Aptos Times: October 1, 2021

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October 1, 2021 • Vol 30 No. 19

Aptos Chamber to Honor 2021 Winners

The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will honor its 2021 award winners at a dinner at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at Seascape Beach Resort, Aptos, with a theme of “Giving Thanks.”

Full Story page 6

Hidden Beach Park Breaks Ground

Community Fundraising For Playground Construction Honors Memory of Jett Ramsey

By Kieran Kelly

A few weeks ago, Santa Cruz County Parks staff and several Aptos community residents broke ground on renovations to Hidden Beach County Park playground.

The renovations include a new playground structure with a rubber play surfacing that makes the equipment accessible to all children, as well as a new permanent restroom.

This project was made possible through support from

the County of Santa Cruz and a fundraising campaign in memory of Jett Ramsey, a local boy who passed away in April 2020 at age 6 following a battle with cancer.

“We cannot even begin to express our gratitude in words,” said Jett and Chris Ramsey, Jett’s parents. “We are so thankful for this amazing project that will remember our very special little boy for yours to come. “ ... continues on page 4

Painchaud Wins International Photo Award Full Story page 11

Open Studios Art Tour is Back

This October means the return of the Open Studios Art Tour, a free self-guided tour that invites the public into nearly 300 artist studios working in dozens of mediums across Santa Cruz County.

Full Story page 12

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No. 19

Volume 30

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Table of Contents

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Cover

Hidden Beach Park Breaks Ground: Community Fundraising For Playground Construction Honors Memory of Jett Ramsey, By Kieran Kelly

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Community News Aptos Chamber to Honor 2021 Winners Covid Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted, By Jondi Gumz • 16th Annual ‘Gourmet Grazing on the Green’ Takes Place Oct. 9 Cabrillo College: Still Under Discussion • Got a Spare TV? • Child Safety In Cars • Cabrillo Football Returns Next Year • Santa Cruz Elks Honors Veterans on Sept. 11 • Donnelly-Greenan Named Executive Director of Save Our Shores • Santa Cruz County Jobs County Supervisors Want Investigation Into PG&E Outages 50th Reunion For South County Students: Aptos and Watsonville High’s Class of 1971 Join Together For Celebration • A Heart for Horses: Bike, Walk or Ride for Rescues on Oct. 9, By Jennifer Wooten Painchaud Wins International Photo Award Open Studios Art Tour is Back: After a Hiatus Due to Pandemic, Nearly 300 Artists Ready to Greet Patrons Partners in Faith Help Second Harvest Meet a Need: From Glaum Egg Ministry to 2022 Taste Of Soquel, Watch for Ways to Help U.S. Bank Debuts New Style Banking, By Jondi Gumz Free Electric Streetcar Demo in October • Aromas Hills Artisans Autumn Art Show and Sale

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Letter to the Editor A Common Sense Solution to Dog Park Mess

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Mercury Retrogrades in Libra, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists 20 Turning Customers Into Loyal Customers: And Loyal Customers Return — Again and Again, By Ron Kustek 23 Soquel Creek Water District: 60 Years of Delivering Reliable Water, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 24 Teacher Subs & Covid Testing, Q&A With Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District 30 Preparing for Winter Rains (& Other Emergencies), By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 25 — Meet our Pet of the Week, Jefferson!

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COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers Kieran Kelly, Jondi Gumz, Jennifer Wooten, Risa D’Angeles, Ron Kustek, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Michelle Rodriguez, Zach Friend layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Tara Carcamo office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, James Hudson

“Hidden Beach Playground” from page 1 They said Jett had dozens of play dates there and took stroller rides there with his grandma.

“We love remembering our magical, green loving, feisty little boy,” they said.

“It brings us so much comfort knowing we will get to remember him for years to come at this very special park. We are forever grateful.”

According to Supervisor Zach Jett Ramsey Friend, this project would not have been possible without community support.

“This playground is an example of how the Aptos community comes together

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Rendering of what the renovated park playgroud at 680 Cliff Ave. in Aptos will look like.

to support one another, Friend said. “These renovations could not have happened without generous donations from neighbors, and I’m grateful that these gifts have made it possible to honor Jett’s memory.”

Frank DeBernardo of The DeBernardo Team, a close friend of the Ramseys, worked with Supervisor Friend and County Park Friends, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local parks, to lead the fundraising campaign.

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“Improving and enhancing Hidden Beach Park will bring joy to families and children for many years to come,” Frank DeBernardo said. “To see how the community rallied around raising money for this public-private partnership in honor of the sweetest boy, Jett Ramsey, is a testament to how great the people of Santa Cruz can be.”

“This project represents the best of our community, rallying despite the pandemic to support each other, memorialize young Jett Ramsey and leave a legacy of joy for generations,” said Mariah Roberts, executive director of County Park Friends.

Santa Cruz County Parks staff noted that the new play structure was designed with community input to better reflect the natural beauty of Hidden Beach County Park.

“We are very excited for the renovations to Hidden Beach County Park to begin and the installation of a new playground and play surfacing will make it accessible to all,” Parks Superintendent Rebecca Hurley said. “All county parks provide areas for outdoor recreation and opportunities to enjoy nature for all residents, regardless of abilities.” n ••• Cover Photo: Community Members get together to break ground at Hidden Beach Park for the future playground.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Aptos Chamber to Honor 2021 Winners T he Aptos Chamber of Commerce will honor its 2021 award winners at a dinner at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at Seascape Beach Resort, Aptos, with a theme of “Giving Thanks.”

The winners are: People of the Year: Dr. Gail Newel, Santa Cruz County Health Officer, Dr. David Ghilarducci, the deputy Santa Cruz County health officer, and Mimi Hall, director of Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency.

Newel, Ghilarducci and Hall led the effort to keep county residents safe when the new coronavirus, COVID 19, arrived in the end of January 2020.

There were shutdown of nonessential businesses, a temporary stay at home order for hundreds of thousands, temporary

Gail Newel

David Ghilarducci

Mimi Hall

beach closures, a temporary indoor mask mandate and a priority for vaccine clinics for residents living in low income areas and for areas with low vaccination rates.

In all, 213 county residents have died out of more than 19,000 known cases.

Business of the Year: New Leaf Community Markets, an organic and natural foods chain which not only opened a new store in Aptos Village, anchoring a new development and providing nearly 100 jobs, but also raising pay and changing operations for employee and customer safety due to the infectious coronavirus COVID-19.

Organization of the Year: Teen Kitchen, which operates out of commercial kitchens in Soquel and Watsonville, teaches young people to cook delicious and nourishing food, which then are delivered to individuals and families who are experiencing a life-threatening illness such as cancer.

Lifetime Achievement: Willy ElliottMcCrea, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County for 33 years. He and his team developed strategies to reach those who needed food in the wake of the pandemic as the numbers doubled, such as drivethrough distributions at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Willy Elliott-McCrea the county fairgrounds in Watsonville.; He is retiring next summer as Second Harvest observes its 50th year of feeding the needy.

Special Celebration of Life: Mark Holcomb, who died last year age 68, was considered by some to be one of the founding fathers of modern Aptos.

With perseverance, he and his father Charles developed The Seascape Village Shopping Center, Palapas Restaurant, Seascape Resort, Seascape Ridge, Racquet Landing, and The Seascape Uplands, to name a few places. Mark’s wife Kay staged the interiors.

Mark Holcomb His Anchovy Open raised money for Special Olympics for 30 years, and at his death he was a part-owner of Seascape Golf Club.

••• The dinner costs $85 per person before Oct. 10 and $100 after Oct. 10. Call 831699-1457 to RSVP or reserve online at http:// aptoschamber.com/ad/ No dinner was held in 2020 because of restrictions on gatherings to squelch the pandemic.

QUALITY EMERGENCY CARE HAS NEVER BEEN CLOSER Watsonville Community Hospital is YOUR community hospital. Our specially trained Emergency Room (ER) physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals are available to care for you and your family right here, whenever you need us, without having to leave your community.

Because every minute counts in an emergency, our goal is to ensure you are seen by a medical professional within 30 minutes of your arrival in the ER. • Staffed 24/7/365 by full-time, specially trained emergency physicians, nurses, and other dedicated healthcare professionals • Hospitalists specializing in obstetrics, newborn and pediatric care available 24/7 • Fast Track care for non-emergent patients • In-network for Kaiser Permanente members and other health plans • Easy freeway access off Airport Boulevard, with plenty of free parking • COVID-19 safety precautions in place for your protection In case of emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room Watsonville Community Hospital, 75 Nielson Street, Watsonville, CA (831) 724-4741 www.watsonvillehospital.com 6 / October 1st 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Covid Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted

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By Jondi Gumz

n Santa Cruz County, masks indoors are recommended, not required.

The change occurred on Sept.

29, after the Centers for Disease Control updated their COVID-19 Data Tracker to show Santa Cruz County moved to moderate (yellow) community transmission – a result the county’s face covering requirements are lifted immediately.

Then county mandated indoor face coverings on Aug. 21 after cases spurted up.

The county change does not impact face covering requirements issued by the State of California for unvaccinated individuals, school districts, businesses, venues or organizations requiring face coverings by policy.

Residents are asked to respect these requirements by carrying a face covering with them at all times while in public.

For information, see https://covid19. ca.gov/masks-and-ppe/.

Face coverings and vaccinations continue to be the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect yourself and loved ones from infection, according Santa Cruz County officials.

Santa Cruz County is updating its COVID dashboard on Monday and Thursday, which shows 471 active cases , down from 971 in early September, and 18,614 recovered.

The 14-day metric which is updated only on Wednesdays shows 37 percent decline in cases as of Sep. 22.

The number of hospitalizations, which had been as high as 21, is at 10, including 2 in ICU beds.

The number of death had risen from 210 to 213, with all the new deaths involving men with health conditions who were unvaccinated.

For information of COVID-19 vaccination sand a list of vaccine providers including local pop-up clinics, visit www.

16th Annual ‘Gourmet Grazing on the Green’ Takes Place Oct. 9

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ourmet Grazing on the Green, Santa Cruz County’s premier event for local food and artisan libations, will take place October 9 noon to 4 p.m. in Aptos Village Park — celebrating the unique culinary flavor, local fresh ingredients, and diversity of Santa Cruz County.

The fundraiser brings together local community farmers, chefs, winemakers, brewers, spirits distillers, artisans and restaurateurs to celebrate community and enjoy great food and drink.

Gourmet Grazing on the Green is the ultimate foodie festival, featuring an afternoon of tasting fine local wines, refreshing handcrafted beers, delicious food from top local chefs, plus live music.

This year’s event features more than 45 local wineries, restaurants and breweries. and is a must stop for Santa Cruz foodies. Experience the talents of some of Santa Cruz’s best chefs and taste specialty creations for the event, using locally grown produce and products generously donated by Coke Farms and Watsonville Coast Produce.

This year’s attendance is capped at 750 guests to provide more open space for participants. Attendees will be required to show vaccination proof or a negative COVID test; see website sccbg.org/gourmetgrazingonthegreen for full COVID entry requirements.

If bought in advance, general tickets are $95 and designated driver tickets are $60. Tickets for those ages 10-20 are $45, and kids 9 and under are free. If the event isn’t sold out, tickets will be $120 at the door or $70 for designated drivers. For tickets, visit sccbg.org For a full list of this year’s participating vendors see sccbg.org.

The event is sponsored by Devcon Construction, Santa Cruz County Bank.

SunRidge Farms, Wedeen Hammer Locatelli Group at Morgan Stanley, New Leaf Community Markets, Watsonville Coast Produce, Coke Farm, the Shadowbrook Restaurant, Sandbar Solar, Allterra Solar, and Greenwaste Management.

Businesses can still require all customers to wear masks at indoor venues. santacruzhealth.org/coronavirusvaccine.

Popup clinics are scheduled for October.

As of Sept. 29, the percentage of county residents fully vaccinated was 65 percent, with 70.7 percent partly vaccinated. n

••• For local information on COVID-19, go to https://www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirusor or call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS Cabrillo College Name: Still Under Discussion s Cabrillo College’s exploration of a name change passes the one–year mark, it’s clear the decision won’t be made until 2022.

It’s also clear that the process so far has focused on Cabrillo, a Spanish navigator who never walked on the soil here, and the little research done before his name was deemed an acceptable compromise to residents of North County and South County.

The fact that he became wealthy via slaveholdings makes him less of a role model for today’s aspiring students who might other appreciate his derring-do and navigational skills.

College officials, including a subcommittee of trustees charged with making a recommendation to the full board, have been hearing from historical experts, leaders of people who were displaced by missionaries, and students past and present, to get their thoughts.

During the current sessions, with one scheduled 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 30 on Zoom, participants are promised confidentiality and speakers were asked to be mindful about others waiting to speak.

About 30 attended last week, listening to answers to a question about who would feel good about a name change, and who might not.

The dialogue was respectful, and most speakers indicated they were in favor of a change. It’s not clear whether people supporting the name were not participating or not speaking up.

The expenses of a name change are estimated to cost $400,000, according to Cabrillo President Matthew Wetstein. Not all the expenses would be incurred at once, but spending of resources on new plaques and road signs, stationary and athletic uniforms made some uncomfortable when there hasn’t been enough funding to meet student needs.

For details on the name discussion process, see https://www.cabrillo.edu/governing-board/ name-exploration-subcommittee/ ••• Got a Spare TV? nterim Inc. is in need of at least three new 32-inch TVs and three microwaves

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Santa Cruz Elks Honors Veterans on Sept. 11 n honor of the 20th anniversary of Sept.

11, two teams of volunteers from the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge created a special tribute to local veterans at the Santa Cruz Memorial Cemetery on Ocean Street.

The morning crew raised dozens of American flags at 6:30 a.m. and the afternoon crew lowered and folded the flags at 3:30 p.m. The volunteers included Boy Scout Troop 674.

The Lodge shows its support for area veterans by raising and lowering the flags several times of year, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day. To learn more about Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, visit www.santacruzelks.org.

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Donnelly-Greenan Named Executive Director of Save Our Shores rica Donnelly-Greenan is new executive director of Save Our Shores, as of Sept,13, replacing Katherine O’Dea. Michael Jones, who chairs Save Our Shores Board of Directors, cited her background as a marine conservation scientist and experience with organizations focused on threats to the regional environment make her an exceptionally qualified leader.

She was a research collaborator at Oikonos Erica Donnelly-Greenan and supervisor wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Fremont for the 2020 field season. She also oversaw citizen scientists doing beach surveys at Moss Landing for three years.

Director Jane Silberstein summed up the board’s enthusiasm: “…I am very excited about having an executive director with such passion for ocean conservation, marine science and social equity and inclusion focus.”

••• Santa Cruz County Jobs Report posted Sept. 17 August unemployment 6.3%

August 2021 Change from a year ago

Leisure & hospitality 11,500 Up 1,900 Other services 4,800 Up 500 Private education 17,100 Up 300 & health Professional/business 10,600 Up 300 services Manufacturing 7,000 Up 200 Construction 4,600 0 Information 500 0 Financial 3,100 Down 100 Trade/transportation/ 15,600 Down 200 utilities Government 18,100 Down 700 Farm 12,200 Up 1,000 Nonfarm 92,900 Up 2,200 Total 105,100 Up 3,200 Labor force 134,400 Up 1.7% Employed* 126,000 Up 5% Unemployed 8,500 Down 30% Count is on the 12 of each month *Includes commuting to jobs outside county Source: California Employment Development Department n

young people can play a game. I also look to so many activities in Santa Cruz County where the adults come together to volunteer for projects that help others.

It would seem that the users of the

Dog Park, some 50 a day, at the Polo Grounds could organize to make the Dog Park a better place to be, without seeking help from agencies. Just seems like helping oneself and others is a better way.

— Frank Lewis, Aptos

Kinesiology Instructor position and hope to have the position filled in the next couple of months.

We have football classes scheduled for the spring 2022 semester and look forward to having football student-athletes back on campus! Cabrillo football will return to competition fall 2022.”

The violation was an assistant under former head coach Darren Arbet signing multiple apartment leases to help secure housing for players coming from out of the area. Local rentals have been reported to be expensive, rivaling rates in San Jose, but such aid is not allowed under college rules.

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Santa Cruz Elks Lodge volunteers pay tribute to veterans on the afternoon of Sept. 11, from left, Aaron Romanowsky, Sawyer and Isaac.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR A Common Sense Solution to Dog Park Mess did read the letter from Mrs. Dede Carroll with disappointment. It seemed a special group needed special attention.It saddens me that a group cannot come together

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for clients who are coming in off the street from homelessness and into supported housing with Interim and their apartments are lacking these household basics.

They will be receiving case management, counseling, and other services to help them maintain their housing.

If you can assist, bring your items to Interim’s office at 604 Pearl St., Monterey).

Questions can be directed to Interim’s Development Officer Deb Shearer at (649) 4522, ext. 205.

••• Child Safety In Cars hild Passenger Safety Week focused on educating parents and caregivers about the importance of choosing, installing, and using the correct car seat.

“Your plate is always full as a parent, but the goal … is to offer parents and caregivers the time to make sure their child is as safe as possible in the car,” Santa Cruz Police Department Sgt. Mike Hedley said.

Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children, and nearly half of car seats are misused, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

California law requires a child to be properly secured in a safety seat until they are at least 8. Children 8 and older, who are at least 4 feet, 9 inches in height, may ride in the back seat of a vehicle in a properly fitted safety belt. Children under the age of 2 must ride rear-facing or until they reach 40 pounds or 40 inches in height.

To search for car seat programs in your county, the California Office of Traffic Safety has a dropdown menu on the OTS website (www.ots.ca.gov). You may also contact your local CHP Area Office to schedule a free safety seat inspection.

Child Passenger Safety Week was September 19-25.

••• Cabrillo Football Returns Next Year abrillo College trustees voted unanimously in May to reinstate football after a two–year suspension for a rules violation.

Here is a football update from Mark Ramsey, Cabrillo College associate dean of athletics, kinesiology, & health science: “We are currently in the process of hiring for the Head Football Coach/

for their mutual common need but want others to do it for them.

I look at Little League sports where volunteers come together to line fields, run snack shacks, clean areas, provide seating — all for the common good so

8 / October 1st 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Supervisors Want Investigation Into PG&E Outages Editor’s note: On Sept 28, as a result of Fifth District Supervisor Bruce McPherson and Second District Supervisor Zach Friend providing the following information, the Board of Supervisors direct Chairman McPherson to send a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission requesting an investigation of repeated and unpredictable Pacific Gas & Electric “fast trip” power outages this summer in Santa Cruz County, which have left thousands of residents in the dark in Aptos, Corralitos, greater Watsonville, and the Santa Cruz Mountains, disrupting their lives and business operations and impacting their health and well-being.

••• ower outages related to the fast trip settings began in July 2021 and have continued unabated as of this writing. For example, on Sept. 20, an outage impacted more than 5,600 customers in the San Lorenzo Valley, including local schools, after a squirrel came in contact with a transformer.

Such outages demonstrate that the overly sensitive fast trip setting, which is ostensibly designed to reduce the risk of PG&E equipment causing a wildfire, is otherwise causing harm to residents by unnecessarily cutting power to large swaths of our area.

While the fast trip setting immediately shuts down power, it can take a significant amount of time to restore power as PG&E crews must then visually inspect the affected lines, which can only happen during daylight hours. Many of the outages have taken hours or days to restore, often to be replaced with another outage just days later.

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This delay in response signaled once more that PG&E leadership clearly does not prioritize communication with their customers.

The County’s Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience has asked PG&E for data on the number of fast trip outages in Santa Cruz County since July 1, as well as the number of total service hours lost to constituents. OR3 has also requested data on the frequency of outages per week between July 1 and the week of Sept. 20, and the average time of outage per event.

It is hoped that PG&E will provide this information, as well as details of their efforts to fix the fast trip setting, in community meetings scheduled for Sept. 23.

Analysis e understand that the fast trip sensors are a response to the justified pressure PG&E is receiving for their equipment triggering fires throughout our state, causing the loss of life and structures.

For many years, residents and elected officials in our County and elsewhere have been calling on PG&E to invest in hardening its system in high fire danger areas rather than focus on extreme vegetation management and increasing power shutoffs.

While we support efforts to improve safety, it is hard to believe this fast trip approach (and the extreme sensitivity that triggers shutoffs) is anything other than an overcorrection.

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We would instead encourage PG&E to prioritize hardening the lines in these areas, including undergrounding. Basically, PG&E is telling their customers that they can choose safety or reliable power but not both.

The outages are more than just an inconvenience; they are a life safety and health issue. Without power, residents who rely on wells can’t pump water or use their sanitation systems.

Losing power has a profound impact on seniors and others who need reliable power service for medical equipment.

Students and workers cannot study or work from home without power and Internet access. Businesses struggle to operate without power, thus causing the loss of revenue that keeps people employed.

The outages compound trauma already experienced by many residents.

Some of the areas that have suffered outages were heavily impacted by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020, and others from previous storm-related events.

These same areas were hit with PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) events in recent years, and we can only assume these areas will continue to be impacted by future PSPS events and these fast trip shutoffs.

To make matters worse, PG&E’s leadership has failed to adequately communicate with residents about what is happening. Only after more than six weeks of our repeated requests to host a community meeting with residents did the utility finally agree to host meetings on the afternoon and evening of Sept. 23.

This delay in response signaled once more that PG&E leadership clearly does not prioritize communication with their customers.

We believe it’s important to elevate the voice of these residents to the CPUC, which has regulatory authority over PG&E and needs to take a closer look at what is driving the decision-making around wildfire safety and prevention.

Our request for a CPUC investigation into the fast trip approach is separate from — and in addition to — the pending formal complaint our County filed with the CPUC against PG&E related to the post-CZU Fire tree removal in 2020 that garnered multiple notices of violation by CALFIRE, the California Coastal Commission and other agencies. n ••• h t t p : / / w w w. c o . s a n t a - c r u z . c a . u s / government/boardofsupervisors.aspx

“Gourmet Grazing” from page 7 Gourmet Grazing on the Green is a fundraising event of Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with cancer in the Santa Cruz community.

Working with volunteers and partners, SCCBG raises community consciousness through events and outreach and provides vital financial support for several Santa Cruz beneficiary organizations: Hospice of Santa Cruz County, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Association, Katz Cancer Resource Center, WomenCARE cancer

advocacy, researchers from the University of California Santa Cruz and the Teen Kitchen Project. Over the last decade, Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group has distributed more than $2 million to directly support the Santa Cruz community. n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

50th Reunion For South County Students

Aptos and Watsonville High’s Class of 1971 Join Together For Celebration Saturday, October 16 • 11 a.m.–5 p.m. • Corralitos Padres Community Center

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rganizers Jim Strickland of Aptos High and Steve Woolpert and Dan Young of Watsonville High are hoping for a big turnout from the class of 1971, or at least as many who came 10 years ago.

Prior to Aptos High opening in the fall of 1969, everyone in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District went to Watsonville High School. Aptos High opened between the sophomore and junior years of the Class of 1971 but everyone stayed friends, reunion organizers say. AHS & WHS held a very successful joint reunion in 2011 so the trio hopes to repeat that event.

The fee is $50 per person.

Make checks payable to: “Steve Woolpert, Treasurer, AHS/WHS Class of 1971 Reunion.” And mail payments to Woolpert at 8 Sleepy Hollow, Carmel, CA 93924. n ••• For information email sgwoolpert@comcast.net, call 831659-3060, call Dan Young at 831-662-3368, or visit the Facebook group “AHS & WHS Class of 1971”

2011 Organizing Committee (from left): Pam Ferrell-Webb, Jim Strickland, Janet Wyckoff Wallace, Dan Young, Debi Sears Barry and Steve Woolpert.

A Heart for Horses: Bike, Walk or Ride for Rescues on Oct. 9

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By Jennifer Wooten

anham Farm Horse Rescue is a horse rescue, training and education facility dedicated to helping all horses in need with a special focus on wild horse rescue and advocacy.

Whether it be horses or ponies who have been neglected and need a place to rehabilitate, those who are gifted to us by their owners who can no longer keep them, horses bound for slaughter in Canada or

Mexico or unwanted wild horses, we try to help as many horses as we can.

Our mission is to work with rescue horses, horse owners, communities, organizations, government and advocate for wild horses to help improve welfare standards and stamp out equine suffering. We also have a project called Horses Helping Humans aimed to use the healing power of horses for anyone suffering from anxiety,

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stress, people dealing with difficult circumstances, vulnerable youth and children and adults with disabilities.

The founder of Canham Farm Horse Rescue is Julia Hyde. She has been lucky enough to be able to spend a lot of time with horses when she was younger and through the years and has grown to love and respect them more and more. A proud mother of four grown children, she lives in Scotts Valley with her husband, her own three horses, and rescue dog.

Julia says, “I have seen a lot of good things done with horses in my time but unfortunately I have seen more bad. This is the reason I started Canham Farm Horse Rescue and Rehab — it was, and still is, a way for me to give back to all the horses that have, and are still, abused, neglected or unwanted.”

Canham Farm is hosting a fundraiser Oct. 9 in Scotts Valley. All donations from the fundraiser go directly to the care of our rescue horses! Funds raised go towards grain, hay, vet expenses, dental care, farrier costs, and much more. We are nonprofit run solely by volunteers and are always grateful to our generous supporters, donators, and sponsors!

Our Oct. 9 fundraiser is a chance for the community to come together to bike, hike, or ride for our rescues. The event will begin at Siltanen Community Park,

127 Vine Hill Road, Scotts Valley, with options of a mountain bike route, paved route, family friendly, or horse trail! A $39 donation gets you an entry ticket, event T-shirt, and entry into a raffle for prizes.

Kids under 12 are free!

We look forward to a day of the community coming together to help support our rescue horses! n ••• Buy event tickets at: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/bike-walk-or-ride-for-rescuestickets-166258793527

COMMUNITY NEWS

Painchaud Wins International Photo Award T his week Aptos resident Kevin Painchaud received an award for one of the photos he took last year during the CZU lightning fire.

His caption: “Local photojournalist, Shmuel Thaler, runs towards the flames in order to get the shot.

This is during the Santa Cruz CZU Fire in 2020.”

This is for an international photo competition put on by Life Framers in August’s “Open Call” category. He was one of 20 photographers chosen.

His reaction: “Pretty stoked.”

The judge, South African conceptual photographer Tsoku Maela, said: “The wildfires that ravaged Northern California last year were huge global news, highlighting both the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the bravery of those that battled them. Here we witness the ferocity of the fires up close, and that bravery in action — the road markings and arc of smoke drawing the viewer into the center of the frame where a lone figure runs into, rather than away from the flames. What appears at first to be a firefighter is in fact another photographer, heading into the fire to ‘get that shot’ as Kevin puts it.

It’s a staggering image that examines the risks reportage photographers take to capture and disseminate news.” n ••• Fore more about the competition, visit https://www. life-framer.com/open-call-2021/

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 1st 2021 / 11

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OPEN STUDIOS

Open Studios Art Tour is Back

After a Hiatus Due to Pandemic, Nearly 300 Artists Ready to Greet Patrons

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his October means the return of the Open Studios Art Tour, a free selfguided tour that invites the public into nearly 300 artist studios working in dozens of mediums across Santa Cruz County.

There are seasoned artists who’ve participated since 1986, talented newcomers, and makers and creators of all kinds. Neighbors, friends, collectors and art lovers are invited to meet the artists, see their creative process up close, and buy art directly from the source.

“We’re so happy to be producing the tour again this year,” said Ann Ostermann, Open Studios director for Arts Council Santa Cruz County. “Artists are really looking forward to having one on one conversations with their visitors after a long year of interacting with folks online.”

She added, “We’ve supplied every artist with face masks, hand sanitizer and signage to keep themselves, their families, their helpers and their guests safe during the tour.”

“We’re so happy to be producing the tour again this year. Artists are really looking forward to having one on one conversations with their visitors after a long year of interacting with folks online.”

— Ann Ostermann, Open Studios director for Arts Council Santa Cruz County

This year, more than ever, it’s taken a lot of planning and rearranging to prepare for the tour.

“The payoff comes in the form of new connections, art sales, and a renewed sense of joy in sharing the artistic process,” Ostermann said.

A program of Arts Council Santa Cruz County, Open Studios takes place the first three weekends of October, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Studios are divided between North and South County (with the SantaCruz Yacht Harbor as the dividing point) on the following schedule: Oct. 2-3: South County artists Oct. 9-10: North County artists Oct. 16-17: All County weekend featuring select artists.

There are many ways to plan your tour and they’re all free.

Whether this is your first Open Studios or you’ve been attending for years, here are a few strategies for finding your way: 1) Pick up a FREE artist guide at Good Times drop off points throughout the County.

Find artists in your neighborhood, by medium, or simply browse through the guide and find artwork that captures your eye.

2) Download the FREE app — available Sept. 27 on iTunes & Google Play (search for “Open Studios Art Tour”).

Mark favorite artists, map their location, and then build a tour around that.

3) Follow the green signs. During Open Studios weekends you’ll see lime green signs with artist names and arrows all over the county.

Please consider every Open Studios sign as your own personal invitation.

Follow the signs and enter a studio.

4) Check out the preview exhibit at Santa Cruz Art League, featuring artwork from a majority of the participating artists.

The exhibit opens Friday, October 1 as part of the First Friday Art Tour, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 16. It’s a great way to discover artists and plan your tour. Pop into the gallery, find artwork that intrigues you, and make a note of which studios you want to visit.

OPEN STUDIOS

Can’t make it in person? Take a walk via a Virtual Tour, available on santacruzopenstudioes.com starting Sept. 29.

5) If you’re interested in art from the outlying studios, visit the satellite preview exhibit at the R. Blitzer Gallery, 2801 Mission Street in Santa Cruz.

This exhibit features work by artists

in remote areas throughout the county, including Bonny Doon, Corralitos, Felton and more.

The satellite exhibit opens on Oct. 1 as part of the First Friday Art Tour and will be open to the public through Oct. 17.

6) Visit one or 100! No one is keeping score. Spend a day or just a few minutes.

Kick Back and Save

Open Studios is a self-guided, free tour. Cater it to your style and mood. n ••• The Arts Council generates creativity, vibrancy, and connection in Santa Cruz County. For 42 years it has fueled this creative community, supporting individual and collective artistic expression and building bridges

and bonds between people throughout the county.

The council has provided grants to artists and art organizations, funded arts education programs that serve more than 17,000 kids across Santa Cruz County, and supported community initiatives such as Open Studios and Ebb & Flow.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Partners in Faith Help Second Harvest Meet a Need

From Glaum Egg Ministry to 2022 Taste Of Soquel, Watch for Ways to Help

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he food bank system works as a huband-wheel system. At the hub are the purchasing, storage and transportation services provided by the food bank. Second Harvest sources more than 8 million pounds of food each year from farms, grocery stores, food manufacturers, distributors, and individuals.

At the ends of many spokes of this wheel are 100 food pantries, schools, soup kitchens, group homes and youth centers, distributing to those in need of food in our county, feeding about 55,000 people each month, in normal times. That includes children, seniors, veterans, homeless, the under-employed and others needing some help from their neighbors to make it through a tough time.

Among these partners are numerous faith-based volunteer organizations whose food pantries complete the work by regularly supplying food into the hands of those who need it. This story spotlights some of the food bank’s faith-based partners, helping accomplish this huge job every month in Aptos, Soquel, Capitola and Scotts Valley.

The diverse religions in our county clearly have some things in common. One of them is helping feed those among us who have difficulty buying enough healthy food. Faith-based congregations distribute food through their neighborhood pantries and raise donations to help Second Harvest make purchases.

Four meals for a dollar is what food bank donations buy, far better than buying food at retail and collecting it in bins all over the county. That was the former system, abandoned during the pandemic.

No shortage resulted — because an outpouring of generosity in labor, love and financial support.

“Our county’s faith based community has always been great supporters of the food bank,” explains Richelle Noroyan, corporate & community relations director at Second Harvest. “Their contributions since the pandemic have been recordbreaking. They have filled gaps that allowed the food bank to go from serving

People’s Pantry, Twin Lakes Church

55,000 people monthly pre-pandemic to over 100,000. These contributions let many families to pay their rent or mortgage and have healthy food.”

Currently Second Harvest is seeing 75,000 to 80,000 people believe their access to good food is temporal.

••• Aptos win Lakes Church is seeing more new people. Robin Spurlock, People’s Pantry manager, recalls comments like, Wow! So wonderful!

You’ve answered my prayers during unemployment.

“This is so Robin Spurlock rewarding to see,” Robin recalls. “We have a great working relationship with Second Harvest.”

Twin Lakes, with a congregation in the thousands, is consistently one of the top donors during the Holiday Food Drive.

People’s Pantry is open Wednesdays 4 to 5:15 PM esurrection Food Pantry has been providing food to the community for the past 18 years supported by the Resurrection Church.

The majority of folks receiving food there live in mid-county. Twenty percent come from other areas. Following last year’s shelter-in-place order, Resurrection Church reported the number of “regular” pantry visitors had gone down.

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“Partners in Faith” from page 14 But more new families began arriving to receive food. Additionally, they’ve seen an increase in people experiencing homelessness and seeking assistance. The numbers changed but the pantry, staffed by parishioners, continues its communiy support.

Resurrection Pantry is open Monday & Friday from 10am – noon t. Andrews Presbyterian supports the food bank though its Youth Crop Walk, while the entire congregation collects nonperishable foods, explains Reverend Anne McAnelly.

The Egg Basket ministry of Dorothy Glaum, of Glaum Eggs, donates 30 dozen eggs each week for members and friends to buy at cost with all proceeds to Second Harvest. In 21 years, more than 150,000 meals have been donated. During the pandemic, this increased dramatically.

“We’ve raised thousands of dollars for Second Harvest while keeping people fed and safe, because of the Glaum family’s generosity,” McAnelly adds.

Scotts Valley t. Philip The Apostle Episcopal Church’s pantry, or Pip’s Pantry, as they call it, has been feeding anyone in need since 2010.

Pantry Team Leader Sally Sutter says, “It’s important understanding it’s more than just food.

(We need) to break Sally Sutter through, to think and act respectfully and not be judgmental. We have many underserved people in Scotts Valley. The zip code doesn’t tell the story.

For all the volunteers in our program, the weekly act of seeing the actual faces and

S

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hearing the stories of those experiencing food insecurity is a potent reality check.”

St. Philip’s Pip’s Pantry is open Thursdays from 5 – 6:30pm Soquel ongregational Church of Soquel provides healthy food for families in the county by teaming with Second Harvest.

“It’s a perfect fit for the heart of our ministry,” says Laura Hamby, a key volunteer. Two of the church’s long-standing partnership projects shared with Second Harvest include: • Hand-to-Hand — Initiated close to 20 years ago when the first group of church members and friends spent a Saturday morning at the warehouse packing family food bags. The tradition continued once each Fall and Spring ever since.

• A Taste of Soquel: Food and Music for the Common Good! — Debuting in September 2009. A Taste supports Second Harvest with 100 percent of proceeds and brings people together to celebrate Soquel. The event has provided 402,526 healthy meals and $100,631 over the last 12 years.

The 13th (Almost) Annual A Taste of Soquel will be Sept. 24, 2022 ••• Faith-based partners supporting Second Harvest in these four communities include: Temple Beth El and New Hope Community Church in Aptos; Soquel Bilingual Seventh-day Adventist® Church and Inner Light Ministries in Soquel.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

U.S. Bank Debuts New Style Banking

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EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SHAPE THEIR FUTURES WITH CONFIDENCE.

By Jondi Gumz

ustomers at the new U.S. Bank branch in Aptos will use a pass code to get in and use the ATM for deposits or withdrawals or to pay accounts. Bankers inside will have mobile tablets to assist customers and a customer support station provides space for oneon-one conversations, but don’t come at noon, because the bank closes for lunch until 1 p.m.

“We have no teller line for transactions,” said. Heather Kesner, senior vice president for consumer and business banking, San Francisco Bay, at U.S. Bank.

“We’ve replaced that concept with a number of comfortable meeting spaces where we can have more in-depth conversations with our customers about their financial needs, with cash transactions handled exclusively via our ATM.” A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the U.S. Bank in Aptos will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, at the Rancho Del Shopping Center, 96 Rancho Del Mar, with the Aptos Chamber of Commerce.

U.S. Bank is donating $4,000 to Aptosbased California FarmLink, whose mission is to invest in the prosperity of farmers and ranchers via lending and access to land, and $4,000 to Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries, earmarked to support the Aptos Library rebuild.

The branch manager is Ana Alvarez.

The Aptos branch serves as a hub for wealth questions with a full-time wealth advisor and business banking specialist on-site.

Aptos customers can take advantage

of U.S. Bank’s award-winning mobile app and online banking include features such as personalized insights to make managing money easier, the U.S. Bank Smart Assistant to make getting what you need a few words away, co-browse with live video to see the banker you are speaking with, and more.

“Many traditional day-to-day transactions can be handled through our new digital tools,” Kesner said, “so we can focus our interactions with our customers on identifying and providing solutions for their financial needs.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the branch incorporates design changes such as Plexiglass barriers and anti-microbial surfaces, and signage to encourage social distancing.

Four more remodels are planned for the San Francisco Bay Area through 2022. n ••• U.S. Bank reports nearly 70,000 employees and $553 billion in assets as of March 31.

According to the FDIC, U.S. Bank had $47 million in deposits in the Aptos ZIP code in June 2019 — less then 6 percent of total deposits before the Aptos branch was closed, Presumably bank staff will be working to get those deposits back.

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he question is how do we first turn our customers into happy customers, and then get them to be loyal customers? The key is in understanding this is a 2-phase process which requires us to know our customers as much as possible, and that they understand how we value them for who they are, thankful for them visiting our business and buying from us.

Whether you sell online or in a physical store, or both, knowing details about your customer is the first part of making them happy. A customer is a relationship, and to use a dating analogy — on your first date you don’t know that much about the other person, so you ask questions. You ask questions to get to know them, what do they like or not like. So getting to know what your customer likes or dislikes is extremely important.

And we cannot make assumptions.

Just because they smiled and bought a service or item from you doesn’t mean they’re going to be happy when they get home to use or wear their item. If they leave with a smile, whether that’s from your website, restaurant or storefront, how do you know they’re smiling beyond that post-purchase moment?

Studies show if someone has a good experience with your business, they’ll tell on average 4-6 people. If someone has a negative experience with your business,

they’ll tell 12-16 people! It’s critical to know how each customer feels after they’ve bought and left your business.

That’s why establishing a connection — a relationship with each customer is so vitally important. And to keep with the dating analogy, just because the other person smiled after your date doesn’t necessarily mean they had a good time (sorry).

But unlike dating, we can survey our customers directly, we can thank them for their review and/or we can interact with them on social platforms once they’ve shared pictures of their purchase. This is all part of what is known as “Customer Relationship Management.”

• Emailing Customers: Collecting customer emails is still a very important marketing and communications tool for your business.

“Loyal Customers” page 22

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 1st 2021 / 21

“Loyal Customers” from page 20

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You can have customers opt-in to your email list from your website, or you can collect their email or text info from an intake form or quick survey given to them during their purchase. You’ll need to collect customer emails and commit to using email for thank you messages as well as emailing newsletters that provide helpful, relevant and valuable information each time you email your customers in the future.

• Review Thanking: This is also a much-needed step in developing your relationship with each customer, especially those that post reviews. If they spent the time and effort posting a review, either positive or negative, you will need to put forth an even greater effort to thank them for their review or offer assistance in resolving any issue they’ve posted.

• Social Platforms: Similar to reviews, if your customer has been especially happy with their purchase, they will likely be sharing that experience with their friends on twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook depending on which platforms they favor (which you’ll know from the customer survey you’ve done). Being able to know when and how you’re being talked about is extremely important, as you can engage publicly with your customer — both current and future — because all will be seeing how you gratefully respond.

And remember, being conversational and thankful is the best approach, resisting the urge to be self-promoting.

When you begin viewing each customer as the most important asset of your business, you’ll be on your way to better understanding how to keep them satisfied and returning today, tomorrow and into the future.

There are companies that can make parts of this process much easier with the help of their software tools. You may be using SQUARE for your credit card processing, and they offer a suite of helpful customer management tools so you know when each customer last made a purchase, what they bought, how much they spent and how loyal they are.

Another company is FiveStar, which uses a customer ’s phone number each time they ‘sign in’ to your business, so you are able to track their purchase history. This allows you to communicate with customers to develop their loyalty by offering return customer discounts and more, all via text messages instead of email.

Customer loyalty happens over time, and develops with multiple contacts and experiences between business and customer. When you begin viewing each customer as the most important asset of your business, you’ll be on your way to better understanding how to keep them satisfied and returning today, tomorrow and into the future.

••• Ron Kustek is a former senior marketing executive at The Coco-Cola Co. and entrepreneur who currently teaches business at Cabrillo College. Contact him at RoKustek@Cabrillo.edu.

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n 1961, the world was a remarkably different place than it is today…how different was it? Here are some examples: President John F. Kennedy held the first-ever televised presidential news conference; the Dow-Jones average reached a high of 734; the average cost of a new home was about $17,000, a new car was $2,275, and a gallon of gas was 31¢; the Grammy for Best Rock & Roll song went to Chubby Checker for “Let’s Twist Again,” and “West Side Story” got the Academy Award for Best Picture; the top TV show was “Wagon Train;” and IBM introduced the “Selectric” electric typewriter was introduced.

As if all that wasn’t enough, it was 60 years ago this month that the Soquel Creek County Water District Board of Directors met for the very first time. That Oct. 19, 1961, meeting took place in the old Soquel Firehouse. The District had no offices, no

staff, and not even its own letterhead. At that time, the District (which later dropped the word “County” from its name) had a mission focused on flood control and water conservation. While today’s District looks very different from its 60-year-old ancestor, water is of course still at the center of everything we do.

During the last 60 years, the District has thrived and grown its boundaries, staff, and infrastructure.

We’ve become a water service provider that is well-respected both locally by our customers and within the water industry.

We’ve maintained the agency’s status as a forward-thinking special district that consistently keeps an eye on the future. And today, as we celebrate our diamond anniversary, we’re also known for our attention to engaging the community, gaining the public’s input, vision, and support, creating a Community Water Plan, and helping to

foster a greater understanding of the value of this most precious of resources.

Particularly in light of the impacts of climate change, including the current drought, the District is highly regarded for taking the necessary visionary steps now to ensure a sustainable, clean, safe water supply into the future. Together

“60 Years” page 27

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 1st 2021 / 23

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Teacher Subs & Covid Testing I am concerned about the shortage of substitute teachers. When I need to take time off, I am burdening my colleagues and admin staff at a time when staff at my school are really struggling. I noticed that the sub pay for PVUSD is very low compared to neighboring districts. And yet you end up having to pay teachers their hourly rate to cover our classes which is a much higher rate. What is the district doing to recruit substitutes to support teachers and admin staff?

VUSD pays substitutes significantly more than other districts in our County.

PVUSD daily rate is $180 compared to the average daily substitute rate in Santa Cruz County of $130.

Previously, PVUSD paid long-term substitutes $200 after 10 consecutive days compared to $185 for Santa Cruz County after 20 consecutive days. In an effort to obtain more long- term substitutes, on Wednesday, Sept. 22, the Board approved our recommendation and PVUSD will now pay long-term substitutes at the rate of $240 a day after 10 consecutive days.

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There seems to be a more than pre-COVID level of absence amongst students thus far. We are also experiencing a more than usual absence of substitute teachers.

Teachers in support (not general classroom roles) are being conscripted into subbing.

Many of us are being asked to “volunteer” to be on a sub list. This would entail us canceling our planned and prepped classes and taking over someone else’s class. I am curious as to what are our rights as teachers with specific contracted positions in regards to these requests. n the Collective Bargaining Agreement between PVUSD and PVFT, there is contract language outlining how classes get covered if the teacher is out and there is not a sub assigned. The language is outlined below, and part of that process does include asking for volunteers first.

If a teacher chooses to volunteer, they are volunteering to be asked to sub before using the emergency sub rotation list.

Teachers who cover classes during their preparation time are paid an hourly rate of Step 12 Column III on the certificated teacher salary schedule which equals $48.53 per hour.

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Q&A With Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

The Human Resources Department is continuing to work with sites to ensure the emergency sub rotation list is up and running and being implemented per the contract.

Article IV - Workload and Hours • D. Preparation/Release Time 4. During their preparation periods, teachers may be required to substitute for another teacher or perform occasional supervisory duties when student safety is of primary concern.

Such substituting shall be assigned on a reasonable and equitable basis consistent with the general guidelines below. a. Creation of lists. i. Volunteer list. At the beginning of each school year, the site administrator shall ask all certificated staff at the site if they wish to be called to substitute during their preparation period and shall develop a list of volunteer certificated employees. ii. Rotational List of Certificated Employees at Site. At the beginning of each school year, the site administrator will develop a list of all available certificated employees at the site who will be assigned substitution duties on a rotational basis. b. Assignment Process. i. The site administrator shall first assign an available substitute teacher who is on site to teach the class. ii. If no substitute is available, the site administrator shall call for volunteers. iii. If there are no volunteers, the site administrator shall contact certificated employees in the rotational order, based on the list referred to in the paragraph above (4, a, ii). iv. A daily record of certificated staff who substituted will be maintained and made available for review.

Article VII - Wages and Related Matters • J. Substituting a. In the event that a class is divided among more than one classroom teacher, each teacher who received the additional students shall be paid the Step 12 Class III hourly rate. b. Unit members who substitute during

24 / October 1st 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

their preparation time shall be paid the Step 12 Class III hourly rate. c. Unit members who substitute during a block schedule (two periods) shall be compensated for two hours at the above rate.

Are children not allowed to get the flu or the common cold anymore without subjecting them to COVID testing? Is every illness assumed to be COVID? Children have a 99.99% survival rate from COVID so I do not get all this unnecessary testing.

VUSD is following California Department of Public Health guidelines and requirements for all school districts including both public and private schools. There are many COVID-19 symptoms which mirror common illnesses. Continued daily symptom screening of students and staff in PVUSD allows us to maintain health and safety as our top priority.

Both students and staff who exhibit fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, must comply with one of the four items below prior to returning to school: • negative test for SARS-CoV-2 • a healthcare provider has provided documentation that the symptoms are typical of their underlying chronic condition (e.g. allergies or asthma) • a healthcare provider has confirmed an alternative named diagnosis (e.g., Streptococcal pharyngitis, Coxsackie virus) • at least 10 days have passed since symptom onset

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To facilitate the ease of testing, we have symptomatic testing for students and staff at the District Office at 294 Green Valley Road on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9am-5 pm; in the back of the parking lot or at the County Office of Education location at Cabrillo College in Aptos daily from 3-6 pm and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If a parent chooses for their child not to test for COVID-19, they may obtain documentation from their healthcare provider documenting a chronic condition or an alternative diagnosis as noted above.

Since you are using Inspire Diagnostics medical testing at schools and the test is a PCR test, what threshold (sensitivity) is the PCR test being run at? Since the threshold can be changed, the test results can vary. At a threshold of 35 or greater, there can be a 97% false positive rate.

Secondly, if a student takes a PCR test and the results are not available until the next day or later, what if the student is positive and infects others?

This policy makes no sense. nspire Diagnostics use TaqPath assay with a threshold of 37. This assay is approved by the FDA and is a sensitive and accurate test.

Using a threshold of 37 does not change the accuracy of the test. By reducing the Ct threshold, you go with the risk of reporting false negatives, therefore, the threshold of 37 is at a desired level.

Will my child need to re-test if they have been positive for COVID-19 lately? elow is a chart that notes next steps if a student or staff member has been positive in the last 90 days.

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For the ESSER II & III survey that was just sent out, why was there no mention or survey option to specifically choose campus safety/reinstatement of SROs? There was not one mention of SROs in the survey. Why was this completely glossed over when a student was killed last week and this is such a relevant and important issue in our community right now??

Additionally, why don’t you ever add a final question in your surveys allowing for free form responses? Please do so for future surveys. It is important that the PVUSD community has the opportunity to provide comments, feedback and input.

Just because free form text responses aren’t quantifiable, does not mean that the feedback data is not important. or all current surveys we provide two options for stakeholders to engage with us and provide input. We utilize the Google form surveys to provide us with quantitative data that has a higher ease of use for all stakeholders.

Prior to our implementation of Thought Exchange, we included an openended question in the Google survey which required time-consuming coding of the responses.

With the implementation of Thought Exchange last year, stakeholders are now able to engage in robust interaction with other stakeholders providing their own thoughts, suggestions and feedback as well as rating the response of others in any translatable language.

With Thought Exchange, we are able to see the recommendations and ideas grouped through artificial intelligence rather than coding the ideas manually.

For this last ESSER survey, which we released on September 3, 2021, we included ideas and suggestions noted by stakeholders in both the original ESSER Google survey and Thought Exchange.

The survey requesting input regarding the School Resource Officers was on a different Google survey and Thought Exchange labeled “Follow Up to the 20212022 School Year and the Restorative Start Survey” which we released from September 6 to September 13, 2021.

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SCCAS Featured Pet

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Meet our Pet of the Week, Jefferson!

efferson came to the Shelter with the rest of his “family” — including a nursing female boxer and 4 puppies. Jefferson has made great progress in his foster home and his foster dad has reported that he is a sweet and fun-loving boy!

Jefferson enjoys walks and excursions on sidewalks or trails, riding in the car, other dogs, and occasionally chasing a tennis ball. Jefferson is a social butterfly and thinks every dog is his friend and has even been seen putting his arm around small dog friends.

Jefferson often visits with his foster dad’s 94-year-old mother in Watsonville, and he does well with the other (typically small) dogs there and enjoys meeting the other seniors there. When they go for walks, Jefferson becomes a perfect walker staying next to the wheelchair.

Jefferson could live in a home with other animals given his new family is prepared to make safe introductions. While Jefferson will pull hard to go at his own pace when starting a walk, he will adjust after he gets the wiggles out. Jefferson’s foster dad provides lots of exercise and has focused on a strict housetraining routine, which has worked well for Jefferson.

Being the good boy he is, he already knows how to sit, stay, come, and sometimes down if an extra delicious treat is involved! Jefferson will benefit from a patient home who will help him with positive reinforcement training so that he can continue to learn some doggie manners and make the best canine companion!

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

“PVUSD Q & A” page 26

crossword on 23 »

Why don’t PVUSD schools have parent/ guardian evenings to allow us to talk with our students teachers? We have students in AJH and AHS and feel like our students are just a number to teachers.

We moved here from Europe where we would meet with teachers twice per year to discuss progress.

School life is so impersonal here. ach PVUSD school has a virtual Backto-School Night this year.

The Back-to-School Nights were held virtually as COVID-19 Delta cases were on the rise. During the Back-to-School event, you should have been able to engage with site administration as well as your children’s teachers.

Back-to School Night is a time to learn important school-wide information and receive general overviews of your children’s classes as there are many parents in attendance.

If you have specific questions for your children’s teachers, I encourage you to reach out to them via email and set up a time to discuss any questions you may have.

Just thinking about the issue of communication during emergencies, but here specifically for District Office itinerant management and staff, and was hoping to get an update on the timeline for rolling out the cell phone-based emergency alert system that I believe our Tech dept was working on? I work in a department with many itinerant staff who go to multiple sites every day, and it has happened that there’s been a lockdown or shelter in place happening but no notification to the staff member, who then goes on site as usual. I just heard a story of an itinerant staff member who was walking around a campus during a lockdown. ast year, we purchased the Remind App and have been using it to provide text updates to families and staff at the site level. We are adding an additional Remind App module that will add functionality to the Remind Communication System to improve emergency communication to parents, students and to staff mobile devices.

Once we have these new features installed and configured, we will provide the option for staff to register their mobile phones to receive these district-wide emergency communications. We will then finalize procedures for school site and district staff to send and receive emergency communications in order to ensure that PVUSD families, students, and staff are informed of emergencies and receive urgent communications.

We will make sure to identify staff that move between multiple sites and configure the system so that they receive any urgent messages that pertain to their location or position.

World Series © Statepoint Media

Remind App

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Mercury Retrogrades in Libra

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Esoteric Astrology • October 2021 • By Risa D’Angeles

n studying astrology one becomes very aware of the seasons, each one bringing subtle change to our world. These seasons are governed by the planets, stars, sun and moon. They guide humanity and all of nature by a rhythmic cycle of light and dark, growth and rest.

Another rhythm began last Sunday, September 26th– the rhythm of Mercury retrograde. This is our third and last Mercury retrograde for 2021. Mercury is retrogrades in Libra until October 18th.

The significance of this retrograde of Mercury is Libra, sign of deep intimate relationships, marriage, interaction with others, partnerships, diplomacy, balance and our social identity. Libra points out the duality and polarization within relationships and under Ray 3 (a star in the Big Dipper), Libra represents our intelligence, our ability to be democratic. Esoterically, Libra rules finances and the economy. All of these may be challenged during the retrograde.

With Mercury retrograde in Libra (air sign, thinking sign), we turn inward, assessing all that Libra rules. We become aware of miscommunication, misinterpretations and misinformation with our intimates, closest friends and partners. Conflicts with others arise, ARIES

there are challenges, social cues that may be missed, messages lost or forgotten, a struggle to express ourselves clearly. Mercurial themes are thinking, talking, gathering and offering information. Libra is all these with the “other”.

When we have the knowledge of how astrology works and how it will affect us, we then are able to work with the planets efficiently and effectively. How we do this is through observation of our lives and the best observation can be done during Mercury retrogrades.

During the retrograde (when everything can be reset, rearranged, reviewed, revisited, resolved) we make a point of remaining emotionally and intelligently balanced, poised, always observing self and others. We also give the benefit of the doubt to others. Everyone is experiencing the Mercury retrograde. But only a few understand it enough to work with (and not against) the retrograde energies.

We remember too, Shakespeare’s words, “All the world’s a stage, each of us playing our part.”Let our part be the bright more charming side of Libra — that of balance, goodwill, harmony and beauty — that which humanity longs for.

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

Mercury retrograde is moving through your house of partnership and marriage. Notice any conflicts impatience or misunderstandings.

Notice thoughts and feelings concerning all partnership and relationships. Rearrange yourself so that harmony is the goal, not conflict. If anyone has wedding plans during the retro dates, it’s best to postpone the celebration. One does not want a Mercury retrograde marriage unless both partners were born with Mercury retrograde natally, which means they communicate telepathically.

As Mercury retrogrades through your third house of thinking and communication you may find yourself walking a bit more, traversing neighborhoods, camera in hand. You may also seek to understand how what you learned a child affects your present life. Attempt to bring balance to friend and sibling relationships. Notice if your use your hands more. You consider what thoughts and aspiration have brought you to this moment in time. And gain clarity about your authentic friends, collaborations and ambitions. At the end of the retrograde, blinders are removed from your eyes.

Mercury retrograde will traverse your house of groups, friends, hopes, wishes and dreams. It’s a perfect time to review these things. Who are your real friends? What groups do you belong to? Do they further your hopes, wishes and dreams?

What ARE your hopes, wishes and dreams? Is your technology up to date? Notice if anything technological just stops working!

Alternate sources of information may pop up unexpectedly.

Study them for their usefulness. Stay in the heart, Leo. There isn’t anything else to do!

TAURUS

VIRGO

Mercury retrogrades in your house of work in the world, how you’re recognized and it concerns the master plan for your life. You may need to ask others to assist you in completing previous tasks. You may be impatient, too, feeling the need to direct everything. However, that will be impossible. You are used to doing things by yourself, being your own boss, taking the reins. However, before the new can come forth everything concerning your world of work needs cooperation from others. Assess this so a re-balance can come forth.

During the retrograde, Mercury will be moving through your sixth house of everyday living. The sixth house rules health, service to self and others, small animals, diet, gardens, routines and daily work. It is important to focus on nutrition, how one tends and cares for the self. Be aware of the health of one’s animals, too. Be sure your daily routines are balanced between health and on work that is gratifying, rewarding and fulfilling.

You need a bit of enchantment.

In this Mercury retro in Libra, your values and resources are assessed. Also, your need to see the self as valuable. You may notice your need to rest more, seek comfort and calmness, not push your will so strongly. You may seek more indepth personal communications with those you care about.

Feelings may appear that are unexpected and a sense of Venusian stillness and composure may arise. Your imagination may take hold and all things hidden away within may surface.

An important choice also will be made.

GEMINI

The Mercury retrograde takes your creativity inward, offering you the opportunity to explore different future pathways, imagine new directions and points of view. It calls you to be flexible and fluid so you can assess the last three months events and what may be in store the next three months. Nothing limits your ability to dream, visualize, imagine plans for the future. It’s important to explore ways to bring more of your creativity to light. I always thought you and Aquarius might have a found-art gallery. Try to recapture childhood spontaneity.

CANCER

This Mercury retrograde will offer you the opportunity to be out and about in the world offering your talents, gifts and abilities. You will, however, also long to be home, while being very aware of inner emotional shifts, feelings of missing someone or something, and focus upon all inner needs. New patterns of creativity are taking shape. You may also consider a reorganization of your home. Is the daily work you are doing offering enough creative opportunity? New aspirations emerge.

LIBRA

Mercury retro in Libra will be in your first house (Aries house) of self-identification and purpose. During these difficult times, has your awareness of self and your abilities, or your sense of purpose changed?

Do you find yourself more courageous, more risk-taking? As the retrograde progresses you may need to slow down, rest more, evaluate who you thought you were and who you might be now. A change has occurred within and the retrograde will introduce you to your “new self.” Practice a bit of reverie now and then.

SCORPIO

The Mercury retrograde will be in your house of mystery, religion, things hidden and veiled, which offers great refuge. During Mercury retrograde review and assess what religion or spirituality means to you. Perhaps you long for vision, hope, for refuge and a place for the mystical to be revealed.

Mercury retrograde is offering the sounds, colors, tones, and beauty of harmony and balance. Scorpio and Pisces are like sibling - one the Disciple, the other the Savior. You need each other. Do daydream a bit more. Dream about the future.

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CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Mercury retrogrades through your house of journeys, justice, and the law. We are all asked to take your blinders off and look around. Our world is in a state of conflict and chaos and since you are the messenger from the future, it’s important to recognize inner work is needed. You are to research the truths humanity needs to know in order to survive. Everything will slow down so you can do thorough work of study and research. You are and will be called to put on the professor hat soon. Get ready.

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / October 1st 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

PISCES

Mercury retrograde travels through your Scorpio house of deep dark secrets, of puzzling things and mysteries and it calls you to gather your wisdom and your strategies to understand them. Uncovering secrets helps us create security and safety and truth in our daily lives. You have the wisdom needed to navigate our present difficult times. You will need patience, more courage than usual. In between your warrior work bring to all relationships tender loving care. They, too, may be on a “precipice.”

“PVUSD Q & A” from page 25 I heard there were new sports guidelines.

What are they now?

VUSD will implement the sports guidelines recently published by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Santa Cruz County Public Health (SCCPH).

Effective Monday, September 27, all Santa Cruz County public school districts will be implementing the following requirements: • Masks will be required for all persons while playing all indoor sports, unless wearing a mask during play has been determined to pose a choking hazard by a well-recognized health authority, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics.

• Students participating in high risk sports where wearing masks during both competition and practice is not possible will need to be fully vaccinated or participate in weekly testing.

These sports include wrestling, water polo, swimming, lacrosse, and football.

• Locker rooms should be used only to change or use the restroom. Athletic personnel are instructed not to use the locker rooms for coaching or pregame, halftime or postgame talks.

• In team buses, vans, and carpools, masks are required per existing statewide face-covering guidance. The same people should ride together when multiple vehicles are used. Windows should be kept open. Fans should be on high and set to outdoor air.

• For (1) the playing of musical instruments that cannot be done with a face covering (e.g., wind instruments); or (2) when wearing a mask during play poses a choking hazard, at least one of the following options is required: ° Conduct these activities outdoors; ° Use modified face coverings and bell coverings when playing wind and brass instruments, and maintain 6 feet of physical distancing; ° Perform at least weekly screening testing with either PCR testing (1:1 or pooled PCR) or antigen testing of all individuals, including those who are fully vaccinated • All staff who are supporting athletic, music, and extracurricular programs will need to be vaccinated or participate in weekly PCR tests.

• Students who are exposed to someone with COVID-19 and participating in Modified Quarantine are not able to participate in extracurricular activities during their quarantine period.

How often will Inspire Diagnostic be on site and for how long? nspire Diagnostic will have two scheduled visits at all PVUSD sites each week. The sessions will be 45 minutes — 2 hours in length, depending on the size of the school.

Please contact your school’s site administrator for your school’s specific dates and times. n

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“60 Years” from page 23 We’re directly addressing these new realities, which require everyone to be flexible in reexamining and refocusing our priorities — while never diverging from our core function as a diligent steward of our local water resources.

How has the District managed to thrive, adapt, meet all challenges, and achieve continued success through the complexity of the social, political, and environmental conditions that have evolved in the last 60 years?

The answer is: through the foresight of the District’s Board of Directors over the years, and the commitment and dedication of every District staff member.

And in addition, it has been through the valued collaboration with those whom we serve.

All of us here are proud of the many successes achieved over the last six decades of the District’s existence, and as your community partner for reliable water we look forward to many more successes over the next 60 years, and beyond. n

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

SPECIALIZING IN

FALL SPECIAL

Residential Repaints & If we paint your interior and/or Custom Homes exterior by October 31, 2021 Homeowners Associations we will buy the paint.

Property Managers

ABOVE: Laura Brown, first female general manager of Soquel Creek Water District.

LEFT: Ken Izant was first president of the board

ABOVE: Cornwell Storage Tank, one of 18 storage tanks.

LEFT: Old redwood water pipe found in the Seacliff area in summer of 2008 during a main replacement.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 1st 2021 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS CAREER ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL The Santa Cruz Public Libraries invites you to jump start your future by earning an accredited high school diploma and career training through Career Online High School.

SCPL offers a program called Career Online High School, designed for adults who were unable to complete high school and could benefit from additional job training.

This nationally-accredited program allows adult students to earn an accredited high school diploma—not a GED— while gaining career skills in one of ten employment fields across a wide spectrum, from home care professional and office management to homeland security.

SCPL awards scholarships to qualified adult learners on a first-come, first-served basis. Career Online High School is a great solution for those who need extra academic support and flexibility. Once in the program, students are assigned an academic coach who helps keep them on track and connects them with tutors if needed.

The online curriculum is accessible 24/7, which is helpful to those balancing work and family obligations.

Students are given up to 18 months to complete the program, but many finish sooner because previously earned high school or GED test credits are accepted.

This is an opportunity to focus on advancing one’s education and career opportunities. Learn more at santacruzpl.org/pages/career-online-high-school.

SATURDAY SHAKESPEARE READING CLUB TACKLES ‘THE TAMING OF THE SHREW’ The Saturday Shakespeare reading club will examine “The Taming of the Shrew” beginning Oct. 9 with a Zoom evaluation by UCSC Emeritus Professor Michael Warren.

A noted Shakespeare authority and dramaturg for Santa Cruz Shakespeare, Warren has frequently kicked off the club’s discussion series with an overview of the play under consideration, its history, relevance to its time and ours, and aspects of special interest in it.

The sessions, all Saturdays at 10 a.m., will be on Oct.9, 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6. Abby Heald, a lecturer in the UCSC Literature Department, will be the speaker Oct. 30. Other speakers will be announced later.

The Nov. 6 gathering will present the Zeffirelli film of “The Taming of the Shrew” with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

All sessions are free and open to the public, although participants are encouraged to send a fee of at least $2 per session or $10 for the series to Santa Cruz Shakespeare, with a check made payable to the organization at 500 Chestnut Street. Suite #250, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

People who are not yet on the email list but would like to attend and get the Zoom link should email a request to: saturdayshakespeare@gmail.com FREE TEEN YMCA MEMBERSHIP Available Through Oct. 31 Central Coast YMCA is offering free teen membership for ages 12-18 years old with proof of vaccination. The membership offer runs through Oct. 31 at all five locations in Salinas, San Benito and Watsonville, as well as the Salinas Aquatic Center.

For information, contact the main offices of the Central Coast YMCA at (831) 757-4633 or go online at www. centralcoastymca.org.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by October 8 DRIVE FOR SCHOOLS FUNDRAISER Tickets are now on sale for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Drive for Schools, a fundraiser in its 17th year. The top prize is $25,000, with dozen more prizes to be given out in a drawing at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at 1 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 24.

Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $25. Tickets are sold through participating schools through Sunday, Oct. 17.

Purchased tickets must be returned to your school by the school’s posted deadline. Purchased tickets will not be accepted at the Boardwalk.

Tickets sold on Oct. 24 at the Boardwalk will benefit the Santa Cruz County Office of Education Special Education Department.

Since starting in 2005, Drive for Schools has raised more than $7 million in support of local schools.

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY ACTIVITIES La Selva Beach Library Branch has new hours: Tues-Thu 11-6 • Fri-Sat 12-5 • Closed Sun & Mon Upcoming activities.

Please notice: new open hours Closed Sunday-Monday, Tues-Thu 11-6, Fri- Sat 12-5 SCPL staff is available Mon-Thur 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and can be contacted via the website at https:// www.santacruzpl.org/contact/; or call 831.427.7713; or text 831.264.0647 La Selva Beach library book drops are open 24/7.

Beach Preschool Storytime Tuesdays: 11 am – noon. Interactive storytime for children 3-6: read books, sing songs and use rhythm and movement. There will be an arts and crafts project to take home. This event will be held outside on the patio. Please dress for the weather.

Masks will be required. In the event of bad weather, storytime will be cancelled.

R.E.A.D. – Reach Every Amazing Detail: Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m.; Begins Oct. 6. This one-on-one reading comprehension instruction program is for 2nd through 12th grade readers. Instructors are California credentialed teachers. Each sessions is 25 minutes and by appointment only. For questions, call 831-427-7713.

Stories for Bedtime: Wednesdays, Oct. 6 and 20, 7 p.m. on Facebook, replay on YouTube. Presented by SCPL Librarian Jackie. On alternating weeks, she will read bedtime stories, sing songs, and chant rhymes for families. New programs will be available every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. and on the library’s YouTube Channel after that. For more, visit our Storytimes for Children on YouTube: playlisthttps://www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=PLnrjQ7Hh91Kbyxn-kDfUrrnLUFHcJmfoQ1.

Adult Book Discussion Group: 2nd Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Oct. 14 — Vera, by Carol Edgarian; Nov. 11 — Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Passionate Readers Book Discussion: 4th Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Oct 28 — Nomadland, by Jessica Bruder In-Person Tech Help: Fridays 10 a.m.-noon. (No program Oct. 8) Tech savvy staff at La Selva Beach Library would like to help you troubleshoot your issue with an up-to 25-minute appointment. Fixing broken hardware or software is not within our scope. Possible topics may include: creating an email account,

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creating documents, attaching files, using premium subscription library resources, downloading and streaming content like movies, books, and audiobooks, and more. Bring any devices you use and have your necessary passwords and library card with you.

Make an appointment at https://santacruzpl.libcal. com/appointments/laselva. Advance appointments are prioritized. Visit the library’s information desk or call telephone information (831-427-7713) for help making an appointment. Arriving later than 5 minutes after scheduled time may result in appointment cancellation. https://www.santacruzpl.org/

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.

Fridays MIDTOWN FRIDAYS Ongoing thru Oct. 29, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz (next to the fire station) Event Santa Cruz is hosting a Friday festival through the end of October. Called “Midtown Fridays,” the event will have a featured musical act plus food, artists, vendors, and more. Admission is free.

Saturdays ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH Tours start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.,1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of SCULPTURE IS: IN THE GARDEN 2021 the Elkhorn Slough. Capacity is limited due to physical On display thru Oct. 31 distancing requirements, and individuals must sign up 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden, 2660 East on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lake Ave., Watsonville Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) Sculpture IS: In the Garden 2021, is the 15th sculpture exhibit in partnership with Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden. 728-2822 or visit https://www.elkhornslough.org/ The jurors, Susana Arias and Jeff Rosendale, selected more group-reservation/ to reserve a tour. than 100 sculptures created by 42 artists and collaborators. For more information, visit http://www.elkhornslough.org/ Visit the stunning two-acre demonstration garden, esnerr/tours/ relax under the umbrellas, and spend an afternoon One Saturday Each Month enjoying the outdoor exhibit.

Admission is free.

COOKING WITH GREY BEARS’ POPPY DEGARMO 11 a.m. Online Class SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS Cooking with Grey Bears next few classes will be online only.

This new program from Community Bridges brings Upcoming class: Oct. 16 Use this Zoom link to participate in your home at time of class: enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/92906805068. cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 and up in their homes at no cost. To participate, you First Sunday Every Month need an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone.

WESTSIDE MARKETPLACE To participate, view the calendar at https://community bridges. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Old Wrigley Building Parking Lot, 2801 org/SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, click on the Mission Street, Santa Cruz 95060 link in the calendar to be connected. If you have a problem The Westside Marketplace is an exciting monthly market connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481. where local art, handmade and vintage shopping meet delicious food! This collaboration between Food Trucks A Go Go and the SCM Makers Market presents a great mix of creators ONGOING EVENTS of all kinds! There is also live music at each event!

Tuesdays Rain dates are scheduled for the following FARMERS’ MARKET AT RAMSAY PARK Sundays.

2–6 p.m., Ramsay Park, Watsonville The Market is free to attend and is 100% local!

All local and state health guidelines will be followed.

El Mercado is a new farmers’ market hosted by ComPlease wear your mask, maintain social distance while munity Health Trust of Pajaro Valley.

There will be healthy locally grown produce, a veggie you shop and stay home if you don’t feel well. Hand sanitizing stations will be available.

Rx redemption site, cooking demonstrations and For more information, go to the event page: https://www. wellness screenings. facebook.com/events/170470481551895; Food Trucks A Sponsors include Lakeside Organic, Salud Para La Gente and Kaiser Permanente. Visit pvhealthtrust.org/elmercado for more info. Go Go: https://www.foodtrucksagogo.com/; or SCM Makers Market https://scmmakersmarket.com/ for a list of all of the vendors.

First Tuesdays of the Month UCSC ARBORETUM: FIRST TUESDAYS FREE 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum means free admission on the first Tuesday of every month 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Guests are invited to explore the biodiversity of the gardens, enjoy bird watching or relax on a bench in the shade. https://arboretum.ucsc.edu Third Thursday Each 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

Second Sundays SANTA CRUZ ANTIQUE STREET FAIRE 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Pacific Ave. between Lincoln and Cedar Streets The Santa Cruz Antique Street Faire features more than 40 outdoor vendors.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/santacruzantiquefaire/ for more information

DATED EVENTS Tuesday October 5 HOSPITALITY & SERVICE CAREER FAIR 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz Hotel Paradox will host a hospitality and service job fair,

COMMUNITY CALENDAR with a hospitality reception from 5:30-8 p.m.

Participating employers include Seascape Resort, Mount Hermon Conference Center, the Scotts Valley Hilton, the Boardwalk, Jersey Mike’s, Riva and Makai, plus Hotel Paradox.

The Santa Cruz chamber is one of the sponsors, and has details at https://web.santacruzchamber.org/events.

MIKE ROTKIN TO SPEAK AT DEMOCRATIC CLUB 6 p.m., Online Zoom Meeting Mike Rotkin will be the guest speaker for the Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County on Tuesday, Oct. 5.

Rotkin, who served as a representative on the 12-member Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, will talk about the Coastal Rail Trail and a petition Mike Rotkin focused on giving people a chance to vote to pursue rail transit.

Rotkin will discuss how the rail line can benefit the community and help address climate change and social justice concerns.

Members of the public are invited to attend.

For Zoom meeting link, visit www.svslvdemocrats.org. Social time starts at 6 p.m. and club meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday October 9 MOUNTAIN PARKS FOUNDATION LOBSTER FEED 4:30-7:30 p.m., Picnic Area 1, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton Mountain Parks Foundation will present its annual Lobster Feed Saturday, Oct. 9, from 4:30- 7:30 p.m. at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton, Picnic Area 1.

Attendees can enjoy a lobster feast served under the stars, serenaded by local band Wild & Blue, for $100 per person.

The lobsters come from Maine, accompanied by steaming corn-on-the-cob, toasted garlic bread, crisp green salad, drinks and dessert.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://www.mountainparks.org/stay-informed/upcoming-events/lobster-feed Proceeds directly support local redwoods state parks, Big Basin and Henry Cowell.

The Lavender Ladies are only here once a year, so you don’t want to miss it.

The Lavender Ladies will sell homemade masks, bowl cozies, eye pillows, sachets, and other items.

All proceeds benefit Mid-County Senior Center in Capitola.

Saturday October 23

‘SHE ADVENTURES’ FILM TOUR Friday October 15 7 p.m., Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz The She Adventure Film Tour presents a carefully curated selection of short films designed to entertain and inspire adventurous women. The film festival will premier with an in-person viewing at the Rio Theatre. It will also be available online Oct. 15–24.

The 2021 tour will take you around the globe: Biking in an attempt for the speed record, longboarding in the French Alps, diving into the world of Sri Lanka’s first competitive female surfer, pushing the limits with French-Canadian sport of ice canoeing and joining Lucy Barnard on her walk around the world.

Tickets for the two-and-half-hour-show at the Rio Theatre cost $18 at EventBrite.com or $18 for a 48-hour rental at https://www.adventurereelstv.com/film/she-adventures-film-tour-2021/ Films included are: BETWEEN WALLS 2 minutes : Austria — In spring 2019 gigantic walls of snow piled up along the pass road to the Timmelsjoch, Austria. Johanna Bolanos Cabrera and Jasmijn Hanegraef grab their longboards and took the chance to downhill at great speed through this stunning scenery.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS ANYWAY 12 minutes : Canada — 50 years ago the first women’s ice canoe team crossed the icy waters of the St. Lawrence River during the Carnival of Quebec’s traditional race. In 2018, six women decide to form their own team. Their goal: to compete in the Quebec Ice Canoe Circuit.

EASTBOUND 50 minutes : UK — Join Jenny Graham’s attempt to become not only the first woman to ride around the planet unsupported, but also the fastest.

BLACKBERRY SWIRL 5 minutes : USA — Mountain bike pros Corinne Prevot and Ella McAndrew enjoy summer in Vermont as they zig-zag down flowy trails and leaf peep through the incredible forests of their home state.

WALK THE EARTH 22 minutes : Australia/Canada (top photo) — In a fleeting moment Lucy Barnard decided to become the first woman to walk the length of the earth. Starting in Ushuaia, Argentina she will be walking 30,000km over 5 years until she reaches Barrow, Alaska. She will be the first woman — and one of only a handful of people — to have ever completed it.

SKIVAS 17 minutes : France — Featuring 10 of the best female skiers and snowboarders, Skivas introduces us to some rad riding women.

The 100% female film proves that these “Ski Divas” are pushing the boundaries of freedom, creativity and sisterhood on and off the mountain.

Blackberry Swirl MUDDIEST KNOWN TIME 5 minutes: Australia — Young adventurer Milly Young runs the full 100-mile Port Davey and South Coast Tracks in remote southwest Tasmania, Australia. The gruelling course, with 7,000 miles of elevation gain, endless mud, obstacles, sleep deprivation and crazy weather, pushes her to the limit.

WE ARE LIKE WAVES 13 minutes: USA — Along the South Coast of Sri Lanka, surfing is everywhere. Yet only foreigners and local men fill the lineups. Surfing is not seen as a sport for girls. But when Sanu turned 18, she began working in the kitchen at a surf camp alongside her brother, a surf instructor, and the trajectory of her life changed dramatically.

WALK OR RIDE FOR HORSES 9 a.m., 127 Vine Hill School Rd, Scotts Valley Come join us for a fun day of biking, walking or horse back riding to help raise funds for Canham Farm Horse Rescue and Rehab.

Funds raised go towards the vet care, hay/grain, farrier, and medical needs of our horses. Funds also go towards our horses helping humans program.

Choose from MTB, Road, Family or Horse trail!

Your $39 donation includes an exclusive event T-Shirt and entry into a drawing for prizes.

To purchase tickets to attend please go to: https://www. launch dates and tasks to members for upcoming eventbrite.com/e/bike-walk-or-ride-for-rescues-ticketsfund-raisers.

166258793527?aff=ebdssbdestsearch The meeting is free and open to the public.

Members recently presented new Tuesday October 12 fund-raising ideas to replace projects CAPITOLA SOROPTIMISTS MEETING that were canceled or reduced due to 4-5:30 p.m., Michael’s on Main, 2591 S. Main the pandemic. Next, the teams will St., Soquel submit implementation dates and Soroptimist International of Capitola plans for those activities. by-the-Sea will meet on the creekside deck Soroptimist International of at Michael’s on Main to focus on assigning Capitola-by-the-Sea is a global

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK CHILI COOK OFF 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Bring your appetite and join the fun as professional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and compete for the title of Best Chili!

Schedule • 9-10 a.m.: Chef’s prep (no heat) • 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Chili cook time • 10 a.m.: Tasting kits go on sale • 1 p.m.: Public tasting begins • 4 p.m.: Winners announced at Neptune’s Stage (beachside) Try Some Chili: Boardwalk admission is free.

Tasting kits are $10 each and include six taste tickets, spoon, cup, and a People’s Choice ballot.

Benefits: A portion of the proceeds from Tasting Kit sales will benefit Your Future is Our Business. This nonprofit provides work-based learning opportunities to elementary, middle, and high school students as well as internships for post-secondary students within Santa Cruz County.

WAVES & WILDLIFE CONTEST DEADLINE Each year Save Our Shores hosts the Waves & Wildlife Marine Protected Areas Photo & Video Contest with support from the Resource Legacy Fund.

Raise awareness about the beauty and biodiversity of these essential protected habitats by submitting your favorite photos and videos by the end of the day. Dream Inn and Ethos Santa Cruz have donated prizes.

RSVP for Virtual Awards Ceremony 6-8 p.m. Nov. 5, which will be on EventBrite.

See photo of last year’s winner and register at https://tinyurl. com/waves-wildlife STRIKE OUT AGAINST CANCER Times below, Boardwalk Bowl, 115 Cliff Street, Santa Cruz WomenCARE’s 25th Annual STRIKE OUT AGAINST CANCER Bowling Benefit on Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Boardwalk Bowl.

This year also marks WomenCARE’s 29th anniversary!

We are looking forward to another fun day of bowling and raising money and awareness. We will be adhering to current CDC guidelines and COVID-19 safety protocols for the in-person events, as well as having a more dynamic VIRTUAL option.

There will be three bowling sessions, starting at 1 p.m., approx. 2:30 p.m. and approx. 4 p.m. There will also be a “virtual team” option for people unable to attend the event but wish to provide support.

We hope to make this year our most successful yet!

Visit https://fsa-cc.org/strike-out-against-cancer/ for details.

Saturday October 23 Sunday October 24

GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave., Santa Cruz The 2021 Live Oak Glass Pumpkin Patch is on!

It takes place one weekend only, outdoors in the volunteer organization that provides women and girls heirloom orchard of the Live Oak Grange, with plenty with access to the education and training they need to of fresh air and room for achieve economic empowerment. social distancing.

For information email info@best4women.org or visit at www.

Come see the creative best4women.org. ideas that Chris Johnson and the team have come up with this year. He will be Saturday October 16 at the 2021 ACGA Clay & LAVENDER SALE AT APTOS FARMERS MARKET Glass Festival Sept 11 & 12 in Palo Alto.

8 a.m.-Noon, Cabrillo College Parking Lot The Mid County Senior Center Lavender Ladies will have To preview his work, visit www.chrisjohnsonglass.com. Or join their annual Lavender Sale at the Aptos Farmers Market. the conversation at https://www.facebook.com/ClayandGlass. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 1st 2021 / 29

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Preparing for Winter Rains (& Other Emergencies)

E

ven though it seems that rain is a distant memory, we are a short time away from when the rainy season typically begins. It’s always good to do some advance preparations for your home or business. Recent PG&E power issues throughout our district also remind us that we may have additional challenges just beyond the standard rains.

Let’s look at some of the ways you can be sure your home or business is prepared for an emergency situation.

A few years ago our County experienced significant storm damage (damage we are still working to repair). If we have a similar winter we can expect additional flooding, mudslides, road damage, downed trees and power outages.

As we saw, this means some neighborhoods might have limited access or even be cut off from access for a period of time. What can you do to prepare and what is the County doing ahead to get ready?

In advance of the season, Public Works will be cleaning culverts, mowing and clearing brush in an attempt to reduce flooding potential. They are encouraging the community to call them at 454-2160 if you know of any culverts that need inspection or repair or brush that needs to be cleared.

Residents can also download the free County mobile app My Santa Cruz County via the County’s website at sccappstore. co.santa-cruz.ca.us to report non-emergency issues.

Additionally, Public Works is asking residents rake (if it’s safe) and clean storm drains to help prevent flooding. This simple task can significantly improve drainage.

Road hazards can always be reported via the 24-hour Public Works dispatch number

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

at 477-3999 (option 1). If it’s an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1.

You can visit the County’s winter prep resource page: www.santacruzcounty.us/ elnino — while it was originally created for a previous El Nino season it has been updated and provides a wealth of information on what to do before, during and after a storm. It provides checklists on what to have on hand at your home, contact numbers and more.

If you believe that a tree has the potential to impact a power line, PG&E has arborists that will inspect trees and perform maintenance if needed. You can call them at 1-800-743-5000. Residents can also sign up for mobile alerts regarding power outages directly from the pge website.

Given the increased frequency of the recent outages and the potential for planned public safety power shutoffsit is good to sign up for the alerts to at least be notified of any planned outages (and for the unplanned outages for when power is anticipated to restored).

Our local 911 center suggests residents sign up for mobile alerts (called Code Red) from their website www.scr911.org. These alerts will be used for evacuations, boil-water notices and other critical information.

What other things can you do to prepare your home or business?

According to FEMA and the Red Cross, here are some tips: • Build an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, radio, and baby items and medicines (if needed) to last a few days • Keep your pets indoors if possible during heavy rain events • Have a plan that your family is familiar with — in case you are unable to get

30 / October 1st 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Local Local Local

• •

• •

home due to road hazards or need to shelter in place for multiple days ensure that your family knows how to communicate and possibly a back up location for meeting or lodging. This would be relevant during major storm events or earthquakes or other natural disasters.

In advance of rains, clear drains, rain gutters and downspouts of debris If you have drainage issues around your home consider having them inspected and addressed and inspect your roof for leaks Get flood insurance. If you already have it, check your policy to make sure you have enough coverage Make copies of all your important documents and make sure the originals are stored safely somewhere outside of your home

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• Take photos of your possessions (furniture, collectibles, electronics) in case you need them for an insurance claim • Learn how to shut off gas valves, bolt and brace water heaters, install strong latches on cabinets and don’t hang heavy items (like a picture or mirror) near beds or couches where people sleep or sit.

• Check at your workplace and your children’s schools to learn about their emergency plans for an earthquake or other natural disaster ••• 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 you can always call me at 454-2200.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Free Electric Streetcar Demo in October

C

oast Futura announces a free demonstration of an affordable, accessible streetcar on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line, presented by Roaring Camp Railroads, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 16-17, in Watsonville, and Thursday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 24, in Santa Cruz.

Tickets for the 45-minute ride will be available online from Roaring Camp Railroads starting Friday, Oct. 1. Sign up at coastfutura.org The Coast Futura demonstration rail vehicle was manufactured by Californiabased TIG/m, LLC., operating on batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.

The vehicles are wireless and are expected to move quietly through neighborhoods alongside the Rail Trail, portions of which have been completed or are forward.

The innovative streetcar is envisioned to help in the fight against climate change, producing zero emissions and powered by batteries and hydrogen — and recharged with clean energy sourced from Central Coast Community Energy.

The demonstration aims to provide a proof-of-concept about what car-free commuting would look like.

The Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission authorized the demonstration as an opportunity for the public to see an example of a modern electric rail vehicle on two sections of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line track.

Each demonstration routes will be approximately 4 miles, with the Watsonville route running from the intersection of

Rides Oct. 16-17 in Watsonville & Oct. 21-24 in Santa Cruz

Image shows the electric passenger train made by TIG/m LLC

West Beach and Walker Streets to Harkins Slough and back, and the Santa Cruz route running from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Capitola and back.

The demonstration, originally planned for spring 2020, was delayed due to the pandemic and will follow current COVID safety guidelines require all passengers to wear a mask.

Tickets are free but reservations on the Roaring Camp platform will be required.

Learn more at coastfutura.org or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. n

Aromas Hills Artisans Autumn Art Show and Sale

T

he Aromas Hills Artisans are sponsoring a one-day, first-time art show in their lovely hometown of Aromas.

The event will be outdoors at the Sports Park at 300 Aromas Road, Sunday Oct. 10, starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m.

Aromas is well-known for its many artists who create a wide variety of artwork.

More than 20 artisans will participate in the show/sale.

The art will include paintings, pottery, gourds, p h o t o g r a p h y,

Sunday, Oct. 10 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

handmade 3D cards, fused glass, wood carvings, stained glass, many types of jewelry, fabric art, hand painted Ukranian eggs, repurposed art and much more!

If you decide to join the fun on Oct. 10, you’ll see what makes the little town of Aromas tick. Is it the fresh air? Nice people? The hometown atmosphere?

Whatever it is, you decide, good things happen.

Indulge in some really wonderful art while listening to songs sung by the wonderful Jesse Martinez from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There is plenty of free parking, so join us! n ••• The Aromas Hills Artisans will host their once-a-year raffle of 20 handmade items. Tickets are 3 for $5, and will be available for purchase at

the show, with proceeds for community projects supported by the artisans. The group sponsors classes and hosts events where their members sell their wares.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 1st 2021 / 31

everything...so close to home.

Deluxe Foods of Aptos

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

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

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

(831) 688-7442 www.deluxefoodsofaptos.com

New collections from Betsey Johnson, Kate Spade, and more ...

(831) 688-1516 EyeShapes@sbcglobal.net

Hours: Tues.–Fri. 10-5 | Sat. by Appointment Deer Park Marketplace #37 | Rio Del Mar/Hwy 1 Aptos | Above Deluxe Foods | www.EyeShapesAptos.com

deer park c e n t e r

Highway 1 & Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos

BANKS: Bank of America BUSINESS SERVICES: Anderson

& Company-HOA Management Employnet / Contractor Advertising 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