Serving Our Community For Over 25 Years • Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom & Watsonville
Times Publishing Group, Inc.
April 1 2019 • Vol 28 No. 7
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Lynda Leigh wins CASA Cesar E. Chavez Award
CASA of Santa Cruz County is proud to announce that Lynda Leigh, a long-time CASA volunteer Advocate has won the Cesar E. Chavez Award in the Adult Role Model category. Full Story page 6
Reward Of All Readers – R.O.A.R. By Carey Levash, AJHS 7th Grade Parent Obviously the most important gift we can give our children is teaching them to teach themselves! Giving them the ability to do this comes from communication. They need vocabulary words to achieve. Research has found that children learn 1 new word for every 1,000 read.
An average reading time of 30 minutes a day offers them experience with 13.7 million words, between K-12th, banking them, 13,700 words in their concrete knowledge vault. Is it enough? At Aptos Junior we are incentivizing this goal. ... continues on page 4
Bobby Salazar – Community Hero
Robert “Bobby” Salazar passed away on March 17, at the age of 62, after a long battle with cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many in the Aptos community. Full Story page 11
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Table of Contents
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No. 7
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Volume 28
Cover Reward Of All Readers – R.O.A.R., By Carey Levash, AJHS 7th Grade Parent
8 9 10 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Community News CASA Welcomes New Board Members Lynda Leigh wins CASA Cesar E. Chavez Award Dealing With Estrangement From Your Progeny • 2019 Recreational Ocean Salmon Fishery to Open Off Much of the California Coast in April Be a Lifesaver: Give Blood with the Red Cross This Spring • Cabrillo Youth Strings • Penniman Landscape Paintings Exhibition • Cabrillo Lions Spring Fling Flea Market Hospital Safety for PwP: Aware in Care, By Gena Lennon, Parkinson’s Foundation • Volunteers Needed to Help Children in Foster Care Why can’t you swim?, By Jim Booth • Live Like Coco Foundation Hosts Spring Fun Run Fundraiser Cabrillo Stage Summer Festival Season Announced New Leaf Markets Joining Aptos Village • Fourth Annual MicroBusiness Summit Join us for the First Veteran Chili Cook Off! County Wins Ruling in RTC Lawsuit: Judge Denies Petition by Greenway to Delay Rail Line Repair • PV Water Partners with USGS for Pajaro River Studies One Retailer Cited in Alcohol/Tobacco Sting • New Focus ~ New Beginning, A Message from Lynn Hummer at Pregnant Mare Rescue Market Match at SC Farmer’s Markets Vote! Your Vote is Your Voice / ¡Vote! Su Voto es Su Voz: Exhibit at Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery In Memory of Bob Fitch The Mystery of Two Sunken Ships, By Kevin Painchaud
In Memoriam 11 Robert Salazar – Community Hero
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Local History 12 Celebrating 100 Years of the Cement Ship Part 2, By Kevin Newhouse Business Profile 22 Curves: Aptos, By Erin Kelly-Allshouse
Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Your November Horoscope Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29
Featured Columnists 23 Happy Customers = Loyal Customers: And loyal customers return again and again …, By Ron Kustek 24 Local Water Impacts from State Legislation, By Melanie Mow Schumacher 25 A View From The Bleachers, By Lawrence Targalino 26 Antibiotic Use Revisited, Ron Conte, Pharm.D. 27 Natural Gas Leak? Get to Safety and Call 911, By Ryan Peters, Fire Captain, Aptos/La Selva Fire 30 Update on District Flood Control Projects, By Zach Friend 31 What Bulbs Do After They Bloom, By Tony Tomeo
SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31— An Easter Rabbit
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COVER STORY publisher Patrice Edwards associate editor Lori Landino contributing writers Camisa Composti, Carey Levash, Gena Lennon, Jim Booth, Lynn Hummer, Kevin Painchaud, Kevin Newhouse, Erin Kelly-Allshouse, Ron Kustek, Melanie Mow Schumacher, Lawrence Targalino, Ron Conte, Ryan Peters, Zach Friend, Tony Tomeo layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti, Eric Spencer production coordinator Maya Tabasz advertising sales Don Beaumont, Melody Shishido office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, Jordan Parnell
Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Begonia Festival Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission
“KRLT” from page 1 The Library at Aptos Junior High School holds an annual event each June to reward students for all their reading efforts. R.O.A.R.--Reward of All Readers, a Library program that will reward those who read books this school year. Some of our students are approaching 3 million words read! During the last week of June, the Library will open its doors to the students and reward each of them with a prize for all their reading efforts during the school year. Our goal is to provide each student with a prize. In order to achieve this goal, we are asking for your help. We need prizes, bigticket items, gift cards, tiny high value goodies and money (we can shop for you). If you are able to donate, please do so, whatever your specialty may be! You can help give them some feedback, propel our community’s future and spread your business message to about 700 local families and their connections as well. Past prizes have included: surfboards, computers, iPads, skateboards, iTunes cards, Amazon gift cards, Yogurtland, and even large boxes of treats. The R.O.A.R. prize giveaway will be held the first week of June. We need to inventory these prizes and monetary donations by May 10, 2019. This will give us plenty of time to make sure we have a prize for every student. We’ll happily pick up your donation. Each student is provided a wristband based on the number of points they achieved during the school year. Points are earned through our Accelerated Reader (AR) program. The students set a goal at the beginning of each quarter. They then read books and take AR quizzes
where they receive points. After receiving their wristbands, they consecutively enter the Library. Top 25 readers enter the Library first to pick their prize and so on until all students come through. One prize per student with top readers earning the top prizes. Reading is fun and useful and let’s our students know there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Their hard work will be rewarded. They love picking that special desired prize, and in the long run they’ll
remember who provided it. Reading has the potential to expand so many horizons, please make a contribution to our program that benefits each student here at AJHS. Let’s keep these kids happy, healthy & wise. If you see any students about town, tell them to “Keep Reading!” n ••• For more information: Carey Levash Californiaurbandesign@gmail.com Cover Photo: Knights of the Round Library Table (KRLT) Library Club.
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.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@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
For over 119 years, Graniterock has served the Santa Cruz County Community. We are here for all of your paving, grading and underground needs. Graniterock is small enough to have friends, but big enough to take care of them. Working Together to Build the Future.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
CASA Welcomes New Board Members C ASA of Santa Cruz County recently welcomed new members to their Board of Directors, Linda Bixby, Matt Gianelli, Chris Sheehy, and Andrea Willy. Linda Bixby is a Development Consultant with many years of experience in the non-profit sector in fund development, communications, and governance. CASA welcomes her back into the organization as a returning key player. “I have had a longstanding relaLinda Bixby tionship with CASA as an Advocate, a ten-year staff member, and a donor. I care greatly about the organization and the children it serves, and hope to contribute to its stability and growth via my board service.” Linda has also been a featured writer for USA Today and other publications. CASA will benefit from her fundraising and communications background as well as her extensive historical knowledge and longevity with the organization. Matt Gianelli works for the nonprofit, Agri-Culture and is Assistant to the Executive Director for the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, which impressively oversees San Mateo County Farm Bureau and Santa Clara County Farm Bureau. He donates many hours of service Matt Gianelli and funds to educating the community about the needs of farmers and the agriculture industry here in Santa Cruz County. He is passionate about the CASA mission and says, “Children are so vulnerable, and abuse and neglect can alter a child’s life forever. I believe that what CASA does, advocating for these children, is not only a social necessity but a financial necessity, as CASA helps these children develop the confidence and social skills necessary to thrive in our community.” Matt has taken on a leadership role already as the Co-Chair for CASA’s annual gala, Imagine. His experience in the non-profit world will benefit CASA greatly. Chris Sheehy is a Financial Advisor with HarborLight Investments and hopes to bring his expertise in the financial ser-
vices sector to the Board. He is excited to be volunteering on the CASA Board, and he has years of volunteer experience with other non-profit organizations. He is motivated to serve because, “The mission of the organization is amazing. I have a 3-year-old and a 6-month old, and I can only imagine how hard life can be for the kids CASA serves. The quality of the Board is another large motivator for me to spend my time and effort working Chris Sheehy for CASA.” He has hit the ground running, already taking on the Vice President role and jumping in with both feet with corporate fund development. He is a major asset to the organization. Andrea Willy is a 6th generation Wastsonvillian and she joins the CASA Board with a strong personal and professional understanding of the circumstances and unique challenges faced by children in foster care. She is District Grant Writer at PVUSD and knows Andrea Willy first-hand of the close collaboration between CASA and the School District. “CASA’s role as a consistent advocate and collaborative community partner is critical for the future of foster youth in PVUSD.” For over 20 years, she has been a parent leader within the PVUSD community serving on School Site Councils as President and working on a broad range of school and district level initiatives to support students. CASA appreciates her deep connection to the Watsonville community and the children they serve. ••• CASA’s new members join a very committed and active Board led by Nancy Gordon, President; Chris Sheehy, Vice President; Phuong Mayer, Treasurer; and Sesario Escoto, Secretary. n ••• For more information: https://casaof santacruz.org
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Lynda Leigh wins CASA Cesar E. Chavez Award C ASA of Santa Cruz County is proud to announce that Lynda Leigh, a long-time CASA volunteer Advocate has won the Cesar E. Chavez Award in the Adult Role Model category. The awards ceremony will be on March 28, 6:00 p.m. in the the City of Watsonville Community Room, 275 Main Street, Fourth Floor. All community members are invited to attend. Lynda Leigh has been a volunteer Advocate with CASA of Santa Cruz County for over eight years, working over that time with six different children that live in Watsonville and were part of the foster care system through no fault of their own; five of those children she still sees regularly and is sometimes lovingly referred to as the “book lady.” Lynda started her teaching career as a literacy teacher within the Soledad State Prison. She was appalled that so many of the inmates were illiterate. As a literate person who could regularly see her loved ones in person and connect with the world through the written word, she couldn’t fathom that these students could not write letters to anyone “on the outside” or receive anything potentially uplifting and comforting either.
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Through this work, she came to decide that what she really needed to be doing was working with teens at-risk of incarceration, fostering in them a love of reading and writing, all in the hopes of keeping them out of the prison system. She went on to spend 25 years as an Alternative Education Teacher in Santa Cruz County, most of those years spent in Watsonville classrooms, and later as the Assistant Director overseeing all Watsonville-based County Office of Education alternative schools. She has also been an active volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program and decided to start taking her students and CASA youth with her to deliver meals. Through that experience, she has fostered leadership and a service-mind set in these youth. Lynda is currently a Volunteer Housing Navigator with the Downtown Public Library working with our county’s homeless population, a “delivery angel” who delivers nutritious meals to persons with life-threatening illnesses in Watsonville for the Teen Kitchen Project, AND is still a Court Appointed Special Advocate. And, of course, Lynda continues to take her former and current CASA children on delivery runs with her whenever she can. Lynda believes and literally lives by the mantra that anyone and everyone has something to give back, and should give back; she not only leads by example as a longtime, very active volunteer in her community, but she is propelled by her passion for instilling the joy of supporting one’s own community in young people. The East San Jose native, raised by an immigrant mother, has seen first-hand the impact these qualities have on both members of the community in need and on the youth in the community trying to find their place in the world. n ••• For more information: https://casaof santacruz.org
COMMUNITY NEWS
Dealing With Estrangement From Your Progeny “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together ... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart ... I’ll always be with you.” — A. A. Milne, born January 18, 1882. ••• ritten more than a century ago, that could be the lament and prayer many parents and grandparents,
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who for reasons of long distance, complicated custody issues, or troubled daughter/ son-in-laws (DIL or SIL), are at odds with and separated from their adult children and/or grandkids. For two years a monthly support group has been held second Monday’s at Christ Lutheran in Aptos. Here estranged parents learn they are not alone with this issue, and strategize ways to hold on and thrive, not just survive their situations. Some reconciliation has taken place. Here is a sample of their stories
with names changed to protect those who might be choosing legal paths to visitation. • After two years of no contact from her daughter and twin boys she’d seen at birth, Randa’s estrangement ended at the sudden funeral of her brother. Since that reconciliation her daughter and now 3-year old twins have moved back into her home. • Chelsea an invisible Auntie who because of her religious preference has been denied access to two nieces she partially raised till they were seven, decided to name them in her will, saying “at least they’ll get something.” • Chuck considered calling police re: entrapment of his daughter, when his SIL wrote a note to them prohibiting any kind of communication at all with his grandchildren whom his wife babysat for two years. • Grammy Fox Sloan lost her daughter who committed suicide while incarcerated and on an inappropriate psychotropic chemical drug. She turned her pain into activism. She formed a group of Child & Family Rights Advocates #TakingOurFamiliesBack2019! At Christmas 20 estranged parents created The Stolen Children Memorial Christmas Ornaments Tree in San Jose.
Second Mondays INVISIBLE/ALIENATED GRANDPARENT SUPPORT GROUP 2:30-4:00 pm, Christ Lutheran Church, 10707 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 A safe structured environment for sharing stories if you so choose, and learning healthy ways to deal with separation from anyone. Led by Dr. Pat Hanson author of Invisible Grandparenting: Leave a Legacy of Love Whether You Can Be There or Not and cosponsored by Alienated Grandparents Anonymous www.AGA-FL.org a national organization w chapters in 50 states & 22 countries that provides information and support to grandparents who feel alienated or estranged from access to their grandchildren.
• Alene helped her DIL with after-school and many weekends of care for her 9-year-old grandson while her son was incarcerated. When he was released they moved and have not made any contact. • JoAnn brought this wisdom to the group: “if you don’t leave your past in your past it will destroy your future.” “Love what you have today, not what yesterday has taken away.” n ••• Questions: Pat Hanson – pat@invisible grandparent.com Facebook.com/invisiblegrand parent (831) 601-9195.
2019 Recreational Ocean Salmon Fishery to Open Off Much of the California Coast in April
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alifornia’s recreational salmon fishery will open in ocean waters on Saturday, April 6 in the Monterey management area, between Pigeon Point (37° 11’ 00” N. latitude) south to the U.S.-Mexico border. In the Fort Bragg and San Francisco management areas, between Horse Mountain (40° 05’ 00” N. latitude) and Pigeon Point, the recreational salmon fishery will open on Saturday, April 13. The Klamath Management Zone (Horse Mountain to the Oregon state line) will remain closed for the month of April. The remaining 2019 season dates will be finalized next month. At it’s meeting this week in Vancouver, Wash., the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) made the decision to open limited sections of the California coast on April 6 and April 13. Returns of Sacramento River fall Chinook and Klamath River fall Chinook in 2018 were insufficient to overcome their “overfished” status this year. “Continued concerns over the overfished status of Sacramento and Klamath River fall Chinook, as well as protections for threatened and endangered stocks, are
expected to limit salmon seasons in certain times and areas this year,” said Kandice Morgenstern, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “Despite these constraints, we expect California sport anglers to see a greater amount of fishing opportunity overall compared to last year.” Traditionally, fishing in the Monterey area is better early in the season. Recreational fishing representatives prioritized opening this area ahead of others on the California coast, though it may lead to decisions to close the season earlier in Monterey than in other areas. Delaying the opener in areas to the north should allow for more fishing opportunity there later in the year, when catch rates are typically better. In April, the minimum size limit in the Fort Bragg management area is 20 inches total length. In the San Francisco and Monterey management areas, the minimum size limit is 24 inches total length. Anglers are advised to check for updated information when planning a salmon fishing trip. Season dates, bag/ possession limit information, and gear restrictions can be found on CDFW’s ocean
salmon webpage at www.wildlife.ca.gov/ oceansalmon. Public notification of any in-season change to conform state regulations to federal regulations is made through
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the NMFS ocean salmon hotline at (800) 662-9825. ••• For more information: www.dfg.ca.gov
COMMUNITY NEWS
Be a Lifesaver
Give Blood with the Red Cross This Spring
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ligible blood donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to give blood through the American Red Cross now to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients this spring. By giving blood, donors may be helping someone like 5-year-old Emery Twehues, who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia last spring. During her intense cancer treatments, Emery has needed both blood and platelets. Cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, and certain types of chemotherapy drugs and radiation can damage the bone marrow, where red blood cells and platelets are produced. “Emery would not be able to recover from chemotherapy without lifesaving transfusions,” said her mom, Morgan Twehues. “Every time they hang a bag of platelets or blood up on her IV pole, I wish whoever donated that could see who it’s going to. There would be no chance for her to live, taking that chemotherapy, if it weren’t for the blood products.” In order to meet the needs of patients like Emery, the Red Cross must collect about 13,000 blood and more than 2,500 platelet donations every day. Make an appointment to help save lives now by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting Red-
CrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). n ••• Upcoming blood donation opportunities Santa Cruz: April 4: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk Street La Selva Beach: April 11: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monterey Bay Academy, 783 San Andreas Road Felton: April 12: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9
••• How to donate blood imply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are
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17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using Rapid Pass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood. org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. ••• he American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit red cross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or Twitter at @RedCross.
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COMMUNITY BRIEFS Cabrillo Youth Strings Chamber Music Program Begins Spring Semester Registration egistration for the Cabrillo Youth Strings Chamber Music Program is u n d e r w a y. Classes will be offered for violin, viola and cello on Fridays, beginning April 19, 4:15-5:30 in VAPA5137 and VAPA5141. Students must provide their own instruments. A Chamber Music Recital will
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be held on Friday, May 17, In 5146 of the Music Building, VAPA 5000. String players ages 7 to 18 are welcome to join the program. For those interested in participating in or making contributions to this program, please call (831) 479-6101 or see our Cabrillo Youth Strings Cabrillo.edu website. ••• Penniman Landscape Paintings Exhibition anta Cruz County Bank Arts Collaborative presents large and small landscape paintings of popular and picturesque locations in our county by Ed Penniman. The exhibition titled “Native Son” features sixty of Penniman’s oil paintings, on display at each of the Bank’s five banking offices, including its newly remodeled corporate headquarters in Santa Cruz. A complimentary 24 page colorful catalog features comments by Ed Pen-
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niman and an essay about Santa Cruz Art History since 1880s by historian Geoffrey Dunn. Arts Collaborative director Mary Anne Carson curates the exhibit, which is ongoing in all five banking offices. For more information: www.sccounty bank.com. ••• Cabrillo Lions Spring Fling Flea Market ind your treasure at the rummage sale or visit a wide variety of vendors including Tina Lee plants, wildlife photography by
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nationally known Judy Bingman, jewelry, gifts, face painting. Bring donations of food for the veteran’s food pantry, children’s books for Live like Coco, or eyeglasses for Lions in Sight and receive a chance for prizes. April 13 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd. Free admission. ••• For further information: (831) 688-3356 or carousel21@hotmail.com. n
COMMUNITY NEWS
Hospital Safety for PwP: Aware in Care
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By Gena Lennon, Parkinson’s Foundation
he Parkinson’s Foundation launched organization whose mission is to foster a the Aware in Carecampaign in 2011 to supportive environment for People with help people with Parkinson’s disease Parkinson’s disease (PwP), their families, (PD) get the best care possible during a friends and caregivers. For more than 25 hospital stay. According to a recent study, years, it has been providing a venue for them three out of four people with Parkinson’s to meet, socialize, and learn, both from each do not receive medications on time when other and from outside speakers. It also prostaying in the hospital. With more frequent vides community outreach in the form of a newsletter called Movers hospital visits and a high and Shakers and via sensitivity to the timing Wednesday, April 3, 2019 informational brochures and dosing of PD medi2:00 p.m. — 3:30 p.m. placed in local physicians’ cations, people with Congregational Church of Soquel offices, and since 2010, has Parkinson’s face great 4951 Soquel Drive, Soquel presented 3 symposia for risks in the hospital. the Central Coast ParkinTo protect, prepare and empower people with Parkinson’s son’s community, which featured local and before, during and after a hospital visit, we national experts on the disease. The group is committed to dissemideveloped the free Aware in Carekit with tools and information to share with hos- nating the latest scientific information pital staff during a planned or emergency about the disease and in supporting access to much-needed exercise and other therahospital visit. The Santa Cruz County Parkin- peutic activities. The vibrant Santa Cruz Parkinson’s son’s Group (SCCPG), a project of the not-for-profit EASE PD, Inc. (www.easepd. community of those with PD, their family org), has been a long-standing community members, and volunteers continues to
welcome new members, and hopes to increase its impact in Santa Cruz County. n ••• Gena Lennon is the Parkinson’s Foundation Community Development Manager for the San Francisco Bay area. Gena has worked
Volunteers Needed to Help Children in Foster Care
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ASA of Santa Cruz County needs caring adult volunteers to speak up for the best interests of children who have been abused or neglected. A CASA volunteer spends time with his or her child each week, gathering information from everyone involved in the child’s case. CASA volunteers also work with attorneys and social workers. They review records, research information, and talk to anyone involved with the child, including parents, extended family members, doctors and teachers. If you have 2-4 hours a week to be there for a child in foster care, you CAN make a difference. Although there is a great need for bilingual and male volunteers, we always encourage people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds to learn more.
Training can be provided free of charge. Upcoming Informational sessions are: • Friday, March 29, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at California Coffee, located at 9105 Soquel Drive in Aptos • Tuesday, April 2, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Live Oak Family Resource Center, located at 1740 17th Avenue in Santa Cruz n ••• Learn more at www.casaofsantacruz. org and click on “Volunteer.”
in development and event management for over 10 years and leads the foundation’s efforts in serving the Bay community through resources, education, and empowerment activities such as the Moving Day event, a walk to fight PD. For more information: www.easepd.org
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Why can’t you swim?
S
By Jim Booth
wimming is part of our education: Caesar required his legions to learn and hieroglyphics show Egyptians swimming in the Nile. So why with all of our modern advances are Americans still unable to swim? In the early 1900s a huge effort was made by the Red Cross, the YMCA and others to make swim lessons available
to everyone. By the 1950s it’s estimated that most Americans were safe in and around water, thrilled to enjoy all that that included. Families spent the day at the beach, lake or pool, splashing and diving together. Some were surfing, snorkeling or river rafting. Deaths by drowning were prevented. So what happened? Since that peak of
90% of people able to swim, it appears that less than half of Americans currently can swim. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under 5 years old. Learning to swim and how to be safe around water is clearly a priority. What is to be done? Part of the problem is that there are fewer public pools, and that young people finish high school lacking swim instruction. Immigrants often arrive with no swimming experience at all. In our county we do have great swim programs available year around. To make sure that we are protecting our kids and continuing a tradition of water safety, the answer is simple: learn to swim. Children can and should be in the water from an early age. Parent and baby swim class’s start at 4 months. Classes are fun and start kids on a life of loving the water. It’s never too late to learn. For adults
and non-swimmers, it’s time to sign up for swim classes. You will open a whole new world for yourself when you get off the lounge chair and into the pool. Your kids and grandkids will be pretty stoked when you’re swimming alongside them. n ••• For more information: www.jimbooth swimschool.com
Live Like Coco Foundation Hosts Spring Fun Run Fundraiser
W
alkers and runners of all ages and levels of athletic ability are invited to join the Live Like Coco Foundation on April 27th at Pinto Lake County Park at 757 Green Valley Road in Watsonville to participate in With Wings. The event includes a free 1K for kids 12 and under starting at 9 a.m. and a 5K starting at 9:30 a.m. Race registration is $30 for the 5K, and $100 for a 4-person family or friend group. The Spring Fun Run is being held to honor Coco Lazenby, who was killed by a speeding truck driver in 2015. In recognition of Coco’s love for books and reading, every child receives a book at the
finish line. “We are calling our event With Wings, because we want to celebrate all the things that make us fly, like reading, running and community,” says Kate Pavao, Coco’s mother. The event also includes face painting, art projects, food for sale from Teen Kitchen Project, and performances by All About Theatre and singer Morgen J. Smith. “Coco was a reader, a runner – and an activist for the planet and anyone who needed help,” said Kate Pavao. “I am so glad that we are hosting an event that celebrates so many things that she loved so close to her birthday.” The Live Like Coco Foundation will
use funds raised at the event for out-ofschool programming, including funding scholarships for kids to try horseback riding, theatre and more. The event will also benefit the foundation’s field trip program, which takes public school students to local state parks. About Live Like Coco During her life, Coco worked in community gardens, participated in beach cleanups, collected jeans for homeless teens, and raised money to support a number of worthy causes. Now, the Live Like Coco Foundation provides thousands of Santa Cruz kids with free books as well as scholarship
10 / April 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
funding for extra-curricular activities. We also protect our county’s amazing natural spaces so kids can play and explore together. All kids should be able to grow up healthy, with the opportunity to pursue their dreams. This is something Coco believed. Now, the Live Like Coco Foundation is dedicated to pursuing the same goal. n ••• This event is accessible. Please call in advance for reasonable accommodation requests. To register in advance and secure space: http://livelikecoco.com/funrun19.html or for more information: LiveLikeCoco.com
IN MEMORIAM
Robert Salazar – Community Hero R obert “Bobby” Salazar passed away on March 17, at the age of 62, after a long battle with cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many in the Aptos community. He worked for more than four decades as the Facilities Manager at Aptos High School. In 2015, the Aptos Chamber of Commerce named him a “Community Hero.” He also volunteered for Aptos/La Selva Fire, Aptos Sports Foundation and the CHP. Born in January 22, 1957 in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He was raised by a single mother and had many siblings. Eventually, Bobby hitchhiked to California, where he met his wife and began working at AHS. Bobby and his wife of 43 years, Rebecca, lived on campus at Aptos High School. He was always smiling, happy and loved by current and past students, who came to visit him in the hospital. A GoFundMe was created to help Bobby’s family pay for medical and memorial service expenses. The family has expressed their appreciation for the community’s generous support.
Bobby’s unique character and friendly spirit will be missed. There will be a rosary at Mehl’s Funeral Chapel in Watsonville on Friday, March 29 at 1pm. The memorial will be on Saturday, March 30 in the new gym at
Aptos High School. There will be a brief reception immediately following in the quad next to the gym. n ••• w w w.go fundme .co m/ b o b b y-s al azar -family-fund?member=1899808
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LOCAL HISTORY
Celebrating 100 Years of the Cement Ship Part 2 By Kevin Newhouse
L
ast month, in Part 1 of this story, I told you how the S.S. Palo Alto (The Cement Ship) was originally built as an oil tanker to be used in World War I. However, Armistice was signed about 6 months prior to her completion and as a result, was never used for her intended purpose. She was launched on May 29, 1919, at the U.S. Naval Shipyard on Government Island. She was left virtually discarded until 1921, when she sailed across San Francisco Bay to Hunter’s Point dry dock. This would be her only voyage under her own power. Then in 1924, she was sold to the Oliver Olson Company who towed her to the Moore Shipbuilding Company in Oakland, where she sat for the better part of 5 years. Meanwhile, down in Aptos, the Seacliff Amusement Corporation was formed with the intention of building a resort on Seacliff Beach. The main industry in Aptos had gone from ranching, to logging, to apples,
The Ed Rookledge Orchestra plays on the “Amusement Ship Palo Alto” (The Cement Ship) in the 1930s.
and the Seacliff Amusement Corporation was correct with their prediction that the next big industry move would be tourism, but unfortunately their timing was all wrong. This was 1929 and the country was about to enter a time of financial collapse with the Great Depression. Part of the development plans, which the Santa Cruz Sentinel described as, “a most unique amusement enterprise,” included the 430 foot Cement Ship moored on the Seacliff Beach. Upon this ship would be various forms of entertainment including dining, dancing, swimming, fishing, and whatever else the law would allow … and as it turned out, even a few things the law didn’t allow! The Seacliff Amusement Corporation purchased the Palo Alto for an undisclosed amount of money and on January 21, 1930, the voyage to her final resting place would begin. She was towed by a Red Stack tug whose orders were to keep her speed under five knots. They left the Moore Shipbuilding Yard in Oakland at 4:00pm and arrived at Seacliff the next morning at 7:00am. The pier was still in the early stages of construction and it took two days before the ship was in line and able to drop her three 3.5 ton anchors. There was a steel cable that was drawn from the stern of the ship through a block on one of the pier pilings that was operated by a gas-powered winch that pulled the Palo Alto in toward the beach. On January 25, she was finally in place. The seacocks in the boiler room were opened, allowing the seawater to rush
The Cement Ship approaches shore in the 1930s. in. Everything below sea level was intentionally flooded allowing her to settle to the bottom of the ocean. It should be noted that she was positioned with the bow (front of the ship) furthest away from land. As David Heron so aptly titled his book about the S.S. Palo Alto, she is “Forever Facing South.” The Seacliff Amusement Corporation borrowed $28,000 to build out the rest of the pier, dig a 190-foot well for fresh water, and pave the access road down from the Watsonville-Santa Cruz Road (today’s Soquel Drive) and along the beach. The pier, measuring 630 feet long and 40 feet wide, was finished in early June 1930. On June 21, the ship’s dancehall, The Rainbow Ballroom, was opened up for a special preview event. The dancehall
12 / April 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
occupied most of the main deck and was 54-feet wide, with tall windows looking out over the Bay. Several hundred people showed up that night and danced the night away with Ed Rookledge’s 10-Piece Orchestra providing the music. The official opening was the following Saturday night. The music of Ed Rookledge once again filled the Rainbow Ballroom. There were games being played in the amusement arcade, the Ship Café and Fish Restaurant served dinner, and the swimming pool, fishing deck, and promenade were all open. The ship was ablaze with lights, pennants flying from the 76-foot masts, and cars lined the beachfront road and pier. “Cement Ship” page 13
COMMUNITY NEWS
Cabrillo Stage Summer Festival Season Announced L ocally, one of the highlights of summer is attending the high caliber, Broadway style musicals produced by Cabrillo Stage and presented at the beautiful Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College Campus. This season we will be entertained by BEEHIVE: the 60’s Musical and the Tony award winning, James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim classic INTO THE WOODS. BEEHIVE: the 60’s Musical is a toetapping musical tribute to the rockin’ women who made the music of the era so special. A stellar cast of six young women brings to life the songs made famous by Leslie Gore, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and groups such as the Shirelles and the Supremes. With two dozen beloved hits, including “My Boyfriend’s Back”, “It’s My Party”, “Me and Bobby McGee”, “Proud Mary”, and “Make Your Own Kind Of Music” this show takes you on a musical journey documenting the dramatic changes America underwent during the 60’s. With multiple Tony awards, several Broadway revivals and a major movie adaptation, INTO THE WOODS has become a cornerstone of the American musical experience. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim have created a witty and touching mash-up of Grimm fairy tales where Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and other fairy tale figures are portrayed as complex, self-aware human beings in transition. We follow these delightful characters as they sing, dance and maneuver their way to ‘Happily Ever After’ and beyond.
“Cement Ship” from page 12 The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported that 2,000 cars visited Seacliff Beach that weekend and an estimated 3,000 people boarded the Palo Alto! It was indeed a very successful start and it appeared the Palo Alto had finally found her purpose. Sadly, just 2 years later, the Seacliff Amusement Corporation would be bankrupt and the ship’s doors would be closed for good. The dream of a resort in Seacliff was dead. What happens next will be told in Part 3, the final part of this story. The Aptos History Museum has
When the show debuted in 1988, Sondheim’s gorgeous score won a Tony as did Lapine’s Book. INTO THE WOODS also won Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Book, Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Musical. Cabrillo Stage’s production of this funny, clever, thought provoking musical promises to be outstanding as well. On line ticket sales begin April 1st at cabrillostage.com. Order your tickets for BEEHIVE: the 60’s Musical (June 27th through July 14th) and INTO THE WOODS (July 25th through August 18th) Phone and direct box office sales will be available June 6th. Box-office hours are 12:00 to 6:00pm. On behalf of Cabrillo Stage, Artistic Director Jon Nordgren wishes to thank our patrons and donors for their generous, ongoing support. “With your help, we can continue to produce Broadway caliber musical theatre right here in Santa Cruz County!” n ••• For more information: www.cabrillostage. com (831) 479-6154
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teamed up with State Parks and other community volunteers to plan a very special series of events to celebrate this occasion, including a history presentation at the Rio Sands Hotel on May 18th, a musical performance on May 19th at Cabrillo, and a party on June 1st at the Seacliff Visitor Center. More details to come! n ••• For more information about the Aptos History Museum, upcoming events, or becoming a member of the museum, please visit www.aptoshistory.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @aptos_history_museum. 13 / April 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
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COMMUNITY NEWS
New Leaf Markets Joining Aptos Village N ew Leaf Community Markets invites the community to join in celebrating the opening of the new store in Aptos Village on Wednesday, May 1. The store, located at 161 Aptos Village Way, marks the fifth New Leaf location. “We are excited to introduce New Leaf Community Markets to the Aptos community,” said Justin Reyes, Aptos store manager. “With a delicious deli featuring made-to-order pizza, ramen and wok bars, and a large outdoor green space, I hope our store will become Justin Reyes the place where people come to meet up with friends and enjoy our good food and good vibes,” he added. Special Features and Local Products The design of the 17,000-square-foot store is based on the authentic architectural character of the Hihn Apple Barn, built in 1881. The new store will feature indoor and outdoor seating, tasting events, bike parking, and local and organic food and offerings, including: • Farm-fresh local and organic produce from PIKE Farms and Pinnacle Organic Farm, with fresh grab-and-go cut fruit • Extensive deli with made-to-order sandwiches, as well as a pizza bar, wok and ramen bar, fresh sushi rolled daily, made-from-scratch soup and salad bar
• Full-service meat and seafood department with a wide selection of sustainably raised meat such as local pasture-raised Marin Sun Farms chicken, and sustainable seafood with transparent ratings from FishWise and Seafood Watch, in energy-efficient cases • Everyday grocery staples, including bulk items and local products from Wild Poppy’s Olive Oil and Charapa Peruvian Sauces • Fully stocked wellness department with local products from the Homeless Garden Project, double Neighbor Rewards points on all supplements and body care, and knowledgeable assistance from New Leaf’s wellness experts • Full-service organic coffee bar featuring Pachamama Coffee, an organic juice and smoothie bar, and soft serve ice cream Plus, award-winning local and organic cheeses, indulgent bakery goods including local Acme bread, fresh floral from Rooster Ridge, and a wide selection of local and exclusive beer, cider and wine, including Common Vines from Bargetto Winery Local Nonprofits to Benefit from New Leaf’s Envirotoken Program In line with New Leaf’s community giving programs supporting education, environmental and hunger-relief efforts, Aptos community members voted in six local nonprofits as beneficiaries of New Leaf’s Envirotoken reusable bag program. The groups will receive financial donations for the next six months, including Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Ecology Action, California Ocean Alliance, Second Harvest Food Bank and Grey Bears.
“We’re honored to get to know our new neighbors in the Aptos area, share our passion for natural, organic and responsibly sourced food from local producers, and give back to the Aptos community,” said Forrest Gonsiewski, senior director of New Leaf Community Markets. “As a third-generation native Santa Cruzan with 20 years of retail experience, Justin is the ideal manager for our new Aptos store and
Fourth Annual Micro-Business Summit
T
he largest small business event in Santa Cruz County returns Friday, May 3 when hundreds of entrepreneurs and community leaders gather to share ideas on growing small businesses. Returning to the Cabrillo College campus in Aptos, the 4th annual Micro-Business Summit features top speakers and valuable sessions on topics important to local small business owners. The event is the only one of its type in Santa Cruz County designed
to help local businesses grow and increase their profiles. “The Micro-Business Summit is back and better than ever,” said Barbara Mason, Santa Cruz County Economic Development Coordinator. “Our 2019 lineup is focused on providing business entrepreneurs the tools they need to turn their talent, skills, and hard work into a successful business model.” “Micro-Biz” page 16 15 / April 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
will lead a knowledgeable and friendly staff of 100 neighbors hired from the local community,” he added. Like all New Leaf Community Markets, the Aptos store will donate 10 percent of after-tax profits to local community nonprofits. n ••• For more information on New Leaf Community Markets, www.newleaf.com.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Join us for the First Veteran Chili Cook Off!
C
Saturday, April 20th, 12 - 4 pm
ome sample the culinary artistry of “Chili” prepared by 14 teams from local Veteran Organizations. Meet them and vote for your taste favorite! Proceeds will help fund projects & programs benefiting all Veterans in the Santa Cruz County area. Veteran Chili Cook-off coordinated by Vets 4 Vets Santa Cruz, and hosted by: VFW Freedom Post 1716,1960 Freedom Blvd, Freedom, CA 95019. Vets 4 Vets - Santa Cruz is a non-profit group of Veterans and friends striving to build community. We assist our brothers and sisters in need by collaborating with local partners and creating events that bring awareness to the experience of the veteran population. Our outreach activities include housing-search assistance,
obtaining benefits, employment services, transportation to appointments and relocation assistance. As an all-volunteer organization we have no overhead, and 100% of the proceeds we acquire go directly to provide services to our Santa Cruz County veterans. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, our EIN number is 45-3697584. We are mostly a group of veterans ourselves, but we do have those who participate who have never served. However, our mission is clear: we are here to serve those that have given so much. n ••• For more information contact Dean Kaufman: 831-420-7348 Email: scveteranadvocate@gmail.com or go to the Vets 4 Vets website: www.vets4vetssantacruz.org/chili-cookoff
“Micro-Biz” from page 15 Tickets for the “82% Micro-Business Summit” are on sale now at https://2019 microbusinesssummit.eventbrite.com. For $49, participants will be able to choose from a range of more than 40 dynamic speakers, with breakout sessions in marketing, managing cash flow, social media, website optimization, green business certification, cottage food production and more. The event includes an afternoon mixer with door prizes and complimentary breakfast and lunch. Enrollment is limited to 300 participants. Follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook. com/82percent. The Micro Business Summit is produced by the Santa Cruz County Office 16 / April 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
for Economic Development, Andersen Media & Communications, Slingshot SV and Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center. Sponsors include Kaiser Permanente, Cabrillo College, City of Santa Cruz Economic Development, Workforce Santa Cruz County, KSCO, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Santa Cruz Record, Lighthouse Bank, Santa Cruz County SCORE, Palace Business Solutions, Bay Federal Credit Union, Santa Cruz County Bank, Martinelli’s, Cat & Cloud, plus many more! n ••• WHAT: 4th ANNUAL MICROBUSINESS SUMMIT WHEN: May 3, 2019, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. WHERE: Cabrillo College Erica Schilling Forum, 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos
COMMUNITY NEWS
County Wins Ruling in RTC Lawsuit
Judge Denies Petition by Greenway to Delay Rail Line Repair
I
n a Superior Court of Santa Cruz County, Judge Paul Burdick denied the Petition for Writ of Mandate in its entirety in the case of Santa Cruz County Greenway v. Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC). The court’s ruling rejected the challenge to the RTC’s decision to enter into an Administration, Coordination and License Agreement (ACL) with St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Company, LLC, a subsidiary of Progressive Rail Incorporated. The ruling also finds that the RTC’s commitment to make FEMA funded repairs to the storm damage on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line near Harkins Slough is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The ruling states that Greenway failed to meet
the burden to establish “that the exemptions do not apply.” “We are pleased with the court’s
decision and look forward to getting back to work to repair the line and restoring in full this valuable resource to the community,”
RTC Executive Director Guy Preston said. “Our agency is very committed to going above and beyond to ensure environmental care on all of our projects. Although we do not have to go through the full CEQA process, that by no means reduces the amount of care we are going to put into ensuring that these repairs meet all state and federal environmental requirements.” The RTC is currently working with Kittleson Environmental Consulting on the state and federal environmental permitting process for the storm damage repairs. In October 2018, the RTC submitted applications for permits and agreements to repair the line to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. n ••• For more info: https://sccrtc.org
PV Water Partners with USGS for Pajaro River Studies
T
he Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PV Water) is proud to announce two new stream-gaging stations on the Pajaro River. The new gaging stations, a partnership with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), will provide valuable data about stream flow infiltration, groundwater recharge, and could be used to support future studies concerning groundwaterdependent ecosystems. The first gaging station at the Main Street Bridge provides publicly available data of Pajaro River height, or river level, and discharge, or flow rates. The gage at
Murphy Crossing will help PV Water and USGS measure the amount of river water that recharges the groundwater basin. High rates of groundwater recharge are known to occur within the reach of the Pajaro River between Chittenden Gap, which already has a USGS gaging station, and Murphy Crossing. “The new data will be incorporated into the Pajaro Valley Hydrologic Model (PVHM), a water resources management planning tool, currently being updated and refined in partnership with the USGS,” said Casey Meusel, associate hydrologist with PV Water. “The PVHM
will benefit from new data sources, as it will improve the accuracy of the model, which will better inform decision makers at PV Water.” PV Water is a state-chartered water management agency formed to efficiently and economically manage existing and supplemental water supplies in order to prevent further increase in and to
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accomplish the continuing reduction of, long-term overdraft. PV Water also works to provide and ensure sufficient water supplies for present and future anticipated needs within its boundaries, generally the greater coastal Pajaro Valley. n ••• For more info: www.pvwater.org
COMMUNITY NEWS
One Retailer Cited in Alcohol/Tobacco Sting O ne employee at an Aptos alcohol and tobacco retail store was cited by the Sheriff’s Office during a sting operation after they sold alcohol and cigarettes to a minor decoy.
On the evening of March 25th, 2019 members of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance Unit attempted to purchase tobacco products and alcoholic beverages at off-sale retail establishments in Santa Cruz County using an undercover minor. The goal of this operation
was to limit minors’ access in the community to alcoholic beverages and tobacco products and to confirm that the local businesses are doing their part to prevent access. Minor decoys are under 21 years of age and are under the direct supervision of the compliance Deputies during the operation. The decoy must answer truthfully about their age and present their true identification upon request by a clerk. During this operation, the minor
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attempted to purchase tobacco products and alcoholic beverages from eleven locations throughout Santa Cruz County. The only business to sell products to a minor was Aptos Village Liquor. The clerk at this location was issued a misdemeanor citation for selling alcohol and tobacco products to a minor and can also face administrative penalties by having their alcohol and tobacco sales licenses suspended or revoked. The other businesses targeted in the sting, where cashiers turned the minor decoy away without selling any products, were: • • • • • •
Aptos Natural Foods Deluxe Foods Aptos Rite -Aid Aptos Rio Liquors & Market Aptos Safeway Aptos Safeway Fuel Store Aptos
• • • •
Seascape Foods Aptos Deer Park Wine & Spirits Aptos Pajaro Valley Chevron Inc. Watsonville El Patio Grocery Aptos
In an ongoing effort to prevent access to certain products by minors, the Alcohol and Tobacco Compliance Unit will continue to conduct periodic undercover buy operations at on and off sale establishments in the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County. n •••
For more information: http://www. scsheriff.com
New Focus ~ New Beginning
H
A Message from Lynn Hummer at Pregnant Mare Rescue
ello Friends! Our name is changing a bit, from Foundation to Project, our size is scaling back, and perhaps even our location is changing. The location piece remains to be seen. The word foundation made me feel as though this tiny organization is funded by big corporations and large endowments. But, the truth is we rely on the love, support, and interest of our community. We also feel we are more than just a horse rescue as the children have benefited so tremendously over the years from our programs. (One woman made a visit with her daughter who was a survivor of the Parkland School Shooting in Feb. of 2018. She stated in her review that this visit was VERY therapeutic for her daughter.) So, I got to thinking. It really is a project. It’s an endeavor in healing souls, both horse & human. It is a big
18 / April 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
effort to educate, and to have these equine voices be heard! Stay tuned for updates to the Brunch with our Babies Fundraiser coming in 2019. n ••• For more information: https://www. pregnantmarerescue.org
COMMUNITY NEWS
Market Match at SC Farmer’s Markets A ll Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Markets (SCCFM) accept EBT, WIC and Senior Nutrition Coupons and have for years. Over the past decade hundreds of markets have set up systems to accept these forms of currency in order to increase access to nutritious food for low-income individuals and families. EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer and is the method for distributing CalFreshbenefits, formerly known as Food Stamps and currently known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. At the markets, individuals can locate the information booth where a staff member will process EBT cards and provide tokens to purchase food at the farmers’ markets. High-quality, whole and organic foods can be a significant cost on a limited budged. We are fortunate to offer the Market Match Program at the Live Oak and Felton markets and beginning in April the Westside Market too. We hope the Westside Market inclusion will increase access to UCSC students facing food insecurities as well as residents of the Westside neighborhoods. Market Match is a statewide project sponsored by Roots of Change and implemented to address economic barriers to healthy food purchasing. The program offers farmers’ market customers with CalFresh (EBT/SNAP) cards a dollar-fordollar match up to ten dollars. For example, if a CalFresh customer swipes their EBT card for ten dollars of EBT tokens, they receive ten additional dollars in Market Match tokens at no charge. A seven-dollar swipe equals a seven-dollar match. A fifteen-dollar swipe equals a ten-
dollar match. These matching dollars can be used to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits only. The goal of this project is to increase access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for low-income residents, helping shoppers stretch their food dollars and incentivizing healthy food options. SCCFM has the highest MM distribution in the region, speaking to the strength of the local program. For the fourth year, in recognition of CalFresh Awareness Month, the Felton, Westside, Live Oak and Watsonville markets are offering a DOUBLE MATCH program during the month of MAY, or until funds are exhausted. This special offers two Market Match tokens for every EBT token up to ten dollars. Ten dollars of EBT becomes thirty dollars at these specific markets in May. EBT and Market Match transactions at the Felton and Live Oak markets nearly doubled between 2015 and 2016 (the pilot year) and increased again by 33% between 2016 and 2017. This suggests that the program has a substantial impact. Thank you to the Santa Cruz County Human Services Dept. and Second Harvest Food Bank for making it possible! n ••• For more information: http://www.santa cruzfarmersmarket.org
Business Expo And Job Fair JOIN US!
Thursday, April 25 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds ~ Food ~ Prizes ~ Free Admission ~
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(Above Deluxe Foods/CVS Pharmacy) 19 / April 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
Vote! Your Vote is Your Voice / ¡Vote! Su Voto es Su Voz
Exhibit at Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery In Memory of Bob Fitch
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Exhibit dates: April 3 – May 26, 2019 • Opening Reception: April 7, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
ote! Your Vote is Your Voice / ¡Vote! Su Voto es Su Voz is inspired by images and stories from Monterey Bay artists and activists who worked in the Southern Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and in Latinx voting rights issues in Watsonville in the 1970-80’s. Contemporary art, historical images, artifacts, educational events and films illustrate ordinary people taking courageous stands for democratic values. As you walk through the gallery you will underWe the People • Peggy Snider stand the pain
of those who have fought for our rights to vote; experience the impact of current day issues on our artists and community; and feel gratitude for our freedoms. This exhibit features selections from the Stanford Libraries Bob Fitch Photo Archives and Maria Gitin’s civil rights archives from their experience as young voting rights workers in the Deep South; displays by County of Santa Cruz Elections and City of Watsonville; and contemporary art. Artist participating in this exhibit include: Jessica Carrasco, Sandra Cherk, Kathleen Crocetti, Myra Eastman, Jane Gregorius, Lidia Hasenauer, Matt Herron, Manuel Jimenez, Margaret Kinstler, Lucien Kubo, Kathryn Mayo, Don Monkerud, Dawn Motyka, Elijah Pfotenhauer, Andrew Purchin,
Lauren Ringelman, Jaime Sánchez, Kanyon SayersRoods, Sandra Takashima Shaw, Cynthia Siegel, Peggy Snider, Ana Paula Teeple, Susan Vaughan, T. Mike Walker, Eike Waltz, and Melissa West. ••• Upcoming Events All events are free and open to the public, suitable for students and adults All venues are ADA accessible
Watsonville Film Festival
Thursday April 4, 2019 7-9 p.m. Voting Rights Films SPLC Selma: The Bridge to the Ballot PBS Willie Velasquez: Your Vote is Your Voice Thursday April 11, 2019 7-9 p.m. Councilwoman 275 Main Street, Watsonville Civic Center,
4th Floor
••• Sunday April 14, 2-3:30 p.m. Curator’s Talk with Maria Gitin plus Guided Tour Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery, 37 Sudden Street, Watsonville ••• Thursday April 18, 6-8 p.m. El Florecer De La Mujer Latina leaders discuss their history of community organizing that led to Gomez v. City of Watsonville case. Moderator: Shirley Castillo, MSW Panelists: Cruz Gomez, Shirley Flores Munoz, Naomi Quinonez, Odelia Galvan Rodriguez, Rosie Murillo, and Raquel Mariscal. 275 Main Street, Watsonville Civic Center, 4th Floor “PVAC” page 23
E xc el lenc e i n E qu e st r i an E du c at ion at
Monte Vista Christian School
HORSEMANSHIP CAMP Beautiful surroundings and comfortable cabins Friendly Staff and Well-Trained Horses Bob Fitch photography archive, © Stanford University Libraries
Week Long, Sleep Over or Day Sessions
Free Family Activities
June - August, Sunday - Saturday
Join us every 2nd Saturday of the month from 11am-3pm at the Agricultural History Project!
Western/English Show Jumping Trail Rides, Horse Show on Saturday Crafts, Swimming and Archery S’mores and Skits at the Campfire!
LESSONS • TRAINING • HORSE SHOWS 2 School Way, Watsonville, CA 95076 • (831) 206-9707
w w w. b e l m o n t t r a i n i n g . c o m
UPCOMING EVENTS AT AHP: January 12 – Pets on the Farm February 9 – Hearts & Flowers on the Farm March 9 – Spring on the Farm April 13 – Easter on the Farm May 11 – Day on the Farm ( 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM) June 8 – Wildlife on the Farm
July 13 – Safe Summer Fun on the Farm August 10 – Round up on the Farm No September 2nd Saturday Visit Yesterday’s Farm at the Santa Cruz County Fair September 11-15 October 12 – Tractor-O-Treat November 9 – Harvest on the Farm December 14 – Christmas on the Farm
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Simulator Tractor Hay Rides Tractor Driving
Puppet Show
Demonstrations
Crafts Farm Store
Farm Animals
Located at the entrance to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake, Watsonville
COMMUNITY NEWS
The Mystery of Two Sunken Ships
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By Kevin Painchaud
n Friday March 22, Scott Kathey, Regulatory/Emergency Response Coordinator, from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary received a call that two boats had sunk off the coast of Santa Cruz. Each boat was reported within 15 minutes of each other. The cause of the sinking is currently under investigation. There was no crew on either boat at the time. The first boat was a 53 foot 1959 Greenwood cruiser. It was anchored in 60 feet of water, approximately 1 nautical mile east of Point Soquel. A salvage company inspected the 53-foot cabin cruiser to see if it had fuel on board. No fuel was found, so it was decided that it would be towed to Moss Landing. While in route, the boat began to fall apart near the cement ship in Aptos. They then decided to anchor it there until it could be removed. The Trimaran was found barely afloat drifting 7 nautical miles south west of Point Santa Cruz. It was badly weathered and was barely able to float. Over the weekend, it was decided that both boats would be towed to shore in Aptos and dismantled on Tuesday. Both ships had been inspected by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to make sure that there was no harmful materials or fuel that could cause damage to the bay. The Trimaran was the first to be towed in and dismantled followed by the 53-foot
ORTHODONTICS NANCY M. LEUNG, D.D.S., M.S.
Specialist in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
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Initial Exam Complimentary Aptos Office 9515 Soquel Drive, Ste: 103 Aptos, CA 95003 831-685-2800 Conveniently located next to Aptos Junior High
cruiser. By Wednesday afternoon, the Trimaran was completely taken apart and put in a dumpster. The 53-foot cruiser had its engines removed and as of his reporting, was having excess fluids drained to allow the vessel to be towed further into the beach to be dismantled. n ••• These incidents have been referred to enforcement authorities for investigation. No further information will be released until those investigations have concluded.
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Also in Watsonville 56 Penny Lane, Ste: B Watsonville, CA 95076 831-722-5022
www.SmileCrewOrtho.com
BUSINESS PROFILE
Curves Aptos
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By Erin Kelly-Allshouse
he concept of 30-minutes of fitness designed for women, with strength training and help losing unwanted pounds has been successful for 25+ years. It was in 1992 when founders Gary & Diane Heavin opened their first Curves in Harlingen, TX. They began to develop plans for franchising the concept, with the first Curves franchise opening in 1995. In just one year of existence, Curves already had 50 franchise locations. Curves was appealing right away to the busy working woman with a specialization in strength training, cardio and stretching for a 30-minute workout. Then in 2012 Curves expanded its services to include the Curves Complete Program, which is a customizable meal plan for members. Backed by extensive research, Curves Complete has been shown to reduce fat, increase lean muscle, boost metabolism and help dieters lose weight and maintain weight their loss. Currently, Curves has more than 3,000 Curves studios in the United States alone. You can virtually walk in, and jump on any machine in the circuit and work every major muscle group in 30 minutes. With Curves being the leading chain of fitness
centers for women all over the world, Curves in Aptos is helping women achieve new levels of fitness. Women of all ages are doing circuit training, push-ups, planks and burpees. Curves of Aptos is located at 7000 Soquel Drive, near Mar Vista Elementary School, a convenient location for a busy mom with just 30 minutes for exercise. While the Curves in Aptos remains true to form in terms of its franchise look and feel, it has something that other locations don’t, Annette Hunt and her staff. Annette Hunt, 47, took over the Aptos Franchise in 2018, and found the Curves franchise to be the perfect fit for her own passion and lifestyle to help women. To become the new owner of Curves of Aptos, Hunt tapped into her personal resources and creative financing with seller Janna Malizia, who owned the franchise since 2002. Curves franchisees are provided with a club development support program specifically designed to aid franchisees through every step of their business and ensure success. In addition to being a dedicated fitness professional and franchise owner, Hunt is also the owner of Skov Winery in Scotts Valley. Originally from Denmark, Hunt was raised from the age of six in Santa Cruz where she graduated from Harbor High, was a competitive swimmer and more recently, a Jazzercise aerobic instructor. She studied at UC Davis and started on her career path soon after as a nutrition and dietetics counselor. She has no plans to give up the winery, which produces 1,000 cases, a year and open for tastings from noon to 5 p.m. every Saturday. However you will find Hunt at Curves six days a week, Monday through Saturday. “My main focus, as well as my staff, is to work with our members both on and off the circuit, giving them the one-on-one coaching as much as possible,” said Hunt. “Our goal is to empower our members by correcting their form, compelling them to work harder as well as celebrating their success. For members who suffer from body injury (mainly knees and shoulder injury) they receive assistance with modifications on the machines to help strengthen their muscles and help prevent further injury. “As we know, getting into shape is good for the body, mind as soul but it is also vital as we age to sustain our longevity
with cardiovascular health and bone density,” Hunt said. We make the strength training workout comfortable for all women, primarily those who don’t feel at ease at your standard gym.” Hunt also teaches many of the classes throughout the day. “For our members that are enrolled in the Curves Complete program, which is our weight loss and dietary regime, I work with them on a weekly basis, providing feedback and support,” Hunt said. “My staff and I also work consistently with our members in regards to modifications on the circuit as we have many members who are returning from a history of body pain, recovery from injuries or surgeries.” Curves is a facility specially designed for empowering women through exercise, education and nutritional eating. The program, originally designed around circuit training, utilizes hydraulic resistance equipment to achieve noticeable results. The strength-training regimen is combined with cardiovascular training for a full body workout. Today Curves is the leader in women’s fitness. From the beginning, Curves was designed to be different than any fitness club or gym. For 25 years, they have been helping women transform their lives and we will continue this mission with exciting, effective programs that help its members. “Curves really is a remarkable workout regime as it is a complete full body work which is fun, fast and safe,” Hunt said. One of our members recently said that she loved coming to Curves as she didn’t have to ‘think about it’, she simply came in, worked as hard as possible on the machines, stretched then went about her day. There’s no rep counting, no figuring out which machine to use or how to use it. We work one on one with all of our new members so once they are trained on the circuit they can come in whenever
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they want and they will feel comfortable coming in for their Curves workout.” The Aptos Curves reached “Elite” status in 2012, a distinction awarded by Curves International only to clubs that maintain the highest level of quality, service and attention to all their members. n ••• For more information: Curves Aptos, 7000 Soquel Drive Ste. 1& 2 Phone: 831-688-2348 Facebook: www. facebook.com/CurvesAptos
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Happy Customers = Loyal Customers
And loyal customers return again and again …
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he question is how do we first turn our customers into happy customers, and then get them to be loyal customers? The key is in understanding this is a 2-phase process which requires us to know our customers as much as possible, and that they understand how we value them for who they are, thankful for them visiting our business and buying from us. Whether you sell online or in a physical store — or both, knowing details about your customer is the first part of making them happy. A customer is a relationship - and to use a dating analogy — on your first date you don’t know that much about the other person, so you ask questions. You ask questions to get to know them, what do they like or not like. So getting to know what your customer likes or dislikes is extremely important. And we cannot make assumptions. Just because they smiled and bought a service or item from you doesn’t mean they’re going to be happy when they get home to use or wear their item. If they leave with a smile, whether that’s from your website, restaurant or storefront, how do you know they’re smiling beyond that postpurchase moment? Studies show if someone has a good experience with your business, they’ll tell on average 4-6 people. If someone has a negative experience with your business they’ll tell 12-16 people! It’s critical to know how each customer feels after they’ve bought and left your business. That’s why establishing a connection -- a relationship with each customer is so
By Ron Kustek
vitally important. And to keep with the dating analogy, just because the other person smiled after your date doesn’t necessarily mean they had a good time (sorry). But unlike dating, we can survey our customers directly, we can thank them for their review and/or we can interact with them on social platforms once they’ve shared pictures of their purchase. This is all part of what is known as “Customer Relationship Management”. Emailing customers: Collecting customer emails is still a very important marketing and communications tool for your business. You can have customers opt-in to your email list from your website, or you can collect their email or text info from an intake form or quick survey given to them during their purchase. You’ll need to collect customer emails and commit to using email for thank you messages as well as emailing newsletters that provide helpful, relevant and valuable information each time you email your customers in the future. Review thanking: This is also a muchneeded step in developing your relationship with each customer, especially those that post reviews. If they spent the time and effort posting a review, either positive or negative, you will need to put forth an even greater effort to thank them for their review or offer assistance in resolving any issue they’ve posted. Social platforms: Similar to reviews, if your customer has been especially happy with their purchase, they will likely
“PVAC” from page 20 ••• Thursday April 25, 6-8 p.m. This Bright Light of Ours Stories from the Voting Rights Fight Maria Gitin will share historic images and stories from grassroots workers in the nonviolent army that risked their lives for voting rights. 275 Main Street, Watsonville Civic Center, 4th Floor
be sharing that experience with their friends on twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook depending on which platforms they favor (which you’ll know from the customer survey you’ve done). Being able to know when and how you’re being talked about is extremely important, as you can engage publicly with your customer — both current and future - because all will be seeing how you gratefully respond. And remember, being conversational and thankful is the best approach, resisting the urge to be self-promoting. There are companies that can make parts of this process much easier with the help of their software tools. You may be using SQUARE for your credit card processing, and they offer a suite of helpful customer management tools so you know when each customer last made a purchase, what they bought,
••• Saturday May 18th 2-4 p.m. Landmark Voting Rights Victory Gomez v. Watsonville Moderator: Samuel Torres Jr., former Santa Cruz County Counsel Panelists: Paule Cruz Takash, Anthropologist and Watsonville Chronicler Daniel Dodge, MALDEF paralegal on Gomez v. Watsonville, and former Mayor Karina Cervantez, former Mayor and UCSC Doctoral Candidate
how much they spent and how loyal they are. Another company is FiveStar, which uses a customer’s phone number each time they ‘sign in’ to your business, so you are able to track their purchase history. This allows you to communicate with customers to develop their loyalty by offering return customer discounts and more, all via text messages instead of email. Customer loyalty happens over time, and develops with multiple contacts and experiences between business and customer. When you begin viewing customers as the most important asset of your business, you’ll be on your way to better understanding how to keep them satisfied and returning today, tomorrow and into the future. n ••• Ron Kustek is a business instructor at Cabrillo College.
275 Main Street, Watsonville Civic Center, 4th Floor ••• Exhibit Design by: Judy Stabile, Carol Walberg and Joshua Moreno Cultural & Exhibit Advisor: Ana VenturaPhares and Samuel Torres Jr. This project was made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more info visit www.calhum.org
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Mending Our Ways Motyka Dawn
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Local Water Impacts from State Legislation
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his month I want to share with you some interesting State legislative news related to water:
SB 332: Local Water Reliability Act (Introduced 2019) id you know that statewide, about 400 billion gallons of treated effluent water thrown away every year? That’s 1.1 billion gallons a day! Just imagine if more communities developed programs and projects to recycle water for irrigation or for purification – statewide we’d dramatically increase water resiliency and security. State Senate Bill (SB) 332 was introduced in the legislature in February by Senator Hertzberg and Senator Wiener and is aimed at increasing beneficial reuse of water and reducing the amount of treated effluent discharged into the ocean each year. SB 332 would require wastewater treatment facilities to cut the annual volume
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By Melanie Mow Schumacher
of treated wastewater discharged into the ocean by 50% by 2030, and 95% by 2040. Locally, the Pure Water Soquel Project (Project) could help our region take steps to achieve reduction goals, such as those in SB332. The Project will take about 25% of the treated wastewater from the Santa Cruz Wastewater Treatment Facility, which is otherwise pumped out into the ocean, and purify it for replenishing the Mid-County groundwater supply and creating a seawater intrusion barrier. This will increase our local water supply, protect our groundwater supply from seawater contamination, and benefit the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary by reducing the amount of treated water pumped into the ocean. Throughout the State, the water that is currently being used as ‘single-use’ and
discarded out to the ocean could be used for many purposes including: landscape and agricultural irrigation, surface water augmentation, and groundwater recharge. SB 332 represents a fundamental rethinking of the State’s water policy with a view toward sustainability for the long term. Others in California, most notably Orange County, have been purifying already treated wastewater for groundwater and other uses, and many more (like in Monterey, San Diego, and Silicon Valley) are on that path, just like Soquel Creek Water District. In fact, Orange County Water District has been recycling and purifying water since 1975! SB 332 is expected to get its first committee hearing in the coming months. ••• AB401 The Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Act (Passed 2015) econdly, a question that often comes up is whether there are special rates for the District’s low-income customers. The short answer is no – but the good news is that there is a statewide low-income rate assistance (LIRA) program in the works which would help low income customers with their water bills. In fact, California is the first state to legally recognize the basic need for water— that every human being has the right to safe, clean, affordable, and
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accessible water adequate for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes. It’s important to understand that under current State regulations, it’s not legal for the District to offer a lower rate to some customers that is subsidized by other ratepayers. Our only source of revenue is from ratepayers, so any special lower rates would be, by definition, subsidized in that way. The Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Act established through Assembly Bill 401 (Dodd, 2015), is intended to provide a statewide W-LIRA program to support low-income customers and help assure affordability of adequate drinking water in their homes. Once the program is in place, the District will make sure our customers know that this program is available. The State W-LIRA program would provide assistance to customers whose household income is 200% or less of the Federal poverty level. For a family of four, that would mean an annual income of about $50,000 or less to qualify. In the time since AB 401 was passed, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has been gathering input and comment, and drafting reports and plans. It’s anticipated that the SWRCB will submit a final report to the Legislature this year, which would then set the stage for program implementation. “Impact” page 25
FEATURED COLUMNIST
A View From The Bleachers By Lawrence Tartaglino
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irst, let me explain. This has nothing to do with sports, either as a spectator or as a participant. On second thought, it has all to do with sport: the sport of life. As I sat on a bench overlooking the beach the other day, it dawned on me. There, before my eyes were young children playing in the sand or in the surf. There were teenagers trying desperately, but not quite sure how to impress other teenagers, especially those of the opposite sex. There were young parents on a day off or on holiday, watching over their children and engaging in important conversations about politics, the economy, or life in general. As my eyes wandered closer to where I sat, I saw two other groups. There were people my age. At one time I would have considered them old. Today, they are mature, wise, and mostly retired. Some of them walked, some ran, and some even swam, surfed, or played volleyball. Many sat on benches in the sun. The final group consisted of the oldsters. They walked with canes, sat in wheelchairs, or just sat; no longer interested in or up to a brisk walk or run on the beach. What does this have to do with bleachers? Everything. You see, the people at the beach represented those in a sports stadium. There are ball boys and girls, bat boys and girls, and towel boys and girls. These kids don’t have a big impact on the game or its outcome, but they’re there and they have dreams and aspirations. Then there are the coaches and the players on the field. These are the movers and shakers. They directly influence the outcome of the game. They run the game. They are usually highly paid, and many of them become role models for the rest of us. Finally, there are the spectators. Some of them are courtside, ringside, or in private boxes. Their cheers, heckles, and commentary often can be heard on the field. Sometimes, they even affect play on the field. Others are in the grandstands or the bleachers. Those
“Impact” from page 24 ••• The District will continue to monitor this progress of the development of SB322 and the implementation of AB401 and will provide an update in a future column. n
in the bleachers have a wide-angle, though sometimes distant view of the game. Their cheers and comments are not heard as clearly as those from courtside or ringside. Their presence, although influential to some degree, has less of an impact then those closer to or on the field. Oftentimes, because of their wide-angle overview, they have a better perception of what is going on. That is why coaches put spotters in boxes high above the field, looking for the strengths and weaknesses of each of the teams and its players. So, this, I think, represents the stages of life for many of us. We go from kids with dreams and aspirations to players with influence over our own lives and the lives of others. From there we move to retirement, where our impact gradually lessens, when others can’t, or don’t want to hear us. There is something positive about being in the bleachers, however. As retirees in the bleachers, we have lifetimes of experiences and perceptions. We see life from a perspective that is foreign to many younger folks. I like to think that our values change too. Some things that were so important to a younger me, are now replaced by issues that I never dreamt would be on my mind. The bravado of youth is replaced by a quiet appreciation of life, nature, and the arts. It is easier to appreciate the simpler things of life, and to truly be thankful for my position in life. So, what I offer is a new, broader, simpler view of life. From where I sit today, I have an entirely new set of questions and answers. Questions such as which is the stronger sex, both in youth and in old age? Who wields more power, a young boy with a slingshot, or a little girl with a smile and a head cocked up to her daddy? Why do butterflies start out as not so attractive caterpillars, while many people start out as beautiful children and young adults, only to deteriorate with old age? Why do many strive for wealth and material possessions,
••• As always, if you have any questions about this month’s topic or anything else related to Soquel Creek Water District, feel free to contact Melanie Mow Schumacher at melanies@ soquelcreekwater.org or 831-475-8501 x153 and visit www.soquelcreekwater.org
while becoming miserable and unhappy in the process? What is happiness? I have opinions on these and many, many other questions. These ideas have come from life experiences and reflections as I walk up the aisle toward my seat in the bleachers. Some of what I write may make you angry. Some of what I write may make you scratch your head in confusion. Most of what I write, I hope, will make you laugh. n
••• Lawrence Tartaglino received his Bachelor’s and MBA degrees from San Jose State University. Since retiring, he has enjoyed developing talks and speaking on subjects including business, maritime history, and his Italian heritage. He has traveled with Princess and Oceania Cruise Lines as an Enrichment Speaker. For more info: L_Tartaglino@hotmail.com
Europe 101
ACROSS
1. Wise man 5. Recipe amt. 8. *Overseas flyer’s fatigue 11. Like traditional storytelling 12. Jasmine or university in Houston 13. In an unfriendly manner 15. Log splitter 16. Dashing style 17. Best of the crop 18. *European Union capital 20. Charged particles 21. *Like Pigalle or De Wallen?
22. Genetic stuff 23. Jewish village 26. Between a walk and a trot 30. Formula One ride 31. Even though 34. Itty-bitty bit 35. Full of pep 37. *Artifact from Ancient Greece, e.g. 38. Stir fry 39. Eye part 40. *Eurosceptic’s decision 42. Salon product 43. Ernst to Young 45. Those who chronicle 47. #20 Across, sing. 48. The City of a Thousand Minarets 50. Chip and Joanna Gaines’ hometown
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52. *High speed carrier 55. Tibetan priests 56. Small cave 57. Seed coat 59. Skirt shape 60. Theories 61. Human parasites 62. *Like many European structures 63. *Black or Ligurian, e.g. 64. Japanese vodka 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
DOWN
Soccer _____ Oman man Wild ox of India Treat badly *Like many roofs in old Spain 6. Like reptile’s skin 7. Montblanc and such
8. Right to a property 9. “Sad to say...” 10. Fitness venue 12. Bring to consignment store 13. Cake layer 14. *Part of former Yugoslavia 19. Caterpillar hairs 22. i topper 23. *Bluebill duck in Europe 24. Middle Eastern sesame treat 25. Judge, e.g. 26. Put a hex on 27. * Paris’ Moulin _____ 28. Weasel’s aquatic cousin 29. Chinese weight units 32. Dog nemesis
33. Before, archaic 36. *_____ City, the smallest country 38. Astrologer’s concern, pl. 40. * London’s Big _____ 41. Stupid ones 44. Pirate’s necklace 46. Bottom lines 48. Witch’s spell 49. Something in the air 50. *Cold War divide 51. In the middle of 52. Knight’s breastplate 53. *La Scala sound 54. *American tour guide 55. Pathet _____ 58. “Fantasy Island” prop © Statepoint Media
Answers on 31 »
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Your April Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc.
Antibiotic Use Revisited
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
How long has it been since the potential for new romance presented itself? Love is in the air early in April, leaving you in high spirits, if not a little more introspective than usual. You find yourself in a compromising mood mid-monthIf your friend, roommate, co-worker, partner, parent, or someone else wants to argue, suggest a harmonious way that you can both get what you want. Late in the month you feel some anxiety surrounding a deadline or overdue project. You might not reach your goals now despite your best efforts. Stay focused and shut out distractions as much as possible. You can do this.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
You feel a desire to unravel mysteries as the month begins. This is the perfect time to decipher clues or use your advanced detecting skills to tackle an escape room. You are surrounded by optimism mid-month, leaving you with few bad choices to make. You might be more insistent than usual, too, as you feel compelled to take control of work situations, or conversation with friends. Just remember that you can get your point peacefully. You find yourself questioning all your hard work as April comes to a close. Don’t give up, even when things don’t turn out as planned. The answers might be slow in coming, but they’ll come.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The beginning of the month is a time to find healthy ways to let out some of your powerful impulses. Taking up an extreme sport is a good way to get rid of some of the stress you’ve been feeling. Get physical! You are ready to put yourself forward mid-April, but do you always have to have the last word?! Conversations should be an exchange of information, not a one-way lecture. Later in the month you find yourself thinking about your budget. This feels like a perfect time to work on longterm goals. Look for slow-growing but steady investments now.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)
The beginning of April is an excellent time to get responsibilities out of the way. You aren’t into setting long-term goals now, but if there’s something in front of you that needs to be finished, you’re on it. Your mind is open to the possibilities mid-month, and you might have some very exciting travel options. Even though you’re still only in the planning stages, this could be a very exciting journey. As easy as completing projects were at the beginning of the month is how hard it seems as the month comes to a close. Your worst habit now is starting things and not finishing them. If you need help, feel free to delegate.
Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)
You feel very talkative early in the month, giving excellent speeches, presentations, and lectures. Your word choice is concise yet meaningful. It’s also a good time to catch up on blogs or social media posts. Listening isn’t your strength right now, and that problem rears it’s head mid-month, even when you’re the one talking. When you have plenty to say but not a lot of time to say it, it can result in rapid speech that’s hard to understand. Slow down. Let your mouth catch up to your mind. Late in April, you may be struggling to gather the resources to finish a task. This isn’t the time to be hard on yourself. Ask for the help you need.
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)
The beginning of the month brings a sense of urgency AND lethargy. If you can just dig in and avoid procrastinating, you’ll find yourself getting a lot done! The sense of balance flowing through you mid-April can help your current relationship, something you’ve probably not realized you needed for quite some time. The potential for a romantic relationship or business partnership is higher now than ever before. Take the next step, whatever you mutually decide that will be. The end of the month brings more desire to slack off somewhat, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a little break. If that’s your choice, you’ll have to deal with the consequences if it interferes with your job.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
April begins with you filled to the brim with energy. You get things done at record speed, but some of the details you’re known for being on top of could get lost in the shuffle. If there’s a way to stay focused and finish on time, you’ll find it. You have a reason to reconsider a lot of things you’ve done recently mid-month, and you might wonder if destiny played a role in recent events. You have plenty of time to dial back your output as the month comes to a close. You like to be in control, but what happens when you step aside and give the reins to someone else?
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
You’re in a spontaneous mood as the month begins. You’re much more likely to act first and deal with the potential consequences later. It’s better to regret something you did than something you didn’t do, right? Mid-month fills you with warm, friendly energy. Your self-confidence is at an all-time high, making it easy for you to feel at ease in any type of situation (and around all types of people). Later in April you are focused on your relationships, so you should be able to feel at ease with new partnerships as well as old ones. You’re a peacemaker at heart, and you’ll do what it takes to make sure everyone gets along.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
Use clear thinking and good judgment to your advantage as the month begins. There are few situations that don’t benefit from your increased concentration and focus. Challenges build up as you moved towards mid-April, but you should be ready for them if you’ve done the necessary work. You don’t often let people see you struggle, and this time is no exception. The atmosphere turns pleasant later in the month. You love luxury now and surround yourself with the best of the best. If cost is no option, you’re in for some very indulgent treats. Maybe working every minute of the day isn’t necessary to reach your lofty goals.
Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)
Positive energy flows as April begins, improving your mental abilities and increasing intuition. It’s amazing what you pick up on while you’re in a good mood. Your conversations are quick and to the point mid-month. Let other people use flowery words, your main objective is to get to the point right now. Late in the month your responsibilities fill your thoughts. It seems like a perfect time to throw down some solid long-term plans, but it also adds limits on what you’re able to accomplish, especially at work. Distractions like your phone and other electronics are the main culprits when you’re trying to focus.
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)
Things are rough early in the month. This may be a good time to take a break and leave your normal life behind a few days … or longer if you can. Opportunity seems to come for you mid-March, but it’s not going to catch you and drag you along. You have to be ready for it, reach out and grab hold. Late in the month romance is on your mind. Are you with someone that treats you well and gives you what you need? Respects and adores you? If not, maybe it’s time to consider what’s best for you.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Unconventional love is in the air as March begins. Keeping your independence, whether in a relationship or not, is important to your feelings. You’ll find a way to make whatever comes your way succeed. You find yourself motivated to accomplish short-term goals mid-month. No time to waist, lots to get done and you’re ready to do it. You find your attention to detail focusing as the month comes to a close. You can’t stop thinking about your interests, so you might as well work on your projects until you’re done.
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I
n a previous article, Antibiotic Use Tips, published in the January 15, 2019 edition, I failed to capture the details of the topic. I apologize. Let me review two critical matters regarding antibiotic use. Antibiotic Resistance s I had mentioned in the previous article, pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and foodborne diseases are major infections not easily treated with antibiotics. I need to add that inappropriate dosing, non-compliance by the patient including not completing drug regimens, treating viral infections with antibiotics, and other factors contribute to the development of resistant bacteria. Sharing antibiotics amongst family and friends in treating various infections also contribute to the development of resistant bacteria. For those of you who stop taking your antibiotic after a few days because you feel better and do not complete the required days of therapy as prescribed by your healthcare provider, you may be contributing to the development of resistant bacteria. When you feel better with antibiotic therapy after a few days of treatment, you enter what is termed a “subclinical” phase of recovery. During this period, your symptoms, whether it be a hacking cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, chest congestion, or whatever, are minimized. However, the invading bacteria are still present, just not in the higher numbers when initiating treatment. So, stopping antibiotic therapy during the “subclinical” phase allows the bacteria to regroup and return, in some cases, with a vengeance! Superinfection he risk for superinfections is higher when using broad-spectrum antibiotics, as compared to narrow-spectrum antibiotics that only fight a smaller number of bad bacteria. Some examples of broad-spectrum antibiotics include amoxicillin, Augmentin, imipenem (and others), piperacillintazobactam (generic Zosyn), ciprofloxacin (generic Cipro and others), gentamicin, and tetracycline. Longer durations of antibiotic treatment may lower defense cell counts (immunosuppression) and the resultant poor health status of the patient increases the risk of developing a superinfection. As the name implies it is much more difficult to treat a superinfection. The intestinal infection, known as
Ron Conte, Pharm.D.
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Clostridium difficile (C. diff.), is a good example of a superinfection that develops with use of almost any broad- spectrum antibiotic over time or with repeated use. The risk of developing a superinfection increases when other drugs are ingested with antibiotics, especially drugs that modify intestinal acidity, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Prilosec, Protonix, and Prevacid are examples of PPIs. Some of these agents do not require a prescription (over-the-counter). Patients may take these overthe-counter products along with a broad-spectrum antibiotic and develop a superinfection within a few weeks of treatment. Other risk factors that may contribute to developing a superinfection include: • New exposure to antibiotics, usually multiple antibiotics, risk doubles after 3-7days of antibiotic therapy • Those older than 65 years with declining numbers of white blood cells and greater number of medical conditions, examples: diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, etc. • A serum albumin level less than 2.5 gm/dl • Immunosupression—a profound decrease in the blood’s defense cells • A stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) or a protracted hospital stay of 16-30+ days • Severity of underlying disease There are antibiotic combinations to treat a superinfection, but the rate of recurrence is high. Be safe, be wise. Only take an antibiotic as prescribed and as scheduled for the total number of days prescribed. Do not share your antibiotic with others. Although they may have the same symptoms, they may not have the same bacterial infection. More than likely, it is a viral infection. n ••• For more information: rrxconte@gmail. com
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Natural Gas Leak? Get to Safety and Call 911
T
he crews of the Aptos-La Selva Fire District respond semi regularly to natural gas emergencies. In many cases, the 911 caller reports smelling natural gas outside the home or, worse yet, the caller detects natural gas inside the structure. Both of these scenarios represent an emergency situation in which calling 911 are the appropriate first action to take. Fire personnel, along with the professionals at PG&E, are trained to handle and mitigate life-threatening issues that are presented during a natural gas leak. When you call 911 to report a gas leak inside your home or place of business, we’ll send two fire engines along with PG&E to begin taking measures to keep you, your family, and your neighbor’s safe. It’s important to understand what natural gas is and how it behaves. Natural gas is composed of a mixture of methane, ethane, and other chemicals and is distributed within a pressurized transmission system that spans the entire state of California. The distribution lines that supply your home are generally smaller in diameter and operate at lower pressures (up to 60psi). The larger transmission lines operate at up to 1,100 psi and, when broken or compromised, will create a distinct roaring noise that sounds like a jet engine. A broken smaller distribution line will make a hissing noise. Both represent emergencies that warrant an immediate call to 911. When natural gas is released into the atmosphere it is important to remember that it’s slightly lighter than air and has a tendency to rise. Because of this, natural gas is likely to disperse up and away and travels with the direction of prevailing winds if the leak is outside a structure. Natural gas leaking within a structure poses a much more serious problem due to the fact that it will gather in high areas or unventilated areas within the building. Once natural gas reaches the right mixture within ambient air, an explosion and ensuing fire can occur. Natural gas will also displace oxygen and can cause asphyxiation. These are exactly the issues that Firefighters and PG&E are working to avoid when
By Ryan Peters, Fire Captain, Aptos/La Selva Fire
responding to the report of gas inside a structure. Each year in the US, there are explosions related to natural gas leaks within homes and commercial buildings. On several occasions, citizens and first responders arriving on scene have been injured or killed by explosions that occurred suddenly without warning. Gas explosions have the potential to completely level a full size residence while damaging surrounding homes as well. Recall the San Bruno pipeline explosion that took place on September 9th, 2010 in which 8 people died and nearly 40 homes were completely destroyed. Our crews take natural gas emergencies very seriously, and we’re asking that you do the same. While there are hazards associated with natural gas, the gas by itself is stable, colorless, and odorless with natural gas being very safe and efficient to use. Mercaptan is an odorant added to natural gas so we can detect it in the event of a leak. experiencing these types of symptoms at This is the rotten egg smell you may be the same time, consider Carbon Monoxide poisoning and a natural gas source as a familiar with. We rely on natural gas for many every potential cause. Call 911 and make sure day comforts and conveniences such as everyone gets outside to safety and fresh cooking and heating and many times take air. Carbon Monoxide detectors are useful natural gas for granted when we turn on our stove to boil water. That nice blue flame in providing early notification to occupants you see coming from your gas appliances to call 911 and vacate their homes or work is telling you that the mixture of gas to air places in the event of a natural gas emeris just right in terms of how efficient your gency. Please make sure you have smoke and Carbon Monappliance is utilizing oxide detectors in gas. When natural gas is released service wherever you Complete cominto the atmosphere it is live or work. bustion of natural important to remember that it’s So, what are gas will create carbon slightly lighter than air and has some of the things dioxide. Natural gas you and your family a tendency to rise. Because of powered appliances can do to help keep that are working inefthis, natural gas is likely to diseveryone safe during ficiently can create perse up and away and travels a gas leak? First, in carbon monoxide with the direction of prevailing the event you believe which is a result of winds if the leak is outside a there’s a gas leak incomplete comstructure. within your home, bustion of natural gas. make sure everyone Symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning include head- (including your next door neighbors) evacaches, nausea, dizziness, lethargy, flu-like uates to safety then immediately call 911. Make sure to specify to 911 whether symptoms, and respiratory difficulty. If you, your friends, family, or co- or not you believe the gas leak is inside or workers are all together and notice you’re outside the structure. Also, in the event of 27 / April 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
an active gas leak, AVOID using or creating the following ignition sources: Vehicles, motors, power tools, radios, cell phones, doorbells, light switches, flashlights, automatic timers (exterior lights), static electricity, motion detectors, garage door openers, and walking on door mats or synthetic turf. These are sources that can provide an ignition source to a natural gas mixture in its explosive range. Please be safe, evacuate the structure, and move at least 350 feet away in all directions. Fire crews arriving on scene with PG&E and law enforcement will work with you to help everyone maintain a safe distance until the issue is mitigated. While natural gas is normally safe as long as it’s contained, it does pose a very real threat in the event of an uncontrolled leak. Please don’t hesitate to call us out so our crews can make sure everyone is safe to go home. Have a wonderful and safe spring season! n ••• If you would like more information about utility and natural gas safety, or have general questions about community and public safety, please visit us at www.aptosfire.com or call 831-685-6690.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONGOING EVENTS
Sunday April 14 11TH ANNUAL FASHION SHOW! 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. It’s High Time for tea and fashion! Dust off your hats and sun dresses and enjoy an afternoon with your best friends at the beautiful Seascape Beach Resort. Shop & sip at the hottest trunk show of the year! Enjoy the fashion show featuring all the latest spring trends from local stores. Local vendors, local fashionfor the locals, joins us! For Details Call: 831-688-1467. Limited Vendors, Stores & Model Spots Available – Call us Today!
Wednesday May 22 30TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 1-7 p.m., Seascape Golf Club Golfers dust off those clubs, business owners enjoy a day team building, vendors enjoy a business day out on the green. The day includes entertainment on the course, networking with other business professionals in the area, lunch, snacks, drinks, prizes, and ends with an award ceremony dinner. Come promote your business on the course! We hope to see you there! Cost: $150
ANNOUNCEMENTS SHOWTIME FOR LOCAL ARTIST Through February, Showtime Pizza, 7960 Soquel Drive, Aptos Local Artist Becky Olvera Schultz is showing her Native American-inspired clay/mixed-media art exhibit now at Showtime Pizza in Aptos. The exhibit will remain on display until the end of February. An award-winning artist, her work has been in galleries across American and featured in international magazines like Cowboys & Indians, Native Peoples and Wild West Magazine. For more information visit www.native-expressions.com JEWEL THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS: RED VELVET Ongoing thru Feb 17, Colligan Theatre 1010 River Street, SC This stirring drama transports audiences to the turbulent backstage world of London’s Theatre Royal in the early 1800s. Edmund Kean, the greatest actor of his generation, has taken ill and can’t go on tonight as Othello, leaving his company in disarray. A young American actor named Ira Aldridge arrives to step into the role, but no black man has ever played Othello on the English stage. His groundbreaking performance upends stage tradition and changes the lives of everyone involved. Lolita Chakrabarti’s multi-award-winning play uncovers the fascinating true story of a pivotal figure in theatre history. By Lolita Chakrabarti and directed by Bob Rumsby. For showtimes and other information, visit jeweltheatre.net or call 831-425-7506
Daily SANTA CRUZ ‘USED’ BOOKSHOP 10 am- 3 pm 2710 Chanticleer Ave. Santa Cruz Grey Bears: Every Monday and Friday is $10-a-bag book sale. Fill up a shopping bag with books for only $10! Thousands of titles for $1.50 or less: cookbooks, gardening, sci-fi, mysteries, classics and all sorts of fiction and nonfiction. Non-profit Grey Bears has served our community for 45 years. Grey Bears provides recycling services and accepts books and other donations for our thrift stores. Proceeds benefit our Brown Bag Program, distributing nutritious food to 3,900 seniors every week. Weekdays CASA ORIENTATIONS TO BECOME ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN CASA empowers volunteers to directly influence life-changing decisions affecting children in foster care. Court appointed special advocates are everyday people that, with just a few hours a week can have a lifetime of impact for a child who has been abused or neglected. More info www.casaofsantacruz.org or call (831) 7612956 XT.102 Mondays CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP 12-1 p.m., PAMF, 2850 Commercial Crossing, SC Katz Cancer Center, PAMF and Hospice of Santa Cruz County invite you to attend a Caregiver Support Group for those caring for someone with a serious illness. When a loved one is seriously ill, it can be a challenge for the entire family. In this ongoing support group, we will share stories, learn tools for coping and receive support from people who care. Contact Hospice of Santa Cruz County Grief Support Program. (831) 430-3078 Second and Fourth Mondays SANTA CRUZ CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Alzheimer’s Association, 550 Water Street, Ste. L2, Santa Cruz If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, a caregiver support group can offer you an opportunity to find out more about available community resources, learn from others who are going through similar experiences, and obtain additional educational materials. Open to family members, no fee. For more information about this and other support groups in the area, please call 800.272.3900 Mondays & Tuesdays WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM 12:30 - 2 p.m. WomenCARE ARM-in-ARM support group for women with advanced, recurrent and metastatic cancers. Meets weekly Mondays & Tuesdays, with a separate meeting every First and Third Tuesday every month. Registration required. Call 457-2273 for more information and to register. No cost to attend. www.womencaresantacruz.org
Mondays & Wednesdays ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE MONTEREY Alzheimer’s Association has free support groups for SYMPHONY The Monterey Symphony is seeking volunteers. If you love family caregivers at 1777-A Capitola road. 2nd & 4th Mondays 2-3:30pm facilitated by Jill music and want to be involved, please call (831) 646-8511 or visit www.montereysymphony.org for more information. Ginghofer,
1st & 3rd Wednesdays 5:30-7pm facilitated by Francie Newfield & Kathleen McBurney. Call 800 272 3900 for more information.
human trafficking survivors, and to listen or share experiences. Childcare provided on site. Spanish – Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Servicios Monarca, 233 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville (831) 722-4532 Tuesdays English – Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Monarch OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING 7 - 8 pm, Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo, 10707 Soquel Dr., Aptos Services, 1590 Seabright Avenue, SC (831) 425Do you have a problem with compulsive over- or under- 4030 For more information, visit www.monarchscc.org eating? Anorexia? Bulimia? Compulsive exercising? You are not alone. Drop into a free, friendly OA 12-Step Tuesdays & Thursdays meeting with the solution. All are welcome! For information on other meetings in Santa Cruz County: www. FREE PILATES CLASSES AT TEMPLE BETH EL santacruzoa.org/meetings 10 a.m., Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd., Aptos Please join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am in WRITING/DISCUSSION MEETING the social hall at Temple Beth El in Aptos (3055 Porter 6:30-7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo Room, Gulch Rd) for a lively and challenging 60 minute Pilates 10707 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 (At Hwy One and Strength Class. The classes are free and everybody is Freedom Blvd) welcome. Donation are welcome. Do you have a problem with food? Please check out our For more information https://www.tbeaptos.org free, friendly 12-Step support group with the solution. All teens and adults welcome! Wednesdays For current times and locations of other meetings: www. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP SANTA CRUZ santacruzoa.org/meetings. Or call our Hotline at (831) 1st & 3rd Wednesdays: 5:30-7 p.m. 429-7906. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays: 2-3:30 p.m. Alzheimer’s Association, 550 Water Street, Ste L2, Santa Cruz, BINGO CA 95060 6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. If you have a family member who has been BINGO EVERY TUESDAY. Buy-in begins at $21. The diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related Snack Bar is open with goodies and dinner specials. dementia, a caregiver support group can offer you BUSINESS DEBTORS ANONYMOUS an opportunity to find out more about available com5:15-6:30pm, Calvary Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 532 munity resources, learn from others who are going Center Street, Santa Cruz. through similar experiences, and obtain additional We specifically focus on recovering from debting on educational materials. one’s business. Our evening Santa Cruz caregiver support group meets For more information: 831-425-3272. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, and our afternoon Santa Cruz caregiver support group meets Tuesdays & Wednesdays on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. No fee. SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUPS Open to family members. Monarch Services offers a safe space to meet other For more information about this and other support groups in survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and the area, please call 800.272.3900
BAY SHORE LYRIC OPERA PRESENTS AÏDA BY GIUSEPPE VERDE Saturday April 20 • Sunday April 28 Opera in 4 Acts • Sung in Italian with English supertitle Saturday: 7:30 p.m. / Sunday: 3 p.m., Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz Set in ancient Egypt, Aïda is the most grandiose setting of any of Giuseppe Verdi’s operas, but also the backdrop of an intensely intimate drama. A paradox? On the contrary, it offers a highly fertile duality. Aïda is in fact a series of personal tragedies, developing in an impressive decorum, consisting in rituals and pompous processions. Under the skies of ancient Egypt, Verdi reaches a new level of maturity and depth in his relentless quest for human truths, giving the tumultuous relations of Aïda, Radames and Amonasro touches of true sincerity. In this marvelous setting the melodic balm of Verdi’s music is as fascinating as ever. For more information: bslopera.com
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR beginning at 9:00 am. We play doubles and mixed doubles, mostly at an intermediate level, and switch around the players every 45 minutes. Balls are provided. $2 for first time visitors.
ONGOING EVENTS CONT. Second Wednesdays SANTA CRUZ SONS IN RETIREMENT MONTHLY MEETING Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St. This statewide group of retired men invites you to be our guest at our monthly luncheon. You’ll meet kindred spirits, have a fine lunch and learn something new from a top notch guest speaker. Cost: $18. RSVP at 479-7096 Second and Fourth Wednesdays WELLNESS ON THE CANCER JOURNEY 11-12:30 pm, Old Soquel Plaza Learn how to safely support your body and emotions through the journey of Cancer — from diagnosis to softening the impact of chemo, radiation, and recovering well from surgery. We’ll address nausea, low energy, weakness, digestion, immune support, grief, stress and more. Feel free to bring your partner or care team to this free class. Please come fed; water is available. Limited Seats. Please register all attendees on Eventbrite — Wellness on the Cancer Journey or call 831-254-3270 to RSVP. Address given upon registration receipt. ADHD SUPPORT GROUP 6:30-8 p.m., Aptos Fire Station, 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Branch of CHADD hosts monthly support group meetings for anyone who would like to learn more about ADHD or has questions or concerns. Come share with those who understand. Second Wednesdays’ meeting is for parents of children, teens, and young adults with ADHD. The group for adults with ADHD, spouses, partners of someone with ADHD meets fourth Wednesdays of every month. Judy Brenis: jbbrenis@comcast.net, or call 831-818-9619. Last Wednesdays Each Month SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 7-9 p.m., Katz Cancer Resource Center, 3150 Mission Dr Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group has been an active group for over 20 years in the community. First meeting of 2018 will be February 28th. Thursdays FRIENDSHIP PUT TO MUSIC! 6:30 p.m., New Hall, La Selva Beach Club House, 3124 Estrella Ave. Classes every Thursday night. For more information call Sue Harris or Don Benson (831) 726-7053 or email at caller4u@att.net LUCKY STEPPERS MODERN SQUARE DANCE 6:30 pm, La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach, CA 95076 It’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; family friendly. Class takes place every Thursday Night at our new home in La Selva Beach! (Take Mar Monte off of Hwy 1, turns into Playa Blvd., turn right on Estrella) For more information, contact Sue Harris or Don Benson at (831) 726-7053 or e-mail at caller4u@att.net.
Second Saturdays Each Month 2ND SATURDAY ON THE FARM 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Ag History Project Center at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Join us every 2nd Saturday on the Farm for free family activities. Each month we select a new theme to highlight historical agriculture with games, activities, and demonstrations that relate. We often have guest appearances from farm animals like llamas, draft horses, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, and more! You are sure to find something fun and entertaining for the whole family. Check our website and Facebook page for more details. FREE
LACY J DALTON MUSICAL FUNDRAISER Thursday April 14 12 Noon, Bret Hart Hall, Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton Mark your calendars for a Lacy J Dalton musical fundraiser to benefit the Rotary Clubs of San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley. The event features live music by the Sada Springs Jug Band starting at noon, with no-host food trucks and a bar. The main show with Lacy J. will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets at lacyjdalton.brownpapertickets.com Second and Fourth Thursdays CABRILLO HOST LIONS CLUB MEETINGS 6:30 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road. Want to make a difference in our community? Join the Cabrillo Lions Club twice every month and see what you can do to help in Santa Cruz County. Please RSVP cabrillolions@gmail.com Last Thursdays each month MONTHLY ARGENTINE TANGO AT STAR BENE ITALIAN/ARGENTINE RESTARANTE 4:30pm-9:30pm, Star Bene Italian/Argentene Restarante, 21245 East Cliff Dr. This 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. Fridays NAR-ANON SCOTTS VALLEY 6:30 p.m., Camp Recovery Center (Bison Center Room), 3192 Glen Canyon Road, Scotts Valley. Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar problems, talk about how they cope and find recovery. To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please go to our website at www.nar-anon.org.
First Fridays each month FIRST FRIDAY ART TOUR The 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.) FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Peace United Church of Christ at 900 High Street, Santa Cruz Curious about Shakespeare? The Friday Shakespeare Club members discuss the life, times, and influence of William Shakespeare. For information, call 831-684-2832, or go to fridayshakespeare.org or facebook.com/fridayshakespeare. FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB OF SANTA CRUZ 10 am - noon, Peace United Church, 909 High Street This is the oldest women’s club in Santa Cruz. The club meets to study the life, works and times of William Shakespeare. Members share group readings and insights, discuss history, and universal themes found in his plays and writings. For more information please call 831-684-2832 Saturdays PILLS ANONYMOUS (PA) 8 a.m., Sutter Hospital, 2025 Soquel Ave The purpose of PA is to provide a safe, secure, and supportive place for people who are addicted to pills who want to get off of them. PA is offered all over the world. For questions, please contact Gary at (831)801-9578 or Kristin at (831)345-6515
DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT 12-1 pm, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, two locations: 940 Disc Dr., SV • 85 Nielson St., Watsonville SAN LORENZO COMMUNITY BAND PRACTICE Hospice of Santa Cruz County is offering a drop-in grief support SESSIONS group for adults grieving the death of a family member or a 7:30-9 p.m., San Lorenzo Valley High School Band Room (F-1) friend. This group is a place where you can share stories, learn SANTA CRUZ TENNIS CLUB The San Lorenzo Valley Community Band meets every tools for coping, and receive support from people who care. 9 a.m., Soquel High School Tennis Courts Thursday at SLV High School. Dues are $30 a semester. For more information, please call (831) 430-3000. PreThe nonprofit Santa Cruz Tennis Club meets every You must read music. registration is required. Saturday morning at the Soquel High School courts Call Teresa at 336-8637. 29 / April 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Sundays NAR-ANON SANTA CRUZ 6:30 p.m., Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (Sutter Room), 2900 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar problems, talk about how they cope and find recovery. To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please go to our website at www.nar-anon.org. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BIBLE STUDY 9:45 a.m: Bible Study 11 a.m.: Worship 7565 Sunset Way, Aptos First Baptist Church of Aptos welcomes you to join their bible study and worship every Sunday. Call (831) 688-5842 for more info First Sunday of Every Month SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB EVENT 5 p.m., various member homes throughout county Love to cook, entertain and socialize? Our dinner club events will be held in several homes throughout Santa Cruz County where members enjoy gourmet meals, fine wine and conversation. Joining the club provides a great opportunity to cook, to entertain, and to meet locals that share your interests. Learn more about the SC Dinner Club and the fun we have by contacting Rhonda Mills at info@SantaCruzDinnerClub.com Third Sunday of Every Month SCIENCE SUNDAY Starts at 1 p.m., 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 95060 Seymour Marine Discovery Center presents a public lecture from a marine scientist the third Sunday of every month. Topics are presented in an entertaining and easy-to-understand format, with up-to-date photos, video, and discussion. Science Sunday does not meet in December. For more info visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
DATED EVENTS Thursday April 25 TOP GUN JOB FAIR & BUSINESS EXPO 4-7 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Are you looking to connect with great customers and fabulous new employees? JOIN US! Presented by the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture n
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Update on District Flood Control Projects By Zach Friend
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he recent rains provide a reminder about the many drainage issues and flood control needs throughout the county. Two of the highest profile in the mid and south county areas are the Rio Del Mar drainage project and the Pajaro River flood control project. Here is a brief update on both of these projects. ••• Pajaro River Flood Control very year we have concerns about the Pajaro River and the stability of the levee system. The Pajaro River has one of the lowest levels of flood protection of any federally funded project in the United States and has been providing inadequate protection to Watsonville, the Town of Pajaro and the surrounding communities for decades. Many residents have been rightfully frustrated by a lack of urgency from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and federal funding partners. But recent advocacy efforts have led to significant progress, and we believe has put us closer to making a new levee project a reality than we have been since it was constructed. Led by a strong team in the flood control district (consisting of county and city staff), we’ve moved toward an imminent date of completing the feasibility stage — which would lead us to a design and construction phase. Completing the feasibility stage for the new levee project is, unequivocally, the largest step forward in making this project a reality in decades. In order to keep the project moving forward we’ve hosted a delegation from Washington, DC Army Corps Headquarters, including Major General Jackson and other senior officials, right here in the Pajaro Valley to show winter storm damage and emphasize our needs. Weekly calls and meetings are held with San Francisco regional Corps district staff from the Army Corps as well as our federal elected representatives. We’ve been to Washington, D.C. and Sacramento to meet with appropriations staff, technical staff and our regional elected officials to advocate for this project and just
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received the support of the National Association of Counties - meaning that they will be advocating on our behalf in DC. The work has been paying off. In addition to moving closer to the conclusion of the feasibility phase, the U.S. Army Corps has a completed storm damage repairs incurred in the major storms from two years ago, the flood control district has increased funding for tree maintenance and environmental restoration work (to improve water flow during high water events and also work on restoration of the natural habitat) and more. This is all on top of the significant bench excavation work, which prevented significant flooding in the major storms of two years ago and repair work that has been done in areas along the river and tributaries during the last few winters. More needs to be done. But the developments over the last two years have been significant and we are hopeful it will get us into the next phase (and closer to construction). ••• Rio Del Mar Drainage nyone that lives in the Rio Del Mar flats area (or has driven there in the winter) knows that large sections can flood and even become impassible. The County has taken the lead on a new drainage project that is estimated to cost just under $5 million. The proposal will install drainage improvements consisting of new and replacement underground storm drains, installation of a new pump station and relocate stormwater outfall to a new location to
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alleviate flooding and also improve the water quality that runs off. At this point, design and permitting are complete and the County is looking for funding through FEMA and other federal agencies. The County has completed two grant applications and two notices of intent for other grants. One complete application has been forwarded to FEMA, the other is being reviewed by the State Office of Emergency Services for eligibility and will then be forwarded to FEMA. The notices of intent are a preliminary step before application for grants. If the County is successful with these grants there is a local match requirement of 25 percent (or about $1.2 million). These matching funds could possible come from the State or could also come from Zone 6 (the stormwater/flood control/drainage district that exists in Rio Del Mar, Seacliff and Seascape). However, Zone 6 currently doesn’t have revenue coming in so it would require a new assessment for drainage improvements. The County held a community meeting on these issues with the Seacliff Improvement Association and the Rio Del Mar Improvement Association to discuss Zone 6 options and nothing is currently planned regarding Zone 6 funding. We will continue to pursue grant resources from the State and Federal agencies to fund this needed project. n ••• As always, I appreciate hearing your feedback. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me at (831) 454-2200.
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What Bulbs Do After They Bloom
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An Easter Rabbit
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amellia (ID#A254208) came to the shelter from a breeding situation that grew out of control. The Shelter accepted four rabbits from one of our placement partners that initially took in a large number of rabbits from this situation. Camellia is a very friendly rabbit that likes to explore and play in her “cottontail cottage”. Volunteers report that she loves her treats and comes to the front of her keel when she hears the bag being opened. She is on the smaller side with a soft, white coat and ruby red eyes. Come meet beautiful Camellia today! Camellia is a white, silky spayed female rabbit. To adopt your new friend, visit one of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter locations, or their website at www.scanimalshelter.org. n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has two full-service, open-admission shelters: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Watsonville Location: 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12-1) Closed on Sunday SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182
Europe 101 © Statepoint Media
By Tony Tomeo
arcissus, daffodil, freesia, snowdrop, snowflake, grape hyacinth, various iris and most other early spring blooming bulbs and bulb like plants should be perennials. We plant them with the hope that the will survive after bloom to bloom for another season, and perhaps for many seasons. Some should multiply to provide more bloom over the years. Bloom is just part of their annual cycle. Lily, crocus, hyacinth, tulip, anemone Spring bulbs will be and ranunculus are finishing soon. not nearly as likely to bloom more than one year for a variety of reasons. Some prefer more chill in winter. Some dislike the long and dry summers. Some survive as perennials, but do not bloom again. However, in some special situations, they also can bloom annually. After spring bulbs, there will be a different set of summer bulbs. So, what happens after bloom? After exhausting much of their stored resources on production of bloom and foliage, bulbs try to recover and regenerate resources for the following season. Most work to replace their exhausted bulbs with comparable new bulbs. They need foliage to do this, but eventually shed their foliage as their new bulbs go dormant for the following autumn and winter. Of course, they all do this at different rates. Some smaller bulbs are surprisingly efficient, and shed their foliage as soon as the weather gets warm later in spring. It is amazing that they can store up so much in such a minimal time. Other bulbs shed slowly, as their deteriorating foliage lingers for a few weeks into summer. Foliage of summer bulbs that bloom later is likely to linger until frost. Because it is essential to the regenerative process, deteriorating foliage can not be cut back prematurely. It is not always easy to hide either. In mixed plantings, it might be obscured by ground cover or other plants. Alternatively, warm season annuals can be planted over the area. Some of us braid daffodil leaves, but others believe that braids draw attention to the deteriorating foliage.
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Those of us who still dig and store and perhaps chill marginal bulbs, must wait for complete dormancy. ••• Highlight: Ranunculus heir little tufts of tuberous roots that were buried late last year were not much to look at. They were more like bits of dried and shriveled sea anemone than something that would grow and bloom with fluffy anemone like flowers. Ranunculus does not bloom as prolifically as related anemones, but they do so with different colors and bulkier flowers that seem crowded with too many thin petals. Ranunculus like what so many flowering annuals like. They want rich soil, regular watering, full sun exposure, and perhaps a bit of fertilizer. They start blooming early in spring, and can continue blooming with multiple flowers a bit longer than other early spring bulbs that bloom only once. They finish bloom as the weather gets warm, and their handsome parsley like foliage starts to yellow. Ranunculus are probably best mixed with other perennials and annuals that will compensate for them as they go dormant later in spring. They can alternatively be grown in a cutting garden just for cut flowers. Mature plants are less than a foot tall and wide, even if the flowers stand slightly taller. The full and symmetrical flowers can be various hues of white, pink, red, orange, yellow or purple. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.
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Ranunculus bloom while spring is cool.
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