35 minute read
Community Color
Natasha Loudermilk’s Sleepy Art
Natasha Loudermilk of Aptos enjoys taking photos of her garden, along with other forms of artistic endeavors. Using her makeshift microlens, she takes unique photos that show the hidden world of the very small.
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The collections shown here are some images taken during the last few months of our Shelter in Place.
Natasha also sells her photos, paintings and other art at Society6.com at her page, SleepySlappy. Purchases are free to be used in a variety of ways, from a simple framed image to a unique look for face masks, phone cases, travel mugs, or anything you can transfer the image to. Visitsociety6.com/sleepyslappyto see all her unique art. n
COMMUNITY NEWS Bullseye Archery Bounces Back
By Jondi Gumz
Larry Spittler, co-owner of Bullseye Archery & Range in Scotts Valley, closed for two months, complying with the county health officer’s order to slow the spread of the contagious corona virus COVID-19.
He reopened in May, and Aptos resident Erick Sturm, who was in need of equipment, is glad he did.
“These guys have everything,” said Sturm, who is first vice president of Santa Cruz Archers, a countywide nonprofit organization with more than 100 members.
Without Bullseye Archery, Sturm and his fellow archers would have to trek over the hill, which would eat up a half a day, or take a chance with an online purchase.
“This keeps it local,” Sturm said.
Sturm came by Saturday with his son Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration announced a $20.6 million grant to the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed by President Trump on March 27.
Metro will use the grant to support transit operations in Santa Cruz County Zane, 13, who has improved his accuracy with practice.
Members of the Archers practice at a range with 28 targets at DeLaveaga Golf Course in Santa Cruz -- “truly a hidden gem,” Sturm said.
Archers follow the same COVID-19 safety protocols as golfers. For example, four in a group “quarantine” together for their shooting.
“It’s a great activity,” Sturm said.
Bullseye Archery & Range is the only archery store in Santa Cruz County.
Spittler, 79, said that’s why he opened up five years ago.
He enjoyed archery himself and he noticed the retail shops were far away -- Gilroy, Salinas, Livermore, San Francisco, Berkeley.
He grew up in Kansas, took archery
Larry Spitttler takes aim at the range at Bullseye Archery in Scotts Valley.
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The Metro grant comes out of $25 billion earmarked to ensure public transportation systems can continue to provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These federal funds will support operating assistance to transit agencies of all lessons in Golden Gate Park after he and his mother moved to San Francisco, and competed in archery tournaments as a high school student.
He had a cabinet shop and worked at a hotel to make a living, but when he hurt his back, he wanted a change.
He could see most retail would not have a future, but he thought archery would be different because of the services customers need, like tuning their bow.
His friend, Jeanne Burke, an archer who’s competed in national competitions, is co-owner.
Gabrielle Garrett, a friend who has been competing in local and state competitions since 2011, is store manager, buyer and a USA-Archery certified instructor.
She said sales were very good before the closure, with customers coming from Saratoga and San Jose as well as Santa Cruz County, and she kept losses to $20,000 in April and May by setting appointments with customers.
“I could not thank her enough,” Spittler said. “She’s been wonderful.”
Karen Williams, a competitive archer, is an instructor and technician at the shop.
Archery is about 80 percent male but Spittler said, “It doesn’t have to be that way.”
That’s because “we have bows (women) can shoot,” he said.
Burglary
On March 19, shortly after Bullseye Archery closed to comply with the health officer’s order, Spittler lost $4,500 worth of equipment in a break-in.
“That was horrible,” said Scotts Valley Police Sgt. John Wilson. “Someone’s trying to take advantage of them.”
He said video footage showed two people entered the shop and a third was the getaway driver.
Another store burglarized during the pandemic was Leo’s USave Liquor. Video sizes providing essential travel and supporting transit workers across the country who are unable to work because of the public health emergency,” said K. Jane Williams, acting administrator of the Federal Transit Administration
The Federal Transit Administration issued a Safety Advisory that prompts
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Erick Sturm and his son Zane of Aptos are regulars at Bullseye Archery in Scotts Valley footage shows several people breaking the front door at 2:39 a.m. March 29 and coming out with the ATM, pushing it into the back seat of a vehicle, and carrying out a box of cigarettes in less than a minute.
Wilson said there’s been a decline in residential burglaries with people staying at home due to the shelter in place order and a corresponding uptick in commercial burglaries.
Wilson said the police response time is under three minutes, but that’s not fast enough to catch these “smash and grab” burglars.
He recommends deadbolts and alarms to deter burglars and asks anyone with information about these burglaries to call police at 831-440-5670.
He said catching a burglar means getting a fingerprint or DNA, a video in which the perpetrator is recognizable, or a prompt call from a citizen with a good description of the vehicle and the suspects and a license plate number.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Spittler is not ready to retire from Bullseye Archery. He said he plans to keep it five
Santa Cruz Metro Gets $20.6 Million Federal Grant
On July 9, the U.S. Department of
more years. n transit agencies to develop and implement policies and procedures regarding face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment, cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, physical separation, and hand hygiene consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidance. CARES Act funding can be used to cover 100 percent of these costs.
By Jondi Gumz
Small businesses have more time to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan — until Aug. 8 — since President Trump on July 4 signed into law the new deadline.
Small Business owners must apply through a participating lender.
Participating local lenders include: Bay Federal Credit Union, Santa Cruz Community Credit Union and Santa Cruz County Bank.
The interest rate is 1 percent. The term for the new loans is five years. By Jondi Gumz agreed to rescind a temporary rule announced on July 6 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement barring international students taking all their coursework online from staying in the U.S.
“This is very good news,” said U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) who led 136 of his colleagues in pressuring the administration to rescind this decision, which he called “harsh and heedless” and a “senseless decision by this administration.”
He added, “We, in Congress and in our communities, must continue to fight for our immigrant community members, including international students, so that they can continue to contribute to the ideals and values of our diverse and dynamic country.”
Cabrillo College responded in two ways to the Administration’s international student guidelines.
The college reassured international students that they can continue their program of study if they have appropriate hybrid enrollments under the new Department of Homeland Security/ICE rule, and joined legal actions to seek an injunction preventing enforcement of the new rules during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cabrillo had 126 international students enrolled in spring 2020, when COVID-19 closed the campus and forced classes to be offered online. International student enrollment peaked down in spring 2009 at 368.
International students and colleges throughout the country were relying on ICE waivers set in place in March during the spring term allowing full online enrollment to continue into the fall semester.
The loan is forgivable when the 60 percent of the money is used for payroll. Other eligible expenses are mortgage interest, rent and utilities.
Faith-based organizations, 501c3 nonprofits and ag producers are eligible if they employ fewer than 500 people.
The sudden change in policy came in the midst of the escalating pandemic forcing colleges and universities and would have forced them to re-tool their approach just weeks before the start of the term.
Cabrillo had joined two friend of the court briefs in two separate lawsuits seeking to overturn the policy.
Cabrillo was part of a coalition of colleges and universities filing arguments in Harvard and MIT v. Department of Homeland Security that was argued
Borrowers must certify that economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations.
About $130 billion remains of the $310 billion allocated in the second round to help business cope with the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The successfully Tuesday in a Boston federal court.
The attorney representing Harvard, MIT and Cabrillo email Cabrillo president Matthew Wetstein to say the Department of Homeland Security agreed the July 6 directive was not enforceable.
“This is a major victory,” the attorney wrote.
The Boston Glob, which covered Tuesday’s court hearing, reported that ICE did not provide a comment and US Attorney second round was allocated after the first round, $349 billion, was scooped up in two weeks.
The U.S. Small Business Admin istration, which administers the loan program, has posted detailed FAQs at https://www.sba.gov/document/ support-faq-lenders-borrowers
On July 6, the U.S. Small Business Administration, after a lawsuit by the Associated Press and others, released data regarding the 4.9 million loans made under
Cabrillo Reports Victory In Bid to Keep International Students
On July 14, the Trump Administration
the Paycheck Protection Program. n
Andrew Lelling, who represented the federal government in the case, declined to comment.
Cabrillo also participated in a filing with other California community colleges in a case being brought by the Attorney General of California v. Department of Homeland Security.
In each case, Cabrillo’s participation was part of a pro bono effort — at no cost — undertaken by law firms in New York and San Francisco. n
COMMUNITY NEWS Planners To Vote on Housing Proposals
On July 22, the Santa Cruz County Planning Commission will consider proposals to allow the historic Bayview Hotel, the old Arabian Motel, the Adobe Hacienda and six other properties in the county to be converted to housing. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. with commissioners attending remotely due to COVID-19.
Public comment will be taken via email.
One at a time, the nine properties will be considered for the newly created “Permanent Room Housing Combining Zone District,” a mechanism to allow residential use at visitor accommodations, assisted living facilities and convalescent homes where the zoning does not allow residential use. The addresses are: • Bayview Hotel, 8041 Soquel Drive,
Aptos, a three-story building built in 1878 • Arabian Motel, 10110 Soquel Drive,
Aptos, by Sid’s Smokehouse. Republican will talk about building trust and finding common ground, as guests on Jill Cody’s “Be Bold America” radio program beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 19, on KSQD 90.7 FM. The program will live-stream online on ksqd.org
Her guests will be Kristen Collishaw, who chairs the Santa Cruz County Republican Party, and Andrew Hanauer, president and CEO of the “One America Movement,” an organization founded by faith and community leaders to address divisiveness in American society. Hanauer will explain the neuroscience behind why Americans are divided and moderate the discussion. to host drive through community food distributions in the county, alternating between the Santa Cruz County Fair Grounds in Wat sonville and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz.
On Friday, July 17, the distribution will be at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A historical look at the Bayview Hotel 222 Santa Cruz Ave., Aptos, Adobe
Hacienda apartments.
“Are we destroying ourselves?” Cody asks. “Our democratic republic is not sustainable when one American is demonized against another. There are powerful political, reliAndrew Hanauer gious, corporate, and ideological forces that increase their money and power from the conflict, and it is not the average citizen.
“This show will be the first of several discussions between a lifelong Republican and a lifelong Democrat who share at least one paramount viewpoint, which is that at the long parking lot parallel to the San Lorenzo River.
Residents of Santa Cruz County can come and receive a bag of pantry items and a bag of produce along with additional foods as available. This is plenty of food for a family. Each family receiving food must have a representative present, with appropriate identifying materials. 165 East St., Aptos. 14630 Two Bar Road, Boulder Creek. 14650 Two Bar Road, Boulder Creek. 13320 Highway 9, Boulder Creek. 4700 Highway 9, Felton. The dearth of affordable housing our democracy will not survive if we don’t stop tearing ourselves apart from the inside out. We are embroiled in multiple crises that demand all of us, no Kristin Collishaw matter what political party, to solve. Our goal is to model how two people, with different points of view, might be able to bridge the political divide to reimagine unity.” Collishaw has lived in Santa Cruz County for 18 years where she and her husband raised three children. She was If you live in or near the Beach Flats community, you can walk through. Be prepared to carry up to 50lbs of food. Dogs and other pets should stay home. The schedule is: July 17: SANTA CRUZ: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk July 24: WATSONVILLE: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds July 31: SANTA CRUZ: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk prompted the proposal, with the idea that these rooms would be affordable due to their small size.
In some cases, people have been living at these locations in violation of zoning rules so the change could provide a way to legally allow housing and maintain the properties.
The change has been in the works for two years.
Supervisors wanted these rooms to be available to people with low or moderate income, with preference to existing tenants. They also wanted periodic inspections.
Properties in the coastal zone where visitors stay will not be allowed to be converted to residential use, and the Coastal Commission said it must be shown that a visitor accommodation is obsolete or economically unfeasible before a change to residential would be allowed.
The new housing zone recognizes existing uses, so it is exempt from CEQA
Sunday on KQSD: Finding Common Ground
Alifelong Democrat and a lifelong
review. n brought up in a household where politics and local issues were often discussed, and differing opinions encouraged and respected. Knowing that understanding both sides of an issue were important for a successful country, kept the conversations lively and interesting. A strong belief in America and all the opportunities that are part of this country have led her to be a lifelong conservative.
Under Hanauer’s leadership, One America has launched projects that bring Americans together across religious, racial, and political divides to address race relations, opioids, poverty and homelessness through One America chapters across the
Second Harvest Food Bank Continues Food Drives
Second Harvest Food Bank continues
country. n
Aug. 7: WATSONVILLE : Santa Cruz
County Fairgrounds
Aug. 14: SANTA CRUZ : Santa Cruz
Beach Boardwalk
Aug. 21: WATSONVILLE ; Santa Cruz
County Fairgrounds
Aug. 28: SANTA CRUZ : Santa Cruz
Beach Boardwalk n •••
For information call (831) 662-0991 or visit thefoodbank.org.
COMMUNITY NEWS PV Schools to Reopen with Distance Learning
Editor’s Note: The Pajaro Valley Unified School District released this announcement at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. •••
In accordance with current health guidelines, Pajaro Valley Unified School District will begin the 2020-21 school year with distance learning for all transitional kindergarten-12 grade students on Aug. 17.
COVID-19 data indicates increasing infection rates, making it clear that the pandemic is not yet under control and returning to class is not safe.
“PVUSD’s contingency plan for reopening schools, created in collaboration with classified and certificated staff and administration, is intentionally and thoughtfully designed to provide flexibility and therefore allows us to fully shift and open with a TK-12 Distance Learning model in this moment. The contingency plan also allows us to return to a hybrid or in-person learning model after the first semester and as soon as public health conditions allow. Distance Learning is the right thing to do to ensure the continued safety of our students, staff and community,” stated Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent of Schools.
In the past four months since the pandemic forced school closures, PVUSD, along with Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers and California School Employees Association, supported our students in the most efficient ways possible:
The Food and Nutrition Services By Jondi Gumz biggest health care systems locally and in the state, wanted a judge to delay a $575 million settlement reached in December over accusations that the company drove up prices via market power and violated state antitrust trust law.
The reason: Economic woes from a surge of COVID-19 cases.
But San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Anne-Christine Massullo scheduled hearings for Aug. 12-13
The settlement would prevent Sutter Health from forcing insurers to include all Department provided over 1,000,000 meals for our students;
All students grades 2 through 12 have access to a Chromebook;
We acquired 4,000 hotspots to ensure all have access to digital learning;
And the district provided access to academic and social emotional support services.
PVFT presented to the District and invited CSEA to advocate for adequate education funding and developed an advocacy kit that was shared with staff and families.
In the weeks ahead, PVUSD will prepare to provide high quality and improved Distance Learning instruction, including daily live instruction. Expanded training will be provided to staff to meet the needs of students. Additionally, we will have training for students so they can maximize online learning. PVUSD will also offer increased resources for parents to support their children while distance learning, including video tutorials. All of our students will continue to receive free meals.
PVFT President Nelly Vaquera-Boggs advocated for this shift alongside Superintendent Rodriguez, saying, “Securing the safety of our staff and students is critical and has always been our top priority. Given the current health conditions, Distance Learning is the right option. We know that this will be a challenge for everyone going forward but teachers always rise to the occasion. I have no doubt our teachers will exceed all the added requirements from the State.” instead of its facilities in insurance policies, a practice that tends to raise prices.
At the time of the settlement, Sutter Health was expected to face $2.7 billion in damages, according to Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who filed the case against Sutter Health.
Becerra applauded the judge’s action.
“Sutter” page 30
Classified staff, especially site-based, will continue to provide the support our students need remotely.
“CSEA staff plays a significant role in student education and Distance Learning. Classroom support staff will participate in training to ensure students’ uninterrupted learning,” stated Leticia Oropeza, CSEA president.
PVUSD is proud of the work students, parents, staff and administration has done to ensure that our students continue their education through this unique time.
PVUSD will take this to the Board of Trustees at a special meeting on July
29. Special meetings typically begin at 6 p.m. n
To watch the meeting or comment via Google Form go to https://pps-pajaro-ca.
Dr. Seuss
Sutter Health Antitrust Settlement Back in Court
Leaders of Sutter Health, one of the
schoolloop.com/board_trustees
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Your July Horoscope
Times Publishing Group, Inc.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)
Independence Day is a time for thinking of right now, not what’s coming next. This is a time when endings are inevitable, and there’s no telling where you’ll be a month from now. It’s best to accept the things you can’t change and hold steady despite your desire to move ahead. You’re feeling the need to make sure your loved ones feel safe and protected mid-month. Your strong urge to nurture and care for others makes you an excellent parent and/or friend. You’re happy to let your true personality shine through at the end of the month. Your warmth and friendliness are two of your better qualities, and you make almost everyone you come into contact with feel loved and appreciated.
Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)
You are feeling reserved as the month begins, but you still feel the intensity and pressure that come with looking toward the future. There might not be a lot you can do to change things in the long term, but thinking about it helps. Mid-month brings sudden awareness to a part of your past that’s been keeping you from moving on. Forgiving others is a part of this, but forgiving yourself might actually be more important. Everything looks good from where you’re sitting at the end of July, but everything isn’t always as it seems. You know that old saying “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is”? Yup, that’s this energy.
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)
The month begins with the desire to run before you’re ready to walk. Take some time to rethink the past month and plan for where you’d like to go. The intensity you feel mid-July is unavoidable, especially if you’ve been dealing with a past hurt. Inner reflection takes you to some very uncomfortable places, but it’s needed to find the conclusions you’re seeking. Looking to other people will be difficult. Your friendliness and outgoing attitude late in the month could leave you susceptible to embarrassment and ridicule. Even though you know there are consequences that come from being an open book, you can’t imagine being any other way now.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
You might not feel very celebratory early in July. When your mind is on the future, it’s hard to live in the moment. But there isn’t a lot you can do right now to change things. Communication is easier mid-month, making it easier for you to figure out went wrong the last few weeks and maybe how you can fix it. Apologies aren’t the easiest thing, but they help. You might be in the spotlight late in the month, but now isn’t the time to retreat. This a good time to show the world your hidden talents, even if it makes you uncomfortable. You deserve all the applause you get.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
You are anxious to get things started early in the month. The problem is that it’s a much better time to finish what you’ve already started. Try to be patient a little while longer. Mid-month brings the green light you’ve been looking for on new projects and relationships. That patience is about to pay off! Family matters should be your top priority. Being overly confident and/or optimistic as July comes to a close isn’t a good idea, because someone or something is just waiting in the wings to tear you down. Balance is the key to riding out this energy. When you use extreme thinking, the potential is high for being way off base.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
You’re the responsible one as the nations birthday approaches. While everyone else is getting a little crazy, you’re worried about the little details and all the things that can go wrong. There’s a valuable lesson here, somewhere. Mid-July gives you a chance to forgive yourself or someone else for the hurt you’ve been feeling for the past months (or maybe even years). Everyone makes mistakes, but dwelling on the past only keeps you from having a happy future. Passion comes back into your life late in the month. If you haven’t been enjoying things because of an endless “what if” scenario playing in your head, it’s time to let the negativity go.
Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)
Independence Day is a great time to celebrate some of your recent accomplishments! It also brings a reminder not to get too comfortable, because there’s plenty more for you to over the month. Any negative energy you’ve been feeling seems to just fade away mid-month. The next few weeks have a fun, friendly vibe that allows you to be yourself. You’re questioning some of your recent decisions late in the month. This isn’t a good time to ignore details. Take everything into account when making important life choices now, especially if they’re final.
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)
You should find making important decisions a bit easier early in the month. The practical energy in the air grounds you and helps you make the decision you’ve been hesitant to make in the past few weeks. That feeling flows through the middle of the month, helping you stand up for yourself regarding an unresolved situation from your past. If you’ve always believed you were at fault, some serious soul searching will help you understand that you’re not the only one to blame. Your dreams and daydreams can be productive late in July if you focus on getting the answer to a question. Signs and symbols from your subconscious are everywhere.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Sour energy early in the month might dampen your celebrations a bit. As much as you’d love to be living in the moment, your mind is on the future and all you have yet to achieve. A sense of deep awareness and self-contemplation fills you mid-July. You aren’t one to sit alone and reflect on your feelings, but this energy can lead to real healing if you let it. Your world starts to brighten late in the month, bringing passion, creativity, and drama. The coming weeks have a much more playful tone than earlier in the month, so enjoy the spontaneity that comes from this enthusiastic pairing.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
You feel a mellowness early in July, brings an uncertainty that makes it difficult to predict what might happen next. Stick with the basics in order to avoid making life-changing mistakes. A crisis of self-esteem and selfdoubt follow mid-month, which could be caused by something you did, meaning there’s still time to fix it. If you’re being blamed or shamed by someone else, what’s their true motivation? If they’re projecting their feelings onto you, it’s time to walk away. The latter half of the month is filled with big ideas and dramatic scenes. You’re in the mood to be seen, and you might do some pretty out-of-character things to make sure you stay relevant.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
The month begins with an unwelcome shadow on your mood. You want to be out having a good time, but the current world situation is holding you back. The lines of communication between you and someone you’ve recently lost touch with open back up mid-month. Finding the necessary words to patch things up between the two of you is within your grasp. You’re overly optimistic about something that you heard or read at the end of July, and it doesn’t help that the people around you might encourage you to overreact or embellish facts and details. Try not to believe the information you get from a third party until you verify it with the source.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Something in the air is killing your festive vibe as the month begins. It’s not that you can’t still have a good time, but the energy now is more about getting serious about the future. You breathe a sigh of relief mid-July as you feel things starting to get back to normal. This is a good time to wipe the slate clean of any negative interactions and start fresh with regard to communication. You have a desire to feel safe and protected late in the month. It’s time to evaluate what’s important to you and figure out how to let down your guard long enough so you can get it. ••• www.tpgonlinedaily.com
FEATURED COLUMNIST No Website = No Business
As it looks like we’ll all be living with Covid-19 for the near-term future, your business can’t wait for the virus to magically disappear.
Realize that in the last 90 days all people have improved their online skills dramatically, from learning to stream entertainment to holding Zoom “happy hours” with friends, all while also increasing their online ordering and buying.
Now more than ever, if you don’t have a website, you don’t have a business. If your website isn’t updated with the most current services you offer or the products you’re selling, you’re losing business. If your website doesn’t have the ability for people to schedule appointments or place online orders, whether for delivery or curbside pickup, then you’re losing even more business. You can’t afford to wait any longer.
Times have changed, and hopefully you spent the last three months problemsolving and quickly implementing solutions. You’ve likely heard of many businesses that had to instantly pivot into something they weren’t. Even the simplest cupcake shop that catered kids parties (which got cancelled) quickly implemented a website and app for online ordering, store pickup — and even home delivery!
People and families who live together and continue to shelter-in-place still have needs. They’re not self-sufficient. Sure, people are learning to grow their own food, but the literal fruits of their labor likely won’t be for another 30 days – if they planted early! There are a few people leaning how to home-brew their kombucha or craft beer, but that’s not the majority of us. People still have basic clothing, beverage and food needs for themselves, and their pets as well!
Please don’t think that people will just phone your business and ask questions. In today’s busy world, people don’t want to waste their time going through phone prompts, or
By Ron Kustek
be put on hold listening to scratchy music while a new and likely unknowledgeable employee walks your store to find out a price, or mumbles while looking it up in a system they’re not familiar with.
And, you’re spending money on that employee who has to answer the phone to deal with a ‘potential’ customer on the phone, when they may have actual customers frustratingly waiting in line for that call to be over, so they can be on their way and spend less time mask-to-mask with an employee they don’t know, in an environment they aren’t 100% sure is safe!
I am all for the personal shopping experience. Humans still need other humans, whether that is to talk to or buy from. But until we get back to not being masked and comfortable anywhere in public, making your website mobilefriendly and e-commerce based will help you satisfy more people right now — who will likely continue to be your returning customer when we are no longer experiencing this pandemic.
And think of the added advantage you will have, each of your customers placing online orders which require their email address and purchase history, telling you how to contact them in the future — just another added bonus to finally getting the website for your business that will help you stay in business and grow your business! n •••
Ron Kustek is a business instructor at Cabrillo College. Email: rokustek@cabrillo.edu
Healthcare Heroes
Nurses, doctors and support staff at Dignity Health Dominican Hospital who are working to keep our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic got a morale boost July 2, courtesy of the Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District.
Firefighter Steve Vratny, a 30-year veteran, organized a multi-agency salute, in which a parade of fire engines with lights and sirens on arrived at the hospital’s emergency department, firefighters formed a wall of honor and began applauding the hospital employees who had stepped outside — some with teers will hang begonia plants in Capitola Village to commemorate the Capitola Begonia Festival. The festival celebrated its 65th and final year in 2017.
Continuing the tradition, Laurie Hill and Willard Schwartz raise the tubers at home and place the hanging blossoms at 331 Capitola Ave, Capitola. Michael Lavigne Real Estate Services cares for the plants while they are on display in the Village.
Designated as Capitola’s City Flower, tuberous begonias are a part of the community’s horticultural history dating back to the 1930s. The Brown Ranch Family provided begonias to the Begonia Festival. n Group, the winner of our Red, White and Blue Business Decorating Contest!
Although we were not able to hold our usual 4th of July festivities, we still were able to decorate the town Red , White and Blue, Thank you to all the business who participated and helped keep the spirit of the 4th of July alive!
A Huge Thank You!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
This year has been tough for all of us and we are extremely grateful to have a community that is so supportive. Thank you to all our sponsors who even in times of hardship showed their support. We are Aptos Strong!
Thank you to everyone who purcameras in hand — for their work to be acknowledged.
“They are risking their own health, as well as their family’s health to keep our community safe ... much like what we do as First Responders,” said Vratny. “That’s why we call them “Healthcare Heroes!”
He teamed up with fire departments around the county, the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol.
After saluting the Dominican Hospital staff, firefighters drove to Watsonville Community Hospital to
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Dominican Hospital employees, appropriately masked, get a salute for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. From left, Kirsten Palmquist, RN, Emergency Department Educator, Babs Kingsley, RN, Emergency Services Manager, Lynn Szanto, RN, Care Coordination, and Heidi Brancatelli, LCSW, Social Services.
Begonias Return To Capitola Village Friday, July 17
At 10 a.m. Friday, July 17, volun
Begonias have a long history in Capitola.
Fourth of July Thank You’s! From the Aptos Chamber of Commerce
Congratulations to Allen Property
acknowledge employees there. n chased a 4th of July t-shirt and/or patriotic mask. Your support means the world to us.
Thank you to Deluxe Foods and Aptos Feed for helping sell our 2020 4th of July t-shirts.
Thank you Maureen Perkinson for making our wonderful masks! n
VIRTUAL EVENTS Saturday July 18
LIBRARIES SUMMER READING PERFORMANCES WITH MAGICAL MOONSHINE THEATER 11 a.m.; 3 p.m., Santa Cruz Public Libraries Online Magical Moonshine Theater are master storytellers who engage young audiences with their amazing puppetry and masquerade. They will perform two different shows for us in celebration of Summer Reading here in Santa Cruz. Performances are via Zoom and registration is required to get the Zoom link.
Both performances are on Saturday July 18, so catch them both! Start at 11 a.m. with The Three Little Pigs, then tune in at 3 p.m. for Puppylocks and the Three Bears.
In the 3 Little Pigs, 3 pigs set out to seek their fortunes with a bit of house building. Things don’t go as planned in this creative retelling of the traditional story; houses collapse, pigs and wolves play together and audience members help the story along with lots of live music, singing, construction and laughter. Presented with tradi tional Bohemian style marionettes on a tabletop stage.
Puppylocks asks us to imagine, WHAT IF? What if the Three Bears were really Teddy Bears! And What if Goldilocks was not a little girl at all, but a golden, mischievous little dog? That is exactly the case is this very funny retelling of the traditional fairytale. Watch this impish little dog do everything wrong in the Bear’s house while the bears are off to the TEDDYBEAR CIRCUS! Puppylocks is presented with traditional Bohemian style marionettes on a tabletop stage.
Register for Three Little Pigs: https://santacruzpl. libcal.com/event/6780145.
Register for Puppylocks: https://santacruzpl. libcal.com/event/6780147. This program is part of our Summer Reading Program, Imagine Your Story. Register at santacruzpl.org/srp
Tuesday July 21
MONARCH SERVICES: HOW TO PREVENT VIOLENCE 1 p.m., Monarch Services Online Monarch Services will offer a free webinar at about the prevention services Monarch provides to the community. The nonprofit offers violence prevention resources and presentations to schools, workplaces and other communities. To register go to https://tinyurl.com/monarch-services-event
Wednesday July 22
LIBRARIES BRING SCIENCE AND STORYTELLING TOGETHER THIS SUMMER 12 p.m.; 3 p.m., Santa Cruz Public Libraries Online Science and stories, together! Join us for a virtual showing of a ScienceTellers program called “Dragons: Return of the Ice Sorceress.” Watch a fun, fantasy adventure and along the way you’ll discover just how ‘cool’ matter can be! Throughout the showing, the host will answer questions, conduct polls/quizzes, and even teach a science experiment you can do at home.
The event will be hosted LIVE through Zoom. No Zoom account is required to watch, but registration is required. You have 2 chances to catch this interactive performance on June 22nd. Science Tellers Interactive Science & Storytelling Program.
Since 2004, ScienceTellers has been providing children and their families with fun, experimental science education through the art of interactive storytelling. We are a passionate, enthusiastic team of teaching artists located all over the country. Now with online programming options, we have even more ways to experience the excitement of science and stories, together.
Register for the 12 p.m. show: https://santacruzpl. libcal.com/event/6781102 or the 3 p.m. show: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/6781103. This program is part of our Summer Reading Program, Imagine Your Story. Register at santacruzpl.org/srp
Thursday July 23
SCPL SUMMER READING PROGRAM PRESENTS: LOOK UP TO THE STARS! 7 p.m., Santa Cruz Public Libraries Online Look Up to the Stars Astronomy Programs deliver some of the most awe inspiring astronomy presentations that often have record-breaking attendance. Astronomy talks are given by an award-winning expert with people of all ages kept at the edge of their seat the entire time. Remote virtual visitations from the Star Tour remove the limits on providing a memorable experience for all of us.
Though live telescope viewing is not available, video recordings of the Moon and Planets through the telescope at the conclusion of each program make it just as exciting, if not better. Our awesome virtual astronomy programs make learning about the universe a satisfying and incredible experience.
Join us by registering in advance to receive the Zoom link: https://santa cruzpl.libcal.com/event/6781105 This program is part of our Summer Reading Program, Imagine Your Story. Register at santacruzpl.org/srp
Thursday July 30
CAMPESINOS: WORKERS OF THE LAND; POETIC WRITING/MUSIC/DANCE 6:30-8:30 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts Online Please join Naomi Helena Quinonez, Gabriella Gutierrez y Muhs, and Victoria Banales who will share writing inspired by the Campesino: Workers of the Land exhibit. The event will take place via zoom on Thursday evening, July 30, 2020 from 6:30-8:30.
Enjoy a special presentation by Esperanza del Valle home presentation of “dancing while sheltering in place.” This will be a special night of music, dance, and poetic writing as were recognize the essential contributions of our gente who work tirelessly every day.
Esperanza del Valle
