Aptos Times: July 1, 2020 by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

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

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

July 1 2020 • Vol 29 No. 13

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Gutzwiller Memorial Draws Mourners From All Over The Central Coast

Friends and family said their final good-byes to Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller at an emotional memorial on the Cabrillo College football field attended by an estimated 3,000 people, many of them law enforcement brethren from all over California ... Full Story page 11

How Will We Celebrate the 4th? By John Hibble What if you gave a party and nobody was allowed to attend? The 4th of July is America’s birthday and many communities have parades to celebrate that fact. The freedom to determine our own future was at the center of the founding of our country.

The “World’s Shortest Parade” in Aptos is also about self-determination but it was not originally about America’s birthday. In 1959, a zoning change was proposed to allow a concrete batching plant in Aptos Village. ... continues on page 4

‘Screaming Hand’ Gets A Makeover

The County of Santa Cruz announces the distribution of “Screaming Hand” safety signs to local businesses and organizations, part of an ongoing effort to help raise awareness about practices that help reduce the spread of contagious COVID-19. Full Story page 5

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No. 13

Volume 29

Table of Contents

Cover How Will We Celebrate the 4th?, By John Hibble

5 6

Community News Clean Hands Save Lives: ‘Screaming Hand’ Logo Gets A Makeover Kid Geniuses: Young Inventors Earn State Awards, Head To Nationals, By Jondi Gumz Governor Orders Masks in Public Goodwill Recruiting to Fill Jobs Travel Update From Visit Santa Cruz County • Assemblymember Stone Offers Amendment to AB 1472: False Police Reports • Tamario Smith’s Death Ruled An Accident • AG Becerra to Address Police Reform ‘Be Loyal. Be Honest. Be Damon.’: Gutzwiller Memorial Draws Mourners From All Over The Central Coast, By Jondi Gumz Mourning Our Historic Live Oak, By Lorie Chamberland Caltrans Takes to the Highway: District 5 Staff Participate in Annual Anti-Litter Day • Free School Meals for Kids All Summer Civil Grand Jury Applications Open: Deadline to Apply for 2020-2021 Jury Extended to Aug. 14 • Grand Jury Announces New Web Page Who’s Hiring in Santa Cruz County: 200 Jobs Listed by Nonprofit Santa Cruz Works, By Jondi Gumz More Fishing Licenses Sold So Far This Year Is Your Home Ready for Fire?: Chief Lowe Tele-Talks with Supervisor Friend, By Jondi Gumz Watsonville Gallery Opening July 10: ‘Campesinos: Workers of the Land’ On Display thru Aug. 2 • 2020 County Fair Cancelled Grand Jury Wants City Budgets We Can Understand, By Jondi Gumz • Salons Back in Business • Santa Cruz Police Show LGBTQ+ Support with Pride Patch Schools Offered Suicide Prevention Training • California Stem Cell Research Bonds Going to Voters Cabrillo Extension Offers Virtual Camps & Classes: Summer Offerings for Ages 5 to 85: Cooking, Printmaking, Beekeeping Calling Visual Artists to Network, By Ann Ostermann Beaches Closed; Fireworks Mean Fines: Fourth of July Brings Challenges to Enforcing COVID-19 Restrictions, By Jondi Gumz Aptos Village Roadwork Underway

7 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 31 8

Letters to the Editor Black Lives Matter, Graduation, and Summer Service • Santa Cruz Cannabis Retailer License Woes

In Memoriam 12 CalFire Capt. David Lutz Dies in Hiking Accident

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

Featured Columnists 29 Bronze Is The New Green, By Tony Tomeo 30 Now is the Time to Prepare for Fire Season, By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Turbo Is Looking For Lots Of TLC

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COVER STORY publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers Camisa Composti, John Hibble, Jondi Gumz, Lorie Chamberland, Ann Ostermann, Tony Tomeo, Zach Friend layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator 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 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

“Independence Week” from page 1 The community organized to defeat the zoning change. The first “World’s Shortest Parade” was held in 1961on the fourth of July to celebrate the community’s success. For 58 years the parade has continued down Soquel Drive. However, this year, because of the coronavirus pandemic, we cannot celebrate with an organized parade, a pancake breakfast and a party in the park. Are there creative ways to continue to celebrate our country’s birthday and our freedoms? The Aptos Chamber would like to celebrate Independence Week from July 1st through the 5th. Decorate your car, whether it be an antique, a classic or a clunker, and drive around town and show off during the week. Please do not pack your car with friends, immediate family only. Car clubs can do the same thing but please do not extend the invitation to your out-of-county members. Let’s keep it local. There are no entry fees but donations to the Aptos Chamber would be appreciated. ••• e are also encouraging local businesses, open or not, to participate in our Red White and Blue patriotic decorating contest. Show your spirit. Businesses that would like to participate can call the Aptos Chamber at (831) 688-1467 or go online at http://aptoschamber.com/ independence-week/. Register for $25 and we will email participation information including a judging number and rules. Participants will be added to our website and social media platforms. Why $25 to participate? The Aptos Chamber is not independent. We rely on the community for support. During these difficult times, we cannot hold events to raise the necessary funds to pay our expenses. We would appreciate any

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 / July 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

donations to help stay afloat until we can all return to normal. Please send donations to 7605 Old Dominion Court, Suite A, Aptos, CA 95003. Thank you! The community at large gets to vote for the contest winner. You be the judge. Drive by and select the most patriotic

business display by number. Judging will start on July 1st and end at midnight on July 4th. Vote at www.aptoschamber.com. The winners will be announced on July 5th. ••• he Aptos Chamber will be selling patriotic masks and a very special commemorative T-shirt for this year. The design is on our website and shirts will be available at Deluxe Foods, Aptos Feed and Pet Supply and through the Aptos Chamber. We will also be making a celebration banner for the railroad trestle over Soquel Drive. Businesses and anyone who wants to be listed on the banner can call the chamber or sign up on our website. Let freedom ring! One hundred years ago the world was seized by a devastating pandemic called the Spanish influenza. We are reliving history and making history at the same time with Covid-19. Let’s find a way to celebrate while keeping safe. We are Aptos strong! Together, let’s celebrate our Fourth of July Independence Week! n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Clean Hands Save Lives

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Screaming Handâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Logo Gets A Makeover

he County of Santa Cruz announces the distribution of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Screaming Handâ&#x20AC;? safety signs to local businesses and organizations, part of an ongoing effort to help raise awareness about practices that help reduce the spread of contagious COVID-19. With imagery generously donated by NHS Inc., the County has printed hundreds of floor decals with the iconic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Screaming Handâ&#x20AC;? hand logo, reminding local customers, clients, visitors and residents that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clean Hands Save Lives.â&#x20AC;? Printed by Community Printers, the signs are available in English and Spanish, and will be prioritized for use in highly trafficked public and commercial spaces throughout Santa Cruz County. Signs are being distributed at no cost. Interested local businesses should request one by emailing countyofsantacruz@gmail.com. Supplies are limited. The floor signs will adhere to most surfaces and have a safety tread to help prevent slipping. Signs have already been distributed to dozens of local businesses for installation in parts of Watsonville, downtown Santa Cruz and Live Oak, including Food Maxx, Target, Nob Hill, Cardenas, La Princesa, the Museum of Art and History, New Leaf grocery stores, Santa Cruz Bicycles and many more. As of Monday, Santa Cruz County reported 296 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 37 people who required hospitalization at some point, 14,253 negative test results, and two deaths, a number that has not changed since April. Santa Cruz County had 9 people hospitalized, 5 confirmed and 4 suspected cases, according to the state database, and two of those hospitalized are in the intensive care unit. Of the total cases, 145 are in Watsonville, 68 in unincorporated areas, 58 in the city of Santa Cruz, 13 in Capitola, 8 in Scotts Valley and 4 under investigation. Among occupations affected, 23 have been healthcare workers, 7 first responders, and 28 farm and ag workers.

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As the local economy continues reopening in phases, county officials reminded residents about basic health and safety measures including washing hands frequently with soap and water, maintaining physical distancing of at least six feet whenever possible, wearing a face covering when engaging with others, staying home if you are sick and covering your cough or sneeze. n â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text â&#x20AC;&#x153;COVID19â&#x20AC;? to 211211. Residents also may call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Kid Geniuses

Young Inventors Earn State Awards, Head To Nationals

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

By Jondi Gumz

abitha Bane, a fifth grader at Bradley Elementary School in Corralitos, repurposed a seat belt buckle to create a safer tow strap for when she goes mountain biking with her dad and the trail goes uphill. Olivia Potes of Aptos, a fifth grader at Main Street School in Soquel, invented a selfTabitha Bane sucking straw for her grandfather who has trouble using a regular straw because of Parkinson’s. Isabella Davalos of Freedom, a sixth grader at Ceiba College Prep in Watsonville, needed sturdier eyeglasses after breaking the hinges on six pairs so she created glasses with frames that connect via tiny magnets Tabitha, Olivia and Isabella are just three of the 17 Santa Cruz County elementary school students who are on their way — virtually — to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals after winning awards at the California Invention Convention, which featured 150 students from throughout California. Of the 17 who qualified for the U.S. Nationals, three also earned Industry Honors, Jonah Guyer and Oliver Willett for waterproof protection for a medical pump, and Jacob Leonard for a household tool. The virtual awards ceremony will take place on July 2 at 4 p.m. as a Facebook watch party on Invention Convention Worldwide’s page. Tabitha’s invention, which she calls

Ryan Bane is tethered to his daughter Tabitha’s bike with her invention, “Kid of the Mountain,” a repurposed car seat belt designed to help Tabitha keep up with her dad on hills safely.

Some of the extraordinary elementary school students from Santa Cruz County. Top row (from left): Theo Esposito, Moya Buffenmyer, Curren Tran • Bottom row (from left): Olivia Potes, Zander Ross, Isabella Davalos Kid of the Mountain, won the “most marketable” award from the Watsonville-based Central Coast Patent Agency which is giving her a provisional patent so she can take her invention forward. “Kids like to go on bike rides with adults but it’s hard to keep up with them on the uphills,” she explained. Her dad, Ryan Bane, a senior planner with the city of Santa Cruz, used to use a tow strap, but her mom worried it would get tangled in the wheels and make them crash. Tabitha reports her solution, the seat belt buckle with a strap attached to her dad’s bike seat and her handlebars, doesn’t sag, doesn’t jerk her forward when she is towed uphill and is easy to connect and disconnect. “I can get help up the hills, go fast down hills with him, and have a safer and easier way to be towed,” she said. ••• Other Winners Going to Nationals heo Esposito of Aptos, a fifth grader at Watsonville Charter School of the Arts, was inspired by a trip to the beach to invent “paper plates” made of 75 percent seaweed. Zander Ross of Aptos, a fourth grader at Watsonville Charter School Of The Arts, invented what he calls The Water Holder 2020, a measuring spoon with a lid for cooking for his grandfather who has Parkinson’s. Curren Tran of Aptos, a fifth grader at Main Street Elementary in Soquel, invented the Solar Powered Backpack Fan Cell Phone Charger. Tran has asthma, and he wanted help staying cool on hikes.

“Inventions” page 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Governor Orders Masks in Public O n Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered Californians to wear face coverings in public places and at work, citing an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations to justify a statewide mask mandate. Reinette Senum, the mayor of Nevada City, posted on Facebook that the governor did not have the authority to issue such an order. The governor has been sued by actor and lawyer Ben Stein and virology expert and author Judy Mikovits, in a class action complaint challenging Newsom’s stay-athome and mask orders as detrimental to the health and well-being of Californians, according to Larry Klayman, the founder of Judicial Watch and Freedom Watch. But Carin Hanna, owner of the Craft Gallery in Capitola, welcomed the governor’s announcement, saying she wants to avoid the contagious coronavirus, and those in masks prevent the spread of the disease. Here is the latest guidance from the California Department of Public Health: Because of our collective actions, California has limited the spread of COVID-19 and associated hospitalizations and deaths in our state. Still, the risk for COVID-19 remains and the increasing number of Californians who are leaving their homes for work and other needs, increases the risk for COVID-19 exposure and infection. Over the last four months, we have learned a lot about COVID-19 transmission, most notably that people who are infected but are asymptomatic or presymptomatic play an important part in community spread. The use of face coverings by everyone can limit the release of infected droplets when talking, coughing, and/ or sneezing, as well as reinforce physical distancing. This document updates existing CDPH guidance for the use of cloth face coverings by the general public when outside the home. It mandates that face coverings be worn state-wide in the circumstances and with the exceptions outlined below. It does not substitute for existing guidance about social distancing and handwashing. People in California must wear face coverings when they are in the high-risk situations listed below: • Inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space; • Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank

Jared Stephen, regional manager for Anytime Fitness, and staffer Pedro Valencia, wear masks June 16 as they welcome patrons back to the Aptos location in the Rancho Del Mar shopping center. Members get a key card that allow them to work out at any time. • Waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service, or ridesharing vehicle; • Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work offsite, when: • Interacting in-person with any member of the public; • Working in any space visited by members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time; • Working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others; • Working in or walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities; • In any room or enclosed area where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance. • Driving or operating any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers are present. When no passengers are present, face coverings are strongly recommended. • While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible.

• Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. This includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a face covering could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance. • Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication. • Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.

• Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service. • Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, while they are eating or drinking, provided that they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or residence. • Persons who are engaged in outdoor work or recreation such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running, when alone or with household members, and when they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others. • Persons who are incarcerated. Prisons and jails, as part of their mitigation plans, will have specific guidance on the wearing of face coverings or masks for both inmates and staff. Note: Persons exempted from wearing a face covering due to a medical condition who are employed in a job involving regular contact with others should wear a non-restrictive alternative, such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom edge, as long as their condition permits it.

Answers What is a cloth face covering? A cloth face covering is a material that covers the nose and mouth. It can be secured to the head with ties or straps or simply wrapped around the lower face. “Masks” page 9

The following individuals are exempt from wearing a face covering: • Persons age two years or under. These very young children must not wear a face covering because of the risk of suffocation.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Black Lives Matter, Graduation, and Summer Services Dear Families of Santa Cruz County: anta Cruz County schools join our community in the effort to disrupt systemic racism and the excessive use of police force that disproportionately impacts communities of color. The devastating deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and David McAtee at the hands of police officers in the last ninety days has again brought to light ongoing systemic inequality, oppression, and violence that Black Americans experience each day and the urgency in which it needs to be addressed. These tragic killings have also prompted us all to think deeply about how our identities and actions impact systems of racial discrimination. It is essential that we continue to prioritize equity in our schools and communities by embracing courageous conversations about race so that we can collectively transform our schools and communities into places of love, safety, accountability, and equitable opportunity. We must come together as a community to deepen our commitment to our shared values of diversity, inclusivity, and justice. Santa Cruz County schools stand in solidarity with our African American community and all communities of color, and are committed to taking concrete steps to crystalize this commitment. The ongoing pandemic and racial violence we are experiencing in our communities have been deeply painful and significantly affects our community’s emotional and mental health. It is important that we show care for one another and seek out support resources for ourselves and others when we need them. Our colleagues at the Los Angeles County Office of Education have gathered a collection of resources to help students process the unsettling emotions that they may be experiencing now, enable the community to deepen their understanding of the manifestations of racism in the United States, and provide positive actions toward justice and reform. The resources are available at this address: hps:// www.lacoe.edu/Curriculum-Instrucon/ Equity-Social-Jusce-and-Engagement. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is currently partnering with school districts and with our local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to develop additional resources for our schools and our community. Despite these deeply troubling events weighing on the minds of our students and educational community, Santa Cruz County schools worked hard to host exciting and memorable graduation ceremonies over the last two weeks to honor

the tremendous achievements of our graduates. A number of celebratory commencement activities approved as safe by local public health authorities took place including car parades, drive-up recognitions individualized for small family groups, virtual ceremonies, and pre-recorded video recognitions. We are so proud of our students for the resilience they have demonstrated to maintain their academic progress despite the transition to distance learning, massive upheavals in family life at home, extreme financial hardship, social isolation, and mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. We are also grateful to our dedicated school personnel and parents for helping to make these commencement ceremonies as special as possible for students during this challenging time. Superintendents of all Santa Cruz County public schools are continuing to work together and within their own districts to plan for the reopening of schools and prepare for a range of possible restrictions schools may be mandated to follow by health authorities. The final plans for the reopening of schools will depend on the direction we receive from the California Department of Public Health, the California Department of Education, and our County Public Health Officer. Some schools will have services available to families through the summer such as virtual summer classes and continued meal programs. Each school will be in contact with families shortly about summer services they will be offering and details about plans to reopen in the fall as more information from public health authorities becomes available. For the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at: hps://www. cdc.gov/COVID19. In addition, you can also call 211 or text “coronavirus” to 211211. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education continues to update its web page and resources at www.sccoe.link/coronavirus. Yours in equity and education, Laurie Bruton, Superintendent, San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Lorie Chamberland, Superintendent, Live Oak School District Eric Gross, Superintendent, Pacific Elementary School District Mike Heffner, Superintendent, Bonny Doon Union Elementary School District

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

Tanya Krause, Superintendent, Scotts Valley Unified School District Michelle McKinny, Superintendent, Happy Valley Elementary School District Diane Morgenstern, Superintendent, Mountain Elementary School District Kris Munro, Superintendent, Santa Cruz City Schools Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District Faris Sabbah, County Superintendent of Schools Scott Turnbull, Superintendent, Soquel Union Elementary School District ••• Santa Cruz Cannabis Retailer License Woes he current iteration of “Reefer Madness” is almost as bizarre as the original. When alcohol prohibition ended, “Reefer Madness” was created to protect the livelihood of abolitionists. In order to justify devoting public resources toward eradicating the production and sales of the plant it was necessary to connect cannabis with all kinds of aberrant behaviors. Many of the stigmas created through this decades-long propaganda campaign still persist. And lest we forget, the use, sale and cultivation of cannabis remains, to this day, a federal offense. Now “Reefer Madness” is more associated with the seemingly endless debate and deliberation over rules and regulations that get enacted for one reason or another most often simply because a jurisdiction has the authority to do so. The current changes to the City of Santa Cruz Cannabis Retailer License are a case in point. What began as a request by the 5 current license holders to align the language regarding ownership more closely to state law (and nearly every other local jurisdiction) so that a cannabis business could change their ownership structure (like any other business) has been taken as an opportunity to reexamine the minutiae of existing regulations. The proposed new ordinance, which has its second reading June 23, fixes what amounted to a “life sentence” imposed upon current license holders. Prior to the changes being considered, a license holder could not take on any new investment that affected over 20 percent of total equity nor could they ever hope to sell or bequeath their business. They could walk away from their business with no equity or be stuck for life. Recognizing the unreasonableness of the current restrictions, Council and staff set out to create a mechanism that allowed for changes in ownership structure while

maintaining the ability to approve or deny a new proprietor. Now, any change to the ownership structure that results in a new person or entity owning more than a 30 percent interest will require an entire new city license. To receive approval for such changes the licensee must meet two new mandatory conditions and six out of a set of ten “factors.” A minimum of three city staffers will review and approve or deny the application. The licensee will be required to submit an annual affidavit confirming that they are meeting each of the conditions and factors. Essentially the changes provide the 5 current license holders a path to restructure or sell their business so long as new conditions are met. The current license holders are not raising objections to the new conditions or review factors although they are quick to point out a variety of flaws which I will not discuss now. Perhaps the least discussed and most impactful result of these changes will be the increased workload on the city staff. Any change affecting the ownership structure by 30 percent or more will require a new application and review even though there might be no change in “proprietorship” or control of the entity. State law and most other jurisdictions only require notification, not a new license, when any change in ownership exceeds 20 percent. This is to ensure transparency of financial interests. Requiring a new application and review anytime new investment exceeds 30 percent will result in many more hours of work for both businesses and regulators. Cannabis businesses are among the most regulated businesses in the state. Compliance costs are excessive, taxes are burdensome and the lack of access to traditional banking systems creates additional costs and constraints. This is just the latest in “Reefer Madness.” I can only hope that as the staff and City Council consider even more substantive changes to local cannabis regulations to address equity, public consumption, special events and taxation it can do so without succumbing to the irrational fears that 50 plus years of propaganda have created. Cannabis has been and will continue to be good for the community. It is past time that we treat cannabis businesses as a positive force or at least like any other business. — Jim Coffis, Deputy Director, Green Trade Santa Cruz

COMMUNITY NEWS

Goodwill Recruiting to Fill Jobs G oodwill Central Coast has a number of job openings across its locations in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties. Employment opportunities in all three counties range from sales associate and donation center attendant to production supervisor and assistant store manager. A full list of job openings is available at https://www.ccgoodwill.org/work/

“Masks” from page 7 It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, or linen. A cloth face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand or can be improvised from household items such as scarfs, T-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels.

“Inventions” from page 6 Moya Buffenmyer, a sixth grader at Watsonville Charter School Of The Arts, invented Sneaky Spray, a battery-powered water-spraying device that kept her cats from running outside. Damian Moreno, a fifth grader at Watsonville Charter School Of The Arts, created the Hands Free Brella, pieces of fabric he sewed and attached to his backpack with Velcro straps to hold an umbrella on rainy days. Austin Pieracci, a third grader at Bradley Elementary, Corralitos, invented a see-through mobile Tortoise Box so he could keep an eye on his pet. Gianna Fanara, a fifth grader at Brook Knoll Elementary in the Scotts Valley school district, invented The PasteBrush, a travel-size combination toothbrush with toothpaste. Nate Jones and Milo Woodruff, fifth graders, Gateway School, Santa Cruz, invented the Produce Protector, a scarecrow that can move and scare garden scavengers. Piper Garrett, fifth grader at Gateway School, Santa Cruz, invented Solo Soccer Touch Trainer, a net to hold a ball attached to a corkscrew that can be planted in the ground to kick the ball around. Kate Reynolds, fifth grader at Gateway School, Santa Cruz, invented Windmill on Wheels. Jonah Guyer and Oliver Willett, sixth graders, Happy Valley Elementary, Santa Cruz, invented the Splash Bag, to help Oliver’s cousin Paige with pulmonary hypertension by making a watertight case for her pump so she could safely take a

work-for-goodwill/. To apply go to the location of the job desired. In Santa Cruz County, Goodwill has stores in Watsonville, Capitola, Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley. Goodwill, a nonprofit, employs more than 600 people and operates 14 retail locations and two outlet stores in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties — all of which are now open for shopping. n

How well do cloth face coverings work to prevent spread of COVID-19? There is scientific evidence to suggest that use of cloth face coverings by the public during a pandemic could help reduce disease transmission. Their primary role is to reduce the release of infectious particles into the air shower or go in a swimming pool. The students got a demo pump from Stanford Medicine and won first prize at the Santa Cruz County Science and Engineering Fair and The Lemelson Early Inventor Prize. Jacob Leonard, fifth grader, Brook Knoll Elementary, Scotts Valley, invented the Drop-Shirt Hanger, which bends and allows the shirt to skip into your hand. ••• Industry Honors Other county students who also won industry awards Sports, Games, Entertainment, and Toys: Benjamin and Nicholas Acton: fifth graders at Brook Knoll Elementary, invented The New Chain Gang, a football first down measuring device. Home Technology, Smart Homes, Appliances: Mark Kristien Bayog and Elliot Roth-Bensusan, fifth graders at Bradley Elementary, invented the Cook Cam to help people with disabiliites monitor their cooking. It has a camera, thermometer and is easy to use. Agriculture (Food, Machinery, Tools), Pets, and Animal Care: Isabella and Mariana Lobato Vicencio, eighth graders at Alianza Charter School, Watsonville, invented Turkey Scarecrow. Home Organization: Karine Silva, fourth grader at Watsonville Watsonville Charter School Of The Arts, invented the Cleaner Holder to keep supplies in a kitchen or bathroom cabinet, more organized. 2010 Transportation Award: Keana Castillo, a fourth grader at Watsonville Watsonville Charter School Of The Arts, invented a removable vehicle door rain visor. n

Goodwill has jobs to fill

when someone speaks, coughs, or sneezes, including someone who has COVID-19 but feels well. Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing, washing hands, and staying home when ill, but they may be helpful when combined with these primary interventions. When should I wear a cloth face covering? You should wear face coverings when in public places, particularly when those locations are indoors or in other areas where physical distancing is not possible. How should I care for a cloth face covering? It’s a good idea to wash your

cloth face covering frequently, ideally after each use, or at least daily. Have a bag or bin to keep cloth face coverings in until they can be laundered with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle. If you must re-wear your cloth face covering before washing, wash your hands immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face. Discard cloth face coverings that: • No longer cover the nose and mouth • Have stretched out or damaged ties or straps • Cannot stay on the face • Have holes or tears in the fabric n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Travel Update From Visit Santa Cruz County S anta Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel recently released an updated Health Order regarding COVID-19 — removing lodging restrictions for hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, RV parks, campgrounds and any other short-term lodging businesses. As of midnight, Friday, June 12, lodging businesses were allowed resume operations including hosting visitors traveling to Santa Cruz County. All lodging businesses must follow the industry sector guidance outlined here.

Gov. Newsom’s health guidance allows counties that have met health benchmarks to reopen zoos, family entertainment centers, museums, galleries, and breweries and winery tasting rooms. (Amusement parks such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are allowed to open retail shops and food concessions but the rides are not operating.) Lodging properties across Santa Cruz County have been preparing for full operations for the last few weeks with

industry guidance from the state as well as the Clean and Safe program provided by the California Hotel and Lodging Association to ensure the safety of employees and guests. The Let’s Cruz Again relaunch campaign will focus on Californians that live within a 3-hour drive radius of Santa Cruz County. The latest industry surveys indicate that road trips within a 500-mile radius are the preferred travel being planned. Visit

Santa Cruz County staff has been preparing for the opportunity to support the return of tourism for the last few weeks. In the next two days we will finalize updates to the LetsCruzAgain.com website and launch initial social and digital strategies, with sensitivity to safe travel practices and activities that are compatible with social distancing and local requirements such as wearing face masks in public. n ••• For more about Visit Santa Cruz County, see www.santacruz.org

Assemblymember Stone Offers Amendment to AB 1472: False Police Reports

ssemblymember Mark Stone (D-Scotts Valley) announces that he has amended AB 1472, which would make false reports to police, including 911 calls, a violation of the Ralph Civil Rights Act when made against a person because of that person’s race or other protected characteristic. This bill would also allow for civil Mark Stone action against persons who make false police reports or claims, regardless of discriminatory motive. “Across California and across the country, people are again demanding that those of us in elected office deal with the systemic, institutionalized racism inherent in law enforcement and other govern-

mental systems. Black Americans are overpoliced and subject to higher rates of police brutality, use-of-force, harassment, arrest, and incarceration,” said Assemblymember Stone. “This violent oppression is devastating to Black communities and contributes to higher rates of mortality and poverty, among a multitude of other negative outcomes. In addition to Black communities, American Indian/Alaskan native and Latinx communities are also disproportionately affected by policing in America.” There have been many highly publicized examples of unnecessary or patently false calls to law enforcement that threaten people of color. Examples include Amy Cooper, a white woman in New York who falsely claimed that a Black man was threatening her life after he requested that she follow park rules about leashing her

Tamario Smith’s Death Ruled An Accident

n May 10, 2020 Tamario Smith, 21, died unexpectedly while in custody at the Santa Cruz County Jail. A thorough investigation was conducted by the Coroner’s Unit, which included comprehensive testing to include Covid-19. The forensic pathologist determined Smith’s cause of death to be acute water intoxication, due to the over consumption of water in a short period of time. The over consumption of water was influenced by Smith’s underlying mental health issues. This water consumption led to an electrolyte imbalance, which caused Smith’s organs to fail, leading to his death. The autopsy, testing, and investigation showed no evidence of trauma, foul play, COVID-19, or other evidence that he had ingested any caustic or poisonous substances. Smith’s death was classified as an accident. n 10 / July 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Tamario Smith

dog, and Jennifer Schulte, a white woman who requested police response to a Black family who was barbecuing at a lake in Oakland. Such acts weaponize the police, endanger lives, and contribute to the overpolicing of Black communities, according to Stone, who contends that fling a false or unnecessary police report motivated by racial bias, whether purposeful or simply reckless, is a discriminatory act. AB 1472 amends the Ralph Civil Rights Act to specify that “intimidation by threat of violence” will include claims or reports made to law enforcement “that falsely alleges that another person has engaged in unlawful activity, or an activity that requires law enforcement intervention, knowing that the claim or report is false, or with reckless disregard to for the truth or falsity of the claim or report.”

AB 1472 will specify that making a false report to the police, knowing that it is false or with reckless disregard to its truth or falsity, constitutes an “intimidation by threat of violence” under the Ralph Act. Further, AB 1472 will specify that a police communication made “knowing that the claim or report is false, or with reckless disregard for the truth or falsity of the claim or report” is not privileged publications. This would prevent a person who makes a report in violation of the Ralph Act from raising “privileged communication” as a defense, and it would also allow for civil actions on other grounds even if the false report is not motivated by bias against a protected characteristic. n ••• This bill is currently in the Senate and is waiting in Senate Rules for referral. Bills can be monitored at https://legiscan.com/CA/

AG Becerra to Address Police Reform

n Thursday at 11 a.m., California Attorney General Xavier Becerra — joined by Center for American Progress Vice President of Criminal Justice Reform Ed Chung and Ron Davis of 21st Century Policing, a former Obama Administration official — will discuss police reform as part of the 2020 Innovations Con- Xavier Becerra ference. The forum comes on the heels of nationwide demands for change in light of recent events, including the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police Department officers. Earlier this month, Becerra presented

a sweeping policing reform agenda that builds on earlier police reform work he led. That agenda covered: Intervention to halt excessive force, prohibiting chokeholds and carotid restraints, requiring de-escalation before using force, proportionality, giving a verbal warning first, prohibiting firing from moving vehicles, using deadly force only as a last report, discontinuing “bite and hold” techniques by canines, and requiring comprehensive reporting on use of force and threats of force. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office in 2016 was the first California agency to adopt recommendations from the 21st Century Policing model. n ••• For info, see new.innovationsconference.us

COMMUNITY NEWS

‘Be Loyal. Be Honest. Be Damon.’

Gutzwiller Memorial Draws Mourners From All Over The Central Coast

By Jondi Gumz

riends and family said their final good-byes to Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller June 17 at an emotional memorial on the Cabrillo College football field attended by an estimated 3,000 people, many of them law enforcement brethren from all over California, watched by 800 on YouTube and recorded on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, where it has 91,000 views. The two-hour remembrance was solemn, as those in uniform know they may get their last call at any time — as Gutzwiller, 38, did on June 6 when he was fatally shot while on duty — but there was laughter, too, as they shared stories about him. Gutzwiller grew up in Aptos, graduated from Aptos High in 1999, then attended Cabrillo. In his 14-year career with the Sheriff’s Office, he touched a lot of lives. “I have been flooded with letters and emails,” said Pastor Rene Schlaepfer of

Bagpipers lead the procession at the memorial for Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller. Twin Lakes Church, who served as emcee. “I wish I could read them all.” He read a few to give “a flavor of this beautiful life.” On one side of the stage, Gutzwiller’s official portrait showed his trademark grin, a smile that would light up a room. On the other side, a family portrait

showed him with his wife Favi and son Carter, who is 2. Deputies were tracking a van with explosives June 6 when they entered a mountain hideaway in Ben Lomond, where they were ambushed with gunfire and explosives; the alleged assailant, who is in jail, also faces a federal murder charge for

the May 29 drive-by shooting of a federal officer in Oakland. Sheriff Jim Hart, who promoted Gutzwiller to sergeant last year, said he had known Gutzwiller since he was 18 when he became a volunteer with the Sheriff’s Office. “Who watches over the watchers?” asked Hart, telling Favi, Carter and the baby who is due soon, “We love you and we’re here for you. Damon loved this community and he gave too much. Every member of our department will make you feel that love right back — not just now or next week but in years to come.” Hart thanked the civilian who knocked away the assailant’s assault rifle, bomb and pistol: “Thank you for stopping this rampage.” He thanked the more than 40 law enforcement agencies that came when he called for help on June 6. “Memorial” page 13

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Mourning Our Historic Live Oak

By Lorie Chamberland

ive Oak School District staff are saddened to share with the community that the beloved and historic oak tree at Live Oak Elementary on Capitola Road has died and is being removed. We know that the tree is a landmark in our district and the larger community and will be missed by all. Upon noticing its distress two years ago in July, we consulted an arborist and followed the recommendations to install drip irrigation and use a new type of fertilizer. Metal posts were also installed to

support the heaviest branches. Our oak tree began to make steady improvement, with new leaves beginning to sprout throughout the tree (see photo). Unfortunately, in April of this year, we noted that it started to take a turn for the worse. We contacted an arborist again who diagnosed the tree and informed us that the tree had a new illness and was killed by oak root fungus, which is a soil-borne pathogen. Given the heavy rains this spring and the high temperatures following the rains, the age of the tree made it susceptible to this fungus. Because of the oak tree’s size and the sidewalks surrounding it, we had to make plans to remove the great oak for safety reasons. We want you to know that we are making plans to commemorate this great tree, which holds a special place in our district and our community. We are working with Lewis Tree Service to retain the wood to continue the oak’s connection and contribution to our schools, our students and the community. Our Shoreline Middle School woodshop teacher will work with students to create a commemorative bench and use additional wood for student projects and plaques.

September 2018: Our Live Oak Tree after it had begun to improve.

Even at this sad time, we are pleased to share that an offspring of this great oak tree is growing close by. When the bench is completed, we will plan a commemorative ceremony for our great Live Oak tree and we will place the bench beneath the younger oak. This is a reminder to us all of the

circle of life — that when something precious passes, there is always rebirth and renewal. It recalls the old English proverb, “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.” n ••• Lorie Chamberland is superintendent of Live Oak School District.

IN MEMORIAM CalFire Capt. David Lutz Dies in Hiking Accident

n behalf of the Lutz family, CalFire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit and CalFire Firefighters Local 2881 are saddened to report that Capt. David William Lutz died June 17 in a hiking accident in Pfeiffer Burns State Park at the young age of 33. David Lutz is known for his dedication and love for his family and is survived by wife Tisha Lutz, stepdaughter Alyssa, and young children Bailey, Caleb, and baby Hope (due any time); his parents Michael and Mary Anne Lutz; siblings Leah Lutz, Joshua Lutz (Stephanie) Erin (Lutz) Adams (Scott), Krista (Lutz) Sobrak-Seaton (Nick), Anna (Lutz) Anton (Willy), Daniel Lutz (De) Matthew Lutz, Elizabeth Lutz, and Jacob Lutz; and his nieces and nephews. David was born July 1, 1986, in Los Gatos and raised in Corralitos. He attended the Monterey Fire Academy and began his career as a vol-

12 / July 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Capt. David William Lutz

unteer firefighter with the Corralitos CAL FIRE station. David began his career in 2008 as a Fire Fighter I in the San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit and worked as a Fire Captain at El Granada Station within the Coastside Fire Protection District (Cooperative Agreement).

He was known for his deep faith; his personal relationship with God permeating all areas of his life. He was bold and eager to live all kinds of life’s adventures, ready to learn something new or head off on a new adventure, all with his wife Tisha and beloved children by his side. As a firefighter he was brave and always willing to tackle any task or danger, large or small. He was eager to help others, mentor those around him, offer practical support, and was loyal and supportive to all in his life. He was known for his devotion to his family, his faith, his love of all things outdoors, and his dedication to CalFire and the calling and people he cared so much about. David Lutz lived life to the fullest, impacted the lives of many, and leaves a great legacy. Those who know him are proud of the life he lived and all that he leaves behind. n

Robbins told how he and Gutzwiller, during a traffic stop, found burglary tools He thanked the people filling in for in the vehicle and questioned the driver, his deputies Wednesday, allowing them to who denied any illicit activity until Gutzwiller said, “You are a LLPOF.” Which attend the memorial. He said Damon “would demand we stands for “Liar, liar, pants on fire.” Sgt. Daniel Freitas, via email, told find our way back to serve the community – we must remember Damon is counting a story of a mountain hike so exhausting even Gutzwiller’s border collie Shasta laid on us. Let’s make Damon proud.” Hart then presented Gutzwiller’s down -- and Gutzwiller slung the dog over badge to his family, getting down on one his shoulders and carried him miles back knee to speak to Carter, then giving Favi a to camp. Gutzwiller joined every special team hug. Mark Ramos, a retired deputy fire in the office “because he could,” Deputy Chris Shearer said. chief in Santa Cruz, “We’re going to said Gutzwiller was pray to God this will like a son to him never happen again,” and his wife Wanda, Shearer said. “It’s OK eating breakfast and to grieve, to cry, to dinner with them — morn. We have to... until he met Favi. We must learn to heal Whatever Wanda and live again. Be would cook up, loyal, be honest, be Gutzwiller would Damon.” always say, “Umm Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, with his wife Favi and son His wife Favi — amazing!” recalled her first date Sgt. Steve Ryan, Carter. who had Gutzwiller as his first partner, with Damon, when they watched the battle recalled Thanksgiving four years ago, movie “300,” and he sat respectfully at the eating at the Felton Chinese restaurant, as opposite end of the couch. A few weeks into their relationship, one of the best, because he spent it with Favi, a nurse in the neonatal intensive care Gutzwiller. Gutzwiller was so happy to be a father unit, had a 16-hour night shift when a baby that whenever Carter’s name came up, he died, and Damon brought her lunch and would pull out a picture to share. When made her dinner, leaving it at her door. Favi said Damon, an only child, his mother Vicki got ill, he had dinner with her every week and drove her doctor wanted children. She was unsure at first, but as she got to know him, she realized appointments. Ryan asked everyone to yell out she wanted him to be the father of her children. “Gutz” in memory of his friend. They did. She said he relished being a dad, In an email read by Pastor Schlaepfer, Deputy Jake Cooper shared how they had getting up early to make breakfast for fun on the Sheriff’s Office drone team, Carter and play with him and cook with calling themselves pilots, with Gutzwiller him. He had plans to coach him in Little changing his phone ringtone to “Top Gun” League baseball and teach him golf. Damon dreamed of buying a Jeep but and getting a call during roll call, to razz when Shasta, his canine companion, was the sergeant who was a real pilot. In another email, Deputy Daniel diagnosed with cancer, he spent his Jeep “Memorial” from page 11

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Law enforcement officers form a wall of honor for Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller at the Cabrillo College stadium. fund savings to pay for Shasta’s surgery The memorial included bagpipers, a and radiation. wall of honor formed by law enforcement For Valentine’s Day, he gave Favi a officers saluting the casket, and a flyover Welsh love spoon that read, “I shall look by helicopters. after you and protect you.” Schlaepfer urged those attending to She shared that memory, then share stories about Gutzwiller with his paused. children and follow his example: “Seek “I only hope our children will grow up to multiply the good in Damon’s life into to just like their father,” she said. your own.” n Lisa Andersen, accompanied by Kid ••• Andersen on guitar, sang the Jenn Bostic If you’re interested in helping support song, “It’s not my place to question. Only Sgt. Gutzwiller’s family in their time of need, God knows why…I’m just jealous of the visit https://www.scsheriff.com and click on the angels around the throne tonight.” Memorial Fund button to learn more. Singer Mira Goto sang the Jo Dee Cover Photo: Following the honor Messina song: “Heaven was needing a guard, Favi Gutzwiller (red hair) exits hero, brave enough to stand up for what the memorial of her husband, Sgt. Damon you believe and follow through.” Gutzwiller.

Photo Credit: Michael Oppenheimer

Representing Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller in the procession, the hood has his name and picture and says EOW • 6/6/2020 (End of Watch)

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Caltrans Takes to the Highway

District 5 Staff Participate in Annual Anti-Litter Day

altrans District 5 staff took to the state highway system to participate in our annual Anti-Litter Day activities. Caltrans maintenance crews from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz picked up litter and other debris along the roadside to help keep the state highway system free of litter.

Litter costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year to clean up. That’s money that could be better spent on transportation projects. — Tim Gubbins Caltrans District 5 Director

As part of this annual effort, Caltrans expects to haul away thousands of cubic yards of trash, sweep tons of debris off state highways, and remove graffiti from walls and other structures. Caltrans remains committed to keeping the Central Coast and all of the state litter-free. “Litter costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year to clean up. That’s money that could be better spent on transportation projects,” said Caltrans district 5 Director Tim Gubbins. Over the years, Caltrans has spent tens of millions of dollars on litter removal, collecting enough litter, trash, and debris from freeways to fill more than 10,000 garbage trucks. Parked end-to-end, those trucks would stretch more than 50 miles. Cigarette butts are the number one item littered in California — they are discarded by the millions, often causing roadside fires, clogging storm drains, and threatening water quality. A lot of

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

trash comes from illegal dumping and improperly secured and uncovered loads. Motorists face injury and even death as the result of debris (ladders, sofas, etc.) that falls from vehicles hauling unsecured loads. California needs your help to prevent trash from making it to the highways. Money spent on cleaning up trash diverts crews away from filling potholes, fixing guardrails and performing other essential maintenance activities. Motorists can help by following a few basic travel behaviors: Stow a litter bag in your vehicle and always dispose of trash appropriately. Properly extinguish cigarettes and cigars; never throw any item, particularly one that is lit, from a vehicle. Always cover and properly secure cargo or materials hauled in passenger trucks and pick-ups to prevent items from falling off the vehicle.

One way the public can help is by participating in Caltrans’ Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) Program. To become a volunteer or support the program through a paid sponsorship, call 1-866-ADOPT-A-HWY or go to: http:// adopt-a-highway.dot.ca.gov. Currently, nearly 13,000 volunteers participate in the AAH Program, saving taxpayers an estimated $16 million annually in litter removal costs. n

Free School Meals for Kids All Summer

n these challenging times, parents and students across Santa Cruz County can count on the Summer Meals Program makes sure all children can eat healthy food during the summer months. During summer vacation, many children lose access to free or reduced priced meals that they rely on during the school year, but this valuable program provides no cost and convenient access to meals for students. Free lunches will be provided to all children, without eligibility documentation, who are 18 years of age and younger. “This is a great resource for families and our community during this time of uncertainty,” says Amy Hedrick-Far, food services director for Santa Cruz City Schools. “Even if you haven’t utilized school meals before, we encourage families to take advantage of the

summer meals program. It not only provides extra food for your children, but can also help ease the grocery bill during these tough times.” n ••• With your child’s safety in mind, meals are served as “Grab N Go” at 25 locations throughout the county. For information, text FOOD (for English) or COMIDA (para Español) to 877-877 or call 211 for a location near you.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Civil Grand Jury Applications Open

Deadline to Apply for 2020-2021 Jury Extended to Aug. 14

he Superior Court of Santa Cruz County has extended the deadline to apply to become members of the 2020-2021 Civil Grand Jury to Friday, Aug. 14. The Civil Grand Jury is a historic institution and serves an important role in local government. Serving on the Civil Grand Jury offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of Santa Cruz County residents. The 19 members of the Civil Grand Jury are an independent body empowered to investigate the operations of city and county governments as well as other tax-supported agencies and special districts. They also respond to citizen complaints on government issues. A new grand jury is traditionally selected each June to begin a new term in July. This year’s recruitment was disrupted by COVID-19 and the County’s order to shelter in place to combat the spread of COVID-19. The Court has established a new timeline for selecting the next jury and it will do so largely using remote technology to conduct meetings and interviews to comply with social distancing. Anyone interested in becoming a

grand juror must complete an application by Aug. 14. Applications can be found on the Court’s website at www.santacruzcourt.org. The grand jury term will begin in October. Candidates for the grand jury must be United States citizens, at least 18 years of age, have a working knowledge of the English language and have resided in the county for at least one year. The Superior Court of Santa Cruz County is seeking a volunteer pool that represents the ethnic and cultural diversity of communities within the county. n ••• For questions, contact the Superior Court Jury Commissioner’s Office by email at jury. information@santacruzcourt.org.

Grand Jury Announces New Web Page

he 2019-20 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury announces the launch of its newly updated web page at https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Departments/GrandJury.aspx The page is user-friendly and full of topical reports evaluating local governmental agencies, plus general information about Grand Jury organization and service opportunities. Citizen complaint forms are offered in English and Spanish. Grand Jury reports (1999 to present) and agency responses to those reports are also available. Readers can choose from nine language translations in addition to English. You are acquainted to get acquainted with this important civic volunteer body — explore the new web page, read the reports, and

consider joining the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury. For info see https://www.co.santa-cruz. ca.us/Departments/GrandJury.aspx

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

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ith the Santa Cruz County jobless rate at a record 17 percent in May and unemployment claims at unprecedented levels, the nonprofit Santa Cruz Works announced at its Fourth Annual Get Hired meetup that 200 jobs are available. Doug Erickson, who heads Santa Cruz Works, turned the June 3 event into a virtual meetup because of the rules for COVID-19 social distancing. Here is who is hiring: LifeAid Beverage Co., Santa Cruz, healthy beverages that come in a can and are sold at 30,000 retailers. Co-founder Orion Melehan noted LifeAid was launched in 2011 when the county was deep in recession. Today, the company, has 80 employees, 30 working in Santa Cruz, and a new product in the lineup, ImmunityAid. Jobs available: 10, including marketing project manager, content designer multimedia, staff accountant, customer service. Joby Aviation, Bonny Doon, building an all-electric flying taxi for five people.

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Scott Berry, who oversees flight test and certification for founder Joe-Ben Bevirt, said the company, founded in 2009, got $590 million in Series C round, with backers such as Intel Capital, Toyota AI Ventures and Jetblue Technology Ventures. Jobs: 150, mechanical engineers, certification engineers, IT, flight physics, software engineers, supply chain management, human resources, manufacturing, finance, accounting CPA To Apply: Jobyaviationcom/#careers Smith & Vandiver, Watsonville, body and bath products with the Natural Products Association seal. President Jeff Sloboden said the 40-year-old company with 200 employees stayed open through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jobs: Branded and store brand account manager, purchasing expediter, R&D manager, maintenance mechanic To apply: S-Vlabs.com email In@svlabs.com or call call 722-9526. Digital Nest, Watsonville, tech training for young people. “We value a growth mindset,” said Ximena Ireta-Lopez, who oversees human resources. Jobs: Administrative assistant, accounting, systems admininstrator, educational specialists To apply: Call 831-722-6378 or email Ximena@digitalnest.org Santa Cruz County Bank, seven locations, based in Santa Cruz, nationally recognized and a leader in developing a small business application for the Paycheck Protection Program, which saved 29,218 jobs. “We are expanding into Monterey County,” said Brianna Carabba, human resources manager, noting employees get 40 hours a year they can devote to of community service. Jobs: Customer support, tellers, new accounts, loan officers, SBA loan servicing, and development officer, ebanking, security arcchitect, IT help desk project manager, training specialist , human resources generalist. To apply: Email bcarabba@sccountybank.com or call 831-457-5003 x 2132. Amazon, Alexa for Everyone in downtown Santa Cruz. John Nelson said his team is, looking for ways to help customers with disabilities. One project involves captioning. Jobs: Software development engineers, android developers, server-side developers To apply: Email Nlsonjn@amazon.com Small Business Development Center, Aptos, assists 400-500 businesses a year and helps launch 40-50-new businesses a year. Director Brandon Napoli is building out the ag team and tech team. To apply: Email Brandon.napoli@ cabrilo.edu Care from the Heart, Santa Cruz, providing personal care and housekeeping services since 1995. “Hiring” page 21

COMMUNITY NEWS

More Fishing Licenses Sold So Far This Year

n trying times, many Californians have turned to the fishing rod for relief. National Go Fishing Day arrived June 18, providing another opportunity for veteran anglers and newcomers alike to get outside, renew, recharge and soak up the California outdoors. California has issued more fishing licenses in 2020 than the state issued through this same time last year. Annual resident sport fishing license sales are up 10 percent so far in 2020. Overall, California sport fishing licenses -- which include resident, nonresident, annual, short-term and lifetime licenses among others -- are up 3 percent in 2020. Californians have discovered that fishing can provide a safe and healthy physical distancing activity and offers physical and mental relief in stressful times. Fishing can supplement a familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet with heart-healthy, low-fat sustainable protein. Fishing remains one of the limited entertainment options currently available to many Californians amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fishing seasons are in full swing statewide following some COVID-19 related delays to the start of ocean salmon seasons and the general trout opener. From

offshore tuna out of San Diego to high mountain trout in the Eastern Sierra and black bass and sunfish in neighborhood parks and ponds across the state, California anglers have nearly unlimited fishing options available to them this time of year. The surge in 2020 California fishing licenses supports anecdotal observations pouring in for months. Bait, tackle, fly

fishing shops and other outdoor retailers have reported brisk business in selling fishing equipment. CDFW wildlife officers in the field noticed an uptick in fishing activity where it was available in the early days of shelter-in-place mandates. CDFWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fish hatcheries have continued

to stock catchable trout and salmon smolts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to provide current and future fishing opportunities to California anglers. Those 16 and older are required to have a valid California fishing license in their possession while fishing. CDFW offers several fishing license options - from the traditional, annual license to one- and two-day licenses to lifetime licenses that are valid even if the holder moves out of state. Licenses can be purchased at https:// www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/ or at participating retail sales agents. CDFW provides a number of online resources to anglers at its R3 webpages to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters and anglers in California. CDFW reminds anglers to abide by all state and local health guidelines regarding non-essential travel and physical distancing. Staying home in order to stay healthy is still the best way to keep yourself and others safe. Anglers are also advised to check with local authorities on the status of access points as many site closures and access restrictions exist and may change daily. n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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ptos La Selva Fire Chief Aaron Lowe, a 20-year veteran who came here from Chico, has seen neighborhoods almost entirely wiped out by fire – except for those who had fortified their homes to make them more fire resistant. So he’s intent on spreading this message: Homeowners have to take responsibility for their properties. “CalFire has an excellent program, Ready-Set-Go,” he said during a telephone town hall Tuesday with county Supervisor Zach Friend. Lowe encourages homeowners to visit the website, Readyforwildfire.org, which recommends low-cost ways to retrofit homes for safety. Creating 100 feet of “defensible space” is a good place to start, he said. One simple but often overlooked step: Making sure your house number is clearly visible from the road. The Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District and the Central Fire Protection District covering Capitola, Soquel and Live Oak, working together, landed one of three grants awarded by the International Association of Fire Chiefs to engage stakeholders and plan a fuels reduction demonstration event. Deputy Fire Marshal Marco Mack is working on the project, which will mean testing this new approach in a high-risk canyon. Lowe said locations of concern, if fire

ORTHODONTICS

evacuation is needed, include Redwood Drive, Rodeo Gulch and Santa Cruz Gardens. Firefighters will be working with the Fire Safe Santa Cruz County, a new nonprofit working to mobilize people to protect their homes and community from wildfire. https://www.firesafesantacruz. org/about-fire-safe-santa-cruz-county Asked about a possible merger of Aptos La Selva and Central fire districts, Lowe said the consolidation “is still moving forward” but details have yet to be worked out. “We’ve validated this a good idea,” he said. Election andidates for fire board can file papers starting July 13 through Aug. 7 for the November election. With that deadline approaching, “We’re trying to figure out the best approach,” Lowe said. When one resident asked if the merger would eliminate the station in La Selva Beach, Lowe said, “It’s a hub when things go wrong,” referring to the PG&E’s extended power outages. He added, “I don’t think it would be appropriate to move it.” While some might favor having one station on either side of the freeway for reasons of response time, Lowe said he prefers a countywide approach.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Watsonville Gallery Opening July 10

‘Campesinos: Workers of the Land’ On Display thru Aug. 2

ajaro Valley Arts announce that the gallery at 37 Sudden Street in Watsonville will open on a trial basis with a limited schedule starting Friday, July 10, with operating hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

A maximum of 12 people will be allowed in the gallery at a time. No appointment is necessary, masks and social distancing will be required, and there may be a waiting period for you to enter the gallery. We have set aside Wednesdays starting July 1 for viewing the gallery by appointment only. Please email Brianna@ pvarts.org to set up an appointment for you or your SIP family/group. Your appointment time will be confirmed via email. “Campesinos: Workers of the Land” was conceived to honor the dignity of our campesinos/agricultural workers and farmers. We asked artists to create and bring us works that represent what they see, feel, and believe as they pass by our fields every day. We asked for artwork that represents the issues of dignity, labor, workers’ rights, immigration, and the duality of everyday living for migrant workers. We received incredibly personal,

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visual and audio stories that celebrate the lives and contributions of our families and community of agricultural workers. n ••• Artists Hannah Baldrige • Carlos Campos • Jessica Carrasco • Ruth Carroll • Victor Cervantes Warren Chang • Arleene Correa Valencia • Linda Curtis • Kati D’Amore • Francisco Joseph Dominguez • Jenny Dowd • Veronica Eldredge • David Fleming Armando Franco • Juan R. Fuentes • Ome Garcia • Michele Hausman • Hedwig Heerschop • Erica Hernandez • Rosa Gabriela Hernandez • Bill Kennann • Lucien Kubo • Barbara Lawrence • Yesenia Magdaleno-Solis • Mac McWilliams • Gabriel J. Medina • Jay Mercado • Jonathan Sánchez Moreno • Don Monkerud • Ed Penniman • Joel Rigler • Jaime Sánchez • Craig Sherod •

Leon Sun • Shmuel Thaler Samuel Torres Jr. • Graciela Vega Curated by: Gabriel J. Medina and Judy Stabile with Ome Garcia Juried by: Consuelo Alba, Gabriel J. Medina and Judy Stabile ••• Call 831-840-0700 or email stabilejud@aol. com for more information.

2020 County Fair Cancelled

he Santa Cruz County Fair scheduled for Sept. 16-20 at the fairgrounds in Watsonville, is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dave Kegebein, fair CEO and manager, said in an announcement posted “with a very heavy heart” on Facebook Wednesday. “These are extremely difficult times for community facilities like our fairgrounds,” he wrote. “We hope you’ll stay connected as we look forward to 2021.” The fairgrounds will convert its traditional livestock auction by junior exhibitors into a virtual online auction. About 95 animals will be available for purchase and custom meat-pack. A virtual exhibit experience is being explored for fair competitors who show off their crafts, according to Kegebein.

The Ag History Project, which is housed at the fairgrounds, is pivoting by opening an online gift shop. For information, visit agricultural-history-project. square-site. Among the gifts are face masks of fabrics featuring well-known tractor brands, Farmall, John Deere and AllisChalmers. The price is $11 each. n

“Lowe” from page 19 “Let’s have a discussion with all the agencies,” he said. “A holistic approach instead of a silo approach.” Lowe acknowledged the cellphone coverage in Aptos can be spotty, an issue for anyone using a cellphone to call 911. He said he is thankful PG&E shuts down the power when winds are high but he hasn’t gotten a briefing on the utility’s plans for this fire season. “A lot can be done to reduce exposure to wires,” he said. The COVID-19 pandemic has closed the fire station to visitors and reduced calls. Lowe said calls may be down because businesses have been closed and with everyone sheltering in place, minor injuries don’t require a 911 call.

A resident on the Community Emergency Response Team for La Selva Beach said she was concerned about 25-year-old ham radio equipment that might be needed in an emergency. “It needs to be addressed,” said Lowe. SeaBreeze Fire or residents in Rio Del Mar concerned about the burned-out SeaBreeze Tavern on the Esplanade, Lowe said he is working with the owners and the county to secure the building and prevent its collapse. The fire district’s part-time investigator hasn’t determined the origin or cause of the June 14 fire, which appears to have started on the back side of the building. New owners in Redondo Beach acquired the property for $1.04 million this year just before the county’s shelter in place order.

Supervisor Friend said the owners have not submitted plans to the county. To residents asking if recreational vehicles parked on Moosehead near the beach will be towed, Friend said an RV won’t be towed if someone lives there. As for abandoned vehicles, he said tow companies are not interested in towing them because the value in scrap metal is not worth it for them. “This is a statewide issue,” Friend said. n

“Hiring” from page 16 “It’s very rewarding,” said founder Jackie Tucker, who has 100 employees, some “with us 20 years.” Pay is $16-$17 an hour with paid vacation and sick time provided. Jobs: Care coordinator, care providers, HR manager To apply: Jackie@carefromtheheart. net or call 831-476-8316, or see www.carefromtheheart.net/jobs Big Data Federation: in Santa Clara, founded in 2015. “We predict the future, said Peter Walther, vice president of operations Jobs: Senior data scientist with PhD or masters in engineering math or statistics with 2 years experience in artificial science or machine learning. To apply: Peter@bigdatafed.com Two more opportunities are available for small businesses: GetVirtual.org, a new initiative led by Toby Corey and Nada Miljković in which college students get college credit for upgrading websites to add appointments, payment and delivery options, and Monterey Bay Interns, which allows small business owners to post internships at no charge at mbinterns.org.

UCSC Winners eetup attendees also heard presentations by the winners of the UC Santa Cruz IDEA Pitch. They are: First place and $3,000: ARbot, an automated recycling arm to sort out contaminated trash on the conveyor belt at a recycling center. Logan Fansler, on the ARbot team, said the device could save the city of Santa Cruz $22,750 a year. Details: ARbot.inquiry@gmail.com Second place and $2,000: ViBrace, a wearable device to alert the profoundly deaf to smoke and fire. Third place and $1,000: Slug Charge, a solar-powered vandalismresistant password-protected device to be installed in areas for people who are homeless to charge their cell phones. Team member Jordan Tam said it charges six phones at a time. Slug Charge also was voted by attendees as “the people’s choice” award. n ••• For more information visit SantaCruzWorks.org

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

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Grand Jury Wants City Budgets We Can Understand

By Jondi Gumz

ities are involved in risky business — and I don’t mean Tom Cruise dancing in his skivvies on the sofa. The problem, according to the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury, is that Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville have not done enough to evaluate risks that could cause a budget shock. All the cities evaluate potential hazards such as earthquakes, floods and fire and mitigations but the Grand Jury contends the cities should analyze operational and financial risks and potential interactions, explore options to control the risk, identify where investing resources would have the most impact and then do more to communicate this risk to the public. In a 60-page report, which the Grand Jury details a scenario, “Pandemic Causes Budget Crisis,” showing how a pandemic leads to emergency spending, lower revenue from service fees and lower tax revenue, none of which are under city control. Lower revenue leads to an emergency hike in service fees and reserve funds being depleted, leading to a significant budget deficit.

At this point, the city could tap a nonrecurring revenue source, reduce funding for services or reduce funding for infrastructure projects. An emergency donor network to cover specific expenses could mitigate this situation. If the choice is made to reduce funding for services, either services will be cut or maintenance will be deferred. Challenges for the analyst include confirmation bias and overconfidence bias. The Grand Jury says its analysis applies to Santa Cruz County as well. As for providing information that educates the public about public business, the Grand Jury says – despite strategic plans, budgets and comprehensive annual financial reports – these documents “fall well below the bar of transparency.” Employee pensions and their share of a city’s annual budget are a major concern for the Grand Jury. Searching for key data points such as employer contribution rate and funded ratio (assets vs. accrued pension liability) to evaluate each city’s pension risk was difficult. For example, the Scotts Valley

Salons Back in Business

air salons and barbershops got the green light May 30 from the California Department of Public Health to reopen in Santa Cruz County after being closed since March 16 to slow the spread of contagious COVID-19. Radiance Salon & Skin Care in Aptos, owned by Heather Bailey, reopened two weeks ago. JuIle Bailey, her daughter, who is a manicurist makeup artist, began

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Gina Tufo welcomes a customer at her shop, Aptos Haircut.

offering nail services Monday once they were allowed by the state. Gina Tufo, owner of Aptos Haircut Co., is cutting hair again, with customers this week braving the c o n s t ru c t i o n on Soquel Drive to install a traffic signal, railroad crossing and curb, gutter and sidewalk. Tufo took advantage of a new blue “Screaming Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Hand” floor Manicurist Julie Bailey is decal offered masked to provide services at by the county Radiance Salon & Skin Care. to remind everyone that “Clean Hands Save Lives.” The new protocol for salons and barber shops is for patrons and service providers to wear masks to prevent transmission of COVID-19. n

Comprehensive Annual Financial Report was not searchable. The state pension agency, CalPERS, assumes a 7 percent return on investment to generate funds to pay benefits but if the actual return is 5 percent, the city would have to make up the difference. A CalPERS report projected that employers would have to increase their contribution by 66 percent for public safety employees and 33 percent for other employees. Grand Jury interviews found this would result in “significant loss of staff and services.” The Grand Jury recommends that each city include a section in the annual financial report and in the budget devoted to pension risk. “Future taxpayers (in 20 to 30 years) will have to pay for services rendered today through reduction in available funding for their service needs due to unfunded liability debt payments,” the Grand Jury wrote, calling for effective transparency for residents. “Perhaps if they could view understandable data and information showing what they and their children will have to give up for overly

generous pension benefits, then political action would be possible.” The next election is coming up Nov. 3 for anyone who wants to make financial transparency an issue. n

Santa Cruz Police Show LGBTQ+ Support with Pride Patch

fficers at Santa Cruz Police These special edition SCPD Rainbow Department are sporting a new Pride Patches are available to the comRainbow Pride patch on their uni- munity for purchase, with 100 percent forms as part of an effort to increase law of the proceeds benefiting local LGBTQ+ enforcement understanding and support nonprofits. of the LGBTQ+ community. Patches are $10 each, and are sold 10 Members of the Neighborhood a.m to 4 .pm. Tuesday through Thursday Policing Team at Santa Cruz Police at the Santa Cruz Police Department Department led the charge to create, wear lobby, 155 Center St., Santa Cruz. n and sell SCPD Pride Patches for the first To purchase and receive Pride Patches by time this year. Department personnel mail, email lrobinson@cityofsantacruz.com or were inspired by conversations with com- call 831-420-5878. munity members, as well as officers who wanted to see a more inclusive Santa Cruz Police Department. Throughout June, which is recognized globally and in the city of Santa Cruz as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, officers have been encouraged to wear the Pride Patches. Chief Andy Mills said, “We encourage everyone to support this cause, buy a patch, and wear it with pride.” The Santa Cruz Police Pride Patch is available for sale to the community.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Schools Offered Suicide Prevention Training S tate Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Wednesday the California Department of Education (CDE), in collaboration with the San Diego County Office of Education, is launching a free online suicide prevention training program available to middle and high school staff and students throughout the state. “The COVID-19 pandemic not only disrupted the academic lives of our students and families, but it may have contributed to emotional and mental health challenges that some of our students struggle with,” said Thurmond. “It is important that students know that they have someone to turn to within their school community when they are feeling overwhelmed. Providing this specialized training to school staff and peers can not only be utilized to support students in crisis during the critical time we are in now, but any time a student is feeling despondent, stressful, and alone.” The funding for the program was secured by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) and included in Assembly Bill 1808, which was passed in 2018. “One of my biggest highlights of 2018 was securing $1.7 million dollars to fund online suicide prevention training for California middle and high school staff and students,” said Assemblymember Berman. “I’m thankful that the training

program is being launched across the state, particularly during this challenging and unprecedented time. As students cope with school closures and isolation, it’s absolutely critical that administrators, teachers, and students know what to look for and how to respond to help prevent youth suicide.” The online training program is called LivingWorks Start, an evidence-based program that is aligned with CDE’s Model Youth Suicide Prevention Policy to address the needs of high-risk populations.

According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages ten to twenty-four. For every youth who dies by suicide, an estimated 100 to 200 young people make suicide attempts. “One thing that’s increasingly recognized in suicide prevention efforts is that you have to engage large numbers of people,” says Rick Trimp, president of LivingWorks. “When students are thinking

about suicide, they’re likely to confide in a peer or a trusted teacher. Having students and teachers trained to recognize when someone is struggling and connect them to further help empowers the whole school community to come together and support those at risk.” The San Diego County Office of Education was selected through a competitive application to lead the effort and make the training available through their respective county office of education. The program will be rolled out in two phases, with school site staff trained first and students trained during the second phase, which will take place in September. Having trained school personnel in place will allow students to receive the proper support when they go through the program and will help them be better equipped to support students who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide. Some of the training topics include how to recognize when someone is having suicidal thoughts, intervention strategies, and connections to support services. n ••• For questions or more information, visit the San Diego County Office of Education’s Student Support Services web page or email Program Specialist Heather Nemour at heather. nemour@sdcoe.net.

California Stem Cell Research Bonds Going to Voters

n June 22, Secretary of State Alex Padilla announced that an initiative became eligible for the Nov. 3 General Election ballot. To become eligible for the ballot, the initiative needed 623,212 valid petition signatures, which is equal to five percent of the total votes cast for governor in the November 2018 General Election. A measure can become eligible via random sampling of petition signatures if the sampling projects that the number of valid signatures is greater than 110 percent of the required number. The initiative needed at least 685,534 projected valid signatures to become eligible by random sampling, and it exceeded that threshold today. On June 25, the Secretary of State will certify the initiative as qualified for the Nov. 3 General Election ballot, unless it is withdrawn by the proponent prior to certification pursuant to Elections Code section 9604(b).

The Attorney General’s official title and summary of the measure is as follows: AUTHORIZES BONDS TO CONTINUE FUNDING STEM CELL AND OTHER MEDICAL RESEARCH. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Authorizes $5.5 billion in state general obligation bonds to fund grants from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine to educational, non-profit, and private entities for: (1) stem cell and other medical research, therapy development, and therapy delivery; (2)

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

medical training; and (3) construction of research facilities. Dedicates $1.5 billion to fund research and therapy for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, epilepsy, and other brain and central nervous system diseases and conditions. Limits bond issuance to $540 million annually. Appropriates money from General Fund to repay bond debt, but postpones repayment for first five years. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments:

State costs of $7.8 billion to pay off principal ($5.5 billion) and interest ($2.3 billion) on the bonds. Associated average annual debt payments of about $310 million for 25 years. The costs could be higher or lower than these estimates depending on factors such as the interest rate and the period of time over which the bonds are repaid. The state General Fund would pay most of the costs, with a relatively small amount of interest repaid by bond proceeds. (19-0022A1.) The proponent of the measure is Robert N. Klein. They can be reached c/o James C. Harrison of Remcho, Johansen & Purcell, LLP at (510) 346-6203. The address for Remcho, Johansen & Purcell, LLP is 1901 Harrison Street, Suite 1550, Oakland, CA 94612. n ••• For more information about how an initiative qualifies for the ballot in California, visit www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/ how-qualify-initiative/.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo Extension Offers Virtual Camps & Classes

Summer Offerings for Ages 5 to 85: Cooking, Printmaking, Beekeeping

n response to Santa Cruz County’s ongoing “Shelter in Place” order, Cabrillo College Extension has moved many of its popular workshops and summer camps to a virtual format with live instruction. Classes in creative arts, culinary, health & wellness, home and garden, as well as Extension’s summer youth camps are offered via live instruction that can be enjoyed from home. Students can interact with instructors and fellow students to complete projects and learn new skills, and classes are full of instructor-led demonstrations, social interaction, and expert guidance. The Cabrillo Extension staff now works from home, but they have stayed connected to one another, and to their students, as they adapt to the virtual classroom. “The conversations we have had with our students have been so personal,” said Extension staff member Rogan Rennie. “It really hit us how meaningful these classes, workshops, and camps are to people. We knew it was important to pivot quickly and offer our classes in a whole new format.” Jill Gallo, Extension’s assistant director, said, “We are all part of this community, and we know that community education and summer camps are a way to stay active, build and nurture relationships, as well as learn new skills, so we were determined to continue offering our programs. With their inherent social interactions, our classes and camps are a great way to counterbalance the effects of social distancing.” Many of the virtual classes are offered by the same Cabrillo Extension instructors the community has come to know and love over the years. “The Extension staff has walked instructors through the process of migrating our classes to an online platform. They took time to work with me on an individual level to adjust the format and content of my classes,” said Emily Bondor, a beekeeper and educator who has been teaching beekeeping with Extension since 2016. “Overall, it’s been a smooth transition and it’s been fun to learn how to adapt to this new format.” Some instructors were skeptical about virtual instruction, because of the nature of their class content, but the experience has been positive for instructors and students alike. Melissa West, a local printmaker and printmaking instructor for Extension, was pleasantly surprised.

“Printmaking is a very hands-on process, and I was a bit worried that my students might lose some technical details working remotely, but they were all stars,” West said. “In a way, working remotely led the students to come up with some really great questions and insights that they might not have had had we met in person. The best moment was on the last day of class, when all the students shared their finished work. I was blown away by what they had accomplished.” Even Extension’s popular culinary classes have moved to a virtual platform, both for the adult classes and the summer youth camps. Sean Adams, a culinary instructor with Extension, said the experience was difficult but well worth it. “Moving to an online format has definitely presented its fair share of challenges, but the response from our students thus far has been so great!” Adams said. “Extension has created several new cooking classes and kids camps, designed just for this format, and I am really looking forward to our summer program.” “The camps are super user-friendly and creative,” says Lori Kearney, an educator from Main Street Elementary School who is teaching several virtual youth camps. “Kids complete hands-on projects in between meetings, so they are not doing everything exclusively on screen. I have also been pleasantly surprised at the kids’ collaborative spirit. They have been using Zoom for the last few months in school, so they know how it works, and are game for trying new things. They also have a great sense of humor -- we laugh about the challenges that come up and everyone seems motivated to help each other with projects.” The Summer Youth Program launched on June 15 with virtual camps, which will continue through early August. Cabrillo Extension will offer a limited number of on-campus camps during July. These half-day, week-long camps are designed to keep kids safe and healthy, while affording them the opportunity to explore content such as cooking, programming, or LEGO building. “Both virtual and in-person camps pose unique challenges this summer, but I’m so excited about what we’ve been able to accomplish!” said Alicia Bierson, Community Education Coordinator. “Whether your child attends from the comfort of your home, or is able to join us on campus, I’m sure they’ll have an awesome time at camp this year.”

Cabrillo Extension summer classes are open for registration. For information and online registration, go to: cabrillo.edu/ extension. n ••• Cabrillo College Extension Enrichment Classes and Summer Camps Camps and Workshops for ages 5 to 85 …and beyond • Open for Registration Visit www.cabrillo.edu/extension to register and for information

The 4th of July

ACROSS

1. Begone! 5. Blue 8. Instinctive motive 12. Barbershop supply 13. Cover with asphalt 14. Twist and distort 15. Dismounted 16. Tiny particle 17. Like smell of burning rubber 18. *King of Great Britain when America won independence 20. Same as pleaded 21. “Well-____ machine” 22. *Abigail Adams ____ Smith 23. *Preferred cooking device on the 4th

25. They play dead 29. Tiller’s tiller 30. Santa’s reindeer 33. Dwarf buffalo 34. Smart ones? 36. “____ the hills and far away” 37. Penicillin holder, e.g. 38. Part of both levorotary and levorotatory 39. *Like 4th of July 41. Choler 42. Egg dishes 44. Actress Close 46. *Jefferson was three and Washington was ___ 47. Medal of Honor word 49. Castle material 51. *Roman Candles and Fountains, e.g. 55. Manuscript sheet 56. Dirty money

57. Dire fate 58. Type of wrench 59. Charitable contribution 60. Genesis twin 61. Dad’s lads 62. General Services Administration 63. Job for a body shop

DOWN

1. Without a date 2. *American Revolutionary War spy, Nathan 3. Miscellany 4. Type of local tax 5. French composer of “GymnopΘdies” fame 6. Steer clear 7. Prefix for half 8. *U. S. personified 9. Steak choice 10. Power system

11. Former times 13. Saffron-flavored rice dish 14. Stares 19. Decorates with gold leaf 22. Negative conjunction 23. Jewish folklore creature 24. “Superman” star 25. Machu Picchu country 26. Remove from Pinterest board 27. Grieve 28. *Many retailers hold one for the 4th of July 29. Sign of a saint 31. *____ of Liberty 32. Rooster’s girlfriend 35. *13 of these at the start 37. Give a green light

39. *What contestants did at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 40. Ends of shoe laces 43. “____ ____ a high note” 45. What river did to bank 47. Viola da Gamba, pl. 48. Wafting pleasantness 49. Aria, e.g. 50. Comrade in arms 51. *It should never touch ground 52. Official flower of the Kentucky Derby 53. Riddle without solution 54. Obscenity 55. Like The Beatles © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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

Your July Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

Independence Day is a time for thinking of right now, not what’s coming next. This is a time when endings are inevitable, and there’s no telling where you’ll be a month from now. It’s best to accept the things you can’t change and hold steady despite your desire to move ahead. You’re feeling the need to make sure your loved ones feel safe and protected mid-month. Your strong urge to nurture and care for others makes you an excellent parent and/or friend. You’re happy to let your true personality shine through at the end of the month. Your warmth and friendliness are two of your better qualities, and you make almost everyone you come into contact with feel loved and appreciated.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

You are feeling reserved as the month begins, but you still feel the intensity and pressure that come with looking toward the future. There might not be a lot you can do to change things in the long term, but thinking about it helps. Mid-month brings sudden awareness to a part of your past that’s been keeping you from moving on. Forgiving others is a part of this, but forgiving yourself might actually be more important. Everything looks good from where you’re sitting at the end of July, but everything isn’t always as it seems. You know that old saying “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is”? Yup, that’s this energy.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

The month begins with the desire to run before you’re ready to walk. Take some time to rethink the past month and plan for where you’d like to go. The intensity you feel mid-July is unavoidable, especially if you’ve been dealing with a past hurt. Inner reflection takes you to some very uncomfortable places, but it’s needed to find the conclusions you’re seeking. Looking to other people will be difficult. Your friendliness and outgoing attitude late in the month could leave you susceptible to embarrassment and ridicule. Even though you know there are consequences that come from being an open book, you can’t imagine being any other way now.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You might not feel very celebratory early in July. When your mind is on the future, it’s hard to live in the moment. But there isn’t a lot you can do right now to change things. Communication is easier mid-month, making it easier for you to figure out went wrong the last few weeks and maybe how you can fix it. Apologies aren’t the easiest thing, but they help. You might be in the spotlight late in the month, but now isn’t the time to retreat. This a good time to show the world your hidden talents, even if it makes you uncomfortable. You deserve all the applause you get.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You are anxious to get things started early in the month. The problem is that it’s a much better time to finish what you’ve already started. Try to be patient a little while longer. Mid-month brings the green light you’ve been looking for on new projects and relationships. That patience is about to pay off! Family matters should be your top priority. Being overly confident and/or optimistic as July comes to a close isn’t a good idea, because someone or something is just waiting in the wings to tear you down. Balance is the key to riding out this energy. When you use extreme thinking, the potential is high for being way off base.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

You’re the responsible one as the nations birthday approaches. While everyone else is getting a little crazy, you’re worried about the little details and all the things that can go wrong. There’s a valuable lesson here, somewhere. Mid-July gives you a chance to forgive yourself or someone else for the hurt you’ve been feeling for the past months (or maybe even years). Everyone makes mistakes, but dwelling on the past only keeps you from having a happy future. Passion comes back into your life late in the month. If you haven’t been enjoying things because of an endless “what if” scenario playing in your head, it’s time to let the negativity go.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

Independence Day is a great time to celebrate some of your recent accomplishments! It also brings a reminder not to get too comfortable, because there’s plenty more for you to over the month. Any negative energy you’ve been feeling seems to just fade away mid-month. The next few weeks have a fun, friendly vibe that allows you to be yourself. You’re questioning some of your recent decisions late in the month. This isn’t a good time to ignore details. Take everything into account when making important life choices now, especially if they’re final.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

COMMUNITY NEWS

Calling Visual Artists to Network

By Ann Ostermann

rts Council has taken a creative pivot as we head into a fall without Open Studios: Announcing the Visual Arts Network! Artists will be able to showcase their work and build relationships with local art-lovers through this new online hub hosted by Arts Council Santa Cruz County. Debuting in October, the Visual Arts Network is a curated directory of local visual artists and their work. Participating artists will be able to share and market their work through a personal listing page, develop new skills needed in today’s digital art world, and take advantage of promotional investment from the Arts Council. The network will remain even when we are able to return to Open Studios (maybe in 2021?). Liz Crain, my Open Studios Committee Chair, described her first year in Open Studios as if she was diving into the deep end of a pool without swimming lessons. She says this network will be like stepping in at the shallow end to see what the professional art world is like, giving the artist some bearings and experience before applying to Open Studios.

The Open Studios committee and I wanted to provide some kind of safety net for the artists and the community this fall, ensuring we keep the connection that we’ve built so carefully through Open Studios. The cool thing is, this network is up for a full year, so it goes way beyond the first three weekends in October. One especially nice feature is that both Sutter Health and Santa Cruz County Bank stayed on as sponsors even though there’s no tour. We couldn’t do this work without their help! On another sweet community note, we got a Payroll Protection Plan loan to cover all the Open Studios Art Tour staff salaries through Santa Cruz County Bank. We really want to make sure all Santa Cruz County visual artists know about this affordable opportunity. Speaking of affordable, we have a limited amount of funds available to cover the $65 fee for artists experiencing financial hardship. Applications for the Visual Arts Network are open now and the deadline to apply is Monday, July 6. n ••• To apply, see santacruzopenstudios.com

You should find making important decisions a bit easier early in the month. The practical energy in the air grounds you and helps you make the decision you’ve been hesitant to make in the past few weeks. That feeling flows through the middle of the month, helping you stand up for yourself regarding an unresolved situation from your past. If you’ve always believed you were at fault, some serious soul searching will help you understand that you’re not the only one to blame. Your dreams and daydreams can be productive late in July if you focus on getting the answer to a question. Signs and symbols from your subconscious are everywhere.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

Sour energy early in the month might dampen your celebrations a bit. As much as you’d love to be living in the moment, your mind is on the future and all you have yet to achieve. A sense of deep awareness and self-contemplation fills you mid-July. You aren’t one to sit alone and reflect on your feelings, but this energy can lead to real healing if you let it. Your world starts to brighten late in the month, bringing passion, creativity, and drama. The coming weeks have a much more playful tone than earlier in the month, so enjoy the spontaneity that comes from this enthusiastic pairing.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

You feel a mellowness early in July, brings an uncertainty that makes it difficult to predict what might happen next. Stick with the basics in order to avoid making life-changing mistakes. A crisis of self-esteem and selfdoubt follow mid-month, which could be caused by something you did, meaning there’s still time to fix it. If you’re being blamed or shamed by someone else, what’s their true motivation? If they’re projecting their feelings onto you, it’s time to walk away. The latter half of the month is filled with big ideas and dramatic scenes. You’re in the mood to be seen, and you might do some pretty out-of-character things to make sure you stay relevant.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

The month begins with an unwelcome shadow on your mood. You want to be out having a good time, but the current world situation is holding you back. The lines of communication between you and someone you’ve recently lost touch with open back up mid-month. Finding the necessary words to patch things up between the two of you is within your grasp. You’re overly optimistic about something that you heard or read at the end of July, and it doesn’t help that the people around you might encourage you to overreact or embellish facts and details. Try not to believe the information you get from a third party until you verify it with the source.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Something in the air is killing your festive vibe as the month begins. It’s not that you can’t still have a good time, but the energy now is more about getting serious about the future. You breathe a sigh of relief mid-July as you feel things starting to get back to normal. This is a good time to wipe the slate clean of any negative interactions and start fresh with regard to communication. You have a desire to feel safe and protected late in the month. It’s time to evaluate what’s important to you and figure out how to let down your guard long enough so you can get it.

•••

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

Scott Hamill at Blue Fish Cove, Point Lobos

COMMUNITY NEWS

Beaches Closed; Fireworks Mean Fines

Fourth of July Brings Challenges to Enforcing COVID-19 Restrictions By Jondi Gumz

Fireworks area coming to have been and the beaches with are still prothe mistaken hibited in Santa idea they are Cruz County, open for leisure. including on Beaches the beaches and have been a hot parks. Only Wattopic for County sonville allows Supervisor Zach so-called “safe Friend, who and sane” firereported at his works in the city telephone town limits. hall that many “We have constituents medical calls want the beaches every year in open and just as our own jurismany are happy Signs spell out the beach rules in Santa Cruz County. diction,” Friend said. “Even safe and sane the beaches are closed. One question at the telephone town fireworks are dangerous.” Fireworks can also injure pets and hall was for Aptos La Selva Fire Chief Aaron Lowe: Could he enforce the ban on spark wildfires. According to Friend, the larger firedaytime beach use? Rio Del Mar State Beach, with its big works are from the Central Valley area. For Fourth of July, Sheriff Jim Hart parking lot, is particularly inviting. “Unfortunately we aren’t in the plans to increase patrols on the beaches enforcement field,” said Chief Lowe. “Rio and in neighborhoods throughout the uninDel Mar beach is not my jurisdiction.” The agency in charge is State Parks, corporated parts of the county. and Lowe said he’s willing to assist. From Friday, July Illegal fireworks on the beaches on the 3, through Sunday, Fourth of July are another hot topic. July 5, fireworks on the beach will mean triple fines, with the penalty of $1,000. Other violations subject to the triple fine are consuming alcohol in public and carrying open containers. “In the coming days we will be spreading the word to residents and vacation rental owners in hopes of making their guests aware of the fireworks ban and potential for fines,” said Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Ashley Keehn. The challenge is identifying who is responsible for the fireworks. “When someone Santa Cruz County beaches are known for attracting visitors but restrictions are in place this year due to calls 911 it’s very difficult to pinpoint COVID-19. ith Fourth of July a popular time to head to the beaches in Santa Cruz County, visitors need to know that beach closures remain in force to prevent the spread of the contagious coronavirus, COVID-19. As of Wednesday, Santa Cruz County reported 330 confirmed cases, including 21 on Monday, a jump officials attributed to unauthorized graduation gatherings. A third of the total cases have been among younger people ages 18-34. Nine people are currently hospitalized, six confirmed and three suspected, and one is in intensive care. There have been two deaths, a number unchanged since April, and 15,020 negative tests. All beaches in the county are closed from 11 a.m. — 5 p.m. by order of the Santa Cruz County Health Officer, Dr. Gail Newel. Outside of those hours the beaches are only open for physical activity such as walking and running. At all times, items such as umbrellas, shade structures, tents, BBQs and grills, coolers and beach chairs are prohibited by order of the health officer. In May, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office reported many visitors from the Bay Area, Central Valley and Sacramento

where it is,” Friend said. “When the fog rolls in, that tends to be the greatest deterrent.” Save Our Shores, which for years organized the Star Spangled Beach Cleanup on July 5 to keep trash and debris from polluting the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, won’t be doing so this year due to COVID-19. The nonprofit suggests people get outside with the members of their household and clean up their own neighborhood – following safety guidelines and using the free Save Our Shores Marine Tally Beach Cleanup app on your phone to report what you found and help with Save Our Shores’ advocacy to halt pollution. For those longing to spend a day at the beach, the message is patience. The health officer has said the beach closures would end when her order expires July 6. n Photos Courtesy Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 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.

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 survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors, and to Mondays & Tuesdays listen or share experiences. Childcare provided WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM on site. 12:30 - 2 p.m. Spanish – Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Servicios WomenCARE ARM-in-ARM support group for Monarca, 233 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville (831) women with advanced, recurrent and metastatic 722-4532 Weekdays cancers. Meets weekly Mondays & Tuesdays, with English – Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Monarch CASA ORIENTATIONS TO BECOME a separate meeting every First and Third Tuesday Services, 1590 Seabright Avenue, SC (831) 425ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN every month. 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 to register. No cost to attend. care. Court appointed special advocates are everyday www.womencaresantacruz.org Second Wednesdays 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 More info www.casaofsantacruz.org or call 831-761-2956 x102 7 - 8 pm, Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo, 10707 Soquel Dr., Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St. 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 exer7 –9 p.m., St. Stephan’s Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Ave., cising? You are not alone. Drop into a free, friendly OA a top notch guest speaker. Cost: $18. RSVP at 479-7096 Santa Cruz 12-Step meeting with the solution. All are welcome!

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONGOING EVENTS (cont.) Second and Fourth Wednesdays WELLNESS ON THE CANCER JOURNEY 11-12:30 pm, Old Soquel Plaza Learn how to safely support your body and emotions through the journey of Cancer — from diagnosis to softening the impact of chemo, radiation, and recovering well from surgery. We’ll address nausea, low energy, weakness, digestion, immune support, grief, stress and more. Feel free to bring your partner or care team to this free class. Please come fed; water is available. Limited Seats. Please register all attendees on Eventbrite — Wellness on the Cancer Journey or call 831-254-3270 to RSVP. Address given upon registration receipt. ADHD SUPPORT GROUP 6:30-8 p.m., Aptos Fire Station, 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Branch of CHADD hosts monthly support group meetings for anyone who would like to learn more about ADHD or has questions or concerns. Come share with those who understand. Second Wednesdays’ meeting is for parents of children, teens, and young adults with ADHD. The group for adults with ADHD, spouses, partners of someone with ADHD meets fourth Wednesdays of every month. Judy Brenis: jbbrenis@comcast.net, or call 831-8189619. Last Wednesdays Each Month MAGICIANS’ CLUB 7 p.m., Antonelli Club Room, 2655 Brommer St., Santa Cruz Attention Magic Lovers! Our new Magicians’ Club meets on the last Wed. of every month at 7pm in the club room at the Antonelli Mobile Home Park. If you do magic or want to get started in this fun hobby, join us. Questions? Call Jim at 685-3829 Thursdays FRIENDSHIP PUT TO MUSIC! 6:30 p.m., New Hall, La Selva Beach Club House, 3124 Estrella Ave. Classes every Thursday night. For more info call Sue Harris or Don Benson (831) 726-7053 or email at caller4u@att.net LUCKY STEPPERS MODERN SQUARE DANCE 6:30 pm, La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach, CA 95076 It’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; family friendly. Class takes place every Thursday Night at our new home in La Selva Beach! (Take Mar Monte off of Hwy 1, turns into Playa Blvd., turn right on Estrella) For more information, contact Sue Harris or Don Benson at (831) 726-7053 or e-mail at caller4u@att.net. Second and Fourth Thursdays CABRILLO HOST LIONS CLUB MEETINGS 6:30 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road. Want to make a difference in our community? Join the Cabrillo Lions Club twice every month and see what you can do to help in Santa Cruz County. Please RSVP cabrillolions@gmail.com

and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar problems, talk about how they cope and find recovery. To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please go to our website at www.nar-anon.org. DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT 12-1 pm, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, two locations: 940 Disc Dr., SV • 85 Nielson St., Watsonville Hospice of Santa Cruz County is offering a drop-in grief support group for adults grieving the death of a family member or a friend. This group is a place where you can share stories, learn tools for coping, and receive support from people who care. For more information, please call (831) 430-3000. Preregistration is required. First Fridays each month FIRST FRIDAY ART TOUR The First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The event takes place year-round and illuminates some of the most talented local artists from local galleries. To find out where to participate in a First Friday art tour, visit firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for First Friday viewings.) Saturdays PILLS ANONYMOUS (PA) 8 a.m., Sutter Hospital, 2025 Soquel Ave The purpose of PA is to provide a safe, secure, and supportive place for people who are addicted to pills who want to get off of them. PA is offered all over the world. For questions, please contact Gary at (831)801-9578 or Kristin at (831)345-6515 SANTA CRUZ TENNIS CLUB 9 a.m., Soquel High School Tennis Courts The nonprofit Santa Cruz Tennis Club meets every Saturday morning at the Soquel High School courts beginning at 9:00 am. We play doubles and mixed doubles, mostly at an intermediate level, and switch around the players every 45 minutes. Balls are provided. $2 for first time visitors. Second Saturdays Each Month 2ND SATURDAY ON THE FARM 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Ag History Project Center at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Join us every 2nd Saturday on the Farm for free family activities. Each month we select a new theme to highlight historical agriculture with games, activities, and demonstrations that relate. We often have guest appearances from farm animals like llamas, draft horses, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, and more! You are sure to find something fun and entertaining for the whole family. Check our website and Facebook page for more details. FREE

Sundays NAR-ANON SANTA CRUZ 6:30 p.m., Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (Sutter Room), 2900 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Fridays Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are NAR-ANON SCOTTS VALLEY going through similar problems, talk about how they 6:30 p.m., Camp Recovery Center (Bison Center Room), 3192 cope and find recovery. Glen Canyon Road, Scotts Valley. To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please go Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families to our website at www.nar-anon.org. n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Bronze Is The New Green

By Tony Tomeo

ronze foliage will never actually replace green foliage. Even if there were enough variety of plants with bronze foliage to do so, too much bronze would look dreary. Bronze is just another option for foliar color in landscapes with significant vegetation. It is distinct from simpler green, and contrasts nicely with gold, blue, gray and variegated foliage. Some bronze foliage is variegated too. There is all sorts of bronze foliage. Some is brownish bronze. Some is reddish. The most popular bronze foliage is rather purplish. It can be evergreen or deciduous. Annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines, trees and houseplants can provide bronze foliage. Most plants that provide bronze foliage are variants of plants that also provide bloom or fruit. Some are common. Others are rather rare. Bronze foliage is not an advantage to plants that produce it. The most efficient foliage is green. Gray or bluish foliage has the advantage of reflecting some of the harsh sunlight that could scald it in severe climates. Otherwise, foliage that is a color other than green reflects more of the useful sunlight than it should. Incidentally, dark foliage also absorbs more of the sunlight that can scald it. This is why many bronze plants are noticeably less vigorous than their greener counterparts. Although it would not be an advantage in the wild, diminished vigor makes some bronze plants more adaptable to compact home gardens. For example, the brownish bronze ‘Summer Chocolate’ silk tree will not get half as high and wide

Color like this needs no bloom.

as the common silk tree. It can fit nicely into a cozy atrium. Cultivars of purple leaf plum, Japanese maple and Eastern redbud are more familiar complaisant bronze trees. ‘Ruby Lace’ honeylocust is still quite rare. Bronze shrubbery includes smokebush, Chinese fringe flower, elderberry, barberry and ninebark. New Zealand flax, canna, houseleek, ajuga, mondo grass and coral bells are popular bronze perennials. Cordyline is a larger perennial. Bronze foliage adds a bit more color than typical green foliage. In the right situations, it is appealing bold. ••• Smokebush liche is barely avoidable regarding smokebush, Cotinus coggygria. It provides rich foliar color from spring until autumn, with uniquely billowy bloom through summer. Then, it provides exquisite fall color until winter. Then, it provides sculptural form of bare stems until spring. Smokebush ‘has it all’. . . almost. All the spectacle distracts from a lack of floral fragrance. Will anyone ever notice? Foliage is rich purplish bronze, bright greenish yellow or olive green through spring and summer. Formerly common old fashioned cultivars Smokebush seems with olive green to have it all. foliage are now rare. Nowadays, most are rich purplish bronze. Fall color is fiery yellow, orange and red. The round leaves are about one to three inches long. Purplish to pale pinkish plumes of smoke-like bloom are a striking contrast. The largest of smokebush grow at a moderate rate to more than fifteen feet high and wide. Most cultivars are more compact. They get wobbly in the ground if they grow too vigorously. Aggressive pruning during winter improves stability and enhances foliar color for the next season. However, minimal pruning of stable plants promotes bloom. Smoke tree wants full sun, but is not demanding. n Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com .

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

Business Guide

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Now is the Time to Prepare for Fire Season

ith our relatively dry winter comes the increased risk of a serious fire season. There are some things that you can do to help protect your home or business from a wildfire (or a structure fire). Here are some general tips to get started. One of the first things is to ensure that you have a home emergency plan (and evacuation plan) and practice it with your family. All homes should have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and at least one ABC-rated fire extinguisher in your home. You can sign up for emergency notices, such as Code Red at www.scr911.org to learn about possible evacuations or changes in conditions. Ensuring that the Fire Department can respond quickly also means having visible address numbers on the outside of your home and business (and if you have a sidewalk — along the curb). All homes should be kept clear of combustible debris such as cardboard boxes, rags, paper products, flammable liquids and fireplaces and wood stoves should be maintained and cleaned and inspected annually.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549

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

By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor

The topography of Santa Cruz County, and location of homes within the rural areas, means that it’s imperative to create a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home or business and the vegetation that surrounds them to prevent these structures from catching fire. The defensible space can reduce risk to both your home (from fire directly or radiant heat associated with fire) as well as to firefighters using the space to defend your property. How do you create a defensible space? alifornia State law requires that you maintain 100 feet of defensible space around your home and other buildings on your property. This is a minimum recommended amount and should be increased if your home is on a steep slope. You can create a defensible space by ensuring that trees are the furthest from your home and that elements that are less likely to burn (or burn at lower temperatures) such as lawns, small plants/beddings/high water content plants and so on are closer to the home.

For the first 30 feet from all buildings, decks and structures you should: • Remove or mow all dead plants, grass, or weeds. • Create paved or gravel driveways, walkways, patios as firebreaks • Remove dead or dry leaves and needles from yard, roof, and gutters. • Trim trees regularly and maintain a minimum of 10’ between canopies. • Remove branches that overhang your roof and any dead branches close to chimney. • Remove flammable items near any structure For the next 70+ feet from your home (extending to at least 100 feet from your home) you should: • Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4” • Maintain 10 foot clearance around woodpiles • Thin trees and shrubs and leave big gaps between plants • Remove dead or dry leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and branches from ground. How can you get more information? The Aptos/La Selva Department website — www.aptosfire.com — contains preparedness information on defensible space, general fire prevention and even the power shutoffs that have occurred. Fire Safe Santa Cruz County also maintains a comprehensive site with downloadable fact sheets and videos on how to prepare your home or business: www.firesafesantacruz.org. As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). n ••• I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/ supervisorfriend and during the shelterin-place order I’m hosting weekly tele-townhalls with County and community leaders on Tuesday nights from 6-7 p.m. The call in information for the town halls is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384# — you are welcome to speak about this issue during the town halls or you can always call me at 454-2200.

SCCAS Featured Pet

COMMUNITY NEWS

Aptos Village Roadwork Underway

T T

Turbo Is Looking For Lots Of TLC

crossword on 25 »

urbo spent 2 months on someone’s property before she realized that it simply wasn’t in his best interest to be in limbo there. She considered keeping Turbo, especially when, despite his nervousness, he started asking to come indoors, but he and her existing cat didn’t have good chemistry so she brought him to the shelter in hopes another tender-hearted cat lover would come along for him. Since being with us, Turbo has continued to be quite fearful. It seems clear that he wasn’t offered the stability and socialization that helps most animals learn to trust and to associate humans with safety and all the other good things we should offer. In spite of his fear, he shows glimpses of the sweet-natured cat that is under the worried outer persona. His eyes will often go soft when you whisper his name. He allows handling without any aggression or even protest and, with patience on the part of his handler, he begins to relax and actually seems to find some enjoyment in being petted. Volunteers have reported that when he feels safe, he shows all the signs of what a fabulous cat he has the potential to be for someone. Prospective adopters will need to be prepared for a slow, steady program of confidence building. He will likely do best as an only pet in a quiet, mellow, stable, adult-only home where he doesn’t have to battle scary environmental factors while he finds his footing. We know that a cat-savvy saint is out there for Turbo. What a rewarding partnership it will be as he starts to shine. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is currently doing adoptions by appointment only. An application must be submitted and landlord permission or proof of home ownership received prior to arranging a meet. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours 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

raffic is down to one lane on Soquel Drive as Santa Cruz County’s $2.85 million improvement project for Aptos Village gets underway. Anderson Pacific, the contractor, will install a traffic signal and ADA-compliant railroad crossing at Aptos Creek Road, new sidewalk, curb, gutter, and drainage and a fiber optic system to coordinate signals from Trout Gulch Road to State Park Drive. The expected completion date is Nov. 30. The first step is a noisy one, “potholing” on Soquel Drive and Aptos Creek Road to determine exact locations of underground utilities. Warning signs on Soquel Drive alert motorists that construction is ahead. At Aptos Creek Road, Soquel Drive is down to one lane, with a flagger. The county warns there may be delays of up to 15 minutes. Aptos resident Becky Steinbruner, who tracks local issues, said she heard from residents that one day last week, traffic was backed up to the Safeway shopping center and there was confusion for bikers by Parish Publick House. She wondered if the one lane would slow response times for emergency response vehicles such as fire engines and ambulances. “It’s just part of business,” said Aptos LaSelva Fire Chief Aaron Lowe, discussing

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

A warning sign on Soquel Drive in Aptos just past the Safeway shopping center alerts motorists to the road work ahead.

the issue on a telephone town hall with County Supervisor Zach Friend and his constituents. “Construction always means inconvenience.” Lowe said it’s not worth driving faster “when you can’t see very well,” adding, “Professionalism will reduce or mitigate exposures.” Another option, he said, is that firefighters can always ask for an engine to come from another area so as to avoid the construction site. n For project information visit aptosvillageimprovement.blogspot.com.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

The “potholing” work begins on Soquel Drive in Aptos to pinpoint the locations of underground utilities.

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

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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