Aptos Times February 15th 2013

Serving Our Community For 22 Years • Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom & Watsonville

February 15 2013 • Vol 22 No. 4 • www.tpgonlinedaily.com Historic Workers Cabins Protected

Aptos resident Jonathan Chaney, a senior at St. Francis High School in Watsonville and member of Scout Troop 609, recently completed his Eagle Scout project to help protect a cluster of historic Cowell Lime Works structures on the UCSC campus.

Working under the direction of campus planner Alisa Klaus ...

Full Story on page 6

15-Year Anniversary

Teacher, choreographer and dance troupe director, Kumu Lorraine celebrates 15 years of teaching Hula and Tahitian dance at the Capitola Parks and Recreation Department! Kumu Kalei, as she is now known, approached the recreation department in 1998, Full Story on page 5

Community Raises 3.6M Meals

Although the 2012 Holiday Food Drive officially ended on January 15, it takes time for Second Harvest to ensure that every pound of food donated has been weighed and every dollar added up before the grand total is announced.

Full Story on page 7

Aptos Village Improvements

The Regional Transportation Commission has committed $690,000 to Aptos Village Plan Improvements. Representatives of Barry Swenson Builder, the developer of the new Aptos Village, have said these improvements along Soquel Drive and Trout Gulch Road are needed for the project to

continue. These improvements include modifications to pedestrian, bike, and auto traffic on Soquel Drive from 350 ft west of Aptos Creek Rd to 150 ft east of Trout Gulch Rd (1230 ft). Here is a list of the proposed and approved improvements. continued on page 4

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Volume 22

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Table of Contents

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Cover Aptos Village Improvements Community News Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance Celebrates 15 Years Historic Workers Cabins Protected Community Raises 3.6 Million Meals • Local author and Lion Barbara Chamberlain Honored MVCS Student Appears in Court • Twenty-One Community Leaders Selected for Focus Agriculture Class XXIV Cabrillo Stage Holding Casting Call – 2013 Productions Include La Cage Aux Folles, Oklahoma! and Escaping Queens • Santa Cruz Baroque Festival presents Season Concert II: BACH FOR STRINGS Business of Art Seminar Series • McPherson Appointed Vice Chair of State Policy Committee • New Assistant County Clerk Appointed Red Cross 2013 Heroes Breakfast – Nominations’ Deadline Friday, March 8 Santa Cruz County Bank Recognized – Local Bank one of 11 ‘Exceptional Banks’ in California Help Save Endangered Species at Tax Time February 2013 SCWD2 Monthly Project Update and Related News All Star Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament Returns - Twenty Percent of Proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County Guidelines for Bikers when Lane Splitting Mistakes to Avoid on Your 2012 Tax Return By Rick Rodgers, CFP • Online Security and Reputation Management when Job Hunting Valentine’s Day Warning from NFIB – Employers need to be aware when Cupid calls at work • Editor to Offer Writing Workshop in Capitola

Art Supplies, Ink. R ich and Sandy invite you to their Grand Opening of Art Supplies, Ink. on Saturday, March 2 from 10-5 with raffle prizes, food, drInks, face painting for the kids, art demos, etc.! But don’t wait, they’re open now with art supplies for all media. Art Supplies, Ink. also has materials for both adult and children’s arts and crafts.

They even have classes for both adults and children to help develop their skills as an artist or crafts person. If looking for original pieces, they sell paintings,

sculptures and jewelry created by local artists.

If you ask … why Ink., and not Inc., it’s because Rich Koslowski is a professional cartoonist and illustrator (www. richkoslowski.com) who has set up his studio so you can watch him at work right there in Art Supplies, Ink. located at 7960 Soquel Drive, Suite H. Aptos, CA 95003. Ph # 831-708-2855 n

New in town Art Supplies, Ink.

Local Sports 14 Aptos High School Scoreboard Business Profile 16 Scotts Valley Town Center Collection By Noel Smith Health & Fitness 17 Focusing on Diabetes for Older Adults – Best Prevention is Diet and Exercise

Kids Camp 21 Keep Good Camp Habits Alive

Rich and Sandy at Art Supplies, Inc.

Financial Planning 24 Wise Money Habits to True Wealth by Bruce Helmer

Home & Garden 27 Improving Home Safety For Kids

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28 & 29

Monthly Horoscope • Page 29 - Your February Horoscope - Annabel Burton, Astrologer©

22 26 31

Featured Columnists EarthTalk® - McDonald’s is going Green!

The Book Bag by Robert Francis – Dinosaurs continue to fascinate children…

Classical Reflections by Josef Sekon – Around the World: Santa Cruz County Symphony Concert 3

SPCA Featured Pet • Page 31 – Is This Santa Cruz Maverick for You?

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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publisher

Patrice Edwards Lindsay Nelson

publisher’s assistant editor

Noel Smith

contributing writers Noel Smith, Rick Rodgers, Bruce Helmer, Annabel Burton, Robert Francis, Josef Sekon layout Michael Oppenheimer, Mike Lyon graphic artists Mike Lyon, Michael Oppenheimer production coordinator Sandra Gonzalez advertising sales Don Beaumont, Sadie Wittkins, Jackie Hinds Cathe Race

office coordinator

Bill Pooley, Jana Mears

distribution

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 Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, printed twice annually, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

Entire contents ©2013. 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

“Improvements” from page 1 Along Soquel Drive: • Add pedestrian facilities on south side of Soquel Dr • Maintain existing bike lanes; new bus pullout and shelter on north side of Soquel Dr. • Install traffic signals at Soquel Dr/ Aptos Creek Rd • Install traffic signals at Soquel Dr/ Trout Gulch intersections Trout Gulch from Soquel to Valencia St (390 ft): • Replace sidewalks with standard sidewalks on east side • ADA upgrades to west side sidewalks • Railroad crossing modifications • New crossing arms • Concrete panels for vehicle and pedestrian crossings.

The expected benefits for these improvements are: Auto, Train, Truck, Bike and Pedestrian safety, improved traffic circulation, improved multimodal access, facilitate infill development and upgrading.

Second District Supervisor and Regional Transportation Commission Member Zach Friend said, “This addresses the issues of pedestrian safety, public transportation (the Santa Cruz Metro, access for the disabled, bike safety and dealing with traffic.

There have been no improvements in the area of Aptos in the past thirty years and with the South side of the street having been built in the 1800s, is not ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. These Improvements are not dependent on the proposed Aptos Village Plan; these will be done in any

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.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: 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 distribution 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 4 / February 15th 2013 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

case because they are needed by the residents of Aptos.”

The Staff Recommendation was $690,000 for construction and that the County review the specific plans for pedestrian facilities with Elderly and Disabled Transportation Advisory Committee (E&D TAC) members to ensure that the project addresses accessibility needs, and ensure the project maintains space for future train boarding.

The Elderly and Disabled Transportation Advisory Committee strongly recommends funding the project and recommends that the County ensure that the new construction includes adequate accessible sidewalks throughout the project area, especially on the south (ocean side) of Soquel Drive and crossing the railroad tracks. The Committee stated the importance of the Aptos Village Project as the area is not currently accessible and there are

several businesses and agencies in the area that provide senior and disabled services.

However, the Bicycle Committee recommendation was that no funds be spent on this project. Individual committee members stated that the project does not add additional bicycle lanes and suggested the project should be funded by the developer and include needed improvements to accommodate mountain bikers and a way station for road cyclists.

According to County Public Works Director John Presleigh, more than half the funding comes from developer fees and that the street project includes just $300,000 in county money. A representative of Barry Swenson Builder said the company is providing about $1.3 million in traffic impact fees for the Aptos Village Plan.

The San Jose-based company also is installing millions of dollars of infrastructure within the project area, in the form of new streets, sidewalks and more, which according to Mary Gourlay, project development project manager for Barry Swenson Builder adds up to over $6 million in required public benefits for the project. n Noel Smith – noel@cyber-times.com

The expected benefits for these improvements are: Auto, Train, Truck, Bike and Pedestrian safety, improved traffic circulation, improved multimodal access, facilitate infill development and upgrading.

Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance Celebrates 15 Years T eacher, choreographer and dance troupe director, Kumu Lorraine celebrates 15 years of teaching Hula and Tahitian dance at the Capitola Parks and Recreation Department! The celebration takes place March 10.

Kumu Kalei, as she is now known, approached the recreation department in 1998, less then a year after she began teaching, knowing she wanted to establish herself in the community as a way to share the sacred and festive beauty of these traditions and help perpetuate the culture.

Kumu Kalei grew up in Kailua Kaneohe on the windward side of O’ahu and was moved by the sacred landscape

and joy of hula and Tahitian at an early age.

By the time she was in high school, she had traveled the world as a dancer, performing with famous stars such as Don Ho, Hilo Hattie and Lawrence Welk.

After years of dancing and pursuing school as well as a career, Kumu Kalei was inspired to teach, both by her teachers as well as by the significance of the dances.

What started as a small class over fifteen years ago has evolved into an integral part of the community with close to 100 dancers participating throughout the county, from Santa Cruz to Watsonville. These numbers also include students in Europe where she teaches every year.

In 2009, Kumu Kalei was nominated for the Gail Rich Award. Three years ago Kumu Kalei, along with another hula sister and teacher from Santa Cruz, was honored to be one of ten teachers in California selected to undergo a three year training program funded by the Administration of Native Americans to formally train and ‘uniki or graduate as a kumu hula, or teacher of hula. Her pride and joy are her students, many of whom began in the Capitola class years ago.

Her dancers have given thousands of hours to the community in countless per-

formances throughout the region. Te Hau Nui can be found at a range of venues — celebrating at the Capitola Begonia Festival, welcoming dignitaries at the Pacific Rim Film Festival, performing with blues legend Taj Mahal at the Rio Theatre, or simply sharing the floor with other dancers on a Friday night at Pono Hawaiian Grill in Santa Cruz.

On Sunday, March 10, 2013 at the Aptos High School Performing Arts Center, the dedicated wahine, teenagers and children of Te Hau Nui,

invite you to join them as they celebrate fifteen years of dance! Not only is the fabulous Ho’omana Band headlining the event, but the performance will include live Tahitian drumming, stunning costumes, and much more!

Show times are 1-3 pm and 5-7 pm and tickets are $22. Come join the festivities, and become a part of what makes Te Hau Nui School of Hula and Tahitian Dance a leader in the Polynesian Dance community.

Please visit www.tehaunuidance.com, visit them on Facebook or email tehaunui@ cruzio.com for more information about the anniversary celebration or upcoming classes! n

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Historic Workers Cabins Protected A ptos resident Jonathan Chaney, a senior at St. Francis High School in Watsonville and member of Scout Troop 609, recently completed his Eagle Scout project to help protect a cluster of historic Cowell Lime Works structures on the UCSC campus. Working under the direction of campus planner Alisa Klaus and local historian Frank Perry, Jonathan constructed a protective fence around the historic workers’ cabins, replicating the style and materials of traditional ranch fencing.

Jonathan began the project last summer, first developing the concept and plan. He then organized workdays, supervised other volunteers from his troop “keeping them on task,” and did much of the work himself over the period of August – January. In the process, he not only gained experience in planning and completing a project; he also gained a new appreciation for the area’s social, economic and natural history.

The cabins enclosed within Jonathan’s fence were constructed in the19th Century

to house the industry’s immigrant workers who quarried the limestone, hauled it to the kilns, packed the finish lime in barrels and shipped it off for use throughout the west. The complex of historic structures at the campus entrance is exceptional for its completeness and its significance to California history, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

For Jonathan’s fence project, the University supplied fence posts and rails from trees cut on campus. Some of the pickets were original to the Cowell Ranch site.

Others were old redwood grape stakes— cut in half—that were donated by Ken Christopher in 2011.

Frank Perry, chair of the Friends of the Cowell Lime Works, expressed deep appreciation for the careful thought, diligence and hard work that Jonathan demonstrated in completing his project. n ••• For more information about the history and ongoing preservation efforts related to the Cowell Limeworks, visit http://limeworks.ucsc. edu/.

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Jonathan Chaney stands by the fence he planned and completed, surrounding historic workers cabins on the UCSC campus, site of the Cowell Lime Works.

Community Raises 3.6 Million Meals

Second Harvest Food Bank Helps Local Agencies to Distribute Food Watsonville — Although the 2012 Holiday Food Drive officially ended on January 15, it takes time for Second Harvest to ensure that every pound of food donated has been weighed and every dollar added up before the grand total is announced. Volunteers have been sorting the food and the 200 member agencies have begun distributing it to hungry people throughout Santa Cruz County. The money raised will be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and protein to supplement the non-perishable items donated by our generous community. It is expected that the food collected will be enough to feed people through March, a period when the need is at its greatest.

Willy Elliott-McCrea, Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest, with Holiday Food Drive Co-Chairs, Ken Kannappan, CEO of Plantronics and Rene Schlaepfer, Senior Pastor, Twin Lakes Church, announced the total on January 31 at a donor appreciation event sponsored by Plantronics and held at their corporate headquarters in Santa Cruz. “I want to express my deepest appreciation for your

support in 2012,” said Elliott-McCrea.

“Thanks to you, we reached our goal and even slightly exceeded it. Everyone did their part.”

Second Harvest invites everyone to join the Annual Awards Dinner on March 13 at the Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz to honor our community heroes and 2013 Hunger Fighters of the Year at this fun community event. Seats are limited.

Tickets are available at thefoodbank.org/ awardsdinner Founded in 1972, Second Harvest Food Bank was the first food bank in California and the second in the nation. The need for food aid in Santa Cruz County is up 38 percent since 2008. The Second Harvest network of 200 local agencies and programs feeds 55,000 people in Santa Cruz County every month: half are kids.

For every $1 dollar donated, they are able to provide four meals. Every action and every dollar makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. Working together, we build stronger communities. n ••• For more information: www.thefoodbank.org

Rene Schlaepfer, Senior Pastor, Twin Lakes Church, and Ken Kannappan, CEO of Plantronics announced the total for the Food Drive by Twin Lakes Church on November 25.

Local author and Lion Barbara Chamberlain Honored

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ocal author and Lion Barbara Chamberlain is featured in the February 2013 Lions International Magazine.

Barbara was nominated by other Lions for their Outstanding Lion feature. She will be reading from and signing her new book, Slash and Turn, the second book in The Jaden Steele Carmel Mysteries, at Inklings Books and Things from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Inklings is located in Capitola Mall next to Sears.

In her latest book, Slash and Turn, the residents of Dolores Barbara Chamberlain Court in Carmel-ByThe-Sea are thrilled to be invited to the opening night performance of the Nutcracker in Monterey’s new performing arts complex. Two of the world’s most famous ballet stars are the principal dancers. The excitement of Premier night turns to terror

when the director of the company is murdered backstage. Jaden Steele suspects that the murder was committed with a knife stolen from her store, A Slice of Carmel.

Jaden and her friend, Bobbi Jones, must find the murderer in the shadows.

Barbara will speak at the LaSelva Beach women’s club Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. and on Mar. 9 from 1- 3 p.m., she will be appearing at the Crossroads Bookstore in the Crossroads Shopping Center in Watsonville. n

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MVCS Student Appears in Court

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hen Elisabeth Wayne prosecutes, the jury listens.

An Aptos resident and sophomore at Monte Vista Christian School in Watsonville, Wayne is a volunteer in the Teen Peer Court, a program run by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.

First time juvenile offenders referred to the diversion program plead guilty to the Elisabeth Wayne misdemeanor/minor felony offense and agree to have their sen-

tence decided by a jury of their peers. The prosecutors and defenders are teens, and they present sentencing recommendations to the teen jury. The court is presided over by a volunteer adult Santa Cruz County judge and the decision of the teen peer jury is legally binding once accepted by the judge.

“The consequences are focused on restorative justice and becoming better community members,” Wayne said. “Our recommendations have included things like writing letters of apology, enrolling in counseling, agreeing to drug testing, or performing community service at a family shelter.” Once the sentence is fulfilled, the juvenile’s record is sealed.

Wayne said she got involved in teen peer court because she plans to become a lawyer and wants to learn more about the legal process.

“Leeza (Elizabeth) has exceptional poise and intelligence,” said Marcus Schwager, her Honors English teacher at Monte Vista. “She is a perfect candidate for a peer court.”

Those interested in learning more may contact Martine Watkins at 831-466-5705 or martinewatkins@santacruz.k12.ca.us. Teen Peer Court meets once a month, alternating between courthouses in Watsonville and Santa Cruz.

Watkins said, “Through the principles

of restorative justice (offender accountability, community safety, and competency development), Teen Peer Court uses an alternative approach to youth crimes. Peer influence is a powerful form of justice for the defendant, and participants interested in the legal system find it authentic learning.”

Wayne encourages other students to get involved in the program. “These cases are real,” Wayne said. “We’re helping real people to understand cause and effect when they make their decisions. They also learn that even after they mess up, if they take the consequences they can get a new start.” n

Twenty-One Community Leaders Selected for Focus Agriculture Class XXIV

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wenty-one community leaders have been selected for Class XXIV of the Focus Agriculture program. This “first-in-the-nation” program is designed for community leaders to learn about agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley.

Class XXIV members include: Ted Burke, Co-owner, Shadowbrook Restaurant; Mary Anne Carson, Senior Vice-President, Director of Marketing & Community Relations, Santa Cruz County Bank; Cathy Conway, Director of Community Programs, Hospice of Santa Cruz County; Rob Love, President of

Operations, Quality Landscape Services, Inc.; Laura Marcus, Executive Director, Dientes Community Dental Care; Barbara Mason, Economic Development Coordinator, County of Santa Cruz.

The program consists of once-amonth, daylong seminars, held over a period of nine months. The first session will be held on Friday, March 15.

Speakers ranging from farmers to elected officials to representatives from environmental groups will address the class. The sessions will cover such topics as ethnic groups in agriculture, new technology and diversity of commodities locally grown. In addition, there are many farm tours and hands on experiences. The participants will spend one day working on a farm.

In announcing the selected participants of Class XXIV, Agri-Culture President Bill Ringe, stated, “Community leaders will find this program beneficial and, in turn, growers who present information to the class will learn the public’s current perspective of local agriculture.

The program is designed to be a two way learning process.”

The Focus Agriculture program received a national award for its innovated approach to bringing the public and growers together. n ••• Focus Agriculture Class XXIV for 2013: Blane Bachan – Group Benefits Consultant, McSherry, Hudson & Hall Ted Burke – Co-owner, Shadowbrook Restaurant Cathy Calfo – Executive Director/CEO,

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Focus Agriculture Class XXIII

CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) Joel Campos – Sr. Manager Education & Outreach, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County Mary Anne Carson – Senior VicePresident, Director of Marketing & Community Relations, Santa Cruz County Bank Debbie Connell – Revenue Accounting Manager, Driscoll’s Strawberry Associates, Inc. Cathy Conway – Director of Community Programs, Hospice of Santa Cruz County Kalyne Foster – Fund Development Director, Women’s Crisis SupportDefensa de Mujeres Lisa Glick – Instructor/Counselor, Regional Occupation Program, Santa Cruz County Office of Education Nic Keiderling – Volunteer, Retired Bryan Largay – Director of Conservation, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County

Elaine Legorreta – Watsonville High School Principal, Pajaro Valley Unified School District Rob Love – President of Operations, Quality Landscape Services, Inc. Deborah Luhrman – Contributing Editor, Edible Monterey Bay Magazine Laura Marcus – Executive Director, Dientes Community Dental Care Barbara Mason – Economic Development Coordinator, County of Santa Cruz Kerri Miljanich – Senior Manager, Product Packaging, Driscoll’s Strawberry Associates, Inc. David Mirrione – Director, Santa Cruz County Workforce Investment Board Richard Rue – President, The Volare Group, Inc. Mauricio Urzua – Publisher, Santa Cruz Sentinel DBA La Ganga Especial Allyson Violante – County Supervisor Analyst, Supervisor Zach Friend

Cabrillo Stage Holding Casting Call

2013 Productions Include La Cage Aux Folles, Oklahoma! and Escaping Queens

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abrillo Stage is proud to announce open call auditions for its 2013 Summer Repertory Season. This summer Cabrillo Stage will produce three musicals: La Cage Aux Folles, to be directed and

Santa Cruz Baroque Festival presents Season Concert II: BACH FOR STRINGS Saturday, February 23 at 7:30pm Holy Cross Church

Galax Quartet

choreographed by Janie Scott, will perform July 12 to August 11 Oklahoma, to be directed and choreographed by Kikau Alvaro, will perform July 26 to August 18 And Joe Ortiz’s musical memoir Escaping Queens, to play July 25 - August 18.

Auditions will take place at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater on Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3. You must attend both the vocal and dance audition calls on either day. Vocal call is from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dance call from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., on both Saturday and Sunday.

Auditions are on a first-come, firstserved basis. Bring sheet music in your key; accompanist will be provided.

Thirty-two bars or 1 minute cut-off time; stylistically appropriate tune. A cappella or taped accompaniment is not acceptable.

A dramatic or character monologue no more then 1 minute long may be requested.

Dress appropriately for dance auditions.

AEA guest artists considered. n ••• Cabrillo Stage auditions for the Summer

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he Galax Quartet, with harpist Cheryl Ann Fulton, play the works of the greatest master of classical music performed on a balanced ensemble of period instruments.

Following their successful Baroque Festival debut in 2009 (Cosmos: The Art of Fugue), the Galax Quartet returns with a program of Bach and company.

The ensemble is modeled after an early version of the string quartet (two violins, cello and viola da gamba) developed by 18th-century composer Cheryl Ann Fulton and gamba virtuoso Carl Friedrich Abel.

Since 2005, the Galax Quartet has explored early classical and newly commissioned works alike, performed in unexpected collaborations. n Tickets ($3-23): UCSC Ticket Office & Santa Cruz Tickets (831-459-2159, www. santacruztickets.com, or at the Civic Center Box Office).

More information: www.scbaroque.org

2013 Repertory Season, Saturday March 2, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. AND Sunday March 3, 10 a.m.

— 6 p.m. at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500

Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA For information: www.cabrillostage.com or 831-479-6429

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

Wilder Associates Inc.

Joy of Movement Pilates & Gyrotonic®

Property Management Specialist

688-8077

More zest for life

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

Dentistry for Animals Dr. Judy Force, DVM 768-7148

APTOS

STATION

SELECT SHOPPING / APTOS VILLAGE

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2013 / 9

Business of Art Seminar Series

Registration for the Spring Sessions is Now Open

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s a part of the Cultural Council’s mission to invest in the creative community, the Business of Art seminar series starts this month, offering artists the tools to start, manage, and grow their art business.

“First up in this year’s series we start with the basics, presenting Business of Art 101, a seminar designed to turn a profit through your passion,” said Jim Brown, Grants and Technical Assistance Program Manager at the Cultural Council. This seminar takes place on Saturday, February 23rd and is cover the basic business start-up: required licenses, fictitious business name, legal structure, tax deadlines and reports, and the importance of a solid business plan.

Local entrepreneur, Keith Holtaway, who has been a Santa Cruz resident for 35 years, will teach this seminar. Keith’s last startup was Pizza My Heart, which

he sold in 1997, and is now a Bay Area phenomenon.

Now in its second year, the Business of Art series is with a collaborative effort of Cabrillo College’s Division of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA), Cabrillo Extension, the Small Business Development Center and the Business & Entrepreneurship Center and the Cultural Council.

“This series was developed in response to the needs artists have expressed as we’ve worked with them on Open Studios and the Grants Program. We are thrilled to be a part of this innovative collaboration that is contributing to a thriving arts economy in Santa Cruz County,” Brown said.

Upcoming seminar topics include: Get Your Art Out There! Solid Marketing Principles – Saturday, March 30 Leveraging Social Media for Your Art – Saturday, April 2 Cool Tech Tips to Sell Your Art – Saturday, June 1 Where: Cabrillo College, VAPA Lecture Hall, Room 1001 Cost: $30. Seating is limited. Advanced registration is strongly recommended.

Register for the series and learn more through the Cabrillo College Extension website. For more information, please contact Jim Brown, Grant & Technical Assistance Manager: grants@ccscc.org or

831.475.9600 x16.

In its 34th year, the Cultural Council’s mission is to promote, connect, and invest in the arts in order to stimulate creativity and vibrancy in Santa Cruz County. Visit our website: www.ccscc.org. n ••• About the seminar leaders: Business of Art 101 on February 23 – Keith Holtaway (backtableconsulting. com)\ Get Your Art Out There! Solid Marketing Principles on Saturday, March 30 – Aletta de Wal (www.artistcareertraining. com) Leveraging Social Media for Your Art on Saturday, April 27 – Karen Kefauver (www.karenkefauver.com) Cool Tech Tips to Sell Your Art on Saturday, June 1 – Alex Kramer (buildcalifornia.org)

McPherson Appointed Vice Chair of State Policy Committee

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anta Cruz County Fifth District Supervisor Bruce McPherson has been appointed Vice Chair of an influential California State Association of Counties (CSAC) policy committee, the Government Finance and Operations Policy Committee. Supervisor Bruce Gibson of San Luis Obispo County will chair the Committee.

This Committee is responsible for all issues relating to finance, general government operations, and employee

Legislative Representative Jean relations including mandates, Kinney Hurst. elections, public pension, taxes, Before being elected and redevelopment concerning to represent the Fifth DisCalifornia’s 58 counties. trict, McPherson served two “We expect many of these terms in the California State to be prominent issues at the Assembly (1993-1996) and two State Capitol this year and terms in the California State having someone with SuperSenate (1996-2004). Following visor McPherson’s depth and breadth of experience in these Bruce McPherson the resignation of California’s Secretary of State in early areas is going to be a great asset as we work with the Legislature and the 2005, he was confirmed unanimously Governor ’s Office,” said CSAC Senior in both the Assembly and Senate to be

Secretary of State.

The primary purpose of CSAC is to represent county government before the California Legislature, administrative agencies, and the federal government.

“I look forward to advocating for Santa Cruz County interests on a statewide level, especially in this period of realignment when more governing responsibilities are shifting from the state to county government,” McPherson said. n

New Assistant County Clerk Appointed

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anta Cruz County Clerk Gail L. Pellerin announced the appointment of Tricia Webber to serve as the new Assistant County Clerk for Santa Cruz County.

“Tricia Webber has been with the department for 15 years,” Pellerin said.

“Her extensive knowledge and experience in clerk services and election processes will be great assets as she embarks on this new leadership position.”

Webber has worked in all divisions of the office and is a dependable resource for

her co-workers and community. She is a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages and has managed many innovative programs in the County Clerk/Elections office including the extensive election Tricia Webber audit program and the Military and Overseas Voter program.

“County Clerk” page 20

Red Cross 2013 Heroes Breakfast Call for Nominations

Nominations’ Deadline Friday, March 8

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he American Red Cross Santa Cruz County Chapter is pleased to announce the 2013 Heroes Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at the historic Coconut Grove, on the shore of beautiful Monterey Bay and adjacent to the world famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

The annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast recognizes acts of heroism by local residents and pays tribute to those who have performed lifesaving deeds while supporting the local American Red Cross Chapter’s lifesaving programs and emergency services.

The Santa Cruz County Chapter is currently seeking nominations for the Hero Awards, which recognizes members of the local community who have shown courage, dedication, and character through acts of heroism and kindness. These people could be your neighbors, co-workers, friends, or family.

The Hero Award recipients will be selected by a committee of local community leaders based on the degree to which their

acts of heroism uphold the values of the American Red Cross and leave a lasting and positive impact on the residents of the Santa Cruz County.

We invite you to nominate a hero for one of the following categories: Animal Rescue Hero • Education Hero • Good Samaritan • Law Enforcement Hero • Lifetime Achievement Hero • Medical Professional Hero • Military Hero • Rescue Professional Hero • Workplace Hero The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, March 8, 2013.

Criteria for Nominations: Nominees must work or reside in Santa Cruz County.

The heroic act does not need to have occurred in Santa Cruz County.

Nominees for the Hero Award must have performed an act or acts of courage to save or attempt to save someone’s life.

The heroic act must have occurred between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012.

“Red Cross” page 20

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2013 / 11

Santa Cruz County Bank Recognized

Local Bank one of 11 ‘Exceptional Banks’ in California

S

anta Cruz County Bank announced today that it has received notification of being designated as an “Exceptional Bank” for 2012 by The Findley Reports, Inc. As a highly regarded financial industry consulting firm, The Findley Reports has been recognizing the financial performance of banking institutions in California for over forty years.

Four basic traits were considered in addition to each bank’s financial performance: stability of board and management; organizational health; balance within the balance sheet with core earnings and control of the risk profile of the organization; strong partner relationships with their customers, shareholders, regulators and industry. The eleven exceptional banks range from $151 million to $6 billion in asset size and date as far back as 1916.

Chairman of the Bank’s Board of Directors George Gallucci commented, “The

Board of Directors recognizes that this honor is particularly significant when you realize that our entire span of existence has been during turbulent and challenging economic times. We view this designation as the result of the hard work of management and the diligence and oversight of our Board of Directors.”

This Exceptional designation follows the 2011 and 2010 rating of Super Premier PerGeorge Gallucci forming for Santa Cruz County Bank and their 2009 designation as one of five Exceptional banks in California

by The Findley Reports, Inc. Gary Steven Findley, Editor of The Findley Reports remarked, “It is a great honor to recognize exceptional banks that are able to perform consistently over

12 / February 15th 2013 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

several years. Several years ago, we recognized Santa Cruz County Bank as an exceptional bank but due to the economic challenges and regulatory environment uncertainty we discontinued such recognition. Santa Cruz County Bank was one of thirty banks to ever receive that recognition and now only twenty-one of those banks remain. Of those twenty-one – we believe that eleven are worthy of recognition. Based upon their performance these past few years and also the organizational health of the bank demonstrated by consistency of personnel and performance, they remain an exceptional bank. It is great to uplift a banking entity that has not only demonstrated solid financial performance but has been an important part of the community that they serve. Santa Cruz County Bank continues to deliver strong financial performance that ranks in the top 10% of all banks in the Western United States.”

Santa Cruz County Bank, founded in 2004, is a locally owned and operated community bank with offices located in Aptos, Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. The Bank offers a variety of competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and individuals, including business loans and lines of credit, commercial real estate finance, agricultural loans, SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans, credit cards, merchant services, remote deposit capture, and online services, including bill payment and cash management.

Santa Cruz County Bank received a 2011 designation of a Super Premier Performing Bank by the Findley Reports, and has also received the designation of 4-Star “Excellent” and a 5-Star “Superior”

by Bauer Financial Reports, Inc., for its financial performance every quarter since 2007. For more information, visit www. sccountybank.com. n

Help Save Endangered Species at Tax Time C alifornia’s wild animals and plants need your help, and there’s an easy way to do it! Just make a voluntary contribution on line 403 and/or line 410 of your state income tax return (Form 540). By contributing any amount one dollar or more, you can support the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Rare and Endangered Species Preservation Fund and/or the California Sea Otter Fund. What you donate this year is tax deductible on next year’s return.

CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham said, “These funds have provided critical support for many statelisted species, including the Tiburon mariposa lily, Owens pupfish, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, mountain yellowlegged frog, great gray owl, Sierra Nevada red fox and many more. These donations help protect California’s exceptional biodiversity.”

There are 387 listed plant and animal species in the state. Money raised through the tax check-off program helps pay for essential CDFW research and recovery efforts, and critical updates on the status of state-listed species to help assure their conservation.

Since 1983, the tax check-off fund for Rare and Endangered Species has raised more than $18 million and supported numerous projects, including surveys for the endangered Sierra Nevada red fox. Support from California taxpayers has enabled wildlife biologists to achieve

Photo Credit: Robin Brandt

important recovery milestones to conserve vulnerable species.

More information on the Rare and Endangered Species Preservation tax check-off program is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/taxcheck.

A second tax check-off fund was created in 2006 specifically to facilitate recovery of the California sea otter, which is listed as a Fully Protected Species under the state law and threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. According to the most recently completed survey, there are fewer than 3,000 sea otters in California waters.

According to CDFW Wildlife Veterinarian and lead sea otter pathologist Melissa Miller, the California Sea Otter Fund provides essential funding to help state scientists better understand and trace the causes of sea otter mortality, identify factors limiting population growth and collaborate with other organizations to prevent the pollution of California’s nearshore marine ecosystem. This fund consists entirely of voluntary contributions from taxpayers of the state of California. There are no other dedicated state funding sources available to continue this important work. n ••• You can support this research by making a contribution on line 410 of your state tax form 540, the California Sea Otter Fund. CDFW works with the California Coastal Conservancy, Friends of the Sea Otter, Defenders of Wildlife and others to promote the Sea Otter Fund. Visit the website at www.dfg.ca.gov/ taxcheck and the CDFW Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ SeaOtterFundCDFW.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2013 / 13

Aptos High School Scoreboard Girls Basketball

Aptos Season Record: (8-17, SCCAL 4-8) SCCAL Tournament - First Round No. 4 St. Francis 82 – No. 5 Aptos 48 Aptos Scoring: Karianna Crowder 20; Mariah Rojas 9; Adrianna Cortez 6; Amanda Ang 5; Blanca Otvos 2; Vanessa Ramos-Rocha 2; Karsen Welle 2; Maya Frosch 2 Santa Cruz 65 – Aptos 42 Aptos Scoring: Blanca Otvos 17; Karianna Crowder 10; Karsen Welle 6; Amanda Ang 4; Casey Messersmith 2; Vanessa Ramos-Rocha 3; Scotts Valley 67 – Aptos 25 Aptos Scoring: Karianna Crowder 12, 5 rbds; Mariah Rojas 8; Kendall Bivins 3; Karsen Welle 2, 7 rbds;

Boys Basketball

Aptos Season Record: (19-6, SCCAL 10-3) SCCAL Tournament – First Round Aptos 51 – Harbor 47 ——— Santa Cruz 77 – Aptos 54 Aptos Scoring: Tyler Clark 9; Jonathan Bol 6; Rewen Reyes 6; Ben Brenkwitz 5; Luke Rossi 5; Antonio Andrade 4; Frank Horst 4; Tim Grieves 3; Aptos 68 – Scotts Valley 34 Aptos Scoring: Antonio Andrade 11; Jonah Gonzales 10; Tyler Clark 8; Frank Horst 8; Ben Brenkwitz 6; Tim Grieves 5; Rewen Reyes 5; Jonathan Bol 4; Brooks Nicholson 4; Ryland Hollins 3; Kenny Harrah 2;

Boys Soccer

Aptos Season Record: (6-8-2, SCCAL 4-5-2) Aptos 1 – Scotts Valley 1 Aptos Scoring: Alex Gordo (Cort Young) 8th; Goalkeeper Francisco Ocosta (79:00) 4 saves Aptos 1 – Harbor 1 Aptos Scoring: Arturo Milanes (Daniel Estrada) 78th Aptos 2 – St. Francis 0 Aptos Scoring: Alex Gordo (Cort Young) 8th; Edgar Cuellar (Young) 72nd

Wrestling

Girls Soccer

Aptos Season Record: (7-4-6, SCCAL 6-1-4) Aptos 2 – Scotts Valley 0 Aptos Scoring: Kelsey Kusaba (Hailey Bermingham) 32nd; Bailey Evers (Stephanie Buecheler 55th; Goalkeeper Ana Calero 80th 6 saves Aptos 0 – Harbor 0 Aptos 5 – St. Francis 1 Aptos Scoring: Hailey Bermingham (Kaile West) 15th; K West (Alexis Martin) 25th; Micaela Pesci (Brianna Miltimore) 45th; H Bermingham (B Miltimore) 50th; K West (H Bermingham) 60th;

Aptos Season Record: (8-1, SCCAL 5-0) Aptos 66 – Harbor 12 108 lbs – Ian Else (Aptos) by forfeit 115 lbs – Gio Zacarias (Aptos) by forfeit 122 lbs Ramon Zacarias (Aptos) def.

Jordan Mazon – pin 128 lbs Kevin Feeley (Aptos) by forfeit 134 lbs Miguel Varranco (Aptos) by forfeit 140 lbs Jacob Blair (Aptos) by forfeit 154 lbs Danny Velez (Aptos) def. Alex Kovalchuk – pin 162 lbs Ben Rodriguez (Aptos) by forfeit 172 lbs Austen Verduggo (Aptos) by forfeit 197 lbs Tim Bonanno (Aptos) by forfeit 222 lbs Alec Bonsall (Aptos) def.

Christian Rebotarro – pin 287 lbs Alec Marquez (Aptos) def.

Allen Moreno – pin

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2013 / 15

Scotts Valley Town Center Collection

They all have 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a 2-car garage in the center of Scotts Valley!

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By Noel Smith

t’s all about location, location, location… and these 46 homes in the Scotts Valley Town Center Collection at 237 Blue Bonnet Lane Scotts Valley, are perfectly placed to take every advantage of location.

Imagine being close to all the amenities and activities that a friendly community like Scotts Valley has to offer… and all within walking distance!

For example, just across the street are the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Scotts Valley Senior Center. Down the road is a park with playgrounds and a skateboard park. While just around the corner is the Scotts Valley Library with all the modern services you could imagine in a new library facility that includes areas devoted to online study and research. Next to the library is the U.S. Post office for Scotts Valley. Also just around the corner is the Cavallaro Transit Center with public transportation that can take you just about anywhere throughout Santa Cruz County.

If you walk due south out the pedestrian entrance to the Scotts Valley Town

Center Collection, you will find yourself in the midst of the Kings Village Shopping Center. There you will find the Scotts Valley Cinema, grocery and hardware stores, restaurants, banks, shops, and many professional services. It’s the perfect place to be part of a community with a small town feel surrounded by the Santa Cruz Mountains.

But what about the Town Center Collection homes at the center of all this access to community? Every home has a two-car garage, patio, four bedrooms, 3.5 bathes, and is on three floors. On the first floor is the patio and garage with a bedroom/den and full bathroom perfect for a separate family unit or a home business. On the second floor is the living/entertainment space with kitchen, dining room, living room and a half-bath. The third floor has the master bedroom with bathroom, two family/guest bedrooms and bathroom.

This is a home that has both privacy and plenty of room for entertaining.

There are three models to the Town Center Collection, but the amazing fact

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is that even though each model has a different size from 1800 to 1900 to 1950 sq ft, all three have the same basic amenities. They are an all-electric, solar-powered home to significantly reduce your utility bill. The SunPower Signature solar panels generate solar electricity while the Energy Star rated Hybrid Electric Water Heater features Heat Pump Technology to reduce your carbon footprint and reduce utility costs.

To keep your water bills low, there are the low-flow faucets and showerheads, and an Energy Star rated high-efficiency dishwasher. To keep you comfortable in any weather are heating and air conditioning with programmable thermostat, Low-E Milgard Windows offering insulation against cold and heat and the ThermaTru® 6-panel fiberglass entry door.

Because this is the 21st Century, there is the Electric Car charging outlet prewired in garage and Category 5 cable and

RGG phone pre-wiring in all Bedrooms, Living Room and Family Room. And be sure to investigate the many selections and upgrades for your home. To help you actually realize the home of your dreams, the developer, City Ventures, has a list of preferred lenders for you and at today’s interest rates, it’s no difficult to find an affordable loan.

As you may imagine, not many of the 46 units are left. Call 438-3100 to arrange for your tour of the Town Center Collection. These 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath homes are still available from $560,000 to 580,000 so don’t wait! n ••• The Town Center Collection 237 Blue Bonnet Lane Scotts Valley, Ph # 438-3100, Website: www.cityventures.com/scotts-valley.

Visit your future home today!

Enjoy more views of Town Center homes at www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Focusing on Diabetes for Older Adults

Best Prevention – Diet and Exercise

I

n the U.S., there are nearly 26 million people living with diabetes and more seniors have diabetes than any other age group — 10.9 million, or 26.9 percent, of all people age 65 and older.

“Currently, one in four Americans over the age of 60 is living with diabetes and there is a great need for further education among older adults,” says Dr. Vanessa Jones Briscoe, Chair of the Older Adult Subcommittee and Board Member for the American Diabetes Association.

In 2012, the American Diabetes Association launched its Senior Signature Series. The series looks to expand education and outreach efforts to seniors across the country. The series includes half-day educational events for individuals age 50 years and older to learn more about diabetes, numerous

resources, helpful materials and health screenings. Its goal is to educate older adults about how they can reduce their risk of diabetes and its complications.

Because of its great success in 2012, the series will be back in 2013, and will include even more dates and locations across the country.

“Through continuing our Senior Signature Series, the American Diabetes Association will provide the tips and resources needed to help seniors address the challenge of preventing type 2 diabetes and keeping diabetes treatment from impairing their lifestyle, or slowing them down,” Briscoe says.

“The educational resources in the series are important not only for those older adults living with diabetes, but for their family members or caregivers as well.”

One way to reduce your risk of

Lifestyle Fitness

developing diabetes, or to better manage it, is physical activity. Benefits include: • Improving your A1C, a test that measures your average blood glucose

(sugar) control, blood pressure and cholesterol “Senior Diabetes” page 21

Pure Health Body and Bath Shop 25 Penny Lane, Watsonville Phone: 831-722-3895

Fitness First! Why not — what is your excuse?

New Year’s resolutions, they come and they go — this year, lets make fitness first!

This should be a lifestyle, not a resolution! Hence, you should check out the new Lifestyle Fitness Club (formally Spa Fitness Center) at 25 Penny Lane in Watsonville, where you’re treated like family and your needs come first. We have lots of activities, from basketball to racquetball, swim lessons for the whole family, along with 3 relaxing Jacuzzis for your enjoyment. With new weight training equipment from Matrix and the latest in classes, boot camp, boxing and of course Zumba! See you there!

25 Penny Lane, Watsonville

25 Penny Lane, Watsonville Phone: 831-461-5801 (Located just inside Lifestyle Fitness at Green Valley Road: Membership not necessary to shop)

Pure Health is a local shop offering quality health care and wellness products for you and your family. Every item is carefully chosen by our on-staff nutritionist.

Come in and browse our large selection of vitamins, nutritional supplements, luxurious lotions and oils, bath salts and body scrubs, quality candles, artisan teas and handmade baskets. We offer beautiful gift baskets and will do custom baskets for any occasion. Pick up a quality and thoughtful gift for Valentines Day! We have lovely gifts for baby and bridal showers, birthdays, anniversaries, housewarmings or just to say “thank you.” Come by Pure Health Shop and say Hello!

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LIFESTYLE FITNESS, INC. FORMERLY SPA FITNESS CENTER NEW LOCAL OWNERS www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2013 / 17

February 2013 SCWD2 Monthly Project Update and Related News R ainfall and Water Restriction Update At halfway through the winter wet season, rainfall in the City of Santa Cruz totals about 14.7 inches for the season to date. Normal for this time of year is about 16.6 inches. The City of Santa Cruz presented a Water Supply Outlook at its February 4th Water Commission meeting and will provide another periodic review at the end of February.

To access the report: www.cityofsantacruz.com/index.aspx?page=1915.

Assuming that the second half of winter will bring enough rain and runoff to upgrade the 2013 water year classification to Normal, the City’s water supply should be adequate to meet expected water demands within the water service area for the rest of 2013.

For Soquel Creek Water District, water supply is based on groundwater conditions, not solely on annual rainfall patterns. The overdrafted groundwater basin, used by both private and municipal pumpers, has historically been overpumped than what can be naturally recharged with rainfall such that many years of abundant rainfall will not replenish these aquifers adequately to correct the situation.

For this summer ’s call for curtailment, the District needs 13 more inches of rain in February and March to avoid falling into a Stage 2, 15% mandatory restriction category. Also,

on March 5 th, a public hearing will be held setting board policy regarding pursuing long-term mandatory water

restrictions in the absence of a sufficient supplemental supply to meet the District’s groundwater recovery goals.

Santa Cruz County’s Annual Status Report on Water Resource Management Activities Now Available he Annual Status Report on Santa Cruz County water resource management activities was presented to the

T

18 / February 15th 2013 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

County Board of Supervisors on January 29, 2013. This report recognizes that Santa Cruz County has a continuing need to address major water resource challenges stating that most of the groundwater basins are being pumped in excess of sustainable yield and that water supply agencies do not have sufficient sustainable supplies to meet current and future demand. It also highlights activities for integrated regional water management, water supply, water conservation, storm water management, water quality protection, and habitat restoration such as water exchange, groundwater recharge, well monitoring, the scwd2 Desalination Program, and more.

Much of this work is coordinated among County departments and independent agencies through the Integrated Regional Water Management Program and other efforts such as the SoquelAptos Groundwater Basin Advisory Group.

To access the status report, visit http://sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/ bds/Govstream/BDSvData/non_legacy/ agendas/2013/20130129/PDF/025.pdf.

Can you spare a minute?

SCWD2 tests a New On-Line Tool as a Way to Gather Input oquel Creek Water District is evaluating a potentially new way to gather input using an on-line questionnaire tool. We are also interested to see how many of our monthly scwd2 email recipients would respond to our request to answer a few questions. Can you spare a minute? To access this on-line survey, visit https:// surveys.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ eDkqGJsJgs6pdWZ n

S

All Star Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament Returns

Twenty Percent of Proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County Santa Cruz — The creators of the U.S. Open and American Cup Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments proudly announce the return of the All Star Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition to the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium February 16 and 17.

Due to popular demand, the All Star tournament this year will introduce divisions for children of all belt levels and women over age 30. The tournament also welcomes male and female competitors at all belt levels in the Juvenile, Adult, Master and Senior age categories.

Saturday, February 16 will feature competition for all kids, and blue and brown belts. White, purple, and black belts are scheduled to compete on Sunday, February 17.

Registration: Regular registration from February 5 – 8 is $75 for kids and $90 for all other divisions.

Late registration from February 9 – 11 is $94 for kids and $109 for all other divisions.

Tournament founder Claudio Franca of Claudio Franca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools expects the All Star tournament to draw an international field of competitors as well as hundreds of athletes from Santa Cruz County and the Bay Area.

The All Star tournament is sanctioned by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation and features individual and team competition. The tournament will uphold a single-elimination format that adheres to official International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation rules. Winning matches are determined by submission, points, advantage or referee’s decision.

Spectators can watch ongoing competition from 9am to 6pm. Admission is $12 for adults; $9.50 for children ages 5 -12 and seniors age 60+; and free for children age 4 and younger.

For every ticket sold, 20% will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

For every $1 donated, four meals can be provided. Therefore, that will mean for every Adult ticket sold, 10 meals will be provided for families. And

Bring all of your friends & family to the All Star #2 Tournament on Saturday, February 16 & Sunday, February 17!

for every Child ticket sold, six meals will be provided!

So, please bring all of your friends & family to the All Star #2 Tournament

on Saturday, February 16 & Sunday, February 17!

Tickets can be purchased at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium box office each day of the event. Proceeds from tickets sales benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties.

Spectators who bring a food donation will receive a free All Star tournament T-shirt. n Visit www.allstartournament.com or call (831) 476-7650 for more information.

Open House With Safeway You are invited to join Safeway and Hamilton Swift & Assoc. for an open house and behind-the-scenes tours of the Safeway store.

Learn more about your Safeway.

Saturday, March 2, noon-2pm (Please RSVP for store tours)

& We are also pleased to announce

Information Center Hours

Stop by to discuss Rancho del Mar and share your comments.

Thursday, Feb. 21, noon-2pm Wednesday, March 13, 4pm-6pm Friday, March 22, 9am-11am Rancho del Mar Shopping Center, Suite 48 (Vacant space next to JC Nails) For questions or to RSVP: Charlie Eadie, Hamilton Swift (831) 459-9992 or charlie@hamiltonswift.com www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2013 / 19

Guidelines for Bikers when Lane Splitting L ane splitting in a safe and prudent manner is not illegal.

Lane splitting, aka lane sharing, filtering or white-lining, refers to a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower-moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a traffic light.

Motorcyclist guidelines: 1) Travel at a speed that is no more than 10 MPH faster than other traffic – danger increases at higher speed differentials. - The greater the speed differential, the less time a rider has to identify and react to a hazard.

2) Do not lane split when traffic flow is 30 mph or faster — danger increases as overall speed increases. — As speed increases, crash severity increases.

3) It is safer to split between the #1 and #2 (furthest left) lanes than other lanes. - Avoid splitting in lanes near freeway on-ramps and exits.

4) Consider the total environment including the width of the lanes, roadway, weather, and lighting conditions and size of surrounding vehicles.

— If you can’t fit, don’t split. — Poor visibility, due to darkness or weather conditions - Help drivers see you by wearing brightly colored protective gear and using high beams during daylight.

5) Be alert and anticipate movements by other vehicles. — Be prepared to take evasive action if a vehicle changes lanes. — Never ride while impaired by drugs, alcohol or fatigue.

The Four R’s or “Be-Attitudes” of Lane Splitting: Be Reasonable, be Responsible, be Respectful, be aware of all Roadway and traffic conditions.

Be Reasonable means not to lane split more than 10 MPH faster than traffic flow and do not lane split at more than 39 MPH. Inexperienced riders should not perform Lane splitting. These guidelines assume a high level of riding competency and experience. Personal Safety: Every

rider has ultimate responsibility for his or her own decision-making and safety.

Motorcyclists who lane split are not relieved of the responsibility to obey all existing traffic laws. With respect to possible law enforcement action, keep in mind that it will be up to the discretion of the Law Enforcement Officer to determine if riding behavior while lane splitting is or was safe and prudent.

When is it NOT OK to split?

You should NOT lane split: “Red Cross” from page 11 The Santa Cruz County Chapter website at www.sccredcross.org has more details on each of the categories as well as a nomination “County Clerk” from page 10 She received the Santa Cruz County Employee Recognition Gold Award in 2008 for her outstanding management of the November 2008 Election.

Webber earned her Bachelor of Science degree in International Business at California State University, Fresno in December 1993 and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, from Chapman University in June 2000. She worked as a teacher in Santa Cruz County before joining the County Clerk/Elections Department. She is a past president of Holy Cross PTA and

20 / February 15th 2013 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

• If you can’t fit.

• At a toll booth • If traffic is moving too fast or unpredictably • If dangerous road conditions exist including water or grit on the road, slippery road markings, road construction, uneven pavement, metal grates, etc.

• If you cannot clearly see a way out of the space you’re going into (for example, if a van or SUV is blocking your view) • Between trucks, buses, RVs, and other wide vehicles • Around or through curves.

Other Driver Guidelines: 1) Lane splitting by motorcycles is not illegal in California when done in a safe and prudent manner.

2) Motorists should not take it upon themselves to discourage motorcyclists from lane splitting.

3) Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal (CVC 22400).

4) Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcycle is illegal (CVC 22517).

5) You can help keep motorcyclists safe by: Checking mirrors and blind spots, especially before changing lanes or turning • Signaling your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic • Allowing more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. n

form. For more information about the Hero Awards or to attend and/or become a sponsor of the Heroes Breakfast on May 15, 2013, please contact Camilla Boolootian at Camilla.Boolootian@redcross.org or call (831) 600-4909. n past president of P.E.O. Philanthropic Educational Organization. Webber has earned a California Professional Election Administration Credential and is currently co-chair of the state credential program for election officials. She is a member of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials and serves on several subcommittees, including: Legislative, Voters with Specific Needs, and the Help America Vote Act. Webber is also a successful grant writer, having been awarded two grants last year from the federal government. n For more information, please contact County Clerk Gail Pellerin at 831-454-2419.

Keep Good Camp Habits Alive M any campers have returned home for the remainder of summer, and you may have noticed something about their behavior — their manners!

The entire camp experience is made of teachable moments, and perhaps one of the biggest is how to live with a group of people. Campers learn to pick up after themselves, respect each other ’s property and say “Please” and “Thank You.” Keep your camper’s good habits alive long after the summer is over: Remember to Remind — When campers come home, they often keep the spirit of camp alive for a week or two and then things trail off. Use positive reinforcement to remind campers that you appreciate the positive attitude and willingness to help that they developed at camp.

Become Camp-Like — Families can set the example by demonstrating a willingness to change something at home in order to sustain some of the changes campers have made. Bob Ditter, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, suggests: “Parents have to make a decision.

Are they willing to change something in their practice at home in order to sustain some of the changes their kids have made, such as having a job wheel

“Senior Diabetes” from page 17 • Having more energy • Burning calories to help you lose or maintain your weight • Keeping your joint flexible • Improving your balance to prevent falls • Lowering your risk for heart disease and stroke Almost all older adults who develop diabetes have type 2 diabetes, and older adults with diabetes often have high

• •

•

that you put up on the wall outlining chores?”

Everyone Gets a Say — At camp, children help determine how their day is spent.

Their advice is actively sought, and they feel like equal players. Emulating this environment at home allows them to continue to stand up for themselves and feel like a contributing member of the household.

Avoid the Negative Compliment — Don’t inadvertently sabotage efforts by pointing out differences in behavior.

Instead of saying, “you never did this before,” praise the behaviors in a genuine way. For example, “I noticed

blood pressure, high cholesterol, infections that heal slowly and they are at risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Seniors with diabetes are also more likely to have memory problems and depression. Awareness and education is critical in helping seniors to lead healthier lives. n ••• For more information, or to download the “Living Healthy with Diabetes” guide for adults 55 and up, visit diabetes.org.

Brandpoint Media

how patient you were with your little brother.”

Try This! Family Day — A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children will be

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celebrated nationwide on Monday, September 24. Take the opportunity to sit down with the whole family and reinforce your child’s good camp habits during the meal: Let your child help choose what’s for dinner (something healthy, maybe even a favorite meal from camp!)

Ask your child to help set the table and clear the dishes — and ask them how the camp handled these tasks Use the mealtime interaction to talk about favorite camps stories, songs, friends, and even plans for next summer.

Thank your child for helping with the dinner, and compliment his or her responsible habits.

American Camp Association

Catalyst Soccer: Player Development Programs–Spring 2013 Anna Jean Cummings Field, Soquel Phone: 831-423-3556 or 408-846-KIDS (5437) e-mail: catalystsoccerleague@gmail.com web: www.catalystsoccer.com

Two great programs for all ages and abilities!

(Boys and Girls — Ages 4-6 and 6-14) Catalyst Soccer: Player Development Programs are designed to help the young player become more confident with their soccer skills. The curriculum is designed

by Catalyst Soccer’s Founder, Paul Holocher, Cal Poly Mustang soccer coach, and is inspired from the teachings of FC Barcelona youth trainings. Topics covered include individual ball skills with special emphasis on the passing and possession/ positional games. Many engaging small sided games will allow players to simulate real game situations while maximizing the application of attacking skills to make good decisions on the field.

Spaces are limited Register today online at www.catalystsoccer.com or call 831-423-3556 for more info.

Almost all older adults who develop diabetes have type 2 diabetes, and older adults with diabetes often have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infections that heal slowly and they are at risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2013 / 21

McDonald’s is going Green!

Dear EarthTalk: Has the McDonald’s restaurant chain made significant improvements in recent years with regard to the environment?

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— Max Andria, Laval University, Quebec

ong a poster child of environmental ills and health concerns, McDonald’s has worked steadily over the last two decades to clean up its act. The company will never win over vegetarians, who eschew meat for health, animal welfare and even world hunger concerns (we’d feed more people by using the land used to grow animal feed to grow food for people instead), but it has otherwise made some significant strides.

The company first came under fire from greens in the 1980s for sourcing beef for its hamburgers from ranches on newly cleared, former rainforest tracts throughout the Amazon basin. In response, the company committed in 1989 to refuse beef sourced from recently deforested rainforest areas.

Environmentalists were also on the company’s case about the waste it generates. So in 1990 McDonald’s partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and began phasing out its polystyrene “clamshell” food containers and increasing the recycled content of the other food containers and boxes it uses. EDF and the fast food giant developed a waste reduction plan that eliminated 300 million

pounds of packaging, recycled a million tons of corrugated boxes and reduced waste by 30 percent in the decade that followed.

More recently, Greenpeace exposed the fact that expanded soy farming in Brazil— which feeds chickens used by McDonald’s and other large food companies—had become a threat to the Amazon rainforest.

In response, McDonald’s partnered with Greenpeace to develop a zero deforestation plan for all its products.

Likewise, McDonald’s beef purchasing executives have gotten in on things: In November 2010 the company was lead sponsor of the World Wildlife Fund’s first Global Conference on Sustainable Beef, an international meeting of stakeholders in the global beef system convened to discuss how to approach sustainable beef production in socially, environmentally and economically viable ways.

Another green highlight for McDonald’s is its commitment to matching

Photo Credit: harry_nl, courtesy Flickr

Though McDonald’s will never please vegetarians, most of whom consider the meat industry a serious affront to the environment, the restaurant chain has made some significant strides in reducing waste, saving energy and protecting forests by developing a zero deforestation plan for all the products it sources.

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30 percent of the electricity used at its company-owned stores with renewable energy credits from American wind power providers. And several Japanese McDonald’s are participating in an energy-saving campaign employing 13 different green technologies with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20 percent overall.

While McDonald’s is moving in the right direction, it is still widely criticized for the waste it generates and its contribution to health woes such as obesity.

For its part, the company has limited control over the 80 percent of its stores that are run by independent franchisees, so change under the golden arches is slow.

This past spring, McD’s released its Global Best of Green report highlighting advances made in energy efficiency, sustainable packaging, anti-littering and greening the workplace at hundreds of its restaurants around the world, underscoring it’s commitment to sustainability moving forward. The company hopes the new report will serve as a catalyst for franchisees to make similar improvements in their businesses. n ••• Contacts: EDF, www.edf.org; Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org; McDonald’s Best Practices, bestpractices.mcdonalds.com.

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

Mistakes to Avoid on Your 2012 Tax Return

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By Rick Rodgers, CFP

very year, our politicians talk about the need to simplify the tax code and every year, they make it more complex. Here is a list of common mistakes and missed deductions to help you prepare your 2012 tax return.

1. Charitable deductions — cash. Did you contribute to charity last year? The IRS is cracking down on bogus deductions, so be sure to follow the donation tax rules. One of the most important rules is that you give to a charity with an IRS tax-exempt status. Don’t forget to take the mileage deduction when it applies. The IRS allows 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.

2. Charitable deductions — in kind.

Your used clothing donated to charity may not be seem worth much, but consider using valuation software to determine how much to claim. You may be pleasantly surprised. The same applies for furniture and other household items donated. Clothing must be in good condition or better to take the deduction.

3. Social Security number. Privacy con-

cerns caused the IRS to stop putting taxpayer Social Security numbers on tax package labels. Most of your tax information is keyed to your tax ID number. Take time to verify that your tax ID number is correct on 1099s, W-2 forms and all tax documents to avoid delays processing your return.

4. Dividend reinvestments. Each time a stock or mutual fund reinvests dividends, it’s the same as making a new purchase of shares. Mutual funds generally track the average basis of shares and automatically include reinvested dividends in the calculation. Ultimately it’s up to you to make sure you calculate the gain properly.

5. Unused deductions from 2011. The tax code allows capital losses to offset capital gains. When losses exceed gains, the taxpayer can use only $3,000 of losses against other income. Any excess loss can be carried forward into future tax years. Don’t forget to carry the unused losses over to your 2012 tax return.

6. Excess Roth contributions. Single taxpayers whose modified adjusted

gross income is between $110,000 $125,000 ($173,000 - $183,000 for joint filers) cannot make a full Roth IRA contribution. Excess contributions are subject to a 6 percent penalty on the amount you contributed.

7. Overlooked medical deductions.

Health insurance premiums are an often-overlooked deduction. The portion paid by the employee is a deductible expense when you itemize.

This includes the portion you pay to Medicare that is usually deducted from Social Security. The IRS allows 23 cents per mile driven for medical purposes in 2012.

8. Amended Tax Returns. If you have made a mistake or missed a deduction, you can file an amended tax return to correct the problem. The IRS looks back three years from the date you file a return. When you amend your tax return, you reopen the threeyear window. If the total amount of tax you owe is smaller than your original return, the IRS will refund the difference.

To avoid penalties, file an amended

return if the correction results in additional tax owed. The IRS will add interest to the amount owed if you amend after your filing deadline, but rarely adds penalties. n

Online Security and Reputation Management when Job Hunting

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hen you’re job-hunting, you go to great lengths to stand out among the hundreds - even thousands - of applicants for a single open position. But while you’re working to catch an employer’s eye, have you considered the importance of protecting your information from unwanted attention? Or the need to manage the online reputation you want potential employers to see?

Most job searches today begin online.

In fact, Beyond.com recently found that 77 percent of job seekers are using mobile apps to access the Internet in their search.

According to a joint study by the Universities of California and Colorado, unemployed people who search for jobs online get a job 25 percent faster than those who only search offline resources.

Searching online can be a great way to find your dream job, but it also requires you to take extra precautions to protect your personal information and to manage your online reputation. Enterprising identity thieves and scam artists may take advantage of personal, and identity information posted

on job boards and online resume sites. Also, with social media making potentially embarrassing information and images widely available, it’s important for job-seekers to manage what potential employers may find if they were to perform an online search of a candidate’s name.

Protecting your personal information hen you post a resume on a job board, the information is usually public and viewable by anyone who wants to see it.

Some websites allow you to control what is viewable and who can see it, limiting access only to potential employers who have registered with the site. Others do not restrict who can access resumes. It’s important to know the privacy policies and settings of any employment website where you post your resume or apply for jobs.

Consider how much personally identifying information you will share.

Information such as your name and past work history may be essential, but keep in mind that no potential employer should ever ask for your Social Security number or financial information during the initial

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phases of your interaction. If a response to your resume comes with a request for your SSN or account number, be very skeptical and ask why this information is needed so early in the application process.

While conducting your online job search, it’s important to keep an eye on your credit and financial accounts, because that’s where identity fraud will first show

up. Consider enrolling in an identity theft detection, protection and resolution product like www.ProtectyMyID.com. The product is designed to help people minimize the damages caused by identity theft and help members safeguard themselves from identity theft.

“Job Hunting” page 30

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Wise Money Habits to True Wealth W hen did money get so complicated? From spending and charity to saving and investing, it’s hard to know exactly what to do with your finances. Cut through the confusion and consider five smart ways you can use your money to your advantage today.

Bruce Helmer, award winning financial services advisor, author and radio host, believes in a straightforward, values-based approach to managing wealth. “Money itself doesn’t matter; it’s the people and things you love that provide real wealth in life. Using your time and money to support

what you value is the foundation of a rewarding financial plan.”

Helmer co-founded Wealth Enhancement Group and recently wrote the book “Real Wealth: How to Make Smart Money Choices for What Matters Most to You.” He recommends five smart things to do with your money: 1. Spend it Wisely veryone spends money, but the key is to make thoughtful choices and determine necessities versus luxuries.

Based on your personal values, necessities will vary, so it’s important to take a realistic

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look at your priorities. Then you can determine what you need now and what can wait for the future.

Remember to avoid consumer debt and only spend what you currently have for day-today expenses. If you can’t pay off a credit card each month, don’t use it. Not only are you paying high rates of interest, but you’re forfeiting the return you could be earning on those dollars if they were invested.

2. Save it Wisely here are three main reasons to save: emergencies, spending and investing.

Start with an emergency fund. Prior to the Great Recession, most people saved three month’s worth of expenses. Today, with continued economic instability, six months is a wiser choice. Life is unpredictable, and you never know when injury or job loss will affect your income.

How much of your income should you save? A good goal is at least 10 percent.

Remember, saving and investing are different. Saving puts money in a secure place readily available to you - making it a liquid asset. Investing puts money away, allowing it to grow for future use.

3. Invest it Wisely nvesting is a key part of growing your finances and securing your future. Smart investors make it a habit to pay themselves first, meaning each payday, they designate a specific amount of money to investment accounts. Remember, a longterm investment plan with consistency and stability will overcome market swings.

Start investing as soon as you can - time is a great ally.

The first step is to identify your individual goals and how much time you have to achieve them. Then talk with a trusted financial advisor about expected rate of return and risk levels of different investments and diversity your portfolio.

4. Manage your tax burden axes are an often overlooked part of financial planning. But knowing how

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your money will be taxed today and in the future can help you make wise decisions. It’s safe to say most people want to pay as little taxes as possible, and your decisions today will help you do that.

Balance taxable investments like CDs, money market accounts and bonds with tax-deferred investments like 401(k)s and traditional IRAs. Do not forget about the importance of tax-advantaged investments like Roth IRAs and life insurance too. Balancing these three types of taxable investments is important to a long-term financial strategy.

5. Give it away Wisely t face value, giving money away may sound a little crazy, but sharing your wealth can be a rewarding part of a financial plan. Whether it be to a nonprofit, a faith community or to your own children, sharing money either during your lifetime or upon death is gratifying and can have many economic benefits.

Charitable donations done now are tax deductable this year, but other types of giving provide benefits in the future. For example, donating money in a will can possibly lower the estate tax liability to your heirs. Because tax laws are complex, it’s important to work with a professional who can guide you in the right direction. n ••• For more expert money tips, visit www.

BruceHelmer.com.

Brandpoint Media

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Valentine’s Day Warning from NFIB

Employers need to be aware when Cupid calls at work

SACRAMENTO — Workplace romances are nothing new, but as people increasingly spend more time at work, offices have become the new singles bars.

With Valentine’s Day next week, the Legal Center for America’s premier smallbusiness association today warned that while office romances can have a positive impact on work performance, they can also be distracting and destructive to both the couple involved and others in the workplace.

“Employers must acknowledge inap-

propriate conduct and communicate acceptable workplace behavior, especially around the week leading up to Valentine’s Day when employees may think the time right to be either a little more forward with a co-worker or more open about a romance,” said Karen Harned, attorney and executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Legal Center.

Understand your obligation to prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, in the workplace.

Be on high alert for supervisor-subordinate relationships. These can be among the most dangerous, legally, for employers.

The relationship can lead to resentment among coworkers who feel that the employee dating the manager is being favored—And after the break-up, watch out! Be prepared to defend against claims from the subordinate employee that he or she was coerced into the relationship and discriminated against.

Don’t be afraid to speak up. While you might be loath

to step into what’s perceived as a personal issue, you shouldn’t hesitate to put a stop to behavior that interferes with a professional environment. Don’t make it into a bigger deal than it is. Call the couple into your office and say, “Kristine and Tom, you need to be really careful on the PDA (personal display of affection) front. We can’t kiss and hug in the office. “ Be consistent. The same rules need to

apply to everyone.

Have an open-door policy. While it’s unrealistic to prohibit workplace dating, establish an open policy that makes it easy for employees to talk about these issues with you. So, if things go south, you’ll be the first to hear about it. n ••• More resources on this topic are available at www.nfib.com/romance.

Valentine’s Day

Editor to Offer Writing Workshop in Capitola

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ongtime book editor Laurie Gibson will present an afternoon workshop for writers, “Recipe for Writing Progress,” Sunday, March 3, from 1 to 4 pm, at the Capitola Book Café (1475 41st Ave.). Sprinkled with stories and tips (e.g., how to find literary agents), this popular program is designed to empower and inspire writers of all levels. The session starts with a peek at today’s book business, Laurie Gibson and then explores the pros and cons of traditional vs. electronic and self-publishing. Next up? A serving of literary and editorial tips to help writers refine their craft.

Added to the mix will be selfassessments and writing exercises, a

handout featuring valuable resources for writers as well as a description of the traditional publishing process, a handful of practical tips to help you get published and sell your work, and the most important ingredient of all: answers to your questions.

Presenter: Laurie Gibson has served more than 100 first-time authors, helping them prepare their work for publication.

She’s also edited and proofread more than 200 books (including “The Color Purple”) for various publishers, as well as teaching editing for the Extension programs at UCSD and UCLA. Cost: $30 (attendees will receive a discount on future editorial services, including manuscript evaluation). To register, call the store at (831) 462-4415 or e-mail mycommunity@capitolabookcafe.com. Questions about the workshop content? E-mail Laurie: wordworker1@earthlink.net or call (858) 635-1233 (voicemail). n

ACROSS

1. *Good night kiss spot 6. Old age, archaic 9. De Valera’s land 13. “My Own Private _____” 14. Big Island flower necklace 15. Kind of sentence 16. Things that are unacceptable 17. Some watch the Super Bowl just for these 18. Irregular 19. *Isolde’s tragic lover 21. *The man behind the massacre 23. Unagi on sushi menu 24. *Stag 25. Grease holder

28. Elders’ teachings 30. *St. Valentine’s occupation 35. 7th letter of Greek alphabet, pl.

37. ____ Lofgren, musician 39. Banal or commonplace 40. Astronaut’s insignia 41. To impede or bara 43. America’s favorite 44. Extremist 46. Old Russian autocrat 47. Bone-dry 48. A one-horse open ride 50. “Iliad,” e.g.

52. Name fit for a king?

53. Getting warm 55. Bovine sound 57. *Bella’s choice 60. *”Shall I _______ thee to a summer’s day?”

64. Style of abstractionism popular in 1960s 65. Word of possibility 67. Under deck 68. Eagle’s home 69. Part of T.G.I.F. 70. Eat away 71. End of a leg 72. Surf turf 73. Motion Picture Association of America, e.g.

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1. Bar order 2. Sensory input 3. Indian princess 4. Selected 5. Inexpensive inn, especially for youths 6. Distinctive flair 7. ___ Zeppelin

8. Tony Manero’s music 9. Introduced in Europe in 1999 10. One who is “__ __ it” 11. *Most popular Valentine’s Day gift?

12. Compass reading 15. Student’s piece 20. *Dateless 22. Matterhorn, e.g.

24. Bartender’s soda choice 25. *Cupid’s mom 26. “__ ___ costs” 27. Certain buds do this 29. Reduced Instruction Set Computer 31. Fleur-de-lis 32. Type of duck 33. Mall stop 34. Teletype machine, for short 36. Delhi wrap

38. “All My Children,” e.g.

42. Movie trailer, e.g.

45. Related on the father’s side 49. Of a female 51. Like a funereal procession 54. Administrative 56. “La BohΦme,” e.g.

57. Fencer’s weapon 58. Some choose this over truth 59. Court order 60. Benign lump 61. A bunch 62. Traveled on 63. Water carrier 64. Dunce 66. Absorbed, as in a cost © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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Dinosaurs continue to fascinate children …

Dinosaur Pet

By Marc Sedaka and Neil Sedaka Illustrated by Tim Bowers Imagine! Publishing. $17.95 (Ages 3 and up) eil Sedaka and his son Marc collaborated on this picture book that features not only a colorfully illustrated story but also a CD with songs performed by the Grammy Award winning performer.

The story begins in January when a little boy is shown with a large dinosaur egg in his bedroom. By February, the creature has hatched and it is beginning to grow. Naturally, as the months go by, the dinosaur gets bigger, and bigger and bigger. By June, the boy’s pet has pretty much outgrown the house and his parents are having a hard time paying the family’s enormous food bill since the big, green critter loves to eat and eat, and eat.

Where does this all end? You’ll have to read the book to find out! Besides enjoying this cute story, there is the CD to listen to and the songs are definitely a very nice bonus.

Young children love dinosaurs and this not so little “pet” will make read aloud sessions a lot of fun as you watch him takeover a household.

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Dinosaurs Around the World

By Susie Brooks Illustrated by Anthony Lewis Kingfisher. $9.99 (Ages 3 and up) ver fifty flaps are placed throughout this book and hidden behind each one is a fascinating tidbit about these prehistoric creatures. After a two-page map that identifies some of the more common dinosaurs and pinpoints where they once lived, the book is then divided into sections that introduce the first “terrible lizards” and then focuses on specific types of dinosaurs.

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There’s the Jurassic giant, the brachiosaurus, the smaller but feistier dinosaurs, such as the velociraptor, gallimimus and oviraptor, the fierce looking triceratops and, of course, tyrannosaurus rex, and the winged versions like the quetzalcoatus.

Since the many tabs often blend in with the illustrations on each page, you’ll have to look for them carefully, but be sure to do so. You won’t want to miss the additional information you’ll discover when you lift-the-flap.

Wonderful World of Dinosaurs

By Christina Wilsdon Disney Press. $8.99 (Ages 5 and up) nother in the Disney Wonderful World series of picture books that introduces children to nature, Earth, sharks, space and animals, this well illustrated book delves into the dinosaur. Utilizing characters from Disney/Pixar productions to guide the reader through the book, the text is designed around answering a series of general questions.

“Are dinosaurs related to crocodiles and alligators? What is the Mesozoic?

How do dino bones and teeth become fossils? Did the stegosaurus really have two brains?”

These are just a sampling of the kinds of questions you’ll discover the answers to as you page through this book. Usually there are three questions on each two-page spread plus illustrations. This may seem to be rather haphazard approach to the subject, but it will pique a child’s interest and more than likely get the youngster interested in finding out more about these awesome prehistoric creatures.

An inexpensive way to move from simple picture books to more information laden material about the dinosaur, this is an attractive package that offers more depth without overwhelming the child.

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Dinosaurs: The Bare Bones!

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By Basher/ Dan Green Kingfisher. $7.99 (Ages 5 and up) art of the Basher Basics series of books, this handy little guide is packed full

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of amazing creatures and fun facts that will broaden your child’s knowledge of dinosaurs.

In some dino books the illustrations can be a little scary for preschoolers and timid readers. Since this book features only cartoon like art of the featured prehistoric animals, they should not create a problem with children who might be put off by a more realistic portrayal of the mighty beasts.

Each single page look at a specific dinosaur is written in first person. At the top of the page, there are a few important facts about the featured dino. That is followed by the first person paragraph and then, at the bottom of the page, is some additional information like how to pronounce the creature’s name, when it lived, what its name means and how large it was.

The book is divided into categories such as Veggie Munchers, High-flyers, and Water Lovers. For a quick overview of dinosaurs and some salient facts about them, this guide works nicely and won’t give younger paleontologists nightmares!

The book also comes with a colorful poster that can be detached and placed on the child’s bedroom wall.

The Kingfisher Dinosaur Encyclopedia

By Mike Benton Kingfisher. $12.99 (Ages 7 and up) ecently released in paperback, this comprehensive and easy to use book is filled with more than 400 maps, illustrations and photos as well as a wide range of material on the latest dinosaur discoveries.

An ideal book for the youngster who is ready to tackle a book with more detailed information about dinosaurs, this encyclopedia is divided into five subject areas: “The First Dinosaurs, A World of

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Dinosaurs, The Time of the Giants, A Flowering World and Change and Extinction”.

The eclectic approach the author employs means that the young readers will find boxes featuring information about key paleontologists and their contributions, detailed drawings of dinosaur skeletons, websites where more detailed information can be found and special dino facts such as the longest, tallest, and heaviest creature.

Not only will a child serious about learning more about dinosaurs want to own this book but it will also be very useful for doing research for school projects. There should be a copy of this encyclopedia in every school library and many natural science teachers will probably want to own their own copies.

The Book of Dinosaurs

50 Questions and All the Answers

By Dynamo Ltd. / Jo Connor Kingfisher. $7.99 (Ages 5 and older) oung children love to ask questions; hence, this approach to investigating the world of the dinosaur in a cursory manner works well with those youngsters not ready for a more in depth approach to the subject.

Featuring a lighthearted approach to the subject, there are humorous, colorful cartoons on each page that relate to the featured question and answer. You’ll also find a “Did You Know…” box as well that contains a little more information about the featured dinosaur.

The questions range from “Who was the fastest dino? Could dinosaurs see in the dark? What was dinosaur skin like?” to the more fanciful queries such as “Who was the strangest-looking dino? Why do dinosaurs have long names? Which dino was the biggest show-off?”

Also, to test your memory skills there’s a quick quiz at the end of the book and a “Tricky Word” (glossary) section. n

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Improving Home Safety For Kids M aking home a safe, secure environment is a priority for any parent. It’s why we have smoke alarms and deadbolts, secure screens on second-floor windows and set the temperature of our hot water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. But what about unexpected sources of danger in our homes?

While it’s impossible to anticipate and guard against every eventuality, it still pays to think about some dangers that are often overlooked - but that can be every bit as tragic as more obvious threats. Here are some accident risks that are statistically worth worrying about when you’re working on making your home as safe as possible for your children.

Tipping TVs Vs keep getting bigger and more of us have multiple sets in our homes. Unfortunately, many of those TVs will end up on dressers, coffee tables and folding tray tables that were never intended to hold a television. Even TVs placed on a stand made for displaying a set can tip over if not properly secured.

person dies every three weeks because of injuries related to a falling TV. Fortunately, it’s easy to reduce the risk of a TV tipping or falling. Never place any TV atop a dresser, bureau, bench, box or folding tray table. Using a TV wall mount can help minimize the chance of a TV falling on and injuring a child or adult. If mounting isn’t an option, consider using a safety strap that securely connects a TV to furniture and the furniture to the wall. In earthquake country, this is a really good idea. To learn more about TV safety, visit www.tvsafety.org.

The laundry room he laundry room holds hidden dangers for children. The U.S. News and World Report recently reported that since 2005, at least two children have died and many more have been injured in washing machine-related accidents. Injuries may range from burns from hot dryer elements and limb injuries from spinning parts to accidental drowning if a child becomes submerged in a filled washer tub.

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There were an estimated 20,000 injuries related to TV tip-overs in the United States in 2010, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

data. In some cases, these injuries can even lead to death. Ninety-six percent of TV tipover related deaths were among children younger than 10, the CPSC reports. One

“Home Safety” page 30

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Announcements Nar-Anon

hat is co-dependency? What W 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 Visit http://nar-anon.org/NarAnon/California.html for more information.

Women Care Volunteers

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omen Care has volunteer positions available for Monday shift, 9:00am-1:00pm.

Must be comfortable supporting women with cancer diagnosis.

For more information, call (831) 457-2273, or visit Women Care at 2901 Park Ave. Suite A1, Soquel.

Coastal Watershed Council

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ome out and get your feet wet with the Coastal Watershed Council this winter! We are seeking volunteers for winter water quality monitoring on Carneros Creek, the main fresh water tributary to Elkhorn Slough.

Visit www.doodle. com/5g9zdvbdwt2b7r9z to check out a schedule to sign up. To read more, visit http://coastalwatershed.org/monitoring/alba/ .

we can help you too. Ongoing workshops will cover resume writing, communication, and interview skills.

For more information, call profile at (831) 479-0393 or visit www. santacruzprofile.org.

First Mondays

Great Decisions Lecture Series

7:00pm-8:30pm, Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, 125 Canterbury Dr. Aptos ecture series on “Great Decisions”, put out by The Foreign Policy Association. Lectures led

by Dr. Laina Farhat-Holzman, sponsored by Santa Cruz Branch, American Association of University Women (AAUW).

For more information, call Lois Holcomb (831) 688-0541.

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Second and Fourth Mondays First and Third Wednesdays

Alzheimers Support Groups

Monday: 2:00 - 3:30pm Wednesday: 5:30 – 7:00pm 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.

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Tuesdays

Women Care Drop in Cancer Support

rop in Support Group is a D gathering for women with all types of cancer. We offer support

Community Calendar

To register to one of the meetings 6:45 am; Fri. 9:00 am (followed and for directions, please call by service) and Sat. 8:30 am with “Come As You Are Zen” at 9:00 am 454-4024.

Visit oceangatezen.org for more info.

Coastal Professionals 8:00am to 9:30am at Aptos History Museum, Old Dominion First Tuesdays and Court, Aptos.

Third Wednesdays each month earn tips and make connections.

Local professionals meet weekly Orientations to Become to focus on business building and Advocates for Children Interested business North County, 5:30-7p.m., first collaboration. owners, independent professionals Tuesday of month (for location and guests welcome. details contact Danielle at 7612956 X102) South County, 5:30-7 For more information: 621-1153, www.CoastalProfessionals.net p.m., third Wednesday of the month at the CASA Office, 813 Freedom Blvd. Watsonville Second and Fourth Wednesdays ASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Santa Cruz County Freedom Forum Presents: needs your help. Volunteer 3-5 Constitution Classes hours per week to provide support, 7:00pm, Quaker Friends Meeting guidance, and a powerful voice in House, 225 Rooney St. Santa Cruz court for children who have been For more information, visit removed from their homes because www.meetup.com/santacruzof abuse or neglect. Everyone freedom-forum/ welcome, men and bilingual folks especially encouraged.

Thursdays To RSVP call 761-2956 Ext. 102, Capitola-Aptos or email Danielle@casaofRotary Club Meeting santacruz.org 12-1:30 p.m. at Seascape Golf Course.

Second Tuesdays each month Contact Doug at 831- 724-9192 Free Job Seek Workshop! or e-mail dnakashima@razzolink.

6:00pm-7:00pm, Gateway Bible com for more information.

Church, 5000 Granite Creek Rd. Scotts Valley Overeaters Anonymous For more information, visit 1:00-2:00pm, Louden Nelson Community Center, Rm. 5 301 http://hirewire.org Center St. Santa Cruz For more information, call (831) PFLAG 429-7906

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for women through all stages from (Parents, Families, and Friends of diagnoses through treatment.

Lesbians and Gays) For more information or to 7:00pm-9:00pm, 900 High St. register call (831) 457-2273 First Congregational Church of Santa Cruz Drop in Grief Support To learn more, call (831) 4276:00pm at Aegis, 125 Heather 4016 or visit www.pflagscc.org Terrace, Aptos oin other adults who are grieving Wednesdays the death of a friend or family Toastmasters: member. Learn helpful tools for Mondays thru Fridays coping: Share stories and receive Speak for Success support from people who care.

12:00pm-1:00pm, St. Philip’s Svaroopa® Yoga Classes No registration required, please Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts See website for times, Deerpark call (831) 430-3000 Valley Drive, Scotts Valley.

Shopping Center, 783 Rio Del iving a business presentation?

Mar Blvd. Aptos Interviewing for a job? es, you can do yoga! With the First Tuesdays each month Improve your speaking skills in a support of blankets, beginning Tail Wagging World of Dog friendly, supportive environment students relax into easy poses with Redwood Ramblers ToastOwnership designed to release to deepest tensions in the body along the 6:30pm at the Santa Cruz SPCA, masters. Open to all levels.

Drop-ins welcome. For more spine. Discover this unique form 2685 Chanticleer Ave., Santa of Hatha yoga that deeply relaxes, Cruz (cross street is Soquel Ave.). information, call 831-335-3693. quiets the mind, reduces pain, accelerates injury recovery, and Overeaters Anonymous Ocean Gate Zen Center promotes better over all health.

6:30-7:30pm at Teach by the Beach For more information, visit www.

Zazen Instructions #50 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos aptosyoga.org, or call (831) 688-1019 6:30pm. 920 41st Ave. Suite For more information, call (831) 429-7906 B, Santa Cruz (next to Family Mondays Cycling Center) azen instruction 1st Tues of ea. First Wednesday each month PROFILE of Santa Cruz month at 6:30 pm. Ocean Gate Child Welfare Review 9:00am-12:30pm, 2045 40th Ave. Zen Center will be offering a 6 6:00pm- 9:00pm 1400 Emeline Clares St. Capitola week class beginning Jan. 8 at 7:30 Avenue room 206, Santa Cruz. eed help finding a job? Join pm on Being Time. This will follow he orientation is designed to review PROFILE of Santa Cruz. Its the child welfare system and to give free and it works. Last year 126 of its a 30 min. meditation. Morning meditation schedule is Tues., Thurs. you a chance to have your question members were placed in jobs, and answered by child welfare staff.

Ongoing Events

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Second Thursdays each month

Surgical Center, 2900 Chanticleer Ave, Soquel Dr. Santa Cruz. ired of Clutter? Stuff piling up? Support is available. CLA meeting every Friday.

For more info call 426-1868 FREE

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Saturdays

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.

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Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market

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

Come As You Are Zen

9-10:30 am, Ocean Gate Zendo, 920 41st Ave. Suite B, Santa Cruz (next to Family Cycling Center) ome as you are Zen focuses on Buddhist practices that enhance our daily lives. This will be an informal talk with time for discussion. Free — donations accepted.

Visit oceangatezen.org for more info.

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Veterans of Foreign Wars

Santa Cruz Bingo

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6:30 pm, 2259 7th Ave. Santa Cruz ommander Ronals Petty leads the meetings.

For more information, call (831) 475-9804

Dated Events

Wednesday Feb 20

Wellness Lecture: The Mood-Food Connection

6:00pm-7:30pm, New Leaf Community Markets, 1101 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz deally, food provides the building blocks for proper neurotransmitter production, brain balance, and blood sugar balance. Some dietary choices can contribute to imbalances in these important brain chemicals and weak havoc on our mood. Join nutritionist Rebecca Rovay-Hazelton to learn which dietary patterns are likely to contribute to emotional imbalance, and how to eat to support your emotional well being.

Preregistration required. For more information, visit www.newleaf. com, or call (831) 426-1036 x0.

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Freedom Forum Presents: Behold a Pale Horse

Doors open at 6:30pm, Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave. Santa Cruz o you feel something is wrong in America, but don’t know what? “Behold a Pale Horse” exposes the what and why through country music star Charlie Daniels and a Who’s Who of patriots. In order to be part of the solution, we have to understand the problems threatening liberty and freedom in America today.

Watch the trailer at beholdapalehorse.tv. For more information, visit www.meetup.com/santacruzfreedom-forum or call (831) 708-8626.

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4:00pm, 707 Fair Ave. Santa Cruz anta Cruz Bingo supports local charity. All games have a minimum of a $150 prize, smaller crowds mean you have better odds.

Second and Fourth Thursdays For more information, visit www. Thursday Feb 21 santacruzbingo.com or email Hiring and Managing In-Home Cabrillo Host Lions Club info@santacruzbingo.com. You 7:00pm at the Cabrillo ComCaregivers can also call (831) 427-1007 and munity Center, Aptos Village 1:30pm-3:30pm, Inner Light press 4.

Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd. Ministries, 5630 Soquel Dr. ublic is invited to all programs.

Soquel Contact President Jess Allen Sundays his workshop will explore 831-684-2721 or Past President the ins and outs of hiring and Over-Eaters Anonymous Barbara Chamberlain at 831managing in-home caregivers.

9:00am-10:15am, Sutter 688-3356 for meeting/dinner Topics to be explored will include: reservations or information or visit Maternity and Surgery Center, preventing fraud, selecting 2900 Chanticleer Ave. Sc. www.cabrillohostlions.org. appropriate care, and how to hire A is a 12-step support group caregivers. The workshop will for those who wish to stop be presented by a panel of local Third Thursday each month eating compulsively. All are experts.

Pacific Speakers Association welcome.

Workshop is free, for more info 7:00pm, Firehouse on Soquel Dr. Free childcare with advance call (831) 459-6639. reservation by 5pm, Fridays. Call Aptos (831) 429-7906. peakers helping speakers get Friday Feb 22 gigs.

Call (831) 332-8221 for more Church Bible Study/Worship The Democratic Women’s information.

9:45am: Bible Study; 11:00: Club of Santa Cruz Presents: Worship, First Baptist Church Health Care for Low Income 7565 Sunset Way, Aptos Fridays Individuals, Kids, and Seniors ooking for a church? Come Clutterers Anonymous 11:30, Garfield Park Meeting worship with us!

5:30-6:45 Sutter Maternity & Room, 721 Bay Ave. Santa Cruz

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here are big changes coming to the local health care system as the federal Obama Care Act is implemented in California. The largest impacts in our area will be on low-income individuals, kids, and seniors.

Alan McKay, Executive Director Central California Alliance for Health will discuss the coming changes and how they will impact individuals and families in Santa Cruz County. Bring your questions and concerns to what promises to be an exciting and critically important discussion. $8 with RSVP or $10 at the doorRSVP with Pat Shand at (831) 688-2981. For more information abut the event, contact Carol Fuller at fulkins@cruzio.com or (831) 423-2356.

Saturday Feb 23

Business of Art Seminar Series

10:00am-12:30pm, Cabrillo College, VAPA Hall Lecture Room 1001 his set of Seminars offers artists tools to start, manage, and grow their business. This seminar will be taught by local entrepreneur Keith Holtaway, who has been a Santa Cruz resident for 35 years. Keith’s last startup was Pizza My Heart, which he sold in 1997 and is now a Bay Area phenomenon.

Cost is $30. Seating is limited.

Register for the series through the Cabrillo Extension website. For more information, contact Jim at (831) 475-9600 x16, or e-mail grants@ccscc.org.

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Monday Feb 25 Watsonville Youth City Council Meeting

5:00pm, Council Chambers, Main St. Watsonville over topics such as education, public safety, city budget, and city planning.

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Tuesday Feb 26

Aptos Sons in Retirement Luncheon Meeting

11:30am, Severino’s Restaurant, 7500 Old Dominion Ct. Aptos peaker will be Luke Rizzuto.

Luke is a coordinator and avid participant in the 2013 reenactment of the 1908 “Greatest Auto Race Around the World”, as immortalized in the movie “The Great Race”, staring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Natalie Wood. Luke will be bringing the vintage Chevrolet which he will be driving in the 2013 race.

Call (831) 688-0977 for more information. n

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Your February Horoscope

Arts & Entertainment

Announcements

Teen Fashion Show Call for Entries!

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alling all Santa Cruz County Middle School and Highschool Fashionistas! A Teen Fashion Show sponsored by Mission Hill Middle School will present the creations of 120 teen students in a juried runway fashion show at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Any student in Santa Cruz County is eligible to apply. The deadline for application is March 1st at 3:50 pm, at Mission Hill Middle School.

Visit www.fashionteensantacruz. com for more information.

Some Oldies on Display!

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osted by Soquel Sports Foundation. Buy-In $25.

Also, we have a special BINGO, celebrating our 2nd anniversary, on Sept. 28 at 6:30. Buy-in only $15. www.soquelsports.com

First Friday Art Tour

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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 Wednesdays and illuminates some of the most talented local artists from local Peninsula Banjo Band 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Harry’s Hofbrau, galleries.

To find out where to participate 390 Saratoga Ave, San Jose orty-seven years of performing in a First Friday art tour, visit firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most in the Bay Area, over 250 galleries are open 12-9 pm for popular tunes. Come see our band for Free in Sunnyvale Every First Friday viewings.)

Wednesday. No cover.

Contact Lee McLaughlin, Booking First and Third Fridays Agent, at 408-993-BAND (2263) Friday Shakespeare Club for information about booking 10:30am-12:30pm, First the band for Non-profit events Congregational Church, 900 High (donations are tax deductible).

St. Santa Cruz www.PeninsulaBanjoBand.org For more information, visit www.fridayshakespeare.org, Last Thursdays each month call Kris at (831) 421-0930 or Monthly Argentine Tango at Star Nanette at (831) 438-3615.

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rt exhibit entitled “No Place Like Home”, is on display through March 30th at the Santa Cruz Public Library. The library will have a reception during the Bene Italian/Argentine Restarante First Friday Art Tour, February 1st, 4:30pm-9:30pm, Star Bene 5-8:00pm, at 224 Church St. Italian/Argentene Restarante, 21245 East Cliff Dr. The California State Summer his is a night for true “Social School for the Arts Applications Tango.” Order a wonderful meal from the Star Bene Argentine Available SSSA is a four-week, intensive Menu, (or their well known italian menu), and enjoy the ambiance of pre-college program for talented and motivated high school Argentina and join us in a social tango dance to music from the students in the arts, held on the campus of the California Institute Golden Age of Tango.

Private instruction and classes by of Arts (CalArts) in Valencia.

Instruction to be offered in dance, arrangement. For more information, music, theatre, visual arts, creative call Michael (831) 239-2247.

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First Fridays each month

Second Fridays each month

Weekends Thru March

Rain Forest Weekends at Roaring Camp

12:30pm, Roaring Camp earn about California’s own rain forest- a rain forest of redwoods. As guests ride at branch level through a virgin forest by steam train, fascinating information about the California coastal redwoods and forest eco-system is revealed.

For more information and tickets, call (831) 335-4484.

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Fourth Saturdays each month

Writers and Poets Open Mike

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) 475-4221

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Big Band Dance

Saturdays

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11:30am-1:30pm, Zizzo’s Coffee, 3555 Clare’s St. Capitola isten to live jazz featuring members of the Santa Cruz Jazz Society. So many talented musicians and singers! And an exhibit of local art will be featured 7 days a week.

For more information, contact Christine Shelton-Anderson at (755) 544-5651.

7:30pm-10:00pm, at Mid-County Senior Center 829 Bay Ave, Capitola allroom dancing to live music by The 10th Ave. Band. Refreshments, large floor, friendly atmosphere, free parking. Open to the publicsingles welcome!

Suggested donation, $6 per person. Proceeds benefit MCSC. For more information, call (831) 476-4711.

Live Jazz and Local Art at Zizzo’s Coffee

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writing, film/video and animation.

Applications are due February 28. Fridays thru Sundays Weekends Thru March 3 To learn more, visit csssa.org, or Feb. 15&16, 21-23, March 1&2 e-mail Peggy at pburt@csssa.org San Lorenzo Valley High School Little Shop of Horrors 7:00pm Friday/Saturday, 2:00pm Presents: Tommy Sunday, Park Hall, Ben Lomand 7:00pm, except Sunday, at Thursday Feb 21 potlight state is presenting 2:00pm, SLV High School Little Shop of Horrors, directed Support Local Eduction Performing Arts Center, 7105

by Cabrillo Stage’s Andrew Hwy 9, Felton Through Facial Exfoliation!

Advance tickets available online at Ceglio.

3:00pm-6:00pm, Scotts Valley Spa Ongoing thru April 26 Tickets: $12 and Boutique The Santa Cruz County Bank http://tinyurl.com/slv-tommy

Dated Events

Ongoing Events

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Arts Collaborative Presents: In Dreams

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n Dreams explores a world that is seemingly surreal and dreamlike.

What images appear in your dreams? Six local artists share their viewpoints through a variety of mediums in playful and sometimes unexpected, ethereal scenes.

Exhibited artists to include Karen Kvenvold Bailey, Andrea Borsuk, Selena Castro, Chris Miroyan, Sharon King, and Tom Trujjillo.

Exhibit locations include 7775 Soquel Dr., 819 By Ave., 720 Front St., 4604 Scotts Valley Dr..

cotts Valley Spa and Boutique will be holding the first of their new bi-monthly education events. The event features the Glo Therapeutics product line with mini enzyme exfoliation treatments, raffles, product and mineral makeup consultations.

Refreshments will also be served.

All proceeds go to benefit Scotts Valley Schools. $20 entrance fee holds your pre-booked start time, as space is very limited. Please schedule your appointment by calling Scotts Valley Spa and Boutique at (831) 439-9900.

Saturday Feb 23

Aries (March 21-April 20)

A stunning start to the month ensures that your projects and plans make great leaps forward. Expect the unexpected as a new opportunity lands in your lap. You may find it necessary to be resourceful and inventive, and when you try something new, you are a little surprised at how easily it all comes together. It is a great month for getting together with friends and people who share your passions. After the 19th you want to escape a little and perhaps plan a small break. Choose somewhere mysterious and enchanting.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Important changes and decisions around your career plans are likely. While you have a mind to make some improvements here, it is partly because you have to but also because the time has come for fresh challenges. Most activities you undertake will put you in the spotlight as people take more than the usual notice. Now this may be a good thing or perhaps you feel your privacy and space are being invaded.

Even so, there are good chances for meeting some fascinating and influential individuals this month. Love and romance continue on a steady course.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Self belief is a marvellous thing. It can give you courage so that you take steps in your chosen direction, and also enable you to be confident and walk your talk. This month you see more of this coming into play and consequently it can be mildly life changing.

Impulsive decisions turn out to be strokes of genius as you reap the rewards of actually doing what you have been thinking about for long enough. Your ruler, Mercury, in the mysterious sign of Pisces for much of February, highlights your career directions, which is subtly transforming.

This is a month where being constructive pays off. This means that you must do what you say you will do and also incorporate as much fun as possible. So trips and outings are in order, as you love to have something to look forward to. Intriguing new beginnings around your love life can put a spring in your step, and you share plans with your long term partner if you are in a relationship. After the 19th you discover that any barriers and hold ups are easing although the 23rd is not the best day for travel plans. Take part in team events and joint ventures this month too, if the opportunity arises.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk ttend this fabulous fundraiser and taste delicious variations of clam chowder!

Proceeds go to benefit the Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department.

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Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

Aptos High School 3rd Annual Zumbathon

10:00am-1:00pm, Aptos High School Gymnasium, 100 Mariner Way, Aptos itch the workout, join the party!

This fundraiser will support Aptos High School teams and clubs.

Tickets are $10. and available at aptoshs.net or at the door. Don’t delay, this promises to be a sold out event!

This is an important time of year since the Sun, your ruler, shines a light on relationships. You discover new things not only about your other half but also about yourself.

You see how you can achieve fairness and balance, and you have the change to redress situations that are out of alignment with your inner happiness. Plenty of talking can reveal the heart of the matter and from these revelations you can move forward.

Recently you have felt the pull of Saturn which perhaps clips your wings somewhat, but this is becoming a thing of the past. It is time to fly!

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

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Although you are more than comfortable in dealing with tangible things and organization of your life and others, you sometimes look for work where there is none.

Discover the joys of doing nothing once in a while and allow your restless mind to rest and contemplate. This helps give you strength and also enables you to feel less stressed and as though you having to always catch up or meet a deadline. Later in the third week, relationships are highlighted for you. Looking for love? you could find it at this time.

Thursday Feb 28

This month, your ruler Venus, enters Aquarius. For you this is a time to be creative, flirty, impulsive and look for the joys of living. Be light hearted and less focused on serious matters at this time. Some things you can resolve easily but it is important not get worried and dragged down by what you cannot change. Instead, fill the space with simple little things that are easy to accomplish. You certainly don’t need to push yourself too hard to achieve something that is just beyond your reach. Be kind and know that you can be your own best friend.

Food Tasting and Movie Fundraiser for Mar Vista Elementary School

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6:00pm, Body in Motion Pilates, Aptos oin us as we celebrate our 15th anniversary! All community members will be delighted by hors d’oeuvres, drinks, minipampering treatments, and Body in Motion’s newest class, Extend Barre Stick™! n

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

5:30pm, Green Valley Cinema, Watsonville vent begins with tasting from 15 local eateries, followed by a private screening of Snitch, starring Dwayne Johnson. There will also be an opportunity to enter a raffle for a two night Las Vegas Getaway, provided by Cosmopolitan Hotel and Southwest Airlines.

Cost is $22 for a ticket, and $20 each for two or more tickets.

Tickets are available at Green Valley Cinema, Freedom Bakery, or the school office.

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Zumbathon

It is only a matter of time passing that changes things for the better or for the worse. You are very much aware of this and on balance, you can see an improvement which has been long overdue. Take note of events at the start as this gives you clues for later on. A small happening is the beginning of a new phase which feels a lot better than before. But you have learned some useful lessons along the way so nothing is ever wasted. Mars in your sign through the month ensures that you follow through and will act decisively and with the right intention.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Clam Chowder Cook-off and Festival

Body in Motion Pilates Celebrates 15th Anniversary!

BINGO

6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St.

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Friday March 1

Tuesdays

Annabel Burton • Astrologer ©

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

Resolutions that began last month are now beginning to take effect. If there was anything you need o do that requires patience, persistence and determination, now is the time to do it. If you are tempted to stray off your chosen path, simply get back on it again. There are times when a different attitude can really turn things around and this is one of them. As part of a long cycle for you, Saturn in your sign offers you the chance to show how serious you can be if necessary. You have new found ambition and this current enthusiasm shows no sign of waning.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You are usually what is known as the luckiest sign of the zodiac, and there is no exception this month. While the Sun in Aquarius works miracles with your ruler Jupiter in Gemini, your fortune lies in the written and spoken word and all kinds of communication, media and information received and given. You are not averse to learning new skills, including languages and this also works well for in terms of travel too. Being out and about, meeting people and exchanging news and views leads to invaluable knowledge and discoveries which can change your life for the better.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

This month the focus is on your resources, both financially and emotionally. Self confidence gives a strong message to others that you know exactly what you are doing and that what you bring about is absolutely what you intended. Sometimes this is not the case, and happy coincidences occur. February brings exactly this.

You are amazed at how the Universe responds to your thoughts and what you put out there in the world so consider this when you monitor your intentions. You are unusually creative and can find great joy in the tangible and what you have to show for your efforts.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

You are in your birthday time and for those whose birthdays fall at the beginning of the month, this is an exceptionally constructive and satisfying start to the next twelve months. Although you are only too well aware of what holds you back, you can turn this around and see this as a kind of supportive structure to show that limitations can be a useful guide within which you must work. Without it, you have no budget or time scales and so your immediate momentum can get lost. This is not so for you now, so be assured that you will make headway in your chosen path.

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Find Out More www.AnnabelBurton.tv www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2013 / 29

“Job Hunting” from page 23 Protecting your current job onsider how your current employer would react if someone from your company comes across your active resume online. While your current employer may not fire you just for posting your resume on a job site, the situation can - at the very least - be uncomfortable. Before you begin circulating your resume or posting on job boards, be sure you know how your current employer would react if your information was found online. If you wish to keep your job search private, make sure to review the privacy settings of any job search websites you’re using.

Conduct your search as honorably as possible, sending resumes, emails, etc. on your own time - and not when you’re supposed to be working for your current boss.

Likewise, maintain a separate email address that you use solely for your job search; never use a work email address during a job search.

Protecting your prospects y now, you’ve likely read or heard media reports of prospective employers searching social media sites for information on job applicants. It’s important to manage what employers may view in social media. If you haven’t already done so, restrict access to your social media accounts so that your posts and photos can only be viewed by people you’ve granted permission to.

Be sure to set privacy settings to their most restrictive.

Privacy controls notwithstanding, remember that when it comes to the Internet there’s no such thing as 100 percent private. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when using social media is if you would be

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“Home Safety” from page 27

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 30 / February 15th 2013 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Most laundry machine-related injuries could be avoided, according to a report from the National Institutes of Health’s U.S. National Library of Medicine. To minimize risks, restrict children’s access to the laundry room. Choose machines with automatic shut offs that halt the movement of internal parts as soon as the appliance door is opened.

Exercise equipment any Americans rely on home exercise equipment to stay in

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embarrassed to have your mother or boss view the content, don’t post it.

Finally, before you apply for a job, check your credit report. A growing number of businesses are asking job candidates to agree to credit checks. While the National Conference of State Legislatures says eight states currently restrict use of employer credit checks in the hiring process, and many more have legislation pending, you may still be asked to submit to a credit check.

Credit Report Restrictions for California mployers will be permitted to use consumer credit reports only if the individual is applying for one of the excluded positions, including as a manager or a position that has regular access to large amounts of cash or sensitive information (e.g., trade secrets). There is also a limited exception for some employers such as financial institutions.

Before an employer orders a consumer credit report from a “consumer reporting agency” (such as HireRight) for employment purposes, the employer must notify the applicant/employee in writing which type of position the applicant or employee is being considered for that allows the employer to obtain a consumer credit report.

If the employer rejects the applicant/employee based in whole or in part on the information in a consumer credit report, the employer must notify the applicant/employee and provide the name and address of the consumer credit reporting agency that provided the report.

Knowing what’s on your credit report in advance can help you make a more informed decision on whether to apply for certain positions. n Brandpoint Media

shape but some machines can pose a safety risk to children. A CPSC study estimated that over an eight-year period, more than 46,000 exercise equipment-related injuries sent children 4 and younger to hospital emergency rooms.

Treadmills, elliptical machines and other home fitness devices can cause a range of injuries, including cuts, fractures, dislocations, burns and even amputations. The study recommended parents take steps to reduce children’s exposure to home exercise equipment.

Never allow children to use equipment designed for adults, and never leave kids unattended with the equipment. When a machine is not in use, unplug it to reduce the chance of a child accidentally turning the machine on while playing on it. When you’re using a fitness machine, keep children away from the equipment.

With vigilance, awareness and some precautions, parents can reduce the risk of children getting injured or worse — and ensure they stay safe at home. n Brandpoint Media

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SPCA Featured Pet

Around the World

Santa Cruz County Symphony Concert 3

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Is This Santa Cruz Maverick for You?

averick, a 2 ½ year-old Terrier mix, was found wandering the Capitola beaches, playing happily with long cords of seaweed and occasionally laying down to watch the waves. He would follow walkers up and down the beach until one couple realized that he was not attached to a person but was rather a lone wanderer with no collar fending for himself. He was brought to the shelter and a week later, still no one had come forward to claim the little yellow dog. He is now awaiting the perfect home to make him a loner no more.

This little guy is such a character. He wiggles up to anyone he meets and jumps up to say hello. People have said that he looks and acts like a “mini-lab.” He loves to run around and play with toys as well as other dogs. Maverick enjoys being out and about and meeting new people.

At over 15 lbs, he could out-last larger dogs when it comes to running, hiking, and playing. However, just because he’s active with a bit of stamina doesn’t mean he doesn’t know how to relax and take in the cuddles. Maverick is a class A snuggle bug and enjoys burrowing in the covers or sprawling out across his person. He’s crate-trained and quiet but still may need a refresher course when it comes to basic commands and house manners.

He could thrive in an active and experienced indoor home alone or with another compatible dog. He would do wonderful in an adult household or with older children (ten and up). He will always make you feel as though you are his number one. Is This Santa Cruz Maverick for You? If you would like to help animals like Maverick and his 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. The SPCA Mall Adoption Center and Gift Shop is located at the Capitola Mall near Target and is open on Friday from 11am-5pm and Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. n

he search for the new Director of the Santa Cruz Symphony continued with the third of five concerts featuring five hopeful Music Directors. On Sunday, January 27, the charismatic Dr. Diane Wittry directed the orchestra with an excellent presentation of four works. The concert began with Mozart’s Overture to the Marriage of Figaro (1786) with superb playing by the winds followed by the crisp, spot-on entrance of the strings. Throughout the four works presented, clarinetist Karen Sremac, flautist Laurie Camphouse, oboist Bennie Cottone, bassoonist Jane Orzel and the entire orchestral ensemble under Ms. Wittry’s direction performed with exceptional musicianship: BRAVO! The amazing Yoonie Han was the soloist in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37 (1800). The work opens with the Tempo designation of Allegro con brio commonly interpreted as fast, lively. Interestingly enough to note, Beethoven was the first notable composer to employ specific Metronome designations in his music, however, not until 1817. So, the opening Diane Wittry movement could be performed between 126 and 168 beats per minute, arguably quite a spread in Tempo.

This decision is made by the conductor in conjunction with the soloist.

This reviewer found the Tempo selected delightful. Ms. Han’s entry was commanding, followed by delicately phrased, crystal clear passages of the highest artistic quality. Considering the overall “artistic license” allowed every soloist, the overall balance between Ms. Han and the orchestra was outstanding.

Beethoven composed the cadenza and Ms. Han realized all the intended aspects of

balance, control, virtuosity and insight into Beethoven’s compositional intention. Ms. Ham opened the second movement with stately, delicate, elegant, quasi-rubato lines that floated through the hall. The orchestral – soloist balance of the third movement was again wonderfully realized!

After a welldeserved standing ovation, the audience was treated to a solo encore of La Campanella (Italian: the little bell), the nickname given to the third of six “Grand Paganini Études” composed by Franz Liszt in 1851. Ms. Han performed with flawless, magical keyboard wizardry at its finest!

Maestra Wittry guided the orchestra through a masterful performance of Aaron Copeland’s Appalachian Spring (1945). From the opening voice of the clarinet and delicate harps notes, Ms. Wittry created a panorama of tranquil musical imagery that burst into a sudden burst of energy from the strings, winds and brass. The work slowly found its way back to its tranquil opening with awesome musicianship.

Miguel Del Aguila’s Conga (Conga Line In Hell, 1994) was the welcomed surprise of the concert and demonstrated Maestra Wittry’s excellence as a conductor and Aguila’s prowess as a composer of superior talent!

Aguila related that he received a rather distressing letter from a close friend. After having read the letter, Aguila fell asleep and dreamt the composition in its entirety serving as the conductor of a Conga line winding its way through Hell! This most challenging work was done with musical perfection and thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.

Well done Maestra Wittry and Santa Cruz County Symphony!

There still has not been any notice of who comprises the “Select Committee” That will have the final word on OUR new Music Director. Santa Cruz County Symphony supporters have been asking for an answer to this question. n

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2013 / 31