Aptos Times: May 1, 2020

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May 1 2020 • Vol 29 No. 9

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Shark Sightings at Seacliff

Aptos’ New Leaf Reopens

Seven Staff Confirmed Cases; All Store Staff Tested Story and Photos By Jondi Gumz New Leaf Community Markets reopened its store in Aptos Village Tuesday morning after a precautionary six-day closure and a deep cleaning after seven employees were confirmed to have the contagious coronavirus, COVID-19.

“All staff working in the store have been tested for

COVID-19 and cleared to return to work and we are working closely with the Santa Cruz County Public Health Department to follow recommended guidance for reopening,” said Lindsay Gizdich, New Leaf’s marketing specialist. ... continues on page 4

The warning signs are out after multiple sharks were seen in the waters at Seacliff State Beach early in the week.

“We did have 2 confirmed sightings (one Sunday and one Monday) with what appeared to be juvenile sharks in the Seacliff/New Brighton area, said Gabe McKenna, Public Safety Superintendent with California State Parks, noting advisory signs are posted.

Full Story page 6

Real Estate Revamps for COVID-19

Real estate statistics for March — a median price of $925,000 for 102 home sales in Santa Cruz County — reflect the pre-COVID-19 world, according to Gary Gangnes of Real Options Realty, who tracks the numbers.

Full Story page 11

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No. 9

Volume 29

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Table of Contents

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Cover Aptos’ New Leaf Reopens: Seven Staff Confirmed Cases; All Store Staff Tested, By Jondi Gumz

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Community News Shark Sightings at Seacliff, By Jondi Gumz • Changes at County Offices Santa Cruz Enforcing Beach Parking Meters • Volunteers Sought • Second Harvest Food Bank Schedule for May • CASA Offers Online Training to Help Children • Transit Comments Due May 11 • Sheltering in Faith Starts May 4 Face Coverings Order Is In Effect Boardwalk’s Summer Up In The Air: June Weddings Nixed But Kids Camps May Be Possible, By Jondi Gumz County Health Assesses Nursing Homes Real Estate Revamps for COVID-19, By Jondi Gumz Small Business Relief: $310B Available, By Jondi Gumz Five Agri-Culture Scholarships Given 2020 National Ag Day Poster and Poetry Contest Winners UCSC to Begin COVID-19 Testing, By Tim Stephens • Library Presents Zoom Workshop Rooms Available for Health Care Workers Health Officer: Beaches Off Limits, By Jondi Gumz Small Business Relief: $310B Available, By Jondi Gumz CenCal Alliance to Donate $157k to Second Harvest Employing Data Analytics to Make Sound College Admission Choices,

By Chad Storlie Campesinos: Workers of the Land: Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery’s Newest Exhibit Opening Soon Lapiz Heads SAVE Lives Santa Cruz County

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 24

Letters to the Editor 17 2020 Wharf to Wharf, Open Studios Cancelled

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

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Featured Columnists 25 Increase the Vigor of Your Immune System, By Nisha Manek, MD, FACP, FRCP (UK) 26 Five COVID-19 Facts Saying We Should End Total Isolation, By Dr. Scott W. Atlas, MD 27 Ask Dr. Rodriguez: Top Ten FAQs, Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District 30 County Budget in Light of COVID-19: $40M Hole, By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31— Elsie: Looking For New Friends

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COVER STORY publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers Camisa Composti, Jondi Gumz, Tim Stephens, Chad Storlie, Nisha Manek, Dr. Scott W. Atlas, Michelle Rodriguez, Zach Friend layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King

“New Leaf” from page 1 “While health authorities did not required us to close the store, we chose to do so to work with local healthcare providers to test all staff, and support the health and well-being of our community,” Gizdich finished.

Testing has been offered to the store’s nearly 100 employees, Gizdich said, working with a local healthcare provider, which she did not identify.

A few are awaiting tests, results, or isolating for 14 days, she added, but anyone working in the store tested negatively and was cleared to return.

“We are staying close with all diagnosed staff and have sent grocery deliveries to support them and their families as they focus on recovering,” she said.

She added, “We are paying all store staff while they are home, are covering the costs of COVID-19 testing, and are continuing to encourage staff in all locations to stay home if they do not feel well.”

Justin Reyes, the store manager, was on duty Tuesday morning – wearing a now required face covering -- to greet customers at the door.

“Welcome back,” said Aptos shopper Sandy Martinez, wearing a face covering.

“It feels good to be back,” said Reyes.

website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti advertising sales Don Beaumont, Teri Huckobey Cathe Race

office coordinator

Bill Pooley, James Hudson

distribution

“I really like the choices here,” said Sharon Sarris, a shopper from Rio Del Mar. She said she felt comfortable shopping at New Leaf, saying the closure “shows a responsibility to their customers and their employees.”

The store closure started April 22 once the COVID-19 cases were confirmed and county Health Services notified.

Gizdich said the “deep cleaning” was done by a sanitation company and included a thorough ventilation and storewide disinfection by workers wearing protective equipment in accordance with health authority guidance.

Before closing, perishable food was transferred to other locations to prevent spoilage, but some products were discarded due to expiration dates, she added, noting that the Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration say there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19.

This is the second time that Aptos New Leaf closed due to COVID-19. The grocery closed April 18 after one worker was diagnosed and, after cleaning, reopened April 19.

Followed Protocols ew Leaf had restricted entry to the Aptos store, put up signs saying “Keep a Healthy Distance,” laid down emblems six feet apart on the floor showing where customers should wait for an open checkstand and installed plexiglass shields to protect cashiers.

At an April 23 press conference on COVID-19, Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel said New Leaf had followed all of the protocols.

“We applaud them for all of their good work,” she said.

N 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 ©2020. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission

A new sign outside New Leaf in Aptos reminds shoppers they must wear a face covering. The Santa Cruz County health officer’s order mandating face coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19 took effect at midnight April 24.

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COVER STORY

Aptos New Leaf closed Wednesday, April 22, after staff tested positive for COVID-19.

Groceries, as essential businesses, have remained open after the “shelter in place” order was issued March 16 but workers face exposure.

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which advocates face coverings for shoppers, estimates 30 workers died after exposure to COVID-19.

New Leaf has been giving employees a bi-weekly bonus and boosted the staff discount to 30 percent. According to a notice to shoppers on the New Leaf website, “symptom checks” take place at the start of every shift, and face coverings are provided and required for employees are working in the store.

Face Covering Order ewel ordered people to wear cover a face covering when in public, starting April 25, to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The county reported 125 cases, 3,397 negative cases, 3 patients in the hospital, and two deaths, as of April 28.

She described the Aptos New Leaf cases as a “cluster.”

“We’re not requiring testing,” she said. “Testing for asymptomatic people is not validated.”

The federal Centers for Disease Control has warned that when people who have no symptoms are tested, the nasal swab test may produce a false negative when the person actually has COVID-19.

The county is pushing to ramp up testing, with newly arrived testing equipment at its Emeline campus, Dominican Hospital and a Dignity Health clinic.

A Dominican spokesperson said the hospital has received “a limited supply of COVID-19 testing kits that enable a shorter turnaround,” and these will be used for the Emergency Department and admitted patients who meet criteria.

UC Santa Cruz has obtained federal

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certification to do testing, Newel said, with a potential capacity of 900 tests a day with staff working 12-hour shifts.

Jeremy Sanford, a molecular biologist on campus, leads that project, which will take advantage of newly purchased robotic equipment.

Bottlenecks hough more test equipment is available, there are bottlenecks: The standard COVID-19 test requires a nose or throat swab, and the county has only 200 swabs — there’s a nationwide shortage — and not enough protective gowns and face shields that must be worn by testing personnel.

Puritan Medical, one of two CDC-recommended swab vendors, is setting up a new plant in Maine, which will boost swab production in five or six weeks. Another vendor, Copan, is in northern Italy.

“We’re not getting supplies from the state,” said Dr. David Ghilarducci, the county’s EMS medical director. “We get 30 percent of what we order.”

He said employees at Bay Photo, based in Scotts Valley, and workers at Santa Cruz Bicycles are using their equipment to make face shields.

Bay Photo is taking orders online at https://support.bayphoto.com/s/article/ COVID-19-Updates Santa Cruz Bicycles spent 10 days developing prototypes and getting feedback from health care, has enough material to produce 8,000 face shields in two different designs.

At Cabrillo College, art instructor Payson McNett printed up 150 face shields, using the MakerSpace on campus, and donated them to the county for health care workers. n ••• Cover Photo: Justin Reyes, manager of New Leaf Community Markets store in Aptos Village, is on duty outside as the store reopens Tuesday morning.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Shark Sightings at Seacliff

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By Jondi Gumz

he warning signs are out after multiple sharks were seen in the waters at Seacliff State Beach early in the

week.

“We did have 2 confirmed sightings (one Sunday and one Monday) with what appeared to be juvenile sharks in the

Seacliff/New Brighton area, said Gabe McKenna, Public Safety Superintendent with California State Parks, noting advisory signs are posted.

Craig Vinken saw two young great white sharks on April 27 while he was on his standup paddleboard at Seacliff State Beach.

He was out past the cement ship when one young shark, 11 to 12 feet long, swam about five feet from his board --“40 years in the ocean and I’ve never seen anything like it,” he wrote on NextDoor, prompting a flurry of comments.

Jason Long responded, “Thinking about spending some time in the water down there today, but now I’m not so sure.”

Jane Silberstein, who worked at Monterey Bay Aquarium for 33 years, told Vinken, “They only eat fish until they are around 9.5 to 10 ft long so no worries :)” Beth Redmond-Jones shared that Seacliff is a “rookery” for great white sharks, and Sal Jorgensen, a scientist at Monterey Bay Aquarium, studies them.

6 / May 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Francine Neves recalled her helicopter ride over the bay at the beginning of June last year with Specialized, counting 15 sharks in the local shoreline waters.

“The stretch from Seacliff to New

Brighton is not called Shark Alley for nothing,” added Rick Pastor of Soquel.

“The bay cruise boats bring tourists there just to see them and are not often disappointed.”

Changes at County Offices

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he County of Santa Cruz, which provides marriage licenses, health inspections, building permits, food support, child protective and health services, has made changes to slow the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19 and protect the health of residents and staff.

These changes include: • Elimination of walk-up building permit counter hours while maintaining eFiling and permit appointments; • Providing additional phone and online participation options to limit large internal meetings; • Providing extra space and electronic comment options during Board of Supervisors’ meetings; • Compliance with social distancing guidelines at public counters, including potentially limiting the number of persons in public lobbies at one time; • Having county employees on field visits inquire about the health of persons at a home or facility prior to entry; • Enhanced cleaning schedule at all county facilities including public spaces; • Additional screening at county detention and medical facilities.

“We are taking some common-sense steps to comply with the guidelines, and will

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

County workers at the Emeline complex prepare to screen reporters attending the weekly COVID-19 briefing by the Santa Cruz County health officer. update these measures as needed.” County Administrative Officer Carlos Palacios said.

Many county services, including building permit application and tax payments, are available online and County residents are encourage to use those options.

For Planning Department Services, including applying for an ePermit, submitting building plan applications, scheduling appointments, or making payments, go to www.sccoplanning.com or call (831) 454-2580.

Community guidance and other information can be found at www.healthservices agency.org/coronavirus.

Residents are encouraged to call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211 for state and local public health information. n

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Santa Cruz Enforcing Beach Parking Meters he City of Santa Cruz resumed enforcement of beach area parking meters April 24.

Beach area meter enforcement had been suspended in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, yet increased traffic with nicer spring weather has prompted enforcement to restart.

The decision to resume beach area parking enforcement aims to discourage large crowds in support of the Covid-19 state and Santa Cruz County shelter-inplace orders. This decision in conjunction with closed parking areas along West Cliff and East Cliff drives, encourages minimal non-essential travel in observance of the shelter-in-place orders.

The public is asked to observe posted parking signage and information located on the meters regarding rates and enforcement times. The city recommends use of the Parkmobile payment application to avoid and/or limit physical contact with the parking meter itself.

Information on how to download and use the Parkmobile payment application can be found at www.parkmobile.com (https://parkmobile.io/).

The City of Santa Cruz reports its parking fees are some of the lowest on the Central Coast. See visit http://www. cityofsantacruz.com/parkingservices for more information.

••• Volunteers Sought nternational Students Inc. Santa Cruz, a friendship ministry serving students at UC Santa Cruz, will host a training for new volunteers 3 to 4:30 p.m. April 29 online on Zoom.

Contact Peggy Pollard at isi. santacruz@gmail.com to register.

••• Second Harvest Food Bank Schedule for May econd Harvest Food Bank announces the schedule for community food distribution for May in Santa Cruz County.

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May 1 – Fairgrounds, Watsonville May 8 – Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz May 15 – Fairgrounds, Watsonville May 22 – Fairgrounds, Watsonville May 29 – Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Each distribution will be between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Residents of Santa Cruz County can come and receive a bag of pantry items and a bag of produce. This is plenty of food for a family, and they ask that if you have attended one of Second Harvest’s previous food distributions in this same week please allow those who still need food to get their share.

Community members are asked to not arrive before 9 a m to allow for setup.

Each family receiving food must have a representative present, with appropriate identifying materials.

Organizers ask families to not bring dogs or other pets to the drive-through, if possible.

Second Harvest is committed to providing these community-wide drivethrough food distributions as long as need continues.

To learn more, call the Community Food Hotline at (831)662-0991 or visit thefoodbank.org.

••• CASA Offers Online Training to Help Children ASA of Santa Cruz County is offering online trainings for new CASA advocates. In this time of shelterin-place, the risk of abuse and neglect for babies, children and young adults has increased. With this increased stress, the need for volunteers who decide to stand up for these children has never been greater.

CASA is offering a special training on Zoom starting the evening of May 12 and running through mid-June. This training will occur two nights a week for five weeks from 5-8 p p.m. using the online Zoom platform.

The safety of volunteers is of paramount importance, so the training program was moved online so that children do not have to wait for an advocate.

Information sessions will take place online in the weeks leading up to the training for interested community members.

For information on how to become a CASA volunteer Advocate, contact CASA Outreach and Recruitment Manager, Cita Rasul, at (831) 761-2956, ext. 102, or visit www.casaofsantacruz.org/volunteer.

••• Transit Comments Due May 11 he Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission is seeking public input for Milestone 2 of the Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis through an online open house that closes May 11.

The analysis is a year-long study that will evaluate high-capacity public transit alternatives that provide an integrated

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and provide input, visit www.sccrtc-tcaa. com. For more information, visit www. sccrtc.org/transitcorridoraa ••• Sheltering in Faith Starts May 4 anta Cruz Public Libraries is introducing a new four-part series called Sheltering in Faith, which brings together Santa Cruz County leaders of diverse faith traditions, perspectives and practices to help with Sheltering in Place. The series includes: • Crisis & Recovery: 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Monday, May 4 • Grief & Loss: 3 – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 • Separation & Connections: 10 – 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 11 • Meaning & Productivity: 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 13 Register to receive Zoom invitations on the Virtual Events Calendar at santacruzpl.org/calendar. n

S transit network for Santa Cruz County using all or part of the length of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line.

Intercounty and interregional connections to Monterey, Gilroy, the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond will be considered.

Since March, RTC staff and their project team have been working to screen the initial list of alternatives to narrow them down to a draft shortlist of alternatives that will be evaluated more quantitatively.

The online open house provides an update on the planning effort and an opportunity to provide comments on the draft shortlist of alternatives as a result of the initial screening.

Public input will be sought through the online open house from April 13 – May 11. To view the online open house

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Face Coverings Order Is In Effect S anta Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel has announced an order requiring customers and staff at essential businesses to wear face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The order follows new requirements in place throughout much of the San Francisco Bay Area.

The order impacts public, commercial and governmental spaces where face-toface interactions may pose a risk of transDr. Gail Newel mission, including grocery stores, health care offices, restaurant pickup counters, public transit, essential government offices and more.

“We are making great progress in flattening the curve and preventing the spread

of COVID-19,” Newel said. “However, we now know that COVID-19 can be transmitted by infected patients for days before they are symptomatic. These measures are intended to protect our essential workers and each other, and I urge everyone to follow this order closely.”

Businesses must take reasonable measures, such as posting signs, to remind visitors about face coverings, and may not serve customers who do not observe the order.

Workers do not need face coverings if they are alone in a personal office but must put them on when others enter.

Residents are encouraged to continue to practice safe physical distancing when they go out to exercise or for recreation. Individuals engaged on outdoor recreation and who are able to practice distancing (joggers, cyclists, hikers, etc.) are not required to wear

face coverings, but should move to avoid close proximity with passers-by.

The order also includes people riding on buses and waiting at bus stops, rideshare services, and passengers in private cars who are not members of the same household.

The order does not require children 12 and younger to wear face coverings.

Children 2 years old or younger must not wear them due to risk of suffocation.

When donning and doffing face coverings, be careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Face coverings should be washed regularly.

Face coverings can be: • Homemade masks • Bandanas • Neck gaiters • T-shirts • Towels or other cloth materials

Face coverings should: • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face • Be secured with ties or ear loops • Include multiple layers of fabric • Allow for breathing without restriction Due to ongoing shortages of personal protective equipment, the public is discouraged from using medical-grade masks, such as N95 masks or surgical masks. Those supplies should be reserved for health care workers and first responders.

If you have medical-grade masks and would like to donate them, go to www. santacruzcounty.us/ppedonate.

The county Shelter-in-Place order remains in effect through May 3. For guides on homemade face coverings, see https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.htm. n

ORDER OF THE HEALTH OFFICER GENERALLY REQUIRING FACE COVERINGS Please read this Order carefully. Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. (California Health and Safety Code§ 120295, etseq.; Cal. Penal Code§§ 69, 148(a)(l)) UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 101040, 101085, AND 120175, THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ (“HEALTH OFFICER”) ORDERS: 1. This Order temporarily requires the use of Face Coverings in order to further slow transmission of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”). This Order shall become effective at 11 :59 p.m. on April 24, 2020 and will continue to be in effect until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Health Officer.

All individuals, businesses and government agencies in the County of Santa Cruz (“County”) are required to follow the provisions of this Order. This Order applies to the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County as well as the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville.

2. This Order is issued in accordance with and incorporates the March 31, 2020 Order of the Health Officer of the County of Santa Cruz Directing All Individuals in the County to Continue Sheltering at Their Place of Residence Through May 3, 2020; and Providing Further Clarification and Limitation.

3. This Order is based on evidence of increasing occurrence of COVID-19 within Santa Cruz County, California and the United States. In

the County, as of April 22, 2020 there are 111 cases of COVID-19 and two fatalities.

4. The Health Officer has determined that this Order, and her prior Orders, were and are necessary because COVID-19 is present in the County, is highly contagious, and is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets may land on other people or be inhaled into their lungs, may land on and attach to surfaces where ·they remain for days, and may remain viable in the air for up to three hours, even after the infected person has left. When worn properly, Face Coverings have the potential to slow the spread of the virus by limiting the spread of these droplets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health now believe that wearing a Face Covering, when combined with physical distancing of at least 6 feet and frequent hand washing, may reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 by reducing the spread of respiratory droplets.

5. As used in this Order, a “Face Covering” means a covering made of cloth, fabric or permeable materials, without holes, that covers only the nose and mouth and surrounding areas of the lower face. A covering that hides or obscures the wearer’s eyes or forehead is not a Face Covering. Examples of Face Coverings include a scarf or bandana; a neck gaiter; a homemade covering made from a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or towel, held on with rubber bands or otherwise; or a mask (which need not be medical grade). A Face Covering may be factory-made or may be handmade from ordinary household materials.

Note that any mask that incorporates a one-way

valve (typically a raised plastic cylinder about the size of a quarter on the front or side of the mask) that is designed to facilitate easy exhaling is not a Face Covering under this order and is not to be used to comply with this Order’s requirements.

Valves of that type permit droplet release from the mask, putting others nearby at risk.

A video showing how to make a Face Covering and additional information about how to wear and clean Face Coverings may be found at the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at www. cdc.gov/corona virus/2019-ncov/preventgetting-sick/div-cloth-face-coverings.html 6. All members of the public, except as specifically exempted below, must wear a Face Covering in the following situations: a. When they are inside of, or in line to enter, or when conducting business through a car window or walk-up counter with any Essential Business (as that term is defined in Section 12.f of the March 31, 2020 Shelter-In-Place Order), including, but not limited to, grocery stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, laundromats, and restaurants; b. When they are inside of or at any location or facility engaging in Minimum Basic Operations or when they are inside of or at any location providing Essential Government Functions ( as defined in Sections 12.g and 12.d, respectively, of the March 31, 2020 Shelter-In-Place); c. When they are engaged in Essential Infrastructure work (as defined in Section 12.c of the March 31, 2020 Shelter-In-Place Order); d. When they are obtaining services at Healthcare Operations (as defined in

Section 13.b of the March 31, 2020 ShelterIn-Place Order) including hospitals, clinics, COVID-19 testing locations, dentists, pharmacies, blood banks and blood drives, other healthcare facilities, mental health providers, or facilities providing veterinary care and similar health care services for animals, unless specifically directed otherwise by an employee or worker at the Healthcare Operation; or e. When they are waiting for or riding on public transportation, paratransit or are in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle.

7. Each driver or operator of any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle must wear a Face Covering while driving or operating such vehicle, regardless of whether a member of the public is in the vehicle, due to the need to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets in the vehicle.

8. All Essential Businesses, as well as entities and organizations with workers engaged in Essential Infrastructure work, Minimum Basic Operations, or Essential Government Functions ( except for Healthcare Operations, which are subject to their own regulations regarding specified Face Coverings) must: a. Require their employees~ contractors, owners, and volunteers to wear a Face Covering at the workplace and when performing work off-site any time the employee, contractor, owner, or volunteer is: · i. interacting in person with any member of the public;

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“Face Coverings” page 10

COMMUNITY NEWS

Boardwalk’s Summer Up In The Air

June Weddings Nixed But Kids Camps May Be Possible

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By Jondi Gumz

r. Gail Newel, Santa Cruz County health officer, dropped a bombshell at the county’s COVID-19 press conference on April 16: “I don’t anticipate the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will open this summer at all.”

The award-winning family-owned oceanfront amusement park, one of the largest private employers in the city of Santa Cruz, has been a summer tradition since 1907.

Newel, who later softened her Boardwalk statement, delivered bad news to a reporter asking about her plans to get married in late June: “You need to think about moving the date of your wedding. I’m so sorry. I’ve already had this conversation with my niece.”

As for Junior Guards, a popular kids’ summer camp in Santa Cruz and Capitola, Newel said, “If it happens, it will look different than last year. It just can’t happen that way this year.”

She said she is talking to parks and recreation leaders “to have activities happen in a different way.”

With 98 COVID-19 cases, 17 hospitalizations, two deaths and 2,514 negative test results, return to normalcy is not on the horizon.

Late in the afternoon, Newel put out a statement on the Boardwalk, saying no decision for it to stay closed beyond May 3, when her “shelter in place” order expires, had been made and “speculation about future operations at this time is premature.”

Newel had indicated Tuesday the March 16 order could be loosened May 4, allowing construction, landscaping and gardening, and golf courses. She reiterated those possibilities Thursday, noting rules to stay six feet apart must be followed and stretching out her arms to illustrate.

No Gathering eaches and parks across Santa Cruz County reopened April 16 after a weeklong closure for the Easter holiday to prevent large gatherings, where the contagious COViD-19 virus could easily spread by large droplets via coughing, sneezing or simply talking.

A case study released Wednesday by the federal Centers for Disease Control showed the impact of a family gathering in the Chicago area for a

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patients in Santa Cruz County as of April 15 with five in intensive care, three confirmed and two suspected.

Newel said the county’s numbers are more up-to-date.

Hall recall an instance when the state posted “a crazy number of suspected cases and they were all negative.”

Testing n Santa Cruz County, the number of negative tests has doubled.

Early on, tests were rationed for people showing symptoms and health care workers, as specimens had to be sent to a state lab in Santa Clara County, a much bigger jurisdiction, which as of April 16, reported 1,800 cases, 188 hospitalizations, 71 ICU patients and 69 fatalities.

Starting this week, more testing will occur in Santa Cruz County. New machines have arrived at three locations, the county’s Emeline clinic, Dominican Hospital and a Dignity Health outpatient clinic.

Hall’s goal is to have a 30-day supply of personal protective equipment, which must be worn by lab technicians.

She has “enough to get by” with weekly shipments from the state and hopes to get more, from either the state or federal government.

I

funeral and a birthday party: Seven confirmed cases and nine probable cases — ranging in age from 5 to 86 — and three deaths.

Newel reminded everyone to wash their hands with soap and water and advised that homemade face coverings protect people around you.

Though beaches and parks are open, gatherings are not allowed.

“If we see large gatherings, we may need to close them again,” Newel said, identifying picnic tables, barbecues, dog parks and skate parks as potential problem areas.

San Mateo County has told residents their outdoor recreation must be no more than five miles from home. Newel hasn’t, but she said, “It’s best to stay in your own neighborhood.”

Newel commended Sheriff Jim Hart for keeping COVID-19 out of the jail and nursing homes and assisted living facilities for keeping occupants COVIDfree. One healthcare worker at a skilled nursing facility tested positive, Newel said, but there was no spread.

Asked if any grocery workers tested positive, she said, “I don’t think so.”

Metrics ospitalizations are a key metric, and the county and state report them differently.

The county posts all hospitalizations, according to Mimi Hall, director of the county’s Health Services Agency.

The state gets daily data from hospitals and posts current hospitalizations, confirmed and suspected cases, and patients in intensive care unit beds, confirmed and suspected.

The state reported six hospitalized

“County Announcements” page 13

H

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Health Assesses Nursing Homes T he County of Santa Cruz Public Health Division has completed assessments of local skilled nursing facilities to prevent the spread of contagious COVID-19.

As of Thursday, there were 114 reported COVID-19 cases in Santa Cruz County, but none among skilled nursing facility residents.

“The success of our local COVID-19 response is dependent on the readiness of our healthcare facilities,” says Michelle Meszaros, the lead Public Health nurse for the skilled nursing facility assessments.

Outbreaks of COVID-19 and fatalities have occurred at nursing homes in California and long-term care facilities in Washington State as medically-vulnerable “Face Coverings” from page 8 ii. working in any space visited by members of the public, such as by way of example and without limitation reception areas, grocery store or pharmacy aisles, service counters, public restrooms, cashier and checkout areas, waiting rooms, service areas, and other spaces used to interact with the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time; 111. working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others; 1v. working in or walking through common areas such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities; or v. in any room or enclosed area when other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present.

For clarity, a Face Covering is not required when a person is in a personal office (a single room) when others outside of that person’s household are not present so long as the public does not regularly visit the room. By way of example and without limitation, a construction worker, plumber, bank manager, accountant, or bike repair person is not required to wear a Face Covering if that individual is alone and in a space not regularly visited by the public, but that individual must put on a Face Covering when coworkers are nearby, when being visited by a client/customer, and when anywhere members of the public or other coworkers are regularly present. b. Take reasonable measures, such as posting signs, to remind their customers and the public of the requirement that they wear a Face Covering while inside of or waiting in line to enter the business, facility, or

individuals living in close quarters are at higher risk.

Public Health staff have visited facilities, assessed needs for safety measures

and provided guidance, and are prepared to direct additional public health resources should an outbreak occur.

On March 20, Health Officer Dr. Gail

Newel issued a no-visitation order at residential health care facilities throughout Santa Cruz County. The order has since been extended indefinitely and covers all visitation other than end-of-life situations.

In early April, Public Health developed a seven-member team of Communicable Disease Unit staff to coordinated and complete on-site assessments of each of the seven skilled nursing facilities in Santa Cruz County.

This team worked with skilled-nursing staff on reviewing the facility’s capacity for isolation and quarantine of residents, reviewing their process for managing staff and/or residents with COVID-19, and ensuring each facility had policies in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. n

location. Essential Businesses and entities or organizations that engage in Essential Infrastructure work, Essential Government Functions, or Minimum Basic Operations must take all reasonable steps to prohibit entry to any member of the public who is not wearing a Face Covering, and must not serve that person.

9. Any child aged two years or less must not wear a Face Covering because of the risk of suffocation. Moreover, this Order does not require that any child between the ages of 2 and twelve years wear a Face Covering, including but not limited to, when attending childcare activities (as described in Section 12(f)xxvii of the March 31 , 2020 Shelter-InPlace Order). Parents and caregivers must supervise use of Face Coverings by children to avoid misuse.

10. Wearing a Face Covering is recommended but not required while engaged in outdoor exercise such as walking, hiking, bicycling, or running. But each person engaged in such activity must comply with social distancing requirements including maintaining at least six feet of separation from all other people to the· greatest extent possible. Additionally, it is recommended that each person engaged in such activity bring a Face Covering and wear that Face Covering in circumstances where it is difficult to maintain compliance with social distancing requirements, and that they carry the Face Covering in a readily accessible location, such as around the person’s neck or in a pocket, for such use. Because running or bicycling causes people to more forcefully expel airborne particles, making the usual minimum 6 feet distance less adequate, physical distance of greater than 6 feet should be maintained when engaging in these activities. People should avoid spitting in conjunction with exercise.

11. This Order does not require any person to

wear a Face Covering while driving alone, or exclusively with other members of the same family or household, in a motor vehicle.

12. A Face Covering is also not required by this Order to be worn by a particular individual if the person can show either: (1) a medical professional has advised that wearing a Face Covering may pose a risk to the person wearing the Face Covering for health-related reasons; or (2) wearing a Face Covering would create a risk to the person related to their work as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines. A Face Covering should also not be used by anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the Face Covering without assistance.

13. Face Coverings should be comfortable, so that the wearer can breathe comfortably through the nose and does not have to adjust it frequently, so as to avoid touching the face.

For as long as medical grade masks such as N95 masks and surgical masks are in short supply, members of the public should not purchase those masks as Face Coverings under this Order; those medical grade masks should be reserved for health care providers and first responders. In general, even when not required by this Order, people are strongly encouraged to wear Face Coverings when in public. Also, for Face Coverings that are not disposed after each use, people should clean them frequently and have extra ones available so that they have a clean one available for use.

14. The intent of this Order is to ensure that all people who are visiting or working at Essential Businesses and all people who are seeking care at healthcare facilities or engaged in certain types of public transit or transportation with others wear a Face

Covering to reduce the likelihood that they may transmit or receive the COVID-19 virus.

The intent of this Order is also to ensure that people who work for or seek services from entities engaged in Essential Infrastructure work, Minimum Basic Operations, or Essential Government Functions also wear a Face Covering when they are in close proximity to others. In so doing, this Order will help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus and mitigate the impact of the virus on members of th~ public and on the delivery of critical healthcare services to those in need.

All provisions of this Order must be interpreted to effectuate this intent. · 15.

Pursuant to Government Code sections 26602 and 41601 and Health and Safety Code section 101029, the Health Officer requests that the Sheriff and all chiefs of police in the County ensure compliance with and enforce this Order. The violation of any provision of this Order constitutes an imminent threat and menace to public health, constitutes a public nuisance, and is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

16. Copies of this Order shall promptly be: (1) made available at the County offices at 701 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; (2) posted on the County Public Health Department website (www.santacruzhealthservices. org); and (3) provided to any member of the public requesting a copy ofthis Order.

17. If any provision of this Order or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, the remainder of the Order, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this Order are severable.

IT IS SO ORDERED: Gail Newel, Health Officer of the County of Santa Cruz

10 / May 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Real Estate Revamps for COVID-19

R

By Jondi Gumz

eal estate statistics for March — a median price of $925,000 for 102 home sales in Santa Cruz County — reflect the pre-COVID-19 world, according to Gary Gangnes of Real Options Realty, who tracks the numbers.

The median price, the midpoint of what sold during the month, was the highest in 10 months.

Gangnes said all of the March closings were in contract prior to the March 16 “shelter in place” order.

Asked about trends in Aptos, Gangnes said the sample size is too small to be meaningful.

April’s data will reflect the impact of COVID-19, according to Paul Bailey, coowner with his brother Robert Bailey of Bailey Properties, one of the larger locally owned real estate companies with offices in Aptos, Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley.

“Our business will never be the same,” Paul Bailey said. “This is going to leave fingerprints that will change our business forever.”

He estimates home sales are down by 50 percent.

Google Meetings gents at Bailey Properties are independent contractors. They work out of their own homes – they don’t come into the office now. To connect with fellow agents, they use Google Meet or Google Hangouts.

On Tuesday, Bailey said, “We had 80 agents this morning in our office meeting.”

Bailey, who has 44 years in real estate, predicts real estate companies will no

A

Paul (left) and Robert Bailey keep their masks on at the office.

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“You’re not going to need bricks and mortar,” he said.

Open houses have not been allowed, so agents show vacant homes.

Agents and clients arrive in separate cars at a home for sale. With the seller’s approval, the prospective buyer can enter, wearing a mask, gloves, booties and bringing wipes. If buyers haven’t brought their own protective gear, Bailey Properties agents provide their supplies ready.

Agents wait outside while the buyers go in. All the paperwork is handled electronically.

Bailey said he has a client in the Bay Area, who has to be out of his home May 1, and he wants to lease in Aptos for three months or more.

“I’m going to help him find a place,” Bailey said.

His son Joe, a CSU Long Beach grad who joined the family business, is helping a young couple interested in buying a townhome. The couple is getting married, and parents are helping with the purchase.

Another set of parents wants to buy a home for their daughter, who teaches in Watsonville.

“Life doesn’t stop – for anything,” Bailey said.

Zoom Tours n a recent situation, agent Scott Cheney stayed outside as the would-be sellers, living in their home, gave the would-be buyers a 90-minute virtual tour via the Zoom app on an iPad, answering questions as they came up. The buyers had already seen all the photos online and the entry advisory disclosure forms.

“An hour-and-half walk-through and then they wrote an offer,” Bailey said.

A homeowner who wants to sell created his own video to show off the home, and agent Milou Rose did a voiceover and added Bailey Properties branding. This kind of promotion can now appear on MLSListings.com, a popular platform in Santa Cruz County.

“We’re leveraging technology that was already there,” said Robert Bailey.

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

I

“Real Estate” page 16

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Small Business Relief: $310B Available

By Jondi Gumz

W

ith another $310 billion in relief available Monday morning for small businesses devastated by shelter-in-place orders for COVID-19, there was another mad rush to apply online.

Congress approved the new allocation for the Paycheck Protection Program as part of a $484 billion coronavirus spending bill after the initial $349 billion for “paycheck protection” ran out in two weeks.

President Trump signed the new legislation Friday.

The Paycheck Protection Program, under the auspices of the Small Business Administration, provides small-business loans of up to $10 million to cover payroll and certain other expenses, or 2.5 times your total payroll expenses for the loan period. The interest on the loan can be forgiven if you are able to keep paying employees during the first eight weeks after you receive the loan.

The program had a rocky launch, with the SBA’s computer systems overwhelmed and reports that big banks such

as JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America favored larger clients and limited applications to customers with pre-existing

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relationships. According ot the Washington Post, 80 percent of the small businesses that applied for a loan were still waiting for an answer as of April 17, the day after the program ran out of money, and many did not know where they stood.

In Santa Cruz County, 82 percent of businesses have nine or fewer employees.

Many businesses were deemed nonessential by the Santa Cruz County Health Officer and ordered on March 16 to close to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Interest rates for the Paycheck Protection Program were initially set at 0.5 percent but were increased to 1 percent due to lender concerns. The law caps the interest rate at 4 percent.

What’s different this time, according to Rep. Jimmy Panetta-Carmel Valley, who supported the legislation, is that $60 billion is set aside for credit unions, community financial institutions, and other small institutions, which serve smaller businesses.

Specifically, $30 billion is set aside for institutions with assets between $10 billion and $50 billion, and $30 billion set aside for institutions with assets under $10 billion.

“This will help to ensure that there is money set aside for smaller businesses,” said Panetta.

Locally owned Santa Cruz County Bank, which recently merged with Lighthouse Bank, has assets of $1.1 billion and is participating in the Paycheck Protection Program.

The bank posted this on its website: “We are accepting applications from customers who have an established banking relationship with Santa Cruz County Bank

as of February 15, 2020 as well as businesses located in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Clara and San Benito counties. This includes Lighthouse Bank customers who are now Santa Cruz County Bank customers as a result of our merger. Due to constraints within this government funded program and due to a significantly high volume of requests, it is not certain as to whether your request can be funded. Acceptance of any applications is not a guarantee of funding.”

Bay Federal Credit Union, based in Capitola, has more than $1.1 billion in assets but does not do business lending.

“We are in the process of getting certified to do SBA lending for the PPP funds; however, we are not there yet,” said Tonee Picard, Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer. “We are working through the process to be able to offer this in the future.”

Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, with $121 million in assets, participated in the first round of “paycheck protection,” and found demand was high.

“We have reached our maximum limit for accepting any new Paycheck Protection Program applications,” the credit union said in a post on its website.

The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture emailed members Monday about the loan program with a list of banks operating in the county.

Asked if the loan process takes the number of employees into account, the answer from Panetta’s office was: No, there is not a process that is based on business size. This legislation instead sets aside funding for smaller, community lenders which serve smaller companies.

It’s not clear whether banks and credit unions have to report how many Paycheck Protection loans they made and the average loan size.

The most recent application form is posted on the Treasury Department’s Cares Act resource page. Once you gather the necessary information, you should contact an SBA-approved lender. You can find one by plugging your Zip code into an online tool on the SBA’s website.

Borrowers are advised to apply online or by phone rather than in person. If you don’t already have an established banking relationship, your application will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Usually, the SBA has a requirement requires that borrowers must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere.

“SBA Loans” page 16

COMMUNITY NEWS

Five Agri-Culture Scholarships Given A gri-Culture, Inc. has selected five local students to receive college scholarships. They are:

Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship $4,000 for a student majoring in agriculture.

This award includes $2,000 from American AgCredit.

• Jessica Rodriguez-Reyes is a senior at Watsonville High School, where she has carried a 3.6 GPA. She was a member of the French Club and Social Emotional Club. She plans to attend CSU Fresno Jessica to pursue a career Rodriguez-Reyes in agricultural education. Jessica is receiving a $4,000 Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship.

• Henry Danner is in his first year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he is majoring in animal science and preparing for a career as a veterinarian.

He had a 3.7 GPA in his first quarter of college, and earned a spot on Henry Danner the Dean’s List. In high school, his peers selected Henry for the “Kindest Student Award.” He is receiving a special $1,000 Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship.

Jeannie Witmer Memorial Scholarship $1,500 for a student active (past or present) in California High School Rodeo Association District 4 or California 4-H Horse Program, and majoring in agriculture and/or animal sciences.

“County Announcements” from page 9 Forecasts n Santa Cruz County, new cases since April 15 have been flat, varying from four a day to two a day but Hall said a surge — in which 100 intensive care beds with ventilators are needed — once expected April 14 is now projected for mid-May or June.

The county has 45 to 49 ICU beds, and Dr. David Ghilarducci, the county’s EMS medical director, is in charge of figuring out how to fill the gap if the need arises.

I

• MaryGrace Dudek is a senior at Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill, where she has earned a 3.67 GPA. She plans to attend Oregon State University and major in animal science/ MaryGrace sustainable ag. Gracie Dudek has competed in horse riding competitions for several years, and started riding when she was 6 years old.

J.J. Crosetti, Jr. Memorial Scholarship $1,000 for a student majoring in agriculture.

• Jose Villanueva-Vigil is in his second year at CSU Fresno.

He is majoring in plant science, and preparing for a career as a farm supervisor or pest control advisor. Jose’s parents Jose migrated from Villanueva-Vigil Mexico and worked in the fields. They installed a strong work ethic in Jose. He is receiving a $1,500 JJ Crosetti, Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

Laura Brown Memorial Scholarship $2,000 for a student majoring in agriculture a related field, or culinary arts. This is the first year for this award.

• Meghan Clifton is in her second year at CSU Fresno, where she has a 3.56 GPA. She is majoring in agricultural communication and preparing for an agricultural career in marketing, public Meghan Clifton relations, sales or human resources. She wants to use her voice to be a champion for local agriculture. n “It requires lots of labor,” he said, noting patients in ICU beds may get six or seven medications intravenously.

Asked about the surge forecast, Hall said it’s a mathematical algorithm predicting more hospitalizations.

While she is planning for the worstcase scenario, she said a middle-ground scenario is “more likely.”

She said the county has five full-time epidemiologists working on forecasts, with part-time staff partly funded by the state. n

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

2020 National Ag Day Poster and Poetry Contest Winners E ach year, the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau and Agri-Culture cosponsor a poster contest for grades K-6 and a poetry contest for grades 7-12 in Santa Cruz County and Pajaro Valley schools.

The 2020 winners are: Dimiana Sarah Trigg, 7th grade, St. Lawrence Academy, Felton, for her poem and Zoe Alma Torres, 6th grade, Tierra Pacifica Charter School, Live Oak, for her poster.

Poster runner-up winners are: 2nd place, Carem Ho, 6th grade, Linscott Charter School, Watsonville; 3rd place, Amelie Skelton, 5th grade, Bay View Elementary School, Santa Cruz.

Poster honorable mentions went to: Cameron Carlock, 3rd grade, Delaveaga Elementary School, Angela Gonzalez-Rojas, Delaveaga Elementary School; Piper James Jessee, 2nd grade, Vine Hill Elementary School, Scotts Valley, Jaden Qian, kindergarten, Vine Hill Elementary School, Scotts Valley, Jolene Qian, 2nd grade, Vine Hill Elementary School, Scotts Valley; Leonardo Cerillos, 4th grade, Linscott Charter School, Watsonville, Lenna Rose Jordan, 4the grade, Linscott Charter School, Watsonville; and Fernanda Pinho Chagos, 5th grade, Bay View Elementary School, Santa Cruz.

These winning entries will be displayed on next year’s National Agriculture Day Placemat, which will be distributed to restaurant throughout Santa Cruz County. All poster and poetry contest winning entries will be displayed

14 / May 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Winning Poster by Zoe Alma Torres

at the National Agriculture Day spring luncheon.

The luncheon, previously scheduled for March 18, was postponed until May 27 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The date could change due to the evolving shelter-in-place restrictions. Tickets and sponsorships are available on Eventbrite (search for “National Agriculture Day Spring Luncheon” in Watsonville). If you make a purchase, you will be informed of any changes. n ••• Of Our Blessings Dimiana Sarah Trigg When one’s grown in the Santa Cruz County,

The beauty of the mountains and the beaches, One may treasure the best of Earth’s bounty.

Shining over the redwoods, the first light, The first breath of the morning’s crisp, cool air, Birds bursting into melody, into flight!

One finds fruits and vegetables, transcendent, Orchards filled with lush apples and peaches, Farms where fresh greens are more than abundant.

And the glorious nights so clear and cold, The moon hangs high and stars litter the sky, All these things make our county truly gold.

COMMUNITY NEWS

UCSC to Begin COVID-19 Testing

I

By Tim Stephens

n response to the limited availability of testing to determine if someone is infected with the COVID-19 virus, a team of researchers at UC Santa Cruz has established a diagnostic testing lab on campus. Starting May 1, the UCSC Molecular Diagnostic Lab will begin doing coronavirus tests for the UCSC Student Health Center and other medical providers in the local community.

The campus will not be operating a testing site for the general public. The campus lab will work with local medical providers to test patient samples, initially partnering with the Student Health Center and Santa Cruz Community Health. The lab received approval last week from the California Department of Public Health as a COVID-19 temporary testing site.

Jeremy Sanford, professor of molecular, cell, and developmental biology, said the lab will be able to return results within 24 to 48 hours; this rapid turnaround is essential to patients and the community to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The lab will eventually have the capacity to test hundreds of samples per day, and the team plans to gradually increase the number of tests performed in order to meet the demand while ensuring a smooth operation.

“It’s truly amazing how far we’ve been able to come since we started planning for this in March,” said John MacMillan, associate vice chancellor for research and professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UCSC. “We are having ongoing discussions with the county and local medical providers about how we can help meet their needs for coronavirus testing.”

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The testing performed at the UCSC lab detects the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

A positive test means the patient has an active infection.

Dr. Elizabeth Miller, medical director of the UCSC Student Health Center, said the campus diagnostic lab will enable the center to increase the number of students they test for the coronavirus.

A significant increase in testing capacity is considered essential to ensure public health and safety once there is a loosening of the current “shelter in place” orders effective in Santa Cruz County and elsewhere in the state.

“We’re ready to step up and help meet the need in our community,” Sanford said. “Extra testing capacity is needed now, and will be critical once things start to reopen, and that’s what we’re trying to provide.”

The campus has invested in new equipment for the lab and is hoping to raise outside funds to support its continued operation.

Medical providers interested in more information about the UCSC Molecular Diagnostic Lab can email the lab at

COVID19-Test@ucsc.edu n

Library Presents Zoom Workshop

T

he instructional librarians at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries are back with more tech talks to help people navigate the new online world.

Zoom 101 for both Android and iOS, from 11 a.m. - noon April 30 and May 7, will cover Zoom basics and how to safely host a Zoom meeting with your mobile device.

The next Tech Talk, 11 a. m. – noon May 21 and May 28, will be “Protect your data, iPhone/iPad” discussing recent data capture strategies

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and ways to limit the ways your device is sharing your information. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

Rooms Available for Health Care Workers T he County of Santa Cruz invites local health care workers to participate in the California Office for Emergency Services program providing hotel rooms to frontline health care workers who are exposed to or test positive for COVID-19.

Local doctors, nurses and other health care workers risk their health and welfare to protect the community, and the state wants to protect the families of those individuals by offering shelter if necessary.

Of the 125 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Santa Cruz County, 19 were health care workers, Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel said April on April 23.

Hotel rooms are available in proximity

to medical facilities at no charge or at a discounted rate. Participants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an employee of a health care facility in California; • Have possible exposure to patients or individuals who may have COVID-19 documented by a state or county public health official or medical professional; • Not have the ability to self-isolate or quarantine at home.

This program is also available for the health care workers hired through the California Health Corps.

16 / May 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

To book a room, local frontline health care workers can call the Cal Travel Store at 877-454-8785. Be prepared to provide your county and medical facility of employment, as well as your job title. At

“Real Estate” from page 11 A big part of Bailey Properties is rentals, and Paul Bailey predicts more people in the San Francisco Bay Area will want to drive to Santa Cruz County for a vacation rather than get on an airplane.

“Vacation rentals, it’s a huge part of our economy,” he said. “Hamburger stands, liquor stores, the Boardwalk. I think we are going to be a destination resort again.”

He foresees fewer buses taking commuters over the hill to work at tech companies such as Facebook and Apple, which allowed employees to work at home because of COVID-19.

“That industry is learning it is OK for people to live in Santa Cruz and work from home,” he said. “It may really affect traffic.”

“College courses may never be the

“SBA Loans” from page 12 That was dropped for the Paycheck Protection Program.

Borrowers are expected to certify themselves “in good faith” that they need the loan, “taking into account their current business activity and their ability to access other sources of liquidity sufficient to support their ongoing operations in a manner that is not significantly detrimental to the business,” according to Treasury Department guidance released April 23.

The new loans can cover payroll costs, employee benefits, mortgage interest incurred before Feb. 15, rent and utilities

check-in, participants will need to provide a personal credit card for incidentals and employee identification. Room reservations will be provided based on proximity and availability. n

same,” he said. “Do colleges need all the bricks and mortar?” n ••• SINGLE FAMILY HOMES Median price: $925,000 ($925,000 a year ago) Sales: 102 (121 a year ago) Listings: 330 (393 a year ago) Average price: $980,280 ($982,398 a year ago) Unsold inventory index: 3.2 months

(3.2 months a year ago) CONDOS Median price: $595,750 ($560,000) Sales: 30 (39 a year ago) Listings: 104 (101 a year ago) Average price: $601,401 ($592,170 a year ago) Unsold inventory index: 3.5 mo. (2.6 months) HIGHEST 400 Brooktree Ranch Rd., Aptos: $1.915 m 25023 Soquel San Jose Rd., Los Gatos: $1.83 m 1001 Pau Hana Dr., Soquel: $1.76 m 419 Beach Dr., Rio Del Mar: $1.745 m 2664 Placer St., Live Oak: $1.73 m Source: Real Options Realty under lease agreements in force before that date, and utilities for which the service began before February. At least 75 percent of the loan must go to payroll, according to a regulation published April 2.

Payroll costs include salary wages, commissions and tips capped at $100,000 for each employee. It also includes benefits for vacation, parental leave, medical leave, sick leave and some other limited benefit categories.

The Paycheck Protection Program excludes sick and family leave, according to an April 6 fact sheet from the Treasury Department. Information on Cares Act tax credits is at irs.gov. n

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

2020 Wharf to Wharf, Open Studios Cancelled D W ue to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wharf to Wharf in-person event is officially cancelled for 2020.

Instead, a virtual event will be planned.

More details about registration will be coming in the next week or so.

Also, Open Studios will not be opening homes to visits this year. The Arts Council is considering options for the annual county-wide art show.

Here are the announcements made by the respective organizations: ••• Dear Wharf to Wharf Family, fter careful consideration, Wharf to Wharf Race, Inc. has decided to cancel the 2020 Wharf to Wharf Race and Little Wharf 3-Miler, replacing them with a virtual event.

The Wharf to Wharf Board of Directors made this decision after a review of current local and state government guidelines and public health officials’ recommendations, with the

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health and safety of the runners, spectators, volunteers, and community as a priority.

We understand that running and community are important aspects of so many people’s health and well-being, particularly in these difficult times, and we want to support you in those efforts.

So, on the 4th Sunday in July, instead of gathering in front of the Giant Dipper and Santa Cruz Wharf, we ask you to join us wherever you may be for the 2020 Virtual Wharf to Wharf 6-Mile Race.

We are in the planning stages right now, and we will release details about this virtual event in the next few weeks.

We are grateful for your support and understanding during this unprecedented crisis, and we hope you will register for the July 26 Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race once details are available.

Thank you, David Murphy President, Wharf to Wharf Race, Inc. www.wharftowharf.com •••

New Ideas For Open Studios Sought hile it seems like a long time before golden leaves tumble along the streets in October, we’ve been preparing for Open Studios 2020 since last November.

Artists had been hard at work preparing for the Tour.

Then came this global pandemic. Now, we’ve shifted our thoughts to how we can possibly protect the safety of artists and appreciators alike through an event like the Tour.

You may be wondering if the 2020 Open Studios Tour will go ahead as planned.

We’re sad to report that it won’t. At least not in the way you’ve known. That said, art-making continues across this wildly creative community. So, we’re exploring new ways to connect you, our community, to the visual artists who inspire you.

Staff is meeting regularly with the Open Studios Committee (which includes several Open Studio artists) to determine what we can do to support and promote the artists we love and appreciate so much. As we put plans in place, we’ll keep you up to speed.

In the meantime, you can help artists now:

• Check out your favorite artists’ websites and our Facebook page or Instagram feed to see what they’re creating and treat yourself to something wonderful; • Donate to our Grants Program, which has shifted its focus to relief and recovery funding for artists and organizations; and • Support our Arts Education Programs, which employ teaching artists as we move to virtual classrooms.

In this way, you can directly support artists. Learn more about artist resources on our website .

Thank you for your support of the arts and artists. Stay safe and healthy. And keep in touch. We’ll get through this together.

— A letter from Arts Council Santa Cruz County

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 17

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Health Officer: Beaches Off Limits

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By Jondi Gumz

ptos residents are worried about visitors gathering at local beaches, renting vacation homes and spreading the contagious coronavirus COVID-19.

So is Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel.

On Wednesday, citing overwhelming weekend beach crowds that undermined state and local shelter-in-place orders, the County of Santa Cruz announced new rules to make beach off limits between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. beginning May 2.

No umbrellas, barbecues, coolers, beach chairs, or shade structures, tents or other equipment will be allowed at any time. Previous limits on beach activities such as lying, sitting, standing, sunbathing, sightseeing and other non-exercise related activities remain in place.

What is allowed: Surfing, paddleboarding, boogie boarding, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Beaches may be traversed to participate in these activities, and parkways, sidewalks and trails next to beaches will remain open.

“Despite warnings against by surprise,” said Newel during a travelling to Santa Cruz County telephone town hall with County for beach access and against conSupervisor Zach Friend and his gregating on beaches, local law constituents Tuesday night. “We enforcement spent the weekend were dismayed by the crowds… responding to numerous issues all Hotels were booking rooms, and along our coastline,” Sheriff Jim one had opened the pool for a Hart said. “Unfortunately, these pool party. That can’t happen.” actions are necessary to protect After crowds flocked to Dr. Gail Newel the health and welfare of our most open beaches last weekend, Gov. vulnerable residents. The Sheriff’s Office, Newsom chastising beach-goers notably the police departments and State Parks will in Orange County for ignoring the social do everything we can to support the Health distance rules instituted to slow the spread Officer and enforce her revised order.” of COVID-19.

The order will remain in effect until revised by Newel.

As of April 29, Santa Cruz County reported 127 cases, two deaths, 3,492 negative test results, with two people currently hospitalized, including one in intensive care.

Ignoring Rules ince Newel issued her shelter in place order March 16, local residents largely supported efforts to keep the virus at bay – until last weekend’s balmy weather.

“Last weekend caught a lot of people

He said the number of people in hospital intensive care in California was stable and the state was “just a few weeks away, not months” from being lifting some restrictions if that trend continues.

Newel’s next order is due out May 2; the last one expires May 3.

Her order allows vacation homes to be rented only to medical professionals seeking to avoid bringing the virus home to their family, not to casual visitors or vacationers.

“Beaches Closed” page 24

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 19

COMMUNITY NEWS

Small Business Relief: $310B Available

By Jondi Gumz

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ith another $310 billion in relief available Monday morning for small businesses devastated by shelter-in-place orders for COVID-19, there was another mad rush to apply online.

Congress approved the new allocation for the Paycheck Protection Program as part of a $484 billion coronavirus spending bill after the initial $349 billion for “paycheck protection” ran out in two weeks.

President Trump signed the new legislation Friday.

The Paycheck Protection Program, under the auspices of the Small Business Administration, provides small-business loans of up to $10 million to cover payroll and certain other expenses, or 2.5 times your total payroll expenses for the loan period. The interest on the loan can be forgiven if you are able to keep paying employees during the first eight weeks after you receive the loan.

The program had a rocky launch, with the SBA’s computer systems overwhelmed and reports that big banks such as JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America favored larger clients and limited applications to customers with pre-existing relationships. According ot the Washington Post, 80 percent of the small businesses that applied for a loan were still waiting for an answer as of April 17, the day after the

program ran out of money, and many did not know where they stood.

In Santa Cruz County, 82 percent of businesses have nine or fewer employees.

Many businesses were deemed nonessential by the Santa Cruz County Health Officer and ordered on March 16 to close to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Interest rates for the Paycheck Protection Program were initially set at 0.5

percent but were increased to 1 percent due to lender concerns. The law caps the interest rate at 4 percent.

What’s different this time, according to Rep. Jimmy Panetta-Carmel Valley, who supported the legislation, is that $60 billion is set aside for credit unions, community financial institutions, and other small institutions, which serve smaller businesses.

Specifically, $30 billion is set aside for

A Bagpipe Full of Cheer David Brewer gave Shirley Coleman and her friends and neighbors a musical treat Thursday, playing some of her favorites in front of her home and earning applause from everyone.

20 / May 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

institutions with assets between $10 billion and $50 billion, and $30 billion set aside for institutions with assets under $10 billion.

“This will help to ensure that there is money set aside for smaller businesses,” said Panetta.

Locally owned Santa Cruz County Bank, which recently merged with Lighthouse Bank, has assets of $1.1 billion and is participating in the Paycheck Protection Program.

The bank posted this on its website: “We are accepting applications from customers who have an established banking relationship with Santa Cruz County Bank as of February 15, 2020 as well as businesses located in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Clara and San Benito counties. This includes Lighthouse Bank customers who are now Santa Cruz County Bank customers as a result of our merger. Due to constraints within this government funded program and due to a significantly high volume of requests, it is not certain as to whether your request can be funded. Acceptance of any applications is not a guarantee of funding.”

Bay Federal Credit Union, based in Capitola, has more than $1.1 billion in assets but does not do business lending.

“We are in the process of getting certified to do SBA lending for the PPP funds; however, we are not there yet,” said Tonee Picard, Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer. “We are working through the process to be able to offer this in the future.”

Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, with $121 million in assets, participated in the first round of “paycheck protection,” and found demand was high.

“We have reached our maximum limit for accepting any new Paycheck Protection Program applications,” the credit union said in a post on its website.

The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture emailed members Monday about the loan program with a list of banks operating in the county.

Asked if the loan process takes the number of employees into account, the answer from Panetta’s office was: No, there is not a process that is based on business size. This legislation instead sets aside funding for smaller, community lenders which serve smaller companies.

It’s not clear whether banks and credit unions have to report how many Paycheck Protection loans they made and the average loan size.

“SBA Loans” page 24

COMMUNITY NEWS

CenCal Alliance to Donate $157k to Second Harvest T he Central California Alliance for Health, the Medi-Cal managed health care plan for nearly one in four Santa Cruz County residents, will donate $157,000 to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County through its newly-established COVID-19 Response Fund.

“Our members are among the most vulnerable in our communities and are the most likely to go hungry as a result of this pandemic,” said Alliance CEO Stephanie Sonnenshine.

“The Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County serves a critical role in addressing our members’ food insecurity, a key factor in determining overall health.

The food banks are challenged to meet the growing needs caused by this pandemic as more and more people are now struggling to feed their families. The Alliance’s COVID-19 Response Fund will provide critical support to our community partners serving Alliance members. We are all in this together.”

The Alliance Board of Directors approved an allocation of $1 million to establish the COVID-19 Response Fund as part of its Medi-Cal Capacity Grant Program; 60 percent of the funding dollars will be disbursed to the local food banks.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County reports food needs have doubled in the wake of the March 16 “shelter in place” order, which closed many nonessential businesses and left many people out of work.

“In the first few weeks, our Community Food Hotline received thousands of calls, and our drive- through distributions were able to provide food to 3,000 families in a single day, more than doubling our typical week’s distribution,” said Second Harvest Executive Director Willy Elliott-McCrea.

The remaining 40 percent of the COVID-19 Response fund monies will be awarded to community-based organizations working to meet the evolving needs of Alliance, such as meal delivery services, access to diapers, or for personal protective equipment for food and homeless service

Protecting Our Water Supply for Future Generations

providers. Alliance staff will monitor how COVID-19 impacts local communities to assess the best way to respond.

The Medi-Cal Capacity Grant Program was established in 2015 following the Affordable Care Act’s implementation the previous year, which placed sudden growth demands on the health care delivery system. The program seeks to improve the availability, quality and access to health care and supportive services for 320,000 members in Santa Cruz, Monterey and Merced counties.

Recognizing the critical impact of food insecurity on member health, including poor health outcomes and reduced quality of life, the program addressed food insecurity in 2018 with the “Post-Discharge Meal Delivery Pilot” and “Partners for Healthy Food Access.” n ••• Established in 1996, Central California Alliance for Health is an award-winning managed care health plan focused on prevention, early detection and effective treatment.

For information, visit www.ccah-alliance.org.

The 2019 Water Quality Report is Now Available!

The report includes information on source water, levels of any detected compounds, compliance with drinking water regulations, and educational information.

soquelcreekwater.org/ waterqualityreports/2019wqr.pdf

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 21

COMMUNITY NEWS

Employing Data Analytics to Make Sound College Admission Choices

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By Chad Storlie

OVID-19 has parents and students alike rethinking their college choices. With the COVID-19 driven economic reality, students and parents alike are thinking towards value colleges and universities. A value college is exactly what it sounds like: how do I pay the least amount in tuition and still get the best post-graduate outcome?

The use of Data Analytics methods combined with publicly available data from the US Department of Education College Scorecard makes a difficult sounding task surprisingly straight forward.

A Quality Source of Data Comes from The US Department of Education’s College Scorecard. Publicly available and unbiased data are the most important pieces to evaluating colleges and universities.

The Department of Education College Scorecard gathers, cleans, organizes, and stores over 1900 different variables on how

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this optimization model were over 1500, 4-year bachelor’s degree granting institutions across the United States.

All the 1500 educational institutions considered were accredited, receive federal education funds, and have classrooms ready and able to accept new students. The challenge now becomes what variables to select for the optimization model.

The Most Important Outcome Variables to Choosing a College.College admission websites are filled with pictures of new dormitories, notable alumni quotes, shimmering world class fitness centers, multi-level food courts, and sport team highlights.

Sadly, none of these equate to any postgraduation educational value for students.

There are seven key educational outcome measures that can clearly differentiate one college from the other. In this model, the instate tuition and fees had to be lower than $13,000 to be considered.

Seven Key College Outcome Measures 1. In-state tuition and fees – Must be less than $13,000/year.

2. Graduation rate for first-time, full-time students (within 6 years) – Average of 79% 3. Median earnings of working students (10 years after graduation) – Average of $55,000 4. Five-year debt repayment rate for graduates – Average of 85% 5. Median debt of graduates – Average of $19,000 6. Transfer rate for first-time, full-time students – Average of 10%

How the Schools Were Chosen & Ranked — Optimization Model Method.

The goal of using data analytics in the college choice process is to help prospective college students answer one of their most important questions, “What is the best educational value for my educational dollar?”

Specifically, how do I achieve a high post-graduation income, on time graduation, the ability to repay a low amount of student debt, and a school where I have a high chance of success while spending the least amount possible?

The optimization model method ranked these 30 schools against the 1500 considered to determine which schools had the best possible combination of the seven key college outcome measures.

The model finds the best combination of all seven variables among the 1500 schools and then delivers the rank of each one compared to the others.

••• The Top 10 Not What You Expected • Bernard M Baruch College, New York, NY • Binghamton University, Vestal, NY • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo • Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL • Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA • North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC • San Diego State University, San Diego • University of Florida, Gainesville, FL • University of Maryland, College Park, MD • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC The Next 10 Cost Effective with “Best Of” Results • Appalachian State University, Boone, NC • California State University, Fullerton • James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA “Choosing College” page 24

COMMUNITY NEWS

Campesinos: Workers of the Land

Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery’s Newest Exhibit Opening Soon

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xhibit will open when shelter-inplace is lifted and be on view in the gallery through August 2, 2020.

We have a spectacular exhibit at the Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery, sitting behind locked doors. While our gallery door is closed for the safety of our staff, guests and community, our virtual door is open for you to experience Campesinos: Workers of the Land online at: my.matterport.com/ show/?m=UmneBURGKjJ We are grateful for the dedication of our agricultural workers, and celebrate

Espacia Sideral—Outer Space

by Arleene Correa Valencia

their contributions through Campesinos: Workers of the Land.

Exhibit planning started late in 2019 as collaboration between Consuelo Alba, Watsonville Film Festival; Gabe Medina, Watsonville Artist Meet-up; and Pajaro Valley Arts.

Ms. Alba was looking for a venue to show the work of two artists who were to be highlighted during the film festival.

Farmworkers are central themes for both artists.

Together, we expanded this concept so that regional artists would have the opportunity to show their work.

This exhibit was conceived to honor the dignity of our campesinos/agricultural workers and farmers. We asked artists to create and bring us work that represent what they see, feel, and believe as they pass by our fields everyday.

We asked for artwork that represents the issues of dignity, labor, workers’ rights, immigration, and the duality of every day living for migrant workers. We received incredibly personal, visual and audio stories that celebrate the lives and contributions of our families and community of agricultural workers.

Artists: Hannah Baldrige • Carlos Campos • Jessica Carrasco • Ruth Carroll • Victor Cervantes Warren Chang • Arleene Correa Valencia • Linda Curtis • Kati D’Amore Francisco Joseph Dominguez • Jenny Dowd • Veronica Eldredge • David Fleming Armando Franco • Juan R. Fuentes

Flower Girl by Warren Chang

• Ome Garcia • Michele Hausman Hedwig Heerschop • Erica Hernandez • Rosa Gabriela Hernandez • Bill Kennann Lucien Kubo • Barbara Lawrence • Yesenia Magdaleno-Solis • Mac McWilliams Gabriel J. Medina • Jay Mercado • Jonathan Sánchez Moreno • Don Monkerud Ed Penniman •

Joel Rigler • Jaime Sánchez • Craig Sherod • Leon Sun • Shmuel Thaler Samuel Torres Jr. • Graciela Vega Curated by: Gabriel J. Medina and Judy Stabile Juried by: Consuelo Alba, Gabriel J. Medina and Judy Stabile

Unseen by Linda Curtis

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 23

COMMUNITY NEWS

Lapiz Heads SAVE Lives Santa Cruz County T he County of Santa Cruz has hired turnaround leader Margaret Lapiz to announce the launch of SAVE Lives Santa Cruz County to guide the process of reopening the local economy as the COVID-19 emergency eases.

She will work with the county’s Health Services Agency to increase COVID-19 testing, contact tracing and isolation services, which are considered essential to reopening workplaces and schools until a vaccine is available. Then she will begin meeting with business leaders and others.

Lapiz, who holds master’s degrees in business administration and public

has 9,000 physicians, 38,000 health from UC Berkeley, has employees and $14 billion worked 25 years in health in annual revenue. Most care strategy. recently, she supported Community Foundation Netflix and the Aspen Santa Cruz County secured Institute as they expand funding to help cover some their executive leadership of the costs, including Lapiz’ programs. Last year, she position, enhanced testing partnered with the county and contact tracing systems. and the Pajaro Valley ComAs an executive vice munity Health Trust to president for The Permaevaluate the feasibility of nente Medical Group, Lapiz Margaret Lapiz purchasing Watsonville led an initiative to prepare and support physician leaders as they Community Hospital.

The World Health Organization calls advanced in their careers. Permanente

the “test, trace, and treat” strategy the backbone of successful response to the pandemic as exemplified by efforts in Singapore, South Korea, and Germany.

In the U.S., tests are not readily available and contact tracing programs are often done manually, which is time-consuming.

“We must turn an eye towards large scale recovery efforts,” said Mimi Hall, director of the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency. “The county is committed to easing the shelter-in-place restrictions so we can jumpstart our economy, but we must have safeguards in place.” n

One man called beach restrictions “unacceptable,” saying, “You’re preventing me from living.”

Newel responded, “I feel your pain, it’s a tough decision.”

Asked if it’s possible to close Santa Cruz County to visitors, Newel said El Dorado and Mono counties — where hospitals have a small number of intensive care beds — tried that approach for second home owners but because of an appeal were forced to backtrack.

The beach situation is difficult because

counties in the San Francisco Bay Area have closed beaches while Santa Cruz County has not.

“I felt it was worth a try to keep the beaches and parks open,” Newel told residents Tuesday, noting she had moved to Santa Cruz County specifically for the outdoor amenities.

She closed the beaches and parks for a week during spring break, then reopened them.

“For a week now, it’s worked,” she said, noting the time in which cases double has increased, a sign for health officials that the pandemic is slowing.

However, she added, “We may have to close the beaches again.”

One day later, that assessment proved true. n

“Beaches Closed” from page 19 Penalties he Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office has issued nearly 300 citations that carry a $1,000 fine in enforcing the shelter in place order, Friend said, noting 60 percent of those cited were locals, a sign of pushback against the safety measures.

Friend said the focus has been on violations at the beach, and that will shift to rental homes.

A woman who lives in a neighborhood full of vacation rentals asked how a $1,000 fine could be a deterrent when some owners can get $800 a night in rent.

Friend said the new order will make it clear that vacation homeowners could lose their permit over violations.

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“Choosing College” from page 22 • Texas A & M University, College Station, TX • University of Texas, Austin, TX • Towson University, Towson, MD • Truman State University, Kirksville, MO • University of Georgia, Athens, GA • University of Washington, Seattle, WA • University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI The Final 10 High Admission Rates with High Results • Auburn University, Auburn, AL • George Mason University, Fairfax, VA • Indiana University, Bloomington, IN • Iowa State University, Ames, IA • Ohio State University, Columbus, OH • Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN • Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA • University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA • University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT • Worcester State University, Worcester, MA •••

“Once word gets out on that, that may have a pretty significant impact,” he said.

He said letters have gone out to homeowners and the Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors to put them on notice. The county counsel has informed Airbnb, the popular online rental platform.

Tip Line tip line has been set up at 831-454-7747 for people to leave information for the Sheriff’s Office about potential “shelter in place” violations.

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The Top Data Location for Further College Research: Department of Education College Scorecard(https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/).

Choosing a College is A Choice Best Done with Data Measuring Concrete Outcomes. It is extraordinarily difficult to select a college based on marketing material the college and the traditional college admission industry provide because clearly defined outcomes are often not available.

Parents and students need to focus on college outcomes because the best way to make a bachelor’s degree pay off is to graduate on time, pay the lowest tuition possible, and graduate with the lowest amount of debt. n ••• Chad Storlie is a retired US Army Special Forces officer, an Iraq combat veteran, and has 15 years university teaching experience as an adjunct Professor of Marketing. He is a mid-level B2B marketing executive and a widely published author on leadership, business, data, decision making, military and technology topics.

24 / May 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“SBA Loans” from page 20 The most recent application form is posted on the Treasury Department’s Cares Act resource page. Once you gather the necessary information, you should contact an SBA-approved lender. You can find one by plugging your Zip code into an online tool on the SBA’s website.

Borrowers are advised to apply online or by phone rather than in person.

If you don’t already have an established banking relationship, your application will be handled on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Usually, the SBA has a requirement requires that borrowers must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere.

That was dropped for the Paycheck Protection Program.

Borrowers are expected to certify themselves “in good faith” that they need the loan, “taking into account their current business activity and their ability to access other sources of liquidity suffi-

cient to support their ongoing operations in a manner that is not significantly detrimental to the business,” according to Treasury Department guidance released April 23.

The new loans can cover payroll costs, employee benefits, mortgage interest incurred before Feb. 15, rent and utilities under lease agreements in force before that date, and utilities for which the service began before February. At least 75 percent of the loan must go to payroll, according to a regulation published April 2.

Payroll costs include salary wages, commissions and tips capped at $100,000 for each employee. It also includes benefits for vacation, parental leave, medical leave, sick leave and some other limited benefit categories.

The Paycheck Protection Program excludes sick and family leave, according to an April 6 fact sheet from the Treasury Department. Information on Cares Act tax credits is at irs.gov. n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Increase the Vigor of Your Immune System

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By Nisha Manek, MD, FACP, FRCP (UK).

n March 18 I sent out a newsletter tains the vitamin inside tiny nanoparticles to my family and friends advising of fat which enable the body to absorb it them of key action steps to boost quickly. Take at least 1 gram (1000mg) immune health in the face of the newly daily and double or triple the dose of vitamin C during an acute viral declared COVID-19 pandemic. infection.

Personal protective equipment Selenium, a crucial micro(PPE) was constantly in the nutrient, plays a vital role in news, and strong immunity is our first line of defense against like internal PPE. The advice invaders: a tough physical in this column bears out in the barrier of skin and lining of the field. lungs preventing virus entry.

One element I recommend Selenium is also essential in the is vitamin D. Researchers found Nisha Manek immune army’s vast commuthat the nations with the highest death rates from COVID-19—Italy, Spain, nication lines to activate resting cells to and France—also had the lowest average fight at the front lines.

Supplement your diet with selenium vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency weakens the immune system. On April 200 micrograms (mcg) daily. Brazil nuts 22, Public Health England in the United are an excellent source of selenium, and Kingdom issued a health advisory for one brazil nut provides, on average, 90 everyone to consider Vitamin D supple- mcg of this mineral.

Zinc works synergistically to help ments in the coronavirus lockdown.

Vitamin D is manufactured by an the body’s immune army obstruct viral interaction in the skin to the ultraviolet replication by inhibiting enzymes the rays in sunlight. Many Americans are virus needs to make more copies of itself. low in vitamin D, but those with darker Zinc also stops the virus latching onto the skin tones are at a disadvantage because genetic code of the cells in your lungs. A melanin inhibits production of the typical daily dose of zinc is 50 mg.

Turmeric, the golden spice, holds vitamin.

Supplemental vitamin D can jump- important anti-viral properties. Turmeric start your immune system’s army. Take fine-tunes the central switch of the immune 10,000 international units (IU) of vitamin army known as nuclear factor kappa B and D3 per day for two weeks, then maintain marshals the natural killer cells.

The trick to turmeric is taking curat 5000 IU daily.

Vitamin C plays a central role cumin, the active component. Look for in directing your immune system’s standardized formulations — the bottle deployment. Studies show vitamin C should state “standardized,” which shortens the frequency, duration, and means the product contains 95% curcumseverity of the common cold and reduces inoid fraction.

The usual dose is 750 mg to 2000 the incidence of pneumonia.

From the several formulations of mg daily. If you are not able to get the vitamin C, liposomal preparation con- standardized version, take turmeric with a fatty meal to enhance absorption or buy lipid-based turmeric or one with black pepper (piperine).

As you prepare your internal PPE, guarantee its effectiveness by throwing out your junk food. Throw out the soda pop too.

Instead, enjoy tulsi tea.

Available from Trader Joes, tulsi is from the basil family and has an essential place in Ayurveda for its anti-viral properties.

One of my favorite beverages is the “corona-bashing-tea”: steep 1-2 inch thinly sliced fresh ginger in hot water. Add fresh lemon juice, honey, and cayenne pepper.

Enjoy the spicy, tangy brew.

Other herbs such as dill and oregano also fortify your immunity. Add them to soups. Probiotic foods like sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi, yogurt, and miso will feed the immense immune army in your gut.

If you are unsure which supplement to purchase, ConsumerLab.com is an independent lab that lists supplements and verifies the contents. You can compare supplements before spending your money: https://www.consumerlab. com/.

Next up, your body has an energy pump that primes the body’s army to become super-immune. Together, we will crush the curve. n ••• Dr. Nisha Manek, who lives in Aptos, is an integrative rheumatologist and an alumnus of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. She is the author of “Bridging Science and Spirit: The Genius of William A. Tiller’s Physics and the Promise of Information Medicine.” Visit her at www. nishamanekmd.com.

Mother’s Day

ACROSS

1. “Ali Baba and the Forty ____,” sing.

6. Eureka!

9. Schools of thought 13. Sound of artillery 14. Car nut 15. Without illumination 16. Nosey one 17. Kind of trip?

18. Lasso loop 19. *Little Women’s mom 21. *Tracee Ellis Ross on TV 23. ____ o’ shanter 24. Quitter’s word 25. Like a fiddle?

28. Like Charles Dickens’ Tim

30. Quarantine state 35. *Egyptian goddess of fertility 37. Insane, in Spain 39. Mother or daughter, in Italy 40. *Biblical Rebecca’s son 41. Online reviews 43. Research facil.

44. Fisherman’s decoys 46. Daytime entertainment 47. Furniture wood 48. End of the road, pl.

50. Blatant promotion 52. Swedish shag rug 53. Yours and mine 55. Little squirt 57. *Mother’s mom 61. *She fought for Mother’s Day, then against it

64. In advance 65. *Bambi’s mom 67. Fancy tie 69. Less than fernier 70. I have 71. “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” host 72. Fairies 73. Galley equipment 74. Feed the fire 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9. Part of a scheme 10. No neatnik 11. Sushi restaurant soup 12. One-pot meal 15. Like the States 20. *One of the Gilmore girls 22. Hill dweller 24. One-eyed giants 25. *She played Forrest Gump’s mother DOWN 26. May edition, e.g.

Kitchen meas.

27. *Worn atop the Queen Mother Stay out of its way!

Pelvic parts 29. Denials Tennis great Chris 31. Nike’s “Just ____ ____ ____” Particular arrangement 32. Private 33. “Take it back!”

Away from wind *Mother’s favorite 34. *Mother in Kraków gift?

36. Lard cousin Ancient marketplace 38. October birthstone

42. Plural of sputum 45. Rundown 49. Bottom line 51. Kind of ungulate, pl.

54. Where you’ll find AM 56. Living room centerpiece?

57. Gamecock’s spur 58. *Greek goddess of fertility 59. Bald eagle’s nest 60. *Mums’ mums 61. Opposite of cheer 62. International Civil Aviation Org. 63. Puppet precursor, possibly 66. *Female gametes 68. Café alternative © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 25

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Your May Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Some new information excites you early in May, grabbing your attention and making you anticipate what comes next. It’s normally hard to distract you, but this tidbit is trying really hard. You find yourself in a whimsical mood mid-month. Any subject is on the table: work, politics, faeries, UFOs? You’re up for the conversation. Late in the month you’re feeling more focused. Plans you’ve been delaying are ready to be put in motion. Time to decide who to make the pitch to. Determining the right person could be the most important part.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

There times when it’s best to forge your own path, but early in the month feels like a good time to go with the flow. Letting fate decide can be a blessing, especially if you’re conflicted about the path you should take.

There’s tension in the air mid-month, partially from some conflicting viewpoints, but also a surprising lack of emotional energy. It’s just a lull, but pay closer attention to what’s happening around you at this time. Later in May your options become clearer, if not less complicated. This is the time to sort through everything and pick one goal and move forward.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

You are ready for everything as the month begins. The chaos in your mind isn’t enough to keep you from focusing on what’s important, nor is it preventing you from expressing what you need.

It’s a good time to bring your next project to those who need to hear it. You’re having some new encounters mid-May, ones that have promising futures, especially as your questions keep bringing more unusual and interesting knowledge. Late in the month you’re surprised with some acknowledgement of your past success, brining a renewed desire to accomplish more. The praise is definitely alluring, along with just feeling good.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

Life on the internet can be perilous, especially early in May when you’re in an expressive mood. Visceral reactions to posts make you want to fire back a response, but take that deep breath before you post. You can’t be sure a post you delete hasn’t already been seen. You’re feeling confident mid-month, making it a good time to talk to those around you. Haven’t been able to make that first move? Looking to put yourself in for a promotion? Now’s the time. You are feeling sensitive late in the month; comments said in passing are weighing on you. No one is more critical of yourself than you, but it can be more painful when you hear others express those thoughts.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

You are not feeling the most secure as the month begins, leaving a feeling of isolation as the world moves around you. It may be a struggle to find an optimistic viewpoint, but forcing yourself down that path can help it feel real. Your confidence is stronger through the middle of the month, bringing with it a desire to put yourself forward. Late in May a negative interaction can bring your insecurities right back, leaving you feeling drained. Whether a business or personal relationship, it may be time to rethink this one.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Your feelings are being pulled in two directions as the month begins. Something that seems important also feels unnecessary, or could be a distraction. This could be a good time to remove some clutter from your life.

Your focus isn’t much better mid-May, making finishing projects difficult; whether they’re necessary or just something you want to do. Maybe it’s time to give yourself a break and give yourself a day or two to recover your energy. Late in the month you feel the need to vent, and finding the right person to listen will be important if you don’t want to wear your friends down.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

May begins with a feeling of endings and beginnings. Something in your life no-longer fits. A relationship turning sour? A collection you no longer care about? This might be the time to let them go. You find yourself questioning your decisions mid-month, particularly of ones already made. It may be time to re-examine the thinking behind those issues and decide if you’re just second-guessing or if there’s a real problem. Late in the month you’re feeling the need to talk things out, but only to those closest to you. It’s important to communicate, but you’re not up to trusting anyone else.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

You’re feeling a sense of order early in the month, making it a perfect time to make plans and set up schedules for the next few weeks, ones that will be easy to follow even when your mind wanders. Your sense of wonder takes over mid-month, bringing with it a desire to see things from a different angle.

The more distance you put between yourself an a problem, the more complicated the answers may be.

Late in May you’re feeling motivated. This is the time to take on some extra work, or just push harder to finish a project.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

Your senses are wide open early in the month, and you feel a need to be with people. Bringing some of your favorite minds together for a pow-wow sounds perfect right now. Mid-May is likely to be a busy time, as you are full of energy and everyone seems to know it. Messages are pouring in, and while you want to reply to everything ASAP, you may have to put some aside for later. Late in the month you find many doors are opening for you. The challenge will be deciding which one you want to walk through. It won’t be an easy choice, especially if there are many that seem like a good choice.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

Are you seeing clearly at the beginning of May? Before making any important decisions, take a step back and look closer at the issue; there may be something clouding your judgment, and you wouldn’t want to regret your choice. Your sense of compassion is melding with your competitiveness mid-month, making it a perfect time to help someone else succeed. It’s not always necessary to take credit to feel accomplishment. You’re feeling even closer to your friends and family late in the month, regardless of how far apart you all are. It’s a good time to reconnect with some you’ve lost touch with over the years.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

Your focus is high early in the month, making it a perfect time to do some concentrated learning. It’s not about cramming; it just feels right to push through. As you move into the middle of the month, you can feel your concentration waning, but leaving you satisfied with the recent work you’ve done.

Now you can relax a bit, regardless of how foreign it feels. Your energy returns late in May, but this time it’s unfocused, leaving you bouncing between ideas, projects and even people and conversations.

There’s no reason to fight it.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

You’re not feeling terribly secure as the month begins. It may not be the best time to be making decisions, if you can put them off. Even small ones feel like they’re going round-and-round in your head. You are feeling much more inquisitive mid-May, yet still finding decisions difficult. You want to learn so many things, but picking one to focus on is going to be the real task. Someone new entering your life may help. It’s back to struggling with choices near the end of the month. Every choice seems to be pulling you in opposite directions, making it hard to decide which is the right one. Your best bet is to pick one problem and focus on it until you’re confident in what comes next.

•••

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 26 / May 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Five COVID-19 Facts Saying We Should End Total Isolation

T

By Dr. Scott W. Atlas, MD

he tragedy of the COVID-19 panFact 2: Protecting older, at-risk people demic appears to be entering eliminates hospital overcrowding. the containment phase. Tens of e can learn about hospital utilization thousands of Americans have died, and from data from New York City, the Americans are now desperate for sensible hotbed of COVID-19 with more than 34,600 policymakers who have the courage to hospitalizations to date. ignore the panic and rely on facts.

For those under 18 years of age, hosLeaders must examine accumulated pitalization from the virus is 0.01 percent data to see what has actually per 100,000 people; for those 18 happened, rather than keep to 44 years old, hospitalization emphasizing hypothetical prois 0.1 percent per 100,000. Even jections; combine that empirical for people ages 65 to 74, only 1.7 evidence with fundamental percent were hospitalized. principles of biology established Of 4,103 confirmed for decades; and then thoughtCOVID-19 patients with fully restore the country to symptoms bad enough to seek function. medical care, Dr. Leora Horwitz Scott W. Atlas Five key facts are being of NYU Medical Center conignored by those calling for continuing the cluded “age is far and away the strongest near-total lockdown. risk factor for hospitalization.”

••• Even early WHO reports noted that Fact 1: The overwhelming majority of 80 percent of all cases were mild, and more people do not have any significant risk recent studies show a far more widespread of dying from COVID-19. rate of infection and lower rate of serious he recent Stanford University antibody illness. study now estimates that the fatality rate Half of all people testing positive for if infected is likely 0.1 to 0.2 percent, a risk infection have no symptoms at all. The vast far lower than previous World Health Orga- majority of younger, otherwise healthy nization estimates that were 20 to 30 times people do not need significant medical care higher and that motivated isolation policies. if they catch this infection.

In New York City, an epicenter of the Fact 3: Vital population immunity is pandemic with more than one-third of all prevented by total isolation policies, U.S. deaths, the rate of death for people prolonging the problem.

18 to 45 years old is 0.01 percent, or 11 per e know from decades of medical 100,000 in the population. On the other science that infection itself allows hand, people aged 75 and over have a people to generate an immune response death rate 80 times that. For people under — antibodies — so that the infection is 18 years old, the rate of death is zero per controlled throughout the population by 100,000. “herd immunity.”

Of all fatal cases in New York state, Indeed, that is the main purpose of two-thirds were in patients over 70 years widespread immunization in other viral of age; more than 95 percent were over 50 diseases — to assist with population years of age; and about 90 percent of all immunity. fatal cases had an underlying illness. Of In this virus, we know that medical 6,570 confirmed COVID-19 deaths fully care is not even necessary for the vast investigated for underlying conditions to majority of people who are infected. It is date, 6,520, or 99.2 percent, had an under- so mild that half of infected people are lying illness. asymptomatic, shown in early data from If you do not already have an under- the Diamond Princess ship and then in lying chronic condition, your chances of Iceland and Italy. That has been falsely dying are small, regardless of age. And portrayed as a problem requiring mass young adults and children in normal isolation. health have almost no risk of any serious “COVID-19 Facts” page 31 illness from COVID-19.

W

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Ask Dr. Rodriguez: Top Ten FAQs Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

Q

. What has been decided for the graduation ceremonies?

EY

PA

We are currently working with Site Administration, Activity Directors, and Student Leaders to develop a RO VALL survey with JA high school graduation c e r e m o n y options that will be sent out to seniors and their parents on Tuesday, April UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 21. We ask that all seniors and their parents please fill out the survey so that we hear their voice about how we can best celebrate them.

Q

. How is the District planning to do the promotion ceremonies for 8th graders going into High School in the fall?

Due to restrictions on social gatherings

and physical distancing, there will not be any physical promotion ceremonies for 8th grade students and families. Each middle school/Junior High may work with their community to identify ways to virtually celebrate the accomplishment.

Q

. What is going to happen to Saturday School days required for high school students?

The Saturday School requirement for all high school grades is suspended for the 2019- 2020 school year. Next year, the requirement will be reinstated. Therefore, Seniors, Class of 2020, will not have to complete the Saturday School requirement to make up for tardies and absences.

Q

. How is pertinent information being shared with High School Seniors?

To ensure clear communication, I have created a Senior Class of 2020 video that will be released early next week addressing many topics specifi-

We're open and we're ready to help you!

cally of interest to seniors. We will share information on graduation ceremonies, prom, grading policy, community service hours, Saturday School requirement, concurrent and summer credit recovery, Advanced Placement test information, college decisions, tutoring supports and social emotional supports.

The video will be sent by email to

all seniors and their parents in English and Spanish and will be posted on our YouTube channel accessible on the website.

Q

. What is the District doing with elementary grading?

“PVUSD FAQ” page 29

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DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 8/31/2020. Offer valid on initial visit only. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window, get the next one (1) at 40% off and 12 months $0 money down, $0 monthly payments, $0 interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or patio doors between 4/1/2020 and 8/31/2020. 40% off windows and patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or patio door in the project. Subject to credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender or familial status. Available only at participating locations. See your local Renewal

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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.

THE SCIENCE OF CHRISTIANITY Airing on Community TV — Comcast 27 and Spectrum 73 Saturdays: 11:00 am • Sundays: 3:00 pm In this video replay on Community Television, Mary Alice Rose, a Christian Science practitioner and teacher talks about parallels between the study of physical science and the study of Christian Science. She’ll help you to understand how Christian principles, scientifically applied, heal the body and transform lives.

Rose had a 20-year career in science and technology that included work as a meteorologist for the National Severe Storms Laboratory and a manager developing the ground system for the Hubble Space Telescope. Now her life work is Christian Science healing and teaching others to heal.

Visit www.cschurch.info for more information Sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, Santa Cruz (Soquel)

ONGOING EVENTS

Daily SANTA CRUZ ‘USED’ BOOKSHOP 10 am- 3 pm 2710 Chanticleer Ave. Santa Cruz Grey Bears: Every Monday and Friday is $10-a-bag

With the current COVID-19 Crisis, please check in advance before attending any ongoing or dated events listed here.

We will continue to print regular ongoing events that are expected to return. 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.

The Santa Cruz County chapter of the Embroiderers Guild of America meets on the third Monday of every month, except June and December. Meetings are free to attend. All are welcome.

friendly OA 12-Step meeting with the solution. All are welcome!

For information on other meetings in Santa Cruz County: www. santacruzoa.org/meetings 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.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUPS Monarch Services offers a safe space to meet other Mondays & Tuesdays survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM human trafficking survivors, and to listen or share 12:30 - 2 p.m. experiences. Childcare provided on site.

WomenCARE ARM-in-ARM support group for Spanish – Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Servicios women with advanced, recurrent and metastatic Monarca, 233 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville (831) Weekdays cancers. Meets weekly Mondays & Tuesdays, with 722-4532 CASA ORIENTATIONS TO BECOME a separate meeting every First and Third Tuesday English – Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Monarch ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN every month.

Services, 1590 Seabright Avenue, SC (831) 425-4030 CASA empowers volunteers to directly influence Registration required. Call 457-2273 for more information and For more information, visit www.monarchscc.org life-changing decisions affecting children in foster care. Court appointed special advocates are everyday to register. No cost to attend.

Second Wednesdays www.womencaresantacruz.org people that, with just a few hours a week can have a SANTA CRUZ SONS IN RETIREMENT lifetime of impact for a child who has been abused or Tuesdays MONTHLY MEETING neglected.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St. More info www.casaofsantacruz.org or call 831-761-2956 x102 7 - 8 pm, Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo, 10707 Soquel Dr., This statewide group of retired men invites you to be Aptos our guest at our monthly luncheon. You’ll meet kindred Third Mondays Do you have a proble m with compulsive over- or spirits, have a fine lunch and learn something new from STITCHERS BY THE SEA undereating? Anorexia? Bulimia? Compulsive a top notch guest speaker.

7 –9 p.m., St. Stephan’s Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Ave., exercising? You are not alone. Drop into a free, Cost: $18. RSVP at 479-7096 Santa Cruz

28 / May 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONGOING EVENTS (cont.)

Second and Fourth Wednesdays WELLNESS ON THE CANCER JOURNEY 11-12:30 pm, Old Soquel Plaza Learn how to safely support your body and emotions through the journey of Cancer — from diagnosis to softening the impact of chemo, radiation, and recovering well from surgery. We’ll address nausea, low energy, weakness, digestion, immune support, grief, stress and more. Feel free to bring your partner or care team to this free class. Please come fed; water is available.

Limited Seats. Please register all attendees on Eventbrite — Wellness on the Cancer Journey or call 831-254-3270 to RSVP. Address given upon registration receipt.

ADHD SUPPORT GROUP 6:30-8 p.m., Aptos Fire Station, 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Branch of CHADD hosts monthly support group meetings for anyone who would like to learn more about ADHD or has questions or concerns. Come share with those who understand.

Second Wednesdays’ meeting is for parents of children, teens, and young adults with ADHD. The group for adults with ADHD, spouses, partners of someone with ADHD meets fourth Wednesdays of every month.

Judy Brenis: jbbrenis@comcast.net, or call 831-8189619.

Last Wednesdays Each Month MAGICIANS’ CLUB 7 p.m., Antonelli Club Room, 2655 Brommer St., Santa Cruz Attention Magic Lovers! Our new Magicians’ Club meets on the last Wed. of every month at 7pm in the club room at the Antonelli Mobile Home Park.

If you do magic or want to get started in this fun hobby, join us.

Questions? Call Jim at 685-3829 Thursdays FRIENDSHIP PUT TO MUSIC! 6:30 p.m., New Hall, La Selva Beach Club House, 3124 Estrella Ave. Classes every Thursday night. For more info call Sue Harris or Don Benson (831) 726-7053 or email at caller4u@att.net LUCKY STEPPERS MODERN SQUARE DANCE 6:30 pm, La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach, CA 95076 It’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; family friendly. Class takes place every Thursday Night at our new home in La Selva Beach! (Take Mar Monte off of Hwy 1, turns into Playa Blvd., turn right on Estrella) For more information, contact Sue Harris or Don Benson at (831) 726-7053 or e-mail at caller4u@att.net.

Second 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

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 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.

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

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

Saturdays PILLS ANONYMOUS (PA) 8 a.m., Sutter Hospital, 2025 Soquel Ave The purpose of PA is to provide a safe, secure, and supportive place for people who are addicted to pills who want to get off of them. PA is offered all over the world.

For questions, please contact Gary at (831)801-9578 or Kristin at (831)345-6515 SANTA CRUZ TENNIS CLUB 9 a.m., Soquel High School Tennis Courts The nonprofit Santa Cruz Tennis Club meets every Saturday morning at the Soquel High School courts beginning at 9:00 am. We play doubles and mixed doubles, mostly at an intermediate level, and switch around the players every 45 minutes.

Balls are provided. $2 for first time visitors.

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

Sundays NAR-ANON SANTA CRUZ 6:30 p.m., Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (Sutter Room), 2900 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join.

Fridays Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar problems, talk about how they NAR-ANON SCOTTS VALLEY 6:30 p.m., Camp Recovery Center (Bison Center Room), 3192 cope and find recovery.

To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please go Glen Canyon Road, Scotts Valley.

Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families to our website at www.nar-anon.org. n

“PVUSD FAQ” from page 27 As with the High School Hold Harmless Grading Policy, the principle behind of the Elementary Hold Harmless Grading policy is to acknowledge that distance learning is a new and challenging learning environment.

We believe our distance learning model values students’ efforts and commitment while prioritizing students who may need additional support. Therefore, we are realigning our grading practices to these new conditions.

All students will receive evidencedbased comments from their teacher. In addition, they will also receive a mark for participation and effort. No other marks will be given for the third trimester.

Q

. I worry about the academic advancement of my child, what resources other than the resources distributed on Mondays that I can use? We are parents that try to not have our children use tablets.

Apart from the resources in the instructional packets, you can go to our Parent Resource tab at https://sites.google.com/ pvusd.net/pvusdparentideas/home. You will find both online and offline ideas by grade span and by content area.

You will find 10 days worth of additional resources that could have been used the first week of our closure or during this time. You can also request additional ideas from your child’s teacher or site administrator.

Q

. How should we differentiate the workload for working families that don’t have time to support their child at home and no access to internet?

For those with no access to the internet, we encourage parents to reach out to the PVUSD Community Hotline at 831-7862493 so that the family can be placed on the list for a hotspot for the home. Our website lists additional possible internet service providers offering low-cost options.

For differentiation of student workload, the best solution is to have a conversation between the teacher and family about what each child needs to succeed. We are finding that while some parents and students feel overwhelmed with the work, we are having other parents requesting more work for their children.

In general, we seek to provide work and instruction that is as independent as possible so that parents are not required to instruct the student directly.

Q

. Can the K-2 packets be mailed home?

We are not able to mail K-2 instructional packets due to the cost and time

constraints. However, as of Monday, April 20, the K-2 instructional packets will be available on individual school websites in a digital format.

We are also making an effort to maximize the use of Google Classroom for second grade students now that all secondgrade students have Chromebooks. That transition will reduce the number of parents that need to come pick up and return instructional packets.

Q

. I do not know how they are being checked on for attendance. How do they turn in their homework or how do I keep up on what he is turning in?

If your child is in elementary school (3rd - 6th grades), the best way to stay informed of the work your child is assigned and turning in, is to receive guardian summaries from Google Classroom. To do this, first provide your email address to your child’s teacher(s) and ask them to add you as a guardian in Google Classroom.

The teacher will then add you as the guardian in Google Classroom, which will send you an invitation to the email address you provided. In your email program, open the email invitation and click “Accept.”

Google Classroom will send you daily or weekly summaries that include: • Missing work — Work that’s late at the time the email was sent • Upcoming work — Work that’s due today and tomorrow (for daily emails) or work that’s due in the upcoming week (for weekly emails) • Class activity — Announcements, assignments, and questions recently posted by teachers If your child is in middle or high school, you can ask to be added as a guardian in Google Classroom following the steps listed above, and/or access your child’s work through ParentVue in Synergy.

Here is a video in English and Spanish explaining how to access the ParentVue app on your smartphone or tablet. It is important to clarify, however, that students are currently not being assigned homework but all students should be completing approximately four hours of work per day.

Q

. When can we get our stuff from our lockers?

Students will not be able to retrieve their items until after the Shelter in Place order is lifted. Once it is lifted, we will find a safe way to allow students to retrieve their items and return school items such as library books and Chromebooks in a safe manner consistent with current County Health Department guidelines. n ••• www.pvusd.net

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 29

Business Guide

FEATURED COLUMNIST

County Budget in Light of COVID-19: $40M Hole

By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor

A

s the world economy has plunged toward recession the local economy, and County budget, are facing the same retraction.

With the tourism industry, one of the largest employers and tax elements (directly through hotel taxes and indirectly through sales tax spending from visitors) falling off of a cliff in the last month, the County is projecting significant impacts on our budget.

How Significant Will The Impact Be? n the Great Recession beginning in late 2008, the County faced declines in revenues and subsequent cuts of approximately 12 percent.

Many projections for communities across our state show that local cities and counties will face revenue loss and, potentially subsequent cuts, of at least double that, with the National Association of Counties estimating some will face more than triple the impacts on what was experienced during the Great Recession.

Nationally, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to impact county budgets by more than $144 billion through fiscal year 2021.

This estimate includes anticipated increases in expenditures (health response costs), lost sales tax revenue, lost revenue from charges and fees, and other lost revenues such as hotel taxes. Other lost revenue comes from those that needed to delay or may default on property tax payments.

I

!

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 30 / May 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

What’s At Risk? ounty governments provide critical services needed for the nation’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, but are facing serious revenue shortfalls and budgetary challenges resulting from the pandemic — just like many local businesses and households are experiencing.

Unfortunately, the County has seen a significant increase in the number of safety net program requests (food assistance, housing assistance, health care needs and more) and these state and federal

C

programs all require local financial matches that are imperiled by the same economic impacts that caused the increased demand.

Additionally, public safety (Sheriff’s Office) and public health programs and staff are funded through the same revenue streams that are seeing significant declines -- all while costs for the public health and safety response have increased during the pandemic.

What’s Being Done To Address It? here are two small silver linings to mitigate some of the impacts locally. First, the Board of Supervisors has built up a reserve of approximately $58 million, which was done in anticipation of a possible recession but there was not an expectation of such a significant and sudden decline as we are experiencing now.

This reserve will be used to help transition the losses this current fiscal year (for losses beginning in March and continuing until the end of June) and then will be tapped for the coming fiscal year.

We anticipate using about $15 million of the reserves just to cover the losses from March-June of this year and then another $25+ million as part of next year’s losses (next year’s losses are anticipated at a factor of $25 million — so this will only cover a portion of the loss).

While the reserve is not enough to shoulder the extent of the loss by any means, it does at least provide some sort of cushion that, without it, would have led to even greater impacts.

The second silver lining is that

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there are major efforts to encourage Congress and the Trump Administration to provide funding for state and local governments to respond to the crisis.

A bi-partisan proposal was introduced, and then rejected in the Senate and by the Administration, that would have provided as much as $25 million to the County as part of the most recent stimulus bill.

Cities and counties under 500,000 in population aren’t directly eligible for what Congress has previously allocated (so 40 of the 58 counties in the state aren’t eligible, including ours) but we are hopeful that in the next stimulus such funding will be available.

If not, and if it takes as long as some economists predict it will take to climb out of this downturn, cuts to programs, services and staffing will be greater than what we experienced in the Great Recession ten years ago.

What other ways can I get information? ou can call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. I’m also maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting weekly tele-townhalls on various issues on Tuesday nights from 6-7 pm.

The call in information for the town halls is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384#. n ••• As always, if you have any questions or concerns please do feel free to reach out to me. You can always call me at 454-2200.

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SCCAS Featured Pet

“COVID-19 Facts” from page 26 In fact, infected people without severe illness are the immediately available vehicle for establishing widespread immunity.

By transmitting the virus to others in the low-risk group who then generate antibodies, they block the network of pathways toward the most vulnerable people, ultimately ending the threat. Extending whole-population isolation would directly prevent that widespread immunity from developing.

Fact 4: People are dying because other medical care is not getting done due to hypothetical projections. ritical health care for millions of Americans is being ignored and people are dying to accommodate “potential” COVID-19 patients and for fear of spreading the disease.

Most states and many hospitals abruptly stopped “nonessential” procedures and surgery. That prevented diagnoses of life-threatening diseases, like cancer screening, biopsies of tumors now undiscovered and potentially deadly brain aneurysms.

Treatments, including emergency care, for the most serious illnesses were also missed. Cancer patients deferred chemotherapy. An estimated 80 percent of brain surgery cases were skipped. Acute stroke and heart attack patients missed their only chances for treatment, some dying and many now facing permanent disability.

Fact 5: We have a clearly defined population at risk who can be protected with targeted measures. he overwhelming evidence all over the world consistently shows that a clearly

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M

Elsie: Looking For New Friends

crossword on 25 »

eet Elsie (ID#A260261), a silly, shy princess who will melt your heart!

She is a spayed female, gray and white Border Collie and Siberian Husky. Elsie is estimated to be about 3 years old and has been at the shelter or fostered since July, 2019.

Elsie’s a quirky girl, overflowing with love that she protects with a bit of a reserved exterior at times. It can take her a little while to come out of her shell, but once she’s warmed up to you, she’ll shower you with kisses and chatty affection.

Elsie craves security and companionship and will do well in a home where she has human and/or canine company most of the time.

Because Elsie is so gorgeous and sweet, she’s an attention-magnet! However, her sensitive nature means she can become easily overwhelmed. A great match for Elsie would be someone experienced with anxious or fearful dogs, who values her trust and is comfortable giving her guidance & space to navigate stressful situations. She will reward you handsomely with amusing antics, boundless love, and loyal, trusting devotion.

As great as she is, she is a herding dog so NO Cats in her new home. Because Elsie gains a large part of her confidence from other dogs, it is required that she go to a home with another dog.

If interested, please fill out an application from the website and submit it to us. We will review and look for the best person for this amazing girl.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is doing adoptions by appointment and you can even submit your adoption application online! Call 831-454-7200 or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has two full-service, open-admission shelters: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 Hours: CURRENTLY CLOSED SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182

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defined group — older people and others with underlying conditions — is more likely to have a serious illness requiring hospitalization and more likely to die from COVID-19.

Knowing that, it is a commonsense, achievable goal to target isolation policy to that group, including strictly monitoring those who interact with them.

Nursing home residents, the highest risk, should be the most straightforward to systematically protect from infected people, given that they already live in confined places with highly restricted entry.

••• he appropriate policy, based on fundamental biology and the evidence already in hand, is to institute a more focused strategy like some outlined in the first place: Strictly protect the known vulnerable, self-isolate the mildly sick and open most workplaces and small businesses with some prudent large-group precautions.

This would allow the essential socializing to generate immunity among those with minimal risk of serious consequence, while saving lives, preventing overcrowding of hospitals and limiting the enormous harms compounded by continued total isolation.

Let’s stop underemphasizing empirical evidence while instead doubling down on hypothetical models. Facts matter. n ••• Scott W. Atlas, MD, is the David and Joan Traitel Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and the former chief of neuroradiology at Stanford University Medical Center. He is at swatlas@stanford.edu.

This opinion piece first appeared on TheHill.com

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Mother’s Day © Statepoint Media

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / May 1st 2020 / 31

everything...so close to home.

FOOD & DRINK

We will be available for emergency dental services by appointment. Please stay healthy, be safe, God bless you.

Dr Del Core

Deluxe Foods of Aptos

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

Senior Hours: Wed. 7:30a.m.- 8a.m. give us a call

(831) 688-3012

Implants, Invisalign, Family, Cosmetic

or visit

delcoredental.com

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

(831) 688-7442 www.deluxefoodsofaptos.com

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

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

In light of the county emergency curfew, we are changing our business hours to Tues–Fri, 10-2, and Saturdays by appointment only; closed Sunday and Monday. At this time, glasses can still be ordered and delivered within 10-14 days. We will be available for repairs, adjustments, deliveries and sales during these hours. Please email us at eyeshapes@sbcglobal.net or leave a phone message which will be returned.

In Good Health, Kip and Judy McGooden

(831) 688-1516 www.EyeShapesAptos.com

Deer Park Marketplace #37 | Rio Del Mar/Hwy 1 Aptos | Above Deluxe Foods | Open at 10 Tuesday-Saturday

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

BANKS

Bank of America

deer park c e n t e r

All of us at Deer Park are hoping that your family is safe and healthy during these challenging times.

We continue to be here for you today and in the days ahead.

Highway 1 & Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos