Aptos Times June 15th 2012

June 15 2012

C O M M U N I T Y N E W S T H AT M A K E S A D I F F E R E N C E

Vol 21 No. 12

Serving Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom, Watsonville, & Pajaro

Girls on the Run

Positive Sayings Paint Young Arms

By Cynthia Howe ere are a few quotes from girls who have participated in Girls On The Run: “Girls on the Run has taught me that I am the boss of my own brain.”

“Girls on the Run taught me that real friends value me just the way I am.”

“Even though I can’t run very fast, I made friends who cheered me on and made me feel loved.”

All of the groups are part of the Silicon Valley Council. This council handles all the groups in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties. They are the chief organizers of the yearly 5K Run. This year the big run was held May 19 at Vasona Park. Participating were 1,207 girls, hundreds of them representing the Santa Cruz County.

Julie Holser, a volunteer mom who just finished her 4th year with Girls on the Run, heads one of our local groups.

For some of our local Girls on the Run girls, this year’s season won’t end until the “chandelier drops.” That is to say, until the girls finish creating a large chandelier made from lights, beads and silverware, a creation inspired by Caroline’s in Aptos Village.

H

Classroom Renovation a Top Expense.

PVUSD PLANS $190 MILLION BOND ISSUE FOR NOVEMBER 6 BALLOT Capital Improvement Catch-up Bond to Cost $50 per $100K in Property Evaluation

PAGE

8

Helping Those in Need Volunteer Driving

11

lot as currently proposed, they will actively campaign against its passage. Tom Walsh, president of the organization said, “The bond issue needs to be pared down to just “needs” taking out the “wants. This is not the time to saddle the home owner with a tax increase of this magnitude.”

‘Breakfast with the Babies’ Rescue Pregnant Mares

PAGE

f all goes according to plan, on Wednesday, June 13, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Trustees (aka the PVUSD School Board) will authorize the District to place on the November 6 2012 General Election ballot a 30-year, $190

I

Million bond issue for the voters to decide on.

It will take 55 percent of District voters to say “Yes” to authorize the sale of those bonds.

However, a local political action group, the Senior Coalition, has already said that if the bond issue goes on the bal-

PAGE

By Noel Smith

19

Because of the State’s inability to keep education in California funded, many school districts throughout the state have gone directly to their local communities to provide funding for capital improvements or for teacher’s salaries.

Department of Fish & Game Q&A

... continued on page 4

Locally owned & operated www.TPGonlinedaily.com

... continued on page 5

SchoolSpotlight

C

Cabrillo Graduates 1,076 Students in Class of 2012

abrillo College honored a graduating class of 1,076 students during a formal evening commencement ceremony to confer degrees and certificates.

The Cabrillo College Class of 2012 is the college’s largest graduating class in five years. Cabrillo’s 2012 Graduation Ceremony took place on Friday, June 1, 6:00 p.m. at the Carl Connelly Stadium, at Cabrillo College, Aptos.

This year Cabrillo awarded 643 A.A. degrees, 391 A.S. degrees, 234 certificates of achievement, and 225 skills certificates.

The Cabrillo College Class of 2012 is comprised of graduates ranging in age from 19 to 75 years with an average age of 29. Sixtyfour percent of the graduates are females and 36% are males.

The Cabrillo College Class of 2012 contains 78 members graduating with a perfect grade point average (GPA) of 4.0.

This year 221 students graduated with high honors (3.75-3.99 GPA), 280 graduated with honors (3.5-3.74 GPA) and 602 graduated with honorable mentions (3.03.49 GPA).

Twenty-six students graduated as part of the Honors Transfer Program, having completed all of the courses required to

transfer, including at least 15 units of honors coursework, while also maintaining a 3.5 or higher GPA. These students have been accepted and plan to transfer in to four-year universities including UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz and the University of Southern California, among others.

Following the processional, Cabrillo College Vice President of Student Services Dennis Bailey-Fougnier welcomed participants and guests and then Cabrillo College President and Superintendent Dr. Brian King and Cabrillo Faculty Senate President Michael Mangin gave their congratulatory remarks to the Cabrillo College Class of 2012.

Vice President of Instruction Dr.

2 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Renée M. Kilmer presented the class of 2012, highlighting inspiring stories of graduates who overcame adversity in achieving their degrees.

Cabrillo College Governing Board Member Rachael Spencer participated in the conferring of degrees while Dr. Isabel

O’Connor, Dean of Human Arts and Social Sciences, and Sesario Escoto, Dean of Student Services, read the graduates’ names.

A reception for graduates and guests was held in the pavilion on the stadium field, immediately following the ceremony. n ••• Cabrillo College is a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County with locations in Aptos, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. Founded in 1959, the college offers over 100 academic and career technical education programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certificates of achievement, skills certificates, transfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment.

CommunityBriefs

B

Aptos Resident Passes Bar on First Try rian C. Mathias of Santa Cruz passed the California Bar Examination May 18, 2012. Mathias, a graduate of the Monterey College of Law (2012), UCSC (2008), and Aptos High School (2003), is the son of Bruce and Wendy Mathias of Aptos. Mathias, 26, was sworn in Tuesday at a private ceremony before the Honorable David C. Mathias, Tulare County Superior Court Judge. Mathias will work at the Law Offices of Timothy J. Morgan in Santa Cruz and will practice in the areas of wills and trusts, real estate, and business law.

The California is Bar Exam is the three-day test administered by the State of California that all law students must pass in order to practice law. Forty-two percent of examinees passed the February test.

Mathias passed the exam on his first attempt.

Brian Mathis Sworn in by the Honorable David C. Mathias, Tulare County Superior Court Judge •••

Nick Roberto receives $1,000 Ken Brosius Memorial Scholarship from Gold Standard Chorus director Jordan Johnson.

Soquel High and Monte Vista Christian Students Granted Scholarships graduating senior at Soquel High School, Nick Roberto received a 2012 Ken Brosius Memorial Scholarship from the Gold Standard Barbershop Chorus of Santa Cruz.

The $1,000 award, named for the chorus’s founder, is intended to help Nick with tuition at Cabrillo College where he will major in music.

A second Ken Brosius Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) was awarded to Jack Wilkins of Monte Vista Christian School.

Jack will attend Long Beach State U. Raffles held during the Gold Standard’s annual Cabaret Show in June and the Sing for Your Life school benefit in November, provide the funds for the scholarship. (A total of $6,500 has been awarded to ten graduates in the last seven years.)

For information about the Gold Standard Chorus or Sing for Your Life, please visit www.scbarbershop.org. n

A

Table of Contents

17

6

20

25

PVUSD Plans $190 Million Bond Issue for November 6 Ballot By Noel Smith Girls on the Run By Cynthia Howe

Cover

VOL. 21 NO. 12

2 3 4 6 8 11 12 14 16 19

APTOS TIMES

21 24 27 3 9

Cabrillo Graduates 1,076 Students in Class of 2012 • Aptos Resident Passes Bar on First Try • Nick Roberto receives $1,000 Ken Brosius Memorial Scholarship from Gold Standard Chorus director Jordan Johnson.

La Selva Beach Woman’s Club Scholarships Estimated Facilities Master Plan Project Costs 2012 Emergency Communications Field Day Helping Those in Need To Get Where They are Going – Volunteer Driving with the Volunteer Center Transportation Program • Borina Foundation Funds Trial Lawyers Program for Elementary School Students ‘Breakfast with the Babies’ Fundraiser for Pregnant Mare Rescue June 23, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Corralitos Grange • Benefit Concert to Help Send Local Musicians to Italy Music Festival scwd2 Project Update & Latest News for June 2012 Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust Announces 2012 Grants Local Host Families Needed for Foreign Teens • Free Country Crossroads Map shows 26 direct sell farms and 10 farmers’ markets California Outdoors Q&As By Carrie Wilson • Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau’s 95th Annual Meeting Friends, fun and philanthropy – Five ways to make this your summer of doing Save Our Shores Wants YOU – Volunteer to Help Clean our Beaches on July 4 and 5 Playing — It’s a Kid’s Job From the Nations Institutes of Health (NIH)

Community News

Re: Fretting over the Future of Aptos • Dear Loyal Customers and Friends of Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center

Letters to the Editor

Hall of Famer Jerry West introduces the Santa Cruz Warriors • Aptos High School Scoreboard

Sports Wrap

Kids Camp 13 Choosing a Summer Camp

Business Profiles 20 Oil Can Henry’s By Cynthia Howe 25 Mulberry Gallery By Cynthia Howe

Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28 & 29

Monthly Horoscope • Page 29 - Your June Horoscope - Annabel

Burton, Astrologer©

Featured Columnists 17 The Saga of the Seabreeze Tavern & Patio by Guest Columnist, Rich McInnis

22 The Book Bag by Robert Francis – Adventure selections for beach reading…

26 EarthTalk® – Bird Populations have recovered since DDT was banned 30 Central Coast Commentary by David deMilo – Showing the Way

SPCA Featured Pet • Page 31 – Two Toys Looking for their Story

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

CommunityBrief

School and two $250 scholarships to La Selva Beach Leah Daugherty and Haley Tushar of Woman’s Club Scholarships s a result of their recent scholarship Aptos High. n luncheon for over 100 people and their cookbook sale, the La Selva Beach Woman’s Club awarded four $500 scholarships to Joseph McMinn, N i c h o l a s Laschkewitsch of Aptos High School and Edgar Garcia and Lily Wong of From left: Joseph McMinn (back), Maxine Lane, Leah Daugherty, and Watsonville High Nicholas Laschikewitsch

A

LettersToT TheEditor

I

Fretting Over the Future of Aptos recently read the article in the June 1, 2012 Aptos Times written by Noel Smith.

I thought the article was very good. On the same page as that article was another one about the Aptos Village Plan next step. If you put these two projects together, this will become a very congested area.

Safeway wants to build a 60,000 square foot store on the lower portion of the Del Mar Shopping Center plus keep the upper level development and enlarge the service station. Then, just a few hundred yards down Soquel Drive, Swenson wants to develop 63 new homes and 70,000 square feet of retail. This is in addition to a high density, low-income housing project behind Chase Bank, also on Soquel Drive.

This is all in the County of Santa Cruz in an area of Aptos already congested with streets that are two lanes and cannot be widened. It appears that the County Planning Department does not believe in advanced planning or Master Planning. If these projects are approved you will not be able to drive down: Soquel, Trout Gulch, or State Park Drives. This is the same Agency that rezoned the Poor Clare’s property on the opposite side of Highway 1, on State Park Drive, to High Density Residential (100 units) on 4 acres with very poor access onto the almost two-lane street of State Park Drive.

Fortunately, the Seacliff Community along with the Seacliff Improvement Association sued the County over the Poor Clare’s rezoning and won. It is time that the County of Santa Cruz does some proper advanced planning and not the shot gun approach they seem to be using.

— David K. Boggini, Aptos, CA ••• Dear Loyal Customers and Friends of Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center s many of you know, Safeway plans to demolish most of the stores in

A

Rancho Del Mar to build a new Safeway and the small town feel of Aptos is at risk. It will put 12-14 mostly independent business owners out of business, as well as put over 100 employees out of work.

While Safeway has implied that it hopes to find space for the tenants in the rebuilt center, construction will likely take 2 years. No business can close for 2 years, and reopen successfully. Our customers have expressed concern over losing the small businesses where they shop.

Land-use consultants Hamilton Swift & Associates recently sent postcards on behalf of Safeway to announce a community meeting between residents & Safeway.

Although it appears that the cards may have been mailed exclusively to Aptos residents, Rancho Del Mar’s customer base extends throughout the county, and the changes will affect many more than Aptos residents.

Please attend the meeting and provide your input, or call or write Hamilton Swift and express your views.

Meeting Wednesday, June 20 at 7 pm, Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Suite 90 in the vacant space next to Rite Aid. Hamilton Swift & Associates 500 Chestnut Street, Suite 100 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Charlie Eadie or Deidre Hamilton: 831-459-9992 Thank you for supporting businesses here in Rancho Del Mar for these many years; we all would like to be here to serve your needs for many more. We hope we can count on your support in saving the businesses and the many employees who are in jeopardy of losing their livelihoods. We look forward to your help in maintaining the small town atmosphere of Aptos. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 3

APTOS TIMES publisher

Patrice Edwards publisher’s assistant

Lindsay Nelson editor

Noel Smith contributing writers

Noel Smith, Cynthia Howe, Carrie Wilson, Annabel Burton, Rich McInnis, Robert Francis, David deMilo layout

Michael Oppenheimer, Mike Lyon graphic artists

Mike Lyon, Michael Oppenheimer production coordinator

Sandra Gonzalez advertising sales

Don Beaumont, Sadie Wittkins, Meredith Pozzi Feldsted office coordinator

Cathe Race distribution

Bill Pooley, Jana Mears

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-weekly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, printed twice annually and Hospice Magazine, printed once annually, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission.

PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Opinions / Letters: editorial@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.cyber-times.com Graphics Dept: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: assistant@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com

CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT:

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

CoverStory

“PVUSD Bond Vote” from pg 1

School Bond Issues: In the June 5 election, there were 34 school bond measures on the ballot throughout California, which require 55 percent approval.

Preliminary counts show 23 of these 34 measures were approved.

School Parcel Taxes: In this election School Parcel Taxes fared better than nonschool parcel taxes. The ballot included 13 local school parcel taxes that require a 66.6 percent voter approval. All received well over 60% yes votes with nine of the 13 actually passing. This included the three that passed in Santa Cruz county, Measures I, J and K Some questions are: • What will the $190 Million pay for?

How much will it raise property owners’ taxes? Why $190 Million now in this bad economy?

• What will the $190 Million pay for?

The Chief Business Officer for the PVUSD, Brett McFadden said that the bond issue would be used for capital and technology improvements only. It cannot be used to cover personnel costs such as pay and benefits for classified employees, teachers or administrators. The list of projects Brett McFadden is in the “Facilities Master Plan” for 2012-2022, which the board approved on February 22, 2012.

The Facilities Master Plan is very comprehensive 182-page document and includes site-by-site lists of improvements.

These include constructing new or renovating facilities, buildings and grounds at each site. This encompasses everything from technology infrastructure to new computers, classrooms, restrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, playgrounds, driveways, etc.

In a presentation to the Senior Coalition by Superintendent Dorma Baker and McFadden and it was pointed out during questioning that many of these projects are the result of “Deferred Maintenance.”

These are the improvements and replacements that should have been done as they were needed but have been put off by past and present administration and board decisions.

It was also noted in the district’s presentation out that most of the District’s facilities are over fifty years old. They are in need of new roofs, upgrades for classrooms, heating systems plumbing, windows and general repairs.

One former board member pointed out that by using maintenance funds for other purposes, the District is now asking for long-term financing to “catch up” with

4 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Estimated Facilities Master Plan Project Costs

K-5/6 Schools Amesti – $1,940,845 • Ann Soldo – $520,012 • Bradley – $2,907,909 • Calabasas – $3,176,972 • Freedom – $3,258,509 • Hall District –$2,977,698 • H.A. Hyde –$3,776,350 • Landmark – $1,022,944 • MacQuiddy – $4,027,973 • Mar Vista – $2,998,862 • Mintie White – $9,382,409 • Ohlone • Radcliff – $519,519 • Rio Del Mar – $3,176,842 • Starlight – $2,592,478 • Valencia – $2,725,764 Grade K-5/6 Totals $45,005,085

6-8 Schools Aptos Junior High – $4,900,396 • Cesar Chavez – $2,750,735 • E.A. Hall – $20,414,088 • Lakeview – $2,566,458 • Pajaro Middle – $2,271,288 • Rolling Hills – $5,504,146 Grades 6-8 Totals $38,407,111

High Schools Aptos – $7,083,746 • Pajaro Valley – $11,137,693 • Watsonville – $35,872,425

their obligation to provide facilities that meet the State’s health and safety standards. Paying for these needed health and safety improvement with 30-year bonds rather that pay-as-you-go, has increased the cost to the taxpayer by approximately 300 percent.

The Facilities Plan also includes major expenditures for new facilities such as: New synthetic surface track and athletic field at E.A. Hall Middle School; New synthetic surface track and athletic field along with a field house and access road at Pajaro Valley HS; A new multipurpose building at Pajaro Valley HS; New stadium facilities at Watsonville HS; Multiple building modernization projects at Watsonville HS; New District Central Kitchen Facilities; New District Maintenance & Operations Center.

The total for all projects identified in the facilities plan amounts to over $253 Million. Some funding from federal and state sources along with local developer fees is expected to reduce the local funding need for the facilities plan to approximately $205 Million.

For each estimated construction cost by site, an additional 73 percent ($100 in construction costs = $173 in total project costs) is added to cover the following items: • Twenty-five percent for “Project Contingency” to factor in unforeseen conditions, incidents or changes.

• Twenty-three percent for “Soft Costs” which include project management, architect fees, building permits and fees, Environmental Impact Reports, cost of testing and inspection during

• Renaissance – $2,432,546 High School Totals $56,526,411

Charter Schools Alianza – $9,968,321 • Academic/Voc – $890,912 • CEIBA – $283,526 • Linscott – $500,633 • New School – $246,968 • Watsonville Charter School for the Arts – $1,007,279 Charter School Totals $12,897,638

District Facilities Central Kitchen – $6,450,340 • Transportation – $1,549,660 • District Maintenance & Operations Center – $8,216,000 • Solar $10,763,769 • Technology – $22,008,078 District Facilities Totals $48,987,847

Total Master Plan Project Costs Facilities Needs $201,824,091 • New Classroom Needs $44,100,000 • Technology Endowment • Maintenance Endowment $7,500,000 Facilities TOTAL $253,424,091

design and construction; and any other incidental costs.

• Twenty-five percent for “Escalation” to cover any cost inflation during the project.

How much will a $190 Million bond issue raise property owners’ taxes? urrently property owners in the District are paying $32.40 per $100,000 of assessed valuation for Measure J. This bond issue has another 20 years before it’s paid off.

The new bond is estimated to add another $47-50 per $100,000 of assessed valuation for the next thirty years. For the average homeowner in Aptos this amounts to about $300/year and for Watsonville it would be approximately $200.

Why $190 Million now in this bad economy? he school board is splitting 5-2 in favor of putting the bond on the ballot. The two nays are Jeff Ursino, Trustee Area 7 and Sandra Nichols, Trustee Area 6.

Nichols is opposed to the scale of the funding. She said, “I’m not opposed to asking for public support for education but I believe everything they are asking for is not needed. I’ve asked for discussion on the board to find a compromise so when we go to the public askSandra Nichols ing for their help we can do this as a 7-0 board.”

C

T

“PVUSD Bond Vote cont.” > 6

“Girls on the Run” from pg 1

“Every year each group of girls is responsible for giving back to the community in some way, (as part of our community topic). This year the girls that meet at Valencia Elementary wanted to do something for Caroline’s,” Julie explained. “All the profits of Caroline’s Resale shop goes to four different non profits: Children’s Hospice, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, Jacob’s Heart and Special Parents Information Network.”

So, how will her group help?

“The girls are making a chandelier to sell by raffle the month of June to donate to Caroline’s Resale Store,” Julie shared.

If you are interested in buying raffle tickets to win the chandelier this year, stop

by Caroline’s in old Aptos Center, (to the right as you go from Soquel up to the Post office), just the other side of the tracks.

Molly Barker started Girls On The Run, a national organization. Molly is a four-time Hawaii Ironman triathlete. She was the winner of the Heroes of Running Award, an honor given from Runner’s World. Although she is a respected athlete, she is more well known as an author, having been recognized by Redbook Magazine, Woman’s Day Magazine, Forbes, as well as numerous newspapers and national TV shows. The attraction from the media stemmed from her passion for educating and inspiring young girls.

During her teen years, Molly struggled with an eating disorder and eventually, alcoholism. As an adult, she came to a point where she knew she’d drown, or swim; fall down or run. She decided to run!

She was inspired by a vision that centered on the education and inspiration of young girls. She envisioned a mentoring environment, established to educate and inspire. One that would lead young girls to their ‘best self’ and warn them against the destructive elements of their modern world. She wanted to inspire them to dream.

No one can be handed a dream, or forced to live out a dream. Those are simply expectations. Dreams come from the heart of the inner-self. Can dreaming be taught? I think Molly Barker believed so; after all, she made her own dreams come true: “The only requirement of having a dream is believing in it,” she said.

CoverStory

She conducted her first 12-week program in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1996.

Since then the program has been refined to what it is today, a program centered on girls, 3rd through 8th grade, who desire to learn about being healthy, dream about their future, and live in the moment, one run at a time.

Their mission is simple: “We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.”

Various groups of about 15 girls each are formed all around the Nation, including your own hometown. The program runs from February to May, consisting of weekly meetings and culminating into a grand 5K run to finish their time together.

However, the run isn’t the real final goal for the organization.

The Girls on the Run website states it clearly: “Our final goal is that each girl becomes physically and emotionally prepared to complete a 5k run with their teammates.”

To date, over 350,000 girls across the United States and Canada have experienced the life-changing impact of this program. Many of their participants sign up year after year until they get too old.

So, what really goes on in these meetings?

The first few lessons are centered on helping the girls get to know each other, as how to talk to themselves (self-talk), and being emotionally and physically healthy.

They learn what builds relationships, as well as what destroys relationships.

The concluding lessons cover such principals as gratitude, being centered, valuing self and others, cooperation, peerpressure, media-pressure, gossiping, bullying, community and lastly, how to celebrate themselves, others and life. The lessons themselves are combined with activities that get them talking, moving and eventually bonding in healthy ways.

If you are thinking, “I wish I had a group like this when I was young,” it’s never too late. Become a volunteer as a group leader or running chaperone, (Men are welcome to help with the annual 5K’s) or helping let others know about the program. n ••• For more information go to www.gotrsv.org on contact the local GOTR program.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 5

CommunityNews

T

2012 Emergency Communications Field Day

his weekend thousands of Amateur Radio Operators around the country, often called “hams” will be demonstrating their emergency communications capabilities for the public.

Locally the Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Club, which operates the K6BJ repeater system, and the Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Service (A.R.E.S.) will be establishing their emergency field communications center at the Ben Lomond Youth Conservation Camp in Ben Lomond.

A second Field Day site location will be established on the campus of UCSC. We would like to invite the general public, families with children, Scout Troops, local officials, served agencies and local representatives to stop by and experience the amateur radio and the capabilities

CAL-FIRE CAMP

Ben Lomond Youth Conservation Camp in Ben Lomond

June 23 & 24

Saturday 11 am — 8 pm Sunday 11 am — 3 pm

offered by the Santa Cruz corps of volunteer radio operators.

This is a unique opportunity for the public to see and experience first-hand the thrill of wireless communications. This weekend Amateur Radio operators will set up and establish field communications capabilities as an exercise to prepare for times of natural disasters and emergencies.

If you have had an interest in amateur radio and wish to learn about it first hand then this is the ideal venue for you. You can actually get on the air and experience amateur radio first hand.

This is not your Grandfathers Radio any more but an example of the many technologies that allow Amateur Radio Operators to communicate around the globe when all other types of communications fail.

Experience high frequency communications and talk to people across the United States and around the world, use a hand held walkie-talkie to chat with other stations from around the bay, use a computer to communicate via packet radio or chat with the International Space Station via two-way radio...these are all the types

of exciting things you can do at this field day event.

Locally your amateur radio operators provide essential communications during wildfires, earthquakes and other emergencies. In addition, ham radio operators support local activities like bike races, horsing events, parades, county fairs and air shows.

Amateur Radio activity is growing in the United States with more than a 30% increase in people becoming licensed operators in 2011. There are more than 700,000 Amateur Radio operators in the United States providing emergency communications for citizens, cities and counties in times of need with more than 2.7 million around the world.

The citizens of Santa Cruz County are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of amateur radio operators providing these important disaster communications capabilities.

••• UCSC Slugs Ham Radio n 2002 because of a radio frequency class taught by Stephen Petersen, PE, several students became interested in the role played by Amateur Radio in advancing the science of radio based communications

I

“PVUSD Bond Vote cont.” from pg 4

Kim De Serpa, Trustee Area 1, is in favor of putting the $190 Million Bond on the Ballot. She said, “The board is tired of depending on Sacramento for its funding. Our facilities are falling apart and the quality of education is suffering. By Kim De Serpa creating a technology endowment so we can keep up as technology changes and by “greening” our campuses, we can save money to be put back into the classroom.”

Ursino is convinced that the list of projects the bond would pay for should be reduced. “The District should be asking the voter to fund its needs and not its wants. The criteria for funding should be health and safety and not just bigger or

and the sophisticated products currently available. As a group, they passed the FCC licensing exams in June just in time to participate in Field Day and the Ham Radio event was introduced to UCSC. Since then, the University has hosted the event on the East Field section of the campus. The specific focus of UCSC Ham Slugs is training and educating newly licensed students in the art and science of Ham Radio and emergency communication.

This year’s new crop of UCSC Ham Slugs will be participating in Field Day 2012 for the first time just as those Ham Slugs from 2002 who pioneered the event at UCSC. n better. Everything in that facilities plan would be nice is but not necessary.”

Both Ursino and Nichols are convinced that this bond issue will fail as currently structured and with it, the credibility of the District, its administration and school board will be damaged.

Ursino summed it up saying, “Everything Jeff Ursino on the facilities plan is not needed. Asking for people in the District to vote for getting everything at this time is risky and will harm their trust in our board.”

Considering the current state of the District’s facilities, has the PVUSD acted responsibly in the past in using the taxpayer’s money? And if you believe they have not, how can the voter give them another $190 million to waste? n

Considering the current state of the District’s facilities, has the PVUSD acted responsibly in the past in using the taxpayer’s money? And if you believe they have not, how can the voter give them another $190 million to waste?

6 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 7

CommunityNews

Helping Those in Need To Get Where They are Going

Volunteer Driving with the Volunteer Center Transportation Program

F

or most people, getting to a medical or dental appointment, the grocery store, or bank is as simple as jumping in the car or onto the local bus. But, for some in the community, it is impossible due to a disability, declining health, or the rigors of aging.

For over 40 years, the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County Transportation Program has served to address the needs of ambulatory seniors and the disabled by offering free rides throughout the county.

The program matches volunteer drivers with seniors (55 and over) and disabled individuals for essential trips to medical appointments, grocery stories, pharmacies, and banks. Rides are provided throughout Santa Cruz County including Watsonville, San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, and Santa Cruz.

“It is one of the founding programs of our organization and has been 100% volunteer run since it’s inception. All drivers and phone dispatchers are community volunteers,” states Volunteer Center Executive Director Karen Delaney.

“This year we expect to provide over 5,500 rides throughout the county. We are proud that we have maintained a track

T

hand. It is the perfect record of filling 97% example of a simple of all ride requests deed that has a huge but we urgently need impact,” states more volunteer drivDelaney. “Something ers and dispatchers as easy as giving for the Watsonville someone a ride can office to maintain this mean the difference level of service.” between living at states Watsonville home or being Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n moved to assisted livCoordinator Rachel ing. Individuals are Glynn. able to maintain Drivers can independence, arrive choose to make as litsafely at critical tle as one trip a appointments, reconmonth, or they can nect with the comdrive as often as they munity, and deter wish. They choose feelings of isolation their own hours and destinations. All rides Fairfax Lomonosoff working a shift at the trans- by getting outside the home.” happen on weekdays portation dispatch desk. She has served as a Geneva, an 83 during business lead volunteer with the Transportation Program year-old resident of hours and drivers for more than 15 years. receive a small mileage reimbursement. Watsonville agrees, “The Transportation The program attracts an eclectic mix of peo- Program is a lifesaver. I cannot see, thereple including retirees, working individuals, fore I cannot drive, and I have no idea how stay-at-home parents, and college students. I would complete the things I need to do “Every day, rain or shine, volunteer without the program. My only other drivers show up on doorsteps throughout option is to take a cab but that costs at least the county to provide a ride and a helping $40 every time I need to go to the doctor

and I can’t afford that.”

“All the volunteer drivers have been so kind to me. I don’t know what else to say besides, it’s a lifesaver,” said Geneva.

Geneva is not alone in her struggles with transportation. Each year, more than one million Americans aged 70 and older stop driving and become dependent on others to meet their transportation needs.

At the 2005 White House Conference on Aging, mobility was ranked the third highest issue for older people—ahead of Social Security and Medicare.

“Clearly as our population continues to age, demand for this service has grown.

We’ve always been fortunate to have volunteers step up to meet the need and we look forward to welcoming in a new cadre of program supporters to sustain our efforts ”, states Glynn.

The transportation phone lines are open Monday through Thursday 9-3, Friday 9-1pm Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers must have a reliable car, proof of insurance and a clean driving record. n ••• For More information or To Get Involved: Contact Rachel Glynn at 722-6708 or wats@scvolunteercenter.org

Borina Foundation Funds Trial Lawyers Program for Elementary School Students he Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association was designated as recipient of a 2012 Borina Foundation Grant.

“This very generous grant strengthens the reach and impact of our Elementary Law Program, stated Greg Carter, Trial

8 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Lawyers Association President. “ It is particularly meaningful to us to be able to take this gift from a local foundation such as the Borina Foundation and put it to use serving our community’s children and their schools.”

The purpose of the Grant is support the Association’s work to bring “Cookie Court” to more Santa Cruz County school children. Cookie Court, founded and directed by attorney and La Selva Beach resident, Laura Walther, is Laura Walther (right), Director of the Elementary Law a program designed to introduce Program and a Board member of the Santa Cruz County Trial elementary school-aged children Lawyers’ Association, speaks with Jamie Hyde, a 5th grade to the principals of our justice student at the Mountain School.

Association was founded in 1988. In addisystem.

Cookie Court offers students the tion to Cookie Court, the Association is an opportunity to play the roles of court offi- advocacy resource for trial attorneys and cers and witnesses in a mock trial setting. raises funds for Senior Citizens Legal Classroom teachers and volunteer judicial Services. n ••• officers and attorneys team up to make For more information on getting cookie entertaining as well as educational.

As many as 2000 students per year partici- involved with Cookie Court, contact pate in Cookie Court in Santa Cruz County. Executive Director, Gail Schwartz at The Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Schwartzjoelaw@sbcglobal.net

SportsWrap

Hall of Famer Jerry West introduces the Santa Cruz Warriors

O

Golden State and Kaiser Permanente announce the new 3,200-seat facility as the Kaiser Permanente Arena

n Tuesday, June 12, the Santa Cruz Warriors and the Santa Cruz Chamber of commerce held an invitation-only luncheon at the Crows Nest in Santa Cruz to present the Golden State Warrior’s plans about locating a development league team in Santa Cruz.

Making a special appearance as the principal speaker was team advisor and ambassador Jerry West, member of the NBA Hall of Fame and 14-time All-star with the Los Angeles Lakers. West delighted the crowd with his stoJerry West ries and the message that by choosing a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life. He also reminisced that when he began his career as a pro, he was thrilled to be making $15,000 per year.

Today he would be offered $4 million.

West said that the organization was excited to be coming to Santa Cruz because of the level of athleticism in local sports and that the sports community in the county has been very supportive.

Also featured in the presentation were Warriors General Manager Bob Myers and the Santa Cruz Warrior’s General Manager Kirk Lacob, son of Golden State owner Joe Lacob.

On May 22, the Santa Cruz City Council voted to finalize a deal with the

Golden State Warriors that will enable the franchise to move its NBA Development League team from Bismarck, North Dakota, subject to approval by the NBA. The proposal includes a new 3,200-seat basketball facility in Santa Cruz, the construction of which would be a three-pronged effort between the Warriors, the City of Santa Cruz and the Seaside Company. The team is currently called the Dakota Wizards.

The Golden State Warriors and Kaiser Permanente announced the naming rights agreement in which the new home of the Santa Cruz Warriors NBA Development League team will be known has Kaiser Permanente Arena.

The naming rights agreement is an extension of the ongoing Gold Alliance partnership between the NBA team and Kaiser Permanente, which served as the team’s first-ever presenting sponsor for the recently completed 201112 season.

In addition to hosting 25 D-League games per season, the Kaiser Permanente Arena will also have the ability to function as a full-service public assembly building and host a variety of events — basketball, corporate presentations, flat floor shows and many others.

Kaiser Permanente and the Warriors have partnered on a variety of communityfocused initiatives over the past several years, including the Get Fit Timeout pro-

gram in which Warriors players, coaches and personalities join Kaiser Permanente representatives to educate Bay Area youth on the importance of healthy eating and active living.

In 2011, the Warriors, Kaiser Permanente, and the Good Tidings Foundation refurbished basketball courts at Oakland’s Mosswood Park. As part of

their partnership, the Warriors and Kaiser Permanente plan to enact similar community-minded programs in the Santa Cruz area in the coming years. n ••• For details on the proposed Santa Cruz D-League team, and answers to frequently asked questions about the process, please visit warriors.com/santacruz

Aptos High School Scoreboard Boys Volleyball

2012 All-SCCAL Boys Volleyball Awards First Team: Luke Paulus, Aptos, Outside Hitter; Kael Losik, Aptos, Outside Hitter.

Second Team: Grant Townsend, Aptos, Setter.

Softball

2012 All-SCCAL High School Softball First Team: Aptos – Marissa Bugayong.

Second Team: Aptos – Rita McCreesh, Casey Messersmith, Amanda Ang. Honorable Mention: Aptos – Michelle Firebaugh, Michaela Barnett,

Avalon Gonzalez, Emma Wilson, Nicole Getzschmann.

Baseball

2012 All-SCCAL Baseball Player of the year: Jordan Talbot (Aptos), Sr. Co-Coach of the Year: Dave Heinevetter (Aptos).

First Team: Catcher: Brian Bucher (Aptos), Jr. – Pitchers: Jared Koenig (Aptos), Sr. – Infielders: Orey Wafford (Aptos), Sr. – Outfielders: John Evans (Aptos), Sr. Second Team: Outfielders: Nick Bailey (Aptos), Sr. n www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 9

CommunityNews

‘Breakfast with the Babies’ Fundraiser for Pregnant Mare Rescue

T

June 23, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Corralitos Grange

We recently rescued “Premarin” mares located in North Dakota. Petal, a gorgeous very pregnant mare will be one the stars of our event. Snowflakes and Lady are a mother and daughter pair pulled off the Fallon Feedlot in Nevada.

Destined for the slaughterhouse, they narrowly skirted a horrific ending at the 11th hour. The call came in asking, “Can we take them?” Thankfully, we had the room.

We hope to take this opportunity to help educate the public about the horrible life mares and foals endure for the menopause drug Premarin, and share how horses form all walks of life find them selves in life threatening situations every day.

We encourage horse owners to love and keep their equine for life, just as you would your other animals. Our “Umbrella

Policy of Protection” tracks each horse for life. We feel in today’s world, it is the ONLY way to keep horses safe for life.

This year we hope to serve 500 breakfasts, meet a lot of new people and spread the word about the great work we do. You don’t have to be a horse person to enjoy the morning!

Breakfast tickets for adults are $10.00 Children 12 and under $6.00. Pre –event ticket sales enrolls you in a Raffle to win a huge basket of cooking goodies valued at over $130.00! Breakfast served from 8am until 12:30 pm.

The Grange *165 Little Corral Way* Corralitos for more info or preevent tickets contact Lynn at: pmrhorses@pregnantmarerescue.com Hope you can join us! n

Director Vladimir Khalikulov, violin The Aptos Community Foundation Proudly sponsors La Campanella and viola, founded La Campanella in 1994.

Ensemble in a benefit concert for talented He earned a doctorate from the Moscow young musicians participating in the State Conservatory of Music in 1979. He International Academy of Music Festival in has performed widely in the Soviet Union Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Italy, June 22 and Europe as soloist, member of the national orchestra, and as a chamber musito July 8.

The Concert, “Musical Gems of Italy,” cian. In California and Nevada, he has takes place at the home of John Orlando on been principal viola in orchestras as well as soloist, including a U.S. premier of a viola Wednesday, June 20 at 7 pm La Campanella Ensemble unites pro- concerto. This season he will participate in the Summit Music Festival in fessional musicians who New York and the Printemps believe that music brings joy Musical Music Festival in Moulin and beauty to the world.

D’Ande, France. n The Ensemble performs Gems of Italy music in groups ranging ••• Home of from duo to chamber Program John Orlando orchestra for events such as Marcello: Concerto for Wednesday, June 20 festivals, private concerts, Oboe (oboe and strings) 7 pm corporate parties, and wedGirolamo Frescobaldi: dings. This flexibility allows Toccata (viola and piano) a broad exploration of the musical reperJean-Marie Leclair: Duo (two violas) toire. Members of the San Francisco Opera, Nicolo Paganini: Sonata in D major Ballet, and Symphony orchestras as well as (Viola and Piano) regional orchestras participate, in La Vocal selections: Russian and Italian Campanella. The name “La Campanella” is songs (bass-baritone, cello, and piano) inspired by the famous finale, of the W. A. Mozart: Oboe Quartet (oboe and Paganini Violin Concerto No. 2. string trio) G. Rossini: Scherzo for viola and piano L. v. Beethoven: String Quartet op. 18 n. 4 Tosti: Ideals and Canzona (bass-baritone, strings, and piano) Performers: Rajan Panchal, oboe (16 years old), Nikhil Panchal, viola (18 years old), Erik Park, cello (18 years old), Sergey Khalikulov, bass-baritone, Misha Khalikulov, cello, Lilia Zheltova, piano, Valerie Bengal, violin and viola, Vladimir Khalikulov, violin

and viola, John Orlando, piano.

Suggested donation: $25 per person.

RSVP to John Orlando for directions and reser-

he Pregnant Mare Rescue will be hosting its 3rd Annual “Breakfast with the Babies” fundraiser on June 23, 2012. The Corralitos Grange, located right behind the infamous Corralitos Meat market is the site for this smashing pancake breakfast. Vendors, a silent auction, raffle prizes, face painting and a delicious pancake breakfast make this one fun event not to be missed. Each year the event gets bigger, and each year we meet more amazing folks!

Since the rescues inception in 2006, PMR has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed over 75 equines. Most are pregnant mares, some orphan foals and the occasional gelding. We are proud to be a no killshelter providing refuge for these animals in need.

Benefit Concert to Help Send Local Musicians to Italy Music Festival

vations 831-539-0000. Space is limited. Make your reservations today. Make your checks payable to ACF/Campanella.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 11

CommunityNews

scwd2 Project Update & Latest News for June 2012

P

Update on the Ballot Initiative to Amend the Charter of the City of Santa Cruz for a Vote on Desalination roponents for the “Petition for Submission to Voters of Proposed Amendment to the Charter of the City of Santa Cruz” submitted over 2,000 petition pages to the Santa Cruz City Clerk’s office on May 29, 2012.

Approximately 8,717 raw signatures were

received and counted, and will be checked and certified with the County Elections Department to verify their status as registered voters of the City of Santa Cruz.

In order for the petition to qualify to be placed on the November 6, 2012 ballot, the City must determine that at least 5,442 signatures (15% of the number registered voters reported to the Secretary of State at the time the petition was circulated) are certified registered voters.

The City of Santa Cruz adopted an ordinance (Ordinance 2012-3) on March 13, 2012 that requires voter approval for desalination plant construction. The City’s ordinance allows City residents to cast their vote, either in June or November of 2014, following completion of the environmental review. For a comparison of the ballot initiative and the City ordinance, click here: http://www.scwd2desal.org/PageCity_Ordinance.php Soquel Creek Water District Evaluates Lifestyle and Financial Impacts of Meeting Demands with Limited Groundwater Only On June 5, 2012, Soquel Creek Water

12 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

District Board of Directors conducted a workshop to evaluate conceptual conservation scenarios to reduce demand by 3740% to 2,900 acre-feet per year for a 20-year period, which is the limited amount of groundwater available to restore protective groundwater levels and prevent seawater intrusion. The workshop included the various methods, costs, customer/District impacts, and risks associated with two conceptual conservation approaches.

Staff also presented comparisons related to the desalination project with respect to unit cost of water ($/acre-ft) and rate impacts. To view the board memo and PowerPoint from the workshop, click w w w. s c w d 2 d e s a l . o r g / P a g e - f a q s new.php#What_about_more_conservation

T

EIR Schedule he release of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is scheduled for fall 2012.

While previously planned for release this spring, additional time has been spent incorporating the latest technical information and policy decisions such as the Santa

Cruz City Council and Soquel Creek Water District Board declaration to design the desal facility to be net-carbon neutral and include components such as solar panels and energy recovery devices. The updated EIR schedule is: • Fall 2012: Release Draft EIR for review and hold public meetings • Winter2012 – Fall 2013: scwd2 will review all comments and prepare responses • Fall 2013: Release Final EIR, hold public hearing(s), and Santa Cruz City Council and Soquel Creek Water District will consider certification of EIR. n ••• For more information, visit www.scwd2desal.org/Page-Project-phases _EIR.php

KidsCamp

Choosing a Summer Camp

L

ooking for a camp that will offer your child a safe, happy opportunity to develop new skills this summer?

Start with the basics: Ask the director of any camp you’re considering how long it’s been operating and what licenses it has.

If the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, you can be assured that the day camp or sleep away camp on your list has satisfied the nonprofit organization’s more than 300 standards on health, safety, facilities, programs and staffing.

However, many good programs are too new or too small to get ACA accreditation, which costs money and staff time.

Even an accredited camp can be a poor match for your child.

Here are some basic questions: 1. The camp’s philosophy s it one you’re comfortable with?

Is it a good match for your child’s needs?

Is the emphasis on competition or cooperation?

If it’s run by a religious organization, what religious practices are part of the program?

If it’s a sports camp affiliated with a

I

istered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access. If your child takes medication, has food allergies or a chronic medical condition, be sure that the camp will be able to handle your child’s needs.

7. Camp discipline and conflict resolution hat are the camp’s rules and what would result send a camper home.

Are the camp’s standards reasonable?

8. Typical daily schedule hat is the level of physical activity, the amount of time devoted to arts and crafts and is the child able to choose his/her activities.

9. Transporting campers ehicles used, how often inspected who drives them and what training do the drivers have?

10. References et the names of parents with children of the same age who have attended the camp. You’ll be able to get a fuller view of the camp and ask ‘Is there anything you didn’t like about the camp?’ n

W W V

celebrity athlete, will the person actually be there?

2. The Camp’s Staff ow does the camp recruit, screen and train its staff?

Do counselors have background checks?

H

Do counselors have formal first aid training?

3. Return rates t most camps, 40-60 percent of the staff returns. If lower, ask why.

Camper return? Fifty percent is good.

4. Ratio of counselors to campers ACA guidelines for overnight camps call for a 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8, 1:8 for ages 9-14; and 1:10 for ages 15-18.

Day camp guidelines call for 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 914; and 1:12 for ages 15-18.

5. Age of counselors he ACA recommends that 80 percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.

6. Medical staff at camp and medical facilities available he ACA recommends that an overnight camp have a licensed physician or reg-

A

G

T T Monte Vista Horsemanship Camp Phone: (831) 206-9707 Week-Long Sessions web: www.montevistaequestrian.com email: MVEquestrian@gmail.com Sleep-Over or Day Sessions Mailing Address: 2 School Way, Watsonville, CA 95076 June thru August The week-long Horsemanship Camp at Monte Vista Christian School is a wonderful opportunity for boys and girls to spend hours every day riding and learning about horses. We have wonderful school horses for riders of every experience level. We offer Western and English riding, as well as crafts, swimming, archery and marshmallow roasting at the evening campfire. Sign up today for an unbelievable summer camp experience! Call Cassie Belmont at (831) 206-9707, email MVEquestrian@gmail.com or visit www.montevistaequestrian.com for more information today!

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 13

CommunityNews

Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust Announces 2012 Grants

WATSONVILLE — The Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust (Health Trust) recently announced the recipients of $150,000 in grants addressing health-related issues in the Pajaro Valley. Fourteen organizations were awarded between $3,140 and $15,000 for projects that address the Health Trust’s four strategic program areas: Diabetes and Its Contributing Factors; Oral Health; Health Professions; and Access to Care.

The following organizations received grants in one of the four Health Trust priority areas: Diabetes and Contributing Factors City of Watsonville Parks & Community Services Department —

$7,500 to support the 2012 Get Out, Get Fit Youth Camp (GOGFYC). The GOGFYC is a seven-week co-ed program that targets middle school students ages 11-15. The GOGFYC will engage youth in a variety of health related activities.

Community Alliance with Family Farmers — $12,000 to support the Farm to School educational programs and technical assistance in procuring fresh, local produce in school cafeterias in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast — $7,500 to support an all girl recreational soccer league in the Watsonville/Pajaro Valley area. Delivered

14 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

with a non-competitive, inclusive model, girls will have the unique opportunity to discover their abilities to lead increasingly active and healthy lives.

PVUSD/ Starlight& Cesar Chavez Nutrition Collaborative — $15,000 to support the partnership between Starlight Elementary and Cesar Chavez Middle Schools to empower youth with the tools, education, resources and inspiration to prevent diabetes and obesity in our community.

Watsonville Family YMCA — $15,000 to continue the implementation of the very successful launch of Healthy Family Home (HFH), a program designed to help low-income Latino families gain knowledge and adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors. HFH provides 40 lowincome Latino families with a coach and group support program to increase physical activity and improve diets.

Access to Care La Manzana Community Resources — $12,500 to support families to access and maximize their public health benefits, including preventative medical services, provider networks and health and nutrition education.

Family Services Agency of the Central Coast — $7,500 to offer access to the General Counseling Program of the Family Services Agency of the Central Coast.

Healthy Kids of Santa Cruz County — $15,000 to provide outreach and enrollment to uninsured children for Medi-Cal and Healthy Families programs and provide an insurance product for children who do not qualify for public programs; they will also secure access to comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and mental health services.

Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance — $10,000 to provide mental health services to uninsured Pajaro Valley residents with the highest unmet mental health needs, with a special focus on trauma related behavioral problems.

WomenCARE — $7,500 to support the Entre Nosotras that serves the mental health care needs of Latina cancer patients in the Pajaro Valley.

Oral Health Dientes Community Dental Care — $11,680 to support and expand access to health care for the uninsured by providing comprehensive dental care to patients that otherwise would not be able to afford the treatment.

Salud Para La Gente — $11,680 to support the delivery of oral health screening outreach to low-income farm workers and their families located within the Pajaro

Valley. Initial outreach will bring dental teams to the fields for screenings and cleanings. Follow-up dental care will be completed in the clinic or mobile van.

Health Professions Watsonville/Aptos Adult Education — $3,140 to support the From Field Hands to Helping Hands program. This program will increase the bi-lingual/bi-cultural workforce by training students for entrylevel jobs as caregivers for dependent elders. Students will achieve competency in health care skills, communication and CPR/First Aid certification.

Watsonville High School Health Academy — $ 7,000 to continue their rewards program and mentor/student dinners that they host semi-annually to expose students to professionals who work in the careers that students might be interested in. Funding will also support purchasing materials for their classes.

The Health Trust also provided $7,000 this year in scholarships to Students from the Pajaro Valley pursuing careers in the health professions. Scholarships were given to students from Aptos High School, Pajaro Valley High School, Watsonville High School, Watsonville/Aptos Adult Education and Cabrillo College. n ••• The Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust in Watsonville, California is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit public-benefit health care foundation.

The Health Trust’s mission is to improve the health and quality of life for all people of the Pajaro Valley by supporting programs and activities that ensure access to a full array of high quality, culturally competent health care services that promote health, wellness, and disease prevention. www.pvhealthtrust.org.

All Natural Pork Tenderloin

$ 99 LB ......

Apple Wood Smoked Bacon

.....

4 $ 99 LB 4

$

699 $ 1299 $ 59 2

Posh Pantry Lemon Cooler Bundt Cake 24 oz

.....

Just Desserts Lemon Cake 23 oz Deluxe’s Lemon Bars

...................................

5 oz..............................................................

Sunridge Farms

Evolution Tazo

Kathryn Kennedy 2008 Lateral Red 750ml

1109 LB $ 19 LB Boar’s Head Maple Honey Turkey . . . 11 $ 99 LB 7 Deluxe’s Lemon Orzo Salad Boar’s Head Maple Honey Ham. . . . .

$

Apothic White 2011 Winemaker’s blend

$

99

24 $ 99 750ml . . . . . . . . . . 9

$ 99

3 $ 99 5 4FOR $400 $ 99 4

Mountain Rainbow Mix 7 oz ...................................

Lemonade 64 oz

..............................................

Infused Tea 13.8 oz...................................

Pomi Marinara Sauce 26.46 oz

.........................

.....................

.......................

Avocado USA

$ 29 EA .............................................

Russet Potatoes

USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hearts of Romaine

USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 59¢ LB $ 39 EA 2

Blue Moon Brewing 12 Pack Bottles

$

.....................................

Corona & Corona Light 12 Pack Bottles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

New Castle Brews 12 Packs

.........

99 +CRV

14 $ 99 14 $ 1399

+CRV +CRV

SWEET EARTH CHOCOLATES!! A BEAUTIFUL AND TASTY CHOCOLATE BAR FOR A WONDERFUL CAUSE - $1.00

FROM THE SALE OF EACH BAR GOES TO HELP PROJECT HOPE ART. THIS UNIQUE PROGRAM WAS CREATED TO

FOSTER ART EDUCATION, HEALING AND GROWTH FOR CHILDREN IN UNDER-SERVED COMMUNITIES IN HAITI. EACH

QUARTER, AN ACCOMPLISHED ARTIST IS INVITED TO VISIT & CONDUCT WORKSHOPS FOR THE CHILDREN OF A

SCHOOL, ORPHANAGE OR MEDICAL CENTER TO COMPLETE ART PROJECTS FOCUSED ON PURPOSEFUL JOY, SCIENCE EDUCATION & PRINCIPLES OF ART.

Marieke Gouda

$ .................................

Prima Donna Fina

...........................

Moliterno w/ Truffles

.....................

1299 LB $ 1499 LB $ 1799 LB

CommunityNews

F

Local Host Families Needed for Foreign Teens

oreign high school students are scheduled to arrive soon for academic year homestay programs, and the sponsoring organization needs a few more local host families. The students are anxiously awaiting news of their new families. This is the last chance for these young ambassadors to fulfill their life-long dreams, and their placement deadlines are rapidly approaching.

According to Pacific Intercultural Exchange (P.I.E.) President, John Doty, the students are all between the ages of 15 and 18 years, are English-speaking, have their own spending money, carry accident and health insurance, and are anxious to share their cultural experiences with their new American families. P.I.E. currently has programs to match almost every family’s needs, ranging in length from one semester to a full academic year, where the students attend local public and private high schools.

P.I.E. area representatives match students with host families by finding common interests and lifestyles through an in-home meeting. Prospective host families are able to review student applica-

tions and select the perfect match. As there are no “typical” host families, P.I.E. can fit a student into just about any situation, whether it is a single parent, a childless couple, a retired couple or a large family.

Families who host for P.I.E. are also eligible to claim a monthly charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax

returns for each month they host a sponsored student.

For the upcoming programs, P.I.E. has students from Germany, the Former Soviet Union, Venezuela, Argentina, Norway, Belgium, The Netherlands, Brazil, Korea, Mexico, Denmark, China, and many other countries.

P.I.E. is a non-profit educational

organization that has sponsored more than 25,000 students from 45 countries since its founding in 1975. The organization is designated by the United States Department of State and is listed by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), certifying that the organization complies with the standards set forth in CSIET’s Standards for International Educational Travel Programs.

Doty encourages families to contact the program immediately, as it will allow the proper time for the students and hosts to get to know one another before they actually meet for the first time.

Families interested in learning more about student exchange or arranging for a meeting with a community representative may call P.I.E., toll-free, at 1-866-546-1402.

The agency also has travel/study program opportunities available for American high school students as well as possibilities for community volunteers to assist and work with area host families, students and schools. n ••• For more information go to Website: pieusa.org

Free Country Crossroads Map shows 26 direct sell farms and 10 farmers’ markets

T

he 37th annual edition of the Country Crossroads Map is now available. This FREE publication lists farms on the Central Coast that sell directly to the public. The guide shows where to pick Olallieberries, select delicious smoked sausages and find the perfect Christmas tree. The 2012/2013 map gives the location and description of 26 direct sell farms and 10 farmers’ markets in Santa Cruz County and the Central Coast area. The FREE publication is produced annually by the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. Nita Gizdich, Country Crossroads President stated, “The public has a unique opportunity to purchase over 100 different commodities directly from all of our directsell farms. It makes for a very enjoyable family outing.”

The map may be obtained by sending a business size (#10) self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, 141 Monte Vista Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076. You may pick maps up at the above location between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Just ask for a Country Crossroads map. n

16 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

••• For a more information, or if you would like to have maps for your business, please contact the Farm Bureau office at 724-1356. The map also available online at www.sccfb.com

FeaturedColumnist

I

The Saga of the Seabreeze Tavern & Patio Guest Columnist, Rich McInnis

t is with great disappointment that I am announcing the closure of the Seabreeze Tavern Patio until further notice.

Unfortunately, this seemingly innocent attempt to safely store our outside tables and chairs inside to avoid rust and theft has caused yet another problem with the county planning department to surface.

Originally, I received a stop work order from county code compliance for the cargo containers several months ago, but the order was incorrect in that it was applied to the Seabreeze Tavern APN or Assessors Parcel Number and not the patio area where the cargo containers are actually located.

In my many follow up meetings with county planning employees designated as zoning, planning, floodplain, and floodway experts, the information has been confusing, conflicting and incomplete as to whether the cargo containers are allowed on the patio or not, and what the process is to keep them on the patio.

It was only after a meeting on the Wednesday after Memorial Day weekend, when I last met with zoning, that I began to get an idea of the real issue behind the red tag against the storage containers. It was about the costs of getting a use permit to store them on the lots. That’s right, storage is not allowed on commercial property without a use permit. The estimated permit cost is $6,000 to $8,000 per storage container. In addition, a coastal zone permit is expected to cost another 20 thousand dollars.

So, in order for me to use two storage containers that are on my own property and only block the view from a county sewage pump station, which is a cement block building surrounded with fences and topped with razor wire, to the beach, I need to pay an estimated total cost of $32,000 to $34,000 to the Coastal Commission and planning department with no guarantee that I will get the permits because its in a floodway! Not a bad windfall for the county. This is another revenue trap sprung on a small businessperson unless I pay these outrageous fees to fund a bloated government agency that has to extract high fees to make payroll.

Does the county care who is going to pay for these permit fees? As a business owner, I will have to charge higher prices to my customers, which means that the residents and tourists of Santa Cruz County are paying the planning department’s outrageous fees for the right to sit outside and enjoy the patio during the summer.

Customers of the Seabreeze Tavern attend a rally put on by the owner to raise awareness of his fight against the county to use the patio for service without being charged “revenue trap” permit fees.

When you take a walk on the pier out to the cement ship, look down onto the beach and you will see the same type of storage container on the beach in the same county, less than 100 feet from the ocean.

Yet I cannot have a storage container on my property located 1/4 mile away from the same ocean because of flood and water displacement concerns.

My guess is that Seacliff State Park doesn’t have to get all these ridiculous permits so planning and code compliance are not really about safety, they are all about revenue as the County hides behind the 100 year flood regulations.

If I spent my day worrying about all the things that have a one percent chance of happening to me, I doubt I would get out of bed and take a shower in the

morning because of worrying about slipping in the shower. And I guess I should start wearing a life jacket in the Seabreeze in case a flood sneaks up on me.

I did discover that in 1992 there was a permit approved for a hot dog stand on the Seabreeze patio for the sum of $1,475.

However, it took a letter from Congressman Leon Panetta in order to expedite the permit.

In the summer of 2007, the planning department kept the Seabreeze Tavern from opening by not allowing Alcohol Beverage Control to release our liquor license. They said I did not have the “Right to Use” the building. It cost me $177,000 to get that “Right to Use” back.

And, just as the same planning depart-

ment held up my liquor license during the summer of 2007 until Labor Day, they held up the hot dog cart permit until October of 1992, well past the summer tourist season.

Now I don’t have the “Right to Use” my patio for storage containers or tables and chairs because they are in a flood way and evidently a flood is imminent. This is just another revenue trap regulation put in place to extract money from private citizens.

If the Seabreeze Tavern is not able to use its patio to generate revenue during the day this summer, this will ultimately bankrupt the Seabreeze Tavern. The additional revenue that is made during the summer is needed for the winter months when business slows down and all tourist-based businesses are forced to live off summer savings.

Good Job Santa Cruz County Government, during a very difficult recession, you welcome tourists with open arms while breaking the backs of the small businesses trying to make a living providing much needed products and services that those same tourists need and want during their stay in our county.

And now that a red tag has been given for the correct parcel numbers where the storage containers are located, I believe as a resident, business person, and former candidate for the office of County Supervisor of the 2nd District, it is important to comply with existing laws and regulations currently in place, no matter how ridiculous they may seem … that is until I fight them and win. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 17

18 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

CommunityNews

California Outdoors Q&As

By Carrie Wilson, Communications Office, CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov

Can Party Boat Passengers Catch Boat Limits as well as the Crew Limits? uestion: A Southern California fishing website posted about an angler catching three white sea bass, and there’s a photograph clearly showing the angler in possession of three white sea bass. The story goes on to say the angler gave two away to other fishermen. Since the limit on this particular species is one, I am wondering if the angler is in violation.

The captain of the boat said the anglers catch was legal because, he said, after limits have been reached by the passengers, it is permissible for them to keep fishing and catch the crews limit of fish. Is this true? (Curtis F.) nswer: If the angler was fishing on a commercial passenger fishing vessel, or party boat, and she gave the fish to other anglers who had not filled their limits prior to exiting the boat, she was not in violation.

Regarding the crews limit, the captain was wrong. Passengers cannot legally catch fish under the limits allowed for the captain and crew. The captain and crew must keep their fish separate from fish caught by passengers.

Night Diving for Scallops? uestion: Is it legal to dive for scallops at night? I have found in the regulations where it says that clams may not be

Q

A

Q

T

taken at night but I cannot find regulations that apply to scallops. Can you help?

(George B., Newport Beach) nswer: Yes, you may dive for scallops at night. The restriction on digging for clams at night does not apply in this situation. The regulations you are looking for are covered under the General Invertebrate provisions in the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 29.05, which states in part, “Except as otherwise provided in this article there are no closed hours for any invertebrate.”

Fishing multiple rods from shore outside San Francisco Bay? uestion: I know that you can use as many rods and hooks as you want outside the Golden Gate, but can I use multiple rods to catch striped bass and halibut from the shore? I already know that only one rod can be used for salmon, rockfish and lingcod. I have heard if you have a striped bass or a halibut in possession, then only one rod can be used. Is this true? (Eddie H.) nswer: Outside of the Golden Gate, if you are fishing from shore for halibut and striped bass, you can use as many rods and hooks as you want. If you were to catch a species like salmon or rockfish, however, you would have to release it, as only one line may be used for these species.

A

Q A

Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau’s 95th Annual Meeting

he 95th meeting of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau will feature the announcement of 2012 Farmer of the Year, Presented by Stanley E. Iversen, 2011 Farmer of the Year.

The featured speaker will be Craig von Foerster, Executive Chef, Post Ranch inn, located in Big Sur. He will speak on the topic of “Love Of Cuisine Acquired Locally (LOCAL).”

Sponsors for this year’s event are: Driscoll’s, State Compensation Insurance Fund, Garroutte Farms, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, Scurich Berry Farms, Thomas and Susan Am Rhein, Cowles Berry Farm, J.E. Farms, Redwood Empire, and Live Earth Farms. The organization will be announcing their recipient of the 2012 Farmer of the Year and elect the incoming officers and directors for 2012/2013. n

Thursday, June 21 Suncrest Nurseries

400 Casserly Road, Watsonville Reception: 5:45 p.m.

Dinner: 6:45 p.m.

(Detailed directions will be provided for those attending)

••• 95th Annual Meeting Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau • 5:45 p.m. No Host Wine Reception • 6:45 p.m. Dinner $65 per person Program Includes: • Silent Auction & Raffle • Election of Directors Please RSVP by Friday, June 15, 2012 For more information and/or reservations, please contact the Farm Bureau Office at (831) 724-1356 or e-mail sccfb@sbcglobal.net.

Reservations for this event are required. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.sccfb.com/ content/95th-annual-dinner-meeting.

Q

Collecting Antlers? uestion: I was hiking on public land and came across a dead elk carcass that had been there a while and still had a huge rack attached to the skull. I know its legal to pick up shed antlers, but what about if they are still attached to the skull of an old elk carcass? Would it be legal for me to take the antlers? (Matt, Hollister) nswer: There is no provision in the Fish and Game Code prohibiting someone from picking up a set of antlers attached to a skull and carcass found on public land.

However, this would likely appear suspicious to a game warden. Anyone who chooses to do so should be aware that pursuant to

A

Fish and Game Code, section 2000, possession of any part of a fish or mammal in or on the fields, forests or waters of this state while returning therefrom with fishing or hunting equipment is prima facie evidence the possessor took that fish or mammal.

Gaffing Salmon? uestion: Is it legal to gaff a keeper salmon in the ocean instead of using a net? nswer: Anglers fishing from boats are required to carry landing nets that are a minimum of 18 inches in diameter. It would be best to always land fish with minimum size limits or special regulations with a landing net to avoid killing the fish in case it must be released. Anglers can be cited for violating CCR Title 14, section 28.65(d) if they gaff an undersized salmon. n ••• Carrie Wilson is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week.

Please contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.

Q A

A Little Center With

A Lot of Class!

Plenty of Free Customer Parking

Aptos Village Skin & Body Care

Yoga Within Exploring the mind-body connection 687-0818

A skin care center 688-4541

Joy of Movement Pilates & Gyrotonic®

Wilder Associates Inc.

More zest for life

Property Management Specialist

688-8077

662-0291

Warmboard Radiant Subfloor

Salon Aptos Hair and nails for a good look

Simply smarter radiant heat

688-8804

685-9275

Village Liquors For all your beverage needs 688-5691

Epicenter Cycling Trek bicycles for all types of riders 662-8100

Dr. Judy Force, DVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 768-7148

APTOS

STATION

SELECT SHOPPING / APTOS VILLAGE www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 19

BusinessProfile

O IL CAN HENRY’S Doing it Right for All Makes & Models

*

By Cynthia Howe

W

Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.

— Henry Ford ho would have thought getting your oil changed could make you smile? Well, that’s just what happens to the customers who visit Oil Can Henry’s on the corner of Soquel Avenue and Rodeo Gulch Road.

Owners Scott and Chris Allen, brothers, grew up on the Monterey Bay. They bought their first Oil Can Henry’s franchise in Watsonville in 2005, along with another one in Salinas. They bought a San Francisco franchise also before buying their most recent one here in Soquel in 2011. Why did these local boys choose Oil Can Henry’s? Chris explained it all.

“My brother has been a mechanic for years, and my background is Finance and Accounting,” Chris shared. “When we looked at Oil Can Henry’s we agreed they had the key element: Good old fashioned customer service.”

So, what does this customer service look like? First, there are no waiting rooms.

Instead, customers remain in their vehicles where they can relax with a free newspaper, take time to perhaps respond to their tech devices, watch and listen to the trained technicians complete the services they’ve requested and even ask questions.

Oil Can Henry’s motto is, “The One You Can Trust.” Customer service is nothing without trust, and these brothers understand that.

They don’t just say that, they mean it.

Everything is straightforward, clear and concise. Educating you about your vehicle is one of their passions. Services include

Owners Scott and Chris Allen

their famous 20-Point Full-Service Oil Change, air filter replacement, automatic transmission flush, cooling system flush, engine flush, gearbox service, serpentine belt and wiper blade replacements. All their services meet or exceed warranty requirements so you don’t have to go to the dealer and pay their high prices. Patrick of Aptos said it all.

“I was greeted by a very friendly and pleasant staff. EVERYTHING was clearly explained in detail. They offered to fix the light bulbs. These were nagging little jobs that I had put off and I knew that if I took the truck to the dealer -it would be expensive and cost me a day,” Patrick shared. “No high pressure to buy other things.”

Seeing is believing, and learning. Because of their commitment to educate their customers in the most comfortable setting they could think of, (their customer’s own vehicles), Oil Can Henry’s uses the CastrolCam video monitoring system that provides live video for customers to watch as technicians work under the hood and under their vehicle.

20 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Prior to the end of their service, the customer also receives a Service Review, detailing the vehicle manufacturer’s service recommendations as well as recording any suggestions they may make after servicing the vehicle. Everything is up front, personal and trustworthy, just like the man Oil Can Henry’s is named after.

“The logo of Oil Can Henry’s is reminiscent of the era Henry Ford first introduced his Model T,” Chris explained.

“Even the uniforms the technicians wear are based on reflecting Mr. Ford’s primary philosophy of putting customer service first.”

Another aspect that drew these brothers to Oil Can Henry’s was their commitment to respecting the responsibility any business owes to their environment. When they say they ‘recycle’, they recycle.

“We work only with the industry’s best environmental service providers to ensure all the used oil we generate is safely handled and recycled for use as alternative fuel or base stock for new lubricants.”

Chris shared. “Our center recycles all of the waste oil it consumes.

Chris continued. “We also work to ensure that all used antifreeze we generate is safely handled. Wherever possible, prod-

ucts such as wiper blades, cardboard and numerous other Oil Can Henry’s materials are recycled at our centers.”

Products used by Scott and Chris Allen’s franchises include the line of Eco Ultra Re-Refined Motor Oil that is engineered and recommended for today’s gasoline powered engines. They also meet vehicle manufacturer warranty requirements. The line is based on a synthetic blend of re-refined base oil and high performance additives. They’re produced by re-refining post-consumer oil using a hydro treating process quite similar to the refining methods used for crude oil.

The Allen brothers represent the true spirit of what two local boys can do for their families, their communities and the beautiful environment they grew up in and still call home. n ••• Oil Can Henry’s is located at 2878 South Rodeo Gulch Road in Soquel. Phone 831-4752102. Their hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website: www.oilcanhenrys.com/locations/052/soquel *All standard US, European, Japanese, and Korean makes and models. Please call first if you have a classic or high-end model automobile.

CommunityNews

Friends, fun and philanthropy

Five ways to make this your summer of doing

W

ith so many summer activities to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to do with your carefree days. From planning weekend getaways to finding ways to give back to your community, there are endless possibilities for your sunshine-filled summer.

Friends play not only a huge part in summer fun, but they also help you decide which activities to partake in. According to a recent Bing survey, more than 90 percent of people seek the opinions or advice of friends and family as part of their decisionmaking process for trips, purchases, events and more. In fact, 44 percent said they get the most useful recommendations on things such as travel and restaurants from their connections on Facebook and Twitter.

Luckily, there are easy ways to involve friends and family in all of your planning this summer, no matter what kind of adventure or activity you’re looking for.

• Plan a getaway. There’s nothing like a weekend away to refresh the body

and mind. Whether you prefer the city, the mountains or the beach, with the weather warm and bags packed, you can be on your way in no time.

Looking to family and friends is a great way to get recommendations you can trust. At www.bing.com you can see which of your Facebook friends have visited your favorite locale, get recommendations and more, right as you search.

• Get outdoors. Grab a friend and get outside. Now is the time for outdoor activities such as hiking, running, surfing and biking. Tap friends and family for recommendations on best trails and equipment and you may even find a new running buddy as you research and plan.

• Plan a summer night out. Even if you can’t get out of town this summer, there is plenty to do in your own neighborhood. Use www.bing.com to find hot restaurants and events, such as concerts in the park or sporting

events - you can even book a table, purchase tickets and suggest your friends join you right within your search. Some of the hottest musical acts will tour the nation this summer; don’t miss out on the fun.

• Get involved in the community.

Giving back to the community through volunteerism is a great way to enjoy the sun and the perfect way to get kids involved in a good cause.

During the summer, many organizations host community volunteer events, such as beach cleanups, park beautification and other activities that get you outside and doing good. This summer, Bing and DoSomething.org are teaming up to inspire people to get out and do good in the community.

Visit www.bing.com/doing for more information and to find out how you can get involved in projects in your community.

• Celebrate. Take time to celebrate summer birthdays, holidays or just being

together with friends and family. Plan a summer barbecue, keeping your friends involved and getting their input along the way as you research recipes, games and entertainment. Once the party rolls around, you know everyone will have a blast.

Taking time to plan ahead and keeping friends and family involved can ensure you have a great fun-filled summer. n ARA Content

LOCAL DANCERS TRAVEL TO CHINA! Show your support to Aptos Academy of Performing Arts and No Limits Dance Company

Sunday June 24

TH

Make plans now to attend the COMMUNITY SUPPORT DAY ACTIVITIES and help raise needed funds to send our Local Dancers on a seven-city, two-week Performance Dance Tour in CHINA October 24 thru November 5.

Bring the entire Family — ALL AGES are Welcome • WHERE: Aptos Academy of Performing Arts, Soquel Ave. (Aptos Village Square – next to Rancho Shopping Center) • WHEN: Sunday June 24th Noon-3 p.m.

• FREE Refreshments & Cotton Candy • Silent Auction – Prizes • Face Painting – Balloon Clown • MASTER DANCE CLASSES: Dance Demonstrations

DONATE & Help Support our LOCAL DANCERS & TEACHERS for this once-in-a-Lifetime opportunity Produced by Dance Kids of Monterey County • A Non-Profit Youth Performing Arts Organization For information call 684-1800 or visit www.aptosacademyofperformingarts.org www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 21

FeaturedColumnist The Book Bag by Robert Francis

The Book Bag

by Robert Francis

A Time for Patriots

N

By Dale Brown Harper. $9.99 (Rating – Very Good) ewly elected U.S. President Ken Phoenix is facing some trying times.

The stock market has gone south and the economy is headed for a major downturn.

Although he hates to do it, the president must make drastic cuts in everything from education to the National Guard. Public safety funds are also taking a major hit, resulting in individuals in various areas banding together to create mutual protection societies.

The most dangerous of these ad hoc groups is one called the Knights of the True Republic. The serious trouble starts when the Knights steal some radioactive materials and they apparently know how to deploy the deadly cache of lethal weapons.

After a dirty bomb is detonated in Reno, retired Air Force Lieutenant-General Patrick McLanahan, his son and other volunteers elect to take matters into their own hands and counter the Knights before anarchy reigns.

Plenty of action makes this thriller one you’ll rip through in no time flat. Just don’t become so engrossed in the book you forget to apply that sunscreen from time to time!

Scorpion Betrayed

F

By Andrew Kaplan Harper. $9.99 (Rating – Excellent) ollow along as an ex-CIA agent named Scorpion chases a wily terrorist across Europe. The international intelligence is thrown into a dither when the head of Egypt’s State Internal Security Intelligence Bureau is brutally killed. Little is known about the killer, dubbed “the Palestinian,” but everyone realizes this is just the first of what will be a mounting number of attacks

Adventure selections for beach reading …

leading towards something quite extraordinary and deadly.

Only the freelancing Scorpion, who has intimate knowledge of the Middle East and Europe and plenty of “contacts,” can handle this problem. Once the search for his illusive quarry begins, the Scorpion will find he’s up against a true equal who may well be able to turn the tables on his pursuer and end his career.

This international espionage thriller offers the high-octane adventure one expects whenever Andrew Kaplan sits down to create a new manuscript.

Atlantis God

H

By David Gibbins Dell. $9.99 (Rating-Very Good) ere’s an underwater adventure that will mix well with a warm day, a sandy beach and waves lapping the shoreline. Jack Howard, the head of the International Maritime University, has assembled a team of like-minded folks to return to the lost island of Atlantis in the Black Sea. Not only are they on the trail of the most soughtafter treasures in history but there’s also an added wrinkle. They are about to discover a surprising link between the mysterious island and the equally mysterious 1930s expedition of Himmler’s Ahnenerbe, the Nazis’ Department of Cultural Heritage.

A lost U-boat, unimaginable treasure, and unspeakable sacrifices are just some of the discoveries that this expedition will make and you’ll want to be along for the fun.

The Blood of Patriots

N

By William W. Johnstone Pinnacle. $6.99 (Rating- Good) YPD detective John Ward is visiting his ex-wife and daughter in Colorado, but his stay in the small town of Basalt

22 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

turns out to be far more than a social visit.

A group of foreigners has been buying property in the area and seems to be setting up something that looks decidedly like a training camp.

Something is definitely afoot here and Ward doesn’t like what he sees happening. The deeper he digs into the town’s new arrivals, the more Ward realizes he has stumbled upon something sinister.

The original inhabitants of Basalt are going to have to stand up and fight for what is theirs or they will lose everything they treasure, including their own freedom.

Johnstone raises the question of what would happen if you discovered “the enemy” you thought was thousands of miles away halfway around the globe was really in your own backyard?

The Body in the Gazebo A Faith Fairchild Mystery

A

By Katherine Hall Page Avon. $7.99 (Rating –Very Good) nother in the Faith Fairchild series, this latest mystery finds the catererturned-sleuth keeping an eye on her best friend’s ailing mother while she is out of town.

When Ursula Rowe says, “I have to tell you something … something that happened a long time ago,” Faith doesn’t realize she’s about to get into one of her more puzzling cases. Over the course of a couple of weeks the old woman spins a tale that dates back to the Great Depression.

As she listens to the bizarre tale of a crime committed over eighty years ago,

Faith is bound and determined to solve the puzzling mystery and see justice finally done.

A more contemporary back-story in this novel also has the busy amateur detective clearing the name of her husband, Reverend Thomas Fairchild, who’s been falsely accused of dipping into the church’s discretionary funds.

Those individuals who have enjoyed this long running series won’t want to miss this addition to the ever expanding list of Faith’s exciting adventures.

Terrified

W

By Kevin O’Brien Pinnacle. $9.99 (Rating-Good) hen a dismembered body was discovered near her home, the police believed that Megan Keeslar was killed by her sadistic husband, Glenn.

Actually, that wasn’t Megan’s body but she took the opportunity to escape with her son from a terrible family situation. Meanwhile, Glenn was convicted of the murder and sent to prison.

Having built a new life in Seattle, Megan isn’t able to forget her past and the horrors it carved on her mind.

Fortunately, no one knows the woman’s secret, or so she thinks! Then the anonymous emails begin. Glenn has been released from jail but is he the source of these threats? Or is it someone else?

The situation reaches the crisis point when Megan’s home is broken into and her young son is kidnapped. This begins a nightmare of unimagined portions that is at the center of the 500 page plus thriller.

Novelist Lisa Jackson advises you read this novel “with the lights on” and Tess Gerritsen says that it offers whiteknuckle action that takes “the reader into the darkest corners of the human mind!”

Both authors are dead on! n

CommunityNews

Save Our Shores Wants YOU

Volunteer to Help Clean our Beaches on July 4 and 5

S

ave Our Shores (SOS) urges Santa Cruz area residents and visitors to protect our marine environment this July 4 and 5 by taking action to prevent pollution on our local beaches. Year after year, when all the visitors and celebrations have come and gone, our beaches are left trashed and polluted with thousands of pounds of debris. SOS calls on the residents of Santa Cruz County to stop this pollution before it enters the ocean, harms marine wildlife, and trashes our Sanctuary.

Wednesday, July 4, is Pollution Prevention Day. Volunteers are needed to hit the beaches from 1-5pm to spread the Bring Your Own message, hand out trash and recycling bags, and educate beach goers on how to properly dispose of and pack out their trash. These efforts to promote clean beaches on July 4 will take place at Main/Cowell Beach, Seabright Beach, Twin Lakes Beach and Seacliff/Rio

Del Mar Beach. Volunteers may pre-register online at saveourshores.org.

Thursday, July 5, is the Star Spangled Beach Cleanup, the second largest beach cleanup of the year. Volunteers are needed from 8-10am on Main/Cowell Beach, Seabright State Beach, Twin Lakes State Beach, Moran Lake Beach and Seacliff/Rio

24 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Del Mar Beach. Volunteers may preregister online or simply show up at the location of their choice to take action for the ocean. All cleanup materials will be provided.

“The beaches of Monterey Bay see tens of thousands of visitors around the Fourth of July holiday. Save Our Shores encourages everyone to keep our beaches clean

and beautiful by joining us for the Star Spangled Beach Cleanup on July 5. It’s up to us to keep the thousands of pounds of pollution left behind from trashing the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary,” says Andrew Hoeksema, Coordinator of “SOS” > 31

BusinessProfile

MULBERRY GALLERY

Custom Framing, Portraits and Art Services

By Cynthia Howe

D

“Photography is a major force in explaining man to man.”

— Edward Steichen istinguishing between the image of a person and a reflection of a spirit, with all of its facets of personality and depth, lies in the eye of a photographer, a good photographer, one such as Barbara Doan-Crawford of Mulberry Gallery. Barbara has a long history behind the camera, capturing various moments, and faces, in time.

“I have been photographing people in the world around me since high school.”

Barbara shared. “During the past thirty years I have photographed the famous and the not so famous, President Clinton being amongst the more historic of them.”

She and her husband of over two decades have built a thriving business established on the foundation of strong aesthetics. They both understand the people and places around them, and how to extract the art from the moment. While Barbara’s artistic lens catches flickers in time, Del’s gift lies with framing the elements to create the ‘whole’ portrait. Barbara’s love for these moments in time comes from a long developed awareness over the span of her career.

“What I have learned to recognize, during my photography career, is that, although all people share a common desire to be loved and recognized, we all come in different flavors. We all unfold differently.”

Barbara noted.

Many of her clients have grown up in front of her lens. Barbara shared, “It has been a huge privilege to watch this unfolding in my clients as they return to me during their special milestones in life.”

Although she enjoys a myriad of photographical seasons, currently she has been delighted to be called upon to create portraits of high school seniors.

“As I catch them leaving the family nest and embarking upon that journey of becoming a young adult, it just catches the spirit of why I do what I do,” Barbara said.

The portraits are beautiful. They have a spacious location photography studio that allows for a variety of creative set designs to complement children and families alike. From urban to vintage, sophistication to relaxed intimacy, they have reflections of them all. Much of what has not been captured within the walls of their studio has been captured without their walls: sprawled somewhere within their 2-acre property in the foothills of Soquel.

“We are surrounded by a meadow, old fencing and the ability to connect with whimsy and country styles.” Barbara shared.

“We have spent a great deal of planning and planting over the years to create a natural background for Barbara’s photography,” Del added.

Del Crawford is the artist behind the framing side of the gallery. Their selection of frame samples from around the world is

one of the greatest collections in the area.

Del understands the complementary nature the frame plays in any piece of art.

“Custom framing is as much about interior design as the art itself.” Del shared.

“The frame blends the piece with the room, and the canvas within the frame is set apart to speak for itself.”

While Barbara sees in artistic detail, Del sees the whole room those details will rest in. Both he and Barbara have extensive art training, but his professionalism led him to take courses in Interior Design to better complement his work. He found his artistic passion lies in the aesthetics of ‘the whole’.

“When you have a strong sense of aesthetics you really care about your surroundings and how those surroundings feed into your countenance,” Del shared.

“Now I help clients find their own sense of what is aesthetically pleasing to them as they create their final touches to their artwork.”

Del is currently working on framing a beautiful collection of vintage posters of 1960 motorcycles. Every piece that comes to him takes great consideration. There are always stories behind each one. He reflected with me on one of his favorite pieces he assisted a client with: framing a nativity.

Del shared a story about a client who collects European religious art. “About six or so years ago, one of my clients brought

in a small Nativity scene that was worked in straw.” He began.

“The story on the piece was that a French prisoner held in the Bastille prison during the early to mid-18th century used the straw from his bedding to weave the scene. The straw of different shades was split into very thin, fine strips and then patiently woven like an intricate tapestry.

It was very well done. Someone over the years had backed it with cotton taken from a flour sack. It was very fragile and very beautiful.” Del continued.

“My challenge was to create a treatment that would present and preserve it. I worked on it only on Sundays to insure that I would not be distracted with day-today business. Maybe working on Sundays gave my hand an extra bit of steadiness necessary to handle such a fragile work of art. Like a lot of religious art done as a profession of faith, it was anonymous. I held my breath until it was safely in the possession of its owner.”

Del concluded. “Often times the line between art and artifact blurs and they become one and the same.” n ••• Mulberry Gallery, found across from Starbucks in Aptos Village, also offers a variety of workshops. Visit their website at www.themulberrygallery.com, or stop by. They are located at 8050 Soquel Drive. They are open Tuesday through Saturday 10-5:30.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 25

FeaturedColumnist

Bird Populations have recovered since DDT was banned Dear EarthTalk: I understand there is good news about the recovery of bird species like the Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle and others owed to the 1972 ban on DDT. Can you explain?

R

— Mildred Eastover, Bath, ME

Retaining Wall Systems Pavers • Flagstone & Slate Lawn & Garden Center Topsoil & Compost Organic Veggie Mix Custom Mixes Sawdust • Boulders

Stepping Stones Decorative Rock & Bark Soil Amendments Screened Dirt • Fertilizers Ponds & Pumps • Water Plants Synthetic and Organic Fertilizers

“Come see our large selection of landscape materials” Masonry Supplies • Block & Brick Rebar • Cobblestone

831-688-6211 www.aptoslandscapesupply.com

5035 Freedom Blvd, Aptos

Mon-Sat 7:30 - 5:00

achel Carson’s seminal 1962 book, Silent Spring, told the real-life story of how bird populations across the country were suffering as a result of the widespread application of the synthetic pesticide DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), which was being used widely to control mosquitoes and others insects.

Carson reported that birds ingesting DDT tended to lay thin-shelled eggs, which would in turn break prematurely in the nest, resulting in marked population declines. The problem drove bald eagles, our national symbol, not to mention peregrine falcons and other bird populations, to the brink of extinction, with populations plummeting more than 80 percent.

Luckily for the birds, Silent Spring caused a stir, and many credit it with launching the modern environmental movement.

Indeed, one of the world’s leading environmental non-profits, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), initially formed in 1967 in reaction to the DDT problem. The group’s first order of business included filing lawsuits in New York, Michigan, Wisconsin and Washington DC to force a ban on DDT. “Birds” > 31

26 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

CommunityNews

Playing — It’s a Kid’s Job

W

From the Nations Institutes of Health (NIH)

hat would childhood be without time to play? Play, it turns out, is essential to growing up healthy. Research shows that active, creative play benefits just about every aspect of child development.

Play is behavior that looks as if it has no purpose,” says NIH psychologist Dr. Stephen Suomi. “It looks like fun, but it actually prepares for a complex social world.” Evidence suggests that play can help boost brain function, increase fitness, improve coordination and teach cooperation.

Suomi notes that all mammals—from mice to humans—engage in some sort of play. His research focuses on rhesus monkeys. While he’s cautious about drawing parallels between monkeys and people, his studies offer some general insights into the benefits of play.

Both monkeys and humans live in highly complex social structures, says Suomi. “Through play, rhesus monkeys learn to negotiate, to deal with strangers, to lose gracefully, to stop before things get out of hand, and to follow rules,” he says.

These lessons prepare monkey youngsters for life after they leave their mothers.

Play can help lay a foundation for learning the skills we need for social interactions. If human youngsters lack playtime, says Dr. Roberta Golinkoff, an infant language expert at the University of Delaware, “social skills will likely suffer.

You will lack the ability to inhibit impulses, to switch tasks easily and to play on your own.” Play helps young children master their emotions and make their own decisions. It also teaches flexibility, motivation and confidence.

Kids don’t need expensive toys to get a lot out of playtime. “Parents are children’s most enriching plaything,” says Golinkoff. Playing and talking to babies and children are vital for their language development. Golinkoff says that kids who talk with their parents tend to acquire a vocabulary that will later help them in school. “In those with parents who make a lot of demands, language is less well developed,” she says. The key is not to take over the conversation, or you’ll shut it down.

Unstructured, creative, physical play lets children burn calories and develops all kinds of strengths, such as learning how the world works. In free play, children choose the games, make the rules, learn to negotiate and release stress. Free play often

involves fantasy. If children, say, want to learn about being a fireman, they can imagine and act out what a fireman does. And if something scary happens, free play can help defuse emotions by working them out.

“Sports are a kind of play, but it’s not the kids calling the shots,” says Golinkoff.

It’s important to engage in a variety of activities, including physical play, social play and solitary play. “The key is that in free play, kids are making the decisions,” says Golinkoff. You can’t learn to make decisions if you’re always told what to do.

Some experts fear that free play is becoming endangered. In the last 2 decades, children have lost an average of 8 hours of free play per week.

As media screens draw kids indoors, hours of sitting raise the risk for obesity and related diseases. When it comes to video games and other media, parents should monitor content, especially violent content, and limit the amount of time children sit.

There’s also been a national trend toward eliminating school recess. It’s being pushed aside for academic study, including standardized test preparation.

“Thousands of children have lost recess altogether,” says child development expert Dr. Kathryn Hirsh-Pasek of Temple University. “Lack of recess has important consequences for young children who concentrate better when they come inside after a break from the schoolwork.”

Some educators are now insisting that preschool and elementary school children have regular periods of active, free play with other children. The type of learning that happens during playtime is not always possible in the classroom. School recess is also important because of the growing number of obese children in the United States. Running around during recess can help kids stay at a healthy weight.

Play also may offer advantages within the classroom. In an NIH-funded study, Hirsh-Pasek, Golinkoff and their colleagues found a link between preschoolers’ math skills and their ability to copy models of 2- and 3-dimensional building-block constructions. Play with building blocks— and block play alongside adults—can help build children’s spatial skills so they can get an early start toward the later study of science, technology, engineering or math.

“In a way, a child is becoming a young scientist, checking out how the world

works,” says Hirsh-Pasek. ”We never outgrow our need to play.” Older children, including teens, also need to play and daydream, which helps their problemsolving and creative imagination. Adults, too, need their breaks, physical activity and social interaction.

Without play and recreation, people can become isolated and depressed.

“There’s therapeutic value in helping patients maintain what’s important to them,” says Gregory. “When you are physically and socially active, it gives life meaning.” n

Father’s Day

ACROSS 1. A woman of refinement 6. *He made it an official holiday in 1966 9. Locus, pl.

13. Italian friends 14. Promissory note 15. It's twirled and thrown 16. Opposite of unravel 17. Beaver construction 18. Teamsters, e.g.

19. *Royal father 21. *Father to Sasha and Malia 23. Trifecta, e.g.

24. "The ____ Show" (1976-1980)

25. _____ Lanka 28. God of thunder 30. Mouth infection, mostly in infants 35. Arising from trunk 37. Wading bird 39. Spanish saint 40. UN civil aviation agency 41. Cheat or trick 43. One on a list 44. Mulled wine 46. Poet Pound 47. It meanders through Egypt 48. Small cave 50. Boys 52. Corn piece 53. High-strung 55. Signature substance 57. Russian truth 60. *Sofia Coppola's dad 64. Unit of electrical energy

12. Weary traveler's welcome spot 15. Borough in Scotland 20. Principal of right and wrong 22. The little one "stopped to tie his shoe" 24. Salmon lover 25. David's weapon of choice 26. Kind of potato DOWN 1. *Dad to J. Lo's twins masher 27. Idealized image 2. Wet nurse 3. Mariah Carey, e.g.? 29. Bassoon cousin 31. Golfer's disdain 4. Sour 32. Unlace 5. Cereal grain 33. Commemorative 6. Hats stone slab 7. Flapper's accessory 34. *Dad to Lisa, Bart 8. Huge or giant and Maggie 9. Legendary actress 36. Round of influenza, Turner e.g.

10. Ear-related 11. One who hangs in 38. "Que sera ____" 42. Rock bottom the galley

65. North American country 67. "Moulin ____!"

68. It starred Sigourney Weaver 69. Defective firework 70. Craze 71. Japanese money, pl.

72. "Oui" in English 73. Cubic meter

45. *Liv's "judging" dad 49. Not divisible by two 51. Pilfers 54. Tasteless and flashy 56. Type of whip 57. There's one north and one south 58. Downfall 59. A in IPA, pl.

60. Bell-bottoms or Chia Pets, e.g.

61. Antibiotic to infection, e.g.

62. Composer Stravinsky 63. Withered 64. *Head of "Modern Family" 66. Famous T-Rex © Statepoint Media

Answers on

31

»

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 27

H

Announcements

Aptos Fourth of July T-Shirts for Sale!

elp us celebrate the 4th of July in style with our 2012 Parade T-shirts. You can purchase your commemorative T-shirts at the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, Aptos Feed & Pet Supply, Comercia Bank of Aptos, Fleet Feet Sports, Eriks Deli of Aptos, Bay Federal Bank of Aptos, Deluxe Foods, Santa Cruz County Bank of Aptos, Pacific Coffee Roasters, UPS Store, and Seascape Wine and Spirits. We have mens, womens, and childrens sizes.

For more information, call (831) 688-6961

O

BBBS Celebrates 30th Anniversary!

n June 14th, Big Brothers, Big Sisters will be celebrating their anniversary at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club with their volunteers, Board Members, and their friends from over the years. Food is being donated by Kiss Catering, My Cupcake Corner, and more! Julie Munnerlyn has been archiving stories from the past, and will share at the event. If you have been in the program and wish to share your stories, contact us at (831) 464-8691!

W

Nar-Anon

hat is co-dependency? What is enabling?

What is this insanity? Am I the only one who feels this way? Join Nar-Anon, a world wide fellowship of relatives and friends of addicts who have been affected by someone else's addiction. Three meetings are now being held in Santa Cruz County, on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

For a meeting near you call (888) 374-1164 or email saveyoursanity@aol.com

Ongoing Events Ongoing thru July 27

Teen Summer Reading Program at Watsonville Public Library

T

275 Main Street, Suite 100 heme this year is Own the Night! To celebrate the theme, there will be seven weeks of activities, parties, horror movies, and scavenger hunts at the library! Teens can earn raffle tickets toward grand prize ($150) by reading, completing Book Bingo, and attending library events. Come to the Watsonville Main Library of the Freedom Branch Library to sign up for free!

For more information, call (831) 768-3400 and ask for teen librarian, Hannah Clement.

First Mondays of the Month

Lecture Series on ‘Great Decisions’

L

7:00pm-8:30 pm, Episcopal Church of St. John, 125 Canterbury Dr. in Aptos ectures will be lead by Dr. Laina FarhatHolzman, sponsored by Santa Cruz Beach, American Association of University Women.

For more information, call (831) 688-0541

Second and Fourth Mondays First and Third Wednesdays

Alzheimers Support Groups Monday: 2:00 - 3:30pm Wednesday: 5:30 – 7:00pm

F

Conference Room at Elena Baskin/Live Oak Senior Center, 1777-A Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz acilitated by Jill Ginghofer, this group is for caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimers.

D

Tuesdays

Women Care Drop in Cancer Support

rop in Support Group is a gathering for women with all types of cancer. We offer support for women through all stages from diagnoses through treatment.

For more information or to register call (831) 457-2273

J

Drop in Grief Support

6:00pm at Aegis, 125 Heather Terrace, Aptos oin other adults who are grieving the death of a friend or family member. Learn helpful tools for coping: Share stories and receive support from people who care.

No registration required, please call (831) 430-3000

First Tuesdays and Third Wednesdays each month

Orientations to Become Advocates for Children

North County, 5:30-7p.m., first Tuesday of month (for location details contact Danielle at 761-2956 X102) South County, 5:30-7 p.m., third Wednesday of the month at the CASA Office, 813 Freedom Blvd.

Watsonville ASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Santa Cruz County needs your help. Volunteer 3-5 hours per week to provide support, guidance, and a powerful voice in court for children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Everyone welcome, men and bilingual folks especially encouraged.

To RSVP call 761-2956 Ext. 102, or email Danielle@casaofsantacruz.org

C

Second Tuesdays Each Month

Free Job Seek Workshop!

F

6:00pm-7:00pm, Gateway Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Rd. Scotts Valley or more information, visit http://hirewire.org

PFLAG

T

(Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) 7:00pm-9:00pm, 900 High St. First Congregational Church of Santa Cruz o learn more, call (831) 427-4016 or visit www.pflagscc.org

Wednesdays

Coastal Professionals

L

8:00am to 9:30am at Aptos History Museum, Old Dominion Court, Aptos. earn tips and make connections. Local professionals meet weekly to focus on business building and collaboration. Interested business owners, independent professionals and guests welcome.

For more information: 621-1153, www.CoastalProfessionals.net

Toastmasters: Speak for Success

12:00pm-1:00pm, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley.

28 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

G

iving a business presentation?

Interviewing for a job? Improve your speaking skills in a friendly, supportive environment with Redwood Ramblers Toastmasters. Open to all levels.

Drop-ins welcome. For more information, call 831-335-3693.

E

Lectures on Western Civilization

1:30pm-2:30pm, Monterey Peninsula College xciting lectures will cover fascinating topics such as "The Art of Alchemy," as well as "Lord Byron: Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know."

Purchase free parking tickets at the college, lectures are free.

Overeaters Anonymous

6:30-7:30pm at Teach by the Beach #50 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos For more information, call (831) 429-7906

First Wednesday of the Month

Child Welfare Review

T

6:00pm- 9:00pm 1400 Emeline Avenue room 206, Santa Cruz. he orientation is designed to review the child welfare system and to give you a chance to have your question answered by child welfare staff.

To register to one of the meetings and for directions, please call 454-4024.

Fourth Wednesday thru August

Santa Cruz ADHD Support Group Meetings

M

6:30pm-8:00pm, Community room at Aptos Fire Station on Soquel Dr. eetings are free and open to the public, especially those with ADHD or those who care about someone with ADHD. We will hold break out sessions for parents of young chidlren with ADHD, parents of teens with ADHD, and adults with ADHD. For more information, contact Judy Brenis at jbbrenis@comcast.net or call (831) 684-0590

Thursdays

C

Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club Meeting

12-1:30 p.m. at Seascape Golf Course. ontact Doug at 831- 724-9192 or e-mail dnakashima@razzolink.com for more information.

Overeaters Anonymous

1:00-2:00pm, Louden Nelson Community Center, Rm. 5 301 Center St. Santa Cruz For more information, call (831) 429-7906

City Council Member Stephanie Harlan to hold Office Hours in Capitola Mall

1:00pm-4:00pm Capitola Mall No meeting on Thanksgiving ouncil Member Harlan will meet with residents and persons interested in discussing City issues at Capitola Mall. She looks forward to meeting with her constituents and encourages Capitola residents to stop by and meet with her.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (831) 475-7184

C

Second Thursdays of the Month

Veterans of Foreign Wars

6:30 pm, 2259 7th Ave. Santa Cruz Commander: Ronals Petty. For more information, call (831) 475-9804

Second and Fourth Thursdays of the month

Cabrillo Host Lions Club

P

7:00pm at the Cabrillo Community Center, Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd. ublic is invited to all programs. Contact President Jess Allen 831-684-2721 or Past President Barbara Chamberlain at 831-6883356 for meeting/dinner reservations or information or visit www.cabrillohostlions.org.

Fridays

T

Aptos Certified Farmers Market

8:00 -12:00pm at Cabrillo College, Aptos. he Aptos Market, with over 80 vendors, is open year round, with the best selections of fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seedlings, flowers, local honey, fresh eggs, fresh fish, artisan baked goods and gourmet foods. In addition, family activities, music, cooking demos by professional chefs, gardening workshops, seasonal fairs and events are a part of the market.

Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market

9a.m.-1p.m. SV Community Center, 360 Kings Village Drive www.santacruzfarmersmarket.org

Dated Events

Wednesday June 20

Meeting Regarding Del Mar Shopping Center in Aptos 7:00pm, Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Suite 90, 140 Rancho Del Mar. Aptos A meeting to discuss the renovation and modernization of the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center in Aptos. The purpose of this meeting is to provide information about the preliminary project concept and goals, and to obtain input from the community. There will be a presentation by the project team, followed by a Q&A and design workshop.

For more information, contact Charlie Eadie or Deidre Hamilon at (831) 459-9992

Thursday June 21 Leadership Santa Cruz County Invites you to the Graduation of Class 27

T

5:30pm-8:30pm, Michael's on Main, 2591 S. Main St. Soquel his year's speaker will be Deutron Kebebew, from Class 26. Once placed in foster care after arriving in California from Ethiopia, he is now the project director for the Santa Cruz County PAPAS group, which advocates for co-parenting and helps fathers build strong relationships with their children.

Deutron, a UC Santa Cruz graduate draws on first-hand experience to create his own brand of social justice.

To RSVP, visit http://lscc27graduation.event brite.com/?ref=esli&goback=.gde_3790760_ member_111888317

Saturday June 23 The Garden Faire 2012 ‘Growing Your Change’

C

9:00am-5:00pm, Skypark, Scotts Valley ome enjoy a full day of wandering amid organic gardening and sustainable living workshops, demos, and booths stuffed with goodies like tools and seedlings, which will inspire the gardener in everyone. Featured experts sharing their wealth of knowledge

will include Dr. Ed Bauman, founder and president of the Bauman College Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts, and Emmet Brady, creator of the Insect News Network and innovative cultural entomologist and more.

Admission is free.

Sunday June 24 Youth in Action!

C

1:00-3:30pm, Inner Light Ministries, 5630 Soquel Dr. Soquel ome join us as we launch our amazing new progam that will have epic impact on the community as well as world wide. Its called Youth in Action! Here you will meet other young people wanting to make a difference in the world. Event will include games, food, movies, experiential activities, discussion, and lots of fun!

Please RSVP to Beth at (831) 465- 9090 x 213 or visit us online at www.facebook.com/ ILM.Youth.Page Future dates include July 8 & 22

Tuesday June 26 Sons in Retirement Luncheon Meeting

T

11:30 am, Severinos Resteraunt, 7500 Old Dominion Ct. Aptos his will be a "Ladies Day," "Just for the fun of it," ladies are requested to wear hats if they do desire. Speaker will be charlie Kiefer who is a descendent of the Castro Family that pioneered Santa Cruz area more than 150 years ago. He has wonderful stories of his great grandmothers adventures and also of the romantic "Banditos" that roamed the land.

Call (831) 688-0977 for more information.

Saturday June 30 Monterey Bay Master Gardeners 2nd Annual Home Gardening Boot Camp Registration

T

8:00am-5:00pm, Cabrillo College Horticulture Facility, Aptos his is a full day seminar-style gardening related instruction classes, taught by expert instructors. Classes include pest management, soils, pruning, irrigation, fruit tree care, landscape design, gopher control, aquaponics, propagation, and many more. Instructors include staff from the University of California and Cabrillo College, plus master gardeners and local landscape and gardening experts.

Registration fee is $40 for the day. For more details and to register, visit event website at http://mbmg.org/events/mbmg-boot-camp/

Saturday July 14 Sunday July 15

T

Relay for Life of Santa Cruz

10:00 am, Cabrillo College Track his event gives everyone in our community a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Relay starts with survivors lap, when survivors are invited to circle the track together and celebrate their victory over cancer. The day continues with games, activities, kid's camp, food booths, and live entertainment. After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony.

Learn more at relayforlife.org, or by calling 1800-227-2345 n

Your June Horoscope Annabel Burton • Astrologer ©

Although the Gemini Sun highlights your most creative side, you find that you want to keep the wraps on certain aspects until you feel the time is right to reveal your plans. You are looking more deeply into your relationships and perhaps questioning which ones work and which don't. You are growing apart from someone and while this takes getting used to, you discover that you are now ready to move to follow a dream which is more appropriate for you. The sun enters your sign on the 21st and here you will be able to create the changes you need.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

C

Announcements

Coastanoa: Past and Present

ostanoa students and staff came together to do a community service mural project, funded by the 180 degrees program. and with the guidance of professional muralist Peter Bartczak. The theme of the mural is the past and present of the land the school sits on. The mural is located at the schools campus, 840 N Branciforte Ave. Members of the community are welcome to come check it out.

Peaceful Interludes and Tranquil Landscapes

T

An art exhibition presented by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County his exhibit will run from June 5th to August 16, Monday-Friday, 8:00am5:00pm. This new art exhibition features five artists whose works convey a sense of richness in the depiction of, and a connection with, their subjects and natural surroundings.

Featured artists include Marie Gabrielle, Caroline McCall, Susan Trimingham, Erika Gakovich, and Timothy Lydgate.

To learn more, Visit the Cultural Council's website at www.ccsscc.org.

Ongoing Events Ongoing thru June 30

"Ageless Art Exhibit" on View at County Office

T

Santa Cruz County Office Building, 701 Ocean St. Community Wall his art display will be on display June 1-30.

The exhibit features the art created by care facility residents from Aegis. For further information call (831) 459-8917, X 208

Mondays

T

Live Team Trivia

6:00pm Brunos BBQ 230 G Mt Hermon Rd. SV eams for trivia can be as few as one person or as large as 20! Great prizes for 1st and 2nd place teams.

No cost to play.

Mondays and Wednesdays

L

Salsa Rueda Class

7 pm at Louden Nelson Center, 301 Center St., SC earn Salsa Rueda. For more information visit www.salsaruedasantacruz.com or call 831-457-7432

Monday thru Friday thru Aug. 16

A

Peaceful Interludes and Tranquil Landscapes

Begins June 5, 8 am-5 pm n art exhibition presented by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County. This exhibit will run from June 5th to August 16, MondayFriday, 8:00am-5:00pm. This new art exhibition features five artists whose works convey a sense of richness in the depiction of, and a connection with, their subjects and natural surroundings.

Featured artists include Marie Gabrielle, Caroline McCall, Susan Trimingham, Erika Gakovich, and Timothy Lydgate.

To learn more, Visit the Cultural Council's website at www.ccsscc.org.

Tuesdays

H

BINGO

6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. osted by Soquel Sports Foundation. BuyIn $25. Also, we have a special BINGO,

celebrating our 2nd anniversary, on Sept. 28 at 6:30. Buy-in only $15. www.soquelsports.com

Tuesdays and Weekends

L

Live Music on the Esplanade

Paradise Beach Grille 215 Esplanade, Capitola. ive music weekends and acoustic guitar Tuesdays.

For schedule and more information: (831) 476-4900 Or visit paradisebeachgrille.com

Wednesdays

F

Peninsula Banjo Band

7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Harry’s Hofbrau, 390 Saratoga Ave, San Jose orty-seven years of performing in the Bay Area, over 250 popular tunes. Come see our band for Free in Sunnyvale Every Wednesday. No cover.

Contact Lee McLaughlin, Booking Agent, at 408-993-BAND (2263) for information about booking the band for Non-profit events (donations are tax deductible). www.PeninsulaBanjoBand.org

Fridays

Argentine Tango at Dance Synergy

W

8:00-8:30pm class; 8:30-10:00+pm, practice 9055 Soquel Dr. Aptos e will cover the fundamentals of leading and following traditional Argentine Social Tango, focusing on what you need to dance well and enjoy yourself at the Milongas, (Tango dance party) and other social Tango events.

For questions, contact Michael, stclare7@tangoworld.net (831) 239-2247

Ballroom Dancing

7:30- 11:00pm at Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave, Capitola. ive music by The Rainbows.

Refreshments, large floor, friendly atmosphere, free parking. All for a donation of $8 per person.

L T

First Fridays of each month

he First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The event takes place year-round and illuminates some of the most talented local artists from local galleries.

To find out where to participate in a First Friday art tour, visit firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for First Friday viewings.)

First Friday Art Tour

Every other Friday

Shakespeare Club of Santa Cruz

S

10:30-12:30 pm, First Congregational Church, 900 High St. Santa Cruz, Next: June 15 hakespeare's club is seeking new members to join in the study of his plays.

For more information, visit www.fridayshakespeare.org

Fourth Friday of each month

B

Musical Me Inc. Family Jam Night

6:30-8:30p.m. 239 High St., Santa Cruz. ring your favorite music to dance to and any instruments you'd like to share or perform with. Sliding Scale donation per family of $10-$25 (all proceeds going to our scholarship fund.)

For more information call 831-438-3514.

Fourth Saturdays of each month

Thursday June 21

Writers and Poets Open Mike

Fundraising Dinner & Auction at Scopazzi's

2:00pm-4:00pm, Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St. Soquel no meeting Jan., July, Aug. or Dec.) riters and Poets are invited to a new monthly open mike reading series. Come and read your fiction, essays, or poetry.

For more information, call Jean at (831) 4754221

W

Dated Events

Sunday June 17 Hats off to Dad

Steam trains depart for Bear Mountain at 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm.

Beach trains depart to Santa Cruz at 10:15am and 2:15 pm. alute dad on Father's Day by treating him to a steam train ride and an old-fashioned chuck wagon BBQ. BBQ will be served from noon to 3:00pm. Steam train tickets are $24 for adults, $17 for childen. Beach train tickets are $26 for adults, $20 for children.

For information visit www.roaringcamp.com or call (831) 335-4484.

S

Santa Cruz Performing Arts Dance Recital and Scholarship Fundraiser

F

2:00pm-4:00pm, Dance Synergy, 9055 Soquel Dr. Aptos eaturing performances by the incredible surfing magician, santa cruz performing arts dancers, and other exciting guest performers, snacks, beverages, cookies and coffee, raffle prizes, games and a free dance lesson will be offered. Fun for the whole family!

For more information, contact Caitlin Fahey at (831) 295-1268, or email santacruzperformingartsdance@gmail.com.

Sunday June 17 Sunday June 30 Great Train Robberies!

Also Sunday & Wednesday July 1 & 4, Saturday-Monday, September 1-3 Steam trains depart Roaring Camp, 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm, Beach trains leave for the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz at 10:30 am, and 2:30pm Roaring Camp, Felton ide your pocketbooks and valuables because notorious outlaws from the 1880s are sure to hold up Roaring Camp's steam trains as they reach the top of Bear Mountain. Shootouts, skirmishes, and other blazing reenactments bring the Wild West to life!

Tickets are $24 for adults, and $17 for children.

Stream trains are $26 for adults, and $20 for children. For information visit www.roaringcamp.com, or call (831) 335-4484.

H

Wednesday June 20 The Aptos Community Foundation Proudly sponsors: La Campanella Ensemble

A

7:00pm, Home of John Orlando benefit concert for talented young musicians participating in the International Academy of Music Festival in Castelnuovo di Garfangnana, Italy.

Suggested donation: $25 per person. RSVP to John Orlando for directions and reservations (831) 539-0000. Space is limited, make your reservation today.

T

7:00-9:00pm, Scopazzi's 13300 Big Basin Way San Lorenzo Valley he San Lorenzo Valley Museum is inviting everyone to join them for their Annual Fundraising Dinner and Auctions to benefit the Museum and its programs. It will be a fun evening with delicious dinner choices and fabulous offerings in both a fun silent auction and active live auction including get-away trips, family fun days, artisan jewelry, entertainment packages, sports tickets, wine, restaurant certificates, and more.

Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door, and can be purchased at www.slvmuseum.com, or at the SLV Museum. Call Lynda Phillips at (831) 3388382 for more details.

Saturday June 23 The Tenth Annual Bonny Doon Art & Wine Festival

E

1:00pm-6:00pm, 3675 Bonny Doon Rd. Santa Cruz vents features unlimited wine tasting from local and regional wineries, fine art, live and silent auction, gourmet appetizers and deserts, artist demonstration, live music, and much more!

Tickets are $45 if purchased before June 1, $50 after June 1. Fore more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.bonnydoonartandwinefestival.com.

Sunday June 24

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

This month, you are focusing on your career. Are you doing the right job? Are you able to get a healthy balance between work and play?

While Mars is in yoru sign you can initiate changes and although you may not see the chance to make improvements yet, you can at least look at others ways to express your creative side. This is a time when others will look favourably upon you and give you the helping hand you need. Travel lis likely as is learning new skills to add to your repertoire.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

While the Sun is in Gemini, you find that your activities run smoothly enough and you are encouraged to go the extra mile. This sets you apart and means that others appreciate you for what you are doing.

You are beginning a phase where the themes of travel, learning and teaching will play a major role, but now you are simply doing your homework. Relationships benefit from Venus in Gemini; if you are single you can meet people with whom you share a common interest. Great opportunities for career advancement can happen after the 21st.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

This is a month you need to think hard about your values, and most importantly how you value yourself. You are right to consider whether certain situations are worth your continued input or do you need to expect more in return? Develop inner confidence and self belief which comes after you cut down on self criticism. You are your own best friend, after all! You have an instinct for business matters and dealing with cash and this plays out around the first week. Several situations come together happily after the 21st.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

An eclipse in your sign in the first week can correspond with important changes and perhaps a desire to move the game on somewhat. You have been considering your options for some time and perhaps more responsibilities may seem daunting at first but you are ready for the challenge and the greater freedom this brings. Key relationship matters also play out this month. You and another make vows and commitments and you now feel that you relax in the knowledge that you have someone in your life who is perfect for you.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Initially you may find that your best laid plans have to be thought of again, as outside factors come to bring about change that you hadn't anticipated. But you have a dogged determination to keep your goal in sight and as such which will work even harder to get to where you are going. But watch out for some frustrating moments! However, the Full Moon and eclipse on the 4th helps yo to have a broader and more spiritual vision and you see that everything has a reason.

Interesting developments after the 21st can impact your personal life for the good.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

T

Moonlight Dinner Train Party

6:00pm-10:30pm, Roaring Camp, Felton reat your family to an evening of fun and relaxation at Roaring Camp's Western Themed Moonlight Dinner Train Party. Start with a hearty steak BBQ dinner in the moonlight, followed by a leisurely train ride aboard the vintage railway cars. The stream train stops atop Bear Mountain to a glowing campfire, hot apple pie, and a country western band.

Tickets $45 for adults, $35 for children. Parking is $8 per car. For more information, call (831) 335-4484 or visit www.roaringcamp.com

Tim Connell and Jack Dwyer, Mandolins on Fire; The Hobnobbers

C

1:00pm, Don Quixote's International Music Hall, 6275 California 9 Felton onner and Dwyer will partner with local mando-centric bluegrass/swing group the Hobnobbers, presenting two upbeat but very different styles on the same eight stringed instrument. $10 Cover, all ages welcome. To learn more, call (831) 603-2294 or visit www.timconnellmusic.com.

Open Mike Welcomes Writers, Musicians and Performing Artists: A Benefit for Unchained Inc.

C

At certain times in your life, you gravitate towards those with whom you share interests and common ground. This month sees you making friends with new people and you come into contact with those who you would never normally meet due to unusual circumstances.

As such, you can form some great bonds and also get a sense of your place in the world. It's important to feel that you belong somewhere.

Good fortune can be found here too, so make sure you network. This month's Full Moon highlights the fun side of your life around the first week. Plan holidays, days out and get togethers.

4:00pm-7:00pm, Michaels on Main, 2591 Main Street. Soquel ome early and sign up for a 5-7 minute performance. Proceeds from event go to benefit Unchained, Inc. a central coast nonprofit working with community organizations to prevent and reduce human violence and animal cruelty through humane education and animal assisted therapy programs.

Visit www.livingunchained.org for more information. n

Be spontaneous, sociable and do what makes you happy as you have been working so hard and deserve a break. Days out and holidays are on offer, or you organize a change of scene which will be of enormous benefit to you. In the first week, note who you meet coincidentally as this could have an important influence for later. Indeed, while you are open to new ideas, you are willing to try something different and break a cycle that you have found yourself in increasingly. Practical matters and working out ways to incorporate a life change will keep you busy in the latter half of June.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

While this month you may be looking back with fondness to the past, there is also some unfinished business you would like to see to.

Memories hold powerful emotions and nostalgia keeps you from the present moment. But it is while you are delving deep that you discover something new which gives a greater clarity and understanding of recent events. The influence of Gemini energy is light but there doesn't seem to be enough time to do anything properly. When the change of sign occurs after the 21st you get a more orderly time, when you make real progress.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

This is one busy month when you are encouraged to pack in as much as possible. The Full Moon in the first week is about travel to distant shores and a chance for your to explore new territory. You don't need a lot of encouragement to do so! Think about how you express yourself and take note of interesting facts and figures to store for later. Jupiter, planet of opportunity, brings abundance for some time to come, and you could be a little overwhelmed with what's on offer. After the 21st your attention turns to your home and family situation.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

This month, lucky Jupiter leaves your sign and while you sometimes think that you could do with some more luck, Jupiter has also opened your eyes to new possibilities and you have learned plenty, provided you have been open minded enough to do just that. Now you will see business ideas getting off the ground, particularly if your venturing into self employment. Your extravagance is a matter of opinion, since you see expensive purchases as an investment. New beginnings equate to some endings too, but you are ready to move on.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

You have been waiting for your chance for some time to now. In fact you have been unusually patient, but several factors come together this month which means that you make quantum leaps to where you are supposed to be headed. It helps that the Sun is in your sign until mid summer and the mighty Jupiter enters Gemini and will be here months.

Consequently, you find that while you are dealing with more issues there is nothing you cannot handle and you relish the chance to pack in as much as you can. As long as you are busy then you enjoy the buzz of new people and situations.

••• Find Out More www.AnnabelBurton.tv

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 29

FeaturedColumnist From Watsonville to Santa Cruz Free estimates for new roofs, reroofs, repairs, or just some advice!

KNOX ROOFING

461-0634 Lic.#696146

!

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549

30 / June 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Showing the Way

S

cott Walker is an unlikely hero. A mild-mannered former county executive, he is not a colorful speaker nor a natural politician. He speaks in a calm, dispassionate way about the nuts and bolts of budgets and small businesses. He was an Eagle Scout who attended Boys’ State. He attended Marquette for four years but never graduated, and earned money in college selling warranties for IBM, and later worked in marketing for the Red Cross. Not the Scott Walker makings of a political firebrand. Yet, he became Governor of Wisconsin in 2010, campaigning on budget reform and in particular, reigning in the power of public unions.

His successful fight against recall Tuesday is the most significant political event since the 2010 elections, and a signal opportunity for bankrupt states like California, New York, and Illinois. He joins Chris Christie, Bobby Jindal and Bob McDonnell as one of American’s most successful governors, and stands in contrast to California’s current and previous governors, all miserable failures. And because he could not have won without significant support from democrats in blue Wisconsin, his victory suggests that the Reagan democrats are back.

His first year in office, Walker passed a bill through the state legislature that changed the relationship between state government and public unions. Except for police, it excluded benefit and pensions plan from collective bargaining agreements, and required state workers (including teachers) to contribute 5.8% of their pay to their pension plans, and 12.6% to their health insurance premiums.

(In the private sector, the average worker contribution to health insurance premiums is about 21%, and guaranteed benefit pensions have been replaced by the contributionbased 401K).

Since then, Wisconsin’s $3.6 billion deficit has been wiped out; business tax receipts are up; unemployment declined from 9.1% to 6.8%, well below the 8.2% national average.

Property taxes have held steady or

Central Coast Commentary that produced deficits year after year. the structural imbalance of spending

by David deMilo

“I believe that union leadership has gotten much, but not all of the message, which is that the public is fed up with union excesses ...”

— Ed Koch

declined, and mass layoffs of teachers and other public employees were avoided. The reforms gave towns and cities the flexibility to negotiate more broadly with their unions, and avoid the usual choice of layoffs or service cuts.

Yet, since the day he took office, the state’s democratic party, unions, and leftist organizations have lined up against Walker with angry sloganeering: What about workers’ rights?

Walker is anti-union! Anti-teacher!

Anti-firefighter! Vampire!

Their strategy was to transform Wisconsin into a modern-day Matewan. They figured voters would rally to their cause — or be too frightened to oppose it. But this is not 1920, Walker is not a Baldwin security thug, and state employees and teachers are not coal miners working under inhumane conditions, being forced to shop at the company store after work. If anything, it is taxpayers who are forced to shop at the union store — and pay whatever price the unions demand, and whatever work rules and benefits they demand as well.

When the unions occupied the capitol building in Madison, many voices in the media blamed Walker for “going too far.” Ed Koch — who is a conservative democrat — said so in March 2011, explaining, “I believe that union leadership has gotten much, but not all of the message, which is that the public is fed up with union excesses, particularly in their resistance to their members paying a reasonable part of their pension and health costs, as do most private sector workers.”

But “getting the message” is not enough. Walker was rightly seeking dollar results — not just dealing with the current year’s deficit (the California strategy), but eliminating

He was trying to solve the problem, not treat the symptom.

Walker knew he had to break the collusion of politicians and union officials in setting benefits and pensions in return for campaign cash. Two of his reforms, therefore, draw the most ire: The state no longer withholds union dues from paychecks, and teachers are no longer required to buy the union-sponsored health insurance plan. They may choose from a variety of plans, including the union’s.

State Employee Unions must now collect their own dues! Each member must write a check or authorize an automatic withdrawal every month. That disrupts the steady stream of cash that passes through union coffers into the campaign funds of the state office holders who approve their contracts.

There are two lessons here for California.

First, a state can balance its budget by addressing structural cost factors, like union contracts. This may mean braving strikes and court battles as well as legislation, and it may take a few years, but it is possible, particularly when the state is broke. A formal Bankruptcy would annul union and supplier contracts.

Second, financial reform is a nasty business.

If Californians wish to restore the value of their homes, provide reasonably adequate education for their children, and a level of taxation closer to the national norms, this is the price we will have to pay and Walker has shown how it is done.

Scott Walker broke the deathgrip that unions had on Wisconsin’s state and local budgets. He showed the rest of the country it can be done when elected officials are willing to dedicate themselves to the effort, and voters are willing to brave the pain and humiliation of bullies.

Now it’s time for California lawmakers to stand up and join Wisconsin and California’s own cities of San Diego and San Jose in fixing the problem for everyone’s future. n ••• Scotts Valley Resident David deMilo is a Graduate of Boston University and an IT Engineer.

:

SPCA Featured Pet

I

Two Toys Looking for their Story

leader in caring for the marine environment through ocean awareness, advocacy and citizen action. Over the last 30 years, Save Our Shores helped to establish the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, prevent offshore oil drilling and cruise ship pollution. Today they focus on educating youth about our local watersheds and tackling pollution on our beaches and rivers. For more information visit: www.saveourshores.org.

“Birds” from pg 26

brink of extinction. Thanks to a combination of factors and the hard work of bird lovers and scientists, peregrine falcons are once again common across the U.S., graduating off the national endangered species list as of 1999.

The bald eagle’s recovery is perhaps the best-known example of how our environmental laws worked to restore not just a resource, but our very national symbol.

In the mid-1960s, fewer than 500 nesting pairs of bald eagles existed in the continental U.S.; today, thanks to the DDT ban and other conservation efforts, some 10,000 pairs of bald eagles inhabit the Lower 48— that’s a 20-fold population increase in just four decades!

In 2007 the federal government removed the bald eagle from the Endangered Species List. Without the 1972 ban on DDT and ensuing protections, the bald eagle, let alone dozens of other bird species, would likely be gone now in the continental U.S. And without the song of the birds, the spring would be a very silent time indeed. n ••• Contacts: EDF, www.edf.org; Peregrine Fund, www.peregrinefund.org.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

Volunteer Programs at Save Our Shores.

The health of our oceans depends on responsible actions. Come be part of the solution with Save Our Shores. Find out more and register online at: www.saveour shores.org/what-we-do/july4-5.php. n ••• Save Our Shores is the Central Coast

EDF enlisted the help of dozens of scientific experts—ornithologists, ecologists, toxicologists, carcinogenesis experts and insect control specialists—to testify at multi-month hearings to prove its point in regard to the dangers of DDT. In 1972, environmentalists’ prayers were answered—and their hard work vindicated—with the federal government finally banning DDT. But with lots of the pesticide already dispersed through ecosystems far and wide, not to mention myriad other threats to bird habitats and the environment in general, no one could be sure whether populations of eagles, falcons and other predatory and fish-eating birds would come back from the brink. While the federal Endangered Species Act went a long way to protect these at-risk species and some of their habitat, non-profits also played a key role in helping specific species recover.

The Peregrine Fund was founded in 1970 by a leading Cornell ornithologist to help nurse peregrine falcon populations hit hard by DDT back to their once abundant numbers. Researchers with the group pioneered methods of breeding peregrines in captivity and releasing them into the wild; such techniques have since been adopted widely by biologists trying to bring other wildlife species back from the

crossword on

27

»

t’s hard to tear your eyes away from these two Toy Poodles and their adorable antics.

Charlotte and Emily are both six-years-old and came to the Santa Cruz SPCA after their loving owner passed away. There was a bit of confusion as to who would take the tiny two and in the end they ended up at the shelter and are now looking for a new home together.

Weighting only four pounds each, these two girls have a teeny package with a ton of personality. At first, they were fearful of their new surroundings and huddled together for comfort but as each day passes, they are becoming braver and braver. Charlotte is the braver of the two and will venture out to scope the scene and give kisses while Emily is a bit shyer and uses Charlotte as her safety blanket. Neither of them has shown as any fear related aggression and will become amazing lap dogs for someone looking for sweet, small and adorable little companions.

It’s very important that Charlotte and Emily go together and although two dogs can sound like a daunting task, these two will be extremely easy keepers that don’t require much in the way of activity, do very well in small spaces, and are well socialized with other dogs and cats. Because they are Poodles, they will require scheduled grooming and frequent brushing to keep their hair in line. We do not recommend these two in a home with young children as they are still learning to be comfortable around fast and unsteady movement.

If you are looking to add some fun and snuggle to your life, we recommend coming to check out these girls and let their expressive ears melt your heart. They are desperately searching for “home” but are making do with what they have…show these orphans that someone still cares.

If you would like to help animals like Charlotte, Emily and their orphaned friends, please consider donating to the Santa Cruz SPCA. The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501c3 charitable organization and receives no government funding, relying solely on public donations to run its many programs that benefit the animals and people of our community.

For more information call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000, or visit www.santacruzspca.org. The SPCA is located at 2685 Chanticleer Avenue in Santa Cruz, CA 95065 and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 p.m. n

“SOS” from pg 24

Father’s Day © Statepoint Media

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2012 / 31