Aptos Times: August 15, 2020

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Aptos Village Businesses Adapt to COVID-19

Walk around the old Aptos Village, and you’ll see how business owners are making changes to survive this COVID-19 pandemic.

Full Story page 6

FEMA Helping Rio Del Mar Fix Flooding How Will The County Pay For Rest of the Work?

By Jondi Gumz For 35 years or more, whenever there are heavy rains, the Rio Del Mar beach community alongside Aptos Creek and Monterey Bay is flooded.

The stormwater fills the streets and leaves a mess. Sometimes streets are impassable for rescue vehicles, preventing a safe evacuation for 44 homes and

businesses in the Rio Flats, and more than 400 homes along Beach Drive.

Now a solution is on the horizon: The Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted $3.6 million to Santa Cruz County toward a $4.8 million stormwater project to end this chronic flooding. ... continues on page 4

O’Neill Surfs Into Aptos Village Full Story page 16

Pushing for Faster COVID-19 Tests

Three biotech companies based at Startup Sandbox in Santa Cruz are working on faster tests for the contagious coronavirus COVID-19, which has caused six deaths in Santa Cruz County and shutdowns that cripple the local economy.

Full Story page 5

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No. 16

Volume 29

18

20

22

Table of Contents

13

Cover

FEMA Helping Rio Del Mar Fix Flooding: How Will The County Pay For Rest of the Work?, By Jondi Gumz

5 6 7 8 9

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 23

Community News Startups Push for Faster COVID-19 Tests, By Jondi Gumz Aptos Village Business Owners Adapt to COVID-19, By Jondi Gumz No Mask = $100 Fine, By Jondi Gumz SCCB CEO David Heald To Retire, By Jondi Gumz • Women Give $75,000 to Dominican Hospital Firefighters Sent To Hog Fire • Santa Cruz Historian Awarded Grant for Slave Biography • Metro Awarded Grant For Bus Charging • Pivot Fashion: Film Deadline Aug. 15 • Staff of Life Closed Two Days For COVID-19 Cleaning • Remembering Seniors in Care Facilities Candidates Running in Nov. 3 Election, By Jondi Gumz Dead Whale Leaves Stink, Photo Credit: Howard “Boots” McGhee Did You Know You Can Help? • Democrats to Endorse on Zoom: Aug. 29 Boardwalk Unveils Drive-in Movies • COVID Relief for Fishery Workers Pajaro Valley Schools Start August 17 • #StateParksStaycation Photo Contest: Enter By Sept. 30 O’Neill Surfs Into Aptos Village, By Jondi Gumz Three New Members Join ‘Visit Santa Cruz County’ Board • Masks Across Santa Cruz County, By Mariah Roberts LunaFest Goes Virtual September 10 AAUW Prize Drawing to Benefit Tech Trek • Santa Cruz Closes Park Bathrooms Attorney General Becerra: Borrower Default Rules Must Be Followed • California Dept. Fish & Wildlife: Rodenticides Fatal for Wildlife

Business Profile 22 Treehouse: Serving the Community in a Pandemic, By Erin Kelly-Allshouse

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

Featured Columnists 20 Around Town In The Time Of COVID-19, A Photo Essay By Lawrie Brown, Professional Photographer 24 Why Did COVID Scam Complaints Double?, By David McClellan and Moe Meyers 25 Why Now May Be The Best Time To Plan Your Own Business, By Ron Kustek 27 Top 10 Questions for Dr. Rodriguez, By Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District 29 Looking at Difficult Questions of Racial Equity, By Kate Roberts 30 COVID Updates: $1M Rental Aid To Begin, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District 31 Shade Trees Adapt To Urbanism, By Tony Tomeo

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Jondi Gumz

contributing writers Camisa Composti, Jondi Gumz, Mariah Roberts, Erin Kelly-Allshouse, Lawrie Brown, David McClellan, Moe Meyers, Ron Kustek, Michelle Rodriguez, Kate Roberts, Zach Friend, Tony Tomeo 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 Camisa Composti advertising sales Don Beaumont, Teri Huckobey Cathe Race

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“Rio Del Mar Flooding” from page 1 The remaining $1.2 million must come from non-federal sources.

“The local cost share is something that has not been directly addressed with our members or discussed as a community,” said Donna Townsend, president of the Rio Del Mar Home Improvement Association, who sees flooding every time there is heavy rain.

Steven Allen, president of Allen Property Group and co-owner with his wife, of the Rio Sands hotel, said, “I think the addition of stormwater drainage would be great. Tourists are reluctant to come down to the esplanade during a flood and the improvements would help business in the winter.”

Asked if residents and businesses can afford to pitch in during a pandemic that has wreaked havoc on the economy, Allen said, “Timing of a collective $1,200,000 assessment could not be worse for businesses in the area that have been forced to close or have seen drastic reductions to 2020 revenues. It is also not a good year to increase tax assessments for property owners, many of which will likely struggle just to pay property tax during the pandemic recession.”

He added, “I also understand that these improvements would unfortunately not do anything to decrease the cost of flood insurance in the area; the cost of which increased 25 percent, from previous year, for our property. It would be ideal if the county could find a way to fund the entire project, or at very least postpone until we see an economic recovery.”

Photo Credit: Steven Allen

A photo taken from inside a vehicle shows Aptos Beach Drive starting to flood this past winter.

History Flooding has been so persistent it prompted Aptos History Museum curator John Hibble to co-present a talk in January with Kent Edler, Santa Cruz County Department of Public Works assistant director, titled, “Water, water everywhere: A history of the floodplain.”

A century ago, the area known as Rio Del Mar Flats at the mouth of Aptos Creek was frequently flooded, essentially a estuary where people would go boating.

Here is some history from veteran coastal scientist and author Gary Griggs: A Southern California real estate investor, Fred Somers, formed the Aptos Company, which teamed up with Monroe, Lyon and Miller, a development group from San Francisco, with the idea of building 584 homes and a golf course.

The first subdivision took place in 1925, and concrete retaining walls were built in 1926 to channel Aptos Creek. The swampy area was filled with soil and rock from a hill a tenth of a mile away, raising

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 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

Another angle of the 2014 flood’s effect on Aptos Beach Dr.

4 / August 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Photo Credit: David Sims

the flats by seven feet. In 1928, a concrete dam was built across Aptos Creek — where the pedestrian bridge is today — forming “the world’s largest fresh water swimming pool,” according to the promotions of the time. A pavilion with showers, dressing rooms and lockers came next.

With Aptos Creek confined to a narrow channel, the water — especially at high tides — goes over the concrete retaining wall and into its natural floodplain, according to Griggs.

Development, aging infrastructure and sea level rise have contributed to the problem, according to FEMA, which is awarding the money from its hazard mitigation program to help the community become more resilient to potential infrastructure damage and reduce future disaster costs.

Timeline FEMA’s announcement said, “The new system will improve flood protection five-fold” by permitting the free flow of floodwater, eliminating backwater accumulation, and reducing the time contaminants remain in the sensitive habitat of Aptos Creek, home threatened and endangered fish species.

“We’re hoping to get the project out to bid in early 2021 (shooting for February) and awarding to a contractor by April 2021,” said Kent Edler, who will oversee the project for the county.

County supervisor Zach Friend, who represents District 2 in Aptos, said excavations are proposed on parts of Aptos Beach Drive, Venetian Road, Rio Del Mar Blvd. and Beach Drive.

He expects construction will take six to seven months.

The job will be advertised at www. procurenow.com.

“We will also try to reach out to specialized contractors and/or possible subcontractors,” Friend said. n ••• Cover Photo: Flooding on Aptos Beach Dr. in Rio Del Mar Dec. 11, 2014. • Credit: David Sims

COMMUNITY NEWS

Startups Push for Faster COVID-19 Tests

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By Jondi Gumz

hree biotech companies based at Startup Sandbox in Santa Cruz are working on faster tests for the contagious coronavirus COVID-19, which has caused six deaths in Santa Cruz County and shutdowns that cripple the local economy.

They are competing with others such as Quidel in San Diego and Becton Dickinson in New Jersey, which already have emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and produce results in 15 minutes – much faster than the so-called PCR, which require lab processing with a turnaround time at Quest Diagnostics of two to three days, and it has been longer.

One of the local companies, SanguineDx, was founded in 2010 and is headed by medical device veteran David Sierra of Aptos.

Another is Ontera, which started out as Two Pore Guys in 2011, raised $32.6 million in funding, and changed names a year ago.

The third is PinPoint Science, founded in 2017 and headed by Lisa Diamond, a

tech veteran who holds two patents for novel molecular diagnostics.

All three made presentations Aug. 5 at the virtual Biotech Startups event hosted by Santa Cruz Works, the nonprofit supporting the local tech community.

David Sierra, SanguineDx CEO, said the company has a patent for its batterypowered pathogen detector based on saliva.

This is an antigen test, and it produces results in less than a minute, he said.

David Sierra He’s had two rounds of funding and is “in the middle of scaling up manufacturing.”

All the materials for this device are readily available, he said.

That’s a bonus compared to the current COVID-19 test, which requires chemicals that are in short supply worldwide and has slowed local testing down to a crawl.

Sierra said he had started out working on a blood coagulation test six years ago and shifted after seeing a need for COVID-19 testing.

He said testing for the FDA’s emergency use authorization is scheduled for late September or October and he hopes to be on the market by Jan. 1.

Ontera ark Rose, who left Google’s Nest division to join Ontera last year as vice president of product management, said Ontera pivoted to work on a point-ofcare testing platform for COVID-19.

He said Ontera has “unique sensing technology” that can classify RNA and DNA get results from a nucleic acid sample in 30 minutes.

The test will tell if you have COVID-19 or flu or both, he added.

The process requires a simple nose swab — not the deep nose swab today’s test requires.

The sample goes into a cartridge, which goes into a nanodetector.

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“We are working feverishly to get this out in Q4,” Rose said.

He estimated the cost to consumers would be $50-$60.

PinPoint Science inPoint Science is working on a pointof-care test for COVID-19 screening, aiming for December 2020, according to CEO Lisa Diamond, with the consumer version to come in 2021.

This will be a handheld device with swappable cartridges to evaluate pathogens using a nanosensor chip, displaying results in 30 seconds on a cellphone or tablet. No chemicals are needed.

The patented technology was invented

by Nader Pourmand, UC Santa Cruz professor of biomolecular engineering and PinPoint Science’s chief scientist.

“We’re doing validation in our lab this month,” Diamond said, adding that studies are planned in September at Massachusetts General Hospital.

P

“COVID-19 Testing” page 9

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Aptos Village Business Owners Adapt to COVID-19

By Jondi Gumz

W

alk around the old Aptos Village, and you’ll see how business owners are making changes to survive this COVID-19 pandemic.

Nobody wants to spread this contagious coronavirus, but everyone has to figure out how to make a living under the health officer’s safety restrictions.

Del Crawford, co-owner of Mulberry Gallery for 26 years, knows everybody in this part of the village. He took me on a walking tour to connect with his friends and neighbors in the business community.

At Warmth Company, a destination boutique for female shoppers, Monica and Naomi Emmert have set out hand sanitizer at the front door. There’s a limit on the number of people allowed inside, and of course you must wear a mask.

In the past, women would drive from the San Francisco Bay Area to shop, then enjoy lunch afterward at Café Sparrow around the corner enjoying the French style. Because of COVID-19, Café Sparrow cannot serve food indoors. Unlike some restaurants, there is no patio or parking lot space for outdoor seating. So Café Sparrow’s owners, Bob and Julie Montague, are offering takeout — not as appealing to the Warmth Company clientele.

“I have sent our customers to Bittersweet,” said Monica Emmert, referring to the bistro at the next exit. “They want ‘chick food.’”

Or she suggests Akira, another restaurant within walking distance with some outdoor tables.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Christy Licker, proprietor at Caroline’s Nonprofit Thrift Shop, masks up with volunteer Sharon Smith. Licker had to close her shop on Sundays due to lack of volunteers.

She’s thinking about a “girls’ night out” picnic dinner.

“People want something fun to do,” she said.

At Mortgage Results, owner Mary Russell said she’s done a lot of mortgage refinances because interest rates dropped so much.

Interest on a 15-year year mortgage was down to 1.9 percent, she said.

When Crawford said he was thinking of hosting pop-ups for local artists in his space, before his lease runs out in April.

“What a great idea!” Russell said.

Adele Talmadge, in the office of Talmadge Construction, said she misses attorney John D. Schuyler, who had a practice in the building. He has retired.

“Aptos Village” page 10

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COMMUNITY NEWS

No Mask = $100 Fine

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By Jondi Gumz

n July 28, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance allowing citations for violating any state or local health order, such as the local order to wear a face covering in public.

The change, effective immediately in response to increasing COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations, calls for fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for the second offense and $500 for a third within a calendar year. Previously such violations were considered misdemeanors, carrying fines of $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

The Capitola City Council, Scotts Valley City Council, Watsonville City Council and Santa Cruz City Council have all adopted the same approach to health order violations: Ticket and fine, $100 for first offense, $200 second offense, $500 for a third offense in a year.

In mid-July, the federal Centers for Disease Control advised that wearing a face covering would slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus COVID-19. The agency cited new research including a case study in Missouri where two hair stylists saw 139 clients before they found out they were infected; of the 67 clients who were tested, none was positive.

County Supervisor John Leopold said the county’s primary objective is to educate people.

“The lower level of enforcement allows law enforcement officers and administrative staff to support community health and safety by quickly addressing situations without escalating them into court cases or arrests,” Leopold said.

The county ordinance applies in unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County.

City councils in Watsonville, Capitola, Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz, have all adopted an ordinance with the same fines, $100, $200 and $500 for mask violations.

On Wednesday, the county reported 1,316 COVID-19 cases, with 934 coming in the past two weeks, 31,495 negative tests, and six deaths including two new fatalities reported last week without further detail.

Of the total cases, half are in Watsonville and 59 percent are Latino. And cases have cropped up at skilled nursing facilities, with only Valley Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center in Watsonville remaining free of COVID-19.

Also, Santa Cruz Metro has reported one case among its employees.

Hospitalizations, which peaked at 19 on July 21, have declined to 13.

The slowdown in known cases could be due to a slowdown in testing, which peaked at 473 on July 14 and dropped by Aug. 10 to 174, below the state target of 200 tests a day.

The reason, health officials say, is a global shortage of a chemical needed to run the lab test. This has prompted the county to invest close to $1 million in lab equipment to expand testing at UC Santa Cruz that does not require the standard

chemical; the lab expansion is expected to be ready in four to six weeks.

••• State Health Director Resigns The slowdown in cases also could

be due to a state lapse in data input — an estimated 300,000 test results over 10 days — that led to the resignation over the weekend of Sonia Angell as the state health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health.

Gov. Newsom named Erica Pan, Alameda health officer, as state health officer and Sandra Shewry, former head of the state Medi-Cal program, as director of the California Department of Public Health.

The state’s 10-year-old data system, designed for all infectious diseases and receiving about 200 reports a day before the pandemic, was being overwhelmed with tens of thousands of daily reports, state official said.

County health staff urge residents to stay six feet away from people outside your household, avoid gathering in groups outside your household, and wash your hands with soap and water frequently. n ••• For up to date case counts, see www.santa cruzhealth.org

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COMMUNITY NEWS

SCCB CEO David Heald To Retire

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By Jondi Gumz

n Aug. 3, Santa Cruz County Bank, a top-rated community bank that has grown in 16 years to more than $1 billion in assets, announced the retirement of David Heald as president and chief executive officer.

He will continue to serve as president and CEO until his successor is identified.

Heald joined the startup bank in late 2003 as chief credit officer before taking over as president and CEO in March 2006.

In March, when Congress approved the Payroll Protection Program of forgivable loans to help small businesses through the pandemic, Santa Cruz County Bank staff swung into action, processing enough loans to save 29,000 local jobs.

In April, S&P Global Market rated SantaCruz County Bank as the top-performing bank under $3 billion in assets in California and fourth in the U.S. based on its 2019 financials.

Since taking over locally owned Lighthouse Bank last year, Santa Cruz County Bank is the largest community bank in the tri-county area and based on June 2019 FDIC data, which is the latest available, would rank fourth in market share in Santa Cruz County after Wells

the United States immeFargo, Bank of America diately after receiving a and Chase. finance degree from San Chairman William Diego State University.

J. Hansen said, “David Locally, he worked has navigated through for 20 years at Coast several unprecedented Commercial Bank, challenges including the before and after it was collapse of the real estate taken over by Greater market in 2008 and most Bay Bancorp. recently the current Working in the No. COVID-19 pandemic.

2 spot, he left Coast Throughout all of these Commercial — and challenges, David’s his Greater Bay stock leadership has resulted options, according to the in Santa Cruz County Silicon Valley Business Bank being recognized Journal -- to become No. nationally as a topDavid Heald, President and CEO 2 to CEO John Rossell at performing community Santa Cruz County Bank the startup Santa Cruz bank. We have been fortunate to have had David at the helm County Bank. The new bank launched with of Santa Cruz County Bank for the past 14 $13.2 million raised in five weeks from 400 investors — so popular some money had years.”

He added, “David’s banking to be returned.

When Rossell departed, Heald sucknowledge and experience, from a career spanning 48 years, has been instrumental ceeded him, building a team of bankers, many of whom he had known earlier in his in the growth and success of the bank.”

Heald began his career in San Francisco career.

“I’ve had the privilege of working in the finance and Planning department of a Canadian bank with a branch network in beside the most dedicated, committed and

talented leadership team whom I hold in the highest esteem and owe an enormous amount of gratitude,” Heald said.

“Throughout my career I’ve been blessed with long close relationships I will cherish and keep forever. I will truly miss my bank family, all of whom I am extremely proud.

My years with Santa Cruz County Bank are the highlights of a long satisfying career in banking.”

He added, “Everyone in the community has been wonderful to me and we could not have built our bank without the support of so many of you. I thank the board of directors for the opportunity and confidence in me to lead the organization for the last 14 years. It has been a most satisfying experience to build a locally and nationally highly ranked and respected community financial institution together.”

As for retirement, he said he looks forward “to continuing my community involvement.” n ••• Santa Cruz County Bank stock is publicly traded on the OTC marketplace under the symbol SCZC. For information about Santa Cruz County Bank, visit www.sccountybank.com

Women Give $75,000 to Dominican Hospital

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ignity Health Dominican Hospital has received $75,000 from the Women of Wellness Council, a local giving society founded in 2018 to support women’s health services.

The council chose these three programs as beneficiaries: Maternal Child Health Five AvalonCL wireless fetal monitoring systems, $48,495: The system enables continuous fetal heart rate monitoring for mothers expecting twins or triplets.

Traditional wired monitoring is interrupted whenever a patient leaves the bed to use the restroom or bathe. The wireless system assures no disruption when a patient moves around her room.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Pelvic Floor Clinic, $17,050: Specially trained physical or occupational therapists will complete a detailed examination of women with pelvic pain, urinary incontinence or bowel dysfunction and develop a custom treatment plan.

Treatment may include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, muscle strengthening, and manual therapy. In January, three members of Dominican Hospital’s Outpatient Therapy team completed training to become certified pelvic rehabilitation practitioners and would staff the new clinic.

Emergency Department Nitrous oxide pain management, $9,455: Inhaled nitrous oxide, a non-addictive anesthetic on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines, will provide an option to powerful sedatives and opioid narcotics for children and adults.

A mask is placed on the patient’s face to deliver the nitrous oxide gas prior to a procedure. After the procedure is completed and the mask removed, the effects of the nitrous oxide dissipate within 30 seconds.

••• The Women of Wellness Council, a program of the Dominican Hospital

8 / August 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Foundation, meets three times a year to learn about existing services for women and unmet needs. Each member commits a minimum of $1,000 annually.

The Council has the opportunity to review project proposals put forth by the hospital and vote with their pool of funds to determine which proposals get funding.

“The mission and values of Dominican Hospital have been shaped by visionary female founders and senior leaders,” said Dominican Hospital President and CEO Nanette Mickiewicz, MD. “It is only fitting that today, the highly influential women of the WoW Council should help carry on the hospital’s legacy of improving patient care now and into the future.”

The council has given more than $125,000 in its short life to Dominican Hospital programs.

Currently there are more than 80 members and chairwoman Allison Niday aims to reach her goal of 100 members this year.

Drew Gagner, Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer of the Dominican Hospital Foundation, called the group’s support “generous and considered.”

Dominican Hospital provides the full scope of women’s health programs and services, from pre-natal classes, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in partnership with Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, and post-natal parenting classes and breatfeeding classes and support.

Dominican Hospital offers the only comprehensive Cancer Center in the Monterey Bay area, programs for women, such as wig fittings, nutrition classes and counseling.

Dominican sponsors free cardiac risk screenings for women and performs gynecological surgery using robotic technology for minimally invasive procedures and faster recovery. n ••• For info, visit supportdominican.org/ women-of-wellness-council.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Firefighters Sent To Hog Fire n the last week of July, Aptos/La Selva Firefighters were deployed to the Hog Fire outside of Susanville. They are part of Strike Team XCZ2327C. Here is what Aptos/La Selva Firefighters Local 3535 posted on Facebook: “Together with engines from Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, Central, and Watsonville, the strike team has dealt with high temperatures, long nights, and even a 30-minute hail storm. And that was just day one. Today, Engine 3536 hits the line again for another 24-hour shift. The crew is in great spirits and eager to get back to work. Wildland season is here! Be safe everyone.”

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••• Santa Cruz Historian Awarded Grant for Slave Biography C Santa Cruz associate history professor Gregory O’Malley has received $60,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for “The Escapes of David George (1743–1810): An Odyssey of Slavery and Freedom in the Revolutionary Era Project.”

O’Malley is researching and writing of a biography of David George, who was

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“COVID-19 Testing” from page 5 She said the test would cost $20 at launch.

Her goal is to reach 500 million tests per month, and lower the price to less than $10 per test.

The tests could be used by schools or sports teams, Diamond said.

“It would be amazing to be able to have those,” said Amanda Rotella, a volunteer hosting the Biotech Startups virtual meetup.

Asked why the United States doesn’t have fast COVID-19 tests, which are available in Germany, Rose said, “Germany has a different regulatory environment.”

Diamond added, “There’s a cautiousness from the federal government on novel technologies.”

Rapid tests at the doctor’s office or urgent care center, bypassing the need for lab equipment, were pushed aside initially in favor of the PCR lab tests, which are more accurate. However, with a global shortage of the chemical needed to run the lab test and lengthy delays to get lab test results, some, including Harvard University epide-

born a slave and whose pursuit of freedom intersects with major events of the Revolutionary War. The grant is one of 238 projects awarded a total of $30 million in funding.

••• Metro Awarded Grant For Bus Charging anta Cruz Metro has been awarded $969,394 by Caltrans for new fastcharging infrastructure at Watsonville Transit Center.

This will allow the battery electric bus to stay in operation throughout the day by extending their mileage and operating time.

The grant was one of 166 projects in California awarded a total of $146 million in Low Carbon Transit Operations Program to improve the sustainability of transportation systems and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The bulk of the money will benefit disadvantaged communities.

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Staff of Life Closed Two Days For COVID-19 Cleaning he Staff of Life market in Santa Cruz closed temporarily for a thorough cleaning and disinfection after an employee was diagnosed with COVID-19 over the weekend.

The company made the decision as soon as they learned the news. They also contacted Santa Cruz Public Health Department and all their staff before closing Monday to begin the cleaning.

They expected to finish Tuesday night and reopen Wednesday, Aug. 12.

In a released statement, the company thanked its loyal customers for their continued support. https://www.staffoflifemarket.com

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miologist Michael Mina and UCLA Health System pathologist Omai Garner, welcome faster tests, even if they are not as accurate, as a way of mitigating outbreaks.

Lou Pambiano, Startup Sandbox CEO, said three Sandbox startups — PinPoint, SanguineDx and Incisive RNA, are being assessed by the Gates initiative.

“The private sector is rushing into opportunities for testing and treatment,” he said.

He has 40 companies in the Sandbox, an incubator with a wet lab at 250 Natural Bridges Drive, Santa Cruz, to help startups grow.

“This is a phenomenal time to start a company,” Rose said, explaining that “larger companies are less likely to take risks, gives a lot of oxygen for startups to start and thrive.”

Doug Erickson, executive director of Santa Cruz Works, said, “It’s really fantastic to see what you’re doing.”

Other biotech presenters included: • Mark Coates of CITO Medical, founded in 2010, helps bring ideas from a sketch on a napkin to production, competing with Frog Design

and IDEO. Most of the client names are confidential but they include Abbott Lab and Cepheid, who got FDA approval for a point-of-care diagnostic for the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test, and Abbott Laboratories. Information: mark.coates@citomedical.com • Kelly Harkins Kincaid, CEO at Astrea Forensics, which has a technique to recover DNA from hair, which can be used to solve cold crime

••• Remembering Seniors in Care Facilities he Family Service Agency of the Central Coast is asking people to remember elders who live in a care facility away from their family.

With the COVID-19 pandemic many residents aren’t allowed to leave the facilities and can’t have family or friends come to visit.

So the agency is collecting items to let seniors know they are remembered and put a smile on their face. These include: • “Thinking of You Cards”—Handmade cards, notecards/letters/photos • IPads (used for FaceTime, Zoom, entertainment • IPods—For musical entertainment • Activities such as crosswords/word search/art supplies If you have a donation you would like to donate, contact Nancy Cleveland at: (831) 4598917, Ext 205 or email: cleveland.n@fsa-cc.org n

T

cases. Co-founder is Ed Green of the UC Santa Cruz paleogenomics lab.

The company, launched in 2019, is hiring.

• Cameron Pye, co-founder and CEO of Unnatural Products, a 2017 startup working on “unlocking undruggable targets.” Information: cam@unp.xyz n ••• For more information see www.santacruz works.org and www.startupsandbox.org.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / August 15th 2020 / 9

“Aptos Village” from page 6 At Caroline’s Nonprofit Thrift Shop, which raises money for local nonprofits that help children, owner Christy Licker said, “It’s tricky for us.”

She’s been able to raise $2 million since she opened in 2012 – relying on 60 volunteers who believe in her mission to staff the shop.

“Our leader is so dynamic,” said volunteer Sharon Smith. “You can’t help but want to be a part of the team.”

The place is set up like a department store, with home goods and clothing styled to perfection. It’s a big space, which allows for social distancing, with good ventilation, which reduces virus spread.

But many of Caroline’s volunteers are people who are retired, advancing in years, unwilling to risk contact with the public for fear of catching COVID-19.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Kevin Temple and Christina Borbely enjoy Friday night wine at Cantine Winepub.

10 / August 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

With only 15 volunteers available, Caroline’s is no longer open on Sundays.

Want to help? Call Christy Licker, 831-662-0327.

With some polish, the historic Bayview Hotel, owned by Christina Locke, could be the crown jewel of Aptos.

Across the street, Aptos BBQ has set up umbrella tables outdoors to comply with the rule prohibiting indoor dining.

Aptos Glass moved into the space vacated by Caroline’s.

Walking by Café Sparrow, Crawford shared another idea for the empty dining room: What if Community Television could film an auction or a telethon here raising money for local nonprofits?

At Gravity, saddlemaker Shamms Bennadja, who is originally from France, put a closed sign on his door.

He used to keep the door open but now he doesn’t want walk-ins for fear of catching COVID-19.

He’s been designing beautiful custom saddles since 2013.

Now he works by appointment. Horses are not affected

by COVID-19 but business is slower. Horse owners think twice before confirming an order or repair.

The virus has affected his personal life, too.

Ordinarily his brothers would come from France for a visit, but this year, it’s not happening because of COVID-19.

Sarah Fischer, owner of Sarah’s European Skin Care, said her business has always been one on one. She noted she has an interesting location.

“This used to be a brothel,” she said. “Text me for an appointment.”

At Cantine Winepub, six umbrella tables in the front of the building are a new addition.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Shamms Bennadja, a custom saddlemaker and owner of Gravity, is missing his brothers who live in France.

Kevin Temple and Christina Borbely enjoyed a glass of wine there on Friday night.

Manager Patrick Green has another five tables outside in the back, but this doesn’t make up for losing 16 tables inside due to the COVID-19 prohibition on indoor dining.

Owners Jason and Keiki McKay have been busy because this year they (with business partner Jon Bates) bought the Seabright Brewery, founded in Santa Cruz in 1988 by Charlie Meehan and Keith Cranmer. Seabright Brewery is known for craft beer and its larger outdoor patio.

With the mid-March order to close non-essential businesses, the shutdown was not disruptive for Seabright Brewery.

“It gave them time to gut and remodel,” Green said.

Seabright Brewery reopened June 5, and Cantine Winepub reopened June 6. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality�

Candidates Who Filed for Nov. 3

SPECIALIZING IN

By Jondi Gumz 35

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ere are the candidates who filed this month for open seats in South County in the Nov. 3 election.

An asterisk denotes an incumbent.

When there is no competition for a seat, there is no election and the candidate or candidates are simply sworn into office. ••• Cabrillo College Board Trustee Area 3: Christina Cuevas* Trustee Area 5: Leticia Mendoza* and Felipe Hernandez Trustee Area 7: Edward Banks* and Steven Laird Trujillo Watsonville City Council District 1: Eduardo Montesino District 2: Aurelio Gonzalez* and Vanessa Quiroz-Carter District 6: Jimmy Dutra and Tony Gomez Soquel Creek Water District Board (2 seats): Tom LaHue,* Bruce Daniels,* Corrie Kates and Maria Marsilio.

Central Water District Board (2 seats): John Benich* and Robert Postle* Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Board (1 seat): John Kegebein and Stephen Rider Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board Trustee Area 2: Georgia Acosta* and Ruth Cruddas Trustee Area 3: Oscar Soto and Amanda Hernandez Trustee Area 6: Maria Orozco* and Adam Bolanos Scow Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District Board (3 seats): George Lucchesi* Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District Board (3 seats): Robert Erbe,* Dave Martone* and Aerin Murphy Broaddus Santa Cruz County Office of Education Board Trustee Area 3: Sandra Nichols* and Mike Kubo Trustee Area 5: Alyssa Wall and Barbara Chamberlain Trustee Area 6: Dana Sales* and Ed Acosta La Selva Beach Recreation District (3 seats): James Rhodes,* Anthony Young* and Mary Flores.

La Selva Beach Recreation District (2 years, short term): Ashley Winn

CABRILLO COLLEGE TRUSTEE AREAS

Þ } | ¡ Þ } | ¡ SAN MATEO COUNTY

OL

Editor’s Note: Times Publishing Group is asking voters in our community “What do you want the candidates to be discussing as they compete for votes?� Email your answer to info@cyber-times.com. We will use your input to guide our campaign coverage.

Residential Repaints & Custom Homes Homeowners Associations Property Managers

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090-12 PREPARED BY SANTA CRUZ COUNTY GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM STAFF updated JUNE 2012

Pajaro Dunes Geologic Hazard Abatement District Board (2 seats): Jack Feinstein, Raphael Shannon Kraw and David Ferrari ••• New Voting Process This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional polling places will not be operating.

Instead, Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin will set up 17 voting locations where voters can obtain a ballot, turn in a ballot, register and vote on the same day, or vote an accessible or Spanish ballot on the tablet. Any voter can go to any location.

Pellerin said that consolidating voting locations improves the county’s ability to protect health and safety, including implementing physical distancing and wearing masks, disinfecting surfaces and voting equipment, providing hand sanitizer and more, including screening poll workers for symptoms.

Voters will be asked to follow these guidelines to protect themselves and to protect others.

Again due to the pandemic, there is a huge push for mail ballots.

Gov. Newsom has issued an executive order requiring elections officials in California to mail ballots to all active registered voters by Oct. 5.

In Santa Cruz County, of the 166,000 registered voters, 120,000 have already signed up to receive their ballot in the mail, according to Pellerin.

There will be 15 ballot drop boxes installed throughout the county for voters to return their voted ballots.

Voters may drop their ballot off in person on Election Day Nov. 3.

Or voters can mail their ballots — as long as they are postmarked on or before Election Day, Pellerin said. n View the pictued Cabrillo College trustee area map full size at www. boarddocs.com/ca/cabrillo/Board.nsf/files/ APZSRM73F3BB/$file/Cabrillo%20 College%20Trustee%20Areas%20Map.pdf

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / August 15th 2020 / 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dead Whale Leaves Stink A 36-foot humpback whale washed up on Platforms Beach in Aptos, and seven days later, State Parks Superintendent Gabe McKenna was still trying to get rid of it.

Friday, a tug was called in.

When that didn’t work, heavy equipment was called in.

McKenna said he was not sure how much the carcass weighed.

Also, the cause of death is not known.

Photo Credit: Howard “Boots” McGhee

is waiting for you

We’ve RE-OPENED!

You missed us and we really missed you! Join us for the food, the view, and just being out with friends.

Lunch and Dinner are available for curbside pickup. Feel free to enjoy your meal on our deck overlooking the Monterey Bay or down on Seascape Beach. Our To Go menu includes selected cocktails from the bar. OPEN WED – SUN 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 5:00 - 9:00 PM

12 / August 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Did You Know You Can Help?

W hen the “Shelter in Place” orders took effect in March, there were 148 children and youth being served by CASA of Santa Cruz County.

For many children in foster care, their CASA volunteers may be one of the few consistent adults in their lives. That hasn’t changed with this global pandemic, and the need for more volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates will continue to grow as incidents of abuse and neglect increase during times of stress and uncertainty.

You can help raise awareness about the need for more caring, consistent adults to support local children by displaying a CASA yard sign in your neighborhood.

Residents can reserve signs at casaofsantacruz.org/lawnsign or call (831) 761-2956 ex. 102. Post signs only if you have permission to post.

Court Appointed Special Advocates

are everyday people, trained by CASA and then appointed by judges to advocate for the safety of children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect.

CASA volunteers devote a few hours a week getting to know one child and gathering information from everyone involved in the child’s case. Advocates are supported by a staff supervisor and are part of a team that works in the best interests of the child.

To learn about volunteering, go to casaofsantacruz.org/signup or call (831) 761-2956, ext. 102. All information meetings and the 35-hour training to become an advocate take place online.

Individuals and families can access resources by calling 211 or visiting 211santacruzcounty.org. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call (831) 454-2273. n

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% 4 2.2

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Enjoy more flexibility with no payments for 90 days.** Visit any branch or apply online at www.bayfed.com.

Yard signs can be used to raise awareness of Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Democrats to Endorse on Zoom: Aug. 29

D

ue to COVID-19, the Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee will vote on endorsements of local candidates and issues at an online forum 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29.

The forum, open to the public, is on Zoom, https://us02web.zoom. us/j/8314272516. Only elected members of the Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee or their alternates may vote.

Democrats on the Nov. 3 ballot

running for First District county supervisor; Superior Court judge; City Council seats in Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Watsonville; and trustee seats for Cabrillo College, Pajaro Valley Unified School District and Santa Cruz City Schools are invited to attend online and speak.

Members of the public may submit questions by noon Friday, Aug. 28, to cruzdemocrats@gmail.com. These questions may be asked of candidates. n

831.479.6000 • www.bayfed.com • 888.4BAYFED * Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Based on approval of credit with credit score (Experian FICO V9 Auto Score) of 730+, up to a 51 month term on the rate and term, for the refinance of a 2015 or newer vehicle. Rate example includes a .25% reduction for member loyalty of having a mortgage or checking account open prior to 4/1/2020 and a .25% reduction for enrollment in automatic payments. Payment per $1,000 for a 51 month term is $20.58 based on 2.24% APR. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. Maximum loan amount is 110% of Kelley Blue Book Adjusted Retail Value plus GAP. Your actual APR may vary based on your credit history along with the age and mileage of vehicle financed. ** First payment will be deferred for 90 days. Based on approval of credit with credit score (Experian FICO V9 Auto Score) of 640+. Minimum loan amount to qualify for the 90 day payment deferral is $10,000. Interest will continue to accrue from date of loan disbursement and becomes due once payments begin.

All loans are subject to credit approval and income verification per Bay Federal Credit Union lending requirements and funded by September 30, 2020. Offer available on the purchase or refinance from another Financial Institution of a 2010 or newer vehicle. Credit Union membership required. Refinances of current Bay Federal loans are not eligible for this offer. Terms subject to change without notice and offer may not be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply. For complete information, visit www.bayfed.com, visit any Bay Federal Credit Union branch, or call us at 1.888.4BAYFED.

Federally Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Boardwalk Unveils Drive-in Movies T he Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which had to close its rides, mini-golf and arcade games in midMarch due to COVID-19, is launching a series of drive-in movies Fridays and Saturdays, Aug. 21-Sept. 26, in the parking lot at the end of the amusement park. The films are:

It’s time... to add the space you’ve been dreaming of

Aug. 21 & 22: Jumanji, (2017), 8:30 p.m.

Aug. 28 & 29: Guardians of the Galaxy, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 4 & 5: Aladdin, (2019) 8 p.m.

Sept. 11 & 12: The Goonies, 8 p.m.

Sept. 18 & 19: 50 First Dates, 8 p.m.

Sept. 25 & 26: Spider Man into the Spiderverse, 8 p.m.

Cost is $25 per vehicle. Ticketing opens one hour before showtime. Limit is 120 cars, spaces are first-come-first-served.

Car stereos or boom box/transistor radio can be tuned to 93.3 FM to hear movie audio.

Do not attend if you are ill.

When outside vehicles, guests must wear a mask. Face coverings are required for drivers while at the ticket booth.

Pre-packaged food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Restrooms in the parking lot will be open. Moviegoers must stay in their vehicles before and during the movie unless using the restroom. Maintain 6 foot distance from one another. Children under age 11 must be accompanied by an adult when outside the vehicle.

Congregating outside of vehicles is prohibited. Sitting on top of vehicles is not allowed; alcohol is not allowed.

Open hatchbacks and open bed trucks are allowed, but guests must remain inside the vehicle or back of the truck; no lawn chairs. Every other parking space will be coned off to allow for social distancing.

Large SUVs and trucks should be parked toward the sides or back to allow for better viewing. No buses or RVs are allowed.

There will be no intermission. n

COVID Relief for Fishery Workers

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1213 Forest Ave, Ste A | Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Solar: (831) 233-3004 | General: (831) 646-5200 SolarTecture.net | Lic. # 712291 14 / August 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

oastal and marine fishery participants — including licensed commercial fishermen, fish buyers, aquaculture businesses, charter boat owners and guides — who have experienced a loss of income due to the effects of COVID-19 may be eligible for federal relief funding disbursed through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The department estimates more than 11,500 people may be eligible, including individuals who work in the offshore, shoreside, aquaculture, commercial passenger fishing vessel and guide sectors.

The funding is part of the $2 trillion federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. About $18 million in CARES funding was earmarked specifically for fisheries assistance in California.

Eligibility will be based on, among other things, a minimum 35 percent loss of fishing related income due to COVID-19 between Jan. 1 and June 30.

Applicants must submit documentation demonstrating active involvement in a qualifying sector. The approved disbursement plan can be found here.

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, which is serving as fiscal agent, will mail claim forms to all potentially eligible applicants to the address on file with CDFW. Forms and documentation must be returned within 30 days to be eligible.

Following the close of the 30-day response period, final disbursement totals will be calculated and relief checks will be issued to qualified applicants. CDFW is requesting all potentially eligible applicants update their address on file by Monday, Aug. 17. Address verification instructions are available here. n ••• For information, refer to CDFW’s webpage for the CARES Act. Email inquiries to CARESfisheriesInfo@wildlife.ca.gov.

COMMUNITY NEWS

PV Schools Start August 17 P ajaro Valley Unified School District will welcome the first half of the 2020-21 school year using a “distance learning” instructional model on Monday, Aug. 17.

To facilitate schoolwork at home and ensure access to all students, PVUSD will provide school supplies.

“As we venture into a new year of distance learning, we want to ensure our students are ready to succeed, said Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent of Schools. “We are proud to be able to provide this set of supplies to support them as they engage in their learning. This Friday, from 11 AM to 3:30 PM members of expanded cabinet will

be at Cesar Chavez Middle and Starlight Elementary schools creating these kits for all students.”

Families will be able to pick up their student’s supply kit between Aug. 11-14 at their school site.

There will be two distributions: one for the back to school kit and one for the enrichment kit, which will include art and PE supplies.

Each supply list is divided by grade level and has about 25 items; the lists can be found on PVUSD’s main website and the news section of each school website.

School sites will notify their families of specific pick up times. n

AUGUST MEANS PEAK SummerProduce Busy schedules are back, so save time with curbside pick up.

Local produce - from organic plums and dry-farmed tomatoes to local vine-ripened melons is at its abundant best.

#StateParksStaycation Photo Contest: Enter By Sept. 30

N

ow’s the time for locals in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties to rediscover local state parks and beaches with Staycation2020 and have a chance to win a State Parks annual day-use pass.

Share photos on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook using #StateParksStaycation and #ThatsMyPark to be entered for a chance to win a Golden Poppy Pass. Entries will be accepted through Sept. 30, and all entries must follow the contest rules.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed summer travel for many, locals can take day trips to local state parks and beaches, the areas where Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks partners with California State Parks to co-manage 32 state parks and beaches. n

Contest Rules: Must be 18 to enter. Photos must be shared on a public account. Entries will be accepted through Sept. 30. The photo must be in its original state and cannot be altered in any way, including but not limited to removing, adding, reversing, or distorting subjects within the frame. Entries will not be accepted unless submitted via the official contest channels or after the contest’s end date. Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks reserves the right to disqualify any entry that is deemed inappropriate or does not conform to stated contest rules. By entering the contest, entrants agree that photos submitted can be used by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks for future promotional purposes. One winner will be randomly selected and notified by direct message within one week of the contest’s end date. If no response is received after three business days, a new winner will be selected and the previous winner will forfeit all rights to the prize. The prize must be collected by the winner and is non-transferable. Employees of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks are not eligible to enter.

Save time and order online.

Use code NLPICKUP4FREE and newleaf.com/instacart for free curbside pickup through Labor Day!

Westside Santa Cruz • Capitola • Aptos Half Moon Bay • Downtown Santa Cruz

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

AUGUST 2020

Aptos Real Estate Update

Ruth Bates 831.359.2212

ruthbates1@gmail.com CalBRE#01799929

PROP 19 Property Tax Transfers, Exemptions, and Revenue for Wildfire Amendment

I thought I should bring Prop 19 to your attention as it is on the ballot in November. This is a “tricky” one, with several components and pros and cons in both directions. Currently in Santa Cruz County, if you are over 55, you may “downsize” and transfer your tax basis once and only within our County and only for a home of equal or lesser value. Prop 19 would allow for transfer of tax basis anywhere within the state and to any home at any price. This would be a great plus for all Sellers over 55.

But/and – Prop 19 removes the ability to inherit second homes or investment properties at the current tax basis; it calls for reassessment to market value upon transfer. This could significantly impact inheritance planning. And, any proceeds from this bill go towards Wildfire Protection. Prop 19 combines an apple and an orange and offers a plum – I am amazed at what passes through our Legislature sometimes.

Personally I am all for the increased ability to keep our tax basis and move around in the state.

I’m a “yes” vote on that portion of the bill for sure. I leave the rest up to you to decide.

FROM BALLOTPEDIA – A “Yes” vote will

• allow eligible homeowners to transfer their tax assessments anywhere within the state and allow tax assessments to be transferred to a more expensive home with an upward adjustment; • increase the number of times that persons over 55 years old or with severe disabilities can transfer their tax assessments from one to three; • require that inherited homes that are not used as principal residences, such as second homes or rentals, be reassessed at market value when transferred; and • require that inherited homes that are not used as principal residences, such as second homes or rentals, be reassessed at market value when transferred.

FROM BALLOTPEDIA – A “No” vote will

• allow eligible homeowners to transfer their tax assessments within counties and to homes of equal or lesser market value; • keep the number of times that persons over 55 years old or with severe disabilities can transfer their tax assessments at one; • allow the tax assessments on inherited homes, including those not used as principal residences, to be transferred from parent to child or grandparent to grandchild.

As always, call, email, text anytime and

Get Results with Ruth!

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Paid Advertising

COMMUNITY NEWS

O’Neill Surfs Into Aptos Village

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By Jondi Gumz

t the new O’Neill shop in Aptos Village, the employees are young – and they know surfing.

Dominic Odegaard, 18, a recent graduate of St. Abraham’s School, has been surfing for eight years.

Madi Snyder, 17, who surfed tandem at age 8 with her dad Rocky, got hooked by the water three years ago and worked at O’Neill on 41st Avenue before this.

“If I don’t surf, I go crazy a little bit,” she said.

Calvin Quale, 18, who left a job on the Santa Cruz Wharf to work at O’Neill, said, “I do surf — when there’s waves.”

When there aren’t any waves, stopping at O’Neill may be the next best thing — with the upbeat music and the big screen TV showing someone enjoying waves somewhere.

A family from Sacramento — Cody Wise, wife Nichole Massaro and son Noah, 13 -- came by for souvenirs, buying Santa Cruz hats after enjoying a week’s vacation.

“We needed it,” said Massaro.

The Founder If shoppers look up into the rafters, they’ll see an artifact from the early days of surfing. It’s the airship of founder and adventurer Jack O’Neill, who tired of being in the cold water of Monterey Bay — the inspiration for his inventing the wetsuit, which created a new sport.

The airship, which had been tucked away in a warehouse, brings history to life.

As O’Neill once said, “The three most important things in life are surf, surf, surf.”

He’s also known for launching the nonprofit O’Neill Sea Odyssey, which has

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Calvin Quale, Dominic Odegaard and Madi Snyder staff the new O’Neill store in Aptos. The shop features founder Jack O’Neill’s airship hanging from the rafters. taken 100,000 school-children out on an Need a wetsuit? The Hyperfreak is ocean adventure to learn marine science $310; the Psychofreak is $490. and watershed ecology.

“That’s what I will buy,” said OdeOn one wall of the Aptos store are gaard, pointing to the Hyperfreak 4/3, squares and squares of T-shirts with the which has 4 millimeters of neoprene distinctive O’Neill Surf Shop logos — a around the torso and 3 millimeters around kind of abstract art. the arms and legs.

Another wall is full of flip-flips — Because of the contagious coronavirus the largest selection of any of the five COVID-19, the dressing rooms are not local O’Neill stores, according to Snyder, open, but wetsuit buyers are welcome to who spent nine hours prepping the return their purchase within 30 days if it’s display. not a fit.

Flip-flops range in price $15 to $50; Can you buy a surfboard? Of course.

T-shirts are $30.

Manager Autum Knapp, 24, has a surfing heritage, enjoying family trips to Baja. Her dad Mark is the surf coach at Soquel High School.

She said the O’Neill opening on Aug. 1 got a good crowd even though it was only advertised on Instagram.

There was a special giveaway of O’Neill Aptos T-shirts, and all 100 were scooped up.

Knapp said she began working for O’Neill when she was 18, after she graduated from Aptos High School. She went to college in San Diego and moved back here two years ago.

“It’s amazing having my own store,” she said.

Now if only the waves would roll in. n ••• O’Neill is open at 105 Post Office Drive, Aptos, around the corner from Starbucks.

Hours are 9 a.m. 6 p.m. every day. Phone: Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz 831-708-2220.

Autumn Knapp, 24, an Aptos High School graduate, is the manager of the O’Neill store in Aptos.

16 / August 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Three New Members Join ‘Visit Santa Cruz County’ Board V isit Santa Cruz County announces the election of three new members to the Board of Directors. Each member began their duties on July 1 and will sit on the 25-member board for twoyear terms. They are:

Kent Berman, Aspromonte Hospitality With nearly four decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Berman serves as area general manager for Aspromonte Hospitality, which includes the Best Western Plus, Capitola-by-the-Sea Inn & Suites, Best Western Rose Garden Inn, and Kent Berman the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Capitola — as well as the Best Western Cedar Inn & Suites in Angels Camp.

He began his career at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts after earning his bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic Pomona in hotel restaurant management.

He then became director of rooms at the Portola Hotel and Spa in Monterey, then assistant general manager of the Crowne Plaza Hotel San Francisco Airport, then worked in online hospitality marketing for Monterey.com, then at Embassy Suites — Monterey Bay as assistant general manager / director of food & beverage.

He most recently served on the board of

directors and was membership chair of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

Jay Bhula, Best Western Plus Scotts Valley and Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West Bhula is managing partner of Best Western Santa Cruz, Best Western Plus Scotts Valley and the Hampton Inn by Hilton on Mission Street in Santa Cruz, which is currently under construction.

Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Jay grew up with hands-on experience supporting Jay Bhula his family’s hospitality business. He earned a bachelor’s in finance at Santa Clara University, then worked at Newmark Realty Capital (Gantry, Inc.), where he learned about commercial real estate.

He earned a master’s degree in hospitality management with a minor in real estate at Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business before returning to Santa Cruz to join his family business.

family, whose ranch later became Año Nuevo State Reserve.

She’s trained as a docent at Wilder Ranch State Park. She worked as paralegal for nearly two decades before moving into the nonPeg Danielson profit sector. She has a bachelor’s degree in historical research from UC Davis.

She has served on several local nonprofit boards, including the Lime Kiln Historic District Advisory Board, Santa Cruz Shakespeare, and the California League of Park Associations.

••• Visit Santa Cruz County board members oversees the Tourism Marketing District budget, review and approve the annual work plan and serve on committees that support tourism, the county’s largest industry, generating $1.1 billion for the local economy in 2019.

Peg Danielson, Operations Manager, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Danielson is operations director for Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, managing day-to-day logistics and working closely with Santa Cruz County’s 14 California State Parks. She is a native of Santa Cruz and a descendant of a local pioneer

Masks Across Santa Cruz County

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By Mariah Roberts

t the end of July, in coordination with County Parks and Public Health, we launched the “Masks Across Santa Cruz” Challenge to align and amplify the collective message.

WOW. What a response.

Turns out the World Health Organization launched the campaign a few days later, go figure.

Post a photo of your favorite mask and tag @countyparkfriends and @santacruzcountyparks #wearamask and #usarunamascarilla. If your “.org” wants a personalized graphic, just ask us.

Together we can connect, inspire and save lives. n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

LunaFest Goes Virtual September 10 L unaFest is a national traveling festival of seven short films by, for and about women, supporting women filmmakers.

This virtual viewing running 97 minutes starts at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 and will benefit WomenCARE Santa Cruz, which will receive all proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships.

Last year LunaFest raised about $18.000 for WomenCARE, a Santa Cruz nonprofit that provides a safe haven where women with any type of cancer find mutual support, shared experiences and open hearts.

The films are: Ballet After Dark A young woman finds strength after an attackby creating an organization to help survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence through dance therapy.

Filmmaker: B. Monét.

Purl An earnest ball of yarn gets a job at a fast-paced, high-energy, bro-tastic start-up.

Filmmakers: Kristen Lester and Gillian Libbert-Duncan.

XXmas Cake — This American Shelf Life This coming-of-middle-age story follows a pop singer’s journey from hot to not, and what ensues across cultures from New York to Tokyo. Filmmakers: Petra Hanson and May Yam. There You Are A trans woman must dress like a man to say goodbye to her dying grandmother.

Filmmaker: Lisa Donato.

Ballet After Dark

Game A new kid in town shows up at the

18 / August 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

There You Are

high school boys’ basketball tryouts and instantly makes an impression. Will talent and drive be enough to make the team?

Filmmaker: Jeannie Donohoe.

Lady Parts A struggling actor finally gets her big break, only to realize the glass ceiling can also be a camera lens. Filmmakers: Erin Rye and Jessica Sherif.

How To Swim In the last days of her pregnancy, a terrified mother-to-be kidnaps a maternal stranger for an afternoon of hijinks. Filmmaker: Noa Gusakov.

LunaFest Santa Cruz is presented by Lanai Financial Services.

Tickets are $15 individual or $25 household and will go on sale Aug. 1 at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/virtual-lunafest-santa-cruz-catickets-113901819408 A streaming link and passcode will be sent to all ticket-purchasers the morning of the event date. These will be valid for 36 hours from noon Sept. 10 through 12 a.m.

Sept. 12. n ••• www.lunafest.org

Game

COMMUNITY NEWS

AAUW Prize Drawing to Benefit Tech Trek

T

he Santa Cruz County Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), is sponsoring an drawing to benefit Tech Trek, a summer camp experience for seventh grade girls who are passionate about science, technology, engineering and math.

These girls are selected from local public schools and are able to enjoy the Tech Trek experience at no cost because all their expenses are covered by the fundraising efforts of the local AAUW Branch, which has been providing scholarships for Tech Trek camp for the past 20 years.

Sadly, due to the pandemic, Tech Trek 2020 was cancelled so fundraising is underway for Tech Trek 2021.

When you purchase a $25 a ticket, you will be entered into a drawing for the following prizes: A two-night midweek stay for two at 10-acre Sand Rock Farm in Aptos and gift certificates to local Aptos restaurants Cafe Sparrow, Zameen, Sanderlings and Bittersweet Bistro; wine tasting at Nicholson Vineyards, which has a picnic area under the oaks; gift certificates to DIG Gardens and Alladin Nurseries; and a curated tote bag of goodies to celebrate the Centennial of Women’s Suffrage, delivered to your front door.

START @ GOODWILL Goodwill is a great place to start your shopping, build a base with local treasures found at every store.

Tech Trek Stanford

Purchases should be made by Sept. 23.

Winners will be selected during the Sept.

26 AAUW branch meeting on Zoom.

Buying multiple tickets will, of course, increase your odds of winning. The prizes have been chosen with the limitations of Covid-19 in mind. This fundraiser will support local businesses and keep winners safe.

To buy tickets, go to: https:// santacruz-ca.aauw.net/files/2020/08/ Tech-Trek-Opportunity-Drawing.pdf n ••• If you have questions, email Kris R. Sheehan, krisrsheehan@gmail.com

ccgoodwill.org ď‚‚ ď…­

Santa Cruz Closes Park Bathrooms

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tarting Aug. 7, the City of Santa Cruz is closing some parks and canceling some programs for the fall.

Temporary closures and cancellations for the fall include: Athletics and leagues, community events and special events scheduled for the Civic Auditorium, Lower DeLaveaga Park and George Washington Grove and Laurel Park.

Park restrooms will be replaced by portable restrooms and hand-washing stations at Grant Park, San Lorenzo Park, Frederick St. Park, Ocean View Park, Neary Lagoon, and Garfield Park. “Due to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Parks and Recreation Department has seen a temporary reduction in staffing levels. The department is examining how best to deploy our existing resources given this reduction. We will be focusing our efforts on facilities and programs allowed to run

under state guidelines,� Director of Parks and Recreation Tony Elliot said.

The Civic Auditorium and Louden Nelson Community Center will also remain closed for public programs. The department is exploring possibilities to be repurposed to provide much-needed additional space for government activities, childcare, or homelessness response during the pandemic.

The San Lorenzo Park Benchlands will be closed to the general public but will continue to be a managed encampment for people experiencing homelessness in partnership with Santa Cruz County.

The fall activity guide will be posted the week of Aug.10, and registration for classes begins Aug.17. Classes offered will primarily be virtual with a small number of in-person outdoor fitness classes for adults. n For information, visit santacruzparks andrec.com.

Â

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Around Town In The Time Of COVID-19

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A Photo Essay By Lawrie Brown, Professional Photographer

ovid-19, known as coronavirus disease 2019, was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and resulted in an ongoing pandemic. The disease was confirmed to have reached the United States in January of 2020. A mandatory statewide stay-at-home order was issued on March 19, 2020 in California.

I was profoundly affected by the immediate changes in my neighborhood in the cities of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel.

Many facilities that were once open, including beaches, parks, and non-essential businesses, were now closed.

I began creating a journal of the signs in the time of Covid-19.

There are no people in my photographs because they are at home being safe.

•••

No Parking

Students can earn degrees and certificates in 28 different fields. California community colleges are “a postsecondary education system”.

California’s community college system is the largest higher education institution in the United States, serving more than 2.1 million students.

Capitola Beach, Capitola Parking, Soquel Creek in Capitola Village

Capitola Village is a quaint seaside village in the heart of Monterey Bay. Capitola by-the-Sea is one of the oldest vacation retreats on the Pacific Coast.

Before the resort was founded, natives lived in the Soquel area for more than 2,000 years. After California statehood, the mouth of the Soquel Creek became a shipping hub.

Doctors On Duty

Santa Cruz County closed all parking to beaches and parks to try to limit beachgoers and hikers from outside the Santa Cruz area.

Some parks and beaches were closed.

At some beaches, you could use the ocean but not the beach. Later on, the beaches were closed from 11am to 5pm.

Aptos’ Doctors on Duty offers urgent care services to patients throughout the community.

You don’t need an appointment to see a doctor here.

now

McGregor Skate Park

Aptos Natural Foods

The Aptos Store at 7506 Soquel Drive is the first store in the county to require facemasks for entry.

Grocery stores are among the essential businesses listed by state officials that can remain open under shelter-in-place restrictions during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Carl Conelly Stadium

Cabrillo Community College is a public institution here in Aptos. The highest degree offered at Cabrillo College is an associate degree.

McGregor’s is a multi-use recreational park located near the entrance to New Brighton State Beach in Capitola.

It has three components: skate park, dog park and bike park.

New Brighton State Beach

New Brighton is a 95-acre beach park in Santa Cruz County, consisting of a beach and campgrounds.

The park entrance is on Park Avenue off of Highway 1 in Capitola.

20 / August 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Aptos Natural Foods

New Leaf Community Market

New Leaf closed its new Aptos location on April 18 after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

The New Leaf Community Market is part of Portland, Oregon-based New Seasons Market and New Leaf Community Markets.

The company has five locations in the area: Aptos, Capitola, Half Moon Bay and two in Santa Cruz.

Later this market had the first cluster of virus-infected workers in Santa Cruz County.

Nob Hill Foods

This Capitola store is a privately owned supermarket chain that offers a variety of groceries and services, as well as readyto-eat food products and meals.

Ocean View Park

New Brighton Middle School

The middle grades consist of earlyadolescent students, ten to fourteen years of age, generally in grades six to eight.

Located in Capitola, New Brighton’s vision statement reads, “Students will be resilient learners that excel academically, socially, and emotionally, who positively contribute to their local and global communities.”

The park offers outdoor recreation and nature preservation.

It is a public park on Ocean View Ave. with a view of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz pier and the ocean.

It is maintained by the Santa Cruz Parks Department.

Rio Del Mar Beach

The main beach in the community of Rio Del Mar in Aptos, it starts in the waterfront area at the end of Rio Del

FEATURED COLUMNIST Mar Boulevard and continues south for almost a mile on Beach Drive. The address is 131 Esplanade, Aptos.

The weather in Santa Clara can be very hot in the summer months, inviting many to travel to the cool Santa Cruz beaches.

The weather in the coastal county usually remains mild, due to the morning fog coming off the Monterey Bay and the ocean breeze in the afternoon.

Sea Lion Sculpture

The Esplanade Park Sea Lion Sculpture in Capitola Village (100 Monterey Avenue), is intended not only to be viewed but to be touched and climbed upon.

Kim Chavez Bronze Works created the sculpture.

Abbey Road, Aptos.

Seacliff State Park

This state beach is in the heart Aptos on the Monterey Bay. It can be accessed off Highway 1 at the State Park Drive exit, about 5 miles south of Santa Cruz.

It has stairs down to the sea and a nice cement walking area adjacent to the beach.

The beach is most known for the concrete ship SS Palo Alto, known colloquially as “the Cement Ship,” lying in the water. New Brighton is north of Seacliff.

Trader Joe’s

Sea Lion Sculpture

Sunnyside Produce

Located at 2520 S. Main Street, Soquel, Sunnyside sells groceries, fruit, veggies, and produce from Bay Area and local companies.

Deluxe Foods

Located at 3555 Clares Street, Capitola, behind the Capitola Mall, this popular grocery store chain carries unconventional and organic products in the Trader Joe’s label.

From its beginnings as a small chain of eclectic Southern California convenience stores, Trader Joe’s has grown to become a national chain of 505+ neighborhood stores.

Willowbrook Park

Located in the Deer Park Shopping Center at the Rio Del Mar exit off of Highway 1, Deluxe Foods has been a staple of Aptos grocery shopping for almost 40 years.

Deluxe sells quality basic groceries and hardto-find gourmet specialties. It includes a butcher shop, deli, flowers, wine, fresh sushi, fresh hot and cold food bars and a Peet’s Coffee kiosk.

Realtors and developers replaced historic beach cottages with larger vacation homes here.

The walk along East Cliff Drive from 32nd Ave. to 41st Ave. has become a walking destination for locals and tourists.

Highway 17 South

This winding, mountain highway is the primary route to travel between Silicon Valley (Santa Clara County) and it’s southern, coastal neighbor Santa Cruz County.

Construction was in limbo on all outdoor properties when these photos were taken. n ••• A former Director and Instructor in the Photography Department at Cabrillo College, Lawrie Brown is a professional photographer and has shown her work in galleries throughout the United States. She remains an Aptos resident and promotes her work at her website: www.lawriebrown.com. Questions can be sent to photolawrie@yahoo.com

Pleasure Point

Found on Willowbrook Lane in Aptos, this public park is open to the general public and offers outdoor recreation and nature preservation.

It also has basketball courts, tennis courts, a playground and a restroom.

Capitola Produce

This fresh fruit and vegetable merchant wholesaler is located at 700 Bay Avenue.

This Santa Cruz beach is a worldrenowned surf location, traditionally defined as a two-square mile area along the coast just to the north of Capitola.

It has a firmly rooted surf culture.

Many surfing contests are held in this location.

Willowbrook Park

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / August 15th 2020 / 21

BUSINESS PROFILE

A

Treehouse

Serving the Community in a Pandemic

By Erin Kelly-Allshouse

scend into the welcoming embrace of Treehouse — a locally owned and operated cannabis dispensary that opened in Soquel on Jan. 1, 2018, when Prop. 64 took effect.

Unlike a fort from our childhood, this Treehouse is open to only to those over 21 years-of-age for obvious reasons.

Treehouse is a certified Green Business, and certified by Envirocann, a third-party certifier in Santa Cruz. Treehouse also is part of Think Local First, and the CapitolaSoquel Chamber of Commerce.

Treehouse is locally owned and operated in part by founders Bryce Berryessa and Kyle Giorchino. The business employs more than 20 people.

“We built our dispensary on the foundation that “cannabis creates community,” said Marketing Director and Assistant General Manager Jenna Gallant.

“We measure our excellence by the service and professionalism we provide to our customers, the effectiveness of our staff, the innovations and leadership we bring to the cannabis industry, and the high ethical standards that we maintain,” she added.

From topicals and tinctures to edibles, flower and THC- and CBD-infused foods, the myriad of products available are of high quality and fun to explore in an aesthetic and bright environment. Budtenders

are on hand to help customers out with answers to all their questions.

During the Pandemic “Our primary goal regarding COVID-19 is and has always been the health and safety of our staff and customers,” Gallant said. “We were able to pivot quickly in early March to curbside service only, which enables our budtenders to socially distance while helping our members get what they need.”

Gallant said Treehouse has maintained policies since March of regular sanitization of high-touch surfaces; staff and members wearing masks and social distancing, and monitoring temperatures of staff, cannabis vendors and artists entering the building.

“Cannabis is an essential business and we safely provide what many folks need to get through their days, especially with the added anxieties of a global pandemic,” Gallant said. “All of this means we are able to provide the safest personalized cannabis service in Santa Cruz, possibly in the Bay Area. By operating in this manner, we have been able to retain our entire staff throughout the crisis.”

Gallant said cannabis businesses have no government-funded financial safety net at a county, state or federal level and are excluded from Small Business Administration or economic disaster loans.

What sets this dispensary apart,

Photo Credit: Erin Kelly-Allshouse

Staff at Treehouse take a break outside the store, which is located in Soquel.

22 / August 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Photo Credit: Erin Kelly-Allshouse

Treehouse pivoted to curbside service in March in response to restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Gallant said, is that over the past few years, Treehouse has created an ongoing education program for staff, ensuring that members get the most knowledgeable service possible.

“We have a very consistent and rigorous education program for employees which allows for more knowledgeable interactions between our budtenders and members,” she said. “This results in our members receiving the care they need and not just an empty sales pitch.”

The training prepares the staff for careers in the growing cannabis industry, Gallant said, if that is something they wish to pursue.

Treehouse has artist residencies for up to three months at a time. Pre-Covid-19, local artists hung their work on the walls to sell.

“Post-Covid,” Gallant said, “we will continue to host community events in our space for Santa Cruz First Fridays, our THCA Days (Treehouse Happy Customer Appreciation Days) and special events that help give exposure to local artists, artisans, and musicians.”

Gallant said the attention is always on the needs of the community.

“We involve local community members on every level of our business,” she said.

“Our apparel makers (Natural Motions Print Shop), flyer printers (MPress), event food (San Marcos Charquito Tacos y Tortas, Pretty Good Advice, Black Point Market, Melinda’s GF Bakery, Tacos Morenos),

plumber (Expert Plumbing), interior design elements (Mario Guizar, SolHive), cleaning supplies (Black Point Market, Deluxe Foods), etc.”

Currently, all profits from Treehouse apparel sales through the end of August are being donated to the Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit based in Denver. The Last Prisoner Project works to reduce jail and prison sentences for cannabis crimes and provides support to the prison population, which is high-risk for COVID-19.

“We strive to do everything we can to help where we can,” Gallant said. “We have publicly stated that we stand in solidarity with BIPOC communities and Black Lives Matter. We commit to making the change necessary to create systems that are equitable for everyone, both in and out of our industry. We are committed to fighting for equity in our industry, our community, and the world in any way we can,” said Gallant. n ••• Current hours (for the foreseeable future): 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Masks must be worn, and social distancing is observed.

Curbside Service: Come by and park your car in the lot. Budtenders will come to you.

Order Online: www.ourtreehouse.io, and go through our drive-thru for payment and pickup.

3651 Soquel Drive, Soquel, CA 95073 License Number: C10-0000105-LIC

COMMUNITY NEWS

Attorney General Becerra: Borrower Default Rules Must Be Followed O n Aug. 4, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra sent a letter to 33 mortgage servicers reminding the companies of their obligations to California homeowners and tenants under the Homeowner Bill of Rights.

As a wave of coronavirus-related foreclosures and postforeclosure evictions is expected to hit homeXavier Becerra owners throughout the state, the letter warns mortgage servicers that they must adhere to legal protections for California homeowners and if they fail to do so, they may face enforcement actions by the California Department of Justice.

“As the dual economic and public health crises continue, many California homeowners may fall behind on their mortgage payments,” said Becerra.

“During times like these we must rely on laws, such as the California Homeowner Bill of Rights, to provide a safeguard for families who are one payment away from losing their homes. We take the rights of homeowners very seriously and expect all mortgage servicers to comply with the law.”

California’s Homeowner Bill of Rights provides homeowners with the right to fairness and transparency in the pre-foreclosure and foreclosure process and gives homeowners a meaningful opportunity to

I

avoid losing their home. The law also gives rights to tenants living in homes that are undergoing foreclosure. For example, servicing companies must:

• At least 30 days before recording a notice of default, contact the borrower to assess their financial situation, explore foreclosure prevention options; • Before recording a notice of default, inform the borrower in writing of their right to request a copy of their deed of trust or mortgage, payment history since they were last less than 60 days past due; • Within five business days of recording a notice of default, notify the borrower in writing of any foreclosure prevention alternatives available and how the borrower may apply; • Upon a borrower’s request for a foreclosure prevention alternative, promptly provide a direct means for communicating with a single point of contact responsible for walking the borrower through the application process and deadlines; coordinating receipt of application materials and notifying the borrower of missing documents; timely, accurately, and adequately informing the borrower of the application’s current status; ensuring that the borrower is considered for all foreclosure prevention alternatives; and stopping foreclosure proceedings when necessary;

• Provide written acknowledgment within five business days of receiving any document in connection with a borrower’s loan modification application and, in the initial acknowledgment of the borrower’s application, notify the borrower of all deficiencies, expiration dates for submitted documents and deadlines; • Refrain from charging any fee for applying for a foreclosure prevention alternative; • Refrain from charging any late fee while a complete loan modification application is pending, a denial is being appealed, the borrower is making timely modification payments, or a foreclosure prevention alternative is being evaluated or exercised; • Refrain from proceeding with foreclosure while a loan modification application is pending,

Becerra reminds mortgage servicers that they must commit adequate resources to meet their legal obligations as the coronavirus and economic crisis continues. He asked each company to provide by Aug. 31 a name, phone number and email address of a company representative in order to facilitate communications.

During this crisis, Becerra remains committed to protecting the rights of renters and homeowners in California. In April, he issued updated guidance to California tenants, encouraging them to learn about their rights in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also joined a coalition of 35 attorneys general in sending letters to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark Calabria requesting action to better protect homeowners from the economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In May, Becerra joined a coalition of 26 attorneys general in sending a letter to HUD Secretary Ben Carson requesting further action to protect senior homeowners during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Prior to the pandemic, Becerra filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit to protect California’s Affordable Housing Act, which provides people with the right to accessible and affordable housing. n ••• For more information on mortgages and foreclosures see COVID-19 Consumer Information and Resources website, oag.ca.gov/ covid-19#cares A copy of the letter can be found at oag. ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/ HBOR%20Letter%20to%20Servicers.pdf

California Dept. Fish & Wildlife: Rodenticides Fatal for Wildlife

n late April, a dead owl was found on a nature preserve in San Luis Obispo County.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Investigations Lab performed the necropsy and found excessive bleeding on the owl’s leg and abdomen. With no associated wound or apparent trauma, additional toxicology testing was performed. Cause of death: fatal poisoning by anticoagulant rodenticides, chemical agents used for rodent control.

For the lab, it was the thirteenth raptor death by anticoagulant rodenticides since August 2019.

In a four-year study conducted by lab biologists investigating the causes of mortality for hundreds of raptors -- and

15 raptor species — across the state, more than 80 percent had been exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides.

Roughly one-quarter of those raptor deaths were fatal poisonings directly attributed to anticoagulants.

In a two-year statewide study, the lab found that 96 percent of necropsied mountain lions showed non-fatal exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides.

Almost one-third of those lions had been exposed to at least four different types of anticoagulants.

Throughout California, chemical baits used to control rodents have injured and killed wild animals and pets.

Anticoagulant rodenticides work by preventing blood clotting in the animals that consume it, resulting in fatal bleeding. Predatory and scavenging birds along with mammals like raccoons, bobcats, foxes, skunks and coyotes that have eaten rodents which have consumed the bait can also be fatally poisoned.

“It’s troubling seeing an otherwise healthy animal die from anticoagulant rodenticides. In many cases these deaths may be preventable.” said Krysta Rogers, an environmental scientist and the Wildlife Investigations Lab’s lead avian mortality investigator.

In 2014, California restricted the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides with several chemicals known to be harmful to wildlife, pets, children and the environment. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has implemented a national ban on consumer use of rodenticide products that do not meet revised safety requirements.

However, products containing secondgeneration anticoagulant rodenticides can still be used by licensed exterminators.

Despite the restrictions, the lab says that wildlife are still being exposed to both first-generation and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides.

“Rodent Poison” page 29

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / August 15th 2020 / 23

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Why Did COVID Scam Complaints Double?

By David McClellan and Moe Meyers Editor’s Note: This report comes from Social Catfish, a reverse lookup search engine to find people. It was founded in 2013.

C

oronavirus scam complaints have jumped as the pandemic continues to influence the nation, according to Federal Trade Commission data.

California had 5,211 coronavirus scam complaints in March, but in July 10,938 coronavirus scam reports were made.

Florida had 3,240 March coronavirus scam complaints and now has 7,244 July complaints. Texas: 2,892 complaints in March; 6,427 complaints in July.

Back in March, scams were just starting to surface as the coronavirus was slowly spreading around the United States.

However, since it’s been a few months, scammers have been able to get more creative and believable with their scams, making more people fall for them across the United States.

As more coronavirus cases appear all over the country, so do coronavirus scams and complaints of people who were desperate to get what they needed to prevent obtaining the virus as more shops and online stores sell out of essential goods.

Scammers realize the desperation of most Americans and pretend to reach out a hand to people with supplies they don’t really have, such as stimulus money or essential grocery items. They then steal people’s money without giving them what they promised. This is why stimulus check scams and coronavirus shopping scams have spread across the United States.

The Price Gouging Scam The price-gouging scam is when a retailer marks the original price of an essential good item up by a lot, knowing that there is limited stock on the item and people are desperate to obtain this item so they will buy it anyways. For example, someone in San Diego reported that toilet paper was selling for $15 at her local drugstore.

The law varies state by state on what defines price gouging, so for the purpose of this article, we will go by the California Penal Code. This code states that there has to be a declared emergency and prices have to jump up 10% to be defined as price gouging.

The District Attorney of San Diego stated that they determine the level of crime by comparing the price of the item before the coronavirus versus what the price is now. They then let the business know that they are price gouging which

is illegal, and most businesses usually comply. Some store owners claim that the price came from the manufacturer or distributor itself.

The Department of Justice is on the lookout for people who have mass quantities of essential supplies either beyond the limit of normal use, or those looking to make a profit off of it. Amazon has had to remove half a million items for sale on its website due to price gouging and has suspended 6,000 accounts.

To file a complaint in California, go to http://oag.ca.gov/report.

Undelivered Goods Scam The undelivered goods scam is when scammers sell essential goods online and allow people to purchase them. The buyer then puts in their financial information and purchases the product, but yet doesn’t receive the said product.

The scammer then takes the money that was used to purchase the product and doesn’t send anything in return, stealing the purchaser’s funds.

Shipping Time-Limit: Because of this scam, sellers are obliged by law to either give you an estimated shipping date or to ship your products out to you within 30 days.

There is an exception for customers who opened a credit card account in order to purchase a product, which gives sellers a 50-day window to ship your product.

Delay: If there is a delay in the expected shipping date, the company you purchased the product from must notify

24 / August 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

you. If the delay is 30 days or less with no response from you, that means you accept the delay of your item.

If the delay is more than 30 days with no response from you, then the item must be canceled and the money must be refunded back to your account. If the company can not meet the revised date, it must notify you again.

Free Groceries Scam Scammers text their victims telling them that they just won free groceries from Costco at a $130 value. All the customers need to do is give scammers their personal information, and they will supposedly get free Costco groceries at their doorstep.

In reality, the scammer takes this personal information and uses it to commit identity theft, stealing money from these innocent victims. They don’t ever receive their promised groceries, just an empty bank account.

Fake Cure Scam There have been many people selling fake cures for the coronavirus, and companies saying that their products help with COVID-19 when they don’t.

These products range from colloidal silver, essential oils, gels, etc. that they claim work with the coronavirus. These are false claims made so that they can take your money for themselves.

The FDA can pursue criminal persecution on companies on the list if they don’t stop advertising their products as cures to the coronavirus. There is no known cure for this global pandemic yet, and if there

was the government would announce it on their future websites.

Robocall Check Scams The scammer will call you pretending to be the IRS, and ask for your personal and financial information. They will claim they need this information to deposit the stimulus check into your account, and will also ask for a fee to deposit said check.

In reality, they want your information so that they can pretend to be you and claim the check for themselves. They can also drain your bank account of your funds with this information and will keep the fee for themselves with no check, in return.

E-mail Scams Scammers will pretend to be the IRS or federal government emailing you with fake “information” on how to get your stimulus check. They will also provide a link for you to click on so that you can provide them with your personal and financial information to get your so-called check.

Once you click on the link, your device then gets plagued with malware and your information gets stolen. With this information, they can then either pretend to be you and steal your check or steal the funds from your bank account.

Text Scams You will get a text from the “federal government” saying that you qualify for the government’s coronavirus stimulus check. It will then provide you with a link that requests more information so that the government can provide you with this check.

Once you click on the link, it will plague your mobile device with malware and the scammer will steal your information. They can then use this information to pretend to be you to get your stimulus check or drain your bank account of money.

For updates on economic impact payments, see www.irs.gov/coronavirus Identity Theft Scams If you haven’t received your stimulus check yet the official IRS website says otherwise, it could be possible that you are a victim of identity theft. This means that a scammer has found a way to steal your information, like your SSN, and has claimed your stimulus check for themselves.

The scammer could’ve gotten your information in numerous ways, such as through an email, phone call, text, external link, etc. If you believe to have been a victim of this kind of fraud, you can report it here.

“COVID-19 Scams” page 26

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Why Now May Be The Best Time To Plan Your Own Business

H

ear me out.

Many businesses have closed their doors for good over the last 6 months due to Covid-19’s impact on the economy.

Many of these businesses appeared very successful, as they always had customers and had been around for a number of years.

But some of these businesses faced three options: They may have decided they made their money and it was time to get out, or they may have wanted to sell during this unfortunate time, but there was no one willing to buy their business due to the fear and continuing pandemic issues, or they were making great profits and didn’t want to stop, as they may not have planned for a “worst case scenario” where customers disappear.

Let me remind you of the “Big 3” over the last 20 years: 9/11, global financial meltdown and now Covid-19. If these frequent catastrophic events are not enough to give a person pause to reflect, then perhaps you’re not a person believing that “Stuff Happens.”

For perspective, I owned my own business during 9/11 and also during the global financial meltdown. Scary times. But like many business owners, I was happy and thrilled to be making profits, reinvesting in the business, taking vacations, and living the way I wanted to.

Successful adjustments were made, but we can’t plan for everything. Like it or not, sometimes “Stuff Happens.” Besides the previously mentioned events, many other things can change your business and your life — from sickness, divorce (in my case) or even death of a partner. These may be more common than the “Big 3” in the last two decades, but they can impact every business owner.

So, why would NOW be the BEST time to start your own business?

We all know of someone who has lost their job in the last 6 months, and our hearts go out to each person and their families. When there is another person or group in charge of determining the livelihood of employees, it’s a great responsibility.

Whether you’re a large corporation (J. Crew, Neiman Marcus, Gold’s Gym, JCPenney)

By Ron Kustek

or an independent business owner, having the right financial structure and business model is critical for short-term and longterm viability.

Thousands, perhaps millions, of people have become unemployed for good.

This is because they’ve chosen to work for someone else, or for a well-respected company. Through no fault of their own, they are now facing the biggest decision of their lives, with huge consequences, both financial, emotional, spiritual, familial – and for one’s own existence whether that’s individually or with a family.

Working for someone else gives them control of your life.

If you were planning to open your own business today, you would certainly have the sensitivity and knowledge that things could go wrong, and that operating a business that cash-flows for only 30 days (but you have no reserves) may not be the best business model. That’s why NOW is the BEST time to think about and plan, what you want to do with your life. This is how you can be the one in control.

Living with regret of not doing something, is one of the hardest things to live with. So, if you find yourself in a place that affords you this crossroads, now is the time to take control of life’s steering wheel.

Good News: You have options.

There are many great resources available to you here in Santa Cruz. You can work with the Small Business Development Center, which provides free resources to help you plan, manage and finance your dream business.

There are business courses at Cabrillo College that start Aug. 24, that will help you plan with great detail, the business you want to start — whether that’s a “brick & mortar” business, or “ecommerce” only business, or a combination. (and yes, I do teach both — so register asap). I highly recommend Cabrillo’s business courses with personal and committed one-on-one teaching,

providing great attention and feedback that can help you now — for your future.

The resources in our community are amazing, and getting expert advice that challenges your thought process is easily attained before you make your investment into the rest of your life. Take control.

This is no time to be a victim, as you — like thousands of others — have found

the way to rise above adversity and be the person you always wanted to be, fulfilling the dream you’ve always had — without regret! n ••• Here are resources for starting your business.

• https://www.santacruzsbdc.org/ • http://cabrillo.edu/ • https://centralcoast.score.org/

Back to School

ACROSS

1. *Egg-like curve in math class 5. a.k.a. stand-up paddleboard 8. Not in good health 11. Flick part 12. *Roll ____ 13. Aerosol can emanation 15. On the mountain peak, e.g.

16. Arm bone 17. Grind down 18. *Proud jacket owner 20. Trident part 21. “Walking ____ ____” 22. Blazer or Explorer

23. Unit of money in Norway, pl.

26. Semiconductor additives 30. Farm layer 31. Agave alcoholic drink 34. Amos or Spelling 35. Analyze 37. Geisha’s sash 38. South Korean metropolis 39. Capital of Ukraine 40. T.S. Eliot’s “Old ____’s Book of Practical Cats” 42. Get firm 43. Temporary 45. Table linens 47. Where bugs are snug?

48. Nostradamus and such

50. Type of rich soil 52. *Where one graduated 56. Boatload 57. *Chemistry classrooms 58. Lake in Scotland 59. Arabian chieftain 60. Corset rod 61. Encore!

62. Former Chinese leader 63. “____ the ramparts...”

64. Arctic jaeger

DOWN

1. *Type of spoken test 2. *Class president candidate wants it 3. Loads, two words 4. Greek money 5. Game ragout 6. Of #16 Across

7. Architect’s drawing 8. Used to eliminate wrinkles 9. Serve soup, e.g.

10. Sodium solution 12. Arrow poison 13. Establish, two words 14. *As opposed to public 19. Hostile force 22. “La” precursor 23. Shade of Dockers 24. Pine juice 25. Beginning of illness 26. *Valedictorian’s spot 27. Gallows’ rope 28. Comparative form of “true” 29. Muddy or sandy 32. *2020 classroom venue?

33. NCIS network

36. *GPA, technically 38. Ingratiating behavior 40. George Orwell’s Napoleon 41. On pins and needles 44. Grapevine news 46. Part of Old Testament 48. *Olden day notebook 49. Imprison 50. Dharma teacher 51. Three-layer cookie 52. “The Sun ____ Rises” 53. Pippin’s last name, “The Hobbit” 54. Boring hue?

55. Actress Perlman 56. Eric Stonestreet on “Modern Family” © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / August 15th 2020 / 25

Your August Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

Your focus is more one-on-one early in August, and you seek to strengthen your family unit or bond with a close friend or lover. You know which relationships are most important, and you’re ready to keep them thriving. You have an opportunity to look at your own recent actions mid-month, to figure out how they’re tied to your success or failure. Is it time to step up and take more responsibility, or are you doing okay in this area? It’s time to get back to business as the month comes to a close. You may have had a lot of fun the last few weeks, but you can’t (and don’t want to) avoid your responsibilities forever.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

You’re likely feeling rebellious and maybe a little bit strange as the month begins. You might find yourself on a team with other power players, but you’ll still want to express your individuality. Working together is key, but finding the right dynamics won’t be easy. Mid-month is a perfect time to get started on a creative project. Expressing your artistic skills now brings a high chance to be noticed positively.

People will be impressed by your willingness to put yourself out there! It is time to buckle down and get organized as August comes to a close. Whether at the home, the office, or just offering to help others, the feeling of accomplishment is what you seek.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

If you’ve been waiting to make a splash, then the beginning of the month is your time to shine! Express yourself loudly and proudly now, and don’t worry what other people may think. Your stubborn nature takes hold as power struggles come to a head mid-August. It probably won’t end without someone giving in, and it’s probably not going to be you. The month ends on an intense note, especially if you’re dealing with an unexpected crisis. You feel flustered when you don’t have time to think, which could lead to poor decisions.

Don’t feel pressured into making any quick choices about love or money.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You’re feeling compassionate and understanding as August begins, a shift from the excitement you had at the end of last month. But if you pay attention to this nurturing energy, you won’t miss those moments quite as much. You normally don’t like to spend a lot of free time on non-adventures, but mid-month you can’t help doing the chores that need to be done when you them staring back at you. Tending to the mundane helps you feel productive. There have been some rough times around love and money of late, and as the month comes to a close you have a hard time reflecting on them positively. You deserve to be happy, but you still need commitment and discipline to achieve success.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Your conversations are bold and dynamic early in the month. You love to embellish, and some “extra” details to see people’s reactions can be entertaining. You’re feeling a bit sarcastic mid-month. Passiveaggressive behavior feels appropriate right now, and you’ve been known to get in some strong barbs here and there. Still, only you can control how you react to other people’s actions. You are more at ease near the end of August as you revisit some of your unfinished goals. You’re encouraged to forge ahead with the ambition you’re known for. Very few things can stop you now.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

Your eccentric side is poking through early in the month, making it a perfect time to think outside the box to tie up any loose ends you may have. Your pioneering spirit helps you come up with ideas that other people would never be able to even dream of. Your need to forge your own path is tempered a bit mid-August as you explore some less-unusual alternatives. Nothing has to be decided for sure now, but following a traditional path something to think about. Communication late in the month will likely be precise, accurate, and detailed.

If you say you’re going to text someone, you do it, and you expect the same in return.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

You’re a little less shy early in August, more likely to speak your mind. While you’re normally happy working backstage, you don’t mind being in the spotlight right now. You are looking for love and attention anywhere you can get it mid-month. Pay close attention to the comments on your social media posts. It’s possible someone will say something you weren’t expecting that makes you feel really good about yourself. It might be difficult to remain calm during events at the end of the month. Whether you caused it or had no part in it, the effects are still the same. You’ll have to find a way to deal with it instead of sticking your head in the sand.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

“COVID-19 Scams” from page 24 Google Search Scams Scammers have created copies of the official IRS “Get My Payment” site and have updated their search engine terms so that people can search for their sites easier on Google.

Once a person finds their site, they think it’s the official IRS website and will enter their information. The scammers can then install malware on their devices and steal their information to obtain the victim’s stimulus check, or steal their bank account information.

Third-Party Stimulus Check Scams Scammers have come up with their own stimulus check programs claiming that they can give you additional money along with the government.

They will send you letters in the mail, put pamphlets on your car, or send you an email or social media message trying to advertise their program. This happened to a man in Florida who claimed to have gotten an official-looking check of $3,000 mailed to him with a letter when really it was a fake check.

Another example of this is a Costco relief program, claiming to help with groceries and money during this time.

Knowing who will get the stimulus check and how is a beneficial way to know that you can prevent yourself from getting scammed. The IRS will not call you or tell you another way to get the stimulus check, only scammers will do so.

To file a complaint, go to oag.ca.gov/report.

•••

How To Avoid Scams

•

You are drawn to the unknown early in the month. Others may be surprised at your focus on the strange, but when have you cared about what anyone else thinks? Later in the month you’re feeling the luck and courage that you’ll need to fight some unexpected battles. Everyone might think things come easily to you, but underneath it all you’re a warrior going hard for what you want. Late in August you’re not feeling quite as intense, gaining a valuable earthiness that you can apply to your everyday life. There is a lot to be said for calming down and getting into a set routine.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

It’s hard to apply logic to many of situations you find yourself in as the month begins. Try not to make any sudden moves; accidents can happen when you don’t plan ahead. As you move through to mid-August, your attention shifts to home life and how you can make things more comfortable. You might experience more mood swings now than usual, but it’s only because you’re so concerned about everyone else’s feelings. Late in the month you feel the beginning of a long journey of self-discovery and reflection upon you. Life isn’t always predictable, but your reaction to it can be.

•

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You want to make a difference as August begins, and you’re best when teamed up with others to fight for a good cause, but if that’s not possible you can do plenty on your own. Try to wrap up loose ends before starting something new. Sudden changes mid-month may leave you feeling surprised and unsettled, but you should have a few months to work through any major problems. Use the time to figure out the best path forward. Communicating with friends and co-workers becomes practical late in the month, but be sure you’re not coming across as short or uncaring. You take communication issues seriously, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any room for humor.

•

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

You might have outstanding issues in both family and finances early in the month, but there isn’t an urgency to deal with them. You believe that good things will come if you’re patient, so relax and make plans. You are more likely to grow when you’re open to new ideas and opinions, but when things change suddenly mid-month, they can take you off guard. It may take some time to find the best way to react to challenging situations. You finally feel ready to reign in the lack of control you’ve been feeling at the end of August. Make a list of what you need to get done and start tackling the most important chores first.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

•

You’re sense of drama is in full swing at the beginning of the month. You don’t exactly lie, but you love to emphasize parts of every story now. You give some pretty impressive compliments as well, even if they are exaggerated. Mid-August is a time of reflection, the beginning of a long look at what has held you back this year and how to keep that from happening in the future. It could take months to figure things out, but if you’re patient you have time. There’s a moment of optimism coming your way late in the month. If you’ve put in the work, you should see some rewards and recognition coming you way.

•

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

•

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26 / August 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Shopping Coronavirus Scams Research the company’s reputation before ordering. This will allow you to see if they will scam you with pricing or not delivering your product. If they have good reviews and deliver everything with no hassle, you are good to shop there.

Make sure you get a shipment date. This will give you peace of mind that your product will deliver by that particular date. If the product doesn’t get to you by that date, you also know to contact the company and ask where your package is.

Keep the receipt of the product you bought. This will allow for the company to pull up your records to see how much you bought the product for and where your package is. You can also use this to report the company if they are scamming you.

Track your purchases if bought online.

This will show you where your product is so that you can worry less when waiting for your package.

Be careful when buying cleaning, household, health, or medical supplies.

These are the items that have been most involved with price gouging and undelivered goods scams.

Shop at big-name stores you trust.

When shopping at a trusted store, it is

least likely that you’ll run into any coronavirus shopping scams.

• Plan to buy a product ahead of time versus when you’re starting to run out of the product. This will allow you to compare products and think about prices before purchasing the product so that you can ensure you have the best deal.

This will also allow you to become less desperate and avoid scammers when shopping for your desired product.

• Compare the prices of the product at different stores or online shopping websites. This will allow you to get the best price on the product you are purchasing.

• Discourage people from hoarding products. This will allow for products to come back in stock quicker, and for price gouging scams to simmer down since the product would be more accessible.

• Report any price gouging or undelivered goods to the FTC. This will allow businesses and scammers to stop what they are doing before criminal action is enacted against them.

Stimulus Check Coronavirus Scams • Don’t give out any personal information. The government has your personal information on file from when you filed your taxes. This means that your check will either be automatically deposited into your account or you will get it mailed to your house. If the “IRS” is claiming to need more information, then they aren’t really the IRS. • Don’t click on any suspicious links emailed or texted to you. Again, your check should come to you automatically once they are printed out and ready to go. You don’t need to click on a website to “verify” anything since the government already has your information.

• Don’t go on any website to get your stimulus check. Unless it is an official “.gov” or “.ca” website and a news source is redirecting you there with accurate information, then it is probably a scam website trying to give a virus to your computer instead of your body.

Either that, or they are trying to get you to provide personal information on this website, and as you’ve read with tip number one you should never do that.

• Only believe in the stimulus check programs announced on the news. Like previously mentioned, if you didn’t hear the information directly from a news source then it is probably fake news. The government would not be hiding a secret agenda from you or its citizens when it comes to the stimulus check. They will send it to you automatically based on the information they have on you.

• Don’t believe that the IRS is actually contacting you. The IRS or government will not contact you about the stimulus check, they will either just mail you the check or direct deposit it into your bank account. n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Top 10 Questions for Dr. Rodriguez

By Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

Classes for students begin Aug. 17 Q) I was interested in enrolling in Virtual Academy initially but now that we know that first semester is going to be via distance learning I would like to stay in my current school placement. I continue to be concerned about the safety of my children going back to school in Jan of 2021. With things changing what seems like week by week, I don’t want to make the decision of enrolling in Virtual Academy until further along in the semester with current information about community spread in our area but have not heard about the process of applying for Jan 2021semester. Will I be able to apply for enrollment for Virtual Academy 2nd semester? If so, what will be the process? Thank you.

Yes, you would be able to apply for the second semester up to student capacity.

You would be able to apply through the PVUSD Virtual Academy website at: http://virtualacademy.pvusd.net.

Q) If we begin the year with distance learning with our usual school site and find it isn’t working for our child and or family, will there be an option to switch to Virtual Academy or another PVUSD program?

Students will be able to apply for the Virtual Academy at the beginning of the second semester. On a case by case basis, students would be able to transition to the Virtual Academy during the first semester.

Q) If I have a child at a private school who was put on a waitlist for Aptos Jr High, can they still apply for the Virtual Academy?

Yes, students currently in private schools may apply for the PVUSD Virtual Academy.

Families currently in a private school within PVUSD boundaries need to enroll as a new student at: https://capvusd.edupoint.com/PXP2_OEN_Login.aspx, click more options and create a new account.

If the private school is outside PVUSD boundaries, families must complete an inter-district transfer from their district of residence.

Q) What are the next steps for current PVUSD teachers who are interested in teaching at the Virtual Academy?

Teachers interested in teaching in the Virtual Academy should complete the Google form by Wednesday, August 5, that was sent out to certificated staff on Wednesday, July 29, by Human Resources.

Q) Will there be flexibility in the standard school day within the Virtual

Academy (Can we work through the assignments at our own pace)?

Yes. Students can move through the courses at their own pace. Students are required to do a minimum 20 hours of instruction a week, however, they may do those hours at their own pace.

Secondary students may move through the courses at a quicker rate with a maximum of 45 credits a semester.

Q) How will we ensure ALL students have reliable internet access in order for them to access their learning?

During the spring closure of schools, all PVUSD students in grades 2-12 received a Chromebook. For this upcoming school year, all students in grades TK-12 will receive a Chromebook. During the spring of 2020, we allocated the 250 previously acquired hot spots as well as 1,000 newly acquired hot spots.

In addition to these hot spots, we now have 3,000 additional hot spots to provide students. We have also worked with Cruzio and Charter Spectrum for home internet for our staff and students.

We will also provide training, planning and collaboration time during the first week of school.

School starts for students on Aug. 17.

Q) The district wants us to go back to school in November but that is when the flu season starts and that means people will get sick and be in risk of corona so please tell the district to start school next year when the vaccine is ready. The vaccine should come out the end of December.

Our current plan is to not return back physically to schools until the beginning of the second semester at the earliest, which would be the middle of January, if health and safety conditions allow it. n

Q) Will Girls Volleyball have a season in high school?

Our athletic teams will follow the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) 2020-21 sports calendar.

Therefore, Girls Volleyball may begin practice on Dec. 14 and continue until March 20.

Q) Will students at PVHS be required to work on community hours during COVID-19?

In other words, would it be a requirement? If so, do they have the freedom to volunteer anywhere or is there a specific list of options for the students?

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we waived the community hours requirement for the Seniors Class of 2020.

We will continue to waive this requirement for the Class of 2021 as well.

Q) What kind of training have and will the teachers get to prepare them for this school year?

We will be providing voluntary professional development to PK-12 grade teachers and staff before school starts the week of Aug. 3, 2020.

We will provide professional development during our required professional development days prior to school around current and new platforms purchased to improve distance learning.

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WHO INSPIRES YOU? Nominate By Aug. 21 The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County is accepting nominations for the 14th Annual Be the Difference Awards through Friday, Aug. 21.

The “Be the Difference” Awards are honor individuals, groups, nonprofits and businesses that transform Santa Cruz County through volunteerism.

“Our community, like our world, is being stretched and challenged in so many ways,” said Volunteer Center Executive Director Karen Delaney. “We feel it at work, in our institutions, and our homes as we continue to watch the needs grow.”

She added, “Fortunately, despite this fundamental discord many folks have continued to lean in and answer the call. The powerful impact of what happens when people, groups, and businesses put community first and connect together for good, has been particularly evident these last few months. We all ache at this moment to thank, celebrate, and be inspired by our local heroes who are making our world better every day and we look forward to creating this annual space for our community to do so.”

While traditionally community members and civic leaders come together in person to celebrate the nominees, this year the event will go entirely online so that community members can participate safely from home.

In partnership with presenting sponsor Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, KION-CBS, the Volunteer Center will present a virtual lunchtime watch-party celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by Aug 24 As usual, the top 50 nominees will receive special recognition and five selected winners will receive highlights with individual videos in partnership with KION-CBS. To learn more about the nomination process and the event, visit scvolunteercenter.org or email events@scvolunteercenter.org.

lives at home, in a residential facility, or care providers are coming into the home.

Aug. 5: 10-11:30 a.m. • Aug. 17, 1-2:30 p.m.

To register, call 800.272.3900 or visit ALZ.org/ CRF. Once you complete your registration for the meeting, you will receive an email confirmation with the call-in information and instructions for joining our call.

economic, mental health and public health challenges created and/or exacerbated by the pandemic.

Find earlier programs in the series here: If you enjoy this topic, you may also appreciate the library’s series on Sheltering in Faith.

Register to participate at https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/6912518

Sunday September 20

IMAGINE! 2020: A VIRTUAL EVENT 2:30-3:30 p.m., Court Appointed Special Advocates Online Imagine!, CASA’s annual premier fundraising event will be a virtual event this year, with a silent auction, VIRTUAL EVENTS live auction broadcast from the CASA house, online Friday August 28 Ongoing thru Saturday August 15 bidding, plus stories from former foster youth and their TIPS FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN Court Appointed Special Advocates.

SHARK SCIENCE WEEK 2020 1 p.m., Santa Cruz Public Libraries Online A virtual wine social will take place 30 minutes prior to For a full week, the Seymour Center will virtually The Santa Cruz Public Libraries continues its monthly the start of the live broadcast. celebrate Shark Science Week by revealing fascinating discussion series designed to help build resiliency The silent auction opens Sept. 3. facts about these cartilaginous fishes. within the community. The next event in the series will Proceeds benefit children and youth in foster care.

Explore amazing shark adaptations including their take place Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. via Zoom.

For ticket information, see https://casaofsantacruz.org/ extraordinary senses, the unique ways in which they Participants are invited to join the Santa Cruz Public imagine2020/imagine2020.html n reproduce, and so much more–online! Virtual Shark Libraries in a discussion with County School SuperScience Week activities will be available for download intendent Dr. Faris Sabbah, psychologist Dr. Suzanne August 9-15, 2020.

Nicholas, and family therapist, Laura Fein, LMFT. seymourcenter.ucsc.edu Discover ideas and tips for children and families, and share your concerns and ideas. Learn more about the Wednesday August 17 field of psychology and what it suggests for dealing with COVID-19 AND CAREGIVING WEBINAR trying times. And join the community discussion around 10 a.m. Aug. 5, 1 p.m. Aug 17, Alzhimer’s Association Online what our community can do to better support families Caring for someone living with dementia during the and children.

COVID-19 pandemic adds unique challenges for Community Resilience is part of a series the Santa caregivers. This program provides simple tips caregivers Cruz Public Library has been running to examine how can put in place whether the person living with dementia the community can more comprehensively address the

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Looking at Difficult Questions of Racial Equity heritage of giving back to the community.

As part of MBEP’s existing Data Insights, we track and update data relevant to our region on a regular basis — and more robust data can be accessed by our members on MBEP’s Regional Dashboard and Data Trackers. These include data points from every aspect of our region, from employment rates, to health indicators, to education.

What would a version of the Silicon Valley Pain Index look like as it relates to our Latinx residents? How can we hold up a mirror — the data is after all a reflection of our region — in a positive way that inspires change? How do we do a better job to create a region that works for all our residents?

As a “triple bottom line” organization, these are questions that Monterey Bay Economic Partnership thinks about a lot.

As part of our summer series on racial equity, last week we hosted our second virtual Member Mixer, which was led by Dr. Carissa Parnell, executive director for the Alisal Family Resource Centers.

Dr. Parnell’s presentation was eyeopening and informative, and “posed

insightful questions that were unfortunately difficult to answer,” to quote one of the participants.

And as you may recall from our last Regional Report, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is embarking on inclusive economic development work in conjunction with several grass-roots leaders in Salinas, and with the support of the James Irvine Foundation.

Our “Regions Rise Together” team is putting racial equity at the center of this work. We just officially kicked off the project last week, with our lead consultant, Dr. Elvis Fraser of Sankofa Consulting, who, in conjunction with MBEP and CA Forward, is spearheading this project that has the potential to unlock current barriers to inclusive development by addressing their root cases.

We don’t have the solutions, but we are working towards finding them by convening the right people around the table armed with data to make informed decisions. Now is the time to act and use the current crisis as a catalyst to affect systemic changes. n •••

Kate Roberts is president & CEO of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, which serves Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties and has added Tom Moran, Miles Reiter, Steve Snodgras, Susan True, Tom Habashi and Alfred Diaz-Infante to its board. To view data, visit https://mbep.biz/data-insights/

• Seal any holes on your home and roof where rodents can gain entry.

• Be aware that pet food, chicken feed and bird feeders will attract rodents.

• Remove objects and plants that rodents can hide under such as wood piles,

debris, construction waste, vegetation and ground-covering vines like ivy.

• Pick up fruit that has fallen from trees as soon as possible.

• Secure your garbage in a tightly sealed can.

• Seal water leaks and remove standing water that may attract unwelcome animals.

••• For more information, visit https://wildlife. ca.gov/Living-with-Wildlife/Rodenticides

Monterey Bay Region COVID-19 Impact Unemployment Has Spiked Throughout the Region Monterey Bay Region Unemployment Claims May 2019

May 2020

3,248

24,577 May 2019

May 2020

4.5%

15.5%

Santa Cruz County

4.1%

14.4%

Monterey County

4.8%

16.8%

San Benito County

WARN Notices by County

(Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) State law requires all companies with 75 or more workers to give notice of layoffs or closures. The following numbers are based on number of employees laid off and reflect all the notices received by state officials through June 1, 2020.

Number of employees laid off

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ecently San Jose State University’s Human Rights Institute published its Silicon Valley Pain Index, which highlights the wealth gap and inequities of that region.

To quote one of its authors, Dr. Scott Myers-Lipton, “The Silicon Valley Pain Index shows that … transformational change is necessary in ALL of our institutions and systems if Silicon Valley is to live up to the promise of being a multi-ethnic, multi-racial democracy, where there is equality, freedom, and justice for all.”

In our region, racial inequities are predominantly in relation to our Latinx residents, and there is interest to explore specific data points relevant to our largest industry, agriculture.

Our ag industry provides billions of dollars of economic benefits to our region and has contributed millions of dollars to education, food security, housing and other efforts that are helping those in need.

Bruce Taylor, CEO of Taylor Farms and Monterey Bay Economic Partnership board member, is to be particularly commended for his leadership and his family’s long

By Kate Roberts

8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0

7,801

3,835

147 San Benito County

Santa Cruz County

Monterey County

Source for figures in above quadrants: California Employment Development Department. www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/

Projected Sales & Total Occupancy Tax Monterey Bay Region Cities

200M

50M

$166M

$126M

Annual Average

FY20 Projection

Monterey Santa Cruz

$31M 74% decline from annual average

100M

City

Carmel

24% decline from annual average

150M

0

Projected Budget Deficits Two year budget deficit projections including fiscal years ending in 2020 and 2021

$16.4M

$9.5M

$44M FY21 Projection

Source: Monterey Bay Area Cities, Letter to Governor of California. May 4, 2020. https://monterey.org/Portals/0/News/Covid19/CM_Letter_FINAL.pdf

0

$5M $10M $15M $20M $25M $30M $35M Source: Budget update presentations from Monterey City, Santa Cruz City, Carmel-by-the-Sea City

“Rodent Poison” from page 23 The department would like to remind the public of measures that can be taken to help reduce anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in non-target wildlife.

The best way to protect wildlife is to use non-chemical means of rodent control.

Habitat modification is an effective means of preventing rodents from inhabiting property. For example, many rodents like tall grass for cover.

Mowing grass to no more than two inches makes it less appealing.

Like most animals, rodents go where they feel safe and where food is available. The easiest way to discourage rodents from inhabiting property is to remove food sources and remove or modify anything that provides cover.

These simple actions can help: • Keep your home and yard neat and clean.

• Keep tree branches and vegetation at least a foot away from home and roof.

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COVID Updates: $1M Rental Aid To Begin

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s we continue to face health and economic challenges related to COVID-19, many in our community are looking into programs and services to provide assistance.

While our community overall is faring better than many portions of the state and country, we’ve seen a significant increase in cases in the last month and also continued high levels of unemployment (or for those that are employed — reductions in hours and pay). Here are updates on some programs and information that might be of interest during this time.

Rental Assistance Program Created he Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to provide $1 million in CARES Act funding for local rental and utility assistance in order to prevent unincorporated residents from losing their housing during the pandemic.

The original CARES Act funding wasn’t designated for counties of our size but the state did allocate some of

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By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

the funding to us and this is an eligible expense.

With significant unemployment and, at the time of this writing, lack of clarity on additional federal assistance for unemployment and other financial impacts, the board felt this was an important step to prevent some community members from entering homelessness.

Details are being finalized for applications and eligibility so if you have questions feel free to reach out to me at 454-2200 or go on the County website for updates.

Great Plates Program Extended reat Plates Delivered, which brings meals to over 600 local seniors during the pandemic, has been extended at least until September.

The program is run through the Human Service Department of Santa Cruz County, in partnership with local community based organizations, and is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of California with

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local support from the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County.

The program provides up to 3 meals daily from local businesses for seniors who are 65+ (or 60+ and high risk) that live alone or with one other program eligible adult, are not currently receiving assistance from state or federal nutrition assistance programs and have an annual income of less than about $75,000 for singles and $101,00 for 2 person.

If you want to see if you’re eligible you can call (831) 454-4406.

New Info on County COVID-19 Website he County’s dedicated website to all local COVID-19 information has been updated with additional data. The site, www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus -- has daily case counts (including active cases), demographic breakdowns, hospitalization rates, spread rates, testing counts as well as new information for businesses (employer toolkits) and more.

Additionally, the site has information for parents looking for childcare, the latest information on health orders and other links to resources.

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Officer including enforcement of physical distancing, requirements for face coverings, disinfection of shared equipment and limits on the number of customers in a store.

The program is voluntary and open to all Santa Cruz County businesses.

Complaints about non-compliance with participating businesses should be emailed to bluecheck@ s a n t a c r u z c o u n t y. us. Business can obtain the sign via the Office for Economic Development website, www.sccvitality.org.

As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). n ••• I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting tele-townhalls with County, State and community leaders. If you’re interested in the town halls or just want to connect on an issue you can always call me at 454-2200.

County Business Blue Check Program he launched of a new program to help inform the community about business safety by providing a public health endorsement to businesses that are following safer health and safety practices.

The Blue Check Program is a voluntary program giving businesses that follow public health guidelines for staff and customers, signage endorsing their operations.

Participating businesses will be given a unique “COVID-19 SAFER, Blue Check” display to post near entrances. This help residents know about businesses that are attesting to protocols from the Health

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SCCAS Featured Pet

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Shade Trees Adapt To Urbanism

By Tony Tomeo

M Bonded Sisters Hoping To Share A Home

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crossword on 25 »

alia (A271005) and Kira (A271006) are 4 month old bonded sisters who are looking for a home together.

They originally came to the Shelter as strays; nervous and unsure about the world around them. A wonderful foster family took them in to provide them with a safe space to blossom.

And blossom they did!

Talia is a love bug and professional purr-er. She likes crinkle toys, being petted, and wand toys. Kira is the more shy of the two sisters but once she is comfortable, she LOVES to play. She loves to play with ping pong balls and fuzzy mice toys. Kira and Talia love to zoom around with each other and wrestle.

Both girls are still getting used to handling and being held for long periods of time. An adopter will need to be patient with their transition, socialization, and growing confidence.

These girls would be best in a home with cat savvy adopters and no young children. Cat-social and playful cats may be appropriate role models for these girls.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is currently doing adoptions by appointment only. An application must be submitted and landlord permission or proof of home ownership received prior to arranging a meet. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has two full-service, open-admission shelters: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 Hours: CURRENTLY CLOSED SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

odern urban home gardens are shadier and more confined than older suburban home gardens originally were. Modern homes are both taller and closer together on smaller parcels. Fences are also taller to compensate for the minimal proximity of adjacent homes. Less s u n l i g h t reaches the ground. There is not as much space available for shade trees. Nor is there as much use for them.

Huddled modern homes are simply not as exposed to sunlight as older suburban homes were. Sunlight is more of an asset than a liability. Walls, ceilings and windows are so thoroughly insulated that shade is less important. Solar arrays up on roofs must remain exposed to sunlight. Smaller and denser trees are more important for obscuring views of adjacent homes, rather than for shade.

Shade trees are still useful for rural and suburban homes. Shade helps to keep older and less energy efficient homes cooler through warmer summer weather.

If strategically situated to the south, west or southwest, they shade homes during the warmest time of day. Well-proportioned trees do not darken too much of their gardens. Deciduous trees allow warming sunlight in through winter.

The popularity of modern urban homes is directly proportionate to the popularity of small evergreen trees. Such trees fit into smaller garden spaces, and permanently obscure unwanted scenery.

Big deciduous shade trees that are practical for larger garden spaces become obtrusive in confined spaces. Defoliation in winter

Back to School © Statepoint Media

Traditional shade trees get quite large.

reveals unwanted views, and deprives the landscape of privacy.

Some of the more practical of small evergreen trees are actually large shrubbery. English laurel, Carolina cherry, photinia, hopseed bush and various pittosporums can get high enough to obscure neighboring windows. All are conducive to pruning if they get too tall. If staked on single straight trunks, or pruned to expose a few sculptural trunks, they do not occupy much space at ground level.

Tristania laurina, and some melaleucas are naturally small to midsized evergreen shade trees. Some species of Podocarpus can be pruned as midsized trees.

••• Camphor Tree he best camphor trees, Cinnamomum camphora, are in parks and other spacious landscapes. Such trees have sufficient room for their broad canopies. Although they do not grow rapidly, they eventually get quite large, and perhaps too massive for confined urban gardens. Some of the older local trees are nearly 50 feet tall, and nearly as broad. They have potential to get much bigger.

Camphor trees excel as shade trees. Their light green or perhaps yellowish evergreen foliage is quite dense. Shade Camphor trees have of groups of trees stout branch structure. or large trees with low canopies inhibits the growth of lawn grass. Also, roots are likely to eventually elevate lawn or other features that are close to the trunks. Foliar canopies are billowy, but can be lopsided, especially in windy or partly shaded situations.

Trunks and main limbs of camphor trees are rather stout, and can be rather sculptural. Trees should be pruned for clearance while young. Otherwise, obtrusively low limbs can become prominent components of the canopies. The tan bark is distinctively checkered. It darkens handsomely with rain. All parts of camphor tree are quite aromatic. Frass from spring bloom can be slightly messy. n Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

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

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