Aptos Times: September 15, 2020

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

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Times Publishing Group, Inc.

September 15 2020 • Vol 29 No. 18

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Joyce Marble: Nov. 1933 ~ Sept. 2020

Joyce Audrey Marble passed away peacefully on September 5th, 2020. She was born in San Francisco on November 19th, 1933. She and her husband moved to Aptos, California in 1982. Joyce worked as a legal secretary and then as a salesperson for the Aptos Times for several years.

Full Story page 14

New and Improved Horoscope By Risa D’Angeles Page 26

‘Wingnut’ Weaver’s Fish Tale Editor’s Note: Robert “Wingnut” Weaver is a famous Santa Cruz longboard surfer with a “glass is half full attitude” who enjoys the challenge of halibut fishing from his standup paddleboard (11 feet long, 31 inches wide). On Sept. 5, he had a lovely fish day, landing a 44-inch halibut weighing 35 lbs. Here is his story, as told to Jondi Gumz.

••• e‘ve got a group of friends who love to fish, from 26th Avenue Beach to New Brighton State Beach.

Recreational, not commercial.

It’s very good year for halibut — we all have theories on why, but none of them will be right! ... continues on page 4

W

Movie Theaters Reopen As COVID Case Rate Levels

On Sept. 8, Santa Cruz County moved from the Purple Tier to the Red Tier of the state’s COVID-19 monitoring system, allowing movie theaters to open at 25 percent capacity after being shut for nearly six months to prevent spread of the contagious coronavirus.

Full Story page 6

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No. 18

Volume 29

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27

Table of Contents

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Cover

‘Wingnut’ Weaver’s Fish Tale

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Community News Watsonville Seeks Photographers and Muralists Theaters Reopen As COVID Case Rate Levels, By Jondi Gumz Two Weeks Left to Take the Census Sept. 11, 2011: Never Forget Healthy Living Webinars: Meetings Available By Phone and Online Ex-Driscoll’s Exec To Serve Two Years in Prison for Embezzlement SupportingFire Recovery: Community Foundation Gives $400,000 to Local Nonprofits Fire Damage: $340 Million; Recovery Begins, By Jondi Gumz • Sexual Assault Exams Now Available Locally ‘Our Community Reads’ Kicks Off Fourth Year, By Denise Ward Virtual Open House for New Aptos Branch Library Sept. 28 • Pancake Breakfast To Go • Friends Fire Fund To Help Parks, Staff • Disaster Helpline Available 24/7 • Live Your Dream Award Applications Due Nov. 15 • National Forests Closed Due to Fire • Safeway Supports Second Harvest Food Bank in September • Scarecrow Decorating Contest • Resiliency Discussion is Sept. 23 • Penny Ice Creamery Ribbon Cutting Santa Cruz County Jail Officer Arrested • Town Hall on Fire Merger is Sept. 30 • Watsonville Family YMCA Reopens Tips for Internet Learning Challenges, From the Pajaro Valley Unified School District

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Election 2020 Voting in 2020–What You Need to Know: Important Changes Include Your Ballot Arriving By Mail in October • UCSC Hosts Election Conversation • Election Housing Forums Coming Up 10 Sierra Club Questions SqCWD Candidates 11 Nine Q’s for Soquel Creek Water District

In Memoriam 14 Joyce Marble: November 19, 1933 ~ September 5, 2020

California News 15 Small Biz Tax Breaks Signed Into Law, By Jondi Gumz • Cal Fire Suspends Burn Permits 17 Student Loan Relief for 4,000 Californians • Ruling: Bail Must Consider Ability to Pay

Business Profile 22 Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden: Watsonville Business Celebrating 30 Years, By Edita McQuary

Suicide Prevention Month 23 How to Save Lives From Suicide, By Faris Sabbah • If You are in Crisis, Call 877-663-5433, By Jondi Gumz • ‘The S Word’ to be Shown Sept. 29

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Featured Columnists Pictures from the Past: 1899 Fire, By Carolyn Swift Which Business Formation Is Best?, By Ron Kustek Reasons to Take Your Child to the Doctor — Even During COVID: Being up-todate with Immunizations is Crucial For Your Child, By Dr. Dianna Diallo, M.D. 29 Imagine a Day Without Water: Oct. 21, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 30 Hwy 1 Improvements in the Pipeline, By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor 31 Pomes Produce Better Than Palms, By Tony Tomeo

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COVER STORY publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers Camisa Composti, Jondi Gumz, Denise Ward , Edita McQuary, Faris Sabbah, Risa D’Angeles, Carolyn Swift, Ron Kustek. Dianna Diallo, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Zach Friend, Tony Tomeo

“Wingnut” from page 1 We’d gone 10 days, maybe two weeks, without seeing a legal-sized fish. That’s 22 inches.

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

office coordinator

Bill Pooley, James Hudson

distribution

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Begonia Festival Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

Entire contents ©2020. All rights reserved.

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

The 44-inch halibut was “willing to bite me,” Weaver said.

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

We fish off standup paddleboards — you have to try to land the fish while standing. We laugh in disdain at people in boats.

Saturday morning, I had caught a 26-incher but it was so hot I went out hunting again.

The water was very calm.

Not 100 yards off the beach, in 9-10 feet of water, I got a bite.

You just get a tug — it almost feels like you hooked the bottom.

Two cranks of the reel, the fish came up where I could see it — I knew it was something special.

The neighbor’s sons were in water and they came paddling over.

I asked myself: How am I going to land it?

(He had a gaff, a pole with a sharp hook on the end, used to stab a heavy fish, ideally under the backbone, and lift it out of the water.)

I don’t like to gaff a fish and put a hole in it.

I missed it the first time.

It went down.

Two cranks and he came up to the surface and opened up his mouth.

I’m down my knees.

I was so terrified of losing this fish.

We’ve lost plenty of them — we lost enough to be absolutely terrified when you get one this good!

I can’t get him out of the water. He is very unhappy. I’m hanging on with all my might.

He is willing to bite me — I’m not willing to bite him.

I hold him close. I have a string of line tied to the deck of my board.

I have to tie a knot one-handed, with my left hand, and I really want to make my knot good!

The lure is in his mouth but he gets off

The halibut nearly eluded Weaver’s grasp. the deck. I had to use my rod to get him back in.

If you’re lucky, you flip him so his eye is down on the board.

That puts him in a fairly calm state but two strokes in, the fish goes off the board, and I fall down.

I bring him back in and put my knee on him and paddle in.

Others were there to help but it wasn’t until I got to the top of stairs I felt I had the fish.

I had to put him on my skateboard to drag him home Fifteen people have feasted off the catch that day -- it was fun! n ••• Photos Courtesy of Wingnut Weaver Cover Photo: Robert “Wingnut” Weaver is all smiles, showing off his standup paddleboard catch, a 35-pound halibut measuring 44 inches. Weaver said the halibut provided a feast for 15 people.

Two cranks of the reel, the fish came up where I could see it — I knew it was something special.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Watsonville Seeks Photographers and Muralists M ovable Murals, at 250 Main St., is a public art project of Pajaro Valley Arts with the City of Watsonville, providing a venue for artists and community members to showcase large-scale paintings and digital work with the theme, “An Act of Love-Wearing Masks During the Pandemic.”

Applicants must email their submissions to Hedwig@pvarts.org. The deadline to apply is Sept. 25.

Photo Project/Call for Photography: Submit up to three photographs of you, your family, friends (including furry friends), and/or essential workers wearing protective masks.

You can submit individual or group photographs. We want to demonstrate how our personalities can shine while staying safe and protected by our masks. Show your sense of humor and creativity.

Pajaro Valley Arts will design a photo collage from selected images, then print and apply the images to the mural panels. Images may also be included in the Pajaro Valley Arts online gallery and in other promotional materials.

High-resolution color images are required along with the required photo entry and release forms.

Mural Project/Call for Muralist: Four 4’ x 8’ (vertical orientation) panels at 250 Main St. have been reserved for muralists who will design and paint one to four panels dealing with the theme, An Act of Love: Wearing Masks During the Pandemic. Selected artists/community groups will be provided 4’ x 8’ sheets of primed marine plywood or MDO upon which the painting will be applied.

Completion of artwork will take place at artists’ studios, or location of artists’ choice, and will not be created on-site. Completed panels will then be installed by the City of Watsonville.

Your mural/artwork will be viewed in this location beginning in November for 6-12 months, at which time different artists/community groups will be offered the opportunity to create upon the same surface/plywood. Artists will be paid a $250 per panel (4’ x 8’) stipend to offset costs of painting.

Works submitted must show a high degree of artistry, comply with the theme of wearing masks, and be a positive reflection of the Watsonville community. n ••• People can participate in either or both of the projects. For detailed submission requirements, see pvarts.org/ exhibit-opportunities-for-artists/

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Capitola Soquel Scotts Valley Times / September 15th 2020 / 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Theaters Reopen As COVID Case Rate Levels

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By Jondi Gumz

n Sept. 8, Santa Cruz County moved from the Purple Tier to the Red Tier of the state’s COVID-19 monitoring system, allowing movie theaters to open at 25 percent capacity after being shut for nearly six months to prevent spread of the contagious coronavirus.

A day later, Regal opened its Cinema 9 in Santa Cruz, and local chain Cinelux opened Friday in Capitola and Scotts Valley.

The Red Tier allows indoor operations at restaurants, museums, places of worship and wedding ceremonies, at 25 percent capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer; for gyms and fitness centers, yoga studios, dance studios, the limit is 10 percent capacity. For a month, they were restricted to outdoor operations.

Most counties, however, have widespread COVID infections and are in the Purple Tier, which mandates indoor operations. That prompted a lawsuit Tuesday by the California Fitness Alliance, which contends the state’s new rules restricting access to indoor exercise are not supported by data.

On Wednesday, Santa Cruz County reported the eighth COVID-19 death of a county resident, a Hispanic man in his early 40s in South County who died at home.

He had underlying health conditions, but COVID-19 was the primary cause of death, according to Corinne

6 / September 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Hyland, Santa Cruz County Public Health Division. Health staff are tracing his contacts to find out how he acquired the infection.

“The Public Health Division extends its deepest sympathy to the individual’s family and friends,” Hyland said.

The county had reported an eighth fatality earlier, but has since learned that individual was a resident of Mexico, and thus will not be included in the county statistics, Hyland said.

Hyland noted a slight uptick in hospitalizations while the number of cases is leveling off or declining, which she said could be due to the CZU fire, which forced evacuation of San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, Bonny Doon and UC Santa Cruz, which had been doing COVID-19 testing.

As of Wednesday, Santa Cruz County

had 2,108 cases, including 230 active cases, with 19 people hospitalized, including two in intensive care.

In Santa Cruz County, the case rate per 100,000 population is 5.5 percent, and the test positivity rate is 3.6 percent.

The case rate would have to fall to 3.9 percent and the positivity rate to 4.9 percent and to move into the Orange Tier with fewer restrictions. For example, schools can only offer distance learning, not classes in person. Bars, breweries, card rooms and live theaters remain closed; mini-golf, batting cages, bounce centers and laser tag are only allowed outdoors.

The state will review the COVID data again on Sept. 21.

Hyland also noted a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases — 62 percent — in South County, as well as in the Latinx community — 63 percent.

Those with symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider for testing or make an appointment, online or by phone, at the Optum Serve testing site at Ramsay Park in Watsonville, which is open Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call 888-634-1123.

CVS has begun to offer no-cost drivethrough COVID-19 testing at its pharmacy at 1750 41st Ave., Capitola.

“Wonderful!” said Hyland.

The testing is for active infections, no referral needed, and results are available in 2 to 3 days.

“COVID” page 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Two Weeks Left to Take the Census T he Santa Cruz County Census Complete Count Committee is ramping up outreach efforts in a final sprint to make sure all community members are counted by the Sept. 30 deadline. The Census can be filled out online at 2020Cenus.gov or by phone using 844-330-2020.

Every uncounted person translates into a loss of $2,000 in revenue per year over ten years. Over the next decade, even a five percent undercount means $272 million in lost funding locally.

“Responding to the Census is more important than ever for Santa Cruz County because having a full and accurate count of residents is critical for emergency response and recovery,” said Greg Caput, chairman of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. “Data from the 2020 Census will provide baseline numbers not only for funding of federal disaster relief, but also support for preparation, rescue coordination and where resources are deployed over the long term.”

Outreach efforts led by the Complete Count Committee include in-person help at Nueva Vista food distribution, Encompass Community Services and Second Harvest Food Bank at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

In Santa Cruz, the bridge at Riverside Ave. received a makeover with signs promoting the 2020 Census in English and Spanish.

The Watsonville Census team will continue to connect with farmworkers on the importance of the Census.

“COVID” from page 6 The individual being tested must bring their insurance card and be willing to swab their own nasal passage or bring someone to tackle that task. Appointments must be made online at cvs.com, click on Minute Clinic, and answer the questions to see if you are eligible.

For a county in the Red Tier, the state allows libraries to reopen at 50 percent capacity but the Santa Cruz Public Libraries has been dealing with the CZU lightning fires, which prevented access to the Felton and Scotts Valley branches for weeks but spared the Boulder Creek branch.

St. Abraham’s Classical Christian Academy in Aptos and Baymonte Christian School in Scotts Valley, both small private schools, have opened for in-person instruction, following mandated guidelines.

Health officials are fearful of another surge in COVID-19 cases, due to the fire evacuations that resulted in many people mixing

Riverside Avenue bridge signs alert residents to the Census.

Census team members will be at the Watsonville Farmers Market through September. The market opens every Friday at 2 p.m. Those with questions about the Census are invited to stop by and learn more.

For information on the U.S. Census, go to 2020Cenus.gov. For information on local Census organizing efforts, go to www. santacruzcountycounts.us or find updates on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. n with others from outside their household.

Some 125 single-family homes burned.

Two studies have linked air pollution to higher COVID-19 fatality rates.

One study at Aarhus University in Denmark, investigated why the mortality rate is up to 12% in the northern part of Italy compared to 4.5% in the southern regions, and found people in northern Italy live with a higher level of air pollution.

Researchers at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that an increase of one microgram of fine particulates per cubic meter (a metric of air pollution metric) was associated with a 15% increase in COVID-19 death rate. n ••• For information on the California COVID-19 monitoring system, visit https:// covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/.

For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Capitola Soquel Scotts Valley Times / September 15th 2020 / 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Sept. 11, 2011: Never Forget

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Photos courtesy Aptos LaSelva Fire Protection District

solemn 9/11 remembrance event – COVID-19 safe and organized by Aptos/La Selva Firefighter Steve Vratny – took place at Resurrection Church in Aptos.

A Garrison U.S. flag, one of the largest flags and used for special occasions, hung from two ladder trucks.

Engines came from the Watsonville Fire Department, Central Fire Protection District and Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District.

The remembrance started with a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in the line of duty at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Then each name was announced, all 343 firefighters and 60 law enforcement officers, and each time, the truck’s bell was rung.

Kasie Talbot , dressed in a traditional kilt, played the Scottish bagpipes.

All participants wore face coverings, and observed social distancing to prevent spread of the contagious coronavirus COVID-19. n

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

Clockwise from top right: Firefighter Steve Vratny, who organized the 9/11 remembrance, made sure attendees were socially distanced to stay safe from COVID-19. • Bagpiper Kasie Talbot plays at 9/11 remembrance. • The U.S. Garrison flag hangs from two Aptos LaSelva ladder trucks. • Interim Aptos LaSelva Fire Chief Don Jarvis reads names of first responders who lost their lives on 9/11. • Donna Lind of Scotts Valley, founder and president of the Fallen Officer Foundation, participates in the 9/11 remembrance.

ELECTION 2020

Voting in 2020: What You Need to Know

Important Changes Include Your Ballot Arriving By Mail in October

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lection Day is just two months away, and elections officials in Santa Cruz County are busy preparing to conduct an election under extraordinary circumstances.

Gov. Newsom signed two executive orders and new laws have passed to give California elections officials the tools to ensure the security, accuracy, accessibility, transparency, and safety of the fall election — and meet public health guidelines.

“COVID-19 and the CZU fires have changed how we will conduct this Nov. 3 election,” said County Clerk Gail L. Pellerin. “We have launched a Vote Safe Santa Cruz campaign to make sure voters have plenty of options to cast their ballot without risking their health.”

One major change is county elections officials will mail a ballot to all active registered voters in the State of California.

Ballots will be mailed by Oct. 5, and then daily for new registrants or people who

have updated their registration. Mailing a ballot to all voters allows them to vote safely from home and avoid having to go to a public place.

For voters impacted by the CZU fires and evacuated during this election, they do not need to re-register to vote. They simply fill out a change of address form on the County Elections Department’s website at www.votescount.us. The mailing address can be a place or work, the home of a family member or friend, or a post office box.

Voters should sign up to track their ballot at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov. They will get email or text alerts when their ballot is mailed, when it s received by the county elections office, and if there is a problem with counting the ballot.

Voters can also sign up for “informed

UCSC Hosts Election Conversation

T

he UC Santa Cruz Institute for Social Transformation and University Forum are organizing a free online series of conversations on the topic “Elections: What are They Good For?” The next in the four-part series will be “Elections, the Constitution, and Institutional Reform,” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept.

23 on Zoom.

This session focuses on the institutional constraints on democratic voice,

Daniel Wirls

Kathay Feng

and related efforts to expand political participation.

Expect to hear about efforts to limit gerrymandering, the movement to have Electoral College votes reflect the popular vote, proposals to limit Supreme Court justice terms, and how adding new U.S. states like Puerto Rico or Washington, D.C. would impact the Senate.

The session features Daniel Wirls, UC Santa Cruz professor of politics and Kathay Feng, national redistricting director of Common Cause, an organization fighting for accountable government.

The moderator is Chris Benner, director of the Institute for Social Transformation.

To register go to https://transform. ucsc.edu/election-series/ The last two discussions, scheduled for 5:30–7 p.m. Oct. 5 and Oct. 19, will focus on California. n

delivery” through the U.S. Postal Service.

This free service sends an email each day mail is delivered with an image of the mail piece.

Even though ballots will be mailed to all voters, counties must also provide inperson voting.

Santa Cruz County will not use its traditional polling places. Instead, there will be at least 17 locations where any voter can go to return their ballot, obtain a replacement ballot, vote an accessible ballot using a tablet, vote a Spanish ballot using a tablet, register and vote on the same day, and any other voter service.

Voters who opt to use the ballot mailed to them do not have to return the ballot through the mail. There has been concern about the United States Postal Service’s

ability to manage the amount of election mail California will have. Postal reps have reassured elections officials that ballots will not be delayed. Nevertheless, there are other options to return a voted ballot.

Drop Boxes he county Elections Department will have ballot drop boxes at the following locations, available 24/7 until 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 3: • Aptos — Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive • Aptos — Polo Grounds, 2255 Huntington Drive • Aptos — Cabrillo College by football stadium, 3732 Cabrillo College Drive • Ben Lomond — Highlands Park, 8500 Highway 9 • Boulder Creek — Library, 13390 W. Park Ave.: walk up (may have to be relocated due to the fires)

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“Vote 2020” page 10

Election Housing Forums Coming Up

T

he Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Housing Team plans Virtual Election Forums. Candidates will have an opportunity to discuss their housing agendas and answer questions related to specific housing policies and practices.

Two forums are planned in Santa Cruz County: Sept 24 for MidCounty/ South County and Oct. 1 for north Santa Cruz County.

Co-hosts for moderating these events are:

• Carmen Herra, El Pajaro Community Development Corp.

• Barbara Meister, Monterey Bay Aquarium • Diane Ortiz, Youth Alliance • Robert Singleton, Santa Cruz County Business Council • Colby Pereira, Braga Fresh • Katy Castagna, United Way Monterey County Be informed. Be ready to vote early. n Sign up to view the forums at https:// mbep.biz/events/election-forum

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Capitola Soquel Scotts Valley Times / September 15th 2020 / 9

I

ELECTION 2020

Sierra Club Questions SqCWD Candidates

n June 2014, the Soquel Creek Water District board declared a groundwater emergency after seawater intrusion was detected in three coastal locations, and began a search for solutions.

There are no easy answers for the 40,632 customers in Aptos, La Selva Beach, Soquel, Capitola and Pleasure Point.

Desalination was tabled when the city of Santa Cruz, the proposed partner, withdrew. Toilet retrofits have saved a lot, but are not expected to save much more in the future.

The proposed solution, dubbed PureWaterSoquel, a combination of reverse osmosis and ultraviolet treatment, similar to one used in Orange County, is expensive.

“Vote 2020” from page 9 • Capitola — City Hall, 420 Capitola Ave. • Capitola — Shopping Mall (near Sears), 1855 41st Ave. • Felton — Covered Bridge Park, Graham Hill Road • Santa Cruz — County Government Center, 701 Ocean St. • Santa Cruz — Public Library, 212 Church St. • Santa Cruz – UC Santa Cruz Quarry Plaza: Walk up • Scotts Valley — City Hall, 1 Civic Center Drive • Watsonville — Parking lot 14, 316 Rodriguez St. • Watsonville — County Health Center, 1430 Freedom Blvd.

• Watsonville — Corralitos Community Center, 35 Browns Valley Road Business Hours oters may also return their ballot inside these locations during regular business hours: • County Elections: 701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz • Santa Cruz City Clerk: 809 Center St., Santa Cruz • Simpkins Swim Center: 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz • Capitola City Clerk: 420 Capitola Ave., Capitola • Scotts Valley City Clerk: 1 Civic Center Drive, Scotts Valley • Watsonville City Clerk: 275 Main St., Watsonville Voting Locations he Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Office, 701 Ocean St., Room 310, and the Watsonville City Clerk’s Office/Community Room, 275 Main St., 4th floor, will open beginning Oct. 5 for voters who want

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Bruce Daniels

Tom Lahue

Corrie Kates

Maria Marsilio

The price tag has doubled, prompting concerns by two challengers who aim to unseat two longtime incumbents.

The Sierra Club Ventana Chapter Santa Cruz Group asked four questions of the four candidates. Here are their answers, edited for print:

What are the top three issues for the water district and what actions would you take?

Bruce Daniels: A sustainable water supply — we’re getting saltwater intrusion just 100 yards off our beach. It hasn’t hit production wells yet, but it will. It’s a real emergency.

to obtain a ballot in person or vote a ballot using the tablet.

There will be 17 locations open starting Saturday, Oct. 31 through Tuesday, Nov. 3 for voters to: • Obtain a replacement ballot • Drop off their voted ballot • Register and vote on the same day • Vote an accessible ballot on the tablet • Vote a Spanish ballot on the tablet • And any other voter service Hours will be: Saturday, Oct. 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Nov.1: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 2: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 3: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Due to the fires in Santa Cruz County, some sites may have to be relocated.

Check www.votescount.us for the latest information.

• Aptos — Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd. • Boulder Creek — Boulder Creek Recreation Hall, 13333 Middleton Ave. • Capitola — New Brighton Middle School, 250 Washburn Ave. • Felton — San Lorenzo Valley High School, 7105 Highway 9 • Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections, 701 Ocean St., Room 310 • Santa Cruz — Simpkins Swim Center, 979 17th Ave. • Santa Cruz — Bonny Doon Elementary School, 1492 Pine Flat Road • Santa Cruz — Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St. • Santa Cruz — Masonic Center, 828 N. Branciforte Ave. • Santa Cruz — Natural Bridges School, 255 Swift St. • Scotts Valley — Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road • Scotts Valley — Scotts Valley High

School, 555 Glenwood Drive • Soquel — Soquel High School, 401 Old San Jose Rd. • Watsonville — Watsonville City Clerk’s Office/Community Room, 275 Main St., 4th Floor • Watsonville — Pajaro Valley Community Trust, 85 Nielson St. • Watsonville — La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave. • Watsonville — Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave. • Watsonville — Calabasas Elementary School, 202 Calabasas Road • Santa Cruz — UCSC, Merrill Cultural Center, open ONLY Monday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

VoteMobile Coming he Santa Cruz County Elections office is getting a VoteMobile that can travel anywhere in the county to conduct pop-up voting and ballot return. Locations, dates and times will be posted at www.votescount.us by Oct. 12.

Using the Mail allot return envelopes are mailed with each ballot and the envelope is postagepaid. Ballots postmarked on or before Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 20 will be considered received on time.

Follow these steps to vote your ballot and prepare it for return.

1. Use a blue or black ballpoint pen to fill in the oval to the left of your choice.

You do not have to vote on every contest.

2. Remove the top stub from your ballot by tearing at the perforated line.

3. Place the voted ballot in the return envelope mailed with your ballot.

Make sure it is your name printed on the ballot envelope. Households often mix up ballot envelopes.

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

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We have to get the basin sustainable — we need 1,500 more acre-feet a year. The only thing we found was sustainable was PureWaterSoquel. Water transfer is not sustainable.

Silicon Valley, Monterey, everyone’s going to PureWater — it’s proven over and over again.

Corrie Kates: Water supply-- looking at alternate means, working with other agencies, sharing the costs, alternative locations.

How do you joint venture to make things more sustainable? The cost was $80 million.

“Sierra Club Questions” page 20

4. Write the address where you live in Santa Cruz County on the envelope in the space provided.

5. Sign your name on the envelope. If you do not sign your envelope, your ballot will not be counted. If you cannot sign your name, make a mark and have a witness sign on the line provided. Do not let someone else sign your name for you. Elections staff will compare the signature on the envelope to the signatures on file for you to ensure it is your ballot. If your signature does not compare, you will be contacted so you can correct your signature.

6. Write the date you signed the envelope.

7. Provide a phone number or email so you can be contacted in case of a problem.

Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail oters who do not get mail delivery or cannot vote using a paper ballot, can sign up for a Remote Accessible Vote-byMail ballot (RAVBM). This form of voting had been limited to military and overseas voters and voters with disabilities, but due to COVID-19, any voter may request a RAVBM. This may be a good way for fire evacuees to vote.

Voters may request a RAVBM ballot online at www.votescount.us or by calling 831-454-2060. Ballots will be emailed after Oct. 5.

To vote using a RAVBM, a voter needs to have access to a computer, printer and envelope to return their ballot. After the voter signs up, the County Elections Department will email them an access code to open their ballot and vote it. n ••• For information, contact the Santa Cruz County Clerk at 831-454-2060, info@votescount.us or visit www.votescount.us.

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ELECTION 2020

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Nine Q’s for Soquel Creek Water District

n the Soquel Creek Water District, two challengers aim to unset two long-time board members in the Nov. 3 election.

Aptos Times editor Jondi Gumz posed these questions for voters to get up to speed on the biggest issues; including the water emergency, the PureWaterSoquel project planned to solve that problem, Rebecca Gold Ruben and the cost for customers. Rebecca Gold Rubin, public outreach coordinator at the Soquel Creek Water District, provided the following answer: 1) Have all the projects to be funded by the 2013 certificates of participation been completed? If not, why not? he 2013 funds have been allocated at different times to different projects, some of which have been completed and some of which have not: COMPLETED: O’Neill Ranch treatment plant, Granite Way production well, Granite Way raw water line,

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McGregor Drive pump station, Aptos pump station, raw water main for hexavalent chromium treatment plant, Aptos Junior High well replacement, service area 3 to 4 intertie, and Clubhouse Drive main Replacement.

NOT COMPLETED: Quail Run tank and Soquel Drive main replacement — both in process There is $5.9 million remaining in the 2013 funds, so we didn’t spend all of the money. We are giving the funds back and rolling them into the Series 2020 refunding, which will save money due to lower interest rates.

2) Can Pure Water Soquel be described as a combination of reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light treatment, similar to one used in Orange County? Will this treatment remove pharmaceuticals? es, and yes.

Pure Water Soquel will put the water through a purification process using the most advanced treatment processes available: microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light/advanced oxidation. This is similar to Orange

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County’s purification process (their water is also used for groundwater recharge).

We have a page on our website with this information: https://www.soquelcreekwater.org/advanced-water-purification/ what-awp-technology For more information, see: https:// www.soquelcreekwater.org/pws and the Orange County Water District website https://www.ocwd.com/gwrs/ These advanced water purification processes are proven systems that successfully remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products from drinking water (as well as viruses). The purification process includes: Microfiltration: The recycled water first goes through microfiltration, an initial filtration process where water is pumped through tubes filled with tiny membranes.

Each membrane is made up of hollow fibers, perforated with holes 1/300th the width of a human hair! Solids, bacteria, protozoa, and some viruses are removed from the water as it is drawn through the tubes.

Reverse Osmosis: The water then goes

through reverse osmosis, where it is forced under high pressure through membranes with holes so small that a water molecule is almost the only substance that can pass through.

As a result, constituents such as salts, viruses, and most contaminants of emerging concern (such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides) cannot pass through the membranes and are left behind.

This is the same process that is used by some bottled water companies, baby food manufacturers, and for kidney dialysis.

Ultraviolet Light: Ultraviolet Light (UV) with advanced oxidation is a further safety process where extremely concentrated light, similar to the sun’s rays, kills any organisms that may remain after reverse osmosis.

“Nine Questions” page 12

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Capitola Soquel Scotts Valley Times / September 15th 2020 / 11

ELECTION 2020 “Nine Questions” from page 11

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

TOD C. ANDERSON, DDS

9520 SOQUEL DRIVE APTOS, CA 95003

831-688-1006

UV combined with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an effective disinfection/ advanced oxidation process that keeps trace organic compounds from reaching drinking water supplies.

3) Has the price tag, once estimated at $50 million, nearly doubled?

What’s the cost per customer? he approximate current number of District customers is 40,632. Thus, using $90 million that equates to $2,215 per customer and that doesn’t include the additional reduction due to the $50 million grant or that the cost is spread over many years — like 30 years.

The 2017 feasibility study estimated project options could cost $65 million to $92.5 million in 2017 dollars, but in 2018 the project definition was narrowed, and the cost was escalated to be more reflective of when the project was to be built: $90 million in 2022 dollars.

This is a Class 4 engineering estimate based on up to 15% design. We are currently progressing on the design, which will update cost estimates; while performing this step in the project, it’s prudent for the District to plan for an upper range and also to account for contingencies – in light of seeing other projects experience in cost increases.

These costs encompass four areas of construction: A tertiary treatment facility, conveyance pipelines, an advanced water purification facility, and seawater intrusion prevention wells and monitoring wells.

The District board will be periodically briefed on the various construction impacts and costs as the project is implemented.

While cost is one metric, value is another. The link below is from a UC Santa Cruz study, which concluded the project provides a benefit-cost ratio of 8.6.

This means for every dollar invested, the economic value is $8.60. The report also states that if the project is not realized, then people will need to use less water and pay 3 times more. https://www.soquelcreekwater.org/ documents/reports/technical-memorandumestimating-benefits-pure-water-soquel-project 4) What are the amounts of the state or federal grants and the low-cost loan?

What’s the interest rate? he District secured state and federal assistance with the project costs and reduced the financial burden of our District customers. In 2019, the District was awarded a $50 million grant from the state’s Proposition 1 Groundwater Implementation Grant Program.

The District will combine this generous grant with a combination of low-interest loans. The State Water Board also approved a very-low-interest (1.3%) loan through its Seawater Intrusion Control Loan Program

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for up to $36 million (originally was $12.5 million, but has been increased).

The US Environmental Protection Agency selected the District for a lowinterest loan (anticipated to be less than 2%) for an amount up to $89 million, which includes money for contingencies. The low-interest loans will represent millions in interest savings compared to original projections.

5) Can the Pure Water Soquel project be a joint venture with the city of Santa Cruz or another water district to spread the cost among more customers? e are very fortunate the state selected the project for a $50 million grant — which helps reduce the cost to our customers!

If other agencies are interested in partnering in the future, the District would be interested in exploring this concept.

6) What was the pumping level in acre feet in June 2014 when the water emergency was declared? What is it now? he Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin provides water to the District, as well as the City of Santa Cruz, Central Water, other small mutual agencies, and over 1,000 private well owners.

In 2014 the state declared the groundwater basin to be in a critical state of overdraft (one of 21 basins out of 500 in California to have that designation). It is also designated as “high priority” since some of the agencies rely on the groundwater basin for 100% of its supply.

In 2014, the District alone pumped approximately 3,477 acre feet of water.

Pumping levels dropped lower in 2015 (3,098 acre feet) and have been slowly increasing and are currently closer to 2014 levels.

This indicates customers complied fairly well with the District’s stage 3 water shortage declaration to reduce consumption 25%. The upward trend in water use appears to indicate potentially that customers may not be observing curtailment and conservation measures at the same level or that other factors that may be driving consumption up.

Even with curtailment, the groundwater has not reached the protective levels to prevent further seawater contamination.

Thus, there is the annual threat of drought adding to the uncertainty of the groundwater levels as well as future climate change projections.

7) What has created the most savings (in acre feet)? Conservation incentives, fixing leaky old pipes or something else? t is likely that retrofitting to high-efficiency toilets have saved the most water.

We estimate that over 90% of our customers already have new toilets.

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“Two More Questions” page 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

Healthy Living Webinars

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

Meetings Available By Phone and Online

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in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

Wednesday, September 23, 1-2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 29, 10-11:30 a.m.

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

District doesn’t have control over development or development moratoriums Our rebates for water-saving fixtures — that would be up to governing land(toilets and turf removal) in 2019 saved use jurisdictions. about 3 acre-feet (one million gallons).

The District does have some control The cumulative water savings over over new water hookups and initiated in the years is not sufficient to ensure sustain- 2003 an award-winning “Water Neutral ability of our groundwater basin. (aka demand offset) Program,” which 8) Do you have a comparison requires all new developments offset water use in an amount equal to 120% to of Soquel Creek Water rates with 200% of the projected water use of that rates elsewhere in the county? es. See the graph below, which also is development.

However, because the basin is in a posted at https://www.soquelcreecritically overdraft condition based on kwater.org/current-rates-and-fees Footnote: Sources of data for the chart are existing water use and development, a based on rates and fees published by the various water connection moratorium would not address the current basin overdraft. n entities shown.

••• 9) Would a moratorium on new develMore information about the PureWaopment be considered as an option? he District is responsible for pro- terSoquel project is at https://www.soquel omparison of Averagewater Monthly Water Bill (Service Charge + 6 units) The of Local Water Agencies, 7/2020 creekwater.org/pws. viding to the community.

“Two More Questions” from page 12

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FALL SPECIAL

Residential Repaints & If we paint your interior and/or Custom Homes exterior by October 31, 2020 Homeowners Associations we will buy the paint.

Property Managers

Seeking Volunteer Visitors for Virtual Fall Training Volunteer Visitors bring the gifts of companionship and practical support to hospice patients and their families. Volunteers receive 18 hours of training which starts on September 23. Bi-lingual and bi-cultural volunteers especially needed.

"Training like this—makes me love the world more, love people more, love life more."

Rachel, Volunteer Visitor Applications due September 21. Visit hospicesantacruz.org to learn more or call (831) 430-3000 and ask for Forbes Ellis.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Capitola Soquel Scotts Valley Times / September 15th 2020 / 13

IN MEMORIAM

AUGUST 2020

Aptos Real Estate Update

Joyce Marble

Ruth Bates 831.359.2212

ruthbates1@gmail.com CalBRE#01799929

In Aptos and across Santa Cruz County, we continue to have very little inventory, multiple offers, and increasing sales prices.

If you are at all thinking about Selling, NOW IS THE TIME! That said, here are some outdated beliefs to let go of: 1) “If I price it high, they will still come” — If you shoot too high, your home will sit on the market for >14 days, and buyers will assume that it is overpriced with issues. Also, you will have priced out your actual buyer market by listing over what they can afford. Example: if you list at $1,100,000 on a home that should have been listed at $995,000, buyers who scour the internet for up to $1,000,000 won’t even see your property. Whereas, if you price at $995,000 in this market, you will get multiple offers and will end up well above $1,000,000 sales price.

2) “Open houses bring ready buyers” — It is far more important for you to have excellent online presence including quality professional photos of interior and exterior and a 3-D visualization of home and floor plan available online.

Open Houses are ok the first two weeks of the listing, more than that is overkill; truly interested buyers will have their agent set up a showing.

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November 19, 1933 ~ September 5, 2020

oyce Audrey Marble passed away peacefully on Sept. 5, 2020. She was born in San Francisco on Nov. 19, 1933.

She and her husband moved to Aptos in 1982.

Joyce worked as a legal secretary and then as a salesperson for the Aptos Times for several years. Joyce had a deep passion and commitment for Joyce Audrey Marble the Aptos Times and was proud to be a part of its creation.

She loved her clients and they loved her!

Joyce loved music and dancing. She was a vivacious person and always loved socializing with friends and people she met along the way.

She frequently could be seen at the beach walking one of her many little white dogs.

Joyce is survived by her brother John, and her three daughters, Jean, Jaqueline, and Jessica. Her grandchildren include Michael, Richard, Teri, Kyleen, Cheree, Marleisa, Rachel, and Bobbie Jr. She is also survived by 17 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; as well as Leslie, Doug, and Dylan, her niece and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Dick Marble, her mother Eva, father Leon (who immigrated to America from Italy in the early 1900’s), her son Richard Cory, and grandsons, Carl Jr. and Tyler.

She had many friends and acquaintances and will be truly missed.

RIP Joyce. n

Joyce and Dick Marble at their wedding.

••• An Anniversary Photo

3) “I don’t need to improve my home before putting it on the market” — Your agent will suggest to you how to get the most bang-for-your-buck by doing repairs ahead of time. Gone are the days of the “as-is” sale. When you don’t make repairs, the buyer will think that there could be even more work required than there is. Today’s buyers want “movein-ready”. They do not want to make repairs and will quickly move on. The market won’t pay for maintenance, but it will result in better showings and the likelihood of strong offers.

4) “More Repairs?” — Many sellers still balk at the idea that a buyer submit a repair request after inspections. To solve this issue, Sellers should provide a Home and Pest inspection upon Listing. Some buyers may want to additionally do their own inspections, but they won’t be able to ask for any credits or repairs from the inspections you provided up front.

5) “Every buyer who sees my home must want to buy it” — We wish. Some buyers are lookey-loos, some are ‘just starting out’, some are not in agreement as to what they are looking for, some are stretching and cannot qualify, on and on. The purchase process is one of “elimination”.

I know this market and I know this town.

Call, email, text anytime and

Get Results with Ruth!

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Paid Advertising

Joyce, Dick, and their four children: Jean, Jaqueline, Jessica and Richard.

14 / September 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Joyce relaxing with one of her dogs.

CALIFORNIA NEWS

Small Biz Tax Breaks Signed Into Law

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By Jondi Gumz

n Sept. 9, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills to help small businesses struggling to survive because of the COVID-19 pandemic — and one is a tax break for hiring employees.

That could be helpful in Santa Cruz County, which was down 21,700 jobs in mid-July due to the pandemic and more losses may be evident in the Sept. 21 jobs report, which will cover up to Aug. 12, before the CZU lightning fires struck, forcing 77,000 people to evacuate.

The aid comes too late for some.

Some yoga studios and bars, forced to shutter since mid-March due to the pandemic, have closed their doors permanently. Jocelyn Dubin, owner of Nourish in downtown Santa Cruz, closed at the end of June.

So did Poet & Patriot and 99 Bottles in downtown Santa Cruz. Cypress Massage Institute in Santa Cruz hasn’t been able to offer its hands-on classes Others found creative solutions.

Amey Matthews, owner of Yoga

Within, gave up her studio space after 20 years in Aptos Village and is offering classes online.

Five Branches University, a graduate school of traditional Chinese medicine in Santa Cruz, switched to online classes, a

strategy adopted by Agape Dance Academy of Scotts Valley and Aptos, Synergy Dance Fitness Tai Chi in Aptos and Jazzercise in Scotts Valley.

Theater companies halted live performances, then reached out online. Mountain

Community Theatre in Ben Lomond created the Ghost Light Theater digital festival, which can be seen onYouTube.com, Jewel Theatre Co. in Santa Cruz opted for virtual theatre and Cabrillo Stage of Aptos posted weekly videos and discussions of past performers and musicals.

SB1447, by state Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Salinas, provides up to $100 million in tax credits for small businesses that hire employees before Nov. 30. Struggling small businesses will be eligible for up to $1,000 in state income or sales tax credits for each additional employee they hire, with a maximum credit of $100,000.

Businesses are eligible if they experienced a 50 percent decline in gross revenue this year and have 100 or fewer employees.

The other bill, AB1577 by Assemblywoman Autumn Burke, D-Inglewood (Los Angeles County), removes state income taxes on loans businesses received through federal pandemic initiatives, such as the Paycheck Protection Program, that were forgiven. n

Cal Fire Suspends Burn Permits

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s of Sept. 7, all open burning in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties is suspended due to critically dry vegetation, dangerous fire weather and multiple fires in the state including the CZU Lightning Complex.

Camp fires within maintained and organized campgrounds will be allowed and must prevent spread into the wildland.

“This year has brought the largest and most damaging wildfire in recorded history to the San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit caused from lightning,” said Ian Larkin Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit Chief.

“Suspending burn permits is one way to reduce the potential risk for human-caused wildfires in our area while there are still many weeks of fire season ahead of us. The public cannot let their guard down and must continue to use extreme caution with any situation that could spark a fire.”

Since Aug. 15 across California there have been nearly 14,000 lightning strikes, more than 900 fires and 23 major fires.

More than 1.6 million acres have burned and there have been 8 fatalities.

Cal Fire asks homeowners to maintain 100 feet of “Defensible Space” around their home and other buildings on their property and be prepared to evacuate if the time comes.

Agriculture, land management, fire training, and industrial-type burning may proceed if a Cal Fire official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit. n ••• For information on how to create Defensible Space, on how to be prepared for wildfires, and tips to prevent wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org. See Twitter: https://twitter. com/CALFIRECZU

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Capitola Soquel Scotts Valley Times / September 15th 2020 / 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

Ex-Driscoll’s Exec To Serve Two Years in Prison for Embezzlement

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is waiting for you

We’ve RE-OPENED!

n Sept. 10, Marc Marier was sentenced to 29 months in prison and ordered to pay $1.49 million in restitution for wire fraud and money laundering, according to U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson and FBI Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose.

Marier, 42, of Naperville, Illinois, pleaded guilty to the charges on June 10. He is to begin serving his sentence in January.

Driscoll’s, a global berry seller headquartered in Watsonville, hired Marier as director of real estate and workplace services in October 2017 and paid him to relocate from Illinois.

According to the plea agreement and the government’s sentencing memo, a month into his employment, Marier asked about his invoice approval authority and was told he could approve invoices of up to $250,000 due to his director-level status.

Within weeks, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Marier began submitting and approving false invoices from a fake business called TNC US Inc. and routing the payments to a shell J.P. Morgan Chase bank account for TNC that he created and maintained.

TNC had no bona fide assets, no employees, and no business, according to prosecutors, who said Marier used TNC solely to embezzle funds from Driscoll’s, submitting at least 15 false invoices between November 2017 and May 2018 and receiving $1.49 million for services never rendered by TNC. Marier used the money to buy a fivebedroom home in Naperville, Illinois, a GMC Yukon XL, and a $75,000 cashier’s

check to his girlfriend, the investigation found.

Marier resigned the day after he learned Driscoll’s was investigating him, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Driscoll’s referred the case to the FBI. On Feb. 14, 2019, a grand jury indicted Marier, charging him with two counts of wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering. Marier pleaded guilty to one count of each charge.

In February 2019, the government seized the Naperville home, the GMC truck, and $700,000 from bank accounts associated with Marier and TNC. Marier agreed to forfeit these assets and to pay full restitution for all losses suffered by Driscoll’s. He signed a preliminary order of forfeiture that included a personal forfeiture money judgment totaling $1,489,216.25.

Judge Koh ordered Marier to serve a three-year period of supervision upon his release.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marissa Harris, Karen Beausey, and Jeffrey Schenk prosecuted the case with the assistance of Jessica Leung. n

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

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

Driscoll’s Watsonville Headquarters

CALIFORNIA NEWS

Student Loan Relief for 4,000 Californians O n Sept. 15, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, along with 48 states and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced a $330 million settlement with ITT Technical Institute, the now-defunct predatory for-profit college, and PEAK, its holding company.

The settlement, which in California is pending court approval, resolves allegations of an illegal private student loan scheme that directed students toward expensive loans that they struggled to repay. The settlement will automatically discharge PEAKS’ entire student-loan portfolio with loan forgiveness for anyone with an outstanding PEAKS loan. This will provide relief for more than 43,000 borrowers nationwide, including 4,000 Californians.

After carrying out the settlement, PEAKS will be required to shut down.

“As students strive for a college degree, their attention should be on their studies not on being cheated by unscrupulous lenders,” said Becerra. “Using a private lending scheme, ITT Tech saddled students with massive debt, exorbitant interest rates, and a worthless diploma.

Today’s settlement removes the financial handcuffs gripping thousands of California students defrauded by ITT Tech.”

PEAKS was created in 2009 to purchase and manage private student loans offered to students by ITT Tech, which was one of the nation’s largest for-profit colleges before filing for bankruptcy and folding in 2016.

For-profit colleges can receive up to 90 percent of their revenue from federal student aid. The remaining 10 percent must come from some other source, like private student loans. To take advantage of this, ITT Tech priced tuition at 10 percent above the maximum federal student-aid award, leaving thousands of California students in search of private loans to cover the difference. The company would then step in and, through PEAKS, offer students the remaining cost of tuition through private loans.

Neither ITT Tech nor PEAKS made students aware of the true cost of repayment for these loans until after they took out the loan. Interest rates ranged up to 16.25 percent. About 80 percent of loans held by PEAKS are in default, due to the steep cost of the loans and the trouble ITT Tech graduates had in securing jobs paying enough to cover repayment.

PEAKS is required to alert borrowers that their student debt has been forgiven, cancel automatic payments and establish a telephone number to address questions from borrowers. No action is required on behalf of borrowers to receive debt relief.

PEAKS also is required to provide credit reporting agencies information to correct credit scores negatively affected by the illegal lending scheme. n

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

Ruling: Bail Must Consider Ability to Pay

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n Aug. 27, the California Supreme Court issued an order on Aug 27 making a key part of the California First Appellate Court’s groundbreaking bail opinion in In re Humphrey binding on trial courts pending final resolution.

That opinion requires trial courts across the state to take into account an individual’s circumstances and ability to pay in setting bail.

With this new order, trial courts may no longer unquestioningly rely on bail schedules, which, for low-income individuals arrested for felonies, amounts to “a virtual presumption of incarceration,” according to Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

In his letter to the state Supreme Court,

Becerra reiterated that under the principles of due process, pretrial detention should depend on an individual assessment of the need for a person to be detained, rather than on a defendant’s financial resources.

Simply put, people should not be locked up before trial just because they are genuinely unable to afford bail.

“In making bail determinations, trial courts across California must now take into account individual circumstances and the person’s ability to pay,” said Becerra.

“Bottom line: this is a critical step forward for fairness in our bail system. I’m grateful to the California Supreme Court for taking swift action on this request.” n The ruling is at www.courts.ca.gov/ opinions/revpub/A152056.PDF

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Capitola Soquel Scotts Valley Times / September 15th 2020 / 17

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Supporting Fire Recovery

Community Foundation Gives $400,000 to Local Nonprofits

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hen the CZU Lightning Complex wildfires hit the Santa Cruz Mountains, thousands of you responded by giving. While the heartache and hardship persists, our mountain communities are seeing just how much neighbors care for each other and want to support the recovery.

Survivors who lost it all, first responders, disaster volunteers, and frontline nonprofits like Mountain Community Resources, Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and the Volunteer Center — are benefiting from nearly $400,000 in Fire Response Fund Survivors who grants to date. lost it all, first The folresponders, lowing is from disaster a Community volunteers, Foundation press and frontline relief: nonprofits ...

“We perform are benefiting a unique role from nearly in supporting a $400,000 in community-led Fire Response recovery. We're Fund grants helping nonto date. profits access flexible funding that addresses unmet needs. We're advocating for the smartest use of federal resources. And we'll see the San Lorenzo Valley through a rebuilding process that leaves us stronger, more connected, and better prepared.

“In these early days of rebuilding, we are working with our nonprofit partners to directly assess emergent needs of those who have lost their homes and are struggling with displacement. We are coordinating with county leaders to ensure that we maximize public relief resources.

“We anticipate that the short and long term needs will be extensive. 100% of the Fire Response Funds go to our community.

“Together, we will rebuild and heal our beloved community.”

Initial grants have been made to: • Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department for their emergency services.

• Campesino Appreciation Caravan for N95 masks for farmworkers due to poor air quality.

• Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey to support fire victims and evacuees with critical needs and direct emergency financial assistance.

• Davenport Resource Service Center (a program of Community Action Board) to support fire victims and evacuees with critical needs, direct emergency financial assistance, and case management.

• Mountain Community Resources (a program of Community Bridges) to support fire victims and evacuees with critical needs, direct emergency financial assistance, and case management.

• Office of Emergency Services Santa Cruz County for emergency gas cards for evacuees.

• Santa Cruz Education Foundation to support fire victims and evacuees with direct financial assistance.

• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation to care for evacuated animals.

• Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Association for onsite improvements to aid conditions for evacuees.

• Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz Countyto purchase additional healthy shelf stable fruits, vegetables, and food for fire evacuees.

• United Policyholders for their Roadmap to Recovery Program for households impacted by the fires. To work with families in coordination with community partners to navigate the long term recovery.

• Valley Churches Unitedto support fire victims and evacuees with critical needs and direct emergency financial assistance.

• Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz Countyto support coordination of shelter volunteers. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fire Damage: $340 Million; Recovery Begins

By Jondi Gumz

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ith the CZU Lightning Complex fire 95 percent contained, hundreds more families are being allowed to return to their homes in Boulder Creek, Swanton and Bonny Doon to see if their home is standing.

The fire, which started Aug. 16 and burned 86,509 acres, left $340 million in damages, according to a Santa Cruz County estimate.

More than 3,500 Santa Cruz County residents have turned to FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for help.

FEMA spokeswoman BriannaSummer Fenton said 3,584 county residents registered for assistance as of Sept. 8, and 287 have been approved for $500 in “critical needs assistance.”

The blaze destroyed 925 single-family homes, three multi-family residences, 171 commercial buildings, three mixed-use commercial-residential buildings and 388 minor structures, according to Cal Fire. Another 90 homes were damaged, plus 16 commercial buildings and 34 minor structures.

Roads, bridges and water systems

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Smoke from fires around California turned the skies orange in Aptos last week. were damaged or destroyed. On Tuesday, and recreational facilities, at 75 percent of FEMA announced that Santa Cruz County the cost of the project.

Remote Inspection is eligible for federal aid for repairs to roads, bridges, public buildings and utilEMA has 10 to 11 inspectors for this ities, water control facilities, and at parks disaster who are working remotely to

Sexual Assault Exams Now Available Locally

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exual Assault Forensic Examiner examinations have officially returned to Santa Cruz County. These examinations are a vital part of Santa Cruz County’s Sexual Assault Response Team’s process to obtain evidence to investigate sexual assault cases and protect the public.

Exams are provided at no cost to the survivor.

While SAFE exams have been available since 1985, for the past two-anda-half years they took place at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in Santa Clara due to a shortage of nurses trained to provide the examinations in Santa Cruz County.

Since the exams moved to Santa Clara, the Sheriff’s Office has been working with the Health Services Agency, Dominican Hospital, Monarch Services (Santa Cruz County’s rape crisis center) and Valley Medical Center to return exams to the county.

Survivors of sexual assault now have a safe, confidential and local site to obtain this exam without traveling to Santa Clara County.

The SAFE satellite location in Santa

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prevent the contagious COVID-19 coronavirus from spreading.

“It is a new process yet remote inspections are comparable to traditional, in-person inspections and can expedite recovery assistance,” Fenton said, noting inspectors will call from a variety of area codes. “It is very important that the applicant answers and responds to those phone calls.”

The Santa Cruz County Emergency Operations Center has closed shelters at Cabrillo College gym in Aptos and the Seventh-Day Adventist Conference Grounds in Soquel but the shelter at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville remains open.

At the peak, nearly 2,500 people were in shelters due to the fire.

The focus is now on recovery.

A Recovery Center is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St., Santa Cruz, to help people connect with needed resoures.

“Recovery” page 29

Cruz County will have trained medical professionals on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Exams will be performed by nurses who work at the Valley Medical Center SAFE Program and live in Santa Cruz.

Survivors of sexual assault seeking SAFE examinations may choose between two types of examinations: an investigative or non-investigative exam. If a survivor chooses an investigative examination, law enforcement will conduct a criminal investigation and will be provided with evidence collected during the exam.

In a non-investigative exam, evidence is collected, but law enforcement will not start a criminal investigation until the survivor requests it. The evidence obtained during a non-investigative exam is confidential and will be preserved and stored indefinitely.

Every survivor seeking a SAFE exam is entitled to a Monarch Services advocate.

If you or someone you know requires a SAFE exam, call 911 or Monarch Services’ 24-hour confidential, bilingual crisis line at 1-(888)-900-4232. n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

‘Our Community Reads’ Kicks Off Fourth Year

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By Denise Ward

n Sept. 10, virtual ballots were cast by more than 40 participants as they voted for their favorite book for the 2021 Our Community Reads season.

The four books under consideration were: Hidden Figures, by Margot Lee Shetterly; Unfamiliar Fishes, by Sarah Vowel; The Library Book, by Susan Orlean, and the chosen book, the only novel in the group, The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai.

All are fantastic and we encourage everyone to read them all!

The idea behind “OCR” is to foster community by having as many people at one time reading the

“Sierra Club Questions” from page 10 Now it’s $180 million with a $50 million grant. It may be a good concept but it’s not sustainable to the ratepayers.

Fixing leaks.

Tom Lahue: A balanced approach so 50 years from now, we still have a usable sustainable groundwater supply. We worked hard to come up with a project with lots of community input, PureWater Soquel, that will protect the groundwater basin. We’ve done our homework.

And make it happen while minimizing the effect on customers. We worked to get funding from state water board and EPA. Water transfers and stormwater management.

Maria Marsilio: Saltwater intrusion.

We’re pumping too much water. We have to reduce pumping.

Fixing leaks, percolation ponds, water transfer.

We need solutions that are sustainable to the organization and ratepayers. Rates have gone up, and they will go up more.

That’s difficult for people.

What are the greatest challenges regarding water issues?

Bruce Daniels: Climate change -evaporation is up 30%. Our plan looks at climate change for the next 20 years.

PureWater is sustainable. All the things with surface water have been shown by the city (of Santa Cruz) they don’t work.

Percolation ponds can’t be utilized when you’re using treated water.

You have to prove sustainability (to state regulators). If it’s not sustainable they will ration the water and charge us for that.

Corrie Kates: Surface water and getting clean water.

Work with other cities. PureWater can work, and joint venture the project (to lower the cost for ratepayers). The district found a way to finance the

same book. The Friends of the Aptos Library host a series of events free and open to the public to offer our residents the opportunity to gather and share ideas around related themes from the book.

This season, with our current social distancing rules in place, we will be restricted on how to offer absorbing and creative ways to engage the public. We believe we can meet the challenge!

The Friends of the Capitola Library, as well as the La Selva Beach Friends will join the Aptos Friends in sponsoring events. Currently we plan to hold them during the month of February 2021. We look forward to meeting members of our community through this interactive and exciting program.

project but it’s but not sustainable for ratepayers.

Tom Lahue: It’s pretty clear seawater intrusion is the most important issue. It’s a critically overdrafted basin.

We have been working with our neighbors, city of Santa Cruz and Central Water District, before the groundwater management act came into being.

We cannot count on surface water.

It’s not like I want to do a big project, but after years of study that’s what we came up with.

I think it takes a long time to really understand these issues.

We don’t want it to be any more expensive than it needs to be.

Maria Marsilio: The water supply.

Climate change is definitely an issue.

Pharmaceuticals in drinking water – they’re not measured and it’s not known what these things will do to our environment and our children.

Population growth.

With new construction, we could have permeable pavement and require ondemand water heaters.

Community concern is escalating over the cost of PureWaterSoquel.

Do you support it? Explain.

Bruce Daniels: The cost is north of $100 million. I agree that’s not cheap, but it’s more expensive to not have any water at all.

As soon as saltwater reaches the beach, that saltwater will be in that monitoring well.

Tom and I both went to Washington D.C. twice looking for money. We got a $50

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

Check out our website http://www. friendsofaptoslibrary.org or email friendsoftheaptoslibrary@fscpl.org to learn more.

To support Our Community Reads, donate at: https://fscpl.org/ocr n ••• Members of the Aptos Chapter of the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Library are: Jim Bourne, Bobbie Edgin, Pat Emard, Kris Franceschi, Melanie Freitas, Gale Farthing, Barbara Gaebe, Ofelia García, Teri Handzel, Coni Hendry, Sandy Laue, Diana Mejia, Eileen Miller, Ginny Morris, Lynn McNussen, Debby Peronto, Jodi Pratt, Susan Schenck, Denise Ward, and Tricia Wynne.

million grant from state and a low-cost loan from the feds.

If we don’t fix this, there will not be any water.

Corrie Kates: It was estimated at $50 million, now it’s $89 million. The loan, it’s not enough. Costs have nearly doubled, let’s put it on hold and revisit the joint venture component.

Yes, Orange County does it successfully -- their cost is spread amongst more ratepayers.

Look at the budget, look at land purchases. Are they necessary when we need funds to fund this project? Budget within your means.

Tom Lahue: What are the alternatives? In the UC Santa Cruz analysis, if you spent $100 million, it would be worth 9 times that in jobs and a moratorium on business.

When rates are analyzed, you still have many fixed costs. People use less water and pay more for it.

It’s not economically sound to not have a project.

PureWaterSoquel would include reverse osmosis, removing pharmaceuticals.

We’ve been working on leaks. In the fall, people will know when leaks occur, by using a phone app.

Maria Marsilio: Quite a few ratepayers are very upset rates have gone up. They can’t handle much more. Some on fixed incomes are even talking about moving out.

PureWaterSoquel might have value for irrigation.

We have to look at what can we afford.

Why not a small project that would be less expensive?

What other water supply projects would you support and why?

Bruce Daniels: The city of Santa Cruz studied water supply alternatives and came up with desalination (a $125 million project was tabled in 2013 after voters insisted on a ballot vote), water transfer, and PureWater. They’re looking at advanced-treated recycled water, it’s possible they could use our system.

Half a billion gallons, that’s required to get the basin back into sustainability.

It’s drought-proof, it’s climate-proof.

It’s the best thing we have found. We have looked at everything.

Rainwater, 67 percent evaporates. If there’s no rain, percolation ponds don’t do much. You can’t use recycled water in percolation ponds --that could pollute the groundwater.

Corrie Kates: Recycled water programs, working with other cities and agencies from Santa Cruz to Scotts Valley.

Percolation ponds, there’s land on Granite Creek.

The county has turned off water at parks because they can’t afford to irrigate.

Tom Lahue: In my experience, it is not just one thing, it’s all of the above.

Water transfer, we’ve done the testing to see if it’s safe.

Conservation, we’re doing that, everyone agrees that alone won’t do it.

Stormwater recharge, we’ve identified one site, and we’re working with county, it’s a small quantity of water.

We have to use all of these solutions.

Maria Marsilio: We don’t get as much rain as other places, but Bermuda relies on rainwater, and they get it off roofs. We should use some of that.

Fixing leaks in the infrastructure.

Requiring on-demand water heaters for new construction and remodels Recharging the aquifer, there’s a site on Brommer Street. n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Pictures from the Past: 1899 Fire

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By Carolyn Swift

his picture of the 100,000-gallon Mar Vista Winery appeared in the August 1900 Wide World Magazine and is part of a larger story about the devastating 1899 fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

At this point in the story, a fierce wind shot huge flames in the air and the winery appeared doomed.

Emil Meyer, one of the owners, was on the winery roof when he saw the gasoline house was smoking. It was a deadly situation that required instant action.

An attempt to unlock the gas house failed, so Meyer swung down and singlehandedly broke the connection. As the fire then spread to other out-buildings, Meyer attached a hose to the big wine vats and shouted to “man the pumps.”

The wine-maker knew that wine exposed to heat would produce carbonic acid, which could smother the fire.

The workers tapped 4,000 gallons to save the winery and continued to fight the blaze.

When Meyer was finally able to return home, he fainted and fell across the threshold with his clothes burnt from his body.

Wide World Magazine published an overall fire story by Professor C.F. Holder and a later issue included a more personal article written by the winery’s neighbor, Josephine Clifford McCrackin.

She was later a writer for the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

The Meyers had been fighting the previous night to save the McCrackin home but were unable to save it.

She and her husband escaped to the home of Ambrose Bierce.

The Meyers, McCrackin, and other families in the mountain region near Wright’s Station became founders and members of the

Sempervirens Club that fought to preserve what is now Big Basin Redwoods State Park. n ••• Carolyn Swift was director of the Capitola Museum for 20 years until her retirement in

2013. She spent time as a reporter with the Register-Pajaronian and is co-author with local historian Sandy Lydon of “From Soquel Landing to Capitola-By-the-Sea.” Follow her at www.facebook.com/carolyn.swift.69

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Capitola Soquel Scotts Valley Times / September 15th 2020 / 21

BUSINESS PROFILE

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Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden

By Edita McQuary

Watsonville Business Celebrating 30 Years

ardening is cheaper than therapy, and you get tomatoes, according to the popular author, Anonymous.

“People are spending more time at home and focusing on their yards and gardens to a greater degree,” said Jeff Rosendale, co-owner of Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden in Watsonville. “Edibles are more popular than ever with beneficial bird, bee, and habitat plants.”

Forty years ago Jeff and Lisa Rosendale, horticultural degree graduates from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, were experienced gardeners working and managing nurseries for others and themselves.

“We met in college and have been working together ever since,” Jeff said.

“Our two adult daughters, Erika and Alexa, work with us too.”

Lisa knew the East Lake Avenue property that became home to Sierra Azul because the prior owner was a nursery customer of her plant propagation business.

The rest is history.

Plans to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the family business this year with many workshops and events are being postponed until next year due to the pandemic.

Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden is known for their diverse and unusual plants for our local Mediterranean climate. They offer drought-resistant plants, design and consultation services, a beautiful sculpture garden, and a gift shop.

The amazing and unusual sculpture

One of the striking sculptures which fit into the environment at Sierra Azul.

The Rosendales, owners of Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden (from left): Erika, Lisa, Jeff, Alexa and boyfriend Steve. garden began as a joint venture with the Pajaro Valley Arts Council 14 years ago.

“We were ready for art in our big maturing garden so the timing was perfect,” Jeff recalled.

This year’s outdoor sculpture exhibit happened in July during COVID-19 restrictions on indoor businesses and events, giving people something safe and enjoyable to do.

“They like it as much or more than ever,” Jeff said.

An active partner in the community, they have sponsored many local organizations such as Mount Madonna School, Pajaro Valley Arts, UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, to name a few.

As you walk around the spectacular gardens, you are likely to be greeted by Dija, the family dog. She is a happy, cute 8-year old mini pinscher-Chihuahua-mix who adopted the family seven years ago.

Sierra Azul’s parking lot sale is ongoing and re-stocked weekly. Other special sales happen inside the garden on a regular basis and are posted on their website and newsletter.

The Rosendale family is pleased to

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invite the public to visit their nursery observing the current Santa Cruz County health regulations, that is, wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing.

Said Jeff: “Our motto is: ‘Plants for life.’” n

Sierra Azul Nursery offers a variety of colorful plants.

••• Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 2660 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. 831-728-2532. www.Sierra Azul.com.

Photos courtesy of Sierra Azul

SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

How to Save Lives From Suicide

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By Faris Sabbah

his year has been exceptionally difficult for so many families, and it’s more important to take good care of ourselves and each other, especially our mental and emotional health. In recognition of the unprecedented and monumental challenges our community continue to face this year due to the pandemic and CZU fire, we would like to take a moment to share some resources about suicide prevention.

In July, the California Department of Education, with the San Diego County Office of Education, launched a free online suicide prevention training program called LivingWorks Start which is available to middle and high school staff and students. The evidence-based program is aligned with the state’s Model Youth Suicide Prevention Policy to address the needs of high-risk populations.

On Sept. 15, the training program was introduced to middle and high school students during the LivingWorks Summit, an online event focused on mental health, peer support and suicide prevention. Thanks to $1.7 million in funding in AB 1808, it’s available to the general public at https://www.lwyouthsummit.com/ Actress Lexi Underwood from the popular Hulu series “Little Fires Everywhere,” international slam dunk champion Kenny Dobbs, MTV Push new artist nominee Tate McRae, two-time America’s Got Talent winner and cardistry artist Shin Lim, and YouTube

vlogger Lavendaire are among the high-profile personalities who deliver this message: Together, we can save lives from suicide.

Emma Benoit, who attempted suicide at 17 after hiding her depression and anxiety, shares her story to help others see the beauty of being alive.

For more resources on suicide prevention, see the following links for helpful information that recognizes the importance of reducing stigma, becoming more comfortable speaking about and supporting people struggling with suicidal ideation, and encouraging everyone to reach out and ask for help if they are facing this challenge, as well as, of course, crisis phone numbers and text options. n ••• National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/ suicide-prevention-awareness-month National Suicide Prevention Lifeline suicidepreventionlifeline.org/promote-national -suicide-prevention-month/ Family Service Agency of Santa Cruz County Suicide Prevention Service fsa-cc.org/suicide-prevention-service/ Additional community resources for behavioral health, including disaster-specific support, can be found on our webpage at www.santacruzcoe.org/wildfires

If You are in Crisis, Call 877-663-5433

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By Jondi Gumz

or 50 years, Family Services Agency of Santa Cruz County has been working to prevent suicide.

The agency’s Suicide Prevention Service has a 24/7 toll-free crisis line at 877-663-5433 (ONE LIFE).

Two years ago, the local service joined the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which has answers calls around the clock at 800-273-8255.

“We typically reach 5,000 people in the county each year through inperson and presentation and trainings,” said Carly Memoli, Suicide Prevention Service program director. “Now most of those are online.”

The agency offers ASIST, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. A 2013 study of 1,500 calls found callers were significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by the end of calls handled by ASIST-trained counselors.

More than 300 school faculty and staff and 150 mental health workers have been trained. So have bartenders and

cannabis dispensary staffers, firefighters, nurses and caregivers.

“We think suicide prevention is everybody’s business,” Memoli said.

“We’re equipping as many people in the community as possible.”

She said people thinking of ending their lives “just want the pain to end.”

With training, she said, people can look for warning signs of suicide and learn how to have a conversation about it.

It’s important that training be ageappropriate, and language and culturally relevant –-not one size fits all, she added.

Since March, when the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order began restricting daily life, calls to the local crisis line

have gone up 30 percent, Memoli said, attributing this to isolation, job loss and feelings of unrest.

Many people call because they need resources, she added.

Fewer Suicides Dr. Stephany Fiore, Santa Cruz County’s forensic pathologist, reports 29 suicides in January through July 2019 and 20 in January through July 2020, none of them teens.

Fiore said there were cases among older people in their 80s and 90s, four this year, compared to none last year.

Two of the three 90-year-olds were husband and wife, she said, and they ended their lives months apart. n

Emma Benoit

‘The S Word’ to be Shown Sept. 29

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nterim, Inc. with Monterey County Behavioral Health and Each Mind Matters will present a documentary, “The S Word,” about suicide, at 5 p.m. Sept.

29 via Zoom. A moderated panel discussion will follow.

To register, go to montereycty. z o o m . u s / w e b i n a r / re g i s t e r / W N _ H j i R -5ZTTr-Ngg1zHsryGQ “The S Word” focuses on one suicide attempt survivor’s mission to find fellow survivors and document their stories of courage, insight and humor. She discovers a national community rising to transform personal struggles into action.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in our country, but the topic has long been stigmatized and buried with the lives it has claimed. Help can begin with one conversation.

“There is no more highly charged personal issue for me, and for that reason I am driven to document it and open a much needed conversation,” said Lisa Klein, who directed the film.

“It is time for us to boldly talk about suicide because no family should have to experience that which radiates outward for generations to come.” n

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS Virtual Open House for New Aptos Branch Library Event Moved to Oct. 5 rchitect Mark Schoeman of Anderson Brule will host a virtual open house 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, for the new Aptos Branch Library.

You can join in for as long (or little) as you like.

The discussions will focus on site and architecture and interior layout. There will be different discussion groups with hosts facilitating, and respectful behavior is expected.

Library branch director Heather Pereira said the design includes outdoor patios. She said she would especially like to hear from teens.

The builder will be Bogard Construction of Santa Cruz.

Pereira said she was pleased with the design-build process being used, describing it as collaborative with “many opportunities to get feedback.”

Tentative start date is spring/summer 2021, subject to change, depending on COVID-19 restrictions. ~~~ To attend the virtual open house, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/newAptosbranchlibrary and fill out the survey.

Join Zoom Meeting here: https://zoom.us/j /97914477529?pwd=OHB6MElOYWxGRy9v QysyYStPaWtrUT09 Meeting ID: 979 1447 7529 Passcode: 133771 Or Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) ••• Pancake Breakfast To Go arket Street Senior Center, known as “Home of the Santa Cruz Follies,” will be serve up Pancake Breakfast 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 27.

Order at the door at 222 Market Street, Santa Cruz. The take-away breakfast consists of pancakes, sausages and scrambled eggs.

The price is $6 per adult, $4 per child under 10. Questions, call 831-423-6640.

••• Friends Fire Fund To Help Parks, Staff n response to the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and through its position as co-management partners with State Parks, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks has established the “Friends Fire Fund.”

The fund will initially provide direct, short-term assistance to State Parks and Friends staff most affected by the fire, followed by investments to be made in long-term recovery work for parks that have been damaged. This includes Big Basin Redwoods State

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Park, the Rancho del Oso Unit and Butano State Park.

To give, go to the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks website: https://bit.ly/ friendsfirefund.

••• Disaster Helpline Available 24/7 atural disasters such as wildfires can be overwhelming and can seriously affect emotional health. The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, can provide immediate counseling to anyone who is seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by natural disasters.

The Helpline is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week and free resource that responds to people who need crisis counseling and support in dealing with the traumatic effects of a natural or humancaused disaster. The Helpline is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“People who have been through a traumatic event can experience anxiety, worry or insomnia,” said Dr. Elinore F. McCanceKatz, MD, PhD, who is the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the head of SAMHSA. “People seeking emotional help in the aftermath of a disaster can call 1-800-985-5990 or can text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746 – and can begin the process of recovery.”

The Helpline connects callers to trained and caring professionals from the closest crisis counseling centers in the nationwide network of centers.

The Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals and other support services. Information: https://disasterdistress. samhsa.gov/.

••• Live Your Dream Award Applications Due Nov. 15 oroptimist International of Capitola-bythe-Sea is accepting applications for its Live Your Dream Awards with a deadline of Nov. 15.

Women who are enrolled in or have been accepted into a BA/BS or technical training program, are the heads of their households and have a demonstrated need are eligible to apply.

Applications are at www.best4women.org.

Winners receive cash awards that can be used for any purpose that will enable them to continue their education such as rent, car repairs, books and medical expenses.

“Our Live Your Dream awards are designed to be essential support for Santa Cruz County women while they complete their education,” said Laura Knapp, Capitola Soroptimist president. “With these cash awards, our winners can provide

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some daily necessities while they are studying and working to take care of their families.”

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea is a global volunteer organization that improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. For information go toI Facebook www.facebook.com/sicapitola or email at info@best4women.org.

••• National Forests Closed Due to Fire n Sept. 9, the U.S. Forest Service announced the temporary closure of all national forests in California due to unprecedented and historic fire conditions.

These properties are closed to the public, effective immediately, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is urging hunters to keep their distance.

“We know that hunting opportunities will be impacted throughout the state, but no hunting opportunity is worth a human life,” said Chief David Bess, Deputy Director and CDFW Law Enforcement Division Chief.

CDFW will continue to monitor and close areas as needed. National forests and evacuation zones will remain closed until authorities allow them to re-open.

For information see wildlife.ca.gov.

••• Safeway Supports Second Harvest Food Bank in September afeway has chosen Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County to receive donations from its Nourishing Neighbors campaign to ensure every child has access to a healthy breakfast. All donations made at Safeway stores in Santa Cruz County in September will provide healthy and nutritious breakfast foods to local families in need.

“This gift will have a tremendous impact on our program,” said Suzanne Willis, Second Harvest’s development and marketing officer. “Now more than ever, fighting hunger is an imperative in our community.”

Nourishing Neighbors, a charitable program of the Safeway Foundation, is working to eradicate childhood hunger in America. One in seven children in America don’t know where their next meal will come from.

“Breakfast is an essential school supply for kids to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Brad Street, president of the Safeway Northern California Division.

“It’s an honor to support the work of Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County.”

To support Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, donate to Nourishing

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Neighbors at checkout, through Sept. 30 at any Santa Cruz County Safeway.

••• Scarecrow Decorating Contest he Aptos Chamber of Commerce is encouraging the community to participate in their scarecrow decorating contest Oct. 1-Nov. 2 to enhance the feeling of community during the Harvest Season.

Registration is open now at www. aptoschamber.com/harvestfestival.

Your entry must be ready by Oct. 23; voting will open Oct. 26.

The cost is: Businesses, $20 minimum donation or $10 with donation to raffle; $10 Minimum for Chamber members and $5 with raffle donation.

For residents, who have a chance for raffle prizes, it’s a $10 minimum donation.

The form to enter is at https://docs.google. com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfz9pDrt8N7woceIb7 NqEv5b-XnEP1HLO1qQhjTpwneZQGP-A/ viewform.

••• Resiliency Discussion is Sept. 23 he Santa Cruz Public Libraries presents the next in its monthly discussion series to help build resiliency within our community at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23 via Zoom.

Register to participate: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/7025394.

Join local academic researchers for a discussion on “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Community Resilience.”

Let’s consider how we can come out of this pandemic crisis stronger than before.

People are welcome to come with questions and ideas to help build a more resilient community. Moderator is longtime UC Santa Cruz lecturer Mike Rotkin. Panelists include: • Professor of History Dr. Robert Strayer • Professor of Psychology Dr. Regina Longhout • Medical Anthropologist Dr. Nancy Chen • Professor of Politics Dr. Matt Sparke Find earlier programs in the series here: If you enjoy this topic, you may also appreciate the series Shelter in Faith.

••• Penny Ice Creamery Ribbon Cutting he Aptos Chamber of Commerce plans a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Penny Ice Creamery at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 25 141 at Aptos Village Way Suite 2, Aptos Masks and physical distancing will be required.

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“Briefs” page 26

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Which Business Formation Is Best?

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ou may be considering starting your own business, or you may have already started a business and have been operating for a number of years.

Either way, how you have formed your business can either help you, or hurt you.

The basic business formations are as a sole proprietorship, a general partnership, a corporation (C-corp) or as a nonprofit (501c3). There are also limited liability companies (LLCs) and S-Corps, all with varying degrees of advantages and disadvantages.

Sole proprietorship offers the advantages of 1-person control, decision-making and responsibility. This one person makes all the decisions on behalf of the company of employees, and also gets to keep all the profits – one of the biggest advantages.

Your tax situation is relatively easy as a sole proprietor, as there is much less costs and paperwork for its formation as well as for tax filings.

Some of the disadvantages are that you are solely responsible for all the strategy, day to day managing, and also access to any financing that may be needed for the company to continue operating or growing.

Another major disadvantage is that you have unlimited liability — there is no separation between you and your personal assets (home, car, personal bank account etc.,). So, if you and your business are sued as a sole proprietor, then you may risk losing your car, home and all your savings.

A general partnership offers the advantages of shared control, shared decision-making and responsibility.

By Ron Kustek

Formed when two or more people combine their investment in the business as well as their skills, long-term as well as day-to-day decisions are shared among the partners, as well as the profits.

This shared management and responsibility can bring together people with varying skill sets in order for the partnership to succeed and grow, vs. expecting a single person/sole proprietor to have all the skills required for maximum possibilities. Some of the disadvantages are that you hopefully get along with each partner, now and in the future, as shared decision-making and management doesn’t always go smoothly.

In California, you need to file your partnership agreement with the Secretary of State’s office, outlining as many “what if” scenarios as possible, from when one partner chooses to sell, or dies, or other major changes in the structure of the business, and this does have some minor costs associated with the filing. Also, there is the risk of liability, because if one of the partners does something illegal, then the entire partnership is responsible and liable for the infraction.

A corporation offers many more advantages than either a sole proprietorship or a general partnership. A corporation can have either a number of officers of the corporation — or — a single person as the only officer of a company formed as the corporation.

Corporations big or small often have greater access to capital for financing, as there is a

higher level of expertise required in forming a corporation, thus many financial institutions have more faith in the education and business management of the people running the corporation.

You can choose who has which level of decision making, which level of authority, who is responsible for what aspect of the

business, which are all part of your Articles of Incorporation, which are required to be filed with the State of California upon incorporating.

Additionally, there are other filings required to be a corporation, as you can also determine the number of shares of stock for the corporation, based on how you choose which officers to have which percentage of ownership in the corporation.

“Formation” page 27

Movie Titles

ACROSS

1. All thumbs 6. *Do this to Shorty 9. Practice in the ring 13. Popular aquarium dweller 14. Fertility clinic stock 15. Dreamy 16. Brightest star in Cygnus 17. Romanian money 18. Athlete’s stage 19. *Ferris Bueller’s time away 21. *He always rings twice 23. G in music 24. Dissenting clique 25. Billy’s Harry to ____’s Sally 28. “Brave New World” drug

30. Lung pouch 35. Crematorium containers 37. X-ray units 39. Humpy ungulate 40. One of oldest cities in China or Welsh girl’s name 41. Torcher’s misdeed 43. “____ a soul” 44. Sudden occurrence of disease 46. Crimson rival 47. Power system 48. “Rock the ____” by The Clash 50. Deal with it 52. Happy Gilmore’s peg 53. Bird’s groomer 55. Tap choice 57. *Dr. Strangelove learned to love it, two words 61. *No country for these guys, two words

64. *One green one in John Wayne flick 65. “Eureka!”

67. Erasable programmable read only memory 69. Woven wall hanging 70. Soldier’s bed 71. “All the world’s a ____” 72. R in RIP 73. It is 74. Boxer turned actor

DOWN

1. It would 2. Pauper’s permanent state 3. Europe’s highest volcano 4. Hunts for food 5. No-noes 6. The Masters’ game 7. *It’s all about her 8. Greyish brown

9. Database command 10. Lord Byron’s composition 11. *King of Siam’s governess 12. *Private that had to be saved 15. a.k.a. tears of Chios 20. Fauna’s partner 22. Mozart’s “L’____ del Cairo” 24. Eponymous comic strip character 25. *The hills are alive with the sound of it 26. “Fear of Flying” author Jong 27. Annoying tiny biters 29. *There’s something about her 31. Telephoned 32. Bright 33. Eagle’s nest 34. *Bonnie’s partner

36. Give the cold shoulder 38. Musician’s time to shine 42. Kathmandu country 45. Wooden shoes 49. Skirt’s edge 51. First among siblings 54. Olden day calculators 56. Like worthless promise 57. Tow rope alternative 58. At this point 59. Does something wrong 60. “Don’t ____ around the bush” 61. Mares’ meal 62. “-zoic” periods 63. Not happening 66. *Some like it this way 68. *There were three, plus a baby © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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New Moon, Days of Awe & Peace as Autumn Begins

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Esoteric Astrology • Sept. 16 – 22, 2020 • By Risa D’Angeles

e have multiple festivals this week.

All festivals, from ancient religions to our spiritual practices today, are astrologically based.

The heavens — Sun, Moon, stars and planets — are God’s story to humanity.

They are also humanity’s timetable and our Pathway back to heaven. Humanity’s festivals, based on the stars, are rituals that keep humanity connected to the earth and to heaven.

Humanity has a natural longing for the Divine, especially when the world is in disharmony. The Soul, part of humanity’s make-up, is what bridges the eternal with day-to-day livingness. The Soul loves ritual. Rituals call in the Soul of the people and their Divinity. All cultures, all religions have rituals.

As we study multiple ideologies and religious rituals, we touch into ancient beliefs, imagination, alchemy and creativity.

These are what redeem us (lifting matter, the Mother, our form, to the Light).

So this week’s festivals are: the Virgo new moon on Thursday wherein we support the endeavors of the New Group of World Servers. Friday night is the first night of Rosh Hashanah, Hebrew Festival of Creation (the New Year), which begins the Ten Days of Awe. Monday is the International Day of Peace. And Tuesday is the first day of Autumn, as the Sun enters Libra, sign of creating Goodwill with all our relationships.

Happy Virgo new moon everyone, as we celebrate the Days of Awe and choosing peace as Autumn 2020 begins. It will be quite a fall season this year; one for the history books and one we will never forget!

••• As I write each day on Facebook and my webpage, I will be writing about each of these festivals. See my Facebook page and Daily Studies on my website: www.nightlightnews.org. Contact me at risagoodwill@gmail.com

ARIES With Mars retrograde, all Aries may feel they are being tested. And you are. Do you also feel divided between four pathways, standing in the middle wondering which direction to pursue next? There are several past issues that need tending and closure before you will know how to proceed. They are being presented to you every day, so observe, assess, ponder, pray and have the intention to carefully and kindly complete all things unfinished. Then the next page turns.

LEO It’s possible that thoughts and feelings from previous relationships are being remembered. It’s possible there could be anger about the childhood experiences, all of which influence your adult behavior in relationships. It’s good to ask what you learned in each relationship. And to ask, “Did I love, offer and give enough?” There’s still time. Everyone is learning from everyone else, all the time. Your self-identity during these times of change.

SAGITTARIUS It’s time for something new in terms of relationships. Is it also time to travel somewhere you’ve been before to assess life with new eyes. Do be aware of how much work you’ve done; how hard you’ve labored and where you are today. In the next eighteen months, your usual ways of thinking and interpreting will change. Your creativity will change, too. Some of this is already occurring. Is it topsy-turvy in our world with life tumbling about?

Stay poised.

TAURUS Maintain your deep study and research into the possible future even though pressures and people may be hindrances to moving forward. The new realities must be brought forth and each sign has the responsibility for a facet of that diamond. Taurus has the illumination needed for others to understand the plans and purposes of the new era. You have land to buy, a community to build, a greenhouse to construct, a garden to plant and multiple things to teach so that many will learn, understand and be saved.

VIRGO Tend to finances; ask for assistance if puzzled, embrace the future by investing in supplies to sustain you and others for at least six months. Plan on others joining you. When self-critical beliefs occur, heartache and anxiety are the result. It’s important to know the difference between good and evil, light and dark (covered with a false light). It’s best to always use words of praise and gratitude.

Then magic happens.

CAPRICORN You asked for a playful column. I see why. Pluto and Saturn in your first house of self-identity.

Everything about your life is deep and profound and you need someone else to be funny for a change. Humor frees you from the dark Plutonian depths. Let’s not talk about money. You have enough. You aspire and actually have the ability to transform all environments into places of beauty Your life is a prayer that turns your abode into a shrine.

GEMINI You experience confusion when not standing directly in the light. You must begin to observe and understand both sides of all issues in order to create a triangle of synthesis, with you standing at the apex. There are two paths to choose from: one dark, one light. You must discern first the false light, then the true light.

Then revelations and Right Choice can occur. Ponder upon these words. Draw and visualize the five-pointed star, a triangle and the Cross. Stand at the center of each. Do this over and over.

CANCER A fusion and synthesis are occurring between what you were taught and what you now know and seek. Money is a concern.

Know adequate resources will always be available. With others, be kind and never critical. Listen deeply, respond with compassion, never impatience. The homeopath Aconite neutralizes impatience (an excess of electrical energy). At times, you may feel like a rainstorm.

LIBRA Something profound, transformative and new has been occurring, affecting the foundations of your life. Through autumn you’ll know more. Good things are coming about in your professional life. Is family visiting, changing or are you missing kinfolk? Are you thinking about religions or spirituality? Tend with care and kindness to all relationships. Your group sustains, nourishes and fortifies you. But someone’s left out. Turn feelings of loss into the magic of gratitude.

SCORPIO It may feel that you need to structure your surroundings so that nothing is left to chance. Also, you want to nurture and build an evergrowing participation in a social sphere.

Groups of like-minded people need you and you need them for sustenance. You wonder what to do with your money as you are offered two choices.

One grows in value, one dims. How do you decide which to choose? Which is more sustainable? Think precious metals.

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AQUARIUS New and old realities tumble about in your life. You seem always on the precipice of change.

Perhaps you grew up with too little or more than enough money. Either reality offered you a certain lens concerning money. And here we are today, the monetary world collapsing. Don’t be fearful. From the ashes emerge great opportunities. Ponder upon priorities considering the world situation. What must (can) you do now? You’ll come to true answers. A community of artists perhaps?

PISCES Things feel (and are) very complex. In our states of solitude all desires and expectations are surfacing, informing us of what our values really are. Disappointments, sadness and unrealized hopes, leading to despair, can actually make us ill. It’s important to be aware of this. Instead, lift up from the emotions by studying astrology, homeopathy, the tarot, numerology, gematria. Begin to connect the different disciplines. See a holistic doctor who does astrology with homeopathy.

Deep, deeper to deepest layers will be uncovered, in safety. This is the new psychology.

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / September 15th 2020 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Briefs” from page 24 Santa Cruz County Jail Officer Arrested anta Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Officer Jessica Smith, 31, was arrested at 6 p.m. Sept. 4 and booked into the Main Jail on charges including sexual activity with an inmate, assault by a public officer and unauthorized computer access.

An investigation began in July when detectives received information that Smith was having an inappropriate relationship with an incarcerated person serving a sentence through “supervised release,” part of the Custody Alternative Program.

Smith, who has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since 2015, is now on administrative leave pending the completion of an administrative investigation.

••• Town Hall on Fire Merger is Sept. 30 ounty supervisors John Leopold and Zach Friend will host a Town Hall meeting via Zoom at 6 p.m. Sept.

30 to discuss the proposed consolidation between Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District and Central Fire Protection District.

Leopold and Friend will give a brief history of the consolidation process from the county perspective. Discussion will progress with constituents and other members of the public regarding the advantages of consolidation, as well as the Oct. 7 Local Agency Formation Commission meeting.

To join the webinar visit https:// zoom.us/j/99826812823 Or Telephone: US: +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 Webinar ID: 998 2681 2823 ZOOM attendance may be limited, but the meeting will also stream live on Supervisor Leopold’s Facebook page at: www. facebook.com/supervisorjohnleopold/ The LAFCO agenda will be posted at: https://www.santacruzlafco.org/ ••• Watsonville Family YMCA Reopens MCA of the Central Coast’s Watsonville Family YMCA at 27 Sudden St., Watsonville, reopened Sept. 9, welcoming all Y members and following updated guidelines of the federal Centers for Disease Control, state and local health agencies.

The Watsonville YMCA is allowed to open with indoor modifications and a limited capacity. The Watsonville Y will allow all Central Coast YMCA members to use the facility while their branch is closed.

To ensure the health and safety of the Y community, all members and program participants are asked to follow the posted policies.

For information, call the Watsonville Family YMCA at (831) 728-9622 or go to www.centralcoastymca.org. n

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Reasons to Take Your Child to the Doctor — Even During COVID

Being up-to-date with Immunizations is Crucial For Your Child

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By Dr. Dianna Diallo, M.D.

mmunizations remain a vital component of pediatric health care, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immune systems are still developing in children and infants, and vaccinations produce antibodies that allow the immune system to build up the ability to fight a particular disease.

Despite the current need to maintain social distancing, vaccinepreventable diseases such as chickenpox and measles continue Dr. Dianna Diallo to circulate, so vaccines provide the protection children need if exposed.

Unfortunately, childhood immunization rates plummeted 40% following the stay-at-home order. This drop in vaccinations has put children at risk for preventable diseases. This issue is even more serious for children in vulnerable populations.

For example, as of August in Santa Cruz County, just over half of 2-year-olds on Medi-Cal are up-to-date with shots; the stats for 13-year-olds are only slightly better at 56%. While these numbers are higher than the Medicaid national average – 35% for both age groups –that means nearly one out of every two kids is not protected!

And don’t forget that flu season is right around the corner! A yearly flu shot is recommended for anyone 6 months or older. Why? A vaccine made against 2019 flu viruses may not protect against the viruses circulating in 2020. Also, immunity to the flu declines over time and may be too low to provide protection beyond one year.

The number and frequency of vaccines don’t overwhelm you child’s immune system … they protect them!

“Formation” from page 25 This is a bit more complicated structure and a bit more complicated to form, but the corporation gets taxed as its own entity — unlike a sole proprietorship, as corporations pay a much lower tax rate than sole proprietors or individuals.

The greatest advantage in forming

The recommended vaccine schedules are designed to protect children when they’re most vulnerable to the diseases vaccines prevent. Although infants do receive a lot of shots, they are given at the time babies are most at risk of illness and serious complications. Older children need boosters of many of the shots they had as infants to remain protected.

Non-standard schedules that spread out vaccines, or start when a child is older, don’t provide the protection infants and young children need. Vaccines are wellstudied to make sure that it’s safe to give them at the recommended intervals.

[The CDC offers parent-friendly vaccine schedules for infants to teens, or you can download the CDC’s free app for smartphones.]

Vaccines are safe – they do not cause conditions such as autism. everal studies have looked for a connection between vaccines and autism, but scientific evidence doesn’t show any link between the two. The CDC, the AAP, the National Institutes for Health and the Institute of Medicine agree that vaccines do NOT cause autism.

Vaccines are continually monitored for safety. Choosing not to vaccinate doesn’t protect children from autism…what it does do is leave them vulnerable to potentially long-term and life-threatening harm from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Doctors have protocols in place to protect you and your child from COVID at in-person check-ups. ost doctors have specific hours and locations where they can examine healthy kids for regular checkups and vaccines. Of course, it’s still important for anyone over 2 years of age to wear a mask and for everyone to sanitize their hands

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as a corporation is that you have greater protection, as the liability of the corporation stops with the corporation. Unlike being sued as a sole proprietor, if you’re sued as a corporation they can only go after the corporation’s assets, and not any officer’s personal assets. Remember, “corporations are people” under the recent Supreme Court ruling, and thus

often and social distance from anyone not in their family. And if you or your child are sick, please stay home.

The most important thing to do is check in with your doctor’s office over the phone – they can give you specific details about whether it’s necessary to bring your child into the office for a check-up.

Well-check appointments are about more than immunizations.

They address the whole child! t well-check visits, your doctor will access many health indicators beyond immunizations: your child’s overall health, growth and development, mental and emotional status, how they are doing in school.

For younger children, the doctor can see if they are progressing in developmental milestones. For teenagers, the doctor will often ask if the teen wants some time alone to ask questions about their body, sexuality, drugs, vaping or their fears about COVID-19.

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the liability is with the single entity — the corporation — and not the corporation plus anyone else.

Business matters, and the person who can help you best determine how you should form your business, is your accountant. Your accountant will look at both your personal and/or family filing situation as well as your business, and

Also, with so many normal school and extracurricular activities currently shut down, your child’s pediatrician might be one of the few adults they encounter outside the home who are looking out for their well-being. Now is a very important time in your child’s life to understand the importance of having a trusted doctor looking out for their welfare.

Check in, check up. all your pediatrician. Find out when your child is due for immunizations or a wellchild check and schedule that appointment.

If your child hasn’t had a flu shot this year, now is the time to schedule that too. n ••• Dianna Diallo, MD, is medical director of the Central California Alliance for Health, a Medi-Cal managed care health plan focused on improving access to health care for 347,000 residents of Santa Cruz, Merced and Monterey counties. Dr. Diallo has more than 15 years of pediatric care experience.

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determine what is best for you in totality, as well as review with you other issues that are best for you now, and for your financial future. n ••• Ron Kustek is a former senior executive and also small business owner, who is currently a business instructor at Cabrillo College.

Contact him at rokustek@cabrillo.edu.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Capitola Soquel Scotts Valley Times / September 15th 2020 / 27

COMMUNITY NEWS

Tips for Internet Learning Challenges P From the Pajaro Valley Unified School District

ajaro Valley Unified School District recognizes some families in our district are facing challenges accessing reliable Internet connectivity to participate successfully in distance learning.

Since March, when our schools were closed due to COVID-19 safety concerns, PVUSD has collaborated with partners such as Cruzio and Google to lead the way and significantly narrow the digital divide affecting access to instruction in our community.

Adequate connection speed is necessary to ensure students have uninterrupted class participation.

PVUSD uses Zoom and Google Meet sessions that can be affected by a variety of variables causing students to be disconnected, especially during peak times of the instructional day when Google and Zoom servers and bandwidth are being used by millions of users on their platforms.

Both agencies continue to add resources and improve their systems, adding features and tools to support education.

Dan Weiser, PVUSD director of technology, stated, “Virtual meeting platforms are dependent on Internet upload speeds, unlike most other Internet content that is usually almost entirely based on download speed.

Different Internet service provider plans have varying levels of upload bandwidth, but even with high bandwidth, when there are several children using the same WiFi on Zoom or Google Meet sessions, there will be more chances of students being dropped from their session.”

To decrease the chances of a disconnection, PVUSD recommends the following to families: • Students should close out all windows and restart the device before connecting to the meeting.

• When more than one child is participating in a Google Meet session, they should turn on their cameras when speaking or leave the cameras off.

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• To test speed, families can use GoogleSpeed Test and “Run Speed Test” button to see if the speed they are receiving by their provider is adequate.

• Families can contact their Internet service provider to ask about connection options. Sometimes providers have promotions that can increase Internet speed at no additional cost.

• Children should connect to Google Meet sessions while sitting as close to the wireless router as possible.

• Students dropped from sessions should be resilient and reconnect.

• Teachers should have detailed written instructions, videos and screencasts. If students miss a session, they should refer back to those details; students are encouraged to ask questions if they miss anything important.

The possibility of using school buses with Wi-Fi was explored.

PVUSD has three buses with Wi-Fi systems, similar to the hotspots provided to our students who need them. PVUSD has done extensive testing with the bus

Wi-Fi and found students would need to be within 50 feet of the bus to get a solid connection and these systems have a daily data limit that would be met quickly with even a few students using them.

Additionally, if PVUSD were able to increase the speeds and data limits on the bus systems, parking them around the community would encourage students to congregate around the buses, which would effectively go against current health and safety COVID-19 guidelines.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michelle Rodriguez said, “PVUSD is committed to provide each student with the latest hotspot technology with unlimited data plans. We responded quickly, purchased early and have distributed almost 4,000 hotspots to our students. The hotspots are a safer, more reliable solution for our students.” n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Imagine a Day Without Water: Oct. 21

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

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magine A Day Without Water is an annual nationwide day of education and advocacy about the value of water, and how all of us depend on water every single day. It also highlights the services provided 24/7/365 by water suppliers and wastewater collection/treatment facilities.

In past years the Soquel Creek Water District has observed this day by sponsoring related activities, like a poster contest, to help kids and families gain this important perspective on why water is so critical to our everyday lives. This year, with the ongoing pandemic, we are not able to do that. Instead, we’re encouraging everyone to take little bit of time and reflect on what our lives would be like without water, and how you can share that information with others.

Here are some points to help you get started: Imagine you wake up one day and there’s no water to drink, or to make coffee with. You don’t have any water to shower or take a bath, flush the toilet, or do laundry.

Hospitals, schools, and businesses would not be able to operate, and there would be no water for fighting fires, or for fish and other aquatic life, or for farms and ranches to grow our food. What would that look like? How would it affect your own community, your neighborhood, and your household?

“Recoverey” from page 19 On Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved changes to make it easier for fire survivors to rebuild.

They include: Directing the Planning Department to increase the resources to process building and related permits for reconstruction; eliminating the need for demolition permits for those following approved debris removal processes; initiating a process to allow reconstruction of non-permitted structures; increasing options for temporary housing solutions for fire evacuees including on fire-damaged properties; eliminating or delaying some building-related fees; allowing use of the Felton Quarry to process materials from damaged properties; and exploring flexibility on the timeline for state-required septic upgrades and alternative water and power options for temporary residences.

You can make this a thought-provoking family discussion, and help reinforce the understanding that safe, reliable water and wastewater services are not just important — they are absolutely essential to our everyday quality of life, for our families, our livelihoods, and our future, and they must be protected and enhanced.

The official Imagine a Day Without Water website is imagineadaywithoutwater.org. There, you can learn more and see other ways that you, your family, and your neighbors can participate. Here are a few ideas: • Make it a family activity — have the kids draw what a day without water means to them, and share those online with others • Engage on social media and help people in your network fully grasp the importance of water and water/ wastewater service providers • Host an online event with your remote family members or neighbors, and share information about the value of water in your everyday lives • Send a note to your local news media reminding them of the environmental, economic, and public health imperatives that are served by water and water suppliers • Contact your child’s teacher, and inquire about bringing Imagine a Day

Without Water concepts into your child’s virtual classroom I hope you’ll think about these concepts and consider how you might contribute to the annual Imagine a Day Without Water event on Oct. 21.

••• 2019-20 Community Report Coming Soon!

This month you’ll be receiving the Soquel Creek Water District’s 2019-2020 Community Report in the mail. It’s a publication that looks back at the district’s accomplishments over the last fiscal year, as your community partner for reliable water. I think you’ll find it informative!

The Community Report offers a

round-up of the district’s functional areas and departments, along with information about our programs in 2019-2020. From Pure Water Soquel, Finance and Customer Service, and Special Projects & Communications, to Operations & Maintenance, Engineering, and Conservation – you’ll learn who we are and what we do for you throughout the year. We’ll also be posting it on our website later this month. n ••• As always, if you have any questions about this month’s topic or anything else related to Soquel Creek Water District, feel free to contact the District at outreach@soquelcreekwater.org or visit www.soquelcreekwater.org.

The board also approved an urgency ordinance prohibiting price-gouging in goods, services or housing. Existing law limits certain price increases in these areas to no more than 10 percent in the 30 days after a disaster declaration. The new ordinance authorizes the board or the director of emergency services to extend those restrictions at 30-day intervals as needed.

Violations are a misdemeanor punishable by fines of $1,000 or up to one year in jail.

The board also authorized hotel stays in excess of 30 days for fire evacuees.

On Tuesday, the international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse deployed a disaster relief unit stocked with supplies from its West Coast Ministry Center in Fullerton to aid Santa Cruz County families.

Their goal is to sift through the ashes— searching for anything that may have survived the flames.

Volunteers will go to work as soon as local authorities provide clearance.

Toxic Debris he same day, county environmental health staff posted an alert that fire debris removal from damaged properties is prohibited until property owners receive a hazard assessment and approval from environmental health authorities.

“Fire debris can be toxic and needs special handling and disposal procedures,” said Environmental Health Director Dr. Marilyn Underwood. “It is critical that the public refrain from removing any firedamaged debris from their property.”

Property owners, tenants and members of the public should not attempt to remove, dig, sift or evaluate property debris, the alert said, citing hazards such as batteries, compressed gas cylinders, pesticides, fertilizers, pool

chemicals; paints, thinners, aerosol cans, asbestos siding, pipe insulation, tiles and computers.

Hazardous waste will be removed at no cost to fire survivors with the assistance of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Division, according to the county.

All other debris removal must have an approved plan from the Environmental Health Division prior to removal.

Failure to comply could jeopardize financial assistance and delay the rebuilding process, according to the county. n Resources santacruzcounty.us/FireResources.aspx. www.disasterassistance.gov/ scceh.com/Home/CZULightningComplex Fire/DebrisRemoval.aspx

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Capitola Soquel Scotts Valley Times / September 15th 2020 / 29

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Hwy 1 Improvements in the Pipeline

By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor

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common question I receive is when will Highway 1 be improved or, more specifically, when there will be some relief for congestion on Highway 1.

While the shelter-in-place order understandably decreased traffic on the highway and our local roads, many of the same patterns have begun to reappear. Over the last few decades, various economic and land use patterns have increased the commute times on the highway — disproportionally impacting the mid and south county areas.

The Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) has some notable projects in collaboration with CalTrans and Santa Cruz County Public Works that could provide some notable improvements.

Auxiliary Lanes and Bus-on-Shoulder he biggest addition to the overall highway improvements is new buson-shoulder infrastructure extending from Soquel Drive to Freedom Boulevard. Buson-shoulder is a relatively rare facility in California, and the RTC had to get special permission to proceed, including passage of Assemblymember Mark Stone’s AB 946 in 2013.

Soon buses will have a dedicated “lane” on the paved shoulder adjacent to the highway and extending from the auxiliary lanes between highway exits. Think of it as an extra highway lane that serves as both extended on- and off-ramps and a dedicated highway bus lane. The goal is to provide Metro buses a leg up during peak congestion to encourage transit use.

The first phase of bus-on-shoulder will be a 2.75-mile stretch between Morrissey Boulevard in Santa Cruz to Bay/Porter in Capitola. The second phase of the auxiliary lanes will extend the existing lanes from Soquel Drive to 41st Avenue.

The Soquel to 41st Avenue segment of this project will also include a new pedestrian overcrossing at Chanticleer, which will connect neighborhoods that were bifurcated by Highway 1 fifty years ago.

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The project is expected to be ready to begin construction by the end of the year, and while we know CalTrans will lead the construction process we do not know yet when construction will begin.

Bay/Porter to State Park his phase of the Highway 1 project will extend the bus-onshoulder to State Park and create auxiliary lanes at the Bay/ Porter, Park, and State Park interchanges. Other features of this project will include new drainage facilities, retaining walls, sound walls, and replacement of the Capitola Avenue overcrossing.

Additionally, this will include the Mar Vista pedestrian overcrossing. This bicycle and pedestrian bridge is expected to extend from Mar Vista on the Seacliff side of Highway 1 to Mar Vista on the Soquel side of Highway 1 providing a safe route to school for Mar Vista Elementary as well as residents accessing either side of the

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highway.

The Regional Transportation Commission is working on design and environmental documents for this project and expect to circulate them for comment in October. There will be in-person and virtual opportunities for members of the public to interact with consultants and staff and to provide input on the designs and plans. Staff expect the design and environmental planning phases of this project will be complete in 2021, but the RTC will be running various phases of the approval process concurrently to shorten the approval timeline. Should everything go according to the plans, we could expect this project to be fully funded and under way in 2023.

State Park to Freedom Upgrades nyone driving north from Watsonville in the mornings knows that severe congestion can start before Mar Monte

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and extend for quite some time. Fixing the segment between Rio Del Mar and State Park would go a long way towards addressing this congestion.

The RTC is moving forward with a plan with auxiliary lanes and bus-on-shoulder, two new trestles that will accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, and more (making these improvements extend all the way to Freedom Blvd). The trestles are the largest cost in this phase of the highway improvements, but between Measure D here in Santa Cruz County and California Senate Bill 1 new opportunities to fund multimodal projects have come online — and the hope is that our county is ideally positioned to access these new state funds.

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

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SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Pomes Produce Better Than Palms

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Soul Sisters

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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

By Tony Tomeo

ates, coconuts, acai berries and palm oil grow on palm trees. All are rare in local home gardens. The palms that are popular in much of California are almost exclusively ornamental. Very few of them produce useful fruits.

Despite the similar pronunciation, such palms are not at all related to pomes. Some of the more familiar fruits happen to be pomes, which are also known as pommes.

Apples and pears are the most popular examples of pomes. Quinces, which were very popular decades ago, are now rare.

Quinces are so closely related to pears that they work well as dwarfing understock for home garden pear trees. (Orchard pear trees use other understocks that are not dwarfing.) Actually, most quince trees grew secondarily from roots of dead or removed pear trees.

Saskatoons (serviceberries), chokeberries (aronias) and medlars are locally rare pome fruits that are slowly gaining popularity. Productively fruiting cultivars of loquat are now more available than those that were primarily ornamental.

Some flowering quinces may produce a few small fruits. Mayhaws and mountain ashes (rowans) are berry-like pomes that are more familiar in other regions.

The earliest cultivars of apple might be in season by late July, before stone fruit season finishes. (Some peaches, the largest of the stone fruits, ripen in September!)

The latest will be ready in late November, at least a month into citrus season. Pear season extends from August into October.

So, this is the middle of apple and pear season. Most but not all other pomes are

Movie Titles © Statepoint Media

Pear season continues late into October.

already finished.

Like stone fruit trees, the trees and shrubs that produce pomes need very specialized pruning while dormant through winter. Without annual pruning to enhance structural integrity and concentrate resources, apple and pear trees are unable to support all of their fruit. Shrubby quince trees become thickets without pruning for grooming and confinement, although they may not need it annually.

••• Quince he function of this formerly popular fruit tree has changed significantly to adapt to modern horticulture. The big but hard fruit of quince, Cydonia oblonga, is less perishable than the firmest pears or apples. Without canning or freezing, it lasts through winter in cool cellars. It also provides pectin for jellies of fruits that lack it. However, quince fruit is too hard to eat fresh, so should be cooked.

As food storage became less important, quince became less popular than more flavorful apples and pears, which are edible while fresh.

Pectin is obtainable from apple cores and skins, or from supermarkets.

However, quince are not completely absent from home gardens. They are now the unseen Quince fresh from but common coastal Santa Cruz! dwarfing understocks that limit the size of pear trees for suburban gardens.

The big lemony yellow fruits that are ripening now may look like very lumpy pears or apples. The largest sorts get as big as small cantaloupes. Developing fruit and new foliage are distinctly fuzzy. Fuzz can be polished off of alluringly aromatic mature fruit. Delightfully pale pink flowers are mostly obscured by new foliage in spring.

The deciduous rounded leaves are two or three inches long.

The biggest of quince trees, which are very different from ornamental flowering quince, might get as high and wide as twenty feet. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Capitola Soquel Scotts Valley Times / September 15th 2020 / 31

thank you

FIREFIGHTERS & FIRST RESPONDERS As we navigate through these challenging times, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to be part of this strong community that supports each other. It is the power of this community that will propel us through this to better times.

-Amber

I wish you and your loved ones health and safety.

AMBER MELENUDO 831.661.5591 REALTORÂŽ DRE 01921098 amber@davidlyng.com ambermelenudo.com

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