Aptos Times: June 1, 2020

Family Owned For Over 29 Years • Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom & Watsonville

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

June 1 2020 • Vol 29 No. 11

Fo r

L

ww ocal w. Coro tp na go vi nli rus ne Up da da ily tes .co Vi m sit

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Cabrillo Graduates Largest Class

Cabrillo College honored its largest ever graduating class in a first ever graduation ceremony held online May 22.

Full Story page 6

Aptos Teen Wins Girl Scout Gold

By Kathryn Nielsen Arianna Kessler is a senior at Aptos High School, with plans to attend UCLA as a psychobiology major next year.

Her passion for the natural world caused her to reevaluate the environmental education opportunities available for the youth in her community.

After completing a research project for school that indicated outdoor education was the most effective in increasing youth’s environmental awareness, she decided to create a curriculum for outdoor environmental science and implemented it in the form of a summer camp. ... continues on page 4

Special Meeting Friday: Reopen Restaurants, Hair Salons

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will meet in special session at 9 a.m. Friday, May 29, to consider seeking a Stage 2 variance from the state allowing dine-in restaurants, hair salons and barbershops to reopen as locals get a grip on the COVID-19 pandemic that has closed much of the community since March 16.

Full Story page 5

BRENT GARVEY PAINTING Be Well Santa Cruz

Need Help? Free delivery and errand assistance to those in need.

Serving Santa Cruz Since 1989 License #681095

Inc.

831.688.6913 | www.brentgarveypainting.com

2 / June 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

No. 11

Volume 29

15

20

27

Table of Contents

8

Cover Aptos Teen Wins Girl Scout Gold, By Kathryn Nielsen

5

Community News Special Meeting This Friday Aims To Reopen Restaurants, Hair Salons: Stores, Churches, Car Washes Can Now Open, says Health Department, By Jondi Gumz Cabrillo Graduates Largest Class: School’s First Virtual Graduation Ceremony Honors 1,641 Students, By Kristin Fabos County Loses 23K Jobs to Pandemic, By Jondi Gumz Kirby Senior Anthony Arya Named U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts Pajaro Valley Class of 2020 Graduations • Monte Vista Christian’s Summer Plans • Goodwill: Too Early To Drop Off Donations • New Leaf Adjusts Hours • World’s Shortest Parade 2020 Cancelled New Grocery Shopper Program Aids Seniors: Forty-Five Volunteers Help 235 People; More Clients, Volunteers Welcome, By Christine Loewe AG: Let Cannabis Businesses Bank Cabrillo Hosts Online Cybercamp: Five-day Program Teaches Cybersecurity To Kids In Grades 6-12 County Investigates COVID-19 Clusters, By Jondi Gumz Four Arrests in Tushar Atre Murder Case: Two Of The Suspects Worked For Atre For Less Than Two Weeks, By Jondi Gumz May 21: Ben Kelly Day Hundreds of Seniors Get Great Plates How COVID-19 Spreads, By Jondi Gumz Advice to Mount Madonna Students: Have Courage: Zoom Interviews, Replacing Trip to Washington D.C., Yield Insights, By Leigh Ann Clifton Everyone’s Talking About Café Rio, By Jondi Gumz Human Race’s 1,300 Raise $175,000: Virtual Event Aids 82 Nonprofits, Schools, Community Groups, By Christine Loewe

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 21 22

Letter to the Editor 16 A Nontoxic Alternative to Roundup

Business Profile 20 Pet Pals: Great Danes Inspire Essential Local Business, By Erin Kelly-Allshouse

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

Covid-19 Survey 29 Questions About How Coronavirus is Effecting You

6 24 25

Featured Columnists A Cabrillo Grad Looks Back, By Ronald Kaplan Intention Matters to Your Health, By Nisha Manek, MD, FACP, FRCP (UK) Ten Q’s For PVUSD’s Superintendent, By Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District 27 How’s Your Green Thumb Feeling?: Watering and Other Tips for a Great Summer Garden, By Melanie Mow Schumacher and Rebecca Gold, Soquel Creek Water District 30 Summer Road Work and COVID Update, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District 31 Nature Gets Too Much Credit, By Tony Tomeo

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Big Brother and Little Brother

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 1st 2020 / 3

COVER STORY publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers Camisa Composti, Kathryn Nielsen, Jondi Gumz, Kristin Fabos, Christine Loewe, Leigh Ann Clifton, Erin Kelly-Allshouse, Ronald Kaplan, Nisha Manek, Michelle Rodriguez, Melanie Mow Schumacher, Rebecca Gold, Zach Friend, Tony Tomeo layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti advertising sales Don Beaumont, Teri Huckobey Cathe Race

office coordinator

Bill Pooley, James Hudson

distribution

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

“Gold Award” from page 1 “The goal of my camp was to make young people in the community more knowledgeable about environmental science and more environmentally aware,” she said.

“I tried to increase students’ knowledge of environmental concepts, and with this knowledge they can change their ecological behavior, advocate for the environment, and educate others.”

Arianna designed an easy-to-follow curriculum that uses hands-on activities and outdoor learning to Arianna Kessler teach environmental science. Her camp took place over four days, with four-hour sessions each day and 12 students in attendance.

She led a team of five youth volunteers and two adults to help out with the camp activities.

Each day covered a different subject, including Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources, Ecosystems and Habitat Destruction, Climate Change and Ocean Acidification, and Pollution. At the end of each camp day, the group had an openended discussion about how the students could apply what they learned to protect the environment.

Arianna designed a website to showcase her full curriculum, which gives anyone interested in environmental education the opportunity to learn at any time! The site, at https://sites.google.com/view/outdoorenvironmental-science-/home, has all of the activities that Arianna did with her campers, along with discussion questions, key ideas and other resources. Another youth-formed organization dedicated to protecting the planet, The Jr. Earthkeepers, has expressed

PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment 4 / June 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

interest in implementing Arianna’s curriculum yearly.

Arianna conducted surveys of her students before the summer camp, after its completion, and one month after it ended.

She discovered that the students were not only stronger advocates for the environment, but they also had a greater understanding of the science behind environmental issues.

“The questions that surveyed the students’ behavior were based on the ideas they came up with during camp on how to protect the planet,” Arianna said. “Their answers revealed that 100% of students were more aware of how they could protect the environment. They also all started protecting the environment in at least one new way, including only taking the food they needed to reduce waste, leaving ecosystems the way they found them, protecting plants and animals in nature, reducing their use of paper, and eating more fruits and veggies instead of meat. I asked the parents a few questions as part of the survey, and many reported changes in their children’s ecological behavior such as ‘[My daughter] seems more aware of single-use plastics, bringing them home to reuse or not taking them at all,’ and ‘[My kids] seem more aware of reducing waste, turning off lights and eating less meat.’”

When asked about the most successful part of her project, Arianna said that it was the camper’s progress.

“The campers all had a lot of fun and learned a lot. We had many discussions about protecting the environment, and I got to see many of the campers start really thinking about the ways they could take action. They also got to spend a lot of time outdoors having fun and engaging their brains, which was great to see!”

“The two biggest things I learned about myself is that I am creative and I

can persevere,” Arianna said. “I had never really thought of myself as creative until this year, and part of that realization came from pushing myself to be innovative during this project. Even during certain points when my progress was frustrating and I felt like giving up, I was able to remember how important this was to me. I set a goal for myself to finish my Gold Award and I persevered greatly to achieve it.”

For more projects from Girl Scouts in your area, check out the 2019-2020 Girl Scout Gold Awards Yearbook at https://www. girlscoutsccc.org/content/dam/girlscoutsgirlscoutsccc/documents/Gold%20 Award%20Yearbook%20022720.pdf Find information about the Gold Award and how Girl Scouts are creating positive change in a community near you at https://www.girlscoutsccc.org/en/aboutgirl-scouts/our-program/highest-awards/ gold-award.html n ••• Photos: Arianna Kessler created a four-day summer camp for kids focused on teaching them about the environment.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Special Meeting This Friday Aims To Reopen Restaurants, Hair Salons

Stores, Churches, Car Washes Can Now Open, says Health Department

T

By Jondi Gumz

he Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will meet in special session at 9 a.m. Friday, May 29, to consider seeking a Stage 2 variance from the state allowing dine-in restaurants, hair salons and barbershops to reopen as locals get a grip on the COVID-19 pandemic that has closed much of the community since March 16.

The supervisors were going to consider the variance at their regular meeting June 2 until they heard from the community and Governor Newsom lifted restrictions Tuesday on hair salons and barber shops.

“Let’s get Santa Cruz County back on track and start rebuilding the economy,” said Aptos resident Becky Steinbruner, a candidate for supervisor, in an email Monday urging people to call and email Supervisor Greg Caput, who chairs the board, to insist on a special meeting.

The “shelter in place” order closing nonessential businesses slowed the spread of COVID-19, the contagious coronavirus, in the county: 7,848 negative lab test results, 205 cases and two deaths.

Jobs Lost he economic damage has been devastating: April unemployment at 17.4

T

percent in Santa Cruz County – worse than the state rate of 16.1 percent – and 23,900 jobs in the county lost, affecting nearly every sector, but especially leisure and hospitality, which dropped 9,900 jobs.

A week of operation makes a difference for business owners in Capitola Village, who get 50 percent of their income

from June through September, according to Carin Hanna, owner of the Craft Gallery in Capitola and membership secretary of the Capitola Village and Wharf Improvement Area.

Gary and Leslie Wetsel, for 22 years the owners of the Paradise Beach Grille in Capitola, said they would not reopen due to the current circumstances. Gaia Earth Treasures is selling its inventory from the shop in the village and shifting to selling at its new online store and on Instagram.

The state review of the county’s request for a variance for restaurants and hair salons may take up to one week, according to county spokesman Jason Hoppin.

“Reopen” page 7

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 1st 2020 / 5

CASA CARES ABOUT BEING THERE. NO MATTER WHAT.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo Graduates Largest Class

School’s First Virtual Graduation Ceremony Honors 1,641 Students

C Join us for an online information meeting to learn more about how you can be there for a child in foster care. All it takes is 2 hours a week to make a lifetime of an impact.

C A S A O FS A N T A C RU Z . O R G/ SI G N U P 83 1. 7 61. 2 9 56

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

By Kristin Fabos

abrillo College honored its largest ever graduating class in a first ever graduation ceremony held online May 22.

Cabrillo’s 61st graduating class is 1,641 students strong, a more than 11% increase over last year’s graduating class of 1,476 students. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and statewide orders prohibiting mass gatherings, Cabrillo’s graduation ceremony is a virtual ceremony, available for viewing online through Sunday, May 31.

This year, Cabrillo awards 1,034 A.A. degrees and 541 A.S. degrees.

In addition, 306 students will graduate with an Associate’s Degree for Transfer, a unique degree offered by the California Community Colleges for transfer into the CSU system. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T Degree and meet the California State University minimum eligibility requirements are guaranteed admission to a CSU. “In total, we saw a 23% increase in award recipients compared to last year,” said Cabrillo Superintendent and President

The Graduation Ceremonies can be found at www. cabrillo.edu, or on their YouTube page.

Dr. Matthew Wetstein. “To accomplish that feat in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis is nothing short of stunning.”

Cabrillo graduates also earned 287 Certificates of Achievement and 661 Skills Certificates. The Cabrillo College Class of 2020 comprises graduates ranging in age from 18 to 76 years with an average age of 29. Of the total graduates, 61% are women and 39% are men. As a federally designated Hispanic serving institution, 47% of Cabrillo’s graduating class is Latinx.

“Graduation” page 9

FEATURED COLUMNIST

A Cabrillo Grad Looks Back

C

By Ronald Kaplan

abrillo College had its first ever a place and time we weren’t aware of, “virtual graduation” online Friday reminiscent of pre 9/11 when we were May 22 at 4 p.m. for 2,005 untouched seemingly, and you students — including me. might say, unaffected by terThe semester started out rorism on the shores of other innocently enough on January countries that we had not 27 with the usual crowds on been experiencing on our own campus, meaning crowded and shores. Well those days are over everywhere; in the bookstore, now… in the cafeteria, at the student On Monday March 16, we center, in classes, finding parking began to meet as a class online.

Ronald Kaplan At first there was hope that we spaces, walking to classes, utilizing restrooms, meeting and greeting, would return to campus, but alas we did yelling and screaming, and hugging and not and it is uncertain when the campus kissing. will in fact open up again.

And all of this in a pre-covid-19 “Kaplan” page 8 world, an innocent and naïve world in

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Loses 23K Jobs to Pandemic

S

By Jondi Gumz

anta Cruz County’s tourist economy took a punch in the gut from the COVID-19 pandemic in April: 23,900 jobs lost, with 9,900 in leisure and hospitality.

The county unemployment rate hit a record 17.4 percent, up from 8.1 percent in March and 5.3 percent a year ago.

The data come from the two surveys by the California Employment Development Department, which reported 2,344,700 non-farm jobs lost.

“The unprecedented job losses are like nothing before seen in California history in a current data series that dates back to 1976, and are a direct result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the agency said.

In Santa Cruz County, nearly all

sectors including real estate, construction and manufacturing suffered losses.

Accommodations and food services, a robust sector with 12,200 jobs at hotels and

restaurants, shrank 69 percent compared to a year ago.

Local government, which had 16,800 jobs a year, fell 25.6 percent.

Private education and health services, which had 18,100 jobs, dropped 15.5 percent.

Retail, which had 11,800 jobs a year ago, dropped 11 percent.

The size of the labor force in the county retreated from 141,500 in early March to 132,800.

So did total employment, which includes people commuting out of the county, from 130,000 in early March to 109,700, leaving 23,100 people out of work. n ••• To view the report, see: https://www.labor marketinfo.edd.ca.gov/file/lfmonth/scrz$pds. pdf

Telework is strongly encouraged where possible, but office spaces may open by following state guidance on safely reopening, https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/ guidance-office-workspaces.pdf Childcare is allowed for children of workers and volunteers in all open sectors, not just essential services. Guidance on childcare facilities is at https://www.cdss. ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/PINs/2020/ CCP/PIN_20-06-CCP.pdf In-store retail operations should follow state guidance for retail establishments at https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/ guidance-retail.pdf Retailers are required to follow and post local guidance known as Appendix A, available in English and Spanish, at http:// www.santacruzhealth.org/Portals/7/ Pdfs/Coronavirus/Appendix-A-SocialDistancing-Protocol%20March%2031%20 2020%20FINAL.pdf Low-risk personal services such as car washes and pet groomers should also follow guidelines for retail operations, and follow and post Appendix A.

Cap of 100 nder new guidance from the state, in-person religious services, cultural ceremonies and funerals may resume, with attendance limited to 25 percent of a building’s capacity or 100 persons, whichever is fewer. Congregants must comply with social distancing protocols. State guidance for places of worship and cultural ceremonies is at https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/ guidance-places-of-worship.pdf Political protests may resume, limited to 25 percent of the relevant area’s capacity or 100 persons, whichever is fewer. Protesters must comply with social distancing protocols. Additional information is at https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-exceptfor-essential-needs/#protected-activities State guidance on manufacturing facilities is at https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/ guidance-manufacturing.pdf State guidance on outdoor museums is at https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidanceoutdoor-museums.pdf The May 26 order allows county implementation of future changes to the state shelter-in-place order, but the county can not allow activities that conflict with state rules, such as gatherings of any kind outside your immediate household.

The May 26 order closes beaches between 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, and restricts patronage at local hotels, motels and vacation rentals, to essential workers.

Lodging owners must keep a log of the reasons the rooms are booked. n ••• For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. Residents may call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week.

U

“Reopen” from page 5 If approved, Santa Cruz County would be the first in the San Francisco Bay Area to get the variance. Then Dr. Gail Newel, the local health officer, would have to issue a new order allowing late Stage 2 activities with safety modifications.

Due to social distancing requirements, seating at Friday’s meeting is limited; participants are encouraged to watch and submit comments online at www.ssanta cruzcounty.us.

Restaurants and barbershops/hair salons can review state guidance, at https:// covid19.ca.gov/roadmap-counties/.

The state still prohibits nail salons, tattoo parlors or other personal services that are considered higher risk and categorized as Stage 3 in its “Resilience Roadmap.”

Problem Gatherings onfirmed COVID-19 cases in Santa Cruz County jumped from 178 a week ago to 205 as of Wednesday; county officials attribute the increase to unauthorized Mother’s Day gatherings in Watsonville.

Of the 205 cases countywide, 91 are in Watsonville, where a new testing center operated by OptumServe recently opened at Ramsay Park.

Five people are currently hospitalized for treatment — four confirmed and one suspected case — and one person is in intensive care. Of those confirmed cases with two more chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and asthma, 32 percent required hospitalization locally.

Retail, Churches Allowed n May 26, Newel, Santa Cruz County’s health officer, issued a new health

C

O

order allowing early Stage 2 activities to proceed and aligning the county with any future state action to remove restrictions under the statewide “stay at home” order.

The order allows office workspaces, in-store retail, religious services and cultural ceremonies, manufacturing, limited personal services, protests and outdoor museums to resume, effective 11:59 p.m.

May 26 through July 1. All businesses and operations must continue complying with social distancing protocols and order to wear face coverings, as well as sectorbased guidance available from the state on the https://covid19.ca.gov/roadmap website.

“As we move forward with these changes, I want to caution everyone that COVID-19 is still present in our community. Anyone who is 65 years old or older, as well as those who are medically vulnerable, should continue sheltering in place,” Newel said. “I urge all members of our community to help those who need to shelter by continuing to offer help and check in.”

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Kirby Senior Anthony Arya Named U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts A nthony Arya, a senior at Kirby School and 2020 National YoungArts Foundation award winner, has been named a 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

This year, 161 graduating high school seniors are being recognized.

Arya joins an illustrious group of YoungArts and U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts alumni, including Tony Award-nominated performer and choreographer Desmond Richardson; Los Angeles Music Center President Rachel S. Moore; novelist and National Book Award finalist Allegra Goodman; Grammy Award-nominated violinist Jennifer Koh; Bravo’s “Work of Art” winner Abdi Farah; Obie Awardwinning actress Donna Lynne Champlin; and RCA Records award-winning

singer-songwriter and Grammy Awardnominated artist Chris Young.

“From basketball to mathematics to music, Anthony has always brought his whole heart to whatever he commits to. He’s been generous with his time and talents and we couldn’t be more proud of him,” said Christy Hutton, head of Kirby School.

Arya, who was on Season 15 of The Voice in 2018, is headed to Stanford University in the fall, majoring in American studies and music.

His first album, Going To California, was released in December 2018, and his second album, “The Road” came out in April — in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos congratulated this year’s honorees for their outstanding academic achievement, community service, and leadership.

“While they are facing unprecedented challenges as they graduate from high school into a world that looks much different than it did just a few months ago, their determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence will serve them well as they pursue their next steps,” she said.

Sarah Arison, chairwoman of National YoungArts Foundation, said, “Now, more than ever, it is important that we as a country celebrate the hope and promise of the next generation of great architects and designers, writers and poets, and visual and performing artists.”

Scholars are selected annually by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by the President, based on academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities and writing ability. This year, more than 5,300 students qualified based on performance on the College Board

“Kaplan” from page 6

Plenty of Free Customer Parking

Wilder Associates Inc.

Yoga Within

Property Management Specialists

Exploring the Mind-Body Connection

662-0291

687-0818

Kumon Math & Reading Center

Joy of Movement Pilates & Gyrotonic®

Learning for the Long Run

345-8377

Warmboard Radiant Subfloor

Simply Smarter Radiant Heat

More Zest for Life

688-8077

Epicenter Cycling

Trek Bicycles for All Types of Riders

685-9275

662-8100

Village Liquors

Dentistry for Animals

688-5691

768-7148

For All Your Beverage Needs

8 / June 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Dr. Judy Force, DVM

I do believe that this world event will not only change what it means to get a college education, but how we get it. It will disrupt the institutions of education and in the process will discover its values and a reevaluation in the changed economic landscape of what college should be.

Will community colleges become the shopping malls of present day with the disruption in retail and American’s consumer habits? Will it reinvent itself? Will people reskill to work at home going forward? These are some of the questions the community of education will and should ask itself.

We have come to that proverbial “fork in the road” and as Yogi Berra would say that when we get there, “to take it.”

I recall hearing a lecture by Buckminster Fuller some 40 years ago when he spoke of telecommuting. Something I couldn’t quite get my head around at the time, but now it all makes sense.

I am very glad however that we had a chance to meet in person in class, as a group of classmates before becoming virtual classmates.

The upshot of engaging online for me with the “Shelter in Place” protocol and my four courses is that it became a welcome distraction from literally “hanging around the house.” It gave me structure and kept me busy, stimulating my mind and

Anthony Arya

SAT or ACT exams, or nominations made

by Chief State School Officers, partner organizations or the National YoungArts Foundation.

“Arya” page 10

introducing me to the joy I would find in writing.

In my coursework I read that those who go into the profession of journalism find something to love about it. What I found was a rediscovery of writing and a platform to express myself and my thoughts on politics, student life, and a chance to impart what I hope was a bit of wisdom on life and lessons learned with the perspective of age and life experience for those in their own formative years as The Cabrillo Voice Editorial/Opinion writer.

You can find a number of those pieces online at thecabrillovoice.com, The Voice of Cabrillo College for all of Santa Cruz County.

Place and time: Timing does play a role that can shape our destiny, whether it is the people we meet, the subjects or information we come in contact with, or the opportunities that present themselves by simply showing up.

Best of all, I’ve made some new friends, and in journalism, have found a new love of writing.

So, thank you Cabrillo College. I will miss my classmates and my instructors, even virtually. And as Shakespeare would say: “Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodnight till it be ‘morrow.” Now I can say from experience, that returning to education no matter what shape or form, is an invitation to a good ‘morrow. n

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Pajaro Valley Class of 2020 Graduations he following Drive-Through Graduation events are planned:

T

Pacific Coast Charter: 1-3 p.m. Jun 1 Diamond Technology Institute: 2-3 p.m. Jun 1 Watsonville High: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Jun 2 Pajaro Valley High: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jun 3 Renaissance High: 3-5 p.m. Jun 3 Aptos High: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jun 4 New School: 4-5:30 p.m. June 4

Also, Pajaro Valley Unified School District has asked families and the community to participate in “Lights on Grads” — turning on exterior home lights every evening from May 25- 29 — to honor the class of 2020.

••• Monte Vista Christian’s Summer Plans onte Vista Christian School is currently planning a drive-through graduation for Saturday, June 13, and an on-campus event for Seniors on August 1.

Both events are subject to the state of

M

“Graduation” from page 6 The Cabrillo College Class of 2020 contains a record 165 students who are graduating with a 4.0 Grade Point Average, nearly a 38% increase over last year. This year 249 students graduate with high honors (3.75-3.99 GPA), 311 students graduate with honors (3.5-3.74 GPA) and 649 students graduate with honorable mentions (3.0-3.49 GPA).

This year, 75 students graduate or transfer as part of the Honors Transfer Program, having completed all of the courses required to transfer, including at least 15 units of honors coursework, while also maintaining a 3.5 or higher GPA. Of those 75 Honors Transfer students, a record 34 of them are graduating as honors scholars, achieving a 3.75-3.99 GPA with at least 15-unit hours of honors coursework.

In addition to UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC Santa Cruz, Cabrillo’s Honor Transfer Program students have been accepted into some of the nation’s most prestigious four-year universities, including: Amherst, Boston University, Cal Poly Pomona, Northwestern, Oberlin College and Conservatory, Tufts, USC, and Vanderbilt, among others.

Cabrillo’s Honors Transfer Program has had a 30% increase in applicants each year for the past three years. This year, the increasingly popular program had 160 applicants by mid-March.

Honors Transfer Program Director Carolyn Jackson advises, “Students can still inquire about the Honors Transfer Program for fall, and if seats are filled, can

county safety regulations at the time each is scheduled to occur.

••• Goodwill: Too Early To Drop Off Donations ith many sheltering at home, people are cleaning out their closets and garages, so Goodwill Industries is asking people not to drop off their unwanted items at local Goodwill stores.

All Goodwill Central Coast stores and donation centers are still closed, so Goodwill officials are asking the community not to leave donations at closed donation sites. Leaving donations at closed stores and centers will cause them to be damaged.

Goodwill has stores and donation centers on the Central Coast including Capitola and Scotts Valley that will begin operations as soon as the state and counties allow. As soon as there is an opening date, everyone

W

will be notified. The best way to be notified is to sign up for email announcements on the Goodwill website at ccgoodwill.org.

Career connection services and virtual training are available through Goodwill Central Coast’s website at ccgoodwill. org and at https://www.facebook.com/ goodwillcentralcoast/.

••• New Leaf Adjusts Hours o best support our community and staff, we here at New Leaf Community Markets have temporarily extended our shopping hours.

Half Moon Bay and Westside Santa Cruz locations will now be open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m., with “Community Care Hour” reserved for seniors and those who are at-risk will be from 7-9 a.m.

Aptos, Downtown Santa Cruz and Capitola locations will be open from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., with the first hour of the day (8-9 a.m.) reserved for Community Care Customers.

Another change is stores will once again allow customers to bring in reusable

T

shopping bags.

Customers will be asked to bag their own groceries, and as a precaution are asked to wash the bags between uses.

We are continually reassessing our policies as the situation evolves in our communities, and will continue to do the right thing to keep our staff and customers safe. Find the latest updates at www.newleaf.com/ stay-healthy/ Thank you to everyone who helped with suggestions.

••• World’s Shortest Parade 2020 Cancelled ue to the current restrictions placed on events in our county and greater areas, The La Selva Beach Improvement Association has canceled the July 4th Parade and all festivities associated with it. n

D

start at Cabrillo as a regular student in fall semester, then enter the Honors Transfer Program for spring 2021.”

Cabrillo Honors Transfer Program students had a 72% admit rate into the UCLA College of Letters and Sciences for the UCLA Transfer Alliance Program, which gives priority admission into the UCLA College of Letters and Sciences for fall 2020.

Two of Cabrillo’s Honors Transfer Program participants received notable scholarships. Jasmine Ruiz received the Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Award, and will be transferring to UCSC with a major in biology. The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation Scholarship was awarded to Alejandra Zamora-Hernandez, who is transferring to UC Berkeley and majoring in political science.

Cabrillo’s Virtual Graduation Ceremony begins with video footage from last year’s processional, followed by a welcome from Vice President of Student Services Sue Gochis. Cabrillo College President and Superintendent Dr. Matthew Wetstein, Cabrillo Faculty Senate President Dr. Robin McFarland, and Cabrillo Classified Employees Union Interim President Jessica Carroll giving congratulatory remarks.

Wetstein and Cabrillo Board President Leticia Mendoza present the class of 2020.

Student Trustee Madison Raasch recognizes Cabrillo’s Transfer Students, and Associated Students of Cabrillo College Student Body President Ana Lopez conducts the ceremonial “Moving of the Tassel.” n ••• The graduation videos can be found at Cabrillo College’s YouTube page.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

New Grocery Shopper Program Aids Seniors

Forty-Five Volunteers Help 235 People; More Clients, Volunteers Welcome

O

By Christine Loewe

ver the past two months as businesses, schools, and non-profits have shuttered their doors and suspended programs, staff with the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County Senior Programs chose to focus their efforts on finding safe ways to maintain valuable connections with their most vulnerable senior participants.

Annually, the Volunteer Center helps more than 550 seniors to age safely in our community and maintain the independence they desire through programs like Helping Hands Senior Home Repair, Matter of Balance, and the Transportation Program.

Prior to the shutdown of services, volunteers with the Volunteer Center Transportation Program were providing more than 75 free rides per week for ambulatory fixed income seniors and the disabled. These rides allowed those in need to get to necessary medical appointments or go grocery shopping and banking.

“When the shelter in place orders began, we recognized that senior safety was at risk as their needs for safe home repair, groceries, and human connection did not subside. We quickly set to work to brainstorm and devise plans for how we could creatively adapt some of our services to still meet the needs of our participants as they shelter in place. Our first order of operations was to establish a phone check-in system with our program participants,” said Volunteer Center Senior Programs Coordinator Tara Ireland.

Since the start of this crisis, Senior Programs staff and volunteers have held phone consultations with more than 150 seniors. “These phone calls have been invaluable for ensuring that seniors know how to access the resources they need while sheltering in place and for some this may be the only personal connection they have,” said Ireland.

From these brainstorming sessions and senior conversations emerged the Grocery Shopper Program. This new program serves the needs of fixed-income adults age 60+ as well as health-compromised adults 55+. The program uniquely serves those who can afford the cost of their groceries but can’t visit a grocery store because of the great risk to their health. Seniors are able to specifically request the items they want purchased.

Volunteers are recruited, background checked, and trained to take grocery orders and methods of payment

“Arya” from page 8 One young man and one young woman are chosen from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, up to 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts and up to 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, which has honored 7,600 of the nation’s top high school seniors, marks its 56th anniversary this year.

Volunteer Center intern Brandi Farrar is a volunteer with the new Grocery Shopper Program. from local seniors. Volunteers then purchase groceries on behalf of the senior and deliver the groceries to their doorstep using social distancing practices. Volunteers are required to use masks and gloves and the volunteer never enters the home of the participant.

Since this program launched last month, it has served

National YoungArts Foundation was established in 1981 by Lin and Ted Arison o identify the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts, and provides them with creative and professional development opportunities throughout their careers.

The application process for ages 15–18, or grades 10-12, is highly competitive, judged by discipline-specific panels of artists through a blind adjudication process.

All YoungArts award winners

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

235 people with the help of 45 volunteers who have collectively delivered more than 2,200 bags of groceries.

The program has proven to be an excellent way to lift the spirits of both those in isolation and the volunteers as well. Volunteers with the program have expressed that volunteering gives them a dose of needed motivation and purpose.

“I love that we are meeting a critical need and helping people maintain meaningful connections with one another in the process. Finding creative ways to remain connected is so important for everyone’s emotional health as we ride the changing waves of the times we are in,” said Ireland.

Volunteers like Laura Chiavola couldn’t agree more.

“I’ve really loved volunteering with this program. I have been able to connect with people in my community that I otherwise wouldn’t and grocery shopping for them has been like a weekly treasure hunt. I’ve gotten to know these folks through our phone conversations and always feel really good about getting them their special items and making sure they have what they need. Being a volunteer grocery shopper has been a great experience that I recommend without reservation to anyone who loves grocery shopping and wants to help out in our community as we all make sacrifices and pioneer new ways to care for ourselves and each other,” Chiavola said.

Through a partnership with Ecology Action, some volunteers have chosen to take on their volunteer effort by bike and see this as a way to help the environment while helping others.

“The great thing is that I know I’m not only helping the participant, but I’m also reducing the COVID-19 risk by reducing how many people are shopping, and also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by combining it with my own shopping trip,” said grocery shopper colunteer Brooke Wright.

The program is accepting new clients and volunteers.

Fixed-income adults 60 or older, or immune compromised adults 55+ who are vulnerable to COVID-19 can call the Grocery Shopper Hotline at 831-427-3435 to learn more.

Healthy individuals who are interested in volunteering can learn more about program by visiting the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County website at www. scvolunteercenter.org. n

receive financial awards and the chance to learn from notable artists and mentors such as Debbie Allen, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Frank Gehry, Wynton Marsalis, Salman Rushdie and Mickalene Thomas as well as past YoungArts award winners such as Daniel Arsham, Terence Blanchard, Camille A. Brown, Viola Davis, Allegra Goodman, Josh Groban, Judith Hill, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Andrew Rannells, Desmond Richardson and Hunter Schafer.

YoungArts award winners are eli-

gible for creative development support including fellowships and residencies and awards; professional development opportunities in partnership with major institutions nationwide; financial support; and access to YoungArts Post, a private, online portal for YoungArts artists to connect, share their work and discover new opportunities. n ••• Anthony Arya, 2020 Presidential Scholar in the Arts, put out his second album in April.

COMMUNITY NEWS

AG: Let Cannabis Businesses Bank T his month, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra joined a bipartisan coalition of 34 attorneys general urging the U.S. Congress to give licensed cannabis businesses access to the federal banking system as part of any future coronavirus relief package.

Passage of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act or similar Xavier Becerra legislation would provide much-needed revenue to state and local governments, they pointed out.

“The continued exclusion of the licensed cannabis industry from the federal banking system is untenable – and unwise,” said Becerra. “The coronavirus crisis has only exacerbated the economic and investigatory challenges that arise from keeping a $15 billion industry in the shadows. Congress should move swiftly to pass this commonsense legislation and provide relief to the many local cannabis businesses that are playing by the rules.”

The coalition points out that the ability

to efficiently collect tax revenue from the cannabis industry, estimated to have generated $15 billion in sales in 2019, would provide critical relief for state and local governments predicting budget shortfalls due to the pandemic.

Additionally, cash intensive businesses are often a target of criminal activity, with threats to public safety only intensifying since the coronavirus pandemic began. The large presence of cash transactions also places law enforcement, tax regulators, consumers, and patients at heightened risk of exposure to the virus.

A year ago, Becerra and 37 attorneys general, sent a letter to Congress urging passage of the SAFE Banking Act, but action has not been taken.

Attorneys general from Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, sent the letter to Congress. n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo Hosts Online Cybercamp

Five-day Program Teaches Cybersecurity To Kids In Grades 6-12

I

n June, Cabrillo College will host its 4th annual Cybersecurity Summer Camp, offering youth the chance to learn new skills and dive into technology — all online and all for free.

The five-day, tech-focused camp offers students the rare chance to work with a range of educational and tech experts including credentialed high school teachers at Pajaro Valley Unified School District and Santa Cruz County of Education, as well as industry leaders and security experts.

Camps are designed for 6th-12th graders who have basic computer experience and an interest in cybersecurity and technology.

Students can sign up for Introductory or Advanced camps. Introductory sessions will guide students through a variety of cybersecurity topics, including managing one’s digital footprint, Linux, Python, networking and Wireshark.

No experience in cybersecurity is required for the Intro Camp, but it’s recommended as a prerequisite before the Advanced camp. Campers in the Advanced sessions will explore cryptography, digital forensics, web app exploitation and malware analysis.

At the end of the sessions, all campers will have the opportunity to compete in the Bay Area Cyber Competition in July.

“In response to COVID-19, our community college students pivoted quickly to move 100 percent of this year’s curriculum online,” said Irvin Lemus, Cabrillo College

cybersecurity professor and Bay Area CyberCamp coordinator. “This shift has actually expanded our capacity to open up spots to several hundred students across 23 schools!”

LOCAL COMPANY SERVING SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

FOR OVER 30 YEARS!

Developed Curves Program Experts Led by Curves Coaches Real woman Just Like You New Content Updated Monthly Available Anywhere, Anytime on Your Favorite Device Safe, High-Quality Resistance Band Shipped to Your Home Ask your coach about adding MyCurves On Demand to your fitness membership!

BUILDING AND ENGINEERING CONTRACTOR Ca. License #392756.

7000 Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95003 (831) 688-2348

Residential Construction and Remodeling.

aptoscurves@gmail.com

Fully compliant with SC County Health Order for safe jobsites due to COVID-19.

www.facebook.com/CurvesAptos

Office 831.346.6458 • Cell: 831.331.6240 • parks@cruzio.com 12 / June 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Campers will need a Chromebook or a laptop with a web browser and stable internet access, but the partnership with PVUSD and SCCOE will ensure that every interested camper can participate.

“Our son attended the intro and advanced course last year, and gained a tremendous amount of skills that he brought to his coding class, even starting a STEM club on his school site,” said David Salles, parent of a former CyberCamp participant.

“The instructors were very knowledgeable and effective at working with teenagers, keeping them engaged, motivated, and ready to solve tech-based security challenges. If you can get your child enrolled, do it. They’ll be a step ahead!”

Registration for Cybersecurity Camp is filling fast. For more information and register for camp, visit www.baycyber.net or contact Elizabeth Shaw — eshaw@santa cruzcoe.org or Sarah Ferguson — sarah. ferguson@digitalnest.org.

This year’s CyberCamps are made possible through partnerships with Cabrillo College, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Pajaro Valley Unified School District, DigitalNEST and the Bay Area Community College Consortium/ Cybersecurity Competitions. n

“Our son attended the intro and advanced course last year, and gained a tremendous amount of skills that he brought to his coding class, even starting a STEM club on his school site.”

— David Salles, former CyberCamp participant

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Investigates COVID-19 Clusters

T

By Jondi Gumz

he Santa Cruz County Public Health Division has identified four clusters of COVID-19 transmission in South County involving family gatherings and is encouraging everyone to maintain social distancing and follow shelter-in-place orders during Memorial Day weekend.

On Friday, the county reported 186 cases, including 10 on Thursday — the most on a single day since the pandemic began.

Of the 186 cases, Watsonville has 77, unincorporated areas, 45, city of Santa Cruz, 44, Capitola, 6, Scotts Valley, 6, with 8 under investigation.

Five people are hospitalized in Santa Cruz County, four positive cases, and one suspected, including one person in intensive care, according to the state health department. Among those with two or more chronic conditions, 31 percent with COVID-19 required hospitalization.

The investigations into the clusters are ongoing, but the county reported all known transmission is associated with close contact between households during family get-togethers including a multigenerational Mother’s Day gathering and a large gathering involving individuals who traveled from out of state.

The March 16 county health order to slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus prohibits non-essential travel and gatherings of any size, as does the governor’s shelter-in-place order.

County officials warn that if the number of cases continues to increase, efforts to reopen sectors of the community could be jeopardized.

“I want to thank the community for all they have done so far to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel. “But we can’t let our guard down now, there are still more lives to save.”

All clusters are being monitored and investigated by the Communicable Disease Unit, including contact tracing and isolation/quarantine guidance.

“We understand that as the shelterin-place orders enter their third month, people have a strong desire to gather with friends and family, particularly on holidays when the weather is good,”

said Santa Cruz County Chief of Public Health Jen Herrera. “We want residents to understand that they may unwittingly place those they love at risk for getting COVID-19, especially the most vulnerable among us.”

Mimi Hall, the county’s Health Services Agency director, said the county has 18 contract tracers, and she expected to have 35 trained this week.

Testing availability has increased since Margaret Lapiz became the head of head SAVE Lives Santa Cruz County two weeks ago.

“We have the capacity to conduct 3,000 tests a week,” she said, noting a new site at Ramsay Park in Watsonville, run by contractor OptumServe, which is free.

An appointment is required by phone or online at covid19.ca.gov; you must set up an online account first to get the test results but a doctor referral is not necessary.

For the first week, 658 of the 660 appointment slots were filled.

Metrics Met n Wednesday, before the uptick of cases, Hall said the county met the state’s metric requiring 1.5 tests per 10,000 residents, which is 420 tests a day.

She also said the state had relaxed the tracer requirement, allowing counties to attest that they have the resources to track cases and apply for a variance to allow retail and dine-in restaurants. This is slated to be on the Board of Supervisors agenda June 2.

On Thursday, before the uptick was posted, Manu Koenig, candidate for First District supervisor, hearing from business owners, said the board could call a special meeting and not wait til June 2.

If the state approves the variance, the county health official must write a new order to replace what exists now.

In Capitola Village, where June to September can account for 50 percent of business revenue, restaurant owners plan to ask city officials about outdoor dining on the Esplanade once the state allows.

That will be discussed when the Capitola City Council meets at 7 p.m. May 28.

Beaches Closed 11-5 ocal beaches remain off limits from11 a.m.-5 p.m., unless you are crossing the sand to engage in water activities.

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

Specialist in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics

Now Accepting New Patients!

Initial Exam Complimentary Aptos Office

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

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

www.SmileCrewOrtho.com

O

L

“Clusters” page 15

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Four Arrests in Tushar Atre Murder Case

Two Of The Suspects Worked For Atre For Less Than Two Weeks

A

By Jondi Gumz

n investigation into the Oct. 1 murder of Tushar Atre, founder of AtreNet, a website design company, and Interstitial Systems, a cannabis manufacturing business, led to the arrest of four young men, two who worked for Atre, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Lt.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

A photo of Tushar Atre was on display at Thursday’s press conference where the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of four young men on charges of kidnapping, robbery and murder of Atre on Oct. 1, 2019.

Brian Cleveland said at a Thursday press conference that followed social distance guidelines to avoid spreading COVID-19.

“We believe it was a robbery,” Cleveland said, adding that they were armed with a rifle. “They were after monetary gain.”

The suspects are: ● Joshua Camps, 23, of Lancaster, ● Kurtis Charters, 22, of Lancaster, ● Stephen Lindsay, 22, of Burbank, and ● Kaleb Charters, 19, of St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

Kurtis and Kaleb Charters are brothers, Cleveland said, and Camps is “an associate” of Kurtis Charters.

None of the four has a criminal history, “except for very minor things,” Cleveland added.

The time Lindsay and Kaleb Charters worked for Atre was brief, less than two weeks, according to Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Ashley Keehn.

Joshua Camps

Atre, 50, an inventor, surfer, mountain biker and guitairist, founded a company that worked with dozens of Silicon Valley clients, among them Hewlett Packard, Symantec, and Juniper Networks, locally Seagate, Polycom and Cruzio. He was kidnapped from his oceanfront home in Pleasure Point, and his body found hours later in a BMW on a property he owned on Soquel-San Jose Road.

“We interviewed dozens of people who worked for Tushar,” Cleveland said, noting a $200,000 reward offered in January did not lead to the arrests.

Low Rates Plus 90 Days of No Auto Payments

*

when you refinance from another financial institution.

831.479.6000 • www.bayfed.com • 888.4BAYFED * First payment will be deferred for 90 days. Offer available to applicants with a 640 or higher credit score (Experian Fico V9 Auto Score) on the refinance of a 2010 or newer vehicle currently financed at another financial institution. Refinances of current Bay Federal loans are not eligible for this offer. Loan application must be received before August 31, 2020, in order to qualify for the deferred first payment. Interest will continue to accrue from date of loan disbursement and becomes due once payments begin. All loans are subject to credit approval and income verification per Bay Federal Credit Union lending requirements. Credit Union membership required. Minimum loan amount is $10,000. For more information, visit any Bay Federal Credit Union branch or call us at 831.479.6000 or 888.4BAYFED, option 3.

Terms subject to change without notice. This offer may not be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply.

Federally Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.

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

Stephen Lindsay

Kurtis Charters

Kaleb Charters

3,000 hours “We spent 3,000 person hours on this case,” said Sheriff Jim Hart, noting that officers “worked tirelessly,” in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, prepared 60 search warrants and accumulated “compelling evidence.”

“This is an active investigation,” he said, explain why some questions would not be answered. “We haven’t wrapped up our case.”

“Arrests” page 23

COMMUNITY NEWS

May 21: Ben Kelly Day

A Day.

t the Board of Supervisors meeting, a proclamation was read declaring today, May 21, 2020, as Ben Kelly

The proclamation was drafted by First District Supervisor John Leopold to honor the loss of the local entrepreneur, who at the age of 26 had developed a marketing company and made his own brand of surfboards.

Kelly was surfing off Sand Dollar Beach Ben Kelly near Watsonville on May 9 when he was fatally attacked by a shark.

“Ben practiced his belief that surfing was so much more than just catching waves,” Leopold said in the declaration. “It was Katie Kelly about the people he met and the continuous grand adventures that made it fun while blessing others along the way.

Keith Greeninger performed a tribute at the ceremony, and Kelly’s wife, Katie, spoke about the loss of her husband.

“I’ve been so overwhelmed by the

425 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 kirby.org

Empowering Students to Shape Their Futures with Confidence

Keith Greeninger performed a tribute.

way the Santa Cruz community has come along beside me, and Ben, and just really supported us.” Katie said. “We were only here for 3 ½ years before this … we just really, really thank you, the way that Santa Cruz has come, as like family to us. I really appreciate this. God bless you guys.” n ••• To view the video of the proclamation and responses, visit https://drive.google.com/drive/ folders/1ULk_0-ZP1Ppr2PS8MJGGB3I4 AnGk3F52.

Continuity of education is a top priority for Kirby. Ask us about our increased commitment to Tuition Assistance. Contact our Admissions Office to help you through the application process (831) 423-0658 x 202 or email admissions@kirby.

KIRBY.ORG

Katie receives the proclamation from Supervisor Leopold.

“Clusters” from page 13 Residents are advised to follow the order to wear face coverings while engaging others at work or in public and to wash the face covering frequently.

Children 12 and under are not required to wear a face covering and those 2 and under must not wear one. Health officials advise: • Washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds • Avoid touching your face • Coughing or sneeze into your elbow

• Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces • Stay home when ill except to seek medical care Testing locations, including information about populations served, hours of operation and contact information can be found on the county’s web site at www. santacruzhealth.org/savelives. n For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. Residents may also call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week.

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

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Hundreds of Seniors Get Great Plates

H

undreds of local seniors are now enrolled in Great Plates, a Santa Cruz County Human Services program that delivers three nutritious meals a day from local restaurants to seniors.

Individuals who are 65 or older (or 60-64 and are high-risk) are eligible. To qualify, you must: • Live alone or with one other programeligible adult; • Not receive assistance from other state or federal nutrition assistance programs (such as CalFresh, Meals on Wheels); • Have annual income that does not exceed $74,940 (single) or $101,460 (2-person); and

• Cannot currently prepare or obtain meals.

How do you apply? Provide your full name, phone, date of birth, and preferred language on a confidential voice mail to (831) 454-4406 or email the information to hsd_greatplates@santacruzcounty.us.

Human Services staff will contact you for a free screening to confirm if you qualify.

This county program is in partnership with local community based organizations, and funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of California with local support from Community Foundation Santa Cruz County. n ••• This program ends June 10, unless extended by the state.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A Nontoxic Alternative to Roundup live in La Selva and have a concern about the use of Roundup in local gardens.

More people have been home because of the lockdown and more in their gardens.

I have noticed several gardens spraying the poison Roundup in the gardens and in the meridians and rock areas by their driveways if a house is mostly rock as the decor of the front yard.

After spraying they water the rock area and the drainage feeds into the street and drains. Dogs walk in this water, strollers drive over the water. I saw a mother with a child and a dog standing in the area someone while someone spraying the Roundup and it was windy.

I

Roundup is a known carcinogen and we are dealing with a pandemic that may be caused by the degradation of the environment and our misuse of resources including animals and soil.

I am surprised and concerned that for convenience Roundup is being used at a great cost. There are many options that are nontoxic but they take some mixing up a couple of simple ingredient. One recipe calls for 1/2 gallon of vinegar, 1/2 cup of salt, and 2 Tablespoons of dish soap.

It is imperative we change our habits to be able to offer a future for those children going by in strollers and for the health of those around us. I hope this suggestion is taken seriously.

— Nanda Currant

COMMUNITY NEWS

How COVID-19 Spreads

C

By Jondi Gumz

an you get COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface?

A lab experiment published March 17 in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the coronavirus could be infectious for up to 3 hours, on copper for up to 4 hours, on cardboard up to 24 hours and on plastic and stainless steel up to 72 hours.

Scientists at San Diego State University are undertaking a new study, enlisting hundreds of people in the community to collect 10,000 samples from surfaces such as trash can handles, door knobs and ATM buttons, to gain insights into how COVID-19 spreads.

The project, funded by the National Science Foundation, is led by viral ecologist Forest Rohwer and mathematician Naveen Vaidya. Others in San Diego are studying transmission through the air and for presence of the virus in sewage samples. Rohwer expects the studies altogether will yield greater understanding of the new coronavirus.

This week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control revised its website on how COVID-19 spreads, emphasizing personto-person spread over other mechanisms such as touching surfaces.

Here is the new wording from the CDC: COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from personto-person. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. We are still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of illness it causes.

Person-to-Person Spread he virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

• COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

The virus spreads easily between people How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious, like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily.

Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, which means it goes from person-to-person without stopping.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is

T

spreading very easily and sustainably between people. Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious.

The virus does not spread easily in other ways COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning about how it spreads. It may be possible for COVID-19 to spread in other ways, but these are not thought to be the main ways the virus spreads.

• From touching surfaces or objects. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus.

• From animals to people. At this time, the risk of COVID-19 spreading from animals to people is considered to be low. Learn about COVID-19 and pets and other animals.

• From people to animals. It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations. CDC is aware of a small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Learn what you should do if you have pets.

The CDC’s “best estimate” is that 35 percent of all people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, and that those individuals are 100% as infectious as those with symptoms.

Based on data received before April 29, the CDC estimates 40 percent of the virus’ transmission happens before people feel sick, and that it takes six days on average from exposure to symptoms, explaining the need for social distancing and masks. n ••• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/hcp/planning-scenarios.html

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

FEATURED BUSINESS

Since 1926 Instruments / Accessories / Sheet Music Sales / Rentals / Lessons 7960J Soquel Dr. 831-724-4798

7960 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA 95003 FITNESS & TRAINING

Aptos, CA 95003

musicstoreguy@earthlink.net

SERVICES SPECIAL!

RETAIL

RESTAURANTS

HAIR SALON 831-688-1116

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

7970, Suite A, Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA

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

(831) 662-0886

7960 Soquel Drive, Ste. I, Aptos

www.fleetfeetaptos.com

Since 1926 Instruments / Accessories / Sheet Music Sales / Rentals / Lessons 831-724-4798

musicstoreguy@earthlink.net

Dance with us!

(831)684-1800

www.studioe-dance.com

7970 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

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

18 / June 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

7960J Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95003

COMMUNITY NEWS

Advice to Mount Madonna Students: Have Courage

Zoom Interviews, Replacing Trip to Washington D.C., Yield Insights

F

By Leigh Ann Clifton

or three decades, the juniors and seniors of Mount Madonna School have traveled to Washington, D.C. every other year to interview government and non-government leaders.

This rite of passage introduces students directly to those who lead in the larger world. Now, for the first time since 1989, students were unable to take this transformational journey.

“As teachers, Shannon Kelly and I felt the only option was to try to find a way to move our interview program forward anyway, and redeem something from a disheartening turn of events by setting up virtual interviews,” wrote “SN” Ward Mailliard, founder of the Values in World Thought program, in a pre-trip reflection. “Would it work?

Would people say ‘yes’? Would the students buy in? We can only know the answers by trying.”

And try, they did. On May 4, junior and senior students “embarked” on Zoom interviews with Washington, D.C. leaders.

They concluded an array of interviews

E xcel lence in E quest r i an E du c at i on at

Monte Vista Christian School

HORSEMANSHIP CAMP Residents campers stay in the comfortable dorms.

Friendly Staff and Well-Trained Horses

Week Long, Sleep Over or Day Sessions

June - August, Sunday - Saturday

with such luminaries as former Secretary of State George Shultz, Senator Joe Manchin, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, Alyse Nelson, president of Vital Voices, and Laura Liswood, secretary general of the Council of Women World Leader on May 8, and the “results,” chronicled on a student blog, reveal new perspectives, astute observations and unanticipated insights.

“This year’s journey required us to imagine a new “double-distance” learning effort that took us into the virtual realm,” reflected Mailliard, “first from school to home and then onto Washington, D.C. We heard Alyse Nelson and others speak about finding a wider vision to see beyond the limitations of these times.”

He added, “Along the way we discovered that this process is really working.

We are doing something way ahead of the curve for students and it is really helping them to focus and thrive.”

Western/English Show Jumping Trail Rides, Horse Show on Saturday Crafts, Swimming and Archery S’mores and Skits at the Campfire!

LESSONS • TRAINING • HORSE SHOWS 2 School Way, Watsonville, CA 95076 • (831) 206-9707

w w w. b e l m o n t t r a i n i n g . c o m

“Mt Madonna” page 23

Past Mount Madonna students meet the Dalai Lama.

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

BUSINESS PROFILE

Pet Pals

Great Danes Inspire Essential Local Business

P

By: Erin Kelly- Allshouse

et Pals, an independent, family business owned by Glenn Matherly and wife Lorraine, offers a large selection of pet food and supplies.

Glen and Lorraine – both 65 years old, have been partners in business and in life -- married 45 years.

In 1986 the couple started delivering dog food out of their garage while Glenn Matherly worked part-time as a furniture salesman.

“Pet Pals is not a chain and we did not buy it,” Matherly said. “We came up with the name and the idea to open a pet store in 1986 after we got our Great Danes in 1985.”

Dogs have always been a large part of their life and the couple has owned two No. 1 Great Danes.

“My wife started showing them at AKC dog shows and got hooked,” Matherly said. “Lorraine co-bred the No. 1 Great Dane in 2013 which earned the record of Best in Shows of any Great Dane in history through today. She also won 39 Best in Shows.”

After purchasing food at the local pet store for their Great Danes, the couple noticed the price was high, they never had good stock and had to dust the bags off before purchasing.

“We thought there was a better way and decided to do it ourselves,” Matherly said.

So they did.

In 1989 the ambitious couple opened a brick and mortar store in Marina and moved through three locations before opening their store in Soquel in 1995.

“My wife actually started the business and I joined her after leaving my furniture sales job,” Matherly said.

Lorraine does most of the purchasing for the 15,000 square-feet store.

“We incorporated Pet Pals in 2005 and at that time my wife became the president of the company,” said Matherly. “We are pretty much the Costco of pet stores.”

With concrete floors, 24-foot ceilings and pallet racks, the recipe for success is offering a huge selection of food and supplies then offering low discount prices, Matherly said.

The couple employs 22 crew members.

Paco Deas has been a manager with Pet Pals 25 years and Michael Montoya, also a manager, has been with Pet Pals for 15 years.

“Our goal is to offer pet supplies at low everyday discount prices; thus the name “Discount Pet Supplies,” Matherly said. “We do not sell live animals, only food and supplies for dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.”

Pet Pals has a close relationship with local rescue organizations including the SPCA, Rabbit Haven, Santa Lorraine Matherly, with one of their Great Dane’s, Scout

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

Cruz County Animal Shelter and local dog training clubs.

Matherly said the store often provides space for adoption clinics, dog training and low-cost vaccinations but not grooming.

“Being in our current locations for 25 years, you can imagine the customer base we have been so lucky to acquire,” said Matherly. “We even have customers come from Monterey, Watsonville and Los Gatos –- really all demographics.”

After the shelter in place order in midMarch, as some essentials at grocery stores were hoarded and took a long time to return to the shelf, Pet Pals also saw some supply chain interruptions.

“We have worked through most but some manufactures don’t have enough product in their warehouse to restock stores,” he said. “This really caught retail by surprise.”

Now it is business as usual, with hours the same — 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day — as before the COVID-19 coronavirus, plus curbside pickup. A webstore is under construction.

“We are very lucky that the state considers pet stores essential businesses,” Matherly said. “I see the suffering of other business owners and it just kills me.”

“My managers Paco Deas and Michael Montoya are very connected to the customer base and have a real sense of

community responsibility,” said Matherly.

“They enforced the use of face masks by our employees, cleaning check out stations between customers and offering a “sanitizing station” for customers.”

They also installed Plexiglass barriers between our cashiers and customers.

The couple plan to keep a close eye on the health of all their employees during the next few months and keep in place all of the sanitizing protocols.

Matherly said one employee who is 67 wanted to remove himself from one-onone contact with customers and other employees and is sheltering at home until the situation is resolved. Another employee has his father living with him and his father’s health is compromised, so he decided to stay home as well.

“Both of these great employees continue to be paid by Pet Pals for their time off and we look forward to their return,” Matherly said.

“We will continue to offer a fantastic selection at the lowest prices around and look forward to seeing old and new customers,” he added. n ••• Pet Pals Discount Pet Supplies, Inc., 3660 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA 95073 831-464-8775 • glenn@epetpals.com • www.petpals.net

COMMUNITY NEWS

Everyone’s Talking About Café Rio

A

By Jondi Gumz

ptos is atwitter over the live music that poured out of Café Rio on the Esplanade Sunday during the Memorial Day weekend while the county “shelter in place” order to slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus COVID-19 remains in place.

Some 250 people commented on the Aptosia Facebook page.

They ranged from “Freedom” and “I enjoyed it” to “Freedom to spread a deadly contagious virus” and “irresponsible and put our community at risk.”

When some blamed Café Rio owner Jeanne Harrison, radio host Neil Pearlberg fessed up. Here is his statement on Facebook: “To those concerned, this was my idea to provide some music to the community and I did not realize it would gather such a crowd, for that I apologize. This was no fault of Jeanne Harrison or Café Rio Aptos, who has

less of an idea than I did, please don’t take it out on her, and I hope one and all will continue to support her business that has been an institution in Seacliff/ Aptos for many years.”

For some, the apology was not enough, as they pointed out the potential for a cluster of COVID-19 cases, as resulted from Mother ’s Day family gatherings in Watsonville.

“Everyone wants normalcy again,” one man wrote. “We all try to sacrifice now so we can all achieve normal life again sooner and because we care about our fellow community members.”

“All of us need to follow the sixfoot thing,” wrote one woman who enjoyed the music.

“Except hardly anyone was following the six-foot rule and most weren’t wearing masks,” another woman responded.

“I hope no one gets sick, or gets anyone else sick, as a result of gathering there,” one man wrote.

If that happens, the county’s contract tracers will know where to start looking.

The warm weather and the holiday weekend brought people out to the beaches to cool off – even though the county has closed the beaches from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day to prevent crowds from spreading COVID-19.

“Café Rio” page 24

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Human Race’s 1,300 Raise $175,000

Virtual Event Aids 82 Nonprofits, Schools, Community Groups

N

By Christine Loewe

onprofits are no stranger to doing more with less and finding creative ways to tackle community problems with limited budgets. But 2020 has proven to be a year like no other as the world faces a global pandemic and community needs rise to historic proportions.

Many community organizations, schools, community groups, and government agencies have had to dig deep and make huge shifts in the way they do business in order to both continue operations and meet the immediate critical needs of the community during the public health emergency.

“This public health emergency has had a huge emotional and economic toll for so many. From community members without access to services to local nonprofits facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, we know the need for support runs deep. Our response at the Volunteer Center, has been

checks back to the community, and used the tried and true methods of phone calls and emails to fundraise for their favorite cause.

Simone Hooker is Tops mong those fundraisers was Simone Hooker, 25, who again achieved her status as top fundraiser raising more than $11,000 for Imagine Supportive Living Services, an organization that has had a huge impact on her life. Imagine’s mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities through service and advocacy.

During the public health crisis, Imagine has continued their services to ensure that all of their participants have a safe, caring, and supportive environment.

“The funds gained through the Human Race will give a crucial boost to the groups we rely on to make our community whole.

Eventually our doors will reopen and with support we can ensure these organizations will still be there when we need them.

Right now, so many local nonprofits are finding creative ways to adapt and do what they do best. Even with shuttered doors their lights are still shining bright to meet critical community needs,” Delaney said.

“Community members want to help our beloved local nonprofits and we’re proud that the Human Race Online Giving Campaign gave them an opportunity to do so,” she added.

While the in-person walk and fun run celebration that traditionally caps off the Human Race Giving Campaign didn’t happen this year, the Volunteer Center instead held a special online celebration to bring the community together. On May 5 in honor of #GivingTuesdayNow the Volunteer Center hosted the watch party premiere of Keep the Lights on Santa Cruz County, an online gathering to uplift and inspire our community to action while sheltering in place.

Local leaders, athletes, and musicians provided an hour of entertainment and called on the community to volunteer, donate, or choose simple acts of kindness. More than $10,000 was raised on that day alone.

Sasha Dobson “We were thrilled to have San Jose Earthquakes Defender Tommy Thompson join us to share how he is using his talent to motivate aspiring soccer athletes from around the world while sheltering in place,” Delaney said.

A

Human Race Coordinator Aisha Charves (L) and Director of Community Development Trea Robinson (R) don their 2020 Human Race T-shirts. Volunteers hand delivered this year’s shirt to the porch steps of all donors who contributed $50 or more. to refocus our resources, communications, and program priorities to emphasize the

22 / June 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

role that community members can play in helping keep the lights on for our community,” said Karen Delaney Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County Executive Director.

One major shift made by the Volunteer Center was to take their 40th annual Human Race Campaign, entirely online.

“We worked with our sponsors, fellow nonprofit leaders, and our professional training partners to shift the Human Race to a 100% virtual fundraising campaign, with the hope that all our great nonprofit and community partners - including schools, faith based groups, and service clubs - that had to cancel in-person fundraising events - could use our tools and training to raise much needed funds,” said Delaney.

Over its history, the Human Race has raised close to $15 million for nonprofit and school partners, making it the largest collaborative fundraiser on the central coast.

“Drawing on our 40-year history of hosting the Human Race, we know our community has never wavered in their willingness to give and 2020 was no different. We are proud to say that the Human Race remains a testament to how we pull together as a community to spread hope and generosity, even in the most challenging of times,” Delaney said.

More than 1,300 donors and sponsors chose to contribute this year raising nearly $175,000 for 82 participating nonprofits, schools, and community groups. Community members hosted Facebook birthday fundraisers, donated their federal stimulus

“Human Race” page 23

“Mt. Madonna” from page 19 After completing this unusual interview “journey,” eleventh grader Sarah Vince expressed sincere appreciation for the opportunity to participate.

“Thank you for all of the time and effort you put in for us to have successful interviews,” wrote Vince in an email to Mailliard and Kelly. “I’m not only referring to setting the interviews up, but also staying up as late and getting up as early as you did to work on our questions, and to help us dig deeper within ourselves to ask what we really wanted to know. I can’t imagine how this process would have gone without both of your efforts and persistence to educate us and help us grow into better people.”

In response to the students’ blog, Laura Liswood, Secretary General of the Council of Women World Leaders, and one of the interviewees, shared her appreciation.

“I am so impressed with your students and humbled by their comments,” said Liswood. “Please send them a warm thank you from me. Each of them has the hallmarks for success.”

One notable conversation was with David Yang, a Chinese-American refugee and vice president for Applied Conflict Transformation at the United States Institute of Peace.

“As a peacebuilder you must deal with the creation and support of the institutions that allow participatory government to thrive,” one of the students said to Yang.

“Can you talk about the institutions that are necessary to sustain a democratic society? “ “Mr. Yang’s response was the best answer I have heard the phenomenon of our electoral choices and very wise words as what we need to attend to if we want

“Arrests” from page 14 He said the case would be presented to the District Attorney Thursday afternoon.

Hart thanked the Los Angeles County sheriff and police in Burbank, North Las Vegas and St. Clair Shores for their assistance.

Hart said he moved up the date of the press conference, originally planned for May 22, after “the media showed up” in Michigan. The presence of sheriffs, armed and in uniform, at a modest one-story brick home on a quiet street in St. Clair Shores attracted attention from the local television station.

Lindsay, Camps, and Kurtis Charters were arrested near their homes May 19 and are being held without bail in Santa Cruz County jail on charges of murder, robbery and kidnapping.

Kaleb Charters is to be booked on the

a peaceful, sustainable world,” observed Mailliard.

AnMei Dasbach-Prisk asked Yang about cultural identities.

“His advice was to have courage in embarking on the journey to finding my place in the world, while also maintaining ties with the community that holds me,” she wrote. “This really hit home for me .”

Here are excerpts from a few of the student reflections on their blog, posted at dc.MountMadonnaSchool.org.

“Not only was Hardin Lang able to bring light to many situations that I did not have complete understanding of, but he also made me look at policy with a new perspective…I was struck by his ability to see the whole picture, or as he calls it, ‘being upstream of the problem.’ There is an exhilaration that comes from fighting the problem head on, but sometimes real change must be made from the top down.

And, it is not about being the savior, it is about changing the situation so that people

same charges once he is extradited from Michigan.

Keehn read an emotional statement from the Atre family offering their “deepest heartfelt gratitude” to Cleveland and the investigative team at the Sheriff’s Office, saying their “tireless commitment to protecting our community and achieving justice for Tushar is truly inspiring.”

The statement described him as “a loving son, brother, uncle and friend to so many. He moved to Santa Cruz from the East Coast in 1996 and loved this community for 23 years. He was an entrepreneur who gave so many people their first jobs and created opportunity for so many others…We miss him every day. We believe Tushar’s spirit lives on in us and countless others.”

Sheriff Hart offered his condolences, saying, “A family never really gets over this violent act.” n

have more choice. I hope that I can learn from his passion and mirror it in my life, seeing the bigger picture, seeing where I can truly make the most change.” — Tabitha Hardin-Zollo, grade 12 “I found Senator Joe Manchin to be a man with integrity and honor…Something I would say is very prominent within our nation is the belief that there is a definite right and the definite wrong answer to most issues. The nation is split in two, and there is no side that one can blame. We as humans are often closed off to opinions we deem as wrong. We have this pack mentality, where you are either with us or against us. Yet Senator Manchin is out there, voting for what he believes is right. I found that truly honorable and inspiring.”

— Ronan Lee, grade 11 “In response to a question on bipartisanship, Senator Joe Manchin said, ‘Washington has become tribal.’ He commented on how you’re forced to pick a side, red or blue, and that his only answer

“Human Race” from page 22 She continued: “We were also entertained by jazz singer-songwriter Sasha Dobson, City Council Member Martine Watkins joined with her children, and we had the privilege of debuting a beautiful song tribute to essential workers brought to us by Santa Cruz local Mariah Roberts and Griot’s Eye Inc. From story-time with the Santa Cruz Library to words of wisdom from our health professionals and inspiration from our nonprofit heroes, it was a jampacked hour of goodness for the whole family.”

Community members who missed the watch party can catch the video through the Volunteer Center Youtube or Facebook channel or via the Volunteer Center website at www.scvolunteercenter.org The Volunteer Center is continue

to that can be that he is red, white, and blue: an American citizen…His beliefs and ability to ask for compromise and advice was something that greatly inspired me and caused me to question how I’ve been living my life. I may not be making the large life-changing decisions that senators make on a regular basis, but I’d still like to go about my life with even half of the confidence in my decisions that Senator Joe Manchin displayed to us today.” — Rowan Davenport-Smith, grade 12 “This morning we had the chance to interview Laura Liswood who is, among many things, an accomplished lawyer, author, and the Secretary General of the Council of Women World Leaders… Something that struck me was when she began discussing the relativity of happiness.

She described to us an image she saw of Michael Phelps winning a gold medal at the Olympics, and how he appeared to be thrilled to have won. Next to him were both the silver and bronze medal winners.

The person in second place looked disappointed, as if they were upset that they did not get first place, but the swimmer who won the bronze medal was by far the happiest of the three, joyful that they placed in the top three. This idea that happiness is relative is extremely true, and I appreciated that she emphasized its importance.” — Aaron Saavedra, grade 12 “In a time of so much loss, we had to think beyond what wasn’t working, to what could work,” said Mailliard. “We did not know when we began if this would work, and discovered not only that it exceeded our expectations, but brought new creative possibilities for the next school year and opened up the wider world for our students.”

Perhaps this is the lesson for these times. n

efforts to meet critical needs and support community members in finding safe ways to stay engaged in community during the public health crisis.

“We are now providing food distribution, grocery shopping support, recruiting volunteers for COVID19response, and we are enlisting volunteers to sew masks for county operations. We have also transitioned a number of programs to provide phone consultation and tele-conference services with program participants. This has been especially important for our seniors, our Literacy Program students, and our mental health participants,” Delaney said. n ••• Individuals interested in learning about Covid-19 services and volunteer opportunities provided by the Volunteer Center can visit www.scvolunteercenter.org.

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Intention Matters to Your Health

T

he coronavirus lockdowns have made people hit the pause button on life.

What’s next?

Prepare to raise your game and create a new reality with intention. The current story is fundamentally about finding your stability, your inner core. Emerging from the pandemic is going to take grit, courage, and a new set of tools.

When I began my inquiry into the role of the acupuncture system’s subtle energies for health, I quickly discovered an integral aspect: Intention. Defined by Merriam Webster dictionary, intention is what one intends to do or bring about. As a concept, intention is attention directed to an object of knowledge. It is focused thought.

Stanford University’s Emeritus professor Dr. William A. Tiller discovered it is possible to change materials like water by consciously holding a clear intention to do so. This is very exciting.

Even more exciting is the fact that you can activate your intention and “pump up” your supplements, food, water, and much more. You’re mobilizing your remarkable tool intuitive tool.

In investigating the power of intention, Tiller’s research reached into laws of nature. All life is governed by the second law of thermodynamics. This says that the natural state of matter is randomness and disorder. Tiller’s research showed that focused intention increases order and coherence. Intention is like a laser light.

Laser-like intention can boost immune

“Café Rio” from page 21 Ashley Keehn, the county sheriff’s spokeswoman, emailed a “beach closure reminder” Friday.

“We are seeing many visitors from the Bay Area, Central Valley and Sacramento area coming to the beaches with the interpretation they are open for leisure, but they are not,” she wrote by way of explanation.

More rangers and lifeguards were on duty for the weekend.

“We increased our staffing to educate and enforce the shelter-in- place,” said Gabriel McKenna, state parks superintendent for the Santa Cruz district office.

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

health, be a powerful defense against illness, and coheres your body’s acupuncture energy system. Every intention can have a stabilizing effect around which reality can re-gather.

The truth is, it’s accessible. The first thing to do once you read this column is to be willing to try it. Get a pen and paper. For five minutes, clear your time. Write down your wish for optimal health and your anxieties. This puts you in touch with your inner feelings and experiences.

An essential part of the process is that intention is written down. There is something magical about writing things down. Why is writing effective? In my experience, the action of writing says something about the relationship between intention – a creative mental aspect – and the physical act of writing. There’s something about holding the piece of paper, about the thought you’ve put into it. The time it took you to write, paying attention to your wishes, is a form of applied love. Once on paper, you become familiar with your inner positions and attitudes. Surrender and let go of your resistance. You may be surprised at how quickly you become adept at it. Establish a routine and keep a notebook where you write down your daily intentions.

Once you have written your intention, come back to it after some time, and revise it. Take time to discover yourself. When doubt arises, notice it. Treat doubt like a pet or a toy such as your favorite teddy bear. Put the

teddy bear aside while you write your intention. Intention is made powerful by the removal of doubts, fears, and inhibitions. With the removal of negativity, dynamic forces are unloosed, so that what were once impossible dreams now become actualized goals.

Read your intention and hold it in mind. Then let it go. This is a secret. To surrender it and all outcomes. The mechanism of surrender is of great practical benefit. It follows the dictum of “Know thyself.”

Practicing intention in my life has reshaped my world view as a doctor.

This is a skill I routinely teach my patients so they can take charge of their health, release fear, and thrive with the

He said about 30 citations were issued over the weekend, carrying fines of hundreds of dollars to $1,000.

Some citations were alcohol related, he said, and some were issued to people in closed areas of parks that are closed such as the “Garden of Eden” swimming hole.

“It was definitely a holiday crowd,” McKenna said.

Sharks have been sighted in the waters near Sand Dollar Beach where Ben Kelly, a well-known surfer, surfboard shaper and local business owner, was fatally bitten May 9. Friends have raised $140,000 on GoFundMe.com for his wife Katie.

Last week, Marlene Wells posted a photo on NextDoor of a dark fin jutting out of the water at Seacliff Beach.

Then Specialized Helicopters, the Watsonville company that gives tours, reported seeing “an extraordinarily close call between an aggressive 15’ great white and a lone surfer,” circling and then diving until the shadow of the helicopter passed over the shark and it turned away from the surfer. “Take this as a serious warning,” the post concluded.

McKenna’s advice to surfers: “They need to be very careful and check with the lifeguards.”

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

uncertainties of life. You can write that your supplements be beneficial to your body’s cells and immune system, and the nutrition is assimilated effortlessly. You may desire optimal functioning in the emotional, mental, and spiritual levels of your life.

Conscious intention will lead to a deeper understanding of what you are.

You can open new vistas and change your life. n ••• Dr. Nisha Manek 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.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Ten Q’s For PVUSD’s Superintendent

By Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

Q. Do you really think is 100% safe to send our students back to school this fall — when it’s said that that’s the time for a heavier wave of COVID-19? he safety and health of our students and staff are our first priority as we consider reopening our schools. We are currently working with PVUSD Contingency Planning Teams to develop various scenarios according to health restriction protocols which may be established at the date of school openings.

These scenarios include both modified in- person class settings and distance learning. We will rely on guidance from health experts throughout the process and adopt evidence-based public health measures at every school site and workplace to ensure that we meet the needs of students and staff. We will be releasing a survey to students, parents and staff to gather feedback on initial reopening contingency plans.

Additional opportunities to provide feedback on plans once they are formulated will also occur.

Q. Will students be required to return chrome books at the end of this school year (June 5), or will they be allowed to keep them during the summer to continue learning activities online? nly seniors will be required to return their Chromebooks during the week of June 8. All other students will keep their Chromebooks for learning either during the summer or the fall. Eventually,

T

O

all elementary students will return their Chromebooks back to the school sites.

More information will come from the individual elementary school sites in the fall.

Q. Will there be distance learning Summer School offered? es. PVUSD summer learning materials will be provided to K-8 students. These pre-assembled summer learning packets will include reading material, reading log, and activity book that focuses on writing, science, reading and math.

The district will also provide a suggested home learning schedule with bilingual videos to support parents in accessing the learning packets. Lastly, a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) website will be available for students to access online lessons developed by some of our community partner organizations such as City of Watsonville, Arts Council of Santa Cruz, and Code Naturally.

Summer learning packets, sample schedule, and STEAM website will be available to all K-8 students. For students in grades 9-12, credit recovery opportunities will be available through Edgenuity, as in the past.

Students will be able to enroll in Edgenuity’s online, A-G approved courses.

Applications are now available for the June session. For more information about summer school, please call the PVUSD Extended Learning Department at 831-786-2360.

Q. I ordered a yearbook from my school.

How will I be able to receive that? ites are receiving yearbooks at different time periods between now and the end of the school year. Individual sites will be communicating with parents and students

Y

about a pick up day. These days will likely be attached to the collection of textbooks and distribution of personal belongings from student desks and lockers.

Q. Will we be required to take final exams at the end of this school year? t is not a requirement to give final exams and this decision will continue to be left to each teachers’ discretion. Any final exams given this year will need to be technology driven as in person finals are not possible.

I

Q. Will Middle Schools follow the same idea as High Schools in regards to graduation? I haven’t seen anything online for 8th grade promotions. s physical promotion ceremonies are not possible, Middle Schools will be having a virtual celebration to recognize their students’ accomplishments. Parents and students will receive information from their individual school sites with specific information on dates and times.

A

“Q&A” page 26

Tony Winners

S

ACROSS

1. “A Visit from St. Nicholas” beginning 5. Clock std.

8. U-____ 12. *Webber’s “Evita” collaborator 13. Away from wind 14. Boy Scout rank 15. Picnic invaders 16. Digestive aid 17. Change, as in the Constitution 18. *Like Tony Awards 2020 20. Entry document 21. Fill with spirits 22. 10 decibels 23. *”Kiss Me, Kate” composer/lyricist

26. Sound of leaves in wind 29. Before, archaic 30. Admirer 33. “My bad” 35. Garments 37. Barbie’s beau 38. Annoy a bedfellow 39. Result of too many drinks 40. Type of tunic 42. F in FWIW 43. Brown’s beagle 45. *M in “M. Butterfly” 47. Bar association 48. “Mack the ____” 50. *Tony winner David ____ Pierce 52. *Musical with the most wins, with The 56. *Jellicles’ cries 57. Vietnam’s neighbor 58. Flu symptom 59. Pond buildup

10. Longer forearm bone 11. Bulb type 13. “All ____!”

14. Roof overhang 19. Humble requests 22. Pesky, clingy plant 23. Cribbage pieces 24. Un-written exams DOWN 25. Old episode 1. Catch-22, e.g.

26. *”La Bohéme,” 2. Brown bagger reimagined 3. *Before and after 27. Shower accessory intermission 28. Erasable program4. Final six lines of a mable read only sonnet memory 5. Sparkle 31. Thumbs-up 6. More than a scuffle 32. Gridiron official, for 7. Like a ball ready for a short drive 34. Blood fluids 8. *Musical with most 36. *Coveted destination nominations 38. Mix-up 9. *Tony nominee, “Rock 40. Typically has April of ____” 15th as deadline 60. Sunrise point 61. “Just ____ ____” 62. *4-time winner Tom Stoppard’s output 63. Tap choice 64. Tallest volcano in Europe

41. In the thick of 44. Falstaffian in body 46. Base of the decimal system 48. Cattle enclosure in African village 49. Pirate’s “necklace” 50. *Setting of Tony winner ‘Hadestown’ 51. Vinyasa workout 52. #19 Down, sing.

53. *The Grand Slam of showbusiness, acr.

54. The Colosseum, today 55. Pura ____, or pure silk 56. Atlas page © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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

Your June Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Cancer (June 22-July 22)

You’re all over the place emotionally as June begins, so there’s no reason to make any hasty decisions right now. It might not seem like it, but you’ve got a lot more time than you realize to make the changes you want to make. Your motivation is waning mid-month, making procrastination an attractive alternative to actually putting in any hard work. Is there a reason you’re so tired, or are you just trying to avoid the inevitable? The month closes out with you in an “I can do anything I put my mind to” vibe. If there’s something you thought would be difficult, now is the time to tackle it.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

The month begins with you ready to embrace new people and relationships. Still, a lot of your focus will be on the past. This is your chance to use the lessons you’ve learned to help propel you to a more successful future. Plans are falling through mid-month, especially concerning family. This isn’t an ideal time to plan a reunion, especially if a lot of relatives have to travel to attend. Late in June, a relationship that went sideways seems to be back on track. This is a good time for apologies if you were at fault, and it’s also to forgive someone who hurt you. It’s hard to taste something sweet with the lingering bitterness still in your mouth.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

A combination of warmth and charisma fills you as the month begins. Making new connections may be unexpected, but will be welcome. You should be able to feel your way out of any unfortunate situations you find yourself in mid-June. When things don’t go as planned, it’s nice to have your instincts to rely on.

You experience an amazing energy boost late in the month, so don’t let it go to waste. Finish outstanding projects so you can move on to bigger and better things.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

Erratic energy surrounding you early in June can be a problem, so wait for it to settle before making any major decisions. In times when you can’t really control what happens to you, it’s how you react that matters most. There are mysteries mid-month that you can’t quite solve, and the harder you try to see something, the fuzzier it becomes. It might be best to just relax and wait for this frustrating time to pass. Your love life and financial world are back in forward motion as the month comes to a close. If you’ve hit pause on either of these areas recently, it’s time to get some positive momentum going again.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Your carefully laid plans are being scattered to the wind as the month begins. It all feels exciting and maybe even a little dangerous to not know what’s coming next, doesn’t it? Clarity is not coming easily mid-month.

In fact, you’re more confused now than you were before. Luckily, your intuition can guide you out of a jam if you’re confident enough to listen to it. You are filled with some powerful energy as June comes to a close.

If you’ve been putting something off, this is the time to power through it and get the job done. Doing things entirely on your own terms leaves you with little regret.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You feel a full range of emotions early in the month. Your impulses might not lead you down the best path right now, so avoid doing anything or making major decisions that might have long-term consequences. You’re feeling overly sensitive mid-June, when the inevitable things go wrong (like technology, communication, and travel). Luckily, you can use intuitive energy to feel your way out of trouble this time around. Late in the month, you are able to see things how they really are and not just how you wish they could be. Yes, it might be shocking at first, but in the long run it’s so much better to face reality than to try to live in a dream world forever.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

June opens with your warm, inviting nature attracting potential new friends and lovers. You also have a knack for inviting new opportunities into your life to accumulate wealth. This isn’t the time to be greedy, though. There’s enough to go around. Expect communication breakdowns with family members through the middle of the month. Just because you sent a text to your spouse, mom, or child doesn’t mean they received it. Remember, you can’t count on the things you usually can during this time. Late in the month, while love and money issues get back to “normal,” you might still feel like something is missing. Avoid making sudden movements. Wait until all things feel “normal” before deciding anything for sure.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

The beginning of the month brings some very uncomfortable indecision. When you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, there is no good option. Don’t waste your time or energy trying to solve a problem that has no solution. Your intuition helps guide you through some difficult parts mid-month. The confusion and fear that come from having to navigate a pathway alone at night are alarming, but you’ll be so much stronger when you come out the other side unharmed. Your take-charge attitude returns as June comes to a close. If you find yourself in a position of power, don’t be afraid to really stand up and take charge.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

You have an aggressive, uber-competitive vibe early in the month, one that you aren’t really comfortable with.

Hanging out in the background and doing your thing usually works for you, but this introverted attitude makes you stand out in a bad way right now. This energy remains mid-June, clouding your judgment and taking away the comfort you get from escaping into your daydreams. You rarely like having to face the music, but it’s so loud that there’s no getting away from it. Late in the month, you can sense how life may go for a while. The good news is, what you’re facing doesn’t seem as harsh as you feared it would be.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

New connections made early in June might only be temporary, but they each serve a very specific and short-term beneficial purpose. Be careful when doing DIY projects mid-month, especially around the house. You have some excellent ideas about how to make changes without spending a lot of money, but cutting corners can lead to unforeseen complications. Relationships get back on track and start moving forward again late in the month, but you might not be entirely out of the woods just yet. It’s easy to forgive but much harder to forget. When you grab the initiative, you show everyone that you aren’t afraid to take on new challenges.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Hold off on making any major life changes early in the month. Your first instinct might be to go for it, but you know you’ll probably regret it in the morning. Your judgment remains hazy mid-month, but this time your dreams can be instrumental in making better choices. If you’ve been having a recurring dream or remembering certain symbolism each time you wake up, explore any potential meanings. Your eyes are opened even wider in the second half of June, exposing all of the dirty little things you’ve successfully swept under the rug lately.

Just because you knew this day would come doesn’t make you any more prepared for it.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

There’s a charismatic air about you as the month begins that makes you stand out from everyone else.

However, issues from the past could resurface to spoil some of your fun. Be open and honest and try not to let what’s already happened ruin what’s still to come. Something in the air could sabotage your plans mid-June You have to make home improvements or finish DIY projects around the house, and last-minute changes can be frustrating, but it’s better to go with the flow than stick with methods that clearly aren’t working. You are thinking quickly late in the month, which should help you make some very wise shortterm investments. Gather as much information as possible before you let a great financial opportunity pass you by.

•••

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

“Q&A” from page 25 Q. How is the grading policy different now due to the COVID-19 outbreak? ll three levels, elementary, middle school and high school grading policies were developed with a set of guiding principles to ensure that students were held harmless during the unprecedented time.

We believe our distance learning model values students’ efforts and commitment while prioritizing students who may need additional support. For high school, students will continue to receive grades so that they have grades for their transcripts for future college and scholarship applications. Students participating in distance learning will receive a grade equal or higher to their third quarter grade.

If a student is not able to consistently participate, the first step will be to consider a program shift by providing other options such as Independent Study, Adult Education, credit recovery, or paper packets. If we are unable to find another option, a committee of stakeholders, which could include counselors, teachers, the parent and the student will go through an Interactive Dialogue Process led by the Assistant Principal. The students are held harmless if they cannot participate. They will receive the same grade that they received in the third quarter.

Only the students that cannot demonstrate a valid reason for their nonparticipation will receive a noncredit. For middle school students, since their grades are not noted on a transcript, students will receive either a credit for an A-C grade in the 4th quarter as determined by the teacher or a non-credit for students receiving a D-F in the 4th quarter as determined by the teacher.

Neither of the two marks will change their GPA for the year. For elementary students, all students will receive evidenced based 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. How often do you do Footstep 2 Brilliance reading challenge? Is there a link we can access to view when is the next challenge starts and ends? Our preschool just signed up, we are excited for our students to have access and participate in these challenges. e are proud of how many preschool to third grade students are reading and using the Footsteps2Brilliance (Paso a Paso) program. We will have our next Paso a Paso reading challenge starting during the summer from June 8-August 7, 2020. We will be

A

W

publicizing the reading challenge within the next several weeks.

Q. I have a daughter with an IEP. What would be recommendations for her in activities? o best answer this question we would need to know the age range and the disability of your daughter. We do have some general places that you can look for support. Special Services has a website where we have posted parent resources. (https://www. pvusd.net/selpa). On this page you can find information from a variety of specialists, including Adaptive PE activities, visual supports, how to use reward systems, and tips from a school psychologist.

All information is in both English and Spanish. We also have an “Ask a Specialist” section on the web site. If you would like additional information or specific supports please reach out to the teacher that is working with your child. They will be able to give you ideas. In addition, you can also reach the SELPA Director (Heather Gorman) at (831) 786-2130 she can help to give you further information.

Q. Is there any ongoing process to get locally grown fruits and vegetables out to families that need them? With the COVID19 situation I would think that our ag businesses may have crops that they cannot sell and there are probably many local families that could use them. ood & Nutrition Services currently purchases almost $30,000 a week in fresh produce for students to take home to eat through school breakfast, school lunch, and a recess fruit and vegetable grant. These include purchases through Watsonville Coast Produce for local items such as strawberries, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, and kiwi.

Elkhorn Slough Foundation has also been donating local produce weekly to Hall District kitchen to provide strawberries, chard, kale, and other local vegetables that cafeteria staff pack up and pass out in addition to school meals. Extremely local produce is also being grown in some PVUSD school gardens!

Fitness 4 Life through the Sage Garden Project is helping to harvest and pass out wonderful items from WCSA such as cabbage, broccoli and peas. School gardens at Starlight, Ann Soldo, and MacQuiddy were also harvested by LifeLab and FoodCorps and that fresh produce was given to families to enjoy. Local farms, if having issues selling their produce, will not have the labor to harvest and package the produce.

Therefore, there have not been many donations coming straight from farms yet.

Any new partnerships/donations would be welcome, contact Food & Nutrition Services at (831)786-2325. n

T

F

FEATURED COLUMNIST

How’s Your Green Thumb Feeling?

Watering and Other Tips for a Great Summer Garden

W

e are all craving some normalcy in our lives right now, with these uncertain and unprecedented times. So, in this month’s column, let’s go back to basics and get down to earth. The earth in your garden that is!

Since last month, most nurseries and gardening retailers can be open for business (with social distancing and other public health guidelines), so now you can get what you need for a healthy garden.

Support your local nursery by calling or visiting to get advice about plants, soil, and irrigation, and then purchase your supplies there.

We also have a great online resource for picking plants for your garden at santacruz.watersavingplants.com.

You can explore beautiful, sustainable, climateappropriate, and drought-tolerant plants and trees that thrive in Santa Cruz County.

You may already have your drip system or other water-efficient equipment set up to irrigate your garden. If so, be sure to check for leaks, over-sprays, or other water-wasting issues. If you haven’t set up a drip system yet, take a look at soaker hoses that attach to your garden hose, or feeder hoses with smaller lines leading to water emitters with your selected gallonsper-hour flow rate.

And if you don’t have a “master” watering timer, you can get small timers that attached directly to your faucet to help provide a regular watering schedule.

Using drip irrigation conserves water by directing it to the base of the plants, where it’s most needed and reduces evaporation.

You’ll get the best use out of your water and help your garden grow. And don’t forget that the District has a rebate for drip irrigation!

Once you’ve got your plants in the ground — whether beautiful blooming flowers or your favorite delicious vegetables — think about your watering schedule. With warmer temperatures, you may be tempted to water frequently, maybe every day. But keep in mind that it’s often more efficient to water flowerbeds two or three times a week with plenty of water, rather than watering them every day with less water.

When’s the best time of day — or night — to water? Common sense might

By Melanie Mow Schumacher and Rebecca Gold, Soquel Creek Water District

tell you to water at night, but in fact, that can encourage fungus growth. It’s been shown that doing most of your watering in the early morning is more efficient and better for your plants. But generally, try not to water in the heat of midday. At that time, the soil tends to soak up the water faster, leaving less for the main attraction of your garden — your plants —also, no sprinkler use between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Be sure to feed your plants — they’ll thank you! Depending on the plant type, you can choose from a variety of plant foods (check with your nursery for help). Some types of plant food use containers that attach directly to your hose to automatically deliver the right amount of food. Also, try putting a three-inch layer of good mulch around your plants. This will help the soil retain water and keep plants insulated from high temperatures. Mulch also helps keep weeds down.

It’s a good idea to remove any diseased, damaged, or dead debris from your garden — if left in place, these can block airflow and growth of the rest of your plants. For your flower garden, when you see dead blooms, go ahead and cut them back (it improves the overall look and also helps ensure healthy growth next season).

Don’t forget the weeds …! They love summer heat and will steal nutrients and water from your other plants Regularly check for and remove them by hand (preferred to any type of systemic poison). In fact, I find weeding to be a calming, therapeutic exercise!

There are many sources of information on planning and planting your garden (or a new water-saving landscape). Here are some great online resources to get started:

• Water Conservation Coalition of Santa Cruz County — www.water savingtips.org (click on Resources and Yard and Garden Resources), which offers landscape design and plant selection information, plus all kinds of

indoor and outdoor water saving tips.

• Water-Smart Gardening in Santa Cruz County — www.santacruz.watersaving plants.com, which is a great local resource for plant lists, garden pictures, information links, watering guide, and more.

• Find a Green Gardener who is trained in sustainable landscaping at www. green-gardener.org • The District offers 7 outdoor Rebates: w w w. s o q u e l c r e e k w a t e r . o r g / conserving-water/rebates We hope our community stays healthy, and your garden, during this shelter-inplace, gives you happiness (and maybe some great vegetables!) all summer long! n ••• As always, if you have any questions about this month’s topic or anything else related to Soquel Creek Water District, feel free to contact the District at outreach@soquelcreekwater.org or visit www.soquelcreekwater.org.

Stay Enrolled Succeed Online Summer Session Begins June 15 Register now at Cabrillo.edu Summer classes online only

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 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 / June 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.

T

COVID-19 SURVEY

imes Publishing Group, Inc. is asking our readers to respond to this survey to gather information on coronavirus disease COVID-19 and social distancing behavior from our community to share with our policymakers.

To return the survey, cut it out and mail it to us at Times Publishing Group, Inc., 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003, or type it into an e-mail and send it to info@cyber-times. com. You can also find the survey online at https://tpgonlinedaily.com/survey/.

Please only fill out the survey once.

••• On a scale of 1-5, 1 being NO WAY How comfortable would you feel would I ever and 5 being ABSOLUTELY feel getting your haircut? comfortable, rate the following: No masks?

5 4 3 2 1 How comfortable do you feel about If your hairdresser/barber wore a mask? getting tested?

5 4 3 2 1 5 4 3 2 1 If you and your HD/barber wore a mask?

How comfortable do you feel going 5 4 3 2 1 to the grocery store?

Do you work at or own a business With a mask? affected by COVID-19?

5 4 3 2 1 Yes q How comfortable would you feel No q going to the beach — to hang out and Do you have a pre-existing condition? relax, appropriately distanced from (Such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma) strangers?

Yes q With a mask?

No q 5 4 3 2 1 Prefer not to say q How comfortable would you feel sitting and eating at a restaurant With a mask?

5 4 3 2 1 How comfortable would you feel going to a bar for a drink?

With a mask?

5 4 3 2 1 How comfortable would you feel going to church — appropriately distanced from others With a mask?

5 4 3 2 1 How comfortable would you be going into a retail store to browse and shop With a mask?

5 4 3 2 1

What age group are you in?

18-35 q 36-50 q 51-65 q 65+ q Gender Male Female

q q

Where do you live?

Aptos Capitola Soquel Scotts Valley Watsonville Santa Cruz Locally, not listed here

q q q q q q q

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

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

Business Guide

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Summer Road Work and COVID Update

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

E

ven as much of the County’s focus in on the health and economic response to COVID-19, the County is still maintaining general operations. One of the areas that will see some noticeable work this summer will be on local road and infrastructure projects -- specifically Measure D and State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funded projects and storm damage projects.

Which areas will be repaired under Measure D and STIP funds? easure D is a half-cent sales tax measure approved in late 2016 for transportation projects.

Depending upon how much sales tax is collected, approximately $900,000 a year is available for local road projects in our district.

This year, a major repair in Corralitos and a number of residential roads in Seacliff will be addressed using Measure D and STIP funds.

In Corralitos, the long-awaited repairs to Pioneer and Varni will occur soon. Specifically, repairs will be done to Pioneer Road between Amesti Road and Green Valley and Varni Road between Corralitos Road and Amesti.

This heavily used route is used by residents, agriculture businesses and bicyclists. The funding became possible after an item I supported at the Regional Transportation Commission that changed funding from a competitive process to a formula basis — ensuring that the unincorporated areas in the County would receive more road funds than previously provided.

In Seacliff, a number of residential streets will be repaired as a result of this year’s Measure D allocation. Specifically, the following streets will be completed this summer: • Seacliff Drive between Santa Clara Avenue and Broadway.

• Santa Cruz Avenue between Broadway and Seacliff.

• San Benito Avenue between Seacliff and Seacliff (the loop).

• East Street between Santa Cruz Avenue and Center.

• Valencia Avenue between East Street and Seacliff.

M

!

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549

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

• Santa Clara Avenue between Seacliff Drive and Center Avenue.

• El Camino Del Mar between Seacliff Drive and Center Avenue.

What about storm-related damage? ome significant progress has been made on storm damage repairs in the last few months. The significant damage on upper Valencia (by Flume) has gone to bid and will be under construction soon. This more than $3 million project is funded by federal emergency repairs.

The lower Valencia damage design and environmental is nearly complete with just right-of-way acquisition to finish. Once done, that project will go to bid with construction expected next year.

Multiple projects on Highland Way were awarded contracts in late spring with construction planned soon.

Projects on Trout Gulch and Hazel Dell are also completing environmental and/or right-of-way acquisitions with most of those projects going to construction next year. The storm damage project on McGregor was already completed in the spring.

S

How do I get more information about the road repairs? ou can visit the project website at https://santacruzcounty resurfacingproject.info/ for more information. In general, up to date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County is

Y

available online at http://www. sccroadclosure.org/.

Where can I get the latest information on COVID including cases, the health order and reopening information? he County has a live, staffed hotline — open every day between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm.

Call (831) 454-4242.

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 with County and community leaders on Tuesday nights from 6-7 pm. The call in information for the town halls is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384#.

Lastly, the County Health’s website, www.santacruzhealth. org has up-to-date information on cases, demographics, provider and business guidance and more.

Guidance is changing from the state on a regular basis and the County’s new order aligns our timeline for most re-openings with the state’s order.

As is the case throughout the state, the County can take a stricter approach to reopening should local conditions warrant it or the state can deny a county’s request to move into a next stage if conditions change. 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.

T

SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Nature Gets Too Much Credit V

By Tony Tomeo

M

Big Brother and Little Brother

crossword on 25 »

eet Charlie (A259815) and Norbert (A268782) — a special pair of adoptable cats looking for their forever home.

Charlie, now about a year old, was very anti-social when he wasdropped off at the shelter at approximately four months old. He was placed with one of our experienced fosters to learn that life is not so scary, and slowly but surely made strides.

Charlie needs to get used to new people, but is friendly (on his own terms) once he warms up, and is happiest when he is hanging out, snuggling and/or playing with other cats.

Recently, Norbert was brought to the shelter as a four-week-old stray kitten.

He was social, outgoing, and ready to take on the world but he needed some time to grow big and strong, so he went to the same foster home as Charlie, and the rest is history.

Norbert has become Charlie’s constant companion. Through their friendship, both boys have blossomed.

We would love for Norbert and Charlie to be adopted as a pair for both their sakes; Norbert adores Charlie and Charlie is a much happier, more confident, and relaxed cat in Norbert’s presence.

Their ideal forever home will be with cat-savvy humans who are willing to give lots of time, space, and tasty treats to make Charlie feel comfortable in the new environment. Charlie and Norbert could be your instant cat family or they could join an existing playful, social cat (or 2). A home without children would be best.

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

egetation makes people feel closer to nature. It is, after all, what most of us expect to see out in the wild. Most vegetation that is observed in forests and undeveloped areas really is natural. Much of the associated insects and wildlife are natural as well. Such flora and fauna know how to survive within their respective ecosystems. They can not rely on any unnatural intervention from anyone.

Naturalized exotic (non-native) species proliferate only because they are adapted to similar environmental conditions. A lack of pathogens that afflicted them within their natural ranges is a major advantage for most of them. Nonetheless, they are unnatural components of what is commonly considered to be nature. Most naturalized exotic species actually interfere significantly with nature.

Vegetation and associated wildlife that inhabits synthetic landscapes is very different from that which lives out in nature.

Only some of the vegetation has potential to naturalize. Even less is native. Almost all of it is reliant on artificial intervention, particularly irrigation, for survival. Associated wildlife is reliant on the survival of the reliant vegetation. Landscapes accommodate. Nature does not.

With few exceptions, landscapes that emulate nature are impractical. Landscapes within forests are some of those few exceptions that might need no more than what the forests provide. Even in such situations, combustible vegetation and structurally deficient trees should be cleared away from homes. In California, nature is innately combustible. It is messy and potentially dangerous too.

Most urban landscapes of California would still be dreadfully bleak if limited to natural components. Both San Jose and Los

Tony Winners © Statepoint Media

So much of nature is unnatural.

Angeles are naturally chaparral regions.

They were formerly inhabited by sparsely dispersed trees on scrubby grasslands.

Now, relatively abundant vegetation in both regions is more appealing, and improves urban lifestyles, but is nothing like what nature intended.

Nature is simply inadequate for what is expected of urban landscapes of California.

•••

‘Sticky monkey flower’ sounds too silly.

Sticky monkey flower hat a silly name this is! Sticky monkey flower, Diplacus aurantiacus (or Mimulus aurantiacus), is native to a broad range of ecosystems of California and the Northern Coast of Baja California. It is famously happy in situations that are too rocky or sandy for most other species. The resinous foliage really can be rather sticky during warm weather. The relevance to a monkey is a mystery.

Sticky monkey flower is more popular among hummingbirds and insects than anyone else. Those who welcome hummingbirds and insects into their garden happen to like it too. Honestly though, it might a bit too casual for refined landscapes. It works better in or on the outskirts of rustic gardens. If not already growing wild, cultivars and the straight species are available in some nurseries.

Bloom begins late in winter or early in spring, and might continue through summer, but is rarely impressively prolific.

The bisymmetrical and tubular flowers are about three quarters of an inch long.

Almost all are pastel orange, sort of like circus peanuts. Gold and yellow are uncommon. Supposedly, there are rare cultivars that bloom in red or white. Mature plants get more than three feet tall. n Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com

W

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

everything...so close to home.

FOOD & DRINK

SANITEYES

As of June 2, we will be extending our hours Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday Now by Appointment Only

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.

(831) 688-1516 EyeShapes@sbcglobal.net Deer Park Marketplace #37 | Rio Del Mar/Hwy 1 Aptos | Above Deluxe Foods | www.EyeShapesAptos.com

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

Dr Del Core

give us a call

(831) 688-3012 or visit

delcoredental.com

Implants, Invisalign, Family, Cosmetic

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

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