Aptos Times: March 15, 2016

Serving Our Community For 25 Years • Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom & Watsonville

March 15 2016 • Vol 25 No. 6 • www.tpgonlinedaily.com

NASA Selects Cabrillo College to Compete in Swarmathon

Cabrillo College today announced that its Robotics Club has been selected to compete in the First Annual NASA Swarmathon, a challenge to develop cooperative robotics with the goal of advancing future space exploration. Cabrillo is one of only 23 universities and community colleges selected from across the nation to compete in the Virtual Competition April 18-22, 2016.

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The Kinsey Collection

Suit Filed: Aptos Village Project

By Jon Chown

A citizens group in Aptos has filed a lawsuit against the developers of the Aptos Village project, as well as the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, accusing them of eliminating agreed upon public areas from the plan’s Final Map.

The mixed-use redevelopment project, located on 11.5 acres in the heart of Aptos along Soquel Drive and Trout Gulch Road, was initially adopted in 2010 and given final approval on Dec. 8.

... continued on page 4

This exhibit of authentic and rare art, artifacts, books, documents and original manuscripts that tell the story of African American achievement and contribution is at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) through May 22, 2016.

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2 / March 15th 2016 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

No. 6

Volume 25

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Table of Contents

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Cover Suit Filed: Aptos Village Project by Jon Chown

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Community News The Kinsey Collection by Noel Smith NASA Selects Cabrillo to Compete in Swarmathon CHP to Host Coffee With a Cop • Meet the Author at Porter Memorial Library: Wallace Baine Twenty-one Community Leaders Selected For Focus Agriculture Class XXVII Santa Cruz al Salvador ‘Pupusa’ Fundraiser by Edita McQuary ‘Road to Success’ Business Expo! • Aptos Keyboard Series Presents Russian Pianist Daria Kiseleva • Aptos Junior High Presents Mulan Jr. • New Mural in Aptos Approved for Railroad Bridge Abutment • Tech Day for Older Adults by linkAges Special Speakers Highlight CASA’s Annual Luncheon Street Has Sudden, Unwelcome Visitor – Storm-Weakened Tree Crushes Parked Cars in Aptos March for Meals Never Give Up! By Noel Smith Fix a Leak Week SCCB Declares Quarterly Dividends Santa Cruz Symphony Presents Frankenstein!! • Dominican Offers Improved Breast Cancer Detection with 3-D Mammography Dr. Arthur Dover Honored for Contribution to Eradicate Polio Twenty-Eighth Annual Bonsai Show • Celebrate Easter at the Fairgrounds’ Saturday on the Farm 2016 San Benito Open Studios Art Tour!

8 9 10

13 15 16 18 19 21 22 23 26 27

• Separate Cat & Dog Entrances • Online and In House Pharmacy • Open Saturdays

Winter Dental Special (Dec-March)

$109 discount

(Next to New Leaf Market)

CapitolaVeterinaryHospital.com • CAPVET1@gmail.com

Kids Camps 12 Why the World Needs Summer Camp by Jeff Merhige

Business Profiles 14 Ella’s At The Airport & Café Ella – Creating Health Conscientious Meals

by CJ 20 Nancy Leung – Orthopedist and her Smile Crew by CJ

Local Sports 21 Aptos High School Scoreboard

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28 – 29 Monthly Horoscope • Page 29 - Your March Horoscope

Featured Columnists 11 Local History by Kevin Newhouse – Final Curtain Call for the Aptos Twin 23 Schools Matter by Jeff Ursino – Forced Release of Confidential Student Data 25 Dogs and Ticks Don’t Mix by Tiffany Mitchener, DVM 30 County Budget Update by Zach Friend 31 Financial Focus – Give Your Investment Portfolio a ‘Spring Cleaning’

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – JASMINE: Looking for a Friend

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Patrice Edwards

Cover Story

publisher

publisher’s assistant Camisa Composti editor Noel Smith contributing writers Jon Chown, Noel Smith, Edita McQuary, Jeff Merhige, CJ, Kevin Newhouse, Jeff Ursino, Tiffany Mitchener, Zach Friend layout Michael Oppenheimer, Kevin Markley, Liz Senteney graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Kevin Markley, Liz Senteney production coordinator Liz Senteney advertising sales Don Beaumont, Jay Peters, Vanessa Reed Holder office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, Camisa Composti

“Aptos Village Project” from page 1

The plan, as described by the developer, includes 17 townhouses, 45 condos and 7 apartments, along with 65,000 square feet of retail and office space, a village green and a small county park. New Leaf Community Market is to anchor the retail area. The entrance to Forest of Nisene Marks State Park will also be improved and the historic Hihn Apple Barn is to be restored.

“Nestled between trees and the ocean, this traditional, pedestrian-friendly town square provides timeless architecture and small town charm that harkens back to another era, while providing all the luxury and energy efficiency of today,” the development is described by Barry Swenson Builders on its theaptosvillage.com website.

County supervisors approved the Final Map on Dec. 8, but according to the complaint, filed by We Are Aptos in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on March 2, it differs from what was initially approved.

They claim that many of the “common

areas” appearing on the Tentative Map are not on the Final Map, including a promised future county park. As a result, the Final Map they say fails to comply with local and state regulations regarding subdivisions.

“This lawsuit is not intended to stop the development of the Aptos Village Project, but is instead intended to ensure that all amenities and other Project components are implemented as promised,” the complaint states.

“The only thing holding up our work at present is about 8 inches of rain,” said Keith Henderson, Superintendent for Barry Swenson Builder. “As soon as things begin to dry out, we will be able to continue with the project.”

According to its website, We Are Aptos is a community group formed by residents who are opposed to the proposed Aptos Village development. “Although beautiful, the grandness is far too large for quaint Aptos Village,” the site states. It lists traffic, water and safety as its top concerns.

Aptos resident Becky Steinbruner – who has also filed to run against incumbent Zach Friend for County Supervisor – has

previously spoken for the group to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors but said she’d been advised by the group’s lawyer, William Parkin, not to say anything about the case when called.

“I’m not against building something there, but not what is being proposed,” she said. “It disgusts me.”

Parkin was much more diplomatic.

“We just want to make sure that everything that was promised is included,” he said.

According to Parkin, land along Soquel Drive that had been previously designated as a common area for things like public walkways and parking, had been redesigned so that buildings could be constructed out to the railroad tracks, or possibly private parking put there.

This had been done in spots throughout the Final Map, he said, but the biggest problem is that the parcel of land in the back of the project that was to be donated by the developer for a county park is no longer on the map.

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, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Begonia Festival Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

Entire contents ©2016. 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

A comparison between an early plan for the Aptos Village Project (left) and the final map (right) as approved Dec. 8.

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: sales@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 / March 15th 2016 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“AVP cont.” page 7

Community News

The Kinsey Collection

African American History’s Evangelist Visits Santa Cruz

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By Noel Smith

his exhibit of authentic and rare art, artifacts, books, documents and original manuscripts that tell the story of African American achievement and contribution is at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) through May 22, 2016. Michael Watkins, Superintendent of Santa Cruz County Office of Education, contacted the Kinsey Foundation and arranged for the Kinsey’s – Bernard, Shirley and son Khalil — to bring the exhibition to Santa Cruz.

These Shared Treasures of Bernard and

Through May 22 at the

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History

Shirley Kinsey – The Kinsey Collection: Where Art and History Intersect, has been on national tour since 2007, and has been seen by over 6 million visitors. The Kinsey collection has exhibited at the California African American Museum, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, The DuSable Museum of African American History, The Norton Museum of Art, The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and has been cited in 3 national awards including the President’s National Award for Museum and Library Services.

Bernard and Shirley Kinsey are not just collectors, their collection has a purpose — to tell the history of African American achievement and contributions to the history and culture of our country.

Even through the most difficult of times

and harshest of cultural impediments, African Americans have been able to add their accomplishments to the importance of America in world history.

When Kinsey speaks – as he did at a breakfast/reception for local educators hosted by Watkins at Chaminade – he tells of the descent of our country’s attitude toward our black brothers. How a country of promise became a country divided over the meaning of color and race and its place in society. The terrible consequences of that division, the 15 million Africans kidnapped from their homeland, brutalized throughout the Americas in Plantations (which Kinsey says should be called prisons) and the 700,000 American lives lost in conflict and cruelty trying to resolve that issue. Then he tells about how

our country remained divided for another 100 years in the treatment of its African American citizens before our institutions finally began to defend and codify their rights in our legislatures and our courts.

“Kinsey” page 8

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Community News

NASA Selects Cabrillo to Compete in Swarmathon

One of 23 Colleges in National Cooperative Robotics Competition

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abrillo College today announced that its Robotics Club has been selected to compete in the First Annual NASA Swarmathon, a challenge to develop cooperative robotics with the goal of advancing future space exploration.

Cabrillo is one of only 23 universities and community colleges selected from across the nation to compete in the Virtual Competition April 18-22, 2016.

Successful space exploration requires technology to aid in the location and retrieval of resources that would potentially support life on another planet (such as ice, water, rocks, minerals and construction materials). Small, rover robots, or ‘Swarmies’ can be programmed to explore extra planetary surfaces for these resources.

The goal of the NASA Swarmathon competition is to develop and optimize the Swarmies so that they work in cooperation improving their resource retrieval rates 2-4 fold, much more quickly and efficiently than robots working alone.

Cabrillo College is competing in the

Michael Matera (second from right), Cabrillo College Robotics Club Advisor, helps students write code.

Virtual Competition, in which students will be challenged to develop search algorithms to program three virtual Swarmie bots. The Swarmies operate in a virtual environment and have a sonar device on the front, as well as a front-facing camera. For the competition, they are programmed to seek out

6 / March 15th 2016 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Computer and Information Systems Instructor and and find bar codes, then return them to a central location. Each of the preliminary rounds is a half-hour in a smaller virtual arena and the final round lasts an hour and takes place in a larger virtual arena.

Both the Physical and the Virtual competitions of the First Annual Swarmathon will take place the weekend of April 18-22 with the Physical Competition being held at the NASA Kennedy Space Center.

“Millions of lines of C and C++ programming code are required to make these Swarmies go,” said Cabrillo College Computer and Information Systems Instructor and Robotics Club Advisor Michael Matera. “This competition helps our students work in teams and sort ideas into things that can be accomplished, translating their coding skills into tasks that the Swarmies actually perform.”

Participation in the NASA Swarmathon will accomplish two

objectives: it will improve students’ skills in robotics, computer science and coding, while also advancing technology for actual use on future NASA space exploration missions.

“Cabrillo’s participation in the NASA Swarmathon has increased interest in the Robotics Club and has brought us some new recruits,” continued Matera. “As for our potential to win the competition, I think we’ve got a really good shot.”

In order to be selected to compete in the NASA Swarmathon, colleges had to be minority- serving institutions, and had go through a competitive application process, outlined on the website at www.nasaswarmathon.com n ••• In addition to competing in the NASA Swarmathon, Cabrillo’s Robotics Club is building and testing a drone. To follow their progress in the NASA Swarmathon competition or to get additional information about the Cabrillo Robotics Club, visit their website at

www.sites.google.com/site/cabrillorobotics /home.

Swarmies in NASA’s virtual landscape

Community News

CHP to Host Coffee With a Cop O n Thursday, March 24 officers from the California Highway Patrol Santa Cruz office and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, have coffee, and build relationships.

All community members are invited to attend. The event begins at 7 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, at Starbucks Coffee, 105B Post Office Drive, Aptos. Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the Department’s work in county neighborhoods.

The majority of contacts law

enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

“We hope community members will welcome the opportunity to ask questions, bring concerns forward, or simply get to know our officers,” said CHP Captain Paul Vincent. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.”

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the country as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time. n ••• Please contact Officer Drake with questions at 831-662-0511.

Meet the Author at Porter Memorial Library: Wallace Baine

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n Wednesday, April 13 at 10:30 dicated in newspapers nationwide and his a.m., The Porter Memorial Library fiction has appeared in the Catamaran Litwill host Wallace Baine at its 2016 erary Reader and the Chicago Quarterly Review. His play, “Oscar’s Wallpaper” Meet the Author Series.

Wallace Baine is the author of Rhymes premiered on stage in Santa Cruz in 2015 and is adapted from one of the With Vain: Belabored Humor stories in “The Last Temptation And Attempted Profundity and of Lincoln.” has been an arts writer, film Wallace will talk to us critic, columnist and editor for about his work and his life as the Santa Cruz Sentinel since a popular columnist covering 1991.

Arts and Entertainment in Santa Wallace is a two-time Cruz County. winner of the national American The Meet the Author Association of Sunday and programs are informal coffee Feature Editors Excellence in hours around the fireplace Writing competition for his well Wallace Baine where local authors discuss know Sunday column “Baine Street,” and has won several awards for their works, answer questions from the his arts coverage. His work has been syn- audience and autograph copies of their “AVP cont.” from page 4

It does mention the park. In small print, in the non-title notes of the Final Map, it states that the “adjoining parcel APN 041-011-09 is to be offered for dedication to the County of Santa Cruz for park purposes. This offer shall be made by separate document as part of the future phase.”

Parkin claims that the park should be clearly denoted on the map, and if it is to be part of a future phase, the developers were supposed to post a bond for the appraised value of the land for the park.

“The developers were not required to pay normal park fees because they were supposed to donate this land for a park,” Parkin said. “The developers should not be able to avoid park fees and avoid the dedication of the park. This is just about imposing conditions that were agreed on

and that the amenities that were promised are included.”

“We are disappointed to learn this suit was filed. The Aptos Village Plan dates to the 1970s and is the result of years of community meetings. There is widespread community consensus on the need for new housing, including affordable housing, and this project begins to address those needs,” an e-mail to the press from Santa Cruz County Communications Manager Jason Hoppin stated.

“We remain committed to the Aptos community, but absolutely cannot comment on pending litigation,” said Mary Gourlay, development project manager at Berry Swenson Builder, also in a prepared statement to the press.

County Supervisor Zach Friend also said that he also could not comment on this story. n

books. The programs are free and open to the public. Refreshments and coffee will be served with the Ugly Mug providing the coffee. The library is located at 3050 Porter Street. Limited parking is available behind the library. Enter from Soquel Drive into the Bagelry parking lot

and drive through to the left following the new sign. n ••• For more information, call the library at 475-3326 during library hours: MondayFriday 12-4 and Saturday 10am -2pm, or check the library website at: www.porterml.org

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Community News

Twenty-one Community Leaders Selected For Focus Agriculture Class XXVII T wenty-one community leaders have been selected for Class XXVII 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 XXVII members include: Stephen Gray, Chief Angela Gile Administrative Officer, Sutter Health, Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center; Jacques Bertrand, Councilmember, City of Capitola; Cynthia Druley, Executive Director, CASA; Josh Schneider, President, Bluewater Construction, Inc.; Angela Gile, Field Representative, California State Assembly – Mark Stone; Rachel Kippen, Director of Programs, Save Our Shores; and Bruce Nicholson, Co-Founder/ Principal, The Nicholson Company.

The program consists of once-amonth, daylong seminars, held over a period of nine months. The first session will be held on Friday, March 11. 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 XXVII, Agri-Culture President Steve Bontadelli, 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 Stephen Gray be a two way learning process.”

The Focus Agriculture program received a national award for its innovated approach to bringing the public and the agricultural community Focus Agriculture Press Release n ••• Focus Agriculture Class XXVII Jacques Bertrand - Councilmember, City of Capitola • David Brody - Executive Director, First 5 Santa Cruz County • Cameron Chabre - Conservation Land Manager, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County • Doron Comerchero - Executive Director, FoodWhat • Marie Cubillas - Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County • Cynthia Druley - Executive Director, CASA of Santa Cruz County • Marcelle Dupraw - Managing Senior Mediator & Facilitator, CSU Sacramento, Center for Collaborative Policy • Angela Gile - Field Representative, California State Assembly – Mark Stone • Stephen

Rachel Kippen, Director of Programs, Save Our Shores Gray - Chief Administrative Officer, Sutter Health, Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center • Jan Kamman - Community/Corporate Relations Director, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County • Kathie Keely - Retired - Director of Sales, Santa Cruz Seaside Co. • Rachel Kippen - Director of Programs, Save Our Shores • Erin Larrus Agriculture Teacher, Pajaro Valley Unified School District • Barbara Mendenhall - Senior Trial Attorney, Zenith Insurance Co. • Bruce Nicholson - Co-Founder/

Principal, The Nicholson Company • Josh Schneider - President, Blue Water Construction, Inc. • Francisco Rodriguez Assistant Vice President/SBA Loan Officer, Santa Cruz County Bank • Keith Rushing - Realtor, Self-Employed Coldwell Banker Realtor • Mary Russell - Broker/Principal, Mortgage Results • Mike Watson - Property Manager, Shikuma Farms • Jenni Veitch-Olson - Preschool Founding Director, United Presbyterian Church of Watsonville

“Kinsey” from page 5 Kinsey tells effectively and passionately about how through those hard times from about 1580 on, there were always African American writers, inventors, scientists, officers, craftsmen, painters, musicians, composers, authors, ministers, advocates and activists. They made and documented history that was often ignored, amended, or abridged. Bernard and Shirley Kinsey have spent much of their lives and fortune to search out, discover and resurrect much of this hidden history of blacks in America.

The MAH is providing free admission to this exhibition of the Kinsey Collection for all Santa Cruz County K-12 students, Cabrillo and UCSC students. Just show your ID at the desk Feb 27-May 22, Tuesday-Sunday, 11-5. Self-guided tour 8 / March 15th 2016 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

From Left: Michael Watkins, Khalil Kinsey, and Bernard Kinsey

materials also available for school groups and visitors. n •••

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA. Phone: 831429-1964. Website: http://santacruzmah.org

Community News

Santa Cruz al Salvador ‘Pupusa’ Fundraiser

Lunch Hosted by St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Aptos

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By Edita McQuary

n Sunday, February 18, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Aptos was filled with people waiting in line for their “pupusa” lunches and for the report from members of Santa Cruz al Salvador (SCaS) who had just returned from their annual delegation to El Salvador.

Pupusas are thick, handmade tortillas filled with beans and cheese, a traditional meal in El Salvador.

Santa Cruz al Salvador has been in relationship with the Salvadoran people in the communities of Guillermo Ungo and El Pilar for the last 20 years.

Delegation leader Pastor Karla Norton explained that Santa Cruz al Salvador has “accompanied” the impoverished people in these communities, and has assisted in various projects over time, especially in the areas of health and education.

Co-leader Lucas Grams from Lutheran Community Church in Watsonville talked about the Salvadoran people’s humility, kindness and faith

Currently, the community leaders of El Pilar have identified 80 families who could use composting latrines and one of SCaS’ fundraisers, Walk4Water, has raised enough money for 20 of these.

and how moved he and his wife, Wendy, are each time they have visited.

Dr. Lorena Russo spoke about the Guillermo Ungo Medical Clinic, which SCaS has been supporting since 2003, and that now that the Salvadoran government’s Ministry of Health has taken over the clinic, SCaS can channel these funds in another direction.

Dr. Russo also described the crafts session and how Joey Amrhein, a SCaS member on her third trip to El Salvador, opened her magic bag and out popped a variety of crafts which these children

seldom see. Masks were the in-thing this time. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and even some of the parents getting involved was exciting.

The scholarship ceremony for 120 students and their families is when the children are presented with books and shoes for the next school year and a gallon plastic bag filled with gifts from their God-parents (madrinas and padrinos) from the Santa Cruz area.

These families know the value of education and encourage their children.

It is a SCaS tradition that del-

egation members visit homes in small groups and have a meal with the sponsored child and the family to get better acquainted, pray with the child’s family and to try out their Spanish. The mother is given a gift bag with a thank you note and compensation for the meal.

Santa Cruz al Salvador ’s focus has now turned to El Pilar in the area of La Libertad, one of the poorest communities in El Salvador. Pastor Karla said it is Guillermo Ungo as it was 20 years ago before SCaS starting” accompanying” them. Many of the houses are made of aluminum sheets, cardboard, or sticks. In 2006, Trinity Presbyterian of Santa Cruz raised enough money to put in two wells and in 2015 SCaS built another well in the nearby community of Bendicion de Dios.

Currently, the community leaders of El Pilar have identified 80 families who could use composting latrines and one of SCaS’ fundraisers, Walk4Water, has raised enough money for 20 of these.

This year ’s visit was particularly moving as the people are subsistence farmers and, due to the drought, 100% of their crops had failed last year.

Joining Hands Network, a Presbyterian effort, has been teaching them about permaculture.

The money left over from the January 2016 trip was given to the El Pilar community to visit the permaculture site and for education on making composting latrines. n ••• If you would like to make a difference in someone’s life, visit www.santacruzalsalvador.org.

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Community News

‘Road to Success’ Business Expo!

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April 21, from 4 -7 p.m. at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

pring is right around the corner and you know what that means? That’s right -- The Business Expo! This year we’re traveling on the “Road to Success” and we want YOU to come with us on Thursday, April 21, from 4 -7 p.m.! The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds will be bursting with businesses, so reserve your spot today and meet YOUR future clients at the Expo! From the time the doors open, there is non-stop excitement and something for everyone.

What a wonderful winter we’ve had with some much needed rain! The Pajaro Valley hills are turning green and the fields

will soon be in full bloom with beautiful berries. One thing I look forward to each year is the longer days and being able to spend time outside. I’ve always enjoyed living like a tourist here in Santa Cruz County, and one of my favorite things is sharing information with folks from out of town about our amazing Pajaro Valley. Hey, when you live like a tourist in your own community, every day is like a vacation!

This year, we are partnering with Visit Santa Cruz County, formerly the Santa Cruz Convention and Visitors Council, to focus on the Pajaro Valley. Millions of visitors each year come to Santa Cruz County and while

we absolutely love the excitement of the Boardwalk and the beach-front shopping and dining in the Capitola Village, we want those same visitors to take a ride just a few miles south to the Pajaro Valley to experience the taste of a fresh, off-the-vine berry and the laid-back relaxation of the Pajaro Dunes. Here’s an important travel tidbit for you… next time you go on vacation, give the local Chamber of Commerce a call.

The Chamber is always the pulse of the community and will recommend the best places to shop, dine and visit.

Speaking of travel … How would you like to explore Spain this fall? The

stunning beauty of Granada, the Alhambra Palace and sunny Costa del Sol are just a few of the places you’ll visit on this oncein-a-lifetime vacation! Join us on Monday, March 28, from noon until 1 p.m. here at the Chamber office, 44 Brennan Street for a full presentation of this amazing trip. n ••• The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture is a champion for local business and we invite you to join us in promoting a strong local economy. For more information, visit our website at www.pajarovalleychamber.com or give us a call at the Chamber office 724-3900.

Aptos Keyboard Series Presents Russian Pianist Daria Kiseleva

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n Sunday, April at 3 pm at Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church 9850 Monroe Avenue, Aptos, the Aptos Keyboard Series will present the highly acclaimed 25 year old Russian pianist Daria Kiseleva performing works by: Mozart, Rachmaninov, Ravel, and Ginastera Daria began her piano studies at age 4 and at age 10 she performed her first piano concert in Russia.

Daria has also won First Prize in the National Piano Competition at Voronezh and Second Prize in the Titiana Nikolaeva International Competition. She was then invited to perform with several Russian orchestras.

In 2014, Daria won First Prize in the prestigious 4th BNDES International Piano Competition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2015, Daria was re-invited on three occasions to

Community Brief

Aptos Junior High Presents Mulan Jr. he 8th Grade Drama Class at Aptos Junior High will be presenting the musical Mulan Jr. This popular Chinese fairytale about Mulan, a young Chinese girl who disguises herself as a boy to take her father’s place in fighting the invading Huns. Packed with bold adventure, humorous characters and memorable songs, she encounters many challenges but meets each one with bravery!

The students sing and dance their way through this heartwarming story. Based on the 1998 Disney film Mulan and the story

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perform with three orchestras in Brazil. In addition she has performed in France, Germany, Spain, Great Britain, Brazil and the USA. Daria regularly participates in Masters Classes with highly respected mentors including Dmitry Bashkirov, Mikhail Voskre-sensky, Menahem Pressler and Konstantin Scherbakov. Currently Daria is pursuing her Performance Degree with Tamas Ungar at Texas Christian Uni-

Fa Mulan by Robert D. San Souci.

The performances are on Wednesday, March 16 at and Thursday, March 17, at 7:00 pm in the gym at Aptos Junior High.

Admission is $5.00 per person.

Caption: From left to right bottom Isabelle Smith Alexia Alariz Carmella Rennell top Sydney Ghiglione, Jasmin Bejar Jamie Walton Tori Brandenburg Amelia Lovell Megan Hill Yoseline Diez and Chianti Young ••• New Mural in Aptos Approved for Railroad Bridge Abutment he Regional Transportation Commission approved the painting of a mural on the eastern abutment wall of the railroad bridge over Soquel Drive and Aptos Street in Aptos. Steven Allen of Allen Property Group once again enlisted the services of local mural artist Arturo Thomae, who painted the apple orchards and crates mural on the railroad bridge abutment at Soquel Drive and Spreckels Drive in Aptos.

Mr. Allen and Mr. Thomae worked with

T

10 / March 15th 2016 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

versity in Fort Worth, Texas.

All concert proceeds go to the artist. For more information or advance tickets please call Josef Sekon, Artistic Director of the Aptos Keyboard Series (831) 685 9169 Email: josefsekon@yahoo.com Your check will secure your seat. n ••• Tickets available at the door. General Admission: $25. Students with ID Card $10. Children under 12 FREE.

the Aptos Chamber of Commerce and Supervisor Zach Friend’s office to develop the mural design. The mural will depict a historic steam locomotive next to the Aptos Train Station.

••• Tech Day for Older Adults by linkAges April 9, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Santa Cruz Public library Downtown Branch 1224 Church St, Santa Cruz earn to use technology to connect with family and friends Receive FREE personalized assistance from tech-savvy volunteers!

• Learn how to communicate with loved ones on Skype or FaceTime

L

Daria Kiseleva

• Learn the basics for using your laptop, tablet or smartphone • Create a social network account on Facebook or Google+ • Sign-up for linkAges to continue to get tech help - it’s a neighborhood service exchange network where you can give and receive help, learn new skills, and share hobbies and interests To sign-up and reserve your one-hour appointment, please email: timebank@ linkages.org, or call us at (650) 691-6267.

Walk-ins are welcome although those with reservations will be given priority. Please bring your device (computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.) already charged. WiFi and laptops will be available.

Hosted by: Sana Cruz Public Libraries and Sutter Health/Palo Alto Medical Foundation n

Local History

Final Curtain Call for the Aptos Twin

N

ot too long ago, a friend had pointed out that several of my recent articles and social media posts have been focused on the closure of long time establishments in Aptos. In a lighthearted way she asked me to stop

By Kevin Newhouse

bumming her out. I know her comment was made in a joking manner but at the same time she was speaking from the heart. People are really bummed out to see so many familiar businesses call it a day. Just in the last 6 months, we’ve had to

say goodbye to Village Fair Antiques, The Windjammer, Sushi on the Run, and most recently Aptos Cinemas aka The Aptos Twin movie theatre. In addition to these closures, we recently learned the Aptos Village Rattan is closing its doors on March 19… but that’s a story for another time!

Today, we remember the Aptos Twin.

The Aptos Twin may not have been the nicest theatre around. With only two screens, your movie options were limited.

And for many years prior to the upgrades, we tolerated the sticky floors and uncomfortable metal backed Heywood-Wakefield seats from the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

But there was something about the theatre that our town loved. It was our theatre. For nearly 46 years it screened the stories that made us smile, laugh, gasp, scream, and cry. It never failed to keep us entertained and it was right here in Aptos.

“Aptos Twin” page 24

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / March 15th 2016 / 11

I

Kids Camps

Why the World Needs Summer Camp

By Jeff Merhige

t is not easy for parents to make the decision to send their child away into the waiting arms of strangers who promise to take care of them — people who promise to show them the wonders of nature, fun, new skills, and friendships. As a parent of two children, even I struggle with the idea, and I have been around summer camps my entire life.

The world needs the next generation to be more tolerant of each other’s views, ideology, and beliefs. Summer camp is an opportunity for children to be exposed to the best of human character. Carefully selected role models are dedicated to showing your child how to have fun, learn from others, and make friends in person

rather than online. Camp allows kids to meet people from all over the world, every race, culture, and socioeconomic level.

I still remember one of my counselors, Danny, from England, explaining to me, “The world is full of excuses. It doesn’t matter where you came from or what has happened to you. At the end of the day you choose how you treat others.”

There is something magical about a summer camp experience. Each and every camp in the world is different. Not merely because of geography or location, but because of the traditions and people who have touched the camp. Every camp has hidden treasures of history and traditions that give it character and identity. Even with agency camps like the YMCA where there is a common mission, every camp is unique in its style, program, games, geography, traditions, and experience.

Every staff member, alumni camper, and volunteer has memories associated with their time at their camp — memories that stay with them for their lifetime.

Most people remember with fondness the

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counselors, cabins, camp food, camp outs, and special happenings of their time.

Camp is an independent experience that shapes one’s character and life — a controlled, safe environment where children and youth are able to make their own decisions about simple things (what activity they want to do, how many s’mores they want to make, or what clothes they are going to wear) and about important things (who they will hang out with . . . who will be their friends).

Camp is a place where kids interact with people face-to-face and, at the same time, learn about themselves and others around a campfire, under the stars, or sitting around a dining hall table. Camp allows the idea of boarding the train to Hogwarts to go from fantasy to reality — children find a world filled with possibilities unavailable to them in everyday life.

Camps give kids a chance to practice being the best they can be. They experience a place designed to create happy memories and encourage self-expression. They have the opportunity to climb towers, ride horses, shoot an arrow, and even experience the success of winning the big game!

It stays with them forever. Kids will learn

Cabrillo College Extension

from a full range of emotions and human experiences including homesickness, friendship, disagreements, team- work, frustrations, jubilant success, and more.

As parents, our jobs are to ready our kids to be productive, independent, and capable people — to prepare them to thrive without us. Camp offers a way for kids to start developing those skills in the best possible environment. It makes me a bit sad every time my son runs off to join his cabin group without even a look back . . . and at the same time, I burst with pride watching him growing into a happy, independent, tolerant, open, confident, and capable person. I know that we will have plenty to talk about when he gets home from camp. I also know he will remember the trust and gift of his time at camp, and it will add to him for the rest of his life.

There is so much competition for our children’s time in the summer — sports practices, summer school, well-deserved vacations. But let’s not forget the value of a camp experience — camp is a gift we can give our children that they will benefit from and remember forever.

“Kids Camp” page 13

Summer 2015 Camps & Classes

6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 Phone: 831-479-6331 Fax: 831-477-5239 Sports, Arts, Leadership, Technology web: www.cabrillo-extension.com Explore the visual and performing arts, exercise your mind and body, or experiment with new ideas at the Cabrillo College Extension Summer Camps & Classes. Our Summer Youth Institutes include; Leadership & Academic Success, Culinary Arts, Engineering, Computer Technology, Photography, Video, Graphic Design, Dance, and many more! We also offer Sports Camps and SummerArts for Kids. Reduced fees for registration before June 8th!

Community News

Special Speakers Highlight CASA’s Annual Luncheon C ASA of Santa Cruz County celebrated its 12th annual For the Love of Children luncheon on February 10 at Severino’s in Aptos, hosted by the Friends of CASA, a volunteer auxiliary that supports CASA Yareli Garcia of Watsonville, an 18-year-old former foster youth, was the highlighted speaker at the luncheon.

She spoke of how difficult it was to be separated from her family, and how important it was for her to have a CASA Advocate to help her navigate through difficult times when she was in foster care.

Yareli’s Advocate, Donna Prochazka of Santa Cruz, introduced Yareli and spoke of the “roller coaster ride” of being an Advocate, and the connection she and Yareli now share.

The 140 guests in attendance included six Santa Cruz County Superior Court judges: Rebecca Connelly, John Gallagher,

Denine Guy, Paul Marigonda, Heather Morse and Stephen Siegel.

Judge Connelly, the current dependency court judge, in speaking to the audience, said, “The role that a CASA [Advocate] plays throughout a dependency court case is profound. They offer stability and safety to the child, and they give the court insight on that child that we might not otherwise have.”

Funds raised at the luncheon support the CASA Children’s Fund, created to provide children with special items to enrich or just add normalcy to a foster child’s life – from class pictures, to a prom dress, to tutoring. n ••• For more information on how to support children and youth in foster care, please call (831) 761-2956, ext. 106, or visit CASA’s web site at www.casaofsantacruz.org.

Donna Prochazka, sponsor (left) and Yareli Garcia, speaker.

“Kids Camp” from page 12 If ever there was a time when the world needed a generation of future leaders who understood the intricacies of living in a community, having tolerance, and being open — that time is now. n

••• Jeff Merhige is the executive director of YMCA Camp Kern, a branch of the Greater Dayton YMCA. Originally published in the 2011 November/ December issue of Camping Magazine. Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association. ©2011 American Camping Association, Inc.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / March 15th 2016 / 13

Business Profile

F

Ella’s At The Airport & Café Ella

By CJ

Creating Health Conscientious Meals

riendly skies lead to Ella’s At The Airport, which has quickly become a destination for happy foodies to explore the new airport offerings. Celebrating their first year while showcasing the bounty of our local culinary basket, visitors and natives alike are raving about the deliciousness to be found along with the view of “what’s happening” at Watsonville Municipal Airport.

A simple twist of fate brought Ella and her talented staff to 100 Aviation Way one year ago. While searching for storage space Ella King noticed a RFP (Request for Proposal) by the city of Watsonville for a restaurant at the airport. The submission date was only one week away so Ella and her husband Sergio did their due diligence and submitted the paperwork.

Cafe Ella at 734 East Lake had a record of eight years of satisfied customers. With the success of her popular first restaurant, and a clear vision to provide service, they were notified to put their vision in place!

The staff at both locations is especially dear to Ella’s heart. She credits their zest and love for carefully preparing interesting foods to the high rate of regular visitors.

Mardi Cruz Santillan has been the chef

at Cafe Ella – affectionately known as “Little Ella’s” – for about five years. Her creations continue to be new and exciting.

Regulars look forward to Ella’s soup of the day. Made from scratch, it provides a welcoming aroma at either location.

During her college years Ella found her calling in the food arena. The love of making meals with her grandmother was rekindled. Working part time in the culinary world, she began paying close attention to the chefs she was working with while learning and modeling the finer aspects of the trade. Friends began congregating at her home to enjoy the hospitality that her “real” food experiments provided. She became aware of the calming effects of dining and appreciative of what is now called “The Slow Food Movement.”

Slow Food is about making dishes and menus from fresh, locally grown foods and serving them immediately to provide the nutrients and taste that are worthy or their calories. Some call this a revolution. Ella believes we are relearning how to nourish ourselves. Slow Food is essentially red carpet treatment.

Her wait staff is respectful of the comfort individuals and groups desire while choosing and ordering their food.

These experienced waiters take great pleasure in tasting regular menu options as well as the chef’s weekly specials.

In this way when they describe the menu items, including vegan and gluten free options, they are informing from a sincere and skilled culinary exploration of their own.

The talent of both Chef Marci Carl at the airport and Chef Mardi on East Lake Avenue is in using the seasonal bounty of our surroundings.

Ella has the formula for making this doable and fun. She sets the standard while her staff finds great fulfillment in evolving their own creations.

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Sweeping views of the airport and the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains provide an entertaining and relaxing environment. Indoor seating and the spacious outdoor patio are comfortable and unpretentious. Combined with the health conscious meals, there’s more than enough incentive to come by and enjoy Ella’s dining room where “Fresh Food Tastes Good!”

Ella’s at the Airport Lunch Tuesday through Saturday Lunch 11:00 - 2:30 Dinner 5:00 - 9:00 Tuesday through Saturday and 5:00 - 10:00 Friday & Saturday.

Sunday Brunch 9:00 - 2:30 and Jazz Nights

every Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. ‘Resting’ Mondays.

Reservations are suggested 831 728 3282 Parties and business meetings are easily accommodated. Visit www. ellasinwatsonville.com for menus for both restaurants and online reservations for Ella’s at the Airport and for Catering Services for both business and private parties. n ••• Café Ella at 734 East Lake Monday through Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

‘Resting’ Sundays. Famous ‘Soup of the Day’ Ready by 11:00 a.m.

Community News

Street Has Sudden, Unwelcome Visitor

Storm-Weakened Tree Crushes Parked Cars in Aptos Photos by Karen Nevis

W

ind and rain from the latest storms had weakened a giant tree in Aptos which suddenly fell about 11:45 a.m. Friday, March 11. It broke apart landing in three huge sections onto both the railroad

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tracks and the 8000 block of Aptos Street across the street from Caroline’s and the Aptos Street BBQ. Witnesses heard a loud cracking sound as the tree fell and when they went to see what had happened,

found an Acura RSX and a 2006 Scion xB on Aptos street had been crushed. Fortunately there were no injuries because both cars had been parked with no one in them when the tree fell. n

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / March 15th 2016 / 15

Community News

March for Meals

Community Champions Week highlights work of Meals on Wheels

M

eals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County joins the Meals on Wheels Association of America in celebrating Community Champions Week, March 21-25 to increase awareness and encourage support for senior nutrition needs and services.

Elected officials will deliver meals to local seniors to experience the impact

services have on those who struggle with aging, isolation and poverty.

Deliveries are Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25 starting at the Elena Baskin Live Oak Senior Center, 1777 Capitola Road in Santa Cruz. Participants will gather in the back loading area at 10 a.m. each morning.

Officials were also invited to visit

FROM LEFT: Community Bridges Board Member Jordan Ciliberto, Meals on Wheels volunteer Niels Sundermeyer, Santa Cruz City Councilmember Don Lane, Capitola Vice Mayor Stephanie Harlan, and Paige Garrahan, Assemblymember Mark Stone’s Office, participate in Community Champions Week at the Meals on Wheels Live Oak kitchen.

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the program’s five senior dining sites to enjoy the camaraderie. Lunch served at four sites on March 24 at 12 noon will include a springtime celebration.

Field Representatives Ryan Simon from Congressman Sam Farr ’s office and Nicolette Lee from Senator Bill Monning’s office will deliver meals on Friday, March 25 following a press conference at the Meals on Wheels Live Oak kitchen beginning at 10 a.m.

Cecilia Espinola, County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department Director, and Raymon Cancino, Community Bridges CEO will be in attendance at the Friday morning press conference and help deliver meals.

First District County Supervisor John Leopold will help serve lunch at the Live Oak Senior Center on Wednesday, March 23.

Second District County Supervisor Zach Friend will deliver meals to seniors’ homes on Wednesday, March 23.

Third District County Supervisor Ryan Coonerty will help serve lunch at the Louden Nelson Community Center located at 301 Center Street in Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz on Thursday, March 24.

Joining Supervisor Coonerty are Santa Cruz Mayor Cynthia Mathews and Councilmembers Don Lane and Micah Posner.

Councilmember Posner will also deliver meals to seniors’ homes on Friday, March 25.

Fifth District County Supervisor Bruce McPherson will help serve lunch at the Scotts Valley Senior Center located at 360 Kings Village Road on Wednesday, March 23. Joining him is Scotts Valley Mayor Donna Lind.

Watsonville Mayor Felipe Hernandez and Councilmembers Lowell Hurst and Rebecca Garcia will help serve lunch at the Watsonville Senior Center located at 114 E 5th Street on Thursday, March 24. Councilmember Hurst will also deliver meals to seniors’ homes on Friday, March 25.

All those age 60 and over are welcome to visit the dining sites Monday through Friday for a suggested donation

Community News

LEFT: Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino (left) and Santa Cruz City councilmember Don Lane find some humor while preparing meals. RIGHT: Second District County Supervisor Zach Friend (left) and Meals on Wheels Assistant Program Manager Mike Rios prepare meals. of $2.50. The Scotts Valley site serves on Wednesdays only.

Capitola Vice Mayor Stephanie Harlan (left) and Meals on Wheels volunteer Penelope Brown prepare meals for delivery.

Since 1976, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, a program of Community Bridges, has served nearly 9 million meals to 70,000 local seniors in need. Every day, Meals on Wheels serves nearly 1,800 seniors in need each year with warm meals, caring human contact, and a personalized service plan. The tireless work of this program — supported by a dedicated army of 200 volunteers — allows thousands of Santa Cruz County residents to remain healthy, safe, and independent in their own homes.

For more information about Community Bridges services or to view Meals on Wheels lunch menus, please visit www.communitybridges.org or email info@cbridges.org . n ••• To find out if an individual qualifies for home-delivered meals, please call 831-4643180. Meals on Wheels services are funded in part by the Older Americans Act of 1965.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / March 15th 2016 / 17

Community News

Never Give Up!

B

By Noel Smith

randon Gruber, 19, is an achiever and a doer. In his young life he has overcome isolation and exclusion by his peers, been the 2015 homecoming king at Aptos High, started his own non-profit foundation called the 321Life +1 Project for which he has raised over $20,000 dollars and is living his life motto, “Never give up!”

Did we mention that Brandon has Down Syndrome?

According to his website (321Life.com), “The purpose of the 321Life +1 Project is to share information and resources for those raising a child with Down Syndrome help reach their full potential and maximize their lives. First awareness, then great things can happen!” The 321 is in reference to the trisomy of chromosome 21 that causes Down syndrome. According

to Gruber the +1 indicates change and the addition of others.

Gruber has raised money for his foundation by selling cards and inventing fundraisers. Such as the one on Sunday, March 20 at Rocky’s Fitness Center 4135 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz. Gym owner Rocky Snyder, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, will be offering two workouts at 9 and 10 a.m. to anyone who donates to Gruber’s 321Life +1 Project.

In addition to the workouts, 321Life+1 Project is also hosting a silent auction starting at 8 a.m. with tables closing at 11:30 a.m. Some of the items up for auction include overnight stays, golf packages, and a signed 49er’s football, as well as gift certificates from local businesses. Be here for the raffles @ 9:45 and 11:15 a.m. featuring prizes from local businesses.

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Of the funds he has raised to date, 100 percent have gone to 102 individuals. These donations cover costs associated with activities such as winter formals, proms, yearbooks, camps scholarships and recognition awards to students in Santa Cruz and Contra Costa Counties and the Bay Area.

In 2016 Brandon’s goal to increase the number of individuals helped, but more importantly to give access, opportunity and HOPE to those in need. You can get information about 321Life+1 Project by visiting their website www.321Life.com.

“Never give up, that’s my motto,” Gruber said. “People try to define who I am, but I’ll do that myself. It’s my mission to create change.” n ••• 321Life+1 Project Fundraiser Rocky’s Fitness Center 4135 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz from 8 to noon.

Brandon working out with Rocky

Community News

Fix a Leak Week

Local Water Providers Make it Easy to Find and Fix Leaks SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — Even a small household water leak can waste a lot of precious water and significantly increase customer bills. Local water providers are promoting Fix a Leak Week during the week of March 14-20 in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® program.

Fix a Leak Week is celebrated each March to remind community members to check their household fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. A leak on the customer’s side of the water meter is their responsibility to find and fix. However, many local water providers support their customers by providing:

• Free dye tablets and toilet flappers to check for and fix silent toilet leaks.

• Free visits with conservation professionals for leak confirmation and advice.

• Notification of a suspected leak after an unusual meter read.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons of water or more per day. Common sources of leaks include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaky irrigation systems.

The Water Conservation Coalition of Santa Cruz County provides helpful tips, how-to videos, and local resources to make it as easy as possible for the community to

find and fix their water leaks at Water

SavingTips.org.

The Water Conservation Coalition of Santa Cruz County is a partnership among all of the local Water Districts in Santa Cruz County as well as the County Water Resources Program, Ecology Action and other groups who share a passion for water conservation and public education. n

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / March 15th 2016 / 19

Business Profile

D

Nancy Leung, D.D.S., M.S.

By CJ

r. Nancy Leung accepted a work-study assignment at the Oral Microbiology Testing Laboratory at USC School of Dentistry as an undergraduate. That’s where she found a way to combine her love of science and art.

Now having earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California and holding a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Leung’s profession is her passion. She opened her Watsonville practice in 2007 and her office in Aptos in 2012.

Orthodontics is the combination of function and esthetics. By adjusting teeth into proper alignment, it allows improvement in speech, mastication, and esthetics.

It is important to deal with potential jaw problems early in life.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children have an evaluation at about the age of seven.

With an early evaluation, Dr. Leung can usually determine if there is need for intervention.

Paths to a more beautiful and functional smile begins with the goals of a correct alignment of the teeth and jaws. Sometimes, orthodontic treatment is necessary prior to dental restorations including crowns, bridges, and implants. Dr. Leung works closely with her patient’s dentist as a team to ensure a successful outcome in their bite and eventual restorations.

Dr. Leung’s Smile Crew follows environmental practices by using digital x-rays to limit radiation exposure and digital charting. Digital x-rays and photographs her patient’s teeth are easy to share, available immediately, and allow patients to be involved in their own dental care.

Overhead screens provide the patient a relaxing view from the dental chair to see the recommended procedure at their initial appointment.

Patients of all ages gain confidence in previewing the procedures

Orthodontist and her Smile Crew

the Smile Crew with Dr. Nancy Leung (center with gray scarf)

and learning how they will reach the final results. Dr. Leung’s Treatment Coordinator will also explain the appropriate care options available to help patients understand and achieve success. It’s important to Dr. Leung that the patient’s first visit is thorough for everyone to understand the problems presented and what needs to be done.

After getting their braces on, a Hygiene Kit highlights the team’s effort with the latest processes of brushing and flossing. Guided brushing at the office is a service pro-

20 / March 15th 2016 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

vided to both adults and children.

To encourage proper hygiene and appliance care, patients can win raffle tickets for fun prizes both for the young and the young at heart.

Patient treatments available include comprehensive treatment, early child interceptive treatment (Phase I, Phase II), and adult orthodontic treatment. Dr. Leung also offers metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign clear aligners.

Additionally, orthognathic surgery is available to correct conditions of the jaw and face related to structure, TMJ disorders, malocclusion, or other orthodontic problems that cannot be easily treated with braces alone. Dr. Leung also treats patients with special needs.

Dr. Leung is a member of Smiles

Change Lives and Give Kids a Smile, two national organizations donating orthodontic services to children from lower-income families needing treatment. She is also available to local schools to talk about dental health including nutrition or oral hygiene instructions. n ••• Dr. Leung offers weekend appointments, various office hours and office locations in Aptos and Watsonville to accommodate patients’ schedules. The Smile Crew is accepting new patients at this time. Her offices are located at 9515 Soquel Drive, Suite #103 in Aptos and at 56 Penny Lane, Suite B, in Watsonville. Visit Dr. Leung’s website at www.SmileCrewOrtho.com or call for an appointment at 831.722.5022.

Local Sports

Aptos High School Scoreboard Soccer

Girls Season Record (14-3-4, SCCAL 11-0-2) Coach: Jessica Perkin (Stats Rikki Porter) Congratulations for another SCCAL Unbeaten Season!

Scoring Leaders: Olivia Meier 6 goals, Monse Hernandez 6, Maya Pruett 5, Paige Dueck 4 goals, Grace Bowman 4 CCS Open Division Semifinals Mountain View 2 – Aptos 0 (Mar 2, CCS) Aptos Stats: Shots on goal 7; Shots on goal 7, Goalie Ana Calero 7 Saves

Baseball

Aptos Season Record: (3-2, SCCAL 0-1) Coach: Jason Biancardi SLV 3 – Aptos 2 (Mar 15, Hm*) Aptos 7 – Carmel 2 (Mar 3, Hm) Aptos 12 – Cupertino 2 (Mar 1, Hm) Aptos 4 – Gilroy 2 (Feb 29, Hm) Los Altos 6 – Aptos 3 (Feb 27, Away)

Softball

Aptos Season Record: (3-4, SCCAL 1-0) Coach: Phil Rojas Aptos 2 – SLV 0 (Mar 15, Hm*) Circle of Champions Tournament Christopher 9 – Aptos 1 (Mar 12, Finals) Aptos 12 – MVC 1 (Mar 1, Hm) Carmel 6 – Aptos 0 (Feb 27, Hm) Linden 14 – Aptos 7 (Feb 27, Hm) Christopher 8 – Aptos 0 (Feb 25, Away) Aptos 14 – Cupertino 0 (Feb 22, Away)

Boys Golf

Aptos Season Record: (4-0, SCCAL 3-0) Coach: Jamie Townsend Aptos 201 – Santa Cruz 253 (Mar 15, DeLaveaga-Par 32) Aptos Stats: Drew Stilwell (Medalist) 34, Santiago Renteria 38, Max Meltzer 40 Aptos 194 – St. Francis 248 (Mar 8, Seascape-Par 35) Aptos 203 – Soquel 290 (Mar 3, Seascape-Par 35) Aptos Stats: Noah Clarke (Medalist) 39, Drew Stilwell 41, Jeffrey Lee 42 Aptos 202 – Scotts Valley 222 (Mar 1, Seascape) Aptos Stats: Santiago Renteria (Medalist) 39

Boys Volleyball

Aptos Season Record: (5-2, SCCAL 5-0) Coach: Jacob Landel Aptos def SLV (3-0) (Mar 15, Away*) Aptos def Pacific Collegiate Charter (3-1) (Mar 10, Hm*) Aptos def Soquel (3-0) (Mar 8, Away*) St Francis MV def Aptos (3-0) (Mar 4, Hm) Aptos def Scotts Valley (3-0) (Mar 3, Away*) Aptos def Santa Cruz (3-0) (Mar 1, Away*) Bellarmine def Aptos (3-0) (Feb 26, Away) (* = League Game)

SCCB Declares Quarterly Dividends

SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz County Bank announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.05 per share payable on April 11, 2016 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 30, 2016. This is the twelfth consecutive quarterly cash dividend declared by the twelveyear-old Santa Cruz County Bank.

The Bank reported $5.4 million in net income for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of 24%, compared to the previous year.

The book value per share of common stock on Dec. 31, 2015 was $20.47, an increase of $2.43 or about 13.5% from Dec. 31 2014.

Shareholders’ equity grew to $44.1 million, a $5.5 million increase compared to the prior year.

The Bank was named one of 50 best performing companies on OTCQX based on total return and growth in average daily dollar volume in 2015.

Santa Cruz County Bank (OTCQX: SCZC), founded in 2004, is a locally owned and operated community bank with offices located in Aptos, Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville.

For the past nine years, the Bank’s SBA Department has been recognized as a top SBA lender in Santa Cruz County and in the Silicon Valley. n For more info, visit www.sccountybank.com.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / March 15th 2016 / 21

Community News

Santa Cruz Symphony presents

Frankenstein!!

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ach’s Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 weaves rich tessellations-like tapestries in sound.

Arnold Schönberg’s loving arrangement of Johann Strauss II’s Rosen aus dem Süden beguiles with its infectious blend of urbane nostalgia.

HK Gruber, one of Europe’s compositional luminaries, will travel to us from Vienna to perform in his playfully subversive and provocative Frankenstein!!,

a ‘pan-demonium’ for chansonnier and orchestra, after (seemingly innocuous) children’s rhymes by H.C. Artmann.

Interim Executive Director, Dorothy Wise said, “The audience is in for a real treat. This concert is bookended by Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto Number 5 on one end and Gruber ’s fantastical ‘Frankenstein!!’ on the other. Both use small orchestras, but Gruber ’s piece enhances traditional orchestral instruments with toy instruments to create a sinister pop style. As the Chansonnier, Gruber acts as cabaret singer, storyteller and entertainer in his musical descriptions of villains who are heroes and heroes who are villains. Prepare to be surprised, entertained and enthralled by this unique piece.”

Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 features soloists from within the orchestra, including Kristina Anderson on violin, Laurie Camphouse on flute and Jonathan Salzedo on harpsichord.

The Symphony will also perform “Rosen aus dem Süden,” or “Roses From the South,” a waltz composed by Strauss II, arranged by Schönberg.

Founded in 1958, and with Maestro Daniel Stewart as music director since 2013, the Symphony partners regularly with regional and international guest artists in both traditional and modern concerts, as well as offers Music Education programs to students throughout Santa Cruz County.

Visit santacruzsymphony.org for more information. n ••• Classic Evening Saturday, Mar 19, 8 p.m. hosted at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Downtown Santa Cruz.

Encore Matinee Sunday, Mar 20, 2 p.m. hosted at the Mello Center for the Performing Arts, Watsonville.

As part of the opening remarks of the March program, Music Director Daniel Stewart will announce the upcoming 2016–17 Season.

Photo Credit: Jon Super

HK Gruber, Conductor/Composer

Dominican Offers Improved Breast Cancer Detection with 3-D Mammography SANTA CRUZ — The Dominican Breast Center, a joint venture between Dignity Health Dominican Hospital and Radiology Medical Group of Santa Cruz County, now offers three-dimensional mammography for the detection of breast cancer. The Dominican Breast Center is the only medical facility in Santa Cruz County

A 3-D Mammography Machine 22 / March 15th 2016 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

delivering tomosynthesis 3-D Mammography, the latest advancement in mammogram technology.

“Dominican Hospital is proud to partner with the Dominican Breast Center to provide state-of-theart breast care, right here in our community,” said Dominican Hospital President Nanette Mickiewicz, MD. “With this technology, we are offering our patients both excellence and convenience — we deliver the most advanced technology available for breast cancer detection and spare local patients from traveling to facilities outside of our area.”

“With 2-D mammography, small cancers could be hidden by overlapping breast tissue,” said radiologist Kenneth Averill, MD, of Radiology Medical Group of Santa Cruz County. “3-D mammography has been shown to significantly improve breast cancer detection rates over conventional 2-D mammography, at the same low radiation dose. The ability to find smaller cancers results in improved patient outcomes.”

During tomosynthesis exams, an X-ray tube moves in an arc around the breast to produce digital images from multiple angles. This technique provides a clearer depiction of breast tissue compared to standard 2-D mammography and, for most patients, the entire process takes approximately 10 minutes. The technology has been shown to decrease the number of false-positive mammograms by revealing that possible abnormalities are actually the overlapping of normal tissue. This results in fewer women called back to undergo additional imaging, decreasing patient anxiety and inconvenience.

Tomosynthesis is a particular advantage for the 40 percent of women with dense breast tissue. It can find small cancers and better define larger tumors that may be obscured by dense tissue on conventional 2-D mammograms.

The Dominican Breast Center has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). For more information about the Dominican Breast Center and 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, visit www.dignityhealth.org/ dominican/medical-services/imaging-radiology/ breast-center.

Dignity Health Dominican Hospital has been caring for the Santa Cruz County community for more than 70 years. Dominican offers emergency services and is a Certified Stroke Center and Chest Pain Center. To learn more, please visit our website: www.dignityhealth.org/ dominican. n ••• Radiology Medical Group of Santa Cruz County (RMGSCC) has been providing high-quality, comprehensive diagnostic imaging services to Santa Cruz County since 1930.

To learn more, please visit our website at www.rmgscc.com.

Featured Columnist

Forced Release of Confidential Student Data

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By Jeff Ursino, Trustee Pajaro Valley Unified School District

ecently, the news has been reporting on a lawsuit called Morgan Hill Concerned Parents vs. the California Department of Education and the requirements the state has to provide student’s information as evidence in this lawsuit. I personally have been asked what the lawsuit is about, why children’s personal information is needed and how can a parent or guardian safeguard their student’s identity.

Before we go into what parents can do to protect their children data let’s take a few moments to explain exactly what the lawsuit is about.

The case, Morgan Hill Concerned

Opt-Out the Release of Confidential Student Data

From the PVUSD Office of the Superintendent bjection Form S Must Be Submitted Directly to the Courts, Not The District, by April 1, 2016.

Parents/Guardians may complete and mail in an Objection Form to prevent the release of student data: www.cde.ca.gov/re/di/ws/documents /form2016jan26.pdf.

This must be done by April 1, 2016.

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Parents vs. the California Department of Education, was initially filed in 2012. The suit alleges that students who have been classified as having special needs are not receiving the quality education afforded to them under the law. Thus it is asking for immediate change to funding when it comes to these students and for school districts across the state to implement changes to the education of these children. To prove the point of the case the plaintiffs are requesting student’s records from across the state to illustrate the difference in education that certain students get from others. Since the initial filing the California Department of Education, CDE, and the plaintiff have discussed how to share student’s information while still safeguarding it.

The plaintiff’s in the case are requesting data on approximately 10 million students.

The information requested include student’s date of birth, social security number, home address, as well as, academic performance.

The plaintiffs’ contention is that they need to have this information for demonstrative purposes and to prove the merits

of their case. They further state that access to this private information would give lawyers and analysts the opportunity to compare results from students from different areas, backgrounds and needs to derive a more accurate picture of the quality of each child’s educational experience. In an effort to address parent’s fears the plaintiff have committed to keeping the information safer and confidential.

The CDE, on the other hand, has argued that by releasing confidential data to outside agencies there is an increased risk to the students and that the private information could more easily fall into the wrong hands and put the information at risk.

In letters to the appointed judge parents and other stakeholders have requested that a safeguard be put into place to minimize

risk. In reaction to this outcry last week US Federal Judge Kimberly Mueller stated that the requested information would not be released until the plaintiff can prove that they can properly secure it. Until that time the requested information will stay with the CDE. Though the district has a responsibility to the Department of Education it also has a responsibility to keep our student’s information safe. In an effort to keep individuals aware of this situation a letter was sent home several weeks ago letting parents know that they can keep their children’s information confidential by returning a note stating such.

In addition a parent or guardian can visit the California Department of Educating website and find the necessary documentation to keep your child’s data from being released. This document is due to the court by April 1st.

As a parent of three sons in the district, and as a Trustee, I am personally concerned with safeguarding student’s personal information. By completing these forms and submitting them in a timely manner we all are helping insure the safety of our student’s information. n

Dr. Arthur Dover Honored for Contribution to Eradicate Polio

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he Capitola-Aptos Rotary and Rotary International recently honored local doctor Arthur Dover for his contribution of $10,000 to the Polio Plus Eradication project.

In 1988, when the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was formed, polio paralyzed more than 350,000 people a year. Since that time, polio case numbers have decreased by more than 99%. The global effort to eradicate polio is the largest public-private partnership for public health. In fact, it is the largest-ever internationally coordinated public health effort in history.

It is spearheaded by national governments, WHO, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UNICEF, and is supported by key partners

including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Underpinning the effort is a global network of more than 20 million volunteers worldwide who have collectively immunized nearly 3 billion children over the past 20 years.

While polio is a distant memory in most of the world, the disease still exists in some places and mainly affects children under 5. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralyzed, 5% to 10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.

In addition to his generous donations, Dr. Dover has also donated numerous hours locally and in foreign countries to provide medical services to communities in need. n

Dr. Arthur Dover (left) is presented the award by Capitola-Aptos Rotary Foundation Chairman John Fisher.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / March 15th 2016 / 23

“Aptos Twin” from page 11 The theatre was equipped with 2 screens, hence the name Aptos Twin.

The larger auditorium could seat approximately 525 and the smaller could seat roughly 225. The two-screen movie theatre concept was fairly new as most movie houses were still single screen.

The idea is to keep the bigger auditorium for newer releases and as the crowds dwindle down, move it to the smaller auditorium so that another new release could be played in the big auditorium.

The smaller auditorium would also be used for staging plays, hosting lectures, and according to building contractor John Pollard, to run “better class” adult films (although I don’t know if any adult films were ever played there)!

The Aptos Twin was part of the fourth and final stage of construction for the Rancho Del Mar shopping center. Its first stage, which included the Safeway building and County Bank of Santa Cruz (which later became The Windjammer and The Rancho Del Mar Café), celebrated its opening day on June 21, 1961.

The second stage was completed in 1964 and the third in 1968. The fourth stage added 25 new businesses to the already existing 41 and was completed in 1970.

In March of 1970, just as the the-

$1,319.85, went to the atre’s construction was Florence Critenton Auxnear completion, the iliary, a local charity. marquee read, “Open The following night, Soon. If the rain ever both auditoriums were stops.” Apparently it open with Walt Disney had been a wet start Production’s “King of to the year and conthe Grizzlies” playing struction had been on screen 2. delayed. However, the The Aptos Twin town folks had read operated as a United the sign and took it to Artists Theatre until mean that the theatre April 1998, when was about to open its Culver Theatres Inc. doors and the first bought the lease, made movie was going to some improvements, be “If the Rain Ever and changed the name Stops.” A funny misto Aptos Cinemas. interpretation indeed!

O w n e r s h i p However, the rain did changed once again eventually stop so the in 2006 when Nickelnote was removed from odeon Theatres, who the marquee and conalso owned The Nickstruction continued. elodeon and Del Mar The highly anticiTheatre, purchased the pated opening of the theatre finally occurred Advertisement for the Grand Opening of cinema.

In September on Thursday, April 9 Aptos Twin on April 9, 1970 1970 with the screening of “Anne of 2013, a $250,000 remodel of the theatre the Thousand Days” (featuring Richard included new plush seating, a digital Burton and Genevieve Bujold) on screen screen with 3-D technology, and personal 1. The first night was celebrated with a captioning for the hearing impaired. champagne reception and fundraiser. Because the seats were so much bigger The net profit from opening night, than before, the capacity of auditoriums

24 / March 15th 2016 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

decreased to 240 in the big room and 92 in the small room.

In December 2015, Landmark Theatre purchased the 3 theatres (Nickelodeon, Del Mar, and Aptos) from Nickelodeon Theatres.

Unfortunately, just one month later, it was announced that the Aptos Cinemas would be closed for good. Landmark Theatres and Terramar Retail Centers (the owners of Rancho Del Mar) couldn’t come to a rental agreement and the last movie was played on January 26, 2016.

When the news first came out, everyone was very shocked and a lot of blame was thrown around. Most of it was based on assumptions. As we all know, it is never wise to trust what you see or read about on social media. What really happened is quite an interesting story but it is not the focus of my column. I am here to write about local history.

I want this article to remind everyone of the good times and entertainment the Aptos Twin brought to this town for so many years. I, too, am sad to say goodbye but I am grateful for the memories. n ••• For more information about the Aptos History Museum, upcoming events, or becoming a member of the museum, please visit www. aptoshistory.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @aptos_history_museum.

Featured Columnist

Dogs and Ticks Don’t Mix

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s there anything worse than finding a swollen, engorged tick on your dog’s body? A tick is more than a physical nuisance. It can transmit serious diseases to your dog as well. Therefore, you should know how to prevent tick infestations and disease transmission in your dog.

Tick Basics tick is a small parasite that attaches to a mammal for a blood meal. It is commonly found in tall grasses, plants in wooded areas, and leaf litter on the ground.

Looking for its next meal, a tick climbs on to a passing mammal.

The tick is attracted to warmth, motion, and the carbon dioxide gas exhaled by mammals. Once on a host, a tick will attach itself by its mouth to the animal’s skin. The saliva of a tick can carry disease. This disease can be transmitted to the host animal through the blood meal. It is important to note that a tick must be attached to its host for at least 24 hours before disease transmission can occur.

The tick life cycle consists of an adult female laying eggs; these eggs hatch into the larval stage, which develops to the nymph stage, then on to the adult. The nymph stage, in particular, is active in the spring and summer in Santa Cruz County. It can be extremely difficult to spot, as it is only the size of a sesame seed! Unfortunately, the nymph stage can be responsible for disease transmission as well. According to Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control, the nymph stage of Western black-legged ticks in Santa Cruz County were 3-5 times more likely to carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease than the adult ticks.

Tick-borne Diseases ick-borne diseases can be quite serious in our canine companions. Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis are all found in Santa Cruz County. These diseases are spread by different tick species.

Often an infected dog will develop vague clinical signs including lack of appetite, depression, lethargy, and a shifting leg lameness. Occasionally, the dog will develop a fever. If possible, it is best to catch the disease in the early stages for successful treatment. Therapy may require a long course of antibiotics.

It is important to note that some dogs become infected but never develop clinical signs.

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T

By Tiffany Mitchener, DVM

Your local veterinarian has a simple screening tool, called a 4DX test, which can help determine if a patient has ever been exposed to a common tick-borne disease.

If a positive result is obtained, then further testing may be necessary.

This helpful screening test checks for the mosquito-borne heartworm disease, as well as the tick-borne diseases of Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma. If your dog is routinely exposed to ticks, then it is an excellent idea to have your dog screened annually with this test. In particular, if a dog has a known tick attachment, then it should be tested with a 4DX test one month after the tick bite.

The majority of tick-borne diseases are zoonotic, meaning that humans can become infected, too.

It is important to note that humans must be bitten by the tick for disease transmission. An infected dog cannot directly transfer the disease to its human owner.

Tick Prevention emember that it takes approximately 24 hours of tick attachment for the tick to transfer disease to its host. Careful observation of your canine companion can prevent tick attachment and subsequent disease transmission. Brush fingers through your dog’s fur, feeling for small lumps. Check for ticks carefully in crevices: toes, ears, armpits, under the tail, around the head, etc. Remember that the nymph stage can be very small; you are looking for something the size of a sesame seed!

Maintaining your dog on a tick preventative recommended by your veterinarian can be very helpful. These preventatives do not eliminate or repel ticks, in other words, ticks will still “catch a ride.” But the preventatives do keep ticks from latching on for a blood meal, which will prevent disease transmission.

If a tick is found attached on your canine companion, quick removal is very important to minimize disease transmission. Take your dog to the veterinarian if you are unsure how to remove a tick.

How do you reduce environmental tick transmission? Do not walk your dog in high grasses or wooded country during tick season. Use a tick preventative recommended by your veterinarian on your dog. Keep shrubs and grasses closely clipped. Clean up

leaves or other plant debris on your lawn. Limit plants around your dog’s play area and outdoor kennel. Prevent deer from entering your landscaped yard. Use wood chips or gravel to create a wildlife barrier. Finally, check your dog and yourself often for ticks after walking through tick infested

country.

Seek medical attention when necessary.

Remember dogs and ticks don’t mix! With care for your dog, you can make this spring a tick-free season. n Courtesy of Capitola Veterinary Hospital 1220 H 41st Avenue, Capitola, Tel #: 831-4767387, Website: capitolaveterinaryhospital.com

The 1920s

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ACROSS

1. Incited 6. Presidents’ Day mo.

9. Pig trough stuff 13. “The Stars and Stripes Forever” composer 14. *”Happy Days Are Here Again,” ____ Reisman and His Orchestra 15. *Josephine Baker’s turf 16. Blood fluid 17. Will Ferrell’s Christmas character 18. Conical dwelling 19. *First Winter Olympics country 21. *Female pioneer

23. Uh-huh 24. Classic sci-fi video game 25. Boxer’s punch 28. Hoodwink 30. Noble gas 34. Exclamation of sorrow 36. Lord’s servant 38. Muslim ruler honorific 40. Central Time ____ 41. North Pole workforce 43. Dwarf buffalo 44. Some sorority girls 46. South American monkey 47. Like gum after novocaine shot 48. Poisonous plant 50. Fill beyond full 52. Epitome of easiness 53. Satellite TV provider 55. Final, abbr.

57. *Black day

61. *Lindbergh’s ____ of St. Louis 64. “Round up the ____ suspects!”

65. Major network 67. Healer 69. Capital of Switzerland 70. India’s smallest state 71. In an unfriendly manner 72. Greek god of love 73. It often goes with “flow” 74. Magnetic field strength unit

DOWN

1. Sixth sense 2. Subject of “A Good Walk Spoiled” 3. ____ gum, food additive 4. Literary composition

5. *F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Beautiful and the ____” 6. What refugees do 7. Snakelike fish 8. Very successful 9. Take one of these at a time 10. Nordic native 11. Curved molding 12. Jurist 15. Pollen producer 20. Malaria to Bill Gates, e.g.

22. Salmon on a bagel 24. Ascetic Muslim monk 25. *____ Age 26. Healing plants 27. Swahili or Zulu 29. Fox’ coat 31. Indian restaurant staple 32. Come clean 33. One of the Judds

35. Clothes line 37. Cheese on Peloponnese 39. *Iconic baseball player 42. Abdominal exercise 45. Equestrian’s seat 49. Foreign intelligence service 51. Provoke 54. Irish playwright John Millington ____ 56. Cease-fire 57. Toothpaste holder 58. Consumer 59. Eurozone money 60. “Without,” in French 61. Striker’s foe 62. Part of eye 63. Be a snitch 66. *Hairstyle 68. Shag rug © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / March 15th 2016 / 25

Community News

Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai Presents

Twenty-Eighth Annual Bonsai Show T he Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai’s 28th Annual Bonsai Show will be held on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April

3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Museum of Art and History (MAH), 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz.

A local club devoted to promoting and teaching bonsai as an art form, the Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai will have on display beautifully exhibited trees that are the product of many years of horticultural development and artistic creativity. Actually a living sculpture, bonsai is an art form that dates back at least 3,000 years.

Highlights of this annual show will be demonstrations

by Bonsai Master Mike Pistello (Saturday at 2 p.m.) and Sensei Katsumi Kinoshita (Sunday at 2 p.m.). They will demonstrate the techniques of creating an artistic tree from common nursery stock. The newly created bonsai trees will be offered in a raffle drawing along with other bonsai trees and items donated by club members.

These trees have been cared for, designed, wired, and potted in bonsai pots so that the winners of the trees can begin enjoying this art form immediately.

Also available at the show will be sales of bonsai and pre-bonsai trees. Sales areas

will offer new trees each day. Door prizes, as well as complementary tea, and cookies are also offered at the show.

Entrance fee to the 28th Annual Bonsai Show and the Museum is $5. n ••• Regular meetings of the Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai are held at 9 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at the Live Oak Grange Hall, 1900 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz. Visitors are always welcome.

Celebrate Easter at the Fairgrounds’ Saturday on the Farm

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he Agricultural History Project’s Second Saturday events are like taking a step back in time and this month we’re celebrating Easter on the Farm! The Easter Bunny has made special arrangements to visit AHP on the Saturday before Easter! Egg hunts will start at 11:15 AM and be held every half hour till 1:45 PM. Enjoy making Easter crafts and kids will delight in holding the oh-so-soft bunnies Bring your family, friends and your neighbors to the

Santa Cruz Fairgrounds Saturday, March 26, 11am-3pm Santa Cruz Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville

COST: FREE

and feeding the Ag History Chickens!

Of course there will be tractor driving, wooden cow milking and the old-fashioned water pump for kids to experience the good old’ days of life on the farm.

Bring your lunch and enjoy our picnic areas with tables under the trees or spread a blanket on the grass. This is an event for the entire family! Admission is FREE and donations are gladly accepted.

Non-profit organization.

School groups and families from Santa Cruz County When you visit, be sure to stop by our

26 / March 15th 2016 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

charming gift shop “Country Corner!” n ••• The Agricultural History Project is located at the entrance to Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville where you can spend hours exploring the educational exhibits, historical archives, and the agriculture research in the Codiga Center & Museum. There you will discover the rich agricultural history of Santa Cruz, Monterey and Pajaro Valley and about the crops, people, artifacts and farming practices that have made the Central Coast of California what it is today.

Community News

2016 San Benito Open Studios Art Tour!

Visit Artists in Aromas, San Juan Bautista and Hollister

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ark your calendar and come to San Benito County Arts Council’s annual Open Studios Art Tour Saturday & Sunday, April 23- 24 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Along with Hollister and San Juan Bautista, Aromas provides many fabulous artists and studios because the little town has one foot in Monterey County and the other foot in San Benito County and because the Aromas Hills Artisans love to be involved. This year’s tour features over 20 local artists and artisans and showcases works in painting, photography, pottery & ceramics, stained glass, jewelry and more!

Open Studios is a great way for

locals and out of town visitors to meet the artists, view and purchase original works of art, learn more about the processes and materials of art-making and enjoy a scenic tour throughout San Benito County, including Hollister, San Juan Bautista and the lovely hills of Aromas.

You may also enjoy a sneak peak of Open Studios at the Preview Exhibition from April 8- May 26 at ARTspace at 240 Fifth St. in Hollister with a special KickOff Party from 6-8 pm on Friday, April 8! The Kick-Off Party is an opportunity for the community to view the artwork, enjoy food and drinks and celebrate this year’s group of talented, dynamic artists.

These events are free and open to the public.

A map of the artists’ studios & the artist directory can be downloaded online at www.

sanbenitoarts. org Maps are also available at ARTspace at 240 Fifth St. in downtown Hollister or at the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce.

Please

call 831.636.2787 or email info@sanbenitoarts.org for more information.

Here is a current list of the participating artists: Alia Outrey, Amber Henderson, Andrea McCann, Clay Peer, Eric Tapley, Frank Haseloff, Gayle Sleznick, Georgesse Gomez, Gloria Sipes, Jane Rekedal, Kathleen Sheridan, Kent Child, Laurie Tholen, Leslie Holtaway, Linda Bjornson, Lisa Rivaollon, Louise Roy, Robb Lee, Sally Diggory, SanDee Adams and Susan Shirley. n ••• Open Studios is made possible by the California Arts Council, Community Foun-

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / March 15th 2016 / 27

Community Calendar

Aptos Chamber of Commerce Tuesday March 22 March Mixer

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insanity? Am I the only one who 5:00- 6:30 p.m., Comerica Bank 30 feels this way?

Rancho Del Mar, Aptos Join Nar-Anon, a world wide oin us for our March Mixer at fellowship of relatives and friends Comerica Bank in Aptos! Be of addicts who have been affected sure to bring business cards and by someone else’s addiction. Three promotional items so that you meetings are now being held in can network with chamber and Santa Cruz County, on Sundays, community members.

Cost: $5 for chamber members.

Tuesdays, and Fridays. $10 non-members For a meeting near you call (888) 374-1164 or email saveyoursanity@aol.com Sunday April 10 Visit www.naranoncalifornia.org/ Spring Fashion Show norcal/meetings for more info.

11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Seascape Beach Resort, Aptos endors wanted! Our Trunk Show Vendors always leave happy! This is a day you won’t want to miss! Presented by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce; Weekdays with partial proceeds benCASA Orientations to Become efiting Caroline’s Non-Profit Advocates for Children Thrift Store.

Please call 831-688-1467 for more ASA empowers volunteers information on the Trunk Show! to directly influence lifechanging decisions affecting children in foster care. Court Thursday April 14 appointed special advocates are April Breakfast Meeting everyday people that, with just 7:30 - 9:00 a.m., Best Western a few hours a week can have a Seacliff Inn, Aptos oin us for our April Breakfast lifetime of impact for a child who has been abused or neglected.

Meeting with special guest speaker Jimmy Panetta, More info Deputy District Attorney of www.casaofsantacruz.org or call Monterey County and District (831) 761-2956 XT.102 20 Congress candidate. Enjoy First Mondays: 2-3 p.m., a delicious breakfast from Best in Watsonville Western Seacliff Inn and be Second Tuesdays: 5:30-7 p.m. sure to bring business cards in Capitola and promotional items so that you can network with chamber and community members.

Please call for reservations, 831688-1467. Cost: $20 for chamber members, $25 for non-members.

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V

Ongoing Events

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J

Sunday May 15 Swing into Spring

3:00-5:30 p.m., Best Western Seacliff Inn, Aptos elebrate the Aptos History Museum’s 10th Anniversary with a “Roaring 20’s” themed silent auction, jazz music, and prizes for best costume if you choose to “dress up.” Continue the night with dinner at Severino’s across the street from the museum. You will not want to miss out on this fun night!

Cost: $25, benefits the Aptos History Museum

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Wednesday May 18

Golf Tournament — Shotgun

1:00 p.m., Seascape Golf Course olfers dust off those clubs, business owners enjoy a day team building, vendors enjoy a business day out on the green. The day includes entertainment on the course, networking with other business professionals in the area, lunch, snacks, drinks, prizes, and ends with an award ceremony dinner.

Cost: sponsorships available

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28 / March 15th 2016 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Business Debtors Anonymous Second Wednesdays 5:15-6:30pm, Calvary Episcopal Santa Cruz Sons in Retirement Church, Parish Hall, 532 Center Monthly Meeting

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peaker will be Richard Ferman on “the Civil War In California” How our state had a great Street, Santa Cruz Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St. influence on the outcome of the e specifically focus on his statewide group of retired “war between the states”. recovering from debting on men invites you to be our guest For more info call Jack at (831) one’s business. at our monthly luncheon. You’ll 688-0977 Mondays For more information: 831-425- meet kindred spirits, have a fine 3272 Caregiver Support Group lunch and learn something new Monday March 28 12-1 p.m., PAMF, 2850 Comfrom a top notch guest speaker. mercial Crossing, Santa Cruz Call Greg Horne at (831) 684Orientations to Become Informational Meeting atz Cancer Center, PAMF 1834 to RSVP & bring a friend! Noon to 1 p.m., PV Chamber Advocates for Children and Hospice of Santa Cruz office, 44 Brennan Street ASA volunteer Advocates County invite you to attend a Sundays I Destinations presents Spain receive 35 hours of Caregiver Support Group for and the Sunny Costa del First Baptist Church Bible Study specialized training. Court those caring for someone with a Sol tour with the Pajaro Valley 9:45 a.m: Bible Study appointed special advocates serious illness.

Chamber of Commerce - departs are everyday people that, with 11 a.m.: Worship October 18, 2016. Travel HighWhen a loved one is seriously 7565 Sunset Way, Aptos just a few hours a week can lights: • 7 Nights at a 4-star hotel ill, it can be a challenge for the irst Baptist Church of Aptos have a lifetime of impact for a entire family. In this ongoing welcomes you to join their bible • Granada • Alhambra Palace child who has been abused or study and worship every Sunday. • Generalire • Mijas • Seville • support group, we will share neglected.

Call (831) 688-5842 for more info Plaza de España • Maria Luisa stories, learn tools for coping Park • Seville Cathedral • La and receive support from people If you would like to participate Giralda • Ronda. in the next Advocate training who care.

Piano Brunch at $2899 if tour booked by April 1, contact cita@casaofsantacruz. Zizzo’s Coffee & Wine Bar Contact Hospice of Santa Cruz 2016.

County Grief Support Program. org or (831) 761-2956 11a.m.-2p.m.

(831) 430-3078 isten to live piano music Thursday March 31 Wednesdays at our piano bar while enjoying your brunch with a Tuesdays Grand Opening Aptos Noon Toastmasters mimosa or lavender bubbles.

12:00-1:00p.m. Rio Sands PROFILE of Santa Cruz Fatima’s Fine Jewelry Visit zizzoscoffee.com to see 2:45pm, 2045 40th Ave. Clares Hotel, 116 Beach Drive 5-7 p.m., 307 Main Street, Suite the schedule of upcoming St. Capitola ome join a dynamic, 101, Watsonville performers or call Zizzo’s at eed help finding a job? Join rom watches to custom jewelry, supportive group of people (831) 447-0680 PROFILE of Santa Cruz. Its stop by and see their fabulous at all levels of experience from free and it works. Last year it new store! beginners to more advanced. places 126 of its members in jobs, and we can help you too. Ongoing We’re here to help you discover your voice and share it effecThursday April 21 workshops will cover resume tively. Everyone is welcome! writing, communication, and Business Expo Tuesday March 22 Follow us on Facebook: interview skills.

4 - 7 p.m., Santa Cruz County For more information, call profile Facebook.com/AptosNoonToast- Aptos Branch Sons in Fairgrounds at (831) 479-0393 or visit www. masters or more info: (831) he Business Expo is right Retirement Luncheon santacruzprofile.org. around the corner and we 11:30 a.m., Severinos Restaurant 236-1171

Third Wednesdays: 5:30-7 p.m. in Watsonville Third Thursdays: 2-3 p.m. in Santa Cruz Nar-Anon hat is co-dependency? What Third Fridays: 12-1 p.m. in Aptos is enabling? What is this

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want YOU to showcase your business! Mark your calendar and join us at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Reserve your booth space today because your future customers will be looking for you at the Expo!

Sponsorship opportunities are available, so call the Chamber office today at 724-3900.

Sunday May 8

32nd Annual Mother’s Day Run for Shelter

7:00-10:15 am, Ramsay Park, 1301 Main Street, Watsonville ajaro Valley Shelter Services’ Benefit Fundraiser returns. First race starts at 7:45 am.

Online Race Registration: www.pvshelter.org, Or call: 831-728-5649 x107

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Dated Events

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Business Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Watsonville Elk’s Lodge 121 Martinelli St, Watsonville ome and meet Congressional candidates, Jimmy Panetta and Casey Lucius at an informative forum on topics that will affect you and your business.

Tickets are $35 for members/$40 non-members.

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att.net.

Arts and Entertainment

Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items. Come Adult Mixed Level Hip Hop 7:15-8:15pm, Deer Park Plaza and check it out! Browse through Suite 53 a wide assortment of treasures Friendship Put to Music! ome and dance for the love of lasses every thursday night movement and learn the prin- including books and photographs, starting January 7th at 6:30 p.m. ciples of culture of contemporary vintage jewelry, clothing, glass at the New Hall, La Selva Beach hip hop. This class will awaken and ceramic collectibles, vintage Club House, 3124 Estrella Ave. your inner attitude with loud, hawaiian kitsch, turquoise, heart-pumping beats and dramatic For more information call Sue original artwork, and a whole lot Harris or Don Benson (831) 726- choreography. of whatnot!

Classes are $12-$15.

For more info 7053 or email at caller4u@att.net visit www.ceodanceco.com For more info, please contact us at (831) 476-6940 or visit us on Volunteers Needed for the Last Thursdays each month Facebook.

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Monterey Symphony

Monterey Symphony is Tmusicheseeking volunteers. If you love and want to be involved, please call (831) 646-8511 or visit www.montereysymphony.org for more information.

Monthly Argentine Tango at Star Bene Italian/Argentine Restarante Third Sunday of Every Month 4:30pm-9:30pm, Star Bene Science Sunday

Italian/Argentene Restarante, 21245 East Cliff Dr. his is a night for true “Social Tango.” Order a wonderful meal from the Star Bene Argentine Menu, (or their well known italian menu), and enjoy the ambiance of Argentina Second Monday each month and join us in a social tango dance Stitchers By The Sea Meetings to music from the Golden Age of 7 p.m., Volunteer Center of Santa Tango.

Cruz, 1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz Private instruction and classes by 95062 arrangement. For more information, titchers-by-the-Sea, the local call Michael (831) 239-2247. chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, holds regular First Fridays each month meetings open to the public each First Friday Art Tour month. No admission fees. he First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of Tuesdays Contemporary Arts event, managed BINGO 6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, in conjunction with the participating 150 Jewell St. art venues. The event takes place osted by Soquel Sports year-round and illuminates some of Foundation. Buy-In $15. Full the most talented local artists from snack bar available. First Tuesday of each month is special $25 buy local galleries. in (up to five packs). Join us!

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

7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Harry’s Hofbrau, 390 Saratoga Ave, San Jose Second Saturdays Each Month orty-seven years of performing 2nd Saturday on the Farm in the Bay Area, over 250 11a.m.-3p.m., Ag History Project popular tunes. Come see our Center at the Santa Cruz County band for Free in Sunnyvale Every Fairgrounds Wednesday. No cover. oin us every 2nd Saturday Contact Lee McLaughlin, Booking on the Farm for free family Agent, at 408-993-BAND (2263) activities. Each month we select a for information about booking the new theme to highlight historical band for Non-profit events (dona- agriculture with games, activities, tions are tax deductible). and demonstrations that relate. www.PeninsulaBanjoBand.org We often have guest appearances

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Lucky Steppers Modern Square Dance

from farm animals like llamas, draft horses, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, and more! You are sure to find something fun and entertaining for the whole family.

Check our website and Facebook page for more details. FREE

6:30 pm, La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach, CA 95076 t’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; family friendly. Class takes place every Thursday Night Second Sundays Each Month at our new home in La Selva Beach! Downtown Santa Cruz (Take Mar Monte off of Hwy 1, turns Antique Street Fair into Playa Blvd., turn right on Estrella) 9:00am-4:00pm, Lincoln St. For more information, contact Sue (Between Pacific and Cedar) Harris or Don Benson at (831) he “Original” Downtown 726-7053 or e-mail at caller4u@ Antique Faire is back!

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Starts at 1 p.m., 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 95060 eymour Marine Discovery Center presents a public lecture from a marine scientist the third Sunday of every month. Topics are presented in an entertaining and easy-to-understand format, with up-to-date photos, video, and discussion.

Science Sunday does not meet in December. For more info visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

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Dated Events Sunday March 20 Dr. Loco & Friends

Jazz for Freedom Concert Series

3-5 p.m., Museum of Art and History, 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 oin Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos in welcoming Dr. Loco & Friends back to Santa Cruz!

This jazz performance will be a tribute to John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Stanley Turrentine.

In partnership with the Kinsey Exhibition at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, the focus of this event is to bring awareness to the issue of mass incarceration in our criminal justice system. This event will feature a prisoner artwork exhibit as well as the Barrios Unidos Prison Project Interactive Replica Prison Cell. Bring your family and friends! We can’t wait to see you there!

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Readers include Karin Babbitt, Davis Banta, Megan Parle, Karen Schamberg, Avondina Wills, and Jaye Wolfe, who also directs.

Visit the Willing Suspension Armchair Theater’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ groups/263296173771721 for more information.

Saturday March 26 Capitola Branch Library’s 16th Birthday Party!

Noon - 2 p.m., Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Rd, Capitola, Ca. 95010 amily friendly celebration of the Capitola Branch Library’s 16th Birthday.

Entertainment including live music, Tales to Tails sessions, 3D Printer Demo, a Book Bunny appearance and more! There will also be plans for the new library including the architect’s renderings of the new building, information about the Library Facilities Measure, and a chance to join the newly formed Friends of the Capitola Library Chapter. Birthday Cake will be served! Everyone is welcome.

Visit http://www.santacruzpl. org for more information.

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Saturday April 23 Sunday April 24 Bowl for Kids’ Sake

Boardwalk Bowl, 115 Cliff St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 owl for Kids’ Sake is an annual countywide bowl-athon benefiting Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County.

All proceeds from this event directly support youth mentoring services in this county.

Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County at 831-464-8691 for more infornation.

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Saturday April 30

Monterey Bay Rose Society 36th Annual Rose Show

Noon-4:30 pm, Alladin Nursery & Gift Shop, 2905 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, CA he roses on display are home-grown by our members and are judged by our ARS Tuesday March 22 Northern California-Nevada“Letters From and To Hawaii judges. You will find a Groucho Marx” wide selection of rose varieties, Presented By Willing Suspension of every color and many are very fragrant. We even offer a Armchair Theater 7 p.m., Downtown Branch non-member category for those Library, 224 Church Street, wanting to share their roses.

Santa Cruz, CA 95060 iscover a facet of Groucho’s Members will be available to answer any and all of your rose comedic brilliance and intelligence through these questions. irreverent personal letters to Contact Janey’ Leonardich at and from his friends, colleagues 8317227958 or sweeete940@gmail. and entertainment honchos of com for more infornation n his time.

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Your March Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Aries (March 21-April 20)

Your accomplishments are obvious to everyone around you as March begins, so why are they so hard for you to see? Stop playing modest and realize what you’re worth already! The second week is perfect for kicking off new projects and getting your ideas out there to the world. If you need more cash flow to get your ideas off the round, check out crowdfunding sites or ask for a loan from your friends and relatives who believe in you. You’re unusually withdrawn near the end of the month, but through discomfort comes the opportunity to change. When rebirth is an option, don’t look the other way.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

You begin the month thinking, “Okay what’s the bottom line?” Like a typical Taurus, you’re totally focused on the (potentially big) cost instead of just enjoying the experience. If you can afford it, put the price tag out of your mind. There’s an exciting energy in the air mid-month, and the more pleasure you seek, the more you attract. When you have this much going for you, it’s hard to feel down. You have a lot of suspicions in the final week of March, but can any of them be confirmed? Going on a hunch isn’t enough; you need real proof this time.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Taking the high road is one thing, but excluding people for any old reason the first few days of March is another thing altogether! There aren’t many people who have so many friends they don’t need another one. You get a totally new viewpoint of the world later in the week, and wow, it looks so different from here! What will you do with your valuable new knowledge? Anything goes.

There are a lot of people who want to get all up in your business mid-month, and while it can be mildly irritating, at least you now that people are interested. Don’t share the intimate details with just anyone, though, unless you want to see them posted all across various social media platforms.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Be your own cheerleader to start March. If you don’t have anyone in your corner, make little inspirational notes and post them where you can see them when you need an extra boost of encouragement. Being protective of your friends and family comes naturally to all Cancers, but mid-month you’re super intent on keeping the ones you love safe. Do what you have to do in order to keep the security level at your desired level. Everything seems just a little harder than it needs to be as the month comes to an end, and you might find yourself thinking or saying ‘why me’ a lot. Why you? Because you can handle it.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

Everything seems like it exists to amuse you as the month begins. But you aren’t laughing at people, you’re laughing with them; make sure they know the difference. Your image takes a hit mid-month, but you’re not about to take any criticism laying down. What others think of you is a lot more important to you than it is to most other signs, so do what you have to do to make sure your reputation remains sparkling. Near the end of the month are good days to partner up with a best friend or favorite relative to see if you can make something better in the world. Maybe you’ll make money at it and maybe you won’t, but either way you’ll make a difference. Which feels great!

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

It’s going to take a lot of patience to get through the first days of March. There aren’t very many people around who follow your strict attention to details or your ideology in general, which makes it really difficult for you to get things done the way you want them done. Finding a system and then following it to a T works well for you later in the month, and if anyone disturbs the stuff you’ve already arranged and organized, it could be a problem. And yes, in classic Virgo mode, you’ll notice if even one little thing on your desk, dashboard or mantle has been moved.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

What are a few of your favorite things? You deserve to be surrounded by all of them to start the month, so don’t deprive yourself of any pleasure great or small. There’s romance in the air as the month moves on, and you may feel an exciting feeling of anticipation that you haven’t experienced in a while. You’re a major procrastinator mid-month, but when it comes to your job or school you better find a way to put the laziness aside. You’re surrounded by beautiful things and people late in March, and you love everything associated with glitz and glam.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You’re the man or woman with the plan as the month begins. When people aren’t sure what to do next, they come to you for instructions. Even if you aren’t technically the one in charge, you have a commanding presence about you that earns you the respect of your peers, co-workers and strangers alike. You’re tempted to fall for someone or something that seems too good to be true mid-month, but that keen investigative Scorpio mind won’t let. You know there are reasons for your suspicions, and you won’t rest until you uncover every last sordid detail. You pride yourself on being trustworthy and loyal, and you demonstrate these qualities to those who know you best on a regular basis.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

A change of scenery to start the month will do you good. Take a different route to work, try a hot new lunch spot, or hop on the first plane with a fare you can afford. You’re privy to some information or wisdom that not a lot of people are aware of in the second week, it might be best shared with the world. You’re good at finding ways to keep yourself occupied later in the month, but is getting into trouble something you’re interested in? Sometimes breaking the rules is hard to resist, but you need to consider the consequences before you totally run wild. The unforeseen shows up as March ends, and although you aren’t prepared for it, you deal with it remarkably well.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Nothing makes you happier than when a plan comes together as the month begins. You’ve worked so hard on this, why shouldn’t you get all of the credit? Your creativity comes to a peak as the month continues, and writing verses including poetry and lyrics comes very naturally.

It’s very out-of-the ordinary for you to be the undependable one, but mid-March you want to follow your whims more than you want to follow through on your responsibilities. You’ve got your eye on the prize near the end of the month, but there’s someone who loves standing between you and what you want to obtain or achieve.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

You don’t see any strangers as March begins; you only encounter potential friends who you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet. Your friendliness draws crowds to you, and your unique way of making people feel like they’re the most important thing in the world is your very best quality. A red-hot brain connection keeps you thinking about someone long after he or she is out of sight mid-month. Sometimes things aren’t meant to go the distance, but even if memories of this singular encounter are all you have, you’re luckier than most! You don’t normally mind performing in front of an audience, but as the month comes to a close you’d rather practice on your own until you can perfect your skills and/or talents.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

You might not be perched in the exact spot you want to be early in the month, but guess what?

There’s someone higher than you who is totally willing to help you up so you can see the view from the top. Your subtlety is appreciated mid-month, but when people tell you their wildest, most well-kept secrets it’s hard to mask your shock! Find a way. You don’t get along very well with the people in position of authority as the month comes to a close, so make your own way as much as possible so you don’t have to deal with anyone trying to tell you what to do. You got this!

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Featured Columnist

Business Guide

County Budget Update

If the thought of selling your home in 2016 gives you a headache...take 2 asprins and call me in the morning!

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Kampgrounds of America Job Openings • Maintenance Supervisor • Cabin cleaner/Laundry • Guest Services Call: 831-722-0599 Email: Rnewbrough@koa.net

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com 30 / March 15th 2016 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

By Zach Friend

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he Board of Supervisors recently received an overview of the County’s budget situation and I wanted to share with you what we learned and give you a general overview of the County budget.

The County has been slow to climb out of the Great Recession, in which the County saw significant cuts to programs, staff and reserves.

Over the last few years, the Board of Supervisors has slowly begun to restore some of these elements and last year the Board put more money in reserves than it had in a decade, and focused on addressing needs in public safety, parks and health and human services (which were mainly pass through requirements from the state and federal government). However, the overall increases in staff were quite modest — less than a 1 percent overall increase in total County staff. Overall, County staff is down over 10 percent from the beginning of the Great Recession.

County Economic Forecast ccording to the State, which produces County level economic forecasts for five-year periods (2015-2020), Santa Cruz County is expected to have modest job growth (about 1 percent) with community salaries rising by an average of 1.9 percent per year.

The population is expected to grow by about 0.6 percent per year.

The State does warn, however, that recent economic gains may not continue and the Governor recently predicted a slowing of the state economy.

Locally, sales tax, property tax and transient occupancy taxes are up modestly over last year but the County still remains in a structural deficit - one that first began at the beginning of the Great Recession. While the deficit has dwindled over time, there is still real work to be done to ensure a fully balanced budget.

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Where exactly do our revenues come from that make up the budget? early 55 percent of all county revenues come from the state and federal government; a much different funding structure than cities. These funds are generally pass-through funds to provide state and federally mandated services such as health care programs.

Approximately 22 percent of the county revenue comes from local taxes. And while property taxes make up about half of that 22 percent, you may be surprised to learn how little of your property tax dollar goes to the County.

For every one dollar the county collects in property taxes, the County is only allowed to keep approximately 13 cents.

So where does the rest of your property tax go to? The largest share, about 57 percent goes to schools while another 17 percent goes to local special districts, cities and the libraries.

What about sales tax? bout 1 percent of local sales tax collected stays within the jurisdiction where it was spent.

For example, assuming an 8.25 percent County sales tax here is the breakdown:

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5.25 percent goes to the state; 1.25 percent goes to local libraries, the Metro (bus) and regional transportation projects; 0.5 percent is for Prop 172 local public safety mandates, 0.5 percent is for local health and social services which leaves 1 percent to pay for general purposes in the jurisdiction in which the tax was collected.

How are our taxes spent? ow let’s look at how the County’s funds were spent in the last budget year. Approximately 33 percent was spent on health and sanitation services with another 26 percent spent on human services. Most of these human, health and sanitation expenditures are state and federal government mandates – most recently they are requirements associated with the Affordable Care Act. The largest portion of the county’s discretionary spending is for public protection (Sheriff ’s Dept., Probation, County Fire), which is 30 percent. Additionally, the County maintains a reserve, which was increased to 8 percent in the last year with a goal of getting to 10 percent in the coming budget years.

The County budget can often be complex and I hope this provides you with a helpful overview. However, if you have any questions, I’d love hear from you. Please feel free to call at 4542200. n

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SCCAS Featured Pet

Featured Columnist

Give Your Investment Portfolio a ‘Spring Cleaning’

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JASMINE: Looking for a Friend

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asmine (A224078) is looking at you and hoping you’ll pick her for your next best friend. A volunteer favorite, they can’t say enough good things about her – social, friendly, talkative, cuddly lap cat. Jasmine has a flea allergy that will require flea treatment and prevention regularly.

This gorgeous girl was found as a stray and, with no identification, we aren’t able to help her get back home. Please microchip your cat as it is the best way to get them back home to you. The SCCAS does it at low cost, too! We also recommend keeping your cats indoors to keep them safe. Jasmine is a spayed female about 6 years old.

To adopt your new friend, come to Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter 2200 7th Ave, Santa Cruz n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has two full-service, open-admission shelters: Santa Cruz Location – 2200 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday-Monday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Watsonville Location – 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 Open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12-1) Closed on Sunday SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. AfterHours Emergency: 831-471-1182

The 1920s © Statepoint Media

ow that spring has officially sprung, you might look around your home and decide it’s time for some sprucing up. But you don’t have to confine your efforts to your house and yard — you can also engage in a little “spring cleaning” in your investment portfolio.

Here are a few suggestions for doing just that: • “Dust off” your investment strategy.

Dusting is a big part of spring cleaning. Light fixtures, shelves, windowsills — they can all acquire layers of dust and grime that need to be whisked away. And if you’ve left your investment strategy unexamined for a long period, it too may need to be “dusted off” and re-evaluated.

Over time, your financial goals, family situation and even risk tolerance can change, so it’s a good idea to review your overall strategy to make sure it’s still appropriate for your needs.

• Get rid of “clutter.”

Once you start tidying up your house, you might be surprised at all the “duplicates” you find – a broom in a bedroom, another broom in the laundry room, a third in the garage, and so on. Just as you probably don’t need multiple brooms, so you may find that you have many versions of the same type of investment in your portfolio. If you own too many of the same investment, and a market downturn affects that particular asset, your portfolio could take a big hit. You may be better off by selling some of the too-similar investments and using the proceeds to diversify your holdings.

(However, while diversification can reduce the impact of volatility on your portfolio, it can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss.)

• Remove “stains” on your portfolio.

As you clean your carpets and furniture, you might notice some stains that should be removed. And when you look through your portfolio, you might find some “stains” in the form of chronically underperforming

investments. Instead of holding on to these vehicles with the hope that they will eventually turn around, you might consider selling them and using the proceeds to purchase new investments, which can help fill any gaps you may have in your holdings.

• Consolidate your accounts. Have you ever discovered a stapler in one drawer, a roll of tape in the linen closet and a bunch of marking pens on your desk? All these items may be useful, but for the sake of efficiency (and to cut down on frustrating searches), you might want to consolidate them in one place. And you could do something similar with your investments.

Specifically, if you have some stocks here, a couple of certificates of deposits there, and some IRAs at still another place, you might consider consolidating them with one financial services provider. With all your investments in one place, you could possibly reduce the fees and paperwork associated with maintaining your accounts. And when you eventually start taking withdrawals from your IRA and 401(k), you may find it easier to calculate these required distributions if they’re coming from just one place.

But just as importantly, when you consolidate your investments with one provider, you may find it easier to follow a single, unified investment strategy.

So, there you have them — some spring-cleaning ideas to help you update and550 energize your investment portfolio.

And you won’t even need a dustpan. n ••• Courtesy Edward Jones Investments – Julie K. Tauriainen, AAMS® Financial Advisor – Heidi Bohn, Branch Office Administrator – 9055 Soquel Dr. Suite D Aptos. Tel # 831-662-4565, Email: Heidi.Bohn@edwardjones.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / March 15th 2016 / 31

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