Aptos Times: July 15, 2021

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Water Emergency Extended to Spring 2022 Full Story page 6

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July 15, 2021 • Vol 30 No. 14

Expanding Services to South County

One of the most significant actions the County took during our recent budget cycle was to authorize the purchase of a new South County Service Center.

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Boys Of Summer Earn Title

By John Paul Bergh The 12-year-old Aptos All Stars claimed the District 39 Title Sunday with an unlikely run through the doubleelimination district tournament at Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz.

After initially earning a victory over Pajaro Valley with the first game of the tournament, Aptos suffered a tough loss, losing to Capitola-Soquel’s All Star team in the second game. Aptos led 6-0 in the 4th inning. Nicholas “Hollywood” Bjorn had several close plays at the plate as

catcher but ultimately Aptos gave up 7 unanswered runs and lost.

That sent the team into the consolation bracket. To win the title, Aptos would have to win 5 games in 6 days.

To add to the difficulties facing Aptos, they would have to win 3 games without two of their top players, Cole “Driver” McGillicuddy & Dylan “Rip” Bergh, as they headed to Cooperstown for a pre-planned tournament in New York. ... continues on page 4

FarmLink: Helping Farmers of Color Succeed Full Story page 11

Tropical Visitor

Aptos resident Tim Zoliniak, captain of the Sea Goddess Whale Watching in Moss Landing, shared these photos of an unusual visitor, a leatherback sea turtle he spotted in Monterey Bay. He spotted a second soon after.

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No. 14

Volume 30

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Table of Contents

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Cover

Boys Of Summer Earn Title, By John Paul Bergh

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Community News Tropical Visitor Water Shortage Emergency Extended to Spring New CEO at Watsonville Hospital • Mysterious Tree Survey in Aptos Village Park Signs of Normalcy • Sockshop & Shoe Wins July 4 Contest • CapitolaAptos Rotary Scholarship Winners • Sheriff’s Advisory Team Recruiting • AAUW Hosts Human Trafficking Workshop July 30 New Principal for Aptos Junior High • Cabrillo College Welcomes Assistant Superintendent Paul De La Cerda Meet New Directors for Visit Santa Cruz County FarmLink Helps People of Color Become Successful Farmers More High School Juniors Thinking, Not Drinking: Summer Scavenger Hunt Offers Prizes Texas Leads California, By Jondi Gumz “World’s Shortest Parade” Is Back!

New Credit Chief at Santa Cruz County Bank • Want to Vote in Gov Recall?, By Jondi Gumz Santa Cruz Firecracker 5K Finish, By Jondi Gumz Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge Virtual Ride Staff of Life Stocks Foods Made in Watsonville $2M Settlement with Match.com Online Dating Sites Grand Jury Wants More Oversight After CZU Lightning Complex Fire Covid Funeral Help Available Letters to the Editor Expand Youth Substance Abuse Disorder Services • “Aptos Strangler” or “Aptos Handshake”

California News 23 State Mask Mandate for K-12 Schools: Enforcement To Be Handled At The Local Level

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Light Falls to Earth – Meteor Showers – Making a Wish!, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists 16 Mangels Ranch Aptos, Photo Essay by Carolyn Swift 25 This FM 100 App Doesn’t Work. Can I get my Money Back?,

By Christopher Elliott 30 Expanding Services to South County, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District 31 Deadhead To Promote Bloom & Growth, By Tony Tomeo

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – A Lady Around Town

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COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers John Paul Bergh, Jondi Gumz, Risa D’Angeles, Carolyn Swift, Christopher Elliott, Zach Friend, Tony Tomeo layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Tara Carcamo office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, James Hudson

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 Soquel 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 Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

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“Little League Champs” from page 1 The boys of summer proved to be up to the challenge.

Finn Cormier started the first game on the mound against Live Oak and Aptos rolled onto win with a 12-2 mercy rule victory (when a team is winning by 10 or more runs through or after 4 innings).

Then Aptos played Scotts Valley and, after a slow start, won 13-2 on another mercy rule victory.

Next, Aptos played Santa Cruz on their own home field. Finn “Wild Card” Cormier got the call again to start on the mound and battled through an inning before Dylan “Punisher” DiPalma switched places with him from behind home plate to carry the team with an amazing pitching performance.

“The boys started slow but ultimately played great defense behind DiPalma’s excellent pitching, which allowed them to stay in the game until they started scoring,” said Manager John Bergh.

Cody “Codester” Humble played great defense with catches in left field as did Matthew “Matty” Rayray with an amazing catch in right field to keep the game close.

With Santa Cruz leading 1-0, Miles “Ace” Florez sent his team out of the dugout in cheers with a towering home run to change the momentum. Aptos prevailed 5-2 to set up a rematch with Cap Soquel.

To win the tournament, Aptos needed to beat Cap Soquel twice.

Early Saturday morning, well before the first big rematch, Cole “Driver McGillicuddy & Dylan “Rip” Bergh flew in from New York after finishing in the Top Ten in their Cooperstown tournament and got back to Aptos around 1:30 a.m. The duo was sleepy, but prepared for the game at 4 p.m with batting practice and warm ups.

The first rematch started Saturday with Finn “Wild Card” Cormier on the mound.

Both teams fought through 5 innings in a 3-3 tie. Aptos broke the game open in the top of the 6th, scoring 5 runs to beat Cap-

The team shows off their Aptos Surf Camp shirts after a game.

Soquel to force a winner-take-all Sunday showdown for the District 39 Championship. Cole “Driver” McGillicuddy, Evan “Baller Vessey” Finn “Wild Card” Cormier all recorded multiple hits. Oliver “Ollie” Meyers, Jace “Joker” Nelson, Dylan “Punisher” DiPalma contributed with hits to propel the team to victory and force Sunday’s elimination Championship game.

That game started with Cole “Driver” McGillicuddy on the mound and Finn “Wild Card” Cormier behind the plate for Aptos. After giving up two hits and with two outs in the first, Dylan “Rip” Bergh snagged a backhand at 3rd and touched his bag for a rally-killing end to the inning. In the bottom of the first, Aptos erupted with 8 runs. Ryan “Smurf” Murphy, Mikie “Flash” Melenudo, Evan “Baller” Vessey and Dylan “Rip” Bergh all contributed to an early 5 run lead to set up a massive 3- run home run by Cole “Driver” McGillicuddy that took the Cap Soquel team by surprise.

McGillicuddy went on to record 8 strikeouts with solid defense, notably 2 line drive catches at 2nd base by Mikie “Flash” Melenudo and a spectacular diving catch in center field by Ryan “Smurf” Murphy.

In the bottom of the 5th, Cap Soquel loaded the bases and Evan “Baller” Vessey drove in McGillicuddy from 3rd base to make it 9-0. One more run was all Aptos needed to clinch victory by mercy rule.

With Mikie “Flash” Melenudo at the plate and Dylan “Rip” Bergh at 3rd base, the pitcher threw a ball in the dirt and Dylan “Rip” Bergh dashed for home and slid into the plate to win the championship.

The team rushed out of the dugout and The team tackles Dylan Bergh after he scores the winning run.

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dumped the cooler full of ice and water onto Dylan “Rip” Bergh’s head and body as they tackled him near home plate to celebrate.

“The team never gave up. Even with the odds against them, they battled back and picked each other up on their way to winning the Championship,” said Aptos Coach Patrick Rayray.

The team received the District 39 banner and posed for pictures and some gave interviews to the Santa Cruz Cole McGillicuddy poses with his game ball and home run Sentinel.

In his ball with the District 39 banner p o s t - g a m e draped over his shoulders. interview, Dylan “Rip” Bergh, who went 3-3 and scored the winning run, said,“We practiced every day, we surfed every day, and had a lot of fun.”

Now the team is set to go over the hill and represent Santa Cruz County (District 39) in the Section 5 playoffs.

Game 1 is Thursday. July 15. against Sunnyvale at 5:30 p.m. at Cambrian Park Little League. Game 2 will be Saturday (time TBD). Local fans are encouraged to attend.

Email info@aptosll.org for information.

It was a big year for Aptos Little League.

Aptos Little League earlier captured the 13-year-old District 39 Championship and the 10-year-old District Championship. n ••• John Paul Bergh is manager of the Aptos Little League 12-year-old All Stars.

Cover Photo: Players and coaches pose with District 39 banner after the championship game.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Tropical Visitor A ptos resident Tim Zoliniak, captain of the Sea Goddess Whale Watching in Moss Landing, shared these photos of an unusual visitor, a leatherback sea turtle he spotted in Monterey Bay. He spotted a second soon after.

Leatherback turtles, the largest of all sea turtles up to six feet long and weighing up to 1,500 pounds, swim across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, attracted from their homes in the tropics to feed on jellyfish in the summer and fall, according to World Wildlife Federation.

Globally, leatherbacks are listed as vulnerable, but subpopulations in the Pacific and are critically endangered, likely because they mistake disposable plastics for food,

according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce with 4,200 employees observing its 150th anniversary.

Tim also took pictures of the NOAA team tracking the turtles.

A scientist at NOAA, which is tracking leatherbacks’ movements with camera tags, says spotting one results in “a pretty exciting couple of minutes.”

Thanks, Tim! n ••• To see what NOAA is doing, go to https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/video/leatherback-turtlesunderstanding-pacific-population Photos Credit: Tim Zoliniak

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Water Shortage Emergency Extended to Spring O n June 15, the Soquel Creek Water District Board voted to extend the Stage 3 Water Shortage Emergency until Spring 2022 due to the chronic overdraft of the groundwater basin and the threat of seawater intrusion.

Under a Stage 3 Shortage, the water district asks customers to voluntarily limit water use to an average of 50 gallons per person per day or around 2 billing units per person per month, follow all Stage 3 water restrictions, and comply with water waste rules which are always in effect.

Soquel Creek Water District declared a Stage 3 Water Shortage Emergency in 2014 due to the community’s long-term groundwater supply shortage and the threat of seawater, salty water from the ocean entering freshwater aquifer, making parts or possibly all of the aquifer unusable.

The conservation goal in 2021 and early 2022 is to collectively use 25% less water than the expected highest usage of 2,900 acre-feet per year. To achieve this goal, Soquel Creek Water District staff are encouraging an efficient residential water use of 50 gallons per person per day or less.

More information about the water shortage declaration can be found in the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan at https:// tinyurl.com/sqcwd-urban-water-report ••• Stage 3 Water Shortage Emergency Guidelines • Efficient Water Use Guideline: Efficient water use is defined as an annual

average of 50 gallons per person, per day. This is a general guideline only as each household is unique.

• Car Washing Restriction: Use of a recycled water car wash is preferred.

However, vehicles may be washed at home if done efficiently. This means any of the three methods: A waterless spray, a bucket and hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, and/or a pressure washer. All methods should minimize water running off of the property.

• Exterior Structure Washing Restriction: No exterior washing of structures unless for sanitation and health purposes, or if preparing to paint or stain and a pressure washer is used.

• Save Water Signage Requirement: Businesses and institutions must display provided signage encouraging conservation and reporting of water waste. Contact staff for free signs: Call Shelley Flock, 831-4758501, ext. 156, or email shelleyf@ soquelcreekwater.org Soquel Creek Water District has been in Stage 3 since 2014 due to the community’s long-term groundwater supply shortage and the threat of seawater intrusion to our water supply.

Our conservation goal in 2021 and early 2022 is to collectively use 25% less water than our expected highest usage of 2,900 acre-feet per year. To achieve this goal, district staff encourages an efficient residential water use of 50 gallons per person per day or less.

More information about the water shortage declaration can be found in the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. n ••• Editor’s note: Residents in Soquel Creek Water District, share your water efficiency tips with your neighbors and email them to Jondi Gumz at info@cyber-times. com by noon Friday, July 23 for the Aug. 1 issue.

COMMUNITY NEWS

New CEO at Watsonville Hospital S teven Salyer is the new chief executive affiliated with Duke University School of officer of Watsonville Community Medicine.

As chief operating officer, Salyer Hospital as of July 6.

“My primary focus will be on ensuring oversaw all UP Health System — Marthe operational success of the hospital as quette’s ancillary hospital operations one of the leading providers of healthcare including the cancer center, cardiology in the area,” he said. “To achieve this goal, I service line, employed physician clinics, surgery center, and imaging am committed to building a strong centers. Previously, Salyer was partnership with the Watsonville CEO of Sebastian River Medical Community Hospital medical Center in Sebastian, Florida, staff and employees and working and as COO of Indian River closely with them to enhance Medical Center in Vero Beach, clinical quality, patient safety, and Florida. overall customer satisfaction.”

In 2010, Salyer led a joint The 106-bed full-service venture acquisition of Starke acute-care hospital, which has lost Steven Salyer Regional Medical Center in money for several years, serves Watsonville, a city of more than 53,000 Starke, Florida, with Shands University and 81 percent Hispanic. It’s the partner of Florida. As CEO of the hospital, Salyer hospital for Kaiser Permanente, which has oversaw creation of several new service clinics and a health plant but not hospital lines as well as significant improvements in clinical quality, employee and phyin Santa Cruz County.

Salyer, 45, who has 14 years of sician satisfaction, and volume growth. hospital leadership experience, comes Before that, he was COO of Harton from UP Health System — Marquette, Regional Medical Center in Tullahoma, a 222-bed specialty care and Level 2 Tennessee.

A graduate of East Tennessee State trauma hospital in Marquette, Michigan,

University in exercise science, he has a master’s degree in business administration from New York Institute of Technology.

He also has certificates in Lean/Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, and executive leadership.

He was a captain in the US. Marine Corps for five years, in peacetime and in combat support operations in Iraq.

Bruce Grimshaw, senior vice president, hospital operations/chief operating officer of hospitals — national at Prospect Medical, the company managing Watsonville Community Hospital, described Salyer as innovative.

“He has a strong track record of increasing patient, employee and physician satisfaction, establishing cultures of excellence, recruiting new physicians, and improving quality,” Grimshaw said.

“Steven’s leadership will be a great asset to the hospital, and he will be an active and engaged member of the Watsonville community.”

LosAngeles-based Prospect Medical, which runs hospitals in five states, has been running Watsonville Community Hospital

“Steven’s leadership will be a great asset to the hospital, and he will be an active and engaged member of the Watsonville community.”

— Bruce Grimshaw

since mid-January when formed owner Halsen was unable to meet its financial obligations.

Halsen sold the hospital building and property to Alabama-based Medical Properties Trust, and then leased it, a deal that netted $39 million to run the hospital, and defaulted on payments.

Kevin Spiegel, senior vice president for strategic planning and business development for Prospect in California, told Santa Cruz County officials in March that Watsonville Community Hospital has been losing money for the last couple of years and could have been in difficulty without the Medical Properties Trust deal. n

Mysterious Tree Survey in Aptos Village Park

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hen Aptos resident Becky Steinbruner noticed trees with metal tags in the county’s Aptos Village Park, she wondered: Who surveyed these trees?

She asked the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission – and learned the agency has no information.

She asked Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation and learned the agency has no idea who did the tree survey on county park land.

She asked county parks chief Jeff Gaffney. He responded via email: We have no one at Parks that is aware of any tree surveys at Aptos Village Park or any tree work being performed.

Could these metal tag pre-date county ownership?

Alright, someone fess up! Email the story to editor Jondi Gumz at info@ cyber-times.com. n

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS Signs of Normalcy win Lakes Church in Aptos re-launched the 9 a.m. service this past weekend.

“We are back up to our pre-shelter in place schedule of three services per weekend: Saturday 6 pm, in-person indoors, Sunday 9 am in-person indoors, and Sunday at 11 am which we do in-person outdoors on our beautiful lawn area in front of the church,” reports Pastor Rene Schlaepfer.

He adds, “We are up-to-date on all the latest Covid-19 health protocols. Our attendance is growing each week; we had about 1,000 people here between the three services this weekend.”

Twin Lakes Church hosted a Red Cross blood drive Saturday, and Schlaepfer was told all donor slots were filled.

“Our car show (also on Saturday) was the biggest we have ever had, with 165 classic cars and hot rods and hundreds of spectators,” he said.

Church members were on hand selling jewelry and other items to raise funds for a children’s home in India supported by TLC. ••• Sockshop & Shoe Wins July 4 Contest his year’s 4th of July Business Decorating Contest Winner is Sockshop & Shoe Co., which is in Aptos Village.

The Aptos Chamber of Commerce organized the competition along with the World’s Shortest Parade, which returned after a year hiatus due to the pandemic.

••• Capitola-Aptos Rotary Scholarship Winners ix college-bound seniors received $1,000 scholarships from the Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club.

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They are: Holden Barker, Veronica Beccera, Aliya Hambright and Alexandra Quintero of Aptos High School and Sophia Nigh and Jennifer Rocha Serrato of Soquel High School.

The winners were chosen by the club’s scholarship committee based on outstanding academic records, community service and recommendations from teachers and administrators.

••• Sheriff’s Advisory Team Recruiting he Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is looking for community leaders who are passionate about making a difference to join the 2021-2022 Sheriff’s Advisory Team.

Participants meet with Sheriff Hart once a month to share concerns and solutions that will make this community a better place to live. This team will also have opportunities to go on ridealongs with patrol staff, discuss law enforcement challenges and check out all the facilities.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 16, with meetings beginning in September. Each meeting will be on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.

If you are interested in learning more or applying, visit scsheriff.com/Home/ Transparency/SheriffsAdvisoryTeam.aspx ••• 18 High School Seniors Win Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Scholarships his year, the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz awarded $63,000 in scholarship funds to support students pursuing higher education.

Students were required to go through an application and interview process and were selected based on academic and community factors.

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Awards were provided to 18 new applicants and 17 returning recipients.

First-time recipients include: Santa Cruz High School • Anahi Barroso, Sam & Elena Bishop Scholarship • JT Beard-Moore, Keith & Della McKenzie Scholarship • Jasmin Madan-Niccum, Steve & Carol Spragens Scholarship • Pranav Parekh, Aldrich Family Scholarship • Frances Radovan, Richard Beach Family Scholarship Harbor High School • Ixchel Aguilar-Moore, Angelo Canepa Family Scholarship • Carina Bunch, Barry Bliss Family Scholarship • Maya Goldfield, Harland & Therese Johnson Scholarship • Jassenia Guerrero-Hilario, Randy & Janet Krassow Scholarship • Ayana Hunt, Zenner Family Scholarship • Emily Jasso Estrada, Malio Stagnaro Family Scholarship • Zora Kreisher, Lee Courtright Scholarship • Dayana Lopez Guervara, Fred Gawlick Family Scholarship • Gloria Panttija, George Penniman Scholarship Costanoa High School • David Bonilla, Rotary Club Sustainers Scholarship • Marina Ceja, Mary DeLuca Maurillo Scholarship • Jeydon Hernandez-Cordero, John & Linda Burroughs Scholarship UC Santa Cruz • Michelle Pham, Rotaract Scholarship

••• AAUW Hosts Human Trafficking Workshop July 30 he Santa Cruz Branch of the American Association of University Women will host a workshop at 2 p.m. July 30 on Zoom, outlining the impact of human trafficking around the world and specifically in Thailand.

Speakers include Brad Ortenzi, Eastern USA regional manager of ZOE, a non-profit founded in 2002 to rescue orphans and other vulnerable children from human trafficking, and former Santa Cruz County District Attorney human trafficking investigator Kenny Besk.

Besk, who spent time in Thailand, will give his perspective on global trafficking. A question and answer period will follow.

“These speakers are dedicated to ending human trafficking around the world, and work to help reduce the impact of this inhumane and evil business model on innocent victims,” said Martha Mangan, AAUW human trafficking committee chair.

The workshop is free and open to the public, but registration is required at https://tinyurl.com/2enj5x3t Those who register will get an email with information about joining the meeting. ~~~ Since its founding in 1881, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. For information, contact Martha Mangan at mmanganesesc7@ gmail.com or call (831) 425-1306. https://www.aauw.org n

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Expand Youth Substance Abuse Disorder Services y name is Crystal Salazar and I am president of Empower Watsonville.

Our group, Empower Watsonville, is a collaborative group of 20 Pajaro Valley youth invested in creating positive community change. We are the first cohort of the Youth Reclaiming Voice and Power Initiative funded through Proposition 64. Our group has been meeting and training in organizing and advocacy to address issues we see in our community, and recently voted that expansion of youth substance use disorder services in the Pajaro Valley is our top priority.

This last year has shown just how critical programs like these are in our community, and how many lives substance use effects. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic and worsening mental health,

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we are concerned that this problem will only get worse. For us, this issue is allencompassing and connects with so many community ills such as homelessness, violence, and poor physical and mental health — all of which affect the quality of life in our community drastically.

Our parent nonprofit, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance is a leading advocate for these programs and their team of qualified personnel understand the importance of youth substance use disorder services in our community and beyond. We know that when youth use substances during key stages of brain development, they are more likely to suffer from addiction and other negative consequences such as criminal justice system involvement and poor outcomes at school. We believe that youth services should be emphasized, prioritized, accessible and funded.

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We ask County Behavioral Health leaders to think about behavioral health in a new way — addressing the needs of the whole person. Our behavioral health is directly tied to our access to basic necessities, and at Empower Watsonville we believe that funding youth behavioral health services, inclusive of substance use disorder services, is a truly upstream and cost effective approach that intervenes to prevent a lifetime of struggle and pain.

— Crystal Salazar Nieto, President, Empower Watsonville • (831)-740-9306 ~~~ Editor’s note: Crystal Salazar Nieto received Watsonville’s Cesar Chavez Award in 2021 for her activism in Empower Watsonville.

During the pandemic, she spent many hours participating in projects to enhance health in her community, on top of her job and her schoolwork.

The Aptos Times asked county Mental Health

Director Erik Riera for his assessment, but we did not receive a response by our deadline. We are happy to print his response in a future issue.

••• “Aptos Strangler” or “Aptos Handshake” he June 15 issue of Aptos Times featured a “pro vs. con” article on rail transit through Santa Cruz. FORT & Greenway outlined each side, respectively.

But despite contentious polarization coursing through this debate, these organizations and the many others behind them are not diametrically opposed. There is critical & significant common ground here.

Our county is overwhelmingly aligned on support for a new coastal trail. Of course, the devil is in the details, but we’ll surely see better progress if we collaborate instead of oppose.

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“Letters” page 10

COMMUNITY NEWS

New Principal for Aptos Junior High O n June 23, the Board of Trustees of Pajaro Valley Unified School District approved the appointments of Consuelo Mason as principal of Pajaro Valley High School, Dr. Michael Mansfield as principal of Aptos Junior High School, Samantha Legoretta as academic coordinator of Watsonville Charter School of the Arts, and Lisa Sandoval as director of Child Development Department.

Mansfield, who recently completed his doctorate in education at San Jose State University, has been an assistant principal at Watsonville High School since 2016. He was a classroom teacher from 2011-2014.

He obtained both his bachelor’s and masters from UC Santa Cruz along with social science credential. He earned his administrative credential was earned through the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

Mason is a product of PVUSD, beginning in kindergarten and graduating from Watsonville High School. She taught

Michael Mansfield

Consuelo Mason

English Language Arts at Rolling Hills, then social science at Pajaro Valley High School when it opened its doors.

She became an English language specialist and then assistant principal in 2015. Mason earned a bachelor’s in Social Science from UCSC and got a social science teaching credential and master’s from San Jose State University.

Sandoval started in 2003 as a teacher

Samantha Legoretta

and then became a childhood development coordinator.

She attended Cabrillo College, then earned a bachelor’s in liberal studies and her teaching credential at CSU Monterey Bay. She got a master’s and an administrative credential from San Jose State University.

Legoretta has nine years’ experience as a middle school and elementary teacher and most recently as vice principal at El

Lisa Sandoval

Gabilan Elementary School. She began her teaching career at PVUSD. She obtained a bachelor’s in history from CSU Fresno and a master’s in history from San Jose State University. She earned ma ultiple subject teaching credential at CSU Monterey Bay. She obtained her administrative credential from the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Leaders in Educational Administration Program. n

Cabrillo College Welcomes Assistant Superintendent Paul De La Cerda

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r. Paul Nelson De La Cerda is Cabrillo College’s new assistant superintendent and vice president of instruction, succeeding Dr. Kathleen Welch, a Cabrillo nursing alum who retired after 21 years.

He is the second Latinx in this role.

The first was Dr. Ernesto Martinez in the early 1980s.

“I am grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received at Cabrillo, and especially for the two weeks of transition time with Kathie,” he said. “Having a retiring leader stay to transition their successor is not common practice, and it speaks volumes about the dedication of Cabrillo College leadership and their care for the College and student success. I look forward to getting to know additional members of both the Cabrillo and the Santa Cruz County community.”

He has been dean of instruction and advancement at East Los Angeles College; dean of academic affairs and corporate partnerships at LA Southwest College; classified director of the Small Business Development Center at College of the Canyons; and project director of National Science Foundation Minority Student Support Programs at Oklahoma State University.

He has developed and implemented race conscious-equity focused

instruction, student services, and programs to increase student access and inclusion, student outreach, and student personal development.

He has taught in community colleges online and on campus in math, science, business, leadership development, and entrepreneurship. Before his post-secondary career, Dr. De La Cerda worked in the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors developing partnerships to help underserved communities.

He has overseen various multimillion Federal and State funded grant programs and endowments and his portfolio includes building K-18 partnerships, leading equity and inclusion programs, and oversight of personnel, consultants, operations, and program infrastructure.

“I am excited to have Paul join our leadership team, and value both the broad California Community College leadership experience he brings, and his deep commitment to equity and social justice,” said Dr. Matthew Wetstein, president and superintendent, Cabrillo College.

A California native, Dr. De La Cerda began his college career at College of the Canyons. He earned a bachelor of science in engineering and master ’s in business administration at Oklahoma

State University, where he was an AllAmerican student athlete, running cross country.

He is a distinguished leadership fellow of the American Association of Community Colleges’ National Community College Hispanic Council and serves as the Western Regional Chair. He possesses an Executive Leadership Certificate from Darden at University of Virginia and received his doctorate in organizational change and educational leadership from the University of Southern California.

His family is committed to education, engaged with many community organizations, and loves to travel. n

Dr. Paul Nelson De La Cerda

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Meet New Directors for Visit Santa Cruz County V isit Santa Cruz County announces three new members on the Board of Directors.

Each began duties July 1, 2021, sitting on the 25-member board for two-year terms, overseeing the Tourism Marketing District budget.

Tourism is Santa Cruz County’s largest industry, which impacted the area with $1.1 billion for the local economy in 2019, according to Visit Santa Cruz County.

Foster Andersen President, Shared Adventures ollowing a motorcycle accident that partially severed his spine, he began using a wheelchair at age 17.

At Rochester Institute of Technology as a manufacturing engineer major, he joined a new “sit ski” program for people with spinal cord injuries and embraced the idea of providing extreme adventures for persons with disabilities.

Foster arrived in Santa Cruz in 1990 in the aftermath of the Loma Prieta Earthquake and established Shared Adventures in 1992 to serve the disabled population of the Central Coast and Bay Area through life-strengthening and confidence-building opportunities.

He has been active on numerous city, county, state and nonprofit committees, commissions and boards, including a 10-year term as a board member for the County of Santa Cruz In Home Support Services Advisory Committee and eight years on the City of Santa Cruz Board of Building and Fire Appeals.

F

“Letters” from page 8 When my young kids fight over a toy train, they lose sight of the many other toys scattered around them. I encourage them to set the toy train aside and try stacking building blocks together, which is fun for both of them! The train will be there to settle later. In the meantime, everyone can play more happily & productively.

During Jarrett Walker’s 2018 presentation on our county’s transportation predicament, he coined the infamous term “Aptos Strangler” to describe our epic choke point.

No one is foolish enough to think that untangling the Strangler will be easy.

Foster Andersen

Josh Belcher

Mike Harris

Josh Belcher General manager, Scotts Valley Hilton aised in Waynesville, Missouri, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy following high school. He completed two tours of duty overseas on the USS Constellation aircraft carrier.

He then built a career over 24 years in hospitality beginning at the Tan-TarA Resort on the Lake of the Ozarks.

For the past eight years, he has been with Remington Hotel Property Management Group, taking leadership roles at properties in New Mexico, Texas, and Indiana. In August 2020, with the pandemic not over, he joined the Scotts Valley Hilton.

He lives with his wife and family in Santa Cruz.

Mike Harris Vice president, Ledgestone Hospitality/ Hampton Inn, Watsonville rowing up in Texas, he working line-level hospitality positions prior to advancing to general manager at age 19. By age 23, he bought three hotels in three Midwestern states.

He then formed a consulting company and for over a decade assisted many of the top hotel management companies in the country with sales efforts.

He returned to operations in 1997 and became regional director for a national hotel brands management division.

He opened and supervised operations for a Hampton by Hilton, Holiday Inn, Marriott and many AmericInns and helped create a four-diamond luxury boutique property in Paso Robles.

He led the effort to develop an eCRM initiative for a national hotel brand.

In 2009 he joined Ledgestone Hospitality where he is partner overseeing the management of 30 hotels from Wisconsin to California.

He has been associated with Hilton, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Marriott, Wyndham, Choice and several independent hotels. He developed the winning site for the Western Management Development Center in Aurora, Colorado, managing and assisting in opening the Dole-Specter Conference Center/ hotel and spearheading creation of the Paso Robles Business Improvement District.

He lives in Phoenix with his wife and four children. n To reach Visit Santa Cruz County, call 831-425-1234.

the future is a bit more clear and instead focus on how to work together to improve things in the near-term. Many of our roads in Aptos are unsafe for pedestrians & cyclists, traffic congestion is a perennial frustration, our bus system is in need of investment & modernization, and our infrastructure is surely ill prepared for the coming boom in alternative vehicles.

For now, let’s let the tracks be the tracks. We can instead focus on how to improve our roads, widen our highway, scale our bus system, and safely accommodate newfangled transport tech like e-bikes.

Please don’t mistake me for an expert here. Far from it! I’m simply a newcomer, instantly smitten with Aptos, pleading

for reconciliation and collaboration. The new nonprofit I’ve founded, Nisene Rio Gateway (NRG), promotes ecological & community harmony while improving safety & access for active transportation in the Aptos area. Our aim is to physically, logistically, and culturally connect our incredible natural spaces & local communities. If you like the sound of that, please join us, no matter your stance on rail!

If you’d like to explore more of the details proposed by the Aptos Handshake concept, visit the interactive map: https:// tinyurl.com/aptos-handshake-map.

(Full URL: https://www.google.com/ maps/d/edit?mid=1jfuxi5dG7wI-Ru1xn2a7yT -Jx6EEAKDw&usp=sharing) — Todd Marco, Aptos

R

But it’s also not impossible. If we can set aside past disputes, focus on common ground, and engage collaboratively, we may be able to turn this contentious choke point into the “Aptos Handshake.”

Centered at the vital interchange between north county & south county, the Aptos Handshake could help connect community members throughout Santa Cruz County — connect them to each other, to their workplaces & schools, to local businesses, to more enrichment opportunities, and to our spectacular public parks. All without having to fully depend on a car.

I know it may seem like the fate of our county’s future lies along two long strips of steel, but let’s set the tracks aside until

10 / July 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

G

COMMUNITY NEWS

FarmLink Helps People of Color Become Successful Farmers O ver the past seven years, former farmworker Aldo Gonzalez has expanded his farm business from five to 44 acres, helped by annual operating loans from California FarmLink, an Aptosbased nonprofit that since 2013 has also operated as a Community Development Financial Institution.

Gonzales grew up on a family farm growing vegetables in Oaxaca, Mexico, and as a farmworker in the U.S. was determined to have his own business. Now, Gonzalez Organic Farms in Monterey County specializes in growing strawberries, which he sells at farmers’ markets in Cupertino, San Juan Bautista, Oakland and Sunnyvale, and is a valued grower for large strawberry shippers.

Gonzalez is just one of a growing number of Latino farmworkers who have become successful farmers in the U.S., said Reggie Knox, FarmLink’s executive director.

“The overall number of farms is going

down, while the proportion of Latino farmers is going up,” Knox said. “We want to serve this community and see it as important for the future of farming in California.”

In fact, the USDA Agricultural Census found more than 14,000 registered Latino farmers and ranchers in California.

And Latino farmers are growing at twice the rate of traditional farmers.

As part of its commitment to encourage diversity in agriculture, Farm Credit has sponsored FarmLink and its annual Farm Finance Expo, held virtually in late 2020. Supporting Farm Credit institutions American Ag Credit, CoBank, Farm Credit West and Fresno Madera Farm Credit are part of the nationwide Farm Credit System, the largest provider of credit to American agriculture.

Knox said the support of Farm Credit and other sponsors is essential to FarmLink’s success.

“The earned income we get from making loans is not enough to support

Aldo Gonzalez at his farm in Monterey County operations, so we supplement that with grants and sponsorships,” he said.

“We appreciate the support from Farm Credit.”

Keith Hesterberg, president and CEO

Photo Credit: California FarmLink

of Fresno Madera Farm Credit, noted that FarmLink has expanded its efforts in the Fresno area.

“FarmLink” page 13

QUALITY EMERGENCY CARE HAS NEVER BEEN CLOSER Watsonville Community Hospital is YOUR community hospital. Our specially trained Emergency Room (ER) physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals are available to care for you and your family right here, whenever you need us, without having to leave your community.

Because every minute counts in an emergency, our goal is to ensure you are seen by a medical professional within 30 minutes of your arrival in the ER. • Staffed 24/7/365 by full-time, specially trained emergency physicians, nurses, and other dedicated healthcare professionals • Hospitalists specializing in obstetrics, newborn and pediatric care available 24/7 • Fast Track care for non-emergent patients • In-network for Kaiser Permanente members and other health plans • Easy freeway access off Airport Boulevard, with plenty of free parking • COVID-19 safety precautions in place for your protection In case of emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room Watsonville Community Hospital, 75 Nielson Street, Watsonville, CA (831) 724-4741 www.watsonvillehospital.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2021 / 11

D I D YO U K N O W? We regularly collect data and water quality samples from over 80 groundwater monitoring wells.

COMMUNITY NEWS

More High School Juniors Thinking, Not Drinking

Summer Scavenger Hunt Offers Prizes

S Your Community Partner for Reliable Water

12 / July 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

anta Cruz County Friday Night Live youth leaders from Pajaro Valley High School, Pajaro Middle School, Watsonville YMCA, and the Countywide Youth Council Chapters are tackling underage drinking by sharing the positive data: Most local youth are not using alcohol before age 21.

Friday Night Live youth recognized that perceptions of youth attitudes and behaviors significantly influence a young person’s attitudes and behaviors. Unfortunately, these perceptions are often inaccurate.

According to the most recent California Healthy Kids Survey, 82 percent of 11th graders in Santa Cruz County have not used alcohol in the past 30 days.

Data for Pajaro Valley Unified School District covering students at Pajaro Middle School, Pajaro Valley High School, and Watsonville YMCA reported 95 percent of 7th graders, 90 percent of 9th graders, and 85 percent of 11th-grade youth choose not to drink alcohol.

Friday Night Live youth used this data to developed poster messages to educate and reinforce positive behaviors, highlighting the fact a majority of youth in Santa Cruz County are choosing to not drink alcohol.

To share these messages, youth developed a summer scavenger hunt with prizes.

Posters can be seen at youth-centric locations and participating stores and restaurants throughout Santa Cruz County.

Here’s how to play.

Take a picture with a poster, upload the picture to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the tag @sccfnlp by Aug. 31, and you will be entered into a prize drawing! Prizes include backpacks, water bottles, headphones, t-shirts, and more. There is no limit on entries; for every unique picture you tag @sccfnlp, you will be entered to win.

Winners will be announced on Sept. 2.

Funding was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“In today’s society there is the stigma that large amounts of youth drink alcohol when, in reality, this is an over-estimate,” said Emily Palone, FNL Youth Council member.

“This generalization of underage drinking overlooks the smart and healthy choices we have made,” she added. “The positive social norms campaign highlights these great choices and supports us in continuing to make healthy choices by choosing not to drink alcohol.”

The summer campaign also targets adults, encouraging parents to talk to their kids about alcohol and to monitor and secure alcohol in their homes to prevent underage use. n ••• For more information about the Friday Night Live program, which engages youth as active leaders and resources in their community. or the poster scavenger hunt, email: sccfnlp@santacruzcounty.us, call: 831-3598450, or follow @sccfnlp on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Texas Leads California

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

By Jondi Gumz Texas has the most Hispanic farm producers, 41,143, followed by California with 14,597, according to the USDA Census of Agriculture, which comes out every five years.

In all, 3.3 percent of U.S. farm producers are Hispanic.

The 2017 survey of 112,451 producers covered up to four producers per farm.

Hispanic producers are slightly younger on average than U.S. producers, 55 years old vs. 57. This is because of female farmers, who tend to be younger -- average age 36 overall, and 35 for Hispanic female farmers.

Hispanic producers are more likely to be a beginning farmer — 36% of Hispanic farmers had farmed 10 years or less vs. 27% of all producers.

Fewer Hispanic producers (65 percent) lived on their farm or ranch than U.S. producers overall (74 percent).

Hispanic producers favored specialty crops such as fruits and berries,

“FarmLink” from page 11 “FarmLink is now working with a number of small-scale Hmong farmers in the Fresno area, and as part of Farm Credit’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, we applaud FarmLink’s efforts and look forward to working with these beginning farmers in the future,” he said.

Mark Littlefield,Ppresident and CEO of Farm Credit West, said supporting FarmLink is just one way Farm Credit supports diversity in agriculture.

“For the past six years, Farm Credit has also been a proud sponsor of the Latino Farmer Conference, which drew some 300 participants in 2019, before COVID-19, and returned this year with a series of webinars,” Littlefield said.

“Nurturing beginning farmers is part of our mission and we’re happy to support FarmLink’s work.”

Knox said since establishing the CDFI, FarmLink has loaned $31 million to more than 300 borrowers, 60% of whom are Latino and up to 35% are women.

FarmLink works closely with ALBA — the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association — an incubator program in the Salinas Valley that provides land and support for beginning farmers. During the six-month course, ALBA provides a half-acre of land to

greenhouse, vegetables and melons, with 21% growing a specialty crop compared to 9% of all U.S. farms.

The census reported 70% of Hispanic farms have internet access.

In Santa Cruz County, 320 farms employed 16,114 workers in 2017—that’s about 15 percent of those employed.

In Santa Cruz County, 12 farms received government payments in 2017, up from one that did in 2012. No Santa Cruz County farms received commodity credit corporation loans in 2017, according to the survey.

The USDA is recruiting farmers to participate in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. The survey asks for email and says it will remain confidential.

To view the 2017 census visit www. nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. n ••• Editor’s note: Are you a Latino farmer in Santa Cruz County? Share your story with editor Jondi Gumz at info@cyber-times.com.

learn to grow crops on. Once the farmer graduates, FarmLink comes in.

“When the beginning Latino farmer comes out of the incubator, we may help them with their first lease and provide an initial operating loan of $10,000 to $20,000 to get started. The next year the farmer may require $25,000 to $50,000 to scale up. Whenever possible, those leases include a first right of refusal for the farmer to purchase the property, because we encourage people to build a pathway to ownership so their businesses can generate multi-generational wealth,” he said.

Knox believes Farm Credit can help farmers achieve that goal.

“Farm Credit is the largest lender across the country, helping farmers of all sizes. We really appreciate the partnership and hope to work closely with its associations in the future, to make sure they are there when farmers graduate from our programs and are in need of a larger loan,” he said. n ••• FarmLink is a Santa Cruz Countybased organization focused on helping small farmers and people of color succeed in agriculture. Farm Credit has supported FarmLink as part of its commitment to diversity in agriculture. To reach California Farm Link, call 831-425-0303. For more about Farm Credit Alliance, see https:// www.farmcreditalliance.com/

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Property Managers

PLEASE JOIN US for this FREE event!

Fall in Love with BirchBark virtual celebration & fundraiser Saturday, July 31st, 6:45

more information at www.birchbarkfoundation.org/fil2021 or call 831.471.7255

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2021 / 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

“World’s Shortest Parade” Is Back!

14 / July 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

New Credit Chief at Santa Cruz County Bank S usan Just has joined Santa Cruz County Bank as executive vice president and chief credit officer, succeeding Creedance Shaw, who founded the loan and credit administration departments when the bank opened in 2004 and left in March to pursue other interests.

Her 30-year career includes credit portfolio management of loan portfolios up to $8.5 billion. She has Susan Just held senior credit roles at JPMorgan Chase, Northern Trust, and Bank of Montreal.

Assets at Santa Cruz County Bank top $1.5 billion. With Krista Snelling bank president and CEO, women fill two top leadership roles in an industry historically dominated by men.

Early in her career, with JPMorgan Chase and its predecessors, Just established herself as a proficient underwriter of commercial, corporate, and securitized transactions, managing multi-billiondollar transactions. After 17 years at JPMorgan, she changed her focus to community banking.

As senior credit officer at First Chicago Bank & Trust, a $1.1 billion community bank, she was responsible for integrating and streamlining the credit functions of its merged predecessor banks. At Northern Trust, she managed Loan Review and led the Global Compliance Testing functions.

She was lead credit officer responsible for the $8.5 billion retail credit portfolio at TCF Bank. More recently, she managed the ALLL function (allowance for loan and lease losses) at Bank of Montreal, and during the pandemic worked as a credit portfolio manager for a new financial technology firm.

She obtained her master’s from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Loyola University of Chicago.

She calls herself a former competitive sailor.

“I’m honored to join the executive team and look forward to contributing to the bank’s growth and continued success,” she said. “I am drawn to the Monterey Bay area and am very excited to become part of the local community.”

She is based out of the Santa Cruz headquarters. n

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EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SHAPE THEIR FUTURES WITH CONFIDENCE

Want to Vote in Gov Recall?

T

By Jondi Gumz

he recall election on Gov. Gavin Newsom begun in June 2020

by Orrin Heatlie, 52, of Folsom, a retired sheriff’s sergeant, will be Tuesday, Sept. 14.

Already 60 candidates have included, including Newsom. Candidates have until July 16 to enter the race.

A Santa Cruz County resident who is unregistered has until Aug. 30 to register to vote, according to Santa Cruz County Clerk Tricia Webber, who is in charge of local elections after the retirement of Gail Pellerin.

If you miss that deadline, you can still vote if you vote in person and do it at the county Election office, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz — where you must pay for parking — or take advantage of same-day registration on Sept. 14.

A judicial decision is expected Friday on whether Gov. Newsom will be listed as a Democrat on the ballot.

His campaign staff, in filing, did not include that designation, and the Secretary of State, appointed by Newsom, said only a court could allow a change, so Newsom sued.

“Recall” page 21

Endless opportunities await your student at Kirby School.

Visit kirby.org and contact our Admissions team to learn more about our Test-Free Application process and to schedule a tour.

Kirby School 425 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 KIRBY.ORG 831-423-0658 admissions@kirby.org

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2021 / 15

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Pictures From the Past

Mangels Ranch Aptos T

Photo Essay by Carolyn Swift

oday the home of Claus Mangels appears hidden along the road leading into the Forest of Nisene Marks.

In the 1920s, however, the ranch had a working dairy spread out around the hilltop mansion.

The house originally sat on about 550 acres. n

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Other restrictions may apply. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to approval of credit, income verification, and property valuation. Bay Federal Credit Union membership required at the time of closing. For more information, visit any Bay Federal Credit Union branch or call a Bay Federal Home Loan Consultant at 831.479.6000, or toll-free at 888.4BAYFED, extension 304. Bay Federal Credit Union is registered with the Nationwide Mortgage Lending System (NMLS). Bay Federal Credit Union ID #403635.

16 / July 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Federally Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Santa Cruz Firecracker 5K Finish

P

By Jondi Gumz

Aptos Real Estate Update

Ruth Bates 831.359.2212

ruthbates1@gmail.com

atrick Goodrich, 18, a cross country runner who graduated in June from Scotts Valley High School, finished first at the Santa Cruz Firecracker 5k in 15:25.8 ahead of 283 runners as the race returned to Harvey West Park after a one year COVID suspension.

Goodrich plans to run for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Gina Horath, 30, of Santa Cruz, was the fastest woman, finishing in 18:00.8, good for seventh.

The chip-timed race showcased upand-coming talent: • Jim Ratliff, 15, was second in 16:27.6.

• Chase Jacques-Maynes, 15, of Soquel, was third in 17:33.8.

• Eli Fitchen-Young, 14, of Santa Cruz, was fourth in 17:40.

Top finishers from Aptos: • Jeff Soares, 58, 11th in 18.11.2 and first in his age division.

• Steven Doinidis, 37, 18th in 19:11.3 and first in his age division.

• Meredith Mills, 64, 50th in 22:55.2 and first in her age division.

• Nancy Zaferes, 65, 91st in 25:19.5 and first in her age division.

Top finisher from Capitola: • B. Campbell, 10, 185th in 32:35.5 and first in her division.

Top finishers from Soquel: • Emma McCain, 18, of Soquel, a runner

Chase Jacques Maynes

JULY 2021

CalBRE#01799929

Photo Credit: Foggy Bay Photos

Patrick Goodrich (129) comfortably leads the pack during the Santa Cruz Firecracker 5k race. and June grad at Soquel High, 15th in 18:54.1 and second among women.

She plans to compete for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo • David Campbell, 76, 209th in 34:28.3 and first in his age division.

Top finisher from Scotts Valley • Sophia Davis, 20, 43rd in 21:51.7 and

Photo Credit: Foggy Bay Photos

Jeff Soares

first in her age division.

To view the results: https://runsignup. com/Race/Results/47158#resultSetId260924;perpage:100 ••• Thanks to Penni Bengston at Finish Line Productions who helped us with photos., which were taken by Foggy Bay Photos

Photo Credit: Foggy Bay Photos

Happy Summer. It was great to see so many Aptosians out and about at the Aptos 4th of July parade. It truly was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, young and old, (without masks so I could see the smiles).

SELLER’S MARKET STILL — It is still the lowest inventory available in years and the highest prices ever for Aptos. 29 homes sold in June. The high was 745 Las Olas at $5 Million (on the sand 3bed/3.5bath/1800SF).

The low was 506 Encino at $775,000 (2bed/2bath/1157SF). The Median List Price was $1,195,000 and the Median Sales Price was $1,315,000 - $120,000 over list price!

INTEREST RATES — remain at alltime-lows. Bankrate.com quotes 30-year refinance rates of 2.539% for 30-year and 1.922% for 15-year and 2.875% for a 30year fixed, no point, conventional loan.

HIGH-END NEWS — We are getting a visit from Josh Altman from the show “Million Dollar Listing” on 7/14 as the Altman Brothers are co-listing 650 Bayview in Rio Del Mar with our local “Santa Cruz RE team” for $9,995,000. This home is 5 bed, 3.5 bath, 5495 SF on a 20996 SF ocean-bluff lot.

This will be a record sale at this price.

NEW PRICE POINTS ACROSS THE COUNTY BEN LOMOND — I just closed a listing in Ben Lomond at 227 Arden Ave. We came on the market at $999K and closed at $1.1M. The last 4 sales in Ben Lomond all listed in the $900,000s and closed over $1.1M. 205 El Solyo – list $989K-$1,277K sold; 230 Woodrow – list $965K-$1,155K sold; 180 Eleana – list $979K-$1,150 sold; 234 Woodrow – list $925K, $1,125K sold. Average Sold vs. List = +$212K. EAST SANTA CRUZ — last four sales Average Sold vs. List = +$278K (619 Cayuga-$1395K list-$1705K sold, 158 Fairland – $1149K list-$1440K sold, 412 Chilverton – $1249K list- $1433K sold, 303 Prospect Heights – $1075K list-$1401K sold) WEST SANTA CRUZ — This is interesting. It appears that the West Side has now priced everything so high, that properties are not selling for way over list anymore as the list price is already about $200K higher than just a few months ago. Hum… one to watch…

——— My favorite 4-letter word is “SOLD”!

Call, email, text anytime and Get Results with Ruth!

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Paid Advertising

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2021 / 17

COMMUNITY NEWS

SC Mountains Challenge Virtual Ride

T

he Santa Cruz County Cycling Club invites you to join us for this year’s Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge Virtual Ride July 17 thru July 25, featuring climbs through soaring redwoods and roads hugging the spectacular Central Coast.

July 17 — 25

The longest ride for this year’s challenge is the Century with 11,000+ of climbing. For added flavor we’ve added a ‘Gravel’ Century, the off-road climb goes through Wilder State Park and is certain to become an instant classic. If you’re not quite up for the big challenge of the Century ride, there’s the Half Century route.

These routes entail: • Stunning Views • Bucket List Climbs • Sweet Descents • Which route are you up for?

18 / July 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

This event is presented by the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club. Proceeds from the event benefit the Community Bike Collective (former Trips for Kids) and the Watsonville High School Mountain Bike Team.

So grab your bike, and get up for the challenge. Hope to see you there!

For information visit https://santacruzmountainschallenge.com/ n ••• https://www.bikereg.com/ santa-cruz-mountains-challenge

Kathy Ferraro (left) and Jamie Jamieson

Capitola Art & Wine Festival Returns!

C

September 11-12

arrie Arnone, CEO at the CapitolaSoquel Chamber of Commerce, announced in an e-mail on Wednesday: ••• It’s true. September is festival time and we could not be more excited about it!

Full details to come, but for now ... mark your calendar for the 38th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival, Sept 11 & 12, 2021...we’re coming for you!

We’ve got a lot to do in the coming weeks, including lining up our crew of

“

awesome volunteers. Take part in a treasured community event, make some new friends, and have fun doing it! Give us a call at 831475-6522 ... we love our volunteers! Festival website will be updated soon with wineries, artists, food trucks, and entertainment!

Stay tuned!” n

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JULY 20 - AUGUST 29

The plays in our 2021 season explore the enormous impact an individual can have on history. Witness the political intrigue of RII and the passionate struggles of The Agitators. You will want a front row seat as we joyfully regather in The Grove. —Mike Ryan, Artistic Director

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

santacruzshakespeare.org Box Office: 831-460-6399

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2021 / 19

COMMUNITY NEWS

Staff of Life Stocks Foods Made in Watsonville F oodie entrepreneurs at El Pájaro Community Development Corp. welcome Staff of Life Natural Foods Market, which opened in March in Watsonville, is now stocking their products — made in Watsonville by your friends and neighbors.

El Pájaro CDC is a nonprofit offering culturally relevant services to underserved and underrepresented entrepreneurs in Santa Cruz Cruz and Monterey counties.

The nonprofit helps local food startups launch in a commercial kitchen and develop their brands by providing no-cost information, training, resources, and business loans.

Now, these small business owners are getting exposure at a long-established organic grocery and can sell their products at a larger scale.

“We take pride in our history of working with and helping boost the growth of small producers in our community,” said Jason Bazarnick, co-owner of Staff of Life Natural Foods Market. “It allows us to

Staff of Life Staff (from left): Vicente Quintana (El Nopalito Produce, owner), Peggy Bascou, Martin Madriz (The Green Waffle, owner), Cesario Ruiz (manager of the kitchen incubator at El Pajaro CDC, and My Mom’s Mole, owner), Gary Bascou, Eriko Yokoyama (Hakouya Probiotics, owner), and Jason Bazarnick. further our mission of providing delicious natural and organic foods while supporting our local economy.”

Some of the locally made products on the shelves are: • Hakouya Probiotics owned by

20 / July 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Eriko Yokoyama: Healthy, delicious products such as miso to add flavor to your life and probiotics to your gut.

• El Nopalito Produce owned by Vicente Quintana: Fresh nopales that are locally grown, paddled, and processed — free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

• The Green Waffle owned by Martin Madriz: An array of frozen waffles; loaded with wholesome ingredients, never adding sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives — a healthy and delicious on-the-go breakfast option.

• Teresa’s Gourmet Foods, owned

by Catherine Masterson and Eve Krammer: Tasty salsas and simmer sauces made with all-fresh ingredients, no additives or preservatives – vegan and gluten-free salsas.

• Quinoa from Agripacific Trading Co.: A variety of organic and gluten-free quinoa from Bolivia, an excellent source of protein, fiber, and many vitamins and minerals. In the bulk section of the store, you can take as much or as little as your heart desires.

• Berries and produce from Sun Valley Farms, founded by Rogelio Ponce Sr.: Fresh and locally-grown, farmed and harvested on organic-certified land.

• My Mom’s Mole owned by Cesario Ruiz : Award-winning mole packaged in powder form and refrigerated for versatility. Made with 25 spices and ingredients, it is vegetarian and veganfriendly — currently only available at the Santa Cruz store.

Retail shelf space is a hot commodity, and with thin profit margins in the grocery sector, grocery giants charge a fee to makers of frozen food, seasonings and snack foods

to be featured on the shelves. The fee covers the cost to enter product data in the retailer’s inventory system and program its computers to recognize the product’s barcode.

Retailers need a buffer as up to 90 percent of new product introductions fail, according to Victoria Vessella of Repsly, which generates data to make those decisions.

Getting a new product in front of store buyers can be difficult, and cold calling people may be unproductive. One way to get exposure is to exhibit at trade shows but that can be expensive when you consider travel costs, accommodations and marketing materials.

This is where El Pájaro Community Development Corp. came in, partnering with the team at Staff of Life Natural Foods Market.

“Together we are helping our community’s small businesses thrive as they now have the exposure they need to serve a wider consumer base,” said Carmen Herrera-Masir, El Pájaro CDC director. “We acknowledge that the process of working with small producers requires additional work and effort as a commercial store, and for that, we appreciate the commitment of the Staff of Life team in this collaboration and praise their continuation of this tradition.”

Asked what the Yellow Tier means for El Pajaro clients, Herrera-Masir said it “brings hope to all the entrepreneurs including the ones we serve. They are all optimistic and looking forward to full reopening of their businesses. All of them are working hard to achieve full recovery.”

El Pajaro is also supporting startup companies that emerged during the pandemic.

“As you know, a crisis also promotes creativity,” Herrera-Masir said. “Many people that lost their jobs are opting for entrepreneurship as a way to generate income for their families. Our organization staff and consultants have been working with these businesses every step of the way by helping them with coaching, education and access to financing that includes loans and grants. We never closed, we had to bring more staff.”

For those not familiar with Staff of Life Natural Foods Market, it started in 1969 when Gary Bascou and Richard Josephson founded Staff of Life Bakery in Santa Cruz.

“Staff of Life” page 27

COMMUNITY NEWS

$2M Settlement with Match.com Online Dating Sites O n July 8, Santa Cruz County District Attorney, Jeffrey Rosell announce d the settlement of the civil unfair competition lawsuit against MATCH GROUP, INC. The Delaware Company with its principal place of business in Dallas, owns and operates the world’s largest conglomerate of online dating services sites , including well-recognized brands such as Match. com, Plentyoffish, OkCupid and Tinder.

The action was brought by the Santa Cruz County District Attorney Consumer Affairs and Environmental Protection Units working in conjunction with the California Auto Renewal Taskforce ( C.A.R.T.) in December 2020.

The lawsuit alleged that Match Group’s online dating service subscriptions violated provisions of California’s automatic renewal and dating service contract laws. Among other things, the task force alleged that Match Group’s sign-up processes failed to clearly and conspicuously inform consumers that they were enrolling in an automaticallyrenewing service and failed to secure their affirmative consent as required by law.

Additionally, the prosecution team alleged that Match Group ’s post — payment acknowledgments failed to inform consumers how to cancel and made the cancelation process intentionally difficult — also violations of California’s automatic renewal laws.

As part of the settlement, Match Group, Inc. agreed to pay $2 million in civil penalties

“Recall” from page 15 Who are the candidates?

Democrats: Douglas Deitch, Jason Dixon, John Drake, Anthony Fanara, Robertson Davis Griffis, Luis Huang, Torr Leonard, Jeremy Lupoli, Kevin Pathrath, Ronald Palmieri, Armando Perez-Serrato, Joel Ventresca, and Frank Wade.

Republicans: Kevin Abushi, Karen Blake, David Bramante, John Cox, Kevin Faulconer, Wayne Frazier, Rhonda Furin, Sean Harrison, Timothy Herode, Caitlyn Jenner, Kevin Kiley, Chauncey Killens, Jenny Rae LaRoux, Louis J. Marinelli III, Diego Martinez, Christopher Mason, Daniel Mercuri, Robert Newman, Doug Ose, John Pierce, Patrick Rakus Jr., Sarah

“The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to protecting consumers from unlawful practices from the largest of companies who engage in unfair competition.

Automatic Renewals take advantage of consumers by getting them in and not letting them out.”

— Jeffrey Rosell

and costs, victim restitution, and a permanent injunction against future violations. The judgment, entered at the Santa Cruz Superior Court, requires Match Group, Inc. to have full transparency with consumers about their automatically renewing subscriptions.

“The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to protecting consumers from unlawful practices from the largest of companies who engage in unfair competition. Automatic Renewals take advantage of consumers by getting them in and not letting them out,” said Rosell.

Santa Cruz has obtained unfair competition judgments against two of the largest dating services providers in the world, as well as recent judgments against Amazon and Apple for unfair competition. n

Stephens, Anthony Trimino, Nickolas Wildstar, Major Williams and Leo Zacky.

American Independent Party: Joseph Amey.

Green Party: Christopher Carlson, Veronika Fimbres, Daniel Kapelowitz.

Libertarian: Jeff Hewitt.

Independents: Mariana Dawson, Elizabeth Floyd, Adam Hadjinian, James Hanink, Jimih Jones, Kevin Kaul, Paul Mesrop Kurdian, Dennis Lucey, Jemiss Nazar, Lee Olson, Adam Papagan, Marc Roth, Hilaire Fuji Shiura, Joe Symmon, and Ben Zandpour. n ••• What issues would you like to see covered? Email editor Jondi Gumz at info@ cyber-times.com. Put “Gov Recall Issues” in the subject line.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2021 / 21

COMMUNITY NEWS

Grand Jury Wants More Oversight After CZU Lightning Complex Fire Editor’s Note: The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury completed their investigation into how local agencies handled the CZU Lightning Complex Fire and its aftermath.

Below is a portion of their report. The full civil grand jury report can be read online at https://tinyurl.com/SC-grand-jury-CZUreport. A Second District meeting on fire safety will take place July 20.

••• Summary e investigated the county government’s response to the needs and concerns of victims of the August-September 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire.

We focused on the accountability of the Board of Supervisors and county administration leadership to our citizens.

We investigated the county’s support to the community in the aftermath of the loss of life, loss of property, and stress and anxiety felt by so many.

The communities of Bonny Doon, Davenport, Last Chance, and Boulder Creek were hit hard in this fire. Have we taken advantage of all the experiences and learnings to maximize our ability to weather the next, inevitable, disaster event?

Background n the early morning of August 16, 2020, a thunderstorm occurred that produced thousands of lightning strikes, resulting in hundreds of fires throughout California.

There were over 300 lightning strikes in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties which, combined with dangerous drought conditions, resulted in the largest fire in Santa Cruz County history. This massive wildfire, dubbed the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, had devastating consequences for many of the residents of Santa Cruz Supervisorial Districts 3 and 5.

The fire consumed 63,754 acres, destroyed 1,431 structures of which 911 were single family homes, and caused the tragic death of Santa Cruz County resident Tad Jones.[1] [2] Mr. Jones attempted to leave when evacuation orders came in but the one lane road out was already blocked by the fire. He went to a clearing where Cal Fire had told residents to gather in case of a fire in order to keep the roads cleared for their trucks. When it appeared no one was coming to help, Mr. Jones tried to get out toward Big Basin. His body was found a few days later near his burnt out car. Mr. Jones had been right in one respect; no rescue vehicle made it to that clearing.[2] [3] [4] Over 70,000 people were evacuated

W

I

The remains of a garage. August 23, 2020 during this event, and nearly all of Big Basin Redwoods State Park was lost.[1] [5] Thirty-seven days after the fires began, on September 22nd, Cal Fire reported it had gotten its “arms” around the CZU Lightning Complex Fire.[6] Four months later, on December 23, 2020, Cal Fire CZU Unit Chief Ian Larkin announced it was fully controlled.[7] By the end, the cost to fight this fire reached over $68 million.[8] The damage, loss of life, disruption from evacuation, and efforts to support the victims of the fire were well publicized during the event. On October 6, 2020 the Board of Supervisors (BoS) voted to create the Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience (OR3) to respond to not only the CZU August Lightning Complex fire, but also future disasters.[9] [10] An ad hoc committee led by Supervisors Ryan Coonerty and Bruce McPherson was established to monitor and oversee the implementation of the county’s recovery work over the next calendar year. There has been positive resident feedback regarding this program.

The county patterned its recovery program after Sonoma County’s successful plan in the wake of their own fire disaster in October 2017.[11] Nothing is yet published about the performance of our government leadership in holding Cal Fire accountable for past actions and ensuring readiness for the next event.

The Grand Jury received complaints from residents angry over not fully understanding how everything went so wrong,

22 / July 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Photo Credit: Kevin Painchaud

and frustrated about feeling unheard by their local government leaders.[12] [13] Many are afraid that the county is unprepared for the next event.[14] This disaster began in mid-August, was contained by late September, yet it took until mid-March 2021 before Cal Fire held two information sessions via Zoom.

[1] [15] This delay, per Cal Fire, was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges created by the stay-in-place order.

[1] Yet, the use of virtual meetings such as Zoom, was a common practice months prior to these presentations.

There was one presentation for each affected district, although the second presentation was a repeat of the first.

Their purpose was to answer residents’ questions, provide in-depth information about the beginning of the fires, the progression, and the events that led to so much destruction. They included a “chat” feature for residents’ comments and questions throughout, and Q&As with the viewers after the presentations. Six weeks later, there was another Zoom townhall for San Mateo County residents.

These were Cal Fire presentations, but it was announced that the Board Supervisor for that particular district was online and listening, as well as some other county personnel. Neither district’s supervisor commented during the presentations, nor spoke at the Q&As that followed.

There were themes to the questions asked at these events, mostly surrounding the concerns about what didn’t work and

what is being done to prepare for the next event. People are extremely grateful for the work done by our county fire districts, volunteer firefighting agencies, and Cal Fire. But many are also angry, and need information.

All of us need to know what our county is doing to secure needed state resources to ensure that our contract with Cal Fire provides us with the protection needed in proportion to the dangers that will certainly come our way. We all need answers to the residents’ questions: when we did the preparations recommended, when we followed the recommendations made by our district supervisors’ offices and fire agencies, why were we left to burn? And how do we know the same thing will not happen again?

The CZU Fire, and the increasing risk of more fires, represents an inescapable priority for responsible representation of our community needs.

Scope and Methodology he function of the civil grand jury is to examine aspects of city and county governments, and special districts. Cal Fire is a state agency that contracts with the county of Santa Cruz.[16] During fire season (May through October), Cal Fire operates as a state agency. Therefore, Cal Fire is outside the purview of the Grand Jury for the purposes of this investigation.

The scope of this report encompasses the effectiveness of the leadership of the county in their responsibility to represent county residents. We sought to answer these key questions about leadership, strategy, and communications: • What are the concerns of the community, particularly the victims and evacuees, and do these concerns persist?

• How has the BoS communicated with our citizens and responded to the community’s concerns and complaints?

• How has the BoS stepped up and demonstrated oversight and accountability?

• How has the BoS, in turn, represented the community and held Cal Fire accountable?

• How has the BoS assured that sufficient resources are funded and available for recovery and rebuilding as well as offseason fire prevention and preparation?

• Have the lessons learned and improved preparations for the future been documented and verifiably implemented?

T

“Grand Jury: CZU Fire” page 26

CALIFORNIA NEWS

State Mask Mandate for K-12 Schools

Enforcement To Be Handled At The Local Level

O

n July 9, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published its updated recommendations for K-12 schools. The following guidance, issued July 12, 2021, applies CDC’s recommendations to the California context, to help K-12 schools formulate and implement plans for safe, successful, and full in-person instruction in the 2021-22 school year. This guidance is effective immediately and will be reviewed regularly by the California Department of Public Health.

The foundational principle is all students must have access to safe and full in-person instruction and to as much instructional time as possible.

In California, the surest path to safe and full in-person instruction at the outset of the school year, as well as minimizing missed school days in an ongoing basis, is a strong emphasis on: Vaccination for all eligible individuals to get COVID-19 rates down throughout the community; universal masking in schools, which enables no minimum physical distancing, allowing all students access to full in-person learning, and more targeted quarantine practices, keeping students in school; and access to a robust COVID-19 testing program as an available additional safety layer.

Recent evidence indicates in-person instruction can occur safely without minimum physical distancing requirements when other mitigation strategies (e.g., masking) are fully implemented.

This is consistent with CDC K-12 School Guidance.

Masks are one of the most effective and simplest safety mitigation layers to prevent in-school transmission of COVID-19 infections and to support full time in-person instruction in K-12 schools. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is transmitted primarily by aerosols (airborne transmission), and less frequently by droplets. Physical distancing is generally used to reduce only droplet transmission, whereas masks are one of the most effective measures for source control of both aerosols and droplets. Therefore, masks best promote both safety and inperson learning by reducing the need for physical distancing. Under the new guidance from the CDC, universal masking also permits modified quarantine practices under certain conditions in K-12 settings, further promoting more instructional time for students.

Finally, this approach takes into

regarding measures that can be used in a layered prevention strategy follows.

account a number of key considerations: Current unknowns associated with variants and in particular the Delta Variant, which is more transmissible; operational barriers of tracking vaccination status in order to monitor and enforce mask wearing; and potential detrimental effects on students of differential mask policies. Detrimental effects of differential mask policies include: potential stigma, bullying, isolation of vaccinated OR unvaccinated students, depending on the culture and attitudes in the school or surrounding community.

CDPH will continue to assess conditions on an ongoing basis, and will determine no later than Nov. 1, 2021, whether to update mask requirements or recommendations. Indicators, conditions, and science review will include vaccination coverage status, whether vaccines are available for children under 12, community case and hospitalization rates, outbreaks, and ongoing vaccine effectiveness against circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in alignment with the CDC-recommended indicators to guide K-12 school operations.

This guidance is designed to enable all schools to offer and provide full in-person instruction to all students safely, consistent with the current scientific evidence about COVID-19, even if pandemic dynamics shift throughout the school year, affected by vaccination rates and the potential emergence of viral variants.

This guidance includes mandatory requirements, recommendations and resources to inform decision-making.

Implementation requires training and support for staff and adequate consideration of student and family needs. Stricter guidance may be issued by local public health officials or other authorities.

COVID-19 vaccination is strongly

recommended for all eligible people in California, including teachers, staff, students, and adults sharing homes with these members of our K-12 communities.

See CDC recommendations about how to promote vaccine access and uptake for schools. California vaccine access information is on the Safe Schools Hub and Vaccinate All 58 – Let’s Get to Immunity.

In workplaces, employers are subject to the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (or in some workplaces the CalOSHA Aerosol Transmissible Diseases Standard) and should consult those regulations.

General Considerations onsideration should be given to both the direct school population as well as the surrounding community. The primary factors to consider include: Level of community transmission of COVID-19; COVID-19 vaccination coverage in the community and among students, faculty, and staff; and any local COVID-19 outbreaks or increasing trends. Discussion of these factors should occur in collaboration with local or state public health partners.

As the CDC explained July 9: “Schools will have a mixed population of both people who are fully vaccinated and people who are not fully vaccinated. . . These variations require K-12 administrators to make decisions about the use of COVID-19 prevention strategies in their schools to protect people who are not fully vaccinated. . . Together with local public health officials, school administrators should consider multiple factors when they make decisions about implementing layered prevention strategies against COVID-19.”

To streamline and tailor this decisionmaking process for California, guidance

C

Safety Measures for K-12 Schools Masks Masks are optional outdoors for all in K-12 school settings.

K-12 students are required to mask indoors, with exemptions per CDPH face mask guidance.

Adults in K-12 school settings are required to mask when sharing indoor spaces with students.

Persons exempted from wearing a face covering due to a medical condition must wear a non-restrictive alternative, such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom edge, as long as their condition permits it.

Schools must develop and implement local protocols to provide a face covering to students who inadvertently fail to bring a face covering to school to prevent unnecessary exclusions.

Consistent with guidance from 2020-21, schools must develop and implement local protocols to enforce the mask requirements.

Schools should offer alternative educational opportunities for students who are excluded from campus because they will not wear a face covering.

Editor’s note: The state’s K-12 Schools Guidance issued July 13 included a line saying schools must exclude students refusing to wear a mask and lacking a medical reason. On July 14, the state said that was in error, and revised the wording — see sentence on “alternative” educational opportunities, emphasizing that enforcement is up to local schools. Santa Cruz County Office of Education reports 13,790 vaccinations, 84% of educators living in the county, education partners and students 16 and up, and16% of childcare workers, education spouses and farmworkers.)

Public schools should be aware of the requirements in AB 130 to offer independent study programs for the 2021-22 school year.

In limited situations where a face covering cannot be used for pedagogical or developmental reasons, (e.g. communicating or assisting young children or those with special needs) a face shield with a drape (per CDPH guidelines) can be used instead of a face covering while in the classroom as long as the wearer maintains physical distance from others. Staff must return to wearing a face covering outside of the classroom.

“Mask Guidance” page 24

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2021 / 23

“Mask Guidance” from page 23 Physical distancing Recent evidence indicates in-person instruction can occur safely without minimum physical distancing requirements when other mitigation strategies (e.g., masking) are implemented. This is consistent with CDC K-12 School Guidance.

Ventilation recommendations For indoor spaces, ventilation should be optimized, which can be done by following CDPH Guidance on Ventilation of Indoor Environments and Ventilation and Filtration to Reduce Long-Range Airborne Transmission of COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Infections: Considerations for Reopened Schools.

Recommendations for staying home when sick and getting tested Follow the strategy for Staying Home when Sick and Getting Tested from the CDC. Getting tested for COVID-19 when symptoms are consistent with COVID-19 will help with rapid contact tracing and prevent possible spread at schools.

Advise staff members and students with symptoms of COVID-19 infection not to return for in-person instruction until they have met CDPH criteria to return to school for those with symptoms: At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever withou fever-reducing medications; and other symptoms have improved; and they have a negative test for SARS-CoV-2, OR a healthcare provider has provided documentation that the symptoms are typical of their underlying chronic condition (e.g., allergies or asthma) OR a healthcare provider has confirmed an alternative named diagnosis (e.g., Streptococcal pharyngitis, Coxsackie virus), OR at least 10 days have passed since symptom onset.

Screening testing recommendations CDPH has a robust State- and Federally-funded school testing program and subject matter experts available to support school decision making, including free testing resources to support screening testing programs (software, test kits, shipping, testing, etc.).

Resources for schools interested in testing include: California’s Testing Task Force K-12 Schools Testing Program and K-12 school-based COVID-19 testing strategies; The Safe Schools for All state technical assistance portal; and the CDC K-12 School Guidance screening testing considerations (Section 1.4 and Appendix 2) specific to the school setting.

Case reporting, contact tracing and investigation Per AB 86 (2021) schools are required to report COVID-19 cases to the local public health department.

Schools or local educational agencies should have a COVID-19 liaison to assist the local health department with contact tracing and investigation.

Quarantine recommendations for vaccinated close contacts For those who are vaccinated, follow the CDPH Fully Vaccinated People Guidance regarding quarantine.

Quarantine recommendations for unvaccinated students for exposures when both parties were wearing a mask, as required in K-12 indoor settings. These are adapted from the CDC K-12 guidance and CDC definition of a close contact.

When both parties were wearing a mask in the indoor classroom setting, unvaccinated students who are close contacts (more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period within 0-6 feet indoors) may undergo a modified 10-day quarantine as follows. They may continue to attend school for in-person instruction if they are asymptomatic; continue to appropriately mask, as required; undergo at least twice weekly testing during the 10-day quarantine; and continue to quarantine for all extracurricular activities at school, including sports, and activities within the community setting.

Quarantine recommendations for: unvaccinated close contacts who were not wearing masks or for whom the infected individual was not wearing a mask during the indoor exposure; or unvaccinated students.

For these contacts, those who remain asymptomatic, meaning they have NOT had any symptoms, may discontinue selfquarantine under the following conditions: Quarantine can end after Day 10 from the date of last exposure without testing; OR Quarantine can end after Day 7 if a diagnostic specimen is collected after Day 5 from the date of last exposure and tests negative.

To discontinue quarantine before 14 days following last known exposure, asymptomatic close contacts must continue daily self-monitoring for symptoms through Day 14 from last known exposure; AND follow all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions (e.g., wearing a mask when around others, hand washing, avoiding crowds) through Day 14 from last known exposure.

If any symptoms develop during this 14-day period, the exposed person must immediately isolate, get tested and contact their healthcare provider with any questions regarding their care.

Isolation recommendations For both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons, follow the CDPH Isolation Guidance for those diagnosed with COVID-19.

Hand hygiene recommendations Teach and reinforce washing hands, avoiding contact with one’s eyes, nose, and mouth, and covering coughs and sneezes among students and staff.

Promote hand washing throughout the day, especially before and after eating, after using the toilet, and after handling garbage, or removing gloves.

24 / July 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Ensure adequate supplies to support healthy hygiene behaviors, including soap, tissues, no-touch trashcans, face coverings, and hand sanitizers with at least 60 % ethyl alcohol for staff and children who can safely use hand sanitizer.

Cleaning recommendations In general, cleaning once a day is usually enough to sufficiently remove potential virus that may be on surfaces.

Disinfecting (using disinfectants on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency COVID-19 list) removes any remaining germs on surfaces, which further reduces any risk of spreading infection.

For more information on cleaning a facility regularly, when to clean more frequently or disinfect, cleaning a facility when someone is sick, safe storage of cleaning and disinfecting products, and considerations for protecting workers who clean facilities, see Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility.

If a facility has had a sick person with COVID-19 within the last 24 hours, clean AND disinfect the spaces occupied by that person during that time.

Food service recommendations Maximize physical distance as much as possible while eating (especially indoors). Using additional spaces outside of the cafeteria for mealtime seating such as classrooms or the gymnasium can help facilitate distancing. Arrange for eating outdoors as much as feasible.

Clean frequently touched surfaces.

Surfaces that come in contact with food should be washed, rinsed, and sanitized before and after meals.

Given very low risk of transmission from surfaces and shared objects, there is no need to limit food service approaches to single-use items and packaged meals.

Vaccination verification considerations To inform implementation of prevention strategies that vary by vaccination status (testing, contact tracing efforts, and quarantine and isolation practices), refer to the CDC vaccine verification recommendations.

Transparency Recommendations To build trust in the school community and support successful return to school, it is a best practice to provide transparency to the school community regarding the school’s safety plans. It is recommended that at a minimum all local educational agencies post a safety plan, communicating the safety measures in place for 2021-22, on its website and at schools, and disseminate to families in advance of the start of the school year.

Note: With approval of the federal American Rescue Plan, each local educational agency receiving Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds is required to adopt a Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan and review it at least every six months for possible revisions. The plan must describe how the local educational agency will maintain the health and safety of students, educators and other

staff. (Editor’s note: Pajaro Valley Unified School District, which was given $52.7 million in onetime funds, hosted a Town Hall Zoom July 14 to ask input on how to spend the money and issued a survey at https://bit.ly/PVUSDESSERSurvey with responses due before July 19.)

Disabilities recommendations Schools should carefully consider how to address the legal requirements related to provision of a free appropriate public education and requirements to reasonably accommodate disabilities, which continue to apply.

Refer to the CDC K-12 guidance section on “Disabilities or other health care needs.”

Visitor recommendations Schools should review their rules for visitors and family engagement activities.

Schools should limit nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations with people who are not fully vaccinated, particularly in areas where there is moderate-to-high COVID-19 community transmission.

Schools should not limit access for direct service providers, but can ensure compliance with school visitor polices.

Schools should continue to emphasize the importance of staying home when sick. Anyone, including visitors, who have symptoms of infectious illness, such as flu or COVID-19, should stay home and seek testing and care.

Boarding schools may operate residential components under this guidance COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for all eligible people in California, including teachers, staff, students, and adults sharing homes with these members of our K-12 communities.

See CDC recommendations about how to promote vaccine access and uptake for schools. California vaccine access information is on the Safe Schools Hub. Strongly recommend policies and practices to ensure all eligible students, faculty and staff have ample opportunity to become fully vaccinated.

Strongly recommend unvaccinated students and staff be offered regular COVID-19 screening testing.

Consider students living in multistudent rooms as a “household cohort.”

Household cohort members, regardless of vaccination status, do not need to wear masks or physically distance when they are together without non-household cohort members nearby. If different “household cohorts” are using shared indoor when together during the day or night, continue to monitor and enforce mask use, and healthy hygiene behaviors for everyone.

The non-residential components of boarding schools (in-person instruction for day students) are governed by the guidelines as other K-12 schools.

Information about how this guidance applies to other supervised settings for K-12 school-aged children and youth (including band and drama) is forthcoming. n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

This FM 100 App Doesn’t Work.

Can I get my Money Back?

By Christopher Elliott

The FM 100 app installed in Matthew Scothorn’s kitchen doesn’t work. The manufacturer knows it. But can he get a refund?

••• ast year, we bought two faucets, an on-demand water heater with filters, and a little gizmo called the FM 100 for just over $1,000 from Franke Kitchen Systems. This FM 100 is a device that gives you readings on your water and filter usage and, along with an app called Still Pure, updates you as to their status.

Sounds smart.

Nothing I could do would make the FM 100 and the app work. I spent weeks coming back to it over and over, trying to get the system to work, assuming that I was doing something wrong.

I contacted Franke customer service, and they told me that they’ve long known that The FM 100 and The Still Pure app never really worked. I was pretty shocked.

I asked if they had informed local kitchen and bath showroom distributors and suppliers of this, and they said no. I asked them why they are still selling the parts touting their helpful features -- the ones that they know do not work -- and they said that they intend to keep selling the parts until they are sold out and then just not offer them anymore.

They refused to refund me for the part.

They also had no comment on the money I had spent to have this all installed or the money it would cost to remove it, nor any advice about whether I should keep it and whether it might work in the future.

Why is Franke selling things that they know do not work simply because they still have stock? Shouldn’t they recall the items or at the very least tell suppliers to stop

L

selling them? Franke should refund $717.

That’s how much it cost for the FM 100, plus the amount that it will cost to have it removed, plus the initial cost to have it installed -- unless, of course, they plan to have a new app that will make it work, in which case I would keep it.

— Matthew Scothorn, Chicago ••• company should never sell a product that doesn’t work, of course. But when I researched the FM 100, I found it for sale online — and with a 4 ½ star review, no less.

So does the FM 100 work or not? After reading the reviews, I would certainly consider buying one. But after reading your case, I would not.

You could have reached out to one of the executives at Franke. They’ve listed on the Franke website: https://www. franke.com/franke-group/en/aboutfranke/company-organization.html.

Email addresses at Franke are formatted firstname.lastname@franke.com.

I reviewed the correspondence between you and the company. It doesn’t show that Franke knew it was selling a defective product. You say a customer service agent told you that by phone. I think Franke might want to review that call to find out what its agents are saying. If that’s true, and if Franke knows the FM 100 doesn’t work, I’d say we have a problem.

I contacted Franke on your behalf. A representative responded that “the matter has been resolved” but didn’t offer any additional information. So I checked with you.

“They contacted me with a complete attitude change,” you told me. “They

apologized for the treatment and statements they had previously given to me.”

Franke agreed to refund your purchase and installation costs, as well as

A

the cost for a plumber to remove the device. n ••• Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer for Elliott Advocacy. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help with any consumer problem by contacting him at http://www. elliott.org/help. © 2021 Christopher Elliott.

Kids Classics

ACROSS

1. E-wallet content 6. Pen ____ 9. *Rubik’s ____ 13. Bryan Stevenson’s “Just ____” 14. *____-Wan Kenobi 15. Egyptian falconheaded deity 16. Top of a steeple 17. *”____-I-Am” 18. Vernacular 19. *”Walking” spring toy 21. *Purple dinosaur 23. Foot the bill 24. Smidgen 25. *KIDZ ____ 28. Like a mattress?

30. Stay clear of 35. *Dumbo’s were huge

37. *Arnold Lobel’s “Frog and ____” 39. Emotional punishment 40. At the summit of 41. Young hooter 43. Shakespeare’s hometown river 44. Increase rpms (2 words) 46. *Pinocchio or Baron Munchausen, e.g.

47. Retired, shortened 48. Soft palate vibrations 50. Bob of the boxing world 52. Bovine hangout 53. Give the cold shoulder 55. Unagi on sushi menu 57. *Place called Sesame 60. *Place for Pong and Pac-Man 63. Semolina source 64. It would

66. Mourning fabric 68. Arterial blood vessel 69. Atlantic catch 70. Partner of pains 71. Emeralds and rubies 72. *One of “Little Women” 73. Haul something heavy

DOWN

1. German river 2. Large edible mushroom, pl.

3. Seed covering 4. Substitute for tender 5. *Shenzi, Banzai and Ed in “Lion King” 6. *One in a pocketful 7. Lawyers’ league 8. Horizontal bar dance 9. It’s knee high by the Fourth of July?

10. Strong desire

11. Channel marker 12. Eastern Standard Time 15. What bullies do 20. City in Japan 22. Past tense of eat 24. Popular salad dressing 25. *Winnie and Paddington 26. Derived from oats 27. Utah city 29. Thanksgiving turkey, e.g.

31. Burn to a crisp 32. Vßclav of Czechoslovakia 33. Be theatrical 34. *One of the Darling children 36. Horse prod 38. Letter opener 42. More true 45. Bygone Spanish money

49. “He said, ___ said” 51. Place that attracts visitors, pl.

54. Ancient city in Africa 56. Cooler clime conifer 57. *”One, two, buckle my ____” 58. Four years in the White House, e.g.

59. *”____ of NIMH” 60. *____ Walker, American Girl 61. *”Matilda” and “The Gremlins” author 62. *”The Three Musketeers” sword 63. Tail action 65. *Huck’s friend 67. Sixth sense © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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Light Falls to Earth – Meteor Showers – Making a Wish!

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Esoteric Astrology • Mid-July 2021 • By Risa D’Angeles

e all need a bit more light these days living as we are in the Kali Yuga Age, when the darkness is allowed to be seen. In the Kali Yuga, the world is covered in three-fourths darkness and only one-fourth of the spectrum of light is available. Meteor showers are spectacular events where it looks like light is falling to earth.

People make wishes on falling stars. Meteor showers are times of hope for humanity. We can look forward to outstanding meteor showers in July, August and December. The Perseids (July 17 – August 24) & Delta Aquariids (July 13 – August 24) then the Geminids in December (December 4 – 17). We all need a bit more light these days.

The rambling Delta Aquariid meteor showers begin this Monday.

Though the peak is July 29th, we will see a few shooting stars in the night sky now. The Delta Aquariids produce between 10 and 20 meteors an hour. The Deltas are a dress rehearsal for summer’s big shooting star event, the prolific Perseids.

The Delta Aquariids are reliable, producing meteors on the days before and after the peak date and continuing through August 23. The Deltas intersect with the Perseids, the year’s best meteor shower. In

December, we have the Geminids meteor shower heralding the solstice and the new coming light of the new year.

The 2021 Delta Aquariids, faint because the shower favors the Southern Hemisphere are best seen between midnight and dawn everywhere in the world. The shooting stars we see in the sky could be from the Delta Aquariid or Perseids. Both are falling stars. However to distinguish a Delta Aquariid from the Perseids,, we must know our directions. The Deltas fly from the south and the Perseids from the North Northeast. The shooting stars emerge from “radiant points.” (for the Perseids, the prominent constellation Perseus; for the Delta Aquariids, the constellation Aquarius, the Water Bearer.

It is supposed to be an excellent year for the Perseids, bright and steady with 100 shooting stars an hour. Sometimes we will see shooting stars, bright fireballs, every minute. We adjust our eyes to night vision, leave our cell phones behind, lay on the ground or set out a lawn chair in the yard or on a mountaintop, gather the children and watch the light show. Humanity needs more light in our dark time of the Kali Yuga.

Remember to wish upon all the stars as they fall to earth.

ARIES

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

Throughout the year, great changes are occurring for humanity and to you in particular. Your outlook on life will be concerned with freedom, especially how you express yourself. Breaking from the past will be a necessity. You (and others) will be as one who is “awakened” from a deep sleep. The awakening will happen through unexpected events. Break this gently to people who care about you so, as you change, they are not surprised. Cherish each and every moment.

It’s possible you will be traveling soon, if you’re not already.

Travel will be curious, unexpected, out of the ordinary. The journey will not be what you planned. You will meet unusual people who help you see life in completely different terms.

Nothing traditional seems available, even though you long for this. Everything unconventional is seeking you. Allow yourself to adapt to this. Your heart is stirred.

Know that more and more you will begin to express yourself in unconventionally creative ways. You will become the “out of the ordinary” friend.

Children and odd balls will love you. There will be sudden occurrences in your love life, in romance perhaps. Previous inhibitions fall away. You become more free, spontaneous, even eccentric (more so). Everything you didn’t like evaporates. You become more genuine, lighthearted and playful. You are happy every day.

VIRGO

Unexpected events or happenings occur with finances and money that come from shared resources, from TAURUS investments, taxes or loans. At first this doesn’t Unusual events happen particularly with your health. You make sense. Then as time goes by it does. Allow might find unexpected difficulties almost yourself to realize that the pleasures you pursue every day and they affect your well-being.

How to handle these is to adapt to the idea and things you value are changing. This is the last week that that all patterns in your life are in a state Vesta, the asteroid of “inner self as found object” is in VIrgo. of alteration, including your health. Perform daily tasks You must make a Vesta box. Find a box, fill it with treasures that with deep awareness lest a spider bites you or a snake represent your true self. This becomes your new artform. comes upon you. These are symbols for change. Have homeopaths and essential oils always nearby.

LIBRA Some things in your relations with others and with your close associates and intimates become GEMINI surprising. Should you feel loss of Your friendships and social life begin to shift. You encounter freedom or resistance from others, should new ideas, seek new ideals, consider group anything feel limiting you will shake it life more and more. Unusual people are attracted to you as you study unusual life- off immediately. It may be difficult to rely on anyone at styles and listen to alternative news. The times. If you notice this, be sure to be the ‘reliable one’ idea of being free and free-spirited is long overdue. For for others. Breaking free from things or people, events or some reason you will feel you cannot depend anymore situation, doesn’t mean you need to be cruel. Be gentle on your usual sources. Uncertainty results at times. An and kind – always and everywhere, with everyone. entirely new reality is coming forth for you with new paths to pursue, new friends and new resources.

SCORPIO Daily work, routines and agendas should include work on your health and well-being. Create CANCER new routines that include all things you Talents and gifts you didn’t know existed within you are consider healthy. Each day you may find coming alive and this will be a discovery that yourself disrupted. Everything becomes is exciting and unexpected. Your life, likewise, embarks upon several new directions and non-traditional and unconventional. This includes people around you begin to consider you as health, which you need to pay attention to. Restlessness one who knows a lot about something very specific. You means you need a new rhythm. You will work non-stop surprise everyone. They think of you as unconventional and at times, then work not at all at other times. Alternative healing benefits your health. Slow down. studious. This is good. A new life story begins.

•••

CAPRICORN

Home feels like a change and fluctuations are about to happen soon. Although it can feel disruptive and bring a bit of sorrow the changes are good. It means no crystallizations can occur. Life is speeding up.

Sometimes you sense you’re making a wrong turn. You feel tested, desiring to approach the home situation in new ways. Stability has been deeply important to you. Tradition too in a new age sort of way. Sometimes you feel free. Sometimes you miss someone far away. Boredom isn’t in your vocabulary.

AQUARIUS

There’s an introduction and exposure to new worlds, new people and perhaps new lands and new geographic regions are available to you. Also, opportunities come forth to express yourself and your gifts. You like to be with the people in the marketplace. Here you feel alive, in contact, love is released, people know you and rely upon your expertise. You try to make contact with family, siblings, relatives. Your personal appearance changes. Your shell cracks. You let light in.

PISCES

Over the next weeks and months ,notice as your needs and environments seem to change. All things not resonating with your vibration will swim away like little fishes. New values and revelations that allow for new growth of all endeavors will emerge. There will be a need for lighter foods and for less material things. Unusual events and circumstances will bring about unusual use of resources. Income results from giving, studies that are spiritual and build a new era community. Study holy oils. If sadness occurs, take the homeopath Ignatia Amara.

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com

26 / July 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Grand Jury: CZU Fire” from page 22 For this investigation, the Grand Jury performed multiple interviews of county officials and residents, reviewed resident complaints, and attended three virtual Community Meeting events. We also requested and examined several documents provided by the many county agencies involved in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire and its aftermath. We researched media articles, online publications, and we examined the practices of other counties that have also experienced devastating wildfire events.

Due to a possible conflict of interest, one juror was recused from all parts of this investigation.

Investigation ur government has an obligation to serve its citizens by assuring that risks are understood and managed, that resources are maximized within financial constraints to actively mitigate foreseeable risks, and that the needs and concerns of the public are recognized and satisfied.

[The full report can be found online at https:// tinyurl.com/SC-grand-jury-CZU-report] Conclusion: Case for a Greater Board of Supervisors Communication and Advocacy Role e recognize and commend the bravery of the many firefighters who put their bodies on the line fighting this horrible fire.

A life was lost and property was destroyed by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. The residents whose lives have been devastated were, and are, justifiably indignant over the lack of leadership from their elected leaders.

Our county’s residents rightly continue to express doubt and dismay about their devastating experiences and the ability to withstand future fires.

The BoS has the obligation to serve the public interest by conducting a thorough review of Cal Fire, as well as contributing county departments, and producing a comprehensive lessons learned document.

The BoS should allow time and energy for the necessary commitment to listen to the public, and they should collaborate and advocate for a higher state of preparedness for the inevitable fires in the coming seasons.

The BoS’ interest and focus on fire risk must intensify. These discussions must elicit and rely on facts and data, as well as opinions and sentiments. The BoS is in the position to advocate for the community to hold Cal Fire accountable and to prepare for an uncertain and dangerous future.

Findings F1. Residents are still concerned about response, evacuation, and future preparation in the aftermath of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. They are understandably irate.

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“Grand Jury: CZU Fire” page 27

COMMUNITY NEWS

Covid Funeral Help Available T he COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020.

Santa Cruz County reports 207 people died because of COVID-19. All of those deaths were after Jan. 20, 2020.

How to Apply ou can reach the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) Monday thru Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Call this dedicated toll-free phone number to get a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application completed with help from FEMA’s representatives. Multilingual services will be available.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the application process on our Funeral Assistance FAQ page. (https:// tinyurl.com/covid-funeral-help) If you use a relay service, such as your videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, please provide your specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA

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“Staff of Life” from page 20 Their goal was to make nourishing and natural old world-style bread as a healthy alternative to the highly processed and chemical-laden bread that dominated the “Grand Jury: CZU Fire” from page 26 The supervisors, elected to their positions by our community, fail to recognize that they are responsible to adequately address these concerns.

F2. There was a marked difference in content and depth of analysis between Cal Fire’s Virtual Community Meeting presentation given to San Mateo County and the two given to Santa Cruz County. The discrepancy is disappointing and not acceptable.

F3. The Board of Supervisors did not adequately respond to their constituents’ concerns and questions.

F4. The Board of Supervisors has not held Cal Fire accountable for their lack of analysis of their performance in the CZU Lightning Complex fire.

F5. No provision exists in the current

is able to contact you, and you should be aware phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.

Funeral Assistance Policy n June 29, 2021, FEMA amended the funeral assistance policy to assist with COVID-19 related fatalities that occurred in the early months of the pandemic.

This policy change will allow applicants to submit a statement or letter from the death certificate’s certifying official, medical examiner, or coroner, that attributes the death to COVID-19 fatalities that occurred between Jan. 20 and May 16, 2020.

Read the amended policy at https:// tinyurl.com/feta-funeral-assist-new

Who is Eligible? o be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions: • For deaths that occurred after May 16, 2020, the death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.

• For deaths that occurred from Jan. 20 to May 16, 2020, any death certificate that does not attribute the cause of death to COVID-19 must be accompanied by a signed statement listing COVID-19 as a cause or contributing cause of death. ° The signed statement must be provided by the original certifier of the death certificate or the local

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medical examiner or coroner from the jurisdiction in which the death occurred. ° The statement must provide an additional explanation, or causal pathway, linking the cause of death listed on the death certificate with COVID-19.

If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include: • Official death certificate that shows the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories. ° If the death certificate is from Jan. 20 to May 16, 2020 it must either attribute the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 or be accompanied by a signed statement provided by the original certifier of the death certificate or the local medical examiner or coroner from the jurisdiction in which the death occurred listing COVID-19 as a cause or contributing cause of death. This statement must provide an additional explanation, or causal pathway, linking the cause of death listed on the death certificate with COVID-19. ° If the death certificate from May 16, 2020 or later the death certificate must attribute the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19. n

market. At the time there was no clear definition of “organic” but the two founders sought out the best ingredients that aligned with their principles.

They found wheat from family farms that were still practicing traditional agri-

cultural methods that were pesticide-free and healthy for both individuals and the planet: essentially the principles of what is now considered organic farming.

Over time the bakery grew into Staff of Life Natural Foods Market, moving into a

larger store in Santa Cruz in 2011 and then to Watsonville this year.

The founders, with co-owner Jason Bazarnick, have kept the tradition of working with regional producers and local family farms to provide the best quality products. n

contract between the county and Cal Fire to develop after-action reports during the non-fire season.

F6. The Board of Supervisors’ responses to the Findings and Recommendations of the 2020 Ready? Aim? Fire! report show a lack of engagement with the material and a lack of understanding of their role as advocates for the county.

F7. The adequacy of resources for firefighting in the future is questioned due to uncertainty of mutual aid assistance, deployment and management of volunteer companies, and availability of funding.

Recommendations R1. In the next 30 days the Board of Supervisors should conduct an investigation to challenge Cal Fire on their preparation for future fire events, Cal Fire’s response to the CZU Complex Fire, and

give satisfactory answers to all residents’ questions and concerns as documented in this report. (F1, F2, F3) R2. In the next six months the Board of Supervisors should adopt a formal policy for handling and logging resident complaints and requests for information. (F1, F3) R3. Within the next six months, the Board of Supervisors should require that Cal Fire produce timely after-action reports for all major incidents. (F1, F2, F4, F5) R4. In the next 90 days the Board of Supervisors should direct staff to produce a lessons-learned document for the public summarizing their investigation of Cal Fire and an action plan detailing how preparation for future fire events and response will be improved. (F1, F2, F4, F5) R5. The Board of Supervisors should

revisit its responses to the Grand Jury’s 2020 Ready? Aim? Fire! Report, and rewrite their responses by December 31, 2021 in a document posted on their website to demonstrate hands-on engagement and better preparation for the next fire season. (F6) R6. Within six months the Board of Supervisors should direct staff to advocate for additional funding for fire preparation and prevention resources from the state of California. (F7) Commendations C1. The County Office of Response, Recovery, & Resilience has done an excellent job of providing information and resources on the website.

C2. The County Office of Response, Recovery, & Resilience has developed an excellent capability for expediting permitting and rebuilding. n

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2021 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage and donors of all blood types — especially type O and those giving platelets — are urged. The Red Cross needs at least 1,000 blood donations daily for optimum patient care.

In most cases, those who have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine is important in determining eligibility.

Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Donors who come to give thru July 31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card via email and will also receive automatic entry for a chance to win gas for a year (a $5,000 value).

Donation dates are: ••• Santa Cruz July 21: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk Street July 27: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk Street July 29: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean Street Watsonville July 23: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson Street Scotts Valley July 31: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by July 19 Movies begin at dusk. Bring blankets, jackets and low-back chairs.

Dates and Locations: July 23: Onward, Highlands County Park, 8500 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond.

••• Second Wednesdays Spanish, 7-8:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitator: Yuliana Mendoza.

Register by calling 831-647-9890 or email ymflores@alz.org.

SCULPTURE IS: IN THE GARDEN 2021 On display thru Oct. 31 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden, 2660 East Lake Ave., Watsonville Sculpture IS: In the Garden 2021, is the 15th sculpture exhibit in partnership with Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden.

The jurors, Susana Arias and Jeff Rosendale, selected more than 100 sculptures created by 42 artists and collaborators.

Visit the stunning two-acre demonstration garden, relax under the umbrellas, and spend an afternoon enjoying the outdoor exhibit.

Admission is free. Visitors can see works created by: Jamie Abbott • Cristy Aloysi • Susana Arias • Jeff Arnett • Nessy Barzilay • Michael Bashista • Lucia Bruer • Trudi Burney • Jay Capela • Lee Cavanaugh • Paul Cheney • Kathleen Crocetti • Sally Diggory • Franco Di Majo • Barbara Downs • Scott Graham • Leonard Groner • Roy Holmberg • William Hufmann • Kristen Kolbek • Marilyn Kuksht • Ron Lion • Lyn MacDonald • Mike McClellan • Kirk McNeill • Susan Megorden • Annie Morhauser • David Mudgett • Geoffrey Nicastro • Nancy Niles • Jeff Owen • Jane Reyes • Pierre Riche • Jewel Rogers • Mandy Spitzer • Judy Stabile • Richard Starks • Aaron Vanderkerckhove • Susan von Schmacht • Jenni Ward • Lea de Wit • April Zilber

SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS This new program from Community Bridges brings enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 and up in their homes at no cost. To participate, you need an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone.

To participate, view the calendar at https://communitybridges.org/SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, click on the link in the calendar to be connected. If you have a problem connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481.

JULY ‘ROADMAP TO RECOVERY’ VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS FOR 2020 WILDFIRE SURVIVORS United Policyholders’ remaining webinars in July 2021 for people affected by wildfires in California in 2020.

••• Deadlines and Decisions at the 1-year anniversary Tuesday, July 20, 7:00 p.m. • Register: www. uphelp.org/july20

BLACK HEALTH MATTERS: FRESH AIR ’21 THIS SUMMER Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center’s Black Health Matters Initiative is kicking off a summer of free programming, Fresh Air ’21, to address and elevate the mental health and wellness of the Black community of Santa Cruz County.

Black Health Matters, with Santa Cruz County Parks and County Parks Friends, will produce a diverse Survivor to Survivor Forums and accessible lineup of COVID-mindful events and Wednesday, July 21, 5:30 p.m. • STEP 1 experiences led by and for Black residents (and allies) in Register: www.uphelp.org/july21 • STEP 2 - Submit beautiful outdoor spaces. your question: www.uphelp.org/r2rhelp From movement classes, guided nature hikes, and selfcare workshops, to weekly virtual content, community SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE IS BACK! gatherings, and celebrations, this summer-long campaign is geared toward having a seat at the table for all.

Featuring professional actors from around the Register: https://tanneryworlddance.com/bhm-happenings/ country and inspired by deep local roots that go TWDCC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twdcc_ back more than 40 years, Santa Cruz Shakespeare stages bold productions of the plays of Shakespeare dance/?hl=en and other great playwrights that stimulate audiences’ ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION senses and spark their imagination.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS Santa Cruz Shakespeare performances take place in The Audrey Stanley Grove (or just “The Grove”) at Upper Alzheimer’s Association is DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz. offering video and phone ••• meetings for caregivers The Agitators: July 20- August 29 throughout the month: RII (Richard II): July 21- August 29 Second and Fourth Wednesdays Tickets start at $25 Santa Cruz, 2-3:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitators: Jill For more info about SCS, visit https://santacruzshakespeare. Ginghofer and Laurie McVay. org/season-2021/, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

First and Third Wednesdays Due to limited capacity at the venue, people are encouraged to Santa Cruz, 5:30-7 p.m. via video or phone — Facilipurchase tickets early. tators: Francie Newfield and Kathleen McBurney.

Second Saturdays FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS Scotts Valley, 10-11:30 a.m. via video or phone — Facilitator: Diana Hull.

Brought to you by Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Register by calling 800-272-3900 or email ymflores@alz.org.

Open Space & Cultural Services. Register at scparks.com.

28 / July 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION Second Harvest Food Bank’s drive-through food distribution will continue operating at the county Fairgrounds 9 a.m.-Noon on the following Fridays: July 23 Aug. 6 • Aug. 20 • Sept. 10 • Sept. 24 Food hotline: 831-662-0991.

CAPITOLA’S FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS Do you love eating outside while enjoying live music?

If so, the Capitola’s Food Truck Friday events are perfect for you!

The first event is Friday, July 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. with two more dates, Aug. 27 and Sept. 24.

On July 30, several food trucks featuring different cuisines will be at Monterey Park in Capitola, with live music by Papiba & Friends. Capitola Junior Guard Parent’s Club will host the beer garden, a cordoned-off area where beer is available for purchase.

CABRILLO STAGE: UPCOMING EVENTS Tomfoolery: July 23-25.

Pirates of Penzance: July 30-Aug 1 Performances are in the Cabrillo College Outdoor Amphitheater. Visit cabrillostage.com for tickets.

The Beanstack online platform with mobile app will track summer reading and allow readers to claim rewards. Paper reading logs are available.

Summer reading events include magic shows, circus acts, NorCalBats, musical performances, and STEAM projects. See santacruzpl.org/calendar.

First and Third Monday Each Month SENIOR LIFE ONLINE 4 p.m., Online Meeting Join a local group of senior citizens for “Senior Life Online,” a free online (Zoom) program featuring a presentation by a local expert. View the full schedule at scottsvalleyseniorlife.org/current-activities/.

Upcoming: Aug. 2 — June Gilliam will discuss her “Journey from a Former Chinese Communist to a Fervent American Patriot.”

Aug. 19 — Dan Haifley, Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation’s Secretary of the Board, will speak about the Monterey Bay Sanctuary: its ocean health, research and education programs.

To participate, you need an Internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone.

A one-time preregistration is required at https:// tinyurl.com/SVSLA-5. Questions? Call George at (831) 334-7763.

Senior Life Online is sponsored by Scotts Valley Senior Life Association (SVSLA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to promote healthy living for senior citizens.

Information is at http://scottsvalleyseniorlife.org.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday NAMI RECOVERY SUPPORT Mon/Wed 1-2:30 p.m., Fri 6-7:30 p.m., confidential Zoom meetings.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Cruz County offers the “Connection Recovery Support Group,” a free, peer-led support group for any adult 18 or older who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition (no diagnosis required).

Groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. It’s confidential and drop-in friendly.

To attend, complete the registration form. You will immediately get an email with the Zoom link.

You will need to do this only once, and will be able to use the same link for all groups in the future. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/namizoom-register.

If you are unable to register, do not have an email address, or have other questions, call the office at (831)-824-0406 or email anastasia@namiscc.org.

View previous sessions at https://www.namiscc.org/

Tuesdays FARMERS’ MARKET AT RAMSAY PARK Ongoing thru July 31 2–6 p.m., Ramsay Park, Watsonville El Mercado is a new farmers’ market hosted by Community SUMMER READING All ages are invited to register for the Santa Cruz Public Health Trust of Pajaro Valley.

There will be healthy locally grown produce, a veggie Libraries’ Summer Reading Program June 1 – July 31 and earn prizes and entries to a raffle of local merchant Rx redemption site, cooking demonstrations and gift cards. wellness screenings.

Go to santacruzpl.org/srp, call 831-427-7713, or text Sponsors include Lakeside Organic, Salud Para La Gente 831-264-0647 to sign up and for more information. and Kaiser Permanente. Visit pvhealthtrust.org/elmercado for Kids up to age 18 get a $10 Atlantis Fantasyworld gift more info. certificate toward a collection of comics and graphic novels.

ROTACARE RETURNS! After reading for 5 hours, kids up to age 11 get a 5:30-8 p.m., Behind Star of the Sea Church, 515 Frederick St. new book selected by librarians, kids 12-18 get a tote Santa Cruz bag with goodies, and adults get a tote bag and a raffle The Free RotaCare Santa Cruz Clinic is reopening at its ticket. Prizes include a free scoop from The Penny Ice new location.

Creamery. Grand prize is family membership to the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the Santa Cruz Museum of For more info, call 831-204-6040 or visit https://www. rotacarebayarea.org/santacruz Art and History.

ONGOING EVENTS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONGOING EVENTS

(cont.)

First Tuesdays Of The Month FIRST TUESDAYS FREE 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum means free admission on the first Tuesday of every month 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Guests are invited to explore the biodiversity of the gardens, enjoy bird watching or relax on a bench in the shade. https://arboretum.ucsc.edu Wednesdays thru Sept. 1 CAPITOLA TWILIGHT CONCERTS ARE BACK 6-8 p.m., Bandstand at Esplanade Park, Capitola Village July 21: Joint Chiefs, playing soul and funk Aug. 4: Mike Hammar & the Nails, playing blues Aug. 11: Tsunami, playing classic rock/R&B, dance Fridays MIDTOWN FRIDAYS Ongoing thru Oct. 29, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz (next to the fire station) Event Santa Cruz is hosting a Friday festival through the end of October. Called “Midtown Fridays,” the event will have a featured musical act plus food, artists, vendors, and more.

Admission is free.

Scheduled Musical Acts: July 23: Fuse (Ted Welty, Don Caruth, Rob Ouse & Ryan Price) July 30: Andy Pancakes featuring Tammi Brown https://www.eventsantacruz.com/event/midtown-fridays/ Saturdays ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH Tours start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.,1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough. Capacity is limited due to physical distancing requirements, and individuals must sign up on a first-come, first-served basis.

Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 or visit https://www.elkhornslough.org/ group-reservation/ to reserve a tour.

For more information, visit http://www.elkhornslough.org/ esnerr/tours/

DATED EVENTS Sunday July 18 CAPITOLA ART AT THE BEACH 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Capitola Esplanade Capitola’s first Art at the Beach event in 2021, and all future Sunday art events, are family friendly and free to attend.

This is an opportunity to get outside, support local artists, and enjoy what nature and the community has to offer. Painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media by local artists will be on display and for sale.

The event will return in August on the 1st and 15th.

If you are an artist with work you would like to have a display in August, applications are accepted until Aug. 10. To download an application and view the requirements, see https://www. cityofcapitola.org/acc/page/sunday-art-beach-2021.

AUTHOR TALK 11 a.m., Online Meeting Bookshop Santa Cruz, along with Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, will host a free online event celebrating the paperback release of Vesper Flights by award-winning English writer Helen Macdonald.

Preregistration is required at https://www.crowdcast. io/e/vesper-flights/register.

UC MASTER GARDENERS CLASSES UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties offers free and low-cost gardening classes, serving Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties.

Online classes are available free of charge, although donations are accepted. For further information and to register for our classes, visit mbmg.ucanr.edu.

••• Greywater: Laundry to Landscape • Saturday, July 17, 10-11:30 a.m. (online) Taught by UC Master Gardener Stephanie Kister Campbell Integrated Pest Management (Invertebrates) • Thursday, July 22, 5 – 6:30 pm (online) Taught by UC Master Gardeners Loretta Heath & Delise Weir California Native Plant Seed Collecting • Tuesday, July 27, 5 – 6:30 pm (online) Taught by UC Master Gardener Janice Kuch California Native Plant Seed Collecting – Hands-On Workshop • In-person Event Saturday, July 31, 10 – 11:30 am, UC Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden 1430 Freedom Blvd, Suite E, Watsonville • Cost: $20 • Limited to 15 students This is a companion workshop to the zoom presentation. Taught by UC Master Gardener Janice Kuch.

••• UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties is an all-volunteer organization affiliated with UC Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener Program.

early bird family package for $30 available until July 10.

Individual prices range from $15 for adults; $5 for youth 6-12, $10 for active military and seniors (62+). Children under 6 are free.

Gourmet artichoke dishes, with products supplied by the region’s top growers, will be prepared in a variety of ways, including: fried, steamed, grilled, and forms such as lumpia, burritos, sausage, cupcakes and ice cream.

Cooking demonstrations showcasing the artichoke’s versatility will be given by chef Daniel Elinan, executive chef at The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa; Eduardo Coronel, executive chef of Rio Grill in Carmel; and Chef Ivan, part of the culinary team at Tarpy’s Roadhouse in Monterey.

Chef demos will be hosted by Partnership for Children, which provides transportation to medical care and family support services for children with life-threatening conditions in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties.

Information: www.partnerforkids.org.

There will be a bountiful farmer’s market, an ag education exhibit, a new car show hosted by Gold Coast Rods, and a new carnival, a new art exhibit plus arts and crafts vendors, and the artichoke harvest contest.

Festival proceeds will benefit nonprofits. For information, see www.artichokefestival.org.

Saturday July 24 thru Sunday August 1

VIRTUAL AUCTION FOR EVERYONE’S HARVEST Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets will have a virtual silent auction fundraiser from July 24-Aug. 1, in lieu of its annual garden benefit.

The virtual silent auction will go live at 8 a.m.

Saturday, July 24, and end at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1.

Anyone can bid on any item; once they are outbid, they will receive an email notification to encourage another bid. To view items up for auction, go to https:// www.32auctions.com/fresh2021.

From the New York Times bestselling author of H vaccination clinics through Kaiser Permanente.

A winning bid enables Everyone’s Harvest to keep is for Hawk and winner of the Samuel Johnson Prize The Wednesday clinic will offer the Pfizer and Johnson offering its innovative fresh produce prescriptions for nonfiction, comes Vesper Flights, a transcendent & Johnson vaccines, while Thursday will offer Moderna.

(FreshRx) and matching customers’ federal nutrition collection of essays about the human relationship to the Central Coast Y covers the $40 copay. assistance (Market Match). natural world. Animals teach us things, and most of what No reservations are needed. they teach us is what we think we know about ourselves.

Tuesday July 27 The book will be published on July 13 and is available for Friday July 23 CAPITOLA SOROPTIMISTS preorder now from Bookshop Santa Cruz at https://www.

VAX UP bookshopsantacruz.com/book/9780802158673.

4-5:30 p.m., Olive Garden, 3400 Clares St., Capitola Noon-4 p.m., Secret Garden & Garden Room, 705 Front St., Soroptimist International of Capitola by-the-Sea downtown Santa Cruz will have its first in-person club meeting since the Tuesday July 20 The Museum of Art & History in Santa Cruz, with the pandemic.

FIRE SAFETY IN DISTRICT 2 County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency Public The meeting will be preceded by a social half-hour and 2-3 p.m., Online Meeting.

Health Division, will offer a walk-in vaccination clinic an explanation about the partnership with Santa Cruz offering both Pfizer (12 years and up) and Janssen Supervisor Zach Friend, the Santa Cruz County Office Shakespeare and volunteer opportunities. Meeting topics of Response, Recovery & Resilience and Cal Fire invite vaccines free of charge. include club participation in an online human trafficking county residents to join a virtual meeting to discuss prevention workshop. fire safety. This meeting is focused on the Second Saturday July 24 The meeting is open to the public.

Supervisorial District, though residents from across Sunday July 25 For information see www.facebook.com/sicapitola, email info@ Santa Cruz County are welcome. best4women.org, or visit www.best4women.org.

APTOS LIBRARY CLOSING SALE As we approach the one-year anniversary of the CZU Noon to 5 p.m.

Lightning Fire Complex, 2021 fire activity throughout The Aptos Branch Library is holding a pre-remodel sale Saturday July 31 California exceeds 2020 levels, and moisture content in of everything. Yes, everything must go! Desks, chairs, FALL IN LOVE WITH BIRCHBARK local fuels is extraordinarily low. Discussion will include existing threats and protective and preparedness measures. shelving, books, children’s furnishings and more. The 6:45-8 p.m., Online Fundraiser sale is being hosted by Friends of Aptos Library.

To attend: https://tinyurl.com/rj7sz2zp Join the “FALL IN LOVE WITH BIRCHBARK” Virtual To preview sale items go to www.friendsofaptoslibrary.org Call-in option (audio only): 1-916-318-9542; Celebration and Fundraiser.

Enter conference ID: 502 272 002# As a fundraising organization, the need for support is ARTICHOKE FESTIVAL critical, and a memorial gift is a Opens 10 a.m. each day, Monterey County Fairgrounds way to show how much you care Wednesday July 21 The Artichoke Festival returns to the Monterey County for a pet who has passed on.

Thursday July 22 Fairgrounds on July 24-25, with the theme, “Thistle be A week-long Silent Auction will begin July 24th DROP-IN COVID VACCINES a Good Time!”

Registration is free at: birchbarkfoundation.org/fil2021 Wed. 5:30-7:30 p.m. / Thurs. 3-7 p.m., Watsonville Y, 27 The 61st annual event expects 8,000 visitors; safety or call 831-471-7255.

Sudden St., Watsonville. and social distancing protocols will be followed. Advance To learn more or to donate, contact birchbarkfoundation.org • Central Coast YMCA will offer free mobile COVID tickets are available at www.ArtichokeFestival.org, with an info@birchbarkfoundation.org. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2021 / 29

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Expanding Services to South County

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

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ne of the most significant actions the County took during our recent budget cycle was to authorize the purchase of a new South County Service Center. This purchase, in essence, is a second County government building that would provide mid and South County residents equal access to County services in a way that hasn’t been seen before.

The building purchase, and subsequent location of many County services in a centralized south county location, will be the largest investment in service delivery for the south county in multiple generations.

Where is it located? he new South County Service Center will be located at 500 Westridge Drive, Watsonville (in the former West Marine corporate headquarters). It’s 12 minutes from Aptos.

What’s the asking price? t’s $19.4 million for 121,000 square feet.

What would be located at the new center? he goal of the new service center is to centralize current South County services in one location while expanding new offerings that are currently unavailable (or are only occasionally available) to South County residents.

For example, the building will consolidate all South County leases (saving an estimated $5+ million over the next 30 years) while adding new services.

While the final elements haven’t been determined, it’s expected that residents will have access to Public Health, Human Services, the Planning Department, County Clerk, Probation, Sheriff’s Office, Auditor/ Tax Collector, Assessor, Agricultural Commissioner, the 4th District County Supervisor’s office and more.

Currently, South County residents have to drive to 701 Ocean St. in downtown Santa Cruz for many of these services and this will reduce the need to travel to Santa Cruz to access your county government.

Additionally, residents in Aptos and other

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West Marine’s former corporate headquarters in Watsonville may be purchased by the County of Santa Cruz. Asking price is $19.4 million. locations may chose to do the reverse commute to access services — saving time for residents.

When will it open? urrently, the County is completing due diligence on the building. Assuming everything checks out, the purchase will be finalized, improvements will need to be made to make functional for County services and it is anticipated to open by the end of next year or the beginning of 2023.

What other benefits will the new center provide? ltimately, the new center provides environmental, equity and economic benefits. Additionally, it will provide qualityof-life improvements for both the residents seeking services there as well as from the employees that will be working there.

From an equity standpoint, increasing services to the mid and south county is essential. Currently, residents either need to go to multiple locations within the South

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30 / July 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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County to receive services or need to drive nearly 20 miles each way to obtain services from the 701 Ocean Street location. This new location will eliminate much of that need.

From an environmental standpoint, reducing car trips for those needing the services and reducing commutes for employees that will work in the center (many of the County’s employees live in south county) is also beneficial.

Given that many of the County’s workforce currently commute during rush hour to the Santa Cruz location, having a number of these employees work at the new location (or remote work) will have positive benefits on traffic and the environment.

Economically, the project saves a significant amount of money. By con-

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solidating leases and taking advantage of historically low interest rates, the County is able to save over $5 million during the life of the loan.

As mentioned above, many employees who live in South County currently commute to the Santa Cruz location. This increases child care costs, makes it harder for them to attend after school sports games and more — all because of the challenges that the commute presents.

Eliminating much of that commute for employees will also improve their quality-of-life and is another benefit to the new center. n ••• As always, I appreciate hearing your feedback. Feel free to call me at 454-2200 or if you’re on social media I am providing regular district updates at www.facebook.com/ supervisorfriend.

SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Deadhead To Promote Bloom & Growth

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A Lady Around Town

crossword on 25 »

eet the elegant Miss Lady! (A282918) This sleek girl is a 2 year old, black and tan German Shepherd who has become our favorite brew dog! Lady has been on several brewery excursions and has lived up to her name every time!

Volunteers report that she rode wonderfully in the car and was well behaved both inside and outside the brewery. She found a comfy spot on a bed next to the table and was focused on her chew toy for nearly an hour! She was also friendly when approached by new people and greeted them with kisses.

This is just one great example of our Lady, Lady! Overall she is a wonderfully sweet girl who can be enthusiastic but also quiet and reserved. This shyness causes her to be nervous around children and some other dogs. With that said, we recommend that she be the lady of her own castle! That way she can have all the face-licks and lap-sits to herself!

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 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

eed and fruiting structures develop immediately after bloom. Such processes consume valuable resources that could otherwise sustain subsequent bloom or vegetative growth.

That is why it is helpful to deadhead some of the many blooming plants that do not need to produce fruit or seed. Deadheading diverts resources to more constructive application.

Deadheading is simply the removal of deteriorating bloom prior to the maturation of seed or fruiting structures. Besides diverting resources, it removes unappealingly deteriorated bloom, as well as unwanted or potentially invasive seed.

Deadheading can be delayed if seed from particular flowers is desirable, (although some types are genetically variable).

It was time to deadhead spring bulbs as they finished bloom earlier last spring.

Now it is time to deadhead some of the summer bulbs. It eliminates unsightly faded floral stalks of gladiolus, and diverts resources into developing bulbs. It eradicates invasive montbretia seed. For canna, it conserves resources to enhance subsequent bloom through summer.

It is helpful to deadhead some types of annual bedding plants too. Marigold, zinnia, floss flower, pincushion flower and petunia should bloom better with systematic deadheading. Of course, all will continue to bloom without deadheading, but might be slightly subdued, with fading flowers. Modern sterile varieties that produce no viable seed are less reliant.

Fortunately, there is no need to deadhead alyssum, lobelia, nasturtium, moss rose, busy Lizzie or verbena. Their

Kids Classics © Statepoint Media

Alyssum is too profuse for deadheading.

bloom is so abundant that it constantly overwhelms older bloom. Grooming tiny alyssum and lobelia flowers would otherwise be incredibly tedious. Moss rose, alyssum and nasturtium are pleased to self sow, but revert to simpler feral varieties.

Some branched types of sunflowers produce several blooms on several separate stems. Others bloom with only a single flower on top of a tall single stem.

If deadheaded prior to the maturation of their seed, the stalks of some single sunflowers generate a few smaller axillary flowers by autumn. This technique inhibits seed production, but prolongs bloom.

••• Highlight: Petunia here are too many varieties of petunia to be familiar with nowadays. The species name is Petunia X hybrida because almost all are hybrids of two primary species, as well as a few others to complicate the situation. The color range of the bloom of these hybrids now lacks only a few colors. (GMO orange petunias are only beginning to become available.)

Besides an impressively extensive color range, bloom Petunias are quintessential can be spotted, warm season annuals. speckled, striped, blotched, haloed or variegated by too many means to list. Flowers can be rather small or as wide as four inches. Some are surprisingly fragrant. Some have frilled double flowers. Stems of cascading types may sprawl wider than three feet while only a few inches high.

Petunias are warm season annuals that perform from spring until frost. They can survive as perennials for a few years if cut low for winter. Cool season annuals can obscure and shelter them until they resume grown in spring. They prefer rich soil, systematic watering and sunny exposure. Although mostly sterile, some appreciate occasional deadheading. Trimming during summer may promote fluffier growth for lanky stems. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / July 15th 2021 / 31

JUNE 2021

APTOS & LA SELVA BEACH

BY THE NUMBERS 32

104.5%

homes sold this month

list price received

2.01m median sale price

19

51

new listings

average days on the market

TH E R E H A S N E VE R B E E N A B E T TE R TI M E TO S E LL It’s a sellers market right now. Have you thought of selling? Have you noticed the listings in your neighborhood?

They’re all selling for record-breaking prices. Above is a look at sales data around your home. Contact Amber today to learn the value of your home in today’s market.

AMBER MELENUDO REALTOR®

831.661.5591

ambermelenudo.com amber@davidlyng.com DRE 01921098

TOP 1% PRODUCING AGENT IN SANTA CRUZ COUNT Y