remission requires a positive attitude and a healthy lifestyle,” she says. “I make sure to exercise, and I’m always looking forward to the next event. Cancer does change lives, and attitudes!” Cancer gave Donna a reason to live life with a purpose. “Like any decision it was a choice; a choice that can be made at any time, anywhere, with anyone. You don’t need to have cancer to live the life you dreamed.

That’s why I wanted to share my Donna Rummwell takes driving lessons at Sears Point in a 1978 308 story.” n Ferrari after her last chemo treatment in 2001.

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CommunityNews

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Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center Update

By Courtney Dimpel

he third design meeting held on August 22 yielded some interesting news. Safeway announced that they have hired the Small Business Development Center at Cabrillo College to help all the tenants at the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center to “take look at their business plans” and “explore” lease options within the Center or elsewhere.

According to SBDC Director Teresa Thomae, there is a lot they can do with the $50,000 Safeway has invested, and will be visiting every business in the Center in the coming weeks.

Safeway’s focus of the meeting was again the overall design, look and feel, and layout of the Center. Safeway architect Robert Lyman, who presented his updated drawings based on the feedback and input given in previous meetings led the discussion. Some of the changes included “green walls,” to resemble the Aptos creek bed, and wooden stairs similar to the set leading down to Rio Del Mar beach. While the drawings were nice, they could not camouflage the proposed 60,0000 foot Safeway that will lay under the shops and stores on the second floor of the structure.

CPT

Private Fitness Training Studio

Getting back to it...

• Fitness • Chiropractic • Massage Therapy www.suesmythefitness.com 7965 Soquel Drive, Aptos • 688-4528 6 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Russ Coillet and family in front of their store, “Fleet Feet” in Rancho Del Mar.

An impressive number of merchants and Aptos residents showed up to the meeting. With one goal, to make sure the elephant in the room was addressed. One woman said, “I’ve grown up in Aptos and went to Aptos Jr. High and High School.

“Safeway” > 17

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CommunityNews

Hospice of Santa Cruz Needs Volunteers

SCOTTS VALLEY — Hospice of Santa Cruz County (HSCC) is offering you an opportunity to serve the community as a hospice volunteer. Every day Hospice of Santa Cruz County brings care, comfort and support to those facing a serious illness. Volunteers are a vital part of the HSCC team and the delivery of their care.

“Volunteers are a crucial part of the comprehensive care and support we bring our patients and their families,” said Michael Milward, chief executive officer, Hospice of Santa Cruz County. “The efforts of our volunteers help us fulfill our mission. We are fortunate to have committed volunteers and we are seeking more individuals to serve in this important role.”

Last year HSCC served over 850 people. More than 100 volunteers played an active role in providing companionship, emotional support, caregiver respite, practical support and clerical assistance.

“Each of our volunteers provides a unique offering of interests, skills, talents and life experiences, said Radha Mallery, volunteer services manager, Hospice of

8 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Santa Cruz County. “ We match each volunteer’s role with his or her personal goals, skills, and interests. Our volunteers often tell us that this is the most rewarding and fulfilling role they ever played.”

Volunteering takes no advanced medical training. It can be as simple as reading to a patient, running errands to help a busy family caregiver or speaking with a patient to ease their mind and console their spirit.

Like, retired professor Chuck Atkinson, a HSCC volunteer for the past five years. Atkinson discovered Hospice of Santa Cruz when he retired from teaching at UC Santa Cruz and attended HSCC volunteer training.

“At first I was unsure about what to expect. But I felt HSCC was a place where I could be with people supporting others on the front lines at the end of life,” said Atkinson. “To be a HSCC volunteer has really upped the ante. It’s helped me be more present for others and for myself.”

“Hospice” > 22

SportsWrap

Roberto Zuniga Returns as Aptos High Soccer Coach

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ptos High School is excited to announce that Roberto Zuniga is returning as head boys soccer coach. He has over twenty years of playing and coaching experience. Coach Zuniga ran the Aptos boys program from 19972002. During his five-year tenure, he led the Mariners to

three CCS playoff berths. In 2001, the Mariners were one of the highest scoring teams in the CCS, and they lost 1-0 in the CCS Championship Game to perennial powerhouse Bellarmine. He was the SCCAL Coach-of-the-Year in 2001.

Robert Zuniga

“Zuniga” > 11

Varsity Football Season Schedule Head Coach Randy Blankenship ••• Friday, Aug. 31 7:00 PM (A) Encinal High @ Encinal HS Friday, Sept. 7 7:30 PM (A) Oakdale @ Oakdale “The Corral” Friday, Sept. 14 7:30 PM (H) Watsonville High @ Aptos HS Friday, Sept. 21 7:30 PM (H) Alisal High @ Aptos HS Friday, Sept. 28 7:30 PM (H) Santa Cruz High @ Aptos HS Friday, Oct. 5 7:30 PM (A) St. Francis CCC @ Cabrillo College

Friday, Oct. 12 7:30 PM (H) Scotts Valley High @ Aptos HS Friday, Oct. 19 7:30 PM (A) Soquel High @ Soquel HS Friday, Nov. 2 7:30 PM (H) San Lorenzo Valley High @ Aptos HS Saturday, Nov. 10 2:00 PM (A) Harbor High @ Harbor HS Congratulations to Frosh and JV Football. Each team won their respective SCCAL Jamboree Football opener! n

CommunityNews

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Rotary Club Looking for Members

f you believe in Service Above Self then you are a prospective member of Rotary Club. We provide local charities funds to help sustain their good work in the Santa Cruz County. We also participate in International trips to help bring health care and education to third world countries.

Our Club is in the recruitment stage and need local business people, like you, to join our club. We encourage you to be our guest on any Thursday from 12:00 – 1:30 PM at Seascape Golf Course. The meetings include networking, humor, education and great food.

Our annual goals include fundraising for local charities. We do that by volunteering at: Blues Festival: 4th of July Parade and Picnic Human Race Annual Fundraising Evening Event: this past year we had a very successful John Fisher Celebrity Roast dinner.

The Mission of the Capitola/Aptos Rotary is to prioritize “service above self”

through the funding of targeted local and international philanthropic projects. The Club also promotes ethical awareness and integrity, emphasizing the dignity of all job occupations and professions, and works to advance international goodwill and peace. Capitola/Aptos Rotary fosters strong fellowship and friendships among its associations with business, community and professional leaders.

We encourage you to join us and be a part of our worthwhile organization. If you believe in “Service Above Self” then this Club is for you.

We meet every Thursday at Noon at Seascape Golf and Country Club, 610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos. Mailing address P. O. Box 591 Capitola, CA 95010. n ••• Rotary Club of Capitola/Aptos Website: capitolaaptosrotary.org For more information, please contact Rex at discdoc08@yahoo.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2012 / 9

Local News ...

Local Sports ...

Local Politics ...

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SchoolSpotlight

Aptos Schools get IT Upgrade

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By Noel Smith

ecause Aptos schools don’t qualify for categorical funding from the state or federal governments for English Language Learners, the Information Technology (i.e. computers, IT network equipment, software, etc.) for the northern part of the district had fallen far behind what has been available for the other schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

That gap has finally been filled. Brett McFadden, Chief Business Officer of the PVUSD, announced that $560,000 from a portion of a settlement with contractors and architects involved in the construction of the Pajaro High School, was allocated to help upgrade Aptos Schools IT equipment and IT support.

According to PVUSD Technology Director, Tim Landeck, the upgrade of four of the six Aptos schools have been completed – Rio Del Mar, Valencia, Mar Vista Elementary Schools and Aptos Jr. High. To be accomplished in the next two months are Bradley and Aptos High School. The infrastructure upgrade consists primarily of switches, routers, servers and wiring that will greatly increase the speed, reliability and expand wireless coverage to the whole campus for each school.

Those schools in the district that qualify for discretionary funding for IT equipment can purchase new equipment every five years under a government program called “E-Rate.” As those schools get new equipment and replace the old, Aptos schools are able to upgrade their equipment with the equipment being replaced.

In addition to the infrastructure upgrade, there was enough money for a per student allowance of $51 for each school to buy equipment per their needs. Schools could use the funding for any IT related item such as such as computers, printers, scanners, projectors and interactive whiteboards subject to review to make sure it fit within their site plan.

In order to service and support this equipment, a fund was set aside for weekly IT visits at each school site by a technician for the next two years. n ••• Funding Breakdown for Aptos IT Upgrade – Final Plan Per student discretionary fund $200,000 Aptos Network Install $200,000 Full Time Tech (1) YR 1 $80,000 Full Time Tech (1) YR 2 $80,000 TOTAL $560,000

A Little Center With

A Lot of Class!

Plenty of Free Customer Parking

Aptos Village Skin & Body Care

Yoga Within Exploring the mind-body connection 687-0818

A skin care center 688-4541

Joy of Movement Pilates & Gyrotonic®

Wilder Associates Inc.

More zest for life

Property Management Specialist

688-8077

662-0291

Warmboard Radiant Subfloor

Salon Aptos Technician Dan Weiser installs new-to-Aptos IT equipment

Hair and nails for a good look

Simply smarter radiant heat

688-8804 “Zuniga” from pg 9

Coach Zuniga was also the head coach at Winters High School, where he led them to a league championsip and a playoff berth in his only year. Coach Zuniga has also won championships at the club and middle school level.

Coach Zuniga is a Watsonville High grad, here he played soccer for four years, helping the Wildcatz to two league championships and several playoff berths. He received his BA from U.C. Davis. After several years as an Assistant Principal at Aptos, he has returned to his first-love, the classroom, to teach Spanish.” n

During his five-year tenure, he led the Mariners to three CCS playoff berths.

In 2001, the Mariners were one of the highest scoring teams in the CCS, and they lost 1-0 in the CCS Championship Game to perennial powerhouse Bellarmine. He was the SCCAL Coach-of-the-Year in 2001.

685-9275

Village Liquors For all your beverage needs 688-5691

Epicenter Cycling Trek bicycles for all types of riders 662-8100

Dentistry for Animals Dr. Judy Force, DVM 768-7148

APTOS

STATION

SELECT SHOPPING / APTOS VILLAGE www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2012 / 11

BacktoSSchool

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Conversations About Online Child Safety

cademic performance expectations, attendance at school functions, and balancing extra-curricular activities with time for homework - parents and children have a lot to talk about at the beginning of the school year. Few conversations, however, will be as important - or as fraught with tension - as discussing how children should, and should not, behave online.

While many kids look forward to reuniting with school friends from last year, they’ll be meeting new people, too.

Many of those interactions will take place, in part, in the digital world, bringing online child safety front-of-mind for par-

ents as back-to-school season arrives. To help protect your child while he or she is online, start the school year with three important conversations:

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How to behave when connecting online he anonymity of the Internet makes meeting strangers seem appealing and safe. But kids should use at least the same level of caution when meeting someone new online as they would in the real world.

Explain to kids why they should never initiate or accept online contact from someone they haven’t first met in person; given all the information we tend to give away in our online profiles, it’s like walking up to a

stranger on the street and inviting him or her into your home.

Review the privacy settings on your child’s social media accounts so that your son or daughter understands what’s visible to friends, and what is visible to everyone else (preferably, nothing). Create the social media accounts with your child so that you know what sites she uses and who her online friends are.

Establish designated times when children are allowed online for social media use and times when they can use the Internet for schoolwork. Never allow children to use the Internet behind closed doors. Yes, they’ll probably say everyone else does it and that you’re ruining their lives, but keeping Internetenabled devices in a common area can

help make it easier for you to protect your child.

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How to behave when interacting online s a parent, you have two concerns for your child’s online life: first, that he or she experiences no harm from online interactions. Second, that he or she causes no harm to others.

“Online Safety” > 27

Pacific Coast Charter School Unique, High-Quality K-12 Charter School

Pacific Coast Charter School (PCCS) is a unique, high-quality K-12 public education option that blends personalized learning and independent study with academic, college prep, arts and enrichment courses taught by credentialed teachers. PCCS provides parents and students a broad-sweeping educational roadmap that leverages the school's supportive network of teachers, extensive multi-media library and academic and enrichment programs-all geared towards maximizing each student's potential. PCCS believes that students excel in a self-directed, self-paced educational environment that includes access to a variety of learning opportunities, environments and methods. At PCCS, under the guidance and supervision of their parents and teachers, students create individualized learning plans which enable them to pursue their unique individual interests and goals while meeting the education requirements of PVUSD and the State of California.

Delta Charter High School An alternative public charter high school on the campus of Cabrillo College — for students who have not been successful in their regular high school.

• Strong Academic Program • Class size under 20 Students • Independent Studies Program • Interesting and engaging curriculum • On-site counselor • High School diploma • All students enrolled in Cabrillo College prep course

Delta Charter High School Grades 10-12

g ptin Acceications 2 l App the 201 for ll Term Fa

Call 477-5212 for more information www.deltaschool.org 12 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Phone: (831) 786-2180 Mailing Address: 294 Green Valley Road, Watsonville, CA 95076 Web Site: www.pccs.pvusd.net

Phone: (831) 477-5212 Fax: (831) 479-6173 Public Charter School web: www.deltaschool.org Principal: Rob Martin Alternative for Location: Cabrillo College Campus • 6500 Soquel Dr. Bldg. 1190, Aptos 95003 High School students Delta Charter High School is an independent public charter school, located on the Cabrillo College campus. Delta is designed for students who have not been successful in other educational settings but are motivated to make some changes. A dedicated faculty and staff, small class sizes, access to a college campus, counseling support, positive learning environment and a focus on student accountability are cornerstones of Delta's academic program. Delta offers classes tailored to a variety of learning styles, interests, and abilities, and works to prepare students for community college and beyond. Teachers individualize curriculum when necessary so that students may improve their academic skills and earn credits towards graduation. Delta is on a trimester system and has openings for new students at the beginning of each 12-week term. Students must complete an interview process to be considered for acceptance. The school also has an independent studies program.

CommunityNews

California Launches New Grade Level

Eight Hundred School Districts to Offer Transitional Kindergarten

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By Noel Smith

s the school year begins, districts throughout California will begin offering transitional kindergarten — TK for short — the first new grade level in the state since the introduction of kindergarten in 1891.

This school year, more than 800 school districts are expected to provide transitional kindergarten. This is the first year of a new two-year kindergarten for children with fall birthdays who are too young to enter regular kindergarten. Approximately 40,000 California students will be offered the new age-appropriate curriculum this fall in more than 2,000 classrooms. An estimated 125,000 California children will be eligible for TK once the program is fully phased in over the next three years.

“These are tough economic times, and school budgets have been cut to the bone. Transitional kindergarten is one of the few bright spots on the educational horizon,” said State Senator Joe Simitian, the author of the Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010.

This legislation changed the state’s kindergarten entry age and created transitional kindergarten. “It will get kids off to a strong start at no additional cost to the state. I’m excited for what this opportunity will mean

for our kids, our teachers, our schools, and for California.”

In spite of Simitan’s “no cost” assertion, the state’s Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance advocated saving $224 million in Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed 2012 budget by pulling the plug on Transitional Kindergarten classes scheduled to begin this fall.

Since 1951, California has had its kindergarten cut-off

date set at Dec. 2. If your kids were 5 years old after that date, they would enter kindergarten at the beginning of the next school year. Under the new law, the cutoff date is moved forward to Sept. 1 over three years. This year’s cut-off will be Nov. 1; in 2013, it will be Oct. 1; and in 2014, the cut-off will be Sept. 1. All those children born between Dec 2 and the new cutoff dates during the transition will attend a TK class.

After 2014, the roughly 125,000 children born each year between Sept. 1 and Dec. 2 will be in a “transitional kindergarten” class structured to be more developmentally appropriate. Their next year will see them entering a traditional kindergarten class. The other 375,000 children born each year will only experience one year of kindergarten.

All districts are required to offer transitional kindergarten this year, but attendance by children in the new TK is voluntary, as is attendance in kindergarten. Some districts already have two-year kindergarten programs but the majority of districts will be instituting the TK grade level for the first time this school year.

“TK” > 19

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BusinessProfile

DAN CASAGRANDE

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Security 1 Lending on Reverse Mortgages

By Cynthia Howe

ou’ve seen the ads on TV. Famous trusted actors such as Henry Winkler, Robert Wagner and even once-presidential-hopeful Fred Thompson have served as a spokesperson for Reverse Mortgages. While Aptos may not have a local celebrity, or Pat Boone with Security 1 Lending, we do have a licensed reverse mortgage specialist, Dan Casagrande with Security 1 Lending who is professional, personable and truly cares about his clients.

According to AARP, there have been over 600,000 reverse mortgages issued since the program started in the late 1980’s.

However, the concept of a reverse mortgage seems to be clouded with myth governed by misinformation for some. What it’s not: It is not free money; your home does not have to be owned free and clear and homeowners lose their title to their home. But what is a reverse mortgage and how do you qualify?

A reverse mortgage is a specific home loan guaranteed by FHA, that lets a homeowner, aged 62 or older, convert a portion of their home equity into tax-free cash income. However, unlike conventional mortgages, a reverse mortgage pays cash directly to the homeowner, (monthly, as a line of credit or in a lump sum). The cash received does not have to be paid back until the homeowner no longer lives in the home, such as when it is sold. At that time the cash, interest and some finance charges must be repaid to the lender. The owner of the home is still required to pay property taxes and insure the home. The portion of equity you may borrow depends on the age of the youngest borrower, the current interest rate, the appraised value of the home or the sales price if the home was just purchased.

Unlike applying for traditional loans, a reverse mortgage is not based on your credit score or income but on the value of your home and the equity you hold in that home. The home does not have to be owned free and clear. Everyone pays the same rates based on current market rates, and everyone pays the same fees.

Dan Casagrande has handled reverse mortgages for over 7 years. He has worked for Wells Fargo, Bank of America and currently works for Security 1 Lending, shifting employers as both banks closed down their reverse mortgage programs. Even

Patrick Chase, Marny Chase and Dan Casagrande in the Chase home.

Met Life recently dropped out of the Reverse Mortgage business. But why are lending institutions phasing out this invaluable tool?

In Dan’s opinion, reverse mortgages have represented less than 1% of a bank’s business.

“When HUD required banks to foreclose on a handful of homeowners who were in default on the loan, (perhaps they hadn’t paid their taxes or insurance) they realized they didn’t want to run the reputational risk of being seen as kicking elderly folks out of their homes,” Dan shared.

“Add this fact to the real estate decline of the last few years and lenders just realized that they didn’t want to be associated with them any longer.”

But Dan has not lost an ounce of passion he has for this unique financial tool.

As a reverse mortgage specialist, Dan offers peace of mind and financial options to senior homeowners, and in return gains so much more.

“I just want people to realize that I love what I do,” Dan shared. “I’m very passionate about it. Even though I could do a number of other vocations, I really love working with seniors. It’s a blessing to be able to educate and help others.”

Dan shared a story about someone he had helped recently. A man in Salinas was

14 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

facing foreclosure, going through a divorce and had teenage kids still at home to raise.

“I was able to help him stay in his home,” Dan shared. “He won’t have to make payments for the rest of his life and he can focus on his kids now. When I can help someone like that, I know I’m in the right profession.”

He earned an MBA at Harvard, worked in New York City on major marketing campaigns, did his time at a hightech-Silicon-Valley gig, accumulated 32 years of business experience, but at the age of 64, he sees himself helping others through the reverse mortgage plan for the rest of his days. People like Patrick and Marne Chase of Aptos.

The Chase’s saw Dan’s advertisement in the Aptos Times, and after seeing it run a number of times and considering what a reverse mortgage was, they asked Dan to visit them so they could go through a few questions they still had. Both are getting older and were hoping to develop a workable plan for their autumn years. They were very satisfied with Dan as he walked them through the process.

“After talking to Dan, it just made sense for us. We can stay in our house and they pay the mortgage for us. They also send us a modest amount of cash to help us

with our monthly bills,” Marne shared.

“We were very impressed with Dan. He seems to take our whole situation very personally. He still sends us information and stays in touch. It’s rare you find someone who doesn’t just disappear after the paperwork is done.”

Building relationships and educating homeowners is a primary objective for Dan. After meeting with him, folks walk away with the answers to their questions as to whether or not a reverse mortgage is right for them.

Dan is happily married and blessed with five adult children and five grandchildren. He has traveled around the world, appeared on national television, experienced an accelerated free-fall from 10,000 feet as he jumped from an airplane and serves as a teen volunteer and lector at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Professionally, Dan is a member of the Santa Cruz County Estate Planning council, Santa Cruz Senior Roundtable council, Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, and the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association.

You can call Dan Casagrande at 831/423-2900, or visit his website at www.ReverseManDan.com. He’ll be happy to visit with you in your home, his office or over the phone. n

16 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Safeway” from pg 6

These merchants make this community what it is, and once that changes there is no going back. I hope Safeway realizes that.”

One small business owner who attended the meeting said she was thinking about opening up a second location, and was considering Aptos until she heard about the rent increases and how the merchants were being treated in the Center.

The community continued to ask the tough question about the fate of the merchants, but received the same answers from Deidre Hamilton of Hamilton and Swift Associates. She responded to the community’s frustrations with, “Safeway would like to see as many of the current tenants return as is possible. The new Center is designed so that there is enough square footage to accommodate any business that is interested and capable of returning. Every tenant has a different situation, and therefore each tenant will have unique needs. Safeway is, and will continue to negotiate individually with any of the stores that are interested in returning.”

When it comes to negotiating leases, Bob Montague from the Cafe Sparrow is no stranger. “I just renewed my lease, and was faced with an increase. I refused to sign a market rate lease, which most landlords are now trying to impose.” Bob and his wife purchased Cafe Sparrow in 1989 just four months before the Loma Prieta Earthquake. They recently signed a 25year lease for his current location. “There is a risk in being in business for yourself, and it’s the businesses responsibility to survive and thrive in the community. Every business owner has to answer this question every day. These threats (property changing hands, rent increases, natural disasters, etc.) are always out there, and the reality is, things change.”

Many residents have formed a connection and developed relationships with merchants in the Center, including Montague who patronizes shops including Bike Station Aptos and Ace Hardware. However, he would like to see Aptos become a more viable, walkable, and bikeable place for members of the community. “The Center as it stands is run down and unattractive. To say that the Center physically represents our culture sadly denigrates our community; and I believe that Aptos is far more than a collection of retail stores. Our business at the Sparrow will take a hit throughout the 3-5 year construction period that includes the construction of Aptos Village and Rancho Del Mar. The only way our community will be more vibrant and livable in 10 years will come from our community working towards positive change rather than through the nay saying that so often characterizes proposals in our area.”

Many Aptonians were saddened by the fact that there are no plans for a new home within the proposed Center for an updated Aptos Movie Theater. Safeway made it clear that the movie theater is not a part of this new plan, and believes that due to its low volume of business, it would face an uncertain future even if nothing were to change.

Russ Coillot, owner of Fleet Feet Sports and current Rancho Del Mar tenant said,

“One of the biggest problems is all the speculation from the public. Nothing is set in stone and there is still a lot of time to figure out a solution that makes sense. The process is going to take a while to figure out the next move. The fact that Safeway hired a Small Business Consultant shows me that they are willing to help us find a solution. People are afraid of change, but change is the only constant in our universe. If people are honestly worried about small businesses in Aptos they should patronize the stores they like and are concerned about.” When asked what options exist for a new location for the running store, Coillot said, “I like the current location and we have been here forever.

There are many viable spaces in Santa Cruz, but I’d really like to stay in Aptos and am looking into options in both the proposed Aptos Village and existing Aptos Center.”

Just a little ways down Soquel Drive, the Aptos Village project has received the green light by the County Planning Commission, and is expecting approval by the County Board of Supervisors. The construction start date for Aptos Village has not been determined, but it may be some time in 2013. However The Rancho Del Mar renovation and the construction of Aptos Village may both be in danger as the county is considering a proposal to require a “supplemental planning process" for the Aptos Area.

Safeway claims they would like to see as many of the current tenants return as is possible, and the new Center is designed so that there is enough square footage to accommodate businesses that are interested and capable of returning.

However, those 14 businesses in eastern portion of the Center, which include Erik’s Deli, Sophia’s, Aptos Burger, and Baskin Robbins, will be faced with making the tough decision to either shut their doors or move elsewhere during the 2-year construction period.

According to Montague, “Santa Cruz is highly coveted property, and while I believe in and support our local businesses, I also recognize the rights of property owners.

Much of the property in our community is still controlled by ‘long standing’ Aptos families. When they pass on, the people who purchase the land ultimately will decide what they are going to do with it. We don’t go to that Safeway because of the parking, and don’t like what Safeway did to the owners of the Shell Station. However, we want members of the community to stay in business because they have products and services people want. Providing exemplary service comes with the territory.”

The public at the design meeting was concerned that the plans looked final.

However, Safeway reassured the public that they are still in the preliminary stages development and soliciting input from the community. They have not yet filed an application with the County of Santa Cruz and none of the plans are set in stone. They will continue to refine the plans based on community and county input, and will keep the project website (http://ranchodelmarcenter.com/) up-to-date.

The next community meeting has not been set, but will be held sometime this fall in a “larger meeting space,” said Hamilton. n

Realtor® R.G. Matusich & Associates A Real Estate Brokerage & Management Firm 521 Middlefield Drive, Aptos Beautifully remodeled three bedroom home plus den, family room, and living room-all one level. Has a separate garage with washer dryer hookups and additional storage.

Home is 1,725 square feet with large 7,841 square foot lot. Close to Seacliff Beach. $778,900 9500 Soquel Drive Suite A, Aptos

831-662-2486

DRE# 00586184

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2012 / 17

18 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

PVUSD Offering TK Grade

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ccording to Kathy Lathrop of the Child Development Office, An estimated 340 kids in the district will be eligible for the new Transitional Kindergarten classes this year but as attendance is voluntary and not every Elementary school will offer the class, the District is planning on a total of 80-100 students and is planning to provide four classrooms and teachers at four locations to meet the state’s mandate.

With just four of the 16 elementary school in the district offering a Transitional Kindergarten class, parents wanting their child to attend will have to provide that own transportation.

The four schools are planned to be: Hall District Elementary, 300 Sill Road, Watsonville • Landmark Elementary, 235 Ohlone Park Way, Watsonville • Mar Vista Elementary, 6860 Soquel Drive, Aptos • Mintie White Elementary, 515 Palm Avenue, Watsonville, If your child’s 5th birthday is between November 2 and December 2 this year, he or she is eligible to attend Transitional Kindergarten with Classes to start October 15, 2012.

There will be two Transition Kindergarten Community Information Meetings:

“TK” from pg 13

Research indicates that beginning school at an older age improves children’s social and academic development. And, as a February 29, 2012 editorial “California to some kids: No” in the Los Angeles Times asked, “Why should only the children with birthdays from Sept. 2 to Dec. 2 be entitled to the extra year of kindergarten, especially when, as they start regular kindergarten, they would be among the older and more developmentally ready students?”

Most states have earlier cutoff dates for entering school because many younger children aren’t ready for the challenges of a modern, more academic kindergarten. A September 1 cut off date for kindergarten rather than December 2 would result in fewer children in California’s school systems saving the state and its school districts close to an estimates $700 million the first year if implemented.

Transitional kindergarten will be adding additional cost to the districts without any additional funding from the state other than ADA dollars, which keep dropping each year. The TK program adds more children to elementary schools. The state mandated TK classes and curriculum requires additional teachers, teaching assistants, classroom facilities and teacher training.

• Mar Vista Elementary School Cafeteria, Wednesday September 5, 6:30 to 7:30 pm • PVUSD Board Room Thursday September 6, 6:30 to 7:30 pm To register your student: 1. Obtain application at your local school, Child Development Office or from PVUSD website 2. Mail or deliver Transition Kindergarten Application to Child Development Office before September 12 3. The CDD Office will call you and schedule a registration appointment on one of the following dates and locations: PVUSD District Office 294 Green Valley Rd, Watsonville Monday, Sept. 17 ~ 8 a.m. and 4:30 pm Mar Vista Elementary School 6860 Soquel Dr, Aptos Wednesday, Sept. 19 ~ 12:30 – 4:30 pm

4. Attend Registration Appointment and enroll your child in TK program.

5. Bring birth certificate, immunization card, proof or residence, recent physical exam.

6. Child Development office will call and confirm the TK site your child is assigned.

7. Start Transition Kindergarten! First day October 15th. n “Transitional kindergarten will help children, families, and educators experience the best possible entrance to school,” said Ada Hand, president of the California Kindergarten Association. “Even children who are intellectually and developmentally ready but not mature or emotionally prepared can find kindergarten a challenge.”

“Today’s kindergarten classroom is a much different place than many of us experienced when we were growing up,” Simitian said. “We’re placing rigorous academic demands on these kids, and the youngest are struggling to catch up.

Evidence shows that giving these ‘young fives’ the gift of time can make a big different in their long-term success. The fact that we’re able to do this at no immediate cost to the state is a real bonus in these challenging economic times.”

The LA Times editorial summed it up saying, “Make no mistake, many youngsters would benefit enormously from a two-year kindergarten program, as well as subsidized preschool. (The state preschool program has a waiting list of 83,000 children.) With an extra year to make up for any deficits in young children’s knowledge and skills, schools could prepare them for more successful academic futures. It’s too bad the state (and many school districts) can’t afford that right now, but it can’t.” n www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2012 / 19

BusinessProfile

FIORITO INTERIOR DESIGN

By Cynthia Howe

“An Interior is the natural projection of the soul.”

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— Coco Chanel

sk any interior decorator and they will tell you, a home manifests those who live there. Jeff Fiorito, founder of Fiorito Interior Design works with homeowners who want to reshape their domestic surroundings for comfort and aesthetics.

Jeff started Fiorito Interior Design in 2006. He is an Allied member of American Society of Interior Designers. However, his gift of creativity and passion for the arts began in childhood.

“As a child, I was always decorating my room in different ways. One Christmas I put holiday lights on the ceiling and tacked a sheet over them so the light was diffused through a “cloud,” Jeff shared.

As a teenager, his free time was spent in poring over magazines such as Architectural Digest and Metropolitan Home. He worked as a display artist in retail shops. But as he grew up, he fell in love with another field, acting.

“My first career did not directly involve interior design. I am a professional actor, and have appeared on stages throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. I have made numerous television commercials over the years and have made appearances in films, television shows, and corporate films for a myriad of companies in Silicon Valley,” Jeff reflected. Both acting and design reflect Jeff’s creative nature, and both have acted as the proverbial ‘iron-sharpening-iron’, improving both his interior design and his time on stage.

“Just like a one act play, the set tells a story about the people who live or work

there, what they do, and what happens there. It informs the audience of time, place, and function.” Jeff explained. “The same principle applies to our own homes.

Sets do not exist by accident and neither should our homes. People should be able to choose what story their home tells. In fact, the motto for my business is, “Shape your home, shape your surroundings, shape your life.”

While pursuing his acting career, Jeff found himself delighting in the creative machinations of decorating his own home.

His friends and colleagues began asking him to decorate theirs as well. He finally had to admit that he really wanted to pursue a career in Interior Design. He went back, earned his degree, and embarked on a new professional chapter.

Six years has passed and he has built a solid reputation in the industry.

He is known for helping his clients’ communicate their needs as well as understand their own desires for their space, in order to create rooms that are unique, attractive and functional.

“It is my job to push boundaries and enhance and enrich lives. The feel-

20 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

ing of wanting to come home every night to be in your very own lovely space, the feeling of ease and relaxation one can have in a beautifully appointed room cannot be overstated,” Jeff shared.

Jeff works with the highest qualified architects, and contractors. An interior remodel is a collaborative effort and he relies on his fellow experts, whether they are carpenters, tilers, plumbers or even vendors, talented tradespeople or manufacturers. He has numerous professionals to call upon to ensure the actualization of his vision for his client.

Fiorito Interior Design is a frequent patron on the San Francisco Design Center, as well as other wholesale workrooms and showrooms across the San Francisco and Monterey Bay Area’s. Furthermore, Jeff follows industry innovations closely in order to bring a wide knowledge base to his clients.

As one with an extremely creative heart, it is no surprise that Jeff spends a great deal of his free time fostering relationships with local artists, sculptors and painters. He has made the Santa Cruz Open Studio tour circuit numerous times, and some of the pieces he finds often find their way into Jeff’s vision for his client as he makes connections between artist and homeowner, their style or inner voice.

It is that inner voice that Jeff has come

to admire in his clients. Whether it’s a bathroom remodel, or a complete home project, Jeff loves to realize not only his vision, but his client’s vision as well, and his clients are more than satisfied.

“I literally had a client tell me once, after creating a new living room for her and her family, ‘I used to see rooms like this in magazines or in other people’s houses, but I never thought I could have something like this!” Jeff shared.

Jeff enjoys working with the innovative ‘green’ products available for his growing clientele who are environmentally conscientious. There are beautiful floorings, paints and countertops available today, unlike five years ago, and Jeff’s creative gift often helps transform spaces from within.

“Of course, the ultimate in ‘green’ interiors is to simply re-use what a client already has. Refinishing clients’ current pieces, bringing in antiques, resurfacing cabinet doors or reupholstering furniture with new organic fabrics can have drastically positive results,” shared Jeff.

Often a client simply needs a new color palette, a rearrangement of furniture and a thorough lighting project to create a whole new atmosphere. Whatever you may be contemplating, large or small, explore your options by calling Jeff Fiorito at 831-588-3411, or visit his website at www.jefffioritointeriordesign.com. n

FeaturedColumnist

&About

Out

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London and the Olympic Games y husband and I went to London in August for the Olympic Games. The whole experience of being at some of the events and feeling the great vibe in this magnificent capital city was absolutely marvelous.

England is the country of my birth, so I got to catch up with many friends and family as well, including spending a day with my cousin and his wife in the beautiful countryside of Derbyshire. It was certainly a far cry from our last adventure — a trip to Borneo and trekking in the rainforest to see orangutans in the wild.

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Gourmet Grazing on the Green he ninth annual Gourmet Grazing on the Green cancer benefit put on by the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group — takes place in Aptos Village Park on Saturday, Sept. 15 from noon to 4 p.m. This fabulous food and wine festival is an opportunity to sample some of our best restaurants, wineries and breweries — and various other vendors — in an afternoon of organically themed “gourmet grazing.” This year will be bigger and better than ever — with around 20 restaurants and 20 wineries participating.

The beneficiaries of funds raised are Hospice of Santa Cruz County; Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support and Services; Katz Cancer Resource Center at Dominican Hospital; UCSC Cancer Research; and WomenCARE. Tickets are $65 each or $500 for a group of 10.

Purchase tickets at New Leaf Community Markets or online at www.sccbg.org.

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Mortgage Results inding a good mortgage company is not always easy. In my opinion, it’s important that the broker is kind and caring, as well as efficient and trustworthy. Mary

Russell fits the bill here. She has her own company in Aptos called Mortgage Results. With more than 16 years of experience in mortgage lending, she has plenty of good advice to offer and always goes the extra mile.

Mortgage Results, 8070 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 661-5214. Email: mer4000@aol.com.

Sid’s, Suda, Avanti, Louie’s Cajun Kitchen and the Davenport Roadhouse here is a lot happening on the restaurant scene these days. Sid’s opened on Soquel Drive not that long ago (where SmoQe used to be) — complete with delicious barbecue menu.

Suda opened on Portola Drive (by the same owners of Harbor Café) with a full bar and remodel.

The owners of Clouds Downtown, Lou & Kristi Caviglia, have reinvented their restaurant and it’s now called Louie’s Cajun Kitchen and Bourbon Bar. Ristorante Avanti closed its location on Mission Street and then opened up in a larger space (where Hawgs used to be) on the same street and with the same great food.

The Davenport Roadhouse has new owners (Helmut & Queenie Fritz), and they are continuing the tradition of good food with a California flair. All these restaurants are up and running, so give them a try.

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Solaire Restaurant in the Hotel Paradox olaire promises to be one of the area’s most stunning restaurants (in the new Hotel Paradox on Ocean Street – due to open in September). The executive chef at Solaire, Ross McKee, used to be at Shadowbrook in Capitola and Aquarius in Santa Cruz, so he has a wealth of experience.

I was given a private tour of the hotel before opening by McKee and Guy Freshwater, the

Solarie Restaurant in Hotel Paradox

By Josie Cowden

Food & Beverage Outlets Supervisor, and it’s going to be a stunning new addition to our local hotel and dining scene.

Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 425-7100. www.thehotelparadox.com.

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Café Mare ndrea Mura has gone into partnership with existing owner of Café

Mare, Jean Pierre Iuliano. Mura already worked at Café Mare so was a perfect fit to go into partnership with Iuliano. These two Italians make authentic Italian food, and the duo has recently revamped the menu. Remodeling plans are also in the works.

“Out & About” > 30

Back To School

ACROSS 35. Singles 1. Whatchamacallit 37. Hamlet or village in 6. Parabola, e.g.

South Africa 9. December 25th, for 39. Cuts, as in hair short 40. Outside cover 13. Receive, as in debt 41. "_____ Last Night" 14. Swedish shag rug starring Rob Lowe 15. Best of its kind 43. Regrettably 16. Coffee burn, e.g.

44. Erasable program17. Came together mable read-only 18. *Used in art memory 19. *a.k.a Reading, writ- 46. Certainly ing, and arithmetic 47. Hatha or bikram, 21. *Elementary school e.g. supply staple 48. Stationary part of a 23. Kum Ba ___ motor around which 24. Genghis or Kublai, e.g. rotor revolves 25. Hexagonal fastener 50. The A in the hit 28. Private theater box comedy "M*A*S*H" 30. Young urban professional 52. *Found in Kindergarten classroom 53. Reduced instruction set computer 55. Pimple fluid 57. *______ plan

60. *Student's personal 8. "____ 22" 38. Make like a cat domain, pl.

9. Roentgen's machine 42. Pace of music 64. Less bright then 10. Popular Japanese 45. Breadcrumb, e.g. supernovae soup 49. Site of next summer 65. Rocks in a drink 11. End of prayer Olympics 67. Physicists Marie and 12. Sun in Mexico 51. Popular North and Pierre _____ 15. Jimmy Carter Central American 68. Nancy _____ of farmed this shrubs "Entertainment 20. Valerie Harper's role, 54. Like a hurtful remark Tonight" 1974-1978 56. Malodorous mammal 69. As opposed to don'ts 22. Solar beam 57. Mother ____ 70. Carl Jung's inner self 24. Beat Generation pio- 58. At any time 71. "The Way We ____" neer 59. *Popular seasonal 72. Half the width of ems 25. *Students must lure 73. Shot at summer learn how to take 60. Is it really more?

Olympics these 61. One of Great Lakes 26. Unfit 62. Frost residue DOWN 27. Earth in Latin 63. *Taken at teacher's 1. Essence of idea 29. Loads request 2. 1/36th of a yard 31. Elizabeth Gilbert's 64. Betty Friedan's org.

3. Harry Potter's mark "Eat, ____, Love" 66. Swindle 4. Having no horns 32. Sitcom trial 5. Trying experience 33. Idealized image © Statepoint Media 6. Coat of ____ 34. *English homework 7. It comes dark or 36. *Famous dog in Answers on 27 » marbled basal readers

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2012 / 21

CommunityNews

TEDxSantaCruz 2012 Explores An Open World

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September 15 Conference at Cabrillo College’s Crocker Theater on Pace to Sell Out ore than 25 speakers will take the stage on September 15, 2012 as part of TEDxSantaCruz, offering ideas and insight in talks addressing the

John Perry Barlow

theme: “Open.” Organizers have curated a day of talks featuring locally and nationally renowned speakers including John Perry Barlow, Donnie Fowler, Danny Keith, Martha Mendoza, Nina Simon and Whitney Smith. Their experiences, projects, work or creativity speak to innovation, transparency, radical availability, and open-source initiatives organizers say reflect the realities of our time and the challenges inherent in a future with over 7 billion people on the planet.

Speakers will take the audience on a journey that explores Open World – Global, Local, Personal: Open and: Why and how to literally maintain essential open space for humans and animals.

Leadership: How do leaders maintain and grow their innate capacity for vulnerability as a means to compassion and empathy.

Digital openness: The dark and light of software that hides internet activity where anonymity can speed a revolution or cloak illegal activity.

Poetry of openness: How to nurture poetic sensibility in a digital world, thus enabling our legacy as a species of story tellers.

Open data: Mining and aggregating the huge amounts of available open data to our community’s benefit.

Open hearts: Harnessing the innate wisdom, honesty and openness children are born with to help solve society’s problems.

The second annual TEDxSantaCruz is quickly selling out for its daylong event, which features two sessions, a picnic lunch, and a reception after the event where audience members can meet and mingle with speakers and other attendees.

The September 15 event, will take place at the Crocker Theater at Cabrillo College from 9:00 am — 5:00 pm.

TEDxSantaCruz has been fully planned and coordinated independently by a wide roster of volunteers, from curators to event managers to music producers.

TEDxSantaCruz reviewed over 100 interested speakers nominated by others or themselves and selected just over 25 that brought the “Open” theme to life.

Speakers are rigorously curated in an effort to help create compelling presentations, and to give what organizers say are akin to “the talk of your life.”

Tickets are $75 for the conference and picnic lunch, $25 for the reception/afterparty, $15 for an event t-shirt, or $100 for a package that includes everything. Those interested in attending can buy tickets online at http://scff.ticketleap.com/ TEDxSantaCruz -2012/.

For more information about TEDxSantaCruz visit www.TEDxSanta Cruz.org; Like us on Facebook: “Hospice” from pg 8

22 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Its really about small deeds of kindness that so profoundly enhance the lives of our patients and those who love them,” said Mallery. “All of our patient care volunteers will receive training that will support them in the skills they need for their volunteer role. Our next training session begins in September and we encourage individuals who are interested to complete an application.”

HSCC volunteer training begins September 27. Training is held at the Hospice of Santa Cruz County office, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley. Applications are

Whitney Smith

https://www.facebook.com/ TedxSC; Follow us on Twitter profile is: http://twitter.com/TEDxSantaCruz; Our hashtag is: #tedxsc n ••• The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.

TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. At TED, the world’s leading thinkers and doers are asked to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes.

Talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Benoit Mandelbrot, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Two major TED events are held each year: The TED Conference takes place every spring in Long Beach, California (along with a parallel conference, TEDActive, in Palm Springs), and TEDGlobal is held each summer in Edinburgh, Scotland. being accepted through September 17.

Applications are available on HSCC’s website at www.hospicesantacruz.org. n ••• Since 1978, Hospice of Santa Cruz County has cared for more than 14,000 individuals facing serious illness and their families.

We are the oldest and only non-profit hospice serving Santa Cruz and northern Monterey counties helping people live better by providing care, comfort, support, enhancing dignity and supporting personal choices on how to live with their illness.

Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive Scotts Valley, CA 95066, (831) 4303000. Website: www.hospicesantacruz.org/

Retaining Wall Systems Pavers • Flagstone & Slate Lawn & Garden Center Topsoil & Compost Organic Veggie Mix Custom Mixes Sawdust • Boulders

Stepping Stones Decorative Rock & Bark Soil Amendments Screened Dirt • Fertilizers Ponds & Pumps • Water Plants Synthetic and Organic Fertilizers

“Come see our large selection of landscape materials” Masonry Supplies • Block & Brick Rebar • Cobblestone

831-688-6211 www.aptoslandscapesupply.com

5035 Freedom Blvd, Aptos

Mon-Sat 7:30 - 5:00

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2012 / 23

LettersToT TheEditor

No on Measure ‘L’ School Bonds Jim Miller PVUSD Bond Oversight Committee Member he Pajaro Valley Unified School District wants you, the voter, to fill in their $150 million fiscal hole with your money and the money of every property owner in the District for the next 35 years. Here is the catch; they get to spend that $150 million of your money while you and your neighbors get to pay back $350+ million for the privilege of voting “YES” on measure “L.” For years, the District has been neglecting the responsibility given to it of educating your children while providing a safe and healthy environment in which to do that job. Instead, they have been using large portions of the public’s money entrusted to them to provide its administrative officials with top pay and benefits and golden parachutes when they decide to retire or go on to their next government job.

For years the magic words from the District’s administration and board when considering budget priorities has been to “Defer Maintenance.” These words have resulted in energy IN-efficient windows, doors, walls, cooling and heating systems; leaking roofs, unsanitary and unsafe bathrooms; electricity, water and plumbing systems that need updating and upgrading;

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and decrepit buildings and classrooms.

This system of “deferring” has meant that nothing gets done except in an emergency. Recent State Education and District budgets don’t even allocate any funding for “Deferred Maintenance.

Now they want your money and your neighbor’s money to make up for this decades-long wasteful behavior.

As the district has not gone through its list of Measure “L” projects with any substantive citizen oversight, we believe it is necessary for an independent commission to comb through the District’s list to separate the “needs” from the “wants” before asking the voters to make an informed decision to burden themselves with another layer of Measure L taxes ($38 per $100,000 – est.) on their property for the next 35 years in addition to PVUSD Measure J ($32.409 per $100,000) and Cabrillo College Measure D taxes ($38.955 per $100,000).

Vote NO on “L” ••• Safeway Plans Cause Difficulties For Current Rancho Del Mar Businesses

By Rodney Hoffer, owner of Ace Hardware Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center he 44 billion dollar a year Corporation (Safeway) came to Aptos with their briefcase of money and bought the Rancho

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24 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Del Mar Shopping Center. Their dream is to build a 60,000 ft. Mega-Safeway.

Obviously, their pitch is how bad the current center is; it is termite infested! It is not energy efficient! It must be torn down!

Do they know that half of Aptos buildings have termites! Should we tear down all of Aptos! If they are truly concerned about the environment and energy efficiency, they would not tear it down, they would remodel and put in energy efficient features and new lighting for the existing tenants. The tenants would certainly appreciate that.

Unfortunately for the tenants in the RDM center, Safeway is now the landlord and the developer. When Safeway did their Mega-store expansion in the Almar Center on the West-side of Santa Cruz, the tenants at the Almar center had a separate landlord that looked out for their tenants and ensured that any tenant that was affected was given another space in the center.

Normally the landlord wants to work with the tenants and help make their business successful. That is not the situation at the RDM Center.

Safeway’s number one priority is the role of the Developer ... The Developer views the current tenants as an obstacle in reaching their goal. They would like to get rid of the tenants, but they need to be

smooth enough to still look good to the public. To accomplish this, they will try to slowly kill off the tenants that are in their way of the development by: 1) Raising the tenant’s occupancy costs by 30% over what they were 6 months ago. In this poor economy, when sales are what they were 6 years age, a 30% increase is a serious blow and would kill many businesses.

2) Giving the tenants only a 1-year lease. Many businesses buy their goods at least 6 months in advance. The businesses will stop buying in advance because they don’t know if they will be around.

Businesses will stop advertising. Half the reason you advertise is for the future.

An example is the “yellow pages.”

You sign up today for next year’s book. If you are not in business a year from now you still have to pay through the next year.

With no future, the business will stop investing in their business.

The 14 businesses in their way have a tough time ahead of them.

The businesses “left standing” are in just as tough a situation.

There are approximately 2800 shoppers per day that patronize the 14 businesses being demolished.

“Letters” > 27

FeaturedColumnist

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Want success? Learn to Embrace Failure

By Camille Smith

t bugs me when someone shouts, “Failure is not an option!” The icing on the buggy cake comes if their declaration is punctuated with teeth grinding and fist-clenching.

Sure, I hear their determination and desire that they must succeed, no matter what, come hell or high water, or no water at all, if that’s the case. Still, it bugs me. It seems out of touch with reality and, in my experience coaching people, as they increase their level of success it’s not the best way to actually succeed.

Ken Peter, in his blog “Failure Is an Option,” captured my sentiments when he wrote: Preparing for the possibility of failure isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s the sign of a professional.

Failure isn’t the opposite of success.

It’s part of it. People up to groundbreaking, out-of-the-ordinary outcomes must be comfortable with failure. It could be said that they have to pursue it.

Michael Phelps’ coach tells how he would intentionally crack Phelps’s goggles so Michael would learn to swim that way if it ever happened in a race. In the 2008 Olympics, Michael’s goggles failed and filled up with water, severely impairing his vision. He was reduced to counting strokes rather than seeing his opponents.

He won gold.

Rafael Nadal’s coach made him practice with under-inflated tennis balls and poorly-strung rackets so whatever the circumstance, Rafael would know what it was like to adjust and play on.

The parachute designed to slow down the descent of Curiosity, the Mars rover, ripped to shreds during some of the wind tunnel trials.

The scientists didn’t know what the problem was. They did know that if the parachute didn’t work flawlessly, the entire mission would fail.

Because failure was not an option, and hope was not a strategy, they conducted experiment after experiment and added more cameras to see the failure in

Failure isn’t the opposite of success. It’s part of it. People up to groundbreaking, outoutcomes of-the-ordinary must be comfortable with failure. It could be said that they have to pursue it.

Orion Parachute Test Drop

greater detail. When it failed, they were ecstatic. The additional visual data let them see what to fix. Curiosity is on Mars today.

There are no shortages of failures in business (Facebook’s IPO, Enron, Netflix split into Qwikster), in state and federal governments, in social, religious institutions, public and private. Failure doesn’t

stop progress. Stopping stops progress.

Mary Pickford, actress of the silver screen, is credited with saying: “Supposing you have tried and failed again and again, you may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call “failure” is not the falling down, but the staying down.” n

“Most success springs from an obstacle or failure.

I became a cartoonist largely because I failed in my goal of becoming a successful executive.”

— Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

— Winston Churchill

“Notice the difference between what happens when a man says to himself, ‘I have failed three times,’ and what happens when he says, ‘I’m a failure.’”

— Samuel I. Hayakawa

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TIMES ARE UNCERTAIN , DO YOU : 1. Feel out of control?

2. Stop communicating effectively?

3. Get crankier than usual?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these and you’re ready to get a grip and learn how to say “No” to these same questions, here’s a special offer:

Take an online assessment and receive coaching from Camille Go to www.wipcoaching.com/assessment, enter promocode: TPG to receive a $175 discount…and get a grip.

Questions? Call Camille, 831-685-1480 www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2012 / 25

26 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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SPCA Featured Pet

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The digital world makes communication fast and easy, yet its drawbacks are many: it’s highly conducive to impulsive behavior, it’s difficult to accurately convey tone and intention, and it’s nearly impossible to erase something once it’s posted online. Children need to understand the limitations of this form of communication, and that missteps online can have a long-term impact in the real world.

T Posey, the Blind Puppy, Is a Great Catch

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he was found wandering aimlessly around a Little League Field at night, utterly confused and seemingly abandoned. Neighbors said she had been sighted for at least a few days. It was then discovered that Posey, a 10-week-old black Labrador Puppy, was completely blind and most likely born that way. It’s very likely she was dumped because of it. When no owner stepped forward to claim her after the mandatory hold period, Posey’s future became very uncertain until she received a lifesaving rescue from the Santa Cruz SPCA. Posey is an absolutely beautiful girl with a very sweet and kind nature. She’s curious yet cautious with her surroundings which is a positive thing for a blind puppy. She gently explores the world around her using her heightened sense of smell, hearing, taste and touch sensation. When you enter her playpen, little Posey will sniff you out and climb right into your lap for a cuddle. She may be blind, but Posey knows nothing else so her behaviors are not much different than a “sighted” puppy aside from being a little more guarded with her movement.

There is no reason why Posey couldn’t enter a home with other dogs or cats, as she will adapt and bond with anything at this age. Early socialization is extremely important and highly encouraged. Contrary to some beliefs, training a blind puppy is not much different but should involve more in the way of “scenting” certain things like toys, and doggy doors. Also, teaching an extensive variety of consistent voice commands is key. Because of the startle response some blind dogs exhibit, it’s probably best that she doesn’t go to a family with children under five.

There are many resources out there for people who have blind dogs and the benefit of Posey is that she is a clean slate. Her adopter can do all the socializing and training the way they sit fit.

However, it is very important that she go to someone who is motivated to do the continuous training required for a dog like her. Posey is a very special puppy that deserves an equally special home who will treat her as a loved member of the family and will make that extra effort to ensure her safety and future success. Aim for Posey, she’s a catch!

If you would like to help animals like Posey and her orphaned friends, please consider donating to the Santa Cruz SPCA. The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501c3 charitable organization and receives no government funding, relying solely on public donations to run its many programs that benefit the animals and people of our community.

For more information call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000, or visit www.santacruzspca.org. The SPCA is located at 2685 Chanticleer Avenue in Santa Cruz, CA 95065 and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 p.m. The SPCA Mall Adoption Center and Gift Shop is located at the Capitola Mall near Target and is open on Friday from 11am-5pm and Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. n

crossword on

“Online Safety” from pg 12

Back To School © Statepoint Media

Cyberbullying he anonymity of the Internet has made it easier for people to be mean to each other, and given rise to a whole new type of bullying: cyberbullying. A study by isafe.org found that 58 percent of fourth- through eighth-graders have had mean or hurtful things said to them online, and (even more disturbingly) 53 percent admitted to having said something mean or hurtful to another person online.

Help your child understand the type

The digital world makes communication fast and easy, yet its drawbacks are many ... and it’s nearly impossible to erase something once it’s posted online.

“Letters” from pg 24

That is 90,000 shopping experiences per month! This accounts for about 60% of the Center activity (not counting Safeway).

When the 14 businesses are demolished, sales for the “left standing” businesses will drop about 20%. When Safeway moves to the “Dream Safeway” space down below the center, sales will drop another 5%. The “left standing” businesses should expect their sales to drop 25%. These figures are at minimum and not taking into account the Aptos residents just “giving up” on going to what is left of the RDM center. The parking lots will be torn up, the sidewalks and storefronts will be ply-wooded over during that phase of the project. Although; Safeway may already have plans to tear down the “left standing” buildings. Why let those building remain when they have all the problems of the “tear down” buildings?

Safeway is so adamant that the tenants are paying below normal rent, chances are the “left standing” tenants will have additional rent increases of minimum 10% over the next 3 years. Add to the already increased rent of 30%, plus another 10 % increase, rent is now + 40 %.

Few of the “left standing” business will survive a 25% decrease in sales, a

of behavior that constitutes cyberbullying so that she can both avoid cyberbullies and avoid engaging in acts of cyberbullying. In addition to monitoring your child’s online behavior, encourage him to have a robust social life in the real world — the environment in which we really learn how to behave with others.

How to behave when interacting in person hile you’re teaching about appropriate online behavior, it’s important to reinforce lessons about being a good person in face-to-face interactions.

Bullying has been around as long as people have; teach children how to recognize instances of in-person bullying, and help them learn techniques for coping with bullies.

Being a good citizen of the digital world starts with being a good person in the real world. Reinforce with kids the importance of good behavior both online and in person, and — most importantly — lead by example.

Employ tools like Safetyweb (www.safetyweb.com) to help keep kids safe online. The tool helps parents monitor online activity, and includes an active blog/forum that allows parents and pros to discuss the latest child-rearing challenges of the digital age. n ARA Content

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40% increase in rent and one more major item; their anchor store, Safeway, is not really a part of the center anymore. A major reason a tenant pays big $ rent is because there is a major tenant in the center. Safeway will be in their own Dream space with their own parking lot, far removed from the rest of the shops.

If the project is finished at the end of 2016, expect it to take at least 3 years to find tenants to fill all of the empty spaces.

The RDM Center will not be back to having the number of retail stores and restaurants that is has today, until the year 2020.

Evidence is with the Westside Santa Cruz (Almar) expansion. The expansion was completed two years ago and at this current time, only 40% of the spaces that Safeway is responsible for are leased.

Safeway is so big that having their spaces sit empty for two years seems to be OK with them! They are making their bucks with their new store.

Safeway has the know-how to figure out a way to expand their existing store in their current location. It has been made very clear to Safeway, by the residents of Aptos, that Aptos does not want a Mega Safeway. Safeway bought some dirt and the buildings that stand on it, Safeway did not buy Aptos.

The opinions expressed by the writer are his own and not that of Times Publishing Group, Inc. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2012 / 27

For more Community Events and Entertainment visit

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Announcements

Nar-Anon

hat is co-dependency? What is enabling?

What is this insanity? Am I the only one who feels this way? Join Nar-Anon, a world wide fellowship of relatives and friends of addicts who have been affected by someone else's addiction.

Three meetings are now being held in Santa Cruz County, on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

For a meeting near you call (888) 374-1164 or email saveyoursanity@aol.com

Ongoing Events Second and Fourth Mondays First and Third Wednesdays

Alzheimers Support Groups

Monday: 2:00 - 3:30pm Wednesday: 5:30 – 7:00pm Conference Room at Elena Baskin/Live Oak Senior Center, 1777-A Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz acilitated by Jill Ginghofer, this group is for caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimers.

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Tuesdays

Women Care Drop in Cancer Support

rop in Support Group is a gathering for women with all types of cancer. We offer support for women through all stages from diagnoses through treatment.

For more information or to register call (831) 457-2273

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Drop in Grief Support

6:00pm at Aegis, 125 Heather Terrace, Aptos oin other adults who are grieving the death of a friend or family member. Learn helpful tools for coping: Share stories and receive support from people who care.

No registration required, please call (831) 430-3000

Ocean Gate Zen Center

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7:00pm. 920 41st Ave. Suite B, Santa Cruz (next to Family Cycling Center) lease join us on Tues. evenings at 7pm for two 30 min. periods of sitting meditation with a 10 min walking meditation in between, followed by tea and discussion. Zazen instruction 6:30pm first Tues. of each month. Morning meditation schedule Tues. & Thurs. 6:45am & Sat. 8:30am followed by "Come As You Are Zen." Visit oceangatezen.org for more info.

First Tuesdays Each Month

Tail Wagging World of Dog Ownership

6:30pm at the Santa Cruz SPCA, 2685 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz (cross street is Soquel Ave.).

First Tuesdays and Third Wednesdays Each month

Orientations to Become Advocates for Children

their homes because of abuse or neglect.

Everyone welcome, men and bilingual folks especially encouraged.

To RSVP call 761-2956 Ext. 102, or email Danielle@casaofsantacruz.org

Second Tuesdays Each Month

Free Job Seek Workshop!

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6:00pm-7:00pm, Gateway Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Rd. Scotts Valley or more information, visit http://hirewire.org

PFLAG

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(Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) 7:00pm-9:00pm, 900 High St. First Congregational Church of Santa Cruz o learn more, call (831) 427-4016 or visit www.pflagscc.org

Wednesdays

Toastmasters: Speak for Success

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12:00pm-1:00pm, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley. iving a business presentation?

Interviewing for a job? Improve your speaking skills in a friendly, supportive environment with Redwood Ramblers Toastmasters. Open to all levels.

Drop-ins welcome. For more information, call 831-335-3693.

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Lectures on Western Civilization

1:30pm-2:30pm, Monterey Peninsula College xciting lectures will cover fascinating topics such as "The Art of Alchemy," as well as "Lord Byron: Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know."

Purchase free parking tickets at the college, lectures are free.

Overeaters Anonymous

6:30-7:30pm at Teach by the Beach #50 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos For more information, call (831) 429-7906

First Wednesday Each Month

Child Welfare Review

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6:00pm- 9:00pm 1400 Emeline Avenue room 206, Santa Cruz. he orientation is designed to review the child welfare system and to give you a chance to have your question answered by child welfare staff.

To register to one of the meetings and for directions, please call 454-4024.

Second and Fourth Wednesdays

Freedom Forum Presents: Constitution Classes

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7:00pm, Quaker Friends Meeting House, 225 Rooney St. Santa Cruz or more information, visit www.meetup.com/ santacruz-freedom-forum/

Thursdays

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North County, 5:30-7p.m., first Tuesday of 12-1:30 p.m. at Seascape Golf Course. month (for location details contact Danielle at ontact Doug at 831- 724-9192 or e-mail 761-2956 X102) South County, 5:30-7 p.m., dnakashima@razzolink.com for more third Wednesday of the month at the CASA information.

Office, 813 Freedom Blvd. Watsonville ASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Overeaters Anonymous of Santa Cruz County needs your help.

1:00-2:00pm, Louden Nelson Community Volunteer 3-5 hours per week to provide supCenter, Rm. 5 301 Center St. Santa Cruz port, guidance, and a powerful voice in court For more information, call (831) 429-7906 for children who have been removed from 28 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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Second Thursdays Each Month

Veterans of Foreign Wars

6:30 pm, 2259 7th Ave. Santa Cruz Commander: Ronals Petty. For more information, call (831) 475-9804

Second and Fourth Thursdays Each Month

Cabrillo Host Lions Club

7:00pm at the Cabrillo Community Center, Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd. ublic is invited to all programs. Contact President Jess Allen 831-684-2721 or Past President Barbara Chamberlain at 831-6883356 for meeting/dinner reservations or information or visit www.cabrillohostlions.org.

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Third Thursday Each Month

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Pacific Speakers Association

7:00pm, Firehouse on Soquel Dr. Aptos peakers helping speakers get gigs. Call (831) 332-8221 for more information.

Fridays

Clutterers Anonymous

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5:30-6:45 Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center, 2900 Chanticleer Ave, Soquel Dr. Santa Cruz. ired of Clutter? Stuff piling up? Support is available. CLA meeting every Friday.

For more info call 426-1868 FREE

Saturdays

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Aptos Certified Farmers Market

8:00 -12:00pm at Cabrillo College, Aptos. he Aptos Market, with over 80 vendors, is open year round, with the best selections of fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seedlings, flowers, local honey, fresh eggs, fresh fish, artisan baked goods and gourmet foods. In addition, family activities, music, cooking demos by professional chefs, gardening workshops, seasonal fairs and events are a part of the market.

Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market

9a.m.-1p.m. SV Community Center, 360 Kings Village Drive www.santacruzfarmersmarket.org

Come As You Are Zen

9-10:30 am, Ocean Gate Zendo, 920 41st Ave. Suite B, Santa Cruz (next to Family Cycling Center) ome as you are Zen focuses on Buddhist practices that enhance our daily lives. This will be an informal talk with time for discussion. Free — donations accepted.

Visit oceangatezen.org for more info.

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our incredible Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We'll see what the day has to offer on this easy, 1 1/2 mile, 1 1/2 hour walk. Bring beach friendly shoes, water, sunscreen, a snack, and an inquisitive spirit.

Meet at the Seacliff Vistor Center.

Saturday September 8 Sunday September 16 We Dig the Trails! Volunteer with the Nisene Marks Volunteer Trail Crew!

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Saturday: 9:00am / Sunday: 9:30am, Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Entry Kiosk he Nisene Marks Volunteer Trail Crew has helped make it possible for others to safely enjoy the beauty of our park. The Trail Crew meets the third Sunday of every month, rain or shine. A typical workday lasts until mid afternoon. Please bring your own work gloves, lunch, and water. Join us for a unique perspective of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park.

For more information, visit www.advocatesfnm.org.

Sunday September 16 Veterans of Foreign Wars Flea Market

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7:00am-3:00pm, VFW Post 7263 at 2259 7th Ave. Santa Cruz o reserve a sales table, call (831) 475-9804 or (831) 426-7968. Tables will be available for $15, each located on both the inside and outside. First come, first reserved. Vendors may start setting up at 6:00am the day of the Flea Market.

Any items left by vendors will be considered abandoned.

Saturday September 22 pARTy In the Library

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7:00pm, Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley he Friends of the Library, Scotts Valley, are excited to invite you to our fourth annual fundraising event. The elegant evening will host a raffle, as well as a silent and live auction featuring art from paintings, pastels, jewelry, clay, photography, glass, fabric, living art, and more!

Tickets: $20, available at the Scotts Valley Library, Zinnias, and Mollie's Cafe.

Saturday September 29 Founder's Big Day at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

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9:00am-5:00pm, Big Basin Redwoods State Park oin us as we honor the visionaries, valued workers and visitors that shaped the character of Big Basin over the past 110 years. Revel in the beauty of the majestic old growth redwoods that inspired the movement to Save the Redwoods! Celebrate our wild heritage in California's oldest state park with morning coffee talk, old redwood loop walks, a rustic logging presentation, our famous melodrama, and an old fashioned games for the kids to round out the day!

For details, call (831) 338-8883, or visit www.bigbasin.org.

Saturday October 13 Sunday October 14

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Happy Halloween and Harvest Fair!

12:00pm, Roaring Camp, Felton elebrate harvest time and Halloween at Roaring Camp with activities for the entire family. Make and take your own scarecrow.

Take home a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Ride the steam train to bear mountain, and take home a pumpkin from the mountaintop patch. A chuck wagon BBQ lunch featuring burgers, hot dogs, chicken and ribs is available from noon to 3pm.

Parking is $8 per car, for steam train departure times and more information, call (831) 335-4484 or visit www.roaringcamp.com.

Friday October 26 Saturday October 27 Legend of Sleepy Hollow Comes to Life on Roaring Camp's Ghost Train

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6:00pm, Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton elive "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," this Halloween at Roaring Camp as you ride vintage railway cars through a Redwood forest.

Named on of the top 10 Halloween events by USA Today. Costumed actors re-enact scenes from the story as it's narrated during the onehour and fifteen minute ride. Designed for young children and the young at heart.

For train departure times and ticket pricing information, call (831) 335-4484 or visit www.roaringcamp.com. n

Sundays

Over-Eaters Anonymous

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9:00am-10:15am, Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center, 2900 Chanticleer Ave. Sc. A is a 12-step support group for those who wish to stop eating compulsively. All are welcome.

Free childcare with advance reservation by 5pm, Fridays. Call (831) 429-7906.

Dated Events

Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club Meeting

Saturday September 1 Family Beach Discover Walk at Seacliff State Beach

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1:00pm, Seacliff Visitor Center oin Docent Norm Beeson for a fun filled family beach walk to explore the mysteries and wonders of Seacliff State Beach and

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Your September Horoscope Annabel Burton • Astrologer ©

This is the last month that Saturn is in your sign and you have learned some important and sometimes painful, lessons that have nevertheless given you important tools and a philosophy for the future. But you are also benefitting from Jupiter's influence to encourage you to broaden your horizons and step outside your comfort zone. This becomes especially important in September. You are helped by Venus, your ruler, spending time in the wonderfully outgoing and fun loving sign of Leo from the 8th, so this is perfect for new friendships and getting involved with those of like mind.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

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Announcements

Zizzo's Coffee Local Art Exhibit

iew fun and whimsical paintings by our local "artist-of-the-month" Angelo Lopez. Angelo is an accomplished artist having illustrated several children's books and painted murals at local libraries. Come let Angelo's artwork make you smile. Many other local artists are on display as well, including Gary Comb's new sea glass jewelry collection. Zizzo's coffee is located in the Brown Ranch Market Place, 3555 Clares St. Capitola.

Hours: Mon-Sat: 6:00am-6:00pm, Sun: 7:00am - 5:00pm. For more info. call (831) 477-0680

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Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program Begins Fall Semester

egistration for the Cabrillo Youth Strings/Suzuki Music Program is underway. String players ages 5-18 are welcome to join the private lesson, chamber, and orchestral programs. Auditions for the orchestral groups will be held on Friday, September 7th at 3:454:15pm and 5:55-6:15. The first rehearsal will be Friday, September 7th, from 4:15-5:55pm.

Auditions and rehearsal will be held in the Music Building, VAPA 500.

For more information, call (831) 479-6101.

Ongoing Events Ongoing Weekdays thru October 19

Fiber and Flora: An Art Exhibition Presented by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County Government Center, 701 Ocean St. 1st and 5th floors. (Public reception: Friday, September 7th, 5-8:00pm.) he new art exhibition presented by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz features two artists whose work is very different in discipline, but are both rooted in the exemplary use of color in their subjects. Also included in this exhibit is an assortment of art created by Santa Cruz County employees.

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Tuesdays

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BINGO

Wednesdays & Fridays

Second Fridays Each Month

Salsa Rueda Class

Big Band Dance

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7 pm at Louden Nelson Center, 301 Center St., SC earn Salsa Rueda. For more information visit www.salsaruedasantacruz.com or call 831-457-7432

Last Thursdays Each Month

Monthly Argentine Tango at Star Bene Italian/Argentine Restarante

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7:30pm-10:00pm, at Mid-County Senior Center 829 Bay Ave, Capitola allroom dancing to live music by The 10th Ave. Band. Refreshments, large floor, friendly atmosphere, free parking. Open to the public-singles welcome!

Suggested donation, $6 per person. Proceeds benefit MCSC. For more information, call (831) 476-4711.

4:30pm-9:30pm, Star Bene Italian/Argentene Restarante, 21245 East Cliff Dr. his is a night for true "Social Tango." Order a wonderful meal from the Star Bene Argentine Menu, (or their well known italian menu), and enjoy the ambiance of Argentina and join us in a social tango dance to music from the Golden Age of Tango.

Private instruction and classes by arrangement. For more information, call Michael (831) 239-2247.

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Fridays

Writers and Poets Open Mike

Argentine Tango at Dance Synergy

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8:00-8:30pm class; 8:30-10:00+pm, practice 9055 Soquel Dr. Aptos e will cover the fundamentals of leading and following traditional Argentine Social Tango, focusing on what you need to dance well and enjoy yourself at the Milongas, (Tango dance party) and other social Tango events.

For questions, contact Michael, stclare7@tangoworld.net (831) 239-2247

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First Fridays Each Month he First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The event takes place year-round and illuminates some of the most talented local artists from local galleries.

To find out where to participate in a First Friday art tour, visit firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for First Friday viewings.)

First Friday Art Tour

Fourth Friday Each Month

Musical Me Inc. Family Jam Night

6:30-8:30p.m. 239 High St., Santa Cruz. ring your favorite music to dance to and any instruments you'd like to share or perform with. Sliding Scale donation per family of $10$25 (all proceeds going to our scholarship fund.)

For more information call 831-438-3514.

Fourth Saturdays Each Month 2:00pm-4:00pm, Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St. Soquel (no meeting Jan., July, Aug. or Dec.) riters and Poets are invited to a new monthly open mike reading series. Come and read your fiction, essays, or poetry.

For more information, call Jean at (831) 4754221

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Dated Events Saturday September 1 Santa Cruz Starlight Evening Dinner and Train

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5:30 pm, Roaring Camp, Felton rains depart from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and travels along the picturesque San Lorenzo River Gorge and forested Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to Roaring Camp. Upon arrival, a delicious steak dinner will be served. After dinner, relax and dance to musical entertainment. On the return trip to Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway brings

Friday, September 7

Public Reception for Fiber and Flora: An Art Exhibition

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5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Santa Cruz County Gov’t Center, 701 Ocean St. 1st and 5th floors. he new art exhibition presented by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz features two artists whose work is very different in discipline, but are both rooted in the exemplary use of color in their subjects. Also included in this exhibit is an assortment of art created by Santa Cruz County employees.

Saturday October 13 Sunday October 14

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Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival

9:00am-5:00pm, Mail St. Half Moon Bay he World Pumpkin Capitol of Half Moon Bay celebrates its bountiful fall harvest and autumn splendor with a special display of gigantically enormous champion pumpkins, three stages of smashing entertainment, nonstop live music, the Great Pumpkin Parade, a bone-chilling haunted house, harvest inspired crafts, homestyle foods, and more!

For more information, call (650) 726-9652 or visit www.mirimarevents.com.

Saturday October 20

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Moonlight Dinner Train Party

6:00pm-10:30pm, Roaring Camp, Felton reat your family to an evening of fun and relaxation at Roaring Camp's Western Themed Moonlight Dinner Train Party. Start with a hearty steak BBQ dinner in the moonlight, followed by a leisurely train ride aboard the vintage railway cars. The stream train stops atop Bear Mountain to a glowing campfire, hot apple pie, and a country western band.

Tickets $45 for adults, $35 for children. Parking is $8 per car. For more information, call (831) 335-4484 or visit www.roaringcamp.com n

This month you have Mars going through your sign. This brings energy, action and hones your ability to get what you want once your intentions are set. Be aware of conflict, however, as you are likely to stand up for what you believe in rather than be quietly diplomatic. You have passion too, to follow your dreams and can work hard at what supports you and yours. Meanwhile you discover new people and social situations which are supportive and gives you confidence and self belief. The best time to travel is in the first week.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You are benefitting from Jupiter your ruler, being in the most powerful position just now, to help all kinds of partnerships and relationships. Be open to new people coming into your life bringing expertise and optimism, and also the chance for you to discuss new shared ventures and plans. Venus helps with travel and exploration and this brings the possibility for travel for pleasure but also commercial opportunities come through overseas connections. You are finally reaping the benefits for your considerable recent efforts.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

This is the final month that Saturn, your ruler, will be in the career part of your chart. It is likely that you have established your position and found that the respect you have earned has been from your efforts and sheer hard work and you can teach others a thing or two!

For you there are no short cuts, but you know the value of gaining experience and knowledge through practical application. A romantic start to the month gives you a boost although surprising changes here are delightful and fortuitous for those seeking new love.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

This month is great for love and romance and you may find that a business partnership leads to something more if you are single. Take note of the 16th where there is a fresh start around your finances. Some good advice can save you some cash. Use your powers of persuasion from the 18th as you have the ability to be more witty and articulate and charm your way into a situation that is going to be fantastic for you. Create balance in your life by discovering more equality between giving and taking; one of these is out of synch and perhaps you need to be more receptive to what is on offer.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

This is a month for negotiation, shared dreams and building a future with someone on your side. It is also about you being open to offers and people who are good to know and from whom you can learn much, but also you have your own qualities to share. There needs to be a more equal footing in an existing relationship so discussions can be insightful but rewarding. It could be that you need more space too so you are possibly house hunting, especially after last month's Full Moon in your sign. Allow what you started to reach completion in its own time.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

Now is the time to get organized and be ready for the new season. You have had a period of confusion which is soon to end and this helps you to make the most of current circumstances to downsize and streamline your wardrobe and your life. You are also keen to adopt a new healthy lifestyle regime and of course exercise is easier when you do something you love, especially if there is competition involved. Love and romance is possible with someone younger after the 17th. Jealousy can be a feature too, either from what you feel or the fact that someone coverts what you have.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

Initially you may have unusual expenses that you could do without, but if you are investing in the future then this is well worth it. The point is you want value for money and you have to work harder to get the best deal. Still, you are generally pleased with developments and you are encouraged to make the most of fantastic stars for your social life after the 6th. With the New Moon on the 16th, there is a fresh start and the promise of more enjoyable times, since you may have rearranged your working life to allow more time for what you want to do. This is also a very creative period.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

This month sees an emphasis on practicalities and your domestic life.

Important changes here mean that you have to change your routine somewhat to accommodate what is now part of your set up. Money is in short supply in the first week but this eases up after the 7th. At this time, it is a matter of making the most of who you know and your contacts to point you in the right direction. Jupiter's influence is at its strongest throughout the month so be open to possibilities, the chance to travel and perhaps learn new skills. Your world is opening up considerably.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. osted by Soquel Sports Foundation. BuyIn $25. Also, we have a special BINGO, celebrating our 2nd anniversary, on Sept. 28 at 6:30. Buy-in only $15. www.soquelsports.com

Last month's Full Moon was the ending and culmination of a period that could have been quite a life changer. Now you spend some time adjusting to recent changes and know that you will make the best of whatever comes your way. It is important to be accepting just now, as everything happens for a reason. Venus has been in your sign for the last few weeks and this is fabulous for your love life and discovering what pleases you. Now that you have a new insight into this your next steps become practical and self nurturing. After the 23rd, you see that home is exactly where the heart is.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Tuesdays and Weekends

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Live Music on the Esplanade

Paradise Beach Grille 215 Esplanade, Capitola. ive music weekends and acoustic guitar Tuesdays.

For schedule and more information: (831) 476-4900 Or visit paradisebeachgrille.com

Be prepared for an amazing month although initially it may not start that way. Arguments and disagreements make way for a fabulous new period as Venus enters your sign from the 7th. Not only are you going to be lucky in love but your finances are on the up too. This can be a simple as receiving gifts or the repayments of debt, but there is more for you, at any rate. This is a good period to reassess your health and well being and follow those practices that support your long term vitality.

Keep your wits about you to be alert to some fantastic opportunities.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

Wednesdays

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Peninsula Banjo Band

7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Harry’s Hofbrau, 390 Saratoga Ave, San Jose orty-seven years of performing in the Bay Area, over 250 popular tunes. Come see our band for Free in Sunnyvale Every Wednesday. No cover.

Contact Lee McLaughlin, Booking Agent, at 408-993-BAND (2263) for information about booking the band for Non-profit events (donations are tax deductible). www.PeninsulaBanjoBand.org

the forest to life with dazzling color and light.

Advance purchase is recommended, tickets $45 for adults, $35 for children. For more information, call (831) 335-4484.

While the Sun is in your sign, you can look back and decide what has worked for you in the last twelve months and what you are glad to see the back of. This is because it is a time of change, but what you have chosen for yourself rather than having to adapt to enforced circumstances. Of course, you feel more empowered and ready to take on new challenges and projects. Make sure that the people you have onside have your best interests at heart. Discuss as much as you need to for your peace of mind. The New Moo on the 16th is a great starting point.

••• Find Out More www.AnnabelBurton.tv

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

Peninsula Banjo Band

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2012 / 29

CommunityNews From Watsonville to Santa Cruz

Safeway Grant of $50,000 to assist Rancho Del Mar Tenants

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Small Business Development Center at Cabrillo College to provide services

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he Cabrillo College Foundation announced the details of a $50,000 grant by Safeway and their subsidiary Property Development Centers to provide technical support for tenants in the Rancho del Mar Center through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Cabrillo College.

The SBDC team of advisors will serve as counselors to the small business owners. According to SBDC Director Teresa Thomae, the grant will fund a range of services that will be tailored to the unique needs of each of the businesses affected by Safeway’s purchase of Rancho Del mar Shopping Center.

Fourteen of these businesses will have to close their doors someTeresa Thomae time in 2014 when the Center’s demoltion/recon-struction begins. All of the center’s current tenants are having to deal with increase lease costs due to the rise in property taxes and Safeway’s increasing the base rent to current market rates. Also, the previous owner had allowed several businesses to convert to month-tomonth rents.

Artificially low rents for the center were previously possible because the former owner had lower holding

costs resulting from lower property taxes because of Prop 13 constraints, and few or no outstanding loans.

“We will be working to strengthen and empower the local businesses and help them deal with the transition from deeply discounted rental rates into a more typical market-rate environment,” said Thomae. “The SBDC welcomes the opportunity to help tenants address the complex issues that their businesses are facing.”

Assistance will be available to all Rancho Del Mar tenants, concentrating on those 14 businesses in the lower section of the shopping center that will have to close due to the planned demolition/reconstruction.

According to SBDC their areas of support will include: • Assessment of financial records and business plans and help with business planning • Evaluation of opportunities and potential options in light of business operations/objectives and market conditions now and into the future • Assistance in determining and evaluating options and appropriate strategies including continuing in RDM, temporary or permanent relocation, changes in operations, etc.

• Assistance in lease review,

merchandising, promotional planning etc.

• Assistance in obtaining financing including review of credit position and exploration of lending and equity opportunities • Advocacy with local lenders and other providers of financing • Referral services for any employees facing layoffs including retraining, accessing benefits, etc.

The advice provided by the SBDC would comply with the Small Business Administration guidelines, which govern the SBDC program, including confidentiality.

The SBDC will be acting independent of Safeway, its subsidiary Property Development Centers (PDC), the County of Santa Cruz, and any other public or private entity. The SBDC program will be separate and parallel to the private negotiations between PDC and the tenants regarding future leases.

In announcing the grant, PDC Vice President Jim Reuter said, “we would like to see the small businesses grow and thrive and find a way to take advantage of the opportunity the new center will provide. We are pleased that the local SBDC is capable of providing this level of support and are honored to make this award to the Cabrillo Foundation on behalf of the Safeway Corporation.” n

“Out & About” from pg 21

and I always look forward to the variety of events it offers, but we especially love to check out the animals. Where else would you have the opportunity to pet a pig, or stick your fingers into the thick wool of a doe-eyed sheep?

I am always in awe of the giant pumpkins, the perfectly grown vegetables and the beautifully turned out home-baked good, especially the apple pies. And after your mouth starts watering looking at all these goodies, then head to one of the many food stands where you can enjoy a wide assortment of delicious offerings.

Then there’s the photography, the art, the collectors’ items on display, the quilts, the equestrian events and so much more. We are

very fortunate that the fair is still going in these economic times, and the entrance fee is very reasonable, too. This year, the fair is from Sept.

11-16 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville. Please support your county fair; it’s one of our local treasures.

Info: www.santacruzcountyfair.com.

They have a full bar and do a delicious brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Café Mare, 740 Front St., Santa Cruz, 458-1212. www.cafemare.com.

Second Annual Project HOPE Art Voodoo Dinner at Monkeyflower Ranch his fundraising dinner takes place at a working organic sheep farm in north Monterey County on Sept. 22. Tickets are $75. Info: www.projecthopeart.org.

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30 / September 1st 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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Santa Cruz County Fair ne thing that goes straight on my calendar every year is the Santa Cruz County Fair. My husband

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Dining Etiquette ry not to be slovenly when eating. That means no elbows on the table, sit up straight, and bring food up to mouth – not head down to food. And turn off the TV at mealtimes. n ••• Josie Cowden is a freelance writer and proofreader. Contact her at ravenone274@comcast.net.

FeaturedColumnist

Extremely Dangerous Fire Season in California

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By Mike Conrad, Division Chief Operations, Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District

s I write this we are half way through August and the fire activity for the State is extreme. I hope you have taken care of preparing your home and providing defensible space to help firefighters protect your home. We have no idea what the rest of the month will be like for wild fires nor will we know what September will hold so if you have done your prep work relax and enjoy the fruit of your hard work, if you have not now is the time, I hope none of you will ever have to say I wish I would have done it.

September is National Preparedness month and its focus is on all forms of disaster, from natural disasters, Pandemics, Technological and Terrorist activities. I have written in the past about specific disaster and how to prepare for them so this month I would like to have you review your disaster plan that you created in the past and/or visit the Ready website at WWW.ready.gov for a complete list of all types of disaster and how to prepared, respond and recover from these disasters.

With school almost back in session this would be a good time to get with your

neighbors and take a CERT class to help you and your neighbors are ready to care for yourselves, your neighbors and your neighborhood in the event of a disaster. For more information on CERT please feel free to check our website at WWW.aptosfire.com or give me a call at 831-685-6690 we can work with you to schedule a class that fits the needs of your neighborhood. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2012 / 31