Aptos Times: December 15, 2017

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Nutcracker Ballet at the Henry Mello Center This year Agape Dance Academy is combining with Jacob’s Heart Cancer services for Children, and Hospice Santa Cruz County share the gift of this high caliber, superb production of the Nutcracker Suite at the Henry Mello Center for the performing Arts in Watsonville.

Full Story page 6

Dr. Wetstein Recommended As Next Cabrillo President

Summer in Antarctica

A family friend, Todd, is spending the summer at McMurdo Station‌ the Antarctic summer that is. Right now there are 24 hours of sunlight each day and the temperature is a balmy 11 degrees F with light snow.

Here are some of the things he has experienced and seen in his own words and in his own photos:

www.

“The dry valleys, across McMurdo Sound from the station, have a lot of science going on, as this is the closest thing to Mars that we have on the planet. I’m slated to go there on Monday with a team of scientists from Colorado who are studying cryconites – melt holes in glaciers that have microbial life in them. ... continues on page 4

Cabrillo College announced that the Chair of the Superintendent/President Search Committee, Trustee Gary Reece, and Dr. Matthew Wetstein have reached a tentative agreement for Dr. Wetstein to be the next President/Superintendent of Cabrillo College, with a projected start date of February 1, 2018.

Full Story page 5

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Table of Contents

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Volume 26

No. 24

Cover Summer in Antarctica 5 6 7 8

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Community News Dr. Matthew Wetstein Recommended as Next Cabrillo College President Nutcracker Ballet at the Henry Mello Center EcoFarm Conference 2018

Marine Discovery Center, Long Marine Lab, due by January 5, 2018!

Watsonville Wetlands Watch News – Pilch Receives Community Hero

10 Events Calendar 11 ‘A Celtic Christmas’ Comes To Santa Cruz 13 Dinner 14 15

accepted for Class XXIX (29) of Focus Agriculture 16 The Cobbler’s Tale 17 18 19

Blonder

December 17 at Sky Park in Scotts Valley 20 County Board To Address Homelessness by Jason Hoppin, Communications Manager County of Santa Cruz 21 Board Member for Janus of Santa Cruz 22 ‘Taco Tuesday’ Raises 37,500 Meals at Holiday Fundraiser 23 Laws by Assemblymember Stone 25 12

24 26 27 27 30

Local Sports Aptos High School Scoreboard #OMMUNITY #ALENDAR s !RTS %NTERTAINMENT n Pages 28, 29 -ONTHLY (OROSCOPE s Page n

Snowman Sculpting and Other Life Lessons Mom would say that Dad was always the “first kid out of the house” to build the winter snowman. My brother and I giggled about it; we knew at a young age that Dad was enthusiastic about all his works of art.

Dad was a painter. He made the most beautiful pictures and I wanted to grow up to be just like him.

One time Dad gave me a drawing he made of an elephant and encouraged me to color it. He watched carefully as I tried to stay inside the lines. He put his hand on mine and said, “Sweetie, don’t be afraid to go outside the lines, your ideas are too big to be boxed in.”

Over the years I learned so much from him, and the gift of self-confidence tops the list.

Now he needs help with meals, housework, and transportation. Living by himself has got him down and I’ve grown too exhausted to care for my own household’s needs.

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Featured Columnists

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Patrice Edwards Noel Smith

publisher editor

contributing writers Noel Smith, Camisa Composti, Todd Swain, Jason Hoppin, Ron Blonder, Zach Friend, Ryan Peters, Dr. Gail Rosenberg layout Michael Oppenheimer, Kevin Markley, Liz Senteney graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Kevin Markley, Liz Senteney photography Michael Oppenheimer, Kevin Markley, Brad Hagenking website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Liz Senteney advertising sales Don Beaumont, Zack Urbany Brian Oliver office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, Annabelle Balcazar

Cover Story “Summer in Antarctica” from page 1 My job is to get the scientists safely onto the glacier and to also assist them getting to the summit of a nearby peak to collect soil samples.

“In one pic you can see a pond at the base of the valley (there’s a It’s the second saltiest body of water on the planet and never freezes, not even during the Antarctic winter! Next week I’m supposed to assist another down the valley walls and collect soil samples to see if the water within the pond is getting its salt from the hillsides above.

“The other pic shows a part of the Labyrinth, an area with a bunch of complex canyons. There are some 400 feet) that look like they might be “I spent two more days out on the now-closed travel routes and reconnoitering a new route down to the sea ice for when the ice breaker arrives and you can no longer access things directly from McMurdo. It’s still very trippy to spend the day traveling around the frozen sea on a snowmobile. search and rescue team, we are learning

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 ©2017. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Opinions/Letters: editorial@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.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 mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment 4 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

locate downed aircraft or a person who has a radio that we can home in on. Last week we learned how to use ground penetrating radar to locate crevasses hidden in the glaciers.”

Looking at these photos make it seem like being on another planet.

Cover Photo: Reconnoitering a new route down to the sea ice

Community News

Dr. Matthew Wetstein Recommended as Next Cabrillo College President

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Delta College in Stockton, California. Prior to that, he served as Interim Dean of the San and Math Division, and before that, was the Dean of Planning, Research and InstituHe has served as the President of the Research and Planning Group of the California Community Colleges from 2014-2016. economic recession on California Community College Students has won national and state awards.

and he holds a B.A. in Political Science from He began his academic career teaching political science and continues to pursue his research interest in the Canadian Supreme Court along with his wife, Cynthia books on the topic and compiled a database for more than two decades to track shifts in the high court’s values.

“I am honored at the prospect of joining the Cabrillo College family,” said Dr. Wetstein. “The entire process of interviewing, recommended by the Search Committee has look forward to working with everyone to expand the Cabrillo culture of serving students and helping them make breakthroughs that change their lives for the better.”

Cabrillo College is a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County with locations in Aptos and Watson100 academic and career technical education programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certransfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment.

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about the prospect of Dr. Wetstein leading Matthew Wetstein Cabrillo into its next 60 years of excellence.”

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Dr. Wetstein began his academic career as a Political Science Instructor, with more than a dozen years of postsecondary teaching experience at colleges and universities in California and Indiana. He received a Ph.D. in Political Science and an M.A. in Political

MID-WEEK SPECIALS

abrillo College announced that the Chair of the Superintendent/ President Search Committee, Trustee Gary Reece, and Dr. Matthew Wetstein have reached a tentative agreement for Dr. Wetstein to be the next President/Superintendent of Cabrillo College, with a projected start date of February 1, 2018.

“The Superintendent/President Search Committee is thrilled with the recommendation of Dr. Matthew Wetstein to be Cabrillo’s next President and Superintendent,” said Gary Reece, Cabrillo Trustee and Search Committee Chair. “Dr. Wetstein has broad leadership, research, strategic planning and instruction experience, both at California Community Colleges and at the state level. We, along with Cabrillo’s Faculty and

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Community News

Nutcracker Ballet at the Henry Mello Center Dec 16, 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. – Dec 17, 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.

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his year Agape Dance Academy is combining with Jacob’s Heart Cancer services for Children, and Hospice Santa Cruz County share the gift of this high caliber, superb production of the Nutcracker Suite at the Henry Mello Center for the performing Arts in Watsonville.

Graced with professional dancers from the San Francisco Ballet in the Roles of sugar plum fairy and her cavalier, our students have the opportunity to share the stage and watch from the wings as professional dancers execute with perfection the Sugar plum pas-de-deux. These dancers are some of the best in the world as they have danced with both San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theater, both companies among the elite companies in the world of which only the best dancers ever receive a professional contract with!

share the same heart for combining the beauty of classical ballet with outreach to our community. As an adjunct to the Music master class at Agape Dance Academy. The students were thrilled and a match was made. inger knows, the Vision of Agape Dance Academy has always been for the students to know that all their devoted hours will the lives of others around them.

Hospice Santa Cruz had this to say of their expertise of our nutcracker in the past: “I wanted to thank you and your dance company for bringing so much light into the lives our Hospice employees and our families of grieving children that we serve. The ones that you blessed with your generosity are the women and men that aid our dying patients at bedside and the

6 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

children from our community that have lost a mother, father or sibling.

“I can’t tell you how excited they all were to attend your stunning performance.

I spoke with a mother of two children that have lost their dad, and she told me that her son and daughter had never seen the Nutcracker and they were in awe of the costumes and talent of your dancers. The daughter was inspired to become a ballerina just watching the beauty that you lit up talking about it.

“May you and your talented team of dancers and costume designers know that you all made a profound impact on the community that you serve.”

Add this Nutcracker to your perfect Holiday Season and be part of making a Cruz County and beyond!

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& 4:30 p.m.

Community News

EcoFarm Conference 2018

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he Ecological Farming Association (EcoFarm) presents the 38th annual EcoFarm Conference January 24 - 27, 2018 at Asilomar Conference Grounds in As the oldest and largest organic farming event in the West, EcoFarm is a prime networking and educational hub for farmers, ranchers, distributors, retailers, activists, researchers, and educators featuring over 70 workshops, keynote speakers, discussion groups, an exhibitor marketplace, seed swap, live entertainment, mixers, and delicious organic meals. To learn more and to register, visit www.eco-farm.org/conference The EcoFarm Conference provides an opportunity for inspiration, collaboration, and celebration. This year’s conference theme is “Sow Good,” with a focus on Regenerative Agriculture, a recent and growing movement that combines time-honored practices of caring for the soil and cultivating ecosystem health with new science into a proposed solution for rebalancing the global carbon cycle. Website: www.eco-farm. org/conference/ Keynote Speakers

Ray Archuleta, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Greensboro, NC Gabe Brown, Brown’s Ranch, Bismarck, ND David Johnson versity, Las Cruces, NM

John Ikerd, Professor Emeritus of Agri-

Doria Robinson, Executive Director of

Jean-Martin Fortier, La Ferme des Quatre-Temps, Québec, Canada Deborah Harley, Harley Farms Goat Dairy, Pescadero, CA Javier Zamora

Winona LaDuke, Honor the Earth, White Earth, MN Pre-Conference Events : Regenerative Agriculture Field Day at Paicines Ranch — Hosted on the historic Paicines Ranch — which encompasses 7,600 acres of rangeland, vineyards and row crops — this special will give attendees the opportunity to see regenerative practices on the ranch and learn about the overarching frameworks and core : Bus Tour — Organic Farming On and Near the Hollister Plain: The 2018 EcoFarm Bus Tour promises a diverse and informative all-day field trip, visiting four organic farms in and around Hollister. The Hollister plain and surrounding foothills feature a great range of crops suited to the climate and fertile coastal soils, as demonstrated by the range of farms we will tour. Lunch will be catered by -

David Johnson

Deborah Harley

standing In The Field in Santa Cruz, with many ingredients provided by farms we visit.

Regenerative Agriculture Intensive: Learn all about the mysteries of the living soil, meet fellow soil stewards and join the carbon-farming revolution! In-depth presentations by leading soil health visionaries, organizers, policy groups and practitioners will be complemented by ample time for dialogue during Q&A and in break-out groups.

Organic Orchard Intensive: The day will begin with a focus on tree nutrition and understory management followed by a varietal showcase where experts will discuss some of their favorite varieties that have market potential for small-scale growers. The speakers will then delve into winter and summer pruning and organic options for holistic disease management. The day will end with a discussion about biodiversity and how best to incorporate Permaculture concepts into orchards. There will be presenters.

Produce Safety: Fruit growers and vegetable farmers – as well as other people who are interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and food safety in general – should all attend

John Ikard

Winona LaDuke

the PSA Grower Training Course. There so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce-safety

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EcoFarm Conference Workshops rom food justice and labor issues, to

farming technology, to marketing ideas and tips, there’s something for everyone at EcoFarm Conference!

Workshop Tracks: Soil, Roots, -

Health EcoFarm Conference Workshops Focusing on Regenerative Agriculture: What Makes a Healthy

Managing Healthy Ecosystem Processes

“EcoFarm” page 9

Aptos Times / December 15th 2017 / 7

Community Briefs Age Well, Drive Smart!

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drivers. The Age Well, Drive Smart Program is designed as an educational tool for mature drivers to provide the keys to driving safer and driving longer. Topics include:

rules of the road. physical changes and how to adjust to them driving. driving.

Age Well, Drive Smart classes are geared toward drivers age 65 and up, but they are open to anyone who feels they approximately two and one-half hours long and are free of charge. The upcoming class is scheduled Saturday, December 30, 2017 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. he class will be held at the Aptos branch of the Santa Cruz Public Library. Space is limited. For more details, and to make a reservation, please call the Santa Cruz CHP

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BFCU Applications Open for 2018 Education Scholarships CAPITOLA — Bay Federal Credit tions for its 2018 Education Scholarship contest. Three winners will be chosen by a panel of judges to receive $1,500 to pay for post-secondary education expenses at any accredited college, university, trade/ technical school, or career education program in the fall of 2018. The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 2, 2018.

Applications must be submitted with supplemental documents and an original essay on how winning the scholarship would help the student reach their educational goals. Eligible applicants must 8 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

earn a high school diploma or GED cerBay Federal membership savings account in good standing when submitting their applications.

The application and additional information are available at www.bayfed. com/scholarship and at all Bay Federal branches. High school seniors, current undergraduate and graduate students, and adult re-entry students are encouraged to apply.

Bay Federal has awarded 36 scholarships totaling $33,500 to promote education among the community and its March 6, 2018 and will be honored at Bay Federal’s annual meeting on March 27, 2018.

CASA Welcomes New Board Member ASA of Santa Cruz County is proud to welcome Nancy Gordon to its Board of Directors. Nancy recently retired from over 30 years of service as County Director of General and Emergency Services. As a career member of the executive management team of the County, Nancy Gordon her professional work included everything from energy policy to long-term facility development and capital construction.

Nancy brings to CASA her reorganization and merger experience with

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organizations in the County. “I have viewed the damage and repercussions of what happens when children’s needs are not being met,” Nancy said. “Any part I can play in bringing help and hope to CASA children would be an honor.”

submitted in PDF form, which can be produced by nearly all computer-assisted design programs and scanning software.

For more information, visit: http://www. sccoplanning.com/PlanningHome/ BuildingSafety/ePlanReview.aspx. Noncommercial projects may be submitted in either electronic PDF or paper format. munity education and outreach regarding

to build its membership and volunteer base.

Program Director Christina Cuevas said: “Finding ways to help small nonresidents is important to us. These grants

Docent Training Applications at 2018 Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Long Marine Lab, due by January 5, 2018! oin our Docent training program and

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beginning early January 2018 will give you all the tools you need to interpret innovative marine science and conservation for the public.

with larger organizations for funding, they told us, makes their job easier. We’ll continue to look at other types of support to

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County Planning Department Increasing Digital Commitment urthering its commitment to paperless planning, the County of Santa Cruz

commercial project plans to be submitted electronically beginning Jan. 2, 2018.

The County currently accepts elecePlan process saves money and reduces environmental impacts, and allows applicants to submit plans remotely in PDF form without having to visit the Planning Department. It can also speed up plan review by allowing multiple agencies to review plans at once.

Commercial project plans must be

table and shark pool learning opportunities Long Marine Lab facilities Apply now! Applications are now being accepted and reviewed. To apply, download an application form at seymourcenter.ucsc.edu. Call (831) 459-3854 for more information. Summer availability is a must. Docents must be at least 18 years old by the start of training in January 2018.

The Seymour Center is dedicated to research plays in the understanding and conservation of the world’s oceans. 100 McAllister Way Santa Cruz, CA 95060, (831) 459-3800 seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

CFSCC Grants $148,350

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budget of $200,000 or less, get a share of the $148,350 awarded by Community Foundation Santa Cruz County (CFSCC) in its fall round of Community Grants.

reach and to increase fundraising capacity $5,000, to build a docent program to Santa Cruz County, $8,000, to provide mental health and stigma reduction education for youth, families and educators

“Briefs” page 10

Community News

Pilch Receives Community Hero Award n November 20th, our Executive Director, Jonathan Pilch, was awarded a Community Assessment Project (CAP) Community Hero Award. CAP is a multi-year initiative to measure Santa Cruz County that is sponCruz County and the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. surveys and work with over 800 Santa Cruz County residents to build and compile their data, which is used by a variety of organizations throughout the county.

Jonathan and the Watsonville Wetlands Watch were recognized for our work to preserve and restore Watsonville’s wetlands, provide diverse and creative approaches for community education and engagement that fosters conservation and appreciation of the wetlands.

We were also recognized for the work done on World Wetlands Day this past year, where over 400 volunteers came together to plant over 3,000 native species around the City of

Wetlands Climate Change Adaptation Project, designed to support the wetlands and Watsonville community as they adapt to a changing climate.

Please join us in congratulating Jonathan and the entire organization!

This project is a part of the Watsonville

Harkins Slough. The result is a spectacular

The Ospreys of Harkins Slough n January 23, 2018 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center, Master Photographer of Harkins Slough.

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life. In this presentation, She will show the beautiful photos she took and talk about her experience observing and photo-

humans. She states: “It was a magical experience to photograph and document nature in action. I created this photo journal to illustrate the beauty of nature and the grace one see the detailed beauty of their wings and feathers.”

Seraphina chose to photograph the growing fascination with their nesting activities. The photo journal tells a story of the trials and challenges of rearing a

Executive Director Jonathan Pilch pictured with members of WWW Board of Directors. From the left: Dobie Jenkins, Chris Johnson-Lyons, Bob Culbertson, Jonathan Pilch, Jim Van Houten, Kenton Parker, Jerry Thomas

Special Events & Features at EcoFarm : A Precautionary Tale EcoFarm is delighted to premiere the latest project by Douglas Gayeton of the acclaimed Lexicon of Sustainability! Gayeton’s signature “information artwork” illustrates the story of a tiny town in the Italian Alps, whose people triumphed in banning the use of all pesticides in their community. : Immerse yourself in the magical world of seeds and expand the biodiversity of your farm or garden by gathering up seeds of non-hybrid,

organic vintners and cider producers pour spirits paired with tasty provisions. : Local curd-eous your tasting glass and bellies with California’s best.

Coast’s hottest Brazilian band,” SambaDá meshes musical styles and unites us on the : The tented Marketplace showcases over 60 businesses and machines, and more!

savers. : World-class

Aptos Times / December 15th 2017 / 9

Community News

Local Earns ECI Lifetime Achievement Award R ich J. Casale of Aptos recently was awarded a Lifetime Achievement

Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Service Award Ceremony, which took was given to him by EnviroCert Inter-

professionals serving the stormwater community over 20 countries and professionals over the past 40 years.

Rich, a recently

Conservation Service (NRCS) employee (2017) who served as a NRCS natural resource conservationist for nearly 43 years in the Monterey Bay area of California.

proud of for more than 35 years. Rich has extensive erosion and sediment control planning and on-the-ground technical experience having assisted thousands of land users with their erosion prevention/ control needs over his career.

Rich co-founded CPESC in 1981 after four years of work and served on the CPESC Promotions Committee for several years. Additionally, he promoted CPESC locally and at the state level as an NRCS employee and as President of the CA chapter of Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), which was an He has also assisted several California communities in need under NRCS’s Emergency Watershed Protection program

Rich was honored by NRCS and the Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC #3) a credential that he has held and been very

the establishment of a national NRCS volunteer program called the “Earth Team.”

Today, nearly a half million people have participated in the program nationwide contributing more that 15 million hours Rich has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Natural Resources Management from

an active member of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, having served as past California Chapter President, since 1975. Rich loves wine tasting, golf, jogging, acting/modeling, woodworking, and travel.

He even practices erosion and sediment prevention on his own small horse ranch in Aptos, CA where he lives with his wife of 37 years.

He and his wife also own and operate an adventure travel agency and have organized and led groups to exciting destinations around the world including Patagonia, Antarctica, Galapagos, Peruvian Amazon and Machu Picchu, Northern Spain and Portugal.

Rich J. Casale

Community Briefs December Events: Books from Community Reads programs around the country on display in the center of the Aptos Library.

youngest volunteer) presented her “wish list for other kids” to shoppers entering Jacob’s Heart Matching Donations t was the worst of times when four-yearold Annalee was diagnosed with tumors on her both of her kidneys. The diagnosis brought long hospital stays, trips back and forth to Stanford, and a whole host of challenges.

During her cancer treatment, little Annalee and her family needed all of the support that Jacob’s Heart could give.

Now, two years later, Annalee is cancer-free, healthy and happy. Annalee says that since she doesn’t have cancer anymore, it’s her turn to give.

This week Annalee (Jacob’s Heart’s

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for a child with cancer so they don’t get Annalee gathered 102 toys for the other Jacob’ Heart children, because she knows how it feels to be scared in the hospital. And, she knows how it feels to know someone shows they care.

Now, it’s your turn to give... The Jacob’s Heart Board of Directors will match your donation dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 through 12/31/17.

November Water Commission Meeting about Desal t the November 6 Water Commission meeting, the commissioners received a presentation and update on the water supply augmentation strategy for local desalination (Desal), which is an element 3 recommendation from the Water Supply Advisory Committee (WSAC). There was also a discussion on the WSAC’s change management and decision-making framework. tants presented three options for Desal intake pipe locations: two options near the

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Books in Watsonville ~ free gift wrapping by the Friends of the Aptos Library ~ 10 a.m.5:30 p.m.

January 2018: Wonderful picture books about bi-racial children Services Room, Aptos Library.

Display of beautiful, well-written, award-winning books selected by Julie for Desal, including a Desal construction project with multiple county water agencies and purchased desalinated water from Deep Water Desal in Moss Landing.

Our Community Reads Events Calendar ur Community Reads — Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah #1

coast in the vicinity of Long Marine Lab. For American Humor 10 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

College Peace and Anti-Bias Library.

Julie is on the selection committee for the National Jane Adams Children’s Social Justice Book Awards & consultant to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture.

Wednesday, January 31: Film Series but It’s True.” Get to know the author as we screen this documentary of Trevor Noah’s comedic rise.

A compelling, insightful story and very entertaining. Popcorn provided. ~ 6:30–8:30 pm.

Community News

‘A Celtic Christmas’ Comes To Santa Cruz SANTA CRUZ — The Celtic Society of the Monterey Bay will bring Tomáseen Foley’s “A Celtic Christmas” to Santa Cruz this year. They will be performing on Thursday, December 21, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., at the Resource Center for Nonviolence, For the past 20 years, with a worldclass ensemble of musicians, dancers and singers from both sides of the Atlantic, Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas has played to packed concert halls and critical acclaim nationwide. Local favorite William alumnus) performs with and acts as Music Director of A Celtic Christmas.

Featuring Irish music, dance, song, and storytelling, A Celtic Christmas brings an authentic remembrance of a way of life that is no longer with us. The show brings an unforgettable staging of a December night in a remote Irish farmhouse in the days before the motorcar, the television, and the telephone.

The spirit of Christmas dances to life when neighbors gather at each other’s’ homes to grace the wintry night with traditional Irish Christmas carols. They

raise the rafters with the joy of their

Coulter (guitar and music direction), Tomáseen Foley (native Irish storyteller),

their stories.

Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas brings a wholesome, cultural, family feast direct from the rich table of communal life in the west of Ireland. Featuring William

Mathias (Irish song), Samantha Harvey (accordion and dance), and Marcus Donnelley (dance).

for tickets, reservations, and more information.

Aptos Times / December 15th 2017 / 11

Local Sports

Surf Boys 99 Soccer Team Champions of Boys U19 Gold Division

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Head Coach Jon Baron and assistant

Division in the CCSL Coast/Bay Region Attackers were: Ryan Jordan (11 goals

boys 99 team and will continue coaching the Mid- County Surf girls 02 team.

The Boys 99 Surf team took First in the

Isiah Baron (4 goals 8 assist); Emmanuel Nunez (5 goals 4 assists); John Michael goals 1 assist); and Jorge Rivera (3 goals) Defenders were: Will Duncan (2 goals 2 assists); Alexis Mora Solick (1 goal 1 assist); Joshua Silveratnam ( 2 goals); Goalie Nate Zeise (80 saves, 1 assist) provided a strong defense.

Football Aptos Season Record (7-4, League 6-1) Coach: Randy Blankenship

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: Lineman - Justin Torres, Aptos Sr. 12 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

Photo: Standing from left: Assistant Coach Efrain Espinoza, Head Coach Jon Baron, Alex Malaspina, Teomah Barragan-Buelna, Nate Zeise, Christopher Martinez, Will Duncan, Emmanuel Nunez, Isiah Baron, Joshua Silveratnam, Ryan Jordan, Assistant Seated from left: Kevin Rivas, James Vallett, John Michael Saffer, Casey Valcarcel, Kyle Raymond, Jalen Graves, Jorge Rivera, Cooper Jeffery.

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he Santa Cruz Mid-County Surf Boys 99 soccer team remained undefeated

: Blake Wheeler, Aptos Sr., Defensive Back; Shane Modena, Aptos Jr., Linebacker “Scoreboard” page 31

Community News

T

he educational organization, AgriCulture, recently held its 21st Annual Progressive Dinner, a fall tradition to celebrate the harvest. The event raised almost $40,000 and Nita Gizdich sold the The purpose of Agri-Culture is to educate the public about local agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley.

History” The event is always limited to 100 guests, and each year it sells out early. In fact, this year it sold out three months prior to the event… before invitations had even been mailed!

Guests are transported (via buses) to to agriculture in some manner. The hors d’oeuvres were served at Blume/Whiskey Hill Farms – welcomed by David Blume and Tom Harvey. David and Tom provided tours of their facility. Dinner was served Gardens new cooling facility – welcomed by owner Dick Peixoto. A wonderful dinner was prepared by Barbara & Company.

During dinner, Dick

employees gave guest a tour of the stateof-the-art facility. The dessert location was Naturipe Berry Growers – welcomed

by Vice President Tom Am Rhein.

Tom spoke about the 100th anniversary of Naturipe. At the end of the evening, guests were given a bag and a box of local produce from 14 local companies to take home and enjoy.

-

Will you help make sure no one in Santa Cruz County goes hungry this holiday season?

Holiday Food & Fund Drive Presenting Sponsors

Aptos Times / December 15th 2017 / 13

Community News

Porter Memorial Library’s 2018 MTA Series 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

B

ertram Izant will open the Porter M e m o r i a l Library’s 2018 Meet the Author Series. He will speak about his book Writings, Memories: Glimpses of Santa three Pioneer Families.

Bertram Izant Bert’s ancestors of the Folsom family arrived in Santa Cruz in 1854 and of the Izant family in 1888.

His ancestors of the Read family settled

1920. Bert’s parents Bertram Folsom Izant and Gladys Read Izant were married at 1) in 1937.

Bert’s father founded the Izant’s

lived in Santa Cruz County since 1959, although he is still a member of the ConBert will share readings from Writings, Memories on sections that he believes will be relevant to persons interested in Santa read his two-page essay from the book regarding a seminal event that occurred in

second Wednesday of January, February, March and April at 10:30 a.m.

The Meet the Author programs

audience and autograph copies of their books. The programs are free and open to the public. They are scheduled for the

into the Bagelry parking lot and drive through to the left.

Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center Update

T

RC (Formerly Terramar Retail Centers), the retail real estate company that owns and operates Highway

1

at

Park Drive in the heart of Aptos, announced an updated timeline for the center’s much-anticipated redevelopment.

TRC secured all the building permits needed to complete the project and began struction work will be divided into three distinct phases and should take approximately one year to complete. Phasing

community and center businesses. The majority of stores will be open for business throughout the construction process.

The Safeway, Rite Aid, Ace Hardware

14 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

anchored center proudly serves the surrounding communities of Seascape, Rio Del TRC is focused on widening the dining, rently found at the center.

“The County of Santa Cruz has been very responsive and involved in the project, and this helped get things underway before the wet winter weather. improved people places such as additional common area seating with shaded tables, refreshed landscaping, and improved paths of travel for pedestrians. We are focused on delivering a shopping center that will be a community gathering place for years to come,” said Scott Grady, Senior Vice President of Development for TRC.

Community News

SCCOE To Help K-12 Educators Buy A Home SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz announced Thursday, November 16, 2017, that it has partnered with a San Francisco-based startup, Landed, Inc. to provide down payment assistance to support Santa Cruz County public school home.

The program provides half of the down payment on a home, up to $120,000 per family, in exchange for a portion of the value of the home when sold. Any capitalized gains from this assistance will be re-invested to support buying a home by an ever-growing number of educators in the county. Down payment support will be available to all teachers,

administrators, and staff who have worked for a public school or district in the county for at least two years.

“As the cost of housing in Santa Cruz County continues to rise, too many of our educators are feeling County Superintendent of Schools Michael Watkins.

“We believe Landed, Inc. will be a valuable solution to help improve school recruitment and retention by providing educators with a new option to help make homeownership more accessible” Watkins added.

In 2017 Landed, Inc. received a $5 million investment from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to help educators in three public school districts on the Peninsula buy homes. Since its founding in 2015, Landed, Inc. has already helped educators purchase homes in San Jose,

Cruz County new support to help access homeownership and feel more rooted in their community,” said Landed, Inc. Director of Partnerships, Ian Magruder, a former Student Representative on the Santa Cruz City Schools Board of Trustees whose mother and sister are both local teachers.

other cities across the Bay Area.

“As a proud product of Santa Cruz City Schools, I couldn’t be more thrilled

Applications being accepted for Class XXIX (29) of Focus Agriculture

A

Agriculture is designed for selected community leaders to learn about agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. The program consists of oncea-month, daylong seminars, held over a period of nine months. Speakers, ranging environmental groups, address the class.

tours and hands-on experiences.

Twenty-one people will be selected for Class XXIX. Agri-Culture President, Steve Bontadelli, stated, “Many people who are involved in the community are interested in agriculture. Focus Agriculture was created to allow community leaders an opportunity to learn, through discussions and hands-on experiences, about local agriculture.”

Bontadelli continued, “We are proud that the program received both State and National Awards.”

Alumni of the program include: John Laird, California Secretary of Resources Agency; Zach Friend, 2nd District Supervisor; Greg Caput, 4th District Supervisor; Congressman Jimmy Panetta; Willy Elliott-

Bank; Mary Anne Carson, Santa Cruz County Bank; Bud Colligan, Co-Chair, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership; Ted taurant; Michael Watkins, Superintendent

Seminars will be held one full day per month commencing March 9, 2018 and Applications are available online at www.agri-culture.us or at the AgriWatsonville and by calling (831) 722-6622.

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Christmas Eve he dreamed that the next day, on Christmas, Christ was coming to he got up early and went into the woods to gather green boughs to decorate his shop woolen cape and some blankets to give to and meat, and put the kettle on to boil.

All morning he waited; then he saw a feeble old man walking by. The cobbler went to his door and invited the old man old man hot tea and cakes. When he left, the cobbler gave him a package of his best bread and meat.

The day became afternoon. Then he saw a wounded soldier limping slowly down the street, his feet wrapped in bloody rags. The cobbler called and invited him into his shop. He unwrapped the bloody rags from the soldier’s feet, and then he bathed and wrapped them in clean cloth.

The cobbler gave the grateful soldier the sturdiest shoes in the shop. When the soldier left, he was barely limping and there was a new strength in his step.

As the evening of that long day approached, the cobbler became discouraged. Just then he heard a young woman walking by shivering and crying, and saw that she was carrying a baby in her arms. The cobbler called to her to come inside and warm herself asking what was wrong. of the fever and I couldn’t pay the rent.

The landlord put my baby and I out of our home. I’ve been traveling since early this morning to stay with my parents who live in the next town. But now I’m so tired and hungry, and my baby is so cold, I don’t know if I can make it.” shared his dinner with her. He then took the woolen cape and the blankets he had set aside for the Christ and gave them to the woman to keep her and the baby warm.

Then, he hitched up his horse to his cart and drove the woman to the next town where they found her family.

It was very late and Christmas was had missed the Christ, he sank to his knees

Then it seemed he heard a Voice, sweeter than any other: “My child, I kept my word. Three times I visited you and three times you showed your love for Me. I was the tired old man; I was the poor wounded soldier; I was the cold

Did I not say, ‘Whatsoever you do to the least of My brethren, you do it to Me.’”

Community News

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announced that the newly formed Santa Cruz County Multidisci-

multidisciplinary interview center for child also connect children and families with advocacy and support.

Center is a new safe, child-friendly place where child victims and witnesses can talk with law enforcement representatives, as well as Family and Children’s Services professionals, about their experiences. The facility is a space where a well-trained, empathetic professional team works with reduces trauma to the child.

“Talking about serious crimes is a scary thing for children,” said District Attorney children with a space in which they can feel safe to have important conversations.

This new resource is going to help make our community safer by increasing the number of prosecutions.”

The Santa Cruz County Multidisciplinary Team includes the Santa Cruz

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Department, Santa Cruz Police Department, Police Department, Watsonville Police Department, California Highway Patrol, the Family and Children Services Division of the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department, Santa Cruz County Health Department, Monarch Services and Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center.

Law enforcement and child welfare perto investigate cases, share information and tidisciplinary Team coordinator and a child interview specialist with 20 years experience.

McCann will conduct interviews with child victims and witnesses using state-of-the-art will allow law enforcement agencies and child welfare workers to observe and collaborate in real-time while the interview is being conducted.

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Community News

2017 Evaluation Shows Ocean Science Program’s Impact on Youth

A

pplied Survey Research (ASR) has completed its evaluation of student

school year and found that the free, oceangoing science and ecology program had a high impact on participating youth.

trip on a 65-foot catamaran on Monterey Bay and in a shore-side education center, in addition to ocean science curriculum provided for use in the classroom. It is free, and each class completes a community -

portation to and from our site for lower income schools.

The study measured the results of surveys of students administered before and after the program as well as the results of surveys completed by teachers whose classes participated in the program, and cross-analyzed them against demographic data about the participating schools.

“We are pleased that the ASR analysis indicates that our instructors continue to be

the program. The Student Survey showed that the program was moting substantial increases in students’ environmental awareness.

Before participating, an average of 70% of students

several subjects including math and science while inspiring environmental stewardship and advocacy”,

After attending, this percentage increased to 94%.

When student surveys were divided by income level, results showed that all groups of students increased their environmental knowledge after attending the program. The students from lower (69%) and middle (69%) income groups generally had very slightly lower overall levels of agreement before the program started than the higher (80%) income groups but all income groups agreed at 94% or 95% by the end of the program.

Based on population estimates, 66%

Executive Director Dan Between July 2016 and June 2017, 5,281 students in 201 classes participated in

of the students were Hispanic or Latino, 18% were White, 9% were Asian, Filipino, or Pacific Islander, 1% were African American, less than 1% were American Indian or Alaska Native, and 6% were of another race/ethnicity. 45% of the stunot have English as their primary language. More than half (66%) of students were receiving free or reduced price meals. 55% of participating groups were lower income groups, 29% were middle income groups, and 15% were higher income groups.

Championship Game Serves as Memorial For Yaquis’ Coach CAPITOLA — Every weekend, several soccer teams compete throughout the many Santa Cruz County. These popular community events bring family and friends together to root and support their favorite teams. It’s a sport played with the heart, as there is no major fanfare or media battle every week for community pride and honor. on Sunday, December 3 at Depot Park. It was a championship game

team were devastated. Coach Fausto’s wife and family wanted though it would have been easy just to give up.

The team and family endured the remaining games and found themselves in the Championship game against a strong rival, the was behind 2 goals to 1. The team gathered together, and they felt the coach’s presence watching them. It was all they needed. In the second half, they tied the score 2 to 2. By

Towards the end of the three-and7, cancer cruelly took away coach Fausto Rodriguez’s life at the age of 43. He had been coach for ten 18 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

and Fausto’s family are Champions. It was Fausto Rodriguez people watched the Championship match.

Team Yaquis, with Laura, wife of coach Fausto Rodriguez, and their two daughters accepting Championship Trophy.

Community News

Solar Installations at County Facilities Begin W ith the commencement of work to install a series of solar arrays at County facilities, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is expanding its commitment to responsible stewardship of the environment and taxpayer dollars.

December 2017 on what will eventually be eight solar arrays at County facilities, including the County Governmental Center and Simpkins Family Swim Center.

Funded through Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, the $7.4 million project will save the County several factors more in energy costs over the expected life of the arrays, sions annually.

“This project will reduce County government’s carbon footprint even further, while providing jobs and freeing up millions of dollars over the next twenty years for other needed projects and services,” Supervisor Ryan Coonerty said. “I couldn’t be happier to see this day arrive.”

With one exception, all projects

should be completed by May. Parking at County facilities will be minimally impacted during construction, but the projects will result in no loss of public parking. The type and location of projects are as follows: (rooftop arrays) carport arrays) Public Safety (rooftop and carport arrays) C o u n t y Animal Shelter (rooftop arrays) arrays) arrays) mount, construction begins 2018)

Gabriella’s Snow Day: December 17 at Sky Park in Scotts Valley

T

Childhood Cancer Foundation’s mission of supporting newly diagnosed families of childhood cancer with our Hope Totes and funds research for pediatric cancer. This event attracts local families who are looking to have a fun day in the snow while raising funds for research and awareness for pediatric cancer. To date, Team G has raised over $200,000 to fund necessary pediatric cancer research and sent over 1200 Hope Totes to newly

diagnosed families in childhood cancer institutes nationwide! children and families gathered together to celebrate Gabriella’s wish to have snow on her 5th Christmas Eve birthday during her battle with cancer. The past celebrations have included Santa visiting, houses, food, shopping and more. We had to forgo last year so this year will be even more exciting! We have been fortunate for

the involvement of an amazing community and once again we would be grateful for local businesses to get involved and help sponsor the event.

Thank you for considering involvement at our event. Every day, 43 children are diagnosed with cancer, and every day 7 children die. Pediatric Cancer is the number one disease killer of children than asthma, AIDS, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy combined.

Team G Childhood Cancer Foun-

this disease with our care packages called “Hope Totes.

corporation supporting all types of pediatric cancer research at leading institutions

Aptos Times / December 15th 2017 / 19

Community News

County Board To Address Homelessness

T

he County of Santa Cruz remains committed to reducing homelessness at the local level, and has taken several steps recently to reduce homelessness and improve conditions for the local homeless population.

Supervisors, the County's commitment to addressing homelessness is absolute, Homeless Services Coordinator to coorallocation of limited resources.

In December, the Board has taken numerous steps to address homelessness, including increasing the availability of substance use treatment, expanding outreach to homeless persons, hiring additional mental health specialists, increasing housing and medical services and supporting additional housing for very low-income residents.

“Homelessness is a complex issue impacting communities across California, particularly Santa Cruz County and other coastal communities,” Homeless Services Coordinator Rayne Marr said. “We are working diligently on many levels to address homelessness. We have increased winter shelter beds and are working closely with our partners in the cities – particularly the cities of Santa Cruz and Watsonville – and in the community to address the problem.”

With winter’s arrival and the presence of a large encampment in the San Lorenzo Park benchlands area, in the last two weeks alone the Board has: Department of Health Care Services for an expansion of drug treatment services available to Medi-Cal patients in Santa Cruz County, including early intervention, outpatient services, short- term residential treatment up to 90 days, case management, recovery maintenance services and more. This program is estimated to more than double the number of Santa Cruz County Medi-Cal patients seeking drug treatment. Substance use disorder is a contributing factor to homelessness for many individuals.

the Bob Lee Community Partnership for Accountability, Connection and Treatment (PACT) and Serial Inebriate Program (SIP) to create the Proactive Engagement, and Services vides expanded services to homeless persons in downtown Santa Cruz and elsewhere, brings all homeless establishes a new collaborative court called the Bob Lee PACT Court, and includes a new full-time senior mental health specialist, public health nurse and program manager.

As approved by the Board, the program is pending support from the City of Santa Cruz. positions in the Behavioral Health Division to support the County-run Mobile Emergency Response Team (MERT). The MERT is a groundbreaking program that embeds mental health specialists with law enforcement and better protect both the public and additions allow MERT to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many of the calls to MERT specialists involve homeless individuals. tation of the Whole Person Care program, a $20 million program that

substance use disorder, have multiple chronic health conditions and repeated hospitalizations, involvement with the criminal justice system and are 20 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Through this program, the County has already begun issuing contracts to local community- based organizations to expand services and support the mission of the Whole Person Care program. and obtained by the Health Services Agency to provide additional public health nurses at County clinics in Watsonville and Santa Cruz to provide intensive case management for medically complex Medi-Cal patients, including homeless persons. with the Recuperative Care Center, a 12- bed, 24-hour medical shelter for adults recently discharged from the hospital and who are homeless, to provide medical services through the County-run Homeless Persons Health Project. tinue providing intoxication recovery services for up to 10 adults at the Recovery Center, which is operated by Janus of Santa Cruz. The City of Santa Cruz contributed $40,000 toward this project.

contract to assist recently incarcerated women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Services to apply for the State’s Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, which assists homeless individuals with one or more disabling housing. If approved, services would include outreach, case management, advocacy and housing assistance,

including temporary rent subsidies.

amount in matching funds, for a total program of $1.4 million. agreement with MidPen Housing to develop a mixed-use project near 17th Avenue and Capitola Road, which would include low-income housing.

If feasible, the County is expected to bution toward the project, which is located on land owned by the County’s former redevelopment agency, and the Board authorized a $315,000 loan to develop preliminary designs.

Grant applications that, if approved, would supply additional medical Center and the Homeless Persons Health Project. locate a suitable site for a Day Services Center in partnership with the City of Santa Cruz. The County and City of Santa Cruz have met multiple times to in the process of outreach to building owners at several potential sites in the City of Santa Cruz.

Beyond these measures, the County has taken additional steps to address local homelessness in recent months, and oversees a variety of programs related to homelessness. It is also the convening agency for the Homeless Action Partnership, a multijurisdictional council comprised of local governments and community groups that administers approximately $2.5 million in annual funds.

Community News

How Safe are the Streets in Front of Our Schools?

SANTA CRUZ — Drivers distracted by phones, passengers, pets, food and much more drove past California schools on Tuesday morning, November 3 2017 visibly unfocused on what should be their only task behind the wheel – responsible, safe driving. Through the annual Roadwatch survey, Friday Night Live (FNL) hand the reality that distracted driving remains a prevalent threat to other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. intersections near high schools and middle schools in 30 counties across California and observed 10,252 cases of distracted driving in just one hour’s time, an average of 116.5 instances per intersection surveyed. That means that at any given minute between 7:00 and 8:00 am, there were at least 171 distracted drivers per minute.

Furthermore, these observations occurred in front of schools, with pedestrians, new drivers and cyclists.

These results show an increase in distracted driving behaviors of over 7.5% since 2016

when 12,852 instances were recorded at 119 intersections during Roadwatch.

In Santa Cruz County alone, FNL members observed more than 236 accounts of distracted driving during their Roadwatch assessment of 4 intersections, for an average of 78.6 instances recorded per location and an average of 1.3 instances of distracted driving per minute. Each year

High School, Lakeview Middle School, Gault Elementary School and Westlake Elementary School.

Students compiled startling statistics from among thousands of vehicles they observed with both attentive and distracted drivers. Distractions ranged from the hand-held use of a cellphone to kissing, eating with utensils and using a tablet. Each distraction observed is highly dangerous and 100% avoidable.

The top distractions while driving observed were: per intersection average intersection average intersection average per intersection average driving is categorized by California Highway Patrol as a range of activities that impact a driver’s visual, auditory, physical or cognitive abilities when driving.

driving is $162. Not only will it cost you

monetarily, but a driver is 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision if they text while driving.

This year, youth from Branciforte Middle School, Mission Hill Middle

observed by participants:

focused their projects on reducing distracted and impaired driving, promoting safe pedestrian and bicycle or skateboarding practices, and empowering passengers to speak up when they see

one killer of young people ages 15-24 in America. According to the National

“It’s common sense not to drive distracted,” says Lizbeth Diaz, a sophomore

this

year’s

Roadwatch

2014, 3,179 people were killed, and 431,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

A 2013 study revealed that nearly 70% of California drivers surveyed said they had been hit or nearly hit by a driver who was talking or texting on a cell phone (Cali-

to see how many people do it anyway.

We want to make the streets safer for everyone.”

Additional driving distractions

Dennis Kidd: New Board Member for Janus of Santa Cruz SANTA CRUZ — Janus of Santa Cruz, the county’s leading provider of substance use disorder treatment services, announced Janus Board of Directors. Mr. November 27, 2017. over thirty years of experience working in emergency public safety communicaDepartment for ten years and then with

Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1, starting as a dispatcher in 1996. Serving as General Manager of Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 since 2011, Mr. improve emergency response times and increase services to citizens in Santa Cruz County.

“Reverse 9-1-1” system and established a direct emergency communications from the deaf community and others in distress.

Point, a state-of-the-art smartphone app that alerts citizens trained in CPR to respond to a nearby person in need of help in San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties. Mr. budgets and working to foster exceptional cials and agencies promises to be a great asset to the Janus Board of Directors. and related overdoses have become a

public health crisis with devastating conthe rising incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome due to opioid use and misuse during pregnancy,” says Edison A. Jensen, Janus Board Chair.

Dennis Kidd “Kidd” page 25

Aptos Times / December 15th 2017 / 21

Community News

Boys & Girls Clubhouse Downtown’s First Net-Zero Electric Building SANTA CRUZ — Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County (BGCSCC) announced it has completed a comprehensive energy upgrade to its 50-year-old downtown Santa Cruz Clubhouse at 543 Center Street.

The upgrade results in the clubhouse now using only the amount of electricity it produces onsite through building performance optimization and use of solar zero electric building in downtown Santa Cruz!

The project, made possible in part by a loan from Lighthouse Bank, was completed in partnership with Mynt Systems.

of the indoor pool pump, heating, air conditioning and energy systems. Solar panels were installed on the roof to meet the energy demand of the remaining 42 percent.

The project cost $325,755 and is estimated to save BGCSCC more than $27,000 annually. The sum of the greenhouse gas emissions from the life-cycle energy dioxide, or emissions from 810 tons of 5,693,063 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle.

was assessed and a plan was implemented to reduce the Club’s energy consumption by 58 percent. Consumption was reduced HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) repair and optimization. space, featuring a community pool, and we use a lot of energy. Not only does this project ensure the longevity of our pool for our members and community groups, but as a net zero project, we are not adding energy demands to the electricity grid,”

said BGCSCC Executive Director Bob Langseth. “We’re committed to being a good steward of our energy footprint and we are excited that the cost savings from this project can be directed back to programming for our youth.”

For more information call 423-3138 or visit www.boysandgirlsclub.info.

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‘Taco Tuesday’ Raises 37,500 Meals at Holiday Fundraiser T

was the setting for a festive “Taco Tuesday” dinner on December 5 hosted

by Second Harvest Food Bank’s Auxiliary.

Auxiliary member Tyanne Scaletti, the evening’s MC, rallied guests at the fundraiser to bid on silent auction items and gift baskets that included wine, jewelry,

activities, and holiday gifts, all generously donated by individuals and local businesses. for the guests to enjoy cocktails and appetizers that was followed by a delicious taco and enchilada dinner. Guitaristsinger Alex Lucero who sang and played a wide selection of songs provided live music. Santa Claus even made a surprise appearance and visited with his fans of all ages!

The volunteer Auxiliary raises funds for nutrition programs and promotes awareness of Second Harvest throughout the community. All are welcome to join.

For more information, contact Suzanne

22 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

Community News

The Draft 2040 County Regional Transportation Plan

T

he Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) periodically completes a Regional Transportation Plan according to state guidelines to guide short- and long-range transportation planning and project implementation for the county. This 2040 Regional Transportation Plan (The “2040 RTP”) is the RTC’s comprehensive planning document that provides guidance for transportation policy and projects through the year 2040.

The 2040 RTP is based on a sustainability framework using the Sustainable Transportation Analysis and Rating System (STARS) to identify the goals, policies and thus the projects and programs to achieve a more sustainable transportation system.

Individual projects listed in the 2040 RTP must still undergo separate design and environmental processes, and can only be implemented as local, state and federal funds become available. This RTP, along with those from Monterey and San Benito Counties, has also been incorporated into a Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (MTP/ SCS) covering the three-county Monterey Bay area that will meet state and federal guidelines.

The sections of the draft 2040 RTP

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A public hearing for the Draft 2040 RTP will be held at 9:30 am on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission meeting located at the City of Santa Cruz Council Chambers, 809 Center St, Santa Cruz.

The 2040 RTP is a long-range (22 year) transportation plan for the Santa Cruz County area. The plan assesses the transportation challenges we face now and those we will face in the future. The plan includes strategies to address our transportation challenges, a list of transportation needs (highway, road, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, freight, airport, etc.), and priorities for limited funds. The RTP is updated every issues, and priorities, and to incorporate new state and federal regulations.

Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) The potential environmental impacts of the Draft 2040 RTP are collectively detailed in one Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Draft 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and its Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS), which

encompasses the three RTPs for Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties.

The Draft EIR is available for public review and comment from December 4, 2017 to February 5, 2018.

A public hearing for the Draft EIR will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at the 979 17th Street, Santa Cruz.

The Draft 2040 RTP and the Draft EIR can be found at www.sccrtc.org/2040-rtp

and copies will be available at Santa Cruz County libraries.

RTP for Santa Cruz County can be sub-

the 2040 MTP/SCS, which includes the environmental review for the 2040 ambag.org.

New California Laws by Assemblymember Stone SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) has written the following new laws, which will go into AB 404 (Stone) Foster Care Reforms: 1, 2016 and becomes fully operational by 2022, gives families who provide foster care targeted training and support so that they are better prepared to care for youth living of continuum of care (CCR).

AB 436 (Stone) San Lorenzo River Flood Project: This new law provides necessary autho-

rizations to the City of Santa Cruz so be made to the Flood Project that will occurs during severe weather events.

AB 529 (Stone) Juvenile

school districts to work together to better support students and to participate in a computerized database system that allows the sharing of aggregate data with select researchers to help improve outcomes for vulnerable children.

AB 790 (Stone) ID for Released Prisoners: This measure provides a reduced fee of $8 for a replacement

automatic sealing of records of individuals who were alleged to Mark Stone be a ward of the juvenile court and had their petition dismissed or not sustained prisons or county jails. A valid ID is one of by the court after an adjudication hearing.

AB 597 (Stone) County Data Trusts: This measure allows local government entities and the community and avoid recidivating.

AB 1308 (Stone) Parole Review to Reduce Recidivism: This new law makes certain inmates who were 25 years or younger when they committed a crime for which they received a lengthy sentence are AB 1371 (Stone) Attorney Consultaparenting foster youth and wards have the opportunity to consult with their courtappointed counsel prior to voluntarily limiting their custody of their children.

“Stone” page 25 Aptos Times / December 15th 2017 / 23

Featured Columnist

as your County Supervisor

By Zach Friend, County Supervisor 2nd District

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County Supervisor, I like to report back in this column on some of the things we’ve accomplished because of your partnership and communication of priorities. Here is a very small overview of what we accomplished in 2017: Community Meetings: In 2017, we’ve ralitos, La Selva Beach and Watsonville and held or attended nearly 50 community Selva Beach, Aptos, Watsonville, Capitola and Corralitos. In addition, I’ve written over 50 columns in local papers and neighborhood newsletters and sent a number of e-newsletters to communicate with our district about county happenings.

Housing: The Board focused extensively this year on making the construction

repairs (and completed some repairs) on housing stock. We adopted the reduction of fees, streamlined administrative practices and regulations and created programs to a building permit. from becoming vacation rentals to ensure the units become long-term rentals or an on-site living location for seniors aging in place, for example. Additionally, new housing will be coming online soon in the Aptos Village, including deed-restricted interest list of local residents.

Local Roads: This year saw historic levels of rain and over $130 million in damage to local roads and County facilities (such as parks). We have successfully begun

College Drive and other locations in the district. While we anticipate it can take completed, the majority of projects in our district have been prioritized to be com2018).

Additionally, this year we established a 5-year work program for local roads as a result of the passage of Measure D. The work program, which begins in a few months, includes work in La Selva Beach, areas in greater Aptos.

Public Safety: This year, with the leadership and partnership of the District

Disciplinary Interview Center (MDIC). The MDIC is a neutral, family-friendly facility for conducting forensic interviews for child victims of sexual and physical abuse viewed multiple times (often in multiple locations) by multiple agencies, a MDIC works to have the child interviewed once in a more child-centered and supportive environment. Additionally, the Board supported continued funding of the Recovery

crimes away from jail and to a treatment facility.

Economic Vitality and Reserves: The Aptos Village Project construction continued, Rancho Del Mar began its renoas part of the utility undergrounding and streetscape (village) improvement project. completed (which covers much the urban and some of the rural portions of our district) which we believe will help improve broadband access, speed and costs in many parts of our district in the next few years.

Additionally, the Board has worked to streamline other processes in the Planning Department by increasing electronic plans submittal and reducing times for certain permits. During our budget hearings we again voted to increase our reserves, which

24 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

has led to improved bond ratings and lower borrowing costs. We’ve received data from state analysts concerned about a potential recession and the Board has wanted to ensure that we have a larger reserve should it come to fruition.

Moving Forward: The above is just a partial list of what we’ve done this year and I know there is a lot more to do on all of these issues in 2018. This past year we estimate that we addressed over 750 direct portation and road issues, neighborhood public safety concerns, storm damage, environmental issues, health and human services, technology services and more – all and calls to us.

We’d love to continue to hear from you to prioritize what we do. Call us at 454-

Community News

Preparing Your Home For Senior Visitors H A osting an older adult in your home can be a wonderful experience with lots of memory - making potential.

However, for a safe and successful visit, for a special occasion such as the holidays, you may want to make a few adjustments to your home before they arrive to make it more senior-friendly.

“Spending time with aging parents or grandparents is a wonderful experience for all generations,” says Sara Terry, Brookdale Senior Livings senior vice president of resident and family engagement. “Creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere is the when entertaining seniors. Considering older adults’ varying mobility and comfort levels, there are a few adjustments you can make to your home to meet their needs.”

Whether your guest is staying short to help you transform your home into a more senior-friendly environment so you can focus on what matters most: making memories with your entire family.

Outdoors hen the walkways to a home are cracked or uneven, which is a risk factor for falls. Make sure the pathway is cleared and easy to see. Stairs can be tricky to maneuver as well. If necessary, add a ramp that leads to your door. If there are stairs, install handrails and a threshold can be tricky for someone with mobility issues, so be there to help.

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“Stone” from page 23 AB 1556 (Stone) Anti-Discrimination for Gender Identity: This measure updates the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to use gender inclusive language, such as “person” or “employee” from the gendered terms such as “he or she” in order to clarify that transgender and

“The increase in injection drug use has also contributed to the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C in our

access to treatment and recovery services.

We could not be more pleased to have him on board as a valuable part of our dedicated team,” Jensen added.

Management and a Master of Public Admin-

Keep The Ways Clear

tered pathway for senior guests to keep them from tripping or who may be in a wheelchair to maneuver around rooms.

Rugs may look nice but they are a leading tripping hazard. Remove all accent rugs and in areas like the entryway where there may be mats to wipe your feet, secure them with non-slip material.

Good Lighting eniors could need more light than you may have in your home, particularly in entryways, hallways and on staircases. When needed, replace light bulbs with brighter or higher wattage ones and possibly add motion-sensor lights to bathrooms. Adding nightlights in some areas of your home is an easy addition that helps seniors see better, especially at night or on darker winter days.

Stairs f a senior will have to navigate stairs, you can make the space safer by having railings on both sides that are at least 1.5 inches in diameter to help seniors with

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a handheld, adjustable-height showerhead and set the hot water heater temperature to 120 degrees to avoid unintended burns.

Room Selection hether your loved one is staying one night, one month or more, selecting the right room will increase their comfort and

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to the bathroom, kitchen and living room.

Furniture, including the bed and chairs, should be at a good height (neither too low

“In addition to these tips, I recommend having a conversation with your loved one before their stay,” says Terry.

“Talk to them about what will make them feel at home in your home. What’s most important is enjoying your visit to the fullest and spending valuable time together.”

round door handles with lever handles.

Year in Review

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help each stair be more visible by using contrast strips (available at your local hardware store).

Bathrooms ake bathrooms safer by adding wellplaced grab bars next to the toilet and in bathing spaces. In the shower or tub, add non-slip strips and a shower seat for comfort and ease of use. Consider adding

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gender non-conforming individuals are fully protected under the law.

AB 1692 (Judiciary Committee) the handling of family law and juvenile court cases, better protect more victims of cyber-abuse, and provide a process to help resolve custody disputes before they go to court.

is active in the community, volunteering as a youth baseball coach for 10 years and as a current sitting member on the Board of For more than 40 years, Janus of Santa Cruz has provided compassionate and while guiding thousands of people toward wellness and recovery. As a private nonprograms to over 2,500 clients annually using the full continuum of care for substance use disorder.

ACROSS

1. Pepsi and Coke, e.g.

6. Batman punch 9. Tit for tat 13. Notable period 14. Opposite of hence 15. Cook-off dish 16. Nile’s mouth 17. Jan. predecessor 18. *A United passenger was dragged down one 19. *2017 solar event 21. *Natural disaster or center of Hollywood scandal 23. Second Testament 24. “Best ____ schemes o’mice an’ men” 25. Is no longer

28. Supermarket section 30. Broadband predecessor 35. Lyric poems 37. Commiserate 39. *Album of the Year Grammy recipient 40. Opposite of eve 41. *POTUS 43. Fender-bender damage 44. Kindle content 46. a.k.a.

Atlantic Richfield Company 47. Jazz singing 48. Freshman?

50. Chutzpah 52. “Listen up!”

53. Freight horse cart 55. Noisy talk 57. *Late Playboy 60. *Fidget ____, banned by many schools

64. Hindu dance gesture 65. Anything female 67. Ransack or plunder 68. 4-letter word in speech on broadcast TV 69. Three strikes 70. Lucifer 71. *Tiffany to Ivanka and Don Jr.’s kids 72. *Its neutrality was being threatened in 2017 73. Craftily or cunningly 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

DOWN

Surrender land Crude group?

Take it easy ____ ____ a play Formed ____ farewell, past tense 7. Bio bit

8. Barista’s creation 9. Blade in Litchfield 10. Solomon-like 11. Friend in war 12. Crusty dessert 15. Esophagus-stomach connection 20. Hidden under a rug 22. “Farm ____” benefit concert 24. Church ritual 25. *January 21 marchers 26. Hacienda brick 27. Asian goat antelope 29. Turkey money 31. Contributes 32. Olden day doctor’s prescription 33. Arm bones 34. *Deceased heartbreaker 36. One who looks down on others 38. Village People song

42. Tissue growth 45. Do this and hope for ransom 49. Before of yore 51. Landowners in the olden days 54. Match play?

56. Land on patellas 57. *”The Handmaid’s Tale” channel 58. Adam and Eve’s garden 59. Drive oneself crazy 60. Cobblestone 61. USS Constitution organization 62. Inherently bad 63. To bank on 64. Executive’s degree 66. Tint © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

Aptos Times / December 15th 2017 / 25

Featured Columnist

Modern Day Fire Seasons May be Extending

By Fire Captain Ryan Peters, Aptos La Selva Fire District

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winter is on the way. Apparently, winter is going to be a bit late this year. As of this writing, it’s a balmy 70 degrees outside and nearly nice enough to take the laptop day. Even though you may still be wearing For now, with unseasonably warm and dry conditions statewide, we’ve witnessed an increase in late fall wild land our

Southern

California

December 20 the fire was contained and residents in the area being allowed to return to their homes on December 23.

A crew from the Aptos-La Selva Fire District was deployed to the incident as part of a Strike Team and, upon their safe return, they commented extensively on the extreme fire behavior they had witnessed during the firefight. All of this just a week shy of Christmas!

counterparts,

during the past couple of weeks. The wind events in that area, coupled with extremely low relative humidity and bone-dry fuel moistures have lead to several incredibly Thousands of citizens remain under mandatory evacuation orders with over 750 structures destroyed so far. Incredibly, according to local media, the Thomas Fire in modern history at over 230,000 acres

fast, however there are many factors being studied that are pointing to that possibility.

According to the scientists at the California new study that link our warm and dry winters to unusually warm sea surface The study has linked tropical warmth in in setting the table for a safe operation if a winter “ridging.” Some of you weather nuts (like myself) may recall the 2014-15 and 2015-16 Triple R or the “Ridiculously Resilient Ridge” of high pressure that dominated our Winter weather and acted as a

some of the most demanding and danin recent memory.

Even though we experienced a wet rainy season last year, California is on the tail end of a long multi-season drought. In 2013 the Pfeiffer Fire in Big Sur started on December 17 in which thirty-four homes and four outbuildings were destroyed by a fire which burned

Northwest and away from us. Check out Weatherwest.com and read their article, it’s very interesting.

Aside from the possibility of having a Christmas day BBQ and enjoying another sunny day, we may very well be looking at drier conditions. That’s not to say we won’t

to extend a bit longer than what we’re accustomed to. A good practice would include making sure you maintain good clearance of fuels away from your house and property year round. Also, make sure your roads and driveways are clear and accessible for you, your neighbors, and for us as in the event we need to make vehicles.

Please make sure your address numbers are clear and easily seen, and for those of you who have water storage on your properties, consider letting us know where those storage systems are and if there is a way for us to connect to them for items that go a long way to assist everyone

26 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

The key to staying safe and prepared is good communication within the community. We all have a part to play in making sure our families and loved ones are safe year round. So let’s maintain our into this winter, it’s a great habit to get into and will keep our community strong and successful for years to come!

All doom and gloom aside (it’s my job to make sure we are safe and prepared!), it is the holiday season and it’s a great time of year to spend time with friends and family.

From all of us here at the Aptos-La Selva Fire District, we wish you the happiest of holidays and a wonderful and safe new year!

Featured Columnist

Giving Green Dear EarthTalk: I want to set a good environmental example with my gift-giving this holiday season. Any tips on how— or even better, what—to give greener?

presents do not always have to be physical items. A great idea for gifts that are someone you love appreciate tennis lessons, an art class,

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he holidays are a time for giving but it is also important to be conscious about spending your gift budget wisely to eliminate packaging waste, buy products that will last and patronize manufacturers and retailers known for social and environmental responsibility.

gift for anyone trying to lead a greener lifestyle. This gadget tracks how much water you use in your shower.

After programmed, it signals a yellow light at your halffaucet.

Music lovers might like the iBamboo speaker. This no batteries or electricity and has no wires — it’s just a simple block of bamboo that projects sound using natural acoustics.

If the iBamboo isn’t loud enough, try eco-amp from eco-made. While it does use electricity, the eco-amp is made out of all recycled materials and can in turn be entirely recycled when it’s useful life is over—and it’s saving on transportation emissions.

The environmental clotheshorse on your list may appreciate a shirt or some pants from Alternative Apparel,

which uses non-toxic dyes on eco-friendly fabrics and makes 80 percent of its garments with sustainable mateBlue, which pays to pull a pound of trash from water bodies for each of its fashionable and comfortable items sold. the environment, so it’s up to us adults to make sure we are setting a good example and spending our money on

those who are special to you how much you love them and there are no better gifts than those that are personal, thoughtful and not only good for those who receive but also the environment!

And let’s not forget that there is more to greener holiday shopping than just what you buy. Don’t forget that your reusable shopping bags aren’t just for the grocery store anymore: Bring them with you to the mall, as well, so you don’t have to waste your favorite retailers’ plastic or paper shopping bags. Also, if you’re going to wrap your gifts, make sure to use recycled wrapping paper, or even better, get creative and repurpose some other paper materials lying around as gift wrap. made, www.eco-made.com; Alternative Apparel, www. edbyblue.com; Jones and Mae Bamboo Bank, goo.gl/

bamboo bank from Jones and Mae. The eco-friendly threeway (share/save/spend) box teaches the importance of charity and saving. Meanwhile, Green Toys sells a wide range of 100 percent recycled kids products, including books, toy cars, baby toys and more at reasonable prices.

Reducing Children’s Chances of Asthma

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sthma (AZ-ma) is a chronic (long-

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and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning.

To understand asthma, it helps to know how the airways work. The airways are tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs. People who have asthma makes the airways swollen and very sensitive. The airways tend to react strongly to certain inhaled substances.

When the airways react, the muscles around them tighten. This narrows the airways, causing less air to flow into the lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making the airways even narrower.

Cells in the airways might make more mucus than usual. Mucus is a sticky,

Asthma in Children sthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during

than 25 million people are known to have asthma. About 7 million of these people are children.

A new study looked at whether allergy-causing substances in the home The results provide clues for preventing asthma before it develops.

More than 6 million American children have asthma. Asthma makes airways in the lungs prone to swelling and narrowing. It can cause wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Dust contains things that can trigger an asthma attack, such as mold, animal dander, or dust mites. Eliminating or reducing these triggers can lessen asthma attacks. the airways. This chain reaction can result in asthma symptoms. Symptoms

can happen each time the airways are inflamed.

“News in Health” page 31 Aptos Times / December 15th 2017 / 27

Community Calendar Aptos Chamber of Commerce Thursday January 11 January Breakfast Meeting

SSupervisor January guest speaker, 2nd District Zach Friend. Bring plenty

Announcements

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Nar-Anon Santa CruzGreater Bay Area (GBA) of Northern California

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Join Nar-Anon, world wide fellowship of relatives and friends of

of business cards and promotional material, enjoy a delicious breakfast someone else’s addiction. Please join and network with other chamber and us at our Sunday evening meeting community members. at Sutter Hospital (Sutter Room) 6:30 p.m. members

Ongoing Events

A workshops, and seminars surClass Pass valid through 1/28.

Wednesday Feb. 21 2018 Business Showcase “Passport to Success”

by the Aptos and CapPnowresented to be a part of this networking opportunity to over 4000 people at http://aptoschamber.com/ wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ Business-Showcase-RegistrationForm_2018.pdf

Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce

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Can Be There or Not this will be a safe structured environment for sharing stories if you so choose, . Address given and learning healthy ways to deal Orientations to Become upon registration receipt.

Advocates for Children with separation from anyone.

Co-sponsored by Alienated Grandparents Anonymous www.

Co-working Unbound ASA volunteer Advocates AGA-FL.org a national organireceive 35 hours of zation that provide information and support to grandparents who specialized training. Court feel alienated or estranged to their appointed special advocates are is headed to the Live everyday people that, with just grandchildren. a few hours a week can have a lifetime of impact for a child who co-working in the company of fellow Santa Cruz freelancers, has been abused or neglected. independent professionals, remote workers, creatives, WomenCARE ARM-in-ARM startup founders, community 12:30 - 2 p.m. organizers, ideators and more. omenCARE ARM-in-ARM We welcome everyone to support group for women co-work with us at the library. with advanced, recurrent and Geezer Golfers metastatic cancers. Meets collaborative atmosphere of coweekly Mondays & Tuesdays, working to a broad spectrum with a separate meeting every of people who can benefit First and Third Tuesday every from the relationships, mutual month. support and connections the “Geezer Golfers of essential to creating a thriving 2273 for more information and to business. to join our affable group of register. No cost to attend. senior citizens. Valley Gardens is a beautiful 9-hole course in Scotts Valley.

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Santa Cruz Health & Fitness Week

CASA Orientations to Become Advocates for Children

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ASA empowers volunteers to

foster care. Court appointed special advocates are everyday people that, with just a few hours a week can have a lifetime of impact for a child who has been abused or neglected.

First Mondays: 2-3 p.m.,

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Business Debtors Anonymous

Third Thursdays: 2-3 p.m.

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Third Fridays: 12-1 p.m. in Aptos

3272.

recovering from debting on one’s business.

Writing/Discussion Meeting Caregiver Support Group

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San Lorenzo Community Band Practice Sessions Aptos Noon Toastmasters

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ome join a dynamic, supportive group of people at all levels of experience from beginners to more advanced.

We’re here to help you discover your voice and share it effectively. Everyone is welcome!

atz Cancer Center, PAMF and Hospice of Santa Cruz o you have a problem with 236-1171 County invite you to attend a Saturday Jan. 27 Caregiver Support Group for 2018 Pajaro Valley Chamber those caring for someone with free, friendly 12-Step support serious illness. When a loved group with the solution. All Santa Cruz Sons in Retirement of Commerce and Agriculture aone is seriously ill, it can be a teens and adults welcome!

Monthly Meeting Annual Awards Dinner challenge for the entire family. In this ongoing support group, we his statewide group of retired will share stories, learn tools for men invites you to be our coping and receive support from heme “The Pajaro Valley, History people who care. guest at our monthly luncheon.

Felton Farmer’s Market in the Making.” Awardees: a fine lunch and learn something new from a top notch guest speaker. he Felton Farmers’ Market Overeaters Anonymous started in 1987 and is the second oldest market in Santa Cruz County. The market boasts o you have problem with Wellness on the Cancer Journey a variety of certified organic “Fire in the Sky.” friendly free 12 step support group fruits and vegetables and artisan earn how to safely support with the solution. Teens and adults foods. your body and emotions welcome. It will be held in the through the journey of Cancer Anne Hutchinson Room.

Overeaters Anonymous from diagnosis to softening the

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he San Lorenzo Valley Community Band meets every Thursday at SLV High School. read music.

Cabrillo Host Lions Club Meetings

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ant to make a difference in

Cabrillo Lions Club twice every month and see what you can do to help in Santa Cruz County.

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28 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

Overeaters Anonymous

Drop-in Grief Support

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ospice of Santa Cruz County

support group for adults grieving the death of a family member or a friend. This group is a place where you can share stories, learn tools for coping, and receive support from people who care.

vereaters Anonymous is a Free, Friendly 12-Step group for those who have a problem with food.

Friday Shakespeare Club of Santa Cruz

Dated Events

10 am - noon, Peace United

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his is the oldest women’s club in Santa Cruz. The club meets to study the life, works and times of William Shakespeare. Members share group readings and insights, discuss history, and universal themes found in his plays and writings.

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Second Tuesdays Third Wednesdays

info

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Sunday Jan. 21 thru Sunday Jan. 28

are $10 and includes: 1) Entry into

impact of chemo, radiation, and recovering well from surgery.

Friday Shakespeare Club We’ll address nausea, low 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Peace Invisible/Alienated friendly free 12-step support energy, weakness, digestion, Grandparents Support Group group with the solution group immune support, grief, stress with the solution. Teens and adults and more. welcome. Includes compulsive Feel free to bring your partner The Friday Shakespeare Aptos overeating, anorexia and bulimia. or care team to this free class.

Club members discuss the life, ed by Dr. Pat Hanson author of Please come fed; water is Invisible Grandparents: Leave available.

Shakespeare. o you have a problem with

First Baptist Church Bible Study

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irst Baptist Church of Aptos welcomes you to join their bible study and worship every Sunday.

Sunday December 31 Interfaith Peace Vigil at Holy Cross Parish Hall

starts at 11 p.m. oin Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and many who claim no affiliation with an organized religion for an evening of readings from various faith traditions, meditation, music and walking the labyrinth in the 14th Annual Interfaith Peace Vigil sponsored

by Sangha Shantivanam and hosted by the Holy Cross Catholic Community.

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Announcements

Arts and Entertainment for information about booking

Ageless Art Project

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geless Art is seeking volunteers to facilitate art groups for seniors living in residential residents through the creative processes of painting, drawing or crafting. As a volunteer you will have the pleasure of seeing residents experience meaningful feelings of pride and self-worth when completing their own art.

Lucky Steppers Modern Square Dance

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Volunteers Needed for the Monterey Symphony

att.net. he Monterey Symphony is seeking volunteers. If you love music and want to be involved, Friendship Put to Music! please call (831) 646-8511 or visit www.montereysymphony.org for more information. lasses every Thursday night.

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new entry-level String

Grade Beginning Strings for violin, viola and cello will be

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ptos Artist David Pfost’s plein air watercolor paintings of Santa Cruz County landscapes are on exhibit.

2nd Saturday on the Farm

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his is a night for true “Social

from the Star Bene Argentine Menu, (or their well known italian menu), and enjoy the ambiance of Argentina and join us in a social tango dance to music from the Golden Age of Tango.

Dated Events

Friday December 15 thru Sun. December 17

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sixteenth production with full professional orchestra at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Guest starring SCBT alumna Melody Mennite, who will be partnered by fellow Houston Ballet principal dancer Ian Casady. The Santa

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Agape Dance Academy presents FREE Nutcracker performances at The Henry Mello Center in Watsonville. Bring your family and friends and join us for this classic, timeless ballet performed by local talented adults and children.

and a whole lot of whatnot!

Thursday December 21 The San Lorenzo Valley Community Band

Stitchers By The Sea Meetings

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Thursday Feb. 22 thru Sunday Feb. 25

titchers-by-the-Sea, the local chapter of the Embroiderers’ First Friday Art Tour he First Friday Art Tour is a Guild of America, holds regular Santa Cruz Institute of Conmeetings open to the public each temporary Arts event, managed in month. No admission fees. conjunction with the participating art venues. The event takes place year-round and illuminates some BINGO of the most talented local artists from local galleries.

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Foundation. Buy-In $15.

Full snack bar available. First Tuesday of each month is special $25 buy in (up to five packs).

Join us!

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Science Sunday

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he SLV Community Band performs Christmas music, including a sing-a-long.

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

eymour Marine Discovery Center presents a public lecture gnite your passion for adventure, from a marine scientist the third Sunday of every month. Topics Mountain Film Festival World Tour are presented in an entertaining will exhilarate you with amazing and easy-to-understand format, with up-to-date photos, video, and big-screen stories. discussion.

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Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

the brain fog to lift as you move into the next week. If you’ve been experiencing technological end parties. Think big when it comes to acting charitably as you get ready for 2018. Selling yourself short is a mistake, because what you contribute to the world can be a game changer.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

Early in the month has you feeling even more compassionate than usual. Practicality takes a back seat to idealism. Try not to focus so much on getting things done these days, but rely packages should arrive on time, and seeing your long-distance loved ones between now and

Aries (March 21-April 20) sweet-talk your way out of just about anything mid-month, but keeping track of little white lies isn’t easy. Giving two people the same compliment might come back to bite you! Tension lightens late in the month, and leading with your intuition has some very interesting results. If it’s been a while since you listened to your inner voice, now is the time.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

ello Center for the Performing Arts in Watsonville.

agapedance.com it out! Browse through a wide assortment of treasures including books and photographs, vintage jewelry, clothing, glass and ceramic collectibles, vintage Hawaiian

attention to them and other important things in your life. The challenge here is not to get so

An intellectual frame of mine early in the month helps you take a logical approach to the things that are ending in your life right now, especially where your career is concerned. When one path

The Nutcracker Ballet

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key to life.

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entertaining for the whole family.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

The Nutcracker Ballet

conducted by our Music Director oin us every 2nd Saturday on the Pamela Martin.

Farm for free family activities.

Each month we select a new theme to highlight historical agriculture with games, activities, and demonstrations that relate.

Saturday December 16 We often have guest appearances from farm animals like Sunday December 17 llamas, draft horses, sheep, goats,

Downtown Santa Cruz Monthly Argentine Tango at Star Antique Street Fair Bene Italian/Argentine Restarante

Students must provide their own instruments.

Ongoing Events

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December.

t’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; family friendly.

Class takes place every Thursday Night at our new home in La Selva Hwy 1, turns into Playa Blvd., turn right on Estrella)

Cabrillo Youth Strings/ Suzuki Music Program

Plein Air Watercolor Paintings Exhibition

Your December Horoscope

your procrastination tactics aren’t working anymore, you’ll have to deal with the unavoidable.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

what’s on the other side is so worth it.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

background, but it’s nice to take a break from them every so often. Still, as the week moves admission of guilt or responsibility. Creativity is the perfect way to end the month and the year.

This isn’t high-energy, but you’re motivated to indulge your imaginative, artistic side. And very good things can come from that.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

you can’t enjoy this brief respite. Late December sees a close relationship on shaky ground, especially if one of you is having a hard time forgiving and forgetting. Second chances in life are rare, and you may just have to accept that you can’t change what’s already been said and done.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

don’t guess or estimate when it comes to your hard-earned money! Spontaneity isn’t always comfortable for you, but as the month and year come to a close, you’re ready to break free from

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

December begins with a gentle atmosphere that helps you view things in a compassionate, caring way. If you’ve been overly critical, it’s time to see things from someone else’s pernew” should be your standard operating procedure from now on. The end of the month brings time, but there are still some “musts” on your year-end checklist.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

unending stream. Life becomes unpredictable mid-month, and doors start to open for you that were previously closed. It’s scary not knowing what’s on the other side, but you won’t in your life just in time for the end-of-year holidays. If you’re taking any trains, planes, or reaching your destination.

Peninsula Banjo Band

F

orty-seven years of performing in the Bay Area, over 250 popular tunes. Come see our band for Free in Sunnyvale Every Wednesday. No cover.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

you have a way of making everyone you come in contact with feel special. That’s a real gift. and relationships brings you joy without measure. Ease into a more responsible time later in the month, slowly but surely. But there is still plenty of fun to be had as the month and anything else that enters your imagination.

Aptos Times / December 15th 2017 / 29

Business Guide

Featured Columnist

When a Sneeze is not Just a Sneeze

By Dr. Gail Rosenberg

F

rom the very earliest days of my education to become a Doctor of Chiropractic, I heard stories of people “throwing their backs out”

spine is composed of bones called vertebrae (vert-a-bray) and discs of softer material in between each vertebra. The discs are like jelly donuts: there is a tough outer ring and an inside of softer material, about the consistency of hardened toothpaste.

When the discs age, the outer ring can dehydrate and become brittle, sometimes weakening so that the inner material can press against the outer ring and cause it to bulge.

Most discs, when they begin to bulge slightly, the bulge is usually aimed to the back and one side of the disc or straight toward the back of the disc.

The technical term for this is postero-lateral bulge or posterior bulge. Not all disc bulges cause pain.

In fact, a person can have a mild to moderate disc bulge and have zero symptoms until something happens to apply more pressure to that disc.

There is an anatomical reason why most discs bulge backward.

From the upper neck to the very bottom of the low back there is a ligament that runs behind every disc and vertebra, separating the discs and vertebrae from the spinal cord and actually providing a touch barrier at the back of the discs. It is called the

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30 / December 15th 2017 / Aptos Times

posterior longitudinal ligament. The strange thing about this ligament is that it is widest in the neck where the discs are smaller and narrower in the low back where the discs are larger!

The narrowness of the ligament in the low back makes the discs down there more vulnerable to posterior bulges. If the ligament were narrower at the neck and wider at the low back, that would make more sense, but that is not how humans are made. I am not a fan of that particular design feature, let me tell you.

What has this got When you sneeze, you temporarily increase intra-spinal pressure — the pressure inside the canal where the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots live. If you

already have a mild disc bulge and you are in the unfortunate position of being bent over at the waist when you sneeze, that pressure on the disc increases when it is in the most vulnerable position possible. Bending forward enlarges the disc at the back, where a mild and non-symptomatic bulge can enlarge during the sneeze The solution: if you feel a sneeze coming on, make sure you are standing up perfectly straight before the sneeze happens. This might prevent the sneeze from resulting in back pain. my patients if I suspect a disc bulge is “Does your low back or leg pain increase when you cough, sneeze those activities temporarily increase intra-spinal pressure.

SCCAS Featured Pet

But studies suggest that exposure to these substances early in life may protect children from asthma. To pinpoint how development of asthma, NIH-funded researchers began studying newborns in 2005 that had at least one parent with asthma or allergies. Having a parent with asthma or allergies increases the chance of developing asthma.

The researchers collected dust samples

three years of life. They analyzed levels of common allergy triggers in the dust.

About 1 of every 3 children in the study had asthma by age seven. Higher levels of cat, cockroach and mouse substances in the dust samples were linked to a lower risk of having asthma.

The researchers continue to study the children to pinpoint the factors that might reduce asthma risk. “Additional research asthma prevention strategies,” says study Wisconsin-Madison.

Charming little Chihuahua Ready for New Companion

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omeo, oh Romeo, why for art thou still not adopted Romeo Too many of these truly charming little Chihuahua mixes linger here at the Shelter because potential adopters think that they are not “Chihuahua People”. Well, we’re here to tell you that Chihuahuas may not be who you think they are and neither are their people. Chi’s come in all shapes and makes, long and short fur, can be shy or bold, are lap sized but long-walk ready!

After waiting here at the Shelter for a while, and being overlooked because he is small and undemanding, Romeo is now in a Foster home. They have this to say about him: Easy going Romeo has captured our hearts. He is a lot of fun, super him on a three-mile walk this morning and he seemed to really enjoy it too. He

and I were surprised that after taking him on a sleepover twice, he found our car is in the parking lot. He’s a wonderful companion! and so will they! www.scanimalshelter.org/adopt_a_chi_project Romeo is a six-year-old, short-russet-furred, Chihuahua mix To adopt your new friend, visit one of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter locations, or their website at www.scanimalshelter.org.

Basketball Coach: Joseph Smith Aptos 54 – Salinas 37 (Dec 12, Hm) ~ Bob Hagen Memorial Champions! ~ 38th Annual Bob Hagen Memorial Tournament @ Gilroy Aptos 44 – St Francis 34 (Dec 9) Aptos 75 – Hollister 37 (Dec 8) Aptos 67 – Live Oak (Morgan Hill) 25 (Dec 7)

Coach: Stefan Hocom Presentation (SJ) 61 – Aptos 38 (Dec 8, A)

Aptos 77 – Gunderson (SJ) 44 (Dec 5, H) Aptos 75 – Palo Alto 65 (Dec 1, H) Aptos 59 – Carmel 20 (Nov 28, A)

Soccer Coach: Robert Zuniga Watsonville 4 – Aptos 2 (Dec 6, A) Monte Vista Christian 5 – Aptos 4 (Dec 1, A) Soledad 2 –Aptos 0 (Nov 29, H) Coach: Jessica Perkin Aptos 1 – Presentation (SJ) 1 (Dec 12, A) Aptos 9 – Santa Catalina 0 (Dec 7, A) Mountain View 4 – Aptos 1 (Dec 5, H) Aptos 3 – St Francis (MV) 0 (Nov 30, H) Aptos 0 – Woodside 0 (Nov 28, H)

crossword on 25 »

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has two full-service, open-admission shelters: Santa Cruz Location ( : 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 : Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

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

“Scoreboard” from page 12

Aptos Times / December 15th 2017 / 31

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