Aptos Times: July 15, 2018 by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

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July 15 2018 • Vol 27 No. 14 • www.tpgonlinedaily.com

SCCRTC Speaker Series

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has launched the Innovators in Transportation Speaker Series. This series of educational and informative talks and presentations will give members of the community the opportunity to hear transportation experts from around the country discuss the innovations and trends that are shaping the future of transportation in Santa Cruz County and beyond. Full Story page 5

‘The Producers’ opening July 26

Saving Democracy …

By Noel Smith

“In this age of political rage, can liberals and conservatives even talk to each other?”

— Spenser Critchley riday evening, June 29 2018 at Twin Lakes Church, was billed as bringing together the political left and right — Democrats and Republicans — to talk with each other

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and with the audience about “Saving Democracy – Where We Go From Here.” Pastor René Schlaepfer of TLC, as the host started the evening off by sharing that the separation among some of his congregation between the politically left and right had become noticeable. ... continues on page 4

Rehearsal for THE PRODUCERS, Cabrillo Stage’s second show of the summer season, begins in 10 minutes. The large rehearsal room is filled with dancers stretching. One dancer is at the barre doing tendus and plies while two others practice a tap combination. Actors are studying their scripts in preparation for tonight’s run through. The mood is one of diligence and focus. Full Story page 12

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No. 14

Volume 27

Table of Contents

Cover Saving Democracy ... by Noel Smith

5 7 8 9 10 12 13 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25

Community News SCCRTC Speaker Series Soquel Pioneer & Historical Association Picnic • Monterey Bay Regatta for BBBS AARP Smart Driver Classes • Food Truck Taco Tuesday at Anna Jean Cummings Park • Rio Del Mar Esplanade Concessions Watsonville Wetlands Watch – Honoring Jim Van Houten Red Cross Celebrates Tri-County Volunteers ‘The Producers’ opening July 26 at Cabrillo Stage, by Mindy Pedlar Pets Who Give Cabrillo College’s Statewide Recognition Dominican Offers County’s First Robotic Surgery Candidate Filing for Nov. Election Begins, by Gail L. Pellerin Grey Bears Makes First Recycled Polystyrene Shipment Aptos 4th of July ‘World’s Shortest Parade’ 2018 Sow & Grow Fall Feast Report Highlights Workforce Challenges • Mid–County Residents Invited to Discuss Future of Water 2017 California Criminal Justice Data Released • Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Advisory Team Recruitment SCCOE Appoints Jivan Dhaliwal

Sereno Group’s Flagship OFFICE in Aptos Village 2,500 sq ft // 25 agents Located at the gateway to the new Aptos Village Square. A premier location that will continue to further enhance Sereno’s commitment to engage and support the communities we serve.

1 5 PAR AD E S T R E E T, A P TO S

Local Sports 14 Aptos Majors Wins District 39 Kids Camps 15 Camping Helps Develop Strong Kids, by Ethan Schafer Letter to the Editor 19 Saving Democracy, by James S. Rummonds Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Monthly Horoscope • Page 29 – Your July Horoscope Featured Columnists 26 Business Matters, by Ron Kustek – Marketing To Tourists 30 The FDA Process for New Drug Approval, by Ron Conte 31 A Summer of Fun in County Parks, by Zach Friend SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Leela is Looking for a Headrub!

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APTOS • SANTA CRUZ LOS GATOS • SARATOGA • WILLOW GLEN LOS ALTOS • PALO ALTO facebook.com/serenogroup twitter.com/serenogroup This information was supplied by reliable sources. Sales Associate believes this information to be correct but has not verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction. Buyer should verify school enrollment. Sereno Group CalBRE # 01519580.

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JULY 2018

Patrice Edwards Noel Smith

publisher editor

contributing writers Noel Smith, Camisa Composti, Mindy Pedlar, Gail Pellerin, Ethan Schaefer, James S. Rummonds, Ron Kustek, Ron Conte, Zach Friend layout Michael Oppenheimer, Liz Senteney, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Liz Senteney, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad Hagenking website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Liz Senteney advertising sales Don Beaumont, Tiffani Petrov Cathe Race

office coordinator

distribution Bill Pooley, Annabelle Balcazar

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 ©2018. 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

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Aptos Real Estate Update

Ruth Bates 831.359.2212

ruth@serenogroup.com CalBRE # 01799929

PRICING — Pricing your home correctly based on market conditions (comps) and amenities of your property is the most critical thing a Seller can do, and it should be done with a LOCAL, PROFESSIONAL REALTOR who knows the market. Pricing considerations should include: location within County, location within neighborhood, size and floor plan of house, garage, # of beds and baths, condition of house, size and usability of lot. Pricing should not be based on: what you originally paid for house, amount of cash you need for new home, actual costs of remodeling, what your house may have been worth in the past. Appraisers review comps from the past 6 months when determining home values. Zillow, Redfin, and CoreLogic (County uses) all provide “valuations”. These “values” can be all over the board. Here are 3 Aptos examples. 1) Townhome at xxx Village Creek: Z=$785,720, R=$697,363, CL=$869,385. 2) Small house on bluff with panoramic ocean views at xxx Coates: Z=$778,599 (totally wrong!), R=-$1,716,616, CL=$1,140,827. 3) Houses in homogenous neighborhoods have closer estimates, xxx Siesta Drive in Rolling Greens: Z=$868,667, R=$831,887, CL=$837,238. The buyer ultimately determines “market value”, and in a Seller’s Market, if you do not have an accepted offer within 14-21 days, pricing was wrong. I offer a free CMA (Market Analysis and Home Valuation) that will give you a true perspective of the current value of your home. STAGING — Making the best first impression is the most important thing you can do when selling your home. Use the FOUR C’S: Curb Appeal, Clutter, Closets, and Comfort. 1) Curb appeal – home is neat, clean, attractive from curb to back fence. 2) Clutter (and Cleanliness) – de-cluttering is the key; keep rooms open and picked up. Remove all personal items, photographs, prescriptions, awards, and anything with your name on it. 3) Closet – lighten them up so buyers don’t feel like there is no storage in the house, 4) Comfort – depersonalize and neutralize your home so buyers feel comfortable when walking through. If house will be vacant, consider professional staging – it can increase the value and shorten the days on market

Cover Story

“Saving Democracy” from page 1

By providing the venue for this event, this could possibly help reduce the divide through discussion. The six participants included four Democrats: former Congressman Sam Farr; Debbie Masloh adviser to Obama and former Deputy Assistant and U.S. Trade Representative for Public Affairs; Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend, and the organizer of the event, Spencer Critchley of Boots Road Group. UC Berkeley politics professor Dan Schnur was there to represent the “undeclared” political middle while the lone representative of the right was former Vice Chair of the California Republican Party, Kristin Olsen. Over 300 people attended which included quite a number of community leaders including supervisor Bruce McPherson and Sheriff Jim Hart. There were several high points that came out of the two-hour discussion that resulted in agreement between the sides represented. These included: Civility between the sides. It was agreed that in order to have a conversation about the issues or even just to get to know each other, learn to listen with an open mind and don’t assume that you can’t come to an agreement, a compromise, or an understanding of the other’s position. Learn about US history, government and civics. A point of agreement from the panel was that students in our schools are not learning about the US Constitution, the history about how our country was formed, and how it has changed over time. Many people do not know how a

Sam Farr (left) and Dan Schnur listen as Debbie Masloh makes a point.

state or local government is formed, how it operates and how it can be used to make changes that affect their lives. Become informed about the issues. Another important point discussed was about how we form our opinions. If we use only one-sided resources from what we see, hear and read in the news or social media, then it is difficult to form our own opinion or to understand someone else’s position. Also, much of what is seen, heard and read is not fully factual. Becoming informed helps to recognize when the resources are misrepresenting an issue, a candidate, an elected representative, an appointed official or other sources of information. Become involved in the electoral process. The panel encouraged us to take part in a campaign, listen to a political debate, be informed on the issues, register to vote – then vote, and become knowledgeable about the results. Change can only happen when we become involved. There were also some controversial points during the evening. It was obvious during the discussions that negative examples presented were primarily about one side of the political spectrum with ad hominem references given during the evening referencing the present administration. The lone representative of the Right was careful to not get into a debate about the current issues but spoke for the middle ground very well. It was a worthwhile evening of discussion and perhaps the issues were better defined than if the sides had been more equally represented and current politics had been a larger part of the conversation. TPG Publishing, Inc. thanks Spenser Critchley and the Boots Road Group (bootsroad.com) for a very interesting evening and our thanks to René Schlaepfer and Twin Lakes Church for hosting the event. n ••• Cover Photo: Sam Farr (from left), Debbie Masloh, Dan Schnur, Kristin Olsen, Zach Friend and Spencer Critchley talk to the assembled crowd.

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Community News

SCCRTC Speaker Series

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has launched the Innovators in Transportation Speaker Series. This series of educational and informative talks and presentations will give members of the community the opportunity to hear transportation experts from around the country discuss the innovations and trends that are shaping the future of transportation in Santa Cruz County and beyond. “Through this new speaker series, we hope to deepen the community’s understanding of transportation issues,” said George Dondero, executive director of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission. The series will run throughout the year with speakers sharing their expertise on a variety of transportation-related topics, including the evolution of SMART, housing and transit connections, and future transportation trends. These events are free and open to the public. The first of this series was, Planning Transit for a Prosperous Santa Cruz County by Jarrett Walker, International consultant

in public transportation planning and policy, and author of Human Transit. (A video of the presentation is located at: https://youtu.be/9Wm2S8aTeZo) Some of the high points of Mr. Jarrett’s presentation were very enlightening such as “Geometry” where he compares the amount of space required to transport the same number of passengers by car, bus and bicycle. He then pointed out that technology can’t change geometry such as with cars whether they are a private car, or taxi/ Uber or self-driving as they all still take up the same space. “SCCRTC” page 8

The Cool Mom Growing up, I was the kid with the cool mom. She would drive around our small beach town on her scooter in her movie star sunglasses. She would spend hours barefoot at her easel painting the surf. She wore layers of bright colors and laughed loudly. We often ate pancakes for dinner, staying up late and watching scary movies. Mom loved to fill our home with friends and sleepovers. She always said “the more, the merrier!” I loved my mom’s eccentric personality. But as she got older, her strange behavior became worrisome. Unpaid bills were piling up on her desk. She isolated herself from friends. She often couldn’t find the right words when she spoke. Once, I found her phone in the refrigerator. After meeting with her doctor, she was diagnosed with dementia. Months later, she can no longer live alone.

Amount of space required to transport the same number of passengers by car (left), bus (center) or bicycle (right).

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Aptos/LaSelvaFireProtectionDistrict 6934SoquelDrive • Aptos,CA95003

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Defensible Space is KEY to Wildﬁre Survival! Creating and maintaining defensible space around your home can dramatically increase your chance of surviving a wildfire and will improve the safety of firefighters defending your property. 100ft. of Defensible Space is optimal! More than 2,000 structures are destroyed by a wildfire each year in California. Don’t let your home become a statistic — help us save you, your home and your community! Note: inspectors do not enter private property without owner permission. Hazards identified during inspections will be confined to those easily visible from the street.

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The Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District Is dedicated to Community Risk Reduction Services and offers ﬁre safety inspection at no charge Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (831) 685-6690 for a free evaluation.

Community News

Soquel Pioneer & Historical Association Picnic

San Lorenzo Valley Historical Society’s Lisa Robinson will Speak

ach year, the Pioneers sponsor a potluck picnic for the community on the last Saturday in July. The picnic takes place Saturday, July 28, and begins at Noon. Participants come early to meet and greet old and new friends and to enjoy the photos and scrapbooks provided by the Pioneers. Please bring a potluck dish. Suggested donation is $5 per individual or family. This year our speaker will be Lisa Lisa Robinson Robinson, President of the Board of Directors of the San Lorenzo Valley Historical Society. Her topic will be: Bear With Us — Bear Stories Of The Santa Cruz Mountains In the mid-1700s, the San Francisco peninsula was home to large numbers of grizzlies. The abundance of food was shared between the hierarchy of wildlife and the native peoples; there was plenty for all. In just a few decades, this would change. Confrontations between man and bear

often resulted in death or serious injury. By the late-1800s there were few grizzlies left here and by 1900, grizzlies, once prolific, had been hunted to extinction. This talk will recount stories of bear encounters, both grizzlies and black bears, in the Santa Cruz area from the late 1700s to the present day. Lisa Robinson has lived in the San Lorenzo Valley since 1990. She is President of the Board of Directors of the San Lorenzo Valley Historical Society, which owns and operates the San Lorenzo Valley Museum, where she manages the exhibitions and collections. She is a member of the Santa Cruz MAH Landmark Committee and is chair of the MAH Publications Committee.

Monterey Bay Regatta for BBBS

n Sunday, August 12 the Santa Cruz Yacht Club will host the 26th annual Day on the Monterey Bay Regatta to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County. Over the past 25 years, the Regatta has raised over $1,000,000 to support youth mentoring in Santa Cruz County. The event will be held at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club, in the Lower Harbor. Sailing takes place from 1-4 pm, followed by a catered dinner. You can enter the reverse start course, watch the race as you sail on the Chardonnay II or attend the dinner. There will also be live music, a silent auction, and a several raffles. Since 1982 Big Brothers Big Sisters has served over 6,500 at-risk youth, by matching them to screened and trained adult volunteers who provide guidance, emotional support, and appropriate role

Lisa is the author of The San Lorenzo Valley (Arcadia Press) and The San

Pure Water Soquel Project

Draft Environmental Impact Report Public Meeting The Soquel Creek Water District (District) invites you to attend a public meeting to learn more about and provide comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Pure Water Soquel: Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project. The Project would involve the advanced purification of treated municipal wastewater to recharge the groundwater aquifers. The Draft EIR is now available for public review. The District is accepting comments on the Draft EIR during a 45-day public review and comment period from June 29 to August 13, 2018. How to participate during the Draft EIR review period: • Access and review the Draft EIR at Soquelcreekwater.org/purewatersoquel or at the Soquel Creek Water District (5180 Soquel Drive), or at one of seven libraries listed on the website.

modeling. Currently, there are over 55 kids on the waiting for a caring mentor. Children spend time with their mentors doing things that they both enjoy biking, baking or beach going with the guidance and friendship of a caring mentor. Children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County are limited by their circumstances so their mentors help provide children facing adversity the foundation and support to do better in school and make better life choices. n ••• For more information or to register email regatta@santacruzmentor.org or call 831-4648691. Additional details are available at www. santacruzmentor.org.

Lorenzo Valley Flume (Lulu), and editor of Redwood Logging and Conservation in the Santa Cruz Mountains — A Split History (MAH). She is the local history writer for the Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin newspaper. Location is Pringle Grove: Take N. Main Street to Pringle Lane – Look for Soquel Pioneers signs. n ••• For more info visit Soquelpioneers.com

• Attend the public meeting and submit a written or oral comment. • Mail written comments to:

Soquel Creek Water District invites you to attend a public meeting! Tuesday, July 31, 2018 6pm – 8pm Twin Lakes Church 2701 Cabrillo College Dr., Monschke Hall Aptos, CA 95003 The meeting will include an open house with information stations followed by a short presentation and then a public comment period.

Soquel Creek Water District welcomes your input!

Meeting facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for special accommodations or translation services should be directed to Rebecca Rubin no later than five days before the meeting by calling 831-475-8501 x 118 or emailing beccar@soquelcreekwater.org.

Pure Water Soquel Project CEQA 4041 Soquel Dr, Ste A-501 Soquel, CA 95073-3105 • Email comments to: purewatersoquelceqa@esassoc.com

All comments must be postmarked or received via email by August 13, 2018 for consideration in the Final EIR. For more information, visit soquelcreekwater.org/purewatersoquel.

To sign up and receive future project updates contact Rebecca Rubin, Public Outreach Coordinator at 831-475-8501 x 118 or beccar@soquelcreekwater.org. www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2018 / 7

Community Briefs

AARP Smart Driver Classes mart Driver classes are designed to help maturing drivers maintain safe driving skills and keep their licenses longer. California insurance companies are required by law to give a discount for three years to seniors who complete this class. The regular 8-hour class is offered in two 4-hours sessions; the refresher class is offered in one 4.5-hour class. The Class fee is $20/person, $15/ person for AARP members. Registration is recommended as drop-ins may find the class is full. The current Regular classes offered are July 18/20, August 20/21, September 10/17, October 12/15 and November 13/15. Refresher class dates are July 25, August 27 and October 24. To register or get more information call Fred at 831-247-3097.

••• Food Truck Taco Tuesday at Anna Jean Cummings Park aco Tuesday is back at Anna Jean Cummings Park (Blue Ball Park) in Soquel on Tuesday, July 24 from 5-7:30 p.m. These monthly Food Trucks A Go Go dinners are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month. The Saucey’z and El Buen Taco food trucks will be serving tacos, along with their other signature dishes. There is plenty of green grass and open space for people to spread out and for kids and dogs to run around. People are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Bring your appetites, friends, co-workers and family! Follow @foodtrucksagogo for more information or go to the event page. ••• Rio Del Mar Esplanade Concessions he Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services is pleased to announce new concessions serving beachgoers in the Aptos area. With summer in full swing, a new

8 / July 15th 2018 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

SUP Shack is now operating at Rio Del Mar Esplanade, offering various beach supplies and boogie board, wetsuit, stand-up paddleboard and surfboard rentals. A second vendor, Sycamore Concessions, is expected to begin operating later this summer with a selection of food and refreshments. “This is a wonderful public-private partnership to enhance the beach-going experience for Santa Cruz County locals and visitors while augmenting and complimenting the business environment in the area,” Parks Director Jeff Gaffney said.

“SCCRTC” from page 5 He also showed how transit success often is determined by ridership or by coverage, which have very different transit outcomes. (see graphic below) Upcoming Talks The Evolution of SMART by Farhad Mansourian General Manager of SonomaMarin Area Rail Transit Thursday, Aug. 2, 9:00 a.m. Watsonville City Council Chambers, 275 Main Street, Watsonville. Presentation & Discussion (During regular Commission meeting)

“Improving recreational opportunities is part of the mission of Santa Cruz County Parks.” The County conducted a competitive process to select the new vendors, which operate on County-owned property at 105 Esplanade in Aptos. Throughout July, Santa Cruz County Parks is offering numerous FREE events to celebrate Parks & Recreation Month. See www.scparks.com for details and to participate in our Parks & Recreation Month Challenge. n

Housing and Transit Connections by Jeffrey Tumlin Principal and director of strategy at the transportation planning firm Nelson Nygaard Wednesday, Sept. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Simpkins Family Swim Center, Community Room, 979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz Presentation and Q & A. n ••• Thursday, Sept. 6, 9:00 a.m. County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 701 Ocean Street, Room 500, Santa Cruz. Presentation & Discussion (During regular Commission meeting)

Community News

Watsonville Wetlands Watch

Honoring Jim Van Houten ecently, long-time board member Jim Van Houten passed away. Jim was a founder of the Watsonville Wetlands Watch and true champion of the Watsonville wetlands. His dedication to the work that we all cherish was performed through incredible service and so many accomplishments over the 25 years he served on the Board of Directors, chaired the planning and conservation committee, and helped to steer the organization to the success that we see today. In honor of Jim we plan to build a bench overlooking the Hanson Slough habitat areas. If you would like to join the Watsonville Wetlands Watch Board of Directors in honoring Jim, please make a donation here in Jim’s honor to support the purchase of this bench. Please include any comments you would like to make to be shared with Jim’s family there in the Comment Box. https://www.watsonvillewetlandswatch.org/donate Among Jim’s many accomplishments were the purchase and preservation of Tarplant Hill, serving with Chris Lyons as the negotiating team for the Pajaro Valley High School project and securing many important conservation goals, chairing the LAFCO Manabe annexation process, being a leading advocate for the Pajaro River corridor, and many other efforts to ensure the long-term viability of the Watsonville wetlands and the community that surrounds it. Jim led countless circumnavigation tours and introduced so many people for the first time to the sloughs. When the Patrick Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center first opened, Jim was a constant, overseeing construction of the greenhouse and dedicating his efforts to getting the programs and funding off the ground. Jonathan Pilch, Executive Director shares: “I think of Jim often, standing at the upper edge of the preserved land within

the Hanson Slough watershed at the edge of our education center, that he and others were instrumental in preserving. Since that time, many critical pieces of the early vision of conserved wetlands, open space and habitat west of Highway 1 have been achieved. “Jim would be waving one hand out into the open, describing to a group of visitors how the sloughs fit together and why the knoll on which we were standing was so important in a way that connected people to this special place, its history and future. He was a guide whose vision, passion, and ability to work with anyone from any view point will continue to inspire for many generations to come.”

History Nook peek into the geological history of the Watsonville sloughs: To best understand how the sloughs came to exist, we can take a look back at some of the most recent geologic history of the Monterey Bay. Most basically, the reason for the Watsonville sloughs’ formation is a combination of coastal uplift and sea-level rise patterns. When uplift is equal to or exceeds sea-level rise, freshwater marshes and deep peat soils can form. Underlying the Watsonville Sloughs is a clay layer that keeps water perched. This is a result of sea-level changes and valleys formed during the last glacial period. As the glaciers melted and sea levels rose, the ocean began to make its way

inland while the streams from the mountains rushed to meet it. This convergence caused dense clays and sediments to settle, forming a layer that kept the slough water from infiltrating into the ground and deeper aquifers. Continuing in this pattern over the last 18,0000 years, the sloughs have risen and fallen within the Pajaro Valley’s drainage. And while changes to the landscape, such as urban development, drainage and channelized wetlands, irrigation runoffs and pump stations have been built throughout the landscape, the sloughs still fill every winter and slowly dry out every summer and the floodwaters still seek the floodplain – our impacts have not pushed out this timeless geologic process. n ••• Source: Watching the Watsonville Wetlands by Jerry Busch

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Community News

Red Cross Celebrates Tri-County Volunteers

CARMEL — The American Red Cross of the Central Coast honored 15 individual volunteers, a volunteer team, three other organizations, and one business at its recent Volunteer Recognition Dinner for Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties. The annual event was held at Seascape Golf Club in Aptos. The evening’s top award, the Clara Barton Award, was given to Janet Packer of Santa Cruz County (Aptos). The award, named after the founder of the American Red Cross, recognizes a volunteer for service in a series of leadership positions held over a number of years. Packer has been a Red Cross volunteer since the organization’s massive response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Since then, she has deployed to more than 30 nationallevel disaster responses, including to Hurricane Sandy, for which her service included driving a Red Cross emergency response vehicle cross country. Closer to home, Packer has most recently filled the role of Client Casework Lead for the Central Coast Chapter, organizing the assistance that she and her fellow Red Cross volunteers provide to residents whose lives are turned upside down by fires, floods, and other local and regional disasters. Working out of the chapter’s Santa Cruz office, Packer is highly regarded for her tireless commitment to the Red Cross — and for her kind and caring commitment to the many people the organization serves.

Other award recipients honored at this year’s dinner include: • Administration and Support Award: Linnea Dunn of Santa Cruz County (Bonny Doon) • Biomedical Services Award: Kelly Donnelly-May of San Benito County (San Juan Bautista) • Biomedical Services, Volunteer of the Year Award: Anne Leslie of Santa Cruz County (Aptos) and Cindy Snow of San Benito County (Hollister) • Community Engagement Award: CISNE (Monterey County Immigrant Service Network of Empowerment) • Collaboration Award: Skye Barcus of Santa Cruz County (Ben Lomond) and Donna Webster of Santa Cruz County (Royal Oaks) • Disaster Cycle Services, Outstanding Support Award: Suresh Sethuraman of Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz) • Disaster Cycle Services, Exceptional Response Award: Danny Webster of Monterey County (Marina) • Disaster Cycle Services, Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication: Tiki Dellamora of Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz) • Disaster Cycle Services, Exceptional Leadership: Dan Kemper of Monterey County (Prunedale) • Good Neighbor and Partnership Award: Capital Insurance Group (CIG) of Monterey County • International Services Award: Amy Stocker of Monterey County (Monterey) • New Volunteer Award: Shannon Ingraham of San Benito County (Hollister) • Service to Armed Services Award: Stanley Jacques of Monterey County (Salinas) • Teamwork Award: The Central Coast Chapter’s Disaster Mental Health Team, representing Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties • Volunteer Supervisor Award: Sue Pierce of Santa Cruz County (Los Gatos) • Volunteer of the Year Award: Christine Brown of Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz) • Youth Services Award: Middlebury Institute of International Studies; University of California, Santa Cruz In addition, a number of volunteers were honored at the event for the large number of hours they devoted to the Red Cross in service during the 2017 calendar year. “While the annual event spotlights a number of key volunteers, we recognize that all of our volunteers play a vital role

10 / July 15th 2018 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Photo Credit: Jim Hobbs

Michele Averill, left, CEO of the Central Coast Chapter, is pictured with Janet Packer, recipient of the Clara Barton Award. in responding to disasters, preparing and the Red Cross would not be able our community, and supporting all Red to provide the help and support we do Cross lines of service locally and without them.” n ••• beyond,” said Michele Averill, CEO of Dane Lobb, a member of the Central Coast the Central Coast Chapter. “It is truly an honor to get to work with such dedi- Chapter’s Board of Directors, joined Averill in cated and wonderful people. All of our presenting the volunteer awards at this year’s volunteers give selflessly of their time, recognition dinner.

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Community News

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

JON NORDGREN

‘The Producers’ opening July 26 at Cabrillo Stage

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ehearsal for THE PRODUCERS, Cabrillo Stage’s second show of the summer season, begins in 10 minutes. The large rehearsal room is filled with dancers stretching. One dancer is at the barre doing tendus and plies while two others practice a tap combination. Actors are studying their scripts in preparation for tonight’s run through. The mood is one of diligence and focus. The Director, Lee Ann Payne, who is also choreographing the show, confides, “These kids are amazing. They are here early and giving their all, every night. They are really busting their buns to make this a great show.” At exactly 7 p.m., the Stage Manager, Alina Goodman, calls the rehearsal to order. The Director gives some instructions to her cast encouraging them to bring their creative selves to the table and share it with the audience. She has shared her vision, given them direction and movement, now she wants to see them make it their own advising, “Don’t do me, do You!” Ms. Payne, a seasoned Director, Choreographer and Actor, is enjoying her first endeavor with Cabrillo Stage. She frequently works in the Bay Area, and has appeared several times on ‘this side of the hill’ with Jewel Theatre Company. The rehearsal is laugh-out-loud funny. Lee Ann credits her outstanding cast, strongly led by Equity actor Chris Reber as Max Bialystock and his partner Leo Bloom played with conviction by Gary Schoenfeld. Local actor Jordan Pierini plays Franz Liebkind, the ex-Nazi soldier with a strange love for his old Fuhrer. Jordan warns that his deranged character can be “the nicest guy, but he does have a bit of an anger issue, so watch out.” He fervently hopes that he is nothing like the character he is portraying. As in the movie, the two theatrical

Photo Credit: Steve DiBartolomeo

Chris Reber as Max Bialystock & Gary Schoenfeld as Leopold “Leo” Bloom

producers scheme to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop. To ensure the show flops, they hire the ‘worst director in the world’ Roger DeBris hilariously played by veteran actor Walter Mayes. Mr. Mayes describes his character as “flamboyantly gay in a very campy, early sixties way” and notes that “Mel Brooks does an outstanding job of putting something in the show to offend everyone, and I do not shy away from the archaic portrait of the aging queen he has written.” Also new to Cabrillo Stage, Walter is enjoying working with the cast, crew and designers. “Wait until you see my costumes!” He feels fortunate to be working with director/choreographer Lee Ann Payne and sharing the stage with his friend, David Mister, who plays his ‘common law assistant,’ Carmen Ghia. David is a hoot playing the character he describes as, “an odd duck, campy and flamboyant, but artistically talented and fiercely protective. Carmen is a bit like the power behind throne. “The Producers” page 14

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12 / July 15th 2018 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Alina Goodman

David Mister

Jessica Whittemore Jordan Pierini

Lee Ann Payne

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Community News

Pets Who Give

Hospice of Santa Cruz County hosts Pet Companion Informational Meeting

ospice of Santa Cruz County is looking for caring, compassionate adults with friendly pet dogs to share two or more hours a week with hospice patients and families who will benefit from connecting with a furry friend. The Pet Companion Program is a vital and rewarding component of our Volunteer Visitor Program. If you and your pet love people and are interested in giving back, please join us for an informational meet-up on Saturday, July 28 at Oceanview Park in Santa Cruz, 10-11 a.m. Join Forbes Ellis, Director of Volunteer Services and bring your dog and learn more about how you and your pet can make a difference in our community. Volunteers and their pet companions participate in the Hospice of Santa Cruz County Volunteer Visitor training so they learn the skills they need to support hospice patients and their loved ones. The eight-session training for humans is held on two partial Saturdays and six Wednesday evenings starting on September 5, 2018 and running through October 13, 2018. Training sessions take place at Hospice of Santa Cruz County in our Scott’s Valley office. Hospice of Santa Cruz County envisions a community where all people live and die with dignity. Since 1978, the organization has honored the choices of individuals and families by providing exemplary end-of-life care and grief support.

As the county’s leading nonprofit provider of hospice care, the hospice program is enriched by community grief support, a children’s bereavement camp, transitional care and palliative care services, pet companion and music therapy programs, hospice care for veterans, and end-of-life education and outreach. Hospice of Santa Cruz County serves approximately 3,500 Santa Cruz County residents annually. n ••• Hospice of Santa Cruz County serving our community from two locations: The Mary & Richard Solari Center for Compassionate Care, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley and The Borina Family Center for Compassionate Care, 65 Nielson Street, Suite 121 Watsonville. Call: 831-430-3000 Email: info@ hospicesantacruz.org Website: https://www. hospicesantacruz.org

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Local Sports

Aptos Majors Wins District 39

SCOTTS VALLEY — Aptos scored four runs in the bottom of the 6th, capped by leadoff hitter Edward Peters’ bases-loaded, walk-off double to win the D-39 title, beating Capitola-Soquel 5-4 and advancing undefeated to the Section 5 Tournament. In the sixth Aptos’ Kevin Hamlyn had a leadoff walk, then Jordi Prichard and Ryan Smith drew one-out walks to load the bases. Another walk to Blake Byers tied the game. Then it was Peters against CJ Claydon, the third Cap/Soq pitcher used in the inning.

On a 1-0 count, Peters connected on fastball, sending it down the right-field line into the corner. Aptos’ base runners were then off to the races, with Byers score ending the game. Capitola-Soquel witnessed lighting striking twice. On July 2, the teams met in the first round of the double-elimination Final Four play. Capitola-Soquel was leading 7-2 before Aptos had another sixthinning rally. Aptos sent 10 batters to the plate for six runs and an 8-7 win. n

12/11-year-old All Star Team • Manager: JJ Hamlyn • Coaches: Alex Byers, Mark Garvey, Tom Smith • First row: Edward Peters, Blake Byers, Cody Gavasse, Bryce Brogan, Ryan Smith, Lukey Garvey • Second row: Coach: Tom Smith, Wyatt Wolsfeld, Lawrence Ingram, Matt Hood, Caden Prichard, Jordi Martinez, Chris Perdaris, Kevin Hamlyn, Manager: JJ Hamlyn • Not Shown: Corbin Giesen

“The Prodecers” from page 12 He knows how to twist the knife when he needs to, but he’s also happy to see Roger be the one to get the glory.” David admits that it’s been challenging to master the way Carmen moves stating, “Simply walking across the stage is suddenly complex.” Rounding out the cast is the delightful Jessica Whittemore, last see on the Cabrillo Stage as Velma in CHICAGO. She flaunts her comedic chops as the curvaceous, Swedish Ulla.

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Gary Schoenfeld (left) and Chris Reber

This is a funny, over-the-top musical. Complete with showgirls and swastikas. David Mister says, “Prepare to be at least a little bit offended and prepare to laugh your tail off.” Walter Mayes adds, “We are serving this play up fresh and hot and full of laughs. Come and have a great time at the theater!” n ••• THE PRODUCERS runs July 26 through August 19 at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus. Order tickets on line at cabrillostage.com or at the Box office where the hours are 12 noon to 6 Photo Credit: Steve DiBartolomeo p.m., Thursday through Saturday, 831-479-6154.

Camping Helps Develop Strong Kids

Kids Camps

Ethan Schafer, Ph.D.

Why is Camp So Good for Children? ne of the reasons that well-run camps are so good for children is that they emulate the processes found in what psychologists call authoritative families. Parents who are authoritative provide their children with a great deal of structure and have high expectations of their children, while simultaneously providing a high degree of emotional warmth and encouragement. They can be distinguished from parents who are permissive (high emotional availability, but little structure and low expectations), or authoritarian (high expectations and structure, but low on emotional warmth and encouragement). When working with parents, I may describe permissive parents as “spoilers,” and authoritarian parents as “dictators.” Decades of psychological research support the conclusion that authoritative parenting is most likely to result in children who are happy, independent, and secure in themselves. Good camps are like good families: clear expectations are given, rules are enforced in a fair and sensitive manner, and campers are given warmth, respect, and encouragement. What about My Child? ood camps also help children by matching their programs to the developmental level of the child. Psychologists will often speak of “developmental tasks” or “age-appropriate challenges” when discussing what children of different ages need to learn in order to develop appropriately. Camp is one of the few areas of your child’s life where the program can be matched to specific needs and developmental tasks, helping children make the most of their natural strengths. In my opinion, the camp experience is superior to most schools in this regard, as camps make no assumption that all third graders, for example, need to learn the same things or be treated the same way.

Keeping in mind that children of the same chronological age can vary widely in terms of emotional, social, and intellectual development, the following can be used as a general set of guidelines for what you can expect your child to get out of camp whether your choice is a day camp close to home or an overnight camp in a neighboring state. Children Four to Six Years lthough children of this age may seem too young for camp, almost all of them can benefit from day camp, and in more precocious cases, overnight camp. Young children are learning how to explore their world, gradually spending more time away from their parents’ side. Day camp, or a brief, overnight camp is an ideal place for young children to experience being away from their parents in a safe, nurturing environment. Good camps will have many structured, productive activities such as crafts and field trips that also help children get used to following a schedule. Children Seven to Nine Years amp is a particularly good match for this age group, given the chances to participate in activities that are unlikely to be available elsewhere: archery, horseback riding, hiking, sailing, or nature exploration, as well as more typical activities such as team sports. The variety of activities offered at camp fits nicely with this group of children. Social development is also critical in this period, as early friendships are formed and the child’s individual personality begins to express itself. Some children are simply born more introverted, preferring to be in small groups or alone; others are born more extraverted, enjoying large groups and being the center of attention. Either way is fine. What summer camp provides, because of the sheer amount of time young children spend playing with each other, is the chance to experience the structured and

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unstructured social interactions of childhood that allow them to determine what kind of person they are going to be. Children Ten to Twelve Years hildren of these ages are beginning to define their individuality. One eleven-year-old can still be engrossed in cartoons and action figures or dolls, while another spends an hour getting ready for school, seems obsessed who did or did not say “hi” to them in the hallway, and so on. Some voice the frustration of feeling forced to “be too grown up” on one hand, while some are tired of “being treated like a little kid” on the other. The variety of social, athletic, and outdoor activities offered through camp addresses these issues very well. If your child is “young for his or her age,” camp will allow them to spend time with other children doing “kid stuff’ until they are ready to move on. The more “mature” child will have similar opportunities with older children, without fear of being ostracized. Camp provides a safe, supervised set of opportunities to explore and define individual interests and motivations as they enter adolescence. Children Thirteen Years and Up dolescents aged thirteen and older may benefit the most from the unique opportunities offered through camp. When we expect them to behave like stereotypically rebellious, troubled teenagers, we are in danger of acting in ways that elicit these behaviors. Camp is a tremendous way to reverse this process.

Older campers have opportunities for service and leadership that are unrivaled compared to most other summer activities. For example, older campers will often be given positions where they serve as role models for younger campers. For many teens, this will be the first time they are given responsibilities, and most will jump at the chance to prove themselves in a positive way. Older campers also learn that they can leave a constructive, lasting impact on the people around them, helping them develop first-hand knowledge of the benefits of service and altruism. The Summer and Beyond amp allows children to be exposed to a diverse group of people, interests, and activities where they are given the opportunity to try and succeed. The sense of accomplishment children get from mastering these challenges gives Campers a personal sense of security and self-confidence that will help them for the rest of their lives. n ••• Originally printed in CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association © 2005 American Camping Association, Inc.

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16 / July 15th 2018 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Community News

Cabrillo College’s Statewide Recognition

Strong Workforce Star for Innovative, Career Technical Education Programs Advance Economic and Social Mobility for Students

abrillo College today announces that several of its Career Technical Education programs recently earned the California Community College’s Strong Workforce Stars recognition at the Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels, for success in improving student employment and wage outcomes. Cabrillo’s Career Technical Education programs earing Strong Workforce awards: Gold Stars — Accounting, Associate Degree in Nursing, and Dental Hygiene Silver Stars — Construction and Energy Management, Horticulture and Crop Production, Human Services, and Radiologic Technology Bronze Stars — Administration of Justice, Children’s Literacy, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, Engineering Technology and Fire Technology Strong Workforce Stars is an annual recognition for career education programs within the California Community Colleges system whose graduates show significant gains in factors important for advancing social mobility — a substantial increase in earnings, attainment of a living wage and a job closely matched with the field of study. “We are incredibly proud of our Strong Workforce Stars,” said Dr. Kathleen Welch, Cabrillo College Vice President of Instruction. “Our program faculty work very hard to create learning environments that not only promote student growth and learning, but also that prepare students for

success in the real world. As evidenced by these awards, they’ve achieved that, and in our area where the cost of living is high, achieving these milestones is particularly impressive!” Those named Strong Workforce Stars met one or more of the following thresholds: • An increase in earnings by 50 percent or more, based on a match to the state wage file, for students who earned a certificate or degree and were last enrolled in 2015-16. • Attainment of the regional living wage by 70 percent or more, based on a match to the state wage file, for students who earned a certificate or degree and were last enrolled in 2015-16. • 90 percent or more are employed in a job similar to their field of study, according to the Career Technical Education Outcomes Survey, for students who earned a certificate or degree and were last enrolled in 2014-15. Bronze Stars programs met one or more thresholds; Silver Stars met two; and Gold Stars met all three. Cabrillo College’s Accounting program achieved a Gold Star because students boost their earnings by 62%, 73% attained the regional living wage, and 91% secured a job closely related to their field of study. “Cabrillo” page 23

Community News

Dominican Offers County’s First Robotic Surgery

da Vinci Xi™ Most Advanced Technology Available for Minimally Invasive Surgery ®

SANTA CRUZ — Dignity Health Dominican Hospital now offers the most advanced technology available for minimally invasive surgery through the da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System. Dominican is the only hospital in Santa Cruz County to offer this technology. “We’re pleased to be able to bring this leading-edge technology to Santa Cruz County,” said Dominican Hospital President Nanette Mickiewicz, MD. “The Xi robot is one more example of the kind of advanced care patients have access to right here in our community through Dominican Hospital.” The Xi robot provides advanced robotic technology including high-definition, 3-D visualization. It also allows for enhanced dexterity and greater precision and control for the surgeon. The technology allows surgeons to provide a minimally invasive option for patients who need a wide range of procedures, including urology, gynecology, gynecologic oncology, general surgery and colorectal surgery. Surgeons on the medical staff at Dominican Hospital have completed their training on the robot, and cases begin this week. “I do gynecologic surgery where I need the fine movements of the instruments to tie sutures,” said Anne-Marie Jackson, MD. “The Xi will improve our ability to take care of patients through minimally invasive surgery.” The Dominican Hospital Foundation funded the robot through nearly $2 million in community donations. This type of

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purchase is an example of the foundation’s commitment to providing the most advanced tools to caregivers in the Santa Cruz County community. “The Dominican Hospital Foundation takes great pride in providing some of the best services to our community,” said Foundation Board President Carol Lezin. “Technology needs to be cutting edge and for our community we expect only the best.” With the addition of the Xi robot, Dominican Hospital now has two da Vinci robots available to serve patients. Donations to the Dominican Hospital Foundation funded both. n

“The Xi will improve our ability to take care of patients through minimally invasive surgery.” — Anne-Marie Jackson, MD.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2018 / 17

Community News

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By Gail L. Pellerin, County Clerk

andidates interested in running for any of the school or special districts or city offices up for election on November 6, 2018 may begin to file candidate papers with either the Santa Cruz County Elections Department for districts, or the appropriate City Clerks’ Office for city offices beginning Monday, July 16. Filing for the local offices up for election on November 6, 2018 ends at 5 p.m., Friday, August 10 unless the incumbent (who is not termed out) does not file. In that case, filing will be extended until 5 p.m. on August 15. A complete list of offices on the ballot are available online at www.votescount. com Interested persons can also look up their address to see which districts they reside in at http://electiondatalookup. co.santa-cruz.ca.us/ Offices up for election in November include boards of education, community college boards, unified/high school district boards, elementary school district boards, fire protection district boards, water district boards, port district board, recreation district boards, other miscellaneous boards, as well as city council members in the four cities. A person is eligible to be elected or appointed to the school and special district boards if that person is: • 18 years of age and a citizen of the state at the time of his/her election or appointment (Government Code §1020) • A registered voter of the district or division and otherwise qualified

to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued to the person or at the time of the person’s appointment. (Elections Code §201; Government Code §24001, Public Resources Code 5784, 5784.1). • For the resource conservation district, appointees must be a registered voter of the state who 1) resides in the district and either owns real property or have served two years or more as an associate director providing advisory assistance to the board, or 2) be a designated agent of a resident landowner within the district. (Public Resources Code §9352) Declarations of Candidacy for candidates for the school and special district boards are available beginning July 16 from the Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Department, 701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz, CA, 831-454-2060. Declarations of Candidacy must be filed by 5 p.m., Friday, August 10 at the County Clerk/Elections Department at the address above unless the incumbent does not file; the filing deadline is then extended five days to 5 p.m., Wednesday, August 15 for anyone other than the incumbent to file. Cities in Santa Cruz County having offices up for election on November • Capitola: 3 Councilmembers: Michael Termini (termed out), Stephanie Harlan (termed out), and Jacques Bertrand. • Santa Cruz: 3 Councilmembers, David Terrazas (termed out), Cynthia Chase, and Richelle Noroyan.

• Scotts Valley: 2 Councilmembers: Jim Reed and Stephany E. Aguilar. • Watsonville: 4 Councilmembers – District 3, Lowell Hurst; District 4, Jimmy Dutra; District 5, Rebecca J. Garcia; District 7, Nancy Bilicich (termed out). Candidates who file for Capitola and Scotts Valley City office must be a registered voter of the city. Candidates for Santa Cruz City Council must be a qualified voter of the city for at least 30 days preceding nomination or appointment. Candidates running for Watsonville City Council must be a resident and registered voter of the City and the District for 30 days preceding the opening date for the filing of nomination papers. All candidates for City office must file a Nomination Petition with 20 valid signatures in order to have their name placed on the November ballot. In addition, Declarations of Candidacy must be filed with the appropriate City Clerk’s Office. Candidates for City Council should contact the City Clerk in their city of residence. • Capitola City Clerk’s Office – 420 Capitola Ave., Capitola, CA 95010, 831-475-7300 • Santa Cruz City Clerk’s Office – 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, 831-420-5038

Community News

• Scotts Valley City Clerk’s Office – 1 Civic Center Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066, 831-440-5600 • Watsonville City Clerk’s Office – 275 Main St., 4th Floor, Watsonville, CA 95076, 831-768-3040 Appointment to each elective office will be made in the event that there are no nominees or an insufficient number of nominees for the office and a petition for election is not filed with the elections official within the time period prescribed. At the time the candidate files a Declaration of Candidacy, candidates have the option of submitting a 200-word Candidate’s Statement of Qualifications to be published in the County Voter Information Guide at the candidate’s expense. Persons interested in candidate filing are encouraged to contact the County Elections Department to obtain a “Candidate’s Handbook” at the Elections Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 310 in Santa Cruz, phone 831-4542060. The “Candidate’s Handbook” for the November Election is available online at www.votescount.com. n ••• For more information, please contact the Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Department at 831-454-2060.

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Letter to the Editor

Saving Democracy ear Editor: My wife and I attended the Saving Democracy panel discussion on Friday night (June 29, 2018) at Twin Lakes Baptist Church. It was billed as a discussion of the dangerous and almost unprecedented polarization afflicting society today and the critical need for thoughtful, respectful dialogue among the warring sides. The panelists were billed as coming from “left, right and center.” We attended because both of us passionately agree that acrimony, epithets, disrespect and hate will take us down a path that I doubt anybody, regardless of political affiliation, wants to go. Here’s what occurred. The panel consisted of former Democrat Congressman Sam Farr, San Francisco feminist activist Debbie Mesloh; USC and UC Berkeley politics professor Dan Schnur; Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend; communication consultant Spencer Critchley, and former Vice Chair of the California Republican Party Kristin Olsen of Modesto; Friend and Critchley are veterans of Democratic presidential campaigns. Left, right and center? It is true that

Kristen was very centrist, reasonable and vanilla. There were barely any conflicting views expressed by the panel. The panel discussion started with an opened-ended question by moderator Critchley as to what each panelist thought generally about the topic of saving democracy by engaging in a more tempered and respectful dialogue. Farr was the first to respond: He said something about the difficulty of engaging in such a dialogue with the “SOB that was elected president.” The undertone of the evening from the predominantly left leaning panel reflected Farr’s disdain for the duly elected president of the United States and every one of us who voted for him. As hard a time as I had in putting my X beside the name of one clinical narcissist as opposed to another, I did so for one reason and one reason alone – SCOTUS, and I got what I voted for. I didn’t need the Honorable Congressman Farr and the rest of the Obama sycophants on the Saving Democracy echo chamber to try to shame me for my very well-reasoned electoral decision. — James S. Rummonds

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2018 / 19

Community News

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Conveniently located off Highway 1 and just outside Aptos Village, the Aptos Village Square hosts a number of local Aptos businesses.

20 / July 15th 2018 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

7960J Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95003

Grey Bears Makes First Recycled Polystyrene Shipment

or the past decade the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors have worked steadily to eradicate polystyrene (also known as Styrofoam) from the environment. Those efforts have taken a leap forward with Santa Cruz County’s first shipment of recycled polystyrene. In 2008, the Board prohibited the use of polystyrene food service containers, with several other jurisdictions later following suit. In 2012, the County banned the sale of all polystyrene products becoming the first municipality in the U.S. to do so and making an instant improvement to coastal environments and other natural areas. “Our regional environment is the foundation of our economy, our values and our identity. Polystyrene pollution threatens that and through our partnership with Grey Bears, we established the first and only polystyrene recycling operation in the County. This service is another reflection of our community’s priorities in environmental protection,” Santa Cruz County Board Chair Zach Friend said. While technically recyclable, used polystyrene — known as Expanded Polystyrene Scrap — is too light and bulky to justify the cost of shipping to recyclers, and usually ends up in landfills. Using special machines, Grey Bears turns EPS into reusable manufacturing stock through a densification process, and just shipped

its first load of 10 tons of densified polystyrene this week. “EPS is made up of 98 percent air and 2 percent plastic,” Grey Bears Executive Director Tim Brattan said. “The material we just shipped would have originally filled 45 40-yard containers. After processing, that same amount fit on 11 palettes. It’ll be used in any of a range of downstream products, from picture frames, furniture and crown molding, to surfboards, insulation and synthetic lumber. Best of all it’s out of local landfills and away from our bay.” Polystyrene is not allowed in recycling bins, but may be dropped off at Grey Bears during normal business hours. n ••• Grey Bears 2710 Chanticleer Avenue Santa Cruz, Recycling Center: Open every day, Mon-Sun, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. • Main Phone: 831.479.1055, Website: www.greybears.org

Community News

Aptos 4th of July ‘World’s Shortest Parade’ 2018

n article in Land’s End Journal recognized the “World’s Shortest Parade” in Aptos as one of “America’s Most Unique July Fourth Celebrations.” The Journal showcased six small town 4th of July celebrations that they considered to be exceptional. The Aptos “World’s Shortest Parade” previously gained national recognition as one of only seven Fourth of July parades recommended in 2013 as the “Best” by prestigious Condé Nast Traveler. – John Hibble – The 57th Aptos 4th of July parade was again a huge success thanks to efforts by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, volunteers and event an parade sponsors: Sutter Health/PAMF, Allen Property Group, Times Publishing Group, Aegis Living, Rio Sands Hotel, Coldwell Banker, New Leaf, Greenwaste and Earthworks. Each year the parade draws hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators to this short stretch of Soquel running throughout the heart of Aptos be tween the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center and Aptos Village.

The 2018 Aptos 4th of July Parade Grand Marshall was Michael Watkins, the Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools, and the first African American elected to that position in the State of California. Michael has held that position for the past 12 years and will be retiring at the end of this year. This years parade judges were Patrice Edwards, Publisher of the Aptos Times; Kevin Newhouse, Local Historian; Mary Anne Carson, Santa Cruz County Bank; Ray Cancino, Community Bridges and Mary Russell, Mortgage Results. This event offers something for everyone whether you’re a smiling child riding a bike with streamers, school students, teachers and parents celebrating their school spirit, young and not-so-young dancers showing off their stuff, Little League teams celebrating their accomplishments, business owners showing their pride in our community, civic leaders being recognized for their achievements, or a collector of automotive technology riding in a restored 1924 Pierce Arrow or a stunning 2015 Ferrari: it’s a great way to celebrate our country’s independence in the community of Aptos. n ••• Aptos’ 4th of July Celebration in Aptos he Aptos Chamber of Commerce announces the winners of the 2018 Aptos “World’s Shortest Parade” participant contest:

Grand Prize: Best of Parade

Grand Prizes Best of Parade: Agape Dance Academy Crowd Pleaser: Tiny Paws Pug Rescue Adult Groups First Prize: Trout Gulch Mutual Water Co. Judges Choice: Aegis Living of Aptos Bands First Prize: KPIG Jam Van with Coffis Brothers Playing Live Judges’ Choice: Samson Band 50’s & 60’s Rock & Roll Pets First Prize: Monterey Bay Dog Training Club, Inc. Judges’ Choice: Myrtle the Turtle Cars First Prize: Monterey Bay Classic Thunderbirds Judges Choice: Santa Cruz Naturals

First Prize: Bands

Trucks First Prize: Cabrillo Host Lions Club Judges Choice: Ken Madonia 1941 Chevy Truck Children Groups First Prize: Aptos Little League 8-9 year olds Judges’ Choice: Pleasant Valley Horse Club Individual First Prize: Alex & Wilbur Judges Choice: Norman Bei Schools Most Spirited: Orchard School Floats First Prize: Extreme Towing Judges Choice: Boy Scouts Troop 633 ••• Thank you to all participants, you were all fantastic!

First Prize: Trucks

Help Us Find the Missing Chairs! The judge’s chairs from the Aptos Fourth of July Parade have disappeared! They were put against the Coldwell Banker building after the parade. Soon after, when they were supposed to be picked up they were not there. Please help us find them as they belong to the Aptos Chamber of Commerce. They are blue folding chairs with built in cushions. If you have them or spot them somewhere please call 688-7549.

Thank You! www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2018 / 21

Community News

Sow & Grow Fall Feast

September 22, 2018, 4 – 8 p.m. • Farm Discovery 172 Litchfield Lane Watsonville

WATSONVILLE — On September 22 Farm Discovery at Live Earth will host “Sow & Grow” the 10th annual benefit dinner at Live Earth Farm supporting Farm Discovery’s environmental and nutrition education programs for local youth. The afternoon will begin with Chef and business owner Cori Goudge-Ayers, from Persephone, preparing the appetizer course. This magical evening includes craft cocktails, craft cocktails made with Venus Spirits, beer from Discretion Brewing, wine from Storrs Winery, Chesebro Wines and Scheid Family Vineyards, live music by the Steelehouse Stringband and a silent auction. Chef Andrea Mollenaur, executive chef at Lifestyle Culinary Arts, will prepare the wine pairing dinner. All three courses will feature fresh, local farm fresh produce and other artisan ingredients. The event will culminate with a short live auction and then by Buttercup Cakes and Penny Ice Creamery collaborating to create the dessert course overlooking the Pajaro Valley. This farm feast is the major annual fundraiser for Farm Discovery at Live

Earth’s on-farm education programs and field trips for local youth. In 2017, over 2,800 students visited Live Earth Farm to learn about food, farming, and the environment. The programs are multi-sensory and hands-on, allowing youth to harvest and taste farm fresh foods while learning about organic agriculture, nutrition, ecology, and gradelevel science concepts.

22 / July 15th 2018 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Through Farm Discovery’s programs, local youth are engaged and inspired to be informed stewards of their own health, their community and their environment. Farm Discovery at Live Earth aims to raise $50,000 through “Sow & Grow” the September 22nd fall fundraising event, to support farm visits, transportation costs and garden & kitchen supplies for the

over 3000 students who will visit Live Earth Farm during the 2018-19 school year. To purchase tickets or for sponsorship and volunteer opportunities please visit: https://sowandgrow.eventbrite.com Farm Discovery at Live Earth is a farm-based education not-for-profit organization in Watsonville, California to empower youth and families to build and sustain healthy food, farming, social and natural systems. By developing environmental literacy, teaching farming skills, and transforming food habits that support personal, community and environmental health we encourage students to build a relationship with food that is healthy for people, the environment and the economy. A special emphasis is placed on reaching under served people in the Pajaro Valley to bolster individual, community and environmental health. n ••• Farm Discovery 172 Litchfield Lane Watsonville, (831) 728-2032 • Email: Education@ FarmDiscovery.org Website: https://farmdiscovery.org ••• Photos Credit: Liz Birnbaum of the Curated Feast

Community News

Report Highlights Workforce Challenges

25,000 Resident Workers Leave the County Every Day

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — A new report commissioned by the Santa Cruz County Workforce Development Board shows that Santa Cruz County remains a net exporter of workforce talent, with additional challenges in the areas of job quality and geographic disparities. Produced by BW Research Partnership on behalf of the Workforce Development Board, the report shows roughly 25,000 resident workers leave the County every day, commuting out of county for employment. While the County has added 6,300 jobs since 2007, the strongest growth has been in low-skill, low-wage jobs with an average annual salary of $25,000 – below the living wage needed to sustain families. The County and Workforce Development Board will use the report to operationalize the County’s Strategic Plan, which includes goals of creating opportu-

nities to develop a quality workforce and increasing family-wage jobs. Furthermore, job growth in South County is lower than the rest of the county and unemployment is higher. South County also has lower educational attainment and household incomes, and is disproportionately impacted by local housing costs. “This report highlights some of the challenges posed by the labor market here in Santa Cruz County,” Workforce Development Board Director Andy Stone said. “Local workers are forced to look elsewhere for opportunity and work harder to make ends meet. Fortunately, there are steps we as a community can take to meet these challenges.” The report calls for engaging stakeholders to build an education network to tap underutilized potential, support local job creation by attracting new businesses,

and better understand the challenges faced by Santa Cruz County residents, which have led to high turnover and low retention rates. “Our long-term economic vitality is dependent on providing our workforce with the skills, tools and opportunities to be successful, as we seek to enhance the job market and business sector for the benefit of all county residents,” Santa Cruz County

Economic Development Director Andy Constable said. Several industry clusters have shown strong growth in Santa Cruz County and could provide career pathways for more local residents if developed further: Information and Communications Technologies; Finance and Banking, Insurance, and Real Estate; Healthcare; and Biotechnology and Biomedical Devices. n

Mid–County Residents Invited to Discuss Future of Water

SOQUEL — Residents in the Mid-County area of Santa Cruz County -including the Santa Cruz Mountains, Live Oak, Soquel, Aptos, La Selva Beach and Seascape -- are invited to a key meeting on the future of local water supplies hosted by the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency and Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee. Joint Mid-County Groundwater Agency

“Cabrillo” from page 16 Cabrillo College’s Associate Degree in Nursing program’s Gold Star increased their earnings by 90%, 86% attained the regional living wage, and 100% secured a job closely related to their field of study. Recent graduates are entering a favorable labor market, due to an increased demand for healthcare with the Affordable Care Act and a high number of Registered Nurse retirements. Cabrillo College’s Dental Hygiene

/ Groundwater Sustainability Plan Meeting On Water Supplies Thursday, July 19, 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the Simpkins Family Swim Center, 979 7th St., Santa Cruz Water customers, farmers, and private well owners in the MidCounty area are encouraged to attend the meeting to hear information critical to the future of local water supplies, including:

Introduction to groundwater sustainability planning History of water challenges and proposed solutions in the MidCounty region Discussion of projects currently under review There is time to ask questions and participate in public comment. Learn more at the Santa Cruz Mid-County

Groundwater Agency website: http:// www.midcountygroundwater.org. The 14-member Groundwater Sustainability Plan Advisory Committee represents varied users of the groundwater basin and is tasked with making policy recommendations to the MGA Board on our regional Groundwater Sustainability Plan.

program accomplished a Gold Star standard, because students improved their earnings by 112%, 89% attain the regional living wage, and 100% secured a job closely related to their field of study. “Strong Workforce Stars career education programs are proven to help Californians increase their earning power,” said Van Ton-Quinlivan, executive vice chancellor for Workforce & Digital Futures. “With the introduction of levels this year, we are able to highlight those programs that are seeing significant results, as well

as those that are on the rise toward even greater success.” For more information about Cabrillo College and our Workforce Stars program, go to http://www. dwmshowcase.com/ showcase_workforce_stars. asp?pg=7. Cabrillo College is part of the California Community Colleges, the largest system of higher education in the nation composed of 72 districts and 114 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year.

Community colleges supply workforce training, basic skills education and prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. The Chancellor’s Office provides leadership, advocacy and support under the direction of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges. n ••• For more information about the community colleges, please visit http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/. To see all of the Strong Workforce Stars stories, go to http://dwmshowcase.com/

“Mid-County Water” page 25

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2018 / 23

California News

2017 California Criminal Justice Data Released

Five Reports Detail Statewide Law Enforcement Info To Promote Transparency

SACRAMENTO — The California Attorney General Xavier Becerra released five annual criminal justice reports that provide law enforcement agencies and the public with statewide data on criminal justice statistics. The reports, as well as raw data supporting each report, can be accessed via the Attorney General’s OpenJustice website. The information contained in the 2017 publications reflects the statistical data submitted by California law enforcement agencies and other criminal justice entities. • • • • •

The reports released are: Crime in California Hate Crime in California Homicide in California Juvenile Justice in California Use of Force Incident Reporting (URSUS)

The annual criminal justice reports and supporting data published by the California Department of Justice are updated annually on the Attorney General’s OpenJustice website. Attorney General Becerra encourages researchers, academics, and interested parties to further analyze the data. ••• Crime in California 2017 presents statewide statistics for reported crimes, arrests, dispositions of adult felony arrests, adults placed on probation, full-time criminal justice personnel, civilian complaints against peace officers, domestic violence-related calls for assistance, and law enforcement officers killed or assaulted. • The violent crime rate per 100,000 population increased 1.5 percent from

2016-2017 while the property crime rate decreased 2.1 percent. • From 2016-2017, the homicide rate decreased from 4.9 to 4.6 per 100,000 population. • From 2016-2017, the motor vehicle theft rate decreased 5.3 percent, from 448.9 in to 424.9 per 100,000 population. • From 2016-2017, the arson and rape rates increased 10.7 and 6.9 (respectively) per 100,000 population. • The 2016-2017 total arrest rate decreased 2.5 percent, while the total felony violent offence arrest rate increased 1.9 percent per 100,000 population at risk. The at risk population refers specifically to individuals between the ages of 10-69. • From 2016-2017, the adult total arrest rate decreased 1.9 percent and the juvenile total arrest rate decreased 11.0 percent in 2017 per 100,000 population at risk. • From 2016-2017, the total homicide and robbery arrest rate increased 4.3 and 6.6 percent respectively per 100,000 population at risk. • The 2017 total arrest rate for rape remained the same as in 2016 at 8.3 per 100,000 population at risk. • From 2016 to 2017, the total felony drug offense arrest rate decreased 23.5 percent, while the marijuana and dangerous drug offense arrest rates decreased 73.7 and 12.7 percent, respectively per 100,000 population. ••• Hate Crime in California 2017 reports statistics on hate crimes that occurred in California during 2016, including the following key findings: • Hate crime events over the last year increased 17.4 percent, from 931 in 2016 to 1,093 in 2017. • Hate crime events involving a racial bias over the last year increased 16.0 percent, from 519 in 2016 to 602 in 2017.

• Anti-black or African American bias events rose from 251 in 2016 to 302 in 2017, an increase of 20.3 percent. • Hate crimes with a sexual orientation bias accounted for 22.5 percent of hate crimes reported in 2017. • Hate crimes with an anti-gay (male) bias increased 13.2 percent over the last year, from 152 in 2016 to 172 in 2017. • The total number of victims of reported hate crimes increased 10.9 percent from 1,145 in 2016 to 1,270 in 2017. • The number of suspects of reported hate crimes increased 3.2 percent from 982 in 2016 to 1,013 in 2017. ••• Homicide in California 2017 includes demographic data about homicide victims, persons arrested for homicide, persons sentenced to death, peace officers feloniously killed in the line of duty, and justifiable homicides. • The annual homicide rate decreased in 2017 (from 4.9 to 4.6 homicides per 100,000 population), for a total of 1,829 homicides in 2017 compared to 1,930 in 2016. • In 2017, 80.2 percent of homicide victims were male and 19.8 percent were female. • Over half (51.8 percent) of the female victims reported in 2017 were killed in their residence. • In 2017, the largest proportion of victims where race/ethnicity was identified were Hispanic, at 44.9 percent. • 70.9 percent of the homicides where the weapon was identified involved a firearm in 2017. • There were 148 justifiable homicides reported in 2017, an increase from the 142 justifiable homicides reported in 2016. Of the 148 justifiable homicides reported in 2017, 106 were committed by a peace officer and 42 were committed by a private citizen. •••

Juvenile Justice in California 2017 provides insight into the juvenile justice process by reporting the number of arrests, referrals to probation departments, petitions filed, and dispositions for juveniles tried in juvenile and adult courts. • There were 56,249 juvenile arrests reported by law enforcement agencies in 2017, down 10.4 percent from 62,743 juvenile arrests in 2016. • In 2017, there were 71,791 juvenile cases handled through probation departments, of which 38,232 were referred to and decided by a juvenile court. • Of individuals handled formally by a juvenile court, 62 percent were made wards of the court. • There were 190 juveniles whose cases were decided in adult court in 2017. Of these, 61.1 percent were convicted. ••• URSUS: Use of Force Incident Reporting 2017 presents a summary of use of force and discharge of firearm incidents that were reported to the California Department of Justice. Use of force and discharge of firearm incidents are defined in Government Code section 12525.2. • In 2017, there were 707 incidents that involved use of force resulting in serious bodily injury or death, or the discharge of a firearm. ° Of the 707 reported use of force incidents, 353 involved the discharge of a firearm. • In 2017, there were 741 civilians and 1,687 officers involved in the incidents reported. n

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Advisory Team Recruitment

re you interested in learning about and influencing law enforcement policies and practices? Apply to join the Sheriff’s Advisory Team! Sheriff Hart created the Sheriff’s Advisory Team as one of his first acts during his first term of office. The Sheriff’s Advisory Team is a representative group of volunteers who live or work in Santa Cruz County. The advisory team will meet with Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart

once a month to discuss law enforcement issues that are impacting all of us. We seek people who are open to new ideas and provide community feedback that lead to positive public safety outcomes. The Sheriff’s Advisory Team is open to community members from all walks of life including residents from all five Supervisor districts, residents of the four local cities, and people

24 / July 15th 2018 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

working in the health, treatment, faith, education and business. The Team meets the second Wednesday each from 6 pm to 8 pm at Sheriff’s headquarters in Live Oak. Team members typically serve for a year. There will be an education component to the Sheriff’s Advisory Team that will include touring all our facilities, jails and participating in a ride along with our Patrol staff

so that each member fully understands all the services the Sheriff’s Office provides to the community. n ••• Applications are due no later than August 8, 2018 and are available on the Sheriff’s Office website. The first session begins in September. Here is the link to apply: http://www.scsheriff. com/Home/SheriffsAdvisoryTeam/AdvisoryTeamApplication.aspx Prepared By: Sergeant Brian Cleveland

Community News

SCCOE Appoints Jivan Dhaliwal

Named Associate Superintendent of Educational Services

he Santa Cruz County Office of Education announced the appointment of Jivan Dhaliwal as the new Associate Superintendent of Educational Services. She is taking over for Mary Anne James who is retiring after serving over 33 years in education. Ms. Dhaliwal is an innovative educational leader with Jivan Dhaliwal a strong record of accomplishment as an advocate for students. She has successfully developed and implemented programs to ensure student success. Over the past five years, Ms. Dhaliwal has been the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Campbell Union High School District. In this role, she partnered with

“Mid-County Water” from page 23 All legally required plan elements must be complete and submitted to the State by January 31, 2020. The MGA is a regional water agency required by state law governed by an 11-member board with two elected officials each from Central Water District,

district and instructional staff at each school site to ensure instructional programs are effectively implemented and supported. Ms. Dhaliwal’s responsibilities have included: formative assessment development, data analysis, designing and providing both teacher and administrator professional development, and planning for implementation of the Common Core State Standards. She also monitored and supported Career Technical Education, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), the transition to Next Generation Science Standards, and instructional technology integration. Her most recent experience allowed

her to work side-by-side with district and site level administrators, content area department chairs and teachers to transform classroom instruction to meet the demands of the new standards. Ms. Dhaliwal is finalizing her doctorate in the Leadership for Educational Equity Program (LEEP) at the University of California, Berkeley, and she assumed her new role effective July 1, 2018. n

[Jivan Dhaliwal’s] most recent experience allowed her to work side-by-side with district and site level administrators, content area department chairs and teachers to transform classroom instruction to meet the demands of the new standards.

Singers and Songwriters

City of Santa Cruz, County of Santa Cruz, and Soquel Creek Water District plus three private well representatives. Together the MGA Board oversees ongoing groundwater management activities the Mid-County Groundwater Basin. Learn more at http://www.midcounty groundwater.org.

ACROSS

1. “____ of time” 6. Federal Communications Commission 9. Frosh, next year 13. “Vamos a la ____” 14. *Don McLean: “A long, long time ____...” 15. Par on a short golf hole 16. Whatsoever 17. Steadfast Soldier’s material 18. Art class support 19. Classical music composition, pl. 21. *One of his hits is a stadium favorite

23. *Paul McCartney’s 2013 album 24. Fat Man or Little Boy 25. Cul de ____ 28. Prince of India 30. *”I Will Always Love You” creator 35. “Goodness gracious!” 37. *Chuck Berry’s “____ Over Beethoven” 39. Bird-made fertilizer 40. Beginner 41. Interior designer’s field 43. Come clean, with “up” 44. Meat jelly dish 46. Ad staple 47. What refugees do 48. *Best selling artist in 2000s in U.S. 50. Type of tide 52. Pig pen 53. #34 Down, alt. spelling

55. Bird word 57. *King of Pop 61. *Bruce Springsteen 65. “Farewell” from Emmanuel Macron 66. Bonanza find 68. Cone shaped dwelling 69. Dust-related allergy trigger, pl. 70. “Days of ____ Lives” 71. *Soul singersongwriter Hayes 72. Pavlova’s pas 73. X 74. Smallest units of life 1. 2. 3. 4.

DOWN

Pampering places Chorus member Indian flatbread *He’s “Tangled Up in Blue” 5. Salt merchant

6. *”____” Domino 7. Computer-generated imagery 8. Urban dwelling 9. A fake in bed 10. Guesstimate phrase 11. Hammer part 12. Retained 15. Lipton package 20. Grammy, e.g. 22. Mischievous little rascal 24. Theater tier 25. Caterpillar hairs 26. Discrimination against seniors 27. Plural of carpus 29. *Piano man 31. 1600s neck wear 32. Chinese weight units 33. Beginning of illness 34. Offensively curious 36. “How you ____?”

38. Opera house box 42. House pest 45. Population count 49. Cow call 51. Kind of license 54. Condescending one 56. Falstaffian in body 57. Impromptu performances 58. Miners’ passage 59. Give a quote 60. *Neil Young: “____ on rockin’ in the free world” 61. Type of seabird 62. October stone 63. *”Kiss From a Rose” singer-songwriter 64. Abbreviated seconds 67. “The Murders in the ___ Morgue” © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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Featured Columnist

Marketing To Tourists

esides opening your door on a sunny day or putting the word ‘Sale’ in your window, how do you plan on getting this season’s tourists to visit your business? Tourism contributes one-third to our economy in Santa Cruz County. Appreciating the value of tourists and converting them to being your seasonal customers is essential for your success this upcoming season. Some of the topics we’re going to cover are those that you may not know about – which could be a problem – because if you haven’t collected or know specific information about your tourist customers, then you’re at a disadvantage to your competitors who do. Where Do They Stay? ou know when there’s a tourist customer who walks in your business. Since they’re not a regular customer that you likely know or recognize, you’ll probably ask if they live in the area to see if they’ve recently moved here, and if so, where they moved from. Not being a local you may notice their un-tanned skin tone or those who actively look all around their surroundings, as first-time tourists often do. These are likely easy cues for you and your staff. But when you talk to them, and ask where they’re from, do you bother to ask where they’re staying? Are they staying with friends, and if so, where? Are they AirBnB folks? Are they staying at the Dream Inn? Hotel Paradox? Mission Inn? If they’re staying at one of the many fine hotels and motels in the area – you need to collect that information, to find out which may be the lodging facility that

By Ron Kustek

would be best for you to partner with. Perhaps you offer special offers to those who stay at a certain hotel. Maybe you partner with the hotel to promote their location on your website and/or in your store, in exchange for them to hand out a flyer to your location, or place one in each room as a ‘may we suggest for our special guests, our favorite local merchants’. The point is, if you don’t ask, you won’t know. If you don’t have an easy tracking or info collecting system in place, you won’t know. If you’ve not trained your staff to ask this kind of question, you won’t know how you may be missing out on this season’s tourist opportunities to increase your sales. Are They Connected – Socially? re you actively connected on Pinterest or Instagram with your business? If not, you’re likely missing out on the conversations and sharing that happens between people who find a great local store and want to share that with their friends – on Facebook or other social mobile platforms. If you and your staff observe a person looking at your items, taking pictures, and/ or looking like they’re sharing something on their phone – that’s a great opportunity to ask what site they’re loving, and also to offer to take a picture of them next to what they may have photographed, so they can share themselves pictured with your items in your location! This helps generate the buzz you want to be relevant to tourists, who are sharing their newfound discoveries with their friends in their network, but also likely on tourist-friendly sites like TripAvisor. But did you know about the other popular social travel sites like Trippy? Everplaces? Gogobot or Tripit? If not, it’s time for you and your staff to brush up on your own social travel connectedness to have something in common with your tourist customers, and also a way to understand how tourists can promote your business to others who are looking for the ‘inside scoop’ on local travel gems. Can You Redirect Foot Traffic? inally, don’t underestimate the value of being able to entice the senses of customers to walk into your location. There

26 / July 15th 2018 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

are some tried-and-true means depending on the type of business you own. If you’re a bakery, directing the buttery-smell of hot pastries outside is a great way to attract customers (as is someone outside offering free bite-sized samples). Coffee shops can also direct the aromas of their brews outside in order to intrigue a passerby’s sense of smell — which is one of our most powerful senses. If you’re a clothing store that also sells perfumes or colognes, perhaps a fine misting every 10 minutes outside your location will intrigue those to enter. And on blistering-sunny-hot days, consider outdoor water misters that help refresh

those walking by – so that they’re instantly thankful for their refreshing experience, and turn to find out more of what you’re offering inside… With so many new customers every season coming here to enjoy themselves by spending money, be sure you’re able to get tourists to visit and buy from your business so they’ll happily be sharing, talking about (and coming back to) for years to come! n ••• Ron Kustek is a business instructor at Cabrillo College teaching Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Advertising, Small Business and General Business Management.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2018 / 27

Community Calendar Aptos Chamber of Commerce Tuesday August 14

Announcements

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

ddiction is a family disease. Luncheon with Congressman It affects the relationships of Jimmy Panetta those close to the addict: parents, 11:50 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Best spouses, siblings, children, Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old longtime friends, and employers. Dominion Ct. Aptos If someone’s addiction is et neutrality? The Iran Nuclear affecting you, first you must help Deal? The Farm Bill Vote? Join yourself. us as the Congressman gives us an Nar-Anon is a twelve step update from Washington! support group for families and Get your tickets by calling friends of addicts. There are no 831-688-1467 or email esme@ dues or fees to join. Just come to aptoschamber.com – Cost: $30 a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar Thursday Sept. 13 problems, talk about how they September Breakfast Meeting cope and find recovery. For more information and to 7:30 - 9:00 a.m., Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion locate times and locations of meetings, please go to our website Ct, Aptos at www.nar-anon.org or call oin us for our September Breakfast Meeting. Come hear 831-200-3756. Robert Bailey, owner of Bailey Properties, as he gives his Real Estate updates: locally and nationally. Call 688-1467 to make reservaWeekdays tions. Cost: $20 members/ $25 non-members CASA Orientations to Become

group, we will share stories, learn tools for coping and receive support from people who care. Contact Hospice of Santa Cruz County Grief Support Program. (831) 430-3078

Overeaters Anonymous

7:00pm-8:00pm, Soquel Congregational Church, 4951 Soquel Dr. o you have problem with food? Come join us for a friendly free 12 step support group with the solution. Teens and adults welcome. It will be held in the Anne Hutchinson Room. Any questions call (831) 429-7906

Second Mondays

Invisible/Alienated Grandparents Support Group

2:30 - 4 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 10707 Soquel Drive, Aptos ed by Dr. Pat Hanson author of Invisible Grandparents: Leave a Legacy of Love Whether You Can Be There or Not this will be a safe structured environment for sharing stories if you so choose, and learning healthy ways to deal with separation from anyone. Co-sponsored by Alienated Grandparents Anonymous www.AGA-FL. org a national organization that provide information and support to grandparents who feel alienated or estranged to their grandchildren. Questions: pat@invisiblegrand Advocates for Children ASA empowers volunteers to parent.com • (831) 601-9195 Thursday October 11 directly influence life-changing http://facebook.com/invisible October Breakfast Meeting grandparent decisions affecting children in 7:30 - 9:00 a.m., Best Western foster care. Court appointed Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion special advocates are everyday Mondays & Tuesdays people that, with just a few hours a Ct, Aptos WomenCARE ARM-in-ARM week can have a lifetime of impact oin us for our September 12:30 - 2 p.m. Breakfast Meeting. Come hear for a child who has been abused or omenCARE ARM-in-ARM neglected. this month’s speaker: Carlos support group for women More info www.casaof santacruz. Palacios, Santa Cruz County org or call (831) 761-2956 XT.102 with advanced, recurrent and Administrative Officer. metastatic cancers. Meets weekly ••• Mondays & Tuesdays, with a Call 688-1467 to make reservaFirst Mondays: 2-3 p.m., separate meeting every First and tions. Cost: $20 members/ $25 in Watsonville Third Tuesday every month. non-members Second Tuesdays: 5:30-7 p.m. Registration required. Call 4572273 for more information and to in Capitola Third Wednesdays: 5:30-7 p.m. register. No cost to attend. www.womencaresantacruz.org in Watsonville

Ongoing Events

Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday July 17

Cal Giant Berry Farms Annual Skirt Steak BBQ

11:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m., 75 Sakata Lane, Watsonville undraiser for: CASA, Jacobs Heart, Pajaro Valley Shelter, Watsonville Senior Center, Teen Kitchen Project, and others. $12 Meal includes Skirt Steak, Garlic Bread, Fresh Fruit, Tossed Green Salad, Dessert.

Friday August 17 Pajaro Valley Chamber Annual PV Open

t’s not too early to start pulling your team together and coming up with a catchy name. Give us a call and we’ll register you before we sellout! Call the Chamber office: 724-3900

Third Thursdays: 2-3 p.m. in Santa Cruz Third Fridays: 12-1 p.m. in Aptos Mondays

Mondays & Wednesdays

Alzheimer’s Association

lzheimer’s Association A has free support groups for family caregivers at 1777-A

Capitola road Pajaro Valley Toastmasters 2nd & 4th Mondays 2-3:30pm 6-7 p.m. Old City Council Chamber, facilitated by Jill Ginghofer, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 5:30-7pm 250 Main Street, Watsonville facilitated by Francie Newfield & ome join a dynamic, Kathleen McBurney. supportive group of people Call 800 272 3900 for more at all levels of experience from information. beginners to more advanced. We’re here to help you discover your voice and share it effectively. Tuesdays Everyone is welcome! Writing/Discussion Meeting For more info: (831) 663-1628 or 6:30-7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran (831)783-8047. Church, Gazebo Room, 10707 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 (At Caregiver Support Group Hwy One and Freedom Blvd) 12-1 p.m., PAMF, 2850 Como you have a problem with mercial Crossing, Santa Cruz food? Please check out our atz Cancer Center, PAMF and Hospice of Santa Cruz County free, friendly 12-Step support group with the solution. All teens invite you to attend a Caregiver and adults welcome! Support Group for those caring for someone with a serious illness. For current times and locations of When a loved one is seriously ill, other meetings: www.santait can be a challenge for the entire cruzoa.org/meetings. Or call our family. In this ongoing support Hotline at (831)429-7906.

28 / July 15th 2018 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Business Debtors Anonymous

5:15-6:30pm, Calvary Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 532 Center Street, Santa Cruz. e specifically focus on recovering from debting on one’s business. For more information: 831-425-3272.

Overeaters Anonymous

6:30-7:30pm Christ Lutheran Church, 10707 Soquel Dr. Aptos o you have a problem with food? Come Join us for a friendly free 12-step support group with the solution group with the solution. Teens and adults welcome. Includes compulsive overeating, anorexia and bulimia. Located in the Gazebo Room. Call 831-429-7906 if you have any questions

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Orientations to Become Advocates for Children

6 pm, 65 Nielson Street #121 Watsonville CA 95076 ASA volunteer Advocates receive 35 hours of specialized training. 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. If you would like to participate in the next Advocate training contact cita@casaofsantacruz.org or (831) 761-2956

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays

Summer READ Program

1-4 p.m., Pregnant Mare Rescue, Larkin Valley Road, Aptos

Reading • Equine • Art • Duo

this fun, unique program, your I• nchild will experience: Nurturing environment to

strengthen reading skills • Grounding energy that a horse naturally emits • Increasing reading comprehension through art (imagery) • Trusting bond which supports social and emotional development For more information contact Lisa M. Algee, Ph.D., via e-mail: algeelisa@gmail.com, or call (831) 227-9847

Wednesdays

In Praise of Poetry

Feb. 28 thru Mar. 28 5:30 pm to 7 pm, Capitola Community Center, 4400 Jade Street, Capitola n this invigorating class you’ll explore and write several forms of poetry. From Acrostic to Haiku; from Ode to Triolet — and a few more — you’ll have fun while learning and creating. Gain exposure to new poets, forms, and styles, while unearthing your own voice. This inspiring class is for anyone with an interest in poetry. Novices as well as seasoned poets will find the class enriching and fruitful. Telephone FMI: (831) 475-6115

Nar-Anon Watsonville

6:00 p.m., Lutheran Community Church, 95 Alta Vista Avenue, Watsonville (Adam Dan Hall in back of the church) ar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families

and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar problems, talk about how they cope and find recovery. To locate additional times and locations of meetings, and to learn more about Nar-Anon, please go to our website at www.nar-anon. org or call 831-200-3756.

Second Wednesdays

Last Wednesdays Each Month Sundays

Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group

First Baptist Church Bible Study

7-9 p.m., Katz Cancer Resource Center, 3150 Mission Drive, SC anta Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group has been an active group for over 20 years in the community. First meeting of 2018 will be February 28th.

You’ll meet kindred spirits, have a fine lunch and learn something new from a top notch guest speaker. Cost: $18. RSVP at 479-7096

Second and Fourth Wednesdays

Wellness on the Cancer Journey Second and Fourth Thursdays 11-12:30 pm, Old Soquel Plaza Cabrillo Host Lions Club earn how to safely support your Meetings body and emotions through

Lthe journey of Cancer — from

6:30 p.m., Aptos Village Park, diagnosis to softening the impact 100 Aptos Creek Road. ant to make a difference in of chemo, radiation, and recovering well from surgery. our community? Join the We’ll address nausea, low energy, Cabrillo Lions Club twice every weakness, digestion, immune month and see what you can do to support, grief, stress and more. help in Santa Cruz County. Feel free to bring your partner or care team to this free class. Please Please RSVP cabrillolions@ gmail.com come fed; water is available. Limited Seats. Please register all attendees on Eventbrite — Fridays Wellness on the Cancer Journey Drop-in Grief Support or call 831-254-3270 to RSVP. Address given upon registration 12-1 pm, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts receipt. Valley ospice of Santa Cruz County ADHD Support Group is offering a drop-in grief 6:30-8 p.m., Aptos Fire Station, support group for adults grieving 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos the death of a family member or a he Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Branch of CHADD hosts friend. This group is a place where monthly support group meetings you can share stories, learn tools for coping, and receive support for anyone who would like to from people who care. learn more about ADHD or has For more information, please call questions or concerns. Come share with those who understand. (831) 430-3000. Second Wednesdays’ meeting is for parents of children, teens, and First Fridays each month young adults with ADHD. The Friday Shakespeare Club group for adults with ADHD, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Peace spouses, partners of someone with United Church of Christ at 900 ADHD meets fourth Wednesdays High Street, Santa Cruz of every month. urious about Shakespeare? Contact: Judy Brenis, jbbrenis@ The Friday Shakespeare Club comcast.net, or call 831-818-9619. members discuss the life, times, and influence of William Shakespeare. Third Wednesdays For information, call 831-6842832, or go to fridayshakespeare. Edward Jones Financial Advisor Sponsors Coffee Club org or facebook.com/fridayshakespeare. 10:00 a.m., 2121 41st Avenue, Suite 209, Capitola Friday Shakespeare Club eremy Geels, a local Edward Jones financial advisor, hosts of Santa Cruz 10 am - noon, Peace United a monthly coffee club for local advisors to talk about the industry Church, 909 High Street his is the oldest women’s club and recent market updates. in Santa Cruz. The club meets “I look forward to keeping indito study the life, works and vidual investors informed about times of William Shakespeare. the current market and economy, as Members share group readings well as have fun and get to know and insights, discuss history, and some of my neighbors,” he said. universal themes found in his Seating may be limited. To reserve plays and writings. For more information please a seat, call Sharon Smith at call 831-684-2832 831-462-8242.

Dated Events

Sunday August 12 Aptos Movie in the Park

100 Aptos Creek Road, Aptos ome out and enjoy a movie in the park with your neighbors at Aptos Village Park. Admission is free (without any hassles), spare change donations requested for the Live Like Coco Foundation. Live Like Coco is a non-profit organization that helps kids in the Santa Cruz County area grow up healthy and with opportunities to pursue their dreams. Come early and enjoy music and food truck concessions too. Movie starts at dusk. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday July 18

Overeaters Anonymous

9:05 a.m.-10:15 a.m., Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center, 2900 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz vereaters Anonymous is a Free, Friendly 12-Step group 7:30-9 p.m., San Lorenzo Valley for those who have a problem with High School Band Room (F-1) food. he San Lorenzo Valley Community Band meets every Visit www.santacruzoa.org for current times and locations of Thursday at SLV High School. Dues are $30 a semester. You must other meetings, or call our Hotline at (831) 429-7906. read music. Call Teresa at 336-8637.

Santa Cruz Sons in Retirement Thursdays San Lorenzo Community Band Monthly Meeting Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St. Practice Sessions

group of retired Tguesthismenatstatewide invites you to be our our monthly luncheon.

9:45 a.m: Bible Study 11 a.m.: Worship 7565 Sunset Way, Aptos irst Baptist Church of Aptos welcomes you to join their bible study and worship every Sunday. Call (831) 688-5842 for more info

Peripheral Neuropathy Speaker Meeting

12:30 p.m., Trinity Presb. Church, 420 Melrose Ave., Santa Cruz ennifer Root is a Licensed Acupuncturist and holds a Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has advanced clinical training in integrative physical medicine, utilizing acupuncture, herbal, dietary, exercise and manual therapies for a wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions. Jennifer will discuss how acupuncture may help address symptoms relating to peripheral neuropathy, as well as other types of neurogenic and musculoskeletal pain. Members, guests, and the public are welcome. For information call 831/477-1239 or 831/423-9111.

Tuesday July 24

Sons in Retirement Luncheon

11:30 a.m., Severino’s Restaurant, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos ptos Sons in Retirement is having a buffet luncheon and presentation by team skaters from the Santa Cruz Derby Girls on July 24th. They will describe what is roller derby, how is it played, and what does it take to play such a physical game and compete on a national level. Cost: $23.00 per person. Please RSVP at 475-2972 n

Arts and Entertainment

Announcements

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

Selva Beach, CA 95076 t’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; family friendly. Class takes place every Thursday Night at our new home Third Monday each month in La Selva Beach! (Take Mar Stitchers By The Sea Meetings Monte off of Hwy 1, turns into 7 p.m., Volunteer Center of Santa Playa Blvd., turn right on Estrella) Cruz, 1740 17th Ave., 95062 For more information, contact titchers-by-the-Sea, the local Sue Harris or Don Benson at chapter of the Embroiderers’ (831) 726-7053 or e-mail at Guild of America, holds regular caller4u@att.net. meetings open to the public each month. No admission fees. Friendship Put to Music! 6:30 p.m., New Hall, La Selva Beach Tuesdays Club House, 3124 Estrella Ave. lasses every Thursday night. For BINGO more information call Sue Harris 6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, or Don Benson (831) 726-7053 or 150 Jewell St. email at caller4u@att.net osted by Soquel Sports Foundation. Buy-In $15. Full snack bar available. First Tuesday Last Thursdays each month of each month is special $25 buy in Monthly Argentine Tango at Star (up to five packs). Join us! Bene Italian/Argentine Restarante www.soquelsports.com 4:30pm-9:30pm, Star Bene Italian/Argentene Restarante, Wednesdays 21245 East Cliff Dr. Peninsula Banjo Band his is a night for true “Social 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Harry’s Hofbrau, Tango.” Order a wonderful meal 390 Saratoga Ave, San Jose from the Star Bene Argentine Menu, orty-seven years of performing (or their well known italian menu), Ageless Art Project in the Bay Area, over 250 geless Art is seeking volunand enjoy the ambiance of Argentina popular tunes. Come see our teers to facilitate art groups and join us in a social tango dance to band for Free in Sunnyvale Every for seniors living in residential music from the Golden Age of Tango. Wednesday. No cover. care facility. Our Volunteers guide Private instruction and classes by Contact Lee McLaughlin, Booking residents through the creative Agent, at 408-993-BAND (2263) arrangement. For more information, processes of painting, drawing call Michael (831) 239-2247. for information about booking or crafting. As a volunteer you the band for Non-profit events will have the pleasure of seeing First Fridays each month (donations are tax deductible). residents experience meaningful www.PeninsulaBanjoBand.org First Friday Art Tour feelings of pride and self-worth In Praise of Poetry he First Friday Art Tour is a Santa when completing their own art. 5:30pm to 7pm Feb 28-Mar 28 Cruz Institute of Contemporary To become an Ageless Art Capitola Community Center, 4400 Arts event, managed in conjunction volunteer call 831-459-8917 Jade Street, Capitola with the participating art venues. The ext.208 or visit Ageless Art at oin this invigorating class where event takes place year-round and www.fsa-cc.org you’ll explore and write several illuminates some of the most talented forms of poetry. From Acrostic to local artists from local galleries. Volunteers Needed for the Haiku—from Ode to Triolet—and a To find out where to participate Monterey Symphony few other poetic forms—you’ll have in a First Friday art tour, visit he Monterey Symphony fun while learning and creating. firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most is seeking volunteers. If We’ll look at work by experienced galleries are open 12-9 pm for you love music and want poets and discover how to put some First Friday viewings.) to be involved, please call of their techniques and craft eleFridays thru Sundays (831) 646-8511 or visit www. ments into practice. Gain exposure Plein Air Watercolor montereysymphony.org for more to new poets, forms, and styles, information. while unearthing your own voice. Paintings Exhibition Noon-10 p.m., Mutari Chocolate This inspiring class is for anyone with an interest in poetry. Novices House and Factory, 504 Front Cabrillo Youth Strings/ as well as seasoned poets will find Street, Santa Cruz Suzuki Music Program ptos Artist David Pfost’s plein air the class enriching and fruitful. new entry-level String watercolor paintings of Santa Cruz Register at: https://apm.active Orchestra class 4th- 6th County landscapes are on exhibit. communities.com/capitola Grade Beginning Strings for recreation/Activity_Search/ Exhibit open until the end of violin, viola and cello will be in-praise-of-poetry/6488 December. offered on Fridays, 4pm-5:15pm. Students must provide their own Thursdays Second Saturdays Each Month instruments. Lucky Steppers Modern 2nd Saturday on the Farm For more information contact Nancy Kvam: Cabrillo Youth 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Ag History Square Dance Strings (831) 479-6101 or (831) 6:30 pm, La Selva Beach Project Center at the Santa Cruz 426-6443. Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La County Fairgrounds

Ongoing Events

Times Publishing Group, Inc. Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

You start July on top of the world. Few things can touch you, but you have less to do. You have a lot to look forward to once this temporary yield sign is removed, though. Potential crises arise mid-month. Adaptability will be important; the more open to solutions you are, the easier it will be to get out of any jams. Late in the months you feel more comfortable in your own skin; there’s really no limit to what you can do, which is bad news for your competition but good news for everyone on your good side!

Circus Vargas at The Capitola Mall

Thursday August 2nd 7:00 pm • Friday August 3rd 4:00 & 7:00 pm • Saturday August 4th 1:00, 4:00 & 7:00 pm • Sunday August 5th 12:00, 3:00 & 6:30 pm • Monday August 6th 6:30 pm • 1855 41st Avenue Capitola Ca 95010 lways fun for the entire family, Circus Vargas’ incredible new production highlights an amazing cast of world renowned performers, including DeathDefying Acrobats, Daredevils, Flying Trapeze Artists, Jugglers, Contortionists, Comedians, Clowns, Motorcycles and much, much, more! Join Us for A Swashbuckling Spectacular, with this year’s theme “Dreaming of Pirates!” A Fantastic Voyage of Nonstop Action and Adventure Guaranteed to Thrill and Enchant Children of all Ages! Witness the impossible! Experience the unforgettable! All patrons are recommended to arrive 45 minutes early. Meet and mingle with the entire cast after each performance. Tickets: $15.00 - $72.00. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www. circusvargas.com or call 877GOTFUN-1. (877-468-3861)

Your July Horoscope

oin us every 2nd Saturday on the Farm for free family activities. Each month we select a new theme to highlight historical agriculture with games, activities, and demonstrations that relate. We often have guest appearances from farm animals like llamas, draft horses, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, and more! You are sure to find something fun and entertaining for the whole family. Check our website and Facebook page for more details. FREE

Second Sundays Each Month

Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Street Fair

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Lincoln St. (Between Pacific and Cedar) he “Original” Downtown Antique Faire is back! Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items. Come and check it out! Browse through a wide assortment of treasures including books and photographs, vintage jewelry, clothing, glass and ceramic collectibles, vintage Hawaiian kitsch, turquoise, original artwork, and a whole lot of whatnot! Weather Permitting! For more info, please call (831) 476-6940 or visit us on Facebook.

Third Sunday of Every Month

Science Sunday

Starts at 1 p.m., 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 95060 eymour Marine Discovery Center presents a public lecture from a marine scientist the third Sunday of every month. Topics are presented in an entertaining and easy-to-understand format, with up-to-date photos, video, and discussion. Science Sunday does not meet in December. For more info visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Dated Events Saturday July 21 Sunday July 22 Bargetto Winery Art & Wine Festival

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. ree admission • Wine Tasting with purchase of $10 Festival Glass. Live Music 30+ Local Artists and Food Vendors Wood Fired Pizza available for purchase. Website: www.bargetto.com Ph. 831-475-2258 x 10 n

Tension is in the air the first week of the month. You may not mean to be argumentative, but people’s strong reactions are evidence that you could be taking things a bit too far. Keep your emotions in check mid-month, even more than usual. You aren’t the most demonstrative person, but you show people how much you care about them with your actions. Late in July, you’re forced to deal with unexpected changes. You aren’t that shaken, but you don’t like to stray too far outside your comfort zone. Keep an open mind as you navigate the new and changing landscape.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

You have very particular wants and needs when it comes to love, but you’ll have to be careful not to be overly critical early in the month. No one likes to feel as though they’re being constantly evaluated. Mid-July turns your attention toward anything unique and different, and you’ll want to try all kinds of new things in relation to love and finances. Expect the unexpected and don’t be afraid to branch out into new and unexplored areas! Late in the month you may find yourself more gullible than usual, which could land you in some embarrassing situations. How you look to others isn’t the most crucial thing; but still, you’d rather not come across as an easy mark.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You feel the need to have the last word as July begins, but you can learn quite a bit by remaining quiet and listening to other people’s thoughts and opinions. Your stubbornness continues to reign mid-month, causing you to lean towards self-destructive behavior. You have the resources you need to rise above your greatest faults, but your pride may prevent you from getting the help you need. Find a way to put your ego in the back seat and let humility take control of the wheel. Aggression grows as the month comes to a close, but if you channel it constructively you can be unbeatable. It won’t be easy, look for short challenges, rather than something long-term.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Good fortune is upon you as the month begins. It feels like the breaks are going your way, and while enjoying the happy energy is tempting, you’ll get further by applying some hard work to the equation. Later in the month you find a need for interaction. Your emotional well-being depends on how much mental and physical stimulation you get. As July comes to a close, you’re reminded that life is one big circle, and when one cycle ends, another begins. Whatever life throws your way, hold on to as much optimism as you can manage.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Spend your downtime wisely as you feel a lethargy early in the month, devising strategies and methods that will help you increase productivity once things are up and running at a normal pace. Deeply personal issues will come to the forefront mid-July, and your heightened sensitivity could cause you to take things out of context. Surround yourself with loved ones who clearly have your best interests at heart. Late in the month you know what you want and how to get it. Some may or may not offer help, but do you really need it anyway?

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

A hazy shadow is cast on your personal goals and plans early in July. Since you frequently just work on parts of a project, this indecisive energy feels right. But don’t let yourself be distracted or procrastinate for too long or you could miss out on something meaningful. Mid-month brings a strange newness into your life. You’re up for just about anything (especially romantically), and you can’t wait to try the next new thing. Late in the month conflict comes when you and a partner, friend or co-worker can’t come to terms with how to do a thing. You’re usually open-minded and flexible, but that doesn’t mean you’re a pushover.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

You’re feeling a self-promoting vibe early in the month. What talents are you keeping to yourself that you should be showing off to the world? Put yourself out there and see what happens. You’re more outgoing than usual mid-month, which can benefit all areas of your life. You’re usually content to follow the leader, but not now! It’s about time you let your amazing ideas be heard. As July comes to a close, you truly try to put yourself in other people’s shoes. You may not know exactly what they’re going through, but you’re willing to help them in any way you can.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

Be aware of some anger and resentment stewing as the month begins. You aren’t ever afraid to say what’s on your mind, but your forwardness can upset others who’d rather avoid confrontation. Your aggression continues to assert itself mid-July, but the focus this time is on competition and how you stack up against others. You’re determined to come out on top no matter what, but the ends don’t always justify the means. As the month comes to a close, aggression turns to passion in a current relationship or ignites sparks with someone new, but, as always, there are potential complications to be aware of. Just because you feel a strong attraction to someone doesn’t mean you should necessarily act on it, right?!

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Your love and money trains take a trip through Practicalville as July begins. There are no over-the-top gestures or get-rich-quick schemes to look forward to, but there is also very little negative drama to get caught up in either. Long-term investments are your focus mid-month. Finding secure places to grow your cash and strategizing ways to make love last are at the top of your to-do list. Later in the month you may put too much faith or hope into a person or project, which could end in embarrassment and/or awkwardness when it doesn’t work out. The trick is to remain hopeful without becoming jaded, which is tough to pull off.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You find yourself on the offensive early in the month, taking issue with other people’s opinions and statements. You love a good verbal brawl, but keep in mind that not everyone else wants to debate things as much as you do. Mid-month finds you over-excited as a bunch of new ideas stream through your mind. Isn’t it nice to have so many options that you aren’t sure which one to start first? As July comes to a close, you’ll need to get creative when closing out old accounts, finishing projects, or trying to reach deadlines on time. When your original agenda doesn’t pan out, time to switch over to Plan B.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

The month begins by providing you amazing opportunities, but instead of shouting your good news to the world, you whisper it to a friend, knowing timing is everything! You shift your full attention mid-July to your home life and the people closest to you. Bringing security to those areas is your goal, and you’re committed to doing what it takes to overcome obstacles that are in the way of your domestic happiness. Opportunities continue to come forward at the end of July. Be ready to keep an open mind; something that doesn’t sound good when you first hear it will grow on you. Say yes.

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Business Guide

Featured Columnist

The FDA Process for New Drug Approval T

he drug manufacturing company, also known as a pharmaceutical company, first develops a drug through animal testing. The drug company then submits an Investigational New Drug application (IND) to the FDA to gain approval for human clinical trials. If approved, the drug company conducts Phase I, II, and III clinical trials. Human Clinical Trials hase I usually involves 20 to 100 healthy volunteers or patients with the disease to be treated with the new drug. The length of the study may run for several months. The purpose of this phase is to determine safety and appropriate dosage of the new drug. Around seventy per cent of drugs tested in Phase I move on to Phase II. Drugs that fail this phase are usually found to be toxic at most doses tested in humans. Phase II involves several hundred patients with the disease or condition to be treated. These studies may last from several months to two years in length. The purpose of Phase II is to determine the drug’s efficacy and side effects experienced. Only around 1/3 of the new drugs move on to Phase III. The third phase usually involves 300 to 3,000 volunteers with the disease or condition to be treated. A longer period of time is invested, possibly one to four years. The purpose of Phase III is to determine efficacy and monitor adverse reactions in a larger population. The drug manufacturing company then fills out a formal new drug application (NDA). Then all the drug data gathered from the three phases is

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30 / July 15th 2018 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

By Ron Conte, Pharm.D.

reviewed by the FDA for drug safety and effectiveness. The review process also includes proposed drug labeling and information. The FDA will more than likely inspect the manufacturing facility for quality control. Post-marketing Surveillance here is always post-marketing surveillance by healthcare providers to uncover long-term effects of drugs. For example, Vioxx, a drug used to treat more severe arthritic conditions was on the market for five years before the drug manufacturer decided to remove it. Although the makers of Vioxx knew about the drug’s increased rates of heart attacks and strokes when it was first marketed, and, although the company alerted the FDA, no one mentioned these dire side effects to the general public or to patients taking Vioxx. It took post-marketing surveillance by healthcare providers attesting to the increased numbers of patients suffering from heart attacks, strokes, and deaths due to Vioxx to get this drug removed from the market. Remember what I have mentioned in previous articles about “let the buyer beware”? Fast Track Status t is possible to apply for Fast Track status to expedite the review process. This track is employed by a drug manufacturer for an investigational drug or approved drug used to treat serious conditions. Factors the FDA will consider for Fast Track are: 1) to increase survival, 2) to improve day-to-day functioning, 3) to prevent the condition from progressing to a more severe or fatal stage, or 4) to allow for additional indications of drug use. The Fast Track requires the

drug company to be in close contact with the FDA throughout the process. At times drug manufacturers have skirted the formal review process for adding new indications of use. The FDA may demand a cease and desist from promoting a drug for non-approved indications or even levy heavy fines for not submitting the appropriate research data. If you had a chance to see 60 minutes on May 6, there was an interesting piece about drug price gouging. I referred to this practice in my last article. The television segment addressed the Acthar price that rose from $40 in 2001 to currently about $40,000 per vial. Mallinckrodt, the supplier of Acthar, claims that the increase in this drug cost is partly due to the fact that the company has done additional research and development for expanding the indications of the drug. However, the company has not shared that additional research information with the FDA. Mallinckrodt claims that their additional research is proprietary and confidential. Really. This position taken by Mallinckrodt is in direct violation of drug safety rules and regulations. Drug manufacturers and various Members of Congress are asking for more lenient guidelines for Fast Track status. If this should occur, then those of us who are taking a new drug, and paid a high price to obtain it, become phase III volunteers in a sense without our approval. As a pharmacist, I believe more adverse effects will be evident in patients when a drug is approved for use to the general public when it has only gone through the Fast Track process. It is possible that the yet unknown side effects could be very severe, even leading to death. With that, as promised, my next article will be about drug recalls. Following that, I would like to provide a series of articles about the journey and life of a drug as it travels through the human body. Why does one drug only last four hours in the body while another may be working for over 24 hours? Why does one patient get more side effects from a drug when another patient does not get any? Stay tuned. n ••• Opinions and statements in this article are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of neither the newspaper’s editors nor its publisher.

SCCAS Featured Pet

Featured Columnist

A Summer of Fun in County Parks By Zach Friend

anta Cruz County offers a number of free and low cost summer events, programs and activities in our local parks. These family friendly options include everything from free movie nights, to picnic locations with ocean views, short and easy hikes in the redwoods and even free family swim days. Events and Activities ree family-friendly movie nights will be held on the third Thursday of the month (until October) at Heart of Soquel Park. Films begin at 8 pm (or dusk) and you are welcome to show up early to bring a picnic to enjoy. While parking is limited, there is free parking at the public parking lots nearby. More information is available on the Parks website at scparks.com Looking for a family swim day? While the pool open year-round there is an upcoming free swim day later this summer at the Simpkins Swim Center in Live Oak. Use the water slide, climbing wall, inner tubes and more in the warm water pool. September 3 from 12 – 4 p.m. For those looking to take a short hike and learn about the diversity of birds in our area, there is a free beginning birding class at Quail Hollow Ranch on Sunday, July 15 from 8 – 10 a.m. All ages are welcome. If your kids want to do a camp or class there are a number of options including two-week day camps in art and science. While these do have a fee they offer halfday programs in science exploration and art. Have you ever wanted to launch a rocket? Are you curious about how our muscles work, or the difference between acids and bases? You could do all this and more at the science exploration camp. The art camp is designed to introduce various media to participants, build drawing and painting skills, and instill a life-long love for creating art. Students will have a chance to express themselves using a variety of techniques and explore different art forms, including drawing, painting, printmaking and collage. More details can be found by contacting the Parks Department.

Leela is Looking for a Headrub!

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eela (ID #A247158) is so shy and so sweet… and so ready to find a quiet home to gently purr her sweet affections for the human who chooses her. While Leela makes you work for it, once you have shown her how awesome your head rubs are, she will show you her playful and affectionate side. She has been at the shelter too long and deserves a forever home. Black cats are often hard for the shelter to adopt because of silly superstitions. But many folks have found them to be the most wonderful companions. Thelma is a spayed female, black Domestic Shorthair To adopt your new friend, visit one of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter locations, or their website at www.scanimalshelter.org. n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has two full-service, open-admission shelters: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Watsonville Location: 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12-1) Closed on Sunday SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182

Parks Improvements ver the last few years, significant investments have been made to parks throughout the County. The park improvements have focused on options for all age groups — with new tot lots for the younger kids to climbing equipment and bike pump tracks for the older kids. All local parks are admission free and a great opportunity to explore. Enjoy a picnic and ocean view (and the new playground equipment) at Seascape Park in Aptos. The older kids might enjoy the climbing equipment (also with an ocean view) at Seacliff Park in Aptos and families of all ages can enjoy the BBQs, climbing equipment and large slides at Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel. In the near future there will be a new option for kids looking to ride their bikes. A new a bike pump track is slated for construction at Pinto Lake County Park. A pump track is a small, elevated bicycle path designed for riders of all ages and skill levels featuring a series of rollers and berms constructed using compacted dirt. Construction should be underway by September and completed before the end of October. There is still more to be done to improve our parks. We are looking to find the final financing for the first all-inclusive playground in the county (LEOs Haven) and we do have a number of unmet needs in local parks including a permanent restroom at Seacliff Park, upgrades to Hidden Beach Park and more. If you have any questions about parks or activities in the County, you can contact County Parks (831) 454-7901 or visit their website at scparks.com n ••• If I can be of any help to you feel free to give me a call at (831) 454-2200.