Aptos Times: April 15, 2019

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

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

April 15 2019 • Vol 28 No. 8

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

EL POLLERO MEXICAN RESTAURANT Serving Now

Fresh Roasted Expresso Coffee Drive-Thru • Order Now • 831.724-1711 108 Main St, Watsonville (Corner of Main & River Dr)

Modern Woodmen of America Honored

Members of Modern Woodmen of America chapter 7777 in Aptos, California, were recently recognized for coordinating an exemplary Matching Fund fundraising event.

Full Story page 4

‘Silence’ The Distractions

SCPD Enhancing Enforcement of State Hands-Free Cell Phone Law April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Santa Cruz Police Department will be joining law enforcement agencies statewide in working to stop drivers who violate California’s hands-free cell phone law.

Throughout the month of April, SCPD will have

additional officers on patrol looking specifically for drivers on their phones.

Last year Santa Cruz Police Department issued 40 citations to drivers texting, calling or performing another function on their phone. ... continues on page 4

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

The Santa Cruz Community is joining Monarch Services to raise awareness about sexual assault/violence in our community. Walk a Mile is a nationwide event that helps to raise awareness around issues of rape, sexual assault, and gender violence.

Full Story page 5

BRENT GARVEY PAINTING Quality Isn’t Expensive... It’s Priceless • ALL WORK GUARANTEED • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL • WORKERS COMP & LIABILITY

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

831.688.6913 | License #681095

Inc.

MARKET EXPERTISE TAILORED TO YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS

AMBER MELENUDO

Buying or selling, relocating or downsizing, your needs are as unique as your home. Amber Melenudo delivers the right combination of market expertise and tailored, hands-on support to skillfully guide her buyers and sellers through their transaction from start to finish.

7 5 1 9 S U N S E T W AY, A P T O S B E A U T I F U L LY R E N O V AT E D W I T H O C E A N V I E W S . L I S T E D AT $ 1 , 3 8 9 , 0 0 0

AMBER MELENUDO

# 1 D A V I D LY N G R E A L E S TAT E A G E N T I N A P T O S

REALTOR® 831.661.5591 ambermelenudo.com amber@davidlyng.com DRE 01921098 2 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

No. 8

Volume 28

19

27

31

Table of Contents

12

Cover

‘Silence’ The Distractions: SCPD Enhancing Enforcement of State HandsFree Cell Phone Law

4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 20 22 23

Community News Modern Woodmen Honored: Local Members Earn 2018 Impact Maker Award Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 937 Acres of Santa Cruz Mountain Redwoods Conserved: Project Bolsters Local Timber Industry, Protects Habitats for Endangered Species Aptos/La Selva Fire District Weed Abatement Program • Watsonville Bonsai Club Presents its 46th Annual Bonsai Exhibition • Climate Change Documentary: Paris to Pittsburgh • Earth Day is April 20 • 2019 Caring 4 Kids Rhythm Event • Low Coast Spay/Neuter Clinic • County Disabilities Commission Has Board Openings • Help Rebrand Santa Cruz County’s Mobile App The Small Biz Center Announces New Director Bay Fed Awards $7,500 in Scholarships • Shake, Rattle and Roll: Rattlesnake Season is Here One-Year Countdown to 2020 Census Begins: Accurate Count Means Millions in Local Funding for Housing, Roads and More • Watsonville Wetlands Watch FREE Events: April 27 Lift Line Goes Electric: Community Bridges Program Awarded $242K for Vehicles and Charging Stations Activists Remove 412 lbs. of Trash from Rail Corridor Calif. Outdoors Q&A: Fishing with Young Children 2019 Live Your Dream Award Winners Fire Station Burrito Breakfast Honoring Lisa Berkowitz: Four Decades of Commitment to Santa Cruz County Seniors, by Amy Hanley Foster Announces Retirement: Steps Down from Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay • Local Artist’s Unique Way of Creating Abstract Art Deadline to Apply for Civil Grand Jury Approaching • Lawsuit Filed by Santa Cruz Homeless Aims to Block Eviction in Survival Camp Naturalist Night: Meadow Stewardship with Grey Hayes • League of Women Voters Offer Forum to Discuss Mid-County Water Plans • Cinco De Mayo Fundraiser for Aptos History Museum at Best Western Seacliff Inn MovementLab Celebrates Santa Cruz Dance Week with Free Show

Kids Camp 16 Keeping Camp Costs Budget Friendly

THE

social

ASSISTED LIVING who made new friends since moving into Aegis of Aptos.

We offer assistance so you can continue to live your life to the fullest.

NEVER STOP BEING YOU

Local Sports 19 Mariners’ Celebrate Golden Anniversary: Aptos High Inducting Nine in Sports Hall of Fame at Annual Dinner • Aptos High School Scoreboard

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Your November Horoscope Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

21 23 24 24 25 26 27 30

Featured Columnists April is Stress Awareness Month, By Anna Maletta Top Ten U.S. Prescription Drugs, By Ron Conte, Pharm.D. Way Beyond Last Frost Date, By Tony Tomeo How To Get More of your ‘Best’ Customers, By Ron Kustek Maturity at 25?, By Lawrence Tartaglino ‘What Your Attention is Upon, You Become’, By Joyce and Barry Vissell Travels with Charlie (and Michael), By Janet Payne-Downs Updates on Common Road Questions, By Zach Friend

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31— Earning His ‘Frequent Flyer’ Miles

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 3 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times

LUXURY

& MEMORY CARE

We care for your loved one as if they were a member of our own family. Where days are filled with indulgent amenities, unexpected activities, local excursions, lots of laughter, food, new friends, and so much more.

We offer compassionate care to make life easier.

Come see for yourself!

Call to take a tour and meet our compassionate care staff.

831-359-4670 RFCE# 445202057

Email: Aptos@aegisliving.com | Online: www.aegisofaptos.com | 125 Heather Terrace, Aptos, CA 95003 www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS publisher Patrice Edwards associate editor Lori Landino contributing writers Camisa Composti, Amy Hanley, Anna Maletta, Ron Conte, Tony Tomeo, Ron Kustek, Lawrence Tartaglino, Joyce and Barry Vissell, Janet Payne-Downs, Zach Friend layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Maya Tabasz advertising sales Don Beaumont,

Modern Woodmen Honored

Local Members Earn 2018 Impact Maker Award

M

embers of Modern Woodmen of America chapter 7777 in Aptos, California, were recently recognized for coordinating an exemplary Matching Fund fundraising event.

The event that received the recognition was a community barbecue and auction for the San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation. The event was inspired by another chapter’s Hometown Hero event for a local firefighter, where the honoree’s family and fellow officers matched Modern Woodmen’s donation to the foundation.

This is the second year of Modern Woodmen’s Impact Maker Award program, which seeks to congratulate and reward Modern Woodmen members

who hold unique and impactful events for members in their communities.

There are 15 winners named throughout the country each year. Award winners receive a certificate, a commemorative award, a $250 donation to a charity of the group’s choice and $50 toward a celebratory activity.

“Fraternalism is what makes Modern Woodmen unique,” explains Jill Lain Weaver, Modern Woodmen’s chief fraternal officer. “The members who planned this activity truly take our fraternal mission to heart.”

Modern Woodmen, a fraternal financial services organization, arranges its nationwide membership by geo-

graphical regions. Members from nearby cities form chapters; Summit chapters (for members age 55+) and youth service clubs (for members age 16 and younger). The chapters and clubs plan and participate in multiple events throughout the year. n ••• Modern Woodmen was founded in 1883 as a fraternal benefit society. The organization supports members, families and communities with a unique blend of financial services, fraternal benefits and local-impact opportunities.

In 2018, Modern Woodmen and its members provided $19.9 million and 470,000 volunteer hours to support fraternal activities and programs.

Learn more at www.modernwoodmen.org.

office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, Taylor Brougham

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly 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 ©2019. 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

COVER STORY “Distracted Driving” from page 1 Distracted driving is dangerous, especially when it involves a cell phone.

According to preliminary data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), 66 people were killed and more than 6,500 injured in 2017 from distracted drivingrelated crashes.

“Cell phones remain one of the top distractions for drivers,” Santa Cruz Police Department Sergeant Scott Garner. “Like any bad habit, it can be hard to break, but this habit can have life-altering consequences.”

A 2018 observational survey by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) on driver cell phone use found about 4.5 percent of drivers are still using their cell phone illegally, a nearly 27 percent increase from 2016.

“Cell phones remain one of the top distractions for drivers. Like any bad habit, it can be hard to break, but this habit can have lifealtering consequences.”

— SCPD Sergeant Scott Garner

“That text or phone call will never be worth losing a life over,” Santa Cruz Police Sergeant Scott Garner. “That is why curbing distracted driving is high on our priority list.”

Under the most recent cell phone law that went into effect in 2017, drivers are prohibited from having a phone in their hand for any reason and can only use their

4 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

phone in a hands-free manner. The phones must be mounted on the dashboard, windshield or center console, and can only be touched once with the swipe or tap of a finger to activate or deactivate a function.

First-time offenders face a $162 fine.

If you need to make a call or text someone, pull over and park at a safe location. Struggling to stay off the phone while driving? Put your phone in a place you can’t reach, like the backseat or trunk. n ••• Funding for distracted driving enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For more information, visit www.cityof santacruz.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes T he Santa Cruz Community is joining Monarch Services to raise awareness about sexual assault/violence in our community. Walk a Mile is a nationwide event that invites the community to participate in a one mile walk, literally in his/ her shoes by wearing red shoes, to raise awareness around issues of rape, sexual assault, and gender violence.

Everyone will meet in red shoes at 5:30 p.m. on April 25th at Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz. The march empowers men, women and children in making our community a safer place, and it provides an opportunity for the community to talk about these important issues.

Although encouraged, it is not mandatory for walkers to wear women’s shoes. We are expecting between 500 and 800 participants that will include local business, political and public service leaders.

This year marks the 7th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event in Santa Cruz County. In addition to raising community awareness, walkers will raise funds in support of Monarch Services; the only 24-hour rape crisis center serving Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley.

Monarch Services serves over 1,500 victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault each year through the county’s only emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy.

••• • A woman is raped every 90 seconds in the United States. U.S. Dept. of Justice 2000 • About 44% of rape victims are under

Thursday, April 25 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Lighthouse Point West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

age 18. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Justice, 1997 • At least one-in-three women and girls have been sexually abused or beaten in her lifetime. UN Report on the Commission on the Status of Women, 2000 • 93% of juvenile sexual assault victims knew their attacker. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Justice, 2000 Sexual Assault of Young Children as Reported to Law Enforcement • 1-in-6 women in the United States have experienced an attempted or completed sexual assault. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

16 ROTATING BEERS ON TAP • FULL BAR • BEST BURGERS! 831.708.2036 • 8017 Soquel Dr., Aptos

Come Spend

Easter Sunday Brunch

Monarch Services has a 40-year history in Santa Cruz County of providing advocacy and services to women and children affected by violence.

Services include court accompaniments, restraining order assistance, counseling, emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, outreach and education, and support groups.

Monarch Services is the only rape crisis center in Santa Cruz County and includes an emergency response team.

All services are available in Spanish and English and are free or low cost. n ••• For further information about the event: wam2019.monarchscc.org.

5 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

at Parish Pub! All Ages Welcome!

THEPARISHPUBLICK.COM

COMMUNITY NEWS

937 Acres of Santa Cruz Mountain Redwoods Conserved

Project Bolsters Local Timber Industry, Protects Habitats for Endangered Species

Business Expo And Job Fair JOIN US!

Thursday, April 25 4:00-7:00 p.m.

P

eninsula Open Space Trust (POST) and the McCrary Family, owners of Big Creek Lumber, today announced their agreement to permanently conserve 937 acres of redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

This two-property, multi-party deal establishes a working forest conservation easement — the first to be implemented collaboratively with a timber company in the Santa Cruz Mountains — on 617 acres of second-growth redwood forest.

It also permanently protects 320 acres of critical watershed, mature redwoods and wildlife habitat adjacent to Butano State Park.

“We are honored to partner with the McCrary family to protect significant areas of redwood forest from development and support responsible, sustainable timber production. It’s a win-win arrangement that benefits the forest and shows just how far conservationists and timber companies have come,” said Walter T. Moore president of POST. “Together we envision a future where the communities of people

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds ~ Food ~ Prizes ~ Free Admission ~

Times Publishing Group, Inc. Serving our community for over 25 years.

6 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

and wildlife that surround and depend upon these forests all benefit from the very positive environmental and economic outcomes that this collaboration will produce.”

“For more than 70 years, these forests have been integral to our family’s identity and livelihood,” said Janet McCrary Webb, president of Big Creek Lumber. “The innovative deal we’re announcing makes good environmental sense, as we continue to apply our progressive forestry practices that deliver the many benefits of active forest management to the surrounding community. It also makes good economic sense: In gaining a sustainable timber supply, we can create jobs and continue to generate local revenue from locally sourced lumber.”

The Deal his arrangement involves two separate but interdependent land deals. POST and the McCrary family have agreed to conserve both properties, totaling 937 acres, for a project valued at $11.7M.

T

“Redwoods” page 8

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Aptos/La Selva Fire District Weed Abatement Program tarting in mid-April, property owners of vacant lots will be receiving notices of Weed Abatement Correction for any parcels they own within the Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District.

If you are one of these recipients, it is imperative that you respond to the mailer as soon as possible, stating your preference to either abate the weeds privately or have the District contractor perform the cutting service.

If weeds are not cleared by the deadline stated on the notice (June 1st), a contractor will perform the abatement and the property owner will be billed accordingly.

For questions about the Weed Abatement Program go to aptosfire.com or call 831-685-6690.

S

oping climate change solutions. As the weather becomes more deadly and destructive, they aren’t waiting for Washington to act. Learn about their incredible stories in Paris to Pittsburgh and be inspired to create change in our own communities!

Following the screening, former California Secretary of Natural Resources John Laird, 2nd District County Supervisor Zach Friend, and Director of Regeneración-Pájaro Valley Climate Action Nancy Faulstich will discuss the film and climate change actions in our state and county.

For more information, please look for Paris to Pittsburgh, Santa Cruz event on Facebook or contact Michele and Bob Kibrick at kibrick@cruzio.com. The entire Santa Cruz community is invited to participate.

Admission is Free!

••• Earth Day is April 20 arth Day Santa Cruz is coming up on Saturday, April 20th from 11am to 4pm in San Lorenzo Park in downtown Santa Cruz.

With over 5,000 attendees every year, this is an exciting community event for the whole family featuring 100 exhibitor booths, a kid zone with hands-on activities and a tumbling gymnastics area, rock wall, live music with the world renowned SambaDa, a beer garden with delicious food, an electric vehicle showcase with free electric bike test rides and more!

For more details visit scearthday.org ••• 2019 Caring 4 Kids Rhythm Event pril is Child Abuse Awareness month.

Survivors Healing Center offers

E ••• Watsonville Bonsai Club Presents its 46th Annual Bonsai Exhibition Sunday, April 28, 2019. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Watsonville Buddhist Temple 423 Bridge Street, Watsonville. any ancient trees large and small will be on display. At 1:30 p.m. there will be a demonstration

by Sensei Katsumi Kinoshita.

Admission is FREE (donations appreciated) Door prizes & raffle of bonsai material, including demonstration tree. Many plants and pots for sale. Tea & cookies served. Plenty of parking for bus groups.

For more information: margiesmemories@aol.com or (831) 247-9028 ••• Climate Change Documentary: Paris to Pittsburgh Thursday, April 25, 6:30 p.m.

Cabrillo College, Forum Lecture Hall, Room 450 emple Beth El’s Social Action Committee and Green Team, together with the Cabrillo College Student Sustainability Council, are sponsoring a screening of Paris to Pittsburgh, a new National Geographic documentary about climate change.

From coastal cities to the heartland, Americans are demanding and devel-

M

T

A

support groups, resources and outreach in both English and Spanish in Santa Cruz County.

The public is invite to attend our 3rd annual Caring 4 Kids Rhythm Event on Sunday, April 28th starting at 1:00pm at the Watsonville Plaza. Celebrate our community’s children & families and make music together! No music experience necessary! ~~~ Earth Day/Day of the Child 12:00-4:00 p.m. ~~~ 1-3 p.m. Ice Cream at the SHC Booth 3-3:45 p.m. Rhythm Event at the Stage Area ~~~ For more information or to make a donation: www.survivorhealingcenter.org or caringforkidsevent.com ••• Low Coast Spay/Neuter Clinic he Spay and Neuter Clinic of Pajaro Valley is located in the clinic previously run by FOWAS and Santa Cruz County (150A Pennsylvania Drive, Watsonville), our new clinic will offer low prices for Spay and Neuter, and now for the whole Pajaro Valley.

Prices* Cats $49 • Dogs (Chihuahuas and Pit Bulls: $75/all other dogs $199) • Rabbits (spays $125 / neuters $75) DA2PP and FVRCP Vaccines: FREE (with spay/neuter surgery) Rabies Vaccines: $15 • Microchips: $15 *Additional charges for spay/neuter apply if pet is in heat, aggressive, obese, pregnant, cryptorchid, or needs hernia repair.

To make an appointment: Call (831) 818-5007 or email the spayandneuterclinicofpv@gmail.com. Payment needs to be paid and paperwork needs to be signed at least one day before surgery appointment!

For more information: thespayandneuterclinicofpv.com ••• County Disabilities Commission Has Board Openings he Santa Cruz County Commission on Disabilities has openings.

The Commission on Disabilities is a pro-active advisory board that serves to promote equal access for persons with disabilities in Santa Cruz County.

They influence public policy by: • Advising the Board of Supervisors on issues and legislation impacting persons with disabilities and their families.

T

T

7 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

• Educating and informing members of the community about available resources for persons with disabilities.

• Expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities to realize their maximum potential for independent living, human development, productivity, and self-sufficiency. Meetings are usually held on the second Thursday of every month (except July and December) from 12:30 until 2:00 PM in downtown Santa Cruz.

For More Information: (831) 454-2772 (TTY/TDD 711) Visit www.scccod.net or Email commissions@santacruzcounty.us ••• Help Rebrand Santa Cruz County’s Mobile App anta Cruz County is renaming its award-winning Citizen Connect app, and we need the public’s help!

Thousands of people have downloaded the mobile version of the app, which is available on iOS and Android phones and allows users to receive emergency notifications, report issues such as potholes and illegal dumping, register to vote, access services, pay property tax bills and much, much more.

To participate, take a one-question survey, available through April 30. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ Z6SXCH7 A desktop version of Citizen Connect is also now available at https://cconnect. santacruzcounty.us. n

S

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Small Biz Center Announces New Director T he Small Business Development launching businesses. I am thrilled with his Center (SBDC) of Santa Cruz County appointment!”

“The SBDC is such an asset to located at Cabrillo College today small businesses announces that throughout the Brandon Napoli has “I am looking forward to Central Coast,” been appointed the applying my small business, said Matt Wetstein, organization’s new economic and workforce President and SuperDirector.

Brandon development expertise to intendent of Cabrillo will succeed outgoing Director Teresa helping entrepreneurs and College. “We are Thomae, who, after 28 small businesses in Santa forever grateful for years of service to the Cruz County flourish,” said the incredible contributions Teresa SBDC of Santa Cruz, Brandon. “In her 28 years has made during Cabrillo College as SBDC Director, Teresa’s her tenure as SBDC and the Santa Cruz mentorship and leadership Director, putting County community, has turned hundreds of Santa Cruz County is retiring effective April 1. entrepreneurial ideas into small business suc“Brandon will local small business success cesses on the national be a great new leader stories, and I look forward to stage and receiving for the SBDC,” said continuing that impressive several local and national awards for Teresa Thomae, outrecord.” her hard work. I am going SBDC Director.

— Brandon Napoli honored to host the “He is dedicated SBDC at Cabrillo to small business advocacy and has a great background in College, and look forward to the expelending, community development and rience and talent that Brandon brings.”

Currently an Adjunct Business Instructor at San Mateo College, Brandon designs and teaches hybrid (in-person and online) Business classes. He is also the Founder and CEO of Sacred Space, a co- working facility in Palo Alto, where he offers Workforce Development classes.

Prior to these roles, Brandon was the Director of National Microfinance Initiatives and Business Development and the Director of Micro Lending for the Valley Economic Development Center in New York.

“I am looking forward to applying my small business, economic and workforce development expertise to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses in Santa Cruz County flourish,” said Brandon. “In her 28 years as SBDC Director, Teresa’s mentorship and leadership has turned hundreds of entrepreneurial ideas into local small business success stories, and I look forward to continuing that impressive record.”

Brandon has served as an Eco Tourism Facilitator for the Peace Corps in Xela Guatemala, and also worked as a Community

Brandon Napoli

Loan Program Officer for CDC Small Business Finance in San Diego, California.

He has Taught financial literacy to refugees from Somalia and Iraq for the International Rescue Committee, and also worked as an Economic Development Intern in Maseno, Kenya.

He holds a B.A. in International Development from Point Loma Nazarene University, and an M.B.A. from San Diego State University. n ••• For more information: www.cabrillo.edu

“Redwoods” from page 6

Plenty of Free Customer Parking

Wilder Associates Inc.

Yoga Within

Property Management Specialists

Exploring the Mind-Body Connection

662-0291

687-0818

Salon Aptos

Joy of Movement Pilates & Gyrotonic®

Hair and Nails for a Good Look

More Zest for Life

688-8804

688-8077

Warmboard Radiant Subfloor

Epicenter Cycling

Simply Smarter Radiant Heat

Trek Bicycles for All Types of Riders

685-9275

662-8100

Village Liquors

Dentistry for Animals

688-5691

768-7148

For All Your Beverage Needs

Dr. Judy Force, DVM

Kumon Math & Reading Center Learning for the Long Run

345-8377

Through this deal, Big Creek secures access to a reliable, sustainable, and ecologically appropriate supply of timber for its nearby sawmill in Davenport, and POST protects almost 1,000 acres of iconic redwood forest.

POST is acquiring a 617-acre property known as Valencia Creek from Cal Poly Corporation and is permanently protecting it from development. The property sits within the upper watershed of Aptos Creek in Corralitos.

Recognizing a unique conservation opportunity, the McCrary family is selling POST 320 acres of mature, unharvested second-growth redwoods in the Gazos Creek watershed as part of the transaction.

This unique partnership between POST and the McCrary family will result in Big Creek owning and managing the Valencia Creek property, with POST holding the working forest conservation easement.

The McCrary family, who has cared for the property for over 50 years, has not harvested the Gazos Creek parcel.

It falls within one of only seven critical habitat areas in the region for the endangered marbled murrelet and is home to many other species. They are selling this parcel to POST at a very favorable price

8 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

in exchange for the conserved Valencia Creek property.

Sempervirens Fund, the Bay Area land trust dedicated to conserving redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is contributing to the acquisition by assuming management of the Gazos Creek parcel from POST and caring for it until it can be transferred and incorporated into Butano State Park.

Sempervirens Fund has worked to expand and connect state park lands, including Butano, Big Basin, Portola Redwoods and Castle Rock State Parks.

“This landmark arrangement could establish a model for similar protections and partnerships in the Santa Cruz Mountains and elsewhere,” said Sam Schuchat, executive officer of the California State Coastal Conservancy. “It provides for optimal land uses: preserving endangered species habitat and working forest, along with watershed protections and permitting public access to the Gazos property.” n ••• For more information: openspacetrust.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

Bay Fed Awards $7,500 in Scholarships B ay Federal Credit Union honored the winners of its 2019 Education Scholarship and 2019 Mac McCormack Employee Scholarship at its annual meeting.

Carrie Birkhofer, Bay Federal President and CEO, and Jim Phillips, Chair of the Board of Directors, presented the scholarships.

“I am so inspired by the potential of each of these outstanding winners,” Ms. Birkhofer said. “My hope that their educational opportunities will lead them to make a real difference in our communities and our world.”

Education Scholarship awards of $1,500 each went to Hannah Levy, Leslie Lopez Ezqueda, and Spenser Burke. Mac McCormac Employee Scholarship awards of $1,000 each went to Camila Martinez and Raelene Rodriguez.

Applicants were required to submit essays describing the most important financial issue facing their community, and applications were reviewed by a group of Bay Federal employees.

•••

Who are the Education Scholarship winners?

• Hannah Levy — Levy is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Washington in Seattle.

She is an alumna of Scotts Valley High School.

• Leslie Lopez-Ezqueda — LopezEzqueda is Junior at California State University, Sacramento, where she is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Sociology. She is an alumna of Watsonville High School.

• Spenser Burke — As a Senior at

California Polytechnic University, Pomona, and Burke is in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering.

••• Who are the Mac McCormac Scholarship winners?

• Camila Martinez – Martinez, who currently works at the River Street Branch of Bay Federal Credit Union, is studying Business Administration at Cabrillo College.

• Raelene Rodriguez – Rodriguez, an employee at the Watsonville Branch, is studying Collaborate Health and Human Services with a concentration in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management at California State University, Monterey Bay. ••• Since 2008, Bay Federal has awarded 58 scholarships totaling $52,500 to students who are pursuing higher education goals.

The Mac McCormac Employee Scholarship is named for the Credit Union’s first employee. n For more information: www.bayfed.com

Shake, Rattle and Roll: Rattlesnake Season is Here

W

ith the coming of spring and warmer weather conditions, snakes of many species are through hunkering down, making human encounters with these elusive creatures more likely. Although most native snakes are harmless, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recommends giving the venomous rattlesnake a wide berth and knowing what to do in the rare event of a bite.

“Snakes really get an unfair bad rap, when they actually play an important role in California’s ecosystems,” said CDFW’s Keep Me Wild program coordinator Lesa Johnston. “Like most wild animals, snakes prefer to keep to themselves and are not naturally aggressive. Taking the time to learn about safety precautions before going outdoors can make all the difference.”

Rattlesnakes are widespread in California and are found in a variety

of habitat throughout the state from coastal to desert. They may also turn up around homes and yards in brushy areas and under wood piles. Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes will likely retreat if given room and not provoked or threatened. Most bites occur when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally brushed against by someone walking or climbing.

On occasion, rattlesnake bites have caused severe injury - even death.

9 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

However, the potential of encountering a rattlesnake should not deter anyone from venturing outdoors. The California Poison Control System notes that the chances of being bitten are small compared to the risk of other environmental injuries. Most bites occur between the months of April and October when snakes and humans are most active outdoors. n ••• For more information: CaliforniaHerps. com or wildlife.ca.gov

COMMUNITY NEWS

One-Year Countdown to 2020 Census Begins

Accurate Count Means Millions in Local Funding for Housing, Roads and More

A

broad coalition of Santa Cruz County elected officials, community leaders, local nonprofits and residents on Tuesday marked the beginning of the one-year countdown to the 2020 Census.

In an unprecedented display of unity, Board of Supervisors Chair Ryan Coonerty was joined by each of the four mayors in Santa Cruz County – Francisco Estrada of Watsonville, Martine Watkins of Santa Cruz, Jack Dilles of Scotts Valley and Jacques Bertrand of Capitola – at the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Cruz to rally the community to stand up and be heard during the 2020 Census count.

“It is our Constitutional obligation to count every resident, regardless of age, income, gender, health condition, immigration status or any other factor,” Board Chair Ryan Coonerty said. “Millions of dollars in important community benefits are at stake, and this is the time for our community to stand up and be heard.”

The County’s annual budget includes more than $138 million in federal funding. Those funds are used to provide community-based healthcare, food and financial assistance to low-income residents, housing, road funding and much more. The decennial Census helps determine not only the apportionment of federal representation, but also the distribution of $675 billion in federal funds nationwide.

However, California is at risk of an undercount due to traditionally

hard-to-count communities, including foreign-born residents, renters, individuals living in homes without Internet access, homeless individuals and people living close to or below the poverty line, and young children. Each uncounted resident equates to the loss of $2,000 in annual funding. Led by the Community

Action Board of Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Complete Count Committee is focused on encouraging participation throughout the county. Under federal law, all information collected is strictly confidential.

“Many of the services our communities rely on depend on the Census count, so it is

important for everyone in our community to stand up and be counted,” said Maria Elena De La Garza, Community Action Board executive director. “Remember: ‘I Count, You Count, We Count!’” n ••• For more info: www.santacruzcounty counts.us.

Watsonville Wetlands Watch FREE Events: April 27

Event 1 Amphibians in Your Watershed How to be an Amphibian Steward presented by Dawn Reis oin us at this presentation to learn about the amphibians that live in the Watsonville Wetlands Watershed. Dawn Reis will lead a presentation to introduce you to the frogs, toads, newts and salamanders that live in Watsonville. She will also discuss how you can best care for them in the wild.

7 – 8:15 p.m. at the Patrick J. Fitz Wetlands Education Resource Center located at the top of Pajaro Valley High School at 500 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville, CA, 95076.

•••

J

Event 2 Night Walk at the Slough to find Amphibians led by Dawn Reis fter the presentation there will be a night walk for the adventurous to search for amphibians in the slough. Bring: warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and flash lights.

Rain doesn’t cancel so be prepared with rain gear in case it rains. This walk is limited to 20 people – so you must pre-register.

8:30 - 9:45 p.m. at the Patrick J. Fitz Wetlands Education Resource Center located at the top of Pajaro Valley High School at 500 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville, CA, 95076.

A

Dawn Reis has over 30 years of experience working on aquatic systems and wildlife population studies in California. She has held a number of positions as a teacher of environmental education and as a wildlife and aquatic ecologist.

She owns Dawn Reis Ecological Studies in Watsonville where she serves as Senior Wildlife and Aquatic Ecologist, managing projects focusing on special-status amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, mammals and invertebrates. Dawn currently serves on the Watsonville Wetlands Watch Board of Directors. n ••• Admission is free, but seating is limited so please reserve a seat at watsonville wetlandswatch.org

10 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Dawn Reis

COMMUNITY NEWS

Lift Line Goes Electric

Community Bridges Program Awarded $242K for Vehicles and Charging Stations

L

ift Line, a program of Community Bridges, has been awarded $242,000 by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) for transit use and install two Level 3 fast charging stations.

This funding, provided through the California Climate Investments Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), will bring the total number of EVs in the Lift Line fleet to three. Lift Line is the first public transportation entity in Santa Cruz County to utilize EVs. The funding will increase the number of charging stations operated by Community Bridges in Santa Cruz County to five. The charging stations will also be available for use by other transit agencies and the public.

“This award allows expansion of our Lift Line fleet to the entire county by providing a Level 3 charging station in the San Lorenzo Valley at Mountain Community Resources and another in South County at the Lift Line Watsonville facility,” said

Raymon Cancino, Community Bridges CEO. “This is a win for the entire county and continues the ongoing efforts of Community Bridges to be stewards of the environment.”

Lift Line provides accessible and reliable transportation connecting low-income elderly and/or disabled participants to healthcare. This award will reduce carbon emissions by supporting the transition from a gas-powered to an EV fleet, as well as contributing to a more complete network of EV charging stations throughout Santa Cruz County.

Community Bridges worked in partnership with the RTC to acquire these funds. Aurelio Gonzalez, Watsonville City Councilmember and Santa Cruz METRO Board Member was a strong advocate for the allocation of funds to the Lift Line EV project. METRO agreed to defer their funding for a year to allow Community Bridges to receive this award.

“I want to commend the RTC and Santa Cruz METRO for prioritizing the

environmental health of our county and allowing us to get our ground-ready project going,” Cancino said. “Our goal is to use our public resources as efficiently and effectively as possible so all users may have full access to electric vehicle benefits.”

The new vehicle will be purchased upon approval from the Caltrans. The electric charging station plans will be submitted for county planning and are estimated to be completed by the end of the year.

••• Lift Line, a program of Community Bridges, provides 80,000 door-to-door rides a year to seniors and people with disabilities, allowing these Santa Cruz County residents to maintain their independence.

Lift Line services includes medical transportation and rides to Meals on Wheels dining sites and Elderday. Lift Line services is also available for private events.

Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full

11 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

potential. Together, our family of programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. n ••• To learn more, visit www.community bridges.org.

COMMUNITY NEWS

7960 Soquel Drive  Aptos, CA 95003 N IO D F T F A EN S O M HI 0% T 1 R FO

CBD OIL

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL & AGED BALSAMIC SPECIALTY GIFT SHOP

www.trueoliveconnection.com SANTA CRUZ 106 Lincoln St. • 831.458.6457

APTOS 7960 Soquel Dr. • 831.612.6932

Since 1926 Instruments / Accessories / Sheet Music Sales / Rentals / Lessons 831-724-4798

musicstoreguy@earthlink.net

7960J Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95003

Activists Remove 412 lbs. of Trash from Rail Corridor A group of Santa Cruz County Greenway activists performed a rail corridor cleanup just East of the San Lorenzo River Trestle where construction is underway on the first section of the Rail Trail. The effort resulted in the collection of 412 pounds of trash, including litter, used needles, cigarette butts, broken bottles and discarded clothing and bedding.

“Where will the Rail Trail go next? Literally, where?” asks Buzz Anderson, a long time Greenway enthusiast, who believes the trail should move forward and the rail part should be scrapped. He points out the lack of space in this segment, officially known as Segment 9.

The much touted Rail Trail groundbreaking widens the existing pedestrian gangway on the San Lorenzo Trestle from 3ft to 10ft, but once across the river, bikes and pedestrians will still have to navigate up a narrow ramp and will be funneled on to a 4ft sidewalk along busy East Cliff Dr before reaching the Seabright Brewery, Betty Burgers, Pacific Edge Climbing Gym and other Seabright destinations.

The narrow bike lane, which continues across the Santa Cruz Harbor, has seen numerous accidents in the recent past and a fatality in 2018. Nothing has been done to improve bike safety along this dangerous section since the passage of Measure D in 2016.

“Right now the plans make the trail run next to the rail instead of replacing the rail with a trail as Monterey, New York and thousands of other communities across the country have done,” said Anderson. “That adds time, money and endangers lives,” he added.

The current Rail Trail plan has no solution for both Rail and Trail to continue under East Cliff Dr. “If you did want to build a trail there (and keep the rail), you’d need to remove the trees, excavate the hillside, and build about an 11ft retaining

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

12 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

wall,” says commercial real-estate appraiser Ryan Whitelaw.

Solving this same problem on Segment 7B, the Rail Trail stretch behind Neary Lagoon, has already produced plans for a nearly 30 ft. retaining wall and the removal of trees that are valuable monarch butterfly habitat. The local Sierra Club has challenged these plans because of the tree removal.

Nadene Thorne, a Greenway enthusiast for the past two years added, “I’d like to see the RTC go forward with building the Rail-Trail in this location (at Seabright).

Massive concrete retaining walls and major excavation work would have to be done to keep the trail to the side of the existing tracks here. I personally would like to know what that is going to cost. It’s definitely a factor when you compare the current plan to the alternatives.”

“Bank the rail, build the trail,” said Manu Koenig, Executive Director of Santa Cruz County Greenway. “It’s time for the County to figure out the details of rail banking and move forward. For now, Greenway will try to keep the corridor clean and continue to encourage the RTC to act in the best interests of the people.” n ••• Santa Cruz County Greenway is a 501(c) 4 non-profit advocacy organization whose mission is “to create a spectacular Greenway as the backbone of an active transportation and transit network.”

For more info: https://sccgreenway.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

Calif. Outdoors Q&A:

Fishing with Young Children

Q

uestion: I have four-year-old twin daughters and am looking forward to taking them fishing. I am a bit apprehensive about keeping my eye on both girls, plus the two to three rods, tackle and bait.

What if I bring mommy or grandpa along to help? I am a licensed angler but neither mommy or grandpa have fishing licenses, nor would they even want to fish aside from helping my daughters. If I am assisting one of my daughters with her rod, and while doing so the other daughter suddenly needs help with her rod, would my wife or father-in-law be allowed to step in to help my other daughter even if they are without fishing licenses?

And while on this subject, if I am holding two rods at once and assisting the girls, could a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officer cite me for not having an extra rod permit? nswer: First of all, we are happy to hear you are taking your kids fishing!

We hope it impresses upon them a lifetime passion for fishing and the outdoors. You’ll probably agree that fishing is a great way to spend family time together.

Since you already have a fishing license, you can always assume control over one of the rods. Purchasing a secondrod validation for $15.12 may help with

A

your situation in the event you need to assume control over another rod.

But to answer your question, your daughters should be doing the fishing by closely attending their rods and no one should be controlling their rods or reeling their fish in for them unless licensed. Mom or grandpa may help the girls with things like untangling lines and baiting hooks but when it comes to attending the rod with a line in the water and then reeling lines in, especially if a fish is hooked, that must be all them.

To specifically answer your question about a second rod validation, you should not be cited for fishing with two rods as long as your daughters are doing their own fishing as described above. One of the biggest problems in this scenario is if one of your daughters must leave to use the restroom or they get tired of fishing and want to go do something else. At that point they must reel their lines in and stop fishing. You cannot hold onto their rods and continue to fish for them if they step away.

One last FYI — juveniles who are 15 years old or younger are allowed to fish with two rods each in most inland waters, but that is of course after they have mastered the use of one rod. n ••• For more information: https://california outdoors.wordpress.com

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

SPECIALIZING IN

SPRING SPECIAL

Residential Repaints & If we paint your interior and/or Custom Homes exterior by May 31, 2019 Homeowners Associations we will buy the paint.

Property Managers

1/19

exp. 12/3

831-476-7387 (PETS)

1220-H 41st Ave., Capitola (Next to New Leaf Market) capitolaveterinaryhospital.com • capvet1@gmail.com 13 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

2019 Live Your Dream Award Winners S F G oroptimist International (SI) of Capitola-by-the-Sea recently honored three Santa Cruz County women with Live Your Dream awards at ceremonies at the Community Foundation in Aptos.

The 2019 winners are Fidela Curiel and Jamie Sekoch, both of Santa Cruz and Nicole Banuelos of Aptos.

“These women overcame significant challenges to achieve their educational goals in order to provide for themselves and their children and be productive members of society,” said SI of Capitola president, Paige Rexrode.

“We’re extremely proud of all of them and encourage them to continue to pursue their dreams.”

The awards are given to women who are enrolled in a vocational/skills training program, or an undergraduate degree program, and are the primary financial support of their families.

The winners each received a $2,000 cash award as well as certificates of achievement and letters of congratulation from their local elected officials.

Soroptimist, a coined Latin phrase meaning Best for Women, is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.

Fidela Curiel

Santa Cruz idela grew up in the foster care system and, unfortunately, was not given the support she was promised or needed.

That eventually led to homelessness and life on the street. But when she learned that she was to become a mother she began doing everything she Fidela Curiel could to leave her past life behind and work toward the one that she wants for herself and her son. Winning this award has increased her sense of self-worth.

Knowing there are people who care about her and are willing to assist her in achieving her goal of becoming a nurse means everything.

“I want to work in the hospital because I know that with a proper degree in nursing I can work at the hospital with great hours and still have time to be a mom to my little one,” she wrote in her application. “I also know that with a nursing degree my son and I will never be homeless again, and I will be able to provide him with everything he needs as well as deserves.”

Nicole Banuelos

Aptos icole Banuelos was born into a poor family of drug addicts and abusers and only remembers visiting her father, who was eventually murdered in prison, in jails and prisons. Banuelos was subjected to sexual, physical and verbal abuse

N

throughout her childhood, all of which replaced her self-confidence with selfhatred and despair.

In spite of that, she excelled in math and science, graduated from high school and enrolled in college and was on her path to fulfill her dream of attending medical school. Her past pain and suffering were not over, however. A classmate she encountered turned out to be a serial sexual Nicole Banuelos predator, who kidnapped, assaulted and raped her.

During the horrible ordeal, however, she had the wherewithal to coax him to tell her about his past victims and details about those crimes while she secretly recorded them on her phone. Eventually, she was rescued when a witness saw her being dragged into an RV and alerted the police. More than a year later, with the help of the recorded confessions, the man was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Not surprisingly, those events resulted in significant PTSD, but she persevered and went back to school to continue her studies. By that time, she also had an infant son and was pregnant with her second child.

“I am motivated to live out my dreams and go to medical school,” she wrote. “I want to show my children that anything is possible, and nothing can stop them from living their dreams.”

YOU DESERVE TO BE NOTICED

20% OFF Your Purchase Regular priced items only.

Not Valid on previous purchases or sale merchandise Expires: 4/25/19

6 Seascape Village, Aptos Mon - Sat 10 - 6 • Sun 11 - 5

831-685-1233

14 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Jamie Sekoch

Santa Cruz oing to jail for 45 days for minor offenses and failure to appear in court to answer those charges was Jamie Sekoch’s chance to start over. In jail, she was able to safely flee a very abusive relationship and leave other dangerous and life-threatening experiences and people behind. Additionally, she safely detoxed, got Jamie Sekoch clean and sober for the first time in five years and learned that she was six months pregnant.

Within four days of being released from jail, she learned about a shelter, and 24 hours later was in a safe, warm bed.

But her trials were not over as she was required to move four different times in a year to stay safe. Undeterred, she enrolled in classes at Cabrillo College when her son was two months old, and is now preparing to transfer to UCSC to major in Community Studies. Having gone through her own struggles with trafficking, her ultimate dream is to open a safe house for child sex trafficking victims.

“I know exactly what these victims need and I want to help heal their lives and show them it is possible to become beautiful successful people, and live the life they deserve,” she wrote in her application essay. n ••• For more information, or to become a member, visit the SI Capitola website at www. best4women.org or contact SI Capitola at info@ best4women.org.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fire Station Burrito Breakfast W e are a family” is how one volunteer described being a member of the volunteer fire team. The all-volunteer firefighters are not paid. Yet every one of the firefighters and medical staff undergoes the same extensive training as paid firefighters. Bonny Doon Fire Team was dispatched 138 times in 6 months.

Volunteers are equipped to handle vehicle extrications and cliff rescues down to Highway One. They are trained in firefighting and rescue scenarios and

all the volunteers are Emergency Medical Responders or Emergency Medical Technicians.

Bonny Doon Volunteer Fire and Rescue will be hosting their annual fundraising breakfast on May 19, 2019 between 9am and 1pm at Martin Road Fire Station, 975 Martin Road, Bonny Doon. This is an opportunity to support our volunteers that respond to emergencies in the Bonny Doon area. This includes medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, injured hikers, mountain bikers or horseback riders and both woodland and structure fires.

The Burrito Breakfast will include a breakfast burrito, condiments, rice, beans, fruit, juice, coffee and tea. Children under 5 are free. A small plate will cost $5 and the cost of a large plate will be $10. There will be activities for children, live music, bake and shirt sale and a silent auction.

Proceeds of fundraising events go towards the purchase of firefighting and emergency medical equipment and equipment maintenance.

Bonny Doon Fire and Rescue, Inc.

is actively looking to recruit more community members. County fire provides all the training, personal safety equipment, and medical response bags free of charge to the volunteers. Members of the community will have an opportunity to inquire about being a volunteer at the breakfast.

This friendly event is a good way to meet your neighbors and to be informed.

15 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

CERT, Cal Fire, Bonny Doon Fire & Rescue and the Santa Cruz Fire Safe Council will have representatives on hand to share information regarding fire and wildfire safety.

The California fire season is nearing, it is time to prepare. Support our volunteers and enjoy breakfast with the community. n ••• For more information: bonnydoonfire.org

KIDS CAMP

Keeping Camp Costs Budget Friendly C amp is a life-changing experience — one that’s possible for every child and every budget. Even though the experience is priceless, paying for it doesn’t have to be!

“I’m a great believer that you don’t have to go to the most expensive camp to have a great camp experience,” said Phil Lilienthal, former camp director of Camp Winnebago in Maine and Global Camps Africa CEO. If you’re dealing with an experienced and caring staff of camp counselors, “you can have a program in a parking lot, and it can be great,” he said.

Parents looking for budget-friendly camps should keep the following in mind: • The ACA camp community generates a projected $216 million annually for camp scholarships.

Don’t be afraid to call the camp director and ask if financial assistance is available.

• Contact your area’s local office of the American Camp Association.

Visit www.ACAcamps.org/about/

Credit: The IRS allows an income tax credit of up to $6,000 of dependent care expenses if you have two or more dependents (up to $3,000 for one dependent). The amount of the credit is based on your adjusted gross income and applies only to your federal taxes. This applies to qualifying day camp expenses. Visit the FSA Feds Web site for more information. n ••• The American Camp Association® (ACA) is a national organization; actively working with over 2,700 camps. ACA is the only national accrediting body for the organized camp experience. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

contactus to find your local office contact.

• Check with your church or synagogue.

• Get in touch with social services groups in your community.

• Visit individual camp Web sites. Most clearly outline whether or not they

E xc el lenc e i n E qu e st r i an E duc at ion at

Monte Vista Christian School

HORSEMANSHIP CAMP Beautiful surroundings and comfortable cabins Friendly Staff and Well-Trained Horses

Week Long, Sleep Over or Day Sessions

offer financial assistance for their campers.

Assistance is also available from the government.

Families should explore the following options: Parents should inquire into whether the camp participates in income-eligible subsidy programs, for instance through Title XX. For day camps: • A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account allows parents to be reimbursed on a pre-tax basis for child care or adult dependent care expenses for qualified dependents that are necessary to allow parents to work, look for work, or to attend school full time. Visit the FSA Feds Web site for more information.

• In certain circumstances, day care expenses, including transportation by a care provider, may be considered dependent care services and paid with pre-tax dollars. Visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Web site for more information.

• Child and Dependent Care Tax

Originally published in the March 2014 Camp e-News. Reprinted with permission of the American Camp Association. ©2014 American Camping Association, Inc.

June - August, Sunday - Saturday

Belmont Training Stable Monte Vista Horsemanship Camp

Western/English Show Jumping Trail Rides, Horse Show on Saturday Crafts, Swimming and Archery S’mores and Skits at the Campfire!

2 School Way, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: 831-206-9707 web: www.belmonttraining.com

LESSONS • TRAINING • HORSE SHOWS 2 School Way, Watsonville, CA 95076 • (831) 206-9707

w w w. b e l m o n t t r a i n i n g . c o m

The week-long Horsemanship Camp at Monte Vista Christian School is a wonderful opportunity for boys and girls to spend hours every day riding and learning about horses. We have wonderful school horses for riders of every experience level. We offer Western and English riding, as well as crafts, swimming, archery and marshmallow roasting at the evening campfire. Sign up today for an unbelievable summer camp experience! Call Cassie Belmont at (831) 206-9707 or visit www.belmonttraining.com for more information today!

16 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Honoring Lisa Berkowitz

Four Decades of Commitment to Santa Cruz County Seniors

L

by Amy Hanley

In 1996, the Golden Age Nutrition isa Berkowitz, Program Director for Santa Cruz County Meals on Program became part of Meals on Wheels Wheels (MOW), a program of Com- to better define its mission and capitalize munity Bridges, has been serving Santa on name recognition. By that time Lisa Cruz County seniors for 40 years. Under had also been able to convert all drivers to volunteers, without her watch, over laying off any pereight million meals sonnel.

Simply have been provided through time and to seniors in need. attrition she was able Not only is that a vast to save the program number of meals, $200,000. She instibut Santa Cruz tuted the “Let’s do County seniors have Lunch” campaign never had to withwhich delivered stand a waiting list to meals to volunteer receive services. drivers at their workLisa states, “We Lisa Berkowitz place and created know how critical these meals are to keeping people inde- delivery routes that people could do on pendent in their homes, where they want their lunch break.

When asked about the changes that she to be.”

In 1979 Lisa left her job in the corporate has seen in her four decades in serving the sector and joined the Golden Age Nutrition senior population in Santa Cruz County, Program, the predecessor to MOW, as the Lisa noted the rise in poverty and homeFood Service Director. When asked why lessness among seniors. “When I started working with seniors appealed to her, Lisa there were no homeless seniors receiving recalled hearing stories of seniors having to meals. However, now 47% of seniors that eat pet food prior to communities offering receive meals at our Louden Nelson dining site are homeless and 61% of all our clients meal services to seniors.

“I had such great admiration for my are below the Federal Poverty Level. grandparents. They were critical in leading Funding is not there to meet the need.”

In combination with the rising number their families to better places,” Lisa says of seniors in the county and the fact that with admiration in her voice.

By providing care for seniors she saw federal and state funding for MOW remains a way to honor her own grandparents at 1984- 85 levels, there is a deficit of 10,000 and preserve the health and dignity of the meals a year not being funded.

Lisa stresses that it is important to be senior community in Santa Cruz County.

During Lisa’s time leading MOW she has an active ambassador in promoting the been successful in, as she puts it, “being value of MOW at the state and Federal level encourage increased funding. Addiresponsive and turning the box the other to tionally, she and her team work vigilantly way to meet the need.”

to elevate the message about the challenges of aging in this county with such high cost of living.

What’s next for MOW? Two things are on Lisa’s radar. One, additional volunteer outreach. Some MOW clients have indicated that they need more contact than others. Lisa would like to institute a program where MOW volunteers reach out via phone or in-person between deliveries to check-in and provide emotional support.

In order to make this a reality, funding is needed for a volunteer coordinator to recruit, train, and monitor the volunteers.

Secondly, Lisa’s vision is to have a new home for MOW that will allow for efficiencies of scale and expansion of services. The ability to stay at the Live Oak Senior Center, that currently houses the MOW offices, kitchen, and distribution facility, is uncertain.

Additionally, for the first time in six years, MOW is operating at a deficit due to increased utilization and costs and

static funding. Despite these current challenges, Lisa has a positive attitude about the future. She believes that with the backing of the Santa Cruz community and its leaders, innovation and out of the box solutions will be discovered.

“No matter the situation we will always get the meals out the door to those who need them, when they need them.”

In honor of Lisa’s 40 years of service to MOW, Community Bridges is requesting community support to reduce the $10,000 budget deficit by March 31. This will provide 4,000 meals to local seniors!

Donations can be made at https://communitybridges.org/donate/ or via mail to Meals on Wheels, a Program of Community Bridges at 519 Main Street, Watsonville, Ca. 95076. n ••• For more information about Community Bridges services please visit www.community bridges.org or email info@cbridges.org.

Fresh Seafood, Coastal Mexican & Vegetarian Dishes Prepared “A La Cocina Fresca”

A us Delicio Mouthful CAMARONES de GOLFO a la PARRILA

Fine Dining Mexican Style

Full Bar , 50+ Tequilas, Santa Cruz Mountain Wines Ocean View, Lunch & Dinner Daily, Reservations Suggested

21 Seascape Village, Aptos 17 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

831-662-9000

www.palapasrestaurant.com

APRIL 2019

Aptos Real Estate Update

Ruth Bates 831.359.2212

ruth@serenogroup.com CalBRE # 01799929

This past month made big news in the Mortgage world, when the Federal Reserve decided to not raise rates for the rest of the year. Rates saw the biggest weekly drop in a decade. The average 30-year rate fell to 4.06%, down from 4.40% a year ago, and close to 5.0% just a few months back. There are some concerns about “slowing economic growth” and this suggests that we may see a mixed sales trend for the rest of this year.

Q1’19 Aptos recap shows 43 homes (H), 14 townhomes (TH), 12 condos (C), and 11 mobile homes (MH) sold in the first 3 months. Median Sales Prices were: H-$1,095,200, TH-$737,500, C-$577,500 and MH-$405,000. Average Days on Market (DOM) were: H–52 TH-27, C-25. The highest home sale was 383 Beach Drive$3.6M. The lowest sale was 578 Cathedral (2 bed, 1.5 bath, 1077 SF)-$560,000.The highest TH sale was 333 Granite Way in the Aptos Village (New 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1913 SF)$1,150,000. Lowest sale was 401 Sailfish-(2 bed, 2 bath, 1096SF)-$560,000. I represented the Buyer on the highest Condo sale at 240 Rio Del Mar #J (full on ocean view custom remodel, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1078 SF)-$1,099,000.

Lowest Condo sale was 291 Sea Ridge (2bed, 1 bath, 820 SF)-$458,000. High MH sale-101 Cherry Blossom (new,land-owned park)-$629,000; low MH sale- 220 Mar Vista -$215,000.

Currently there are 49 homes for sale in Aptos (4/04/19). Prices range from $624,998 for 516 Bonita, 36 DOM to $5,250,000 for 195 Via Concha, 92 DOM. The Average DOM is 60, and the Median List Price is $1,199,000; which is over $100K more than last quarter’s Median Sales Price… so there will be some pricing pressure on the Active Listings. 20 of the 69 listings have been on the market less than 21 days. There are 8 townhomes for sale ranging from $619,000 for 6121 Sheraton Place, 30 DOM, to $898,999 for 3364 Aptos Rancho Road, 83 DOM. There are only 4 Condos on the market, all are ocean view, priced from $899,000 to $1,399,999. There are 6 mobile homes priced from $268,000 for 220 Mar Vista #79 to $599,000 for 10 Oak Shadow Lane.

In all of Santa Cruz County, there are currently only 294 Homes for Sale. This compares to 284 homes sold in Q1’19. In Q1’18, 340 homes sold, so we are down significantly in both listings and sales in 2019 so far. Time will tell.

——— I love what I do and I’d love to help you.

Call, email, text anytime and … Get Results With Ruth!

1 5 PA R A D E S T. U N I T 1 , A P TO S Paid Advertising

COMMUNITY NEWS

Foster Announces Retirement

Steps Down from Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay

A

fter seven years at the helm of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, David Foster retires as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay and transitions to manage the organization’s growing Accessory Dwelling Unit program.

Under Foster’s leadership, Habitat Monterey Bay expeDavid Foster rienced incredible growth. Staff grew from six to twentythree; two Habitat ReStores opened, one in Santa Cruz in 2014, then one in Seaside in 2016; 11 affordable homes were built; two Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) were completed under the My House My Home program to help senior homeowners age in place; and a merger expanded the service area to include Monterey County.

Habitat is in the final phase of construction on a seven-unit development on Los Esteros Court in Live Oak, gearing up for the start of construction on an eleven-

unit development on Rodeo Creek Court in Live Oak, and in planning for an affordable housing development on an acre of land in the City of Watsonville. With a strong pipeline of projects and new sources for affordable housing funding from the State of California, Habitat is gearing up for additional growth in the coming years.

“It has been a great privilege to serve as Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director for the past seven years. The Board of Directors, staff and volunteers all have such a deep commitment to the community and to affordable housing.

Habitat is primed for future growth under the guidance of a new Executive Director.

I look forward to continued involvement in a new capacity as manager of the ADU program,” says David Foster.

Habitat’s concept of building ADUs on the property of senior homeowners to support aging-in-place garnered a Cruz Cares award in 2015 and a partnership with the City of Santa Cruz to launch My House My Home. The program has since grown to serve the unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County, and Foster plans to

expand the program throughout Habitat Monterey Bay’s service area of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.

Ron Buswell, the Board of Directors Treasurer, will act as interim Executive Director while a hiring committee begins the search for a new Executive Director.

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, believes in a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat creates opportunities for low- income families to transform their lives through homeownership in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Working together as a community, Habitat builds homes with volunteers and offers access to affordable mortgages. n ••• For more info, please call 831.469.4663 or visit www.habitatmontereybay.org.

Local Artist’s Unique Way of Creating Abstract Art

O

livia Barney is a Santa Cruz local, originally from Seattle. She works as an esthetician, specializing in eyelash extensions.

A unique vision came to Olivia over a year ago: an untapped artistic potential exists in the remains of eyelash glue leftover from each extension session.

She found that on what she had initially regarded as “trash” displayed subtle and intricate beauty in the form of not only the drops and lines of charcoal-black glue but also in the wear and tear from fingerprints, dust and chemical reactions of the glue and plastic.

Each plastic strip contained an entire cosmos in miniature, and the notion of turning these scraps into art lit a fire in Olivia. This formed the basis & origin of her abstract art, which is a feast of colors & shapes.

She has had her work displayed in 8 art shows and group exhibits in Santa Cruz & San Francisco which includes her debut at Open Studios art walk last October. She is currently at The Art Cave in the

18 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

old Wrigley Building sharing space with other local women artists where she’s been experimenting in the Fab Lab. Some of her pieces are currently featured at the East Cliff Brewing Company for the month of April. n ••• For more information: www.rocktheblot. com

LOCAL SPORTS

Mariners’ Celebrate Golden Anniversary

Aptos High Inducting Nine in Sports Hall of Fame at Annual Dinner

A

ptos High School is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2019, and as part of that celebration it will be holding the annual Hall of Fame Dinner Saturday, May 4, at the Seascape Golf Course Clubhouse, one day after the Aptos Sports Foundation’s annual golf tournament fundraiser on May 3.

This annual event has become a highlight of the Aptos community. The last several dinners have sold-out completely.

Dinner tickets are $60.00 each. A table for 10 is $600.00.

This year’s keynote speaker is Ernie Cooper, class of 1980.

George Ralston

Kelly McCloskey

The inductees for the Class of 2019 are: • George Ralston (1977) – football, baseball • Mary McNulty (1979) – basketball, softball, tennis • Kimberly Petersen (1988) – soccer • Mary Kelsey (1990) - swimming • Kelly McCloskey (2002) – soccer • Adan Marquez (2004) – wrestling • Reggie Roberts – wrestling coach • Corky Bamford & Dennis Carney – Honorary Members • 1992 Girls Cross-Country team – 3-time SCCAL & CCS champions ••• If you have a question, please call Chairperson Jamie Townsend at (831) 818-1270, or Athletic Director Mark Dorfman at 728-7832 x 5201. Email: mark_dorfman@pvusd.net.

Aptos High School Scoreboard Baseball

Varsity Record: 8-3-1 (League: 4-2-0) Coach Jason Biancardi Mar 16 vs Santa Clara T 5-5 Mar 19 vs Scotts Valley W 8-5 Mar 21 vs Soquel L 3-4 Mar 26 vs Harbor W 10-1 Mar 28 vs Aloha (Beaverton, OR) W 7-2 Mar 29 at Santa Cruz L 4-5 April 6 at Santa Teresa W 5-3 April 9 at San Lorenzo Valley W 13-1

Softball

Varsity Record: 6-3-0 (League : 4-1-1) Coach Phil Rojas Mar 15 vs Watsonville L 0-4

Mar 19 at San Lorenzo Valley W 1-0 Mar 21 vs Santa Cruz W 11-0 Mar 26 at Scotts Valley W 3-0 April 9 at Soquel W 13-7 April 11 vs San Lorenzo Valley L 1-8

Boys Volleyball

Varsity Record: 10-1-0 (League: 9-0-0) Coach Tyler Krinkie Mar 16 vs Christopher W 2-1 Mar 19 at Mt Madonna School W 3-2 Mar 21 vs San Lorenzo Valley W 3-0 Mar 26 vs Soquel W 3-0 Mar 28 at Santa Cruz W 3-1 April 9 vs Scotts Valley W 3-0 April 11 vs Harbor W 3-0 n

Gentle Exams & Cleanings to Cosmetic, Restorative & Implant Dentistry The Quality and Service Your Family Deserves from Our Family

TOD C. ANDERSON, DDS

TUESDAY - THURSDAY: 8:00AM-5:30PM FRIDAY: 8:00AM-3:00PM SATURDAY: BY APPOINTMENTS ONLY

www.riodelmardental.com

9520 SOQUEL DRIVE APTOS, CA 95003

831-688-1006

Summer Dance Camps Here!

Agape Dance Academy Preschool Classical Ballet Go to our website to check out our Summer Dance Schedule

Visit our Dance Supply Store in Aptos!

www.agapedance.com • 831-359-0850

computer eyes

We accept most insurance.

Protect your eyes from blue light; available for daily and computer use. Get yours at Eye Shapes in single vision, bifocal, advanced progressive and non-prescription.

by Eye Solutions Technologies

(831) 688-1516 | www.EyeShapesAptos.com Deer Park Marketplace #37 - Above Deluxe Foods | Rio Del Mar/Hwy 1 Aptos | Open at 10 Tuesday - Saturday

19 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Locally owned and operated since 1966 THE LARGEST SELECTION OF LANDSCAPE MATERIALS IN TOWN • Interlocking Pavers

• High Quality Organic Soils

• Retaining Wall Systems

& Compost

• Pond Supplies & Pumps • Soil Amendments

• Flagstone & Slate

• Custom Mixes

• Organic Fertilizers & Pest Control

• Real & Artificial Turf

• Drainage & Erosion Control

• Decorative Mulch & Wood Chips

• Decorative Gravel &

• Boulders

• and much more!

Utility Sands

• Garden Tools & Masonry Supplies

Fast delivery to your home or office!

+

Specialty soils and fertilizers by the bag or bulk.

831-688-6211 | www.aptoslandscapesupply.com 5035 Freedom Blvd. | Aptos, CA 95003 Monday - Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday

Deadline to Apply for Civil Grand Jury Approaching T he Superior Court of Santa Cruz County is seeking applications to become a member of the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury and the deadline is approaching. The Civil Grand Jury is an historic institution and serves an important role in local society. Serving on the Civil Grand Jury gives residents of Santa Cruz County a unique opportunity to have a significant impact on local government.

The 19-member Civil Grand Jury is an independent body empowered to investigate the operations of city and county governments as well as other taxsupported agencies and special districts.

They also respond to citizen complaints on government issues. Applicants for the grand jury must be United States citizens, at least 18 years of age, have a working knowledge of the English language, and have resided in the county for at least one year.

All qualified citizens interested in

serving on the 2019-2020 Civil Grand Jury are invited to apply to the Superior Court of Santa Cruz County for consideration.

For applications and more information, please visit the Superior Court’s website at www.santacruzcourt.org or visit either the Santa Cruz or Watsonville Courthouse to pick up an application. All applications must be received by 3:00 pm on Friday, April 19, 2019. n ••• For questions, please contact the Superior Court Jury Commissioner’s Office by email at jury.information@santacruzcourt.org.

Lawsuit Filed by Santa Cruz Homeless Aims to Block Eviction in Survival Camp

A

group of homeless people surviving in a camp behind Ross Dress For Less and their supporters filed the first lawsuit since the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Martin v City of Boise. This case has drawn the interest of unhoused people across the Western States who may wish to file their own suits to block evictions and force cities to respond with housing, self-managed camps, RV parking and other desperately needed service.

Plaintives and their supporters will report on the status of the case and describe the suffering that they fear would result if the city fails to abide by the Martin v City of Boise decision.

The injunction was filed in Federal District Judge Nathanael M. Cousin’s court seeking to block the eviction of the camp claiming in part that it will violate the Ninth Circuit Court of appeals ruling against cruel and unusual punishment since the city is not offering safe and appropriate indoor shelter for the over

20 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

1,000 people living outside within the city limits.

Federal Case CV 19-1898 hopes to force the City of Santa Cruz to stop the eviction of those living behind Ross and encourage the city to move forward on transitional camps, safe RV parking areas, emergency shelter beds, and housing for everyone living outdoors in Santa Cruz. n ••• MARTIN V. CITY OF BOISE: https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/ opinions/2018/09/04/15-35845.pdf

FEATURED COLUMNIST

April is Stress Awareness Month

Y

By Anna Maletta

ou might wonder “Why is April ‘Stress Awareness Month?” Taxes, spring fever, spring-cleaning, body image concerns (summer’s coming), school is out on break, time to plant the garden, fertilize the lawn and the list goes on.

It’s time to take a deep breath and calmly start getting your plan together.

Parents, singles and kids alike, start to feel an awakening from the winter doldrums that often cause depression and anxiety. As a health nut, I use nutritional supplements, it keeps the jitters and blues away. Anyone who knows me is aware of my admiration for the humble yet mighty macro-mineral, magnesium.

Many children and adults do not get enough magnesium in their diets.

Humans cannot function without the proper amounts of this mineral in our bloodstream. Our soils were once rich in magnesium but not any longer. This affects the nutritional quality of the foods we eat so we must supplement our diet with this crucial nutrient.

Here’s some symptoms that may indicate a magnesium deficiency, and they are: muscle spasms & cramps, fatigue, arrhythmia, dizziness, numbness in your extremities, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks and high blood pressure!

These are pretty serious conditions that even lead to debilitating health issues.

There are many forms of magnesium to choose from, as this macro mineral needs to be bound to an amino acid before it can be digested & utilized in the human body. I personally do best with magnesium bi-glycinate in a veggie capsule by Bluebonnet though it’s more expensive than the tableted version by Doctor’s Best.

Some forms will help lower blood pressure & others can help move the bowels. But don’t fret over which is right for you, just start taking it regularly. Magnesium helps with sleep, calms nerves & stress, is absolutely vital for heart health (our hardest-working organ), muscle relaxation and much more. This link charts the enhanced properties and potential of magnesium when bound to the different types of amino acids http://products.mercola. com/magnesium-supplement/ I had the pleasure years ago to attend a talk by the founder of Natural Calm, Peter Gillham, at a training session in Seattle about the miraculous power of magnesium.

We were selling his product hand over fist at our stores and he explained why it was such a popular nutrient. His formulation is one particular type of magnesium in the form of magnesium citrate. It’s a great way to stay regular and can have a noticeable laxative effect.

He’s very passionate about the importance of human health and he realized we

need to revitalize our depleted soil with more magnesium. His company “devotes a percentage of their profits to our Natural Revitalization environmental action initiative, now in its fourth year.

As part of this, we support both financially and actively, a number of nonprofit groups covering areas of food safety, animal welfare, soil regeneration and carbon sequestration ...” n ••• For more information: https://www. facebook.com/RadicalNutrition/

21 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Anna Maletta

COMMUNITY NEWS

Naturalist Night

Meadow Stewardship with Grey Hayes

Thursday April 18 • 7-8:30 p.m. • Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

J

oin the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for another lively and engaging science talk!

Home to richly diverse species, California’s coastal prairies sustain agriculture, harbor precious life, Grey Hayes store carbon, and enrich our lives with their beauty.

Large portions of these unique grasslands have been lost, however, making now a more important time than

ever to understand how best to steward them.

Enjoy an evening at the Museum with local naturalist, activist and educator Grey Hayes on Thursday, April 18, as he guides us into the world of California’s coastal prairies! n ••• Talk will begin at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:45p.m. Cost: $4 Adults, $2 Seniors/Students • FREE for Youth and Museum Members 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz 95062.

Pre-registration is recommended. To reserve a seat www.SantaCruzMuseum.org

League of Women Voters Offer Forum to Discuss Mid-County Water Plans

S

olutions to prevent seawater intrusion into the critically overdrafted mid-county groundwater basin will be discussed by Santa Cruz County’s “Women of Water” at a free community forum at 10 am on April 27 at Capitola City Hall.

Groundwater replenishment with purified water (the Pure Water Soquel Project), river water transfers, desalination, and storm water capture are part of the Soquel Creek Water District’s plan for a reliable and sustainable water supply that protects the basin and meets current and future water needs.

Speakers include Melanie Mow Schumacher, special projects and communications manager for Soquel Creek Water District, Darcy Pruitt, senior planner for groundwater sustain-

ability for the Regional Water Management Foundation; and Heidi Luckenbach, City of Santa Cruz deputy water director.

The forum will include introductory remarks by each speaker followed by a question-andanswer period. This free, informational public event sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Santa Cruz County will be held at the Capitola City Hall Council Chambers, 420 Capitola Avenue in Capitola; metered parking is available in the parking lot next door.

Doors open at 10 a.m. with light refreshments being served; the program begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends at noon. n ••• For more information: lwvscc.org, league@lwvscc. org, 831-325-4140.

Cinco De Mayo Fundraiser for Aptos History Museum at Best Western Seacliff Inn

A

ttention wine collectors, wine drinkers, and fans of Marilyn Monroe!

A seven bottle collection: 5 bottles of limited addition “Marilyn Merlot” wine and 2 Norma Jeane wines, will be available in the silent auction at the Aptos History Museum’s Annual Fundraiser and Cinco de Mayo celebration on Sunday May 5th, 2-4 p.m. at the Best Western Seacliff Inn. Collectors have made Marilyn Monroe Merlot one of the fastestappreciating wines on the market, a notable wine from prized Napa Valley grapes. Advance bids and

not-to-exceed bids accepted on each bottle. Marilyn Merlot ’96, ’98, ’02, ’03, ’04, and Norma Jeane ’04, ’05. Or you can instantly purchase the collection for $1000. Call 831-688-1467 to place your bid today!

Donations to attend: $40 general, $35 museum members, benefits the Aptos History Museum Call to RSVP: (831) 688-1467.

Takes place at the Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, and the Aptos History Museum, 7605 Old Dominion Court, Aptos. n ••• Visit www.aptoshistory.org for details!

22 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Top Ten U.S. Prescription Drugs Ron Conte, Pharm.D.

T

here are two ways to look at the top drugs prescribed in the United States.

One way is to look at the drugs producing the most revenue in a given year: Top Ten Revenue Producing Drugs in U.S. Drug Primary Indication Humira Rheumatoid Arthritis Eylea Macular Degeneration Revlimid Transfusion-Dependent Anemia due to Myelodysplasia Syndrome Rituxan Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Enbrel Ankylosing Spondylitis; Rheumatoid Arthritis Herceptin HER-2 Breast Cancer; Gastric Cancer Eliquis Prevent stroke due to atrial fibrillation; treatment of clots Avastin Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Remicade Rheumatoid Arthritis Xarelto Prevent clot formation especially due to non-valvular atrial fibrillation From this list we see many of the most expensive drugs prescribed, mainly for rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. One complete round alone of Rituxan injections averages $22,500. When comprising all aspects of cancer care, it is estimated to be a $125 billion a year business. Seventy-one per cent of revenue is directly due to cancer chemotherapy and related therapies. These related therapies include treatment of side effects due to chemotherapy, mainly anti-nausea and antivomiting meds, white blood cell stimulating factors, and red blood cell stimulating agents.

agents in various research developmental phases. From this information, you can draw your own conclusions about the business of developing cancer chemotherapeutic agents and the pursuit for a cure.

••• n alternative way to look at the top ten drugs, is to determine the total number of prescriptions written for a specific drug. See Table Two listing the top ten drugs for which the most prescriptions are written in the U.S.:

A The business of treating cancer far outdistances the priority for curing cancer.

With the number of patients diagnosed with cancer increasing by 58% in the last several years, more and more pharmaceutical companies are attempting to develop cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

However, three companies currently reap nearly 50% of the revenue—Novartis, Amgen, and Roche. You should also know that major pharmaceutical companies provide ‘supportive’ funding for The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is the only organization in the U.S. that can approve a new drug for use in humans.

Pharmaceutical companies also provide a large amount of grant money for cancer treatment research at major universities and medical centers. If the research site receives monies from a drug company, the research study design as well as the outcome results are overseen and directed by the drug company. As of this writing, there are more than 120 chemotherapeutic

Top Ten Drugs Prescribed in U.S. Drug Primary Indication Vicodin To treat moderate to severe pain Simvastatin Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels) Lisinopril High blood pressure (hypertension) Levothyroxine Low thyroid output (hypothyroidism) Azithromycin Common infections (bacterial, upper/ lower respiratory) Metformin Diabetes Atorvastatin Hyperlipidemia Amlodipine High blood pressure Amoxicillin Common infections (bacterial, upper respiratory) Hydrochlorothiazide High blood pressure The list in one sense is a cross-section of the ills in this country. With Vicodin at the top of the list, we have many people being treated for pain. But because Vicodin is a narcotic, it is also a contributing factor to the opioid crisis.

The other drugs on this list pretty

much outline the more common medical conditions in the U.S.—high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and common infections. In turn, these diseases reflect a need for possible changes in lifestyles, diets, as well as less stress and more exercise, not just merely a need for more drug therapy. n ••• This article only reflects the opinion of the author, neither the publisher nor anyone else associated with the publication.

For more info: rrxconte@gmail.com

COMMUNITY NEWS MovementLab Celebrates Santa Cruz Dance Week with Free Show hich shapes of light illuminate our path, what qualities of light attract us, do we, at some point become aware of our

lightness?

MovementLab brings performance and participatory installations to the Old Wrigley Building halls and The Art Cave’s gallery, concluding the evening with a miniature dance party hosted by Hamid Martin of Inner Rhythm.

MovementLab is a collective of artists and musicians from Santa Cruz and Chicago, working in modern dance, Butoh, costume and art installations, and music of all genres. Hosting weekly movement classes and freeform moving meditations currently

in Santa Cruz, come experience the performance artists of MovementLab, be moved and bring your dancing feet for a post performance miniature dance party. n ••• Performers: Nadine Lollino • Trey Donovan • Ayla Rose • Rachel Barnes • Susann Suprenant (saving the day) • Sage (tarot maestro) • Raven Lakens Music: Bob Garrett • Hamid Martin • John Malkin Artist in gallery: Elijah Pfotenhauer ••• For more information: www.movementlab.dance 23 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Photo Credit: Ian Ace Vecchiotti

W

Free Event on Friday, April 19, 2019 • 7: 30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Way Beyond Last Frost Date

S

By Tony Tomeo

cheduling of gardening chores is as important now as it ever was. We plant warm season vegetables and annuals in time for spring and summer. We plant cool season vegetables and annuals for autumn and winter. We pick flowers as they bloom. We harvest fruits and vegetables as they ripen. We watch the seasons change on our calendars, as well as in the locally specific weather.

The one scheduling tool that we do not hear as much about as we did when agriculture was more common in the region is

Frost is old news for now.

the ‘last frost date’. It refers to the average date of the last potentially damaging frost for a specific region.

The last of such frosts might actually be earlier or later, but the last frost date remains a standardized time to plan particular procedures and planting around.

There are likely a few reasons why we do not talk about the last frost date much.

The most relevant reason is likely the timing. Around here, the last frost date is sometime in January. It is earlier in some spots, and later in others, but it is sometime between January 1 and 30. It is simply too early to limit much of what we do in the garden in early spring, and is irrelevant to most winter chores.

It might seem to be just as irrelevant now, since the last frost was so long ago.

Seed for warm season vegetables and annuals is sown as the weather gets warmer only because it would grow too slowly while the weather is too cool in winter, not because of a threat of frost. There really is quite a bit of time between the last frost and warm spring weather, while the weather is still rather cool.

H o w e v e r , pruning of plants that were damaged by frost should have been delayed at least until after the last frost date, and perhaps as late as spring. Although unsightly, damaged growth shelters inner growth from subsequent frost. Besides, premature pruning stimulates new growth that is more sensitive to subsequent frost. Most of such pruning is delayed until just after the last frost date. If delayed longer, fresh new growth will show how far back damaged stems must get pruned.

••• Highlight: Leopard plant s an understory species that naturally grows under forest trees in its native environment in Japan, leopard plant, Farfugium japonicum, can be quite happy in parts of the garden that are too shady for other plants. If it does not get too warm or dry, it can tolerate full sun. It likes rich soil and frequent watering. Fertilizer should be applied moderately, since too much can cause foliar burn.

Cultivars of leopard plant that are variegated with yellow or white spots,

A

Variegated leopard plant brightens the shade.

blotches, margins or outwardly and irregularly flaring streaks are increasingly popular, although the unvariegated rich dark green cultivars are still the most popular. Individual leaves get about three to six inches wide. Some are wavy or impressively crinkly around the edges, or outfitted with a few bluntly angular teeth.

The mostly unseen rubbery petioles can suspend the glossy evergreen foliage as high as two feet, although most cultivars stay lower. Rhizomes spread slowly. It may take many years before the healthiest of specimens gets big enough to divide.

Leopard plant is grown as a foliar plant, but provides a delightful surprise of loose trusses of inch wide yellow daisy flowers in autumn or winter. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

How To Get More of your ‘Best’ Customers

A

By Ron Kustek

s a follow-up to knowing your best customer, there are efficient ways to reach more of your potential ‘best’ customers. There are a few basic things you need to know in order to be able to satisfy and capitalize on these critical drivers of your business.

Know Who They Are: If you already know then you’re off to a great start! Your best customer may be your female customers who are 50+ and have the savings or retirement income to spend at your business on a regular basis. They likely bring you additional customers who may be visiting with them, as they want to share one of their favorite shopping or eating places that every out-of-towner needs to experience. This best customer not only buys from you on a regular basis, but is even more valuable to you because of her referral network of family & friends that she actively brings to your business.

Know What They Do: Do your best customers usually grocery shop at a common

store, or perhaps are they “soccer moms” who are part of a local school district? Are they construction workers who like to frequent craft breweries, or are they more likely to visit local wineries? Are they regular hikers of the local beaches or mountains, or do they love to surf? Is your best customer part of a church group; are they political activists or supporters of the local arts community? There are so many different choices and options for what your customers are doing — when they’re not visiting your website or location.

Know Where They Live: You may have collected information from your customers to find that the majority of them live in your local neighborhood, or perhaps they’re loyal to your business even though they live 5-6 miles away. This information may be collected base on observation (did they

walk or bike to your location) or perhaps more formally by collecting their name, home address, and opt-in email/text information via a questionnaire or client information form you have them complete.

Knowing the geography of the core of your best customers will help you make decisions about marketing vehicles such as direct and online marketing that allows you to target other ‘birds of a feather’ who are flocking together in the same neighborhoods.

Know Their Online Habits: The average person spends 40 minutes a day on Facebook, 34 minutes daily on twitter and 21 minutes per day on both Instagram and Pinterest. Collectively, the average person now spends over 2 hours a day on all social networks combined!

The emerging younger generation (Gen Z – those following Millennials) spends most of

24 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

their time on YouTube, and not Facebook or twitter. Each of these platforms make their money through targeted advertising – advertising you can specify and customize for your customers (age, race, sex, income, etc.) in their geography (local vs. specific radius from any zip code) who have the interests that you know of (sports vs. meals eaten outside the home vs. $$ spent on clothing per year, etc.)

If you know most of this detailed information about your best customers, you will be able to successfully get more ‘best’ customers in a fairly quick and very cost efficient manner. The old adage about ‘knowledge is power’ applies to many respects about your company, and most importantly knowing the most about your best customers, is the best knowledge you can have to continue building a successful business! n ••• Ron Kustek is a business instructor at Cabrillo College.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Maturity at 25?

M

aturity is defined as a point of full development, of acing adultlike, or the endpoint of an obligation.

Bonds and loans mature, fruit and vegetables mature, and so do all other living creatures, including humans.

I read an article the other day stating that researchers had determined that the male brain does not reach full maturity until age 25. The female brain, on the other hand reaches full maturity at age 21. What a croc!

Take my brain, for instance. When I was 18, I knew without a doubt that the best ways to impress girls was to screech around corners in my car, peel rubber when starting off from a stop sign, and to honk, hoot and holler each time I saw a girl walking the sidewalk. Now that’s maturity!

I knew that machismo was also a sign of maturity. Why walk when you can strut?

Why smile when you can belly laugh. Why sip when you can guzzle? These were traits of growing maturity, and many of us mastered them at quite a young age…. way before age 25. Some of us have maintained that level of maturity right through adulthood and into our senior years.

Cruising Beach Street in the 1960’s was a fine way to demonstrate maturity.

In those days Beach Street in front of the Boardwalk was a 2-way street.

On weekends, teens would spend

By Lawrence Tartaglino

hours and hours and gallons and gallons of gasoline cruising up and down the street. We would hoot and holler and do anything we could to draw attention to ourselves. I don’t doubt that the influx of “adults” cruising up and down the street and adding to the congestion, didn’t have something to do with the City’s decision to make it a one-way street.

I’ve considered the distinction between maturing and aging. Most older men are quieter, more reserved, and hold an appreciation for the finer things of life: literature, art, music, history and the awe and beauty of nature.

The mature teen ager, on the other hand, is interested in instant gratification, bravado, and standing out from the crowd. How does this distinction relate to me any my peers? Just compare nature to mankind.

(Poetic license admitted and applied) In nature, Caterpillars are not attractive; some people think they are creepy. They slime along plants and flowers and gnaw them down to the point of death. As caterpillars mature, they morph into beautiful butterflies.

No one thinks butterflies are creepy.

They are beautiful, graceful, and a sight to behold. They no longer eat and destroy plant material. Instead, they gain sustenance from the nectar of flowers and tree sap. They don’t destroy, they help nature thrive by pollinating and cross pollinating.

Humans, on the other hand, begin life as beautiful, innocent children. As they reach maturity, they become even more beautiful, although not quite so innocent.

Physically, they are at a point of perfection.

Mentally, well, that is a point of debate. As humans, the body begins to deteriorate past a certain stage of life. So does the brain. Forgetfulness, dementia, and confusion often set in.

In short, as caterpillars mature to seemingly perfection, humans often mature into a state of decline. The wants and needs of mature humans consume a growing portion of our resources. Their activities and needs seem to lead to pollution and degradation.

“Perspectives” page 31

Space

ACROSS

1. Not slouching 6. However, poetically 9. “Poor me!”

13. Yo-Yo’s instrument 14. Read-only storage 15. Clear the chalkboard 16. Macho one 17. Gobbled up 18. Prepare for winter takeoff 19. *”2001: A Space ____” 21. *First man in space 23. Rocketman’s title 24. Green gemstone 25. Middle-earth creature 28. Dharma teacher

30. *Like space 35. Actress Gilbert 37. Heartburn relief 39. Parent, to a child 40. All over again 41. Pertaining to Os 43. Rani’s dress 44. Great reviews 46. 1,000 grams 47. Moon pull 48. *NASA’s human spaceflight program 50. Major European river 52. Huxley’s choice 53. Bookie’s quote 55. Two halves 57. *Robotic space explorer 61. *Kennedy Space Center location 65. Pleasant smell

25 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

8. *____ Centauri or ____ Nebula 9. *____ 51 10. Bear’s den 11. Fungal spore sacs 12. “As ____ on TV” 15. Push one’s way into 20. One of the Muses 22. Internet pop-ups 24. Comfy nightwear 25. City in Japan DOWN 26. Piled up, as in debt 1. Acoustic 27. Words to live by phenomenon 29. *Falcon Heavy 2. Lou of The Velvet entrepreneur Underground 31. *Kind of frontier?

3. Abounding with elms 32. 21st century letter 4. Teacher’s audience 33. Smart candy?

5. Throat lymph node 34. ____-and-true 6. Carhop’s carrier 36. Military no-show 7. *Like Venus 38. Place for a house plant 66. Be indisposed 68. “____ death do us part” 69. Manicurist’s office 70. Court 71. Underwater breathing organs 72. Benevolent fellows 73. Car nut 74. Conversation starter

42. Business-oriented programming language 45. *”For the Benefit of All,” e.g.

49. “___ to Joy” 51. As much as necessary 54. A southern ____ 56. Bert’s partner 57. Bud holder 58. Instead of written 59. Part of an egg 60. Singer-songwriter Tori 61. Use a cat o’ nine tails 62. It will 63. Popular pickling herb 64. Additionally 67. Promise to pay © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

Your April Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Taurus (April 21-May 21)

How long has it been since the potential for new romance presented itself? Love is in the air early in April, leaving you in high spirits, if not a little more introspective than usual. You find yourself in a compromising mood mid-monthIf your friend, roommate, co-worker, partner, parent, or someone else wants to argue, suggest a harmonious way that you can both get what you want. Late in the month you feel some anxiety surrounding a deadline or overdue project. You might not reach your goals now despite your best efforts. Stay focused and shut out distractions as much as possible. You can do this.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You feel a desire to unravel mysteries as the month begins. This is the perfect time to decipher clues or use your advanced detecting skills to tackle an escape room. You are surrounded by optimism mid-month, leaving you with few bad choices to make. You might be more insistent than usual, too, as you feel compelled to take control of work situations, or conversation with friends. Just remember that you can get your point peacefully. You find yourself questioning all your hard work as April comes to a close. Don’t give up, even when things don’t turn out as planned. The answers might be slow in coming, but they’ll come.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

The beginning of the month is a time to find healthy ways to let out some of your powerful impulses.

Taking up an extreme sport is a good way to get rid of some of the stress you’ve been feeling. Get physical! You are ready to put yourself forward mid-April, but do you always have to have the last word?! Conversations should be an exchange of information, not a one-way lecture. Later in the month you find yourself thinking about your budget. This feels like a perfect time to work on longterm goals. Look for slow-growing but steady investments now.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

The beginning of April is an excellent time to get responsibilities out of the way. You aren’t into setting long-term goals now, but if there’s something in front of you that needs to be finished, you’re on it. Your mind is open to the possibilities mid-month, and you might have some very exciting travel options. Even though you’re still only in the planning stages, this could be a very exciting journey. As easy as completing projects were at the beginning of the month is how hard it seems as the month comes to a close. Your worst habit now is starting things and not finishing them. If you need help, feel free to delegate.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

You feel very talkative early in the month, giving excellent speeches, presentations, and lectures.

Your word choice is concise yet meaningful. It’s also a good time to catch up on blogs or social media posts. Listening isn’t your strength right now, and that problem rears it’s head mid-month, even when you’re the one talking. When you have plenty to say but not a lot of time to say it, it can result in rapid speech that’s hard to understand. Slow down. Let your mouth catch up to your mind.

Late in April, you may be struggling to gather the resources to finish a task. This isn’t the time to be hard on yourself. Ask for the help you need.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

The beginning of the month brings a sense of urgency AND lethargy. If you can just dig in and avoid procrastinating, you’ll find yourself getting a lot done! The sense of balance flowing through you mid-April can help your current relationship, something you’ve probably not realized you needed for quite some time. The potential for a romantic relationship or business partnership is higher now than ever before. Take the next step, whatever you mutually decide that will be. The end of the month brings more desire to slack off somewhat, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a little break. If that’s your choice, you’ll have to deal with the consequences if it interferes with your job.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

April begins with you filled to the brim with energy. You get things done at record speed, but some of the details you’re known for being on top of could get lost in the shuffle. If there’s a way to stay focused and finish on time, you’ll find it. You have a reason to reconsider a lot of things you’ve done recently mid-month, and you might wonder if destiny played a role in recent events. You have plenty of time to dial back your output as the month comes to a close. You like to be in control, but what happens when you step aside and give the reins to someone else?

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You’re in a spontaneous mood as the month begins. You’re much more likely to act first and deal with the potential consequences later. It’s better to regret something you did than something you didn’t do, right?

Mid-month fills you with warm, friendly energy. Your self-confidence is at an all-time high, making it easy for you to feel at ease in any type of situation (and around all types of people). Later in April you are focused on your relationships, so you should be able to feel at ease with new partnerships as well as old ones. You’re a peacemaker at heart, and you’ll do what it takes to make sure everyone gets along.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Use clear thinking and good judgment to your advantage as the month begins. There are few situations that don’t benefit from your increased concentration and focus. Challenges build up as you moved towards mid-April, but you should be ready for them if you’ve done the necessary work. You don’t often let people see you struggle, and this time is no exception. The atmosphere turns pleasant later in the month. You love luxury now and surround yourself with the best of the best. If cost is no option, you’re in for some very indulgent treats. Maybe working every minute of the day isn’t necessary to reach your lofty goals.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

‘What Your Attention is Upon, You Become’

By Joyce and Barry Vissell

W

hen Barry and I were both thirty years old, we had a spiritual teacher named Pearl who lived in Mt. Shasta, California. Unlike most popular spiritual teachers today who give talks to thousands of students at a time, Pearl was simple and she saw several people at a time in her small living room.

Pearl had gray hair and spoke with a lisp and had a physical ordinariness. But she had the ability to see what was most needed in each of us.

We spent a summer in Mt. Shasta so that we could be with her every day. Each day she stressed to us in particular, “What your attention is upon, you become.”

Sometimes we grew tired of hearing her say that over and over again. But over time, we have learned the value of those words and, if lived fully, can profoundly affect our lives.

As an example, suppose you are upset with a public figure (I’m not giving any names here). Every time you see this person in the news, you grow upset and think about him or her often throughout the day. You might even talk negatively about this person to your friends and family. You might do hours of research on the internet finding information to support your theory that this is not a good person.

And you might find TV shows that match your opinion and so you watch them every day. Your attention is clearly upon this person. Think about Pearl’s words, “What your attention is upon, you

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

Positive energy flows as April begins, improving your mental abilities and increasing intuition. It’s amazing what you pick up on while you’re in a good mood. Your conversations are quick and to the point mid-month. Let other people use flowery words, your main objective is to get to the point right now. Late in the month your responsibilities fill your thoughts. It seems like a perfect time to throw down some solid long-term plans, but it also adds limits on what you’re able to accomplish, especially at work. Distractions like your phone and other electronics are the main culprits when you’re trying to focus.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

Things are rough early in the month. This may be a good time to take a break and leave your normal life behind a few days … or longer if you can. Opportunity seems to come for you mid-March, but it’s not going to catch you and drag you along. You have to be ready for it, reach out and grab hold.

Late in the month romance is on your mind. Are you with someone that treats you well and gives you what you need? Respects and adores you? If not, maybe it’s time to consider what’s best for you.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

Unconventional love is in the air as March begins. Keeping your independence, whether in a relationship or not, is important to your feelings. You’ll find a way to make whatever comes your way succeed. You find yourself motivated to accomplish short-term goals mid-month. No time to waist, lots to get done and you’re ready to do it. You find your attention to detail focusing as the month comes to a close. You can’t stop thinking about your interests, so you might as well work on your projects until you’re done.

•••

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 26 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

become.” Do you really want to become like this person that you dislike so much? It is important to be informed about current events, but it is also important to not allow it to become an obsession, so that you are thinking about this person continually, especially in negative terms.

Rather than allowing your focus to be on this person, instead think about someone that you truly admire. Perhaps this is a spiritual leader, an author, close friend, a teacher, your partner, parent, child, or grandparent. It is important that you admire and respect this person. As you put your attention upon this person, the qualities that you most admire in them become alive within you. What your attention is upon, you become.

When our three children were living with us, we had a family dinner each night.

As we were eating, we always asked, “Tell us something good that happened to you today.” We all took turns telling something good that had happened. We wanted our children to focus first on the good in life. Each child shared something good, however simple, and we all felt grateful for that particular thing. There was plenty of time for the things that were not good, like too much homework, a boring class in school, not getting the part you wanted in a school play, not getting a good grade on a test you just took, or another student being unkind to you.

“Shared Hearts” page 31

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Travels with Charlie (and Michael)

By Janet Payne-Downs

H

ooray, we did it! Kudos to my son Michael, for rising to the occasion and driving a total of 4,000 miles.

When he ‘left his home in Friendswood…headed for the Monterey Bay’ (apologies to Otis Redding), he posted a picture of himself and his truck on Facebook captioned, “I’m coming for ya, Momma.” Precious.

He rolled up into my driveway at 1:00pm on Sunday, March 31st, tired, unshaven, and hungry. Within an hour, his dad and high school friend, Jordan, came over and began loading my car and Michael’s truck as I was frantically flinging last minute things into any old box.

We left at 9:00am on Monday, April 1st (ironic isn’t it?) but not before there were tears shed and shared with some neighbors and friends who were there to see us off.

Michael was hefting Charlie up to his carefully and thoughtfully feng-shui-ed area where he would spend the next three long, tedious days.

Poor Char Char! He had spent the last month watching me disassemble my studio, pack stuff up, weep openly and say my goodbyes, so when Michael put him in the back seat, Charlie totally resisted with his tail between his legs.

Off we went. This was such a lifechanging event for all of us. Michael and I were both on our best behavior for the drive, so it may have been several hours before I asked him to pull over “or else”, besides which, we were hungry.

When Michael had driven up to Santa Cruz from Texas, he could easily drive five to six hours without stopping, so I knew he was mentally keeping track of how Charlie and I were impeding his otherwise speedy journey, and he confidently apprised me of that fact in El Paso.

I, on the other hand, used the age card in my defense, several times. “Really Michael? I’m seventy-two.” Sometimes it worked.

Michael heavily persuaded me to think about the possibility of crossing the Arizona border in one day. But as my blood sugar plummeted to a mere 43, and I tried my best to be whine-free, I watched my dangling ankles swell. I gently said to Michael that I could not go two more hours and he compromised. We stopped

in Blythe, which is two inches from the Arizona border.

Up early the next morning, we enjoyed the stunning mountain silhouette as the sun rose behind them, which was so lovely.

As we sped down Highway 10, Michael suddenly swore, then immediately pulled over, which of course almost made me call 911.

But no need, we had just driven through a windy area and a box came loose, catapulting through the air before landing on the asphalt. We could see it waaay back on the road, and saw cars swerving around it. For a brief moment I thought we could retrieve it but I told Michael that it just wasn’t worth it and to let it go.

That was Tuesday, our longest day.

We drove to just outside San Antonio and stopped for the night.

Both of our moods picked up on Wednesday, as we were eager to get to Friendswood that evening. Michael was

missing his family a lot (and I get that).

We argued ever so slightly that even though my elderly-ness was a factor in our journey, Michael was the one who had driven all this way, while all I was doing was leaning back agitating my scoliosis and intestines. Harrumph.

We had some sweet moments on the drive, my son and I. Talked about parenting, his growing up, some ‘things’ he did as a teenager and some ‘punishments’ I enforced when I found out.

(I’m sure many of you are aware of pulling the e-brake while driving...)?

I had just bought tires the day before I loaned the car to 17-year-old Michael and a friend.

When I drove the car the next day, there were ‘clunking noises,’ and my car was incredibly wobbly.

I was livid, and went to the tire place to complain. They assured me that the problem was not in the installation, but instead asked me if anyone had driven

27 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

the car since the tires were put on. Of course I said yes, and then the mechanic explained to me about e-braking and spinning around, often a fun thing to do by young (male) teens.

Now I was incensed. I drove to the school and made the registrar drag him out of class. When he saw me in the hall, instantly he knew he was busted.

Michael ‘fessed up’ to me on our drive during the trip. About six months after this incident, he had paid me in full for them.

As we got closer to Friendswood, our collective moods were on the upswing. The first journey of my saga was coming to an end.

We rounded the corner to his street and immediately saw that Najla and Lura had put up streamers and letters saying, “Welcome home, Emma,” (My gramma name).

Can’t get it better than that, right? n ••• Be sure to stay close; lots and lots more to come in the next column about dogs, kids, noise, kisses and “getting around town”.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR and nonfiction. Non-profit Grey Bears has served our community for 45 years. Grey Bears provides recycling services and accepts books and other donations for our thrift stores.

Proceeds benefit our Brown Bag Program, distributing nutritious food to 3,900 seniors every week.

Weekdays CASA ORIENTATIONS TO BECOME ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN Wednesday May 1 CASA empowers volunteers to directly influence NEW LEAF COMMUNITY MARKETS GRAND OPENING life-changing decisions affecting children in foster care. & RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION Court appointed special advocates are everyday people that, with just a few hours a week can have a lifetime of 7:45 a.m., 161 Aptos Village Way, Aptos impact for a child who has been abused or neglected.

Market closes at 9 p.m.

More info www.casaofsantacruz.org or call (831) 761New Leaf will be opening their doors in the historic 2956 XT.102 Hihn Apple Barn in Aptos Village for the first time on May 1! They’re so excited to meet you, and show you what’s in store! Hundreds of high-quality local Mondays groceries, fresh, organic produce, hormone-free meats, CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP and sustainably sourced seafood; Wellness department 12-1 p.m., PAMF, 2850 Commercial Crossing, SC packed with natural, good-for-you products; You’ll Katz Cancer Center, PAMF and Hospice of Santa Cruz find tons of options to grab something to go — like County invite you to attend a Caregiver Support Group a made-to-order Wok and Ramen Bar, a full-service for those caring for someone with a serious illness.

Organic Juice & Smoothie Bar, or even pizza.

When a loved one is seriously ill, it can be a challenge The market has indoor and outdoor seating, bike for the entire family. In this ongoing support group, we parking, 17,000 square foot space while retaining the will share stories, learn tools for coping and receive classic architectural character of the Hihn Apple Barn support from people who care. (built in 1881).

Contact Hospice of Santa Cruz County Grief Support Program.

No charge to attend the grand opening. For more info: (831) 430-3078 newleaf.com Second and Fourth Mondays SANTA CRUZ CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP 30TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Alzheimer’s Association, 550 Water Street, Ste. L2, Santa Cruz 1-7 p.m., Seascape Golf Club Golfers dust off those clubs, business owners enjoy a If you have a family member who has been diagnosed day team building, vendors enjoy a business day out with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, a careon the green. The day includes entertainment on the giver support group can offer you an opportunity to find course, networking with other business professionals out more about available community resources, learn from others who are going through similar experiences, in the area, lunch, snacks, drinks, prizes, and ends and obtain additional educational materials. Open to with an award ceremony dinner. family members, no fee.

Come promote your business on the course! We For more information about this and other support groups hope to see you there! in the area, please call 800.272.3900 Cost: $150

Wednesday May 22

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mondays & Tuesdays WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM SHOWTIME FOR LOCAL ARTIST 12:30 - 2 p.m.

Through February, Showtime Pizza, 7960 Soquel Drive, Aptos WomenCARE ARM-in-ARM support group for women Local Artist Becky Olvera Schultz is showing her Native with advanced, recurrent and metastatic cancers. Meets American-inspired clay/mixed-media art exhibit now weekly Mondays & Tuesdays, with a separate meeting at Showtime Pizza in Aptos. The exhibit will remain on every First and Third Tuesday every month. display until the end of February.

Registration required. Call 457-2273 for more information An award-winning artist, her work has been in and to register. No cost to attend. galleries across American and featured in international www.womencaresantacruz.org magazines like Cowboys & Indians, Native Peoples and Wild West Magazine.

Mondays & Wednesdays For more information visit www.native-expressions.com ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION Alzheimer’s Association has free support groups for VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE MONTEREY family caregivers at 1777-A Capitola road.

SYMPHONY 2nd & 4th Mondays 2-3:30pm facilitated by Jill The Monterey Symphony is seeking volunteers. If you love Ginghofer, music and want to be involved, please call (831) 646-8511 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 5:30-7pm facilitated by or visit www.montereysymphony.org for more information.

Francie Newfield & Kathleen McBurney.

Call 800 272 3900 for more information.

ONGOING EVENTS

Daily SANTA CRUZ ‘USED’ BOOKSHOP 10 am- 3 pm 2710 Chanticleer Ave. Santa Cruz Grey Bears: Every Monday and Friday is $10-a-bag book sale. Fill up a shopping bag with books for only $10! Thousands of titles for $1.50 or less: cookbooks, gardening, sci-fi, mysteries, classics and all sorts of fiction

Tuesdays WRITING/DISCUSSION MEETING 6:30-7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo Room, 10707 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 (At Hwy One and Freedom Blvd) Do you have a problem with food? Please check out our free, friendly 12-Step support group with the solution.

All teens and adults welcome!

For current times and locations of other meetings: www.santa- to softening the impact of chemo, radiation, and cruzoa.org/meetings. Or call our Hotline at (831) 429-7906. recovering well from surgery.

We’ll address nausea, low energy, weakness, BINGO digestion, immune support, grief, stress and more.

6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. Feel free to bring your partner or care team to this free BINGO EVERY TUESDAY. Buy-in begins at $21. The class. Please come fed; water is available.

Snack Bar is open with goodies and dinner specials.

Limited Seats. Please register all attendees on Eventbrite — Wellness on the Cancer Journey or call 831-254-3270 to BUSINESS DEBTORS ANONYMOUS RSVP. Address given upon registration receipt.

5:15-6:30pm, Calvary Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 532 ADHD SUPPORT GROUP Center Street, Santa Cruz.

We specifically focus on recovering from debting on 6:30-8 p.m., Aptos Fire Station, 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos one’s business.

The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Branch of CHADD hosts For more information: 831-425-3272. monthly support group meetings for anyone who would like to learn more about ADHD or has questions or Tuesdays & Wednesdays concerns. Come share with those who understand.

SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUPS Second Wednesdays’ meeting is for parents of children, teens, and young adults with ADHD. The Monarch Services offers a safe space to meet other group for adults with ADHD, spouses, partners of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors, and to listen or share someone with ADHD meets fourth Wednesdays of every experiences. Childcare provided on site. month.

Spanish – Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Servicios Judy Brenis: jbbrenis@comcast.net, or call 831-818-9619.

Monarca, 233 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville (831) 722-4532 Last Wednesdays Each Month English – Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Monarch MAGICIANS’ CLUB Services, 1590 Seabright Avenue, SC (831) 425-4030 7 p.m., Antonelli Club Room, 2655 Brommer St., Santa Cruz For more information, visit www.monarchscc.org Attention Magic Lovers! Our new Magicians’ Club meets on the last Wed. of every month at 7pm in the club room Tuesdays & Thursdays at the Antonelli Mobile Home Park. If you do magic or FREE PILATES CLASSES AT TEMPLE BETH EL want to get started in this fun hobby, join us.

10 a.m., Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd., Aptos Questions? Call Jim at 685-3829 Please join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT in the social hall at Temple Beth El in Aptos (3055 GROUP Porter Gulch Rd) for a lively and challenging 60 minute Pilates Strength Class. The classes are free 7-9 p.m., Katz Cancer Resource Center, 3150 Mission Dr and everybody is welcome. Donation are welcome.

Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group has For more information https://www.tbeaptos.org been an active group for over 20 years in the community.

First meeting of 2018 will be February 28th.

Wednesdays Thursdays CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP SANTA CRUZ 1st & 3rd Wednesdays: 5:30-7 p.m.

FRIENDSHIP PUT TO MUSIC! 2nd & 4th Wednesdays: 2-3:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m., New Hall, La Selva Beach Club House, 3124 Alzheimer’s Association, 550 Water Street, Ste L2, Santa Cruz, Estrella Ave. CA 95060 Classes every Thursday night. For more information If you have a family member who has been diagnosed call Sue Harris or Don Benson (831) 726-7053 or email at with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, a care- caller4u@att.net giver support group can offer you an opportunity to find out more about available community resources, learn LUCKY STEPPERS MODERN from others who are going through similar experiences, SQUARE DANCE and obtain additional educational materials.

6:30 pm, La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La Our evening Santa Cruz caregiver support group Selva Beach, CA 95076 meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, It’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; family and our afternoon Santa Cruz caregiver support group friendly. Class takes place every Thursday Night at our meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. new home in La Selva Beach! (Take Mar Monte off of No fee. Open to family members.

Hwy 1, turns into Playa Blvd., turn right on Estrella) For more information about this and other support groups in For more information, contact Sue Harris or Don Benson at the area, please call 800.272.3900 (831) 726-7053 or e-mail at caller4u@att.net.

Second Wednesdays SANTA CRUZ SONS IN RETIREMENT MONTHLY MEETING Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St. This statewide group of retired men invites you to be our guest at our monthly luncheon. 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 11-12:30 pm, Old Soquel Plaza Learn how to safely support your body and emotions through the journey of Cancer — from diagnosis

28 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

SAN LORENZO COMMUNITY BAND PRACTICE SESSIONS 7:30-9 p.m., San Lorenzo Valley High School Band Room (F-1) The San Lorenzo Valley Community Band meets every Thursday at SLV High School. Dues are $30 a semester.

You must read music.

Call Teresa at 336-8637.

Second and Fourth Thursdays CABRILLO HOST LIONS CLUB MEETINGS 6:30 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road.

Want to make a difference in our community? Join the Cabrillo Lions Club twice every month and see what you can do to help in Santa Cruz County.

Please RSVP cabrillolions@gmail.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Third Sunday of Every Month SCIENCE SUNDAY Starts at 1 p.m., 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 95060 Seymour 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

ONGOING EVENTS CONT. Last Thursdays each month MONTHLY ARGENTINE TANGO AT STAR BENE ITALIAN/ARGENTINE RESTARANTE 4:30pm-9:30pm, Star Bene Italian/Argentene Restarante, 21245 East Cliff Dr. This is a night for true “Social Tango.” Order a wonderful meal from the Star Bene Argentine Menu, (or their well known italian menu), and enjoy the ambiance of Argentina and join us in a social tango dance to music from the Golden Age of Tango.

Private instruction and classes by arrangement. For more information, call Michael (831) 239-2247.

Fridays NAR-ANON SCOTTS VALLEY 6:30 p.m., Camp Recovery Center (Bison Center Room), 3192 Glen Canyon Road, Scotts Valley.

Nar-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, please go to our website at www.nar-anon.org.

DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT 12-1 pm, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, two locations: 940 Disc Dr., SV • 85 Nielson St., Watsonville Hospice of Santa Cruz County is offering a drop-in grief support group for adults grieving the death of a family member or a friend. This group is a place where you can share stories, learn tools for coping, and receive support from people who care.

For more information, please call (831) 430-3000. Preregistration is required.

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

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

FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Peace United Church of Christ at 900 High Street, Santa Cruz Curious about Shakespeare? The Friday Shakespeare Club members discuss the life, times, and influence of William Shakespeare.

For information, call 831-684-2832, or go to friday shakespeare.org or facebook.com/fridayshakespeare.

DATED EVENTS Saturday April 20

WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES

EGGSTRAVAGANZA 11 a.m. -1 p.m., Redwood Elementary, 16900 Hwy 9, Boulder Creek 95006 There are egg hunts that start at 11:15 am by age groups and another all ages hunt at noon. During the duration on the event, there is a petting zoo, Easter Bunny pictures, bake sale, face painting, non-profits and a small amount of vendors.

Typically there are 300-350 attendees at this short event. Most attendees stay even after the egg hunts have ended.

Thursday April 25

Saturday April 20 • Sunday April 28

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Lighthouse Point, West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz The Santa Cruz Community is joining Monarch Services to raise awareness about sexual assault/violence in our community. Walk a Mile is a nationwide event that invites the community to participate in a one mile walk, literally in his/her shoes by wearing red shoes, to raise awareness around issues of rape, sexual assault, and gender violence. Everyone will meet in red shoes at 5:30 p.m. on April 25th at Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz. The march empowers men, women and children in making our community a safer place, and it provides an opportunity for the community to talk about these important issues. Although encouraged, it is not mandatory for walkers to wear women’s shoes. We are expecting between 500 and 800 participants that will include local business, political and public service leaders.

For further information about the event: wam2019.monarchscc.org. who want to get off of them. PA is offered all over the world.

For questions, please contact Gary at (831)801-9578 or Kristin at (831)345-6515 SANTA CRUZ TENNIS CLUB 9 a.m., Soquel High School Tennis Courts The nonprofit Santa Cruz Tennis Club meets every Saturday morning at the Soquel High School courts beginning at 9:00 am. We play doubles and mixed doubles, mostly at an intermediate level, and switch around the players every 45 minutes. Balls are provided. $2 for first time visitors.

Second Saturdays Each Month 2ND SATURDAY ON THE FARM 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Ag History Project Center at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Join us every 2nd Saturday on the Farm for free family activities. Each month we select a new theme to FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB highlight historical agriculture with games, activities, OF SANTA CRUZ and demonstrations that relate. We often have guest 10 am - noon, Peace United Church, 909 High Street appearances from farm animals like llamas, draft This is the oldest women’s club in Santa Cruz. The club horses, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, and more! You meets to study the life, works and times of William are sure to find something fun and entertaining for the Shakespeare. Members share group readings and whole family. insights, discuss history, and universal themes found in Check our website and Facebook page for more details. FREE his plays and writings.

For more information please call 831-684-2832 Sundays OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING Saturdays 4 - 5 pm, Ben Lomond Community Library, 9525 Mill St., Ben PILLS ANONYMOUS (PA) Lomond 8 a.m., Sutter Hospital, 2025 Soquel Ave Do you have a problem with compulsive over- or The purpose of PA is to provide a safe, secure, and supportive place for people who are addicted to pills undereating? Anorexia? Bulimia? Compulsive

BAY SHORE LYRIC OPERA PRESENTS AÏDA

BY GIUSEPPE VERDE Opera in 4 Acts • Sung in Italian with English supertitle Saturday: 7:30 p.m. / Sunday: 3 p.m., Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz Set in ancient Egypt, Aïda is the most grandiose setting of any of Giuseppe Verdi’s operas, but also the backdrop of an intensely intimate drama. A paradox? On the contrary, it offers a highly fertile duality. Aïda is in fact a series of personal tragedies, developing in an impressive decorum, consisting in rituals and pompous processions. Under the skies of exercising? You are not alone. Drop into a free, ancient Egypt, Verdi reaches a new level of maturity friendly OA 12-Step meeting with the solution. All and depth in his relentless quest for human truths, are welcome! giving the tumultuous relations of Aïda, Radames For information on other meetings in Santa Cruz County: www. and Amonasro touches of true sincerity. In this santacruzoa.org/meetings marvelous setting the melodic balm of Verdi’s music is as fascinating as ever.

NAR-ANON SANTA CRUZ For more information: bslopera.com 6:30 p.m., Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (Sutter Room), 2900 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz Thursday April 25 Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families TOP GUN JOB FAIR & BUSINESS EXPO and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to 4-7 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds join. Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, Are you looking to connect with great customers and who are going through similar problems, talk about fabulous new employees? JOIN US! how they cope and find recovery.

To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please go Presented by the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture to our website at www.nar-anon.org.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BIBLE STUDY Saturday April 27 9:45 a.m: Bible Study 11 a.m.: Worship OMEGA NU’S ANNUAL DUCKY DERBY 7565 Sunset Way, Aptos 10:30 am - 3:30 pm, Harvey West Park, Friendship Gardens First Baptist Church of Aptos welcomes you to join their Omega Nu will hold its 29th Annual Ducky Derby and bible study and worship every Sunday.

Carnival at Harvey West Park on Saturday, April 27th Call (831) 688-5842 for more info from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Ducky Derby is a fun-filled day for the entire family.

First Sunday of Every Month Delicious food, carnival games, music, entertainment, SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB EVENT and of course the duck races!

5 p.m., various member homes throughout county Over 11,000 rubber ducks will race in heats down a Love to cook, entertain and socialize? Our dinner club 75 yard man-made waterway. If you adopt ducks, you events will be held in several homes throughout Santa will have a chance to win over 100 prize packages.

Cruz County where members enjoy gourmet meals, The ducks race rain or shine! All proceeds go fine wine and conversation. Joining the club provides directly back to the Santa Cruz community, through a great opportunity to cook, to entertain, and to meet our scholarship and charity programs. Please visit our locals that share your interests. websiteduckyderbysantacruz.org for more information.

Learn more about the SC Dinner Club and the fun we have by Come and enjoy a great day at the park! contacting Rhonda Mills at info@SantaCruzDinnerClub.com No cost to attend. n

29 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Business Guide

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Updates on Common Road Questions

By Zach Friend

R Serving Santa Cruz County Since 2003

Bill Cuccia ® Realtor

831-251-6955

CalDRE #01481701 Real Time Realty Watsonville, CA

Ask me about Adult Village in Watsonville • Homes from $350K

!

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549

equest for road repairs are one of the most common requests that come in to our office. Some of the roads have long histories of challenges and others were damaged severely in the winter storms over the last few years. Recently, we’ve received multiple requests for updates on Buena Vista, Trout Gulch, Valencia and Hazel Dell, so I wanted to provide an overview of what’s happening on these streets.

••• Valencia Road alencia suffered some of the most significant damage during the storms from two years ago. As the damage occurred as part of a federally-declared disaster the repairs need to follow a number of steps to happen - from the initial emergency declaration to a survey of the work to a submission of initial costs and proposals for approval by the federal government, to environmental review and eventually bidding and construction.

While our county was the first to submit for these claims over two years ago much still needs to be done. While lower Valencia’s major project was completed here is an update on the other damage from the upper part.

Some significant milestones were reached including geotechnical and survey work was completed (design has been initiated). Here is where we are now on these two damage sites: Post Mile (PM) 0.34 —Biological evaluations for this site are nearly complete, and a submission to Caltrans for environmental clearance is in process. Detailed design is underway, and Public Works anticipates requesting approval to advertise for bids in early summer 2019 and commencing construction in the fall.

PM 2.43 — Earlier this month, instabilities at the site remobilized resulting in additional subsidence of the southern portion of the site.

County personnel are closely monitoring this site and have installed some protection measures and utilities have been moved to the

V

uphill slope. Due to the changed site conditions the repair scope has grown. Public Works is working with Caltrans to modify the project scope. Submission of environmental permits are anticipated later this spring with a target of construction in late summer. It is likely construction will involve two phases with the intention to implement phase 1—stabilizing measures in 2019 and phase 2—permanent repairs continuing into 2020.

••• Trout Gulch Road rout Gulch is another area that suffered significant damage during the storms a few years ago (and continues to have challenges from recent rains). There are multiple projects on Trout Gulch and given some of the site similarities they are being packaged together to ensure they are completed faster (and for less cost).

Similar to Valencia, these repairs are also part of the state and federal emergency process and subject to the same steps and guidelines for repair that often take longer than we would like. Some areas on Trout Gulch were recently down to one lane for initial geotechnical work for these repairs.

Trout Gulch between PM 3.05 and 3.08 the estimated $571k in damage has the survey compete and the geotechnical completed. Trout Gulch at PM 2.36 (about $135k in damage) now has all initial approvals

T

30 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

are now complete and design studies are about 35% complete. For the damages at PM 1.16 ($620k in damage), PM 1.18 ($432k in damage), PM 1.90 ($888k in damage), PM 1.85 ($699k in damage) the surveys are in process as are the geotechnical work is completed.

For PM 1.16, PM 1.85, PM 1.90 and 2.74 design Studies are 35% complete (this is one grouping of repairs based on type of damage). For PM 1.18, 1.90, PM 2.36, 3.03, 3.13.

Design studies are also 35% complete (another grouping of repairs).

PM 2.53 — Design work is 35% complete, however, Public Works are currently waiting to hear back from Cal OES and FEMA regarding necessary design/scope changes.

We’ve had longer than anticipated response times from our federal partners and have been working actively with our federal delegation (Congressman Panetta, Congresswoman Eshoo, Senator Harris and Senator Feinstein) on helping with the delays. All of the offices have been very responsive and are advocating for a faster process from our federal partners.

••• Hazel Dell Road lans are in development to repair seven locations on Hazel Dell Road that were damaged during the January and February 2017 storms.

P

“Friend” page 31

SCCAS Featured Pet

Earning His ‘Frequent Flyer’ Miles

K

yle (ID#A165830) had been a “frequent flyer” at the Shelter and was finally surrendered in early February. Kyle emanates personality! He is a senior gentleman that is so full of puppy traits we are surprised he is 11 years young! He can be an independent soul but loves attention from volunteers when he is out for a walk or representing the Shelter in fine fashion at various events. He can talk your ear off but he is a charmer once he gets to know you. Come meet Kyle and be prepared to fall in love with this extreme senior!

Kyle is an 11 yr. old, neutered male, terrier mix To adopt your new friend, visit one of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter locations, or their website at www.scanimalshelter.org. n

crossword on 25 »

••• 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

Space © Statepoint Media

“Shared Hearts” from page 26 But by drawing out the good in life first, we hoped to emphasize that seeing the good is most important.

Now that our three children are gone from our home, Barry and I have dinner alone. But this practice continues. We tell each other the good that has happened to us in our lives that day. It is tempting to talk about the traffic that we had to endure, or the news that never really seems good, or our latest ache in our body, or another hole that one of our dogs dug in our garden (that topic is frequent as we now have three dogs). And those things might or might not be expressed, but first comes something good. And then we both feel our gratitude.

I have a going to sleep ritual for myself. Before slipping off to sleep, I force myself to feel truly thankful for something that happened in the day. I use the word “force” because often, when the lights are turned out and Barry and I have said our final good night to each other after a sweet snuggle, I just want to slip off to sleep. But I force myself to allow this slipping off to sleep to include a true gratitude.

When our first child attended the Waldorf School in Santa Cruz, California,

“Perspectives” from page 25 As caterpillars start out as consumers of nature, humans begin life as benign additions to humankind.

As caterpillars morph into butterflies, they become creature vital to the survival of life through pollination and cross pollination. They no longer destroy to survive. They are beautiful but benign.

So, when do we mature, and when do we age? A part of me still believes that I

“Friend” from page 30 These locations are PM 2.00, 2.08, 2.13, 2.16, 2.21, 2.37 and 2.58. Biological evaluations for these sites are nearly complete, and the study will be submitted to Caltrans soon for environmental clearance.

This environmental review process is anticipated to be complete by the end of this summer, after which right-of-way acquisitions will commence. Detailed design is underway, and Public Works anticipates requesting approval to advertise for these projects in early 2020 and commencing construction in summer of 2020.

••• Buena Vista Road uena Vista faces a number of challenges including drainage and

B

31 / April 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

her teacher at the time told me that it is very important that a child slip off to sleep with a positive thought. She explained that, transitioning into sleep; the positive thought will enter the dream life of the child, and will grow and develop. I just loved that idea and, in putting our children to sleep, I always whispered something good and positive about them just as they were slipping off to their dream state.

Now there is no one to put to sleep except myself. So I figure that the same reasoning can apply to me and the little child within me. As I am drifting off to sleep, I tell myself that I am precious and a treasure, and I feel my gratitude for something. I notice that when I wake up those thoughts are still with me to help me begin the new day.

When our attention is upon positivity and goodness, these qualities can grow within us. We truly do become what our attention is upon. n ••• For more information: SharedHeart.org

reached full maturity at 16 years old. What do you think?

Lawrence Tartaglino received his Bachelor’s and MBA degrees from San Jose State University. Since retiring, he has enjoyed developing talks and speaking on subjects including business, maritime history, and his Italian heritage. He has traveled with Princess and Oceania Cruise Lines as an Enrichment Speaker. n ••• For more information: L_Tartaglino@ hotmail.com

heavy equipment use from refuse trucks and agricultural. Currently, we are in the planning stages of a project near the landfill (which has some of the largest issues for drainage and road condition).

The funding will come from the recently enacted refuse truck impact fee. It will take some time to build up enough funds from this fee to do the extent of work needed, which includes roadway resurfacing and significant drainage improvements. Public Works anticipates that these repairs will occur in 2021. n ••• As always, I appreciate hearing from you.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me at 454-2200.

Local Businesses...

Remain Safe in the Comfort Of Your Own Home

Locally Owned & Operated Since 2002 Our services include:

• Caring Companionship • Bonded, Insured, Registered and Highly Trained Caregivers • Bathing, Personal Hygiene Care & Assistance • Meal Planning & Preparation • Medication Reminders • Transportation & More!

Call Today for a FREE Assessment: 831.462.3500

Safe at Home Senior Care

820 Bay Avenue • Suite 101, Capitola, CA 95010 SafeAtHomeSeniorCare.com

“Spring is the time of plans and projects”

-Leo Tolstoy

Call me if you need help with your real estate plans.

Providing Quality Services