Aptos Times: November 1, 2019 by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

Family Owned For Over 28 Years • Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom & Watsonville

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

November 1 2019 • Vol 28 No. 21

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

EL POLLERO

MEXICAN RESTAURANT Serving Now

Fresh Roasted Expresso Coffee Drive-Thru • Order Now • 831.724-1711 108 Main St, Watsonville (Corner of Main & River Dr)

True Leaf Farms Takes Top Prize

In a roomful of elected officials and non-profit agencies from all corners of Santa Cruz County, Second Harvest Food Bank revealed their choice for their 2019 Food Industry Donor of the Year: True Leaf Farms, based in San Juan Bautista, California. Full Story page 5

Drive For Schools A Success

2019 Fundraiser Pulls In $690,740 for County Schools

rive for Schools, the largest school fundraiser in Santa Cruz County, raised $690,740 for local schools this year. Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Subaru of Santa Cruz and Toyota of Santa Cruz, Drive for Schools has raised over $6.8 million for Santa Cruz County schools since the program started in 2005.

St Francis High in Watsonville raised the most money of any school this year, bringing in $30,300. Valencia Elementary School raised $29,542 and Watsonville Charter School of the Arts raised $25,677. More than 70 county schools participated. The winner of this year’s Grand Prize drawing was Jim Downey of Santa Cruz. ... continued on page 4

Townhouse in Aptos — what a kitchen! 2 BED / 2+ BATH •

365VILLAGECREEK.COM

JIM E. CHARLTON FURLONG

BRE BRE#01897214 #01897214

831.212.9648

R E A L T O R

Bailey Properties

BRENT GARVEY PAINTING Quality Isn’t Expensive... It’s Priceless

• ALL WORK GUARANTEED • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL • WORKERS COMP & LIABILITY

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS License #681095

831.688.6913 | www.brentgarveypainting.com

Inc.

2 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

No. 21

Volume 28

Table of Contents

Cover Drive For Schools A Success: 2019 Fundraiser Pulls In $690,740 for County Schools 4 5

Community News O’Neill’s is Coming to Aptos!, By Lori Landino True Leaf Farms Takes Top Prize: Second Harvest Food Bank Names Food Industry Donor of the Year NAMI SC County’s Speaker Meeting California Dept. of Public Health Warns Residents to Pay Attention to Air Quality • Senior Fraud and Elder Abuse Training Aromas Hills Artisans Holiday Fair 2019 • U.S. Census Seeks Workers • La Selva Beach Holiday Fair • Emergency Sanitation work on Cliff Drive • Coffee, Tea and Mystery • Alzheimer Support Group Meetings PG&E Announces Credit for Oct. 9 Shutdown Paving the Way To The New Capitola Library • 2019 Nutcracker Ballet at Cabrillo Crocker Theater • December 20-22 Candidate Filing for County Judges • ‘Our Community Reads’ Selects 2020 Winning Book! Plan to make a difference in 2020 Twenty-six years of Making a Difference!: Aptos Adopt-A-Family Provides For Families In Times of Hardship Director Returns to Monarch Services: Laura Segura is Back after YearLong Breast Cancer Battle CASA Welcomes New Board Members and Staff Seussical Jr.: The Power of Imagination SqCWD Recieves Federal Assistance: Granted $49M Low-Interest Loan To Support Pure Water Soquel Project SHFB Countywide Food Distribution • Watsonville High Drama Puts a Twist on ‘The Outsiders’ Enroll in CodeRED: Receive Emergency Alerts on Your Mobile Device • Fall in Love with Seasonal Outdoor Décor Vaping-Related Illness On The Rise: New Public Education Campaign Targets Deadly Outbreak • Animal Shelter Housing Kincade Fire Pets Gratitude through Giving, By Raymond Cancino

Letter to the Editor Seeing Both Sides

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 24

Local Sports 12 Aptos High School Scoreboard

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Your November Horoscope Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists 20 Celebrating Water Purification Across the Bay, By Melanie Mow Schumacher and Rebecca Rubin, Soquel Creek Water District 25 Why Are You In Business?, By Ron Kustek 26 Squash For Autumn And Winter, By Tony Tomeo 30 Preparing for Winter Rains and Other Natural Disasters, By Supervisor Zach Friend

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31– Maya: Living the Rabbit Life

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

MIKE + TARA O’BOY Real Estate Refined Since 1996

164 Pleasant Valley Road 80+ Acre Equestrian Ranch Aptos

4 BR | 5.5 BA | 6,919 SF Listed at $11,995,000

423 Belle Monti Court Aptos

3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,288 SF Listed at $1,249,000

130 Thunderbird Court Aptos

3 BR | 3 BA | 2,447 SF Listed at $1,195,000

PENDING! 491 Potter Road Aptos

5 BR | 3 BA | 5,001 SF $1,895,000

PENDING! 210 Appleton Drive Aptos

2 BR | 1 BA | 1,135 SF $995,000

GO WITH THE O’S 831.332.3951 | 831.332.3956 PROPERTY DETAILS AT:

www.oboyrealestate.com DRE# 01225575 & 01901172

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 3

COMMUNITY NEWS Patrice Edwards Lori Landino

publisher editor

contributing writers Camisa Composti, Lori Landino, Raymond Cancino, Melanie Mow Schumacher, Rebecca Rubin, Ron Kustek, Tony Tomeo, Zach Friend layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Ryan Wilson advertising sales Don Beaumont, Teri Huckobey, Ryan Wilson, Mark Pezzini office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, James Hudson

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 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

O’Neill’s is Coming to Aptos!

By Lori Landino

’Neill Surf Shop is opening a new store in Aptos Village. They signed a lease to take over space vacated by Bay Federal Credit Union at the corner of Soquel and Trout Gulch, across from the new development. The plan is to open in the spring of 2020. “We’re very excited about this

location and happy to join the assortment of cool retail and restaurants in Aptos Village,” said Beverly Lindberg, General Manager of the O’Neill Retail Division. “The area is a perfect fit for O’Neill Surf Shop as it has a great local community, lots of surf enthusiasts, and many visitors to the surrounding beaches and nature

areas. We will be carrying O’Neill Wetsuits, of course, as well as an assortment of surfboards, apparel, and accessories.” Jack O’Neill, founder of the O’Neill brand, invented the world’s first wetsuit in the 1950s. In 1952 he opened his first surf shop in San Francisco. “O’Neill’s” page 9

COVER STORY “Drive for Schools” from page 1 Jim purchased 6 tickets from Branciforte Middle School. Given the choice of a new Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Prius or $25,000 cash, Jim chose the cash. A retired painting contractor, Jim plans to take a vacation to celebrate his 40th Anniversary. In addition to the Grand Prize, other ticket holders won valuable prizes donated by local businesses, including ten $1,000 cash prizes, a $1,000 gift certificate from Dell Williams Jewelers; overnight stays

at Santa Cruz Dream Inn, Carmel Valley Ranch and Coastanoa; Tickets to a Golden State Warriors game, plus dozens of other valuable gift certificates for dining, sailing, and merchandise. Drive for Schools runs for 5 weeks every fall. Toyota of Santa Cruz, Subaru of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk share the cost of the car and cash prizes as well as donate staff time to organize and run the fundraiser. Hundreds of school volunteers coordinate their school’s ticket sales. Dozens of local businesses donate valuable

Campus Tour November 19, 9:30 am

• • • •

CAIS & WASC accredited Nonsectarian Independent, nonprofit school 375-acre campus among a redwood forest and hilltop meadows • Bus transportation 408-847-2717 | MountMadonnaSchool.org | 491 Summit Road, Mount Madonna, CA 95076

4 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

prizes for the event. Tickets and posters are printed by Mission Printers. Each participating school keeps all of the money they raise, with no overhead costs. Local schools report using the money raised for valuable art, music, science, and sports programs, classroom reading aids and computers. n ••• A complete list of all prizes and winners can be found at https://beachboardwalk.com/ drive-for-schools. Cover Photo: Grand Prize Winner Jim Downey of Santa Cruz

COMMUNITY NEWS

True Leaf Farms Takes Top Prize

Second Harvest Food Bank Names Food Industry Donor of the Year

n a roomful of elected officials and nonprofit agencies from all corners of Santa Cruz County, Second Harvest Food Bank revealed their choice for their 2019 Food Industry Donor of the Year: True Leaf Farms, based in San Juan Bautista, California. The ceremony served as the lunch event for the Food Bank’s 14th annual Nutrition Summit on October 21st at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos. Cesar Yee and Humberto Garcia of True Leaf Farms accepted the award as Second Harvest’s Food Donor of the Year and received recognition from elected officials. They thanked the food bank for the recognition and said they didn’t realize “how popular” they would be at the event. Garcia explained that True Leaf values quality produce and the ability of Second Harvest to quickly turn around donated product to the community. True Leaf Farms moved to the Salinas Valley 10 years ago and since 2017 has donated 320,000 pounds of fresh produce, much of it organic, to Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. The combined farming programs of the Gill and Church families are a year-round source of fresh sustainably grown produce from the Salinas Valley and other regions around the state. Wanting to donate shelf-stable produce beyond what was already going to market, New Leaf Farms began partnering with Second Harvest. With the ability to accept produce and distribute it through a countywide network of partners, Second Harvest can turn around the donated product quickly for distribution to families in Santa Cruz County who are then able to enjoy the fresh produce such as lettuce, celery, arugula, onions, and broccoli donated by True Leaf. Their company philosophy is to help the community in multiple ways by making sure that people have access to healthy produce and by reducing food waste going to the landfill. Their company values of integrity,

passion to be the best, humility and collaboration are exemplified by their frequent produce donations to Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County and the Salinas Valley communities. Brendan Miele, Deputy Director of Second Harvest, introduced True Leaf Farms. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s office sent a Certificate of Recognition while those in attendance to present Proclamations were Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend, City of Watsonville Councilmember Rebecca Garcia, Scotts Valley Major Jack Dilles, Senator Bill Monning’s Representative Rachel Bickert, Assembly-member Robert Rivas’s representative Kayla Klauer, Assembly-member Mark Stone’s representative Laura Wishart, City of Capitola Councilmember Ed Bottorff, Jimmy Panetta’s representative Joshua Sellers, and Santa Cruz City Mayor Martine Watkins, who went a step further and proclaimed the day as the official True Leaf Farms Day. The event was Second Harvest’s 14th annual Nutrition Summit and focused on Reducing Stigma and Redefining Food Insecurity offering Second Harvest’s 100 local partner agencies the opportunity to strengthen their networks and share ideas about how to reduce the stigma attached to receiving food assistance. Attendees had a chance to participate in a group share of ideas and attend a range of workshops. n ••• To learn more about Second Harvest Food Bank and its partner agencies and food industry donors, please visit www.thefoodbank.org.

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

SPECIALIZING IN

FALL SPECIAL

Residential Repaints & If we paint your interior and/or Custom Homes exterior by November 30, 2019 Homeowners Associations we will buy the paint. Property Managers

Seawater Intrusion? How can you care if you’re unaware? Michael Hushaw District Customer

ORTHODONTICS NANCY M. LEUNG, D.D.S., M.S.

Specialist in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics

Now Accepting New Patients!

Initial Exam Complimentary Aptos Office

9515 Soquel Drive, Ste: 103 Aptos, CA 95003 831-685-2800 Conveniently located next to Aptos Junior High

Also in Watsonville 56 Penny Lane, Ste: B Watsonville, CA 95076 831-722-5022

www.SmileCrewOrtho.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 5

COMMUNITY NEWS AP TOS

SMOOTHIES · TOASTS · JUICES · AÇAÍ BOWLS · GREENOA™ BOWLS · CLEANSES

100 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003 | @cleanjuiceaptos

The 5th Annual Aptos Grange Holiday Craft Fair November 9th 12:00 - 4:00 pm 2555 Mar Vista Dr., Aptos Get a jump start on your holiday gifts and shop local! Raﬄe Prizes! Free admission and parking! Delicious, Homemade food for sale to beneﬁt the Aptos Grange. 6 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

NAMI SC County’s Speaker Meeting N AMI Santa Cruz County is proud to present Dr. Thomas Insel, newly appointed advisor to Governor Newsom on mental health in California, on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 7pm (6:30 meet and greet). The event will be held at Peace United Church 900 High Street, Santa Cruz. Admission is free. Dr. Insel will cover California challenges and changes in the area of mental health. He also wants to understand the concerns of our community and will create opportunities to gather input. Since May of 2019, he has been a special advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom and Chair of the Board of the Steinberg Institute in Sacramento, California. From 2002-2015, Dr. Insel served as Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) committed to the research of mental disorders. Prior to serving as NIMH Director, Dr. lnsel, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, was Professor of Psychiatry at Emory University where he was founding director of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience in Atlanta. From 2015 - 2017, he led the Mental Health Team at Verily (formerly Google

Dr. Thomas Insel Life Sciences). Dr. Insel is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has received numerous national and international awards including honorary degrees in the U.S. and Europe. n ••• For information call 831 824-0406 or go to NAMI Santa Cruz County’s website: https:// www.namiscc.org/speaker-meetings.html

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Seeing Both Sides s the mother whose son who has suffered from a serious mental illness for 30 years and as a person who treasures the quiet neighborhood where we live, I can see both sides of the issue featured in THE TIMES October 15 “Debate stirs around Second Story.” We all see the effects of untreated mental illness on our streets, swelling courtrooms and our jail population. It is not pretty to look at this overwhelming problem that affects us all. We certainly do not want it anywhere near our safe homes. However, describing Second Story as a “Mental Health Facility in a residential neighborhood” is misleading. Second Story is a house, no offices or treatment rooms. It has six guest beds. It is a HOME and small supportive community. Second Story is Peer run. There is no Hospital Staff. Peers

are in a unique position to help each other in ways clinicians cannot. Second Story is a RESPITE house, which means people come for short stays to avoid a crisis and be in a supportive, family like setting. Second Story wants to be good neighbors. They want to make the neighborhood safer and better. Santa Cruz has such serious problems with mental illness and the mentally ill homeless. There is a woeful shortage of mental health beds and treatment options. This peer run service is helping keep people off the streets, out of jail or hospital, saving money and saving lives. I wish there was a safe forum where both sides could express their concerns and the facts could be discussed with good will. They might come to appreciate and value each other. — Elena Broslovsky NAMIscc Volunteer, Aptos, CA

COMMUNITY NEWS

California Dept. of Public Health Warns Residents to Pay Attention to Air Quality W ith a growing number of wildfires in both Northern and Southern California, the air quality in many parts of the state may be unhealthy. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is providing additional information, tools and resources on its website so individuals can check on the air quality in their town or city and have a better understanding on the impact it can have on their health. “Air quality may be changing in a number of our communities, even those far away from the fires,” said State Public Health Officer and CDPH Director Dr. Sonia Angell. “It’s important that you have the information you need to stay safe: children, women who are pregnant and older adults, and people with existing lung and heart conditions may be particularly sensitive to changes in air quality.” On CDPH’s website, visitors can view current air quality conditions by simply entering their zip code. Residents should monitor children and check-in on others who may be more

susceptible to the health impacts of wildfire smoke. Seek immediate medical care if someone is experiencing chest pain, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. The following tips can help

Senior Fraud and Elder Abuse Training

upervisor Zach Friend and District Attorney Jeff Rosell are hosting a small training on preventing senior fraud and elder abuse. Aptos has one of the highest rates of senior fraud in the county and this training, featuring experts from the District Attorney’s Office, will teach you how to keep yourself safe from these types crimes. The free training will be small (up to 20 people) so we can be sure all of your questions are answered. There will be a presentation then Q and A. It will be hosted at the new Aptos Public Safety Center (in Aptos Village) on Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. If there is a lot of interest, then another session will be scheduled in the future.

Registration is required. For more details and to register visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCCounty ElderAbuse. n ••• Any other questions? Feel free to contact Supervisor Friend’s office at 454-2200.

Californians reduce smoke inhalation during wildfires: • Stay Indoors: Stay inside with the

doors and windows closed to reduce exposure to smoky air. If you have power, run an air conditioner if you have one. If the air conditioner has a recirculate option, use it. Smoke levels can change during the course of a day, so try to stay indoors during smokier times. • Reduce Activity: Reduce physical activity to reduce inhalation of smoky air. During exercise, people can increase their air intake as much as 20 times from their resting level. • Be Prepared: Monitor wildfire activity in your area and be prepared to evacuate if advised. As part of emergency preparedness make sure that all prescribed medications are filled, and this includes if you have prescribed inhalers. n ••• For information on air quality in your area and how to protect your health during wildfires, please visit the CDPH website. www.cdph.ca.gov

Plenty of Free Customer Parking

Wilder Associates Inc.

Yoga Within

Property Management Specialists

Exploring the Mind-Body Connection

662-0291

687-0818

Kumon Math & Reading Center

Joy of Movement Pilates & Gyrotonic®

Learning for the Long Run

More Zest for Life

345-8377

Warmboard Radiant Subfloor

688-8077

Epicenter Cycling

Simply Smarter Radiant Heat

Trek Bicycles for All Types of Riders

685-9275

662-8100

Village Liquors

Dentistry for Animals

688-5691

768-7148

For All Your Beverage Needs

Dr. Judy Force, DVM

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Aromas Hills Artisans Holiday Fair 2019 A romas Hills Artisans are preparing for this year’s annual Art Festival held in the Aromas Grange Saturday and Sunday, November 16th and 17th. The organizers have developed a winning mixture of Christmas spirit and homemade everything, topped off with good food and music. Imagine twenty-something arts and crafts booths, music by Jesse Martinez and free workshops taught by AHA members— all under one roof. When you’ve seen all

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

U.S. Census Seeks Workers he U.S Census Bureau is hiring! The week of Oct. 21 represents the launch of the U.S. Census Bureau’s nationwide recruiting efforts. Residents interested in working for the U.S. Census can earn up to $22 per hour while helping make sure their community is counted during the 2020 Census. Everyone counts! As mandated by the U.S. Constitution, America gets one chance each decade to count its population. An accurate count is important and increases community access to $675 billion in federal funding, including for roads, schools, emergency services and more. Census data also helps decide Congressional boundaries and representation. Hundreds of Census workers are needed, primarily enumerators who will assist residents in filling out the Census. Competitive pay and flexible hours available. Eligibility criteria includes being a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old, having a valid Social Security number and e-mail address, and completing an application

there is to see, pull up a chair and relax with a bowl of soup or chili beans, dessert and a hot or cold drink. Aromas is not your typical town and the artists who live there are exceptional. Every year the Aromas Hills Artisans come together with their creative artwork, paintings, carvings, pottery, jewelry, cards, glass, succulents, photographs, Ukrainian painted eggs, fabric arts and local authors with their new releases. They fill the Aromas Community Grange with their wares, along with homemade soup, chili and baked goods. The beautifully renovated building adds even more charm to the warm and friendly atmosphere. You will probably want to participate in one or more of the free classes taught by AHA members. Learn how to make something wonderful and then take it home

and assessment. Background checks and access to a vehicle are also required. For more details and to apply, visit 2020census.gov/jobs. ••• La Selva Beach Holiday Fair 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach ver 60 unique art & craft vendors sell handcrafted goods. Bake sale and prize raffle benefit La Selva Beach Library. Ate3One and Rogue Pye Food Trucks provide yummy treats. Free admission! More info: BooksandBrewsLSB@gmail.com Sponsors: La Selva Beach Improvement Association and Friends of the La Selva Library. ••• Emergency Sanitation work on Cliff Drive he Santa Cruz County Sanitation District, has announced that Cliff Drive in Aptos, will be subject to traffic delays with potential lane closures between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., from November 04, 2019 through November 22, 2019, weather permitting. These delays and lane closures are

8 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

with you. Meet the artists, ask questions and purchase items for your Christmas list — or buy something wonderful for yourself. Raffle tickets may be purchased right up until the drawing Sunday, November 17, at 2:00 pm. Don’t miss out on a chance to win a beautiful piece of artwork! Proceeds from the raffle go to support the Aromas Hills Artisan’s Guild, which is a non-profit philanthropic organization that promotes art education through community art events and workshops. The AHA organization also provides scholarships to members, enabling them to attend classes to further develop their artistic abilities.

Recently the AHAs instigated and coordinated the painting of the new Fish Mural — 75 lovely steelhead swimming across the bridge toward Aromas. So follow the fish across the bridge and enjoy this years wonderful Holiday Art Festival! They look forward to seeing you at the grange located at 400 Rose Ave. in Aromas. n ••• For more info: http://aromashillsartisans.com

necessary for sanitary sewer improvements. The Santa Cruz County Sanitation District would like the motoring public to be prepared for delays during these times. Questions may be directed to Chad Hamann at (831) 454-2822. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org/ ••• Coffee, Tea and Mystery he Aptos History Museum presents “The Giant Killer,” the true story of a six foot nine inch, 280pound serial killer that terrified Santa Cruz County in the early 1970s. Retired Judge William Kelsay was Assistant District Attorney at that time Edmund Kemper and retired Police Chief Mickey Aluffi was a Sheriff ‘s Detective. They were involved in the apprehension and trial of Edmund Kemper and they will be sharing their stories. Please join us at the Rio Sands Hotel community room on Saturday, November 9th from 2:30 until 4:00 pm. Reservations only please as space is limited, 688-1467. $25 general admission, $20 museum members. Donation benefits the Aptos History Museum. For more information: john@aptos chamber.com (831) 688-1467

••• Alzheimer Support Group Meetings anta Cruz Alzheimer’s Association offers peer-or professionally led groups for caregivers, individuals living with Alzheimer’s and others dealing with the disease. All support groups are facilitated by trained individuals. Many locations offer specialized groups for children, individuals with younger-onset and earlystage Alzheimer’s, adult caregivers and others with specific needs. There are four Wednesday meetings each month. Meetings on the first and third Wednesdays take place in the evenings from 5:30-7 p.m. and are co-facilitated by Francie Newfield and Kathleen McBurney. Meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays are in the afternoon from 2-3:30 p.m. and are facilitated by Jill Ginghofer. The Santa Cruz Alzheimer’s Association is located at 550 Water St., L-2, in Santa Cruz. For more information, call the helpline at 800272-3900 or visit alz.org/norcal. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

PG&E Announces Credit for Oct. 9 Shutdown

n a statement released on October 29, PG&E Corporation CEO and President Bill Johnson announced the company’s intent to make a one-time bill credit for customers impacted by the Oct. 9 Public Safety Power Shutoff event. “We recognize the hardship caused by Public Safety Power Shutoffs in general and how those hardships were exacerbated by our website and call center communications issues related to the Oct. 9 PSPS event that impacted 738,000 customers,” he said in a press release. “We are constantly working to execute these safety shutoffs more effectively while prioritizing public safety. It’s important to remember that the sole purpose of these power shutoffs is to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire in the communities that we serve.” The statement continued: “We understand that power shutoffs are more than an inconvenience for our customers and we did not live up to their expectations when it came to communicating about this event. We have carefully considered the Governor’s request to provide reimbursement for our customers impacted by the Oct. 9 PSPS and we have agreed to move forward with a one-time bill credit for customers impacted by that event. “This is not an industry standard practice, nor approved as part of a tariff,

“O’Neill’s” from page 4 Jack is a legend in Santa Cruz and the global surfing community. He lived on a beachfront property in Pleasure Point until his death in 2017.

but we believe it is the right thing to do for our customers in this case, given the challenges with our website and call center communications.” Following the statement, the press release answered a number of hypothetical questions the announced credit would likely prompt. They are as follows: Q: How much will the reimbursements be for each residential and business customer? As the Governor has requested, we will credit residential customers $100 and business customers $250. This will be in the form of a one-time on-bill credit (listed as a customer satisfaction adjustment) for customers who were impacted by the Oct. 9 PSPS. Q: Why just the Oct. 9 PSPS? The one-time bill credit is focused on the Oct. 9 Public Safety Power Shutoff event due to the hardship caused by the website and communications issues. We recognize our execution in these areas fell short of expectations, and we have taken steps to reduce those issues going forward. Q: Why aren’t you providing bill credits for all PSPS events? The Public Safety Power Shutoff program was approved by the CPUC. The sole purpose of the program is to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire in the communities we serve. We are providing one-time bill credits (customer satisfaction adjustment) for the October 9 event due to the fact that our website and call centers were not able to handle the volume of contacts, and because our customers did not have easy access to the information they needed. We have

taken steps to reduce those issues going forward. Q: What action do I need to take to ensure I get the bill credit? Customers do not need to take any action. All customers impacted by the Oct. 9 PSPS will automatically receive a onetime on-bill credit (customer satisfaction adjustment) on their account. Q: When will this credit occur? In customers’ next billing cycle. Q: What is the funding source for the reimbursements? The funding will come from our shareholders. We will not seek cost recovery for the bill credits. Q: How can you afford to do this when you are in bankruptcy? PG&E has secured Debtor in Possession financing for its expenses during its Chapter 11 process. Q: Are you doing this because of political pressure? No. We recognize the hardship caused

by the website and call center communications issues related to the October 9 Public Safety Power Shutoff that impacted approximately 738,000 customers. We are constantly working to execute these safety shutoffs more effectively while prioritizing public safety. It’s important to remember that the sole purpose of these power shutoffs is to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire in the communities that we serve Q: Will you provide credits for future PSPS events? This one-time bill credit is for the Oct. 9 event. After this wildfire season, we are open to having a policy discussion with our state regulators and others about how we can further help our customers manage through these types of safety shutoffs. n ••• For more info: https://www.pge currents.com/2019/10/29/pge-statement-onoct-9-public-safety-power-shutoff-customerbill-credit/

There are 4 other O’Neill surf shop locations within Santa Cruz County. The new Aptos store is planning to celebrate with a grand opening, but no date has been announced. n ••• For more information: us.oneill.com

The old Bay Federal building, future home of O’Neill’s Surf Shop.

Photo Credit: Lori Landino

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Paving the Way To The New Capitola Library D o you ever drive or walk by the construction site of the new Capitola Branch Library? If you haven’t done that lately, you’re missing a very special sight. The walls are up and soon the roof will go on the building. If the intersection of Clares St. and Wharf Rd. isn’t on your usual route, have a look at the webcam link on the Friends of the Capitola Library website. Click on the new library updates and watch the construction progress.

With any luck sometime around the end of next April Otto Construction is hoping to put the finishing touches on the building. When they do, the library staff can turn a building into a library for all of us to use. Have you thought about putting your own stamp on that fine new building? No, not the graffiti kind. How about purchasing a paver with your own inscription? The pavers

The exterior sheathing has been installed, and roof trusses will be set during soon.

will be installed in the walkway leading up to the main entrance. They will be engraved with all sorts of messages and names. Already there are names of families, children, and grandchildren. Some businesses and organizations have purchased pavers to show their support. People have chosen to honor a person or a pet they care about. The messages many people have put on their pavers capture their thoughts about the importance of reading and Hazel (left) and Beatrice Campbell like to stop by to check on the public libraries. Some have library construction progress. selected a quotation from a favorite public library and Capitola. Our hope author. A paver is a very personal mark is that everyone will use our libraries so on the library, one that will be in place for books will continue to be available to all a very long time. readers rich or poor.” When she ordered her paver, Denise What would you put on your paver? Leonberger-Celli wrote, “ Tom and I are Don’t wait to join the fun. Think about so happy we purchased an engraved how you might pave the way to the new paver for the entrance to the new Capitola building. These pavers, by the way, make Library. We like being a small part of our great gifts. n free public educational system. ••• We encourage everyone to buy a paver The deadline to place your order is January for your little reader or all your loved ones, 2, 2020. To purchase a paver, go here: https:// so they too can feel proud to support the capitolalibraryfriends.org/donate

2019 Nutcracker Ballet at Cabrillo Crocker Theater • December 20-22

gape Dance Academy is so thrilled to be preparing for their eighth Nutcracker Suite. On the weekend of December 20th-22nd, 2019, the curtains of Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater will rise to reveal stunning artistry, high levels of training and the love for dance and one another that the company is known for. Winners of the 2018 & 2019 Aptos Parade, featuring classically trained dancers, alumni home for the holidays and honored guests from within our own community, including appearances by TLC Pastor Rene’ Schlaepfer, Supervisor Zach Friend, Jacob’s Heart Director, the all amazing Lori Butterworth, Times Publisher, Patrice Edwards and Sentinel Editor Steve Bennett as well as Cabrillo President Matthew Wetstein! This timeless tale of imagination, celebration, heroism and Christmas spirit will dance to life once again. This is a show you will not want to miss! The Nutcracker is the ballet for everyone! Nutcracker Ballets fill theaters in November and December throughout

The Party Scene, including with Jacob’s Heart Director Lori Butterworth and Cabrillo President Matthew Wetstein. the world for good reason. It is like an heirloom of the holiday season that appeals to the entire populations! Some of the historical ballets are quite old fashioned and are more appreciated by balletomanes, (ballet lovers), and appeal

10 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

to historical replica of original ballets with their distinct styles. But not the amazing Nutcracker, filled with beautiful dancers, costumes, scenery, fabulous Tchaikovsky musical scores and the thrill of battle scenes and the awe of falling snow.

Agape Dance Academy Owner/ Director Melanie Useldinger had the privilege of performing in San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker when Michael Smuin was the director. She was so inspired by the amazing technical aspects of those Nutcrackers including company dancers emerging as soldiers from the door of the mighty fortresses, and the Nutcracker leaping in the air into the great ceiling of the SF Opera house, and soldiers on horse back! The Agape Dance Nutcracker combines the love of professional trained ballet dancers with state of the art technical production that bring the best of theater and dance to the stage with Sully Taylor’s company, Indigo Lighting, bring the epic expertise to create a stunning light show for the whole Nutcracker, but especially his special effects for the Battle Scene and the Snow should not be missed! “Nutcracker” page 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

Candidate Filing for County Judges

Deadline is Nov. 6

andidates for Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge must file a Declaration of Intention with the County Clerk before November 6. Incumbent judges and challengers must pay the entire filing fee of $2,000.42 at the time of filing their Declaration of Intention represented by money, signatures or any prorated combination of money and signatures. The filing fee is non-refundable. There are seven Superior Court Judges up for election in March: Ariadne Symons • Denine Guy Paul Marigonda • Timothy Schmal Paul Burdick • John Salazar Stephen Siegel Only incumbents and challengers to the Office of Superior Court Judge must file a Declaration of Intention by 5 p.m., Wednesday, November 6. Candidates for all other offices must file Nomination Papers and Declarations of Candidacy during the filing period from November 11 to December 6. Other Offices on the March 2020 ballot include:

• President • 18th and 20th Congressional Districts • 17th State Senate District • 29th and 30th Assembly Districts • County Supervisors for the 1st, 2nd and 5th Districts • San Benito County Board of Education, Trustee Area 2 • Party Central Committees and County Councils. n ••• A “Candidate’s Handbook” detailing filing fees, candidate qualifications, deadlines, candidate’s statements of qualifications, and other important candidate information for the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election is available from the Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Department at 701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz or online at www.votescount.com. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 831-454-2060.

‘Our Community Reads’ Selects 2020 Winning Book!

wo weeks ago, a group of 50+ community members attended the Pick THE Book Party at the Aptos Library and voted for their favorites. We are very excited about the winning book! This title will definitely resonate with a huge portion of our community. The topics and Lauren Hilgers themes are certainly timely and promise a broad range of exciting and interesting events. “Our Community Reads” selection for 2020 is Patriot Number One by Lauren Hilgers. We are looking forward to a calendar of events that will allow participants to delve into many themes from this book and to learn more about Chinese arts and culture, and their contributions to our own Santa Cruz history.

We thank you for your participation in Our Community Reads. We encourage everyone to grab a copy and enjoy this great read. The calendar of events is just now being developed and will be posted on our website as soon as we finalize it. Events will begin at the end of January and run through the beginning of March. All events will be free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you then. n For more information: Website: https:// www.friendsofaptoslibrary.org/ Donate to support Our Community Reads: https://fscpl.org/ocr/ To get involved and/or ask for more information please e-mail us at: friendsofthe aptoslibrary@fscpl.org

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 11

12 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Plan to make a difference in 2020

ASA of Santa Cruz County needs caring adult volunteers to speak up for the best interests of children who are involved in the Juvenile Dependency Care System (foster care) because they have been abused or neglected. A volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) spends time with one child each week, getting to know them and 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. 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. Another critical need right now is for volunteers who wish to work with children ages birth to five years old. These volunteers work with the entire family to make a significant positive impact. Training is free and volunteers are

supported throughout the case by CASA’s professional staff. It only takes a few hours a month and the difference you make can have a lifelong impact. Upcoming Informational sessions are: • Wed, Nov 6, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at CASA, located at 813 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville • Tues, Nov 12, 6 to 7 p.m. at Live Oak Family Resource Center, located at 1740 17th Avenue in SC • Sat, Dec 7, 10 to 11 a.m. at CASA, located at 813 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville You can register or view other available dates at casaofsantacruz.org/signup. ••• For more information contact Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County at www.casaofsantacruz.org • Phone: (831) 761-2956 • email: cita@casaofsantacruz.org

LOCAL SPORTS

Aptos High School Scoreboard Football

Season Record: 5-3-0 (League: 4-1-0) Coach: Randy Blankenship Fri Oct 18 at Gilroy W (F) 0-0 Fri Oct 25 vs Christopher W 49-19

Girls’ Tennis

Season Record: 13-2 Coach: Linda Hitchcock ~~ SCCAL League Champions! ~~ Thu Oct 17 vs. Santa Cruz W 5-2 Tue Oct 22 at Soquel W 4-3 Wed Oct 23 at Scotts Valley W 6-1 Thu Oct 24 at Harbor W 7-0 Tue Oct 29 at Scotts Valley W 7-0

Girl’s Volleyball

Season Record: 14-11-0 (League: 9-3-0) Coach: Lake Merchen

Milpitas Spikefest II Sat Oct 19 Alisal L 0-2 Tue Oct 22 at Santa Cruz W 3-0 Thu Oct 24 vs Harbor L 2-3 SCCAL Postseason Tournament @ Harbor HS • Mon Oct 28 Santa Cruz W 3-1

Water Polo

Boys’ Season Record: 2-7-0 (League: 1-5-0) Coach: Cody Gilbert Thu Oct 17 vs Santa Cruz L 5-19 Tue Oct 22 at San Lorenzo Valley L 7-8 Girls’ Season Record: 4-4-0 League: (4-4-0) Coach: Cody Gilbert Thu Oct 17 vs Santa Cruz L 4-11 Tue Oct 22 at SLV W 13-4 n

“Nutcracker” from page 10 This year the technical team will be adding the surprise thrill of the flying Mouse Queen and a flying Drosselmeyer finale! As written in one review, Agape Dance Academy has a growing reputation of, “the most amazing and entertaining Nutcracker we have ever seen.” All of this and still including Agape Dance’s original mission/vision of impacting our dancers, audience and community with a way we can use our dance for great purposes. Agape’s Nutcracker continues to support the Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services who make a profound difference in the lives of families who have a child battling cancer.

In the spirit of agape love, the “highest form of love and charity,” Agape Dance Academy provides high quality classical ballet training in an environment of love and support for dancers of all ages. Agape’s Nutcracker Suite is truly a show full of inspiration and heart. n ••• Show Times Friday, December 20: 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 21: 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. Sunday December 22: 1:00 & 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $21-$35. Get your tickets early. Last season all seats sold out! AgapeDance.com or Cabrillo Box office 831-479-6154 ••• For more info: Agape Dance Academy 831-359-0850.

10 Any Oil Change $

Off

Includes 4 -Tire Rotation Service includes Oil, filter, installation, and Owner’s Manual scheduled maintenance printout. Good on conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic. Offer good at participating Big O Tires stores. Not good with other offers, discounts or coupons. Most vehicles. Expires 11/30/19.

LOWEST

PRICES ON NAME BRANDS www.bigotires.com 6 Months No Interest.

Proud Contributors to:

**On Approved Credit. Ask for details.

**Minimum purchase and monthly payment required on credit.

this tion eive n e M ec nd r ad a Off any 50% in the item re! sto11/30/19 s Expire

Gold Jewelry • Diamonds • Watches • Gifts

Romance Starts Here. 831.768.1887

307 Main St. Suite 101, Watsonville, CA www.fatimasfinejewelry.com Voted “Best of Pajaro Valley 2015-17”

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 13

FEATURED BUSINESS

Dance with us!

(831)684-1800

FITNESS & TRAINING

RETAIL

www.studioe-dance.com

7970 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

SERVICES 831-688-1116

CUT & COLOR for $95.00 Color Touch-up Regular $130 (Long hair extra)

7970, Suite A, Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA

831.662.3362

NEW LOCATION

SPECIAL!

HAIR SALON

RESTAURANTS

NEW LOCATION

7960 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA 95003

Our focus is on you and giving the best experience possible to help you achieve your goals.

(831) 662-0886

7960 Soquel Drive, Ste. I, Aptos

www.fleetfeetaptos.com

Dance with us! Since 1926 Instruments / Accessories / Sheet Music Sales / Rentals / Lessons 831-724-4798

musicstoreguy@earthlink.net

7960J Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95003

(831)684-1800

Mention this ad for 10% OFF at APTOS SHOP EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL & AGED BALSAMIC SPECIALTY GIFT SHOP

CBD OIL

www.trueoliveconnection.com

SANTA CRUZ 106 Lincoln St. • 831.458.6457

APTOS 7960 Soquel Dr. • 831.612.6932

14 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

www.studioe-dance.com

7970 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

Conveniently located off Highway 1 and just outside Aptos Village, the Aptos Village Square hosts a number of local Aptos businesses.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Twenty-six years of Making a Difference!

Aptos Adopt-A-Family Provides For Families In Times of Hardship

wenty-six years ago, a local businessman in Aptos was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. As the cancer progressed, he was unable to work or support his family as the holidays approached. Our community put on a spaghetti feed and the money collected went to help his family. Patrice Edwards, of Times Publishing Group, Inc., and a friend, worked tirelessly to collect toys, food, clothes, rent money, and more to carry his family through the coming months.

This was the birth of Aptos Adopt-a-Family. Over the years there have been hundreds of stories, and thousands of gifts. Gifts of wheelchairs, a handicap accessible van, lifts, food, clothes, toys, bikes, rent— gifts that helped many a family enjoy the holidays. There are people from all walks of life who undergo changes in circumstances that force them to depend on others to help keep their families from becoming fractured and feeling that there is no hope. That’s where Aptos Adopt-A-Family comes in and connects families with families. Sponsors provide their “adopted” family with gifts and sometimes decorations and a tree. Though the adopted family identity is anonymous, some of them choose to meet their sponsor. Some families even go holiday shopping together! Several of these families have stayed friends over the years. Adopt-A-Family helps out by

providing gift certificates to local stores along with the gifts that the sponsor family has provided. Aptos Adopt-A-Family focuses primarily on families that are having financial challenges due to a medical catastrophe within their family. Death or illness in a family is devastating and can emotionally and financially cripple. Our program can step in, find someone to adopt the family, and help out with needed medical equipment, home care, etc. Please give us a call to find out how you can adopt a family this year or how you can help make this a Merry Christmas for one of our families by donating to the program. We will always take referrals from families facing medical challenges. All referrals are confidential. Look into your heart and find that by helping others, it makes you a better person and brings the true meaning of the season into your life. n

••• Call Aptos Adopt-A-Family at 688-7549 x10 to refer someone. To send a donation: Aptos Adopt-AFamily c/o Times Publishing Group, Inc., 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003.

PUT THE

PHONE DOWN. LOOK BEFORE YOU CROSS. It’s just as important to walk cell free as it is to drive cell free. When walking and using a cell phone, you are too mentally distracted to fully focus on your surroundings. You might trip or bump into something like a street sign or wall—not cool. Even worse, looking at your phone instead of checking for traffic can lead to a serious collision. So can headphones that drown out the sound of approaching vehicles. Cell phone distraction helps make pedestrian-vehicle injuries the fifth leading cause of death for youth ages 5 to 19; yet no age group is immune to the consequences of distracted walking. Remember: put the phone down, earbuds out, and look before you cross. It’s the Street Smarts thing to do.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

Director Returns to Monarch Services

Laura Segura is Back after Year-Long Breast Cancer Battle

Waterwise Plants for California’s Mediterranean Climate • Diverse and unusual plant selections • Gift Certificates • 2 Acre Display & Sculpture Garden • Waterwise Garden • Garden/Gift Shop Consultation & Design

Open daily 9 - 5:30 (4:30 Nov-Feb) • 2660 E. Lake Ave. Watsonville, CA 95076 Family owned & operated. • 831-728-2532 • sierraazul.com

Will you help make sure no one in Santa Cruz County goes hungry this holiday season?

Every $1 provides 4 healthy meals www.thefoodbank.org/donate 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville CA, 95076 Holiday Food & Fund Drive Presenting Sponsor

16 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

ctober was both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and one of Santa Cruz County’s most respected nonprofit leaders has just returned to work at Monarch Services from a 54-week battle with breast cancer. Laura Segura was diagnosed with breast cancer in the Fall of 2018 and has undergone treatment for the past year. Segura is delighted to return to her career of violence prevention and empowerment. While Segura was on medical leave, Assistant Director Kalyne-Foster Renda served as Interim Executive Director and has played an integral role in the agency’s success. Under her leadership, Monarch Services has not only maintained the services it has traditionally offered survivors, but also expanded its services to include a housing program, a more robust children and youth program and new community partnerships. Segura has dedicated her career to issues of social justice and has worked with Monarch Services for 13 years. Combining her skills in public policy and strategic planning with her passion for cultural responsiveness and equity, Segura has helped transform the way survivors of sexual assault; human trafficking and domestic violence are served in Santa Cruz County. A proud lifelong resident of Watsonville, Segura has served on numerous commissions, task forces and councils locally and statewide. She is a two- time Policy Fellow with the Women’s Policy Institute of the Women’s Foundation of California, which helps shape California laws impacting women-identifying individuals. Segura is also a proud parent of two daughters. “I am grateful to be back at work fighting a different type of battle,” Segura said. “This battle is to end violence and fight for human rights and dignity for our most vulnerable residents.” Segura’s resilience and strength after experiencing trauma are testaments to

her commitment to Monarch’s important work. ••• Monarch Services (Formerly Women’s Crisis Support/ Defensa de Mujeres) has a 42-year history in Santa Cruz County of providing advocacy and resources to community members affected by violence. Services include court accompaniments, restraining order assistance, counseling, emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, outreach, education and support groups. Monarch Services is the only rape crisis center in Santa Cruz County and includes an emergency response team. All services are available in Spanish and English and are free or low cost. Se Habla Español. n ••• For more info: www.monarchscc.org

Monarch Staff members welcome back Laura Segura (middle). Their shirts read, “At Monarch, No one fights alone.”

COMMUNITY NEWS

DINNER

Tues: Mahi Mahi Tacos w/Mango Salsa Fresca

Chile Verde Enchiladas de Pollo con Mole Wed: Sand Dabs w/Garlic Tomatillo Sauce

Chile Verde Enchiladas de La Cocina Fresca Chicken, Beef or Cheese

Thur: Housemade Tamales Chicken or Pork

Chile Verde Ensalada del Mar Crab and Shrimp salad

to provide services to youth in dependency/foster care. ••• New Staff Members atalie Hoffman joins CASA as an Advocate Supervisor and Court Liaison. Natalie is passionate about e m p o w e r i n g individuals and supporting them in their personal growth. She easily connects with people and cares deeply for our Natalie Hoffman community’s most vulnerable populations. Natalie brings with her knowledge and experience of being a past resource parent (foster parent) herself. This unique perspective will be instrumental to CASA staff and Advocates. She has a Bachelor’s of Social Work and has been working in a variety of Human Services for 15 years. This includes local organizations such as Youth N.O.W., Student Center, and New Families Inc. foster agency.

Bring the family to Palapas for dinner Monday thru DINE FOR Thursday nights for our unique style of Mexican food and your children dine for free! *

KIDS FREE

ASA of Santa Cruz County recently welcomed new members to their Board of Directors: Janis Ost (returning member) and Anna Rubalcava (new). CASA also welcomed two new staff: Natalie Hoffman and Clarissa Infante. ••• New Board Members Janis Ost anis first began serving CASA as a volunteer Advocate, working directly with children and youth. She was passionate about serving children going through difficult times and motivated by the CASA mission. Then in 2011, she became a member Janis Ost of the Board. After serving three terms, she took a short break, but now she is back and eager to make a difference. Janis is a special education teacher and prides herself on creating opportunities for her students similar to those the general population of students has. She is a member of Guitars in Classrooms, The California Writing Project, and National Air Disaster Alliance. CASA is happy to have her involved again as a returning Board member. Anna Rubalcava nna is a prosecutor with the Santa Cruz District Attorney’s office. She first learned of CASA when she was an attorney in Dependency Court. Having had experience already with victim’s advocates in criminal court, she immediately recognized how Anna Rubalcava valuable it is for a vulnerable child to have a non-attorney advocate with them as they navigate the Court system. Anna brings a wealth of non-profit leadership with her, having served on the Board of Defensa de Mujeres/Women’s Crisis Support, now known as Monarch Services. She is committed to ensuring the stability of CASA so that they can continue

Great Reasons to Dine at Palapas

MID-WEEK SPECIALS

CASA Welcomes New Board Members and Staff C

All special entrees $16.95 All specials dine in only including Kids Dine Free offer. *Offer is good for one child’s (under 12) menu item per entree purchased from our regular menu by an adult in party. Valid Monday thru Thursday except holidays. Expires 3-26-20.

Fine Dining Mexican Style

Ocean View, Lunch & Dinner Daily, Reservations Suggested 21 Seascape Village, Aptos 831-662-9000

www.palapasrestaurant.com

larissa Infante joins CASA as the Administrative Assistant. She previously worked for Friday Night Live, YMCA, and the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center. Clarissa was born and raised in Watsonville, and received her Bachelors of Psychology from Grand Clarissa Infante Canyon University. She says she is, “glad to now be a part of such an amazing organization and community of people that are making a positive impact in the work they do.” ••• For more info: casaofsantacruz.org

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 17

COMMUNITY NEWS

Seussical Jr.: The Power of Imagination

oin young Jojo, a “thinker of strange and wonderful thinks,” Horton the Elephant, the tiny Whoville Whos, the Cat in Hat, and other memorable characters for Seussical Jr., a colorful, magical adventure

brought to life by the Mount Madonna School Middle School Players, that speaks not only to the power of imagination and determination of love, but also the need for compassion, humanity — and a recognition that “a person’s a person no matter how small.” A humorous, and at times poignant, musical, the score is a “Seussian-like gumbo” of musical styles, ranging from Latin to pop, swing to gospel and R&B to funk! Performances take place Dec. 14 and 15 at 2 p.m. at the Hawks’ Nest Theater at Mt. Madonna. Tickets go on sale Nov. 4 at

PREGNANT MARE RESCUE PROJECT Helping horses in Monterey & Santa Cruz counties since 2006

OUR AMERICAN HORSES ARE AT RISK Nuzzle the newborn life. Do you understand slaughter? Have you experienced the sadness they keep hiding in their eyes? Can you cope with the loss of this gift created by God? Run to the hilltops, quick... Catch a glimpse before they are gone.

PregnantMareRescue.org

408.540.8568

18 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Ein 26-0484620

mms-seussical.brown papertickets.com. Adult tickets are $15; $10 for 18 and under; all seats are reserved. “Seussical Jr. teaches us to embrace imagination and believe in the power of our creative mind,” said Director Erin Fitzgerald. “This theme lines up wonderfully with the goals of our performing arts program. During rehearsals with the students, we encourage them to use their own imagination when diving into their characters, and opportunities often arise where it seems most important for the production to invite a collaboration with students rather than just ‘puppeteering’ their experience.” Fitzgerald continued: “We are especially fortunate to be able to do a show with an entire library of resources to draw from for character development. Our cast, which includes every MMS middle school student, creates a ‘character project’ as part of their preparation. For this project, students are researching their role and character using Dr. Seuss’s stories as a resource, to help develop their character’s story with both a written piece and an artistic representation.” A rich performing arts tradition and integrated arts curriculum make MMS performances outstanding. Put aside any stereotypes of what “middle school play” might bring to mind — think quality, great costumes, staging, musical talents and dramatic accomplishment. These kids work hard and it shows! “It is an exciting process as a director to see our middle school students explore the possibilities, and bring these imaginative and colorful characters alive onstage.” Fitzgerald said.

Seussical Jr. is written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and Eric Idle. Based on the works of Dr. Seuss. Music supervised, adapted and produced by Bryan Louiselle. Seussical Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com. n ••• Photos from Mount Madonna’s 2014 Production of Seussical Jr.

IT’S TIME TO SEE 2020 IN A NEW LIGHT! With Sutter Advantage (HMO), your future is Let us help you live your best life...

BRIGHT

Gym Membership Dental & Vision Exams Outpatient Tests & Labs Concierge Care (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year) Over 700 Most Commonly Prescribed Generic Drugs (plus a Bonus Drug List of medications typically not covered by Medicare) Copay For $15 Allowance Per Month In Over-The-Counter Items

2020 vision has never been this clear

FO R M O R E I N FO R MATI O N C A L L US TODAY!

831-661-0700 Or call toll free 888-979-2247 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, 7 days a week

(TTY: 711) Ken Cook

Bill Weber

Alignment Health Plan is an HMO, PPO and HMO SNP plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Alignment Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Alignment Health Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios Y0141_20121EN_M gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-399-2247 (TTY 711). 700 commonly prescribed medications covered under Tiers 1 and 6 only.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 19

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Celebrating Water Purification Across the Bay By Melanie Mow Schumacher and Rebecca Rubin, Soquel Creek Water District

Replenishment System. That system has been in operation for over three decades, and has produced nearly 300 billion gallons of purified water for pumping into their groundwater basin and percolation basins. Pure Water Monterey is also to be congratulated for its innovation in utilizing four different kinds of source water in its purification process. Traditionally, source water for water recycling is municipal wastewater, as will be the case with Pure Water Soquel. The Pure Water Monterey project will also use drainage water from agricultural irrigation, food industry processing water, and some stormwater. All four source waters are routed to the Monterey One Water facility for traditional primary and secondary wastewater treatment. Based on the local availability of source water and the scale of our project, Pure Water Soquel will use one source water: treated municipal wastewater from Santa Cruz. At the same time, we continue to explore other ways to supplement our existing water supply as part of our Community Water Plan. For example, excess surface (river) water is being transferred to the District on a limited and seasonal test basis to determine the feasibility of treating and

blending it into the District’s distribution system. We’re also looking at stormwater capture as another small supplemental source. Both of those sources of water can add to our overall supply, but are not sufficient by themselves to meet the critical need of recharging the groundwater

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY'S PREMIER CANNABIS CLUB THANKSGIVING DEALS MONDAY | 10% OFF ALL FLOWER & PRE-ROLLS TUESDAY | 20% OFF ALL EDIBLES & TOPICALS WEDNESDAY | 20% OFF VAPORIZERS & BATTERIES

CIL-5010000 - 01C

s our Pure Water Soquel project continues with design and towards construction, we are happy to congratulate our friends across the bay at Monterey One Water, upon their recent ribbon cutting of their Pure Water Monterey advanced water purification facility last month! Pure Water Monterey’s water purification technology is very similar to what is planned here for Pure Water Soquel: microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light/oxidation. This is proven, state-ofthe-science technology, repeatedly shown to produce water which meets all state and federal drinking water standards. In Monterey, they’ll produce up to 3,500 acre-feet of clean water annually. That water will be pumped into their Seaside Groundwater Basin to enhance natural recharge, combat seawater intrusion, and help the region meet its water demand. That should all sound very familiar – Pure Water Soquel will be doing the same thing with our planned 1,500 annual acrefeet of purified water. And by the way, the processes that are being incorporated into the treatment designs for both Soquel and Monterey are essentially the same as those used by the Orange County Groundwater

THANKSGIVING DAY | 15% OFF STOREWIDE OPEN 8AM - 12:30PM

BLACK FRIDAY | 30% OFF SELECT VENDORS OPEN 7AM - 8PM + 25% OFF STOREWIDE + PENNY TREEROLL FOR FIRST 50

ONLINE ORDERS $50 & UP.

OPEN Tues - Fri 9AM - 9:50PM Sat, Sun, Mon 10AM - 9:50PM Delivery 12:30 - 9PM

3651 SOQUEL DRIVE, SOQUEL | OURTREEHOUSE.IO | 831.471.8289 20 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

basin. The 1,500 acre-feet annually to be produced by Pure Water Soquel will be used to recharge the groundwater basin, maintain a seawater barrier, and ensure a stable, sustainable water supply for the community. Monterey worked hard to gain grants and obtain low-interest loans to help finance their pure water project. Here in Soquel, we are doing the same – we’ve already received a $2 million grant from California’s Proposition 1 Water Bond funding program to support Pure Water Soquel technical and environmental evaluations. And, we have applied for two additional grants for up to $70 million which would cover more than half of the cost of building Pure Water Soquel. We’re thrilled that Monterey’s facility is nearing completion, and that they are leading the way in the use of advanced purified water. Their project is the first advanced water purification facility on the central coast support potable reuse. n ••• 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.

COMMUNITY NEWS

SqCWD Recieves Federal Assistance

Granted $49M Low-Interest Loan To Support Pure Water Soquel Project

he Soquel Creek Water District was chosen by the US Environmental Protection Agency to submit an application for a $49 million low-interest loan through its Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan program. The funds will be used toward design and construction of the District’s Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project. The loan represents not only federal support and a major investment in Pure Water Soquel, but also a significant savings for District ratepayers. At an interest rate of 1.8%, the District estimates this loan will save the District approximately $11 million over its 30-year term, when compared to a more typical loan at a 3% interest rate. “We are excited to be selected to participate in the next step for a WIFIA lowinterest loan and are grateful to the EPA for acknowledging the value and importance of Pure Water Soquel” said Dr. Tom Lahue, President of the District’s Board

of Directors. “Thanks to our remarkable staff and Board members, and the many supporters of our loan application, we were able to show how this project really connects with the EPA’s priority for infrastructure projects that involve water reuse, are drought-proof, and increase resiliency.” Pure Water Soquel will take treated, recycled municipal wastewater and use advanced water treatment methods to produce 1,500 acre-feet of purified water annually. This purified water will then be sent to seawater intrusion prevention/ recharge wells to replenish the critically over-drafted groundwater basin. The Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin, which is the sole source of supply for District customers and other residents in the mid-county, is designated

by the State of California as one of 21 basins throughout the state that is critically overdrafted. This project will create a barrier against seawater contamination, and provide a safe, high quality, reliable, and sustainable water supply for generations to come in the Santa Cruz Mid-County region. “I’m pleased that Soquel Creek Water District earned this backing from the EPA,” said US Representative Jimmy Panetta, who was instrumental in gaining support for the loan application in Washington, DC. “With these funds, the District can jump start the next phase of Pure Water Soquel and help ensure the long-term protection of the local water supply.” ••• stablished by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan and guarantee program at the EPA that aims to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects.

More information about WIFIA and its October 22, 2019 press release are online at https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epainvites-38-new-projects-apply-water-infrastructure-loans-improve-water-quality ••• The Soquel Creek Water District is a nonprofit, local government agency that provides water resource management within its service area to deliver a safe and reliable supply of highquality water to meet present and future needs in an environmentally sensitive and economically responsible way. The District’s website is www.soquelcreekwater.org.

Fight F.O.G. ™

Keep Fats Oils and Grease out of your drain. Pour cooking grease into a container, freeze it and place it in your garbage. Mantenga las grasas fuera del drenaje. Eche la grasa de comidas en un contenedor y congélelas antes de ponerlas en la basura.

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY AND THE MONTEREY BAY FROM SEWAGE BACKUPS AND OVERFLOWS! Proteja su propiedad y de la Bahía de Monterey desde copias de seguridad de aguas residuales y desbordamientos!

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 21

SCOTTS VALLEY

P O L I C E

D E P A R T M E N T

WE ARE HIRING! SVPD is looking for qualified entry-level and lateral applicants to join our team.

For information on how to apply, go to https://www.scottsvalleypd.com/career-opportunities or telephone (831) 440-5649. 425 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 kirby.org

Empowering Students To Shape Their Futures With Confidence Discover a passion

KIRBY.ORG Ask abou us to Tuitio ur Assis n ta Progr nce am

Providing A World-Class Education For 25 Years

Learn about the opportunities awaiting your student at Kirby School. Contact our Admissions Director at 831-423-0658 x 202 or visit kirby.org. Be sure to ask about our Tuition Assistance Program. We are committed to making Kirby School affordable and offered over $1,000,000 in assistance to families this year. 22 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

SHFB Countywide Food Distribution W ith the recent and possibly on-going public safety power shutoffs throughout Santa Cruz County, Second Harvest Food Bank would like to let all residents know that they can call the Community Food Hotline at (831) 662-0991(both in Spanish and English) to find a local food distribution center in their neighborhood. We partner with over 100 local nonprofits and provide 90 of our own food distribution sites from the San Lorenzo Valley through the Pajaro Valley. Founded in 1972, Second Harvest Food Bank was the first food bank in California and the second in the nation. Its mission

is working together to end huger through healthy food, education and leadership. Its network of 200 local agencies and programs feeds 55,000 people in Santa Cruz County every month. Every dollar donated provides four healthy meals to those in need. n ••• www.thefoodbank.org

Watsonville High Drama Puts a Twist on ‘The Outsiders’

Thursday thru Sunday, Nov. 14 thru 24

ince it was published in 1967, The Outsiders has been a favorite book of young readers. It isn’t surprising that The Outsiders is so popular. It is the gripping story of young greasers Ponyboy and Jonny and how if they take the wrong step — they get jumped. They have their family and gang to help defend their territory against the privileged Socs, but they must battle for survival. We love it because as dark as it gets, it’s about staying gold. In our production, we have flipped the genders of all the roles. Pony, Jonny, Sodapop, Dallas ... all girls. In some way, we hope Susan Eloise Hinton — who was told she had to go by “S.E.” to

be taken seriously writing about young males — would appreciate seeing her characters this way: unapologetically female. We hope you enjoy this refreshing take as much as we do. Please join us at the Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts, November 14 thru 24. Performances will be Thursdays thru Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $5 for Students, Educators, and Senior Citizens; General Admission is $7.50. Tickets go on sale at the Mello Center box office thirty minutes before curtain. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at: https:// www.brownpapertickets. com/event/4410880. Thanks to the generous support of our Academies, all Watsonville High School students may attend the play free of charge! n ••• Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts: 250 East Beach St., Watsonville. Visit www.mellocenter.org/ for more information.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Enroll in CodeRED

Receive Emergency Alerts on Your Mobile Device

f you had to evacuate your home or business, how would you know? With wildfire evacuations currently taking place in some parts of California, how to get notified about evacuation orders should be at the top of your mind. The most common way residents and businesses receive evacuation orders are through the reverse 9-1-1 system on a landline phone. But what if you don’t have a landline phone? Or you’re away from home when the evacuation order is given? Luckily, there’s an opt-in option for mobile device and VIOP phone users called CodeRED that allows 9-1-1 dispatchers to send a

reverse 9-1-1 message to your mobile device. You must opt-in to receive reverse 9-1-1 messages via a mobile device or VOIP phone. If you don’t sign up, you will not receive messages from CodeRED. What is CodeRED? odeRED is an Emergency Notification system used by Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 dispatch personnel. The CodeRED notification system sends important messages to residents and businesses

within Santa Cruz & San Benito Counties in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. The system has the capability of sending thousands of messages in a very short time based on geographic location of an incident. Examples of notifications include: evacuations, bio-terrorism alerts, missing person reports, and severe weather alerts. How do I sign up?

You can register your cellular or VIOP phone through the enrollment portal online at this link: https://public.coderedweb. com/CNE/en-US/218A80E36F49. You can also enroll by downloading the CodeRED mobile app in the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/…/a…/ codered-mobile-alert/id468404991 You can sign up to receive alerts for multiple addresses (i.e. alerts for your residence, alerts for your workplace, alerts for your child’s school, etc.). You can edit or cancel your enrollment at any time. n ••• For more info: www.aptosfire.com

Fall in Love with Seasonal Outdoor Décor

ust because the temperatures cool doesn’t mean the amount of time and attention you spend on your outdoor spaces should. Fall is the perfect time to add seasonal touches and decorations to the exterior of your home that not only improve curb appeal, but also amplify your personal style. Consider these seasonal ideas for decorating your patios, porches and backyards:

Use Bold Autumn Colors range is a go-to fall color, but other seasonal shades, such as burgundy, can be incorporated to complement those orangey

tones of pumpkins. Think blankets, throw pillows, mums and faux leaves as accent items that can add fall hues to your home.

Plant Autumn Varietals otted plants are one of the quintessential elements of outdoor decor, and taking advantage of your favorite fall blooming plants — Nippon daisies, Oriental lilies, chrysanthemum and helenium, for example — can add seasonal greenery and fiery tones to your garden or planters.

Bring the Indoors Out ou can create beautifully designed spaces that you’ll enjoy year-round by bringing the indoors outside. Coffee tables, weatherproof area rugs, throw pillows, hanging lighting and wicker furniture can be staples of fall outdoor living spaces that provide the same cozy feel as your living room.

Warm Up with a Fire Pit alming and on-trend, creating a DIY fire pit — either in a safe spot in your yard or simply on a tabletop — using concrete blocks, a ceramic pot or copper bowl and some logs can serve as a perfect gathering place for fall nights.

String Some Lights Around Your Space f you have an outdoor space that could use some ambience, a string or two of clear party lights or strategically hung lanterns can improve the look and feel of your patio or yard. Of course, you can also opt to light candles or re-purpose leftover outdoor torches.

Welcome Guests with a Personalized Doormat dding a personalized, seasonal welcome mat can add some personality to your porch as a simple way to supplement function with a touch of style. With a range of options typically available, swapping it out seasonally can keep your front door fresh.

Hang a Leafy Wreath hile lush green wreaths work many months out of the year, autumn is

an opportunity to string together red, orange and gold hues that can often be found in yards as well. Simply pick up some faux leaves at a craft store — or pick them up from your yard for an even more natural look — and attach to a wooden or metal wreath frame then hang with some fall-themed ribbon or rustic twine. Find more ideas for decorating your home at eLivingtoday.com. n ••• Family Features

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 23

COMMUNITY NEWS

Vaping-Related Illness On The Rise

New Public Education Campaign Targets Deadly Outbreak

he California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has launched a new advertising campaign called Outbreak, which targets young adults and parents. The ads address the outbreak of vaping related lung illnesses and the growing teen vaping epidemic. The public education advertising campaign is part of an Executive Order by Governor Newsom. California is the first state in the nation to launch a media campaign in response to this deadly outbreak. Outbreak is Phase 1 of a multi-part media campaign addressing vaping. Phase 2 will rollout in January 2020 with a continued focus on youth vaping. “The outbreak of vaping related illnesses has elevated the urgency in addressing youth vaping as a health epidemic,” said Governor Newsom. “This campaign takes immediate action to inform Californians about the serious health risks associated with vaping and builds upon the work to reduce vaping among youth. I share the concerns of many other parents about the dangers vaping poses to the health and well-being of our kids.” Outbreak aims to jolt young adults ages 19-29, and parents of middle school and high school students, by drawing attention to the health risks of vaping and this new outbreak of vaping related lung illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1,600 cases of vaping-related illness in 49 states have been reported, along with 34 deaths. Three of those deaths were in

California. The ads will run parallel to CDPH’s “Flavors Hook Kids” campaign already underway across California. “E-cigarettes and vaping are not proven to be safe and are dangerous for youth,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health Officer and CDPH Director. “California’s data on this outbreak shows that vaping products containing THC, particularly those obtained off the street or from other informal sources, are linked to most of our cases, but we are still investigating. During this time in particular, CDPH urges everyone to refrain from vaping.” Young Californians are being impacted the most by this outbreak, with the youngest 14 years old. Numerous cases of this outbreak involve youth under age 18.

Since June, CDPH has received more than 138 reports of vaping-related lung illness in the state, all requiring hospitalization and many requiring life support interventions. The median age of California’s victims is 27. While refraining from vaping is strongly recommended until the investigation is complete, for those who choose to vape, it is imperative that products only be purchased from a licensed retailer. Do not buy vaping products on the street. Additionally, consumers should never modify a store-bought vape product. “This outbreak of lung illnesses related to vaping is very serious, and the number of cases continues to climb,” said California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly. “As a

pediatrician, it’s critical that my colleagues, and all medical professionals, have very direct conversations with parents and their patients about tobacco, THC, other cannabis products and vape use.” For more information about the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping devices, symptoms of the vaping-related lung illness and where to find help, young adults should visit VapeOutbreak.com and parents should go to FlavorsHookKids. com. The first TV spot for young adults shows seemingly carefree lives involving vaping juxtaposed with startling color footage of real patients hospitalized with lung illness. The second TV spot for parents presents dramatic visuals of the deadly outbreak of the vaping-related illness. The TV spot for parents will be released in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and Korean, in November and December. Vaping devices are the most commonly used tobacco product in California and 86 percent of high school teens that consume tobacco use a vaping device. Of the California teens who consume tobacco products, nearly 90 percent report using a flavored vaping product. Nationwide, cannabis vaping among youth has increased by 58 percent in a single year. From 2016 to 2018, vaping among California high school students rose 27 percent. n ••• Visit CDPH’s website for more information on the dangers of vaping. www.cdph.ca.gov

Animal Shelter Housing Kincade Fire Pets

he Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) is preparing to transport and house adoptable pets from Rohnert Park Animal Services in Sonoma County, to help increase capacity there for animals received due to the Kinkade Fire. SCCAS continues to experience an overload of cats and kittens. Shelter staff has reached out to more than 15 volunteers to foster cats and kittens currently at the Shelter in order to make space for the Kincade Fire animals. Through November 30, SCCAS is also offering a $25 “Pay it Forward” special for cats

and kittens adoptions, which includes spay/ neuter, microchip, vaccinations, fleas/worms treatment, cat carrier and a pet wellness exam with participating veterinarians. “‘Open Door, Open Heart’ means not turning away any animal and right now, the animals and families affected by these fires need our help. We are sending staff and volunteers to Rohnert Park to transport animals in need and we will continue to keep our doors open to the neediest animals,” Shelter Manager Benjamin Winkleblack said. SCCAS is also asking the community

24 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

to “Pay it Forward” to their community’s neediest animals by donating at least $25 to one of the following funds: • Planned Pethood Fund, which funds FREE spay/neuter surgeries • Extra Mile Fund, which allows medical rehabilitation for animals beyond what our shelter budget permits • Healthy Pets for All Fund, which purchases pet food, pet toys, flea medication and other supplies for underserved animals in the community • General Program Donation Fund, which supports animal adoption, animal enrichment and public outreach and education programs

••• The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission shelter, which welcomes EVERY animal in need. Our goal is to be a humane resource for the community by providing a safety net and second chance for local animals. There are two locations where owners can find and recover lost pets, adopt new animal companions, or sign up for PLANNED PetHood, our low cost spay/neuter program available for all resident pets. The support of our community is crucial to sustaining and expanding these services. Visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Why Are You In Business?

’m sure you’ve asked yourself this question before — perhaps right after you decided to take the entrepreneurial plunge, or 6 months later when you were facing the day to day challenges — either way, it’s a question to keep in mind throughout your self-employment. If you’ve found something that you really love to do, either creating and selling a product or providing a much needed service that you really care about – then most likely you still have the passion to get up each day and keep improving on what you started. But if you no longer have the same drive, or a similar desire to keep improving and engaging with your customers – then perhaps it’s time to think about your next phase of life. Think back to when you started your business, when you didn’t quite know all the things that you now know about the day-to-day challenges of dealing with customers and employees. Think back to when you made sure that everything was clean in your business, that there were no cobwebs lurking in corners or when the paint looked fresh, or the plants and flowers were bright outside your entrance. Think back to when every customer

By Ron Kustek

and every situation was approached with a smile, with the positive passion to truly resolve the issue because everything mattered. Everything Still Matters f you are keeping your business on lifesupport, whether emotionally, physically or financially, let me be the first to tell you: it shows. It shows that you’re stressed, it shows that you no longer make eye contact with every customer or employee, it shows that your shoulders and posture carry the weight of time and decisions not made. It shows that you are in the ‘nether-zone’ of not wanting to close your business, but that you truly need a break from the daily pressures and responsibilities, and that perhaps you need to decide whether you should continue to have the business, or perhaps its time to move on.

out’ or is just too pressured to make even the smallest changes needed. Realize that when you’re walking quickly from one part of the business to the other and not engaging positively with customers — that you’re being observed and felt both visually and energetically. And your genuine feelings cannot be faked. Your Business Is A Relationship e’ve all likely been in relationships that are going great — and those that are going nowhere.

If you’re business relationship has reached the point where you no longer feel that you’re happily building a future together, then like any relationship, it’s likely best to move on. You may have given it your all, and have had some great times, and now is the time to move on before all memories of the good times are lost. ••• Ron Kustek is a business instructor at Cabrillo College. Email: rokustek@ cabrillo.edu

News Flash: Indecision shows our employees know if you are no longer into the business, if you’re no longer feeling the love of every moment being open and operating. Your customers also feel whether the ownership of the business has ‘checked

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 25

26 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Squash For Autumn And Winter By Tony Tomeo

inter squash are not exactly the sort of cool season vegetables that their designation implies. They grow through the summer just like summer squash do. Both winter and summer squash are warm season vegetables that get planted early in spring. The difference is that summer squash get harvested regularly through summer, and winter squash get harvested only once after summer. Zucchini, crookneck, patty pan and other summer squash are very productive as long as the weather is warm, and their fruit gets harvested. Fruit that stays too long and continues to mature gets big and tough, and consumes resources that would otherwise be diverted to newly developing fruit. Therefore, regular harvesting of the more desirable juvenile fruit actually promotes production. Pumpkin, acorn, butternut and other winter squash grow all summer, but each plant should be allowed to produce only a few fruits each. Some pumpkin vines produce only one fruit each. Once the desired numbers of fruits are developing, fruits that start to develop later should be culled to concentrate resources into the primary fruits. These fruits mature all summer to get harvested after frost. So, by the time that summer squash stops producing, winter squash is about ready for harvest. Where autumn weather is cooler, the tender foliage shrivels after frost, exposing the richly colored but formerly obscured ripe fruit. Winter squash is supposedly best if slightly frosted prior to harvest, which might take a bit longer here. After harvest, they should be left to cure for two weeks or so.

Pumpkins for pies and Jack-O’-lanterns.

Winter squash can last for months.

Winter squash vines are more rampant and somewhat shabbier than those of summer squash. Those that produce smaller fruit might be able to climb trellises or onto firewood piles that are not in use through summer anyway. Female flowers tend to shrivel sooner than male flowers, but all flowers that are big and turgid enough to bother with are edible. Bloom continues through summer. If properly stored, even without canning or freezing, intact winter squash can last for months, until summer squash start producing the following season. Highlight: Pumpkins t really would be nice to be able to transform a pumpkin into a chauffeured coach to ride to the ball, just by waving a magic wand over it. A Buick would be even more excellent! Over the years, as the variety of new Buicks has diminished to not much more than a few SUVs that are scarcely more stylish than pumpkins, the variety of pumpkins has grown crazily. Form is not following function. You see, for longer than anyone can document, pumpkins were grown merely for food. They still make much better pie than other winter squash would. Many varieties produce nicely edible seeds and bloom. In fact, some types are grown especially for their hulless seeds, which are known as pepitas, or for pumpkin seed oil. Nowadays though, pumpkins are more ornamental than culinary. Decades ago, bright orange pumpkins with relatively thin shells became more popular than the more brownish orange and thicker shelled culinary types. They are more colorful, and more easily carved into Jack-O’-lanterns, but not quite as richly flavored. Since then, white, yellow, pink, red, green and bluish gray pumpkins have become available, in all sorts of shapes, sizes and textures. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Gratitude through Giving T

By Raymond Cancino

he leaves are changing; covering our sidewalks and lawns in a patchwork of red, yellow and orange, signaling the beginning of fall. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, the sea is getting a little choppier and the sun is descending earlier. Along with these changes, we begin the annual traditions that come with the holiday season, including taking time to practice gratitude and reflect on the year that is coming to a close. For me, this time feels like an annualized sacred tradition of reflection where we spend time pausing and giving thanks for the things we are grateful for in our lives. It feels like our very own American self-care regimen, a way to force us to practice gratitude and ensure we appreciate our good fortune. Thanksgiving heralds this introspection as we focus on our gratitude for having enough food on our table, a roof over our heads and our health to enjoy the company of others. Yet there are so many in our community who cannot say the same. So this season allows us an annual opportunity to share with those less fortunate than us and an opportunity for us to share a little to help support others. We know that our Santa Cruz community has a serious poverty problem and the data corroborates what we see. Santa Cruz County consistently ranks as having the second highest poverty rate in the state, only behind Los Angeles County. We are fortunate to have so many trusted nonprofits working to address this complex issue in a myriad of ways and from many perspectives with the generous support of the community who also are practicing their own self-reflection. As a nonprofit Chief Executive Officer, I have found that people assume that government pays for services for those experiencing poverty. The reality is that while government pays for a portion of nonprofit services, donors fill in the gaps. While many nonprofits exist only due to the generous support of donors like you — local community members that are seeking local responses to regional issues. It truly is exciting to see how nonprofits can come together to provide needed services. Services like free counseling without the reimbursement of Medi-Cal, and Adult Day Health Services to seniors and people with medically complex needs when reimbursements only covering 75% of the cost. Donors like you close the gaps in funding and ensure that essential services

will be provided to those in our community in need, regardless of state and federal funding changes and in some instances making them 100% community led and funded. Now more than ever we need supporters to invest in local solutions. This past year across the states we saw a 2.7% increase in the economy, yet a sector wide reduction of 6% less donors and 2% less nonprofit donations nationwide according to the 2019 Giving USA report. So let’s come together as a community and show our gratitude through giving. During this season of giving, I often get asked the following questions by donors, friends and family: How can I ensure my donation matters, is used for the most good or ensure it will make a difference? First and foremost, every donation matters no matter how small. Being on both sides of the fence, as a donor and as a nonprofit administrator, I understand these concerns and questions. Here are the a few things you should consider before donating: Give to What Matters: Give to agencies that are creating solutions to what you see as the greatest issues our community is facing. Give Locally: Did you know that according to Giving USA report that 20% of donations from Santa Cruz go to international organizations? Donating locally not only helps those in need here in Santa Cruz

— it has a ripple effect in the health of local economy and helps provide thousands of local jobs. Almost one in four (23.8%) Santa Cruz County residents are living in poverty, so you don’t have to look far to see where you can make a difference. Give wisely by making sure you Gather Information, Ensure Governance, Check Marketing Levels, Compare Administration Costs, and look at Effectiveness and Equity. Gather Information: Use Charity Navigator and GuideStar to help research nonprofits. Nonprofits are legally required to disclose their 990 forms to the public. The 990 form will provide you with basic information like executive compensation,

lobbying efforts, and marketing costs — these forms can be found on many nonprofit websites, or through a simple Google search. If they do not have them available, ask for them. Look and ask yourself: do those expenses make sense? Ensure Governance: Nonprofits that are committed to transparency and accountability have committees of local professionals helping to manage the organization. Review their meeting notes and see if they are asking the right questions. Are they thinking about the future or are they reactionary? Ensuring agency oversight will tell you more about the stability of your donation. “Community Bridges” page 31

CENTURY 21 SANDCASTLE REALTY (Formerly CENTURY 21 LAD Realty)

Continuing the same friendly and professional service of over 40 years. Come visit us at our new location! 29 Rancho Del Mar Aptos, CA 95003 • (831) 688-1933 • http://c21sandcastle.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONGOING EVENTS

Thursday November 7 MIXER AT SOCKSHOP AND SHOE COMPANY 5 – 6:30 p.m., 154 Aptos Village Way Join us for a fun mixer at the Sockshop and Shoe Co. in Aptos as we kick off our Shop Local campaign! Snack on some small bites and network with other chamber and community members. Wine will be available to purchase by the glass from Sante Arcangeli Family Wines. Cost: $5 members/ $10 Public. RSVP: 831-688-1467 or Online at https://forms.gle/wQqPKhMarSC5ngAdA

Thursday November 14 NOVEMBER BREAKFAST MEETING 7:30 – 9 a.m., Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7605 Old Dominion Ct Great opportunity to meet community business members, introduce yourself and hear the latest details about our community. Bring your business cards for great face-to-face networking and a wonderful buffet breakfast from Severino’s Grill. Cost: $25 members/$30 non-members ($3 Discount if prepay by Tuesday, Nov. 12)

Friday November 15 SERENO GROUP RIBBON CUTTING 3:30 - 5 p.m., 15 Parade St., #A, Aptos Celebrate with us as we welcome Sereno Group to Aptos with an official ribbon cutting ceremony! Face painting, Aunt Laili’s Ice Cream Truck, and catering by Gayle’s! Cost: FREE

Saturday December 7 HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR AND TREE LIGHTING 2 - 5 p.m., Aptos Village Green Join us for holiday cheer with carolers, Santa, hot chocolate, cookies and local vendors to help you cross off any last minute gifts from your list! Free to attend! Limited vendor space available, call 688-1467 or email esme@aptoschamber.com

Thursday November 7 Chamber Mixer at Foreverfly Skateshop 5-7 p.m., 442 Main Street, Watsonville Join the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture as we help Foreverfly Skateshop celebrate its second anniversary! The event will feature food, drinks, raffle prizes and lots of fun! https://pajarovalleychamber.com/category/chamber-events

ANNOUNCEMENTS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE MONTEREY SYMPHONY The Monterey Symphony is seeking volunteers. If you love music and want to be involved, please call (831) 646-8511 or visit www.montereysymphony.org for more info.

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 831-761-2956 x102 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 Tuesdays OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING 7 - 8 pm, Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo, 10707 Soquel Dr., Aptos Do you have a proble m with compulsive over- or undereating? Anorexia? Bulimia? Compulsive exercising? You are not alone. Drop into a free, friendly OA 12-Step meeting with the solution. All are welcome! For information on other meetings in Santa Cruz County: www. santacruzoa.org/meetings WRITING/DISCUSSION MEETING 6:30-7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo Room, 10707 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 (At Hwy One and Freedom Blvd) Do you have a problem with food? Please check out our free, friendly 12-Step support group with the solution. All teens and adults welcome! For current times and locations of other meetings: www.santacruzoa.org/meetings. Or call our Hotline at (831) 429-7906. BINGO 6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. BINGO EVERY TUESDAY. Buy-in begins at $21. The Snack Bar is open with goodies and dinner specials.

28 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

BUSINESS DEBTORS ANONYMOUS 5:15-6:30pm, Calvary Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 532 Center Street, Santa Cruz. We specifically focus on recovering from debting on one’s business. For more information: 831-425-3272.

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, FELTON FARMER’S MARKET low energy, weakness, digestion, immune support, 2.30–6.30 p.m., St John’s Church in Felton grief, stress and more. Feel free to bring your partner 120 Russell Ave, Felton or care team to this free class. Please come fed; The Felton Farmers’ Market started in 1987 and is water is available. Limited Seats. Please register all attendees on Eventbrite — the second oldest market in Santa Cruz County. The market boasts a variety of certified organic fruits and Wellness on the Cancer Journey or call 831-254-3270 to vegetables and artisan foods. It is open Tuesdays from RSVP. Address given upon registration receipt. May thru October. ADHD SUPPORT GROUP 6:30-8 p.m., Aptos Fire Station, 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos Tuesdays & Wednesdays The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Branch of CHADD SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUPS hosts monthly support group meetings for anyone Monarch Services offers a safe space to meet who would like to learn more about ADHD or has other survivors of domestic violence, sexual questions or concerns. Come share with those who assault, and human trafficking survivors, and to understand. listen or share experiences. Childcare provided Second Wednesdays’ meeting is for parents of on site. children, teens, and young adults with ADHD. The Spanish – Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Servicios Monarca, group for adults with ADHD, spouses, partners of 233 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville (831) 722-4532 someone with ADHD meets fourth Wednesdays of English – Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Monarch every month. Judy Brenis: jbbrenis@comcast.net, or call 831-818-9619. Services, 1590 Seabright Avenue, SC (831) 4254030 Last Wednesdays Each Month For more information, visit www.monarchscc.org MAGICIANS’ CLUB 7 p.m., Antonelli Club Room, 2655 Brommer St., Santa Cruz Tuesdays & Thursdays Attention Magic Lovers! Our new Magicians’ Club FREE PILATES CLASSES AT TEMPLE BETH EL meets on the last Wed. of every month at 7pm in 10 a.m., Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd., Aptos the club room at the Antonelli Mobile Home Park. Please join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 If you do magic or want to get started in this fun am in the social hall at Temple Beth El in Aptos hobby, join us. (3055 Porter Gulch Rd) for a lively and challenging Questions? Call Jim at 685-3829 60 minute Pilates Strength Class. The classes are free and everybody is welcome. Donation are SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PROSTATE CANCER welcome. SUPPORT GROUP For more information https://www.tbeaptos.org 7-9 p.m., Katz Cancer Resource Center, 3150 Mission Dr Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group Wednesdays has been an active group for over 20 years in the community. ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION First meeting of 2018 will be February 28th. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays: 5:30-7 p.m. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays: 2-3:30 p.m. Thursdays Alzheimer’s Association, 550 Water Street, Ste L2, SC FRIENDSHIP PUT TO MUSIC! 95060 6:30 p.m., New Hall, La Selva Beach Club House, 3124 If you have a family member who has been Estrella Ave. diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related Classes every Thursday night. For more info call Sue dementia, a caregiver support group can offer you Harris or Don Benson (831) 726-7053 or email at caller4u@ an opportunity to find out more about available comatt.net munity resources, learn from others who are going through similar experiences, and obtain additional LUCKY STEPPERS MODERN SQUARE DANCE educational materials. 6:30 pm, La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La Our evening Santa Cruz caregiver support Selva Beach, CA 95076 group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays It’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; of each month, and our afternoon Santa Cruz family friendly. Class takes place every Thursday caregiver support group meets on the 2nd and 4th Night at our new home in La Selva Beach! (Take Mar Wednesdays of each month. No fee. Open to family Monte off of Hwy 1, turns into Playa Blvd., turn right members. on Estrella) For more information about this and other support groups in For more information, contact Sue Harris or Don Benson at the area, please call 800.272.3900 (831) 726-7053 or e-mail at caller4u@att.net. 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

SAN LORENZO COMMUNITY BAND PRACTICE SESSIONS 7:30-9 p.m., San Lorenzo Valley High School Band Room (F-1) The San Lorenzo Valley Community Band meets every Thursday at SLV High School. Dues are $30 a semester. You must read music. Call Teresa at 336-8637.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONGOING EVENTS CONT. 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 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. DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT 12-1 pm, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, two locations: 940 Disc Dr., SV • 85 Nielson St., Watsonville Hospice of Santa Cruz County is offering a drop-in grief

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 First Fridays each month his plays and writings. FIRST FRIDAY ART TOUR For more information please call 831-684-2832 Saturdays The First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of PILLS ANONYMOUS (PA) Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The event takes place 8 a.m., Sutter Hospital, 2025 Soquel Ave The purpose of PA is to provide a safe, secure, and year-round and illuminates some of the most talented supportive place for people who are addicted to pills local artists from local galleries. To find out where to participate in a First Friday art tour, visit who want to get off of them. PA is offered all over the world. firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for For questions, please contact Gary at (831)801-9578 or First Friday viewings.) Kristin at (831)345-6515 FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Peace United Church of Christ at 900 SANTA CRUZ TENNIS CLUB 9 a.m., Soquel High School Tennis Courts High Street, Santa Cruz The nonprofit Santa Cruz Tennis Club meets every Curious about Shakespeare? The Friday Shakespeare Club members discuss the life, times, and influence of Saturday morning at the Soquel High School courts beginning at 9:00 am. We play doubles and mixed William Shakespeare. doubles, mostly at an intermediate level, and switch For information, call 831-684-2832, or go to friday around the players every 45 minutes. shakespeare.org or facebook.com/fridayshakespeare. Balls are provided. $2 for first time visitors. support group for adults grieving the death of a family member or a friend. This group is a place where you can share stories, learn tools for coping, and receive support from people who care. For more information, please call (831) 430-3000. Preregistration is required.

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

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@SantaCruz DinnerClub.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 Saturday November 9 42ND ANNUAL ALBACORE DINNER Coctails at 6 p.m., Dinner at 7 p.m., Castroville Recreation Center, 11261 Crane St., Castroville Presented by the Castroville Rotary Club and the Monterey Trout and Steelhead Project. No host for coctails. Event includes: Door Prizes • Silent Auction • Project Demonstrations. Adults: $20 • Kids under 12: $10. Tickets available at the door.

Saturday November 16

BOARDWALK HOLIDAY ICE BEGINS 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Celebrate this holiday season with a new family tradition, ice skating Sundays at the Boardwalk! NAR-ANON SANTA CRUZ Festivities and 6:30 p.m., Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (Sutter Fun: Ice Skating Room), 2900 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz by the Beach, Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and on Real Ice! friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Just Select Boardwalk come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going Rides and through similar problems, talk about how they cope and Games, Indoor find recovery. Arcades, Mini To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please go Golf,andLaserTag. to our website at www.nar-anon.org. DeliciousBoardwalkTreatsto eat. RECOVERING COUPLES ANONYMOUS MEETING Classic Holiday 10:30 a.m.–noon, Sutter Maternity, 2900 Chanticleer Ave, SC Movies. Kids Craft RCA is a 12 step group for couples. Our primary purpose Activities and is to stay committed in loving and intimate relationHoliday Lights ships and to help other couples achieve freedom from and Decorations! Reservations for ice skating dysfunctional relationships. All couples are welcome recommended. whether married or partnered. Some of us are new in our Schedule, reservations and tickets will be available online at coupleships and seek to build intimacy together. We have https://beachboardwalk.com. Ice Rink open through Jan. 5, all found help in Recovering Couples Anonymous. 2020 For more information visit our website: https://santacruzrca.org or email us at rcasantacruz@yahoo.com

Sunday November 17

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

SCIENCE SUNDAY 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., eymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz Marine scientists bring you public lectures with photography, video, and stories of their work and lives. Visit http://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/ for details n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 29

Business Guide

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Preparing for Winter Rains and Other Natural Disasters

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 30 / November 1st 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

s we head into the rainy season it’s always good time to do some advance preparations for your home or business. Recent earthquakes and the PG&E power shutoff also remind us that we live in an area where disaster preparation is a constant. Let’s look at some of the ways you can be sure your home or business is prepared for an emergency situation. A few years ago our County experienced significant storm damage (damage that we are still working to repair). If we have a similar winter we can expect additional flooding, mudslides, road damage and downed trees. As we saw, this means that some neighborhoods might have limited access or even be cut off from access for a period of time. What can you do to prepare and what is the County doing ahead of the winter to get ready? In advance of the season Public Works has been cleaning culverts, mowing and clearing brush in an attempt to reduce flooding potential. They are encouraging the community to call them at 454-2160 if you know of any culverts that need inspection or repair or brush that needs to be cleared. Residents can also download the free County mobile app My Santa Cruz County via the County’s website at santacruzcounty.us to report non-emergency issues. Additionally, Public Works is also asking that residents rake (if it’s safe) and clean storm drains to help prevent flooding. This simple task can significantly improve drainage. Road hazards can always be reported via the 24-hour Public Works dispatch number at 477-3999 (option 1). You can visit the County’s winter prep resource page: www. santacruzcounty.us/elnino - while it was originally created for a previous El Nino season it has been updated and provides a wealth of information on what to do before, during and after a storm. It provides checklists on what to have on hand at your home, contact numbers and more. If you believe that a tree has the potential to impact a power

By Supervisor Zach Friend

line PG&E is offering to have their arborists inspect trees and perform maintenance if needed. You can call them at 1-800-743-5000. Residents can also sign up for mobile alerts regarding power outages directly from their website. PG&E has also notified state regulators they expect to continue their power shutoffs. These shutoffs were remarkably disruptive and impacted vulnerable populations in significant ways. While the County has been working with the state CPUC to encourage a stronger role in these shutoffs, we do want to ensure that you prepare for these shutoffs as you would for any other power loss due to storms or another natural disaster. Our local 911 center suggests residents sign up for mobile alerts (called Code Red) from their website www.scr911.org. These alerts will be used for evacuations, boil-water notices and other critical information. What other things can you do to prepare your home or business?

According to FEMA and the Red Cross, here are some tips: • Build an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, radio, and baby items and medicines (if needed) to last a few days • Keep your pets indoors if possible during heavy rain events • Have a plan that your family is familiar with — in case you are unable to get home due to road hazards or need to shelter in place for multiple days ensure that your family knows how to communicate and possibly a back up location for meeting or lodging. This would be relevant during major storm events or earthquakes or other natural disasters. • In advance of rains, clear drains, rain gutters and downspouts of debris • If you have drainage issues around your home consider having them inspected and addressed and inspect your roof for leaks • Get flood insurance. If you already have it, check your policy to make sure you have enough coverage • Make copies of all your important documents and make sure the originals are stored safely somewhere outside of your home • Take photos of your possessions (furniture, collectibles, electronics) in case you need them for an insurance claim • Learn how to shut off gas valves, bolt and brace water heaters, install strong latches on cabinets and don’t hang heavy items (like a picture or mirror) near beds or couches where people sleep or sit. • Check at your workplace and your children’s schools to learn about their emergency plans for an earthquake or other natural disaster n ••• As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to visit me during my open office hours in Aptos, Corralitos, Watsonville or Seascape or call me at 454-2200 if I can be of any help to you.

“Community Bridges” from page 27 Check Marketing Levels: Although marketing is an essential part of any business, ensure that the spending is proportional so that these expenses are not taking away from direct services. Compare Administration Costs: No nonprofit can efficiently run without qualified professionals. However, some questions to ask yourself before donating: for the size of the staff, and financial responsibility, are the administration costs reasonable? You can find this information under the organization’s 990 forms and can compare this to what other professionals are earning to get a better understanding if the compensation is reasonable. Effectiveness: The broadest measure of effectiveness is: how many people does this program or agency touch? The next measure is: how deep does the agency impact people’s lives and how much time do they spend working with clients? The reality is that providing and serving a meal and providing counseling are measured entirely differently. Make sure you compare apples to apples when setting your expectations. Equity: Equity seems to be the buzzword of the moment, but rarely is it measured. That is why it is critically

important that nonprofits begin to measure their wage equity and ensure that the highest paid employee makes no more than 5 times the lowest paid employee, this wage ratio should be less than 5. This measure ensures nonprofits are able to have the flexibility to invest in top talent, but not at the expense of services or other coworkers. At Community Bridges, we are proud that our ratio is 3.92. Look on the 990 form to see the salary of the highest paid individual and then divide it by minimum wage or the agency about their entry wage. Commitment to ensuring equitable pay is a key indicator of an effective nonprofit and that they themselves live up to their values. In this upcoming season of giving, my recommendation is to go beyond name recognition and invest the time to really understand how your hard-earned dollar will be used. Taking these steps will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your money truly makes an impact. Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season and that you allow yourself time to take stock of your year, and find opportunity for self-reflection and to be thankful. n ••• For more info: https://communitybridges.org

34th Annual Harvest Dinner Saturday, November 16, 2019 5:30pm No Host Bar & Silent Auction • 7:00pm Dinner & Live Auction to Follow Harvest Building • Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

Dinner Catered By Monterey Bay Caterers Live Music Mr. Banjo & The Lonesome Wailers

Tickets $75 each For more information call 831-724-5898 or visit www.aghistoryproject.org

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / November 1st 2019 / 31

everything...so close to home. FOOD & DRINK

Deer Park Wine & Spirits Deluxe Foods Panda Inn Mangiamo Pizza & Wine Bar Red Apple Cafe

Providing compassionate, customized dental care to the Aptos and Santa Cruz community

Deluxe Foods of Aptos

PERSONAL SERVICES Agape Dance Academy Aptos Academic Trainers Body in Motion Brian Del Core, DDS CVS Pharmacy Del Mar Cleaners Eye Shapes Opticians Highlights for Hair J-Bella Nails Klub Nico Laser Hair Solutions Royal Paw Spa Santa Cruz Dance Supply

Supporting the Aptos community for 40 years Mon. thru Sat. 8am to 9pm • Sun. 8am to 8pm Peet’s Coffee Available Mon. thru Fri 6am • Sat & Sun 7am

give us a call

Implants, Invisalign, Family, Cosmetic

(831) 688-3012 or visit

delcoredental.com

783 Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos, CA 95003 (Located inside Deer Park Marketplace)

(831) 688-7442 www.deluxefoodsofaptos.com

BUSINESS SERVICES

Anderson & Company HOA Management Employnet Galapagos Travel PDM International Peak Accounting Services SAR Asset Mgmt. Inc. Scurich Insurance Stearns Lending Wavestaff, Inc

2019 Nutcracker Ballet December 20-22 • Cabrillo Crocker Theater

Agape Dance Academy Go to our website to check out our Fall Dance Schedule 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd Ste 53, Aptos (In the Deerpark Shopping Center)

www.agapedance.com • 831-359-0850

BANKS

Bank of America US Bank

deer park c e n t e r

Highway 1 & Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos