By Tara Fatemi Walker
Santa Cruz County Fair Returns
The Santa Cruz County Fair opens Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the county fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, and closes Sunday, Sept. 18, featuring
fair food, clowns, camel rides ... Full Story page 11
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Second Harvest CEO
Cabrillo Football is Back!
the needs of these
Erica Padilla-Chavez started as Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County CEO in July. She came from Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, where she had served kids and families of the Pajaro Valley since 2015. Her new role is a natural progression as she continues meeting deserving and even expands her impact.
After being on hiatus for two years, the Cabrillo College football team is back to play. The college trustees voted in May 2021 to reinstate football in fall 2022.
How an Internship Inspired
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individuals
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 3 Cover How an Internship Inspired Second Harvest CEO, By Tara Fatemi Walker Community News 6 Welcome Back Cabrillo Football! 7 CDC Director: ‘We Fell Short’, By Jondi Gumz 8 Kaiser Gives $4.5 Million To Help Buy Watsonville Community Hospital • Hope Services Supports Children with Disabilities in Ukraine 9 Remembering the Begonia Festival: Tribute to Former Capitola Event Planned Sept. 3-4, By Laurie Hill 11 Santa Cruz County Fair Returns 12 39th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival 14 8 Tens to Return September 9 15 County Planners Seek Input on Regulatory Update • How to Help Andrew Theriot • Jobs in Santa Cruz County 16 Women of Wellness Gives $78,000 to Dominican Hospital 17 Where to Put EV Charging Stations? 18 Room Fee Extended for Tourism Marketing 20 Supporting Women & Girls: Scholarship Fund Started in 2016 Makes a Difference, By Susan True 21 Candidates: Who’s Running • Appointed to Office Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – The Maiden & the Rebel — Sun in Virgo, Uranus Retrogrades, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Featured Columnists 23 Drop-off Times, Expanded Learning, Aptos High WiFi & Free Lunch, Q&A With Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District 25 Come To the Water Harvest Festival, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 30 County Climate Action: Work from Home, EV Chargers & Bike Safety on Soquel, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Meet Mavis and Marie 17No.31Volume www. tpgonlinedaily.com 7 14 16 31 ContentsofTable Kathleen Manning Broker Associate c. DRE:kathleenmanning.comkathleen.manning@sir.com831.566.312700885315 Get it on the market with the attention it deserves. Nothing compares. Serving all of Santa Cruz County For over 20 years. Luxury Service at Any Price Point • Local Market Expert • Beautiful High End Marketing • Responsive Communication • Project Management • Design & Staging Indoors and Out • White Glove Service Call Kathleen to discuss your Real Estate Goals Showcase your home Let me handle all the details Capitola Art & Wine Festival Sept. 14th to 2022CapitolaArtandWine.com18thSantaCruzCounty Fair Sept. 14th to LocalSantaCruzCountyfair.com18thUpcomingEvents:
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At Second Harvest Food Bank, she looks forward to developing partnerships with organizations that help individuals and families flourish, “especially for the people we’re taking care of here at The Food Bank.”
Padilla-Chavez attended Watsonville High, UC Berkeley, and Golden Gate University—the latter for a master’s in public administration. As a high school junior, she had a Salud Para la Gente internship opportunity that made her realize she was passionate about working with the community. It was the height of the HIV epidemic.
Because of this positive experience with Salud, Padilla-Chavez thought med icine would be a good field to pursue.
Shifting to a sociology major, she worked with organizations that were meeting food insecurity needs and other public health needs of the homeless popu lation in Berkeley and nearby. After college she returned to Watsonville and worked in the nonprofit sector devel oping leadership abilities among youth.
Another reason she joined The Food Bank was to “work alongside stellar leaders who are committed to making people’s lives better.”
“What I found was that issues for addressing the needs of youth and their families were similar to those for the homeless,” she said. She realized no matter what group she’s working with, a primary focus needs to be identifying linkages and supports in the areas they and their families need.
Parental Influence
Passion for Equity
During Padilla-Chavez’s tenure as CEO, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance expanded from a staff of 20 serving 2,500, to a staff of more than 65 serving 7,000. Her drive is undeniable. Gumz, D’Angeles,
“Every organization we partner with uses the distribution of food to better accomplish their own goals (for example PVPSA fulfills mental health needs),” she said. “So, it’s win-win!”
COVER STORY publisher Patrice Edwards editor Jondi Gumz contributing writers Tara Fatemi Walker, Jondi
“This perspective—understanding a person needs not just one thing, there’s an interconnectedness to what really can support them to help them thrive—is something I use in how I approach my work and my life,” she explained.
clients’ needs,”
opportunity.
Michelle Rodriguez, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Zach Friend layout Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, Taylor Brougham Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Soquel Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE www.tpgonlinedaily.comAT: mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin, Brad King photographywebsite
Padilla-Chavez realized Second Harvest Food Bank helps many partner organiza tions achieve their individual missions.
Salud Internship
“I was trained on how to engage in conversation and how to use motivational interviewing techniques,” she said. “I talked to our homeless population that was living in the Watsonville riverbanks, and dis covered I really like working with people.”
“I was pre-med early on at UC Berkeley. After a year-and-a-half of doing pre-requisites and pulling my hair out,” she laughs, “I realized it wasn’t really medicine I was after. It was connecting with people.”
P adilla-Chavez’s parents, who are immigrants, had a profound influence on her life. “I was born and raised in Watsonville,” she said. “During Pajaro Valley’s history, the economic ecosystem has experienced challenging periods. The earthquake, but also the exodus of canneries from our com munity in the 1980s.” Her parents were cannery workers, so this left her family in a predicament. She was 11 years old. “We were food insecure, but I didn’t know it,” she said. “My parents did an out standing job helping me and my siblings feel safe and secure.” Her parents volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank, packing food for friends and neighbors affected by the closures.“As my eldest sister and I assisted my parents in the food distribution, I thought I was just helping our friends,” she said. “I enjoyed it. We were allowed to pack a bag of food for ourselves with the leftovers. After a few times I realized, ‘we actually are benefiting from this too.’ Today, I know there were a couple things going on. One, it was my parents’ way of ensuring we had something to eat. But even more impor tantly, it instilled in us the importance of taking care of our neighbors.” She believes her framework of under standing what people need comes from this exposure.“I’mproud to say all of my siblings are community-centered people as a result of wonderful parents, ones who taught us this country has given them—and us—an opportunity to make our lives something that can fulfill us individually and simulta neously make the world a better place,” she said. “My parents are my biggest mentors.”
rent. “We
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Laurie Hill, Susan True, Risa
Second Harvest CEO, from page 1 Career Change
Salud was seeking students to disseminate education and prevention strategies throughout the community, including teaching individuals who used needles how to clean them.
Several factors inspired Padilla-Chavez to embrace this As the pan demic worsened, she heard from PVPSA staff that clients needed food and didn’t have money for had to pivot to facilitate meeting she said. She reached out to The Food Bank and was impressed with how fast they set up a pantry and bimonthly food
Meet Padilla-ChavezErica
n
“I asked myself, how can this be?” she said. “We need to work differently. Because the economic insecurity and food insecurity are still here, the lack of good-paying jobs is still here, mental health needs are on the rise. My drive comes from understanding I have the experience of being born and raised here and understanding the chal lenges for me and the people I grew up with…and then returning and finding there were still indicators that needed focus.” She disagrees with the adage ‘things are the way they are.’
When asked to discuss her leadership style, she says, “I facilitate partnerships to do good. I thrive on bringing people together with diverse perspectives and opinions and developing solutions to address a common problem. Hunger insecurity is complex, it’s a symptom of something deeper. I’m interested in engaging folks to determine how we can begin to address root causes to the food insecurity issues of our county.” Home and Family Padilla-Chavez, 47, lives in Soledad. “We are fortunate we were able to raise our family nearby. Twenty-one years ago, I wanted to buy a house in Santa Cruz County. Like many, I couldn’t afford it…we found a community in the Salinas Valley. What was supposed to be a twoyear ‘equity-garnering opportunity’ ended up becoming a lifetime. Housing and home ownership are important for all families, including the people we support at Second Harvest Food Bank. It’s getting harder and harder.”They are exploring a move back home, hopefully in the next year. “We’re going to see how we can get ourselves back to Santa Cruz County,” she said.She is a self-described empty nester and Cal Poly mom. “My son’s about to turn 21, he’s at Cal Poly SLO. My daughter, 19, is at Cal Poly Pomona.” Over the years, she has improved her work/life balance. “Sometimes I can be in the office for 24 hours and still feel I need more time. I’m a workaholic, but I’ve learned over the course of my career that setting boundaries for my family is important.”Whentime allows, she enjoys jogging, walking, and spending time in nature. “Gardening is a hobby I haven’t had enough time for lately,” she said. “Now that my kids are returning to school, I look forward to getting back to growing my tomatoes, my lettuce, and my straw berries.”
Interested in meeting Erica? Come to an open house/meet & greet on Sept. 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Second Harvest Food Bank, 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.
“That would mean I accept that people are going to have to live with what they have,” she said. “And I don’t accept that. We can change the outcome of individuals. This is facilitated by the opportunities we provide. Not just economic ones: All opportunities. Like the fact that I even had an internship opportunity at Salud that propelled me to be where I am today. I want the best for people. It’s that simple.”
When she returned to Watsonville after college, it struck her that many issues she witnessed as a youth were still present.
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New Cabrillo Football head coach Justin Hansen (right) runs defensive line drills.
Oct. 8 Merced
Nov. 12
A
Oct. 22 ..... West
COMMUNITY
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Oct. 1
Welcome Back Cabrillo Football!
Peninsula ..... 6
n ••• 2022 Schedule Sept.
NEWS
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fter being on hiatus for two years, the Cabrillo College football team is back to Theplay.college trustees voted in May 2021 to reinstate football in fall 2022. Football was suspended after it was learned the former assistant coach signed two rental agreements for team members in violation of community college athletic association rules. Coach Justin Hansen played defensive linebacker for the Seahawks and was defensive coordinator when the team finished 8-3 — a record that was wiped out by the sus pension. Now he’s in charge. He coached running backs at Cal Lutheran and was defensive coordinator at Hartnell. 3 De Anza 7 p.m. 10 at Feather River 1 p.m. Yuba 1 p.m. at Foothill 7 p.m. at San Jose 6 p.m. 7 p.m. at Gavilan................ 1 p.m. Hills Coaliinga p.m. at Monterey p.m. Hartnell 7 p.m. Photo Credit: Michael Oppenheimer
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• Keeping leaders devoted to outbreak response on for at least six months — to address turnover.
NorthShore University HealthSystem in Chicago agreed to compensate 500 current and former healthcare workers denied religious exemptions and claimed discrimination; each person is to receive $260,000. They were represented by Liberty Counsel of Orlando. The set tlement must be approved by federal District Court. On Aug. 19, Dr. Robert Malone, who helped develop the mRNA technology used in Covid-19 vaccines, filed a lawsuit alleging defamation and seeking $50.35 million in compensatory and punitive damages from The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos. Malone, an outspoken critic of Covid-19 vaccines, cited a Jan. 24 article by The Washington Post head lined, “A vaccine scientist’s discredited claims have bolstered a movement of misinformation.”Thearticle,published the day after the “Defeat the Mandates” rally in Wash ington, D.C., draws on Malone’s speech at the event.Malone is asking for a jury trial.
The Biden administration has a $3.2 billion deal to buy 105 million doses of that vaccine for fall.
• Establishing an office to smooth part nerships with other agencies.
page 10 Inspire Diagnostics offers Covid-19 tests in a Cabrillo College parking lot. Plenty of Free Customer Parking Wilder Associates Inc. Property Management Specialists 662-0291 Kumon Math & Reading Center Learning for the Long Run 508-8200 Village Liquors For All Your Beverage Needs 688-5691 Joy of Movement Pilates & Gyrotonic® More Zest for Life 688-8077 Epicenter Cycling Trek Bicycles for All Types of Riders 662-8100 Dentistry for Animals Dr. Judy Force, DVM 768-7148 CQENS International Inhalation Market www.cqens.com
CDC Director: ‘We Fell Short’
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 7 COMMUNITY NEWS
By Jondi Gumz
For 75 years, CDC and public health have been preparing for Covid-19, and in our big moment, our perfor mance did not reliably meet expectations ... we fell short in many ways… We had some pretty public mistakes, and so much of this effort was to hold up the mirror ... to understand where and how we could do better.”That’s Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director since January 2021 of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sharing plans last week for change at the agency, which has a $12 billion budget, 11,000+ employees, and a mission to protect Amer icans from disease outbreaks. In April, she tapped a top federal official to review the CDC and make recommenda tions. James Macrae of the Health Resources & Services Administration reported findings in mid-June, focusing on “how CDC can better translate science and data into actionable policy and communi cations during a public health emergency.”
Walensky did not elaborate on the mistakes, but the changes include:
• Creating a new executive council to help Walensky set strategy and priorities.
In August, the CDC relaxed Covid-19 guidance noting an estimated 95% of Amer icans 16 and older have some immunity, either from vaccination or infection. The “test-to-stay” in school protocol was eliminated for students exposed to the coronavirus but not fully vaccinated. Expo sures now require masking, not quarantine.
• Increasing use of preprint scientific reports rather than waiting for research to be peer-reviewed and published by the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Theplunging.number of active cases in Santa Cruz County dropped from 2,197 to 1,303 in the last six weeks, and no local deaths have been reported in the past five weeks. The last six deaths were people who were vaccinated, according to the county dashboard, all 65 or older with medical conditions.Thecounty updates the numbers on Mondays and Thursdays. On Wednesday, the state reported 13 people hospitalized positive for Covid in Santa Cruz County, and none are in intensive care. With 61,000+ county cases, natural immunity may be a factor. Santa Cruz County is rated medium for transmission by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on its COVID tracking map. Monterey County is rated high, but a third of California is rated low, along with counties elsewhere. California reports 80% of the popu lation have had at least one shot.
“COVID Update”
On July 29, attorneys settled the nation’s first class action lawsuit for healthcare workers over a Covid-19 vac cination mandate, for $10.3 million.
• Appointing Mary Wakefield, 68, the No. 2 administrator at Health and Human Services under President Obama, to implement changes.
On Aug. 22, Dr. Anthony Fauci said he will step down in December as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which awards millions in grants to researchers, chief of the NIAID Laboratory of Immunoregulation and White House medical advisor. At 81, he has worked 54 years in government service. He is working on a memoir.All this is happening as the Covid positivity rate, ICU cases and hospitaliza tions are declining in California and locally.
Pajaro Valley Unified School District, where 19,000 students began classes Aug. 15, reports zero student cases and 35 staff cases. Masks and vaccination are recom mended, not required. Since July 26, wastewater data in Santa Cruz County shows Covid-19 Omicron levels
Last year, the State of California said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration must give full approval of vaccines before rulemaking to require the Covid-19 vaccine. That has not happened; vaccines have been made available with the FDA granting emergency use authorization.
On Aug. 22, Pfizer applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requesting emergency use authorization of a booster dose targeting the Omicron subvariant BA.4/BA.5 – currently the most pervasive -- for those 12 years of age and older. That change was requested by the FDA.
On the CDC Covid tracker, Santa Cruz County reports 91.8% of residents age 5 and up have at least one shot and 83.6% fullyFullyvaccinated.vaccinated means having two shots (Pfizer or Moderna) or one Johnson & Johnson shot. All were developed for the initial Wuhan Covid-19 strain, which is no longer circulating.
Incumbents Marcus Pimentel and Jasmine Najera, who were appointed this year, are seeking four-year terms along with Joe Gallagher, a retired physician. n
In all, more than $56,000 was raised, which will be divided between Save the Children and Humanity and Inclusion.Thetwo were selected based on their sterling creden tials and their ability to deliver assistance immediately to those in need. “It was important to partner with organizations whose missions match ours: serving children and indi viduals with intellectual disabilities and those with mental health needs,” says Cathy Bouchard, Hope Services’ spe cialty director, who was tasked with finding nonprofits that would effectively implement the funds. “We decided to work with two organizations, one large and one small. We thought it would be important to utilize the power of a large organization as well as access the nimbleness and flexibility of a smaller group.”
Save the Children, founded in 1919 to aid refugees, is supporting the most urgent needs of children and their families in Ukraine today, providing food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash.
Children with disabilities in Ukraine.
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Hope Services Supports Children with Disabilities in Ukraine
On Aug. 23, eight days before the Aug. 31 deadline to buy Watson ville Community Hospital from the out-of-town owner, Kaiser Permanente announced an additional $4.5 million for the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project to make the purchase. This brings Kaiser Permanente’s total commitment to $7.5 million, making the Oakland-based nonprofit health care provider the largest private donor in the campaign to raise $67 million.
••• HopeThrift is at 1062 Green Valley Road in Watsonville.
8 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com COMMUNITY NEWS Kaiser Gives $4.5 Million To Help
“In any conflict, those with disabilities and mental health needs face a disproportionate risk of abandonment and violence,” he explained. “Watching the events unfold in Ukraine, we felt compelled to act.” His idea was to set aside 25% of sales on Wednesdays and Thursdays from April 13 through July 1 at the three outlet stores in Watsonville, San Jose and Fremont to support nonprofits providing on-the-ground services in Ukraine.The campaign got a lot of positive feedback, according to HopeTHRIFT Retail District Manager Shawn Bailey. “It was a win-win: we got people into the stores and also helped spread the word about the work we do right here in our own community,” he said.
Humanity and Inclusion is co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for its work to ban landmines.
According to an HI official, Ukraine is fast becoming the world’s most polluted country when it comes to explosive devices. HI teams are on there, providing “mine risk edu cation” to show civilians how to spot, avoid, and report weapons. The nonprofit also provides financial, mental, and psychosocial support services plus rehab for those directlyHopeimpacted.Services’ mission is to see all persons with disabilities and mental health needs supported and pro tected. Its HopeTHRIFT stores are one venue providing career training for clients. One of them is Krishna, a supervisor at HopeTHRIFT San Jose. He says he could not walk independently until he was 5 and a doctor’s diagnosis left his family with little hope for the future.
“We recognize the importance Wat sonville Community Hospital plays in providing the necessary medical care for residents of this community and are proud to support the acquisition efforts of the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District,” said Irene Chavez, senior vice president and area manager for the Kaiser Permanente Santa Cruz County service area. “We want to ensure all residents have convenient access to the care they need so they can lead healthy Followinglives.”years of changing lead ership, the operators of Watsonville Community Hospital filed for bankruptcy in December 2021, threatening the loss of key services for Pajaro Valley residents including emergency medicine, women’s health services, pediatrics, medical-surgical care, orthopedic, cardiac care and more.
“Vans and laptops seem like such basic items, but for Hope Services these items will allow more clients to participate in classes, training, and employment opportu nities, and have access to telehealth mental health services, out in the community, out in the mainstream,” explains Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian. “I’m glad our County could do our part.”
County Supervisor Otto Lee adds, “I am honored to stand with my colleagues supporting Hope Services, and I am so deeply grateful for your service…You stepped up during the pandemic and I want to recognize the critical support you provided to Ukraine.”
The Pajaro Valley Healthcare Dis trict has until Aug. 31 to close escrow, a deadline set by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in SanOnJose.Tuesday, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors was told enough money had been raised to purchase the hospital.
The fundraising effort is about $1.6 million shy of the $67 million goal, which included funds for operating capital in the first year, according to County Adminis trative Officer Carlos Palacios.
Buy Watsonville Community Hospital
Fellow County Supervisor Cindy Chavez adds, “Hope Services is literally a world-class operation, whether lifting up and equipping people living in the Silicon Valley, or in Ukraine with everything they need to live productive lives. Hope Services certainly delivers on its promise to make the world a better place.”
“We thank Kaiser Permanente for their generous donation,” said Mimi Hall, who chairs the Pajaro Valley Healthcare Dis trict board. “Our local health care system depends on establishing the hospital as a successful, sustainable operation for all members of our community.”
The campaign attracted more than 450 donors. More than $7 million was donated through Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, $6 million was com mitted by the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley and the state committed $25 million.The hospital has about 600 employees with a payor mix that depends on gov ernment funds. About 50% of patients are covered by state MediCal; 30% have Medicare. Both programs reimburse less for services compared to private insurance.
The health care district has a 5-member governing board with two seats up for election Nov. 8. Voters in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties will have a say.
When Ukraine was attacked by Russia in February, Americans were stunned. Chip Huggins decided to do something to help.He’s the president and CEO of Hope Services, which for 70 years has supported people with disabilities and mental health needs.
“Hope Services has given me the opportunity to be accepted in the community, so I say to those seeking a career despite your disability, Hope Services is the best place to do so,” he Thesays.County of Santa Clara recently awarded $285,000 to Hope Services to support its work.
Two New CHP Officers in Santa Cruz County
Captain Aron Ching, left, who has over 26 years with the California Highway Patrol, welcomes two new officers to the Santa Cruz County office in Aptos, Officer Ivan Mendez, center, and Officer Christopher Saldaña. n
Fast forward: Capitola will pay tribute to the Capitola Begonia Festival on Sat urday and Sunday, Sept. 3-4, with a display of historical memorabilia and short videos at City Hall from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Come share your memories.
Tribute to Former Capitola Event Planned Sept. 3-4
Worth Brown, whose grandfather wrote the 1948 book, “Tuberous Begonias,” clar ified that Capitola would not find such begonia blossoms growing fields any where in the Western Hemisphere. There you have Capitolait! was once the Begonia Capitol of the World. Fields of begonias filled acres along what is now 41st Avenue. Lath houses – like Antonelli’s Gardens - full of spectacular begonias were huge tourist attractions. Capitola shared “sister festival” status with the Begonia Festival in Ballarat, Australia. Begonia blossom decals adorn Capitola street signs. The tuberous begonia was declared Capitola’s city flower. Now such begonias are hard to find anywhere in Santa Cruz County.
Five years ago this Labor Day weekend, Capitola hosted its 65th and final Festival. Capitola’s last source of begonias, the Brown Ranch family, retired from the begonia growing business. The blossoms that decades of fes tival volunteers brought to Capitola during the Festival were gone! All types of begonias are grown around the world but the blossoms used for the Begonia Festival were tuberous begonias and were the size of your hand!
The Capitola Begonia Festival com mittee team started the Capitola Beach Festival — offering many of the same fun events, now on the 4th weekend in September. The Beach Festival rebooted the blossom-covered water parade into a Lighted Nautical Parade. Beach Festival volunteers will be available at the Tribute from 3-6 p.m. Sept. 4 to share their love of the festival tradition and invite your participation later in Sep tember. Come down and throw a few Corn Hole bags to warm up. n ••• Laurie Hill is on the Capitola Arts and Cultural Commission. Contact her at capito laseahorse@gmail.com for more information or to assist with the Begonia Festival Tribute.
2004 Begonia Festival Poster Artist: Liz Lyon Friedman Little Big Band
Remembering the Begonia Festival
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 9 COMMUNITY NEWS
A nostalgic music event will take place in Esplanade Park on Sunday, Sept. 4. The Capitola Ukulele Group will strum 3-3:30 p.m. The Te Hau Nui Hula School of Hula Dance will perform 3:30-4 pm. The “Little Big Band” will play swing music from 4-6 p.m.One Begonia Festival volunteer still grows hanging begonias for a small display in Capitola Village at the Trestle Building on Capitola Avenue. She continues a tra dition started 15 years ago. At the end of the season, these plants are recycled and, with simple care over the winter, return for next year’s display. Begonias are still rewarding plant to grow.
By Laurie Hill
The Omicron variants are less deadly than the Delta variant, which raged in 2021.Santa Cruz County reported 43 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, before Omicron.
org/coronavirus
Analysts say Pfizer has been one of the largest winners in the last two years, doubling revenue to $81 billion in sales in 2021 due to its Covid vaccine. This year, it’s selling Paxlovid, a Covid pill that has a higher price per dose.
Nick Rolovich, the football coach fired by Washington State University for refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccine, filed a lawsuit claiming wrongful termination and is seeking $25 million, according to KREM-TV.Rolovich, who is Catholic, was denied a religious exemption after the governor mandated state employees get the vaccine. He was paid $3.2 million per year and had three seasons left on his contract. The athletic director said he was fired for “just cause.”In July, Dr. Douglas Mackenzie, a surgeon in Santa Barbara County, and Phy sicians for Informed Consent, sued William Prasifka, executive director of the Medical Board of California, challenging attempts to sanction physicians who disagree with governmental Covid-19 edicts. At a school board meeting in August 2021 via Zoom, Mackenzie said, “We are not going to get to zero Covid ever. We can’t make it disappear with a vaccine, espe cially one that may improve symptoms, but as we are seeing, won’t stop reinfection or transmission.”
Omicron Less Deadly
The Santa Cruz County Office of Edu cation has completed 551,800 tests with Inspire Diagnostics. The County Office of Education offers drive-though testing for students, staff and familiesCabrilloat: College, Aptos, Parking Lot K, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 399 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On June 21, Josh Guetzkow, a PhD at Hebrew University, posted the CDC response to his Freedom of Information Act request asking about this data mining.
The CDC was expected to analyze data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System for “safety signals” from Covid-19 vaccines.
The bill was first amended to apply only to doctor-patient communications, then shelved Aug. 1. Feds for Medical Freedom, which represents federal employees and con tractors, is awaiting appellate review in New Orleans of President Biden’s Sept. 9, 2021 order requiring 3.5 million federal employees to be vaccinated for Covid-19.
Cases Santa Cruz County cases are on a roller coaster, 1,705 on June 13, then 2,000 on June 27, and 1,871 on June 30, then 2,040 on July 11 and now 1,303. Cases jumped after holidays but the high of 199 on July 5 and again July 18 is low compared to 1,312 on Jan. 20. California hospitalizations from Omicron peaked in January at 20,000, plummeted to 950, rose and now are declining.Thestate reports 3,500 people hos pitalized and the Department of Public Health explains about half are due to Covid, with the other half coming to the hospital for another reason and testing positive.The state reports test positivity, 23% in January, fell to 1.7% before rising to 16.1%, then falling to 10%.
Lawsuits
from
Oster’s conclusion: “The risk of myocarditis after receiving mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines was increased across multiple age and sex strata and was highest after the second vaccination dose in adolescent males and young men. This risk should be considered.” Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart, which can lead to clots, a stroke or heart attack. Public health officials say the scien tific consensus is that Covid vaccines are safe, but some are skeptical about relying on science from drug-makers, which saw profits rise in 2021.
FOIA Officer Roger Andoh’s June 16 letter said that “no PRRs were conducted by CDC. Furthermore, data mining is outside of the agency’s purview, staff suggest you inquire with GuetzkowFDA.”called PRRs “one of the oldest, most basic and most well-estab lished tools of pharmacovigilance.”
Assembly Bill 2098 was proposed to make it a disciplinable offense for a physician to publicly challenge public health Covid edict. Mackenzie contends that would violate the First Amendment.
The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% on January, dropped to .79%, rose to 9.63% and now is 3.93%.
In a 2022 report in the Journal of American Medical Association online, Dr. Matthew Oster of the CDC reported the govern ment’s VAERS database received 1,991 reports of myocarditis after one dose of mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccine and 1,626 met the CDC’s definition for probable or confirmed myocarditis.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar invoked the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, a 2005 law allowing him to provide legal pro tection to companies making or distributing critical medical supplies such as vaccines unless there’s “willful misconduct” by the company. This protection lasts until 2024. Test to Treat Santa Cruz County offers “Test to Treat” sites, open to anyone regardless of insurance or documentation status. For an appointment, visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting/.AccordingtotheSantaCruz County Office of Education, cases in local schools peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, dropped to 44 on April 1, rose again to 1,150 on May 25, dropped to 442 on June 11, and now 347.
The Medical Board closed the inves tigation after the lawsuit was filed. Mackenzie contends his comments are pro tected by the First Amendment. His attorney Richard Jaffe expects a hearing on a preliminary injunction motion at the end of September or mid-October.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff ruled in July that only the state can require students to be vaccinated to attend in-person school. The very contagious variant BA.5 and waning immunity from vaccines boosted cases this summer. The CDC reported BA.5 comprised 88.9% of cases in August, with 4.3% being BA.4. BA.5 drove “reinfections,” people vaccinated and boosted getting Covid for a second or even a third time as the corona virusWithevolves.the U.S. averaging 390 deaths a day, compared to 3,000 last winter, there is no evidence this subvariant causes more serious illness.
About 941,000 children under age 5 in the U.S. have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, according to the CDC. This is about 4.8% of the 19 million children in this age group. In California, 2.2% of kids under 5 have been vaccinated. Seven countries offer vaccines to the youngest children. Eligibility starts at age 2 in Cuba and Venezuela, and age 3 in Chile and Argentina, Bahrain, Hong Kong and China.In Santa Cruz County, parents who want their children under 5 to receive Covid-19 vaccines should contact their doctor. The Santa Cruz County Office of Edu cation and the county Public Health hosted two town halls for parents on the vaccine for children under 5. The recordings are at child-adolescent.htmlcdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/schedulevaccinesdrug-makers?representresenthavefederalchildrenconditions,elders,covid-19-vaccine-for-under-5-year-olds/https://santacruzcoe.org/town-halls-Covidhasclaimedthelivesofmanythose85andolderwithmedicalbutrelativelyfewchildren,442age4andunder,accordingtotheCentersforControl&Prevention.Morethan1millionpeopleintheU.S.diedofCovid,soyoungchildrenrepatinypercentageofdeaths.CoulditbethatyoungchildrenanuntappedwindfallfortheItalldependsonwhethertheseareaddedtotheCDCvaccineforchildren.Seehttps://www.
to
Young Children & Covid
This database, https://vaers.hhs. gov/, is where health care providers are to report adverse events after a vaccine. It was created after Congress passed a law in 1986 protecting vaccine manufacturers from civil personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits resulting from vaccine injuries. An early briefing document said, “The CDC will perform Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR) data mining on a weekly basis or asThisneeded.”would compare the proportion of an adverse event after getting a specific vaccine vs. the same adverse event after another vaccine. A higher rate would serve as a safety signal to trigger investigation.
10 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com “COVID Update” from page 7
One statistic is similar: 79% to 81% of those who died had medical conditions. Why do people fear Omnicron? They may have a medical condition (dia betes, obesity, asthma, high blood pressure). Half of Americans do, so they are at higher risk for severe Covid illness. So are people 85 and older. Myocarditis
See: https://tinyurl.com/get-tested-santacruz.Booster shots: https://myturn.ca.gov/ Vaccine providers: www.santacruzhealth. org/coronavirusvaccine.Localinformation: www.santacruzhealth. or (831) 454-4242 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Monday
The group, which has about 6,000 members, contends the president over stepped his authority.
through Friday. n ••• Total COVID cases: 1,303 ••• COVID Deaths: 268 As of Aug. 22 Age 85 and older: 117 • 75-84: 62 • 65-74: 47 60-64: 15 • 55-59: 4 • 45-54: 10 35-44: 8 • 25-34: 5 Underlying Conditions Yes: 218 • No: 50 Vaccinated Yes: 34 • No: 234 Race White 155 • Latinx 90 • Asian 16 Black 3 • Amer Indian 1 Hawaiian 1 • Another 2 Gender Men: 137 • Women: 131 Location At facility for aged: 117 Not at a facility: 151
Data Analysis
n •••
Thursday: Sheep and dairy goat shows, All-Alaskan racing pigs, Country Cougars, Los Moralitos Circus, Michael Mezmer TranceNosis
COMMUNITY NEWS
Friday: Rabbit and poultry showmanship, livestock & vegetable judging, All-Alaskan racing pigs, Journey Unauthorized, Los Moralitos Circus, Michael Mezmer TranceNosis
Hours are: Wednesday–Friday: Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Here are some entertainment highlights: Wednesday: Free admission for kids 12 and under and veterans; seniors 62 and over, $12, swine and poultry shows, peewee and adult live stock showmanship, senior ice cream social, All-Alaskan racing pigs, Gary Blackburn Band, Los Moralitos Circus, Michael Mezmer TranceNosis.
Every heart has a story. We can help you live yours.
Sunday: Best dressed goat contest, salsa judging, All-Alaskan racing pigs, Los Reyes de la Banda, Salinas Valley Charros and Escaramusa Charra, Sonora Dinamitra, Los Moralitos Circus, Michael Mezmer TranceNosis Tickets at fair.com/p/ticketshttps://tickets.santacruzcounty are: $20 for adults, 13 to 61; $10 for kids 6-12; kids under 5 free. Active duty military are free every day. Parking in the main lot is $10. Valet parking is $30.
Santa Cruz County Fair Returns September 14-18
Sharing family traditions with your grandkids. That big career move. These moments define your story, and a healthy heart makes it possible. At Dignity Health, our nationally recognized heart and vascular program provides the area’s most comprehensive cardiac care. So, whether you have concerns or are due for a checkup, we’ll help you write your next chapter. Learn more about our innovative services at DignityHealth.org/DominicanHearts.
The Santa Cruz County Fair opens Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the county fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, and closes Sunday, Sept. 18, featuring fair food, clowns, camel rides, mariachi and magicians, live music plus competitions among the young and older to earn blue ribbons for the animals they have raised or the vegetables they grew.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 11
Saturday: Junior livestock auction, diaper derby, All-Alaskan racing pigs, Heartless (Heart tribute), Los Moralitos Circus, Michael Mezmer TranceNosis
The 39th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival will be Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10-11, in Capitola Village. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free; for those 21 and over, wine tasting costs $15 for a glass and 2-4 tokens per tasting, each token is $1. Park at the Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave., at no charge, and ride the free shuttle to the village. Or ride your bike—valet parking is free at the David Lyng Real Estate parking lot.
12 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com Join us outdoors for the best in Early Childhood Music Enrichment, Family Bonding & Fun – for ages Birth to 5 years: Don’t Miss Out –Contact Us MusicalMe.com831.332.9002Today! Register Now for FallTogetherMusicClasses® Beneficial Plants for California’s Mediterranean Climate • Edibles and Fruit Trees • Native and appropriate plant varieties • 2 Acre Display & Sculpture Garden Open Daily 10-5:00 • 2660 E. Lake Ave. Watsonville, CA 95076 831-728-2532 • sierraazul.com • Gift Certifi cates • Family Owned & Operated for 30 Years COMMUNITY NEWS 39th Annual Capitola
bandstand:
Meet Aptos artist Amodeo Bachar, a UC Santa Cruz alum who created this year’s poster featuring a whale getting close to Capitola Village while swimming in Monterey Bay. Cement Ship and Surfing Magician will entertain on the street. Capitola Mercantile will host a local artisans mar ketplace in parking lot at 115 Capitola Ave. Food trucks include Pana, My Mom’s Mole and Sauceyz.Here’sthe the Esplanade Park Saturday, Sept 10
• 11 – 11:30 Agape Dance Academy • 12 – 12:30 Te Hau Nui School of Hula & Tahitian Dance • 1 – 1:30 Pacific Arts Complex • 2:30 – 4 Anthony Arya Band • 5 – 7 Lost Boys featuring James Durbin Sunday, Sept. 11 • 11 – 11:30 Dancenter • 11:45 – 12:15 Santa Cruz Pipes & Drums • 12:30 – 1 Elaine’s Dance Studio • 1:30 – 2 Synergy Dance • 2:30 – 4:30 Pacific Roots n BacharAmadeo•SwimSummer
Art & Wine Festival
September 10 and 11 Beachside in Capitola, 115 fine artists, 23 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, live music, local dancers, food trucks and street performers — what more could you ask for?
entertainment schedule for
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 13 We have everything for your dream patio Two Locations: 1118 Ocean Street Santa Cruz, California 831.423.2425 944-A Blossom Hill Road San Jose, California 408.446.9350 (family-owned and operated for 41 years) www.americanleisurepatio.com See instagramourpage: Including: ■ Sofas ■ Chaises ■ Fire Pits ■ Umbrellas ■ Love Seats ■ Dining Sets ■ Custom Cushions ■ Heaters & Awnings We also do complete patio restoratonfurnitureand repair.
The Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre, which earlier this year had almost perma nently closed its doors, has instead regrouped to produce a live “reboot” of eight selections from of its 8 Tens @ 8 Short Play ItFestival.willrestage eight selections from the short play lineup, originally scheduled in January, to now run at the Actors’ Theatre from Sept. 9 through Oct. 2. Tickets are on sale at www.santacruzactorstheatre.org/ tickets.The presence the COVID-19 outbreak coincided with the resignations of the company’s artistic director, company cofounder, promotion director and board of directors, and led to the cancelling of 8 Tens in “However,”January. said new board pres ident Suzanne Schrag, “we humans are resilient, creative, inventive and com munal creatures. It is this spirit that we are re-launching, rejuvenating and rebooting Actors’ Theatre to continue to be a vibrant and vital part of the Santa Cruz Arts community.”Anewboard of directors has also been assembled and other positions are being filled. All productions will be in the Actors Theatre in the Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center Street. Most of the directors and actors are from the original production scheduled in January. The four-week run, on Fridays, Sat urdays and Sundays, will feature: “Are You One of Those Robots,’ by Dierdre Gerard, directed by Gail “MeBorkowski.andHim,” by Michael John McGoldrick, directed by Suzanne Schrag. “Old Aquatics,” by Steven Kobar, directed by Gerry Gerringer. “Slow Dating,” by Adam Szudrish, directed by Buff McKinley. “Unheard,” by Glenn Alterman, directed by Sarah Albertson. “The Curiolus Effect,” by Robert Lynn, directed by Anita Natale. “Nobody’s Here,” by Charles Anderson, directed by Evan Hunt. “Rosa and Leo,” by Adam Szudrish, directed by Jim Schultz. Actors’ Theatre will follow COVID protocols; masks and proof of vaccination will be required to attend. The Theatre has invested in a highefficiency electronic air cleaning system that completely refreshes the air in the space every 15 Meanwhile,minutes.acommittee of Actors’ Theatre members has read 259 short plays submitted by local, state and nationwide writers in preparation for the 2023 8 Tens @ 8 Festival, scheduled for Jan. 18 through Feb. 26. n
8 Tens to SeptemberReturn9
Carol Camilli Real Estate 408-209-7809Broker website: www.camillihomes.com email: carolcamillimontgomery@gmail.com ( “I am still here buying and selling Bay Area Real Estate since 1996. If you are thinking of buying a home or selling your own, call me to talk Real Estate! Your trusted Real Estate Broker.” SOLD! 121 Harbor Beach Ct., Santa Cruz 4 BD, 2.5 BA 2200 sq.ft. of living space $2,000,000 On approval, ask for details of different plans. BestBest Prices BFMichelinOn&Goodrich Tires ASK FOR A QUOTE TODAY! Locally Owned and Operated! serving The community for over 30 years PRICES ON NAME BRANDSLOWEST COMMUNITY NEWS
For more information, see andmercialcommunities,andproduction,planning.com/SustainabilityUpdatewww.sccoItincludesnewregulationsforhousingtransportation,agricultureresourceconservation,sustainablecodemodernization,comdevelopment,communityservicesenvironmentaljustice.
“Jobs” page 25 How to
Consistent with the strategic plan, the regulatory update is being conducted through an equity lens. It recognizes that effective land use and transportation planning are necessary to create sustainable urban communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide additional housing options for all county residents while protecting natural resources and agricultural areas. To participate in the Planning Commis sions Sustainability Update meetings, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81481528029 at the following times. Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m. California Employment Santa Cruz County July compared to 3.8% in June as the labor force grew from 136,500 to 137,600. July’s unemployment was the lowest since the pandemic arrived in March 2020. The local government sector typically grows in the summer to offer youth recreation pro grams, and that happened as usual this year. Help Andrew Theriot asking: How can we help Andrew Theriot, who is at home in Aptos with his wife Stephanie and toddler daughter and getting chemotherapy at UC San Fran cisco for a brain tumor? It’s easy. Go to:
n •••
Devel opment Department Unemployment•••in
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 15 Beside the beach in Capitola Village! Sat, 10am – 6pm l Sun 10am – 5pm Over 125 artists, wine tasting from 22 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, Local Artisans Marketplace, Gourmet Food & Entertainment. Free parking and shuttle at Capitola Mall on 41st Avenue. ADMISSIONFREE! Hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce capitolachamber.com September 10 & 11, 2022 ArtCapitola&Wine FESTIVAL capitolaartandwine.com 39THANNUAL“Summer Swim” by Amadeo Bachar COMMUNITY NEWS County Planners Seek Input on Regulatory Update
Jobs in Santa Cruz County
was 3.7% in
The Santa Cruz County Planning Commission will host two virtual public hearings at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 24 and Sept. 14 to accept public input as the County works to finalize the Sustainability Policy and Regulatory Update, which will govern future housing regulations and serve as a blueprint for future land use and transportation priorities.
-for-andrew-and-his-familywww.gofundme.com/f/supporthttps://
Readers are
Sector July 2022 Change from July 2021 Government 21,400 Up 1,900 Private education 17,600 Up 600 & Constructionhealth 5,100 Up 300 Other 4,800 Up 200 Financial 3,300 Up 100 Leisure/hospitality 13,800 no change Manufacturing 7,600 no change Professional/ 10,800 no change business services Trade/ 16,400 no change Informationtransportation/utilities600 no change Nonfarm 101,400 Up 3,100 Farm 10,000 no change Total 111,400 Up 3,100 ~~~ Labor force 137,600 Up 1% Employment* 132,600 Up 4% Unemployment 5,000 Down 44% Unemployment rate 3.7% 6.5% Count is from the 12th of the month *Includes commuters out of the county Source:
Each member of the Women of Wellness Council commits a minimum of $1,000 annually to support essential technologies, programs, and services for women at Dominican Hospital.
COMMUNITY
“Wellness”
page 26
Thefunding.initiatives
Perinatal Pelvic Floor Health Program — $8,550 One WoW member felt strongly about the Perinatal Pelvic Floor Health Program and gave $6,000 toward it. Funds will support several new community health education classes for women with the focus on pre vention of pelvic floor dysfunction through early education and awareness, and early intervention when pelvic floor dysfunction is identified.
16 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com www.thesanctuarypmr.comSanctuaryTheConnect...Relax...horseswilldotherestTheFindjoyinthepause...PregnantMare Rescue 408•540•8568 PregnantMareRescue.org UT ! D Your Curves Coach keeps you on track and focused W OR K O UT ! F REE GUIDE D BOOK ONLINE TODA F U N, FA S T 30 MINUT E WORKOUT! Your Curves Coach keeps you on track and focused BOOK ONLINE TODAY! F U N, FA S T 30 MINUT E WORKOUT! Your Curves Coach keeps you on track and focused Your Curves Coach keeps you on track and focused todayonBookline! No class times! Start when you walk in! Simple and effective workout that blasts fat, even after you leave! Variety of high & low impact! Coach led circuit training! Goal setting! © 2022 Curves. All Rights Reserved Valid at participating locations only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. One time use only. No cash value. todayonBookline! No class times! Start when you walk in! Simple and effective workout that blasts fat, even after you leave! Variety of high & low impact! Coach led circuit training! Goal setting! © 2022 Curves. All Rights Reserved Valid at participating locations only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. One time use only. No cash value. Franchise opportunities available. For more information: Curves.com/BuyCurves © 2021 Curves. All Rights Reserved *Enrollment fee due up front and varies by location. Offer based on first visit enrollment for 12-month recurring billing fitness membership. Resistance band included with first month charge. Sales tax will be added and varies by location. Open to new and existing customers. Valid at participating locations only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value. Offer expires 12/31/21. Club instructions: Select 2021Hybrid Real Strength for Real Women IN CLUB AT HOME NO MORE EXCUSES! In-club with a Coach At-home with a Coach Combining an in-club Curves membership and MyCurves On Demand means you’ll get: ✓ COACHING in-club or virtual ✓ WORKOUT access to MyCurves On Demand and Curves Club ✓ EQUIPMENT included for home workouts ✓ EXERCISE SCIENCE with 28 years of research ✓ FUN, FAST, SAFE 30min total body workout FREE RESISTANCE BAND When you sign up for Membership! Call Us Today!Take control of your health and fitness with Curves in-club or at-home! Get up and get moving! AptosCurves@gmail.com7000831.688.2348SoquelDr.Aptos VALUED AT $30 aptoscurves@gmail.com Locally Owned and Operated 7000 Soquel Dr. • Aptos, CA 95003 (831) 688-2348 todayonBookline! en you walk in! mple and effective rkout that blasts fat, en after you leave! riety of high & w impact! ach led cuit training! al setting! © 2022 Curves. All Rights Reserved Valid at participating locations only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. One time use only. No cash value.
Women of Wellness
Council funds will support the cost of tools and equipment needed to offer inter active real-life training to all Dominican clinical staff and providers including tran sition and new-grad nursing programs.
It is crucial to strengthen the overall well-being of caregivers and patients by preventing burnout caused by chronic rates of stress. Building coping and communi cation skills for those at risk will prevent further staffing shortages at Dominican. A wide range of tools and classes will be offered including exercise, individual life coaching, and mindfulness.
The council meets three times a year to learn more about Dominican Hospital’s current women’s health services and new developments from key physicians and medical staff. Council members work to identify and understand the need for new or improved programs, equipment, or facilities, and to foster new relationships. They have the opportunity to review project proposals put forth by the hospital and vote with their pool of funds to determine which proposals receive
Employee Resiliency Coping Program — $28,050 Funds will help enhance resilience of the front-line staff of Dominican Hospital. This program will provide an outlet for caregivers to receive much needed psychological, emo tional, and physical support to cope with the widespread, sustained, and invasive stressors amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Dominican Hospital has received $78,150 from the Women of Wellness Council, a giving society founded in 2018. A program of the Dominican Hospital Foundation, the WoW Council provides financial resources to support and expand women’s health services at Dominican Hospital.“Our diverse membership of over 80 ladies represents Santa Cruz’s most com mitted female volunteers, donors and community advocates,” says Toby Alexander, who chairs WoW. “We are proud to have raised close to $300,000 over the past several years towards improving the health care of women and children at Dominican Hospital.”
NEWS
Pelvic rehabilitation is a non-surgical approach to treating chronic pelvic pain and pelvic disorders. Specialized equipment—including biofeedback and electrical stimulation machines, and weights are used for patients to improve pelvic floor function.
Innovation/Integration of Simulation Training in Nursing Education — $10,750 The Dominican simulation training lab plays an integral role in healthcare provider education and provides the opportunity to obtain knowledge, expe rience, proficiency, and skill acquisition to improve patient care and better treat lifethreatening illnesses and injuries.
Women have Strokes Too! — $5,579 Dominican is a Primary Stroke Center providing t-PA (tissue plasminogen activator), a medication to treat strokes reducing disability afterward. Data show women have delayed presentation outside the treatment time window and show milder symptoms. Funds will support acquiring public education items from the American Heart Association and brain models for hospital education. Also, an education symposium to increase awareness of strokes in women, including prompt treatment eligibility for t-PA.
funded this year:
Gives $78,000 to Dominican Hospital Dignity
The best of fall has arrived at New Leaf, like organic dry farmed tomatoes packed with flavor, locally harvested organic squash and pumpkins and crispy, California grown apples.
Fall has it all
COMMUNITY NEWS
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 17 Gutierrez Consultants SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 • 11 AM - 3PM HEART OF SOQUEL PARK (BEHIND THE POST OFFICE IN SOQUEL VILLAGE) HANDS ON DISCOVERY ACTIVITIES ABOUT WATER, FREE FACE PAINTING AND PERFORMANCE BY THE BANANA SLUG STRING BAND PRESENTING SPONSOR THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:HOSTED BY: Half Moon Bay • Downtown Santa Cruz Westside Santa Cruz • Capitola • Aptos 10% backprofitsofgotothecommunity
Where should public electric vehicle charging stations be located in six counties between Ventura and Santa Cruz? Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, Association of Monterey Bay Governments, and San Luis Obispo Council of Governments along with Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties have part nered to develop the Central Coast Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, with the goal to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles to fight climate change. See at www.centralcoastzevstrategy.com.
Charging Stations?
There are different types of charging stations and popular locations for them like rest areas, retail venues, restaurants, libraries, community centers, beaches, parks.The interactive mapping tool is available to the public through October 2022 at Thewww.bit.ly/CCZEV.goalistoidentifyideal locations for new public charging stations in the six counties between Ventura, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. Electric vehicles are essential to the fight against climate change, and more charging stations are needed to recharge vehicles, particularly in rural and traditionally underserved communities.“Electric cars are the future of trans portation and the number of these vehicles on the road continues to grow,” said Santa Barbara County Association of Govern ments Board Chair Das Williams. “We want to make charging as effortless as pos sible and need the public’s help to identify opportunities to make it even better and easier to charge on the fly.”
Where to Put EV
n A video tutorial on how to use the interactive mapping tool is at www.bit.ly/ InteractiveMapVideo
Tourism Marketing District for Santa Cruz County is approved for an additional seven years, starting July 1, Supported2022. by the local lodging com munity and approved by the County Board of Supervisors and city councils in Scotts Valley, Capitola, Santa Cruz and Watson ville, the marketing district is expected to garner $2.9 million for Visit Santa Cruz County in 2022-2023. As the destination emerges from the COVID-19, Visit Santa Cruz County) pro vides resources for the local tourism, a century-old sector in Santa Cruz County and increases awareness of the destination to better contend in an ever-growing, global, highly competitive marketplace.
18 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com California Coffee Calendar of Events 9105 Soquel Drive, Aptos, California 95003 (Located at the Redwood Village) 831-684-2750 Facebook: calicocoffee21 • Instagram: california_coffee_ “ON THE PATIO” EVERY SUNDAY IN SEPTEMBER “Glenn and Ellen Music” • 10 AM to 12 PM SEPTEMBER 24th “Jeff Weers” (Expendables Lead Singer) • 2 – 4:30 PM SEPTEMBER 10th “Santa Cruda” • 2 – 4:30 PM SEPTEMBER 17th “Dead Kampers” • 2 – 4:30 PM Grand opening celebration with the community. 2022 B U S I N E S S S H O W C A S E O U T D O O R S A T T H E S E A S C A P E G O L F C O U R S E W E D N E S D A Y , S E P T E M B E R 2 8 PUBLIC WELCOME! FREE ADMISSION 4:00-7:00PM T a k i n g C a r e o f B u s i n e s s SCAN QR CODE TO REGISTER O R V I S I T A P T O S C H A M B E R . C O M I n t e r e s t e d i n s h o w c a s i n g y o u r b u s i n e s s ? R e g i s t e r t o d a y ! A L L B U S I N E S S E S W E L C O M E ! S P O N S O R E D B Y COMMUNITY NEWS Room Fee Extended for Tourism Marketing
Tourism marketing is funded through a lodging fee paid by guests, ranging from $2.10 to $4 daily per occupied room. This provides more than 90 percent of Visit Santa Cruz County’s annual revenue. It is structured similarly to more than 112 tourism marketing districts in the state with the sole purpose of countywide tourism.The process for the latest marketing district renewal began in December 2020, with outreach to 100+ tourism marketing district members, 29 elected officials, and the 25 members of the Visit Santa Cruz County Board of Directors. n For information, call Visit Santa Cruz County at 831-425-1234.
The
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 19 2800 Daubenbiss Ave, Soquel 831.476.8780 | Interiorvision.biz Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm & Saturday: 9am - 2pm Hardwood • Luxury Vinyl Plank • Laminates • Carpet • Shutters • Wool • Sisal • Linoleum Cork • Custom Area Rugs • Custom Draperies • Window Shades Featuring Both Graber & Hunter Douglas Window Fashions CON V ENIENT LY L O C ATED I N S OQUEL VILLAG E T HI NK G R EE N En vironm ent all y Frien dl y P ro duc ts Todd Ivy, Sales/Estimator Our Newest Team Member Deborah Cypert Owner Bobbie Frandeen Sales/Estimator Prices to Fit Ever y Budget! Visit Our Full–service Showroom Let us assist you from concept to completion Property managers, contractors, residential, realtors, commercial, welcome! 19 YEARS IN BUSINESS The Beauty of CorkNaturalBeautyofWood Marmoleum theLinoleumNatural IN STOCK CARPET AND VINYL SELECTIONS FOR QUICK INSTALLS!
One participant shared, “GPW gives us hope to try harder and not give up and just keep trying. They help us know the different things we are going to do in high school. It taught me that I can go to college and made me more confident to know what I want to do in life.”
Flexible Funding When COVID hit, the entire land scape for women and girls in Santa Cruz County changed. Already 15% of women in Santa Cruz County live in poverty and the pandemic made women’s situ ations even more precarious in addition to driving many more families into or on the brink of poverty. Overall, COVID dis proportionately impacted women, from having to leave jobs to care for children during remote schooling to lack of access to reproductive and maternal health care to increased domestic violence. Thanks to the flexibility of the fund, we were able to help fill immediate needs for local women and girls during COVID including grants to Families in Transition, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, Catholic Charities, and Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes to help women and their families stay housed, fed, in school and able to pay bills. Grants to Santa Cruz Community Health and Dientes helped provide access to health care. Funding to the Watsonville Law Center helped women navigate legal battles in employment, citizenship, and domestic violence cases. And grants to Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center, Freedom School Soccer Fund, and Watson ville Film Festival kept women and girls dancing, running, and creating art during these hard times. Investing in Equality Balancing nursing school, work, and single motherhood, Linda makes time to read aloud to her daughter Victoria every day. Proudly, Linda reports that Victoria already knows how to count, read the alphabet, and even write her name.
“Scholarships” page 29 Girls Paving the Way initiative
Linda waited years to get picked in the lottery to attend the nursing program at Cabrillo College. Now an enrolled, full-time student, Linda reduced her work hours to better focus on school, which made finances tight for her and her young daughter Victoria, especially during COVID. To help make ends meet, Linda applied for a Single Mothers Scholarship from the Cabrillo College Foundation, funded in part through a grant from our Fund for Women and Girls.
YWCA of Watsonville Fund for Women and Girls Awardees
Pajaro Valley Shelter Services
Cabrillo2017-2020College Foundation
Confidence and College Readiness
TannerySenderos World Dance & Cultural TeenCenterKitchen Project Watsonville Film Festival
The first major grant from the fund was for the collaborative project Girls Paving the Way initiative, a partnership between Watsonville’s Lakeview Middle School, UC Santa Cruz’s Educational Partnership Center, YWCA, and five other collaborators. The program worked with 35 middle school girls from the beginning of their 6th grade year in the fall of 2017 through the summer of their 8th grade year in 2020.The program’s overarching goal was for the girls to enter high school emotionally and socially healthy, futuredirected, and academically prepared.
Salud y Cariño Santa Cruz Community Health
Watsonville Law Center
20 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com ORTHODONTICSwww.SmileCrewOrtho.comNANCYM.LEUNG,D.D.S.,M.S.SpecialistinOrthodontics&DentofacialOrthopedics Now Accepting New Patients! Initial Exam Complimentary Aptos O ce 9515 Soquel Drive, Ste: 103 Aptos, CA 831-685-280095003 Also in Watsonville 56 Penny Lane, Ste: B Watsonville, CA 95076 831-722-5022Conveniently located next to Aptos Junior High COMMUNITY NEWS Supporting Women & Girls
“The scholarship is not only helping me cover tuition, but it’s also helping alle viate some financial pressure,” said Linda, who is determined to create a bright future for herHelpingdaughter.moms and daughters like Linda and Victoria was what founding donors had in mind when they started the Fund for Women and Girls in 2016. They understood that when a woman thrives, her family thrives. And when a family thrives, a community thrives. This now $2.5 million endowed fund is boosting the economic growth of the county by supporting the educational and career success of local women and girls. So far, $1 million has been given in grants to local nonprofits supporting women and girls’ education, health care, safety, and joy.
CASA of Santa Cruz County Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey City of Santa Cruz Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women Community Action Board of Santa Cruz DientesCommunityCountyBridgesCommunity Dental Care Families in Transition Family Service Agency of the Central Coast Girls Inc. of the Central Coast Monarch Services
By Susan True
Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes
Now, thanks to a federal grant, Girls Paving the Way alums and 1,500 other Pajaro Valley students are able to access similar services from 7th grade through their first year in college, an extraordinary outcome that our 3-year project helped inspire.
Scholarship Fund Started in 2016 Makes a Difference
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 21 COMMUNITY NEWS Candidates: Who’s Running H ere are some of the board and council candidates in Santa Cruz County on the Nov. 8 ballot.What should we ask the candidates? Email Editor Jondi Gumz at info@cybertimes.com ••• Cabrillo College Trustee Area 1: Donna Ziel*, Sara BrylowskiTrustee Area 2: Adam Spickler*, Bob KittleTrustee Area 6: J. Dan Rothwell*, Mark Hucklebridge Capitola City Council (vote for 3) Yvette Lopez Brooks*, Joe Clarke, Enrique Dolmo Jr., Garry Jensen, Alex ander Pedersen Scotts Valley City Council (vote for 2) Tyler Crawford, Jim Reed*, Derek Timm*, Allan Timms Watsonville City Council District 3: Maria Orozco District 4: Kristal Salcido District 5: Casey Clark District 7: Nancy Bilicich, Ari Parker* County Supervisors District 3 Santa Cruz: Justin Cum mings, Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson District 4 Watsonville: Jimmy Dutra, Felipe Hernandez Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley, Joy Schendledecker San Lorenzo Valley school board Trustee Area 4: Gail Levine*, Ryan Lipert Pajaro Valley school board Trustee Area 1: Kimberly DeSerpa*, NatalainTrusteeSchwartzArea5: Olivia Flores, Jennifer Schacher* Scotts Valley school board (vote for 2) Patricia Adams, Lucia Rocha-Nestler, Roger Snyder*, Corey Warner* Happy Valley school board (vote for 3) Clifford Hodges*, Rachel Click Richardson*, Jacob Willet*, Edward “Teddy” Woods Soquel school board Justin Maffia, Philip Rodriguez* Fire Districts Central: Michael Hushaw, Denise Miller Boulder Creek (vote for 2): Vince Cor tinas, David Dunning, Robert Presswood*, Sam Robustelli* Ben Lomond (vote for 2): Jim Anderson*, Norman Crandell*, Adam Hensleigh Water Districts Soquel Creek (vote for 3): Carla Chris tensen*, Bruce Jaffe*, Corrie Kates, Kris Kirby, Rachel Lather* San Lorenzo Valley (vote for 3): Bob Fultz*, Jeffrey Hill*, Alina Layng, Mark Smolley*Pajaro Valley Healthcare Project District (vote for 2): Joe Gallagher, Jasmine Notanne Najera*, Marcus Pimental* Santa Cruz Port District (vote for 2): Dick Starr, Toby Goddard*, Reed Geis reiter* n * denotes incumbent These candidates are appointed to office in lieu of election. ••• County Board of Education Trustee Area 1: Sue Roth* Trustee Area 2: Bruce Van Allen* Trustee Area 7: Abel Sanchez* Pajaro Valley school board Trustee Area 4: Daniel Dodge Jr.* Trustee Area 7: Jennifer Holm * Soquel school board Trustee Area 3: Robert Dickenson Trustee Area 2 (short term): Kallista Edmundson* Santa Cruz City Schools Trustee Area 1: Kevin Grossman Trustee Area 2: Kyle Kelley Trustee Area 4: John Owen Trustee Area 5: Angela Meeker Loma Prieta school board Short term: Ronald Bourque San Lorenzo Valley school board Trustee Area 1: Stacy Newsom Kerr* Trustee Area 2: Mark Becker* Mountain school board Short term: Jennifer Markowicz* “Appointed” page 29 Appointed to Office
22 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com • Interlocking Pavers • Retaining Wall Systems • Flagstone & Slate • Real & Artificial Turf • Decorative Gravel & Utility Sands • High Quality Organic Soils & Compost • Custom Mixes • Drainage & Erosion Control • Boulders • Garden Tools & Masonry Supplies • Pond Supplies & Pumps • Soil Amendments • Organic Fertilizers & Pest Control • Decorative Mulch & Wood Chips • and much more! SPRING HAS SPRUNG It’s a great time to get out and garden! Whether it’s improving our landscape or creating a new garden, it’s good for the soul and great therapy!! THE LARGEST SELECTION OF LANDSCAPE MATERIALS IN TOWN Locally owned and operated since 1966 + Specialty soils and fertilizers by the bag or bulk. 831-688-6211 | www.aptoslandscapesupply.com 5035 Freedom Blvd. | Aptos, CA 95003 Monday - Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed Sunday Fast delivery to your home or o ce! $45 Entry includes: Entry + Entry Prize, Breakfast & Lunch Sign up & pay through our website: AptosSportsFoundation.com Tournament: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. (check-in begins at 9:30) A team is 2 players — specify if you are playing with someone specific (otherwise you will be placed with another single player to form a team) Upcoming Events: • Poker Tournament: Sept. 30 • Golf Tournament: TBA 1-800-A-TOOL-SHEDwww.AToolShed.com DELIVERWE 408-378-4921Campbell900DELLAVE.SantaClara408-727-08222550LAFAYETTEST. Santa 831-477-7133Cruz3700SOQUELAVE. 831-722-0334Watsonville285W.BEACHST. 831-856-9100Greenfield604THST. 831-638-1999Hollister2610SANJUANRD.Morgan 408-779-7368Hill95E.MAINAVE. 831-424-7368Salinas210W.MARKETST.
What additional courses will be added to fulfill the high school ethnic studies requirement? Currently, the only options are to take a yearlong English or World History course to fulfill a one-semester requirement. Are students in accelerated/AP courses supposed to take a second English/History course on top of an already heavy course load?
FEATURED COLUMNIST Drop-off Times, Expanded Learning, Aptos High WiFi & Free Lunch Q&A
Changes to start times were made to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 328, which requires the school day for middle schools and high schools to begin no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., respectively, by July 1, 2022. To minimize disruption to the PVUSD community and maintain bus transpor tation to over 6,000 students daily, most elementary schools were able to maintain their start times within 15 minutes of the prior year’s start time. Now that school for my high schooler starts earlier, what time can I drop my son off in the morning at school? Depending on the school site, you can drop your student off 30-60 minutes before school officially begins. If students show up before drop off time, the school will place students in a location for studying until the campus offi cially opens. We never had an after-school program at Bradley Elementary. Is there a program at every elementary school? Is it free for all parents? With the implementation of the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program, PVUSD is required to expand its former afterschool program to transi tional kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade and to serve up to 50% of vulnerable student populations (i.e. English learners, students living in poverty, foster youth, students with special needs).
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PVUSD will continue to partner with Inspire Diagnostics to provide COVID-19 testing at no charge to PVUSD students and staff for the 22-23 school year.
However, PVUSD believes that all students deserve both access and oppor tunity to attend the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program, up to staff capacity, regardless of their family’s resource level or the student’s individual needs. Therefore, the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program is at all school sites with TK-6th grades and free for all parents, within site capacity levels. Why are you requiring students in the after school program to stay until 6pm? That is too late. As a support to families, the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program is available until 6pm, however, children are not required to stay until 6pm. Parents may pick up their child at the time that best fits the family’s needs. When should I expect to receive my child’s bus pass? Bus passes are being made each day in the Transportation Department and are being mailed out to sites on a weekly basis eachEveryWednesday.Wednesday, each site will receive a new batch of bus passes for stu dents to pick up at the office of the school they Allattend.bus passes should be ready by Wednesday, Sept. 14. Please have your student check with the office to pick up their bus passes.
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Testing is available at all PVUSD school sites two days per week for students and staff members. Schools will have testing available on either a Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday testing schedule Please check with your school for specific days & times.COVID-19 testing for symptomatic students and staff is also available at the Pajaro Valley District Office (294 Green Valley Rd) Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. The District Office location has PCR (lab) & on-site antigen (rapid) testing available at no cost to PVUSD stu dents and staff. For the most up to date testing loca tions and times throughout Santa Cruz County, please visit: https://covid19test. santacruzcoe.org/ To register with Inspire Diagnostics to test, please visit: https://inspirediagnostics. com/santa-cruz-county-office-of-education/ Vaccinations and boosters are also available through Inspire Diagnostics, for more information visit: https://santacruzcoe. org/vaccines/ Now that there are free lunches, I am trying to convince my daughter to take advantage of it. Where can I find the daily lunch menu? Due to the California Universal Meals Program, this year, all PVUSD stu dents are eligible to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch every school day. Elementary menus are shared with elementary sites and are posted on their web page. Families can access menus via pvusdschoolfood.net.Familiescanalso sign up to have menus emailed monthly on the first of the month on the “Going Green” section of pvusdschoolfood.net. n With Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District
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I would like to know if elementary schools will push back school start times so that they begin after 8/8:30am like the California law that just passed to move back school start times? Instead, we went forward.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 23
As we build our Ethnic Studies courses at all comprehensive high schools, we are adding the Ethnic Studies lens onto current courses. Our plan for the 2023-24 school year is to add a US History Ethnic Studies and an Ethnic Literature and Studies 3 to the course catalog. Currently in our course catalog we have Ethnic Literature and Studies 1, Ethnic Literature and Studies 2, Art Ethnic Studies, and World History Ethnic Studies. Over the four years of high school, stu dents have the option to replace one of the high school requirements with an Ethnic Studies option. For example, students can take Art Ethnic Studies to fulfill their Art and Ethnic Studies requirements. We continue to explore additional Ethnic Studies courses. I am hoping to hear from the district and from Aptos High School an update on the infrastructure updates to the WiFi, security cameras, campus update necessary since last years’ sad incident. How much progress and transparency will you be able to share as our children head back to school? Thank you. Technology Services completed the installation of additional outdoor wireless infrastructure across the Aptos High campus in order to improve wireless connectivity in quads, walkways, fields and other outdoor spaces. This will allow for improved digital communication and Wi-Fi calling across the Aptos High School campus. PVUSD is in communication with the major cellular carriers in order to investigate options to deploy cellular infrastructure that would provide better cell coverage at Aptos High.Although the design, application, environmental impact evaluation, and permit process may take a long time for these types of installations, there is one project through AT&T that has already begun. This project was approved by the Santa Cruz County Zoning Administrator on AprilAlthough1. it will take some time for this project to go through all of the approval processes before it can be installed, we are hopeful that it will progress and eventually be completed.Theinstallation of the Avigilon Security and Analytics (security camera) System at Aptos High is now complete. As part of the installation at Aptos High, 27 new camera views were added in critical areas across the campus.
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The Avigilon system’s artificial intel ligence and advanced analytics contain many advanced features that will improve security at Aptos High school greatly such as:• Advanced Search Capabilities Object detection and classification Identify patterns, hotspots, and unusual motion/activities Notifications when unusual activities detected and license plate recognition IR and Low light technologies Connected for anywhere anytime access detection and flag events that require attention High-speed video extraction
If a staff member refuses to test, the following will occur; 1st refusal or missed test — reminder from supervisor; 2nd refusal or missed test — Human Resources will send a reminder letter to the staff member; 3rd or more refusal or missed test — staff member will be removed from their assignment, unpaid, until they test.
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Are staff still required to test for COVID-19 if they are not vaccinated?
What happens if they refuse to test?
A ccording to the CDPH, State Public Health Order, dated 8/11/2021, asymptomatic unvaccinated or incom pletely vaccinated workers are required to undergo diagnostic screening testing at least once a week, with either an antigen or PCR tests to satisfy this requirement.
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In addition, for employees who con tinue to refuse or miss tests, progressive discipline will be applied. Will COVID testing continue at the District Office and at the school sites?
September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County Sea Otter Savvy San Lorenzo Lumber with its Rain Tank SantaDisplayCruz County Parks Soquel Creek Water District Water Conservation Coalition of Santa Cruz County A big “thank you” to these sponsors of the Water Harvest Festival, who are part of the design and construction of the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project: Black & Veatch, ESA, and Kennedy Jenks, Brown and Caldwell, and Gutierrez Consultants.
Yesterday: Jail Today: Workforce Ready The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is doing its part to help people serving their time in jail to get a job upon their release. On July 23, nine incarcerated indi viduals at the Rountree Rehabilitation and Re-Entry Facility graduated from the “In2Work” Program. This five-week program is designed to teach applicants job-ready food service skills while they’re in custody to help them transition back into the work force and Studentscommunity.graduate with a Serv-Safe Management Certification in the hospi tality field. This program, halted by the pan demic, is graduating its second class since restarting, Sheriff’s Office spokes woman Ashley Keehn said.
Come To the Water Harvest Festival Rebecca
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“Jobs” from page 15
Construction, a typically higherpaying sector, expanded for the better summerManyweather.employees have posted signs, saying, “We’re hiring,” to no avail. The number of people unem ployed has hovered around 5,000 for three months; a year ago, it was 8,900 unemployed.California’s July 2022 unemployment rate of 3.9% is the lowest on record, dating back to The1976.state has now regained 2,685,100 of the 2,758,900 nonfarm jobs lost — 97.3% — during March and April of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. n
Gold Rubin
“Harvest Festival” page 26
The District and our event partners are planning lots of exciting and delightful ways to bring the wonders of water to attendees. From water resources, water-wise gardening, and water supply, to ground water geology, water infrastructure and plumbing, water con servation, watershed protection, and pol lution prevention — the Water Harvest Festival offers great fun around all things watery, for kids and adults
In addition to the Soquel Creek Water District, our partner organizations scheduled to participate include: County of Santa Cruz Public Works Eat for Earth Land Trust of Santa Cruz County Love’s Garden
Since the first event in 2018, the Water Harvest Festival has drawn hundreds of people from throughout the region for a fun, family-friendly time. Parking at Heart of Soquel Park is limited, so please con sider walking, biking, public transit, and carpooling.
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Over the last year or so, many customers and community members have asked question: “When will the annual Water Harvest Festival Family Fun Day return as an in-person event?” As we all know, the pandemic limited this event to an onlineonly version during the last two years. But today, nearly 80%* of people in Santa Cruz County are fully vac cinated and case rates are far more manageable than earlier in the pandemic.Withthat good news, we’re thrilled to let everyone know that next month, we will once again welcome families to this muchloved annual activity, live and in-person for the first time since 2019! Everyone is invited to the Free 2022 Water Harvest Festival Family Fun Day: Saturday, Oct. 8 from 11 am to 3 pm Heart of Soquel Park, 4740 Soquel Drive behind Soquel Village Post Office
The Water Harvest Festival celebrates our local water resources, which are crucial to our everyday lives and to the very future of our community. This festive event will be filled with wonderful, entertaining water education activities for all ages. Who knew that hands-on learning about water could be so fun?
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 25 Football ACROSS 1. ‘90s Don Johnson TV character 5. India’s smallest state 8. Light on one’s feet 12. Arctic floater 13. Mouthful, swallowed 14. Rocks at mountain base 15. Reading helper 16. Serve soup 17. Clean & ____, in a workout 18. *QB’s target 20. Wholly engrossed 21. Religious ritual table 22. Scot’s woolen cap 23. Relating to milk 26. Oil-producing plant 30. Shakespearean “fuss” 31. Crowd 34. Like the White Rabbit 35. Chip feature 37. Mozart’s “L’____ del Cairo” 38. Asian goat antelope 39. Turn sharply 40. Yield 42. Compass bearing 43. *When QB changes play at line of scrimmage 45. ____ identity 47. Failed Molotov cocktail 48. Alicia Keys’ instrument 50. Final notice 52. *It results in change of possession in football 55. Off-white color 56. Actor Pitt 57. Type of ore 59. Classic TV’s “lovely lady” 60. Stiff hair 61. Vegetative state 62. Distinctive elegance 63. Prior to, prefix 64. *Tom Brady’s 2008, 2018 or 2021 award DOWN 1. *Professional football org. 2. Relating to armpit 3. Not all 4. Jazz hipstersubculture 5. Tropical juice flavor 6. Comparative form of #40 Down 7. Imitator 8. *QB’s run 9. SAT or ACT ____ course 10. Catch one’s breath 11. “Owner of a Lonely Heart” band 13. Malfunction 14. Hair product 19. Chosen few 22. Dress like Ancient Greeks 23. Butterfly, premetamorphosis 24. Bye, to …lisabeth Borne 25. Encrypted 26. *a.k.a. hike 27. Dog-____ pages 28. Do penance 29. Not as old 32. Casanova, e.g. 33. Two before Dec. 36. *NFL playing field 38. Shorthand 40. Antediluvian 41. Idi Amin’s country 44. Butane derivative 46. Not an expert 48. Less adulterated 49. All worked up 50. Like Joe Biden’s office 51. ____ Bora 52. Chef’s amt. 53. Son of Aphrodite 54. Boisterous play 55. *____ the kicker 58. “Uh-uh” © Statepoint Media Answers on 31 » FEATURED COLUMNIST
Eachalike!ofour participating partner orga nizations will have their own interactive water education activity. With a festival “passport” in hand, kids can get a stamp for participating in every booth activity, to gain entry into a raffle for fun prizes. There will be free face painting, snacks, and our very special guests — The Banana Slug String Band. This joyful event will bring us all together to celebrate the ever-present importance of water, for today and for future generations.
26 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com “Harvest Festival” from page 25 Do not miss the return of Soquel Creek Water District’s Water Harvest Festival, inperson! We’re looking forward to seeing you on Oct. 8! n ••• For the most up to date information, visit ServicesWater-Harvest-Festivalwww.soquelcreekwater.org/271/*Source:CountyofSantaCruzHealthAgency The Maiden & the Rebel — Sun in Virgo, Uranus Retrogrades Esoteric Astrology • September 2022 • By Risa D’Angeles ••• Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com
AQUARIUS Your circle of friends, groups that surround and love you, accept and listen intently to your hopes, wishes and needs. They begin to study what you are teaching for they are devoted to helping you and thus creating a life filled with all things new. A review each day is necessary. It provides a foundation for the needs of the coming days and weeks. what is to come forth. This is based on listening, asking, observing needs. These are the requirements of the Aquarian Age. Uranus provides the pathway.
PISCES
OBGYN and PT providers will work collaboratively to provide education for all women, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.Early education will be available through existing prenatal and childbirth support groups, early identification, and intervention will occur during perinatal classes and treatment through exercise will continue in available and appropriate physical therapy until symptoms have resolved.
ARIES In the next several months you’ll break from the past and all things (people, ideas, beliefs, fears) that have hindered your freedom, self-identity, creativity and self-expression. You trusted others to have your interests at heart. However, you found this wasn’t always possible. An awakening is occurring informing you to be strong and make decisions about and for yourself, and to change your image to that of success. You can do this.
The habitual, regular, normal, consistent, orderly and routine in daily life, work and relationships change unexpectedly. Anything confining will be liberated, including ideas and beliefs that create separations and block love, in your life. You might feel restless, and so a new rhythm will be found. Unusual methods of healing — laser light, energetic medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture — are of interest. Eventually only the unconventional (read holistic) will make sense.
You’ll return to an earlier interest, work, theme concerning family and home seeing how your history and early life interface with and influence your present. Don’t be surprised if home life is somehow disrupted, if time speeds up and slows down (like the tides), if routines keep changing, if decisions are quickly called for while patience dwindles. Hold all these things within a spirit of understanding that there’s no more normal, anywhere. For all of us, this is preparation.
A return to a place with people previously known has, is or will be happening. You return to a neighborhood from long ago, or think about it to better understand that time in your life. You need new realities, ideas, fields of study, concepts that expose you to the future. Seeking new routines, you might dress, think, relate and express yourself differently. A new lifepattern comes forth. Read Christopher Alexander’s “A Pattern Language.”
VIRGO
There is a review occurring concerning how you live each day, what your plans have been and what you want them to be. Also, you consider your career, how you as an authority relate to others. You want to be free of the past. However the past hasn’t revealed all of its secrets yet. More of your talents will be discovered, along with rec ognition that you approach your work in the world with dedication and care. Wherever you are, whenever you appear on the scene, everyone feels liberated. That is quite a gift!
The Sun is in Virgo, an earth sign, offering us a picture of Ceres in the garden tending to Persephone, her daughter, who soon will enter into the underworld. And then Ceres, missing her daughter falls into grief and transforms the warmth of summer into the cool days of autumn and then the snowy cold of winter. And so the story goes. Virgo is the sign of the Virgin Mother, pregnant with the holy child (new light), born at Winter Sol stice. The child represents the Soul within each of us, the new light within that guides and directs the personalities of disciples. Virgo is the Virgin (pure) Mother who within her being is made of three components - Spirit, Soul and matter itself. As is humanity. These are esoteric temple mysteries written in the stars and in plain sight for all to see each month. Wednesday, Uranus, the “awakener” becomes stationary retrograde, joining four other planets - Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto - and one asteroid (Chiron) also retrograde. (Note: retrograde planets can be unpredictable to the point of magical.)
Women of Wellness Knowledge Center — $25,221 The Education Computer Lab — located on the 2nd Floor of the Dominican Hospital Education Building — is the “first impression space” for new staff, current staff and our ongoing student population. The funds will support a much needed upgrade to make the space conducive to learning and absorbing knowledge shared for the wellestablished New Grad Nursing Program; for onboarding new nursing staff; for current staff to update their practice knowledge.
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“We are a women-based council sup porting women’s health issues,” says Anissa Novak,WoW vice chair. “ Our collaboration and involvement ultimately helps women with their current and future medical needs.”
“WoW makes a strong commitment through philanthropy to the future health care in Santa Cruz County,” says Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz, Dominican Hospital president/ CEO. “Clinicians and staff are able to build awareness around the inner workings of the hospital, what services and technology pres ently available, and where we see the future of health going, By keeping community members involved and informed, we ensure continued access to quality, innovative, com passionate care close to home. We are truly grateful to each and every member and the impact they have made and will continue to make decades to come.”
SCORPIO It’s a good idea to tend to money and resources with extra care as something could occur that’s unexpected, especially with shared resources. Keep up with all legal deadlines and matters taxes, loans, debt. If not taken care of pleasure and ease could be limited and expenditures multiply. Something experi mental and unusual will take place. Expect this and maintain balance each day through intentional Goodwill which creates Right Relations.
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To learn more, visit org/women-of-wellness-council.supportdominican.
CANCER
Dominican Hospital’s Nursing Edu cation/ Clinical Informatics departments provide clinical education for nursing, pharmacy, radiology, respiratory therapy, physical therapy students, as well as mid-level providers including nurse prac titioners and physician assistant rotations.
Things unconscious and habitual come into your awareness. Then they are released. How do you feel about being anonymous and behind the scenes instead of being front and center? Pisces often hides away, initiating new realities from behind the scenes. Anything secret, already somewhat exposed, will have more light shed upon it. Nothing’s private anymore. The past needs shaking up and interesting coincidences continue to occur. The shimmering future eventually comes into view.
TAURUS You are awakening to the fact that you are of great value, something not realized before to such depth. As your thought of self as valuable grows, all that you value will change. I have found that without a sense of self-confidence firmly established there is less forward movement because the self doesn’t know what to choose or how to take action. This will change. Watch your finances. Always ask if your choice and actions are practical.
GEMINI
LEO More and more you find yourself thinking unconven tional thoughts, doing out of the ordinary activities that actually begin to describe who you really are and provide you with freedom of expression. It would be good to tell close friends and family that you’re moving into an unusual, original, perhaps eccentric period of cre ativeness. It’s also a time to seek more play. Unusual attractions occur, too.
Uranus rules the Aquarian Age and Aquarius is the sign of humanity learning about true friendship, cooperation and community. Uranus will be retrograde till January 22, 2023. Uranus will remain in Taurus during its retrograde. Taurus is our stability, the illumined mind, it’s land, resources, money, possessions. It’s gold and all things that glitter. Uranus retrograde is an explosive energy if repressed. Uranus is potent, deeply psycho logical, analytical, with intuition and revelations occurring at the speed of light. Freedom is reawakened (think 1960s which our present times reflect on a higherVirgodimension).flowsthrough Mercury before it reaches the hearts and minds of humanity. In Virgo, we analyze, refine, improve, and seek to serve others. For parents with Virgo children, we teach them how to first ‘serve” and care for themselves. This lays the groundwork for true service later on. “Let matter reign,” is the personality seed thought of Virgo. n “Wellness” from page 16
LIBRA If interactions or relationships seem confusing or dif ficult, you’ll quickly walk away thinking the situation too hard to bear. Cooperation is needed to understand what actions are appropriate and, if everything feels limiting, how to respond. Explore with those you love ways that bring about wonder to replace boredom. Explore the impossible, impractical, the unattainable and the unachievable. The outcome is interesting, almost magical.
SAGITTARIUS You may be traveling unexpectedly. Perhaps travel is already planned. Something unexpected will occur pro viding you with a sense of freedom, liberation from difficult feelings, past beliefs, and that ongoing sense of limitation. Notice as you see the world differently than most, those that you meet reflect that difference. Tradition is cast to the winds as you begin to cherish and welcome the unconventional. It’s time to study something (unusual).
CAPRICORN
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 27 kp.org/downtownsantacruz Save time getting high quality care for your whole family. Pharmacy, X-ray, mammograms, pediatrics, and more are now available at our new downtown Santa Cruz Medical Offices. Get more done in one stop Santa Cruz Medical Offices 110 Cooper Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Now open, come visit.
••• Watsonville High Class of 1981 Saturday Sept. 17 • 6-11 p.m. Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside. The Billy Martini Band will play at the reunion.
The event includes: Full-course meal catered by student chefs in Cabrillo’s Culinary Arts pro-gram.
Tuesdays
ONGOING EVENTS
7:30 p.m. (or dusk), Bandstand stage in Esplanade Park
SANTA CRUZ GREEK FESTIVAL
• An interactive art wall, youth speakers, music, and dancing. • Performances by El Sistema and Activities for All Youth Mariachi. • Live auction items include vacation homes as well as a sailing trip on the bay.
An artist will be selected to create a public art com ponent for new Live Oak Library Annex at the Simpkins Family Swim Center. The proposed artwork should help create an inviting outdoor space where people of all ages will gather, learn, connect, and share. Proposals should reflect the Live Oak community’s identity and history, and may incorporate community participation. The deadline to submit is Sept. 30.
PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/grief support or call 831-471-7255.
Fridays through Sept 30 MIDTOWN FRIDAYS 5-8:30 p.m., Midtown Square, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Featuring 25 local bands plus local eats and local artists and vendors.
Friday September 9 Saturday September 10
A concert is planned for Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. To participate or make contributions, call (831) 479-6101 or visit extension.cabrillo.eduRegisterhttps://www.cabrillo.edu/cabrillo-youth-strings.throughCabrilloExtension,479-6331,orbeforethefirstclass.
Friday Sept 2
For information, see: https://www.californiaborrowers.org/ about-the-campaign
The festival will be in the beautiful courtyard behind the church at the corner of Center and Church, next to the Civic Auditorium. See https://www.livelikeagreek.com/sc-greek-festival
IMAGINE BENEFIT FOR CASA 3-7 p.m., Outdoors, Sesnon House, Cabrillo College, Aptos CASA of Santa Cruz County will celebrate 30 years of believing in foster youth out-doors at Sesnon House.
START YOUR NEW CAREER Laid off in the pandemic? Stayed home teaching the kids? Want to change careers? The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act is designed to help job-seekers access employment, education, training, and support services. The program is designed to serve dislocated workers who need training to enter or re-enter the labor market. Now people can sign up for WIOA programs from 12 - 1:30 p.m. on the first and last Wednesday of each at the Downtown Library, 224 Church St., Santa Cruz. RSVP at: info@workforcescc.com and see the Life Literacies Center at the back of the library. Intakes are by RSVP only.
knight-tickets-269816316867https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50th-reunion-a-golden-at
The budget for the public artwork, which includes all costs associated with, but not limited to design, materials, travel, insurance, fabrication, installation, and documentation of the artwork, is $80,000. A brochure with information about the application process and the site plan is at: WorkWithUs/CalltoArtists.aspx.https://scparks.com/Home/AboutUs/ CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS FALL SEMESTER
From now until Oct. 31, it is easy to get credit for the PSLF program.
WATSONVILLE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH EVENTS
Have you thought about being a poll worker for the Nov. 8 Aselection?apoll worker, you help ensure a safe, fair, and efficient election for all voters. Poll workers support early voting locations, ensure technology functions, and help minimize delays at polling places on election day. Fill out the form at: tionOfficerRequestForm.aspxhttps://www.votescount.us/Home/Elec
Attendees are invited to El Vaquero Winery Sunday from 2-5 p.m. to hear Michael Gaither. For details, see Watsonville81.com or the Official Watsonville class of 1981 Facebook group.
SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS
The live music lineup presented by Off The Lip Radio Show includes (in order of appearance): September The Joint Chiefs • Papiba & Friends • Anthony Arya Band • Sweet Voodoo • The Grand Finale See summer-block-party-2022/https://www.eventsantacruz.com/event/midtown-fridays-
• The silent auction will take place online Aug. 27 – Sept. 10. See events/events/imagine2022.htmlhttps://casaofsantacruz.org/newsTickets are $150 per person at news-events/events/imagine2022.htmlhttps://casaofsantacruz.org/
2ND SATURDAY ON THE FARM
11 a.m.-3 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Watsonville Bring your family, friends and your neighbors to 2nd Saturday on the Farm at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville. Watch the antique tractors washed and spiffed up for theTheFair!Agricultural History Project’s 2nd Saturday events are like taking a step back in time. You’ll be able to milk a “cow,” drive-a-tractor, and enjoy crafts, hayrides, pony rides, puppet show, antique engines and museum exhibits. Bring your lunch for a picnic on the lawn or at a picnic table.
5TH ANNUAL BLUE INNOVATION
The Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program will begin its fall semester Friday, Sept. 9. Classes will be s on consecutive Fridays for nine weeks in the Music Building, VAPA, at the campus in Aptos. An entry-level String Orchestra Class, Grades 4-6 Beginning Strings for violin/viola/cello will be offered Fridays, 4-5:15 p.m.Auditions for Festival Strings (beginning note-readers) and Cabrillo Strings (intermediate-advanced) will be 3:45-4:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, with a rehearsal following. Festival Strings will meet 4:15-5:45 p.m. and Cabrillo Strings will meet 4:15-5:55 p.m. String players ages 5 to18 are welcome to join the string orchestral and chamber music programs. Students must provide their own instruments and bring pencils & music stands. Covid-19 distancing will be followed. Students and parents must wear N94/95 masks or a double mask that includes a surgical mask outside and inside the music building, except when alone.
700 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville CA 95076 Free Fasting Glucose Screening Clinic Sunday Sept 11 • 8 – 11 a.m. Free 6-Week Health Seminar Wednesday Sept 14 • 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.: “Fighting Diabetes & Pre-Diabetes, Naturally!” Nightly PlantBased Cooking Demonstration with Samples (831) 325-7993 or ReversingDiabetes@yahoo.com
MOVIES AT CAPITOLA BEACH
CALL TO ARTISTS
The Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church announces the return of the Santa Cruz Greek Festival in downtown SantaEnjoyCruz.traditional Greek cuisine, music, and dancing.
The 5th Annual Blue Innovation is a festival for those who love our blue origins: Water & ocean. 30+ companies, organizations, researchers, and artists will exhibit their solutions ranging from ocean-safe alternatives to plastics, sea wall restoration, transportation, healthy sustainable seafood, exhibits for surfing, kayaking, and sailing, artists with love for the ocean. Plus food trucks and live music! Free to attend; tickets at innovation-tickets-360879429087https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blueCOMMUNITY CALENDAR
Fri. 5 p.m.- / Sat. Noon-10 p.m., Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church Courtyard, 223 Church St, Santa Cruz
HELP WITH STUDENT DEBT RELIEF
DATED EVENTS
••• Harbor High: Class of 1972 Saturday Sept. 17 • 4-10 p.m. Pasatiempo Inn’s Back Nine Grill, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz For information, call 408-568-0302.
Saturday September 10
Providing this life-changing benefit to employees comes at zero cost to employers because it’s a free federal program. An estimated 825,000 Californians could benefit from the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program by having their federal student loans cancelled after 10 years of public service work, but fewer than 15,000 have benefited from this program to date.
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Outside UC Santa Cruz Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way
Blue Innovation
The City of Capitola presents free movies at Capitola Beach, on the bandstand stage in Esplanade Park. Aug. 26: Jungle Cruise Sept. 2: Sing 2 Unfortunately, due to Covid, there will be no popcorn. Bring a picnic dinner or dine locally at area restaurants. Low back chairs, blankets and jackets recommended. No alcohol or dogs on the beach.
Employers in California can deliver tens of thousands of dollars in federal student loan relief to employees, by informing them about the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
HIGH SCHOOLSoquelREUNIONSHigh: Class of 1972 Friday Sept. 16 • 5-10 p.m. The Inn at Pasatiempo banquet room and outdoor garden, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz. “A GOLDEN KNIGHT” 50th reunion There will be food, beverages, and no-host cocktails, music, dancing and watching the golden sunset. Other informal gatherings may arise; look for updates on the Soquel High School Class of 1972 Facebook page. Tickets are $100 and must purchased by Sept. 1 Questions? Email 1972classofsoquelhigh@gmail.com.
POLL WORKERS NEEDED
LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY Adult Book discussion: Sept. 8, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. September’s selection is Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles. Passionate Readers: 4th Thursday, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Thursday: Afterschool STEAM with Legos: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m weekly. Starts Sept. 22 First Friday: Movie Discussion group at 10:30 a.m. Fourth Friday: Movie Matinee: 10 a.m. to noon.
28 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com ANNOUNCEMENTS
Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth. You are not alone. You are not to blame. More info: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org
Sunday September 11 SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB 5 p.m., Various Member Homes Throughout County Love to cook, entertain and socialize? Our monthly dinner club events are in homes throughout Santa Cruz County, where members enjoy gourmet meals, fine wine and conversation. Joining the club provides a great opportunity to cook, entertain, and meet vaccinated locals that share your interests. Want to join us? Learn more by contacting Rhonda Mills at info@SantaCruzDinnerClub.com
Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by September 7
“Appointed” from page
Pacific school board Two openings: Cal Napoles*, Diana Conner* Fire districts Central, district 4: John Lucchesi Ben Lomond (3 openings): Dave Bingham*, Lisa Hill* , Thomas Maxson* Zayante (2 openings): Mary Clark*, Priva Tarbet* Water districts Central (3 openings): Frances Basich Whitney*, Marco Romanini*, Robert Marani* San Lorenzo Valley (short term): Jayme Ackerman Scotts Valley (3 openings): Ruth Stiles*, Wade Leishman*, Bill Ekwall* Pajaro Valley, Division A: Mary Ban ister*: Division C: Amy Newell* Parks Boulder Creek Recreation & Parks (2 openings): George Galt*, Diane Hamilton* Pajaro Dunes Geologic: Michael Butner, Patrick Dubbins, Raphael Shannon Kraw n
Linda is one of a group of Cabrillo College women facing disruption in their educational goals due to the pandemic. We worked closely with the Cabrillo College Foundation and advisors to identify women who could complete their goals with additional support. The Foundation made $77,000 in scholarships to Cabrillo students during the pandemic.
WILDR FORUM: NOVEMBER ELECTIONS 6:30 p.m., Online Forum Santa Cruz is poised to elect two women to statewide office — one of which would be the first woman from the County elected to state office … to elect diverse representatives to the County Board of Supervisors … to vote on statewide ballot initiatives to protect women’s right to choose … and to bring women’s voices to school boards and city councils. WILDR will bring diverse voices together on Zoom, so you can learn what support is needed for these very important elections and measures in November, plus give you the opportunity to network, teach and learn from diverse women in our community. Register at: https://bit.ly/WILDR092022. n
Friday September 16 DAMON GUTZWILLER BENEFIT 8 p.m., Michael’s on Main, 2591 Main St., Soquel Michael’s on Main will host the Damon Gutzwiller Benefit featuring Mira Goto, Steve Seskin, and Bonny June (with Ken Kraft). This is an evening of songcraft and outstanding performers celebrating the life of Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller and raising money for the Damon Gutzwiller Park in Aptos.Formore on the memorial, see: www.countyparkfriends. org/willowbrook.htmlAdmissionis$40; seated under 12 with parent 21 and over. Tickets at june-steve-seskin-tickets-300176986447damon-gutzwiller-park-benefit-featuring-mira-goto-bonny-https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ FANDANGO EN LA PLAZA 6 p.m., Watsonville Plaza Watsonville Film Festival celebration of Pajaro Valley farmworkers, coinciding with Mexican Independence Day, is a free event with live music, dance perfor mances and a community jam session at Watsonville Plaza.The screening of the award-winning docu mentary “Fandango at the Wall” starts at 8 pm outdoors with director Varda Bar-Kar coming from Los Angeles.
DISCOVER THE JOY OF LEARNING AT
Saturday September 17 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S APTOS 8 a.m., Seascape Park & Resort, Sumner Avenue The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for care, support and research. The Santa Cruz walk willl be at Seascape Park & Resort in Aptos, following Covid guidelines.
admissions@kirby.org | kirby.org COMMUNITY CALENDAR SEACLIFF Complete Hybrid Repair and Service Factory Trained Specialist Complete Auto Repair Saturday Smogs Seacliff 76 • 831-688-7600 • seacliff76@live.com • 201 Searidge Rd.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 29
•••
PURE WATER SOQUEL PREMIERE PARTY 4:30-7 p.m., at Bargetto Winery, 3535 N Main St., Soquel. Soquel Creek Water District and Black & Veatch will host a party for the premiere of a mini-documentary on Pure Water Soquel produced by BBC Storyworks. The 16-part series of which Pure Water Soquel is a part is called “Beneath the Surface: The Journey of Water.” Most of the series focuses on countries other than the U.S. Space is limited. RSVP by Sept. 12 via PaperlessPost.
“Scholarships” from page 20
Tuesday September 20
Monday September 19
Kirby School is a 6th-12th grade independent school serving families in Santa Cruz and beyond for over 25 years. We offer Tuition Assistance and a Test-free Application process. Cruz, CA 95060
Visit KIRBY.ORG to learn more. Kirby School 425 Encinal Street Santa
“This may not seem like a big deal to some,” says Linda, who is a first-generation college student, “but this is a huge step in the right direction.” She’s determined for Victoria to see the power of education. “I want to show my daughter that with hard work and dedication anything is possible.”
As Linda continues her education and our county continues to manage its way through the pandemic, The Fund for Women and Girls will continue to invest in a Santa Cruz County to help ensure women and girls are safe, healthy, equal, and empowered. n Susan True is CEO of Community Foun dation Santa Cruz County. 21
Registration is at 8 a.m. Ceremony at 9 a.m. Walk at 9:30 a.m. So far, 215 people and 55 teams are signed up to participate; they have raised $114,288. The goal is $290,000.Thereisno registration fee but the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association asks every participant to raise money. For information, contact: Meggie Pina at (831) 900-5903 or santacruzwalk@alz.org
What is the history of the Plan locally?
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Efforts are underway by the County’s Community Development and Infrastructure Department to improve transportation options via bus on shoulder on Highway 1 and major improvements for bike and pedestrian safety and access along Soquel. The Department is also working on an update to the County’s General Plan/Local Coastal Program focused on sustain ability — with the goal of implementing new policies and code regulations that support more sustainable communities in Santa Cruz County. Later this year, the Board of Super visors will receive an update with specific GhG reduction policies and actions with measurable metrics. Additionally, the County team will develop a social vulner ability index and climate vulnerability assessment.Theseresources will provide detailed information on the vulnerabilities of sen sitive community populations, natural resources, managed resources, critical facilities, buildings, services, and infra structure to climate change. Key findings are intended to support prioritization for the selection of climate adaptation and resilience goals, policies, and implemen tation programs. If you have any questions about this or any other matter in our district, please don’t hes itate to call me at 454-2200. I’m maintaining regular updates on social media as well at www. facebook.com/supervisorfriend.
n •••
The first is Senate Bill 32, approved in 2016, which requires statewide GhG emissions be reduced to 40 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2030.
The preliminary analysis of the unincor porated County shows that between 2009 and 2019 there has been an approxi mately 17% reduction in emissions. 2019 is the most recent data. According to this same data, County on-road (passenger vehicles and com mercial vehicles) transportation emissions comprise over 61% of our total emissions or 447,514 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. As a frame of reference, 1 car driving approxi mately 2,500 miles emits 1 ton of CO2. Our total GhG emissions from on-road transportation equates to roughly 8,000 miles driven by every
Successful efforts to significantly decrease GhG emissions will require a two-pronged approach, through changes in County operations and through larger land use and transportation policy changes.
What is required under State law? There are two main State requirements for California cities and counties regarding Greenhouse Gas emissions reductions.
The Board of Supervisors recently received an update on the County’s work on the new Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
T
What are the next steps?
he first Climate Action Strategy was approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2013.The goal was to set initial policy goals and targets around GhG reduction, sea level rise and other mitigation and reduction strategies. Since the first Plan was adopted, more research has been done to understand how climate change can impact our local built and natural Understandingenvironment.how it makes infrastructure vul nerable, how we can reduce risk and what policies we can implement to improve future outcomes are all part of the work on new Plan. The costs of climate change, both financial and social, to local governments and the community at large can be significant. Event such as the 2017 Winter storm events, the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and the December 2021 Atmospheric River event provide a framework of understanding.
The second is Executive Order B-55-18 signed in September of 2018, which sets a goal of carbon neutrality no later than 2045. The Executive Order doesn’t have the same legal requirements the legislation does, but it provides a guideline for local governments. How is the County doing?
willpropaneaccountHowever,forandwaterCountyemissionscontributorresidentunincorporatedregardlessofagein2019.ThesecondlargesttoourGhGintheunincorporatedisnaturalgasusageforheating,heatingandcookingincommercialresidentialbuildings.Thisaccountsapproximately23%ofouremissions.thedatadoesn’taccuratelyforruralresidentsrelyingongassoitisbelievedthisnumbergrowasdataiscollected.
At the County operational level, to reduce the number of cars on the road and improve workforce outcomes, the County implemented remote work options for many County staff. Allowing County staff to work from home has decreased vehicle milesTotraveled.further decrease GhG emissions, County General Services department is working to increase our electric vehicle charging capacity and move toward a more fuel-efficient, and eventually, allelectric fleet of light-duty vehicles. Further efforts to expand public EV charging infra structure throughout the County are being explored.The County has installed numerous solar arrays on our campuses and is in the process of changing out gas water heaters for heat pump water heaters where feasible.
30 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com FEATURED COLUMNIST County Climate Action Work from Home, EV Chargers & Bike Safety on Soquel
The Plan, overseen by the Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience, looks at the current state of Greenhouse Gas (GhG) emissions inventory data, emissions reduction targets (some of which are set by State law) and current emissions reduction efforts by the County.
Additionally, Central Coast Community Energy has a goal to be 100% renewable by 2030 -- currently just 0.4 percent of our total emissions are due to residential and nonresidential electricity.
By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watson ville, 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 SCCAS Featured Pet
shelter: Santa
Marie and Mavis came to the Shelter after being surrendered because of allergies. They previously lived in a home with women, teens and children under 12. Both cats love to sun bath, play in brown paper bags and being brushed! Both can be shy at first but will warm up to new people with some time and gentle pets. These are indoor cats and tend to be skittish of the outdoors. Marie is a little more shy, but she can be affectionate when given time. Mavis is more outgoing and will stand at her kennel door to see what is going on outside — she likes to be held and loves to sleep under blankets!
If you are looking for a gentle and loving pair of cats to hang out with come to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter to meet Mavis and Marie! We are open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm for adoptions. 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 pre pared. 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! Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission Cruz Public Entrance) 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062
Location (
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 31 SPECIALIZING IN Residential Repaints & Custom PropertyHomeownersHomesAssociationsManagers “ Dependable Ser v ice , Affordable Qu alit y” FALL SPECIAL If we paint your interior and/or exterior by September 30, 2022 we will buy the paint. oncrossword 25 » ©FootballStatepointMedia
This week the Pet of the Week for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is Mavis and Marie! These sweet bonded 3 year old black kitties are looking for a forever home where they can settle in and be loved and cuddled.
n •••
Meet Mavis and Marie
One stop shopping right around the corner! Highway 1 & Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos deer park c e n t e r BANKS: Bank of America BUSINESS SERVICES: Anderson & GalapagosContractorManagementCompany-HOA/EmploynetAdvertisingTravel PDM International / Peak Accounting Services / SAR Asset Mgmt. Inc. Scurich Insurance Cecy Insurance Services FOOD & DRINK: Deer Park Wine & Spirits DeluxeFoods / Panda Inn Mangiamo Pizza & Wine Bar Red Apple Cafe PERSONAL SERVICES: Agape Dance Academy Black Cat Tattoo Brian Del Core, DDS CVS Pharmacy Del Mar Cleaners Eye Shapes Opticians Fig St. Design Highlights for Hair J-Bella Nails / Klub Nico Laser Hair Solutions Rad RoyalAcademyPawSpa Deer Park Marketplace #37 | Rio Del Mar/Hwy 1 Aptos | Above Deluxe Foods | www.EyeShapesAptos.com Hours: Tues.–Fri. 10-5 | Sat. by Appointment (831) EyeShapes@sbcglobal.net688-1516 Health and Wellness to You in 2022! give us a call (831) 688-3012 or delcoredentalvisit.com Implants, Invisalign, Family, Cosmetic Serving the Agricultural Community Since 1924 Deluxe Foods of Aptos Supporting the Aptos community for 40 years Mon. thru Sat. 8am to 8pm • Sun. 8am to 7pm Peet’s Coffee Available Mon. thru Fri 7am • Sat & Sun 8am 783 Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos, CA 95003 (Located inside Deer Park Marketplace) (831) 688-7442 www.deluxefoodsofaptos.com
