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

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November 1 2020 • Vol 29 No. 21

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The Man Behind Aptos Mountain Mike’s

With business taking a backseat to the contagious coronavirus COVID-19 since March, restaurant openings are few and far between. Full Story page 9

Walking For A Cause Full Story page 6

Aptos Aces Bring Home Gold Local Team Travels To Arizona To Play Baseball By John Paul Bergh

The 12 & Under Aptos Aces packed their bags and travelled to Arizona to compete against the best teams from the Phoenix area last weekend. Normally, the team would play locally and over the hill at locations such as Twin Creeks in Sunnyvale or

travel as far as Big League Dreams in Manteca. Because youth baseball is not allowed to be played in California due to COVID-19, the Aces found themselves flying on planes (some for the first time) and riding in cars across state lines to play baseball. ... continues on page 4

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Because of a low rate of COVID-19 cases, Santa Cruz moved up into the state’s Orange Tier Tuesday, giving breweries, bars, bowling alleys, climbing gyms and the Boardwalk a chance to reopen ... Full Story page 16

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No. 21

Volume 29

Table of Contents

Cover Aptos Aces Bring Home Gold: Local Team Travels To Arizona To Play Baseball, By John Paul Bergh 6 7 8

9 10 12 13 14 15 16 21 22 23 25 28

Community News Walking For A Cause: Capitola Man Wants to Prevent Breast Cancer, By Jondi Gumz Rio Del Mar Drainage Project Needs $125,000 Annually, By Kent Edler • Record Earnings at SCCB Elks Scholarship Deadline Nov. 15 • El Pajaro Offers Credit Workshop • State of the Region: Dec. 2 • County to Get $700,000 Housing Grant • Library Offers Halloween Storytime • Jobs in Santa Cruz County: Sept. 2020 • Halloween Car Cruise in Capitola The Man Behind Aptos Mountain Mike’s, By Jondi Gumz Shopping Search Leads to New Business: Can InStock.Org Bite Into Amazon Prime?, By Jondi Gumz So Very Grateful for Food Second Harvest Needs Your Help: Holiday Food & Fund Drive Kicks Off Nov. 5 • County Superior Court Offers Text Reminders Art, Poetry & Monsters: Sparking Imagination • Back On Stage Women Innovators in Agtech Opens November 12 • New Student Trustee for PVUSD County Goes Orange; Businesses Reopen, By Jondi Gumz Another Record Median Home Price, By Jondi Gumz Toxic Spraying on Santa Cruz Rail Lines $350,000 Awarded For COVID Messaging A Tribute to Robin Larsen, By Susan True, Lance Linares, and Sam Leask She Adventures Film Tour — Online

California News 24 $100 Million For Pedestrian Safety in California

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – From the Battle We Emerge Triumphant

Featured Columnists 24 Pictures From the Past: Oldest Building in the Rio Flats, Photo Essay by Carolyn Swift 27 Local Business Perspective on SqCWD, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 27 Caveats To Hiring Family, By Ron Kustek 30 Improving Pedestrian Safety, By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor 31 Autumn Color From Deciduous Foliage, By Tony Tomeo

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – On the Runway: Fifi O’hara, Miss Fame, and Ru Paul

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COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers Camisa Composti, John Paul Bergh, Jondi Gumz, Kent Edler, Susan True, Lance Linares, Sam Leask, Carolyn Swift, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Ron Kustek, 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, Brooke Valentine office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, James Hudson

“Aptos Aces” from page 1 The boys had little time to prepare and get ready for the tournament because it was only greenlighted several weeks before by the health authorities. The players had to take all of the same precautionary measures that Major League Baseball undertakes to have a safe season. Hand sanitizer, not sharing equipment, face mask requirements and social distancing were all adhered to and enforced by the tournament director in Arizona. The Aces proved up to the task of playing baseball in a pandemic as they battled another foe before the games even started: Arizona heat. The Aces played hard through unrelenting 101-degree Arizona heat during pool play the Saturday of the tournament. The first game was at 2 p.m. and it was so hot that the players made jokes about frying an egg on the dugout floor. After acclimating to the heat, the Aces played well. Derek “D-Rock” Allen started on the mound for the Aces and pitched them to a 5-2 lead through 4 innings of play. JJ “Nails” Hall was the catcher for “D-Rock” and the pair played extremely well together. Finn “Wild Card” Cormier started on the mound in the second game for the

CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment

Aces with Kelton “K-Pop” Forbus doing the catching. “Wild Card’s” velocity, speed changes and curveballs froze batters in their place. Luke “Shoe” Shoemaker came in for relief and pitched excellent for the team with a fastball with movement, spinning curveball and a change up that

is waiting for you

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Begonia Festival Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com

Photo Credit: John Paul Bergh

Aptos Aces — TOP ROW (from left): Finn “Wild Card” Cormier, Derek “D-Rock” Allen, Luke “Shoe” Shoemaker, Dylan “Punisher” DiPalma, JJ “Nails” Hall, Nicolaus “Hollywood” Bjorn. BOTTOM ROW (from left): Chris “Ushy” Ushakoff, BatBoy Ryder “Frosty” Bergh, Evan “Baller” Vessey, Kelton “K-Pop” Forbus, Dylan “RIP” Bergh.

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caught batters off guard. After the first two games Saturday, the bracket was set for the next day, Championship Sunday. Starting for the Aces in the semifinal game was Dylan “RIP” Bergh with Kelton “K-Pop” Forbus behind home plate. Aptos relied on offensive firepower from

COVER STORY Chris “Ushy” Ushakoff, Finn “Wild Card” Cormier and Evan “Baller” Vessey to jump to a head start with the lead in the game. “D-Rock” chimed in with two inside-thepark home runs that were hit all the way to the 310-foot fenceline. The offensive production proved to be all the Aces needed as they enjoyed a complete game performance for the semifinal victory from “RIP” on the mound. The Aptos Aces started the Championship game with their “Ace” pitcher Derek “D-Rock” Allen pitching again to JJ “Nails” Hall. The heat and the long Sunday started to wear on the team as they missed routine plays defensively and gave up six unearned runs during the first three innings. After four innings, the Aces were down 10-3 and facing elimination. Then something started to change. The sun went down, the temperature dropped and the lights started to hum as they illuminated the field. The Aces, as the home team, got to bat last. Wasting no time, Dylan “Punisher” DiPalma started off the rally with a line drive base hit. Luke “Shoe” Shoemaker reached base safely as Nicolaus “Hollywood” Bjorn followed suit by putting the ball in play and hustling to first. Kelton “K-Pop” Forbus contributed

an uncharacteristic walk to make it to first base. Dylan “RIP” Bergh put the ball in play with a line drive over second base to advance the runners. Chris “Ushy” Ushakoff lined a single to right centerfield and JJ “Nails” Hall, reached first base safely. Finn “Wild Card” Cormier got a single to make it to first base. All of a sudden, the Aces were down just one run with the score at 10-9 with

Coach John Paul Bergh talks to the players.

runners on first and second base. The player who started the rally was up to bat again with a chance to win the game. Dylan “Punisher” DiPalma took full advantage of the opportunity and hit a ball to left field so hard it looked like it was shot out of a cannon. The ball sailed over the left fielder’s head and Finn “Wild Card” Cormier was waved around third base to score the

winning, walk-off championship run for the Aptos Aces. Chaos ensued as the Aces rushed the middle of the infield to celebrate “Punisher’s” big hit! “The kids just seemed to come back to life after the temperature dropped and the lights turned on,” said home plate umpire Santiago Ramirez as he flipped the game winning ball to the coaches after the game. n

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Capitola Man Wants to Prevent Breast Cancer

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or the past seven years, Greg Piers participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. Why? Because his grandmother, aunt and cousin succumbed to breast cancer. Due to COVID-19, this year’s walk was cancelled. Undaunted, he’s going to walk around his neighborhood, Riverview Terrace in Capitola, 20 miles a day for three days, raising money for the nonprofit Susan G. Komen. In 2013, Piers, now 72, lived in San Diego when he retired from his desk job. A tennis player, he wanted to find a way to exercise with a low risk of injury. He picked walking. Within five months, he lost 27 pounds. “I did not change my diet, the weight just came off,” he said. When he saw an ad on television about the Komen walk, 60 miles in three days, he decided to participate. He joined a team of 100 people called Powered by Optimism and began training in June for the walk in November. He appreciated the camaraderie and connections. One woman he walked with, a two-time “breast cancer thriver,” he met through a friend of his sister. “What’s inspiring is the closing

Greg Piers says the community support in San Diego is amazing. So many people come out to cheer on the walkers — including those who dress their dogs and kids in pink. ceremony to the walk,” Piers said, recalling how volunteers and youth support walk in first, then the 2,400 participants, and then the breast cancer survivors. “Everybody takes off one shoe and raises it to the sky to salute them,” he said. Each year, he’s gotten donations from 20 or so friends. “Breast Cancer Walk” page 8

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Greg Piers of Capitola (left) at the Susan G. Komen walk in San Diego with his friend Karen Fryling, a two-time breast cancer survivor who has spoken to legislators in Washington, D.C., urging increased funding for research.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Rio Del Mar Drainage Project Needs $125,000 Annually

By Kent Edler

uring the rainy season, the Rio Del Mar esplanade area often sees flooding of roads and properties. This is due to the area being developed on a historic floodplain and also due to the drainage system not being able to drain to Aptos Creek when the river levels are high. County Public Works staff have been studying the area for many years to come up with a solution. In 2014, Public Works was awarded a grant from FEMA for approximately $617,000 to further study and design a solution to help with some of the flooding issues. The design includes new drainage pipes and inlets in parts of Aptos Beach Drive, Venetian Road, Rio Del Mar Boulevard and Beach Drive, which will be directed to a new pump station located on the triangular piece of land across Venetian Road from Bailey Properties and the Pixie Deli. From the pump station, the storm water will be sent to infiltration pits located on the beach, approximately 50 to 100 feet east of the beach bathrooms. If built, the project will obviously reduce flooding and associated claims of flood-damaged properties, but there are additional benefits. One added benefit is an improvement to evacuation access and emergency response during flooding events. Additionally, direction of stormwater to the pump station and away from Aptos Creek will reduce pollution discharges to the impounded creek channel, where fish habitat and water quality are a concern. The estimated construction cost for

the project is $4,802,704, and this summer Public Works received $4,204,588 in grant funding from three agencies to help pay for the project. $3,596,238 from FEMA; $8,446 from Cal OES; and $599,904 from the California Department of Water Resources through an Integrated Regional Water Management program. The remaining “matching funds” will come from drainage impact fees the County has on hand. The grants come with deadlines, so the project will need to be completed by April 2, 2023. Public Works is planning to get the project documents wrapped up by early 2021 to get the project advertised for bids. Award of the contract is expected for spring 2021, with construction starting shortly thereafter. Total construction time is expected to take six to seven months. Once the project is constructed, the

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ocally owned Santa Cruz County Bank reported record earnings of $5.6 million for the third quarter ending Sept. 30, up 76 percent compared to a year ago. Earnings per share increased $0.15 to $1.39, compared to the third quarter in 2019, a 12 percent increase. Pretax income for the third quarter was $7.5 million, up 72 percent, compared to $4.4 million for the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2019. One reason for the record earnings

is the October 2019 merger with locally owned Lighthouse Bank, but the accomplishment came despite unprecedented changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring Santa Cruz County Bank to adapt to new safety standards and working-from-home scenarios, and then maintain operations during unexpected employee evacuations due to wildfires.

pumps and infiltration pits will require annual maintenance, which is currently estimated at approximately $125,000 per year. There is currently not a funding

source for the ongoing maintenance, and it doesn’t make sense to build a project that can’t be maintained. So Public Works staff are in the process working up scenarios to propose to residents in the affected area to fund the ongoing maintenance through the formation of a County Service Area. The formation of the CSA would need to be compliant with Proposition 218, which requires the assessment to coincide with those receiving direct benefits. Therefore, areas that do not benefit from flood reduction will need to be excluded from any new assessment. The assessments are being discussed with Supervisor Friend’s office and were reviewed in further detail at a virtual meeting with residents on Oct. 21. “Drainage Cost” page 8

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS Elks Scholarship Deadline Nov. 15 he Santa Cruz Elks Lodge announces the 2021 Most Valuable Student scholarship contest deadline is Nov. 15. The Most Valuable Student scholarship is available to high school seniors who are United States citizens. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks. Applications are judged on academics, leadership, service and financial need. The application is completed online at https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/mvs.cfm. Ranging from $1,000 to $12,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. The Elks National Foundation will announce 500 national winners in April 2021. ••• El Pajaro Offers Credit Workshop l Pajaro Community Development Corp. will present a virtual workshop, “Manage and Improve Your Credit” Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Zoom. You can download this application to your phone or computer at no cost. The workshop covers: What is credit and how to manage it, what to do to improve your credit, what happens when you do not pay a debt or someone else uses your credit, and the importance of healthy credit when you apply for a loan for your business This workshop is free and completely in Spanish. Participation is mandatory if you wish to apply for a loan from the El Pájaro CDC Fondo Adelante program.

“Breast Cancer Walk” from page 6 When Piers moved to Capitola, he stopped in at WomenCare, the local nonprofit in Soquel that supports women with breast cancer, to see if he could connect with local walkers to join him on the San Diego walk. But he learned WomenCare does not have a walk but organized a bowling fundraiser, Strike Out for Cancer, instead. This weekend, Piers will walk a 1.25 mile-loop in his neighborhood 16 times. He’ll be wearing pink. He’s getting his T-shirt printed at Kris Kirby’s Sign Wave shop in Aptos. Everybody who donates gets their name printed on his T-shirt.

Register at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/maneja-y-mejora-tu-credito-tallerpara-empresaris-tickets-124157625801 For questions, call (831) 722-1224 or email at info@elpajarocdc.org or online at elpajarocdc.org. ••• State of the Region: Dec. 2 onterey Bay Economic Partnership will host its 6th Annual State of the Region event on Dec. 2 — and it will be virtual. Kate Roberts, the executive director, promises “an action-packed line-up” covering a range of topics such as getting an effective COVID-19 vaccine, wildfire mitigation, and investing in local economic recovery. Tickets are $59 per person. Early bird pricing is available through Oct. 31. RSVP: https://mbep.biz/ ••• County to Get $700,000 Housing Grant n Oct. 23, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced a $700,000 federal grant will be allocated to Santa Cruz County to help increase access to affordable housing opportunities. The county will receive a grant from HOME Investment Jimmy Panetta Partnership Program, which is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. HOME is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed to increase affordable housing opportunities. The funds will be used for down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and tenant-based rental assistance to make rental housing more affordable. “We have endured a bruising pan-

“This year,” he said, “ I’ll have 17 names on my shirt whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer … family members of donors.” He hopes his wife, his sisters, his daughters and his granddaughter never have to face a diagnosis of breast cancer. And he points out that of all people diagnosed with breast cancer this year, 2% are men. “Hopefully, the money we’ve been able to raise will help one person,” he said. “If it helps one person, it’s worth it.” To support Greg Piers’ walk, visit SusanGKomen.org and click on donate. n ••• Photos Courtesy of Greg Piers

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

demic and devastating wildfires on the Central Coast, which have compounded our local affordable housing crisis,” said Panetta. “This federal grant coming in to our community will help ease the pressure on Santa Cruz County families by providing them with a path to secure some form of housing. I’m proud to play my part during these health, environmental, and housing crises by getting the federal government to play its part to help our communities on the Central Coast.” Panetta has helped secure $76 million in housing funds for the Central Coast since entering Congress, including $14 million in CARES Act housing funding for those affected by the pandemic. ••• Library Offers Halloween Storytime he Santa Cruz Public Libraries invite you to celebrate Halloween with spooktacular stories, songs, and rhymes on Zoom with librarian Jackie at 4 p.m. Friday Oct. 30. For the kids, Halloween mask craft kit will be available at any curbside branch starting on Oct. 23 (while supplies last). Costumes are not necessary, but are encouraged. Register at bit.ly/ SCPL-Spooky. ••• Jobs in Santa Cruz County: Sept. 2020 Change from Industry Sept. 2020 Last Year Leisure & hospitality 11,600 Down 2,900 Private education & health 15,300 Down 2,400 Trade & transportation 15,600 Down 1,000 Business & professional services 10,200 Down 800 Manufacturing 6,400 Down 800 Government 19,100 Down 3,100 Financial 3,400 Down 100 Information 500 Down 100 Logging & construction 4,700 No change Other services 4,300 Down 1,000 •••

Nonfarm Farm Total

91,100 4,500 95,600

Down 12,200 Down 6,900 Down 19,100

••• Unemployment: 8.1% Change from a year ago Labor force 128,700 Down 9.9% Employed* 118,300 Down 14.8% Unemployed 10,400 Up 121% *Includes out-of-county commuters Source: California Employment Development Department ••• Halloween Car Cruise in Capitola he Halloween parade in Capitola Village isn’t taking place this year due to COVID-19, but the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Capitola Recreation to put on a Halloween Car Cruise, which will start at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Participants will meet in their cars by the former Sears store at the Capitola Mall, head down 38th Avenue, through Capitola Village and return to Jade Street Community Center, where trick-or-treat candy will be providing following health guidelines. Car decorations are encouraged. Participants are asked to register in advance by emailing capitolarecreation@ ci.capitola.ca.us. n

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Capitola Mall traditionally hosts trick-or-treaters on Halloween but to avoid spreading COVID-19, a Halloween car cruise is planned this year.

“Drainage Cost” from page 7

Here’s how Greg Piers will do his annual Susan G. Komen walk for breast cancer this year in Capitola.

Kent Edler is assistant director of public works for the County of Santa Cruz. n ••• Editor’s Note: County Supervisor Zach Friend reports the feedback from the Oct. 21 meeting and via email afterward was positive and we learned a lot from the questions. The main topics were: The area of the proposed assessment, which is basically the greater flats area, how rates are calculated, can the area can be expanded, the Prop. 218 dictates, and will the roads that are dug up for the project be repaired. Friend said Public Works is finalizing the proposed parcel-by-parcel rates and which parcels fall into the benefit assessment. There will be a third party review of the proposed rates and assessment area. Public Works is putting together an FAQ for RDMIA to distribute to the members and estimates a map and each parcel’s assessment will be ready by January, with a website with each parcel’s rate for the community to review.

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Man Behind Aptos Mountain Mike’s By Jondi Gumz

ith business taking a backseat to the contagious coronavirus COVID-19 since March, restaurant openings are few and far between. So when Mountain Mike’s Pizza opened at the Rancho Del Mar shopping center, four Aptos locals ventured to check it out Monday afternoon. They were impressed and wondered: Who is the owner? This story will answer that question. The owner is Robby Basati, born in San Jose, the son of Robby Basati hard-working immigrant parents from India who helped pay for his bachelor’s degree at San Jose State University. When he finished that, he went on to get a master’s in business administration. Basati now owns 15 Mountain Mike’s Pizza franchises in California and employs 300 people. He’s hiring for the Aptos location. He is 34. “A buddy of mine used to deliver pizza -- that’s how I got introduced to the brand,” he explained. At 20, while he was working on his degree and living with his parents, he purchased Mountain Mike’s Pizza in Hollister. It was 2007, and the good times were about to end. The economic crisis, driven by the collapse of the housing market, arrived along with 20 percent unemployment. People in Hollister did not have discretionary income to buy pizza. “We almost went under a few times,” Basati said. “We kept at it.” The economy eventually rebounded, and in 2014, he bought his second location, in Prunedale.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Locals visit the new Aptos Mountain Mike’s Pizza, clockwise from left, Joe Perfumo, George Garcia, Mike DeLeonardo and Cary Oyama. “From there, it was off to the races, Seaside, Salinas, Central Valley, Inland Empire — we embrace each store to that community,” he said. At the Aptos location, there’s a black and white map of Aptos, Rio del Mar and Soquel Cove on the wall. Above the cashier station are giant letters, each with a beach scene, spelling out “APTOS.” Each of his stores has 18-20 employees. “Paydays are my favorite days, when I sign those 300 checks, 300 families you’re touching their lives,” he said. Asked how he picked Aptos, he said Mountain Mike’s already operates in Santa Cruz and Watsonville and in the pocket between them are 22,000 people without a comparable “deluxe” product. “We flourish in those smaller communities,” he said. “We are constantly giving back.”

Space was tight in Aptos but when TRC, the new owner of Rancho Del Mar, remodeled, he took his opportunity. Asked what makes Mountain Mike’s Pizza better, Basati said, “Quality ingredients.” The dough is not prepackaged or frozen but made from flour by employees each day, “like a bakery,” he said. The tomato sauce is made from puree. The mozzarella is 100 percent whole milk, no water, shredded daily. Vegetables are sourced locally from Pedro Torres in Watsonville, his connection for 14 years.

Then there’s the curly pepperoni with a kick, a Mountain Mike’s tradition for 40 years. “It’s proprietary — we’re famous for that,” Basati said. The COVID-19 pandemic hurt his business initially when there was so much uncertainty and the dining rooms were closed. But since the restaurant already offered carryout and delivery, “we have coped really well,” he added, voicing sympathy for business owners who remain in difficult situations. The Aptos locals appreciated the ambiance. “It’s really nice,” said Cary Oyama, who’s lived in Aptos since 1956 and once worked for Lucile Aldrich, the “mayor” of Aptos. Joe Perfumo, who’s lived in Aptos since 1985, noticed the seven 75-inch flatscreens. “Good for sports fans,” said Mike De Leonardo. George Garcia, who has lived in Aptos since 1959 before the Rancho Del Mar shopping center was built, said, “I’ll be back.” n ••• Mountain Mike’s Pizza is located at 121 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, and takes orders by (831) 612-6433, DoorDash or GrubHub. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Menu is at www.mountainmikespizza.com. To apply for a job, print out the job application from the website, and come in and ask for manager Riya Chauhan.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

A black and white map shows the area being served by Mountain Mike’s Pizza in Aptos.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shopping Search Leads to New Business By Jondi Gumz

Can InStock.Org Bite Into Amazon Prime?

an McHenry was looking for a Christmas purchase, getting all that inventory into gift for his daughter at the last minute. InStock.Org takes less than five minutes, Amazon, the mega online retailer, had according to McHenry. “Click products, click all, click export it but couldn’t deliver it in time. He looked locally and found it at locally owned Won- — simple,” he said. The problem is — even though people derland Toys in Soquel. That experience inspired his new are doing more shopping online because of COVID-19, half of the startup, InStock.org, existing stores don’t which aims to help have e-commerce shoppers find any capability, where you product in stock at can click and buy. nearby stores. For bargain There’s no charge shoppers, InStock. to list products, org has a Chrome and the owners of extension with a Wonderland Toys, popup feature that Hannah Stubblefield shows where you and Theresa Shellen, can find the product signed up. you’re looking for So has Fybr and the price. Bamboo, Berdel’s, McHenry said Toque Blanc, and the Ian McHenry shoppers think they Homeless Garden Project, all in downtown Santa Cruz, and get the best deal on Amazon, but he’s found 90 percent of products the same price or the MiniMint baby store in Pleasure Point. McHenry is working with the cheaper at local stores. One example is Downtown Association in Santa Cruz to diapers, where he said Target often has the best price. get more stores on board. “Amazon does deep discounts on loss When he presented his startup to members of Santa Cruz Works at a leaders like a grocery store,” he said. “A virtual meetup, Amanda Rotella, project majority of things are typically the same manager for the city of Santa Cruz price.” For the future, he’s thinking of a Economic Development Office, was monthly subscription fee paid by shoppers impressed. “I’m super-psyched about this,” she to bring in revenue. said. “This is a really cool tool.” Santa Cruz Summers McHenry, 37, of Aptos, is eager for more retailers to get on board. cHenry, whose grandfather was the first chancellor at UC Santa Cruz, “We would love to have 200 (stores),” he said. “We’re small — two employees grew up in Southern California where his — we haven’t had a chance to chat with father was a professor. He spent summers and holidays in everyone.” Getting your products online is time- Santa Cruz, got his bachelor’s degree at consuming, the Wonderland Toy staff will Princeton, then went to San Francisco to agree. You need a picture, a title, and a work in tech. After working on dynamic pricing description — and most stores have 2,000 for airlines — this is why airfares are or more products. But if the store has a point-of-sale always changing — he and a co-founder system where customers pays for their started a company, Beyond Pricing, in

2013 to help vacation rental owners make more money. He said the company generated tens of millions in revenue and raised $42 million from investors led by Bessemer Venture Group. He had nearly 70 employees. On the personal side, it was challenging. He was commuting from San Jose, where his wife was from, and not spending much time with his two daughters, one being a newborn. So he left the company in the hands of his co-founder, not knowing what he would do – until Wonderland Toys showed him the way. This summer, he got his idea into Y Combinator, the prestigious Silicon Valley accelerator program — the second Santa Cruz company to participate — and getting $125,000 in funding to start. “I’m a sole founder this time,” he said. “I wanted to have another peer.” What he wants to create is “a local

version of Amazon Prime, where you don’t have to think about shipping.” Stripe, the downtown Santa Cruz, does free local delivery but most stores can’t do it on their own, he said. Stores working together can bunch deliveries and get the goods to the shopper faster because the products are in stock locally, not coming from out of the county. Shopping locally means sales tax revenue stays here and benefits local governments. “The average person spends $1,200 a year on Amazon, and 300,000 people live in Santa Cruz County — that’s more than $30 million,” he said. With momentum in Santa Cruz County, McHenry set sights on his next territory, Willow Glen and Los Gatos, where he “soft-launched” two weeks ago. And he’s hiring a data engineer and an associate to work on email and special marketing. n

of the dedication of our entire team through these hardships and our ability to adapt to change without disruption to workflows, while providing exceptional customer service. We’ve proven time and again our ability to adapt to change and navigate

strong economic headwinds with success.” A nationally top-rated community bank, Santa Cruz County Bank reported assets of more than $1.4 billion as of Sept. 30. The bank, founded in 2004, is searching for a successor to Heald, who

has been at the helm for more than 4 years and announced in August that he plans to retire. He will stay until his successor is identified. Recruiting is underway for 11 openings, including jobs in Aptos, Santa Cruz, Watsonville and Santa Cruz. n

“SCCB” from page 7 President and CEO David V. Heald called the record earnings and a doubledigit increase in earnings per share “exceptional.” He added, “I’m extremely proud

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

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Theresa Shellen (from left) and Hannah Stubblefield, owners of Wonderland Toys, have signed up for Ian McHenry’s new venture, InStock.org.

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

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

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So Very Grateful for Food

Editor’s Note: This report comes from Second Harvest Food Bank and its food distribution partner agencies.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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eople suffering from the pandemic, its economic effects and the wildfires are finding help from an amazing team of support agencies delivering food to the needy. Here are some uplifting personal anecdotes from people at just some of our 100+ partner agencies working hard to deliver the Second Harvest. Robin Spurlock, at Twin Lakes Church People’s Pantry in Aptos, shared reports from two individuals. One said, “I just Robin Spurlock lost my job teaching, and am now supplementing my pantry with food from the church. Thanks to all the volunteers, we have wonderfully packed baskets.” Another said, “I am a senior and on a fixed income. Being able to receive food from People’s Pantry every week is a huge blessing. Thank you for providing fresh produce and dry goods every week.” Paul Machlis, pantry manager at Community Bridges Mountain Community Resources in Felton, said, “Second Harvest supplies about 98% of our food, so we have been completely dependent on its ability to provide food to us. Agencies like ours (pantries, soup kitchens, etc.) are helpful to their communities on little or no money, as long as we have willing volunteers and some minimal

supplies and space. In other words, money donated to the food bank makes use of community organizations and volunteers really effectively.” He added, “Even with drive-through, our clients share how they are doing. One family last week (three adults, two children) got one stimulus check, no unemployment insurance, and none of the adults has a job. They are extremely grateful for the food. Other people have said similar things — that without the pantry they would be having trouble feeding themselves. Machlis also shared this story: “We had a woman who came regularly to our pantry for her family of four. Both she and her husband were out of work, the husband struggled with alcohol, and the teenage daughter was presenting problems. Each week she thanked us for helping her keep the family afloat until things turned around. Which they did — both adults eventually found jobs, the daughter got through a bad stage, they kept the house — and one day she proudly arrived with a donation of $20 for the weekly pantry. They don’t need assistance these days, but when we see her around town, she always takes a moment to say that without Mountain Community Resources, they wouldn’t have made it.” Ashley Bridges, director of Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes in Watsonville, shared comments from two people who came in. “Second Harvest” page 14

Find your favorite artists and discover new ones! Return often for updates.

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visualartsnetworkscc.com 12 / November 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Food distribution by Second Harvest Food Bank at Mountain Community Resources in Felton.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Second Harvest Needs Your Help

Holiday Food & Fund Drive Kicks Off Nov. 5

econd Harvest Food Bank Santa of Cruz County will launch its largest annual fundraising campaign with a virtual event 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 5. The three-month event, ending Jan. 15, provides essential funding support for 165 non-profit food distribution partner agencies and programs in Santa Cruz County. All funds raised during this drive go directly to providing food to the partner agencies and programs. For every $1 donated, Second Harvest provides 4 healthy meals. To see the inspirational Holiday Food & Fund Drive video being released November 5, and get fundraising ideas, resources and motivation, register at: www.thefoodbank.org/kickoff2020 “We’re encouraging everyone to register and view our virtual Holiday

Food & Fund Drive kick-off video to help motivate and unite our community around this more-essential-than-ever event,” said Willy Elliott-McCrae, Second Harvest CEO, who is looking for “Hunger Heroes” to help make the 2020 Food & Fund Drive a success. He added, “Since March, because of the pandemic’s economic effects and fires, our food distribution grew from 650,000 pounds per-month to 1.2 million pounds and food recipient numbers exploded from 55,000 to over 100,000. Now, more than ever, nonprofit organizations rely on the food bank to provide the healthy, nutritious food they need to support their client populations.” Every month Second Harvest’s network of partner agencies and nutrition programs feeds more than 80,000 people of all ages. n Information: www.thefoodbank.org

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County Superior Court Offers Text Reminders

he Superior Court of Santa Cruz County has introduced a new automated system for anyone wanting to receive text message reminders about future hearings and financial payment due dates, as well as to remind jurors about their jury service responsibility. Using a grant from the California Judicial Council, the court introduced the system late last year and expanded its use earlier this year. Court officials hope the system will aid people in remembering important court related obligations and prevent people from missing their hearings. “The use of this technology is crucial in this day and age where people expect the ability to use their personal devices to help manage their personal obligations and we are excited to make this service available to members of our community,” said Superior Court Executive Officer Alex Calvo. Using the system is easy for those looking to receive reminder text messages for their next hearing date and only requires that they text their case number

to a designated phone number: (831) 208-5170. The system will also provide notifications about financial due dates for anyone with a payment plan for paying a fine — if a person texts their case or citation number to the designated phone number. Confidential cases are excluded from the system — individuals will not receive notifications about those cases. Jurors who elect to receive reminder notifications, on the other hand, would do so after receiving their jury summons or when they call the court to check for their reporting instructions. They would send a text with their assigned group number, which is found on their jury summons, to (831) 900-4445 or they can sign up when contacting the court to receive jury service reporting instructions, either using the court’s automated phone or web attendant. n ••• For questions, contact the Superior Court at 831-420-2332 or email tim.newman@ santacruzcourt.org

EPA’s $88 Million WIFIA loan to the Soquel Creek Water District will:

Replenish the critically overdrafted aquifer to increase the water supply and prevent seawater intrusion

Reduce the discharges of treated wastewater to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Create 581 jobs

Save ratepayers an estimated $66 million

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Art, Poetry & Monsters: Sparking Imagination O ne way to spark the engagement of young students is a monster-themed curriculum. In recent weeks, Mount Madonna School first graders have written poems, created oil pastel monster drawings and begun to learn a choreographed dance. The students listened with rapt attention as teacher Cassia Laffin read monster story books aloud to further inspire their vibrant imaginations, individual creativity and to explore first-hand some biological concepts taught in the classroom.

“It’s always interesting to see how they ‘digest’ our lessons about body coverings, anatomy, and biological adaptations in designing their original monsters,” said Laffin. “While all students show creativity and imagination, some choose to incorporate features of real animals into their work, while others are more make-believe and fanciful. “Although we haven’t yet begun our science unit on animals, in reading the monster books we focused a lot on various body parts, body

coverings, and how those parts serve the animals in helping them protect themselves and obtain food. This will segue beautifully into our upcoming study of animal adaptations and our biological study in which each student chooses a native animal to research and present about.” On a recent warm afternoon, first graders gathered at their shaded outdoor classroom, to listen to each other’s themed poetry; some students chose to read their poems themselves, while Laffin shared others with the class. “Imagination” page 19

Back On Stage

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Second Harvest. The food bank has provided the increase we need to serve our increase in population, which is more than four times as many people today. We have

increase is due to people being out of work. “ There are hundreds of similar stories from all around Santa Cruz County. We will capture more of those for future articles. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Women Innovators in Agtech Opens November 12 A special exhibition at the Steinbeck Center in Salinas tells stories of women in agriculture working to overcome challenges using technology. “From Farms to Incubators: Women Innovators in California Agtech,” crated by award-winning journalist Amy Wu, uses video, documentary and still photography to honor these pioneers. The exhibition kicks off Thursday, Nov. 12, with a virtual opening event from 4-6 p.m., and viewing through Jan. 12. Many of those portrayed are women of color; some are the first in their families to complete higher education. What drew them into the nascent but fast-growing sector of agtech? What caused them to uproot themselves to pursue a startup dream in an industry that is dominated by men? How are they getting their innovation into the hands of growers? “My passion to unearth underreported stories and amplify new voices is what led me to highlight the stories of emerging communities in agriculture,” said Wu, who reported on agriculture for The Salinas Californian and is now communications manager for Hudson Valley Farm Hub. She added, “Ultimately, I hope the

exhibition, film series and book serves as vehicles to inspire youth — especially those from rural or underserved communities — to consider that agriculture extends far beyond tractors and overalls and it is a sector that offers an amazing range of opportunities that involve innovation.” The virtual opening will include State Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Salinas, Dennis Donohue, head of Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology, and Karen Caplan, president and CEO of Frieda’s Specialty Produce, a panel discussion led by women innovators in ag and agtech, and a sneak preview of the exhibition and films. Attendees at the virtual opening have the opportunity to win prizes, including a copy of the forthcoming book “From Farms to Incubators: Women Innovators in California Agtech,” telling the stories of women entrepreneurs who use technology to help solve problems ranging from climate change and limited water to uncertainties in immigration policy. The book will be published in April 2021 under Linden Publishing’s Craven Street Books division. “Agtech” page 19

New Student Trustee for PVUSD

t the Oct. 14 meeting, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees introduced Claudia M. Guerrero Chavez as the student trustee for the 2020-21 school year. A Pajaro Valley High School senior, she will represent all students during her one-year post, which began Oct. 28. This will mean collaborating with students from all the schools. “As a student trustee, my goal is to make sure our voices are being heard and someone is listening,” she said. “I hope to bring unity between the school communities

of our district as well as to represent the aspects of students and families real life situations. We must be the change we wish to see.” Board President Claudia Daniel Dodge, Jr. expressed his support Guerrero Chavez saying, “I am proud to lead a Board that we have this opportunity for student involvement at PVUSD.” Board Bylaw 9150, approved in April 2007, speaks to the benefit of seeking and considering students’ ideas, viewpoints and reactions to educational programs. n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Goes Orange; Businesses Reopen

By Jondi Gumz

ecause of a low rate of COVID-19 cases, Santa Cruz County moved up into the state’s Orange Tier Tuesday, giving breweries, bars, bowling alleys, climbing gyms and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk a chance to reopen with restrictions after months of shutdown. Fruition Brewing, owned by David Purgason and Tallula Preston, plan to open their patio at the East Lake Village Shopping Center in Watsonville Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. “We are jumping for joy!” the Boardwalk Bowl posted on Facebook, noting many new health and safety protocols in place and getting positive comments in return. The state guidelines allow rides to operate at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk but attendance is limited to 500 people from Santa Cruz County who buy tickets in advance — which means the amusement park is off limits to visitors from the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley.

Photo Credit: Andrew Cameron

Sam Carter is happy to be back on the lanes at the Boardwalk Bowl in Santa Cruz. The Orange Tier allows places family entertainment at 25%, with wedof worship, restaurants, movies and dings up to 200 guests. “We’re feeling good about where we museums at 50% capacity indoors, and wineries, dance studios, yoga studios, are as a county,” said Santa Cruz County gyms, card rooms, bounce rooms and Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel Tuesday. “I

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want to give credit where credit is due, the community ... following the guidelines of the state.” On Tuesday, Santa Cruz County had 2,821 COVID-19 cases, including 207 active cases in the past two weeks, 3.5 cases per 100,000 people per day. Previously the county had 4 or more new cases per 100,000 people per day, staying in the more restrictive Red Tier for much of September and most of October. While the pace of new cases has slowed dramatically, the death toll has risen at the hotspot in the county, Watsonville Post Acute Center. 18 Deaths n addition to the 15 deaths of county residents, Newel said three out-of-county residents also died, calling it a “heartbreaking tragedy.” This means 18 of the 74 residents at the nursing home died due to COVID-19. That’s a majority of the county’s 25 COVID deaths.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Age and underlying health conditions are factors in COVID-19 mortality. During the outbreak, 50 residents and 21 staff at Watsonville Post Acute tested positive for COVID-19. Newel said the outbreak had stabilized with no recent new infections and no current infected patients. Gerald Hunter, the administrator at the nursing home, posted an update Oct. 19 on the facility’s website: “The facility staff has been true heroes in dealing with all of the difficulties and personal sadness associated with Covid-19. The facility has turned the corner and at this point in time we only have 2 active cases of Covid-19, one resident and one staff member. The staff is trying to reestablish normal routines. We anticipate new guidelines affecting visitation very soon from CDPH. Please note that effective today I am passing the Administrator torch to Rae Ann Radford an accomplished administrator who will lead the facility going forward.” Radford has been administrator at Valley House Rehab in Santa Clara for three years. Before that, she was executive director at Kindred Nursing & Transitional Care in Santa Cruz, and administrator at Country Villa in Watsonville. Another Factor? ewel was asked if anyone is checking Vitamin D levels for nursing home residents as studies in other countries show a correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 mortality. She said low Vitamin D levels are associated with increased rates of some cancers, adding, “there has not been a clear delineation about the risk of a low Vitamin D with COVID infection but potentially that could be at risk.” She acknowledged elders could be at greater risk because they are not outdoors as much and getting sunlight, which humans need to produce Vitamin D. For those who are concerned, “anyone can ask their primary care provider for a Vitamin D level (lab test) and you can have your Vitamin D level checked but that is not something at this time that we are routinely doing in our COVID patients.”

Asked about the impact of the Orange Tier on schools, Newel said there’s no difference from the Red Tier as along as surveillance testing of adult staff takes place. Stanford Labs is setting up “pop-op” sites to test 25 percent of school staff because of an agreement made by the Santa Cruz County Office Education “so that hurdle has been met,” she said. Most of the districts hope to open for a hybrid model of classroom and onlinelearning starting in January, she added. Newel and Mimi Hall, director of the county Health Services Agency, remain concerned about Halloween gatherings potentially causing more infections. The COVID-19 infection is most commonly spread by family, friends and partners, Newel said, advising everyone to wear masks, keep their interactions under 15 minutes cumulative over 24 hours and get tested “at the very first sign of illness.” Stay outdoors, limit the gathering to two hours, and maintain six feet distance from others in all directions, she said. More Testing all advised anyone having a gathering to “make sure you know who’s at your home” in case someone gets a positive diagnosis and contact tracing is needed. She said the county has applied to the state to add four days of test capacity at the OptumServe site at Ramsay Park in Watsonville, which would allow for 330 tests a day, and to add a testing site in Mid/North County for 165 tests a day. n ••• COVID-19 cases (As of October 28) Aptos 122 Ben Lomond 23 Boulder Creek 23 Capitola 65 Felton 28 Freedom 161 Santa Cruz 564 Scotts Valley 68 Soquel 66 Watsonville 1,615 Unincorporated 33 Under investigation 80 Total 2,848 Source: santacruzhealth.org

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

“Imagination” from page 14 It was clear from their descriptive writing that students used their imaginations and growing vocabularies to describe the temperaments, physical and social characteristics of their monster creations. First grader Arya drew two colorful monsters, and said one was inspired by the Super Mario game character, Yoshi. “It has a Yoshi head and a hamster body with dinosaur spikes,” said Arya. “My other monster has a frog head with a snake body.” For her poem she wrote “my monster has a nose like a frog, a mouth like a hippo, a tail like a hamster, is as clever as a brain and loud as a motorcycle.” A colorful Mexican-style hat rests atop the head of classmate Liam’s monster. Liam said he really enjoys drawing, and that he usually draws “very fast,” but in making his monster, he slowed down and took his time to get it “just right.” “My monster is a happy monster, with bat wings, spider legs and three eyes, but it’s blind,” he said. “Instead it uses its belly button to signal and sense its environment.” “My monster has eyes like night, a nose like zig zags and a mouth like an owl,” wrote first grader Chloe. Classmate Leo’s “Cy-Whale” or cyclops whale, combined elements of a massive marine mammal with whimsical aspects drawn from his imagination. Leo demonstrated his creature’s distinctive “mating call” and said it was used for communication with other Cy-Whales. First grader Orion described his monster has having “eyes like a pumpkin, a mouth with lips, as clever as a jackal and as smelly as gasoline.”

“Agtech” from page 15 “We are thrilled that Amy Wu has chosen to tell the stories of minority women entrepreneurs in Agtech in the Salinas Valley and beyond in a book and in an exhibition at the National Steinbeck Center,” said Michele Speich, executive director of the National Steinbeck Center.

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“My monster has eyes like thunder, a mouth like a tree, and spit as thick as goo,” shared classmate Katherine. First grader Kailani, meanwhile, said she was inspired by the monster books that Laffin read, including One Monster After Another by Mercer Mayer, in creating her detailed representation of a monster family,. “My monster has eyes like jewels, hair like soft velvet and is as smelly as soap,” she wrote. Classmate Weston said he got the idea for his giant monster from thinking about sharp-toothed dragons. “My monster has a tail like an alligator with a wrecking ball on the end, wings like a dragon and is as frightening as death,” he wrote. He embellished his drawing with witches, zombies and jack-o’-lanterns. Classmate Rhiannon drew a colorful, four-legged, dragon-like monster with a spiky tale, scales across its back and large, bright red wings. “My monster has a mouth like a crab, is as clever as an elephant and as smelly as lavender,” shared classmate Lyra. On another day, students gathered comfortably in front of the front porch of the farmhouse building, and then one by one, students took to the outdoor porch “stage” to share their completed colorful drawings. “I want my students to have many chances to showcase their art and other projects,” said Laffin. “Our classroom front porch is a great stage and allows them practice their public speaking and presentation skills in sharing works with their classmates… When they know their work will be ‘seen,’ students feel encouraged to try their best.” n

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The Steinbeck Center is dedicated to John Steinbeck’s creative legacy: To participate, to inspire, to educate, and to understand one another. Find out more at www.steinbeck.org. n For more about “From Farms to Incubators” see www.farmstoincubators.com, email Amy Wu at amy@farmstoincubators.com or call 914-771-1275.

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

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Another Record Median Home Price

By Jondi Gumz

ingle-family home sales were hot in Santa Cruz County in September in more ways than one. The median sales price, the midpoint of what sold, was $1,060,000, according to Gary Gangnes of Real Options Realty, who tracks the numbers. That’s a new record. September was the third consecutive month the median price has topped $1 million dollars. A year ago, the median price was $815,000. There were 195 sales, up from 149 sales a year ago and the most for September since 2005. As of the first week of October, there were 330 listings, down dramatically from 598 listings a year ago and the fewest in history for this time of year, according to Gangnes, noting that over the past 25 years, the average number of listings for the first week of October is 872. Of those 330 listings, 147 are under contract, leaving just 183 active listings. Of those active listings, only 57 are priced under $1 million. Searching on mlslistings.com for a home in Aptos priced at $800,000 to $1 million, nine listings came up but only one was a single-family home: 326 Loyola Drive, two bedrooms, 1,321square feet, asking $9959,000. The others in that price range: Three lots, three condos, and two townhomes. In the next price range, up to $1.49 million, were 10 listings: Six single-family homes, two lots, one duplex and one condo. Interestingly, five of those listings have been on the market for three months or more, a sing that perhaps the asking price is too high. The newest listing is 920 Pinehurst Drive, four bedrooms, 3,309 square feet, with an asking price $1.39 million. What is driving the frenzy in the housing market? Historically low interest rates, according to the California Association of Realtors. “Things are going nuts out there,” said Mary Russell, broker-principal at Mortgage Results in Aptos. “Everybody’s testing the market and you can’t beat the interest rate right now.” Asked how long these low rates might last, Russell said, “They’re not going to

Reports of non-compliance can be submitted via phone at 1-877-373-4542. These statistics show how the numbers have changed over the past three months and how they compare to a year ago. n ••• Single-family homes

raise rates. We’re safe for next year, but anything can happen.” Buyers are playing catch-up after COVID-19, the contagious coronavirus put a lid on sales in March, April and May. But they have so little from which to choose. In Santa Cruz County, homes sold faster than ever in September, 12 days on average, after selling in 14 days in August, according to the California Association of Realtors. A majority of sales, 53 percent, in September, sold for more than $1 million, compared to 56 percent in August and 51 percent in July – which is unusual. In September 2019, only 31 percent of homes sold for more than $1 million. Those days seem so far away. COVID-19 Compliance he California Association of Realtors reports the state Department of Real Estate Enforcement Division warned on Oct. 9 that complaints regarding non-compliance with COVID-19 showing protocols will be investigated. The state Department of Public Health guidance requires all visitors to a property wear masks and use hand sanitizer. Agents are required to disinfect the home before and after each showing and ensure that social distancing and other COVID protocols are followed. A report of non-compliance will lead

to an education effort, and if compliance is not obtained, then citations or other disciplinary action may be considered.

Median July: $1,010,500 August: $1,050,000 September: $1,060,000 Average July: $1,205,205 August: $1,231,546 September: $1,210.612 Sales July: 220 (151 in 2019) August: 149 (164 in 2019) September: 195 (149 in 2019) Listings July: 381 (624 in 2019) August: 344 (600 in 2019) September: 330 (598 in 2019) Source: Gary Gangnes, realoptions.com

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Toxic Spraying on Santa Cruz Rail Lines A ptos resident J. Ben Vernazza asked the Aptos Times to look into spraying of toxic herbicides to prevent plant growth on the tracks of the Santa Cruz branch line corridor next to people’s homes. He wrote, “Over the last few weeks, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has been spraying toxic herbicide on the tracks right on the other side of the fence from people’s homes. The herbicide, called Finale VU, causes eye irritation, is harmful when inhaled, and can effect fertility. The Directions for Use include preventing people from coming into contact “through drift.” Local residents were not warned of the spraying or given any guidelines, such as shelter-in-place or leave for the day. The spraying of toxic herbicide is just another reason we don’t want trains speeding through our community.” The Aptos Times asked the agency for an explanation and if there is a policy on warning residents in advance of toxic spraying. Shannon Munz, communications

specialist for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, provided a response via email. She wrote, “One thing I want to clarify is that this spraying was completed in one day back in August and was a one-time application. It has not been occurring for a ‘few weeks,’ and there are no plans now for more spraying.” Here is her statement on the spraying: ••• As part of the plan to control vegetation on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line, the RTC employed a strategy that included mowing and spraying in the rail line right-of-way. In doing due diligence and researching the best practices to manage this type of vegetation, RTC staff was informed that both mowing and spraying

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would be necessary to gain control of the vegetation. The spraying occurred in areas between Buena Vista Drive in the unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County near Watsonville and Mott Avenue in Santa Cruz and was done only in places that were absolutely necessary. Spraying was limited to no more than 10 feet from the nearest rail and less where conditions warranted spraying a smaller area. Prior to the spraying, vegetation in the right-of-way was out of control and having detrimental effects on drainage and the integrity of the facilities, which could potentially result in detrimental effects to adjoining properties. The spraying was completed in one day on Aug. 12 and was a one-time application. There have been no reports of over-spraying or drift.

There was significant consideration given to the need to spray on the rail line right-of-way and thorough research went into the decision as to the type of herbicide used. The herbicide is not carcinogenic and degrades in the soil over time. Like all herbicides, there is a level of toxicity, which is why care needs to be taken with respect to application. To ensure minimal exposure to the spray and prevent potential harms, the RTC employed best practices in the application, including: • not spraying when there is a possibility of rain for a certain period of time, • not spraying in areas where there is water, • not spraying when there is wind that could potentially cause drift, • spraying very low to the ground, • use of spray patterns and droplet size that ensure the spray will be applied downward, “Toxic Herbicides” page 23

COMMUNITY NEWS

$350,000 Awarded For COVID Messaging O n behalf of the County of Santa Cruz, the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley has awarded $350,000 in federal coronavirus relief funds to area organizations, coalitions, and individuals to support COVID-19 messaging in Santa Cruz County. Distribution of the funding, which is part of the CARES Act bill, was allocated with a focus on the South County region south of Aptos, which has 29 percent of the county population and 63 percent of the COVID-19 cases – 1,739 out of 2,753 overall. “We are grateful to the County for the opportunity to distribute this funding,” said DeAndre’ James, Community Health

“Toxic Herbicides” from page 22 • spraying only where it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the facilities not the entire right-of-way, • where there are pinch points, reduce the spray area to not impact adjoining properties, and

Trust executive director. “With more than 60 percent of COVID-19 cases concentrated in South County, these funds will help alleviate the adverse and disproportionate impact on our community by promoting consistent, accurate, and culturally appropriate messaging.” Following a rapid and competitive review process aimed at funding as many impactful messaging projects as possible, the Community Health Trust’s CARES Act Grant Review Committee awarded grants to the following entities, which will

have until Dec. 15, 2020, to spend all the money: Brent Haddad • Catherine S Forest • City of Watsonville • Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc. • Community Bridges • County of Santa Cruz- Health Services Agency- Behavioral Health • Digital NEST • El Pajaro Community Development Corp. • Ernesto Altamirano • Family Service Agency of the Central Coast • Gabriel J. Medina • Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services • Jaime Sanchez • Live Oak Cradle to Career • Margarita Carrillo •

Pajaro Valley Arts Council • Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance Inc. • Pajaro Valley Save Lives Community Group • Power Broadcasting • Reiter Affiliated Companies • Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos • Santa Cruz Community Health • Santa Cruz Community Ventures • Santa Cruz County Black Coalition for Racial Justice and Equity • Santa Cruz Free Clinic • Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County • The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County • United Way of Santa Cruz County • Urbani Cellar LLC • Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County • Watsonville Campesino Appreciation Caravan • Watsonville Rotary Foundation n

• not spraying over roadway crossings.” This one-time spray application will allow us to gain control over existing vegetation in the right-of-way. As control is gained, additional options will be looked into to modify the vegetation control strategy while still maintaining the integrity of drainage

and facilities so as not to detrimentally impact adjoining properties. ••• Asked for an update on Progressive Rail’s request to terminate the contract for the Santa Cruz branch line, Munz wrote: “They are still the operator on the line and the RTC is working with them

to address their concerns. The RTC is currently in the middle of its Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis to study high-capacity public transit options for the rail line. This study will be completed in early 2021. The RTC does not intend to consider any alternatives to the existing agreement with Progressive Rail until the completion of the TCAA.” n

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Pictures From the Past:

Oldest Building in the Rio Flats A

Photo Essay by Carolyn Swift

s the first structure built by the Rio del Mar Company in the Rio “flats,” the Sea Breeze was nearing its 100th birthday when it was severely damaged in a fire earlier this year. Built in 1926 and serving initially as the development company’s real estate sales office, the stucco Sea Breeze seems never to have enjoyed a heyday. When it was listed in the Santa Cruz County Historical Resources Inventory in 1986, it was described then as physically deteriorated. The original Spanish revival style architectural features on the ground level had years before been modified and filled in. The tile on the balconies of the second floor was replaced with composition roofing. The graceful design the building one possessed has for decades only been visible in historic photographs.

Built in 1926, this building was most recently the Sea Breeze Tavern, which was damaged in a fire this year.

Photo Courtesy of Carolyn Swift

CALIFORNIA NEWS

$100 Million For Pedestrian Safety in California

s the U.S. Department of Transportation establishes October as the first-ever National Pedestrian Safety Month, Caltrans is refining its programs to reduce injury and death on California roadways. Pedestrian deaths have increased nationwide over the last decade. In California, pedestrians are 37 times more likely to be injured in a collision than any other roadway user. Between 2008 and 2017, pedestrian-related incidents accounted for 19 percent of all collisions resulting in death or serious injury. “At least two pedestrians or cyclists lose their lives on California’s transportation system each day — a number we refuse to accept or normalize,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “Safety remains our top priority and the department will work diligently until the trend is reversed. Data-driven augmentations to safety features and a recent $100 million investment dedicated to pedestrian-focused infrastructure improvements will help enhance safety for those who walk and bike on California roadways.” The most recent study, covering 2007

to 2013, found pedestrian injuries have declined nine percent but Santa Cruz County, despite its small size, had the 7th highest rate of non-fatal pedestrian injuries, comparable to San Mateo and San Diego counties. Caltrans is analyzing high-risk locations using traffic collision data, then using a first-of-its-kind toolbox — with 47 safety measure — to determine the best safety improvement. Improvements include:

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

• Signal timing adjustment and extended pedestrian crossing times. • Intersection and roadway design changes, such as sidewalks, curb extensions, and roundabouts or raised intersections that provide more pedestrian safety in high traffic locations. • New signs and markings, including high-visibility crosswalks, stop and yield markings, or “yield to pedestrian” signs.

Caltrans is already implementing these safety measures in certain locations — so far, none in Santa Cruz County — and expects to identify further locations by September 2021. In addition, the California Transportation Commission recently approved $100 million for projects that promote active transportation options, such as: • 310 miles of new and repaired bike lanes • Installation and repair of nearly 50 miles of sidewalk • Nearly 3,000 new crosswalks • 178 transit stop improvements, such as bus shelters The California Office of Traffic Safety is providing more than $8 million in funding for programs dedicated to the safe and equal access of roads for pedestrians, including: • Complete Streets Safety Assessments to assist local agencies statewide in identifying and implementing infrastructure improvements to pedestrian safety and accessibility. “Pedestrians” page 26

A Tribute to Robin Larsen

COMMUNITY NEWS

By Susan True, Lance Linares; and Sam Leask

wenty-four years ago, Robin Larsen arrived at the Community Foundation to fill a new role that would help encourage giving and support the community. Born and raised in Santa Cruz County and a UC Santa Cruz graduate, she was committed to helping our community thrive — it came naturally. In true Robin spirit, she put her insight, genuineness, and graciousness right to work. She found quick success, and her deft touch serving our donors has shaped local philanthropy ever since. Prior to the Community Foundation, Robin worked for nine years at the Cultural Council (now Arts Council) where she managed the Grants Program and the Open Studios Tours, as well as the Cultural Council’s events like Hearts for the Arts and marketing workshops for artists. When she arrived in 1996, the Foundation had just a couple staff, a single donoradvised fund, but a growing list of people interested in our donor services. Central to her work is a good-hearted compassion and nurturing concern for our donors and for our community. She’s been our resident historian, an authority on charitable giving, a meticulous event planner, an ever-ready wordsmith, and a charming guide for anyone looking to create a legacy. Robin’s awareness of the needs and emotions of others is one of the biggest gifts she has given. The kindness she offers families in a time of loss, the comfort she gives to someone at the end of life, and the joy she shares in helping people give are some of the ways that Robin shines. Yet, despite that sensitive and kind heart, you simply can’t talk about Robin without acknowledging that singular sense of humor she uses to great effect. She has masterful Halloween costumes, and is well known for her impromptu interpretive dances inspired by business projects and office life. No one can wring fun and joy out of the mundane like Robin. We’ve been so lucky to have her service on behalf of our community. During Robin’s tenure we’ve helped hundreds of

locals create a new charitable fund or plan giving in their will, and she’s had a hand with nearly all of them. That’s a lasting legacy of inspiring philanthropy and it will be deeply missed. We love you, Robin. We are grateful for all you have done to make Santa Cruz County thrive for those who call it home now & in the future. n Susan True is CEO of Santa Cruz County Foundation. Lance Linares was CEO from 1996 — 2017 and Sam Leask is director of philanthropic services. ••• A Note From Robin Larsen hen I was little I thought the best job in the world was to be that lady at the department store who helped you to figure out the perfect gift for your beloved Aunt Florence or Cousin Billy. Who knew I’d end up helping people make gifts to that mattered, not just to our community, but also to them personally. Over the past 24 years I’ve learned that giving is personal. It depends on people who want to share what they have with others. Giving is shaped by your family, your experiences, your luck, and your heart. Giving requires you to let go and trust that your gift will make a difference, in small ways and large, that feels good. I have been privileged to be trusted by so many good people. “My” donors are special to me — we have laughed, sighed, planned, and learned together over the years. My guiding principle has been to be reliable and transparent in order to keep the best interests of the donors I work with front and center. It’s something I’m proud of, but it’s something I would not have been able to do had I not been part of the Community Foundation. The Community Foundation is built on trust. And trust is built one day at a time, one year at a time, on interactions that are respectful and caring, on information that is accurate and timely, on a track record of thoughtful decisions and strong partnerships. None of this would be possible without the people who work to put them in action. My colleagues at the Community Foundation have always been smart,

capable people who approach their work with integrity, care and good humor. It takes all of us to make the wheels run smoothly. If I have been able to have an impact on my community, it was because of all my wonderful co-workers, past and present. Thank you for giving me the best job in the world. Editor’s Note: To share your well wishes with Robin, send a handwritten card to Robin at: Robin Larsen, c/o Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, 7807 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003.

[Robin Larsen] has masterful Halloween costumes, and is well known for her impromptu interpretive dances inspired by business projects and office life. No one can wring fun and joy out of the mundane like Robin.

Robin Larsen

Civics 101

ACROSS

1. Beginning of flu, e.g. 6. Espionage agent 9. *Warsaw Pact opponent 13. Ringworm 14. Romanian monetary unit 15. Well-known 16. Contain the ashes 17. Paris’ ____ De Triomphe 18. Wear away 19. *Group of President’s advisors 21. *Balance partner, pl. 23. Ever, to a poet 24. Joker, e.g. 25. Type of coniferous 28. Man Ray’s genre

30. Switches topics 35. “Beware the ____ of March” 37. Large casks 39. Beyond suburban 40. Fatalist’s future 41. Weasel’s aquatic cousin 43. City of Taj Mahal 44. Tossed or passed 46. Ready and eager 47. “I ____ With You” by Modern English 48. Water pipe 50. Diplomat’s forte 52. Grain in J.D. Salinger’s novel 53. Miso bean 55. One of Indiana Jones’ quests 57. *Part of Congress 60. *One who introduces a bill 64. Recurring pain

65. Consumed 67. Baby grand, e.g. 68. Relating to Hinduism 69. Siren’s domain 70. Tiny island 71. Fencing weapon 72. Trinitrotoluene, for short 73. Two-player strategy board game

DOWN

1. Ear-related 2. Santa Maria’s companion 3. Give the cold shoulder 4. Like Halloween night 5. Turned skin into leather 6. Blind segment 7. ____ capita 8. New Mexico’s state flower

9. Narcotics agent, for short 10. Every which way 11. Koppel and Kennedy 12. Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem, e.g. 15. Avian rest stop 20. Muse of love poetry 22. Store posting, abbr. 24. Choral composition 25. *”Miranda Rights” amendment 26. Leading potatoproducing state 27. Yesteryear style 29. *Serving on a jury 31. *One of five U.S. territories 32. One that insists 33. Ahead of time 34. *List of candidates 36. Radio button 38. Red Cross supplies 42. Summary

45. Sushi restaurant burner 49. “Too ____ to handle” 51. ____ of Cancer 54. Brewer’s staple 56. Snack of Jewish origin 57. Edmund Fitzgerald, e.g. 58. Marine eagle 59. Lymphatic swelling 60. *John Roberts’ spot, e.g. 61. Black Friday lure 62. Half of binary code, pl. 63. Decomposes 64. Definite article 66. *Number of amendments in the Bill of Rights © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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

From the Battle We Emerge Triumphant

Esoteric Astrology • November 2020 • By Risa D’Angeles

very year at this time, around Halloween, the veils between the worlds become transparent and spirits return to Earth for a visit. This occurs during Scorpio, sign of all things mysterious, secret, clandestine, furtive and covert. This Scorpio 2020 month is a most unusual month. It begins and ends with two full moons and a lunar eclipse (the past falls away) It’s an election year, the outcome determining the future of the earth. And Saturn and Jupiter, social planets, will be moving swiftly towards a Winter Solstice conjunction in Aquarius, opening the door to the new era with its New Laws & Principles. Scorpio is the sign of readjusting ourselves from “darkness to light, the unknown to the known, chaos to beauty.” During November, a battle, waged against the American people since the 1930s, comes to the forefront. It is a battle between the Forces of Light and Forces of Materialism; a conflict in plain sight, focused in the USA government. Scorpio, where we all become warriors, is where the battle

for the Soul of humanity appears. Scorpio is also the sign of the Nine Tests – physical, emotional and mental tests, for which we must be prepared. Tests strengthen us. We are coming to the end of a long dark cycle where the Forces of Materialism have taken hold of the minds of humanity. By Winter Solstice, December 21st, the social institutions that have hindered humanity’s moving forward are to be eliminated for the new Aquarian era to begin. But until then, all hidden secrets, barriers and hindrances must be torn down. It requires a great battle to remove this darkness. It is important that we remain poised and calm. Let us observe the results of both Mercury and Mars retrograde occurring during the election. It will be interesting. No matter the outcome, if we are aligned with the Forces of Light (which do control the Forces of Darkness), we can say calmly together, “Warriors are we and from the battle we emerge triumphant.”

ARIES LEO As so many changes continue to occur, you Remember when life was lived outside? When we become sensitized and aware of picked fruit, gathered water at the well, everyone’s behaviors, beliefs and and made fires to cook on? Remember responses in all interactions. You long walks at daybreak and sunset as the are also concerned with the right use moon and stars appeared? Remember of money & resources, your capacity to discern the sense of community. There was also loneliness and discriminate and your ability to give (and and separation and long snowy winters. As adults, we give some more). Closeness is importance to you are able to release what’s sorrowful. Through loving at this time. All that you value shifts to a higher forgiveness. Remember? intimate level. VIRGO TAURUS You seek more freedom — especially financial. This has been on your mind for a while The ways we act and respond in relationships stem now. One of the most important ways from childhood and family experiences of receiving money is tithing to those and observations. Although you often in need. When we give things away we hide yourself away from the world, you’re dedicated to loved ones. You experience freedom. The heart opens. What we give would never think of leaving them. This dedication returns ten-fold. What you are really seeking is liberty. allows those close to you to grow, blossom, bloom, Create a freedom journal. Write what makes you free. transform and evolve. Do you feel loved enough in Draw the Statue of Liberty. return? LIBRA GEMINI Your future is emerging in great unexpected and transformative waves. There is a reorNo matter how compelling it is to return to a previous situation, you will not and cannot ganizing of your self-identity, how you remain there. The purpose of the return see yourself, your professional and is to review the lessons, realize the personal realities and interactions with goodness, offer gratitude and for- the world. Listen carefully to all communication. giveness and then leave again. These liberate your You might hear a message concerning what needs future. The Nine Tests of Scorpio shadow you. You balancing to have a future filled with freedom. Begin pass them. You cultivate focused spiritual intention. with forgiveness. It heals you first. Then everything around you blossoms. And love. CANCER Are you feeling restricted by anyone or anything in your life? Is there a need for a rebalancing with friends or family? Are you concerned with previous choices, decisions and use of future resources? Let’s discuss rest (as in respite). You need rest in great amounts. A particular creativity calls to you. Does it have to do with home, herbs, teas, flowers, mints and gardens? Are you planting biodynamically?

SAGITTARIUS In Non-violent (compassionate) Communication classes we learn to thoughtfully and compassionately understand the self and others’ needs. Being able to discern needs becomes a creative act, deeply internal, yet profoundly affecting all outer experiences and interactions. Cooperation (a virtue) begins in earnest. If you haven’t already, begin to learn Compassionate Communication techniques. Its effects are extraordinary. CAPRICORN Profound changes continue, with self-identity and life direction. Group work is of great importance. In groups people see you as one who brings forth transformations. Some appreciate and recognize this, some don’t. However, this is your task in groups. Understanding this helps you maintain focus and confidence. You manifest the group’s spiritual work. Before any work, call in the Soul of yourself and all others. The Soul protects and safeguards you. You are the Soul of the group. AQUARIUS Your resources depend on your state of mind. It’s most important to downsize so you can move forward quickly when needed. Don’t let this be difficult. Either keep what you have or give it away so you are less dependent on physical non-essentials and more focused upon freedom, which your future will call for. Balance is in having less. And then you can proceed onto a new adventure.

SCORPIO PISCES In coming months, there will be new discoveries, a new With Neptune in Pisces, here is what it feels like. identity, and new learnings concerning “Amidst the whirling forces we stood how you see yourself. It begins with you confused, swept up and down the lands, creatively tending to self, then helping blinded, nowhere to rest.” Finally, we another. Helping others reconciles us (Pisces) says, “Here I stand and will not to our own humanity. We see the needs of the times move till I know the law governing this very moment. through the needs of others. Then we begin to help Facing many ways, I will determine for myself which build the new world - the new sharing society. You are way to go, traveling no longer up and down the land, no the resource behind this idea, which becomes an ideal longer be blinded. I will only upward move. And then within humanity. find rest.” (the Old Ancient Commentary for Pisces. •••

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / November 1st 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Pedestrians” from page 24 • Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training programs that encourage local residents in underserved communities to develop a community action plan to improve walking and biking safety. • Coordinate Walking Tours and education outreach with health care providers and senior centers. Focus on high-collision areas for older adult pedestrians and measures to improve safe travel for older adults. • Develop “walking school busses” with groups that walk with students to school and educate students on traffic rules and best safety practices. National Pedestrian Safety Month is an important reminder that we are all pedestrians at one time or another and that we all play a role in protecting those who walk on California’s transportation system. “Behavior change goes hand in hand with infrastructure improvements,” said Barbara Rooney, director of the Office of Traffic Safety. “Safe habits by drivers and pedestrians complement a transportation system that is designed with pedestrian travel in mind.” Tips for drivers: • Slow down on busy streets and intersections. • Avoid distractions like cell phones, eating, using in-dash touch screens, or deep conversations with passengers. • Be extra careful when approaching crosswalks. • Be prepared to stop for pedestrians. • Avoid blocking crosswalks when making a right-hand turn. • Turn headlights on and slow down at night when pedestrians are more difficult to see. Tips for pedestrians: • Stay off the phone, especially when crossing the street. • Always try to use marked crosswalks, preferably at stop signs or signals. • Make eye contact and nod or wave at drivers. A quick nod or wave is an easy way to let a driver know you see them, and they see you. • Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when you’re more difficult to see. • Walk with a flashlight and wear a reflective vest at night to make it easier for drivers to see you. • Remember to look both ways for cars if you need to briefly walk into the street to maintain social distancing on sidewalks. n ••• For information about Caltrans pedestrian programs see https://dot.ca.gov/programs/ safety-programs/ped-bike and visit the Office of Traffic Safety https://gosafelyca.org/bicyclepedestrian-safety/website for pedestrian safety tips.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Local Business Perspective on SqCWD

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. Robert Singleton is the executive director of the Santa Cruz County Business Council — a nonprofit group with the focus of advocating on behalf of local business interests. The organization’s goals include fostering county-wide business and community vitality, being a voice for business and economic vitality throughout the community, and maintaining good working relationships between the business community, government, and public stakeholders. That’s an important mission, which affects all who live and work in our region. In carrying out that mission, Robert says that the Business Council recognizes and understands that a robust, prosperous economic environment is dependent on a healthy, strong, thriving community - and that one of the primary keys to a healthy community is a sustainable, dependable source of clean water.

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

Consequently, there is a very strong business interest in the condition of the local water supply, and in the District’s projects to address the threats to our groundwater basin, which is the sole source of water within the District’s service area. “A reliable water supply is the very lifeblood of a vibrant community,” says Robert. “And a healthy community is the foundation for economic activity — providing customers and workforce throughout the business sector. Without a reliable water supply, our community declines, and our businesses along with it.” As you might gather, Robert is wellaware of the ongoing threats to the local water supply. “With the critically over-drafted groundwater basin and saltwater contamination literally at our doorstep, our water supply is in dire circumstances,” he notes. “As advocates for business, we are depending on and support the District’s efforts to confront this critical issue. We’re in this together — businesses, the District, neighborhoods, communities, and families — and we can all take action to help resolve the long-term water supply problem.” Robert knows that continued water conservation is one key part of the solution, which the Business Council’s member companies take very seriously. At the same time, he and the Business Council appreciate the District’s work in

creating new water supplies, such as Pure Water Soquel. This points back to the District’s multi-faceted, community-based approach to a sustainable water supply — water conservation, effective groundwater management, and new water supplies. Pure Water Soquel will divert millions of gallons of treated wastewater, purify it to meet or exceed all state and federal drinking water standards, and use it to recharge our overdrafted groundwater basin. This project holds great promise for ensuring our local community and businesses can depend on a reliable, long-term water supply. In light of the immediate challenges to our community’s water supply, Robert also reflects more personally on what these problems, if not resolved, may mean for the future.

“I plan on raising a family here, and I have many friends who have children,” he says. “We need to work together to ensure that our kids and grandkids, and the generations beyond, have a sustainable, reliable source of clean drinking water.” These concerns for our future are shared by everyone, both from a business perspective and a resident perspective, and highlight the fact that only by working together can we continue to move toward a long-term solution. That is the District’s objective, and Robert and the Business Council agree — #inthistogether. 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.

Caveats To Hiring Family

here are many reasons why we hire family members to work for us. They are usually more committed with a vested interest in the success of the company and they’re often more trustworthy, not to mention that family will often work for lower wages than nonfamily labor. All of these positive attributes can contribute to a more cohesive and stronger bond between family members working together in the business. When this formula works well it has a tremendously positive

By Ron Kustek

impact on your customers who see and especially feel — that you have a truly family-owned and operated local business worth supporting. When things are good, it can be great… For those of you who work in familyowned and operated businesses, you know when it’s great. You’re all in sync with each other, you know each other’s strong points and not-so strong areas, but cover for each

other, the way all great employees do. When it’s good, there’s no negativity, no “you owe me” and no harboring feelings that the other family member isn’t pulling their weight. Your conversations are light yet meaningful, as well as open and honest, both at work and at home, because with a family business there is no real “leaving it at the office.” You start each day with excitement and

anticipation of how good things can be today, even if it’s gloomy outside, it’s always sunny inside the business (because you’re making money, and that often makes people happy). You end each day talking about the day’s challenges, often with some laughs and some head-shaking in disbelief over something that happened. In a happy family business, even in difficult times, each family member pulls together instead of pulling at each other – and the company, apart. “Family Business” page 29

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COMMUNITY NEWS

She Adventures Film Tour — Online T he She Adventure Film Tour, sponsored by the Rio Theatre, will offer a virtual screening Nov. 12-22. These films of varying lengths and styles showcase women in the outdoors, making them more visible. The goal is to build a community who support adventurous women. Once you start viewing, you have 48 hours to finish or until midnight Nov. 17, whichever comes first. The eight short films featured include: Free Flow: 4 minutes. Hazel Findlay enjoys an epic day of mountain running and solo climbing in the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia. Stunning shots combine with a considered soundtrack and introspection from one of the world’s best rock climbers. Mel: 4 minutes. At 35-years of age Mel Stamell has pretty much tried it all: kayaking, climbing, caving, mountain biking, and skiing. The Canberra local isn’t your average female adventure enthusiast, she is passionate about trying new sports, pushing the boundaries and overcoming obstacles. Her diminutive stature doesn’t suit a lot of outdoor equipment so she customizes her own. With a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, she’s taken on the challenge of building a lot of her own sporting equipment, including a fibreglass kayak. Diana: 5 minutes. From Uganda’s most dangerous slum to Olympic qualification, Diana was excluded by her own government from two Olympic games because of her gender. Bullied and desperate, Diana turned to the Rhino Boxing Club

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

Free Flow showcasing rock climber Hazel Findlay.

and transformed herself into the only professional female boxer in Uganda. On behalf of a new generation of female boxers she is on a mission to see the first woman represent her country at the Olympics. Run India: 43 minutes. Having achieved her goal of becoming the first woman and youngest person at the time to complete the Four Desert Grandslam, four 250km desert ultramarathons in a single year, Samantha Gash didn’t want to stop running – but she did want to run with more purpose. So she teamed up with World Vision to run across India and shine a light on the plight of Indian girls and their quest for equality and education. For 77 days she ran in the heat, the crowds and the dust. She dodged cars, buses, bikes, cows and the odd camel. This is a brutally honest raw account of her ups and downs along the way.

The Motivator: 5 minutes. Mo provides inspiration to get out and enjoy the world around us. Dream Job: 15 minutes. Ever dreamt of quitting your boring desk job for a job in the outdoor industry? Follow Katie on her journey to make it in the world of professional skiing. When I Look Back: 3 minutes. Join four women mountain bikers ripping around Moab, Utah. Lighthearted and contemplative, it’s a glimpse into a tight-knit group of friends doing what they love and picking each other up when they fall down. Tidal: 25 minutes. Tidal follows Lisa Beasley’s journey after a horrific BASE jumping accident. Her journey begins with a childhood love of water and sea life. This obsession is eclipsed by her growing infatuation with skydiving and then BASE jumping. As her jump numbers increase, so do the risks, until one jump changes everything. After opening her chute too early, Lisa has to endure the horror of being swung into the mountain face repeatedly on her long way down to the ground. Lucky to have survived, she must now face an immense recovery period that brings her closer to her mother as well as her first love, the sea. Proceeds from this event provides the Rio Theatre with some income during these difficult times while the theatre is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. n ••• Rental is $15 at www.adventurereelstv.com/film/ she-adventures-film-tour-rio-theatre/ w w w. r i o t h e a t r e . c o m / e v e n t s - 2 / 2 0 2 0 / 11 / 11 / s h e adventures-film-tour

“Family Business” from page 27 But when things are bad, it can be awful… Have you ever hired a friend to work for you or to be a partner with you and your business? Hopefully, you’re both still friends. Often over time there is the tendency for friends to somehow not care as much or work as hard as you do in your business. Similar to when the business relationship with friends starts to affect your personal relationship, so too can your business relationship with a family member affect your personal relationship — often not for the better. There is nothing worse than not being able to escape. When you work in a family business where family members are not getting along, there are no secrets, no hiding how each person feels, no family bond that forgives when we as individuals just start to not like the other person — family or not. What To Do Hiring people is the most important decision you will make (and keep making) and should always be for the person with the best skill set, regardless of whether they are related to you or not. Whenever we compromise our principles, it often festers and creates difficulties somewhere down the road.

So, what to do? First and foremost is the realization that there is a responsibility to ‘the business’ regardless of who owns it, or who works for it. It is recommended to always try to take the approach that “it’s not personal.” Whether you’re a manager for a Silicon Valley firm or for your own company, the guiding principle is being impartial, non-emotional but factual. Identify what is going well, and especially why — so that you can reinforce and draw

on those skills for the person to apply to what isn’t going well. It’s always easier to offer solutions instead of just criticizing, so the added constructive input on the skills that are making them successful in other areas, can be applied to helping them be successful for improving their shortcomings. However, sometimes people just change, and they may not share the same goals they once did, or the same interest or

passion for the company and its customers. You may find yourself with the decision that it’s easier to replace a worker than it is to replace a family member, who may just need to leave the business, in order to save the business. n ••• Ron Kustek is a former senior executive at The Coca-Cola Co. and small business owner who is currently a business instructor at Cabrillo College. Contact him at kokustek@ cabrillo.edu.

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Improving Pedestrian Safety By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor

s we’ve seen from the pandemic, many more people are using their neighborhood streets and areas to walk and it has highlighted the ongoing need for additional pedestrian safety measures. County Public Works in conjunction with our office has focused on some key initial locations for improvements with more planned. These projects were mainly funded through grants. Here’s an overview of the recent projects. New Beacon Crosswalks ne way to improve crosswalk safety is to have a beacon/lit crosswalk. These crosswalks have signs on either end that will start to flash when a button is pressed by the pedestrian. New beacon crosswalks were installed in Seascape, Seacliff, the Aptos Village area and in the Buena Vista/ Calabasas area. For example, two new beacon crosswalks -- Buena Vista and Miller and Buena Vista and Calabasas -- were installed to help with the many pedestrians that use the area to access the bus stop and also the school. Another was placed on Seascape and Racquet Club providing a safe crossing for residents accessing the shopping center, walking to and from the resort or the sports club. Additionally, a crosswalk was placed at Seacliff and El Camino Del Mar — which is used by many residents walking to and from the beach and the bluffs. A beacon crosswalk is also planned soon for Soquel Drive by the Rancho Del Mar shopping center to improve the mid-block crossing at that location. In addition to these crosswalks that were completed in the last few weeks, earlier this year a beacon crosswalk was placed at the crosswalk located at Trout Gulch and

Cathedral, which is used by pedestrians accessing the Aptos Village and when school is in session by students walking to the elementary school. Public Works is in the process of applying for additional grant funding to add even more of these beacon crosswalks in our area. New Pedestrian Paths ew paths to improve pedestrian safety have been installed (or are in process) in the south county area. A new walking path replacement project on Green Valley Road by Pinto Lake Park was completed recently to improve the safety and accessibility for the many residents that use the park and also walk along Green Valley Road. A second path project is in the works on Buena Vista by Calabasas. This path is used by local residents and many school children walking to and from the school and METRO bus stops in the area.

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

Requests for that pathway came from a community meeting we held in the area with the CHP, Public Works and City of Watsonville representatives. This path will complement the new beacon crosswalks around Buena Vista and Miller and Buena Vista and Calabasas that were mentioned above. The County is looking currently into options for improving pedestrian safety options in Corralitos (beyond the changes made recently on Amesti) specifically looking at ways to improve access in the stretch between Varni and the market. Future Projects ecently, the County (partnering with Ecology Action) held two virtual meetings regarding the creation of the first Active Transportation Plan for the unincorporated area of our County. In our district, the plan focused on Aptos, Rio Del Mar, La Selva as well as Corralitos, Amesti area and the greater Green Valley corridor. The Active Transportation Plan helps provide a guide for future pedestrian and

bike options to make it easier and safer to engage in these activities. Additionally, having a local plan helps position the County more favorably for state and federal funding options. If you’d like to obtain more information or to share your comments online, visit: https://ecoact.org/poweredbyme/ The long-planned Mar Vista bridge crossing is also closer to reality. You can review the concept and provide feedback at from a link on the main page of the Regional Transportation Commission’s website at www.sccrtc.org. n ••• As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and I’ve been hosting regular tele-townhalls with County and community leaders on most Tuesday nights from 6-7 pm. The call in information for the town halls is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384# — you are welcome to speak about any issue during the town halls or you can always call me at 454-2200. The next town hall will be Nov. 10.

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SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Autumn Color From Deciduous Foliage

A I

On the Runway: Fifi O’hara, Miss Fame, and Ru Paul

crossword on 25 »

s your barn-yard boring? Coop a little crusty? Downs a bit dusty? Well you can turn “legs” and “dairy” into LEGENDARY with these three fancy roosters! Fifi O’hara (A273355), Miss Fame (A273356), and the infamous Ru Paul (A273354) are ready to strut their silkie feathers down your runway. It has been a long few months for these roosters, but they are ready to sing their way into your heart. They came to SCCAS when their family had to evacuate due to the CZU Lighting Fire and they are now available for adoption because they were not able to return home. These three are ready to Cock-a-doodle-do this adoption thang, so come to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter to take these beautiful roosters home today! Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076  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

utumn does not get cool enough locally to prevent everything from blooming. A few plants can bloom sporadically all year except only during the coolest part of winter. A few plants naturally bloom in autumn. Cool season annuals begin blooming before warm season annuals finish. Flowers can potentially provide plenty of autumn color if necessary. A mild climate can be a major advantage. It can also be a disadvantage. Minimal chill causes deciduous foliage to start to get messy before it starts to get colorful. Some deciduous plants shed completely before getting chilled enough to develop appealing autumn color. A few others do not even get cool enough to defoliate completely. They instead retain their shabby old foliage through winter until new foliage replaces it in spring. Nonetheless, several adaptable deciduous plants get sufficient chill to develop impressive autumn color here. Sweetgum, Chinese pistache, flowering pear and ginkgo are likely the four best deciduous trees for autumn color locally. Sweetgum and Chinese pistache produce the most impressive ranges of vibrant colors. Flowering pear is comparable, but with less yellow, and more rich deep burgundy red. Ginkgo lacks such range of color, but develops the brightest and clearest yellow autumn color. Boston ivy, crape myrtle and persimmon get about as colorful as sweetgum, even if incidentally to their primary duties. Crape myrtle is popular for its abundant

Deciduous foliage can get delightfully colorful.

and richly colorful bloom in summer. Persimmon is a fruit tree. Boston ivy obscures graffiti and helps muffle sound on freeway soundwalls. Cottonwood and black walnut turn bright yellow, but in the wild rather than in refined gardens. Even for the locally mild climate, there are plenty of deciduous plants that provide foliar autumn color. Trees are the most familiar. Vines and shrubbery are also popular. Because this mild climate is marginal for some of them, color is likely to be variable from year to year. Unfortunately, some that perform satisfactorily for inland locations may perform less satisfactorily in coastal conditions. ••• Ginkgo here autumn chill is minimal, the best and brightest yellow autumn color is that of the ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba. Some know it at the maidenhair tree. Except for older trees that produce messy and stinky fruit, it is a notably clean tree. Perhaps it is too clean. It drops nothing all year, but can defoliate too soon once it develops it striking autumn color. Minimal chill actually prolongs the process. Ginkgo is dioecious, with separate genders. Modern cultivars for landscapes are male, so produce Ginkgo is turning clear no obnoxious fruit. bright yellow. Female cultivars that produce nuts and fruits are not commonly available in nurseries locally. (As objectionable as their aroma is, the nuts and fruits are edible.) Some people may be allergic to the pollen of mature male trees. Many mature trees predate modern cultivars. Trees are somewhat slender and perhaps sparse while young. They develop a broader canopy as they age. Trees can get more than fifty feet tall, with sculpturally irregular branch structure. Foliar venation radiates outward from the petioles. Leaves, which are about two or three inches long, therefore have the shape of fishtails. Leaves on current season stems are cloven into paired lobes. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

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

everything...so close to home.

Deluxe Foods of Aptos

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

(831) 688-7442 www.deluxefoodsofaptos.com

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Highway 1 & Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos

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

Aptos Times: November 1, 2020

Articles inside

Improving Pedestrian Safety, By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor

Autumn Color From Deciduous Foliage, By Tony Tomeo