Aptos Times: December 1, 2022

Aptos Girls’ Tennis Co-Champs!

By Tammi Brown

It was an amazing season for the Aptos Mariners girls’ varsity tennis team. The 13 team members worked together right from the start and really bonded, becoming a strong tennis family over the course of the 13-week schedule.

The team finished the season as League co-champions,

with an overall Santa Cruz County Athletic League (SCCAL) record of 10-1.

But most importantly, our players showed tre mendous sportsmanship both on and off the court with a ready smile and “good shot” for their opponents and teammates alike. ... continues on page 4

Emeril in the Kitchen in Pajaro Valley

At Starlight Elementary, Alexandro, Noemi and Kayden are rock star celebrities. They are the Life Lab teachers who show students how to prepare their own food – healthy food. Full Story page

Cabrillo College to Change Name

On Oct. 14, six of the seven elected Cabrillo College trustees voted to accept the board subcommittee’s recom mendation to change the name of Cabrillo College, chosen when the junior college was founded in 1959.

Full Story page 4

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On Oct. 14, six of the seven elected Cabrillo College trustees voted to accept the board subcommittee’s recommendation to change the name of Cabrillo College, chosen when the junior college was founded in 1959.

Trustee Rachael Spencer voted no.

The rest of the trustees set a goal of selecting a new name by the August 2023 meeting, and beginning to use the new name on July 1, 2024.

The subcommittee was formed in July 2020, in response to a request to rename the college, amidst widespread social unrest in the United States and a reappraisal of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese navi gator who was the first to visit California and made his fortune in Guatemala, with the help of indigenous people enslaved to work in his farms, mines and on his ships.

The Name Exploration Subcommittee, composed of trustees Christina Cuevas and Adam Spickler, and student trustee Amidia Frederick, later succeeded by student trustee Krystal Buenrostro, produced a compre hensive 60-page report concluding that the

positive impacts of a name change would outweigh the negative, and that community engagement is needed to ensure widespread agreement on the new name.

The Committee recommended, and the Board agreed that a new name should either be rooted in Cabrillo’s values or a geographic touchstone — not honoring an individual.

The board directed the subcommittee and College President Matthew Wetstein to

No Longer Fits

Cabrillo College to Change Name Board Agrees

work on fundraising to address cost con cerns surrounding a name change, while seeking input on a new name.

When the issue first arose, it was estimated that name change could cost $1 million. Further study found it could be accomplished for $500,000.

This decision follows a two-year process of research, community education, surveys, opportunities for community input, and community dialogue, all initiated by the subcommittee, which created a Name Explo ration Advisory Task Force to help solicit stakeholder input; develop community engagement strategies; and examine the costs and resource implications of a name change.

“In reaching its recommendation, the Board Name Exploration Subcommittee adhered to its core principles of aligning with the mission of being critical thinkers; ensuring we did the kind of deep critical thinking that is expected of an institution of higher edu cation,” said Christina Cuevas, who chaired the Board Name Exploration Subcommittee.

“Cabrillo Name” page 10

“Mariners’ Tennis” from page 1

Doubles team partners Jill Beltran and Madison Phillips, both unde feated during regular season play, took second place in the SCCAL doubles

The Mariners will be graduating four seniors, team captains Madison Phillips

and Autumn Zaretsky, along with Jill Beltran and Anna Nacht. They will be greatly missed.

We couldn’t have managed the season without tremendous support from our parents, who pitched in to provide trans portation for away matches and sustenance when we played at home. n •••

Tammi Brown is coach of the Aptos High School girls’ varsity tennis team. •••

Cover Photo: Back Row (from left): Ashley Jacob, Natalie Victory, Olivia Pate, Gamble Kellermyer, Finn GansauerPilcher, Coral Collins, Holly Hegna. • Front Row (from left): Aviana Andrews, Jill Beltran, Tiana Smith, Autumn Zaretsky, Madison Phillips

Mariners No. 1 singles player, junior Holly Hegna, won the SCCAL seasonending singles tournament, putting the final touch on her undefeated season in League matches.

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On Nov. 10, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Timothy Schmal swore in six community members as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care.

They are Diane Morgenstern, Peter Cooper, Susan Maroun, Melissa Hutchinson, Rebekah Herrick, Daniela Suarez and Ian Gillies.

CASA of Santa Cruz County recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer Advo cates who are matched one on one with a child in the county’s dependency (foster care) court system advocating for them the entire time they have a case open with

the Court. As officers of the court, CASA volunteers ensure that the children’s needs are recognized and their best interests are considered in the courtroom, school, and in the community.

There is a great need for bilingual and male volunteers, however people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds are encouraged to learn more. n

For information on how to become a CASA volunteer advocate, contact Clarita Cortes at (831) 761-2956, ext. 102, or visit www.casaof santacruz.org/volunteer

Judge Timothy Schmal (center), Roxy Greenspan, CASA trainer (left), and

advocates.

Fired Employees Sue Nike, NBA Over Covid Vaccine Mandate

By Jondi Gumz

Two newer Omicron subvariants BQ1.1 and BQ.1 are now more pervasive than BA.5, the variant included in the new bivalent booster for this fall along with the original 2020 coronavirus, which is no longer circulating.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reported BQ1.1 in the lead com prising 25.5%, then BQ.1, 24.2% and then BA.5, 24%.

Researchers say the new Covid-19 variants are more spreadable but there is no indication they make people sicker than their predecessors.

The U.S. is averaging 300 deaths a day, compared to 3,000 last winter when the Delta variant raged.

Santa Cruz County reports 50 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, before Omicron.

According to CDC data, vaccinated people made up 42% of Covid deaths in January and February during the peak of the omicron surge, compared with 23% during the Delta surge in September 2021.

In June, a paper co-written by Dr. Stephanie Seneff, MIT researcher, in Food & Chemical Toxicology, reported the MRNA vaccines promote “sustained synthesis” of the spike protein, which suppresses the body’s interferon responses and impairs innate immunity.

Meanwhile, more than 1,000 lawsuits have been filed across the nation challenging vaccine mandates, according to the National Law Review, with 75% against employers.

The latest is Nike, sued by three former senior employees, claiming religious dis crimination, medical discrimination and battery after they lost their jobs due to Nike’s vaccination mandate. The former workers, represented by Health Freedom Defense Fund, are seeking punitive damages.

The lawsuit, filed Nov. 15 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon in Portland, alleges Nike refused to consider reasonable accommodations, even though the vaccines did not stop transmission of Covid -19 and the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s mandate that large employers require employees to get vaccinated.

The lawsuit alleges Nike fired Doug Kerkering and Hannah Thibodo because they had a “perceived disability” — their immune systems did not sufficiently protect them from Covid-19, a perceived disability

protected under federal law, according to their attorney Scott Street.

The employees, who proposed testing, masking or working from home, were fired.

The third worker, Wanda Rozwadowska, applied for religious accommodation and was denied. She appealed, and Nike granted her request after the vaccine deadline date, so she was coerced into getting the shot, and suf fered an autoimmune reaction so severe she could not work, according to Street.

“We want to send a loud and clear message to corporate America that their employees’ rights are not negotiable and that their employees are not disposable,” said Leslie Manookian, president of Health Freedom Defense Fund.

In October, Nike lifted its vaccine mandate, acknowledging that community spread is possible even when people are fully vaccinated.

On Nov. 12, in a lawsuit filed in Man hattan federal court, longtime NBA referees Kenny Mauer, Mark Ayotte and Jason Phillips said they were fired because they declined to get vaccinated for religious reasons. They are seeking front and back pay and punitive damages.

On Nov. 11, former Washington State University SU football coach Nick Rolovich, sued the university, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and WSU athletic director Pat Chun seeking damages after he was fired last year for refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Rolovich, who is Catholic, claims discrimi nation against religion, wrongful withholding of wages, and loss of future income.

WSU Vice President for Marketing and Communications Phil Weiler told The Seattle Times via email that Rolovich’s lawsuit “is wholly without merit” and that the university enforced the vaccine mandate “in a fair and lawful manner.”

He told The Daily Wire host Allison Wil liams that he refused the vaccine because of the “lack of answers, lack of dialogue” about the effects of the vaccines and his beliefs as a Catholic.

Williams left ESPN after 10 years when ESPN mandated Covid-19 vaccines for all staff.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Edu cation and Superintendent Faris Sabbah have until Dec. 13 to respond to a lawsuit filed by Santa Cruz County Parents United in October.

The lawsuit alleges Sabbah coerced

Pajaro Valley Unified, San Lorenzo Valley Unified, Santa Cruz City Schools and private schools Twin Lakes Christian and Waldorf to punitively implement “non-binding guidance relating to masking, testing and quarantining resulting in emotional damage, discrimination, child endangerment, humili ation, learning loss, and illegal exclusion from school and sports, and harassment.”

The Santa Cruz County Office of Edu cation reports 658,200 tests with Inspire Diagnostics.

According to the Santa Cruz Office of Education, cases in schools peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, and are now 188.

The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% on January, is now 1.64%.

Santa Cruz County reports 644 active Covid cases, the first increase after declining

since July, and one more death, bringing the total to 275 since the pandemic began in 2020.

The last eight deaths were people who were vaccinated, according to the county dashboard, all 65 or older with medical conditions.

The California Department of Public Health reports 12 patients hospitalized in Santa Cruz County with a positive Covid test, including two in intensive care.

Pajaro Valley Unified School District reports 118 active student cases and 25 staff cases — Aptos High: 9 student and 2 staff; Aptos Junior High: 2 students and 2 staff; Mar Vista Elementary: 4 staff: Rio Del Mar: 2 staff; Valencia: 9 students.

The very contagious BA.5 and waning immunity from vaccines boosted sum mertime Covid cases.

Giving To The Givers

Santa Cruz Gives, a countywide holiday crowd-funding campaign in its 8th year, is raising funds for 63 local nonprofits until midnight Dec. 31.

The giving platform, which opened Nov. 16, is at SantaCruzGives.org.

Donors may browse individual profile pages to learn about each nonprofit’s mission and “Big Idea” for 2023, a project that will be funded with donations, then use a shopping cart to give. The minimum donation is $5.

Donations topped $1 million for the first time last year, raising $1,100,659.

This year’s participating nonprofits present the most diverse slate of projects yet, from a welcoming network for foreign refugees to support for pregnant women in the post-Roe era.

The organizations come from all parts of the county geographically and represent youth, seniors, animals, the environment, education, health and wellness, food and nutrition, housing and homelessness, the arts, veterans, families, LGBTQIA+, and the disabled.

A committee with diverse non profit experience vetted the applications, and potential social media reach was a consideration.

The number of participants is limited so each organization has the potential to

raise sufficient funds for the staff time spent on the campaign.

“If any of the local nonprofits tried to create a platform like this for fundraising, it would not be economically feasible,” said Karen Delaney, executive director of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. “Only large national organizations have had a tool like this at their disposal. Santa Cruz Gives puts this tool into the hands of local nonprofit community.”

Nonprofits will receive individually donated funds, matching funds provided by sponsors, and are eligible for three awards each worth $1,000: Most Donors, Most Cre ative Campaign, and Project of the Year.

Participants in Santa Cruz Gives report a majority of donors are new donors and tend to be younger donors.

Presenting sponsors are Good Times and the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Additional sponsors include Com munity Foundation Santa Cruz County; two funds at the Community Foundation SCC: The Applewood Fund, The Joe Collins Fund; and Driscoll’s, Inc. Other business sponsors are Santa Cruz County Bank, Wynn Capital Management, The Pajaronian, and Press Banner.

For information or contact Jeanne Howard at 831-601-1691 or Jeanne@santa cruzgives.org.

•••

Crowdsourcing To Boost Nonprofits

Santa Cruz Gives was founded in 2015 to meet the need for a local crowdsourcing website for fundraising countywide.

The program demonstrates the potential to significantly increase overall funds raised in the community, with new donors giving to more organizations.

The key to success is the website — SantaCruzGives.org. More people can be reached, donors can learn about many local nonprofits on one site, donate with a few clicks, and track the progress of their favorites on a leaderboard.

Selection of nonprofits each year includes established groups known to be effective, as well as emerging organizations doing promising new work.

Findings:

1. Nonprofits report a majority of new donors, up to 80%.

2. The majority of funds raised come

from donors who gave to an average of four nonprofits.

3. Nonprofits report an increase in younger donors, as well as older. New donors are potential volunteers, future fundraisers, and perhaps leaders and board members.

4. Each year there is significant growth, compared to the prior year, in number of donors, amounts per donor, and total challenge grants.

5. The exposure nonprofits gain through Santa Cruz Gives is beyond what any could achieve on their own.

6. The campaign has a ripple effect. Some nonprofits find donors learn about them through SantaCruzGives but give at a different time of year.

7. Nonprofits are raising more funds while sharing ideas and learning from one another. Organizations that had little contact with one another before Santa Cruz Gives and felt a sense of competition are now collaborating. n

Can Audio Recordings Solve Court Reporter Shortage?

Longtime family law attorney Alphonse Provinziano launched a petition last week on behalf of a subcommittee of the Beverly Hills Bar Association (BHBA) to advocate the use of audio recordings in family courtrooms amid a shortage of court reporters throughout California.

The problem is not funding, it’s that there are not enough trained court reporters to hire, according to a group of court executive officers, including Alex Calvo of Santa Cruz County, who call the situation a crisis.

The number of candidates who took the court reporter certification in Cali fornia dropped from 339 in 2018 to 178 in 2021.

The Beverly Hills Bar Association board of governors has asked the Legis lature to change the government code to allow recordings in family courtrooms. Provinziano hopes the petition will bring further support.

“Audio recording has been used successfully in civil matters in other states for many years and the shortage

of court reporters is forcing the issue,” said Provinziano, who contends audio recordings represent an effective alter native for everyday family law cases.

Due to court reporter shortages, the Los Angeles County Superior Court is shifting its remaining paid staffers to juvenile and criminal courts as of November.

As a result, civil matters in family courtrooms will require private court reporters, which could add thousands of dollars to the cost of a typical contested divorce.

By one estimate, the court reporter fees can range from $800 to $2,000 a day.

“Audio recording should be an option for families who want it, and the legislature needs to remove any barriers to allow it in family courtrooms,” added Provinziano. “We hope through this petition we can show why making this change now is so important.” n

The petition to lobby the Legislature to allow audio recordings in family law court rooms is available online to view and sign at Change.org: https://bit.ly/3D8ajuD

County Parks Friends

Live Like Coco (based in Aptos)

Need a One of a Kind Gift? Try Library Friends Bookstore

By Toni Campbell

The holidays have arrived at the Capitola Library Friends’ bookstore in the Capitola Mall.

Just before Thanksgiving, a group of volunteers stocked tables and shelves

with hundreds of holiday-related items and festooned the store with decorations celebrating the season. The community is invited to stop by daily to browse holiday and general interest materials.

This well-organized store has become a favorite browsing place for Mall shoppers.

About five years ago when the ‘temporary’ Capitola Library closed for construction, the Capitola Mall donated an empty store to the Capitola Library Friends for used book sales.

In their current 4,000-square-foot location, the Capitola Friends’ volunteers sell used books, CDs, and DVDs that have been donated to them by folks from throughout Santa Cruz County, and some times beyond!

Almost all of the approximately 15,000 items are $1 or $2.

The store is packed with materials for all ages ... picture books for the young set; hundreds of chapter books for new

“COVID Update” from page 7

The new bivalent boosters mix vaccine for the original no-longer circulating strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the previously dom inant Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, which are far less deadly than the Delta variant.

The bivalent combo was expedited by federal officials who asked drug-makers to test on mice rather than humans. Pfizer submitted data based on 8 mice.

California reports 16% of eligible people had a bivalent booster. In Santa Cruz County, it was 23%.

The federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention plans to provide a recommended vaccine schedule in 2023.

On Oct. 20, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted unani mously in favor of adding the Covid vaccine to the federal recommended immunization schedule for children and adults. The existing schedule recom mends 27 doses of vaccine between birth and age 6.

Starting at 6 months, children should get the Covid vaccine, plus boosters, the committee said.

The committee heard Dr. Tom Shimabukuro report the death of a boy 13 days after his first dose of Pfizer Covid

vaccine. The autopsy showed the cause of death was heart inflammation known as myocarditis; tests found no evidence of viral infection.

The death was reported to the federal Vaccine Adverse Effects Reporting System, and verified by the CDC. Committee members determined Covid vaccine ben efits outweigh the risks.

The CDC said its recommendation is not a mandate, with the decision up to states, counties and municipal officials.

California’s SB 277 requires students be vaccinated to attend public school; no exemptions for personal belief. Home schoolers are exempt.

The CDC stopped reporting Covid cases on Sept. 21, recognizing 95% of Americans 16 and up have some immunity, either from vaccination or infection.

On Feb. 28, Gov. Newsom plans to lift the state of Covid-19 emergency.

Local information: www.santacru zhealth.org/coronavirus or (831) 454-4242 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. n

•••

Active Cases: 644

COVID Deaths: 275

As of Nov. 17

readers; young adult books that meet teens’ interests; and, of course, hundreds of novels in both paper and hardback for adults.

In addition to fiction, the store has healthy collections of history, gardening, biography, sports, music, crafts, travel, cookbooks, and many more categories.

The money raised benefits the Capitola Library. n •••

For information about scheduling a donation pickup up, contact Karen at karen@ sploids.com.

Store hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily (12 – 5 Mondays).

Age

85 and older: 121 • 75-84: 63 • 65-74: 49 60-64: 15 • 55-59: 4 • 45-54: 10 35-44: 8 • 25-34: 5

Underlying Conditions

Yes: 225 • No: 50 Vaccinated

Yes: 38 • No: 237

Race

White 162 • Latinx 90 • Asian 16 • Black 3 Amer Indian 1 • Hawaiian 1 • Another 2 Gender

Men: 139 • Women: 136 Location

At facility for aged: 118 Not at a facility: 157

Michelle Jesberg, the librarian at New Brighton Middle School, is a volunteer at the Capitola Library Friends bookstore in the Capitola Mall.

Using the Wrong ATM in Europe: Costly Mistake

Using an ATM overseas isn’t like with drawing from a cash machine in the United States. If you rush to agree to terms without paying close attention, you could wind up losing hundreds of dollars on unnecessary conversion fees.

I wish I had warned my brother about this when he visited me in Athens this summer. As we were exploring the historic Plaka district one hot afternoon, he excused himself to withdraw money from an auto matic teller. A few minutes later, he returned with 1,000 euros. The cost: $1,219.

That couldn’t be right, I told him. But his receipt from a company called Euronet showed the breakdown: A transaction fee of 3.95 euros, an exchange rate of 0.82 euros to the dollar and a 13% markup from the going exchange rate.

I asked him whether the ATM had dis closed these expenses during the transaction.

“I saw the 3.95 euro fee,” he said. “But I didn’t notice the exchange rate and the markup.”

Many customers also fail to notice unfavorable exchange rates that allow some companies to cash in.

“Hidden” Upcharges

“That’s one of the hidden ATM costs,” said Arun Tharmarajah, head of European banking and expansion at Wise, a financial tech company that specializes in online money transfers. “Customers don’t know about them.”

So why am I kicking myself about these high ATM expenses? Because I knew about them, and I should have said something.

I routinely hear from readers who report fees and surcharges that almost make the exchange rate from the ATM in Greece look like a bargain. And back in 2020, when I was living in Lisbon, I encountered a pricey ATM operated by Euronet.

“Cabrillo Name” from page 4

She added,“ We conducted rigorous outreach to ensure all voices, demographics and perspectives had an opportunity to receive the information and voice an opinion, and prioritized historically underrepresented and emerging student populations. This was an incredibly thorough and academically rigorous

I had spent the last of my euros on a loaf of fresh pão de centeio at a cash-only local bakery. Just across the street, I spotted an ATM. I was relieved when it accepted my card, but that feeling quickly gave way to dismay. The exchange rate looked off. Instead of my U.S. dollar being worth 0.90 euros, it only gave me 0.80.

Then I checked the numbers: The machine charged a $4 fee, plus a 12% markup — displayed on the screen in small print — for exchanging my dollars.

Euronet Worldwide operates a network of more than 50,000 ATMs in 63 countries, according to the company.

Stephanie Taylor, a spokeswoman for Euronet Worldwide, said all of its charges are “clear, transparent and prominently displayed” before every transaction. “The customer may opt out of the transaction at any time at no cost,” she said in an email.

She said Euronet is committed to offering convenient cash to people around the world, but that there is a cost involved with pro viding this service, “which we believe is fair and reasonable.”

Commissions Rising

Simone Semprini, who lives in Lisbon and is the CEO of TourScanner, a comparison site for tours and activities, says high ATM fees are a big concern for his customers.

“In the last few years, we have seen the rise of ATMs that charge huge commissions,” he said.

The ATMs endear themselves to locals in two ways. First, they handsomely com pensate the shopkeepers who host them. (Merchants have told Semprini that they receive up to $1,000 a month to keep a cash machine at their location.) And they also allow customers with a bank account in the ATM’s home country to withdraw with lower fees.

Greg Grobmyer, a dentist from Tennessee, says he was stunned when he returned from a trip to Poland and found $100 in commissions and fees on his credit card bill. He had found a cash machine in Krakow after needing to settle a hotel bill. Although the exchange rate didn’t look great, he didn’t run the numbers before accepting his withdrawal.

“It is unnerving to see those not-so-tiny commissions mounting up to hundreds of dollars,” he said in an email. “Especially if you can avoid them.”

How To Avoid High ATM Charges

So how do you avoid high ATM charges? Preparation is key.

Call your bank before you leave the country to find out what kind of out-ofnetwork ATM fees it charges for overseas transactions. Some banks waive the fees or will credit you after you return to the United States.

Michael Foguth, founder of Foguth Financial Group in Brighton, Mich., rec ommends calling your bank before your trip to order some currency of the country where you’re traveling. He says it may be less expensive, but not free. It requires an in-person visit, and your bank may also offer a less favorable exchange rate when you buy foreign currency.

There are workarounds once you’re on the ground. Mine was to head to a bank ATM, which may give you a better exchange rate.

However, it’s not a perfect solution: Halfway through the transaction, the machine asked whether I wanted to conduct the transaction in dollars or euros. As with credit cards, it’s best to conduct transactions in the local currency and let your bank do the conversion.

By Christopher Elliott

Another fix: Using a multicurrency debit card to reduce your exchange costs. The financial services app Revolut, for example, converts your money at the more favorable interbank rate. (That’s the rate banks charge each other to exchange money.)

For transactions at out-of-network ATMs, Revolut doesn’t charge a fee for withdrawals of up to $1,200 (or the local currency equivalent) per month. After that, it charges a 2% fee of the value of an ATM withdrawal.

Wise, another popular app, also uses the real rate and charges for exchanges on a sliding scale. It’ll cost about $4 to convert $1,000 to euros. For ATMs, there’s no charge for the first $250 in a month, and you pay a 2% fee for anything above that.

Andy Abramson, who runs a commu nications consultancy in Las Vegas, has used both services and says he prefers them to traditional bank transactions.

“I load them up with money and then use them when traveling,” Abramson said. “I can add money when needed in seconds and be spending locally in local currency without any fees.” n

Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him through his consumer advocacy site or email him at chris@elliott.org. This story originally appeared in the Washington Post. © 2022 Christopher Elliott.

process, and I feel like all involved learned something significant about the namesake of Cabrillo College.”

Donna Ziel, who chairs the Cabrillo governing board and was re-elected Nov. 8, said the board decided “the right action at the time is to change the name.”

She added, “As stated in the report, the harm caused by colonial expansion is real and it is a harm that represents

trans-generational trauma to this day. As many people pointed out during the com munity dialogues, now that we know the name Cabrillo does continuing harm to members of the College’s public, we have a responsibility to correct that harm.”

Trustee Adam Spickler said, “I’m really proud of the education and outreach effort that the College engaged in and I’m hopeful that we’ll continue to have strong

community input moving forward, as we work to select a new name for this great College.’

The other trustees are Felipe Her nandez, Dan Rothwell and Steve Trujillo.

The student trustee this year is Devine Hardy. n

To read the Board Name Exploration Sub committee Report, please visit: www.cabrillo.edu.

Adopt a Family for Christmas

There Are Many Ways to Have a Meaningful Holiday

The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County serves as the heart of holiday giving, coordinating with agencies and support networks across the county to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors have the support they need.

To make it easy for potential volun teers to connect with causes they care about, the Volunteer Center launched its annual Holiday Volunteer Guide, where individuals can easily search for volunteer opportunities that meet their personal interests.

Sponsored by Santa Cruz County Bank, the 2022 Holiday Guide offers a way for everyone to get involved with the causes they care about the most. The Holiday Volunteer Guide is at https:// www.scvolunteernow.org/holiday.

“This time of year, community members are looking for ways to connect and make their holiday celebrations more meaningful,” said Christine Thurston, director of volunteer connections at the

Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. “There is something for everyone, no matter how much time or money you have to give. If you’re struggling to find just the right fit for giving back, we will help you find the perfect match for your needs and interests.”

Among those efforts is the Volunteer Center’s own Adopt-a-Family Project. For almost 40 years, the Volunteer Center and its nonprofit partners coordinate with the community to meet the needs of around 450 families struggling to make ends meet during the holidays.

One of these families is led by Crystal, a single mother of a 3-year-old daughter who is also expecting her second child, due Dec. 26. Tragically, Crystal lost her sister to alcoholism two years ago, and as a result,

she adopted her now 6-year-old nephew. With two little children and one on the way, Crystal has been pursuing her dream of becoming an accountant and is currently enrolled in classes at Cabrillo.

Adopters can search for families like Crystal’s, who need some help making the holidays special. Using the search on the Adopt-a-Family website, donors and adopters can find families and their list of needs. Often, the needs are essential items as well as gifts. Crystal needs diapers and basic baby supplies, nursing tops for herself, and warm jackets for the kids. Her 6-year-old nephew dreams of learning guitar and her 3-year-old daughter wishes for a tea set this Christmas.

Ways to support the project include adopting a whole family, purchasing

individual items or grocery gift cards, volunteering in the Adopt-a-Family ware house to wrap and sort gifts, or donating funds to support the project. For infor mation, visit https://scvolunteercenter. org/programs/adopt-a-family/ “I love helping families who are in need!” said Adopt-a-Family volunteer Jessyka Soto. “Sometimes families have hardships, but the children still have holiday wishes. Adopt-a-Family reminds them that they are special and the com munity cares…priceless gifts! The joy this program gives to so many homes is the reason I volunteer.”

Adopt or learn more about the project by calling the Adopt-a-Family Hotline at 831-457-9834. n •••

Many deserving projects and programs in Santa Cruz County are in need of volunteers or financial support this holiday season. For details, see https://www.scvolunteernow.org/ holiday

Emeril in the Kitchen in Pajaro Valley

By Jondi Gumz

At Starlight Elementary, Alexandro, Noemi and Kayden are rock star celebrities.

They are the Life Lab teachers who

show students how to prepare their own food — healthy food.

And now the Starlight students have a brand-new state-of-the-art kitchen, com plete with a garden where they can grow their own veggies.

It’s an unexpected delight, a project initiated with $500,000 from the Emeril Lagasse Foundation of New Orleans – yes, the famous chef—and made possible with more than $1.4 million raised in the farming community of Watsonville – where many people work in agriculture to feed their families.

On Nov. 17, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District hosted a ribbon-cutting for Emeril’s Culinary Garden and Teaching Kitchen at Starlight Elementary, attended by more than 150 people.

Each garden bed had the name of a local sponsor: Ow Family Prop erties, Driscoll’s, Superior Foods, to name a few.

The com posting bin, named the Pooper Scooper, was spon sored by the Live Like Coco Foun dation in memory of Coco Lazenby.

“This has been like a dream,” said Flor Garcia, a parent whose youngest is a Starlight student. “It’s an amazing opportunity.”

She expects these new resources will reduce behavior issues.

Principal Jackie Medina, who was heartily applauded, said more than 150 generous donations came from businesses, foundations and individuals.

One of the donors was the principal herself — her family sponsors a garden bed.

Her name appears on a beautiful mosaic (created by local artist Kathleen Crocetti) to honor donors.

So does the name of Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, superintendent of Pajaro Valley Unified School District, who used the plaque to honor her father, William Gibson.

Garcia said Rodriguez championed the project, and indeed Rodriguez proudly explained how the garden and kitchen is a perfect fit for the district’s mantra of whole child, whole family, whole community.

“Everything we do affects each and every one of you,” she said.

The Pajaro Valley district, with 19,000

students, is the largest in Santa Cruz County, and students who come from less than affluent homes often struggle with learning.

Rodriguez plans to expand the Life Lab outdoor learning program to every elementary school in the district by 2024.

Starlight is one of five schools in the nation chosen by the Emeril Lagasse Foun dation for the culinary garden kickstart grant.

It is the only one located in a rural community.

How did the New Orleans foundation learn about Starlight and Pajaro Valley Unified?

Aisling Mitchell, who traveled to Wat sonville with foundation president Brian Kish, had the answer: Life Lab, based in Santa Cruz, made the introduction.

Life Lab started 43 years ago, said Don Burgett, co-director of Life Lab.

Added Judit Camacho, Life Lab codirector, “These are the seeds of change. We create possibilities for children in the future.” n

Young cooks serve up spiced cider (with persimmon)

D’Andre James of Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, which gave $100,000+, talks to attendees inside Starlight Elementary’s new kitchen.

Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez with donor recognition mosaic.

Brynden, 9, checks out the Life Lab table.

Agapé Dance Presents The Nutcracker

The holidays are just around the corner, and we all know that marks the return of the perennially exciting ballet The Nutcracker.

This year’s show is going to be extra special for the community at Agapé Dance because it marks their 10th anniversary! Ever since Melanie Useldinger started Agapé Dance in 2012, they’ve been trying to bring their characteristic blend of the rigor of classical ballet and the warmth and care of agapé love.

While this isn’t most of the dancers’ first rodeo, this Nutcracker will be par ticularly special for one of Agapé’s newest dancers, Yeva Ziniak. Yeva’s family just moved to the Santa Cruz area after the con flict started in Ukraine earlier this year.

After starting ballet on scholarship in the spring, Yeva got to experience the excitement of ballet for the first time dancing in Agapé’s summer production of Swan Lake. Now, she’s working hard to get ready for her very first Nutcracker!

“Working on Nutcracker really gets me excited about the holidays coming up,” says Director Conrad Useldinger, “and all the things I love about the holidays–the community, the quality time spent together–they can really be felt when I’m working with my students and their families on the

show. I’m also looking forward to trying mid-week performances. That way, people don’t have to miss all their holiday parties, and it’s so close to Christmas that people can bring their holiday guests to this super fun experience.”

Christina Frankiv, 16, will be playing the role of Sugarplum Fairy this year alongside guest artist Aly Ely. Both Christina and Aly have been dancing at Agapé ever since its opening, so it’ll be fun having both dancers on-stage for the 10th Anniversary show.

Along with these fabulous dancers, this year’s show will be featuring a special

new section for Agapé alumni choreo graphed by Aly Ely. The creative team at Agapé can’t wait for the community to see this spectacular show. n

This year, you can catch Agapé Dance’s 10th Anniversary Nutcracker at Cabrillo Col lege’s Crocker Theater, where it will be showing on Wednesday, Dec. 21st and Thursday, Dec. 22nd, with shows at 2:30pm and 6:30pm on both days. A portion of the ticket sales for the show will be donated to Nova Ukraine, an organization providing humanitarian aid to Ukrainians during the ongoing struggle. Tickets start at $35.

Melt in your mouth roast

Dientes, Santa Cruz Community Health Hiring for New Clinics

Dientes and Santa Cruz Community Health are hiring staff for their new medical office and dental office at 1500 Capitola Road in Live Oak, taking appointments starting Dec. 5 and Dec. 6, respectively.

MidPen Housing, which is building 57 affordable rentals at the same site, to open in 2024, is recruiting a community manager, programs manager, services coordinator, desk clerk and more.

Construction, a typically higherpaying sector, is healthy with more than 5,000 jobs. So is manufacturing, which tops 7,500 jobs.

Government includes UC Santa Cruz student workers; graduate teaching assis tants represented by United Auto Workers are on strike for higher pay. n

“Jobs” page 20

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Santa Cruz Community Health is hiring.

Fair Manager, Barns on Board Agenda Dec. 6

Don Dietrich, interim CEO of the Santa Cruz County Fair, reports the board on Dec. 6 will get an update on the live stock barns — deemed unsafe and also historic — and will consider hiring an interim manager, allowing him to return to being board president.

Details on the latter are not final.

A determination relating to the historic designation of the barns is pending.

He’ll also have a report on hiring a per manent manager to success Dave Kegebein, who was fired in the wake of a critical state audit citing a lack of receipts for $163,442 of purchases.

Dietrich said a recording secretary has been hired subject to board approval.

“I’ve hired an administrative assistant with an background in accounting who is starting the 28th, there is no other planned staff hiring at this point in time,” he reported via email.

As for the Holiday Lights, “they appear to be ready to go. I would invite everyone to come out and enjoy them.”

That event is presented Nov. 25 through Dec. 25 at the fairgrounds by the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation for the benefit of the fairgrounds.

To read the agenda for the 1:30 p.m. meeting see https://www.santacruzcountyfair.com/ images/stories/agenda/2022/dec/0-MeetingNotice-and-Agenda-December-6-2022.pdf

This recipe from Life Lab teacher Alexandro Ochoa of Life Lab was served up by students at Starlight Elementary School in Watsonville at the celebration for the newly completed Emeril’s Culinary Kitchen & Teaching Garden in Watsonville.

Life Lab’s Noemi Romo and Kayden Bryant also teach students.

The project was seeded with $500,000 from the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, fol lowed by more than $1.4 million raised locally.

The New Orleans chef’s foundation chose 5 schools in the nation, with the Pajaro Valley Unified School District site the only rural location.

How did the foundation hear about Starlight Elementary? The tip came from Life Lab, the garden education program based in Santa Cruz.

Ingredients for one pot

Sugar-free apple juice or cider

Share A Recipe!

Do you have a recipe that is a family favorite? Or maybe one from your childhood you would like to share? The Aptos Times will be publishing one recipe each issue from a community member.

Feel free to add a little history to the recipe if you want (approximately 75 words). Every issue we will ran domly choose a recipe to publish.

Find your favorite and send it to cathe@cyber-times.com today!

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Spiced cider: A tasty warm beverage for cold-weather months.

Santa Cruz Seahawks Eye National Title, Again

By Kieran Kelly

In 2021, the Santa Cruz Seahawks, a youth football team, traveled to Florida for the National Pop Warner Football Cham pionship and made history as the first National Champions in the West Coast Conference Division.

The team could be forgiven for taking it easy this year after last year’s history making run. After all, it isn’t easy to follow up a championship season — just ask the Golden State Warriors or LA Rams.

However, taking the easy route was not an option for the Seahawks this year.

Three of their key players, Kelton Forbus, Keyandre Bailey, and Devon Wil liams, are close friends and have played together since the second grade. Williams was a starting player on the 2021 team, but he suffered a season-ending injury that prevented him from playing in the cham pionship game alongside his teammates.

After becoming national champions and playing their final game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Forbus, Bailey, and Williams promised each other that they would return the following year so Wil liams would have an opportunity to play in the Pop Warner version of the Super Bowl.

“Before we left the stadium, Keyandre and I told Devon, ‘We are coming back here next year. All three of us are going to play in Florida together before we go to high

school,’” said Kelton Forbus, quarterback for the Seahawks.

Forbus, Bailey and Williams are the only three returning players from the 2021 National Championship team, but they are making good on their promise and taking their 2022 12-U football team back to Florida to compete for a second National Championship Dec. 3-10.

The three returning starters from the 2021 National Championship team had to make some adjustments on offense to be contenders this season.

The Seahawks’ Keyandre Bailey (from left), Kelton Forbus, and Devon Williams.

Head coach Joe Mata holds up a trophy in front of the Santa Cruz Seahawks

Jobs in Santa Cruz County Sector October 2022 Change from October 2021 Government 22,200 Up 1,300 Private education 17,800 Up 600 & health

Manufacturing 7,700 Up 200 Construction 5,100 Up 200 Other 4,800 Up 200 Trade/transportation/ 16,600 Up 100 utilities

Professional/business 10,900 Up 100 services Financial 3,300 0 Information 600 0 Leisure/hospitality 12,900 Down 100

Nonfarm 102,900 Up 2,600 Farm 8,600 Down 200 Total 111,500 Up 2,400

Labor force 136,700 Up .7% Employment* 131,800 Up 2.1% Unemployment 5,300 Down 25% Unemployment rate 3.6% 4.9% Count is on the 12th of the month *Includes commuters out of the county

Source: California Employment Devel opment Department

Unemployment in Santa Cruz County was 3.6% in October, down from 4.9% a year ago as the labor force grew from 135,800 to 136,700. Unemployment has dropped below 3.8% for the past two months, compared to 17+% in 2020, fueled by pandemic restrictions.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Housing is building affordable rental housing at 1500 Capitola Road, Live Oak. The contractor is Bogard Construction of Santa Cruz.

Strike Out Against Cancer Raises Over $59,000

Thank you to all who donated, spon sored, and participated in our 26th Annual Strike Out Against Cancer bowling fundraiser! Thanks to you, we have raised $59,442!! Donations are still coming in and we hope to see that number grow closer to our goal of $70,000.

This event is a fun-filled day that brings awareness to the face of cancer in our community and it brings much needed funding for WomenCARE. The money raised from this event, our biggest fundraiser of the year, keeps our doors open and allows us to continue to provide support services for women with cancer in our community, as well as to their loved ones.

We were so happy to see so many new faces and be able to meet new supporters! It is heart-warming to receive such support from so many people and to spend a day bowling, laughing, and getting to know each other better. We are so thankful to live in a community that offers such strong support to local organizations like ours.

We have pictures! Check our Facebook page. If you don’t see your team, keep checking. If you were snapping photos during the bowl-a-thon, and are willing to share, please forward them on to me.

Thank you also to our amazing sponsors! Because of their generosity,

100% of event proceeds goes directly to our cancer support services that are always free to our clients.

Thank you again for your support of WomenCARE and participation in Strike Out Against Cancer. We hope to see you again next year!

— Janette Waters, Associate Program Director, WomenCARE & Strike Out Committee Chair

Alicia De Rollo celebrates her team raising the most money in session 1

Home for the Holidays

Does Your Loved One Need Added Care?

By Schekesia Meadough

The holiday season is all about spending quality time with your nearest and dearest. It is also a great time to check in on the aging loved ones in your life. While the thought of a parent, grandparent, or another close family member growing older is one you may want to avoid, it’s incredibly important to watch them year over year. While there are many expected changes that come with age, some signs can mean it’s time to seek added care.

Here are a few lesser-known signs to keep an eye out for as you spend time with loved ones this year.

Excessive Fears or Worries

Is your loved one becoming increasingly worried, isolating more from friends/ families, sleeping more, or less interested in activities that previously brought them joy? If so, this may be a sign of a developing mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety.

Mental health changes are common among older adults with an estimated 7 million American adults over the age of 65 experiencing depression each year.

It may be dif ficult for your loved one to acknowledge feeling more stressed or depressed, so find a time to talk to them when they are relaxed and can feel com fortable opening up. If they decide that they do want professional support, seek out a licensed mental health therapist. There are many online options if you are unable to find someone in your local community.

or even leaning on sideboards, the backs of chairs and other furniture to get support while moving around the house?

It could be that your loved one is expe riencing challenges with mobility, which may increase their risk for falls.

Another reason could be cardiovas cular-related if they are losing their breath or feeling tired after only walking a short distance.

Pay attention to your loved ones’ activity level. If it is mobility-related, con sider modifying their home and helping them find resources for strength training that could improve their balance.

For cardiovascular disease, ask your loved one if they have discussed it with their physician or help them schedule a check-up.

Changes in Appetite or Weight Loss

Is your loved one no longer enjoying their favorite holiday recipe, or are eating less in general? Gastrointestinal issues may be the culprit and can lead to larger concerns later including rapid weight loss, nutrient deficiencies and more.

Living A Senior Life

Have a conver sation to help protect their digestive health and consider working with a registered dietician or nutritionist on simple changes they can make in their diet.

Taking More Breaks

Have you noticed your loved one sitting or lying down more than usual, going to bed a lot earlier after a day of family fun,

“Seahawks” from page 18

After demonstrating his ability to throw the football over 40 yards, the team moved Forbus to the quarterback position.

Forbus threw nine touchdown passes this season, eight of which were caught by Devon Williams. Forbus also rushed for another 16 touchdowns.

Keyandre Bailey was also a top touchdown leader for the Seahawks.

The team is quite young, even by Pop

If you notice their clothes are becoming increasingly looser or the belt notch is changing consistently to a tighter notch, it may be time to make your loved one an appointment to see their primary healthcare provider to determine if there is a more serious medical concern.

As you watch for these signs and anything else that may seem out of the ordinary, aim to keep a written list to

discuss with your loved one and possibly a care provider.

Remember that if their health and quality of life have declined considerably, it may be the time to have a larger discussion about their care.

This could include moving in with family, finding the right senior housing community, or coordinating in-home care. Respite care is also an option if you are

interested in trying out a care option and seeing how your loved one may respond.

No matter what, the best thing you can do is explore resources and help as soon as you recognize a potential issue so you and your loved one can get the support you need right away. n •••

Schekesia Meadough is vice president of clinical and health services, Aegis Living.

Warner standards, but offensive coordinator John O’Hara built the offense around his players’ strengths and passing the ball more than they have in the past. The results have been impressive as opponents have struggled to slow down the high-powered offense.

“As a parent and coach, I have had the privilege of watching all the players grow.

Coach John O’Hara, Coach Joe Mata and I have coached a core of 9 kids since they first started Pop Warner football at the 8 U division. It is amazing what this program

has helped these kids achieve on and off the field,” said David Forbus, defensive coordinator and Kelton’s father. “They have developed friendships and life expe riences that will impact them for the rest of their life.”

The Seahawks are excited to return to Orlando for this year’s National Championship and they know that their community will be watching.

Earlier this year, local leaders gathered on the County Courthouse steps

to recognize Santa Cruz County’s first national champion youth sports team.

“It is inspiring to see these young men support each other as teammates. They are developing into real leaders and learning lessons that will serve them well in life, both on and off the field,” said Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend. n •••

To view the 2022 Pop Warner Super Bowl, which runs Dec. 3-10, visit www.popwarner superbowl.com

Counselors, Catching Up Credits, Late Start Law & Virtual Enrollment Drop

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

You stated that you have increased the number of social emotional supports for students. What are the numbers, and do you have any vacancies in those areas?

PVUSD has significantly increased the number of social emotional counselors and mental health clinicians in our schools. Below are the correct numbers noted in the 2022 State of the District. We currently have one opening for a social emotional coun selor due to a promotion that occurred in October.

We are fully staffed and do not have any vacancies/openings for academic (school) counselors or mental health clini cians. We currently have 16 PVUSD school psychologists, 3 school psychologists interns and 3 licensed school psychologists through established agencies to ensure stu dents receive the needed services.

PVUSD is also very unique as our students have the support of our dedicated non-profit agency, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance. Through PVPSA, students and families are provided with additional mental health services.

Why is PVUSD and PVPSA not sup porting Linscott students with a social emotional counselor? Linscott still falls under PVUSD’s umbrella and PVPSA is community-based program. OT and speech from PVUSD support Linscott.

Linscott is an independent charter school which receives its own funding separate from PVUSD. Linscott determines through their own administration and Board how they spend their funding allocation. It is at their discretion whether the staff that they hire includes social-emotional counselors.

As PVUSD has its own SELPA, we provide special education services to all students living within the PVUSD bound aries including students attending Linscott. Therefore, we do provide limited special services to qualifying Linscott students.

I just received a call from school saying my child is missing class and homework. How do I keep track of my child’s grades and attendance?

You can download ParentVUE, an app that goes right on your phone. With ParentVUE you can access your child’s grades, class attendance, connect with teachers, and more.

If you need support using the app, please feel free to come to the College and Career Center at your child’s high school and a staff member will be able to help. My student is deficient in credits and may

not graduate. What resources can I link my students up to to get them back on track?

PVUSD is committed to supporting both the student and their family to recover the necessary credits to graduate. The pan demic threw many students off course, so PVUSD has focused these past few years on getting students caught up.

We host a number of credit recovery options, such as Winter Session, Edgenuity, tutoring through Paper, and options to allow more underclassmen students to attend summer credit recovery sessions.

Students who are off track should check in with their academic counselor or stop by the College and Career Center to meet with a college facilitator who can map out a plan for them to graduate on time and be eligible for college. While they are there, have them sign up for free after school tutoring as well!

My child has been recommended for Renaissance but is resistant to switching schools. How do I show them transferring could help?

Renaissance High School is one of PVUSD’s great resources to help stu dents struggling with high school get back on track for graduation. The school focuses on credit recovery with a staff dedicated to providing customized alternative edu cation with lower class sizes.

At Renaissance High School, stu dents are able to receive more educational options than they might receive in our comprehensive high schools. For example, accelerated tracks to make up credits or low grades that are not available in high schools are available at Renaissance. While at Renaissance, students set goals to help them succeed as they work toward gradu ation and college.

I would encourage you to talk with your student’s counselor to learn more about Renaissance, and possibly even visit the campus.

I want to know if they’re going to continue with late start and late ending of the high school level. Getting out at 3:45 is very hard for appointments for students from doctors, orthodontist, counseling it is getting harder to get these done, not to mention the homework load. For students who take the bus in the A.M they still have to get up early. So saying they need more sleep is a contradiction. Can a petition be started for this to go back to normal hours? I am sure you and your staff like to be off work at your given time

of the day so would other professional workers. Thank you for your time.

The delayed start time for middle and high school students is driven by Cali fornia state legislation, Senate Bill 328. In 2019, California legislators passed a firstof-its-kind law requiring that public high schools begin classes no earlier than 8:30 a.m., and that middle schools start no earlier than 8 a.m. by the 2022- 2023 school year.

PVUSD and all other school districts in California have moved back the time. With the required instructional minutes, students now leave school approximately one hour later than previous years.

Unless legislation changes, PVUSD will continue with the current arrival and dismissal times for the upcoming school year for secondary students. My student is a first grader in the Virtual Academy, and has been since kindergarten. One of the reasons we decided to keep him in VA this year is because we loved his kin dergarten teacher, Ms. Klein, and she was teaching first grade this year. However, we were suddenly informed in October that Ms. Klein was being displaced. Could you go into the reasons for reassigning a teacher in the middle of a semester with no warning, especially when a child has been with a teach for over a year? My student went from being in a manageable class with kindergartners and first graders to being in a big class with K-4s. Thank you. PVUSD created Virtual Academy as an option for families that wanted an alter native to in-person learning and a school that allows more flexibility and accel eration. Over the last two years, Virtual Academy has seen a significant drop in elementary enrollment.

We originally maintained the 5 ele mentary teachers and the site increased recruitment efforts. However, at the time of the shift, Virtual Academy had only 39 ele mentary students and 5 elementary teachers, which meant extremely small class sizes.

Virtual Academy still has 3 elementary teachers to support those 39 students, which results in comparatively low class sizes. As the Virtual Academy is a different online structure than a regular classroom, a teacher can manage a wider range of grades.

What is going on with students not coming to school? It is very difficult to teach a student that pops in every few weeks. It seems there are no consequences to students taking a lot of days off school.

Our attendance this year is similar to last year. California compulsory education

law requires that everyone between the ages of 6 and 18 years of age attend school every day. The following criteria classifies students as truant:

1) Absent from school without a valid excuse for three full days in one school year

2) Tardy or absent for more than a 30-minute period during the school day without a valid excuse on three occasions in one school year

3) Or any combination thereof

As a district we have a truancy noti fication system that allows us to inform families when their student has been clas sified as truant. The truancy notification contains specific information related to the student’s absences and the first step in helping remedy the attendance con cerns. Families are provided with three truancy notification letters before they are referred to our School Attendance Review Board.

Our School Attendance Review Board meetings are held on a monthly basis for students who have received the third truancy letter and have had no improvement in their attendance. Our SARB committee is composed of repre sentatives from various youth-serving agencies, as well as site level staff. The intent is to help truant students and their parents/guardians solve school attendance problems through the use of available school and community resources.

Although the goal of SARBs is to keep students in school and provide them with a meaningful educational experience, SARBs do have the power, when nec essary, to refer students and their parents/ guardians to court. Often teachers are the first identifiers of truant students and can be the first ones to intervene by reaching out to the families.

We highly encourage staff to consult with site administration and/or site atten dance monitors when they come across students who are truant. If appropriate, they should be sending the truancy letter notifications home and referring students to SARB.

Students with significant attendance issues should also be referred to the Site Wellness Team so they can engage with the student and family to identify any underlying concerns causing the poor attendance.

A Year of Many Accomplishments for Our Customers & Community

By Dr. Tom LaHue, President, Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors

As we approach the end of 2022, I want to say that I sincerely hope it has been a good year for you – our customers, community members, and all who read this article and have an interest in the Soquel Creek Water District. Here at the District, 2022 has been a remarkable year, and I’d like to share with you a brief overview of some great things that we’ve accomplished – entirely focused on delivering, protecting, and enhancing the water supply on which we all depend.

I am excited about the significant progress on our Pure Water Soquel (PWS) project, which will create a drought-proof, sustainable water supply by purifying recycled water and using it to replenish our overdrafted groundwater basin.

I am happy to report on several milestone accomplishments in 2022 on construction on the eight-mile dual pipeline (80% complete) and the advanced water purification center (30% complete).

And, not related to construction but important for the project’s recognition and awareness, the staff-designed “butterfly” logo for PWS earned an award from the California Association of Public Information Officials, as one of 2022’s most creative and effective communications/marketing efforts by a public agency.

During 2022, we continued our remarkable record of gaining significant funding support for PWS. In October, the Cal ifornia State Water Resources Control Board awarded us additional Proposition 1 funds — a $13.25 million grant and a $13.25 million low-interest (1.6%) loan. This is in addition to a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation grant for $21 million for PWS awarded during the summer.

To top off the year, I am so proud of our staff and our partners for their work in 2022 to bring international attention to Pure Water Soquel, with a mini-documentary about the project. We are one of two chosen in the United States of the 16 short films produced by BBC StoryWorks as part of their series called “Beneath the Surface: The Journey of Water,” presented by the International Water Association, which highlights innovation and innovators who are advancing positive change toward water sustainability. See them all at bbc.com/storyworks/specials/ beneath-the-surface.

To help us stay on track with the evolving needs of our community and changing cir cumstances, the Board updated our Strategic Plan, which consists of the District’s Mission Statement, Values, and Primary Organiza tional Goals. Our mission continues to be

that we are dedicated to providing a safe, high quality, reliable, and sustainable water supply to meet our community’s present and future needs in an environmentally sen sitive and economically responsible manner.

The Plan helps us stay aligned with our customers and community, and to most effec tively allocate resources to accomplish the desired goals (keeping in mind that financial resources are limited). This is an important tool to help us best provide you with water for today and for decades to come. It guides not only our overall direction but also our departmental implementation plans and ulti mately the day-to-day efforts of our staff.

As part of the District’s core business of providing you with water, we gained State approval of our Urban Water Management Plan, which outlines how we will achieve a sustainable water supply. We have also completed upgrading all water meters to i-Meters (intelligent metering technology), making it easier for you to track water use and get timely alerts about leaks or unusual, excessive use.

Our ongoing commitment to ensuring you have safe, clean water included con ducting over 13,000 drinking water quality tests, repairing several water main and service pipeline leaks, and conducting main tenance of our infrastructure, while providing water to our customers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We are proud to have won and been rec ognized as one of the Top 10 award winners by Government Technology in the leadership category for their 2022 District Innovation Awards program. The District was also recog nized with the Transparency Award from the Special District Leadership Foundations, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association and the Operating Budget of Excellence Award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers.

Our Outreach team has been able to return to public events this year and October brought the return of the in-person Water Harvest Festival, which was relegated to online-only during the prior two years of the pandemic. Several hundred people came to enjoy great music, water-related information and resources, and fun family activities – there was a clear sense of celebration at having this beloved event once again in-person!!

On the infrastructure front, we have

some big capital improvement projects that have ended and are beginning. We installed 3,400 feet of new water main on Cliff Drive and Bayview Drive.

We also began construction on a replacement well for the 70-year-old Country

Club Well. And we were awarded funds this year from a $7.6 million grant that the Mid-County Groundwater Agency received from the California Department of Water Resources Sustainable Groundwater Man agement Grant Program that will be used to design and partially fund building a new well on Cunnison Lane. “Water

Gratitude as Amulet & Talisman, a Radiance of Kindness

We have entered the Season of Gratitude. A season filled with rituals of light and gift giving, of eating together and of sharing generously our abundance. It is also the season Advent (something’s coming!).

At the last new moon in November, Jupiter (benevolence, goodness, love, wisdom) turned direct. A very auspicious celestial move for our Season of Gratitude and Giving. With Jupiter direct we are more charitable, optimistic and most of all more com passionate. We see everyone as a character, doing their part, always doing their best.

About Gratitude — some are attempting to elim inate, ignore and forego the rituals of the holidays. But the autumn and winter festivals (Thanksgiving, Advent, Sol stice, Christmas,etc.) are not about some random historical event from long ago. The season of Gratitude is a time to recognize the past year’s “harvest of blessings.” It’s a reminder to appreciate — to be glad and pleased and grateful, happy and content. It’s a time to praise and bless and it’s a day for graciousness, too. All of these are also Jupiter’s virtues. It is also time to ask the self what we are grateful for. Gratitude creates well-being and happiness. Gratitude releases us into a state of freedom.

ARIES

It’s most important to find times for reflection and contemplation because there’s such an onrush of activity, ideas and ideals flowing here, there, everywhere in this season. There’s a desire to travel, discov ering new realities important to your well-being. Without pausing a bit, they will be missed. It’s also good to review what’s of value while observing what’s occurring in the world. A question — how are you aiding in building the new society and what do you envision for the future?

TAURUS

You continue to tend to the care and well-being of others. Some times you remember to care for yourself. You must remember that you are a valuable resource. If you are not tended to well enough, you cannot be a resource for others. Ideas and visions for the new era and what’s needed continue to appear. Their manifes tation into form has been elusive. There is an esoteric equation for manifestation. We see the need, we call in the needed resources, we imagine the outflow of abundant resources. It’s an Aquarian triangle (and art) with Uranus at the center.

GEMINI

It’s most important to reflect upon what your relationships are based upon. Include all relationships, but begin with your most intimate one(s). Consider what’s taken for granted, what’s understood and not understood, and what allows you to be most truthful. Is there talk about moving, relocating and rethinking resources? A new path comes forth and a new message within the relationship. Listen with patience, perseverance, poise and serenity. Poise allows creation to unfold.

CANCER

Your idea of a schedule quickly dissipates and you find yourself with no routines, plans or the ability to take control of daily events. Anything you’ve thought of doing simply melts into states of chaos seeking the next level of harmony. However, the harmony’s not manifesting for a while. The best thing to do is to read, study and in between prepare nourishing foods for others. They will receive it as manna (goodness) from the heavens. You are that.

The theme of the season therefore, from now through January 6th, is Gratitude, referred to in the Wisdom teachings as the “Kingly or Royal Way”, a way of life. The Royal Way is a state of constant and ceaseless gratitude and appreciation. “Gratitude” comes from Latin “gratus,’ meaning pleasing, thankful and related to grace. The Wisdom teachings refer to Gratitude as a potent releasing agent. It is the hallmark of an enlightened Soul. Gratitude is scientific in nature. It salvages humanity, brings forth deep joy, lifts others up, and creates a steadfast orientation toward the Light of Life itself.

Gratitude is an amulet and a talisman, creating merit and virtue leading to forgiveness. Gratitude liberates us from karma and sets us free. The autumn season with its many festivals of Light invites us to embark on a journey of Gratitude together. When disciples and the New Group of World Servers offer Gratitude, there is a “radiance of solace, kindness and love that flows into the sorrow and suffering of the world.” n

My Gratitude to all my readers for their presence in my life. May Goodwill, Joy and Loving-Kindness be the gifts of the Season for everyone! Risa

LEO

The past year has been rather serious for many, especially you - restructuring and disciplining us in confronting the past and bringing forth new ways of thinking. This new moon with its Sagittarius fire calls you to a new study, possible journeys, to recreation, children, pleasure, creativity, games, fun, enjoyment and being with like-minded others. Is there a wound that has come into your awareness, a sadness, a loss? Do you need to communicate about it so the veils of sorrow can drop away? I will listen.

VIRGO

Family and parents, the foundations of your life, your childhood, beliefs learned while young and carried into the present time will be on your mind for the purpose of appraising, cleansing, clearing, and eliminating all that is no longer useful. Be aware that moodiness, brooding, and perhaps intense feelings will arise. Let them be your friends. Contemplate and evaluate these with intelligence, patience and careful observation. There’s a brilliance in them, like a jewel to be polished at the center of a lotus.

LIBRA

It’s good to be in touch with siblings, communicating with them, sharing news, family gossip, hopes, wishes, dreams, plans and ideals. Do all things with family that makes everyone feel empowered. Do not allow anything (ideas, sorrows, pain, unforgiveness, misunderstandings, etc.) from the past to obscure your connections. Allow nothing to be misconstrued. Communicate with the intention to make contact, which releases Love. Your family loves you with all their hearts and Souls.

SCORPIO

The entire world’s in a state of reorientation, a condition you know well, for you experience reorientation continually. The entire world is in a Scorpio state of transformation, testing, of dying and regenerating, so that the new era can come forth. Your importance in this great shift is the fact that your knowledge, dedications, curiosities and research abilities become the core information source for humanity and the new culture and civilization. What are your present tasks? What are you using your resources for? Are you happy?

SAGITTARIUS

There’s an opportunity now, not wanting to waste a moment of life’s energy or time, to redefine yourself, your self-identity and purpose. You’re able to change your mind about who you (think you) are and how you see yourself. Be aware that your presence is very impactful to many others around you. Issues and decisions, you thought were concluded reappear for re-evaluation and reassessment. New rhythms, tempos and patterns are appearing. Just let the music play. It’s magic. This is Jupiter in Pisces stationing in your heart.

CAPRICORN

You may feel you’re waiting in the wings for new realities to appear. It’s like planning a winter garden –arugula, kales, mustards, onions, wintergreens, thyme, oregano, parsley – envisioning spring for the first green shoots to appear. Everything on inner levels is being restructured. You feel this but it hasn’t manifested in your outer world. Everything is in right timing. Be as reclusive as needed to allow the roots and flowers and blooms of a new reality to anchor, grow, become strong, later to reshape your life with a new sort of beauty.

AQUARIUS

In the weeks and months to come you discover your true friends, what groups support your endeavors and whom you can turn to for nurturance, needs and simple friendship. So many of humanity are mis-informed. Become a researcher (not a reactor) so you can provide humanity with true information. Then you become part of the education of humanity. Assess your life’s journey. When traveling, follow the rules of the road. For safety and direction. Whatever is hap pening in your physical world is where you need to be.

PISCES

There have been thoughts on teaching, presenting the self to the public, writing, perhaps a small book or two. Perhaps a publishing company of the new art, charts, games. It’s good to think of new endeavors, considering them without making final decisions. Acknowledgements and recognitions come forth unexpectedly. Careful of miscommunication to and with the public. Tend to previous tasks and continue to work with focused con sistency. New tasks will appear. The Hierarchy looks on offering guidance and impressions.

“PVUSD Q&A” from page 24

Is staff able to sign up for PVUSD passport and take their families to these events even if their children don’t attend a PVUSD school? Can you make it accessible to your staff?

Aligned with our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Plan, Intersession Saturdays are intended to be available to PVUSD TK-6th grade students, however, our Intersession Saturdays have many opportu nities available for the whole family. ELO-P funds are provided from CDE to support PVUSD students.

In the event that there are spaces/tickets available that do not get claimed to be utilized by PVUSD students and their families, we may offer them to the larger PVUSD community, which could include staff.

Why is it taking so long for classified to get a raise? I heard they’ve been negotiating for a few months but nothing has been approved yet. Classified staff doesn’t make enough to support themselves if we are a single or head of household it’s difficult to pay for our daily expenses we have been waiting patiently for this raise.

The negotiations process can take some time due to the intricacy of the contract and both the Union and the District ensuring that new language is best for our staff as well as the stu dents we serve.

While the Union and the District were able to come to a tentative agreement on salary rather quickly, there is still language being discussed. We continue to meet with CSEA to finalize negotiations and hope to conclude them in the next few sessions. Once concluded, we will be able to provide an update as to when employees will receive their new salary. Please know we have agreed that any increase will be retroactive, which means the increase will go back to the agreed upon date.

For more information please see the joint statement between PVUSD and CSEA found here. We appreciate the patience of all our employees as we go through this process and appreciate your continued dedication to our students. n

“Water Wisdom” from page 25

Cunnison Lane is part of our Well Master Plan where we are shifting our pumping away from the coast. All of these will improve our system’s resiliency.

Finally, thank you to the community for all your support during 2022, and I hope you share my optimism for 2023 in all things water, and beyond! n •••

Dr. LaHue has served on the Board of Directors since 2003 and is serving his 11th term as President of the Board. He is also the District representative and current Chair on the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency, and serves on the District’s Water Resources Man agement and Infrastructure Committee.

Dr. LaHue is a former member and vice-chair of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. He has a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis, and a teaching credential from CSU Monterey Bay.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JACOB’S HEART: ADOPT A FAMILY

Every year, the Jacob’s Heart Adopt-a-Family program helps alleviate some of the stress families feel during the holiday season.

Some of our families feel the burden of medical expenses, constant hospital trips, grocery needs, and other financial challenges the most during the holiday season.

Your help can lessen this burden and bring joy to these kiddos and their families. We still have 25 families that need to be adopted.

Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/jacobsheart-AoF-signup or reach out to pao-la@jacobsheart.org to learn more about how you can give some holiday cheer to a child who has cancer.

Another way to help: Host a Holiday Drive. It doesn’t have to be toys. It could be shoes, coats, or household essentials. Help Jacob’s Heart spread some holiday cheer and sign up for a Holiday Drive today! Reach out to Brianna@Jacobsheart.org to learn more.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give now to help fight the potential impact of seasonal illnesses and a potentially severe flu season on the blood supply. Donors — especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets — are asked to make an appointment to give.

There is no waiting period to donate blood after receiving a flu shot. Make an ap-pointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is offering donors who give Nov. 1 thru 22 a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice; a Red Cross knit beanie (while supplies last) to those who give Nov. 23-27; and a $10 Amazon gift card to those who give Nov. 28-Dec. 15.

Details at rcblood.org/perks and rcblood.org/together.

GREY BEARS VOLUNTEERS

Choose from 20 volunteer opportunities at Grey Bears. Fill out the form at https://greybears.org/volunteer. Call Rosie: 831-479-1055 ext 226.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

In the first three drive-through distributions, Second Harvest Food Bank staff and volunteers gave out more than 330,000 pounds of food, primarily shelf-stable pantry items, plus frozen meats and fresh vegetables.

Food prices have been rising faster than other goods in 2022 due to complex factors such as avian flu, which reduced the supply of chicken and other poultry, and higher transportation costs due to higher fuel prices.

This means especially high prices for turkey and other traditional holiday favorites. The average Thanksgiving dinner is expected to cost 20% more than last year and 37% more than two years ago.

Housing prices in Santa Cruz County are among the most expensive in the U.S., with average rent in the city of Santa Cruz at $2,800 for a one-bedroom apartment, up 17% over last year.

Dates are: Dec. 5 & 19

Volunteers are welcome — and needed. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the fair-grounds before 3:30 p.m. for training. Second Harvest Food Bank will provide a light dinner and volunteers can take food for themselves or others.

If you are interested, email Stephanie Russo at stephanier@ thefoodbank.org, or call (831) 232-8186.

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY EVENTS

La Selva Beach Library presents Top Gun: Maverick. The film will be shown Sunday, Dec. 4, at 11:30 a.m.

HOLIDAY FUN AT THE BOARDWALK

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been made over for the holidays!

Enjoy a fun-filled day at the Boardwalk and enjoy holiday decorations — a 3-story Christmas tree! — photos with Santa, festive food and shopping.

“The holiday season is a magical time at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,” said Kris Reyes, Boardwalk spokesman. “Where else can families get their picture taken with Santa, do some holiday shopping and ride a world-famous wooden roller coaster?”

Special performances: Mini Nutcracker performance by Santa Cruz City Ballet at International Academy of Dance at Colonnade Stage – 2 p.m. Dec. 3 & 4. School choir/band performances (3 schools each day at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Dec. 10 & 11.

Classic holiday movies are shown in rotation at Colonnade Stage 5-7 p.m. Also: Pedal karts in the main plaza, fire pit rental & holiday s’mores.

Package pricing is $29.95.

Dates: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday – Sunday, Nov. 26-28, Saturdays & Sundays Dec. 3 – 18, Monday – Sunday Dec. 19 – Jan 1.

HOLIDAY ART BY STUDENTS

The talented students at the Monterey Bay Horse manship & Therapeutic Center in La Selva Beach are selling their artwork for the holidays.

A show of 50 pieces of artists’ quality giclee prints at the Ugly Mug Cof feeHouse, 4640 Soquel Drive, Soquel is open through Saturday, Dec 17. All 50 pieces are the same price, $45 each; credit cards and Venmo accepted.

To purchase prints, contact Christine Kiebert-Boss at gombhtc01@gmail.com or 831-840-0047. She is trying to set up a website to sell student art but that will likely come after the holidays.

“There is so much more to do for our students with disabilities,” she said.

The Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center, which serves people with all disabilities including autism, recently received a generous $75,000 grant from Helpers Community, some of which is designated for the arts program.

Students will also show their greeting cards, melamine trays, and prints at the Tannery Arts Center Winter Market, 1070 River St., Santa Cruz, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec 10.

FREE PARKING IN CAPITOLA VILLAGE THRU CHRISTMAS

Once again, the Capitola City Council has approved free 3-hour parking in Capitola Village from Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24) through Christmas Day (Dec. 25).

Enjoy this perk when holiday shopping, visiting Capitola Beach, or treating yourself to a festive meal with an ocean view.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project presents Holiday Lights 2022 from 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 25 – Dec. 25 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville.

This is over a half-mile drive-through experience of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you.

Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa –reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels, and many more magical moments. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday Experience.

Visit fairgrounds-foundation.org/holiday-lights/.

CABRILLO LIONS TOY DRIVE

Cabrillo Host Lions & Friends are running a Holiday Toy Drive Dec. 1-15.

Toy Bins will be at:

• Ocean Honda, 41st Ave., Soquel, which has a Giving Tree

• Central Fire Department, all 6 offices, Aptos station included.

• Wonderland Toys & Surf City Coffee, Aptos

• Woodworm Party Store, Capitola

• Sword & Board Games, Capitola Mall

• Santa Cruz Host Lions’ Christmas tree lot, Santa Cruz

• Horsnyder’s Pharmacy in Midtown Santa Cruz

See more locations at www.CabrilloHostLions.org

The Lions’ distribution through the Center for Farmworker Families is set for Dec 9.

Social workers will help place toys one-on-one with children of foster families. For questions, email JeannieCCollins@gmail.com

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS

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

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road Ongoing thru Aug. 8

The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays.

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

DATED EVENTS

Saturday November 26

SURFIN’ SANTA VISITS CAPITOLA Noon-3 p.m., Capitola Beach off Capitola Village Surfin’ Santa returns to the shores of Capitola Beach. Santa will be riding the waves via Outrigger canoe, rain or shine, for his annual vis-it to Capitola Village, arriving at noon to visit with all the kids.

Once toweled off, he’ll settle in his beach chair for a nice, long visit.

Be sure to bring your camera to capture Santa’s wave riding arrival, and your little one’s visit with Santa.

It makes a great holiday photo! This is Small Business Saturday, so you can visit your favorite Capitola Village shops and restaurants and #ShopSmall.

Tuesday November 29

GIVING TUESDAY

Giving Tuesday, often styled as #GivingTuesday for hashtag activism, is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is touted as a “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organi zations to transform their communities and the world.”

CRUMBL COOKIES RIBBON CUTTING

11 a.m.-Noon, 2750 41st Avenue #E, Soquel

Join the Capitola-Soquel Chamber in welcoming Crumbl Cookies to Soquel with a Ribbon Cutting at their new location. Attendees will receive a free Crumbl Cookie card good for a delicious cookie of your choosing.

Crumbl Cookies is locally owned and operated. Cookies are made fresh every day. The menu rotates weekly to give offer 4-5 different specialty flavors. The store’s famous Milk Chocolate Chip will always be available. Looking for the best cookie delivery service? Crumbl offers gourmet desserts and treats ready to be delivered straight to your door.

https://crumblcookies.com/cacapitola

Thursday December 1

PURE WATER SOQUEL PUBLIC HEARING

5:30 p.m., Online Meeting

The public is invited to attend a virtual hearing on the Pure Water Soquel Ground-water Replenishment Reuse Project. The public hearing will online via Zoom. Join from a computer/phone/tablet by using this link: https://tinyurl.com/pws-public-hearing-dec-1-2022 Passcode: 676862

•••

Public comments are due by 5 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 8. All public comments on the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment Reuse Project Title 22 Engineering Report can be made as written or oral comments at the public hearing.

Email: PureWaterSoquel@soquelcreekwater.org Use subject line: PWS Title 22 Engineering Report

HOMELESS GARDEN PROJECT HOLIDAY BENEFIT 6:30-9 p.m., Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean St., SC The Homeless Garden Project will host a Holiday Celebration to benefit their training and employment programs for individuals experiencing homelessness at the Resource Center for Nonviolence.

The celebration features participant accomplishments, the film “Mission: JOY” and Douglas Abrams, co-author of The Book of Joy, focusing on Nobel Peace Prize winners His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu talking about the challenges of living a joyful life.

The film consists of never-before-seen footage shot over 5 days at the Dalai Lama’s residence, as these luminaries recount stories from their lives, each having lived through periods of incredible strife.

Small bites and beverages, plus products for sale made in Homeless Garden Project’s training program.

Ticket price: $15 at https://bit.ly/HGPHoliday22, or $10 per ticket at Homeless Garden Project downtown store, 1338 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. Attendees are encouraged to wear a mask.

Thursday December 1

Friday December 2

HOLIDAY ART & CRAFT FAIR

11 a.m.-4 p.m., Community Health Trust, 85 Nielson St, Watsonville (across Airport Blvd. from the Watsonville Com munity Hospital main entrance)

You are invited to attend Silver Circle’s annual Holiday Art & Craft Fair at the Community Health Trust.

Bring a friend or two and enjoy the warmth and music of a Christmas celebration. Parking, attendance and a cup of hot cider are all free.

Thirty juried artisans

Enjoy baked goods as you listen to Jesse Martinez sing.

This art fair was quietly held for many years as an in-house Christmas sale for the convenience of doctors and nurses. Now that the secret is out, the sale has gotten bigger and gone public.

Buy hand-crafted items to fill your Christmas list. Maybe you’ll see something for yourself that’s really special that you just can’t live without.

Raffle tickets for featured artwork will be sold at $5 each. Profits go to Silver Circle, a lively seniors group focused on exercise and good health.

For info about Senior Circle, contact Sonia Westphal at keson1comcast.net

Friday December 2

Saturday December 3

HERITAGE HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

Noon-9 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation invites you to the 45th Annual Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair.

The Harvest, Crosetti, and Fine Art buildings at the Fairgrounds will once again be filled with great handmade crafts and gift ideas for this holiday.

At 5 p.m., when the Holiday Lights come alive, there will be a walk through. Enjoy both events for the same admission price.

Admission is $6 per person, children 6 and under free!

Saturday December 3

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR & TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

1-5 p.m., Aptos Village Green (in front of New Leaf Com munity Market)

Join us for a free family-friendly holiday celebration at Aptos Village.

Enjoy a visit from Santa Claus, the lighting of the village Christmas tree, music, gifts for sale from local craft vendors, hot chocolate and more! It’s free.

Potential vendors should call the Aptos Chamber of Com merce for information: 831-688-1467.

Saturday December 3

Sunday December 4

WINTER CHORAL CONCERT

2 p.m., Aptos High School, 100 Mariner Way Aptos High School will present “Sounds of the Season” Winter Choral Concert at the school, featuring three choirs plus “sensational” soloists.

Holly Ota will direct this festive event, with talented accompanist Marina Thomas, who immigrated from Ukraine 8 years ago.

Selections will feature Christmas, Hanukkah and winter, plus two songs on unity and integrity, which Ota says have always been December concert themes.

A new instrumentalist will perform, playing drums, clarinet and saxophone. Dr. Kelly Corbin, from southern California, is Valencia Elementary’s new music teacher.

General admission is $8; students $5, with tickets sold at the door and seating 30 minutes be-fore the concert.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Monday December 5

HOW TO COMBAT FLU & COLDS

6-7:30 p.m., 2121 41st Ave, Suite 102, Capitola American Institute of Medical Massage is giving a free seminar at 2121 41st Ave, Suite 102, on how to combat the cold and flu season.

Alla Mia, a certified Massage Therapist and founder of the institute, will give a demonstration on sinusitis and share ideas on how to stay healthy and prevent get-ting worse if you become symptomatic.

Register in advance to attend by emailing aimmhigh11@gmail.com or calling 831-291-1025. www.institutemedicalmassage.com

Thursday December 8

APTOS CHAMBER BREAKFAST

7:30-9 a.m., Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos Dr. Brant Robertson, astrophysicist and UC Santa Cruz faculty member working with the James Webb Space Telescope team, will speak to the Aptos Chamber of Commerce Breakfast at Seacliff Inn.

Make your reservations at 831-688-1467. Price: $25 members, $30 general, $35 at the door.

Saturday, December 10

APTOS WINE WANDER

1-4 p.m., Aptos Village

Spend time in the heart of Aptos Village for an afternoon of wine tasting.

Discover local Santa Cruz Mountains wineries, while strolling through Aptos Village businesses. Tickets are $45 at https://winesofthesantacruzmountains.com/ events/2022aptosww/ after Nov. 15 and $50 at the door.

Saturday December 17

Sunday December 18

SANTA CRUZ DANCE GUILD’S NUTCRACKER

1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater, 6500 Lower Perimeter Road, Aptos

Join us for our annual Santa Cruz Nutcracker performance! Featuring dancers from all ages and backgrounds, we’ve come together to offer you this spectacular show.

Many members of our beloved staff, including Studio Director Shannon Chipman and ballet teacher Vicki Bergland, performed in the original Santa Cruz Nutcracker Production. Even more, they continue to dance and teach to this day.

Invite in the holiday spirit and come enjoy Tchai kovsky’s iconic score with our talented dancers, right in Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater.

Visit https://www.cabrillo.edu/vapa/ticket-info/ for tickets

Thursday December 29

HABARI GANI! HONORING KWANZAA

6 – 8 p.m., Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St, Santa Cruz

Curated by Santa Cruz Black Health Matters Initiative, this community at the Museum of Art & History honors the annual celebration of Kwanzaa.

Since 1966, Kwanzaa has been recognized amongst the winter holiday classics. However, many lack understanding of its significance and practice.

Habari Gani! welcomes the community for: Kinara lighting ceremony, traditional dance, music, and a gift-giving ceremony.

Featuring a pop-up by black-owned bookstore, BlknPrint, plus a Kwanzaa market.

10% of sales will be donated to the Santa Cruz Ofrenda. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Preparing for Winter Rains

(& Other Natural Disasters)

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

Even though we have been in a period of extended drought, recent rains are a reminder that we are in the beginning of our typical wet season. It’s always good to do some advance prepara tions for your home or business and here are some of the ways you can be sure your home or business is prepared for an emer gency situation.

A few years ago our County experi enced signifiant storm damage -- damage we are still working to repair. If we have a similar winter, we can expect additional flooding, mud slides, road damage, downed trees and power outages. As we saw, this means that some neighborhoods might have limited access or even be cut off from access for a period of time.

What can you do to prepare and what is the County doing ahead of this season to get ready?

In advance of the season, Public Works will be cleaning culverts, mowing and clearing brush in an attempt to reduce flooding potential. They are encouraging the community to call them at 454-2160 if you know of any culverts that need inspection or repair or brush that needs to be cleared. Residents can also download the free County mobile app My Santa Cruz County via the County’s website at sccappstore.co.santa-cruz.ca.us to report non-emergency issues. Additionally, Public Works is also asking that residents rake (if it’s safe) and clean storm drains to help prevent flooding. This simple task can significantly improve drainage. Road hazards can always be reported via the 24-hour Public Works dispatch number at 477-3999 (option 1). If it’s an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1.

You can visit the County’s winter prep

resource page: www.santacruzcounty.us/ elnino — while it was originally created for a previous El Nino season it has been updated and provides a wealth of infor mation on what to do before, during and after a storm. It provides checklists on what to have on hand at your home, contact numbers and more.

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

Central Fire has a host of resources on their website with tips on how to prepare for winter rains. If you visit their website at www.centralfiresc.org and click on the Education and Preparedness tab you will find links on where to obtain sandbags, information for storm prep and also classes and educational opportunities for general disaster preparedness.

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

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

According to FEMA and the Red Cross, here are some tips:

• Build an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlight, bat teries, radio, and baby items and medicines (if needed) to last a few days.

• Keep your pets indoors if possible during heavy rain events.

• Have a plan that your family is familiar with — in case you are unable to get

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

• In advance of rains, clear drains, rain gutters and downspouts of debris.

• If you have drainage issues around your home consider having them inspected and addressed and inspect your roof for leaks.

• Get flood insurance. If you already have it, check your policy to make sure you have enough coverage.

• Make copies of all your important doc uments and make sure the originals are stored safely somewhere outside

• Take photos of your possessions (fur niture, collectibles, electronics) in case you need them for an insurance claim.

• Learn how to shut off gas valves, bolt and brace water heaters, install strong latches on cabinets and don’t hang heavy items (like a picture or mirror) near beds or couches where people sleep or sit.

• Check at your workplace and your children’s schools to learn about their emergency plans for an earthquake or other natural disaster. n •••

As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend

Photo Credit: David Sims

Another angle of the 2014 flood’s effect on Aptos Beach Dr.

SCCAS Featured Pet

Rabbits and Guinea Pigs … Oh My!

This week the Pet of the Week for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter are all of our bunnies and guinea pigs!

We are having severe overcrowding of bunnies and guinea pigs at the Shelter and need to find foster homes and adoptive homes to help make space. We have 7 adoptable rabbits and 12 guinea pigs. Sometimes “pocket pets” like bunnies and guinea pigs are said to be a starter pet but these animals do need care just like any other pet. Both need fresh hay, special food, produce snacks and lots of cuddles.

When rabbits are happy they do a little jump in the air called a “binky”- this is like a purr for bunnies. Guinea pigs love to squeak when they here the rustling of plastic since they expect snacks to come their way.

Both species can be very human social and be tolerant of other animals in the home. Rabbits can also be litterbox trained which makes clean up easier. If you are an experienced rabbit or guinea pig owner, or willing to put in the work to learn about and raise these special creatures, please visit us at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter today and see all of our tiny furry pals!

Now through the end of December SCCAS is having a “Home for the Holidays Adoption Special” where all Shelter pets will be available for a “Pay it Forward” adoption donation of the adopters’ choice.

The suggested donation is between $50-$200 and adopters can select a fund for their dona tions to go to: Planned Pethood Fund (low cost/free spay/neuter) or Extra Mile Fund (specialty lifesaving procedures for homeless animals).

The adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip (including registration), age-appropriate vaccinations, routine treatment for worms/fleas, and a free pet wellness exam with a local partici pating veterinarian. If you are looking for a furry friend for the holidays, come to the Shelter and meet your new best cuddle buddy!

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n •••

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062

Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, 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

Photos (C) Maurice Q. Liang