A Blueprint To Safely Reopen Fitness Centers, By Richard Carmona

FEATURED COLUMNIST A Blueprint To Safely Reopen Fitness Centers

By Richard Carmona

Editor’s Note: This column is being reprinted from CalMatters, a nonprofit nonpartisan newsroom committed to explaining California policy and politics. •••

As Gov. Gavin Newsom lifts the state’s stay-at-home orders, considerable focus is being placed on which businesses can safely reopen. While staying home is the safest way to mitigate risk, keeping people in their homes is difficult and can ultimately be deleterious to physical and mental health.

Physical inactivity has increased significantly in the past 10 months, which is problematic for cardiovascular health and immunity. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found the pandemic has increased levels of anxiety and depressive disorders among high-risk populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, essential workers, caregivers, and 1 in 4 young adults have contemplated suicide during the pandemic.

Exercise, however, has been shown to dramatically improve both physical and mental health outcomes, but for many, the only safe place to work out is a fitness center.

In California where open-air workouts could resume soon, the closure of indoor fitness centers has come under scrutiny. Contract tracing data from New York State shows that fitness centers are not major spreaders of the virus, accounting for just 0.06% of community spread in states where they are open — lower than retail stores, construction sites, salons and auto dealerships.

As U.S. Surgeon General, I coordinated with states to create a uniform national policy for health. Today, we have some state leaders, including New York’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Mexico’s Gov. Lujan Grisham, who, understanding the low-risk associated with gyms, have reopened fitness centers with appropriate public health measures in place.

Meanwhile in California, leaders have encouraged citizens to “get outside,” or “take a walk on the beach” for exercise. Newsom tweeted recently that “mental health is physical health,” and “staying active & connected right now is so important.”

While this is good advice, public health policy cannot ignore that many Californians simply cannot effectively exercise in their homes or outdoors due to poor air quality, lack of recreational spaces, or an inability to purchase and maintain at-home fitness equipment and subscriptions.

Additionally, many people have already tailored their own exercise regimen to get the best results working out at a wellequipped fitness facility.

To find a solution, large fitness facilities have come together to devise a reopening plan that follows CDC and other public health recommendations.

The California Safe Fitness Plan, if implemented, would represent the most stringent requirements in the country, while still providing critical access for fitness. The plan calls for limited capacity, increased physical distancing of 12 feet — double the national 6-foot standard — mandated face coverings and a record of every person who enters a fitness facility for contact tracing.

In addition, the plan would require sanitization of equipment every 20 minutes during operating hours, overnight closure from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to sanitize all surfaces and equipment, and closing all communal locker rooms and showers while a region is in the “Purple Tier.”

Perhaps most importantly, large fitness facilities allow for greater airflow and robust air circulation systems, and under the California Plan, fitness centers would be required to use a minimum MERV-13 air filtration standard.

The closure of indoor fitness centers has caused California’s vulnerable populations — already disproportionately impacted by the pandemic — to struggle even more with their physical and mental health.

I have experienced homelessness, hunger and health disparities during my youth, helping me to understand the importance of ensuring that all populations have access to interventions that help improve overall health outcomes.

COVID-19 has presented serious health care challenges and difficult decisions for policymakers. However, large fitness facilities want to be part of the solution by offering to implement stringent safety protocols that will allow individuals the opportunity to improve their overall physical and mental health while minimizing the risk of COVID transmission.

To read the California Safe Fitness Plan, go to: https://exerciseisessential4all. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ CA_SafeFitnessPlan_2.pdf n •••

Richard Carmona served as the 17th U.S. Surgeon General and currently sits on the Chancellor’s Board of Advisors at UC Davis. He advises fitness centers on ways to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission in their facilities. Email him at rcarmona@email.arizona.edu.

“Water Sustainability” from page 25 • An interactive, child-sized clothes washer and dryer illustrating sustainable laundry practices including elements of a grey water system directed outside the Eco Home to “water” a fruit tree in the exhibit’s “yard.” • An interactive planter box using wooden fruits and vegetables where children will learn the benefits of using compost and recycled water in agriculture — something particularly relevant in

Santa Cruz County.

In addition to those water and conservation education components, the Eco Home includes interactive elements illustrating solar energy, composting, recycling, and other sustainability concepts. Through these and other interactive exhibits and activities, the Eco Home helps empower children to be part of the solution to the problems of water management, climate change, and degradation of the environment.

The environmental education/water conservation Eco Home interactive exhibit was created through a partnership led by the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, and including Soquel Creek Water District, Loves Gardens, the City of Santa Cruz, Knox Roofing, Green Space, San Lorenzo Lumber, Allterra Solar, Big Creek Lumber, Mission Tile, Habitat Resource, and all the wonderful community volunteers who helped make it happen. 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 us at outreach@ soquelcreekwater.org or 831-475-8501 x118 and visit www. soquelcreekwater.org.

SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS This new program from Community Bridges brings enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 and up in their homes at no cost. To participate, you need an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. To participate, view the calendar at https://communitybridges.org/SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, click on the link in the calendar to be connected. If you have a problem connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481.

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK DRIVE-IN MOVIES SCHEDULE Saturdays in March Croods: A New Age — Mar. 6, 6:30 p.m. Wreck-It Ralph — Mar. 13, 6:30 p.m. X-Men (2000) — Mar. 20, 8 p.m. Austin Powers: Int’l Man of Mystery — Mar. 27, 8 p.m. Cost $35 per vehicle. Visit https://beachboardwalk.com/Drive-In-Movies for details and restrictions

SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Second Harvest Food Bank drive-through food distribution schedule into March:

Watsonville: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds March 5 • March 19

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by March 8

Gallery, all in Santa Cruz, are hosting the work of 300+ artists in Arts Council Santa Cruz County’s Visual Arts Network. Capitola artist Wendy Ballen is one of the participating artists at R Blitzer Gallery. Info: infor@curatedbythesea.com or call1 (408) 250-2224

••• Food hotline: 831-662-0991.

YOUNGER LAGOON RESERVE VIRTUAL TOURS Younger Lagoon Reserve, which is part of UC in Santa Cruz, is now offering a virtual tour in both English and Spanish. This virtual tour follows the same stops as our behind-the-scenes hiking tour, and is led by a UC Santa Cruz student.

Visit https://ucanr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/ index.html?appid=7bf4b74490c444068a326c4c 89a9a560 or https://ucanr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ MapTour/index.html?appid=9e4aa7556bc24951a855cc3 bd4f6c473 (https://tinyurl.com/lagoon-reserve-virtual-tours) https://youngerlagoonreserve.ucsc.edu

NEW GROUPS STARTING FOR SURVIVORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE Survivors Healing Center, a welcoming place for survivors of child sexual abuse and their supporters, is forming new eightweek support groups for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

There will be online groups in English and Spanish for men, women, mothers of survivors, partners of survivors, young adults and teens.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale. For more information: call (831) 423-7601, visit survivors healingcenter.org or email shc.program@fsa-cc.org.

ONGOING EVENTS

Every Third Thursday of the Month PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist, on the third Thursday of each month. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255. First and Third Sunday MAKERS’ MARKET First Sunday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 2801 Mission St., Santa Cruz Third Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz (Between Cathcart & Lincoln) Santa Cruz Mountains Makers Market is returning! The market is held every first Sunday outside the Wrigley Building and every third Sunday on Pacific Avenue (Downtown Santa Cruz). The Wrigley market features vintage and handmade art, food and drink. The Downtown market features over 30 local artists and makers.

There is no charge to attend the market. The Wrigley Market will open the following week if delayed for rain, weather permitting. Visit http://scmmakersmarket.com for more information.

Available thru Sunday March 28 450 PIECES TRI-GALLERY ART SHOW Online Gallery R. Blitzer Gallery, Curated by the Sea, and the Radius

DATED EVENTS

Tuesday March 2

DEADLINE FOR FAFSA & CAL GRANT High school seniors must complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the March 2 Cal Grant deadline to be eligible for state and federal aid, which maximizes the amount of money they can qualify for.

The Cal Grant offers free money for California students attending a community college, UC, CSU, or a fully online or independent, nonprofit university, and can help pay for costs such as books, supplies, transportation and rent.

FAFSA completions among graduating high school students are down by 11 percent (19,330) compared to a year ago, and California Dream Act Applications, allowing eligible undocumented students to apply for the same state-based financial available to others, are also down by 15 percent (2,712). With COVID-19 impacting family incomes, more students face financial barriers that could keep them from going to college. Each year, $6 billion in financial aid is available to California college students but often students are not aware of financial aid opportunities and do not apply. For information about the financial aid applications visit icanaffordcollege.com. To register for a free virtual Cash for College workshop visit https://cash4college.csac.ca.gov.

Tuesday March 2

FIRE INSURANCE CANCELLATIONS Assemblymember Mark Stone will be the guest speaker for the Tuesday, March 2, meeting of the Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County. He will address actions being taken at the state level to address homeowner fire insurance policy price spikes, non-renewals and cancellations due to the devastating wildland fires. Members of the public are invited to attend. Visit www. svslvdemocrats.org for Zoom meeting link. Social time starts at 6 p.m. and club meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday March 3

CAREERS FOR TEENS EXPO 4 p.m., Santa Cruz Public Libraries Zoom Expo “Teen Expo II: Homegrown Careers” is a show and tell event showcasing successful Santa Cruz County creators, makers, entrepreneurs and civic leaders to empower teens to consider turning their interests and talents into careers. Register through the Santa Cruz Public Libraries website: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/7353633. For questions, email messagemalina@gmail.com.

Thursday March 4

HOUSING MATTERS CASE MANAGERS JOB FAIR Noon-4 p.m., Invitation Only Nonprofit Housing Matters is looking to hire a team of case managers to house 90 people currently in shelters and hotels over the next 15 months through the new Housing Now program. Pay will be $31+ per hour with benefits.

Interviews are by invitation. Email resume to recruiter@housingmatterssc.org. Housing Matters seeks people with experience in housing navigation and in Santa Cruz County, who like working as part of a team, and who are efficient problem solvers. For details, see https://housingmatterssc.org/about/careers/

ANNUAL HUNGER FIGHTER AWARDS CELEBRATION 4:30 p.m., Second Harvest Food Bank Virtual Event Holiday Food & Fund Drive Co-Chairs Megan Martinelli and Carlos Palacios along with Second Harvest Food Bank staff will announce their Hunger Fighters of the Year. The event can be viewed by giving an RSVP at https:// give.thefoodbank.org/campaigns/17468-annual-awardscelebration-celebrating-you

Thursday March 4 and Saturday March 6

RED CROSS ASKING FOR BLOOD Thurs: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., SC Sat: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond Record-breaking cold and winter storms across much of the U.S. cancelled hundreds of American Red Cross blood drives in about 30 states and caused more than 15,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals, especially those with type O blood, to give now. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Event, Nonprofit Organization and Business of the Year to be the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture is Friday, March 5. This year, honorees will be recognized at the 59th Annual Awards Dinner and Auction outdoors in the summer; date to be announced. Honors go to the people and entities that have enhanced the community’s quality of life, economic vitality, and image. Age or length of time in the community is not a criterion but award recipients within the past ten years are not eligible.

Nomination forms are at: chrome-extension:// oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://files. constantcontact.com/065f63ad001/56b2535e-c8224a19-8106-0f3ca422f443.pdf. Forms can be mailed to the Pajaro Valley Chamber, Box 1748, Watsonville, CA 95077 or emailed to info@pajarovalleychamber.com

Thursday March 5 thru Saturday March 13

NINTH ANNUAL WATSONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL Co-founded by Consuelo Alba, this year’s festival features: Fandango at the Wall, Our Quinceanera, El Guardian de la Memoria, El Sembrador, La Felicidad, Juan de los Brujas, Jamaica & Tamarindo, El Centro, Corazon de Mezquite, El Ultimo Balsero, La Bruja de Texcoco, Pasajuego, Nahjum, Cholitas, plus student films co-presented with Digital Nest. All films are free online at https://watsonvillefilmfest.org/

Saturday March 6

FAMILIES AND ALLIES OF CHILDREN CONFERENCE Pajaro Valley Virtual Conference for Families and Allies of Children with Special Needs will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 6 with the topic Stress Management Techniques for Parents and Children and on Saturday, April 10, the topic to be announced. To participate, visit http://bit.ly/ParEvents

Sunday March 7

MONTHLY OUTDOOR MARKETPLACE BEGINS 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wrigley Building Parking Lot, 2801 Mission St., Santa Cruz The Westside Marketplace, presented by Food Trucks A Go Go and the Santa Cruz Mountains Makers Market, is a new monthly outdoor market with local food, art, handmade goods and vintage shopping.

This new market will be open every first Sunday of every month at the old Wrigley building parking lot. Rain dates are for the following Sundays.

All 40 artists, makers and vintage sellers are local. All local and state health guidelines will be followed. Wear your mask, distance while you shop and stay home if you don’t feel well. Hand sanitizing stations will be available. For information, go to the event page on Facebook, foodtrucksagogo.com or scmmakersmarket.com for a list of vendors.

Monday March 8

DEADLINE TO ENTER STARTUP CHALLENGE MONTEREY BAY Got a great startup idea? Ready to pitch your plan? Enter the Startup Challenge Monterey Bay. In its 12th year, the Startup Challenge has had more than 840 entrants who have won $400,000 in prizes. Startup Challenge companies have raised more than $35 million in funding.

New businesses (less than two years old) based in Monterey, San Benito, or Santa Cruz counties can enter. There are four categories: • Venture (businesses intended to scale and provide venture-investor level returns) • Social Venture (businesses with a significant social mission) • Main Street (small businesses and sole proprietorships) • Student (students in middle school through graduate schools)

This year, you’ll compete on a new online event platform, startupchallengemb.com. The platform will feature the finalist companies and will broadcast the final pitches (aka the Otter Tank) and announcement of winners May 7. To enter see https://startupchallengemb.com/

Tuesday March 9

WALLACE STEGNER LECTURES*: DR. MICHAEL E. MANN 7 p.m., Online Lecture Climate scientist and author Dr. Michael E. Mann will address how we move forward together on climate change.

Dr. Mann is Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Penn State University. Dr. Mann is author of more than 200 peer-reviewed and Michael E. Mann edited publications, numerous op-eds and commentaries, and six books. https://openspacetrust.org/wsl-2021/ *Cost for the Wallace Stegner Lecture Series is $30. The price gives you access to four lectures, plus the ability to watch recordings until April 30. This includes January’s Dolores Huerta & Luis Valdez, February’s Erin Brockovich and April’s José Andrés lectures.

Thursday March 11

STORYTELLING SEMINAR 6:30-8 p.m., Zoom session. Professional storyteller and librarian Barbara Chamberlain will led a Zoom seminar on storytelling 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, March 11, for teachers, parents, and children of all ages who enjoy a good story.

This event supports the Cabrillo Lions Club. Cost is $12 for the seminar, a synopsis of the class, and a copy of Barbara’s CD, Rockin’ Folktales. Send your check to 123 Merideth Court Aptos 95003 and you will be sent the link to the seminar.

Friday March 12

WOMEN BUILD WEEK PANEL Noon-1 p.m., Online International Women Build Week, taking place March 8 thru March 15 and sponsored by Lowe’s stores, supports Habitat for Humanity International & Habitat Monterey Bay. To register as a virtual volunteer & join the scavenger hunt & get a virtual build walk-through, see: https://secure.givelively.org/event/habitat-for-humanitymonterey-bay/2021-women-build/2021-women-build

Habitat Monterey Bay will host an online panel discussion on challenges and opportunities women face through affordable housing.

Panelists include Santa Cruz Vice Mayor Sonja Brunner, Monterey County Supervisors Mary Adams and Wendy Askew, former Watsonville mayor Rebecca Garcia, Habitat volunteer and Otto Construction project engineer Toni Little, Housing Trust Silicon Valley CFO Julie Mahowald, and future Habitat homeowner Kali Campbell. Register at https://secure.givelively.org/event/ habitat-for-humanity-monterey-bay/2021-women-build/2021women-build A peer-to-peer challenge has a goal to raise $10,000 toward building a home for Kali Campbell, recently selected homeowner for Rodeo Creek Court. Give at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/habitat-for-humanitymonterey-bay/2021-women-build

Wednesday March 17

COASTAL OAK INTERIORS RIBBON CUTTING Noon, 7960 Soquel Dr., Ste D, Aptos Misty Mitchell, owner of Coastal Oak Interiors, will host a ribbon-cutting with the Aptos Chamber of Commerce at her new store in Aptos Village Square. Also look for the launching of the store’s website: www. CoastalOakInteriors.com

Thursday March 18

APTOS CHAMBER VIRTUAL LUNCH MEETING Noon-1 p.m., Zoom Casa de Fruta partner Gene Zanger will speak at the Aptos Chamber of Commerce virtual lunch meeting on Zoom. For link, RSVP at: https://docs.google.com/form s/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6x9UOIM9SsOeJUbRPSz6729L2oXFABkNakziz3LhAGBcFA/viewform Cost: $15 general/ $10 members/free for Premier and Grand Champion members.

Friday March 19

DIESEL ENGINE GRANT DEADLINE The Monterey Bay Air Resources District is accepting applications for grants through the Diesel Engine and Equipment Replacement Program through March 19. The goal is increase the turnover of high-polluting equipment to reduce harmful diesel exhaust emissions, Funds come from the cap-and-trade climate initiative. Grant applications are at https://www.mbard.org/diesel-engineequipment-replacement-program.

Sunday April 11

PRESCRIBED BURN WORKSHOPS 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Davenport • Registration due by April 4. Learn the fundamentals of prescribed firelighting and wildland firefighting during this hands-on field training in Davenport.

Training will cover fireline construction, communications, prescribed fire ignitions, operation of a firefighting pump, installation of a hoselay and more.

You will be prepared to participate in local cooperative burns hosted by the new Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association (calpba.org). If you do not have wildfire or prescribed fire experience, the one-day workshop will be a prerequisite for participation in future CCPBA burns so don’t miss out.

The training can certify you as a Basic Wildland Firefighter 2, with pre-completion of online coursework plus an “arduous pack-test” prior to attending the in-person field day if you are interested. Cost: $20 with scholarships available upon request. Space is limited. Full Details and Registration at: https://ucanr.edu/survey/ survey.cfm?surveynumber=33128. For questions email Jared Childress (childress.ember@gmail. com) or Devii Rao (drorao@ucanr.edu). n

FEATURED COLUMNIST Environmentally Speaking

Contact Lens Recycling & Free Mattress Disposal

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful and biodiverse environments in the world. The local environment plays an essential role in our economy and quality of life.

Our County is often at the forefront of environmental programs and innovation. Here is a small set of some new (and ongoing) programs that might be of interest to you.

Contact Lens Recycling

Did you know that every year approximately 3 billion contact lenses end up in our local wastewater treatment plant? About 1 in 5 people flush used contact lenses down the sink or toilet, which contribute to harmful micro plastic pollution in the Monterey Bay.

The Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance that requires all eye care practitioners and supply providers in the unincorporated area (such as Aptos) to offer a free contact lens recycling program. The purpose of this program is to provide an easy (and free) alternative to flushing contact lenses and packaging materials.

You can contact your provider for more information but all brands are recyclable as are the top foil and the opened plastic blister packs.

Reducing Single-Use Plastics and Disposable Cups

Beginning in January, a 25-cent surcharge was enacted for each disposable cup sold by coffee shops, restaurants and other food vendors in the unincorporated area (some local cities have also enacted similar surcharges).

There are ongoing discussions about allocating some or all of the surcharge to local environmental programs and cleanup efforts. While enacting the surcharge took an action of the Board of Supervisors, dedicating it for a specific purpose would require a Santa Cruz County vote.

It’s estimated this surcharge could provide up to $2 million a year for local environmental programs and coastal cleanups such as those occurring along Aptos Creek, Seacliff and Rio Del Mar. Similar to the single-use bag fee at grocery stores, the fee is currently collected and retained at the point-ofsale location. In addition, to reduce plastic waste in our landfills and beaches, the Board of Supervisors enacted a ban on small, single-use plastic bottles of personal care products in hotels, vacation rentals and other visitor accommodations in the unincorporated county.

This was a multi-year phase-in process that has officially taken effect. While many hotels were already phasing them out, this now creates a standard that prevents single-use small plastic bottles from being used in these types of accommodations.

Millions of these bottles were being thrown away every year and the state ended up modeling a statewide law after our local ordinance to phase them out statewide.

Free Mattress and Motor Oil Disposal

Local residents can bring used motor oil and filters to the Buena Vista Landfill for free to the Household Hazardous Waste facility (limit of 15 gallons per visit). You can visit www.santacruzcountyrecylces. org for more information.

Additionally, in partnership with the Mattress Recycling Council, local residents can bring mattresses to the Buena Vista Landfill for free. Offering these services, for motor oil and mattresses, reduces illegal dumping and protects the environment.

Learning About Composting

Interested in learning more about composting? Composting enriches soil and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. County Public Works sponsors free (virtual) classes for basic composting.

Reservations are required. The next class will be held Saturday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to noon, and you can call (831) 8246484 or online at goo.gl/Fw6BaK to make a reservation. 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 during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting a tele-townhall on Tuesday, March 2, with Mimi Hall, director of the County’s Health Services Agency, from 6-7 p.m.

The call-in information 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.