Aptos Times: September 1, 2020

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September 1 2020 • Vol 29 No. 17

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Cal Fire Strategy Paying Off

From the outset, Cal Fire’s strategy was to box the CZU Lightning Complex fire in, and keep flames from jumping the box. It appears to be working, with evacuees from UC Santa Cruz the first of 77,000 exiles in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties allowed to return.

Full Story page 14

CZU Fire: Up Close & Personal Powerful Images From Kevin Painchaud

By Jondi Gumz Aptos photographer Kevin Painchaud is documenting the devastation of the CZU Lightning Complex fires.

And he’s sharing what he found with you.

On Aug. 19, he drove up Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz.

“All of Highway 1 was on fire,” he said. “It was out of control.”

The next day, he spent four hours driving along Highway 9 in San Lorenzo Valley to Big Basin State Park, the oldest in California, where flames consumed the landmark visitor center, everything but the chimney. ... continues on page 4

Federal Aid for Fire Survivors Full Story page 7

Can You Identify This Wallet Thief?

Detectives with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office are asking the public to help in identifying the suspect in the theft of a CalFire firefighter’s wallet while he was fighting the CZU Lightning Complex fire in Bonny Doon.

Full Story page 11

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No. 17

Volume 29

12

19

31

Table of Contents

9

Cover

CZU Fire: Up Close & Personal: Powerful Images From Kevin Painchaud, By Jondi Gumz

7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 21 22 24 25 28 29

Community News Federal Aid for Fire Victims • Where’s My Ballot?

Soquel Creek Water District Board Candidate Statements: (2 Seats Open) SBA Opens Virtual Wildfire Recovery Center • Italian Classes Start Online Sept. 14 • Valencia Road Closed For Storm Damage Repair • Public Hearing on Measure D 5-Year Plan Can You Identify This Wallet Thief? • Superior Court Judge Candidate Statement Banff Mountain Film Festival Goes Virtual • ‘Top Dog’ Film Festival Moves Online September 20-25 County Board of Education Area 6 Candidate Statement • Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Candidates Cal Fire Strategy Paying Off, By Jondi Gumz Second Harvest: Food Distributions Through September Ways to Help Those Displaced By Fires, By Susan True Burglary Arrests in Evacuation Zones, By Jondi Gumz • COVID-19 Case Update Community Bridges Aids Fire Evacuees, By Jondi Gumz Refuge in a Firestorm Cabrillo Board of Trustees Statements • Pajaro Valley School Board Candidate Statements Cabrillo Teacher Finds A Way, By Jondi Gumz Cabrillo Welcomes Evacuees, By Jondi Gumz • Watsonville Seeks Pinto Lake Concessionaire Dominican Hospital Asks Non-Emergency Patients to Seek Care Elsewhere • Valley Churches United Relocates Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Claimants

Letter to the Editor 23 Off the COVID Monitoring List: What Does It Mean for Schools?: Letters To The Community From the Santa Cruz County Office of Education

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Your November Horoscope

8 9 26 27

Featured Columnists How to Find Your Safe Place, By Jo Ann Riniti, Ph.D. The Way Forward Through Chaos, By Rene Schlaepfer ‘Big Business’ Isn’t Evil — It’s Essential, By Ron Kustek Aptos Teacher: Water is Survival: Soquel Creek Water District Embraces Community Partnerships #InThisTogether, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 30 COVID-19 and Fire Updates and Resources, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District 31 Collecting Seed For Another Season, By Tony Tomeo

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Nora The Explorer

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COVER STORY publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers Camisa Composti, Jondi Gumz, Susan True, Jo Ann Riniti, Rene Schlaepfer, Ron Kustek, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Zach Friend, Tony Tomeo layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti advertising sales Don Beaumont, Teri Huckobey Cathe Race

office coordinator

Bill Pooley, James Hudson

distribution

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“CZU Fire” from page 1 “All the hills were smoldering,” he said.

“I didn’t want to go any further. I saw a lot of destruction.”

On Wednesday morning, CalFire reported the fire covered 80,137 acres and was 19% contained, with 1,697 personnel assigned to the task. A total of 538 structures were destroyed, 527 in Santa Cruz County, and 77,000 Santa Cruz County residents were evacuated.

Painchaud said the Boulder Creek Golf Course “looked fine.”

So did Little Basin — although the LittleBasin.com website reports “severe damage” and the campground will be closed until further notice. Guests and staff were evacuated safely, according to the website.

His assessment: “The (redwood) old growth is fine, which is amazing.”

Painchaud drove up to the 3,200-acre Swanton Pacific Ranch in Davenport, 15 miles north of Santa Cruz, where the Swanton Pacific Railroad Society had operated a historic milelong railroad with a diesel locomotive.

“A lot of people who worked there asked me for photos,” he said.

The railroad society’s website at https:// sprr.calpoly.edu/ has few details other than to say “at least some of our buildings were damaged or destroyed.”

Driving up Felton Empire Grade, Painchaud was surprised because he did not see much destruction.

“A lot of homes on this side of the hill are saved,” he said.

He also photographed Aptos residents lining the street by the Best Western Seacliff Inn, cheering and holding hand-made thank-you signs for the out-of-town firefighters departing in their engines before dawn to their shift. That show of gratitude was organized by Lisa Lonsdale Haux.

This week, the rain and fog buoyed Painchaud’s spirits.

On the Aptosia Facebook page, he wrote, “I’m feeling very optimistic.” n ••• All photos courtesy of Kevin Painchaud

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Federal Aid for Fire Victims A Presidential disaster declaration clears the way for immediate aid for CZU Lightning Complex Fire survivors.

As a result of President Trump’s major disaster declaration, both Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration are offering disaster assistance to Santa Cruz County survivors as a result of the wildfires that began on Aug. 14.

California businesses and residents who suffered damage or losses from the wildfires must register for disaster assistance.

FEMA Process EMA has programs that may provide some financial assistance for eligible survivors. The aid may include assistance for housing and other disaster-related needs such as child care, medical and dental expenses.

First, if you have not already done so, contact your insurance company and file a claim for the disaster-caused damage you have suffered. You do not have to wait to start cleaning up, but be sure to take photographs or video of the damage and keep all receipts for repair work.

Applicants will be asked for the following information: • Address of the damaged primary dwelling • Current mailing address • Current telephone number • Social Security number • Insurance information • Total household annual income • Routing and account number for checking or savings account (this

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allows FEMA to directly transfer disaster assistance funds into a bank account) • A description of disaster-caused damage and losses To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must first register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.disasterassistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA app on your smartphone or tablet, or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585.

Spanish speaking survivors can go to https://www.disasterassistance.gov/es.

The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program’s mission is to provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through data-sharing efforts among federal, tribal, state, local and private sector partners.

Examples of assistance that can be provided include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover.

Federal funding is also available to the state, tribal, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofits on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures by wildfire in Santa Cruz County.

Willie G. Nunn is the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the

assessments are fully completed.

FEMA is also offering aid to six more counties with wildfires: Lake, Napa, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo.

Lost Wages EMA Administrator Pete Gaynor approved California for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program.

FEMA’s grant funding will allow California to provide $300 per week — on top of their regular unemployment benefit — to those unemployed due to COVID-19.

FEMA will work with Gov. Gavin Newsom to implement a system to make this funding available to California residents.

On Aug. 8, President Trump made available up to $44 billion from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial aid to Americans who have lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Aug. 21, the state of California agreed to administer a lost wages program for citizens unemployed due to COVID-19.

California is the 17th state to be approved for this aid program. To learn more about the lost wages supplemental payment, visit: https://www.fema.gov/ fact-sheet/fema-lost-wages-supplementalpayment-assistance Firefighting Assistance he Federal Emergency Management Agency has authorized the use of federal funds to help the state of California in combating the CZU Lightning Complex fires in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties.

On Aug. 20, the state requested a “Fire Management Assistance Grant” for the

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Examples of assistance that can be provided include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover.

CZU Lightning Complex. At the time, the fire threatened approximately 8,593 homes in the communities of San Lorenzo Valley, China Creek, Boulder Creek, Bonny Doon, Felton, Zayante, and Scotts Valley. The fire also threatened critical resources and infrastructure, including communications, transportation, power and gas distribution infrastructure; public schools; juvenile and adult detention centers; and area fire stations.

The FEMA regional administrator approved the state’s request on Aug. 20, as the fire threatened to become a major incident.

These grants provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. Eligible costs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire. n For details, visit fema.gov/assistance/ public/fire-management-assistance.

Where’s My Ballot?

he Secretary of State’s “Where’s My Ballot?” tracking tool is now available to voters in all 58 California counties.

All California voters can now sign-up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to receive automated notifications about their vote-by-mail ballots by email, text, or voice call.

“With every active, registered voter receiving a vote-by-mail ballot this fall, ballot tracking will be a critical part of our election planning as we continue to confront the COVID-19 pandemic,” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. “Voters and elections officials’ ability to track ballots through the USPS is important for transparency, accountability, and voter confidence.”

To promote the tool, the Secretary of State’s office sent an email Tuesday about

the new tool to all Californians who provided an email when they registered to vote.

Voters who sign up for “Where’s My Ballot?” will receive automatic updates when the county elections office: • Mailed the voter’s ballot.

• Received the voter’s ballot.

• Counted the voter’s ballot.

• Has any issues with the voter’s ballot.

Voters who sign up for “Where’s My Ballot?” will also receive communications from their county elections office about election deadlines and polling place changes. n

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

How to Find Your Safe Place

By Jo Ann Riniti, Ph.D. “May I be safe and protectedStrong and healed—and most of All live with the ease and grace of A loving heart” ••• his is how I start my day. It helps to take the “sting out”—just a bit—as my heart is pierced each and every day with the multiple tragedies and natural disasters which have become a daily occurrence.

Whether you are reeling from the backdrop of COVID-19, the murder of George Floyd, the soaring temperatures, lightning strikes and subsequent wildfires—we are all in this together and we are in deep. It is no wonder we all feel dazed and confused. How could we not?

As a psychologist, I am marinated daily in these issues. Holding pieces of each person’s story, how they are particularly pierced--their struggles, their small yet significant successes, connections, ability to bridge the gap of fear with another human being.

We need one another. We are mammals, pack animals, village dwellers, and what we are being chal-

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lenged with upsets the very core of our irritable behavior, sleep disturbances, being. We desperately need to connect, exaggerated startle response, and at to reach out to those we love, those in times a sense of unreality as if in a dream need, and at the same time there is a col- (DSM-5). Does this sound familiar?

I believe most, if not everyone is lective paralysis. experiencing Fear--not some of these just fear— symptoms and terror.

What while they are is happening disturbing and is too big, too demanding of much, it’s hard our time, effort to know where and energy, to begin. there are some Tr a u m a ways we can by definition learn to help is “exposure ourselves settle to actual or and soothe. To threatened have moments death, serious of peace and injury or sexual stillness.

To v i o l e n c e .

Jo Ann Riniti, Ph.D. find a lily pad, Symptoms include intense psychological distress an oasis of “Right now, I am okay.”

A few basis tips for self-care and at exposure to internal/external cues (people, places, things), persistent stress reduction can go a long way. First, negative beliefs or expectations about try to maintain healthy, sleeping and eating patterns. oneself, others, and the world.

Balanced diets with limited alcohol Feelings of detachment from others,

and sugar can give your body the fuel it needs to keep your immune system intact.

Exercise, even walking (when the air quality allows) is great! One foot in front of the other, not a race but a nature walk. Open your senses to your surroundings. Try and find “surprises” in the world, a new bird, flowers blooming, two squirrels playing tag.

Let your eyes search these experiences out and let them be there too next to the fear and uncertainty and breathe.

Even if you don’t want to walk, take a few minutes each day to ground yourself, literally by placing both feet (barefoot is preferable) on the earth.

Feel your connection to the earth.

You are Nature. We are all rooted to this earth, this planet. Imagine roots from the soles of your feet reaching down below into the earth, creating an underground network of root systems connecting to all other beings.

Feel how the roots of one reaches out to support, to connect to others, just as our majestic redwoods here in Aptos.

“Riniti” page 10

COMMUNITY NEWS

Soquel Creek Water District Board Candidate Statements Bruce Daniels Water Scientist/Director ProtectWater.info Bruce@Protect.Water.info s a climate scientist specializing in coastal water resources, I’ve worked for decades to bring our resource-threatened community a new drought-proof, safe, sustainable water supply. Other efforts have failed while our rivers dry.

With climate change predicting megadroughts, this is truly our last chance to prevent saltwater intrusion and maintain highest water quality.

I’m proud to place my Ph.D. in Hydroclimatology in the service of the Soquel Creek Water District, headed by an accomplished team of scientists, environmentalists and practical professionals who have trusted me as current President of the Board of Directors.

Previously, I was appointed twice by the Governor and elected Chairperson of our California Regional Water Quality Control Board. From owning a business to volunteering on the Save Our Shores

(2 Seats Open)

A

Bruce Daniels

Tom Lahue

Technical Advisory Committee, my skill is using substantial science to provide the most public good within budget constraints.

I have specialized training, but I’m also a customer like you. The pandemic has made us more aware of water’s place in our health, but affordability is critical now, too. Our Soquel Creek Water District must act quickly to use hard-won millions of dollars in grants and loans with strict time limits to construct PureWater Soquel.

I thank you for your community spirit and beg for your support to conquer a problem that’s still fixable.

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

Corrie Kates

Maria Marsilio

Tom LaHue, 66 Veterinary Surgeon/Director www.protectwater.info Tom@protectwater.info am dedicated to protecting our groundwater and accomplishing our goal of having a sustainable, clean, safe, reliable, high-quality water supply for both current and future members of our community.

As a Soquel Creek Water District Director and Chair of the Santa Cruz MidCounty Groundwater Agency, I continue to work towards that objective utilizing my knowledge and experience in coastal water issues, my scientific background, and common sense.

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I provide a strong voice for protection of water quality and have a reputation for serving with integrity, studying each issue carefully, being fiscally responsible, listening, and thoughtfully considering the best choice for the long term in a fair manner.

I served on the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, and as the founding president of the Santa Cruz Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. I taught Environmental Science at Aptos High School for 14 years.

Excellent conservation efforts have been made by the people of our district, however a supplemental water supply is necessary to protect our groundwater from being ruined by seawater intrusion. We have made significant progress towards developing a groundwater replenishment project. I am committed to seeing this project through to completion and protecting the water supply of our entire mid-county region.

“SqCWD Board” page 12

FEATURED COLUMNIST

The Way Forward Through Chaos

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By Rene Schlaepfer

t was already a tough year: The corona- self-sacrifice. King felt that selfless loving virus, civil unrest, a national reckoning action is what makes a person, and a on racism, a divisive presidential nation, truly great. Jesus’ sacrifice was part of King’s own narrative as an example of election. moral courage.

Then the fires happened.

But suddenly King was overcome with What’s the way forward through this kind of chaos? It’s very personal for me. tears: “I never will forget the experience…

The church I help lead runs a camp near something overwhelmed me, I fell to my Big Basin where generations of Santa knees. Before I knew it, I was weeping. I Cruzans had their first summer camp started thinking in a way that I’d never experience: Camp Hammer. While we have thought before of the meaning of the cross.

The cross…tells us not only about not yet been able to conclusively the moral commitment of Jesus determine the extent of the fire Christ, but it tells us about the damage, all indications point to love of God himself. What is the catastrophic destruction. cross but God’s way of saying The very good news is that to a wayward child, ‘I still love the entire staff and their families, you, and I am willing to go any about 20 people, are safe. length…in order to redeem you.’”

The bad news: They lost But the cross was only the everything else. Their experience is shared by scores of others in Rene Schlaepfer first half of the storyline.

“From that cross, there was a little our county, many of whom sheltered at our walk, maybe about seventy-five feet. They church last week.

How does anyone get through that? told us that this is the tomb where Jesus To handle tragedy, everyone seeks a story was buried. But our guide said, ‘I want you line. This how we make sense of our world. to know that this tomb is empty. He is not Consciously or subconsciously, we write a there now.’”

King continued, “This is our hope. narrative to explain our experience.

So what’s your story line? How you The tomb is empty. Jesus lives…This is frame your experience can bring courage what keeps us going. This is why you can go out with new hope for the future. No or fear, hope or despair.

This week I read a sermon preached matter how dark it gets…let us not be disby the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in illusioned. So often we’ve been crucified.

1959 where he talked about the narrative We’ve been buried in numerous graves… that framed his life: Two events from a But I’m here to tell you, the resurrection reminds us…God will bring the light of 2,000 year-old story.

Dr. King described his visit to the day out of the darkness of midnight.”

The storyline that kept King going? ancient Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the place where Jesus Christ is The cross (self-sacrifice and death) leads to thought to have been crucified and buried. the empty tomb (hope and new life). Out He told how he stood first before of crucifixion there can be resurrection. a cross, stirred by the example of Jesus’ I believe this. Our communities can rise

again better than before. We can grow closer together, less afraid, more eager to understand.

Last week I met with our camp staff hours after the fire. We sat at our church, in a large circle, face-masked, socially distanced, crying.

Then Eric Swanson-Dexel, our camp director, turned to one of his daughters.

Through tears he said, “I want you to remember the meaning of your name…

Phoenix.

The bird who died and then rose out of the ashes to new life. We chose that name for you because our faith tells us, out of ashes, new life rises. And I want to tell you, new life will rise out of the ashes of camp.”

That’s the gospel story line.

Out of the ashes comes new life. Out of this crucifixion there can be a resurrection.

Is that your storyline now? Then you can face anything. n ••• Rene Schlaepfer is pastor at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, which is making parking

Photo Credit: Kevin Painchaud

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Eric Swanson-Dexel announces the closure of Camp Hammer 2020 due to COVID-19. Reports make it unlikely that Camp Hammer has survived the fires.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

SBA Opens Virtual Wildfire Recovery Center L ow-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Santa Cruz County businesses and residents as a result of President Trump’s major disaster declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Jovita Carranza announced Monday.

The declaration covers Santa Cruz, Lake, Napa, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo counties as a result of the wildfires that began Aug. 14.

“SBA is strongly committed to providing California with the most effective and customer-focused response possible and with access to federal disaster loans to help businesses and residents affected by this disaster,” said Carranza. “Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.” In consideration of the public health concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic, SBA established a Virtual Business Recovery Center on Aug, 24 to provide per“Riniti” from page 8 Take time for a daily body scan.

Start at your head, noticing any tension or runaway thoughts, and try to send a deep breath to relax that furrowed brow.

Spend a few minutes on your head, moving into chest, arms, belly, legs and toes. If you have trouble feeling a certain area, try squeezing that area tight (make a fist and then slowly release). Feel the difference of a tense vs. a relaxed muscle.

sonalized assistance to business owners.

SBA also opened a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to help homeowners and renters. Customer service representatives will be available to business owners and individuals to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application.

Hours for the two virtual help centers will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays – Fridays at FOCWAssistance@sba.gov and (916) 735-1500.

These services are available only for the California disaster declaration as a result of the wildfires that began Aug. 14, and not for COVID-19 assistance.

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment,

inventory and other business assets.

SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofits of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.

Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Interest rates can be as low as 3 percent

for businesses, 2.75 percent for private nonprofits and 1.188 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must first contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.disasterassistance.gov. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/.

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (916) 735-1500 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov for more information on disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. n

Make sure to connect with others, be it social distance, zoom, or any creative way you can find. Remember if you are using electronics, try to stay grounded in your own body while talking to someone.

Experiment with ways of not feeling disconnected or “too heady.”

Have a glass of water nearby, share a story and memory that deeply connects you to another. And ask for help, for support with friends, family or a professional.

These are unprecedented times. Usually

as a psychologist, I am not experiencing in “real time” the exact same traumas as my clients, allowing or affording some clinical distance/perspective. But these days, we are all in the same sea. Perhaps in different boats, but definitely in the same sea.

So, I get to and/or have to practice each and every day to help steady my own boat. There is no magic pill. I wish there were. But I do believe in the end, we all want the same thing-a safe place to land.

May we be beacons to one another and

help one another stay clear of the rocks.

May we each be granted safe passage. Keep on the lookout for “the helpers.” They are out there, sometimes where we would least expect it. n ••• JoAnn Riniti, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in Aptos. She is practicing loving kindness with herself, her community and the four-legged friends who join her in the wilds of Redwood Village. She can be reached at 831-427-8282.

public hearing via Zoom at 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, Sept.

3, to provide an opportunity for feedback about how it plans to spend voterapproved Measure D revenues over the next five years.

The RTC will consider plans for projects in these regional categories: • Highway Corridor: auxiliary lanes, bike/pedestrian bridges, safety programs, and traveler information • Active Transportation/Coastal Rail Trail • Rail Corridor: analysis and maintenance • San Lorenzo Valley/Highway 9 Corridor

• Community Bridges Lift Line Paratransit Projects The draft five-year plans and staff report will be available on the RTC website at least 72 hours before the hearing at: sccrtc.org/meetings/commission/ agendas/.

For board consideration, provide comments no later than noon Sept. 2 to: info@sccrtc.org or provide comments by participating in the hearing via Zoom. The web address is https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89674106616 Dial-in number is +1-669-900-6833 / ID:422744 Broad community participation is encouraged to ensure an informed decision-making process.

More information about Measure D can be found online at: www.sccrtc.org/ move. n

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Italian Classes Start Online Sept. 14 ante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz announces online classes beginning Sept. 14. Students can choose from Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced and Conversation.

Beginners will engage twice a weekMondays and Thursdays to help put them on firm footing. Classes (1-hour sessions) are offered both mornings and evenings to give students the best choice for their schedules.

Spots are limited. Discounts are given to members. Consider becoming a member.

To join or register for classes visit. www. dantesantacruz.com For additional information email: dantesantacruz1265@gmail. com.

•••

D

Valencia Road Closed For Storm Damage Repair he County of Santa Cruz Department of Public Works reports that the road closure on Valencia Road at post mile 2.43, near the intersection with Flume Road, will continue through Monday, Aug. 31, weather permitting.

The extension of the road closure is necessary for completion of the soil nail wall.

Motorists should use the posted detours during this phase of construction.

Up to date information on county-maintained roads in Santa Cruz County is available online at http://www.sccroadclosure.org/.

••• Public Hearing on Measure D 5-Year Plan he Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission will hold a

T

T

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Can You Identify This Wallet Thief?

D etectives with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office are asking the public to help in identifying the suspect in the theft of a CalFire firefighter’s wallet while he was fighting the CZU Lightning Complex fire in Bonny Doon.

The wallet was stolen from his vehicle, which was parked at the Bonny Doon Fire Station on Empire Grade Road, during the overnight hours between Aug. 21 and Aug. 22.

The suspect used one of the stolen credit cards at the Shell Gas Station in Capitola and at Safeway on 41st Avenue in Soquel.

The suspect is a man with lightcolored, shoulder-length hair, last seen wearing a green SF Giants hat, white/ black checkered face mask, black T-shirt, light blue jeans and black Vans-style shoes.

If you have any information, call Detective Nathan Kenville, 831-359-8813. n

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Superior Court Judge Candidate Statement

Annrae Angel No statement filed ••• Nancy de la Peña, 62 Assistant County Council www.Nancy4Judge.com Nancy4Judge@gmail.com will bring experience, integrity and diversity to the Santa Cruz County Superior Court.

During my 34 years as both a Santa Cruz County Public Defender and an Assistant Santa Cruz County Counsel, I handled thousands of cases, including adult and juvenile criminal matters, child protective cases and gun violence restraining orders.

I

“Judge” page 13

Annrae Angel

Nancy de la Peña

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Banff Mountain Film Festival Goes Virtual G et off the beaten path and explore the edge of believable with exhilarating stories from the 44thBanff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival. The Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz will host this Virtual Screening Sept. 16 – Oct.17.

Stand on the highest peaks, paddle through

the coldest waters, and be a part of the gripping adventures in this year’s Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour.

From exploring remote landscapes to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films selected for this world tour covers more than 40 countries.

Be moved. Be inspired. Don’t miss out.

Local sponsors are Adventure Sports Journal, Bicycle Trip, Santa Cruz Waves, Santa Cruz County Bank, Santa Cruz Bicycles There will be three programs to choose from, or buy a bundle including all three. For tickets visit https://www.riotheatre.com/ events-2/2020/9/18/banff-centre-mountainfilm-festival-world-tour n

Thabang — Wandering Fever

Reel Rock

‘Top Dog’ Film Festival Moves Online September 20-25

C

elebrate the canine connection through this carefully curated collection of heartwarming stories about dogs and their people when the Top Dog Film Festival — Santa Cruz offers a virtual screening Sept. 20 – 25.

Meet dogs from all walks of life from the comfort of your home. From the surfing dog of Huntington Beach, the bus riding pooch of Seattle, the husky dogs of Alaska to the working dogs of Australia, the pull on your heartstring is guaranteed to be strong.

Meet four-legged heroes, unbreakable bonds and canine companions that enrich the lives of all those they encounter.

Experience heartfelt stories of people who dedicate their lives to improving the outcomes for man’s best friend and take “SqCWD Board” from page 8

Corrie Kates Retired Businessman vote for me to lead Soquel Creek Water District will ensure more transparent leadership to represent you. I have 32 years of experience in managing large municipal projects upwards of $100 million.

My governmental and private experiences make me the right choice. I have also managed and prepared municipal budgets and made cuts to budgets when there is a need ensure continuation of municipal services.

I believe in long range strategic planning and working with local agencies in collaboration to provide long-term affordable sustainability.

My experiences allowed me to facilitate and guide joint venture projects with local water purveyors including grant funded projects and State and Federal Agencies. Such projects include recycled,

A

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

a look at the lighter side of the pet-owner relationship.

These short films are from independent films makers around the globe. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.

Local sponsors are Pacific Paw, Pet Pals, Community Mobile Vet, Dr. Hannah

Good, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing and Santa Cruz Waves. n Tickets are $15. Get tickets at https://www.adventurereelstv.com/film/ top-dog-film-festival-santa-cruz/ For more information visit https:// www.riotheatre.com/events-2/2020/9/12/ top-dog-film-festival

Lure of the North

recharge, storage and water transportation projects.

I have prepared joint powers agreements with water Districts and other local agencies for emergency water services and rate re-structuring.

I believe in transparency and budgeting within your means and not spending funds that are not available. I can make a difference as your next Board of Director to guide the Soquel Creek Water District, in their decision-making. I can and will help them make the right choices while being mindful and listening to the ratepayers that support the District.

Maria Marsilio, 64 Human Resources Director katesandmarsilio.com hrmarsilio@netzero.com 831-688-0365 y goal, if I am elected to the Board, is to bring demonstrated leadership in building collaborative and productive relationships in order to find viable, research based, scientifically data driven,

M

environmentally sound, cost effective solutions that have been tried and true to the District.

I will work hard to reduce waste and to listen to the needs of community members, business leaders, and farmers. There are a number of solutions that will satisfy our water requirements such as groundwater management, water transfers, aquifer recharge, rainwater harvesting systems, environmental protection, equitable water rates, and promote economic prosperity.

The water problems we face are complex and require a multi-faceted solution. I raised my 2 children in Aptos and am an active volunteer in the community. My Master’s Degree in Industrial Psychology from San Jose State University and over 20 years of senior management experience as well as my analytical abilities, conflict resolution skills, and consensus building approach has proven invaluable to finding solutions to a broad range of complex issues. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Board of Education Area 6 Candidate Statement Ed Acosta, 51 Agriculture Manager/Commissioner/Father www.electacosta.com ed@electacosta.com 831-228-2858 ote for Ed Acosta for County School Board. Vote for Ed Acosta and expand Career Technical Training.

Vote for Ed Acosta and our Kids will get Real Jobs that make Real Money. Vote for Ed Acosta and bring back hands-on vocational trade school education. Vote for Ed Acosta and expand English/Spanish job opportunities for our students.

Ed Acosta is a Father of three children, all born and raised in the Pajaro Valley. Ed proudly serves his community as a City of Watsonville Planning Commissioner.

Ed Acosta is the Treasurer for Independence Square Board of Directors. A local non-profit organization dedicated to housing the Senior and Disabled.

Ed Acosta is a true Leader bringing an experienced and successful track-record of accomplishments in business: Certified background with multi-million dollar Berry Industry, Food Safety Officer, Audit

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Oversight and Analyst, Good Agriculture & Manufacturing Practices For the past 28 years our Pajaro Valley community has been represented by the same voice. These School Bureaucrats often do not have to compete for your vote.

It’s time for change!

I’m running for County Board of Education to give Voters a choice and to give our Students a better chance at a great education. Vote for Ed Acosta for County School Board.

••• Dana Sales Real Estate Broker No statement filed

Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Candidates

John Kegebein, retired CEO Stephen G. Rider, regulatory manager

“Judge” from page 11 These years of trial experience has taught me that listening and treating people with respect is vital in our system of justice. My commitment to honoring these values not only helps ensure I will be a fair and effective judge but has also led to endorsements from many people and groups who, as a lawyer, sat on the other side of the table from me in court.

I will work hard, listen carefully, generate new ideas and serve our entire community.

I have earned the respect, support and endorsement of numerous Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judges,

••• Neither candidate filed a statement

California Assemblymember Mark Stone, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart, members of both the Santa Cruz County Public Defender and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney, the Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and the Santa Cruz County Women’s Democratic Club.

Santa Cruz is my community. My wife, Janet, and I raised our two daughters in Santa Cruz, where I coached local girls’ soccer teams for ten years.

I served on the Board of Directors of Familia Center, the Santa Cruz County Women Lawyers, and the Santa Cruz County Bar Association.

I would be honored to receive your vote. n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cal Fire Strategy Paying Off

F

By Jondi Gumz

rom the outset, Cal Fire’s strategy was to box the CZU Lightning Complex fire in, and keep flames from jumping the box. It appears to be working, with evacuees from UC Santa Cruz the first of 77,000 exiles in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties allowed to return.

As of Wednesday night, the fire, which started Aug. 16, covered 80,137 acres in the two counties — with 21% contained and 1,982 personnel, an increase of 300, assigned to the task.

A total of 590 structures were destroyed, 579 in Santa Cruz County; damage assessment is 55% complete.

Tad Jones, 73, of Last Chance Road in Davenport, a hard-hit area, was the first casualty; he was found on his property. A 63-year-old Felton woman was found dead in her home Monday; her name has not been released.

Three people have been found but three are missing, according to Chief Chris Clark of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, identifying them as Henry Reinke,

Scotts Valley to report 70, Micah Szoke, 37, their progress. and Shane Smith, Battalion Chief 21. Missing persons Mark Brunton and can be reported to Assistant Chief Billy 831-471-1121.

See described the For evacuees strategy to box the fire wondering when in by creating “lines” they could return — defensive trenches home, Clark said wide enough to Wednesday it could prevent embers from be “a day or days” for blowing across.

Scotts Valley, a city This task was of 12,000, “days or a accomplished relaweek” for Felton, “a week to weeks” for Firefighters prepare for another round fighting the tively quickly in the protecting Ben Lomond, and CZU Lightning Fires in front of Bonny Doon Church. south, the heavily forested “weeks” for Boulder Creek and Bonny Doon where the fire UCSC campus and the city of Santa Cruz, damage is so extensive, with downed but it’s much more challenging on the east power lines and trees in the roadways. along Highway 9 in Felton, Ben Lomond, PG&E is following firefighters into areas Boulder Creek and in Bonny Doon where terrain is steep and homes are interspersed deemed safe to restore power.

Cal Fire Deputy Chief Jonathan Cox among the redwoods. Crews work by hand has hosted daily press conferences at 6 a.m. because the job can’t be done by bulldozers.

For the first week, smoky air grounded and 6 p.m. at the firefighters’ base camp in

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

Cal Fire aircraft and helicopters. Once the air cleared, they dumped 1.6 million gallons of water.

On Thursday, a critical operation was scheduled in San Lorenzo Valley — a burn designed to “control the fire on our terms,” as See put it. The job was expected to take 24 to 30 hours but was delayed a bit, first by a weather change, and then by a brazen theft of the commander’s personal protective equipment by someone who broke into his truck.

If the burn is successful, residents of Scotts Valley would be protected and could return home, with the other communities to follow, as long as roads are safe, and gas, electric sand water service are available.

Water is a concern because the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, which serves San Lorenzo Valley and part of Scotts Valley, had three tanks damaged, reducing storage capacity by half. Emergency repairs have been authorized.

“Cal Fire” page 21

COMMUNITY NEWS

Second Harvest

Food Distributions Through September

S

econd Harvest Food Bank made extra food available last Friday to serve fire-evacuated residents.

The nonprofit is committed to providing community-wide drive through distributions as long as need continues.

The schedule is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays through September.

Aug. 28: SANTA CRUZ: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Sept. 4: WATSONVILLE; Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Sept. 11: SANTA CRUZ: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Sept. 18: WATSONVILLE; Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Sept. 25: SANTA CRUZ: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk To learn more, call the Community Food Hotline at (831) 662-0991 or visit thefoodbank.org.

This drive through distribution is for residents of Santa Cruz County. If you need food assistance and live in San Benito county, call (831) 637-0340 and for food assistance in Monterey County call (831) 758-1523. n

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831.479.6000 • www.bayfed.com • 888.4BAYFED * Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Based on approval of credit with credit score (Experian FICO V9 Auto Score) of 730+, up to a 51 month term on the rate and term, for the refinance of a 2015 or newer vehicle. Rate example includes a .25% reduction for member loyalty of having a mortgage or checking account open prior to 4/1/2020 and a .25% reduction for enrollment in automatic payments. Payment per $1,000 for a 51 month term is $20.58 based on 2.24% APR. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. Maximum loan amount is 110% of Kelley Blue Book Adjusted Retail Value plus GAP. Your actual APR may vary based on your credit history along with the age and mileage of vehicle financed. ** First payment will be deferred for 90 days. Based on approval of credit with credit score (Experian FICO V9 Auto Score) of 640+. Minimum loan amount to qualify for the 90 day payment deferral is $10,000. Interest will continue to accrue from date of loan disbursement and becomes due once payments begin.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Ways to Help Those Displaced By Fires

S

By Susan True

anta Cruz County, already struggling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now in the midst of another disaster--the CZU August Lightning Complex Fires. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated, we’re facing unknown loss of homes and property, and thousands of acres of our beloved forests have burned.

The Community Foundation has established the Fire Response Fund to support our county’s residents who are affected. Donations to the fund will be distributed to nonprofit agencies and organizations directly assisting individuals to meet needs as they arise.

100% of donors’ gifts will be used for grantmaking. All donations are tax-deductible.

The request for help has been heard, with donations coming from across the country.

Evolving Needs We are in close communication with trusted nonprofit partners who serve the communities affected and those in harm’s way. They are evaluating and responding to needs from the fires as the emergency evolves.

Together, we’ll work to address the short and long term needs of displaced residents through the generosity of people like you — neighbors helping neighbors.

Visit https://www.cfscc.org/ updates/fire-response-fund-grants to learn more about how your donations are helping.

Photo Credit: Stacey Marie Garcia

A line of cars waits to drop off donations for evacuees at the county’s Emeline warehouse.

Actions To Take 1. GIVE SUPPLIES The County of Santa Cruz is coordinating and accepting donations at two sites Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Santa Cruz County Warehouse: 1082 Emeline, Santa Cruz South County Donation Site: 114 Walker Street, Watsonville View the County’s Fire Resources website to view the items needed https:// www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/FireResources. aspx (scroll down to the “How to Help” section on the main page).

2. DONATE TO THE FIRE RESPONSE FUND Any donation size will help. Make an online donation here. https://www.cfscc. org/donate/fire “Help” page 20

A map showing where national donations to the area are coming from.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Burglary Arrests in Evacuation Zones

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ooters and burglars targeting areas evacuated by the CZU Lightning Complex fire have been a problem.

On Friday, deputies with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office arrested five people — Jose Gandarilla, Susana Luna, Crystal Araujo, Sara Loretz and Crystle Parstch-Lucchesi — in the Fall Creek Drive area of Felton on looting, burglary and grand theft charges.

Deputies said when they tried to stop two cars, one driver stopped, but the other fled and the car ended up in a ditch.

“We’re aware of eight cases so far,” said Sheriff Jim Hart at an impromptu Sunday afternoon press conference with District Attorney Jeff Rosell to highlight their concern.

Those arrested for looting will be prosecuted, Rosell said, and those who pricegouge can expect prosecution as well.

On the weekend, 90 law enforcement officers were patrolling and protecting the evacuated areas, Bonny Doon, Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Brookdale, Felton, and Scotts Valley to stop burglars and looters.

Two-thirds of those officers were from other communities; the city of Santa Cruz and Watsonville each provided 10 personnel and Alameda County provided 30.

On Monday, 79 law enforcement officers were patrolling for looters, 33 deputies and the rest from other jurisdictions.

They followed up on 17 calls about suspicious vehicles and made two arrests, one a man, 49, from Santa Cruz, who had $5,000 cash, binoculars and a video camera, and the other was a woman, 51.

“It’s against the law (to be in evacuated areas),” said Deputy Chief Chris Clark, noting a resident who had returned got a citation.

The Sheriff’s Office is not letting anyone into the evacuation zones in the unincorporated parts of the county due to the danger.

Fire may move unexpectedly and tree branches weakened by fire may fall.

“We understand there are things that were left behind, but again it is too dangerous to let people back in at this time,” the Sheriff’s Office posted on the agency’s Facebook page.

This week, Clark said there were no arrests for burglaries in the evacuated areas, which he took as a sign that the number of officers deployed is having an impact.

Anyone who sees looting or suspicious activity on a security camera is asked to call dispatch immediately, 831-471-1121. n

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By Jondi Gumz

Jose Gandarilla

Susana Luna

Crystal Araujo

Sara Loretz

Crystle Parstch-Lucchesi

COVID-19 Case Update

O

n Monday, Santa Cruz County reported 86 new COVID-19 cases, the second most since 96 cases on Aug. 10.

The county has 1,714 cases overall as of Wednesday, with 1,265 active.

Of the total cases, 59.7 percent are Latino, more than half are in Watsonville and 36 percent are millennials age 18 to 34.

Daily hospitalizations have ranged from 9 to 15 for most of August. During July, as many as 5 people with COVID-19 were in ICU beds but that number has dropped to one or two in August.

As for testing, positive cases has been 7 percent or lower during August, with 36,810 negative test results.

On Tuesday, the California Department of Public Health released guidance regarding the in-person supervision of cohorts of children or youth in educational and childcare settings. A cohort is a stable group of no more than 14 children or youth and no more than two supervising adults in a supervised environment. n Details can be found at: https://www. cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/ COVID-19/small-groups-child-youth.aspx

COMMUNITY NEWS

Community Bridges Aids Fire Evacuees

By Jondi Gumz

M

ountain Community Resources in Felton, a program run by the 43-year-old nonprofit Community Bridges, is closed due to the CZU Lightning Complex fire but Community Bridges has been active in supporting residents evacuated from San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley — and the firefighters, too.

“We have made the newly installed shower facilities at Mountain Community Resources in Felton available to firefighters,” said Amy Hanley, marketing & communications manager at Community Bridges.

With more than 45,000 county residents ordered to evacuate, Community Bridges purchased food, hygiene supplies and water for the county evacuation shelter sites, and staff and volunteers assembled kits for individual use.

Central Coast Energy Services donated “a huge amount of sleeping bags, personal protection equipment and hand sanitizer” which Community Bridges delivered Saturday to the newly opened shelter at Harbor High School in Santa Cruz.

Starting Friday and over the weekend, efforts were made to reach out to people who are homeless to make them aware that shelter is available when the air outside is so smoky.

“Word of mouth is important,” Hanley

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Community Bridges staff and volunteers assemble supplies for individual use. said, noting it’s harder to look up shelter resources on a cell phone.

She said providing paper copies of a flyer with resources is a strategy that’s working.

One more resource: Community Bridges’ LiftLine service is providing transportation throughout the county to seniors and people with disabilities. To reach Lift Line call 831-688-9663. n ••• To support Community Bridges with a donation, visit http://communitybridges.org/ covid19/#bbox-root

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“Help” from page 17

“We’re

overwhelmed

and

100% of donors’ gifts will be used grateful for the thousands for grantmaking. All donations are generous donations to the Fire tax-deductible.

Response Fund which have 3. VOLUNTEER come in from all over CaliVolunteer at a Fire Shelter in Watfornia and across the nation. In sonville, Santa Cruz or Soquel. https:// a time when people are already s c v o l u n t e e r c e n t e r. o r g / v c _ b l o g / fire-safety-and-how-you-can-help/ stretched financially from the Learn about opportunities COVID-19 pandemic, folks are through the Volunteer Center. https:// coming together. It’s this spirit s c v o l u n t e e r c e n t e r. o r g / v c _ b l o g / of kindness that gives me hope fire-safety-and-how-you-can-help/ that we will be able to rebuild Help pack and distribute food with and heal our beloved comSecond Harvest. https://www.themunity, together.” foodbank.org/volunteer/ — Susan True Resources The County’s Fire Response website is the best location for current information. group for mutual aid. Post what https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/FireRe- you need and what you can offer. sources.aspx https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 4. STAY INFORMED santacruzcountyfireassistance/ CAL Fire San Mateo–Santa Cruz Unit Santa Cruz County Fire Assistance Latest evacuation orders and most up to Community organized mutual aid. Post date info is posted on their Twitter page: what you need and what you can offer. https://twitter.com/CALFIRECZU https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/ Map of fires and evacuations with d/1cw5alx8tNIWjpLN3XdhWSEqA7F3 zones. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/ YMntk-GupPNcuJAs/htmlview# stories/f0121f7f2f0941afb3ed70529b2cee75 Resilient Together List of road closures https://www. e are grateful to our firefighters, sccroadclosure.org/index.html the County, our local news outlets, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s disaster service workers, and all of those Office https://www.facebook.com/ working tirelessly to keep Santa Cruz SantaCruzSheriffsOffice/ County residents safe during this chalCounty of Santa Cruz Emergency Ser- lenging time. vices https://twitter.com/sccounty As with past local disasters, there will Help To Be Received be a long road ahead for individuals recov1. DIRECT AID ering from devastation. But Santa Cruz Victims of the fire can start an appli- County has always stepped up to help cation for federal aid at disasterassistance. neighbors in need and we believe it will be gov or 1-800-621-3362. the same now.

American Red Cross: Call 1-866-272The Community Foundation was 2237 for assistance. created to meet disaster with generosity 2. SHELTER & PARKING SITES and action. In times like this, giving locally Map of current shelter & parking sites is especially critical. As we’ve done for past and occupancy on the Santa Cruz County fires, floods, earthquakes, we embrace our website: role to inspire local giving that meets local In English https://www.co.santa-cruz. needs. n ca.us/FireResources.aspx ••• En Español https://www.co.santa-cruz.

Susan True is executive director of Comca.us/FireResources/FireResourcesSpanish. munity Foundation Santa Cruz County. aspx 3. FOOD Family Resource Calendar Food pantry, meal sites, crisis support, and healthcare. http:// craft-cfscc-prod.s3.amazonaws. com/uploads/AUGUST-BilingualFamily-Resource-Calendar.pdf Need Food? Call the Community Food Hotline (831) 662-0991 4. TRANSPORTATION Need a ride to an evacuation center or other safe destination in Santa Cruz County? Call Lift Line at (831) 688-9663 5. MUTUAL AID Santa Cruz Fire Assis- A map showing known or suspected damage from the CZU tance & Resources Facebook fires.

W

COMMUNITY NEWS

Refuge in a Firestorm N ormally at this time of year, the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds would be getting ready for the annual county fair, 4-H kids and their animals, garden produce, crafters and collectors, and an extravaganza of food booths and entertainment.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for physical distancing to slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus, that event is not taking place.

“Cal Fire� from page 14 Looters were a concern, with multiple arrests made, until the Sheriff’s Office bolstered its forces with personnel from around the county and out of the area, as many as 90 officers on the weekend to deter burglars.

Another issue has been people returning to their property to check on their homes and retrieve forgotten items, potentially causing conflicts with firefighters’ plans to dump water or retardant, or worst case, residents trapped by fallen branches or power lines, requiring a rescue.

One man was cited after he tried

However, 500 people evacuated by the CZU Lightning Complex fires have sought refuge at the fairgrounds, according to Jeannie Kegebein, CEO of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation.

That’s not all.

Kegebein estimates 180 horses, 500 chickens and rabbits, 300 goats, sheep, lambs and pigs and 20 exotic animals are here, too. That doesn’t include the pet dogs

to sneak back home, using a back way, getting lost and spending two nights in the woods until a friend of his called deputies.

Clark said the search took 126 hours plus a helicopter to extricate him out of the terrain, and a deputy was injured riding a mountain bike to the rescue.

On Tuesday, Santa Cruz County released a map where property owners can look up their address and check the status of their home: https://www. santacruzcounty.us/FireRecovery/DamageAssessmentMap.aspx A green marker indicates no damage.

Orange means 26-50 percent damaged. A red marker means destroyed. n

and cats that evacuees are keeping in their tents, many of which were donated.

And there’s a hospital set-up and a clothing store.

Restaurants and individuals have brought food for the evacuees. “The community has been so generous,� said Kegebein.

She feels a personal connection – “my old home burned,� she said. n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo Board of Trustees Statements Area 5

Leticia Mendoza Executive Director Leticia.4.cabrillo@gmail.com 831-840-3246 believe in promoting social and economic opportunities in our community through access to quality education. I am a graduate of WHS Class’79. Earned a BA in Economics from UCSC in 1984, a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Masters from the Doctoral Program in Urban Planning from Columbia University.

My professional experience includes visiting faculty and program assistant at UNAM and Duke University. Since 2009, I have been working as an Executive Director for a nonprofit in Watsonville; managing State funded contracts and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations for preschool and youth programs. I have been participating in county-wide efforts to assess and support staff professional development, and in partnerships to assess and address community needs.

My professional experience, academic background and community involvement provide me with the expertise and understanding of the complex issues involved in addressing the educational needs in Watsonville.

As a student I had the opportunity to be involved in various programs and received support to follow my career path and expand my personal and professional development. For these reasons, I understand the importance of providing an inviting, inclusive and effective learning environment to prepare students to pursue their career, professional and personal goals.

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Leticia Mendoza

Felipe Hernandez

Felipe Hernandez, 49 Watsonville City Councilmember/Veteran voteforfelipe@gmail.com 831-707-4382 orn and raised in Watsonville, attended local schools, enlisted in the Army at 17 as Combat Medic. Proudly served in the 1st Cavalry Division in the Persian Gulf War, earning numerous medals.

Attended Cabrillo and Gavilan Colleges, before transferring to UCSC and graduating with a degree in Community Studies. Worked as a Political Organizer with the UFW and SEIU to help improve the quality of life for working families.

Longtime involvement in Santa Cruz County and state Democratic Parties. I am a proud member of the American Legion Post 121 and VFW Post 1716.

I served as Mayor of Watsonville, the ViceMayor and as a Councilmember for 9 years.

Some of my accomplishments include: fought Sacramento to return $4.4 million to Watsonville, negotiated 90 days extension and relocation assistance at Crossroads stores, approved over 250 new homes, created our region’s best skate park for our youth and brought FedEx Regional Hub, creating over 400 jobs.

Cabrillo faces new challenges and I am ready to do the same.

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Edward Banks

Steven Trujillo

I have served my country and our community my entire adult life. I respectfully ask for your vote to be your representative on the Cabrillo College Board of Trustees.

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Area 7

Edward K. Banks, 71 Insurance Broker edbanks@kbkinsurance.com 831-722-4226 Age: have had the pleasure and honor to serve as Area VII Trustee for the Cabrillo Community College, representing portions of Watsonville, San Benito County, North Monterey County and the southern part of the Pajaro Valley area since 2012.

I am deeply committed to providing the best educational opportunities for all our residents.

I have lived in the Watsonville area most of my life. I attended public schools, graduating from Watsonville High School, Cabrillo College, and Sonoma State.

As a local business owner, I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility and will do my part in helping guide the college during the next four years. I believe in volunteering and service to help our community expand educational opportunities for everyone.

For 25 years I was a Reserve Firefighter for the City of Watsonville. I have served

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in leadership capacities as a Board member for: Cabrillo College Foundation, Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Watsonville (Past President), Watsonville Firefighters Association, Watsonville National Little League, Watsonville YMCA, and Watsonville YWCA. I am committed to helping our residents realize their dreams of attending college, transferring to a 4-year university or obtaining the necessary technical training in preparation to enter our everchanging work environment.

Steven Laird Trujillo, 67 Author and Educator cruztbone@yahoo.com 831-479-4159 ur community college system is dysfunctional. It does not serve all the populations of our community.

I’m a Santa Cruz county resident since 1998. I was a Monterey county resident for 15 years prior. I served as an ad hoc counselor at De Anza College in 97-98. I served on the Santa Cruz city school board from 2010-2014. I served as a bilingual teacher to CA students for 36 years.

My life is dedicated to public service.

Last October, the Diversity Center of Santa Cruz county recognized me as a “Hero of the Community”. Past pro bono service: MAPA and LULAC in Salinas, Retired Teachers of Santa Cruz county, Friends of the Library and the YMCA in Watsonville, Pajaro Village HOA in Watsonville.

Cabrillo has not had a successful tax override election in 16 years. Many in our community don’t feel Cabrillo serves them.

We are in the middle of a historic depression.

Taking ever increasing tax amounts from homeowners is not a solution. My job is not to warm a chair; my job is to bring needed change. Vote Trujillo for Cabrillo November n

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Pajaro Valley School Board Candidate Statements Area 3

Oscar Soto, 49 Essential Worker/Veteran/Father oscar@votosoto.com votosoto.com 831-665-2502 ote Oscar Soto for PVUSD School Board.

As a husband, father, and 25+ year resident of the Pajaro Valley, it is clear that we need stronger representation for our community on the local school board.

Parents have watched over the years as precious funding and educational opportunities have been lost to schools in the northern portions of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. I will be your voice

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and fight for your children’s equal and fair share of PVUSD resources.

As the former Supervisor of Maintenance for PVUSD, I have seen firsthand the neglected conditions in most schools.

Simply put, our kids deserve better!

I will take both real-world experience and the fresh energy of a new School Trustee to properly fix these big problems.

I am extremely proud to accept the support of the Pajaro Valley Classified School Workers: CSEA Chapter 132. Classified employees work hard every day on behalf of our children. Santa Cruz County Supervisor Greg Caput also enthusiastically endorses my candidacy.

Hiring, paying, and keeping qualified

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

Teachers and staff to support our Students is critical. Elect new leadership that works for all our kids.

“Voto Soto” for PVUSD School Board.

Thank You. Amanda Hernandez Patient Care Technician, Monterey Filing montyzee88@gmail.com No candidate statement •••

Area 6

Maria Orozco Incumbent/UCSC Financial Aid and Scholarship Adviser votemariaorozco.com vote4orozco@gmail.com was raised in Watsonville in a family of hard-working, dedicated, and deter-

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mined individuals. I am a product of our PVUSD schools, a wife, and a proud mother to my three sons.

I graduated from Santa Clara University with degrees in Pre-law, Political Science and Communication, and a Masters in Governance from the California School Board Association.

After graduating, I returned to Watsonville to serve my community.

As the only Latina currently on the board, I have demonstrated a deep commitment to equity and access to a quality education for all students.

“PVUSD Board” page 25

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Off the COVID Monitoring List: What Does It Mean for Schools?

Letters To The Community From the Santa Cruz County Office of Education Santa Cruz County has been Removed From the State Monitoring List ear Families of Santa Cruz County, Today we learned that on Aug.17 Santa Cruz County was removed from the California County COVID-19 Monitoring List. If Santa Cruz County is able to remain off the monitoring list for 14 consecutive days, there is a possibility we could consider plans to transition to in-person instruction per California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance. However, there are a number of questions and barriers remain at this time before Santa Cruz County Schools could safely and effectively reopen.

Once our county is able to remain off the County Monitoring List for 14 consecutive days, the decision to reopen schools must take into account a variety of local factors, including the capacity to respond appropriately to a potential outbreak.

CDPH recommends that once in-person instruction resumes “surveillance testing is implemented based on the local disease trends” and that we maintain the capacity to test, at minimum, 25% of school staff every two weeks.

Santa Cruz County does not currently have enough testing capacity to meet this requirement, nor adequate contact tracing.

We are actively working with County Public Health to increase our county’s ability to secure adequate surveillance testing for the school community and offer training to help increase local contact tracing capacity.

It is crucial the decision to reopen schools in our county be done carefully and that we avoid any hasty actions that could cause a surge in COVID-19 cases in our community. In addition, it is possible that we could become flagged on the County Monitoring List once again and be required to close schools once more. This “on again, off again” effect can be destabilizing, confusing and traumatic for students, as well as challenging for teachers and school staff to implement.

We will continue to review the local public health conditions, work with County Public Health, our local school boards, and school stakeholders to determine the best course of action. Santa Cruz County School Superintendents are committed to ensuring that schools only open when our local Public Health authorities announce

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that our county and school community have the resources to reopen safely and minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community.

Additional Information For the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at: https://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.

••• Elementary School Waivers for In-Person Instruction (Originally sent out July 27) ear Families of Santa Cruz County, Gov. Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) included a footnote within the new guidance set forth for schools earlier this month to allow both public and private elementary schools to submit a waiver that once approved would allow schools within counties who are flagged on the state’s County Monitoring List to offer in-person instruction provided they can meet all required social distancing and sanitation requirements.

While the waiver application process is being developed, waiver applications will not be available until our county’s testing capacity is robust enough to respond to confirmed COVID-19 cases if they arise in schools that have reopened with a waiver.

The footnote from the new CDPH guidance regarding waivers reads as follows:

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“A waiver of this criteria may be granted by the local health officer for elementary schools to open for in-person instruction. A waiver may only be granted if one is requested by the superintendent (or equivalent for charter or private schools), in consultation with labor, parent and community organizations.

Local health officers must review local community epidemiological data, consider other public health interventions, and consult with CDPH when considering a waiver request.”

The new CDPH guidance also states: “Once schools are reopened to at least some in-person instruction, it is recommended that surveillance testing be implemented based on the local disease trends. If epidemiological data indicates concern for increasing community transmission, schools should increase testing of staff to detect potential cases as lab testing capacity allows. School staff are essential workers, and staff includes teachers, paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers, janitors, bus drivers, or any other school employee that may have contact with students or other staff.

School districts and schools shall test staff periodically, as testing capacity permits and as practicable.”

For school sites that wish to offer in-person instruction, robust COVID-19 testing for the educational community will be a crucial element in avoiding a resurgence of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county, along with other measures such as contact tracing, completion of thorough safety training for school personnel, and

the implementation of safety protocols at school sites.

Through funding provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the County is working to significantly expand local testing capacity in partnership with UCSC and local health care providers. However, it is anticipated that it will take some time for Santa Cruz County to develop the necessary systems to move forward with opening the waiver process for review. The local Public Health Officer must approve any school-specific waiver application prior to submission to the state for final approval.

Santa Cruz County Schools and our local public health authorities are committed to working together to oversee the elementary waiver process to ensure that our educational community remains safe.

Our educational community is grateful for and depends on our partnership with our local Public Health authorities to ensure the safety of our students, families, and staff by minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission at school sites while maximizing learning opportunities for students.

We will continue to work to ensure that all students in Santa Cruz County are safe. n ••• Yours in health and equity, 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 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

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo Teacher Finds A Way

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By Jondi Gumz

ennifer Vered, who chairs the Computer Applications Business Tech Department at Cabrillo College, wanted to make sure her students had the textbooks they needed before classes began Aug. 24.

On Friday, she was in the Cabrillo parking lot in Aptos handing out loaner textbooks, next to where dozens of out-of-town fire trucks had parked, staging for the CZU Lightning Complex fires, which has forced evacuation of 77,000 people from their homes in Santa Cruz County.

The fires, which have spread to 80,000 acres, came on top of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected 1,698 people in Santa Cruz County, 36 percent being millennials ages 18 to 34.

The pandemic, which arrived in mi-March, forced all instruction from kindergarten to college to move online.

Among those evacuated by the fires were Vered, her husband and their son, who’s in middle school, who left their home in Ben Lomond.

She said her son had been eager to return to classes and see his friends, but he’ll have to patient.

Because of the fires, the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District will be closed through Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Vered said many of her students at Cabrillo qualify for financial aid but the money doesn’t arrive until three weeks into the semester. So she applied for a grant to provide loaner textbooks to students to ensure they can follow her lessons.

This is the third year she’s been able to provide loaner textbooks.

The books are returned at the end of the semester and loaned out to the next semester’s students.

Her philosophy: “We’ll figure it out.” n

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

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Jennifer Vered, who chairs the Computer Applications Business Tech Department at Cabrillo College, hands out loaner textbooks to students on Aug. 21, ahead of the first day of class Aug. 24.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo Welcomes Evacuees

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By Jondi Gumz

amilies from San Lorenzo Valley evacuated by the CZU Lightning Complex fires found shelter last week at Cabrillo College.

The college opened a parking lot for people to camp out, providing showers and WiFi. Erik Slaughter, his wife Christine and his parents, Del and Nadja Slaughter, came from Boulder Creek.

He said his family has goats and chickens that they let out so they could run to safety.

The Slaughters’ son Ben is a firefighter with the Boulder Creek Fire Protection District.

The information Erik had on the fire Friday had him

feeling hopeful but the added, “I know we’re not out of the woods yet.”

Erik works remotely for Roebbelen over the hill, and he said Friday that the company had been supportive.

Jim Hughes, his wife Cindy and their two sons, a dog and two cats came from Felton. He works for Bruce Mechanical in Santa Cruz.

He said neighbors have dropped off food, water and food for their pets.

Red Apple Café of Aptos brought food, and an Aptos man came by, handing Hughes $800 worth of gift cards, asking him to make sure it goes to people in need. n

Watsonville Seeks Pinto Lake Concessionaire

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roposals are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 11 for management operations and services for the City of Watsonville’s Pinto Lake Park. The new concessionaire will begin operations on or about Nov. 2 (start date is negotiable).

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Jim Hughes and Erik Slaughter at their Cabrillo campsite in Aptos.

1980s Lyrics

Sustainable business practices tare required. n ••• For details, see www.cityofwatsonville. org/DocumentCenter/View/14134/Pinto-LakeConcessionaire-RFP-FINAL?bidId=

“PVUSD Board” from page 22 I have supported data-driven, proven initiatives focusing on the whole child that have contributed to the tremendous progress made in students’ academic, socialemotional learning, physical well-being, and college and career readiness.

I am a proponent of transparency, accountability, and inclusive decisionmaking. Together, we have the opportunity to continue to advance academic achievement; increase parent involvement and mental health services; improve special education outcomes, and retain and attract the best to work for our district.

My sole purpose is for our students to graduate with 21st century skills and thrive in college to become successful professionals and productive members of our community. With your support, we can accomplish this and more for our students.

Adam Bolaños Scow Environmental Advocate www.AdamScow.org he Pajaro Valley Unified School District is failing too many of our students.

Our students suffer from a shortage of full-time teachers, counselors, and staff members. These shortages impact schools in Watsonville, Freedom, and Amesti, where facilities are falling apart. Some schools don’t even have clean water.

We need major reform, starting at the top. For too long we’ve had administrations that are out of touch with our community.

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Maria Orozco

Adam Scow

This year the administration and board voted to fire vital staff while spending $5 million to renovate administrative offices.

Unacceptable!

As a board member, I will work to trim the administration’s bloated budget and redirect that money into our classrooms.

We must raise salaries for teachers and staff so we can retain quality people.

I will fight to secure career preparation programs for good jobs in teaching, health care, and agriculture. We must build stronger partnerships with Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz.

Finally we must navigate the coronavirus with honesty to protect our community.

I’m the grandson of farmworkers, the son of teachers, and a UC Berkeley graduate. As California director for Food & Water Watch, I helped ban fracking in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties to protect our water.

Now I’m ready to fight for our students! n

ACROSS

1. Lascaux and Mammoth, e.g.

6. At the stern 9. Eyeball rudely 13. Inuit boat 14. And not 15. Sing like Sinatra 16. Manicurist’s file 17. Old-fashioned “before” 18. *”If you __, I won’t cry. I won’t waste one single day” 19. *”Steve walks warily down the street with the brim pulled way __ __” 21. *”She’s just a girl who claims I am __ __” 23. “Play it, ____,” from “Casablanca” 24. Boris Godunov, e.g.

25. *”All right stop collaborate and listen, ____ is back...”

28. Between Phi and Kappa 30. Restriction limiting use of lights during air raid 35. J.D. Power awards competitors 37. *”Oh, back on the chain ____” 39. Ann Patchett’s novel “Bel ____” 40. Slightly 41. Algorithmic language 43. French “place” 44. Kind of potato masher 46. Brickowski’s brick 47. Cleopatra’s necklace 48. Canine’s coat 50. Sol or fa 52. Nat’l Institutes of Health 53. *”____ Christmas, I gave you my heart” 55. Trinitrotoluene 57. *”You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar when I ____ ____”

60. *”I wanna dance with somebody, with somebody who ____ ____” 64. Lithograph, for short 65. Holstein sound 67. Radio sign 68. Killed, like dragon 69. Commotion 70. Yiddish shrew 71. Sleep in rough accommodations 72. Gourmet mushroom 73. Cancel an edit, pl.

8. Weight of refuse and chaff, pl.

9. Black and white cookie 10. One from Goa 11. *”And I’m never gonna make it like you do, making ____ out of nothing at all” 12. Compass reading 15. One of religious orders 20. Last letter of Greek alphabet 22. Experienced 24. Sine over cosine DOWN 25. *”I long to see the 1. Whispered from a sunlight in your hair prompting booth and tell you time and 2. Shells and such time again how much 3. *”Meeting you with a ____ ____” ____ to a kill” 26. Northwoods dwelling?

4. Brings home the 27. The Goldbergs sibling bacon 29. *”Cuase I’m your 5. First U.S. space station ____ cool one, and 6. Again I’m built to please” 7. *”Hello, is it me you’re 31. Scotch ingredient looking ____?”

32. Kitchen tear-jerker

33. Wombs 34. *”Ooh, what’s the matter with the crowd I’m seeing? Don’t you know that they’re out of ____?”

36. Petals holder 38. *”Wake me up before you ____” 42. It creates instant millionaires 45. Count on, two words 49. One from Laos 51. Emissaries 54. Poison ivy or Poison oak 56. Religious doctrine 57. Venus de ____ 58. Greek Hs 59. Not that 60. Pilot’s stunt 61. Not loony 62. Catcher’s gear 63. Geological time periods © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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

Your September Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

September is starting by bringing some uncomfortable memories to the forefront. Pushing emotions to the side isn’t a good idea now. You’re extremely in tune with, which should allow you to work through problems with minimal angst. Some of your verbal battles could get pretty nasty mid-month despite your attempts to be nice. You definitely prefer to reach an amiable compromise, but you’re not a pushover. Your emotions are becoming more balanced near the end of the month. This brings some new energy, giving you a clean slate on which to write your future dreams. People envy your grace and charm as you embrace your optimistic future.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Your month is off to a good start. Your intuition is heightened, and your dreams are vivid and meaningful. Use your creativity to paint someone a picture, either literally or figuratively. You’re feeling a need to watch what you say, how you say it, and who you say it to mid-month. Your goal should be to avoid confrontation, but if someone wants to get in your face over and over, you’re not going to keep backing down. You have a natural wall up that’s preventing people from getting in late in September, and you also have some major trust issues.

It’s not impossible, but it will take someone pretty special to get you to open up.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You’re more in the mood to compromise than argue early in the month, putting you in a perfect mood to play ref between two fighting friends or act as a liaison between two combatant co-workers. Your sense of fairness is nondiscriminatory. It’s hard to keep yourself from setting goals a bit too high mid-September. It might be best to start small in preparation for building up to bigger things. You might want to remind yourself late in the month that it’s important to be patient and focused while working towards your goals. It would be nice if everything just effortlessly fell into place, but that’s just not how life works.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Passion can make it hard to maintain your composure early in September. The atmosphere is encouraging you to live in the moment, which isn’t necessarily bad. Sometimes it’s good to lose yourself in the moment.

Some of your loose ends are ready to be tied up mid-month; things that may have been overlooked recently, details that you may have missed. Everything will be fine once you start focusing on the details. You are fully back on track as the month comes to a close. Your goals are clear, and you have the strength and patience to see them through to fruition. A raise, promotion, or similar advancement is likely in the near future.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

Your temperament early in the month is making you an excellent online facilitator. Fairness is your number one priority right now, and you’re committed to making sure that all parties are satisfied. Mid-month finds you in a bit of an awkward position when you’re the last to know some surprising or unexpected news. Was someone afraid to tell you the truth, or was it an oversight? Finding out is the first step in being able to move forward.

Late in September you’re in the mood to be coy or play hard to get. If you’re playing with the right person, they could be sexy or cute. Pay attention to their reactions and go from there.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

Your empathy is on display as the month begins. Whether its volunteering at a shelter or giving your time or money to a welfare organization whose views align with yours, your efforts matter. You’re struggling to maintain your energy mid-September, making it hard for you to push through on a current project. You’ll pull out of this slump, but it might be a while. You pull out of your tailspin late in the month, setting you back on track in both personal and business pursuits. Your goals are crisp and precise, which is just what you need to reach the success you’re looking for.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

You’re feeling illuminated by insight early in September. If you’ve been searching for an answer to a difficult life problem, you find it a bit easier to do so in this moment. It’s hard to maintain your normal positivity through the middle of the month. Because you might struggle in leadership roles for a while, this isn’t the best time to volunteer your services or take the initiative. Thankfully, these low-energy periods shouldn’t last long. You’re surrounded by an air of mystery late in the month, meaning you’re not sharing any intimate details right now. Your friends may be used to you being open and honest, but for now your sudden mysteriousness is intriguing.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Your intuition is at full capacity early in the month, so pay attention to your dreams and other signs from your subconscious. Those little feelings you’re getting are leading you toward the direction you should be taking. There may be some unexpected news or events coming into your life mid-month. It may be difficult, but embracing them can lead to some very interesting (and positive) experiences. A renewing strength flows through you late in September, reminding you what a blessing your ability to be patient is. Your goals might not happen on your exact timeline, but you have faith (and evidence) that they’ll materialize eventually.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You’re feeling very grounded early in the month. Getting to the point is your main priority, and you have much greater attention to detail than usual. Resist the urge to criticize someone just because they aren’t communicating in your preferred way. Your health is in the spotlight mid-September, urging you to address any problems or issues you’ve been having of late. Being diligent is imperative now. As you experience a perfect balance between lightness and darkness late in the month, enjoy the sights and sounds of a brand-new season. It’s a time to be grateful for the bounty you’ve already received as you look forward with optimism toward great things yet to come.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Your sensitivity is reaching new heights as September begins. Whether you’re committed to doing something small for a loved one or something on a larger scale for the world, your loving attitude during this time helps make the world a better place. Some stress is building up between you and someone important mid-month, maybe a loved one or co-worker. A compromise might be difficult, so it might be best to wait until the aggression dies down before suggesting a truce. Late in the month your curiosity is peaking, helping you do research on a topic you’ve been interested in lately. If that topic is a person, social media could be a rabbit hole you want to explore.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

Solving problems is a matter of logic, especially early in the month. Using your common sense is underrated.

Cutting through red tape is as easy as looking closely at the details. Still, using your natural charm and finesse to make your way through the middle of the month will be key. You get more wealth or love now by going after it in dramatic fashion. It’s time to get back to work as September comes to a close, especially if you’ve let things slide. In other words, playtime is over. It’s time to get serious about future goals and what you’re going to do to reach them.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

You value practicality and common sense, but things like manners and appearances are also important early in the month. You expect others to be on time and to say thank you and excuse me whenever it’s appropriate.

There’s very little you won’t notice mid-September. Do you have to comment about every little thing you see that’s wrong? No, not necessarily, but how will improvements be made if you don’t offer constructive criticism?

Late in the month you want to resist the urge to overthink things. Jealousy and suspicion can run rampant now if you don’t let the other person tell their side of the story.

•••

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

‘Big Business’ Isn’t Evil — It’s Essential

By Ron Kustek

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efore you pass over this article because you “only support small businesses vs. big companies” — consider how we may have boxed ourselves in by potentially only supporting small businesses: • The Small Business Administration states 44% of all US economic activity is done by “small business” defined as 10 or less employees.

• In Santa Cruz County, 82% of businesses are “micro-businesses” meaning they’re comprised of 5 employees or less (including the owner) with annual sales and assets valued at less than $250,000 per year.

• Review site Yelp has found over 100,000 businesses have closed in the U.S. during Covid-19 — with new estimates of nearly 55% having closed permanently. This impacts us.

It’s very expensive to live in our area, not just because we have high home values and high rental rates, but because our median income is lower than other areas, making this “affordability gap” the metric of our high cost of living.

The California Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Index measures the percentage of households that can afford to purchase the median-priced home in regions of California.

Though few of us would live in Orange County, based on Median Household Income vs. Median Home Price, it’s actually more affordable to live there than in Santa Cruz County (a higher index is preferred): County

Orange County Santa Cruz 1) US Census 2) CARS 2020 Report

Median Median Index HH Income(1) Price(2) Home $75,998 $859,000 8.8 $66,923 $905,000 7.3 Q2 Affordability Index

As housing is just one part of our living expenses, we also have to consider

our other true cost of living factors, such as the cost of health insurance.

Though they would love to, many small businesses can’t afford to pay health insurance and also provide a living wage for employees.

Many small businesses also rent — not own — and landlords are small business owners as well, and charge the ever-increasing market rate for rents to increase their own incomes.

This all combines to squeeze the small business owner to hire part-time workers and pay minimum wage, in order to have a bit of profit left over to support their own families.

So what does all this have to do with bigger businesses?

“Big companies” aren’t evil because of their size or inherently bad corporate citizens.

There are a great number of reputable, well-respected and good companies that treat employees well and don’t pollute or over-pay their CEO. Consider that “big companies” could actually help high cost of living areas — like ours.

For decades it’s taken 2 people in the household to provide for family expenses such as food, home, medical, etc.

Bigger companies have a larger pool of employees to spread the risks for a health insurer, and are thus better able to afford and provide health care coverage to their employees.

If one person in the household were able to work for that “big company,” they could better be able to provide health insurance for the rest of the family.

This would free up the other household member to work for a small business that doesn’t provide health insurance.

Larger companies are also able to pay employees more. They’re able to spread fixed costs like rent, salaries and utilities, over a larger sales base, which makes each sale provide a greater profit margin than the profit margins for smaller businesses.

“Essential” page 27

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Aptos Teacher: Water is Survival

Soquel Creek Water District Embraces Community Partnerships #InThisTogether

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he Soquel Creek Water District is engaged in multiple approaches to combat over-drafting of the groundwater basin and seawater intrusion into our local water supply.

It’s important to remember that these severe water supply challenges affect everyone in our community — and we are all part of the solution. Over the next few months, this series of Water Wisdom columns will feature the viewpoints of local community members and organizations talking about the importance of creating and maintaining a sustainable water supply, as a community.

In Aptos High School’s Career Technical Education video production class, teacher Joel Domhoff strives to not only provide his students with some valuable experience and professional tools around creating videos, but also to help them connect with issues that are part of the “real world” beyond school corridors.

For Joel, that includes a global perspective on the importance of water.

His interest in water issues was stoked in 2015 when he was approached to have his students participate in the Soquel Creek

By Rebecca Gold Rubin Water District’s annual public service announcement contest.

Joel realized that this was a prime opportunity to engage his students in learning about this critical issue, help them to gain the big picture about water, and raise their awareness of the need to protect and preserve our water supplies — locally, and globally.

“In a word, water is ‘survival!’” says Joel. “From a global perspective, a lot of the world’s problems revolve around water, water supplies, and lack of clean, safe water. Locally, we’ve learned that our drinking water supply is actually quite fragile, affected by droughts and overdrafting of the groundwater basin, which is allowing seawater contamination. I think it’s critical that young people be aware of this, take it seriously, and really give thought to what it means for their future.”

Joel’s ambition in making sure his students are engaged in water issues is something the District fully agrees with

and encourages.

His involvement with the contest gave his students a deeper insight into both the local water supply challenges we face, as well as the big picture of water issues worldwide.

“What the District is doing here in response to our critical water situation should serve as an example to other agencies where similar problems exist,” says Joel. “Effective, forward-looking groundwater management, the Pure Water Soquel advanced water purification project, and all of their outreach efforts around water conservation and to raise awareness and build support — it’s all very impressive!”

Joel notes that he feels the Pure Water Soquel project is a great idea, and a worthy public investment in the future.

“Some people have concerns about the fact that this will use treated wastewater that is purified and blended into the drinking water supply,” he says. “But I think those concerns are based on fear and

not understanding the process. The more education that’s out there, the more people will accept and even embrace the concept.

It’s happening all over California — and I’ve learned that this is proven scientific technology, and the water will be completely clean, beyond state drinking water standards. I’m not worried about it!”

With his positive attitude, grasp of the severity of our local water supply issues, and ability to teach, Joel is well-positioned to help his students learn, understand, and take action to ensure a future with sustainable, clean water.

The District’s own educational and outreach programs reflect much of Joel’s thinking on the subject — and in this case we’re learning from him that the next generation is fast becoming aware that we’re all #InThisTogether, and that together we can achieve the steps necessary toward water reliability. n ••• As always, if you have any questions about this month’s topic or anything else related to Soquel Creek Water District, feel free to contact the District at outreach@soquelcreekwater.org or visit www.soquelcreekwater.org.

“Essential” from page 26 By providing more higher-profit services or selling more profitable items, these companies are better able to pay their employees more — whether that’s a true living wage, a bonus, or just a higher salary. Again, if one person in the household were able to work for that big company, this would free up the other household member to work for a small business that doesn’t pay as much as the larger company.

We also need to think of our future growth — steady population growth has more needs and more purchasing power. Many households are putting off having children because they can’t afford a family now, based on the payrolls from the area being so dependent on smaller businesses.

When our economy (small + big business) better supports local households so they make more money, people can better afford to start families.

Those families eventually create young adults needing a first job – one that can be provided by a small business that may not pay as well, but one that teaches commerce, responsibility, etc.

The bottom line is that we need BOTH small businesses AND big companies. Let’s realize we need to support both and make our community a more welcoming place for everyone, both big and small. n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dominican Hospital Asks Non-Emergency Patients to Seek Care Elsewhere

Editor’s Note: This statement comes from Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, which has the only emergency department in the northern part of the county.

••• ominican Hospital operations are unaffected by the fires—we are safe, open, and providing patient care.

We are not evacuating at this time, but we are working closely with the County of Santa Cruz and other community partners to ensure we have detailed contingency plans in place should the situation arise.

At this time, we are asking all non-emergency patients to do their best to seek care at other facilities—such as Dignity Health

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Medical Group-Dominican Urgent Care Center in Capitola—to allow us to focus our resources on the current challenge.

We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide any updates on our

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

operations to the community via our website and social media, as necessary. n ••• For more information on County wildfire resources, visit santacruz county.us/FireResources.aspx.

Valley Churches United Relocates

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alley Churches United, the nonprofit serving San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley and Bonny Doon, has been evacuated from its office and food pantry location in Ben Lomond. A temporary satellite location has been established at the Holy Cross Food Pantry site, located at 210 High St., Santa Cruz.

“We are trying to recreate ourselves,” said Lynn Robinson, executive director, who feels “stressed and blessed.”

She said the evacuation process worked and the Valley Churches building still has power and the freezers are OK. “We’re still doing COVID-19 safety protocols,”

she added. “We are doing the best we can to be available, supportive and flexible.”

Hours of operation will be Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Valley Churches staff will be on hand to connect with people in need.

The Valley Churches United phone line, 8313368258, has been redirected so phone calls will be received.

Donations can be made through PayPal at vcum.org, Facebook or mailed to PO Box 367, Ben Lomond, CA 95005.

All of Valley Churches mail is being redirected to Watsonville, where the Ben Lomond postal clerks are working. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Claimants Editor’s Note: This information comes from the California Insurance Commissioner’s Office, insurance.ca.gov, where more resources are available for wildfire victim.

••• 1) Obtain a complete copy of your residential homeowner’s insurance policy, including your declarations page.

The law requires your insurance company to provide this to you free of charge within 30 days of your request.

Ask your agent or insurer representative to explain how much coverage you have (1) to rebuild or repair your home, (2) for your personal belongings, and (3) for living expenses.

This should include an explanation of Extended Replacement Cost and Building Code Upgrade coverages if applicable. Ask how to most effectively claim your coverage benefits.

2) Take note of your Additional Living Expense (ALE) limits and manage your ALE expenses in recognition of a long rebuilding process.

Your time to collect ALE after a declared catastrophe is no less than 24 months even if your policy says otherwise; however your amount of coverage is not increased.

An extension of up to 12 additional months, for a total of 36 months, should be granted if you encounter delays beyond your reasonable control.

3) Track all of your additional expenses that arise from having to live in another location away from your home.

Note: your ALE reimbursement may be offset by your normal cost of living before the fire (i.e., ALE does not pay for your mortgage or expenses you would normally incur) but you are entitled to the same standard of living you had before the fire. ALE will pay for temporary rent, additional mileage, etc.

4) Document all of your conversations with your insurer/adjuster about your claim and policy limitations in a dedicated “claim diary.”

If your adjuster says something is excluded, limited, or subject to certain conditions, ask the adjuster to point out the specific provision in your policy being cited.

5) Get at least one licensed contractor’s estimate or bid on the cost to rebuild your home just to get a reasonable sense of the actual cost as compared to your coverage limits (for more considerations on contractors, view the CDI’s electronic

brochure Don’t Get Burned After a Disaster and check the website for California’s Contractors State License Board.)

While your insurance company may provide its own estimate, it may contain errors or fail to reflect local conditions or demand surge. Demand surge reflects price increases following a major disaster when contractors and materials are in short supply.

6) Call the Department of Insurance Hotline for help at (800) 927-4357.

You can also file a complaint at: h t t p : / / w w w. i n s u r a n c e . c a . g o v / 01-consumers/101-help/.

Consider insights from consumer advocates.

7) Understand you can purchase or rebuild at another location, and still receive full replacement cost benefits including Building Code Upgrade and Extended Replacement Cost benefits if those were included on your policy and necessary to rebuild the insured dwelling.

You also have the right to rebuild using the contractor of your choosing. In

order to reduce the cost of rebuilding, you might also consider a community-wide development approach utilizing a common builder.

8) Assess your situation — do not rush into any decision about contractors, lawyers or public adjusters — consider your mortgage/employment/ financial situation, your age, children’s schools, your willingness to deal with construction issues (no matter who your contractor is).

The insurance process is a series of important decisions over a long period of time, but few, if any, need to be made today.

Of course, move forward if you have obtained multiple bids from reputable licensed contractors, are certain you want to rebuild, are sure of the rebuilding costs and your insurance limits and want to be sure you are a priority for your selected contractor to start the rebuild.

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) has publications that can help you identify and avoid problems before they occur. Contact CSLB at 1-800-321-2752 to obtain a free copy of their publications and/or verify the licensing status of a contractor.

Public adjusters typically require a percentage of the claim settlement for their services. Make sure you understand what they charge and the services you are paying for before you sign a public adjuster contract.

9) Do not assume you have inadequate coverage based on general information you are hearing about building costs or other general comments.

The adequacy of your limits needs to be addressed on a case specific basis to determine how much it will cost to rebuild your home and whether your limits, including extended replacement cost coverage if applicable, are adequate.

But if you determine you are underinsured, gather relevant documentation and contact the Department of Insurance for help.

10) Evaluate whether you will need a public adjuster or attorney to help you with your claim.

If rebuilding will take a long time you are likely to use your entire ALE limits. If you are also reimbursed by your insurer for your entire personal property loss or your full personal property limits, you may not need a public adjuster or attorney to help you obtain full settlements for either of these coverages.

Public adjusters typically require a percentage of the claim settlement for their services. Make sure you understand what they charge and the services you are paying for before you sign a public adjuster contract.

Some public adjusters may insist on a contract that includes payment to the public adjuster based upon the entire amount paid to the policyholder by the insurer, including amounts paid to the policyholder before the public adjuster contract was signed.

A public adjuster should not charge a fee on payments you received from your insurer before the public adjuster contract was signed. A fee should only be charged on additional monies the public adjuster gets for you.

Contact the Department if this issue arises in your contract.

••• In a declared-disaster, you may cancel the contract within five calendar days.

Public adjusters are required to be licensed by the California Department of Insurance.

To verify a public adjuster’s license, call us at 1-800-927-4357 or check the status online by name or by license number. Practicing without a license is against the law.

Public adjusters may not solicit in a declared-disaster area until the fire has been out for seven days. n ••• Please note: These tips are for general guidance only and are not a substitute for legal advice.

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

COVID-19 and Fire Updates and Resources

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ith our community facing devastating fires and a pandemic, it’s important to ensure everyone is aware o f resources available regarding both issues. While recently our County was taken off the state monitoring list for COVID-19 (the first in the state to come off of the list), we have a long way to go until we are back to pre-pandemic normal.

Our office has been receiving a lot of questions of what it means to be off of the monitoring list and with the fires, what resources are available to residents. Here is a list of places to get information on both issues. As always, you can reach out to me with any questions.

COVID-19 anta Cruz County was recently removed from the state data monitoring list, effective Aug. 14. Removal from the list is an indication of reduced spread of COVID-19 (the rate per 100,000 residents) and is the first step toward the lifting statemandated closures and school restrictions.

The County anticipates having additional guidance from the state soon on what the next steps would be (and timeline) regarding businesses reopening.

Any future school openings are subject to decisions by local school boards and administrators and also require certain testing capacities to be met (and a minimum

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By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

of 14 consecutive days of remaining off of the monitoring list).

Right now, the County, in partnership with UC Santa Cruz, is working to increase our testing capacity to meet these needs.

It’s believed the new testing capabilities will be online in about a month.

Additionally, due to the challenges of COVID-19, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an extension for a moratorium on residential and commercial evictions until Sept. 30.

T h e Board is also e x p l o r i n g enacting a repayment period (as other jurisdictions have created) so that renters don’t face a large balloon payment at the end of the moratorium.

If you’re interested in more COVID-19 related updates, the best resource is the County Health Department’s page www. santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus — this page has the latest case counts, active cases, demographic breakdowns and resources for employers, providers and residents on how to get tested, receive care and much more.

Fires — Latest Info ith the ongoing fires, staying informed is one of the key ways to stay safe.

Please consider signing up for alerts from CalFire and the Regional 9-1-1 center. Here are links to alerts sign-ups, websites and social media resources that may be helpful.

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

Alerts Regional 911 — Register for reverse 911 calls via the The CodeRED notification system. The system sends important messages to residents and businesses within our county in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts.

Register at www.scr911.org Websites The Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County — Community Foundation has a fire resource page that links to the latest evacuation orders, road closures, a map of the fires and zones and more.

Visit www.cfscc.org and click on the link Fire Response–How You Can Help.

It also has links on ways you can donate tents, water or funds to shelters and places that are supporting those evacuated.

Additionally, the County’s main website www.santacruzcounty.us provides links to resources.

Businesses and Residents Low-interest Small Business Administration federal disaster loans are now available to California businesses and residents as a result of the wildfires.

The SBA has established a Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to help homeowners and renters.

Customer Service Representatives will be available to business owners and individuals to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application.

Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

FOCWAssistance@sba.gov (916) 735-1500 These services are only available for the California disaster declaration as a

result of the wildfires that began Aug. 14, and not for COVID-19 assistance.

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.

Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Interest rates can be as low as 3 percent for businesses, 2.75 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 1.188 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set

by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must first contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.disasterassistance.gov. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance. sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (916) 735-1500 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339.

Social Media ’m maintaining regular updates on COVID-19 and the fires at www.facebook. com/supervisorfriend — and the County is maintaining active information on its Twitter page at twitter.com/sccounty or @ sccounty directly from Twitter. The County page will have the latest information both on COVID updates as well as the fires.

Lastly, during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting tele-townhalls with County, state and community leaders. n ••• If you’re interested in the town halls or just want to connect on an issue you can always call me at 454-2200.

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SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Collecting Seed For Another Season

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Nora The Explorer

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ovely Nora (ID#A269836) came to us from our partners at Hollister Animal Care and Control. Luckily Santa Cruz is an open-minded place where dogs get judged as individuals. In so many other shelters, pitties just sit and wait for ages based on breed, not behavior.

Nora, approximately seven years old, has been with the shelter since May and is currently in foster with an active couple and their senior male pittie, Tango. Nora has blossomed in her foster home and has embraced becoming an actual part of someone’s family.

You can even see physical changes from her first days with us to the dog you see today; her face and body have relaxed and you can see a warmth in her eyes that wasn’t there before.

She walks pretty well on leash. She loves being snuggled and petted. She is an eager eater but not possessive. She’s also the perfect age — out of adolescence but with lots of years left.

We think Nora could be happy as an only dog or living with a similarly sized dog that would reciprocate her rough and tumble play tendencies. While Nora has done incredibly well with dogs her size, she is too intense with small dogs to be able to cohabitate with them.

Nora is looking for an active home since she still has energy to burn. Nora could live in a home with children provided they understand she can be a bit enthusiastic in her greetings when she is excited.

As always, we strongly recommend positive reinforcement training to help solidify the bond and communications between dog and human(s).

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 Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

By Tony Tomeo

eed that is available in hardware stores and nurseries came from somewhere.

Plants just like those that such seed grows into produced it. Someone, or many someones, collected all that seed to make it available to others. Similarly, several plants in our own gardens produce seed.

Anyone who is interested in collecting seed to grow more of the same plants could make good use of it.

After bloom, most flowers deteriorate and disappear into the landscape. Some leave behind desirable developing fruits or vegetables. Many of the flashiest flowers are too extensively hybridized to produce seed. Many produce some sort of seed structure that typically gets removed, or ‘deadheaded’. This diverts resources from seed production to subsequent bloom or vegetative growth.

If not removed, such seed structures can mature to produce viable seed. Those who enjoy collecting seed often intentionally leave a few seed structures for that purpose, instead of deadheading completely. For plants with long bloom seasons, this technique should involve the latest blooms. The same applies to vegetables that normally do not mature prior to harvest, like summer squash.

Such seed or fruiting structures, including vegetables, must be completely mature before collecting ripened seed from them.

Sunflower, cosmos, calendula, marigold, campion, morning glory, columbine, hollyhock and snapdragon are some of the easiest flowers for collecting seed from. California poppy, alyssum,

1980s Lyrics © Statepoint Media

From one year to the next.

phlox, and several other annuals are happy to self sow their seed, although collecting seed from them is not so easy. Nasturtium and honesty (money plant) seed is easy to collect, but self sows as well.

Collecting seed is limited only by practicality. Some plants, particularly hybrids and exotics (which are not native and may lack pollinators), produce no viable seed.

Extensively bred varieties are likely to produce progeny that are more similar to the basic species than the parent. Once collected, some seed need special treatment in order to germinate. All seed should be sown in season.

••• Lily of the Nile t is no lily, but it does live on the banks of the Nile River. Lily of the Nile, Agapanthus africanus, endures both long dry summers and winter flooding.

While inundated, it clings to the silty soil with a sturdy network of rubbery roots.

Densely mounding foliage regenerates as floodwater recedes. If conditions get exceptionally warm and dry, foliage may eventually shrivel after midsummer bloom.

Home gardens are certainly more hospitable than the floodplains of the Nile River. The luxuriant foliage of lily of the Nile is evergreen locally, even if irrigation Agapanthus bloom looks is minimal. The like Independence Day. rubbery leaves get as long as two feet, arching outward from basal rosettes. New foliage obscures deteriorating old foliage. Plants that get too congested to bloom well might benefit from division of individual rosettes.

Lily of the Nile blooms around Independence Day, with round floral trusses that resemble exploding fireworks. Each blue or white bloom stands about two to four feet high, on slim and bare stems.

Individual florets are small and tubular.

‘Storm Cloud’ blooms with darker blue or purple. Agapanthus orientalis may exhibit bigger blooms and coarser foliage. ‘Peter Pan’ stays low and compact. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

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

everything...so close to home.

Deluxe Foods of Aptos

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

Senior Hours: Wed. 7:30a.m.- 8a.m.

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

(831) 688-7442 www.deluxefoodsofaptos.com

deer park c e n t e r

Highway 1 & Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos

Deer Park Center is doing its part to keep your family safe and healthy during these challenging times. We are here for you today and in the days ahead.

BANKS: Bank of America BUSINESS SERVICES: Anderson

& Company / HOA Management Employnet / Galapagos Travel PDM International

Peak Accounting Services / SAR Asset Mgmt. Inc. / Scurich Insurance Cecy Insurance Services FOOD & DRINK: Deer Park Wine & Spirits / Deluxe Foods

Panda Inn / Mangiamo Pizza & Wine Bar / Red Apple Cafe PERSONAL SERVICES: Agape Dance Academy / Brian Del Core, DDS / CVS Pharmacy

Del Mar Cleaners / Eye Shapes Opticians / Highlights for Hair J-Bella Nails / Klub Nico / Laser Hair Solutions / Royal Paw Spa / Santa Cruz Dance Supply