Aptos Times: January 15, 2020

Family Owned For Over 29 Years • Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom & Watsonville

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January 15, 2020 • Vol 29 No. 2

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Valentine’s Day Poetry Contest

This year is the 20th Anniversary of our Poetry Contest and is dedicated to our beloved former editor Noel Smith.

Whether it’s Love that has stood the test of time, the rush of young Love, or the memory of Love lost, that’s what we celebrate each February 14, Valentine’s Day. Full Story page 5

Spotlight on the Symphony

By Fleur Williams

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hether you are a lifelong enthusiast or a newcomer to classical music, the Santa Cruz Symphony Recital Series, Spotlight On The Symphony, provides wonderful opportunities to deepen your understanding of music and connect with professional musicians in a more informal environment.

In Woodwinds of Winter — the second and most

recent recital of our local symphony’s 2019/2020 concert season — the Santa Cruz Symphony (SCS) combined the time-honored tradition of the recital experience and the intimate setting of the Cabrillo College Samper Hall, in their feature of principal flute Laurie Seibold, principal oboe Bennie Cottone, principal clarinet Karen Sremac, and principal bassoon Erin Irvine. ... continues on page 4

Elkhorn Slough Reserve Seeks Volunteer Docents

The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is seeking new volunteer docents to engage the public and help fellow explorers discover the nature and beauty of the slough.

Full Story page 6

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No. 2

Volume 29

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Table of Contents

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Cover Spotlight on the Symphony, By Fleur Williams

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Community News 2020 Valentine’s Day Poetry Contest Elkhorn Slough Seeks Volunteer Docents • Homeless Garden Project Reaches Fundraising Goal for New Pogonip Farm January 2020 named Positive Parenting Awareness Month High School Civics Summit at Cabrillo • Resolve to Make Real Nutrition a New Year Priority Watsonville Wetlands Watch News Promotions at SC Police Department • Aptos’ Saturday Shakespeare Club Returns • CPR Classes • Monthly Book Sale • Scams and ID Theft Luncheon • More Smart Driver Classes Opened • Capitola Soroptimists Business Meeting January 14 • Wild Caught Salmon Feed Start a Business in Santa Cruz: County Ranked 15th Most Entrepreneurial Small Metro in the U.S. SC Shakespeare’s 2020 Season Announced • HMO Network Sutter Health Expands To Include Dominican Hospital Our Community Reads Events • Highlands Park Art Contest Beginning Taiko for Persons with Parkinson’s: Presented by NextStage Productions and Watsonville Taiko Group BiTiBi Santa Cruz County?: Seth Wexler Sits Down With Friends of the Rail & Trail to Discuss Blended Mobility Approaches, By Barry Scott • Hope Services Receives $1700 from the Knights of Columbus Barsi Named Pres. of California Giant The Cookies Are Coming!: Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast Launches 2020 Season with New Packaging Celebrate Agriculture Five Ways to Help Local Animal Shelters • Kick off 2020 by Getting Outdoors and Enjoying State Parks

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SPANDEX ISN’T ARMOR.

EXERCISE

CAUTION. Wearing a bike helmet is not only required for youth under 18, it’s recommended for adults as well. But helmets are not enough to prevent serious injury; you should ride your bike defensively and be alert.

As a California cyclist, you have the same rights as drivers, but also the same responsibilities. Stay safe and help give cyclists a good name by: • Stopping at red lights and stop signs.

• Using hand signals before turning.

• Always riding in the same direction as motor vehicles.

• Using a white front light and rear reflector at night.

Above all, be visible and predictable.

It’s the Street Smarts thing to do.

Business Profile 16 Curves Aptos: Empowered, Healthier and Happier in 2020!, By Edita McQuary

Health & Fitness 18 Help Yourself to Healthier Hummus 24 Give your backside a break: Four Tips For People Who Sit For Extended Periods Of Time • Four Common Myths About Maintaining Your Fitness Debunked

Local Sports 18 Aptos High School Scoreboard

Finance & Security 21 Practice makes perfect: Easy Steps To Plan for an Emergency in the Home 23 Tips to Manage High-Deductible Costs • How to Protect Your Valuable Asset With The Right Homeowners Insurance 25 How to Protect Yourself From Fraud

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

Featured Columnists 27 For the Love of…Music and Water!, By Rebecca Rubin and Melanie Mow Schumacher 30 Updates on Common County Questions, By Zach Friend

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Rudee Will Get Over His Shyness

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COVER STORY publisher Patrice Edwards publisher’s assistant Camisa Composti contributing writers Camisa Composti, Fleur Williams, Barry Scott, Edita McQuary, Rebecca Rubin, Melanie Mow Schumacher, 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 Ryan Wilson advertising sales Don Beaumont, Teri Huckobey, Ryan Wilson Cathe Race

office coordinator

Bill Pooley, James Hudson

distribution

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 ©2020. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission

“Spotlight” from page 1 As virtuoso soloists, and as an ensemble, these four dynamic musicians performed a woodwind-inspired repertoire at an exceptional level.

The Recital Series is designed to make musical compositions more accessible by spotlighting the musicians and the significant roles they each play within the full orchestra.

In Seibold, Cottone, Sremac, and Irvine’s feature, their impressive artistry and skills complemented their engaging personalities. Showing a refined ability to naturally merge from light and playful tones to more intense ones, the soloists supported and cued each other so smoothly that any technical challenges were imperceptible.

Between each movement, a delightful perk was hearing them share their knowledge about woodwind instruments and the musical process; ranging from the complexities of making reeds, tuning their instruments, and monitoring condensation, to finding appropriate pieces to play together.

Performing a variety of intricate work ranging from Baroque to modern composers, the four woodwind musicians conjured up the character of each melody and depicted colorful moods and intonations with ease and harmony.

Throughout it all, their interaction with each other and the audience was lively, warm, and full of humor.

Seibold, Cottone, Sremac, and Irvine’s recital demonstrated how valuable each instrument is in creating emotional depth and dimension within a musical composition.

Given their impressive back-

PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Opinions/Letters: editorial@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment 4 / January 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

From left: Karen Sremac, Erin Irvine Laurie Seibold and Bennie Cottone. grounds as active musicians and educators, their strong sense of camaraderie on stage and dedication to their craft comes as no surprise.

In addition to numerous solo appearances, these four have performed with a long list of orchestras under the batons of renowned conductors, including many years in collaboration with SCS. Sremac has been with SCS for 30 years while Seibold is celebrating her 20th season. Cottone has been with SCS for 13 years and Irvine for five, although she has played alongside her fellow musicians in other contexts for over a decade.

These soloists illustrated the distinctive approach of SCS by channeling and fulfilling the vision of diverse classical composers through a relaxed, relatable, and contemporary performance.

Their individual

contributions fortify the orchestra as a collective and enrich the musical experience for everyone.

In early February, keep an ear out for these four fantastic musicians when they return to the stage along with the rest of the orchestra and Maestro Daniel Stewart for Catharsis, an SCS presentation of Mahler ’s dramatic Symphony No. 5. n ••• Cover Photo: The “Woodwinds of Winter” Recital Concert

Performing a variety of intricate work ranging from Baroque to modern composers, the four woodwind musicians conjured up the character of each melody and depicted colorful moods and intonations with ease and harmony.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Campus Tour

2020 Valentine’s Day Poetry Contest

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Photo Credit: Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush/Pexels

This year is the 20th Anniversary of our Poetry Contest and is dedicated to our beloved former editor Noel Smith.

••• hether it’s Love that has stood the test of time, the rush of young Love, or the memory of Love lost, that’s what we celebrate each February 14, Valentine’s Day. What could be more romantic than to express through your own poetry about that special Love for your loved one to read (and for our readers). So, it’s time to write it and send us your poem about those tender feelings and romantic thoughts.

We encourage you to make public your feelings in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Last year’s Times Publishing Annual Valentine’s Day Poetry Contest drew poems from Watsonville to Boulder Creek.

Some funny, some romantic, some touching and some…well, you know.

As usual, a winning poem was chosen for each of our three newspapers; the Aptos Times, Capitola Soquel Times, and Scotts Valley Times. Each winner will receive a gift card to a local restaurant based in their area. n ••• 2020 Poetry Contest Rules (Open only to Santa Cruz County residents!)

Please Read Carefully rite a poem about, or to your Valentine. There is NO credit for formatting. Submit it via email to cathe@ cyber-times.com with Poetry Contest as the Subject, or mail it to 9601 Soquel Dr. Ste. A, Aptos, CA 95003. Only one poem per poet and no more than 250 words and 25 lines.

January 23, 10:30am

Be sure to include your name, address, day and evening phone numbers, e-mail address, and for whom (fiancée, spouse, parent, child, lost love, etc.) your poem is written.

We welcome all submissions from the residents of Santa Cruz County. The Times Publishing editorial staff will select the winners as follows: South county (for the Aptos Times) — Watsonville, Freedom, Corralitos, Aptos Mid-county (for the Capitola Soquel Times) — Capitola, Soquel, Santa Cruz and Davenport Santa Cruz Mountains (for the Scotts Valley Times) — Scotts Valley, San Lorenzo Valley, and Bonny Doon.

••• Entries must be received by 5 p.m.

Monday, February 10, 2020.

The winner will be notified on or before Wednesday, February 12. Please email cathe@ cyber-times.com or call us at 831-688-7549 if you have any questions.

The winning poems will be published in the March 1 editions of our three newspapers.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Elkhorn Slough Seeks Volunteer Docents

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he Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is seeking new volunteer docents to engage the public and help fellow explorers discover the nature and beauty of the slough.

The Elkhorn Slough Reserve offers docent-led tours Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Docent program started in 1983 with a small group of locals sharing about the science and restoration work happening just north of Moss Landing.

Free Training Begins Saturday, January 25

Today, Docents are still the public face of the Reserve, guiding guests through shady oak woodlands and spotting birds in the marshes.

Docents are asked to lead at least one tour a month for a full year, and enjoy benefits including special field trips, an annual appreciation dinner, and discounts in the Visitor Center bookstore.

The Reserve will be hosting a series of free Docent Trainings each Saturday from Jan. 25 through Feb. 22. Classes take place at the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Over the course of these five sessions, volunteers will learn about different aspects of the Elkhorn Slough, from its wildlife and plants to its history of human impacts and land use. Each day will involve hands-on activities and talks, as well as outdoor excursions.

Educators from the Reserve and partnering organizations will lead interactive learning activities to help new docents build their knowledge and develop the confidence to lead public tours of the Reserve trails.

Classes are free, but registration is required. To register, visit www.elkhornslough.org/events/ reserve-docenttraining or contact Reserve Volunteer Coordinator Ariel

Hunter at ariel.hunter@wildlife.ca.gov or call (831) 728-2822. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (Royal Oaks) Elkhorn Slough Foundation (ESF) is a community-supported nonprofit land trust whose mission is to conserve and restore the Elkhorn Slough and its watershed.

ESF protects 4,000 acres of rare habitat including oak woodlands, coastal prairie, maritime chaparral, coastal dunes, and wetlands. Since 1982, ESF has been the nonprofit partner of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. n ••• For more information, visit www.elkhornslough.org.

Homeless Garden Project Reaches Fundraising Goal for New Pogonip Farm SANTA CRUZ — The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), an innovator in providing a path to self-sufficiency, announced today that the Pogonip Campaign Goal of $3.5M has been met. “What a tremendous community gift this is! At Pogonip Farm, homeless men and women will receive job training and community support that can move them into permanent jobs and housing. I’m proud to live in a community that is willing to dig deep and to invest in meaningful solutions to homelessness,” said Cathy Calfo, Homeless Garden Project board president.

The Homeless Garden Project has long thrived on borrowed land. Now, in partnership with the City of Santa Cruz, the organization will build a permanent farm.

The 1998 Pogonip Master Plan provides for a 9.5-acre farm site. This funding will enable the facilitation of the site and construction of several important structures,

including a barn, a greenhouse, and a combined kitchen and administrative building.

Construction is expected to start in spring 2020.

The Project will continue to accept capital campaign donations to cover additional needs such as a second greenhouse, barn expansion and improved water sourcing as well as overages and unexpected costs. In order to double the number of trainees that the project serves, the “Grow Our Impact” campaign will raise an additional $300,000 per year for the next 3 years ($900,000 total). The organization’s long-term plans are to triple the number of people served. More information about

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how to support Pogonip Farm is available at pogonip.homelessgardenproject.org.

••• Pogonip Farm will enable the Homeless Garden Project to triple job training capacity, expand public engagement, consolidate operations and ensure long-term stability and sustainability. The permanent site will allow the Project to plant orchards for the first time and make the long-term commitment necessary to build a worldclass farm to better serve the Santa Cruz community.

Over 750 unsheltered members of our community have participated in the Homeless Garden Project (HGP) training

program since its inception in 1990. In the past two years 100% of program graduates found a job and housing. This successful program combines transitional employment with job and life skills training to provide graduates with the confidence to overcome obstacles of reentering the workforce and the capacity to reach financial self-sufficiency.

The HGP provides a vibrant education and volunteer program for the broad community that blends formal, experiential and service learning. The Project’s mission and vision is that “In the soil of our urban farm and garden, people find the tools they need to build a home in the world. We envision a thriving and inclusive community, workforce, and local food system.” n ••• Learn more at www.homelessgarden project.org or engage with us on Facebook and Instagram.

COMMUNITY NEWS

January 2020 named Positive Parenting Awareness Month SACRAMENTO — First 5 Santa Cruz County, which manages the Triple P — Positive Parenting Program, announced that ACR 140 (Mark Stone, D-Scotts Valley) passed unanimously out of the State Assembly declaring January 2020 as Positive Parenting Awareness Month.

The resolution is on its way to the Senate for final approval. Positive Parenting Awareness Month highlights the importance for parents and caregivers to develop warm, nurturing relationships with their children and teens and become more confident as parents.

“Positive Parenting Awareness Month was launched in Santa Cruz County eight years ago and has since become observed by nine more counties,” said Assemblymember Mark Stone, D-Scotts Valley, lead author of the statewide resolution.

“Taking this statewide is a great way to send the message that every community in California benefits from a focus on raising healthy, happy kids — and there are tips and tools available to help.”

A Positive Parenting Awareness Month gives proper public recognition to the crucial importance of parenting to the well-being of children, parents and entire communities, according to Professor Matt Sanders, founder of Triple P. “This is a truly fantastic initiative,” Sanders said. “There is nothing more important we can do to promote the well-being of children than to increase the knowledge, skills and confidence of all parents in the task of raising healthy well-adjusted children and young people. Well done, California.”

In proclaiming January 2020 as Positive Parenting Awareness Month, the California Legislature introduced numerous important messages and concepts related to parenting, some of which include: • Raising children and youth in California to become healthy, confident, capable individuals is the most important job parents and caregivers have.

• Positive parenting can prevent or mitigate the effects of adverse childhood experiences such as child abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and other traumatic events that can create dangerous levels of stress and impair lifelong health and well-being; and • Many parents and caregivers begin the lifetime job of raising children feeling unprepared, and fear and social pressures prevent many from seeking parenting help and guidance.

• Families in California come in many forms, with children who are raised by parents, grandparents, foster parents, family members and other caregivers; and • Families can benefit from a “tool kit” of proven strategies and receive support from various positive parenting programs in many counties and tribes through numerous organizations and individual practitioners, thanks to local partnerships, such as between First 5 Commissions, local government, tribal nations, health and human service providers, schools, libraries, higher education institutions, and child welfare agencies; and • Every individual, community group, business, public, and non-profit agency, and tribe in California has a role to play in raising awareness of the importance of positive parenting and supporting the health and well-being of children and families.

“It’s exciting to see the local success of Positive Parenting Awareness Month validated in this way statewide,” said David Brody, Executive Director of First 5. “Just as what happens with families, partnerships

come in many forms. First 5 Santa Cruz County takes pride in the role we’ve played over the last decade to create local partnerships among the family resource centers, schools, libraries, health care providers, and county agencies that deliver positive parenting resources and tools every day in Santa Cruz County.” n ••• The Triple P—Positive Parenting Program is a world-renowned program available to families in Santa Cruz County who have children ages’ birth to 16, including children with special needs. The program is available to all families in Santa Cruz County through a partnership between First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. For more, visit http://triplep. first5scc.org or facebook.com/triplepscc.

First 5 Santa Cruz County invests in health, early learning and family support to promote the well being of children. We are

committed to involving community members, as well as professionals working with young children and their families. For more information, visit www.first5scc.org.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

High School Civics Summit at Cabrillo O n January 24, 2020, Juniors and Seniors at Santa Cruz area high schools will participate in the second non-partisan Civics Summit at Cabrillo College.

The Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee is partnering with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Santa Cruz Elections and IGNITE at Cabrillo College to create this exciting opportunity for students to learn about the power of participation in the democratic process and to develop a better understanding about the roles of local elected officials.

Local officials slated to participate span from State Senator Monning, local city council members, school board trustees and superior court judges. The theme of the event is “Your Vote is Your Voice.”

“The presidential election is the main focus this year, but there are many

other offices that have an equal impact on our local communities. We hope to help students understand not only how our local governments work, but who makes these decisions and how they do it,” said Coco Raner-Walter, Chair

of the Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee.

The 2020 Civics Summit provides a way for local elected officials and students from all around Santa Cruz county to meet and discuss the issues

they care about the most. Students will also be able to learn about the how, when, and where of voting.

A mock election will also be held so students may practice what they learn using an actual voting booth. This year students were asked to submit options for “There Ought To Be A Law” for voting in the mock election. Election results will be announced at the end of the day.

“The Elections Department wants new voters to understand how voting works in our community, how to use our new voting system, what are their rights as voters and the critical role they play in the future of our local communities,” said Gail Pellerin, County Clerk. n ••• For more information about registering to vote please visit www.votescount.com or to learn more about the Civics Summit, please visit CivicsSummit.org.

Resolve to Make Real Nutrition a New Year Priority

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new year signals a chance to renew your commitment to healthier eating, but many of the most popular diets, like the keto diet and paleo diet, eliminate entire food groups, which can cause you to fall short on nutrients you need.

For example, a study in the “Journal of Clinical Lipidology” suggests low-carb diets may not have meaningful long-term benefits for weight or heart health compared to other diets and could actually restrict foods that are good for your heart.

This new year, instead of jumping on restrictive diet bandwagons, focus instead on consuming real, wholesome foods you can still enjoy, like dairy milk, that deliver benefits backed by decades of research.

Consider these tips for incorporating nutrient-rich foods into a few trending diets to make them work for you.

Intermittent Fasting: Skipping meals could do more harm than good if you’re not

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getting the nutrients you need to be your best. A better bet: balanced, flavorful meals that incorporate multiple food groups. If you really want to try intermittent fasting, consider not eating past a certain time in the evening so you can “fast” throughout the night, and make sure to eat a nourishing breakfast in the morning, like oatmeal made with real milk, topped with fruit and a handful of nuts.

Plant-Packed Plates: If you’re considering a vegetarian or plant-based diet in the new year, it’s important to pack the right nutrients into your meatless meals, particularly protein, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Make sure you’re getting enough by enjoying a variety of plantbased foods like beans, nuts, fruits and vegetables along with some other thoughtfully chosen options. Real dairy milk is a good choice in a vegetarian diet, providing as much as eight times more protein than

many non-dairy milk alternatives. Each 8-ounce glass is also a source of vitamin D, and an excellent source of calcium and vitamin B12.

Focus On Fats: If you’re keeping closer tabs on your fat intake, it’s important to choose the right ones and know that a growing body of evidence suggests not all saturated fats are the same. For example, whole milk, which has more dairy fat than skim or low-fat varieties, may actually help raise “good” cholesterol and could be considered part of a diet that’s also good for your heart, according to research in the “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.”

Calorie Conscious: Monitoring the calories you consume versus the calories you burn through exercise and everyday activity can help manage the fuel your body needs. When you consistently burn more calories than you eat, you are more likely to effectively lose weight. However, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo all your favorite foods. For example, when it comes to dairy, swapping full-fat options for skim or low-fat alternatives is one way to receive the same nutrient package with less fat and calories.

Make better nutritional balance a priority this new year and find more advice and recipes at MilkLife.com. n ••• Family Features Photo courtesy of Getty Images

COMMUNITY NEWS

Watsonville Wetlands Watch News Happy New Year From the Watosnville Wetlands Watch! e at the Watsonville Wetlands Watch would like to thank you all for your many contributions toward a successful 2019. Over the past year we took major strides forward toward the conservation, restoration, and environmental education of the Watsonville wetlands.

We reached over 4,500 students with hands-on outdoor programs about our wetlands and other environmental issues and careers while they helped to restore our watersheds. Our volunteers spent more than 8,000 hours restoring habitats, educating students and the public, and reaching thousands of people at outreach events.

This would not have been such a successful year without such a dedicated and supportive community. From all of us at the Watsonville Wetlands Watch, a big thank you for all you do and Happy New Year!

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••• Join Us at World Wetlands Day! Saturday, February 1, 9:30 am-12 pm oin us for World Wetlands Day 2020!

World Wetlands Day is an international day of action to restore wetlands and raise awareness about their importance. This year the Watsonville Wetlands Watch and the City of Watsonville will be planting native plants to restore the habitats of Struve Slough and planting native trees to improve Watsonville’s urban forest.

This event will also feature live music, activities for kids and the whole family, food, and lots of fun. We’ll be out rain or shine so be sure to bring good gear. Meet us at the parking lot of Body Zone behind Nob Hill, (1810 Main St) at 9:30 to walk out to sites. Please contact Yesenia Jimenez at yesenia@watsonvillewetlandswatch with questions. We hope to see you there!

••• Wetland Steward Yocelyn Gonzalez: Watsonville Mayor For a Day ou may remember reading about Yocelyn Gonzales in our December newsletter, where she expounded on her

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excitement for teaching and benefitting her community through her role as a Wetland Steward.

Last month, Yocelyn took her dedication to her community a step further by winning Watsonville’s first annual Mayor for a Day contest. Yocelyn’s experiences as a Wetland Steward, particularly with educating students, attending community events, and speaking at a City Council Yocelyn Gonzales meeting showed her dedication to her community and helped her win this honor.

Yocelyn spent her day with Mayor Estrada learning the ropes and seeing the inner workings and processes of city government. She was also able to share some of her ideas to improve the lives of Watsonville’s citizens, including placing blue emergency light stations on the city’s thoroughfares and creating shade structures that field workers can rest under on hot days.

We sat down with Yocelyn afterwards to learn about this experience: ~~~ What did you learn from this experience?

“Being the mayor you have to make decisions that would benefit the community either now or in the long run. You need to have the ability to listen to people because there needs to be teamwork, patience, and you need to be very involved in the community.”

How do you think this experience will impact you in your education and career choices?

“It got me excited to continue my education and reminded me that I have so many opportunities, I want to either get into the medical field or education since I want to help people, save lives, or educate and it reminded me that I am not just representing myself, but my roots and race as well.”

If you were mayor and could change one thing about the environment and/or wetlands in Watsonville, what would it be?

“I would add trash cans at the bottom of Pajaro Valley High School and at the first lights from the school so there would be a reduction of trash on the sides of the bridge. Especially since it affects the environment as well as the community.” ~~~ We are incredibly proud of Yocelyn for the hard work she put into this endeavor

and in our programs, and look forward to seeing all the good she’ll do in the future.

••• Hearing their Call: California Red-Legged Frogs and Western Pond Turtles in the Watsonville Wetlands Thursday, January 30th, 6:30-8:30 p.m. atsonville’s wetlands provide vital habitat for many endangered and threatened wildlife species. Our restoration efforts and those of our partners are underway to bring their populations back to healthy levels in our sloughs.

Join biologist Gary Kittleson as he discusses his work with two of these species, the red-legged frog and the western pond turtle, and provides an update on the health of our local populations.

Taking Place at the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center, 500 Harkins Slough Road at the top of Pajaro Valley High School Admission is free but seating is limited. Please reserve your seat at http:// watsonvillewetlandswatch.org

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••• Volunteer Opportunity to Assist Raptor Surveys atsonville Wetlands Watch is partnering with the Predatory Bird Research Group as they begin a raptor recruitment program to reduce rodent burrowing in the levy system, thereby

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improving flood control for the Pajaro River.

They’re working with Santa Cruz County to put up raptor recruitment structures including owl boxes and perches along a 2.5 mile stretch of the levy and are needing volunteer help monitoring for their pilot study.

If you’re interested in participating in this rodent management program by helping to survey for predatory birds and rodent burrows contact our volunteer coordinator, Noelle Fletcher at Noelle@ watsonvillewetlandswatch.org.

Photo By Denise Murphy ••• Calling All Photographers for a 2021 Calendar he Watsonville Wetlands Watch is creating a Wetlands Calendar! Send us your photos of Watsonville’s wetlands, wetland wildlife or plants every month between now and November 2020 for a chance to be featured in the newsletter and calendar.

We’ll be featuring a photo in every newsletter this year and in November we’ll take 13 of the highest voted photos to be featured in the calendar, which will be available for sale in our bookstore starting that month. If your photo is featured in the newsletter you’ll receive a small token of our appreciation, and photographers featured in the calendar will receive a free copy.

All photos will be given full photo credit and copyright if applicable. Send your wetland photos to noelle@watsonvillewetlandswatch.org for a chance to be featured. This month’s featured photo is

by Volunteer Coordinator Noelle Fletcher of a burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) spotted near the Fitz Wetlands Educational Resource Center in December.

••• Plant Profile: Pajaro Manzantia inter is a good time to view Pajaro manzanita (Arctostaphylos pajaroensis). Named for its close association with the Pajaro River valley, this native mid-size shrub is endemic to Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties, meaning that our region is the only place on the planet where it grows.

This species is unique in that it begins to bloom in December and January.

The small, bell-shaped blooms provide important sustenance to bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators when many other plants lay dormant.

Pajaro manzanita does well when planted in partial sun and partial shade and can thrive with little moisture. n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Promotions at SC Police Department T he Santa Cruz Police Department proudly announces the promotion of two veteran officers, Lieutenant Jon Bush and Sergeant Brad Burruel to the position of Police Lieutenant and Police Sergeant.

“Jon Bush and Brad Burruel demonstrate dedication and the most important leadership skills to inspire our officers to level up,” said Chief Mills. “You can count on these two officers to always uphold the professionalism the community expects from

the Santa Cruz Police Department.”

Lieutenant Jon Bush has 22 years of law enforcement experience with the Santa Cruz Police Department. During his career, Lieutenant Jon Bush Bush has worked in patrol, in investigations as a detective, and as a field-training officer.

As a Sergeant, he supervised patrol

teams, served on the County Anti-Crime Team, and managed the Downtown Unit and Neighborhood Policing Teams. He also served as the Hostage Negotiations Team Leader.

Lieutenant Bush is a Recipient of the Life Saving Award, Chief’s Commendation, and Officer of the Year. He lives in Santa Cruz County with his wife and two daughters.

Sergeant Brad Burruel is a 12-year veteran of the police department. During his career, Sergeant Burruel worked in

patrol, serving as a member of the Downtown Unit and Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team.

He is a POSTcertified Defensive Tactics instructor and co-creator of the SCPD Brad Burruel Threat Assessment Team. Sergeant Burruel also served as a Field Training Officer instructing and training new patrol officers. n

or vegetarian. If later than Jan 25th, please call Glenda at (831) 476 - 5886.

••• More Smart Driver Classes Opened mart Driver classes are designed to help maturing drivers maintain safe driving skills and keep their licenses longer.

California insurance companies are required by law to give a discount for three years to seniors who complete this class.

The REGULAR 8-hour class is offered in two 4-hours sessions; the REFRESHER class is offered in one 4.5-hour class. The Class fee is $20/person, $15/person for AARP members. Registration is recommended as drop-ins may find the class is full. To register or get more information call Fred at 831-247-3097.

The current schedule of 2020 open classes is: REGULAR 2-day classes Santa Cruz — January 13 & 20, February 19 & 26, March 11 & 18, May 13 & 20, June 22 & 29, July 22 & 29 Watsonville — Feb 3 & 4, May 19 & 20 REFRESHER 1-day classes Santa Cruz — January 26, April 13 Watsonville — March 18 ••• Capitola Soroptimists Business Meeting January 14 oroptimist International of Capitola bythe-Sea is holding its monthly business meeting January 14 at 6 p.m. at The Point Chophouse, 3326 Portola Dr.

Discussions will include names of winners of the annual Live Your Dream awards, participation in the #End Human Trafficking forum scheduled for January 18 at Twin Lakes Church, website issues and fund-raising ideas for 2020.

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. For more information visit us at www.facebook.com/sicapitola or email us at info@best4women.org.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

••• Wild Caught Salmon Feed he Santa Cruz Fly Fishermen are holding their annual fund raising dinner featuring a raffle and auction along with a wild caught salmon dinner grilled up by members of the Rotary of Santa Cruz. The fly fishing club, which was established in 1977, holds this yearly event to fund wildlife habitat conservation efforts, youth outdoor programs, and local school watershed education.

The dinner is being held at Peace United Church at 900 High Street on Saturday January 25th at 5 pm. Tickets will be available in the showroom of Northbay Ford or at the door; $40 for adults, $25 for kids 12 and younger. For questions call Mark at 831-338-6056.

For more information about the club visit their website www.santacruzflyfishermen.org n

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Aptos’ Saturday Shakespeare Club Returns ‘Merchant of Venice’ Series Begins Jan. 18 he Saturday Shakespeare Club begins its first of five study sessions about “The Merchant of Venice” at 10 a.m. on Jan. 18, in Christ Lutheran Church, 10707 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

O p e n i n g speaker will be UCSC Emeritus Professor and Santa Cruz Shakespeare dramaturg Michael Warren, a world authority on the famous British playwright.

At its second session, Jan. 25, the speaker will be Terry Taylor, president and CEO of the Shakespeare Society of America.

On Feb. 1, a video lecture by Shakespeare scholar Peter Saccio of Dartmouth College will be featured. Speaker for the Feb. 8 session has yet to be announced.

The final gathering, Feb. 15, will feature a DVD of “The Merchant of Venice,” followed by a potluck meal. All sessions are open to the public and begin at 10 a.m., except for the potluck, which starts at 9:30.

A $10 fee is charged for all five sessions, or $2 for each single attendance. Funds are used to help cover rental of the facility and small donation to a charity of choice for each speaker.

For information, email saturdayshakespeare@gmail.com ••• CPR Classes he Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District is offering two new FREE Bystander CPR Classes, for the general public. These classes will be held on Saturday, January 25th from 10 AM – Noon and on Thursday, February 20, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. These classes cover the hands-only method of adult, infant and child CPR, as

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well as a brief segment on how to use portable defibrillator units.

These classes are non-medical certification courses, but are a great way to brush up on the latest techniques, and learn lifesaving skills for the general public, including babysitters, new parents, or those living with a household member with potential cardiac issues.

Classes are held at the Aptos Administration building at 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos, in the upstairs meeting room.

To register, call the Administration Office at 831-316-3549, or email sarahm@aptosfire. com. Space is limited, so early registration is highly recommended.

••• Monthly Book Sale RIENDS of the APTOS LIBRARY will be holding its very popular monthly book sale, Saturday, January 18th at the Aptos Library from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

There will be a wide selection of hardbacks and paperbacks, Proceeds from this fund-raiser help support many library programs throughout the year, including Our Community Reads which begins January 28th and celebrates the book Patriot Number One by Lauren Hilgers.

7695 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003. For information: friendsofaptoslibrary.org ••• Scams and ID Theft Luncheon alifornia Retired Teachers Association Div. 7 Luncheon will be Wednesday, Feb. 5th at Seacliff Inn at 11:30 am. There will be a presentation

by Doug Allen, SCC Assistant District Attorney on “Scams and ID Theft”.

Please send a check for $25 to CalRTA Div 7 to Glenda Hastings, 6013 Thurber Lane Santa Cruz, CA 95065. Choose chicken

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Start a Business in Santa Cruz

County Ranked 15th Most Entrepreneurial Small Metro in the U.S.

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ationwide, there are close to 16 million self-employed individuals, representing around 10 percent of all workers. Interestingly, the median income for self-employed full-time individuals in the U.S. is only slightly higher than the median income for all workers ($50,000 vs. $48,000).

Self-employed individuals are found in every industry, but out of all workers, they make up the largest share of workers in the Other Services, Except Public Administration and the Agricultural, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, and Mining sectors. Other non-public administration services include service providers such as mechanics and hairdressers. The Constructionindustry also has a large percentage of workers that are self-employed, while Manufacturing has the lowest share.

Just as self-employment varies by industry, it also varies by location. To better understand this variation, researchers at CloudKitchens wanted to see which metropolitan areas in the U.S. have the most entrepreneurs. To find the most entrepreneurial metros, they analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data and calculated the percentage of all workers who are self-employed in either their own incorporated or unincorporated business.

In addition, CloudKitchens calculated median incomes for self-employed individuals and all workers, as well as the most overrepresented industry for entrepreneurs in each metro. The most overrepresented industry represents a disproportionately high rate of entrepreneurs within the metro relative to the national level.

The data showed that states with the largest share of self-employed individuals are geographically diverse; however, states in the Midwest generally have the lowest percentage of self-employed individuals.

At the metropolitan level, areas with the highest levels of self-employment are also spread out. However, similar to the state-level analysis, locations in the Midwest tend to have fewer self-employed individuals. To further refine the analysis, researchers grouped metropolitan areas into the following cohorts based on population size: small (100,000 - 350,000), midsize (350,000 - 1,000,000), and large (more than 1,000,000).

This analysis found that among all small U.S. metros, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA has the 15th highest percentage of workers that are self-employed. Here is a summary of the data for the Santa Cruz, CA metro:

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

SPECIALIZING IN

WINTER SPECIAL

Residential Repaints & If we paint your interior and/or Custom Homes exterior by February 29, 2020 Homeowners Associations we will buy the paint.

Property Managers

366 days.

(Hello, leap year!)

That means you’ve got more than 366 chances to seize the opportunities headed your way.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2020!

“Entrepreneur” page 17

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COMMUNITY NEWS

SC Shakespeare’s 2020 Season Announced S anta Cruz Shakespeare is thrilled to announce its 2020 summer season, with repertory performances beginning July 7 and running through August 30 at the Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park.

Kicking us off, the first show of the season will once again be our nonShakespeare offering. On the heels of recent farcical successes like The 39 Steps, and Pride and Prejudice, we are so excited to be presenting a play written by the greatest French farceur of all time, Georges Feydeau.

Widely acknowledged to be his masterpiece farce, the play is … A Flea in Her Ear a new version of Georges Feydeau’s Farce by David Ives starting July 7, 2020, directed by Melissa Rain Anderson.

Called by the late Harold Bloom “the greatest of all Shakespeare’s pure

comedies”, this second production and first Shakespeare play will be Twelfth Night directed by Paul Mullins, starting on July 21. Paul Mullins is known to our audiences as the director of Pride and Prejudice, Love’s Labours Lost, and The 39 Steps.

The final mainstage show of the season and our second Shakespeare production begins with a shipwreck, though this is one created by design…more specifically by the magic of Prospero’s tempest.

The Tempest starts August 4 toying with art and its limitations, and asks an important question to everyone in this community and beyond: what is the true

cost of releasing anger? Artistic Director Mike Ryan will be making his Santa Cruz Shakespeare directing debut at the helm of this production.

Artistic Director Mike Ryan frames the season by saying, “All of our 2020 plays center around someone (or someones) who are shipwrecked, sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally, and sometimes in both ways. These stories ask questions about how we find our way past disaster, impotence, and emotional stagnancy to find fertile ground in renewed joy, love, and hope.”

SCS will soon announce it’s Fringe show and Fringe expanded free readings and will continue its “Free Youth Ticket” program, which offers those 18 and under, accompanied by a paying adult, a free groundling ticket to Twelfth Night. n •••

Member ticket pre-sale is on May 1 and general ticket sales go on May 15. A calendar will be online soon!

HMO Network Sutter Health Expands To Include Dominican Hospital

SANTA CRUZ — Dignity Health, a healthcare provider system, and Sutter Health Plus, a not-forprofit HMO affiliated with Sutter Health, announced the signing of agreements to add Dignity Health Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz to the Sutter Health Plus network effective Jan. 1.

The Sutter Health Plus network in Santa Cruz County includes Palo Alto Medical Foundation and its care centers throughout the county, Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center, and Watsonville Community Hospital.

“We’re excited to add Dominican Hospital to our network,” said Brian Fellner, Sutter Health Plus CEO. “Our members are at the center of everything we do, and Dominican Hospital will offer members who live or work in Santa Cruz more choice and increased access to high-quality, affordable care.”

As of Jan. 1, the Sutter Health Plus network includes 30 hospitals and campuses, more than 8,000 providers, hundreds of conveniently located facilities, and dozens of urgent care centers and Sutter Walk-In Care locations, including the recently opened walk-in care in Aptos.

Members also have access to same-day video visits for non-urgent, everyday health needs.

Dominican Hospital has been serving the Santa Cruz County community for more than 75 years, offering advanced,

comprehensive care including cardiac surgery, a cancer center, orthopedic care, robotic surgery, a birth center and level 3 NICU, and emergency services.

“Dignity Health and Sutter Health have been longtime partners providing care to Santa Cruz County residents,” said Todd Strumwasser, MD, president of Dignity Health’s Northern California Division. “As part of the Sutter Health Plus network, we’re pleased to offer increased access to the county’s full-service, nationally recognized hospital.”

Dominican Hospital is the third Dignity Health facility in the Sutter Health Plus network, joining St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton and Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City.

••• ignity Health Dominican Hospital has been caring for the Santa Cruz County community for over 75 years. Dominican offers 24/7 emergency services and is a Certified Stroke Center. Dominican’s services include the only full service Cancer Center in Santa Cruz County, comprehensive robotic surgery, a Total Joint Replacement program, advanced neurological and endoscopic services, and an expert heart and vascular team.

Dominican has received national recognition for superior patient safety, cardiac care, and stroke treatment from Healthgrades, a leading provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals.

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Dominican also has received several awards for environmental excellence.

••• utter Health Plus, a not-for-profit HMO affiliated with Sutter Health, offers comprehensive health care coverage to employers and consumers in the greater Sacramento, Central Valley and Bay Area communities.

Plan designs include traditional, deductible and HSA-compatible high-deductible health plans. Sutter Health Plus provides coverage for hospitalization, outpatient services, prescription drug coverage, no out-of-pocket cost preventive services and more.

Members enjoy convenient features,

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such as access to Sutter Walk-In Care clinics, video visits, a 24/7 nurse advice line, health coaching programs, an online self-service portal, and a single number to call for assistance with all aspects of care and coverage. The Sutter Health Plus provider network includes many of Sutter Health’s affiliated physician groups and hospitals that consistently rank among California’s highest performers. n ••• https://www.dignityhealth.org/bayarea/ locations/dominican https://www.sutterhealthplus.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

Our Community Reads Events

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he Friends of the Aptos Library, along with the Capitola and La Selva Beach Friends, will host speakers Professor Traci Bliss and Eleonor Mendelson as part of the Our Community Reads program.

This year’s selected book is Patriot Number One, by Lauren Hilgers, which tells the true account of a couple who emigrate from Southeastern China to the U.S. On Tuesday, Jan. 28, Professor Bliss discusses the anti-Chinese movement in Santa Cruz County during the late 19th century in Soquel Congregational Church’s Parrish Hall.

Bliss will share compelling stories of resilience and humanity from her Traci Bliss forthcoming book Evergreen Cemetery of Santa Cruz (Arcadia History Press, May 2020.)

Then on Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Aptos Grange, Mendelson, Admissions Director of Five Branches University of Santa Cruz, will explain the five branches of Chinese

medicine and the basic fundamentals of the Chinese philosophy that encourages a holistic and compassi onate approach.

These are two of thirteen events: films, discussion groups, art & culture, lectures and more that are offered as part of this program.

All events are free and open to the public. n ••• Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m., Soquel Congregational Church, Parrish Hall, 4951 Soquel Drive, Soquel. Doors open at 6:30.

Sunday, Feb. 2, 1 p.m., Aptos Grange, 2555 Mar Vista Dr. Light refreshments will be served.

Visit our website, www.friendsofaptoslibrary.org, to see a complete list of events, presenter information and details.

Highlands Park Art Contest

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ll ages are encouraged to enter a work of art of any style – wall hanging, table-top or floor piece — in the exciting new RECYCLE INTO ART contest this month.

With prizes for different ages in various categories, judging and a show at the Highlands Park Senior Center, and a winners’ show at the County Building, the contest will be a lot of fun – and educational as well, focusing on the vital importance of reducing waste.

Bring artwork to the Highlands Park Senior Center on Sunday, January 19th , from 2 to 6 pm or on Monday, January 20th, from 10-6. Awards will be presented at the

grand Show and Reception on Saturday, January 25th. All artwork will be displayed then.

The contest is the inspiration of the Senior Citizen’s Organization of the San Lorenzo Valley and supported by the Valley Women’s Club.

Individuals and groups of all ages are invited to participate, including school age individuals or groupings, mixed age groups (families, friends, neighbors), and adults (18+).

Applications and other forms may be filled out at the time of submission; there is a small fee of $5 for children and $10 for adults/groups. Art must be of mostly used or recycled materials and be ready for display. Wall hangings must be no larger than 24x24; maximum weight 3 1⁄2 pounds and ready to hang. Table top pieces must have a footprint of no larger than 30”x30.”

Floor pieces are allowed a maximum height of 5,’ and 36”x36” footprint.

For further details visit www.valleywomensclub.org or https://www. highlandsparkseniorcenter.org.

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Mao’s Last Dancer

he La Selva Beach Library Friends will be hosting the film “Mao’s Last Dancer” at 7 p.m. on Thurs., Jan. 30. at La Selva Beach Community Church, 26 Florido Ave. The film focuses on professional dancer Li Cunxin who was taken from his family in rural China at the age of eleven to train in Beijing. He became a gifted dancer and eventually defected to the U.S.

CARING FOR A LOVED ONE WITH DEMENTIA? You deserve a break.

Funds to help pay for respite available!

The Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center can help you plan a break through their respite services program. Respite is a periodic break from providing care to your loved one.

Funding Time limited for eligible caregivers For more information call 1-800-624-8304 Services are available to individuals caring for a family member, friend or relative living with Alzheimer's and other related dementias.

For information about other Del Mar services please visit www.delmarcrc.org

A program of Health Projects Center Serving Caregivers in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 15th 2020 / 13

JANUARY 2020

Aptos Real Estate Update

Ruth Bates 831.359.2212

ruth@serenogroup.com CalBRE # 01799929

Happy New Year!

As of January 2, 2020, there were 42 Active Listings in Aptos. 31 houses, 5 townhomes, and 5 condos. 22 of the 31 home listings were over $1 Million, and the average days on market for these homes was a whopping 141 days (4.5 months – that’s ‘old’ inventory).

Nothing new has come on the market in Aptos in the past 14 days, typical for the holiday season. The first resale listing of an Aptos Village townhome came on the market – listed for $900,000, sold last year for $895,000, we shall see how that goes.

Although Aptos winters are mild compared to most, it is a good time to Winterize your Home. Here is a handy checklist.

• Install weatherstripping

• Close the damper on your chimney when not in use • Consider adding attic insulation • Buy a programable thermostat

• Consider reducing the temperature of your hot water heater • Have your furnace professionally serviced

• Seal furnace ducts and replace filters

• Use caulk and insulating foam sealant to stamp out household leaks • Change ceiling fan blades to opposite of current

• Draw the curtains to conserve heat

The waves and the sunsets sure have been beautiful lately. I love calling Aptos home.

COMING SOON in APTOS: fabulous sunset views from your backyard paradise and from inside your home.

Call me for details.

Whether Buying or Selling, call me, email me, text me, 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

Beginning Taiko for Persons with Parkinson’s

Presented by NextStage Productions and Watsonville Taiko Group

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his is a new beginning class for those with Parkinson’s. Lessons take place for eight (8) Wednesdays, from February 5th through March 25th, from 10a.m to 11a.m.

There will also be a Class Recital on Wednesday, April 1st, for family and friends.

It is NOT a drop-in class, and participants must be registered. There are still open spots left. For more information and to reserve a place in the class, contact Julie Lorraine at 831-688-0888 or (831) 239-5286 cell.

Evidence suggests that Taiko can improve mobility, improve cognitive function through patterning and vocalization, reduce pain and lessen depression through community building.

The class is supported by the combined efforts of NextStage Productions, Watsonville Taiko Group, and EASE PD, Inc., and taught

by Sensei Ikuyo.

Practice drums will be provided and there is no charge for this class.

Drummers can buy a set of bachi drumming sticks for $5. (If you wish to make a donation, make it to NextStageProductions) Classes take place at Trinity Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 420 Melrose Ave, Santa Cruz. (Corner of Pacheco and Melrose Ave; Entrance to Fellowship Hall is on Pacheco.

This class is for new students only. The continuing class also meets Wednesdays, at 11:15-12:15 at the same location. It is only open to PwP who have taken the classes before.

••• atsonville Taiko was founded by Jim Hooker in September, 1991, as a Taiko drumming community of performers and supporters.

Ikuyo Conant was appointed artistic director in 1992 and set the group’s goal to strive through exploration of Taiko to develop an art that combines drumming with folklore, mythology and symbolism.

The mission of the Watsonville Taiko Group is to foster the evolving cultural expression and traditions of taiko drumming through performances and public education.

In the senior program, students practice

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music with conscious movements. Slow program for older adults, award winning rhythm exercises help students develop outreach programs for the community, and balance, flexibility, mobility, creates original plays for public audiences. muscular-joint strength and The company is the winner of the concentration. The senior Metlife Creative Aging Award and the program emphasizes the Metlife Mind Alert Award, among others. precise movements and With the Stagebridge Experience indocrhythms of taiko drumming trination, for … two years, Stagebridge with an emphasis on Santa Cruz has stepped up … to become focused movement and breathing.

NextStage Productions to continue the life ••• changing programs of Stagebridge with the or years, Santa Cruz resident Lynn addition of a vibrant program on its own, Knudsen has advocated for more oppor- under the sponsorship of the Arts Council tunities for mature adults to participate of Santa Cruz County. in the performing arts. Herself, a retired ••• Broadway actress and hoofer during the ASE PD, Inc is a 501(c) (3) non-profit 1960’s, Lynn has devoted most of her corporation in Santa Cruz County, life to the arts. In 2012 Knudsen California. Our mission is to develop and was awarded a Professional sustain exercise, activity, support and eduDevelopment Grant from the cation programs/resources in Santa Cruz Arts Council of Santa Cruz County specifically tailored for persons to develop opportunities diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). for directing and producing EASE PD wishes to work cooperatively theatre for seniors. with local PD groups and groups providing She and two other per- services People with Parkinson’s (PwP) to: formers from the Santa Cruz • Promote awareness and participation Follies drove to Oakland in in existing programs and services for July 2012 seeking performing arts the PD community throughout the training from the nationally acclaimed county. theatre of seniors, Stagebridge. They • Create a local centralized source for attended the Stagebridge Senior PerPD referral and information. forming Arts Camp for adults 50+, where • Encourage local support networks they were motivated by what they learned for families and caregivers of persons and excited with the professionalism and with PD. expert teaching, and decided to bring this • Actively seek funds from private organizational model to Santa Cruz. donations and grants, and hold funAt the same time, Stagebridge was draisers to support exercise and other interested in replicating its award winning therapeutic activities tailored for work in other communities, so in August persons with PD. n 2012 Stagebridge Founder and Director of Replication, Dr. Stuart Kandell, agreed to replicate Stagebridge in the community of Santa Cruz.

Stagebridge, founded in 1978 by Dr. Kandell and based in Oakland, is America’s oldest and most acclaimed and innovative senior theatre company. The company is nationally known as the foremost theatre of, for, and by older adults. Stagebridge has Photo Credit: Alexandra Florimont an extensive training Taiko Drumming Class Presentation, 2019

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BiTiBi Santa Cruz County?

COMMUNITY NEWS

Seth Wexler Sits Down With Friends of the Rail & Trail to Discuss Blended Mobility Approaches

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By Barry Scott

n November, Friends of the Rail & Trail’s newsletter featured a “Transportation Synergy” article which showcased the international planning firm, Copenhagenize, and the inspiring results of their three-year Bike-Train-Bike, or BiTiBi, transportation mode integration project and study.

By providing safe bike parking and bike-share services at rail transit stops, integrating payment systems, and working with all of the stakeholders, the four cities involved in the project found significant growth in the number of cyclists and transit users, and a reduction in the number of car trips made to and from rail transit stops.

We recently had an opportunity to host a discussion with Michael Seth Wexler, Director for Copenhagenize North America while he was in the area consulting with the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.

Here are some takeaways: First, cities that implement smart

blended mobility programs don’t have to be dense and don’t have to be particularly modern. As one example, Copenhagenize and the 880 cities organization worked with the City of Saskatoon and members of this growing Canadian community to develop a comprehensive Active Transportation Plan that meets their specific needs.

While needs and opportunities vary

the principles for developing effective community-based and sustainable transportation solutions are universal across locations and populations.

Good planning is about a lot more than transportation, it’s also about public spaces. Michael told us about the Knight Foundation Knight Cities Grant, a program that encourages big ideas for transforming

and inspiring inclusion within neighborhoods large and small.

Taking our cues from Copehnagenize, we feel this is the time to stake out a path toward collaboratively imagining a total transportation makeover, one that breaks down the competitive nature of the current paradigms, cars versus bikes versus transit, into a new vision that recognizes the possibilities of a synergistic, blended mobility network that can include “all of the above.” n ••• 2019 November newsletter https://us17. campaign-archive.com/?u=209d78511c05b324 356ea285e&id=66031c7e5e Copenhagenize: http://www.copenhagenize.com/ BiTiBi: http://www.bitibi.eu/ Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition: https:// bikesiliconvalley.org For more info, visit https://santacruztrail. org/railtrail/

Hope Services Receives $1700 from the Knights of Columbus

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he Knights of Columbus Council Services on Valencia Ave., and the staff are 9580 raised $1700 in one weekend very grateful for donations because their handing out Tootsie rolls to pass- support can help make a difference. n ersby who made donations near Safeway ••• in Rancho del Mar Shopping Center and The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal Deluxe Foods near Deer Park.

Catholic men’s organization that is dedicated The donation was given to Hope Ser- to helping in our community by raising funds vices Senior Center, located at 8056 Valencia for donations to local charities, youth organizaSt in Aptos. The Community-Based Day tions, and churches.

Activity Program helps people with a wide range of developmental disabilities.

Hope’s mission is to assist individuals with developmental disabilities to live and participate in their communities.

Each day Hope Services welcomes 29 older adults (ages 45 and up), providing services for leisure, recreational, social and health related activ- From left: Knights of Columbus’s John Simon, Phill Tufo Senior Center client, ities. Jacqueline Pena, Jacqueline Pena Hope Services Coordinator, Nicholas Aidmik Senior Center Coordinator for Hope client, Knights of Columbus Paul Buse and Jeff Syren Senior Center client

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 15th 2020 / 15

BUSINESS PROFILE

Curves Aptos

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By Edita McQuary

Empowered, Healthier and Happier in 2020!

enerally it is women who are the caretakers — we take care of family, friends or neighbors and at times putting our own health and personal caretaking last on our ‘to do’ list.

The New Year is a good time to review and take stock of our own health and wellbeing, make changes for the better and resolve to take care of ourselves. Curves Aptos is just the place to help you get started on a new you.

Curves is a facility offering an allinclusive standardized workout regime in just 30 minutes. You don’t have to struggle figuring out the machines of the circuit as coaches train you one-on-one and are always assisting you.

Curves coaches believe in empowering members through positive encouragement when correcting form, compelling you to work at your optimal ability and celebrate your successes.

“Curves is a great place to work out with lots of encouragement,” said Jane Amaral, a member for more than 15 years.

Owner Annette Hunt just celebrated one-year of ownership and her team of qualified coaches, Charlotte Carreira, Laurel LeBaron and Corrie Matheison, are eager to help women make lifestyle changes to improve their health, lose weight and look and feel better. All staff have been Curves-certified, trained in the purpose and function of the circuit, and are knowledgeable about the body and nutrition.

Annette Hunt

Annette comes from a very active family where she was encouraged to try different sports as a young child. She enjoys jazz, tap, and ballet dancing, bicycling, and competitive swimming.

Annette was a Jazzercise instructor for six years before she purchased the Curves franchise. During this time she learned the skills of instructing others on body mechanics, proper movement, and modifications based on individual needs.

Annette is a firm believer in lowimpact, high-intensity movement to keep and maintain a strong core and correct body alignment.

Along with her B.S. degree in Dietetics from U.C. Davis, she is uniquely qualified to teach the fundamentals of how to create and maintain a healthy body.

She is a vegetarian, has enjoyed optimal health throughout her life and wants to teach others how to make the right choices to live a long, healthy life.

Annette also offers the Curves Complete Dietary Program with one-on-one weekly nutritional coaching to support those interested in losing weight. There is also an online component which provides recipes to create a simple and creative menu plan based on individual preferences.

The first phase of the Curves Complete program is a jumpstart to weight loss.

The next phase is designed to continue to lose weight safely, while protecting your muscle mass.

The third phase provides lifestyle maintenance for continual weight management. One member said she went from 190 lbs. to 157 lbs. in two years, and has kept it off!

“The entire Curves facility and program is designed for any age, any athletic ability and it is inspiring to see our community of women work out together, as we have members ranging between 22 and 88,” said Annette. “Our younger members find our older clientele inspiring as they can see the difference in those who are active and taking care of themselves verses those who aren’t.”

“Of the 300 current members, the oldest is 88 but she looks and acts an easy 10 years younger. She is an inspiration,” Annette continues. “The youngest member is 22 years old, attending school and working full time. Curves is the perfect

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choice for her as it is such a quick and efficient workout.”

Curves is not a quick fix workout regime. The program focuses on a lifestyle change with modifications to all exercises for those who need it.

For instance, one member with a recent valve replacement wanted to increase muscle tone, balance and flexibility. And at 72 years old, she now feels like a new woman. Other members have decreased their blood pressure or their blood sugar medications, improved bone density, reduced anxiety, blood pressure and diabetes.

Member Debra Kerr uses a small portable oxygen tank while exercising at Curves.

“I have been coming to Curves for several years now and it has been very empowering now that Annette has taken over this last year,” said Debra. “She can get me going and keep me going. She is very professional and hands on while she is in the circuit doing the movements with us. My physician has told me to keep moving and Annette and the Curves staff are the perfect solution for me.”

“Thanks to my daughters who gave me a membership on Mother’s Day, it helped motivate me to get back to my normal weight and improve my strength,” said 15-year member Mary Jo K. “The social interaction gives me mental health, strength and the Curves coaches inspire me.”

Curves North America (US and Canada) franchises are women-owned and operated and are strong in supporting important organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank, Alzheimer’s Research and Breast Cancer Awareness, just to mention a few.

Annette said at the Aptos facility they don’t discuss politics, religion or sports.

“We are only interested in improving women’s health,” she said.

Over the past year, Curves Aptos has contributed $2500 towards Alzheimer’s Research; $5000 in services towards our local schools and non-profit organizations, $1000 towards Second Harvest Food Bank; and impacted more than 450 families with the Christmas Adopt-a-Family Stars Program.

“We want to empower our members through cardio and strength training and to help support and give back to our community along the way,” Annette said. “I am a local girl, and want to support my community as much as possible.”

It’s 2020, and if you haven’t already, let Curves Aptos help you take control of your life and feel the empowerment of a healthier, stronger and happier you!

Join Curves Aptos today! n ••• Curves is located at 7000 Soquel Drive, Aptos. To contact them, call 831.688.2348, Email: AptosCurves@gmail.com, or visit Curves.com, https://www.facebook.com/CurvesAptos

COMMUNITY NEWS

Barsi Named Pres. of California Giant

WATSONVILLE — As the new year and a new decade rolls in, California Giant continues its path of building a strong future for the company announcing Joe Barsi as their new President.

B a r s i ’ s promotion to President of California Giant Berry Farms comes after serving almost 2 years as their Chief Operating Officer.

Barsi worked Joe Barsi closely with their board and the senior leadership team on their strategic planning and succession planning process.

Barsi has provided leadership with continued foreign expansion of their berry business.

“Entrepreneur” from page 11 • Percentage of workers that are self-employed: 14.0% • Number of people that are self-employed: 19,187 • Most overrepresented industry for the self-employed: Information • Median total income for the full-time self-employed: $85,000 • Median total income for all full-time employees: $56,000 For reference, here is a summary of the data for the entire United States:

He also had the vision to position California Giant as a leader in sustainability efforts for their growing and cooling operations, as well taking the corporate offices on a path to Zero Waste certification in 2020.

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen by the owners to lead California Giant Berry Farms into the future,” Barsi says. “It is a company with a strong culture of quality, philanthropy and fairness in all we do. I will make it a priority that we maintain our company culture as we continue our growth in the berry industry.”

“We are excited to work with Joe in this new leadership role,” said owner/ partner and CEO Bill Moncovich. “He has helped take our company to the next level over the past two years and we look forward to him lead as PresBill Moncovich ident as we enter a new decade here at California Giant.”

Moncovich will continue as CEO of California Giant Berry Farms and

Frank Saveria also continues as owner/ partner of the international berry c o m p a n y.

Both are very pleased to have Joe Barsi at the helm continuing to build the company’s strong reputation as a trusted quality brand for consumers and its trading partners. n

• Percentage of workers that are self-employed: 10.1% • Number of people that are self-employed: 15,842,481 • Most overrepresented industry for the self-employed: Other Services, Except Public Administration • Median total income for the full-time self-employed: $50,000 • Median total income for all full-time employees: $48,000 n For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report here: www. cloudkitchens.com/the-most-entrepreneurialcities-in-the-u-s/

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 15th 2020 / 17

HEALTH & FITNESS

Help Yourself to Healthier Hummus W hether you’re hosting a houseful of guests or simply keeping your family’s hunger at bay before dinner, appetizers can be a home chef’s best friend. Simple options like dips allow for personalization while keeping cook time to a minimum.

The next time you’re looking for a quick fix, consider this Caramelized Sweet Onion Hummus recipe that’s ideal for pairing with pita bread, veggies or crackers.

With the layered flavor, color and texture of onions serving as a key ingredient, it’s a nutritious substitute for less health-conscious appetizers and snacks.

In fact, onions can be called nature’s ninja because of their many “skills.”

Onions add abundant flavor to a wide variety of foods with just 45 calories per serving as a source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and other key nutrients such as folate, calcium and iron. They are also rich in hearthealthy nutrients and have been shown to help prevent some cancers.

Find more recipe ideas at onions-usa.org.

••• Caramelized Sweet Onion Hummus Recipe courtesy of the National Onion Assn.

1 whole garlic head 4 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon, extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon) 1 /2 cup tahini (toasted ground sesame seeds) 1 teaspoon salt “Hummus” page 21

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820 Bay Avenue • Suite 101, Capitola, CA 95010 SafeAtHomeSeniorCare.com 18 / January 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

LOCAL SPORTS

Aptos High School Scoreboard Basketball Boys Varsity Record: 8-7 (League: 2-0) Coach: Brian Bowyer Tue Jan 7 vs Soquel W 57-52 Fri Jan 10 at Harbor W 49-48 Girls Varsity Record: 10-4 (League: 3-0) Coach: Bruce Funk Thu Jan 2 vs Edison Senior (Stockton) W 55-47 Fri Jan 3 at Monte Vista Christian W 69-42 Tue Jan 7 vs Soquel W 63-30 Fri Jan 10 at Harbor W 56-13 Tue Jan 14 vs Santa Cruz W 59-21

Soccer Boys Varsity Record: 5-5 (League: 0-2) Coach: Roberto Zúñiga Wed Jan 8 at Soquel L 0-2

Fri Jan 10 at Harbor L 0-3 Girls Varsity Record: 7-2-2 (League: 1-1-1) Coach: Carlos Bover Sat Jan 4 vs Watsonville W 5-1 Tue Jan 7 at Soquel L 1-2 Thu Jan 9 at Harbor W 3-1 Tue Jan 14 vs Santa Cruz T 2-2

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Cookies Are Coming!

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast Launches 2020 Season with New Packaging Acevedo. “Girls learn about entrepreneurship as they run their own cookie businesses. The important business and financial literacy skills girls learn through the program are proven to build their leadership skills and position them for success in the future. When you purchase cookies you are helping girls power their Girl Scout experience and you’re supporting female entrepreneurs.”

Girl Scout Cookies can only be purchased from a registered Girl Scout. To find Girl Scouts selling cookies near you, visit www.girlscoutsccc.org/cookies or use the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app, free on iOS and Android devices. n ••• Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast serves over 8,800 girls across six counties and is committed to making the Girl Scout Leadership Experience available to girls in ways that impact their lives both in the moment and into the future. Girls participate in troops, individual projects, council events, day camps, resident camps and more.

A variety of leadership, outdoor skills, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) based programs and events provide girls with opportunities to learn and explore in fun and informative ways. To join or volunteer in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara or Ventura County, visit: http://www.girlscoutsccc.org

Great Reasons to Dine at Palapas DINNER

Tues: Mahi Mahi Tacos w/Mango Salsa Fresca

Chile Verde Enchiladas de Pollo con Mole Wed: Sand Dabs w/Garlic Tomatillo Sauce

Chile Verde Enchiladas de La Cocina Fresca Chicken, Beef or Cheese

Thur: Housemade Tamales Chicken or Pork

Chile Verde Ensalada del Mar Crab and Shrimp salad

Bring the family to Palapas for dinner Monday thru DINE FOR Thursday nights for our unique style of Mexican food and your children dine for free! *

KIDS FREE

feature current Girl Scouts taking part in a diverse range of experiences available to members—from adventure-packed camping and canoeing, to exploring space science and designing robots, to taking action to improve their communities.

Every purchase of Girl Scout Cookies makes experiences like these possible for girls in your local community.

And with one of two lemon cookies available nationwide this year, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast is celebrating the Lemonades® cookie, a tasty way to support young female entrepreneurs. Lemonades, alongside classics such as the Thin Mints®, Caramel deLites®, and Peanut Butter Patties® varieties, are savory slices of shortbread with lemon-flavored icing. The variety is offered in select council markets for as long as supplies last.

“The Girl Scout Cookie Program prepares girls with the business skills they need to take on real world issues,” says Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast CEO, Tammie Helmuth. She also adds, “When you buy Girl Scout Cookies, you’re not just enjoying the best cookies on the planet, you’re helping power new, unique, and amazing experiences for girls and launch them into a lifetime of leadership.”

“Everyone loves Girl Scout Cookies— but the program is about so much more than cookies,” said GSUSA CEO Sylvia

MID-WEEK SPECIALS

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oday, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) launch the 2020 Girl Scout Cookie™ season, when Girl Scouts across the United States become entrepreneurs as they earn money to power their own leadership opportunities and adventures.

This season, Girl Scouts is announcing a sweet new way to celebrate young female leaders: refreshed packaging reflecting the amazing experiences cookie earnings make possible for girls. Get your favorite treats starting January 25!

The Girl Scout Cookie Program® teaches girls about entrepreneurship as they have fun learning essential skills like money management, public speaking, and decision making, which set them up for a lifetime of success. Nine in ten Girl Scouts say the cookie program has built their entrepreneurship skills and their interest in pursuing entrepreneurship as a career path—so every cookie purchase is an investment in the world-changing business leaders of tomorrow. What’s more, each and every purchase stays local to power amazing experiences and leadership opportunities for girls in communities across the United States.

GSUSA’s refreshed cookie packaging (with the same great taste!) continues to emphasize what the cookie program is all about, and the updated images

All special entrees $16.95 All specials dine in only including Kids Dine Free offer. *Offer is good for one child’s (under 12) menu item per entree purchased from our regular menu by an adult in party. Valid Monday thru Thursday except holidays. Expires 3-26-20.

Fine Dining Mexican Style

Ocean View, Lunch & Dinner Daily, Reservations Suggested 21 Seascape Village, Aptos 831-662-9000

www.palapasrestaurant.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 15th 2020 / 19

COMMUNITY NEWS

Celebrate Agriculture F rom the food on your table to the clothes on your back, agriculture provides a variety of things you eat, wear and use daily. Those items don’t magically arrive at the store or appear in your home, however.

Each American farmer feeds about 165 people, according to the Agriculture Council of America, an organization comprised of leaders in the agriculture, food and fiber communities dedicated to increasing public awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society. Learning more about the industry can allow individuals to make more informed choices about everything from their diets to legislation.

In honor of the 47th annual National Ag Day with the theme “Food Brings Everyone to the Table,” consider these activities that can help you learn more about how the agriculture industry impacts daily life.

Make a Farm-to-Table Meal aking a meal together is an easy activity for spending quality time with your entire family, but you can turn it into a learning experience.

Make it an opportunity to talk about where food comes from by combining seasonal produce like asparagus, peas, broccoli, oranges and lemons with ingredients your state is known for such as pork, apples, almonds, beef or corn, for example.

Research Agricultural Issues rom climate change and protecting air, soil and water to feeding a growing global population and using technology to improve food production, there are a variety of issues facing the agriculture industry.

To be more aware of what the future may hold, consider making yourself more familiar with some of the challenges farmers face.

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Consider Agricultural Careers or students and young adults considering their futures, joining the 22 million people who work in agriculturerelated fields can be a rewarding pursuit.

While the most obvious careers in agriculture are directly related to the farm or ranch, today’s agriculture offers more than 200 careers from research and engineering to food science, landscape architecture, urban planning and more.

Tour a Local Farm or Dairy aking a tour of a farm or dairy (or both) can provide a better understanding of how food and fiber products are produced and the role agriculture plays in producing them.

Make it a group outing with friends or family to help more people see the process food goes through from production to sitting on store shelves.

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Contact Legislators in Support of Farm and Food Initiatives he Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 created reform for United States Department of Agriculture programs through 2023.

To get more hands-on, you can contact your legislators to show support for farming initiatives like local FFA and 4-H programs as well as those that can help improve opportunities for farmland leasing, subsidies, urban gardening, food hubs and other ag-focused resources and operations.

Visit a Farmers Market pen seasonally, farmers markets can provide a perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with your food and the people who grow it.

Prices are usually competitive with

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traditional grocery stores and oftentimes better, plus some markets offer free samples as well as music and games so you can make an event out of picking up some fresh produce to use in family meals.

Volunteer at a Community Garden any cities and neighborhoods, even those in more urban areas, provide plots of land community members can use to grow food for themselves or to donate within the community.

Consider setting aside some time each week to give back by cleaning out flower beds, laying mulch or planting flowers and crops in the designated areas. n ••• Find more ways to celebrate agriculture at agday.org.

Family Features Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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FINANCE & SECURITY

Practice makes perfect

Easy Steps To Plan for an Emergency in the Home

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ires can occur when you least expect it, leaving little time to plan your escape, so the time to prepare for an emergency isn’t when your alarm sounds.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), only 32% of American households have actually developed and practiced an emergency escape plan. Make time to sit down with your family to plan and practice what you would do in case of a fire or carbon monoxide (CO) emergency.

Consider the following tips when helping to prepare yourself and your loved ones: Map it out. Begin thinking about a home fire escape plan by first drawing a map of your home, making sure to label each window and door. Identify two ways out of each room and walk through your home to make sure the doors and windows

“Hummus” from page 18 Heat oven to 350 F. Cut top of garlic head off and place cut-side down on pan; drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Bake 20-30 minutes, or until garlic is soft. Once cool, squeeze garlic from each clove.

In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Stir onion frequently until slices begin to brown. Reduce heat to low and continue

you’ve chosen as exits open easily. If your family’s home has a second floor, consider having escape ladders in each room. You can find templates online to help you get started.

Choose a meeting spot. After you have mapped out all of the ways you can exit, pick an outside meeting spot a safe distance away from your home, such as across the street, at a mailbox or in front of the neighbor’s home. Be sure that your family knows that once they are outside, they need to call 911 and stay outside. Additionally, explain it is important that everyone knows never to re-enter the home for any reason and to let a firefighter know if someone is missing.

Help your loved ones. Assign someone in your family who can assist infants, seniors or pets during a fire. The responsible person should be in good health and be able to provide the assistance needed.

Check your smoke alarms.

Having working smoke alarms on each level of the home and in every sleeping area is key to having a safe home. Check that you have alarms properly installed throughout your home and remember to test all of the alarms regularly and replace them at least every 10 years. If you have children, consider installing a First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with voice and location technology throughout your home, and especially in their bedroom. This alarm will notify your child of an emergency, distinguishing between a fire or carbon monoxide incident, in a human voice as opposed to a regular alarm. This is especially helpful if a fire strikes at night. Studies have shown children may have

cooking until onions are soft and reach medium brown color.

Rinse and drain chickpeas; reserve 3 tablespoons liquid.

In food processor, blend chickpeas, reserved liquid, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, salt, remaining olive oil and onions until combined and smooth.

Serve with pita bread, veggies or crackers. n ••• Family Features

an easier time waking up to the sound of a human voice rather than an alarm.

“Smoke alarms are designed to give early warning in case of fire, and making sure your home has properly installed and maintained alarms is the best defense against one,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert. “As far as CO is concerned, the only way to detect this fatal gas is with a CO alarm, so have one installed on each level of the home and near every sleeping area.”

Plan. Practice. Repeat. Once your escape plan is finalized, your job is not done. Gather your family together and put your plan in action. Practice this plan at least twice a year, so if disaster strikes, your family will feel confident in their ability to exit the home safely. To make the drills as realistic as possible, conduct them both during the day and at night.

“Planning ahead can save a life,” added Wey. “Talk with your family to make a plan that fits all of your needs.” n

••• For more information about escape planning and fire safety tools, visit www. firstalert.com.

Brandpoint Media

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Five Ways to Help Local Animal Shelters T he winter months are often considered some of the busiest for animal shelters. According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters every year.

Adding a shelter pet to your family can be fulfilling, but what if you’re not ready or able to adopt?

Hartz Loving Paws supports companion animals in shelters through product donations and volunteer events. The company offers the following tips from the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area in Texas for you to give back to pets in need even if you’re not ready or able to adopt: 1) Donate money or product.

Many animal shelters and rescue organizations have direct donation links on their websites. Monetary donations go

toward pet food, medical attention and vaccines for the animals. Animal shelters and rescue organizations also often create wish lists with desired products. Shelters typically ask for pet treats, toys and grooming supplies.

Hartz Loving Paws has given more than $2 million worth of product to shelters and organizations since its inception in 2016.

2) Provide a temporary home.

An increased number of animals placed in shelters need foster care before they are ready to find their forever homes.

Foster needs range from post-op surgical care to puppy growth care and medical support.

Food, medication and other supplies are typically provided when fostering, and the length of time a foster pet may

stay in your home varies depending on the animal’s needs. Contact your local shelter to fill out an application. Once approved, your local shelter will work closely with you to find the right foster pet for your household.

3) Volunteer at your local shelter or rescue organization.

Animal shelters and rescue organizations offer numerous volunteer roles, such as dog walkers, adoption support and training support. Many positions don’t require prior experience and can be applied for on your local shelter or rescue organization’s website. Volunteer positions vary in expectations and demand, so there is a position for everyone.

You can also volunteer to participate in a shelter rebuild project. Hartz Loving Paws renovates shelters twice a year in partnership with GreaterGood.org’s Rescue Rebuild program. These teams

work with shelters to create playful and welcoming environments for animals.

4) Take photos of adoptable pets.

Help animals find homes sooner by taking adoption photos for local shelters.

Many people search for adoptable pets online, and with a great profile picture, animals have a greater chance at being adopted. If you’re new to photography, there are free training videos available on the One Picture Saves a Life website that show how to take better photos of shelter pets.

5) Become an advocate.

Follow animal shelters and rescue organizations on social media and reshare their content. Talk to your family and friends about the importance of caring for shelter pets while they await their forever homes and share how they can help. n ••• Brandpoint Media

Kick off 2020 by Getting Outdoors and Enjoying State Parks

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or many people, modern life means spending more time indoors. In fact, Americans spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

This has had numerous direct and indirect health impacts, from respiratory issues due to poor indoor air quality to reduced physical activity due to an indoor sedentary lifestyle.

People of all ages are starting to make a change, embracing the outdoors for all the benefits it can provide to their mental and physical health. Since there are opportunities for getting outdoors nearby wherever you live or travel, there’s no better time to commit to getting outside than in 2020.

exercising and connecting with nature. The distance and rigor vary depending on the park and the program, but all hikes have one goal: to create a fun experience for the whole family while fostering an appreciation for the outdoors.

Explore local treasures year-round t’s easy to take for granted what’s in your own backyard, and state parks are a reminder of the beauty of the different seasons while offering ample amenities that make exploration easy any time of year. Once you visit, you’ll want to return again and again to cherish the scenery and create many more memories with your family.

I First Day Hikes new year offers 365 days of opportunity, and what better way to start your outdoor goals than with First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day at a state park near you? State parks in all 50 states are

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offering free, guided First Day Hikes run by outdoor experts who want to help you explore the best the park has to offer.

Visit stateparks.org to find a local participating park and enjoy New Year’s Day making memories outdoors while

“Outdoors” page 25

FINANCE & SECURITY

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Tips to Manage High-Deductible Costs

t’s the same issue every year: Jan. 1 arrives and you need to meet an annual deductible again before your health care coverage takes full effect. For people with high-deductible plans, this can be a big expense at the start of the year.

High-deductible plans are increasing in popularity as a way to curb rising health care premiums. Typically, people are offered a plan at a lower monthly cost in exchange for a higher deductible. The IRS defines a high-deductible health plan as any plan with a deductible of at least $1,400 for an individual or $2,800 for a family. For many people, their deductibles are even higher.

Whether you have a traditional plan or a high-deductible plan, out-of-pocket costs often hit people the hardest at the start of the year when coverage is minimal due to reset deductibles. Unmet deductibles typically mean you pay for the full cost of prescriptions, clinic visits, treatments and more.

Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to manage the influx of health care costs at the start of the year so you can save money and stay healthy:

Budget ealth care deductibles reset annually, so plan ahead and budget for expected costs. If you or your family members see

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Use In-Network Providers very plan is unique in which providers it considers in network and out of network. In-network providers are typically covered at a higher amount by the health care plan, which means you will be charged less for services.

Before visiting a doctor or clinic, call your insurance provider and verify that it’s in network so you aren’t surprised by a bill that’s higher than expected. If your provider isn’t in network, you can ask about comparable providers who are, so you can access savings.

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a health care provider regularly, you can anticipate these expenses and create a budget.

If you have access to pretax savings plans through an employer, such as a health care savings account, opt in to save by paying with untaxed dollars. Additionally, consider setting some money aside for a rainy-day medical fund. There are always unexpected expenses and having this cushion can help curb costs.

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Inside Rx f you need a prescription but currently have to pay out-of-pocket costs

until meeting your deductible, consider using a free Inside Rx card to access medication savings. Inside Rx helps people who need to pay out of pocket for their medication by offering discounts that average 70% on brand and generic medications.

Download the free Inside Rx card at insiderx.com. Remember, not all pharmacies charge the same price for medications. While on the website, use the cost-comparison tool to learn which local pharmacy offers the best price for your prescription so you can save the most.

Payment Plans f you do end up with medical expenses and can’t pay the balance all at once, call the clinic’s billing office to work out a payment plan.

Many health care organizations want to be proactive about finding a reasonable way for you to pay, even if that means specified monthly payments until you’re caught up.

Health care costs at the start of the year can be financially crippling, but with a few smart steps, you can manage these expenses with ease while keeping yourself and your family healthy. n ••• Brandpoint Media

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How to Protect Your Valuable Asset With The Right Homeowners Insurance

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f you’re like many Americans, your home may be your most valuable asset. That’s why it’s so important to protect it with homeowners insurance. Plus, it’s probably a requirement of your mortgage. Setting up your coverage the right way starts with understanding the major parts of a homeowners policy.

Consider the following information and tips from the USAA Home Learning Center: Dwelling protection his protection covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it’s damaged or destroyed. When you select the amount, keep in mind the cost to rebuild your home is different from its market value.

It’s important to get the dwelling coverage right and to monitor it over time to make sure it keeps up with construction costs to rebuild. Under most homeowners policies, if you file a claim and have underinsured your home, your payout may be reduced.

Some insurers will help you estimate the rebuilding cost. They take into account the features, materials and finishes that make your home unique.

Personal property protection his protection covers your furniture, clothing and pretty much everything else inside your home. Most policies set the amount of personal property protection as a percentage of the dwelling coverage.

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at the time of loss, not the money you’d need to buy a new one.

To make your recovery from a loss as smooth as possible, replacement cost coverage is recommended.

Liability coverage his is one of the most important and least appreciated forms of protection offered through homeowners coverage. It protects you if you’re found to be at fault for someone’s injury or property damage. It even covers you for non-automobile incidents away from your home. Generally, it also covers your legal costs associated with such claims against you.

As a rule, your liability coverage should at least be equal to the total value of your assets for both your homeowners and auto insurance. If your assets are higher than the maximum coverage allowed under the policy, consider purchasing umbrella insurance to cover the difference.

This is important to protect the savings and other assets you’ve worked hard to acquire.

Deductibles s with other types of insurance, a deductible is the part of a loss that you’re responsible for covering out of your own pocket. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium.

It may not be enough, though. Homeowners plans set limits on certain high-value items. If you own expensive jewelry, art, guns, stamps, furs, cameras, computers, silver or collectibles, you’ll want to consider buying valuable personal property insurance. This is sometimes called a “personal articles floater.”

When you set up your homeowners policy, you may have to make an important choice about how to reimburse losses. There are two approaches: • Replacement cost. This coverage is the amount needed to replace the property with a comparable, new item.

• Actual cash value. This coverage considers depreciation in the value of your property. If your 10-year-old couch is destroyed, you’d receive what it was worth

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Give your backside a break

Four Tips For People Who Sit For Extended Periods Of Time

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itting is nearly impossible to avoid.

Whether during your daily commute, working hard at your desk or watching your favorite TV show on the couch, sitting can provide relief and give you the opportunity to relax.

However, sitting for a long period of time can lead to some adverse health effects. According to a recent survey commissioned by Preparation H, 63% of Americans admit that staying seated for an extended period has resulted in butt pain or discomfort.

While sitting may be one of our favorite positions, the following tips will help you diminish the harmful, but common, side effects of sitting and highlight how to give your backside the break it deserves.

Move bad posture out of the way itting down at a desk for eight hours at work each day is common for many professions, in addition to sitting during the commute to the office.

For many, this is the preferred position, as one in four employed Americans would not show up to work if they could not sit down the entire time. However, sitting can have significant effects on our backs and spines, causing pain and discomfort.

To avoid bad posture and a stiff neck or back, take a quick walk around the office, find a longer route to the water cooler or grab a coworker for a few laps around the parking lot during lunch.

If your office allows it, opt for a standing desk to get you off your butt and onto your feet.

2) Improve poor circulation Let’s face it - we all want to get home, kick off our shoes and get lost in our couch cushions for the rest of the night. However, sitting for too long causes your blood to remain in your feet and lower legs due to

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lack of movement, causing your body’s circulation to slow down and resulting in numbness and tingling. To break up your sitting marathon, try to perform a few simple bodyweight exercises during commercial breaks or use the time to get up and tidy your living room space.

3) Leave backside discomfort in the past Everyone uses the bathroom throughout the day, but some may spend a little too much time on the porcelain throne.

The time spent sitting, as well as the habits associated with the activity, can ultimately contribute to the causes of hemorrhoid flare-ups, like constipation and straining.

When hemorrhoids do strike, Preparation

H is the #1 doctor-recommended OTC hemorrhoid brand formulated to soothe, cool, cleanse and care for your backside.

To help shorten the time spent on the toilet, avoid digital distractions, like your phone, that can lead to spending extended time sitting in the bathroom.

4) Bring the power back to your brain Your physical health isn’t the only thing suffering from sitting - your mental health is affected as well. Sitting for extended periods can slow down brain function, leading to memory loss and a foggy brain feeling. If you’re feeling distracted or can’t seem to accomplish a task at hand, try getting up and going for a

quick walk to help improve concentration and keep blood flowing to your brain so the next big idea is right around the corner.

Whether it’s getting in an extra couple of steps or banishing your phone from the bathroom, these small changes can be beneficial in reducing the negative effects of staying seated for too long. Sitting will inevitably be a part of your day, but by implementing these tips, you can give yourself a pat on the back for putting your health first. n ••• For more information on hemorrhoid relief, visit preparationh.com.

Brandpoint Media

Four Common Myths About Maintaining Your Fitness Debunked

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eight-loss tips, fad diets and more — these days, they’re everywhere you look. And most of it is false information. In fact, the average American wrongly assumes a daily workout must be 95 minutes or more to be impactful, according to a new study conducted by Planet Fitness.

Americans express growing frustration with fad fitness, social media “fitspiration” and the many myths believed to be true

about health and wellness. Here are some commonly-held misconceptions about fitness and the real truth behind them: You have to put in a lot of time to get results n average, Americans believe they need to work out for 95 minutes for it to even be beneficial. And those who don’t currently belong to a gym think a single, solid workout requires two full hours of exercise to be effective. However, recent

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guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services note that just 10 minutes of exercise will help raise your heart rate and maintain fitness levels.

Working out is like a five-day work week early half of Americans believe you need to work out more than five times a week in order for it to be effective - and that’s just not true. Every single episode of physical activity can provide temporary improvements in cognitive function and

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levels of anxiety. “You don’t have to work out seven days a week, two hours a day, to get healthy,” says Chris Rondeau, chief executive officer of Planet Fitness. “The truth is that fitness can be fun, affordable, non-intimidating and not all consuming.

The key is to just get started and know that every minute truly matters, and over time, can have a significant positive impact.”

“Staying Fit” page 26

FINANCE & SECURITY

How to Protect Yourself From Fraud W ith a new decade upon us, it is natural to look to the past on lessons learned. When looking at cybercrime, criminals have advanced their techniques over the past 10 years and have become adept at stealing personal information and scamming innocent people.

While we can’t control what they do, we can continue being smart and vigilant in protecting sensitive information like account numbers, expiration dates and three-digit security codes on the back of payment cards.

As shoppers increasingly buy everything from clothes to gadgets and groceries through a combination of in-store and online merchants with payment cards, there’s more urgency than ever to make sure everyone is aware of ways they can reduce the likelihood or prevent altogether, falling victim to fraud.

“Fraudsters love to prey on distracted and unsuspecting consumers,” said Michael Jabbara, senior director, Global Risk, Visa. “Making smart choices and being vigilant whether shopping online or in stores will make a world of difference.”

Below, we’ve outlined several simple steps people can take to protect themselves from fraud when making purchases - no matter where they are or what they’re buying.

Keep Your Data Safe hoppers can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a victim of a major data breach by making smart choices in how they are paying for purchases.

Shoppers should use a payment card with a chip or contactless symbol on it to protect their payment card data from being stolen in case of a data breach, and chip-enabled checkout is proven to help reduce fraud by as much as 81%.

Check Out Securely Online nline shopping remains an excellent option for convenient purchases, with many consumers increasingly heading to their favorite websites to get their shopping done.

To stay safe when checking out online, it is critical to always check the URL and make sure it begins with “https://”. The “s” at the end confirms a secure connection.

Also, companies are adding ways to make it faster, easier and more importantly,

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safer to pay with a card. For example, Visa recently introduced a click to pay button for sites such as Cinemark, Movember, Rakuten, Saks Fifth Avenue, SHOP.com, BassPro, JoAnn Fabrics, Papa John’s, Staples and Tickets.com. This button not only speeds up the check-out process, but also adds an extra layer of protection.

Stay Up-to-Date raudsters are always trying new tactics and approaches to access information, and shoppers need to stay vigilant.

To stay safe, shoppers should make sure the device they are using, whether it’s a phone, tablet or laptop, has the latest

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software installed and the latest version of apps loaded to reduce the likelihood of a known vulnerability being present.

Shoppers also need to regularly update passwords with strong combinations that are unique to each account. Better yet, switch to biometrics if it’s an option.

Using fingerprint or facial recognition for account login and/or payments when available makes it harder for fraudsters to gain unauthorized access to devices, apps and information, but easier and safer for shoppers.

“Protect from Fraud” page 26

Movie Characters

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“Outdoors” from page 22 Whether it’s a family picnic, a guided group hike, bird watching, rock climbing or simply a calm walk listening to the sounds of nature, there are many activities to explore at state parks. Check out the month’s park programs run by knowledgeable state park staff and volunteers to see what may be of interest to you and your family.

Discover different parks throughout the U.S. n the United States there are 6,792 state park areas comprising 18,694,570 acres.

These parks offer 14,672 trails over 52,603 miles total length - that’s more than twice around the Earth at the equator! Whether you’re exploring your local park or looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors while traveling, there’s a state park nearby that is sure to bring the wonder of nature to your family.

Every state park has different opportunities, from hiking, biking, and equestrian trails to swimming, marinas and ski slopes.

The best way to get acquainted with a state park is to visit it and see for yourself. Wear comfortable shoes and consider packing a water bottle and protein bar for your hike and you’ll be ready to enjoy nature to the fullest.

Start 2020 with a First Day Hike and let this be the year you commit to getting outdoors and enjoying state parks. You’ll feel a deeper connection with nature and your loved ones, all while making lifelong memories. n ••• Brandpoint Media

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ACROSS

1. Curaáo neighbor 6. Lungful 9. Not on a rolling stone 13. British unemployment checks 14. Schiller’s famous poem, e.g.

15. “Will comply” in radio communication 16. Opposite of liability 17. N apoleon Bonaparte or Louis Vuitton, e.g.

18. Embedded design 19. *Teen with telescopic powers 21. *Adventurous professor with fear of snakes

23. *He played it in “Casablanca” 24. Sign of escape 25. Steampunk decoration 28. Thanksgiving tubers 30. Fear of flying, e.g.

35. Bun baker 37. “CliffsNotes,” e.g.

39. Bound by oath 40. Nay, to a baby 41. Bread spreads 43. *She takes on PG&E 44. Sacrificial spot 46. Wedding promise?

47. Not yet final 48. Eats between meals 50. Blood-related problem 52. Ship pronoun 53. Diamond’s corner 55. Be obliged 57. Name before X 61. *Orphan who wanted more gruel

64. Love between Abélard and Héloûse 65. Pitching stat 67. Nostrils, anatomically speaking 69. Pine 70. Fleur-de-____ 71. Novelist Wharton 72. *Adopted orphan of Green Gables 73. Auction set 74. Like a disreputable neighborhood

8. Version of a song 9. Mr. Bean’s ride 10. Paella pot 11. Diagnostic test 12. Bean that rhymes with Goya 15. Distance from side to side, pl.

20. Insect in adult stage 22. Tiny bite 24. Most vital part 25. *A barbarian 26. Convex molding 27. Ladies and ____, for DOWN short 1. Palindromic title 29. *a.k.a. The Mayor of 2. CISC alternative Castro Street 3. *Female Superman 31. *Hutch actor in 2004’s foe alongside General “Starsky & Hutch” Zod 32. *Famous Frankenstein 4. Afrikaners’ ancestors portrayer 5. Off course 33. Like Michael Collins 6. First-rate 34. *One of Miss 7. Nuptial agreement Hannigan’s orphans

36. *Russell Crowe’s Biblical role 38. ____ of the trade 42. Bar seat 45. Type of realistic baby doll 49. *Pizzeria owner in “Do the Right Thing” 51. Strings 54. Olfactory sensation 56. Avoid 57. Poet Angelou 58. Flock’s affirmation 59. Bank’s provision 60. Dry or salt 61. Brewer’s kiln 62. Great Lake 63. Retired, shortened 66. Spanish river 68. Like a wallflower © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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Your January Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

You’re going through a range of emotions early in January. Conflicting forces pulling on you make things different, so hang on for a bumpy emotional ride. Balance will start to be restored mid-month, bringing you back to a bit of clarity, even increasing your normal creativity a bit, making it a good time to look into perfecting something you’ve been working on. Late in the month you feel a freeing sense of confidence, allowing you to bring your projects into the public eye and showcase what you’ve been working on. A positive attitude will help you present your work.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

You feel a sense of calm as the new year gets underway. Your emotions are in a perfect place for taking time to sort through your biggest issues. But there’s no rush; like the calm you feel, whatever you’re working through can be done in it’s own time. Your compassion for others comes to the fore mid-month. You feel a desire to help others, especially those you trust. That doesn’t mean you should ignore your instincts when dealing with strangers, though. Late in January your intuition seems to be working in overdrive, but it’s also filling you with doubt and suspicion, which wars with your desire to help. It’s a balance you’ll have to figure out to move forward.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

You’re beginning the month filled with energy. You’ve made your New Year resolutions and you’re ready to tackle them head-on! Woe anyone who tries to get in your way. You find yourself having important discussions about your future mid-January. You don’t have all the details you need just yet, but you’re figuring out what you need to do to get them. Late in the month, aggressive tendencies are causing problems, when they usually are an asset. You may need to ask for some advice to help you get through a difficult relationship or work problem without ruffling too many feathers.

“Staying Fit” from page 24 Fitness needs to be a competition tudies show that head-to-head challenges are demotivating to the majority of Americans who don’t currently belong to a gym. In fact, 68 percent find leaderboards specifically demotivating.

When it comes to individual health, all activity counts, not just your position on a scoreboard. Find physical activity that is motivating and fun for you.

Social media helps spread the message of health and wellness uite the opposite. Common “fitspo” phrases such as, “no pain, no gain” or

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“nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” are ineffective, according to most Americans.

On the flip side, 65 percent say that inspirational messaging like “investing in yourself” and “a year from now, you’ll be glad you started today,” is motivating.

“People can work out on their own terms and live healthy, happy lives, versus perpetuating certain myths that you should be ‘living to work out’,” says Rondeau. “It’s this mentality that has kept the majority of Americans from believing that they, too, can take that first step toward better health.” n ••• Brandpoint Media

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Your patience is your strength as January gets started. Regardless of what’s going on, you are ready to work through towards positive goals. You’re feeling creative and empathetic mid-month. Your closest relationships will probably notice a softer side poking through, even as you look for new ways to solve problems. Late in the month some stronger emotions start to poke through, threatening tension and power struggles. It’s going to take your best efforts to resist the desire to let the arguments overwhelm your plans. Another option is to just take a short, but significant, break, allowing tempers to fade.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it fuels your soul as the new year begins. Every new experience is a chance to grow, one you’re excited about. It’s a perfect time to expand your horizons. You’re still intellectually stimulated mid-month, diving into research even while reaching out to expand your connections. Don’t worry if you can’t network with everyone on your list this month, though. A relationship you had hopes for may be in trouble late in January. Any tension that’s been building between you and a hopeful significant other may come to a head, and maintaining your composure is your best hope to salvage the situation, if that’s what you want.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

There’s a lot of emotions floating around you early in the new year, but if you can maintain your focus, you should be able to balance the effects and keep stable to bring about a positive experience.

Still, if you find things getting out of hand, your emotions should settle to a more decisive and controlled level by mid-January. It’s a good time to re-establish how you want to be seen in the world. Late in the month you find yourself open to new experiences and new people, much more than normal. It’s a great time to make new friends or try a new hobby. Good luck!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

Your optimism is on full display as January begins. You’re feeling even more outgoing than normal, making it a perfect time for meeting new people and making new connections. You’re reminded of the unfinished projects on your to-do list mid-month, putting a slight damper on your activities. But don’t worry; each project you finish will clear a bit of tension, and once you finish them all, you’ll be ready for anything! Your overseer qualities are strong as the month comes to a close. Keeping your options open is your best bet as you listen to suggestions and delegate to the best people.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

You’re on fire early in the new year. Your focus is strong and your determination is recognized. Staying efficient is your goal, and you aim to achieve it. Your preparation and focus carry you through a slew of challenging problems mid-month. All those puzzles and brain-games help keep your mind sharp and ready to tackle new issues. You’re looking at things in a new light late in January, helping you break out any ruts you’ve been in. It’s a refreshing feeling to start or finish something new.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

You’re feeling a need for the security of family early in the new year. Making plans for a “surprise” gathering could bring everyone a modicum of comfort, something you’re happy to provide with some home-cooking. You may find your routine upended mid-January. Having trouble communicating with friends and family? It doesn’t matter if people are choosing not to respond or if technology is failing you, it’s still a sore point in the moment. Keep the lines of communication open regardless of what’s happening. You’re having a hard time asking for things as the month comes to a close, even when you know you’ve earned them. There will be a right time; you just need patience and determination.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

The world seems a bit small to you as January begins. It’s a perfect time to broaden your horizon and do some traveling, or start making plans for when you have the time to do so. Even if you have to wait, sate that wanderlust by deciding where to go. You’re feeling a bit secretive mid-month, and that’s on top of your usual desires to keep to yourself. Not much is likely to draw you out during this time. You’re feeling much less constrained late in the month. Your creative side is trying hard to push through, even while a desire to be more open struggles against your base attitude. Putting yourself out there is never a bad idea, even failure can be a learning experience.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

There’s a feeling of emotional energy in the air early in the new year. It’s a great time to push towards a new goal or adventure, but you’re also feeling closer to your family, and especially protective if you have kids. Keeping your loved ones safe is paramount. You’re feeling even more emotionally connected mid-month. Your desire to spend lots of quality time with your partner is almost overwhelming, so be careful you don’t push them away with your love. Your adventuring spirit is fully in control late in January. It’s hard to sit still and watch the world go by — you want to get on the ride! You have lots of responsibilities though, but if you get through them, a road trip is a pretty good idea.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Your mind is doing Olympic trials as the new year gets underway. Try not to overextend, but the more projects you cross off, the easier it’ll be to relax when you’re ready. You’re still in a “get-itdone” mode mid-January, which will likely be helpful at work or at home, especially if there are any communication issues. Emotion and finance don’t mix well near the end of the month, especially if they’re caused by a negative surprise. Not much point trying to hide your feelings; getting everything out in the open now is your best chance for resolution and moving on.

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“Protect from Fraud” from page 25 Watch Out for Phishing Scams ith online shopping continuing to be popular, phishing scams are out in full force to take advantage. Shoppers need to be careful of unsolicited and suspicious emails or phone calls. Also, they should be wary of “one day only” deals or fake delivery tracking emails that direct them to unknown URLs used to steal information like username and password.

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Keep Your Data to Yourself t’s been said many times over that the best defense is a good offense, and that certainly holds true as fraudsters become more adept and technologically savvy. Over the next 10 years, cybercriminals will likely become more motivated to steal your payment information.

It’s crucial for people to know and stay up to date on the best ways to protect themselves, so your data remains yours — and yours only. n ••• Brandpoint Media

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

For the Love of…Music and Water!

By Rebecca Rubin and Melanie Mow Schumacher

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he month of February brings thoughts of Valentine’s Day, and love…and also of cold weather, rain, clouds, and the ideal day staying home where it’s warm and dry and cozy.

In honor of wet weather that we certainly love (and need!), this month I thought we’d offer a fun list of some songs about water, and love.

Some are classics from a variety of musical genres, but I also include a list of educational songs for children to help them understand the importance of this mostprecious natural resource.

Adults will love being reminded of these classics, and kids will love learning about water in a fun, interactive way.

First, a quick list of popular water and love songs, one from each of the last five decades: Hold Back the River (2014) James Bay his acoustic guitar-driven, Grammynominated song is a bittersweet reference to a relationship lost to the passage of time — and a desire to rekindle that connection, if only one can “Hold back the river so I can stop for a minute and be by your side.”

Water (2009) Brad Paisley he lyrics for this “love affair with water” country tune describe various situations involving water, like playing in a kiddie pool as a child, jumping from a riverside rope swing with friends, and later having fun on spring break and swimming with a girlfriend.

The Water is Wide (1995) David Sanborn with Linda Ronstadt rom his album “Love Songs,” smoothjazz saxophonist David Sanborn teams up with singer Linda Ronstadt for “The Water is Wide,” a slow-tempo love song about love overcoming obstacles.

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“Home Insurance” from page 23 Choosing a higher deductible can save you money with a lower monthly premium but increases your risk. Consider the cash you typically have on average. Make sure you can cover the deductible amount comfortably.

What may not be covered our policy’s basic coverage won’t cover some special risks.

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using realistic visuals and clear, sciencebased information.

We All Live Downstream The Banana Slug String Band he Banana Slug String Band has a variety of releases focusing on learning about our environment – including water.

Their song “We All Live Downstream” reminds kids that to keep our streams clean and be careful about what we put in them.

Save Water!

Nooshi ere’s a high-energy, catchy song that points kids to saving water in their everyday lives - taking shorter showers, turning off the tap, using less water for dishes, and more.

Please Take Care of the Water Nancy Kopman his song teaches children that enjoying our planet’s natural resources starts with our understanding that water belongs to creatures of all kinds, in the water, land, and air.

We Are Water Wise Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority his is an entire set of great water education songs for kids, produced by the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority in New Mexico. These easy, engaging sing-along songs include “Water Travels in a Cycle,” “Things We Should Not Flush,” “Save 2 (Gallons of Water Each Day),” “Working at the Drinking Water Plant,” and others.

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H T Purple Rain (1984) Prince huge hit from the 80s, this rock/R&B/gospel power ballad still resonates with each new generation. It’s a love song of sorts, about facing life’s misfortunes together with the one you love.

Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970) Simon & Garfunkel espite being five minutes long (exceeding that era’s three minute radio-play maximum), this folk/rock classic became a number one hit, staying at the top of the charts for six weeks.

Here’s a short list of educational songs that will spark your kids’ interest and understanding of the value of water:

It’s important for kids to learn the role of water in our world and why we need to preserve and protect it. That’s why the District works to educate students and families about water with our:

The Water on the Earth Goes Round Jack Hartmann his video and song teach kids about the water cycle and its three stages: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation,

I hope you enjoy your February with some of those classic hits about water and love, and get your kids dancing and singing with these fun water-education songs! n ••• As always, if you have any questions about this month’s topic or anything else related to Soquel Creek Water District, feel free to contact the District at outreach@soquelcreekwater.org or visit www.soquelcreekwater.org.

excess water, flooding can cause massive damage to your dwelling and its contents.

Earthquakes: You can add coverage for earth movements to your policy with an extra premium. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, consider reinforcing your home protection with this coverage.

Home Businesses: Homeowners plans provide limited coverage for business

equipment. If you run your business from home or have expensive office equipment, you may need to consider additional coverage. Your homeowners policy may not cover injuries to someone if they’re related to your business. n ••• For additional information on protecting your home, visit USAA.com/Homeowners.

Brandpoint Media

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Floods: While a standard policy covers most weather-related events, floods aren’t one of them.

Flood insurance is inexpensive and the federal government offers it through insurers. While it’s mandatory when you have a mortgage and live in a flood zone, you should give it strong consideration no matter where you live. Whether it’s a flash flood or a few inches of

• Mobile education trailer (winner of the National WateReuse Association’s “2018 Award of Excellence in Outreach and Education”) • Education programs and materials for schools • `Displays and interactive tools in our Community Water Plan Learning Center • Annual Water Harvest Festival education event

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 15th 2020 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR For current times and locations of other meetings: www.santa- our guest at our monthly luncheon. You’ll meet kindred cruzoa.org/meetings. Or call our Hotline at (831) 429-7906. spirits, have a fine lunch and learn something new from a top notch guest speaker.

Daily BINGO Cost: $18. RSVP at 479-7096 SANTA CRUZ ‘USED’ BOOKSHOP 6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. 10 am- 3 pm 2710 Chanticleer Ave. Santa Cruz Second and Fourth Wednesdays BINGO EVERY TUESDAY. Buy-in begins at $21. The Grey Bears: Every Monday and Friday is $10Snack Bar is open with goodies and dinner specials.

WELLNESS ON THE CANCER JOURNEY a-bag book sale. Fill up a shopping bag with 11-12:30 pm, Old Soquel Plaza books for only $10! Thousands of titles for $1.50 BUSINESS DEBTORS ANONYMOUS Learn how to safely support your body and emotions or less: cookbooks, gardening, sci-fi, mysteries, Thursday February 13 5:15-6:30pm, Calvary Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 532 through the journey of Cancer — from diagnosis to classics and all sorts of fiction and nonfiction.

FEBRUARY BREAKFAST MEETING softening the impact of chemo, radiation, and recovering Non-profit Grey Bears has served our community Center Street, Santa Cruz.

7:30 am - 9:00 am, Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old well from surgery. We’ll address nausea, low energy, We specifically focus on recovering from debting on for 45 years. Grey Bears provides recycling Dominion Court, Aptos weakness, digestion, immune support, grief, stress and one’s business. services and accepts books and other donations Join us for our February Breakfast Meeting and more. Feel free to bring your partner or care team to this For more information: 831-425-3272. for our thrift stores. come hear about all the new and excited things free class. Please come fed; water is available.

Proceeds benefit our Brown Bag Program, distributing nutrithat are happening at the Santa Cruz Beach Limited Seats. Please register all attendees on Eventbrite — tious food to 3,900 seniors every week.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays Boardwalk.

Wellness on the Cancer Journey or call 831-254-3270 to SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUPS Bring your promotional materials to network with Monarch Services offers a safe space to meet other sur- RSVP. Address given upon registration receipt.

Weekdays other attendees. vivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human CASA ORIENTATIONS TO BECOME Cost: $25 members, $30 general trafficking survivors, and to listen or share experiences. ADHD SUPPORT GROUP ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN Visit www.seacliffinn.com for more information.

6:30-8 p.m., Aptos Fire Station, 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos Childcare provided on site.

CASA empowers volunteers to directly influence The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Branch of CHADD Spanish – Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Servicios Monarca, life-changing decisions affecting children in foster care.

Tuesday February 25 hosts monthly support group meetings for anyone Court appointed special advocates are everyday people 233 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville (831) 722-4532 who would like to learn more about ADHD or has APTOS HISTORY MUSEUM, “MARDI GRAS” English – Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Monarch that, with just a few hours a week can have a lifetime of questions or concerns. Come share with those who Services, 1590 Seabright Avenue, SC (831) 425-4030 PARTY AND FUNDRAISER impact for a child who has been abused or neglected. understand.

For more information, visit www.monarchscc.org 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old More info www.casaofsantacruz.org or call 831-761-2956 Second Wednesdays’ meeting is for parents of Dominion Court, Aptos x102 children, teens, and young adults with ADHD. The group Tuesdays & Thursdays Laissez les bons Temps Rouler! Let the good times for adults with ADHD, spouses, partners of someone roll at the Annual History Fundraiser at Best Western FREE PILATES CLASSES AT TEMPLE BETH EL Second Mondays with ADHD meets fourth Wednesdays of every month.

Seacliff Inn. 10 a.m., Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd., Aptos COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS OF SANTA CRUZ Judy Brenis: jbbrenis@comcast.net, or call 831-818-9619.

Come in fun “Mardi Gras” style, enjoy fabulous 7-8:30 p.m., Quaker Meeting House, 225 Rooney St. Santa appetizers, live music, a no-host bar, silent Last Wednesdays Each Month Cruz auction with unique items, and prizes for the Parents of a child who died at any age, from any cause, MAGICIANS’ CLUB best dressed! Proceeds benefit the Aptos History any length of time ago, are invited to join The Compas7 p.m., Antonelli Club Room, 2655 Brommer St., Santa Cruz Museum. sionate Friends of SC for our monthly grief support Attention Magic Lovers! Our new Magicians’ Club meets Cost: $35 general, $30 museum members. Sponsorships meeting. Opening circle followed by smaller connection on the last Wed. of every month at 7pm in the club room Available. at the Antonelli Mobile Home Park. If you do magic or Visit http://aptoschamber.com/events/ or contact the chamber groups.

Grief materials available. Bereaved grandparents and want to get started in this fun hobby, join us. for details. adult siblings are also welcome. Non-religious.

Questions? Call Jim at 685-3829 Visit www.tcfsantacruz.com or call 831.332.9893 for more information.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PROSTATE CANCER Please join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am in SUPPORT GROUP Mondays & Tuesdays 7-9 p.m., Katz Cancer Resource Center, 3150 Mission Dr the social hall at Temple Beth El in Aptos (3055 Porter WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM Gulch Rd) for a lively and challenging 60 minute Pilates Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group has been an active group for over 20 years in the community.

Strength Class. The classes are free and everybody is 12:30 - 2 p.m.

First meeting of 2018 will be February 28th. welcome. Donation are welcome.

WomenCARE ARM-in-ARM support group for For more information https://www.tbeaptos.org women with advanced, recurrent and metastatic Saturday February 1, 2020 Thursdays cancers. Meets weekly Mondays & Tuesdays, with Wednesdays FRIENDSHIP PUT TO MUSIC! a separate meeting every First and Third Tuesday A ROARING ‘20S GALA every month.

6:30 p.m., New Hall, La Selva Beach Club House, 3124 Estrella Ave. 5 – 10:30 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION Registration required. Call 457-2273 for more information and 1st & 3rd Wednesdays: 5:30-7 p.m.

Classes every Thursday night. For more info call Sue The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce to register. No cost to attend.

Harris or Don Benson (831) 726-7053 or email at and Agriculture is pleased to announce the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays: 2-3:30 p.m. www.womencaresantacruz.org caller4u@att.net recipients of the 2020 Annual Awards. The Alzheimer’s Association, 550 Water Street, Ste L2, SC honorees will be presented their awards at the If you have a family member who has been diagnosed Annual Dinner on Saturday, February 1, 2020, with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, a care- LUCKY STEPPERS MODERN SQUARE DANCE Tuesdays at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Tickets giver support group can offer you an opportunity to find 6:30 pm, La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING will be available on Eventbrite and through the Selva Beach, CA 95076 7 - 8 pm, Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo, 10707 Soquel Dr., out more about available community resources, learn Chamber soon! from others who are going through similar experiences, It’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; family Aptos Awards recipients include Harold Hyde, Bob Culbfriendly. Class takes place every Thursday Night at our Do you have a proble m with compulsive over- or under- and obtain additional educational materials. ertson, Barbie Gomez, K&D Landscaping, Santa Cruz Our evening Santa Cruz caregiver support group meets new home in La Selva Beach! (Take Mar Monte off of eating? Anorexia? Bulimia? Compulsive exercising?

County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Corrallitos You are not alone. Drop into a free, friendly OA 12-Step on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, and our Hwy 1, turns into Playa Blvd., turn right on Estrella) Lumberjack Breakfast.

For more information, contact Sue Harris or Don Benson at afternoon Santa Cruz caregiver support group meets meeting with the solution. All are welcome!

Visit https://pajarovalleychamber.com for more information. For information on other meetings in Santa Cruz County: www. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. No fee. (831) 726-7053 or e-mail at caller4u@att.net.

Open to family members. santacruzoa.org/meetings For more information about this and other support groups in SAN LORENZO COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS BAND PRACTICE SESSIONS the area, please call 800.272.3900 WRITING/DISCUSSION MEETING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR 7:30-9 p.m., San Lorenzo Valley High School Band Room (F-1) 6:30-7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo Room, Second Wednesdays THE MONTEREY SYMPHONY The San Lorenzo Valley Community Band meets 10707 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 (At Hwy One and every Thursday at SLV High School. Dues are $30 a The Monterey Symphony is seeking volunteers. If you Freedom Blvd) SANTA CRUZ SONS IN RETIREMENT semester. love music and want to be involved, please call (831) Do you have a problem with food? Please check out our MONTHLY MEETING You must read music.

646-8511 or visit www.montereysymphony.org for free, friendly 12-Step support group with the solution. Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St. Call Teresa at 336-8637. more info.

This statewide group of retired men invites you to be All teens and adults welcome!

ONGOING EVENTS

28 / January 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONGOING EVENTS CONT.

DATED EVENTS

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

Saturday January 18

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.

FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB OF SANTA CRUZ 10 am - noon, Peace United Church, 909 High Street This is the oldest women’s club in Santa Cruz. The club meets to study the life, works and times of William Shakespeare. Members share group readings and insights, discuss history, and universal themes found in his plays and writings.

For more information please call 831-684-2832 Saturdays PILLS ANONYMOUS (PA) 8 a.m., Sutter Hospital, 2025 Soquel Ave The purpose of PA is to provide a safe, secure, and supportive place for people who are addicted to pills 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

WHAT THEY WORE 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, 144 School Street, Santa Cruz Color, cloth and cut-the clothing worn by the people in the Mission was not all about style-It was about identity, status, and different roles in the community. We will demonstrate the apparel you may have seen here in the 19th century, and learn about what the clothing meant to the people who wore it.

Free event. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. Visit http://www.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=548 for more information.

Saturday January 25

SEACLIFF STATE BEACH: CEMENT SHIP HISTORY WALK Sunday January 19 11 am to Noon, Seacliff State Beach, State Park Drive Learn the history of Seacliff and surrounding Aptos in this one-hour, half-mile history walk. Led by docent Pete Wang, the tour focuses on the Ohlone, Raphael Castro, Claus Spreckels, Aptos Landing Wharf, the development of Seacliff Park – including Paul Woodise, “The Madman of Seacliff” – and the Cement Ship. Tours are free; parking at Seacliff State Beach is $10 and supports the park. Rain cancels, meet at the visitor center.

Visit https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=543 for more information.

FAMILY LITERACY FUN DAY 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Downtown Branch, 224 Church St., Santa Cruz In honor of Positive Parenting Awareness Month, Triple P Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Public Libraries are co-hosting this free Family Literacy Fun Day. Stop by for arts and crafts, story time with the librarians, fun activities and information about the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program and other local services for children and families.

Participate in activities for a chance to win prizes!

Visit www.santacruzpl.org for more information.

SANTA CRUZ FOLLIES AUDITIONS Noon to 3 p.m., Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market Street, Santa Cruz SANTA CRUZ TENNIS CLUB primary purpose is to stay committed in loving Senior Citizen’s Opportunities is best known for its and intimate relationships and to help other 9 a.m., Soquel High School Tennis Courts annual production of “The Santa Cruz Follies” a musical couples achieve freedom from dysfunctional The nonprofit Santa Cruz Tennis Club meets song and dance variety show performed by its members relationships. All couples are welcome whether every Saturday morning at the Soquel High married or partnered. Some of us are new in our ranging from age 50 to the 80s. Five performances of School courts beginning at 9:00 am. We play coupleships and seek to build intimacy together. the annual Follies show are held at the Santa Cruz Civic doubles and mixed doubles, mostly at an Auditorium each year to large audiences of locals and intermediate level, and switch around the players We have all found help in Recovering Couples visitors from the Monterey Bay area and beyond.

Anonymous. every 45 minutes.

For more information visit our website: https://santacruzrca.org You must bring music (CD preferred) for your audition Balls are provided. $2 for first time visitors. (no a cappella or instruments). You may Audition a or email us at rcasantacruz@yahoo.com tap dance routine or non-tap dance to show range of Second Saturdays Each Month movement.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BIBLE STUDY 2ND SATURDAY ON THE FARM Call 831-423-6640 for more information, or visit 9:45 a.m: Bible Study • 11 a.m.: Worship 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Ag History Project Center at the Santa Cruz www.santacruzfollies.com.

7565 Sunset Way, Aptos County Fairgrounds First Baptist Church of Aptos welcomes you to join their Join us every 2nd Saturday on the Farm for free SER WINE TASTING SHOWROOM OPEN HOUSE bible study and worship every Sunday. family activities. Each month we select a new 12-6 p.m., 10 Parade St., Suite B, Aptos Village Call (831) 688-5842 for more info theme to highlight historical agriculture with Meet owner and winemaker Nicole Walsh as while games, activities, and demonstrations that relate. enjoying music, wine, appetizers and local artwork on First Sunday of Every Month We often have guest appearances from farm display. Ser will specialize in varietal, old world style SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB EVENT animals like llamas, draft horses, sheep, goats, wines, produced in a natural way to allow the expression chickens, rabbits, and more! You are sure to find 5 p.m., various member homes throughout county of their character and the vineyards from where they are something fun and entertaining for the whole Love to cook, entertain and socialize? Our sourced. The new tasting room is open from 12 – 6 p.m. family. dinner club events will be held in several homes Thursdays through Sunday.

Check our website and Facebook page for more details. throughout Santa Cruz County where members For more information, e-mail to nicole@ FREE enjoy gourmet meals, fine wine and conversation. serwinery.com or call 831-901-7806 Joining the club provides a great opportunity to Sundays cook, to entertain, and to meet locals that share Saturday February 1 your interests.

NAR-ANON SANTA CRUZ 6:30 p.m., Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (Sutter Room), Learn more about the SC Dinner Club and the fun we have by LIGHT IT UP BLUE GALA contacting Rhonda Mills at info@SantaCruz DinnerClub.com 5 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Sunroom, 400 Beach 2900 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz Street, Santa Cruz Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families Join us for a night of glamour and dancing at our and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to Third Sunday of Every Month SCIENCE SUNDAY annual fund raiser celebrating the efforts of Autism join. Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, Family Network Santa Cruz. Your reservations will who are going through similar problems, talk about Starts at 1 p.m., 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 95060 provide a buffet dinner and allow participation in Seymour Marine Discovery Center presents a public how they cope and find recovery.

To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please go lecture from a marine scientist the third Sunday of every raffles, a silent auction and plenty of dancing with DJ entertainment. Group reservations recommended, month. Topics are presented in an entertaining and to our website at www.nar-anon.org. formal attire appreciated. easy-to-understand format, with up-to-date photos, Cost: $75 per person / $45 under 12 years. $600 for event video, and discussion.

RECOVERING COUPLES ANONYMOUS MEETING table of 8. $1000 Premier Table Sponsorship. Visit www.

10:30 a.m.–noon, Sutter Maternity, 2900 Chanticleer Ave, SC Science Sunday does not meet in December. For more info autismfnsc.com for tickets and more information. n visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu RCA is a 12 step group for couples. Our

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 15th 2020 / 29

Business Guide

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Updates on Common County Questions

By Zach Friend

A

s we begin 2020 I wanted to provide an update on some of the more common requests for updates we receive. If you need any additional information, feel free to call me or stop by my office hours in Aptos, Corralitos, Watsonville and Seascape.

What is the status of the Aptos and La Selva Library Remodels? s part of the voter-approved Measure S, varying funding is available to update libraries across the county.

Recently, we secured additional funding to fully address the needs at the Aptos Branch. Specifically, the Board of Supervisors approved an additional $1.45 million from the Library Fund for the Aptos Branch, which ensures that this location, used by many as a regional branch in our district, will have the funds necessary (even with the increased construction costs over the last year) to do the upgrades necessary to meet the public visioning process.

The County and the Library held a community meeting to discuss options for the library recently and work is expected to begin this year.

Additionally, the Board of Supervisors approved the contract with C2 Builders to perform the La Selva Library Branch work.

Overall, $1.7 million has been allocated to this project, which is already underway. Both of these branches will be receiving the first significant upgrades in over a generation.

A

!

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 30 / January 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

What is the status of the storm damage repairs on Valencia and McGregor? ome good news on the Valencia storm damage repairs on the upper side (by Flume). This was approved for funding by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), including the secondary failure that occurred adjacent to the first failure.

The County’s design is complete and the project is with State Fish and Wildlife for permitting.

Fish and Wildlife have told us they anticipate issuing permits in the spring, which would allow the County to go to bid for construction in the summer.

The state’s permitting process takes a minimum of 90 days. The lower Valencia damage, however, is waiting for approval from FHWA.

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The County has completed initial plans, engineering, design and the required state and federal site visits and submitted months ago.

In my recent visits to Washington DC and Sacramento with our Public Works Director to speak to state and federal FHWA representatives we believe they will be issuing the approval soon.

Once issued, we will submit for permits through State Fish and Wildlife (like the upper damage) and then bid and construction.

The main delay from FHWA was on environmental review.

Since the project needs a retaining wall to rebuild the section that collapsed they spent about 18 months on the environmental review element of the project.

The storm damage repair on McGregor Drive is moving forward.

In December, the Board of Supervisors authorized the bidding process on this and bids were opened in early January.

Construction is expected in the spring and the proposal is to restore the roadway to its pre-disaster condition including construction of an engineered fill/vegetated rock slope protection embankment, guardrail, asphalt concrete dike, reconstructed roadway, erosion control and revegetation.

“Friend” page 31

SCCAS Featured Pet

“Friend” from page 30 What road repairs are planned this year for Measure D and other funding? or our district, Measure D funding (depending upon how sales taxes do in a given year) brings in approximately $900,000/year for local roads.

While SB 1 (gas tax) funding is currently being used for major storm damage repairs, at its peak in a few years it’s estimated to bring in about $4 million in new money to the entire unincorporated area. As a result, our district would see about about $1.3 million or so of that $4 million.

In the first year after Measure D was passed, La Selva saw road repairs. In 2019, Rio Del Mar received roadwork and this year Seacliff is slated for repairs. This is just for road repairs, bike lanes, pedestrian improvements and more were included throughout the district using Measure D funds.

However, in addition to Measure D we have secured funding for improvements in Corralitos as well as pedestrian improvements near Rio Del Mar Elementary and bike lane maintenance throughout the county.

Using Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds we have secured just under $100,000 for pedestrian improvements near RDM Elementary to fill a sidewalk gap and provide curb extension and crosswalk realignment (to reduce crossing distance) on Pinehurst and Greenbrier.

Additionally this year, $475,000 was set aside for bike lane maintenance from TDA funds for the county, including areas throughout our district. The last TDA funding element for our district is for $30,000 for the Street Smarts/Vision Zero campaign.

You may have seen some of these educational signs on lights throughout Santa Cruz and this will provide funding to bring these educational materials to our district.

In Corralitos, we secured about $1.1 million in Regional Surface Transportation Program Exchange funds to resurface all of Pioneer and Varni Road.

This is a significant project that is long overdue and the funding was secured by changing funding allocations at the Regional Transportation Commission to

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Rudee Will Get Over His Shyness

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udee (#A266188) is a 1 year old brown & white male Guinea Pig who came to the Shelter when his family could no longer care for him. Rudee is shy at first, he really is a social guy! He loves attention and is a vocal Guinea Pig who enjoys pets and being held. Rudee eats hay, Guinea Pig Food, loves lettuce, carrots, and an occasional treat! Come meet Rudee today at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 1001 Rodriguez St. 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

bring in a set formula to the County. We hope to do this project this year as well.

What is the status of the Mar Vista Bridge? he long-promised Highway 1 Mar Vista Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing will provide a safe link between schools, the beach, residential neighborhoods.

With the passage of Measure D the initial funding mechanism is secured.

Combined with state funding the project is 60 percent funded. Initial engineering and environmental has started and is anticipated to be finished at the end of 2020. Final design and environmental should be completed in mid-2022 with construction contracts awarded soon after and construction to begin in 2023.

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What parks projects are planned for this year? ome significant improvements are occurring at two Aptos area parks with potentially more planned in the south county. Specifically, at Seacliff Village Park and Hidden Beach Park in Rio Del Mar. Our office, working with local philanthropists, County Parks and the non-profit Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks secured significant contributions to begin construction on Phase 2 of Seacliff Village Park. This new phase will provide a new skate feature as well as shade structures, restrooms and more to the park. The new skate feature, designed as skatable art, will provide kids in the mid and south county a new option for learning how to skate or practice their skills.

Lastly, we have worked with other local funders to help raise funds for upgrades to Hidden Beach Park. We held a well-attended community meeting in Rio Del Mar to discuss the upgrades and received great feedback on how to improve the park. The goal is to have features for multiple age groups so families with kids of different ages can use the park as well as adding greater accessibility to the park so kids of all abilities can enjoy Hidden Beach Park. n ••• As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts on roads, parks, libraries or any other issues of interest. Feel free to visit me in my office hours or call me at 454-2200. http://zachfriend.com

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Movie Characters © Statepoint Media

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 15th 2020 / 31

— 2019 —

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203 GRANELLI AVE, HALF MOON BAY

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7519 SUNSET WAY, APTOS

443 SEASCAPE DR, APTOS

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959 VIA TORNASOL, APTOS

2800 CASA DE VIDA, APTOS

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2524 PARKER ST, SANTA CRUZ

390 LA CUESTA DR, SCOTTS VALLEY

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308 EL SALTO DR, CAPTOLA

523 SANTA MARGUARITA DR, APTOS

528 BEACH DR, APTOS

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1758 GARZA LN, SANTA CRUZ

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3084 ARLINGTON DR, APTOS

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198 CALABRIA ST, APTOS

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