Aptos Times: August 15, 2021 by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

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August 15 2021 • Vol 30 No. 16

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Hwy 1 Overpass Repair OK’d

On Aug. 5, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission approved a bid to repair the fence and railing for Santa Cruz rail line bridge that crosses Highway 1 in Aptos, damaged by a tree that fell during the historic 2017 winter storms. Full Story page 6

Delta Stresses Short-Staffed Hospitals

Trapped at Nisene Marks Park

Flipped Car Closes Aptos Creek Road & State Park for an Hour By Jondi Gumz When a solo driver headed to Nisene Marks State Park flipped her car upside down on Aptos Creek Road, the only entry and exit for the park, she was trapped inside. Visitors and staff at the state park were trapped, too, as the park closed for more than an hour as rescue personnel worked to free her.

The incident happened at 1:57 p.m. Thursday, July 29. The park reopened at 3:11 p.m. Todd Marco, a resident of Aptos Creek Road, was the first on the scene. His adrenaline surging, he called 911, and first responders were on their way. ... continues on page 4

Full Story page 5

Unity Coming to Cabrillo

On Aug. 2, Watsonville artist Francisco Alonso began painting a huge Latinxinspired mural at Cabrillo College in Aptos. The mural is going up on a campus elevator tower just beyond the Martin Luther King bust. Full Story page 13

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No. 16

Volume 30

Table of Contents

Cover Trapped at Nisene Marks Park: Flipped Car Closes Aptos Creek Road & State Park for an Hour, By Jondi Gumz

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Community News Delta Stresses Short-Staffed Hospitals, By Jondi Gumz Hwy 1 Overpass Repair OK’d, By Jondi Gumz Recall Candidates Knocked Out; Some Get Back on Ballot, By Jondi Gumz • Three Ways to Vote in Sept. 14 Governor Recall Boardwalk Promotes Omid Aminifard to GM Caltrans Seeks Public Input • New at CASA • County Seeks $175,000 Fire Safety Grant • Everyone’s Harvest: $175,000 In Produce For Families • Let’s Cruz Again Launches • New PVUSD Maintenance Supervisor • Water Chief To Be Interim SC City Mayor Dientes: 69 Seniors, $31K in Dental Care, No Bill New Executive Director at Jacob’s Heart • Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President Kate Roberts Retiring Unity Coming to Cabrillo College: Alum Francisco Alonso Painting Mural on Campus Second District Office Adds New Staffer Sarah Newkirk: New Leader at Land Trust • Save Our Shores Seeking New Leader Ziggy, a Covid Survivor, Saved by Surgery: Nonprofit Pregnant Mare Rescue Seeks Donations to Help Pay $10,000 Bill, By Lynn Hummer St. Francis Alum Back at Watsonville Y, By Marci Bracco Can You Spare a CPAP Machine?: Volunteers Say Unused Equipment Could Save Lives in India Need Rent Relief?: 4,000 Eligible, 178 Getting Cash, Aid Still Available, By Jayme Ackemann • Four Watsonville Doctors Join Coastal Health Partners

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11 12 13 14 16 18 19 21 22

In Memoriam 15 Pepper Golesh: She Made A Difference, By Kate Minott and Jondi Gumz 15 Remembering Steffi Bell Local Sports 17 Gilliam Wins Junior Olympic Gold 20 Runners at Masters National Championship 21 23 24

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Uranus: Awakening Humanity from Slumber, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists Citrus Salsa, Provided by Life Lab Uber Glitch Leads to Overcharge: Can I get a refund?, By Christopher Elliott Dr. Rodriguez Answers Your Back-to-School Questions, Q&A With Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District Six Reasons Why Now’s The Time To Start A New Business!, By Ron Kustek A Miracle on the Road, By Joyce and Barry Vissell Remote Work for County Employees, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District Houseplant Culture: It’s Not Gardening, By Tony Tomeo

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – A Mama Ready For Her Own Space

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COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers Jondi Gumz, Lynn Hummer, Marci Bracco, Jayme Ackemann, Kate Minott, Risa D’Angeles, Christopher Elliott, Michelle Rodriguez, Ron Kustek, Joyce and Barry Vissell, 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

“Nisene Marks Crash” from page 1 “She was in a convertible,” he said. “I couldn’t tell, it was crushed so bad. After they flipped it, she was stuck in her seat. Her seatbelt probably saved her life.” Marco, founder of the Nisene Rio Gateway, a group on Facebook with 370 members, is concerned about safety on Aptos Creek Road, a one-time logging road -- narrow and lacking guard rails, a pedestrian path or bike lanes. The car smoked but did not catch fire. It could have rolled down into the steep forested gulch, which would have made extrication more difficult, but it didn’t. Staff at the entrance kiosk managed the crowd that built up, people whose plans were put on hold. “It could have been so much worse in so many ways,” Marco said. “We absolutely should take it as a wakeup call.” The Aptos Times began focusing on safety issues on Aptos Creek Road and Nisene Marks State Park in January after more and more visitors began seeking relief from the COVID-19 pandemic in the forest. Had this happened on a weekend, many more people would have been affected. Not Enough Money tate Parks improved sections of the road after residents in February pointed out potholes were creating hazards, but budgeted money went only so far, especially with the agency working to reopen Big Basin State Park, damaged by the CZU lightning fire last year. “Although we’ve made progress, we have a long way to go,” said Patrice Edwards, Aptos Times publisher and a resident of Aptos Creek Road. “Because maintenance of the park has been deferred for so many years.” She added, “We need to continue to shine the light on this problem and get it resolved to make a safer, more userfriendly park for everyone.” Two days after the car flipped, at 1:35 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, a fatality occurred at the state park.

S 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. Entire contents ©2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment

Michael Arehart, 60, of Pacifica, died Sunday afternoon while biking on the Nisene Marks trails. He was a member of the British Cycling Association. Santa Cruz County Coroner Stephany Fiore said Arehart died from a heart attack. “He had bad coronary artery disease, which doesn’t allow the heart to get enough blood flow and oxygen during strenuous exercise like he was engaged in — biking up a steep hill. This is, unfortunately, not uncommon in his age group. From reviewing his medical records, I know he had been experiencing chest pain while biking over the past several months and his doctor told him he needed to get that checked out right away ... I don’t know if he followed up.” His colleagues at San Francisco-based Tech Soup, where he was director of business analysis, were grief-stricken. Marco saw emergency vehicles entering the park responding to the call. He was pleased to report exiting traffic pulling into his driveway and the clearing across the street, making way for rescue personnel to get through. Earlier this year, he had observed park visitors ambling on despite fire engines behind them, lights on. What Happened hen he posted the photos he took, members of Nisene Rio Gateway began asking how could this situation be prevented. “No one witnessed the conditions under which this person was driving,” he said. However, having walked the site and taken photos, he has an idea what happened. The road in the 10,000-acre state park is wedged in between a steep hillside and a steep gulch. This stretch, crumbling from erosion, has a pothole a couple yards long in the middle.

Photo Credits: Todd Marco

A locked gate prevents access to an emergency evacuation route at Nisene Marks State Park on July 29 when a car overturned with the driver inside, blocking Aptos Creek Road, trapping state park visitors and staff and all the residents on the road for more than an hour while the driver was extricated and taken to Dominican Hospital.

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“Perhaps she moved further to right to avoid getting in that pothole,” Marco said. He theorizes the tire on the passenger side went off the roadway and hit a storm drain not visible to motorists, propelling the Volkswagen into the air, with the fender hitting the hillside, damaging the bumper. “That’s what caused it to flip,” he said. He said he asked the park’s maintenance chief about repairing this area, and was told the cost estimate was $90,000. “This is something clearly in need,” Marco said, noting State Parks have significant budget constraints. “They’ve been doing a great job with what they have.” He added, “It is important to highlight the issue and work together to figure out some solution. This is what motivated the founding of Nisene Rio Gateway… We need to fundraise for these things.” While emergency personnel worked to extricate the driver trapped in her car, Marco biked up Aptos Creek Road to the Bella Loma emergency egress by the Steel Bridge to see if that gate could be unlocked, providing another way out of the state park. The gate at 1695 Aptos Creek Road was locked, and no one was at home. For Marco, that posed another question about emergency evacuation if case of a wildfire closing Aptos Creek Road. He requested on behalf of Nisene Rio Gateway that the gate remain closed but unlocked and a new sign added stating, “PRIVATE PROPERTY - EMERGENCY EXIT ROUTE ONLY.” He added, “I’m happy to pay for and install this sign.” State Park Superintendent Joe Walters, who oversees 29 parks, when asked the situation, said, “If there is a wildfire, we definitely have emergency evacuation routes.” On the other hand, if there is a vehicle accident on the road, he said, “People in the park are going to be delayed leaving the park.” n ••• Cover Photo: On July 29, a VW convertible headed into Nisene Marks State Park overturned with the driver inside, blocking Aptos Creek Road, trapping state park visitors and staff and all the residents with homes on the road for more than an hour. • Photo Credits: Todd Marco

COMMUNITY NEWS

Delta Stresses Short-Staffed Hospitals

By Jondi Gumz

he COVID-19 Delta variant is sweeping across Santa Cruz County, dramatically boosting case counts, spreading faster, responsible for two fatalities, and local hospitals –with staffing down an estimated 20 percent – are nearing capacity in the intensive care units, a worrisome situation for Dr. Gail Newel, the county’s health officer. At an online press conference Thursday and a Friday town hall with County Supervisor Zach Friend, Newell urged everyone, vaccinated or not, to mask indoors and in public, and also outdoors in a crowd, get vaccinated if you have not, and stay home and isolate for 14 days if you have symptoms of the Delta variant. Those symptoms are: Sneezing, sniffles, sore throat and eye irritation – unlike the early version of the coronavirus, when the early warning sign was a cough. Asked if people attending the upcoming art and wine festivals in Scotts Valley and Capitola, the county fair and the Capitola beach festival should wear masks, Newel said, “I would hope so,” emphasizing that protection is needed at crowded outdoor events. She advised having a mask in your pocket, ready to use if outdoor conditions become crowded. At a Com-

munity Bridges event where she spoke, the gathering was outdoors, attendance was limited, and she was masked until dinner. “When I’m not eating or drinking I put my mask back on,” she said. The county is seeing 40 new cases a day, up from two or three, boosting the number of active cases to 687, up from 40 in June. Newel contends the risk can be mitigated for children returning to school for in-person instruction with statemandated teacher vaccinations, weekly testing if not fully vaccinated, and mask-wearing by students and school staff indoors. “I want to offer words of reassurance to parents,” said Newel, noting she, too, is a parent. “The best thing is to get kids back into school.” With California’s test positivity at 5.2 percent, the state Department of Public Health issued a mandate July 26 for all health care workers including dental staff, all state employees and jail staff, and all employees at homeless shelters and adult care facilities to show proof of full vaccination or be tested weekly. “COVID Update” page 8

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

On July 30, Wild Roots Market in Felton urged unvaccinated customers to wear a mask while shopping. Now the county health officer urges everyone, vaccinated or not, to wear a mask indoors to prevent the COVID-19 Delta variant from spreading.

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

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7500 Old Dominion Court | Aptos, California 95003 831.688.8987 | Seacliffinn.com

Hwy 1 Overpass Repair OK’d

HAPPY HOUR F IS BACK Monday - Friday | 3pm-5pm

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By Jondi Gumz

irst, the good news: On Aug. 5, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission approved a bid to repair the fence and railing for Santa Cruz rail line bridge that crosses Highway 1 in Aptos, damaged by a tree that fell during the historic 2017 winter storms. The job went to Watsonville-based Granite Rock, which bid $195,841. Now the bad news: The repair work will require the closure of Highway 1 — so no date has been set. Thousands of drivers see it daily, the metal fence bent over the northbound lane of Highway 1 south of the State Park Drive exit. The repair work was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which had staff inspect the site. Caltrans issued a permit in April 2020, and the project estimated to cost $158,891. However, when the project was advertised in May 2020, only one bid came in — for $297,190, according to RTC engineer Sarah Christensen.

That bid was rejected by the RTC Commission and the project “re-packaged” with a more cost-effective design, and a new cost estimate of $140,000. Caltrans approved the changes in May 2021. When the revamped project was advertised, two “complete and responsive” bids came in, with Granite Rock the lower of the two. Industrial Railways Co., a railroad contractor in Benicia, bid $350,000. Installation and clearing of vegetation came in higher than projected, and Christensen indicated in her report that may be because the work “must be completed at night in an expedited fashion during a freeway closure.” The RTC budgeted $640,000 for storm repairs in 2021-22, providing upfront funding for the project, and then will seek disaster relief reimbursement from FEMA and the state Office of Emergency Services. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Recall Candidates Knocked Out; Some Get Back on Ballot By Jondi Gumz

ore than 80 hopefuls filed intentions to knock out Gov. Gavin Newsom in a recall election Sept. 14, but half of those names were knocked out after failing to file follow-up paperwork on time. One got back on the ballot after suing Secretary of State Shirley Weber, contending he had properly filed and getting a favorable ruling from a judge, who tossed out the new requirement to submit five years of federal tax returns.

Who Are The Candidates? Democrats: Holly Baade, John Drake, Patrick Kilpatrick, Jacqueline McGowan, Kevin Pathrath, Armando Perez-Serrano, Brandon Ross, Joel Ventresca, and David Watts. Republicans: David Bramante, John Cox, Larry Elder, Kevin Faulconer, Rhonda Furin, Ted Gaines, Sam Gallucci, David Hillberg, Caitlyn Jenner, Kevin Kiley, Chauncey Killens, Jenny Rae LeRoux, Steve Chavez Lodge, David Lozano, Diego Martinez, Daniel Mercuri, Robert Newman II, Doug Ose, Sarah Stephens, Denver Stoner, Joe Symmon, Anthony Trimino, Nickolas Wildstar, and Leo Zacky.

Green Party: Heather Collins, and Daniel Kapelowitz. Libertarian: Jeff Hewitt. No party preference: Angelyne, James Hanink, Kevin Kaul, Michael Loebs, Denis Lucey, Jeremy Marciniak, David Moore, Adam Papagan, Dennis Richter, and Major Singh. On July 12, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge James Arguelles ruled Gov. Newsom cannot be listed as a Democrat on the ballot because he missed the deadline on Feb. 28, 2020, to designate his party affiliation. Newsom contended it was a good faith error in responding to the recall notice. Orrin Heatlie, 52, of Folsom, a retired sheriff’s sergeant, began the recall process in 2020. He told the Desert Sun he was motivated by a video of the governor instructing immigrants in the country illegally not

to open their doors to law enforcement unless officers had a warrant. Elder, a radio talk show host on the ballot as “broadcast/author,” was initially left off the candidates’ list by the Secretary of State. He contended the official overstepped authority by requiring tax returns for recall candidates. Tax returns are required for gubernatorial candidates in a primary under a 2019 law, and Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Laurie Earl agreed with Elder that a recall is not a primary and tax returns are not required. Furin, a nonprofit president, also got back on the ballot over the same issue. Faulconer, former mayor of San Diego, sued Weber because she disallowed his preferred ballot designation, “retired San Diego mayor.” He lost in court, and is listed at “businessman/educator.” Paffrath, 29, a real estate broker and investor, sued to use “MeetKevin,” the name

of his YouTube channel with 1.68 million followers. He lost and is listed as “financial educator/analyst.” Bramante, a “Realtor/multifamily developer,” and Cox, a “businessman/ accountant/father,” declined to accept voluntary limits on campaign spending. All the others accepted.

Mail Ballots In August he recall ballot has two parts. First, voters can choose “yes” or “no” to the question of whether to remove the governor from office. Second, the voter can pick a replacement candidate. The order of the names is based on a randomized alphabet drawing July 19 by the Secretary of State’s office. Military and overseas voters are to be mailed ballots 45 days before the Sept. 14 election day, which is July 31. Ballots start to be mailed to active registered voters living in California will begin to be mailed 29 days, which is Aug. 15. Every vote-by-mail ballot comes with a first-class prepaid postage return envelope.

“Recall” page 9

Three Ways to Vote in Sept. 14 Governor Recall

A) Use the Ballot Mailed to You

1. Mark it by filling in the oval to the left of your choices. 2 Insert the completed ballot in the postage paid ballot envelope provided. 3. In your own handwriting, sign the ballot envelope. Print your name, address, and a way to contact you. 4. Return your ballot: • Drop it off at one of the 24/7 ballot drop boxes, Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections office, Room 310, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz Watsonville, 275 Main St. Room 400, Watsonville. • Deliver your ballot to the Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections office, Room 310, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, or the City Clerk for Capitola, 420 Capitola Ave., Capitola, Santa Cruz, 809 Center St. Room 9, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, 1 Civic Center Drive, Scotts Valley, or Watsonville, 275 Main St. Room 400, Watsonville.

• Drop off your ballot at any inperson voting locations open Sept. 11 to Sept. 14. • Mail your ballot so it is postmarked on or before Election Day, Sept.14. Delivery can take 3 to 7 days.

B) Vote In Person: Aug. 16 to Sept. 10

• Any other voter services Public health protocols will be followed which may include: mask wearing, hand sanitizing, physical distancing & disinfecting services. If you are sick, stay home.

C) Vote In Person: Sept 11 to Sept. 14

Locations will be announced soon. They will be listed at votescount.us. Voting hours: • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11-12, • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13 • 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14

You may vote in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at these locations: • Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections, 701 Ocean Street Room 310, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 • 831-454-2060 • Watsonville City Clerk’s Office, 275 Main Street Room 400, Watsonville, CA 95076 • 831- 768-3040 • Vote Mobile — schedule at votescount.us, updated daily At these locations, you can: • Obtain a replacement ballot • Register and vote on the same day • Vote an accessible ballot on the tablet • Vote a Spanish ballot on the tablet • Drop off voted ballot

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patients, for any reason, ambulances are routinely diverted to other area hospitals The state’s Aug. 11 vaccine or test depending on their available capacity.” mandate applies to all transitional kinderNewel said the two people who died garten through12th grade teachers and — the county’s first COVID-19 deaths since support staff at public and private schools, May — were unvaccinated. and must be fully implemented by Oct. 15. Both had the Delta variant. Both were To facilitate that, the Santa Cruz County in their 70s. Both had underlying medical Office of Education launched a central conditions. testing location available to all school October Resolution? he one bright spot Newel mentioned is staff. The county Office of Education, with that the Delta variant spreads quickly, health officials, also set up pop-up clinics in August with Pfizer vaccine at schools incubates quickly and resolves quickly. Predictions are the situation will peak in Watsonville, Freedom, Santa Cruz and in September and resolve by mid-October, Felton for students age 12 and up. No Mask Order before the holidays, which Newel hopes n Aug. 2, health officers in Alameda, will be the case. She has an international Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San trip planned, and hopes she’ll feel safe Mateo, Santa Clara and Sonoma counties enough to travel. announced a mask mandate, requiring every The difference between this surge and resident to wear a face mask indoors in public prior surges, Newel said, is more cases in settings, regardless of vaccination status. North County (specifically Ben Lomond, 59 That is not the case in Santa Cruz County. percent fully vaccinated, and Boulder Creek) At the time, local case rates were compared to South County, more in the white much lower, putting Santa Cruz County population than Latinx population, and in the yellow tier, more with the source Newel said, but the unknown rather than Delta Variant Early Symptoms fast-spreading Delta from someone in the pushed the county same household. Sneezing, sniffles, into the orange tier In July, outbreaks sore throat and eye irritation last week and now the hit San Lorenzo red tier. Valley, at the Felton She’s weighing a decision on a Music Hall which instituted a vaccine mandate, but is reluctant to do so, saying requirement for staff, Little People’s Repshe would rather prioritize vaccines than ertory Theatre in Ben Lomond, which have law enforcement focus on masks. cancelled its production, Joe’s Bar in She has two more reasons. Boulder Creek, which has reopened and is “I follow the science,” she said. “The requiring patrons to wear a mask to enter, science is not completely clear about whether the historic Brookdale Lodge, which hosted a car show and now has limited hours for a masking mandate would be helpful.” She added, “I don’t believe an order the bar and market to keep people safe. Unlike the first surge, which spread would change behavior.” Meanwhile, hospitals are full of among residents of nursing homes and patients who do not have COVID – people assisted living facilities, recent cases are getting procedures they put off last year mostly people age 25 to 50 who “tend to – adding to the workload at a time when be more socially active and less likely to follow masking and social distancing medical facilities are short-staffed. Newel said hospital staffing statewide guidance,” Newel said. Younger people age 25-34 are the least is down 22 percent due to burnout, estivaccinated, said Dr. Ghilarducci. mating it’s 20 percent locally. He said 66.5 percent of the county “Staffed (hospital) beds are half,” she population are fully vaccinated and 78 said, “just one or two ICU beds open.” Some staff are taking “well-deserved percent have had one shot – not taking into vacations” after waiting for 18 months, she account kids under 12 who are not eligible. “Decent numbers but not good said, and some are struggling with child enough,” Ghilarducci said, advising those care or elder care. Dr. David Ghilarducci, deputy county unvaccinated to check www.santacruhealth officer, said some are on a leave of zhealth.org under vaccines for a calendar of pop-up clinics. absence or have resigned. In August, vaccines were offered on “People have been through a brutal 18 of 31 days, and six dates have been year,” he said. “They’re still recovering.” The Aptos Times asked Dignity Health scheduled for September. Newel said the benefits of being vacDominican Hospital for an assessment, but cinated if you do get the Delta variant, did not get a response by deadline. Watsonville Community Hospital pro- you will likely have a mild case and you’ll vided this statement: “We currently have reduce your risk of hospitalization or sufficient staff to safely care for all patients death, easing pressure on hospitals. The challenge for public health officials who come to Watsonville Community Hospital. We have been successful in recruiting is that the typical tool of contact tracing to new staff, and we are increasing our efforts combat spread doesn’t work with the Delta to hire additional staff to mitigate any chal- variant. “Within two days, it’s already lenges that may arise in the future. Any time a hospital is unable to take additional shedding virus,” said Mimi Hall, director “COVID Update” from page 5

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of the county’s Health Services Agency. “By the time a test is performed, it’s too late for contact tracing.” Half the people contacted about their exposure now are not willing to cooperate, she added. New Trend Metric hough case counts are up dramatically, Jen Herrera, assistant director of Health Services, said the county plans to stick with updating the county coronavirus dashboard at santacruzhealth.org twice a week rather than daily, as was done when the pandemic began last year. She said a 14-day change metric has been added to provide trend data. On Aug. 13, new COVID cases were up 141 percent, compared to less than 5 percent in June. Asked about herd immunity, the concept that a disease is less likely to spread if a large percentage of the population is immune, Newel said, “It does not have a specific number.” The phrase, “herd immunity,” appears in the title of an article in 1923 in the journal Epidemiology & Infection relating to bacterial infection among mice. In 1933, Dr. Arthur Hedrich wrote in the American Journal of Epidemiology that outbreaks of measles in Boston during 1900-1933 appeared to decline when 68% of the children contracted the virus. Since then, the herd immunity concept has been applied to vaccines for various contagious diseases, but this coronavirus behaves differently. Ghilarducci said, “Some are saying herd immunity is elusive at this point when Delta is so transmissible.” On Aug. 13, responding to a masking question, Newel said, “I’m masking in every indoor setting…it’s an easy way to protect yourself. I err on the side of caution.” Asked if ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug that reduced symptoms in Egypt, reduced cases in cities in Brazil and prevented mortality at a nursing home in France, could be useful, Newel said, “Ivermectin has proven to not be impactful in treating or preventing COVID-19, sorry to say.” When Aptos Times asked if her assessment was based on a lack of randomized controlled trials, she said, “I follow the lead of local infectious disease experts…We are not seeing it used locally or statewide.” Supervisor Zach Friend said Washington,D.C. is providing COVID-19 testing kits free of charge at libraries. He asked if that could be considered. Newel said RiteAID, CVS and Costco sell COVID-19 testing kits, two for $25, the same one used by the county to get rapid results, with the downside that the county does not see the results. “The library is an interesting idea — I’m not sure we’ll go there yet,” she said. Testing is free through Optum Serve 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Santa Cruz Civic auditorium and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m Wednesday through Sunday at Ramsay Park in Watsonville. Appoint-

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Dr Gail Newel and the public health team at Thursday’s virtual press conference.

ments are required. To schedule, visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting and register, then pick your location. The Toll eaths from COVID-19 in Santa Cruz County have risen from 207 to 209, with 49 percent of deaths at nursing homes and assisted living facilities, a percentage that was higher early in the pandemic. Locally, 78 percent of those who died were age 70 or older and 78 percent had other health conditions. The state reports 3,994,271 cases, 45 million vaccine doses, with 78 percent of the eligible population getting at least one dose. Deaths top 64,000, averaging 60 per day the last three days. During last winter’s peak, as many as 700 fatalities a day were reported. n ••• County COVID Deaths: 209 As of Aug. 13 Age 90 and up: 56 • 80 to 89: 63 • 70 to 79: 44 60 to 69: 27 • 50 to 59: 5 • 40 to 49: 7 30 to 39: 5 Race/Ethnicity White: 115 • Latinx: 75 • Asian: 15 Black: 1 • Amer. Indian/Alaskan Native: 1 Underlying Conditions Yes: 161 • No: 46 Gender Male: 103 • Female: 104 Skilled Nursing/Residential Care Santa Cruz Post Acute: 20 Watsonville Post Acute: 18 Pacific Coast Manor: 14 Hearts & Hands Post Acute: 8 Sunshine Villa: 7 • Aegis: 4 Maple House 1: 4 • Valley Convalescent: 4 Watsonville Nursing Center: 4 Montecito Manor: 3 • De Un Amor: 2 Dominican Oaks: 2 • Driftwood: 2 Hanover House: 2 • Maple House II: 2 Rachelle’s Home 1: 2 • La Posada: 1 Paradise Villa: 1 • Rachelle’s Home II: 1 Valley Haven: 1 • Westwind: 1 Total: 103 Not at a facility: 106 Source: Santa Cruz County Public Health ••• Editor’s Note: Would you like to share your family’s COVID-19 story? Email Jondi Gumz at info@cyber-times.com or call 831688-7549 x17.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Boardwalk Promotes Omid Aminifard to GM T he Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has promoted Omid Aminifard to general manager and vice president, a new position at the 114-year-old family-owned beachfront amusement park. Aminifard, 51, previously vice president of operations, will lead operations, maintenance/development, security/ safety, food and beverage, information technology/entertainment, marketing/sales, and multiple concessionaire operators. Aptos resident Marq Lipton, who spent 40 years promoting the Boardwalk, is stepping down as vice president of marketing and sales at the Santa Cruz Seaside Co. and becoming executive adviser. Aminifard has a 36-year career in attractions. He joined the Santa Cruz amusement park, which ranks 10th in the city for fulltime year-round employees, in 2000. “Omid has been a valuable contributor during his time at the Boardwalk and has become a respected leader in our company and also within the amusement park industry,” said Santa Cruz Seaside Co. President Karl Rice. “With Omid’s experience, insight, expertise, and management abilities, the Boardwalk is well-positioned for expanded success into the future.” He started as director of arcades and attractions, and was promoted after six years to director of Boardwalk operations, then to vice president of Boardwalk operations in 2015. Under his direction, the park has grown to 39 rides, multiple attractions, and family

Omid Aminifard

entertainment centers, and year-round operation, with the Boardwalk achieving award-winning status. “I enjoy the varied and unique challenges of an open-gate amusement park,” Aminifard said. “We have developed an outstanding team of dedicated and caring professionals who understand the importance of delivering world-class guest and employee experience.” For him, working at the Boardwalk has been a family affair.

He met his wife, Tricia, now a yoga instructor in Aptos, when she was working at the park. His sons Aiden and Gavin work at the park. His youngest, Oliver, is looking

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by 5 p.m. Sept. 27. Visit www.sos. ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/ 2021-ca-gov-recall. ••• What issues would you like to see covered in the Sept. 1 issue? Email editor Jondi Gumz at into@cyber-times.com. Put “Gov Recall Issues” in the subject line.

Santa Cruz County residents, if unregistered, have 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. PVUSD Recall hirteen days after the governor recall election, signatures to recall Georgia Acosta from the Pajaro Valley Unified School Dis- Gavin Newsom speaks Aug. 13 at a press conference asking Californians trict board are due to vote No on the recall.

forward to being old enough to work at the Boardwalk. As a high school student, Aminifard was a park host at Sea World in San Diego. His professional career began in Las Vegas as a member of the opening team for three resorts, eventually becoming director of operations at the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. Currently Aminifard chairs the Amusement Parks and Attractions Committee for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions and member emeritus of the Santa Cruz chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters. He has been a Big Brother, board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters Santa Cruz, president of the Mar Vista Elementary Parents Club, and youth football coach. In addition to the 1907 Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz Seaside Co. operates the Boardwalk Bowl, Sea and Sand Inn, and Carousel Beach Inn. Attractions at the seaside amusement park include the historic 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, the 1911 Looff Carousel, family-friendly rides and midway games, indoor arcades, and mini golf. n

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COMMUNITY BRIEFS Caltrans Seeks Public Input altrans is accepting public comment through Sept. 10 on its draft plan for interregional highway and rail improvements. The newly released draft 2021 Interregional Transportation Strategic Plan (ITSP) at www.caltrans-itsp2021.org/ proposes the policy framework, goals and strategies to guide Caltrans on prioritizing transportation projects connecting regions of the state. Santa Cruz County is in the Central Coast region, and Highway 101, which skirts the county, is the major connector. Email comments to ITSP@dot.ca.gov. “Californians deserve a world-class transportation system that is safe, sustainable, equitable and interconnected while fitting the unique needs of all areas in our state,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “We are requesting your input to help make that vision a reality.” Updated every five years, the draft 2021 plan focuses on enhancing key highway and rail corridors, improving safety, ensuring efficient movement of goods, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fortifying infrastructure to be more resilient to climate change impacts. Caltrans will host virtual workshops 10-11 a.m. for feedback: • Aug. 24: Register at https://tinyurl. com/w3wvrkf9 • Aug. 26: Register at https://tinyurl. com/v8zmhmv4 Caltrans expects to post the adopted 2021 plan, with responses to public comments, at www.dot.ca.gov in early October. ••• New at CASA ASA of Santa Cruz County announces a new staff member, Conny Ramirez, a new member to the Board of Directors, Destiny Flood. Ramirez became CASA’s first administrative intern in July. Previously she Conny Ramirez was a youth speaker for CASA’s Imagine! fundraiser. Flood, audit director at San Josebased Petrinovich Pugh & Co., is a graduate of Eastern Washington University and has years Destiny Flood of financial advisory experience. She has been a part of the CASA of Santa Cruz board’s Finance Committee since 2020. ••• County Seeks $175,000 Fire Safety Grant he Santa Cruz County Office of Recovery, Response and Resilience plans to apply for a $175,000 grant from

California Fire Council to support a staff position and administrative costs for a countywide wildfire coordinator. The office, which is facilitating a strategic planning and visioning effort with the County of Santa Cruz Fire Safe Council, will return to the Board of Supervisors if this grant is awarded to present the most effective staffing strategy. The Santa Cruz County Fire Safe Council, a community-based organization, is helping neighbors band together to advocate homeowners create defensible spaces around homes, which could save them in a wildfire. Another strategy is to remove vegetation so that when a wildfire burns, it is less severe and can be more easily managed. At the board meeting Tuesday, Supervisor Manu Koenig talked about funding an effort to train hand crews to help prepare for fire prevention projects and suppression efforts. ••• Everyone’s Harvest: $175,000 In Produce For Families uring the pandemic year of 2020, Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets hosted 160 markets and distributed $175,000 in healthy fruits and vegetables to families in need in Monterey County. “It was an incredibly successful year,” said Reid Norris, executive director of Everyone’s Harvest, noting the $175,000 in produce distributed is “more than onethird of our annual operating budget.” This includes: $37,536 in CalFresh and Market Match; $84,500 in Fresh Rx “prescriptions” for 160 families experiencing illness related to diet; $47,808 in Salinas Valley Memorial healthcare team vouchers; and $4,717 in Farmers’ Market produce vouchers. The nonprofit, founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard as her capstone project at CSU Monterey Bay, has now distributed $1 million in produce to families needing healthy food. Everyone’s Harvest operates five farmers’ markets and hosts healthy cooking demonstrations via Zoom. In 2020 and early 2021, almost 200 people joined online workshops to learn how to cook healthy, delicious meals with partner chefs. Market Match grew 30% in 2020, with more CalFresh-eligible families shopping at the farmers’ markets, and $84,000 in Women Infants Children Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefits were redeemed at the Alisal market in East Salinas. ••• Let’s Cruz Again Launches or the first time, Visit Santa Cruz County has a summer marketing campaign to bring back tourists who stayed away during the state’s COVID-19 travel restrictions. The campaign, Let’s Cruz Again, runs

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

through Aug. 31 with an updated 30-second television commercial on Comcast, KTVU, KGO, and KCRA in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. The online ad campaign is on Bay Area Parent, SFGate, The Inertia, a magazine on surfing and outdoors, and Visit California, the nonprofit promoting tourism statewide. Some 60,000 people subscribing to Visit Santa Cruz County’s email newsletter — most living within 120 miles of here — are getting a story on “What You Need to Know to Visit Santa Cruz County.” The Tourism Marketing District funds this effort via assessments paid by the owners of lodging businesses. On Aug. 9, Visit Santa Cruz County announced the return of the “Top 5 Recommendations,” a weekly roundup of the best things to see and do. The list includes recurring events: • Music on the Patio — Wednesday and Friday nights at Four Points Sheraton in Scotts Valley. • Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party! — 5-8:30 p.m. at 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, though Oct. 29. • Agricultural History Project — Second Saturday on the Farm at the county Fairgrounds in Watsonville. • Westside Farmer’s Market — Saturdays until 1 p.m. at Mission Street Extension and Western Drive, Santa Cruz. Visit www.santacruz.org/upcomingevent/ for more information ••• New PVUSD Maintenance Supervisor ary Vargas is the new supervisor of maintenance & operations for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, with his appointment approved by the school board last month. He has experience in facilities planning, mechanics, project management, and Gary Vargas grounds maintenance. He comes from Santa Clara University where he built a 23-year career in various roles, landscaping and small engines, and for the past 14 years as supervisor, grounds maintenance. PVUSD staff said he is communicative, detail-oriented, organized and approaches his work with a “yes” mentality, always looking for solutions. ••• Repair of broken sewer pipe starts at $150K temporary repair of a 42-year-old sewer pipe that broke along East Cliff near 12th Avenue last Thursday, which prompted signs warning of contamination in Schwan Lake, will probably cost $150,000 to $200,000, according to Kent Edler, Santa Cruz County Public Works assistant director. The broken pipe, which had been installed in 1979, resulted in caused

about 1,400 gallons of sewage to leak into waterways, most notable Schwan Lake. The Santa Cruz County Sanitation District hired Anderson Pacific to make a temporary repair the night of the break, Edler said via email on Aug. 3, with Anderson-Pacific “doing a more permanent repair in the next couple of weeks.” He doesn’t have a cost estimate for the permanent repair. “In this case, the line that broke came out of a pump station, so we can look at when the pumps turned on in relation to when we heard about the spill and determine the amount of wastewater,” Edler said via email. Lab results on contamination levels are not yet available. Edler hopes they will be “in the next day or two.” ••• Water Chief To Be Interim City Manager osemary Menard, director of the City of Santa Cruz Water Department, will become Santa Cruz’s interim city manager as Martin Bernal retires after 11 years on Aug. 31. Menard has 40 years of public sector experience. Before joining the city in January 2014, Menard held executive-level Rosemary Menard water utility leadership roles with the cities of Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and Washoe County in Reno, Nevada. In Santa Cruz, she has worked with the Soquel Creek Water District on PureWater Soquel, a project to replenish groundwater and prevent seawater intrusion, which began construction this year. She led a community-based water supply planning effort that produced a consensus plan of action for addressing Santa Cruz’s long-standing water supply reliability issue. She initiated an effort to invest $100 million to upgrade aging water system infrastructure. “She has a proven track record as a visionary leader and strategist,” said Mayor Donna Meyers. “She also holds a deep commitment to meaningful community engagement in charting a course for the future. We are confident Rosemary will be able to quickly step into this role and provide effective leadership during a critical time.” The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shelter-in-place and business restrictions have left downtown Santa Cruz with 37 vacant storefronts, Meyers wrote in a commentary published Aug. 11, making a case for letting voters decide on whether to raise the city’s sales tax to address homeless issues, create more affordable housing and reduce the risk of wildfires. The City Council will vote Aug. 24 on Menard’s appointment, to take effect Sept. 1. The search for a permanent hire is ongoing. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dientes: 69 Seniors, $31K in Dental Care, No Bill

n Aug. 7,, Dientes hosted “Give Seniors A Smile Day,” at the main clinic on Commercial Way in Santa Cruz, treating 69 people and providing $31,337 in oral health services at no charge. Last year, the annual event for low-income, uninsured seniors, was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, Dientes brought the event back with safety protocols. Staff decorated the office with a ‘70s theme and classic tunes. Smiles were abundant. Patients shared their gratitude. Laura Lee, a senior who helps care for her son with Parkinson’s disease and dementia and his epileptic daughter, says everything has been so much harder since COVID began. “You have no idea how much I have been fighting for my family,” she said. “You’ve got to push so much. So, to get a call from Dientes asking me to come in on Saturday to get my teeth cleaned for free – that was just unbelievable. The young man who worked on my teeth was delightful. I thought, gosh did I go to heaven and not know it?” In June, she visited Dientes after she lost a large filling and had trouble chewing. “It was bad, but Dientes fit me in and I was so elated,”

Laura Lee was surprised and pleased to get a free dental cleaning at Dientes during Give Seniors a Smile Day. she recalled. “Getting that taken of was one less problem in life. And, I could eat again.” 1,800 Dental Patients n 2015, Dientes opened a dental center on Freedom Boulevard in Watsonville to provide affordable care for Medi-Cal recipients and people without dental insurance. Now bilingual staff see more than 1,800 adults and children a year.

“The need for dental care for Medi-Cal recipients and those without insurance is great,” said “Many of our 11,000 patients and staff are in Watsonville,” said Dientes CEO Laura Marcus. “When we had an opportunity to expand access to care, address transportation as a barrier, and reduce commute time, we were happy to partner with the County of Santa Cruz.” Dientes is on county property, next to the county’s Watsonville Health Center, a vision that took four years to come to fruition. At first, the dental office had four chairs. Now there are five, with more services for children, a Panorex X-ray to get a view of teeth, the jaws and sinuses. The most challenging time came last year when COVID-19 shut the clinic except for emergency care for eight weeks. No One Plans Being Poor aralyn Reed, who has lived in Santa Cruz County for 50 years and worked at convalescent homes as a license nurse before retiring, is grateful for Dientes. She no longer drives, the clinic is close to where she lives, and her situation is unusual in that she is eligible for Medi-Cal. “I wouldn’t have any teeth or the ability to eat if it weren’t for Dientes,” she said. “They made a dramatic difference in my life and in my ability to keep my health.”

“Dientes” page 14

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

AUGUST 2021

Aptos Real Estate Update

Ruth Bates 831.359.2212

ruthbates1@gmail.com CalBRE#01799929

Boring, same old story, RIDICULOUS seller’s market; most listings are ending up at least $100,000 higher than list price with multiple offers. I represented a buyer for a property in Santa Cruz, list price $1,299,000 – 5 offers, counter was for $1,500,000, and the final price will be $1.6-$1.7M. 220 Aptos Beach in Aptos, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1242 Sq. Ft., listed for $1,350,000 on 7/09 (which is already over $1000/SF, a new high for non-ocean view properties in Aptos), got 8 offers and will end up crazy high when it closes on 08/18. Buyers are waiving their appraisal contingencies to even have a chance in an offering. NEW LISTING — I have a New Listing at 3473 N. Polo in Aptos. 3 beds, 2.5 bath, 16754 Sq. Ft., looks out the front to the Polo Grounds and out the back to Aptos Creek. Offered fully furnished, very private and tranquil. Asking $1,150,000. I’m reviewing offers on Monday 8/16, so stay tuned on where this ends up. SUPPLY & DEMAND IN CALIFORNIA (CAR data Aug 2021) — California is not building enough housing. 1.8 million more homes need to be built by 2025. 2020 is the 15th year that California fell short of its housing production targets. CA population has increased 45% over the past 30 years, while housing production has decreased 60%, and CA ranks 50/50 in terms of new housing created per job created. The median price of an SFR nationwide in May 2021 is $334,500, in CA it is $818,260! Consequently, CA folks must spend more of their income on housing than residents of other states. 43.6% of renters spend at least 35% of their gross income on rent. Thus, many CA folks are in financial distress. CA ranks 47/50 in homelessness rate and 50/50 when accounting for cost of living. CA’s home ownership is at 55.9%. Put all of this together and… 2020 was the first time in 120 years that California’s population …. DECLINED. So, moving forward there will be changes in CA – cities will begin to build more affordable housing units, zoning laws will become less restrictive, ADUs (additional dwelling units) will become much more common, permit fees SHOULD be reduced (I doubt I will live to see that), and so on…Time will tell what the departure rate will do to the CA economy, too much too soon would not be a good thing. ——— My favorite 4-letter word is “SOLD”! Call, email, text anytime and Get Results with Ruth!

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COMMUNITY NEWS

New Executive Director at Jacob’s Heart H eidi Boyntom, co-founder of the Mini Mermaid Running Club, will become the executive director of Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, succeeding founder Lori Butterworth, who is stepping down Aug. 31 after 23 years. “Although I will no longer be acting in a leadership capacity, my heart will always be with the organization, and Heidi knows I am only a phone call away,” Butterworth said. Butterworth will become CEO of AIM Youth Mental Health, a Carmel nonprofit created in 2014 by Susan Stilwell to fund clinical research to find better treatments for youth with mental health struggles and to raise awareness of the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder among today’s youth. Boynton, who lives in Capitola and has been a resident of Santa Cruz County for 31 years, joined Jacob’s Heart in 2020 as director of community engagement and development. She founded the Mini Mermaid Running Club in 2010 to encourage and support girls, and the organization has reached thousands of kids (boys as well as girls) with lessons on how to be confident and brace enough to work .for your dreams. Boynton has also been an endurance coach, blogger, speaker (including TEDx) and corporate trainer. She serves on the county Human Services Commission. “I am honored and excited to step into the role of executive director,” she said. “Families are first at Jacob’s Heart, and we are here to ensure they have all they need to care for their child with cancer.”

Counseling Team Dr. Lily Rich PsyD, Director of Connection Caren Himanen PhD, Director of Joy Anjanette Brannon MFT, Director of Healing Tzitziqui Romero MFT, Director of Community Events, Outreach and Finance Team Yuritza Arciga, Director of Guidance Haley Brown, Director of Expression Kelli Cook, Director of Accountability Paola Montes, Director of Knowledge

Lori Butterworth (left) founder of Jacob’s Heart Children Cancer Serivces, with Heidi Boynton, the new executive director. In her 23 years at the helm, Butterworth has “created an organization that is beloved and trusted by the donors, volunteers and community partners who support it. We have a strong foundation and while Lori will be missed, she is leaving behind a team dedicated to the mission and ready for the future,” Boynton said. She inherits a team that includes: Brittany Maldonado-Gosline, Director of Hope, and Mary Smith, Director of Empathy, plus: Family Support Specialists Daniela Ramirez, Director of Kindness Benito Salazar, Director of Gratitude Mariela Medina (a teen cancer survivor), Director of Purpose Sandy Montes, Director of Courage Family Needs Team Esmeralda Rivera, Director of Unity Valeria Vazquez, Director of Warmth

“We wish to thank Lori for her many years of vision, dedication and stewardship of this amazing organization and important asset to our community,” said Gail Delorey, board president of Jacob’s Heart. “Lori has been an inspiration and supporter to hundreds of children and their families as they face the challenge of battling childhood cancer. Her commitment to them, as well as to the organization she founded, has been priceless and we wish her the best.” She added, “We are extremely excited to have Heidi Boynton take over …and are confident Heidi has the experience, dedication and passion to enable Jacob’s Heart to continue its critical work supporting children and their families.” Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, exists to improve the quality of life for children with cancer in Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and South Santa Clara County and support their families in emotional, practical and financial struggles during treatment, anticipating grief and grieving. n

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President Kate Roberts Retiring

ate Roberts, MBEP president and CEO, has announced her retirement effective December 31, 2021. The MBEP Board of Directors is conducting a search to select and appoint Ms. Roberts’ successor by that date. Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) envisions a thriving region with quality jobs, excellent education and health care, while preserving the natural beauty of our environment. MBEP currently is working on four initiatives aligned with

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

its vision: affordable housing, equity in availability of broadband, preparing the region’s workforce for local jobs, and mitigating climate change. MBEP is also a recognized leader in Kate Roberts organizing large events with relevant and actionable content for leaders and influencers in the region. Each

year in the spring, MBEP hosts its Regional Economic Summit and the State of the Region conference in the fall. MBEP is seeking a leader who has the right combination of regional knowledge, management skills, non-profit, business, and economic development acumen, public speaking and external relations, and the ability to be a senior thought leader in the region and statewide. “Roberts” page 16

COMMUNITY NEWS

Unity Coming to Cabrillo College

Alum Francisco Alonso Painting Mural on Campus

n Aug. 2, Watsonville artist Fran- and Extended Opportunity Programs and cisco Alonso began painting a huge Services, and helped establish a MECHA Latinx-inspired mural at Cabrillo program for Chicano students to bring educational and cultural events focused on College in Aptos. The mural is going up on a campus healing and overcoming racism. In addition to having lived in Santa elevator tower just beyond the Martin Luther King bust. Students are expected to Cruz County, Alonso has resided in participate in the project, which will likely and traveled across the Americas, and his mural design integrates imagery take a month to complete. “I am honored to have been selected to that represents ancestral wisdom and paint this mural, which I am titling “Unity,” knowledge. “Our committee reviewed a total of said Alonso. “I started at Cabrillo College working as a dishwasher in the cafeteria 11 excellent proposals from local artists, and with the encouragement of faculty and ultimately narrowing it to a top five and staff, followed my lifelong passion for art sending those five out to Cabrillo’s student and mural painting and took art courses body for input,” said Claudia Hernandez, at Cabrillo, eventually transferring to San Cabrillo academic counselor and member Francisco State University and earning of Cabrillo’s Chicano Latino Affairs my B.A. in art. Since then, I’ve traveled Council. “The timing of this project and around the world painting murals. I love the message of “Unity” conveys a positive Cabrillo, and the opportunity to contribute vision and an important message.” n my artwork to the school that’s given me ••• so much really brings it full circle.” For more information, visit https://www. The mural, commissioned by Cabrillo cabrillo.edu/title-v/the-mural-project/. and funded by funded by a grant from the Cabrillo College Foundation and the Associated Students of Cabrillo College, is part of the college’s ongoing efforts to promote its diversity and celebrate its Hispanic Serving Institution status. In May, for the first time in the college’s history, 50% of the graduating class identified as Latinx. The goal is to foster a greater sense of belonging among its diverse student body, celebrating Latinx culture and centering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and their racial, cultural, and linguistic ways of living and knowing. Staff, faculty, and students reviewed an array of applicants, and Cabrillo leadership selected the artwork proposed by Alonso, a mural artist who attended Cabrillo in the 1990s. As a student, Alonso Winning design by Cabrillo College alum Francisco Alonso. was involved in Puente Image shows planned location.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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ieran Kelly joined Second District County Supervisor Zach Friend’s office, overseeing a portfolio that includes much of Aptos. He comes from UC Santa Cruz, his alma mater, where he was associate director of government and community relations. Previously, he was senior field representative for State Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Scotts Valley) and for Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager. He started out as an intern for Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose). His 2010 bachelor ’s degree at UCSC was in politics. He’s a 2019 grad of Leadership Santa Cruz County, and a 2016 alumnus of the New Leaders Council Silicon Valley. Kieran takes over from Patrick Mulhern, who served in the role since the beginning of Supervisor

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“Dientes” from page 11 Her monthly Social Security payment is not enough to cover her rent—let alone food, transportation, medical bills, and dental care. “No one plans on being poor,” she said. “I had a good education, but we all have surprises along the way. But just because I’m low-income now, shouldn’t mean I struggle to get healthcare.” She knows other seniors struggling to find affordable dental care. “That’s another reason I’m grateful: that there were people out there who thought about those needs. See these pretty teeth?” she said with a smile. “They were made here.” On Aug. 3, when Dientes celebrated six years in Watsonville, Dientes’ Chief Development Officer Sheree Storm said, “We know there is an overwhelming demand for more affordable dental care, and we are grateful for the support of our community and the strong partnerships that help address that need.” Supporting HR 502 eniors age 65 and up are eligible for Medicare, which covers doctor visits, but it doesn’t cover dental care, which Dientes CEO Laura Marcus thinks should be changed because dental care is costly

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Friend’s first term. Mulhern and his family moved out of state to be closer to extended family and to buy their first home. Mulhern, who was Friend’s designee on the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, has been replaced by Robert Paul Quinn, a doctor who lives in Aptos. n

and not addressing problems “can have serious health implications.” California Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-Hermosa Beach) agrees. In January, she introduced HR 502, the Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2021, which would: • Add oral health coverage to Medicare Part B. • Offer sufficiently comprehensive oral health coverage, including dentures, and ensure that Medicare will reimburse for these services as it does for other health services. • Support access to care for low-income Medicare enrollees to ensure adequate reimbursement for their dental providers. So far, US. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, DCarmel Valley, and Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, who represent parts of Santa Cruz County, have not signed on as co-sponsors. Sen. Benjamin Cardin, a Democrat from Maryland, introduced S 97 in tandem with Barragan. “We need to let our representatives know that Medicare needs to be fixed,” Marcus said. n ••• For information and to help support the Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2021 see: dientes.org/seniors

IN MEMORIAM

Pepper Golesh: She Made A Difference

By Kate Minott

t is with great sadness that we mourn the July 2021 death of former Seacliff neighbor and community activist, Pepper Golesh, seen here with her credentialed therapy outreach dog, Angel. Beginning in 1997, Pepper rallied a core group of Seacliff neighbors to form the Seacliff Needs A Park committee to fight alongside the Seacliff Village Plan Committee and the Seacliff Improvement Association to defeat the building of a strip mall at the corner of Sea Ridge Drive and McGregor Road. The possibility for funding a public park at that site lurched along and by 2005 seemed to be at an impasse when a special election to fund the park was defeated by less than 25 votes. The successful purchase of 1.25 acres for the park was created through a complex financing agreement created by former Santa Cruz County supervisors Ellen Pirie and Jan Beautz working with Julie Conway, housing coordinator for Santa Cruz County. When Supervisor Zach Friend was elected in 2012, he was deeply impressed by the number of Seacliff neighbors who had not given up the effort for a neighborhood playground. He and his fellow supervisors made the park’s construction a priority in the county’s budget and buoyed by grants and state financing, Seacliff Village County Park became a reality on Dec. 10, 2014.

Pepper Golesh with Angel, her certified therapy outreach dog. ••• Remembering Pepper Golesh By Jondi Gumz everly Ann “Pepper” Golesh, who championed a change in graduation policy for community college students with dyscalculia and/or dyslexia, became valedictorian at Cabrillo College herself, led a 10-year drive for Seacliff Village County Park and was named Woman of the Year by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce in 2002, passed peacefully on July 25 at age 84.

“Pepper Golesh” page 16

Remembering Steffi Bell Memorial Service To Be Held August 21

tephanie Bell, a resident of Aptos, took flight from this world on March 9, 2021, just four months shy of her 26th birthday. Steffi’s love for her family and friends was matched only by her passion for wildlife conservation and protecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems. She was huge advocate for amplifying the voices of women, minority groups, and indigenous perspectives in science. She studied in the Marine Options program at the University of Hawai’i at Mãnoa and graduated with a bachelor of science in biology.

Although her life was tragically cut short, she lived every moment to its true fullest and left a lasting impression on all who knew her. To honor this truly remarkable young woman, Steffi’s parents, Shane and Debi Bell, invite friends and family to join them in a seaside remembrance. Music, stories, laughter and tears are welcome. The celebration will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at Platforms Beach in Aptos. n Details of the event will be shared at: https://steffibellmemorial.rsvpify.com/

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Sarah Newkirk: New Leader at Land Trust S arah Newkirk is the new executive director at the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, succeeding Stephen Slade, who retired after 15 years. She started Aug. 9. Known as a consensus-builder, she comes with 16 years of experience at The Nature Conservancy, where she created a first-of-its-kind partnership between a conservation agency and FEMA to mobilize federal investment in conservation through hazard mitigation grant programs. She spearheaded developing the Nature Conservancy’s “coastal resilience” approach to addressing rising sea levels, which has since been adopted in 17 states and internationally. Newkirk, 49, lives in Felton.

“It is an honor to have been selected for this important leadership position,” she said, “and I’m excited by the opportunity to help protect an area I dearly love.” The Land Trust is the largest land conservation nonprofit in Santa Cruz County, raising $100 million to protecting more than 14,000 acres since it was founded in 1978. At the Nature Conservancy, Newkirk directed scientific assessments and developed strategic priorities. She focused on cultivation of public and private funding sources, oversight of land acquisition and restoration of coastal habitats. Before that, she was California water quality programs manager at The Ocean Conservancy, a fellow with the Stanford

Fisheries Policy Project at Stanford Law School, and a Schwarz public policy fellow at the Natural Resources Defense Council. She has a law degree magna cum laude from Pace University School of Law, and a master’s in marine environmental science. “Sarah brings local, state, and national perspective to the work of the Land Trust and assumes the helm at a pivotal moment of growth for the organization,” said Donna Murphy, Land Trust board chair and Santa Cruz mayor. Newkirk will lead implementation of the Land Trust’s strategic plan, including the Nature Connection Campaign, which aims to raise $21 million in donations and $20 million in grants to fund projects, including the protection of Rocks Ranch

Save Our Shores Seeking New Leader

ave Our Shores executive director, Katherine O’Dea, is stepping down Sept. 30, and a search for her successor is under way. The 42-year-old nonprofit stewards clean shores, healthy habitats and living waters to foster a thriving Monterey Bay through awareness, advocacy, and action. The annual budget is about $500,000 (due to Covid) and there are 4.5 employees, numbers that are expected to grow once the community emerges from the worst of the pandemic and its economic impacts During her nearly 6 years at the helm,O’Dea led: • A strategic planning process that intro-

“Pepper Golesh” from page 15 Her husband Dan said she had a successful operation for lung cancer, diagnosed in 2017, completed six weeks of radiation and was taking medication to stop the cancer from spreading. In 2020, when she experienced dizziness, cancer was found in her cerebral spinal fluid, and she was hospitalized at Kaiser in Vallejo July 19 this year, entered hospice care and passed away at a private boardand-care 24 days shy of her 85th birthday. Dan said he learned that his wife had chronic coronary disease, pulmonary disease, and kidney disease in addition to cancer. “Not once did she ever complain,” he said. “She faced her end of life with a great deal of dignity.”

•

• •

•

duced 3 pillars of focus — Clean Shores, Healthy Habitats and Living Waters to guide the organization’s program focus An advocacy campaign against sandmining on the shores of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary that resulted in closure of the Cemex sand mining operation in Marina The passage of multiple plastic pollution mitigation ordinances at the city, county and state level Revamp of the education program creating K-12 marine literacy curricula aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards Development of a 3D virtual marine

Her ashes will be scattered in her rose garden and in her daughter’s garden, the two places Pepper loved most. A celebration of life for family and close friends will be in Napa, likely in the first half of September, with invitations sent via email. Pepper lived in Aptos for 33 years before moving to Vallejo in 2015 to be closer to her daughter in Napa. She and Dan were married for almost 39 years. They met at a dance in San Francisco at Bimbo’s 365 Club. Dan said a mutual friend invited him. He didn’t want to go but his friend wouldn’t take no for an answer. Dan was divorced. Pepper was separated and three children who were mostly grown.

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

Sarah Newkirk and the building of 10 miles of trails through San Vicente Redwoods, an effort delayed by the once-in-a-century CZU lightning fire in Bonny Doon a year ago. n

“Roberts” from page 12

protected areas dive experience for middle school students • Increased diversification of the Board of Directors • A survival and thrive plan to Katherine O’Dea weather the pandemic, economic downturn, and unprecedented wildfire season and growing social. O’Dea plans to return to her native New England to embark on the next phase of her life. n

A woman Dan knew from the ski club introduced them. Dan told his friend afterward he planned to marry Pepper, and four years later, he did. The couple came to Aptos when Dan was working for Digital Equipment Corp. Pepper was primarily a homemaker, but she also had a part-time position as a caregiver for a woman with epilepsy. “That brought her a great amount of personal satisfaction,” Dan said. She discovered that intermediate algebra was a barrier to students with dyscalculia — learning disability in math — at community colleges in California, and pushed to allow alternative courses to be substituted for

MBEP is recruiting for a new president and CEO who will build on the momentum of the organization since its founding and continue to develop MBEP as a regional catalyst of equitable and sustainable growth. Interested candidates should review the position description (https://mbep.biz/news/recruitingpresident-ceo/) and a description of MBEP (https://mbep.biz/ what-we-do/). Please send your cover letter including why you are uniquely qualified to lead MBEP, your resumé, and at least three references to CEOsearch@ mbep.biz. n

that requirement to earn an associate’s degree. The policy change was approved statewide in 2006. “She fought a long battle with the state community college system…she was successful,” Dan said. She was always with her Angel, her certified therapy outreach dog, and she had a cat named “Cleo-cat-ra.” Pepper came from a large family; she had eight sisters and two brothers. She was born Aug. 17, 1936, in Massillon, Ohio, to parents who had immigrated from Lebanon in search of a better life. “They found it,” Dan said. n ••• The family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

LOCAL SPORTS

Conor Gilliam Wins Junior Olympic Gold S cotts Valley’s Conor Gilliam, won gold in the 800-meter race at the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships, and achieved All-American status for boys 13-14-years-old on July 28. The meet took place at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Conor’s winning time was 2:06.24. Conor, 13, had to compete against a field of 104 entries in the 800-meter trials in order to make it to the finals. The top eight fastest times from the trials made it to the finals. The trials had five heats. Conor won his heat and was the fastest qualifier with a time of 2:06.81. The top eight runners in the final race would be All-Americans, it was just a matter of what positions they would achieve. It was a hot and humid 104 degrees in Jacksonville on the day of the 800-meter final race. The runners were all checked in, ready to go. Due to the unhealthy heat index, the race was postponed until evening just 15 minutes before the scheduled 2 p.m. start time. By the new start time of 7 p.m., it had cooled to 95 degrees. In the final race, Conor stayed in 3rd and 4th position through the first 600

Conor Gilliam (right), 13, of Scotts Valley, on his way to a first place finish in the National Junior Olympic 800-meter race.

Conor Gilliam sports his gold medal in the National Junior Olympic 800-meter race. meters. The first half of the race was a slow pace, so Conor was ready to use his kick when it came down to the end. He moved into 2nd on the final turn with 200 meters to go. With 150 meters to go, Conor started his sprint, catching and passing the leader with 40 meters to hold on for gold. Conor attends Monte Vista Christian School in Watsonville, where he will be an 8th grader. His inspiration for running: His older sister Caelan, who competed for Los Gatos Track Club and runs cross country and track at Monte Vista. Following in her footsteps, Conor competes for the Los Gatos Track Club, former home to Scotts Valley High’s Jeremy Kain, state champion in the 1,600 this year. Conor and his teammates have been training since December for this year’s Nationals. In addition to his National Junior Olympic gold in 800 meters, Conor was also an All-American in the 1,500-meter race, finishing 7th out of a field of 96, with a personal best time of 4:26.89. For three years, Conor has dreamt of becoming an All-American, and wearing the famous All-American hat. With determination and hard work, he now has two of them. n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Ziggy, a Covid Survivor, Saved by Surgery

Nonprofit Pregnant Mare Rescue Seeks Donations to Help Pay $10,000 Bill

D I D YO U K N O W? Our 14,000 i-meters collect daily water use data to help detect leaks faster.

Your Community Partner for Reliable Water 18 / August 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

By Lynn Hummer

olic gets expensive fast! This is the second time in less than a month for Ziggy. We stayed up all night walking, hoping it would make the difference. The vet was out (again) and said, “If he’s not better by morning, he needs the hospital.” Ziggy is our beloved host to many of the children’s programs here at Pregnant Mare Rescue. He loves the kids and they adore him. He’s new to the program. We can’t imagine losing this precious little guy. If you’re a horse owner, you understand anything from a mild bellyache to surgery can transpire. If it means surgery, we are looking at $2,000 to $5,000. The first time, Ziggy colic’d was two weeks ago. Lisa and I were up all night walking him. The vet came out and assessed the situation, and tried to tube him. It was a long arduous night. Finally, a shot of Exceed helped him through it. Fast Forward to this week. He colic’d again. Dr. Nat came and after her assessment said he needed to head to Steinbeck Equine Hospital. As you know, colic can be mild to life-threatening. One never knows until it is upon you! Thank goodness for Erika Reid making transport possible and quick! If you can donate to help us out, we could really use the support! Thanks to those friends of Pregnant Mare Rescue

Ziggy, needing surgery for colic, at Steinbeck Equine Hospital. His life was saved, and the bill is $10,000.

Ziggy is beloved by kids visiting Pregnant Mare Rescue. who saw our plea on Facebook. Always willing to step up, our community rocks. We are hoping to raise $3,000. That is 1/3 of the bill. Yes! The surgery and recovery at Steinbeck is going to run about $10,000. Ziggy is young and has been bounced around a lot. We are very uncertain regarding the details of his past care. Bouncing around is difficult, and if the circumstances are less than desirable, well, it breaks our hearts. These poor rescues just want to live and be loved. They arrive in such sad shape. Their dull eyes reflect years of being ignored, used up, neglected, or a plethora of other horrible things. If you can donate to help us out, it literally helps to keep us working! Covid has really been tough on this little rescue. If you can donate to help us keep our doors open, we are mighty grateful. Visit https://tinyurl.com/sweet-little-man. n ••• Editor’s note: In July, Lynn Hummer said farewell to Whiskey, a wise, patient and kind horse — her trusted dearest friend — who passed at age 34. When he was given to Lynn’s nonprofit 16 years ago, he taught many children how to ride and get grounded, reconnect to their inner self. He retired at age 30, becoming the ambassador of the horse rescue. He was loved, and he is missed.

COMMUNITY NEWS

St. Francis Alum Back at Watsonville Y

By Marci Bracco

rowing up, Sandor Rodriguez lived within walking distance of the Watsonville Family YMCA, where he discovered his passion for playing basketball. He played point guard for St. Francis High School on a team that finished undefeated 12-0 in league, 20-3 overall, ranked 90th best in California and advanced eight games into the Division V state basketball championship until a tough one-point loss. Now, as a membership associate and front desk person at the Y, he’s the first person you encounter when entering the YMCA and he coaches three basketball teams there. He is in training himself for a career in basketball. “I started playing sports here at the Watsonville Y, been a member my whole life,” said Rodriguez, who is 23 and 5-10 — not as tall as some. “It was hard to keep me out of here when I was a kid. Now I’m the kid behind the desk! This is too good to be true for me.” He went to elementary school at Moreland Notre Dame, down the street, before St. Francis High School in Watsonville, so he was never far from the Y, where he became known as a “gym rat.” “The first time I picked up a basketball was after watching a clinic at Callaghan Park near the Y. I think I

Sandor Rodriguez, 5-10, played on one of the top high school basketball teams in California in 2017. Now he’s coaching at the Watsonville YMCA. was 4,” he said in his rapid-fire way of talking. “I fell in love with the sport, in fact, I still have the participation

trophy from that first clinic. So they’ve been stuck with me since I was 4!” After high school, he was recruited to play basketball at Linfield University, a small private college in McMinnville, Oregon. But after two years, he didn’t feel it was the right fit, so he returned to Watsonville and took a break from school, hoping to somehow work in the community as a way of giving back. Early in 2021, he got the job at the Watsonville Y, where he not only coaches youth basketball teams, but is training for a position on a team in a Mexican professional basketball league this summer. You couldn’t keep him out of the Y when he was a kid, now it’s nearly impossible to keep him out as an adult. “I know this facility inside and out,” he said. “For me, it’s not even work, it’s my way of giving back to the community that first took me in.” He hopes to run his own basketball clinics at the Y, perhaps even open a school for underserved and underprivileged youth, much like NBA great LeBron James. “That way I can impact the future of my community, my people, basically,” he said. “Lessons you learn on the court can apply to your life off the court. Sports is a beautiful thing.” n

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

LOCAL SPORTS

Runners at Masters National Championship A ptos resident Greg Hales traveled to Ames, Iowa, to compete in the 400-meter race in the USA Track and Field Masters National Championships

on July 24, and came home with a 5th place finish. Hales, 55, is a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Aptos.

Jeff Soares

“Lining up at the start, I knew I was in over my head, but it was an honor just to be in the finals,” he wrote. “Those boys are fast!” At the 200-meter mark, he was in last place and decided to push it. “At 300m I actually passed someone and got into 7th place,” he wrote. “Then, with absolutely everything I had left, I kicked down the last 100m, and with a good lean at the end managed to finish in 5th place! 5th in the country in an event that is not mine, hey, I’ll take it!” His time was 1:02.47. First place went to Francois Boda, 57, who finished in 55.14. Jeff Soares, 58, of Aptos competed in the 1,500-meter run and finished in 9th with a time of 4:53.25. He’s retired after a long career in law enforcement and corrections.

Greg Hales

First place went to David White, 56, who finished in 4.37.14. This was the first USATF national championship under COVID safety protocols. n

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Watsonville Community Hospital | 75 Nielson Street, Watsonville, CA | (831) 724-4741 | WatsonvilleHospital.com 20 / August 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Can You Spare a CPAP Machine?

Volunteers Say Unused Equipment Could Save Lives in India

ou can help save lives by donating spare portable Oxygen Concentrators and CPAP/ BiPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines. Local volunteers are asking local residents to donate spare CPAP machines and oxygen concentrators to be modified for use as non-invasive ventilators in India, which has seen a spike in COVID-19 deaths and is expecting another surge by October as life-saving equipment is in short supply.

By one estimate, ten million such machines are in American homes and not being used. Dr. Kusum Atraya, a dentist in Gilroy, spearheaded the effort in May to collect and modify CPAP machines, used for sleep apnea, after engineers, scientists, and doctors from Stanford and Berkeley found they could be repurposed by adding a few valves and filters. IndiaCovidSOS.org is collecting the machines and providing parts to modify

them, and arranging for them to be shipped to rural parts of the world, where health care infrastructure is poor and likely will be overwhelmed with any COVID-19 wave. Last year, a precursor to this project, called VentilatorSOS (ventilatorsos.org) identified these machines as an untapped resource, and collected 20,000 BiPAP/CPAP machines from across the nation, repurposed them and sent them to 20 different countries. “Used CPAPs” page 23

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Citrus Salsa

Life Lab, the nonprofit that cultivates children’s love of learning, healthy food, and nature through garden-based education at schools in Pajaro Valley, provided this kid friendly salsa recipe often used in a classroom. ••• his is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed year round! When homegrown tomatoes are a distant memory we rely on citrus fruit for the base of our salsa, and the results are so yummy that everyone congregates around the salsa bowl. When making this recipe with a small number of kids, especially younger kids, I delegate kid-friendly tasks such as pulling cilantro leaves off the stems, juicing lemons, and stirring, while I do the more difficult tasks such as chopping jalapeno and peeling fruit. With a larger group of kids ages 7 & up, groups or partners can be assigned an ingredient to prepare (one group peels and chops the fruit; one group peels and chops garlic; etc.) and then each group can bring their ingredient to the salsa bowl, stir it up, and enjoy it together.

This citrus salsa should put a smile on your face.

This salsa is so flavorful and perfect with corn tortilla chips. ••• 4 cups peeled & finely chopped citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruit, mandarins) ½ cup finely chopped onion ¾ cup loosely packed chopped cilantro (small stems ok) 3 cloves minced garlic 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (or a couple dashes of cayenne if you don’t have a jalapeno) ½ cup lemon juice (roughly 2 lemons) 1 teaspoon salt Mix all ingredients together and serve with corn tortilla chips. Yum! n

Share A Recipe!

o you have a recipe that is a family favorite? Or maybe one from your childhood you would like to share? The Capitola-Soquel Times will be publishing one recipe each issue from a community member. Feel free to add a little history to the recipe if you want (approximately 75 words). Every issue we will randomly choose a recipe to publish. Find your favorite and send it to cathe@cyber-times.com today!

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Need Rent Relief?

4,000 Eligible, 178 Getting Cash, Aid Still Available By Jayme Ackemann

Editor’s note: PolicyLink and the University of Southern California Equity Research Institute created the National Equity Atlas, which estimates the number of households behind on rent debt, debt per household and total rent debt by county and state in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, business shutdowns, job losses and the rent payment moratorium until Sept. 30 in California and nationwide on Oct. 3 in counties with high transmission levels. In Santa Cruz County, about 5,330 households are behind on rent, with rent debt estimated at $5,238 per household, for a total of $27.9 million. The Times editor asked Community Bridges, which is working to make local renters aware of available aid, for an update. ••• anta Cruz County tenants and landlords have applied for more than $10 million in rental and utility assistance since the start of the pandemic, but that’s a fraction of those households that are eligible to apply for assistance. The gap between need and available resources is one that organizations, like human services nonprofit Community Bridges, are attempting to address. The State of California extended its “Housing is Key” Covid-19 eviction moratorium program to Oct. 1.

This additional time coupled with the expanded rental relief program, which covers 100% of the eligible households rent or utility expenses offers more complete protections for both renters and landlords. “We need to reach more people, that’s the bottom line,” said Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino. “There are nearly 4,000 eligible households in Santa Cruz County and just 178 are already receiving cash assistance.” He acknowleged that “early on the application may have been challenging, but our state partners Ray Cancino have streamlined the process so that more people can get funding more quickly. The process is easier for today’s applicants.” Community Bridges is launching an outreach campaign focused on the communities with the greatest need to raise awareness about the availability of funding. But all individuals are encouraged to reach out for help by visiting HousingisKey.com or www.housing.ca.gov or calling 833-430-2122.

The program covers up to 100% of unpaid or future rent and may also help low-income renters pay some or all of their unpaid utility bills, including gas, electric, water and internet services. California allocated $5.2 billion in rent relief to the state’s eligible residents. Roughly 1,100 eligible households have submitted applications for funding. For local support with rental relief applications or ongoing case management,

individuals also may contact Community Bridges at (831) 219-8607, or visit http:// communitybridges.org/Covid19 More than two-thirds of the applications received through the local partner network to which Community Bridges belongs, have already received funding. n ••• Jayme Ackemann is a writer and public policy consultant who lives in San Lorenzo Valley.

Four Watsonville Doctors Join Coastal Health Partners

oastal Health Partners, a multi-specialty medical group serving Santa Cruz County and surrounding communities, has added four specialty physicians to further expand the wide range of high-quality surgical services it offers. The physicians — two general surgeons, an orthopedic surgeon, and an orthopedic/spine surgeon — bring significant expertise in their respective practice areas as well as extensive experience in performing advanced, minimally invasive, and robotic-assisted surgeries. Coastal Health Partners is affiliated with Watsonville Community Hospital. The four surgeons who have joined the medical group are: • Sarah Brant, MD, a general surgeon specializing in gastrointestinal/ colorectal, endocrine, breast, and minimally invasive surgery   • Faisal Mirza, MD, an orthopedic

Faisal Mirza

Kris Okumu

surgeon specializing in total joint replacement, shoulder, and sports medicine   • Ryan Nolan, MD, a general surgeon specializing in robotic and minimally invasive gastrointestinal and abdominal surgery   • Kris Okumu, MD, an orthopedic/ spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery and robotic-assisted total joint replacement surgery  “We are excited to welcome these four outstanding physicians to

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

Ryan Nolan

Sarah Brant

our medical group,” said Peter Bretan, MD, FACS, a board-certified urologist and kidney transplant surgeon with Coastal Health Partners. “Collectively, they broaden the scope of specialized surgical services offered in our local community. This includes access to advanced robotic technology for total joint replacement at Watsonville Community Hospital, which is the only hospital in our area to offer this cutting-edge technology.”  Dr. Bretan also serves as president of the

California Medical Association and past president of the California Urological Association. In addition to Dr. Bretan, the other physician members of Coastal Health Partners are:   • Omid Bakhtar, DO, nephrology   • Stanley Hwang, MD, cardiology   • Andrew Knorr, MD, urology   Coastal Health Partners is a multispecialty medical group serving Santa Cruz County and its surrounding communities. The group’s physician members are committed to providing comprehensive patient-centered healthcare in a healing environment. Their services are frequently selected for the value of the care they provide. In addition, the Coastal Health Partners physicians are respected for their integrity and admired for their commitment to their patients. n ••• For more info about Coastal Health visit www.mycoastalhealthpartners.com or call (831) 728-4227.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Uber Glitch Leads to Overcharge: Can I get a refund? By Christopher Elliott Darrick Collins thinks he’s going to pay $20 for a ride in Los Angeles. But Uber charges him $98 instead. What’s going on? ••• Q: Uber is charging me $98 for a ride in Los Angeles. But I only agreed to pay $20 for it. The system kept glitching when I was on the app. I denied all of the high offers and took the lowest. They also canceled two drivers who were under $20. Can you help me get a $78 refund, please? — Darrick Collins, Inglewood, Calif. ••• ber’s app should have charged you what it said it would — not a penny more. But you have to keep in mind what Uber is trying to get. It wants to extract the most money it can from each ride. When I enter a destination on my Uber app on St. Simons Island, Georgia, it offers several choices, including the less expensive UberX and the slightly roomier — and pricier — UberXL. But in California, Uber displays its rates differently*, which appears to be what happened to you. The system allowed drivers to set a higher rate, which most passengers rejected. Uber disabled

“Used CPAPs” from page 21 COVID-19 cases in India have surged since April, with thousands of deaths reported daily, and projections are that the country may experience 1.16 million total deaths by October. About 500 people each day die of Covid in India, according to Johns Hopkins University. Experts are expecting a third wave due to the Delta and Delta-2 variants, putting even more pressure on an already-inadequate healthcare system. Ventilators and oxygen are in critically low supply. In rural areas, vaccination rates remain low and only 10% of the world’s population is vaccinated, according to IndiaCovidSOS.org, which plans to send the modified CPAP machine to wherever in the world COVID-19 help is needed most urgently.

the system that allowed drivers to set a higher fare multiplier. It appears that when you requested your ride, you had several cars that set a higher fare multiplier. You turned them down but somehow still got matched with one of the more expensive drivers. That’s a glitch. When you notified Uber, it should have quickly corrected the problem. It did not. You made numerous efforts to contact Uber, but it still didn’t help. Fortunately, I list the names, numbers and email addresses of the Uber customer service contacts on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org: https://www.elliott.org/ company-contacts/uber/ This is one of those rare problems that Uber seems to have fixed for its users before I contacted them. But it kind of forgot to take care of the problems it created for some of its users before the policy change. When you’re dealing with hundreds of thousands of trips, as Uber does, it’s easy to lose track of complaints like yours. But that’s no excuse. You could have reached out to Uber or initiated a credit card dispute. You kept a thorough paper trail, although you

didn’t have screenshots of your accepted rides. It’s unrealistic to expect anyone to take a screenshot of a transaction that appears successful. But you almost have to do that nowadays. Otherwise, a company like Uber can overcharge you by $78. I contacted Uber on your behalf. A representative reviewed your case and agreed that the app was glitchy at the time you used it. “Without getting into the weeds,

this one seemed to have been a combination of a few things,” he told me. Uber refunded the difference. n *https://www.uber.com/blog/california/ upcoming-changes-to-the-driver-app/ ••• 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.

In Santa Cruz County, spare CPAP/BIPAP machines can be dropped off in Santa Cruz at the Valero gas stations, 1319 Ocean St. or 2202 Mission St., or in Watsonville at the 7-Eleven, 1455 Freedom Boulevard. To request a prepaid shipping label to mail your spare machine at no cost to you or for more drop off locations, see https://www.indiacovidsos.org/equipmentdonation or see https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5Kk4konIeuK x2EtOzJ4i9xu3Exa4wzrFQwVjdBjhO mDoLYg/viewform For questions, call 408-842-5037, Dr Attraya’s Gilroy Family Dental Office, or email vdevadhar@salesforce.com n ••• Photos: Volunteers collecting and modifying CPAP machines for use as non-invasive ventilators for people with COVID-19 in India.

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Dr. Rodriguez Answers Your Back-to-School Questions

r. Michelle Rodriguez, superintendent of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, answers back-toschool questions on safety, masks, and virtual learning options. ••• Are we returning to school in August? es, we look forward to welcoming our students to the first day of the 20212022 school year in person on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021.

With Delta cases rising in Santa Cruz County, if the cases continue to grow, is there a plan to go back to distant learning? t this time, there are no plans to return the District back to distance learning. PVUSD is committed to following all California Department of Public Health guidelines and additional mitigation factors to ensure that we can safely maintain our schools open for in-person learning.

With all this about the new variant, how will you be able to assure our kids’ safety in class this coming school year. If kids below the age of 12 can’t get vaccinated yet, what are the procedures that will be carried on and is online classes a thing we can continue doing? he health and safety of our students, staff and families has and continues to be our No. 1 priority. We have safely held seven weeks of full day in-person learning throughout this summer and are confident that we can continue to use the same protocols for the upcoming school year. Information regarding our safety plans and requirements can be found at https://reopening.pvusd.net/ in English and at https://reopening-esp.pvusd.net/ in Spanish. To ensure the safety of everyone, students and staff will be required to complete a home symptom screening prior to arriving at campus. Students will use the Five Star application on their Chromebooks as they have since returning back to school in April. Staff will continue to use the Company Nurse application as they have for the past year. Once on campus, everyone will be required to wear face coverings while indoors. All students riding the bus to and/or from school will be required to wear a face coverings while on the bus.

Q&A With Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

While there are no longer physical distancing requirements, out of an abundance of caution, PVUSD will maintain student desks with three feet distancing. In addition, while it is not required, we will continue to provide and encourage surveillance testing of all of our staff every two weeks. We will provide optional testing of asymptomatic students in a classroom where there is a positive case. Surveillance testing and asymptomatic testing will resume on Monday, Aug. 16. For families who do not choose to return to in-person instruction, they may complete the waitlist form with our PVUSD Virtual Academy, understanding this is a full semester or year commitment. Picking up my child from opt-in last year, I didn’t see distancing outside (I don’t know if there was distancing inside). With the CDC saying COVID is as contagious as chicken pox, will distancing and masks be required/enforced outside? My child is in 3rd so he’s not vaccinated. s noted above, PVUSD will maintain the three feet of physical distancing within classrooms. California Department of Public Health has mandated use of face coverings for everyone in K-12 school settings regardless of their vaccination status while indoors. The following link was updated July 28, 2021: https://D/DCDC/Pages/ COVID-19/Face-Coverings-QA.aspx#. Universal masking in schools while indoors will enable more in-person instruction time by reducing the frequency of outbreaks that could otherwise lead to quarantines and temporary closures. All schools, including private schools, are required to follow the CDPH face covering requirement. PVUSD has established the following Standard Operating Procedure for students and visitors who do not adhere to the CDPH requirement: https://tinyurl.com/ yf3483q7

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

Will our elementary-aged students have to wear a mask outdoors? I don’t think students should have to wear masks at all, but if they have to in the classroom I think it should be optional to wear them outside. I was under the impression that they wouldn’t have to wear masks outdoors but when I drove by our school the other day I noticed summer school students were wearing them outside. tudents will not be required to wear their masks while outdoors. Students may choose to continue to wear them outdoors if they feel more comfortable.

I worry about returning back to classes in person. Is there another option? es, the PVUSD Virtual Academy currently has space available for students for the 2021-2022 school year. Families who do not wish to return to in-person learning may complete the waitlist form at virtualacademy.pvusd.net.

I was under the impression that virtual academy was an option for the 2021- 2022 school year? I do not feel comfortable sending my child to school in person yet as I have a baby at home and my child does not qualify for a vaccine due to his age. What are my options? es, the PVUSD Virtual Academy is still an option for families. For the 2021-2022 school year, the PVUSD Virtual Academy has expanded offerings beyond the standard curriculum through partnerships with El Sistema to offer a virtual and/or in-person K-12 Music Program, in-person Youth Cinema Project for grades 6-12 and STEAM Toolkits from Watsonville Science Workshop. PVUSD Virtual Academy is not distance learning as experienced last year and requires someone to assist students with academics. The Learning Coach can be a parent, guardian, family member, tutor, babysitter, etc. The educational program is an Independent Study model with opportunities for virtual daily or weekly direct instruction with the teacher and other grade-level students. Each K-5 student will meet daily with their teacher between 25-45 minutes with a focus on literacy development. Each student grades 6-12 will meet twice weekly with their teacher for 60 minutes with optional daily virtual office hours.

For families who do not choose to return to in-person instruction, they may complete the waitlist form with our PVUSD Virtual Academy, understanding this is a full semester or year commitment. Each student will meet with the supervising teacher weekly to review the student’s progress and discuss student work. Each student has a personalized learning plan for organizing assignments due as well as current progress/grades. The curriculum is provided by Florida Virtual School and is CA state standard, Common Core and UC Doorways A-G approved. The curriculum is available online through the Schoology Learning Management System. Students will also have access to Clever Apps such as Lexia, ST Math, Accelerated Reader, and MAP Accelerator -Khan Academy. Upon enrollment, students must commit for a full semester or full school year. PVUSD Virtual Academy is ideal for self-motivated and independent learners. Are students allowed to share communal supplies again or do they need to each have their own separate set of materials? here are currently no requirements regarding the sharing of materials as it has been found that COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and is rarely transmitted through inanimate objects. However, out of abundance of caution, PVUSD purchased individual math kits for the Bridges Curriculum in elementary schools. Additionally, we purchased individual art supplies for both elementary and secondary students. Use of hand sanitizer and hand washing will continue to be a standard health safety practice.

“PVUSD Q&A” page 26

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Six Reasons Why Now’s The Time To Start A New Business!

By Ron Kustek

f you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, now is likely the BEST time to be taking that leap forward as an entrepreneur! Though it may seem counter-intuitive, history will show you that after the 2001 recession, and especially after the 20082009 recession, that new businesses began to increase (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics). Given the short 2020 recession caused by the pandemic and tremendous loss of jobs, we are likely poised for another resurgence in the creation of new businesses. There are a number of key reasons for this new small business growth potential, and some of these reasons didn’t exist in combination with each other after past recessions. These are the “Top 6 Reasons” why now may be the best time to start your new business: 1) Support of Local Businesses Post-pandemic. Across the nation and especially in Santa Cruz County, a strong community exists to support independent business owners. Everyone is aware that the past 18 months have been especially difficult for small business owners, and many want to support their local business instead of Amazon or large chains which likely had better financial resources to weather the storm. 2) More Affordable Rents. Sadly, many businesses closed during the pandemic

and many landlords have lost tenants and their rental incomes. Though many landlords are also often small business owners, over-supply & demand has been bringing rents lower. Since an empty storefront produces no revenue, smart landlords are finding it’s better having a bit less monthly rent coming in vs. no rent at all. 3) Low Interest Rates. Interest rates have been at an all-time low, and will likely remain low through the end of 2021. As we’re now seeing the Delta variant wreak momentary havoc on the recovery, continued low interest rates makes it more attractive to take out a small business loan or a line of credit. This will help your cash flow now and in the future, as well as save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars on your loan repayment! 4) Available Employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Santa Cruz-Watsonville community has a 6.7% unemployment rate (May 2021) which is down significantly from the January 2021 rate of 8.7%. But those who are weighing the challenges of returning to work are also looking for fair wages. Businesses are competing for workers, both skilled and unskilled, and the one thing both have in common is earning a living and being properly compensated for

their time, efforts and risks they’re taking by returning to working with the public and fellow workers. 5) New Opportunities For New Ideas. Think of the new ideas which have been created in the last 18 months, many as a result of the unprecedented global pandemic. As we’ve all had the

“New Business” page 26

Back to School

ACROSS

1. *____ mater 5. *Graduate degree, acr. 8. Opposite of stereo 12. Defense ditch 13. Fishing rod attachment 14. More sure 15. One’s final notice 16. Dutch cheese 17. Golfer’s traction aid 18. *Half-year terms 20. At the summit of 21. Water nymph 22. Actor ____ Mahershala 23. Be a busybody 26. Metrical foot in poetry 30. Earlier in time, archaic

6.9% in June 2021

time to do more online shopping and become better aware of all the changes and developments over the last 18 months, the next 18 months should also provide the same fertile ground for your new idea!

31. Become bony 34. Shakespeare’s tragic monarch 35. Labanotation founder 37. Theodor Geisel, ____ Dr. Seuss 38. Threshold 39. Relating to the ear 40. Weather advisories, e.g. 42. + or - atom 43. Widely esteemed 45. Most mature, as in fruit 47. Indian dish 48. Dashboard window 50. Female sheep, pl. 52. *”The Breakfast Club” punishment 56. Flower holders 57. Singles 58. High school breakout

59. Acoustic output 60. Overwhelming defeat 61. *Gym class test? 62. Catchall abbr. 63. *Geography class staple 64. Not talker?

11. Table scrap 13. Laces again 14. Milan’s La ____ 19. Manicurist’s office 22. Is it ____ wonder? 23. Hard on outside, juicy on inside 24. One of the Muses 25. Payment option DOWN 1. ____ of cookie fame 26. From a great distance 2. Stud site 27. Chill-inducing 3. Cripple 28. Type of palm tree, pl. 29. Council of _____, city 4. *Go to class in Italy 5. Mythological princess of Colchis 32. *Back-to-School retail 6. TV cooking show event pioneer James ____ 33. WWII general who became President 7. Contributions to the poor 36. *Faculty member 8. *Kind of choice 38. “Peace” with fingers 9. Black and white treat 40. TV classic “____ in 10. Less than average tide the Family”

41. Superlative of true 44. Lowest male singing voice 46. Small bomb 48. Christopher Columbus’ birthplace 49. Consumed (2 words) 50. Small ladies’ handbag 51. What one does at the altar 52. *College freshman’s new digs 53. International Civil Aviation Organization 54. Half as much as twice 55. ____-do-well 56. Every American’s uncle?

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / August 15th 2021 / 25

Uranus – Awakening Humanity from Slumber

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

e still have time, ‘til Wednesday, August 18th, to see the last of the spectacular Perseid meteor showers. Look for Venus, too, a golden light in the night sky along with bright Jupiter (beginning August 20th), both visible through December 31st. The sky is brilliant these summer nights, alive with stars, their different colors and hues intriguing. We have the second full moon under Leo this Sunday, making August, a busy month with Sirius rising at dawn and calling humanity to freedom. Uranus in Taurus retrogrades this week (Thursday, August 19th), joining retrograde Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto. Uranus guides humanity into the new Aquarian era of freedom and community, under the new Laws & Principles. Uranus retrograde kindles in humanity an inner revolution, new inventiveness in the cause for freedom and liberty. Uranus is a liberating energy and when retrograde, can build until it explodes! Careful everyone! In Taurus, Uranus is potent, practical, with revelations occurring at the speed of light. The need for freedom ARIES

is re-awakened (think 1960s which our present times reflect). Realizing what confines and hinders us, we begin to radicalize, rebelling against limits to our self-determination and independence. Uranus awakens us from our deep slumber created by the glamour and thralldom of materiality (excessive). Uranus calls us to stand between revelation and revolution and tells us to be strong and courageous in our present struggle and crisis. We can do this, Uranus tells us. At dawn on Sunday, Aug. 22, the second full moon under Leo occurs, the Sirius Festival. Sirius energy flows through Regulus, the heart of Leo. Sirius calls humanity to safeguard its freedom and maintain its liberty. Sirius is the Star of Freedom. Sun enters Virgo Sunday afternoon. From creative self-identity (Leo), humanity moves into the sign of purification and daily life service (Virgo). As Virgo’s light unfold, the Virgin begins to gestate (is pregnant with) the Soul of humanity, preparing for Winter Solstice, when the new light is birthed. Everything under Virgo becomes a mystery. Everything becomes sacred, holy and magical. For those with “eyes to see and ears to hear.”

LEO

Many things are being revealed to you concerning your gifts, Usually you’re attempting to understand yourself in terms of talents and goodness. Revelations about your talents, gifts and creativity. Silently you want true self will occur as you go about your daily and need to be recognized and praised. The work. You will notice compassionate intenmore praise you receive, the quicker you evolve tions, aspirations to serve others with care and grow. In coming times you’ll seek beyond and dedication. You realize that care of self is important and yourself into the heavens, the cosmic mysteries, and even the must come before tending to others. Then you can uplift those Diamond Sutras. Realizing much of what we’re attached to is in need and your spiritual self is uplifted too. You’re climbing transitory, you will establish yourself in ways quite different Jacob’s Ladder. than before. You’re developing courage, the heart of the Lion. Look for Regulus.

SAGITTARIUS

New archetypes stream through your mind, creating a new sense of identity. All old patterns are being shaken up, torn down, set aside. Thought forms, beliefs, what you previously depended upon, are dropping away from you, not looking back. Perhaps a bit of tears are shed, sometimes a heavy heart. Then sadness emerges and grief. Then after a time, a sense of happiness and joy appear. A sense of freedom is felt, a new direction is sensed. It’s a journey toward self-awareness. We are all in Noah’s Ark.

TAURUS

Your mind, which always seeks illumination (its spiritual task) has opened to new thoughts, ideas, terminology, spiritual sciences and the arts. You are becoming a mediator within groups as well as an artist. You continually question the root cause of everything and you’re very aware when people break the rules. You know the study of astrology and the wisdom teachings are our present-day guides. Contact everyone through the stars in the night sky.

VIRGO

CAPRICORN

Does it feel as if your finances and resources are at a standstill? Is some resource important and valuable to you seemingly too far away? What I suggest is an accounting and filing of all your monies in a folder or book. Set it next to your Gratitude Journal. Perhaps you’re already organized in this way. Virgos are so good at organization. The important question is one of values. In what way do you value yourself and others? Value of self brings forth personal, spiritual and financial freedom.

The time to come will allow you the recognition you seek. You experience life differently than others. Sometimes your presence and leadership, your creativity and service to the world create controversy and agitation in others. Know that Capricorn is a leadership sign, a sign of structure and rule of law. In our times now these virtues are being rebelled against. When disharmony occurs, the chaos that ensues will summon and brings forth a new harmony. Continue to lead.

Sometimes through your humor you become the star of LIBRA the show. The presence you project to the The routines and schedules you thought important, both at world now needs to be that of the teacher. work and in relationships, are sometimes the Call upon your opposite sign of Sagittarius ones you want to walk away from. You know (the professor) for assistance. Whereas you that freedom to choose your own way is most could be hidden and silent (well, sometimes), your intelimportant but for a long time you tried to ligence and creativity are being called out. You realize it’s compromise and accommodate. Now you are able to exhibit good to pursue pleasure, to be gifted, and to be ahead of the uniqueness of self which was hidden away for so long. everyone else. It takes several planets and stars to get us Tradition for you has its place only if beauty accompanies it. to this place. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, beauty follows you.

Your mind is experiencing original insights, thoughts flashing at the speed of light, and ideas that only Aquarians understand. Your sense of humor has expanded too. With these gifts, you may introduce new ethics, concepts, educational ideas, and information to the world beginning in your personal day to day life. Be aware that it’s risky to do this. Aquarians come from the future, a golden age. Your entire life is a service.

GEMINI AQUARIUS

CANCER

SCORPIO

PISCES

You have the stamina and strength, courage and fortitude to be with people who offer you kindness and care. When these are offered to you in adequate measure, you then offer the same to others. It’s time to recognize your deepest hopes and wishes and to be consciously aware that new values and priorities are forming within you. Later you will be called to demonstrate these new values. The powerful people you meet reflect the power within.

The next stage of your development is emerging. No longer can you be the quiet one. What must you begin to do? Looking at your chart, Uranus (in Taurus, your opposite sign) says the study of the Ageless wisdom teachings explains all the world’s secrets and mysteries. They will deepen your already religious inclinations. In your group of people you become a leader. And so it’s important to communicate real information to those listening. The real information is in the mysteries. •••

You realize you’re different than most. Although you attempt to walk the straight line of tradition, it simply doesn’t work. Those lines disappear. You’re greatly talented though others may not recognize this. You are unpredictable and curious, having the ability for leadership. (Pluto as Soul ruler). So much change has occurred the past five years, you feel disorganized and deconstructed. Yes, it’s a preparation for the breakdown then the new order to come.

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / August 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“PVUSD Q&A” from page 24 Will the district implement a pass/fail form on its website for parents for high school? es, high school parents have already received email notification last week. As a result of COVID impact on education and pursuant to Education Code Section 49066.5 (2)(b), the parent, guardian, or education rights holder of a pupil or, for a pupil 18 years of age or older, the pupil who was enrolled in high school and enrolled in a course during the 2020–21 school year may apply to the pupil’s local educational agency to have a letter grade earned for that course, as reflected on the pupil’s transcript, changed to a Pass or No Pass grade. High school parents may also find the grade change application on the district website at https://drive.google.com/ file/d/1X5e1OSsZWPfUujygoPt5tBkNQX 8LxJUm/view.

Will busses be ready to pick up and drop off my Aptos Junior High student on the first day of school? I have submitted the bus Google survey form already but I’m unclear on when busses start. tudents will be provided transportation beginning on the first day of school. You can find information on specific routes at the following link: https://pps-pajaroca.schoolloop.com/transportation/ busroutes. n

“New Business” from page 25 6) Supportive Business Services. From the many classes business available from Cabrillo College on starting your own business to the supportive services provided for free by SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) and the SBDC (Small Business Development Center), our community has seasoned and proven professionals to help you get started. I recommend you check out Cabrillo, SCORE and the SBDC instead of watching YouTube videos or doing a Google search on “How To Start A Business.” Businesses are about people, and there are great people here who are able to help you! This is not the time to be unsure of yourself, as many have found that out of tough times there are better times ahead. Today may be the best time ever for YOU to start YOUR new business! n ••• Ron Kustek is a former senior marketing executive at The Coca-Cola Co., and entrepreneur who is teaching business at Cabrillo College. The fall semester begin Aug. 23 and he will teach: Starting & Operating a New Small Business, Starting an Ecommerce Business, Business Information Systems and Marketing. Contact him at RoKustek@cabrillo.edu.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

A Miracle on the Road

ave you ever really needed help 109 that day in Redding. We did not know and it seemed like no one cared? anyone in this town. We held hands and prayed for help, Well, we just had that experience asking that we could be guided to people and it ended up in a beautiful miracle. Barry and I had just finished a river trip who could help us, even though it was a on the Trinity River in Northern California. Saturday. Barry got on his cell phone and began It was extremely hot as we were beginning our way back home after a very tiring day calling the few garages Google said were putting all of the rafting equipment into open. One man said he could help and our truck and camper. It was 6:30 p.m. would call us right back, but never did and I was sleeping next to Barry as he was and when we tried him again, he did not answer. Another man slowly making his seemed helpful until way up a very steep I mentioned that our incline. truck was a diesel. He All of a sudden told us he gets severe there was an headaches even being explosion!!! The entire near a diesel engine. radiator burst apart and our windshield was covered in boiling Some of the people were rude. No one was radiator fluid. This was not the typical kind or caring for the three hours we tried overheating some vehicles have with steam to reach someone to help as we hit one coming from their hood. This was a com- brick wall after another. The rest would not plete explosion. We were stopped dead on be open until Monday. Meanwhile, in our camper, the heat the shoulder of a very busy highway. We called AAA right away and, for was rising and Barry and I and our two the first time that I ever remember, they golden retrievers were suffering with the were not helpful. They connected us to sweat pouring down as the temperature hit a number where we were put on hold 100, promising to go even hotter. We kept for over an hour and, when the person praying after each call that we made, but we finally came on, he informed us that they were beginning to lose heart that we would were closed. The nearest city, Redding, be helped. Visions of enduring extreme heat was over an hour away, and we finally in this parking lot for two more days were paid to have our truck towed there. On not pleasant. Plus, hotels might not be very the way, sitting in the truck with the welcoming to our two big dogs. Then Barry looked at his phone and young driver who grew up a few miles from our home, we ended up counseling a new garage appeared with the Google him through a difficult situation with his message, “Now open.” He called immediately. A friendly woman answered new relationship. We had never been to Redding other the phone. I saw Barry smile and relax. than to drive through. It is a small city This woman really knew what she was talking about. She known for excessive got all our info, heat, and even on a The entire radiator burst and searched for a late Friday evening apart and our windshield was radiator. There was it was almost 100 covered in boiling radiator only one available in degrees outside. It the whole area that seemed many of the fluid. This was not the typical would fit our truck. shops were closed overheating some vehicles She ordered it and for the weekend but have with steam coming from told us to get a tow the tow truck driver their hood. right over to them. knew of a place that This was a complete explosion. So we had was open Saturday another tow with the so he left us there. It was now late at night and we got a bit of same young man who said things were sleep in our camper even though it was 95 much better with his girlfriend after he followed our advice. Thus continued the degrees. In the morning, we discovered a miracle. The mechanic came right out to handmade sign on the door of the shop greet us in the tow truck and welcomed that announced they were no longer open us to his shop. The radiator was being on Saturdays. We were stuck in a very hot delivered to his shop as we pulled in to his parking lot watching the temperatures parking lot. This mechanic was very quiet, rise by the minute. It was supposed to be and had a peacefulness that we could feel.

By Joyce and Barry Vissell

The woman, his wife, invited us into their waiting room, which contained all kinds of interesting things and a whole corner with children’s toys. She invited the dogs in and right away gave them a big bowl of cold water. We were the only ones there and, even though it was a garage with all of the garage equipment all around, it had a very peaceful feeling, like coming into a loving home. The mechanic and his grown son worked on our truck for over four hours, a few times having to drive to stores to get other parts. Barry and I waited in this peaceful environment. I actually took a little nap in the waiting room as it was so peaceful, something I would never be able to do in a typical mechanic’s waiting room. Eventually, Barry struck up a conversation with the father as he worked on the truck. And slowly this sweet peaceful man opened up to Barry about some of his mystical experiences with Divine Mother. He showed both of us the tattoos on his hands with the words, “Love, Acceptance, Honesty, Trust, Integrity.” He told us that he wanted to see these words as he worked on the cars. He added that he, his wife, and son try to help people in more ways than just fixing their cars and trucks. They want to help people by showing them love and caring. As they expertly fixed our truck,

their love and caring were a soothing balm for us. Even the dogs were happy there. Four hours later, our truck was ready to go again, and we hugged this very blessed family and thanked them over and over again. We had needed help and for three very frustrating hours were trying to find the help that we needed. All the while, there was a perfect plan for us already mapped out. Our Divine Source did not just want us to have any kind of help, but guided us to the very best. And this family at Sequoia Auto Repair in Redding were truly like angels to us. Our prayers were answered beyond what we could have imagined. If only we could always have the faith that our call for help will be answered, perhaps not in the timing that we want, but in the best possible way. n ••• Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors in Aptos. Authors of nine books, they are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. Call 831-684-2130 for information on counseling sessions by phone, online, or in person, their books, recordings or their schedule of talks and workshops. Visit their web site at SharedHeart.org to listen to their new audio album of sacred songs and chants, available for download, or listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG ml4FDMDyI&feature=youtu.be

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE WRAPS UP Featuring professional actors from around the country and inspired by deep local roots that go back more than 40 years, Santa Cruz Shakespeare stages bold productions of the plays of Shakespeare and other great playwrights that stimulate audiences’ senses and spark their imagination. Santa Cruz Shakespeare performances take place in The Audrey Stanley Grove (or just “The Grove”) at Upper DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz. ••• The Agitators: July 20- August 29 RII (Richard II): July 21- August 29 Tickets start at $25 For more info about SCS, visit https://santacruzshakespeare. org/season-2021/, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Due to limited capacity at the venue, people are encouraged to purchase tickets early.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by August 23 is offering — beginning, intermediate, advanced, conversation — are for you. The online 10-week session begins the week of Sept. 13, so register to secure your spot and get the early bird discount, which ends Aug. 21. If classes fill, a wait list will be created. The price ranges from $175 to $225 for 10 weeks. To register see: https://bit.ly/Dante-Classes. For more information email: dantesantacruz1265@gmail.com

There will be healthy locally grown produce, a veggie Rx redemption site, cooking demonstrations and wellness screenings. Sponsors include Lakeside Organic, Salud Para La Gente and Kaiser Permanente. Visit pvhealthtrust.org/elmercado for more info.

Online,” a free online (Zoom) program featuring a presentation by a local expert. View the full schedule at scottsvalleyseniorlife.org/currentWednesdays thru Sept. 1 activities/. CAPITOLA TWILIGHT CONCERTS ARE BACK Upcoming: 6-8 p.m., Bandstand at Esplanade Park, Capitola Village Aug. 19 — Dan Haifley, Monterey Bay Sanctuary Aug. 18: Everyday People – Classic Latin Rock Foundation’s Secretary of the Board, will speak about the Monterey Bay Sanctuary: its ocean health, research Aug. 25: Beggar Kings – Rolling Stones/Dance Sept. 1: Digbeats – Classic Rock and education programs. To participate, you need an Internet connection and a Third Thursday Each Month computer, tablet or smartphone. CAPITOLA’S FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS A one-time preregistration is required at https:// PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM Do you love eating outside while enjoying live music? tinyurl.com/SVSLA-5. Questions? Call George at (831) 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting If so, the Capitola’s Food Truck Friday events are perfect 334-7763. BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support for you! Senior Life Online is sponsored by Scotts Valley Senior Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated The events are Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. Upcoming Life Association (SVSLA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose events are on Aug. 27 and Sept. 24. mission is to promote healthy living for senior citizens. by a licensed grief counseling therapist, on the third Thursday of each month. Information is at http://scottsvalleyseniorlife.org. EL PAJARO KITCHEN ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport SCULPTURE IS: IN THE GARDEN 2021 El Pajrao Community Development Corp., which Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday or call 831-471-7255. On display thru Oct. 31 has a commercial kitchen in Watsonville for food NAMI RECOVERY SUPPORT 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden, 2660 East entrepreneurs, will offer online training for free, with Mon/Wed 1-2:30 p.m., Fri 6-7:30 p.m., confidential Zoom Fridays Lake Ave., Watsonville a focus on Spanish-speaking start-ups. The dates: MIDTOWN FRIDAYS meetings. Sculpture IS: In the Garden 2021, is the 15th sculpture Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. Commercial Kitchen National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Cruz Ongoing thru Oct. 29, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz (next to exhibit in partnership with Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden. Incubator, program orientation, online . County offers the “Connection Recovery Support the fire station) The jurors, Susana Arias and Jeff Rosendale, selected more Thursday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. Commercial Kitchens Group,” a free, peer-led support group for any Event Santa Cruz is hosting a Friday festival through the than 100 sculptures created by 42 artists and collaborators. Incubator, program orientation online adult 18 or older who has experienced symptoms end of October. Called “Midtown Fridays,” the event will Visit the stunning two-acre demonstration garden, relax Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 6 p.m., of a mental health condition (no diagnosis have a featured musical act plus food, artists, vendors, under the umbrellas, and spend an afternoon enjoying the Orientation of the Entrepreneur Program. required). and more. outdoor exhibit. To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/el-pajaro-cooking. Groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. Admission is free. Admission is free. Visitors can see works created by: It’s confidential and drop-in friendly. Jamie Abbott • Cristy Aloysi • Susana Arias • Jeff Arnett To attend, complete the registration form. You will ONGOING EVENTS Every Saturday • Nessy Barzilay • Michael Bashista • Lucia Bruer • Trudi immediately get an email with the Zoom link. You ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH Mondays Burney • Jay Capela • Lee Cavanaugh • Paul Cheney • will need to do this only once, and will be able to use Kathleen Crocetti • Sally Diggory • Franco Di Majo • Barbara COOKING WITH GREY BEARS the same link for all groups in the future. Register at: Tours start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.,1700 Elkhorn Road, Downs • Scott Graham • Leonard Groner • Roy Holmberg Watsonville 1 p.m., 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz or Online https://tinyurl.com/nami-zoom-register. • William Hufmann • Kristen Kolbek • Marilyn Kuksht • Join Cooking with Grey Bears live in-person or via Zoom If you are unable to register, do not have an email Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural Ron Lion • Lyn MacDonald • Mike McClellan • Kirk McNeill — Your choice! history of the Elkhorn Slough. Capacity is limited address, or have other questions, call the office at • Susan Megorden • Annie Morhauser • David Mudgett • Chef Poppy DeGarmo is the instructor. due to physical distancing requirements, and (831)-824-0406 or email anastasia@namiscc.org. Geoffrey Nicastro • Nancy Niles • Jeff Owen • Jane Reyes • To attend remotely visit https://us02web.zoom. individuals must sign up on a first-come, firstView previous sessions at https://www.namiscc.org/ us/j/92906805068. Pierre Riche • Jewel Rogers • Mandy Spitzer • Judy Stabile served basis. • Richard Starks • Aaron Vanderkerckhove • Susan von Tuesdays Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) First and Third Monday Each Month Schmacht • Jenni Ward • Lea de Wit • April Zilber FARMERS’ MARKET AT RAMSAY PARK 728-2822 or visit https://www.elkhornslough.org/ SENIOR LIFE ONLINE 2–6 p.m., Ramsay Park, Watsonville group-reservation/ to reserve a tour. SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS 4 p.m., Online Meeting El Mercado is a new farmers’ market hosted by ComFor more information, visit http://www.elkhornslough.org/ This new program from Community Bridges brings Join a local group of senior citizens for “Senior Life munity Health Trust of Pajaro Valley. esnerr/tours/ 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 RED CROSS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS & BLOOD DONORS internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. The American Red Cross needs volunteers to help on the ground and blood and platelet donors to maintain a stable blood supply in the face of destructive To participate, view the calendar at https://communitywildfires. bridges.org/SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, “After several years of record-breaking wildfires, the Red Cross is already responding in dozens of communities and asks you to train now to be a Red Cross click on the link in the calendar to be connected. If you have volunteer and help if the need arises,” said Jennifer Adrio, regional CEO, American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. a problem connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481. The Red Cross needs new volunteers at disaster shelters to help with reception, registration, food distribution, dormitory, and information collection. The Red Cross also needs registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to screen people in shelters for COVID-19-like illness. If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with a current and unencumbered license, this could be right for you. The Red Cross plans to open group shelters – Second Harvest Food Bank’s hotels may be appropriate if the risk from COVID-19 Delta variant is high. drive-through food distribution Last year, the Northern California Coastal Region provided emergency assistance to 2,524 families after 1,342 home fires and other disasters. Disaster action will continue operating at the teams provide 24-hour emergency response to local disasters. If you are team-oriented and want to help your neighbor, this may be the thing for you. county Fairgrounds 9 a.m.-Noon If you want to make a difference and are interested in helping your community should a disaster occur here at home or across the country, see redcross.org/ on the following Fridays: volunteer or email centralcoast.chapter@redcross.org. Aug. 20 • Sept. 10 • Sept. 24 Blood Donors Needed Food hotline: 831-662-0991. Eligible donors can help ensure blood is available despite disasters by making an appointment to give by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES CrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who donate in August will get a free 4-month special offer to Apple Music by email (new 10-week Online Session, Begins Sept. 13 subscribers only). Details at RedCrossBlood.org/FeelTheBeat. Registration is now open for fall Italian language classes. Ben Lomond: Aug 20: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ben Lomond, 9545 Lovecreek Road, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with instructors Santa Cruz: Aug 18 and 24: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Aug 26: Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. who are native speakers. Whether you are new to the Scotts Valley: Aug 27: Four Points By Sheraton, 5030 Scotts Valley Drive. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Italian language, totally fluent, or everything in between, Watsonville: Aug 27: Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St., noon to 5 p.m. the classes the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz 28 / August 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea is a global volunteer organization providing women and girls with access to education and training to achieve economic empowerment. For information see www.facebook.com/sicapitola, or www. best4women.org or email info@best4women.org.

DATED EVENTS Thursday August 19 CLASS OF 1953 REUNION Noon-6 p.m., Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos Watsonville High School’s class of 1953 is holding its 68-year reunion, with the theme “One for the Road.” Attendees are welcome to bring photos, memorabilia and stories. Local historian Mas Hashimoto will speak on “Why did it take me 40 years to get out of WHS?” Tickets are $40. Checks payable to WHS Class of 1953 Reunion should be mailed to Frank Herring, Chair, P.O. Box 2038, Santa Rosa, CA 95405. A limited number of rooms is available for attendees. For reservations, call 1-831-688-7300. For questions, email Hashimoto at hashi79@sbcglobal.net or call 831-722-6859.

Thursday August 19 DROP-IN VACCINATION CLINIC 3-7 p.m., Watsonville Family YMCA, 27 Sudden St., Watsonville Watsonville Family YMCA will host a free drop-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic, offering the two-shot Moderna and the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccines, courtesy of the CCVNA of Monterey County. No appointment is needed. Teen memberships at the Y are free through October for any youths 12-18 who get vaccinated. There will be a raffle of a two-month family membership if a family member gets vaccinated and YMCA swag for anyone who gets vaccinated. For information, call (831) 757-4633 or go to centralcoastymca.org.

Sunday August 21 PARKS & REX POOL PARTY Noon-4 p.m., Simpkins Family Swim Center, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz The Santa Cruz County Parks Department and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter invite families and their dogs to eat, drink, play and swim at the 6th annual Parks & Rex Pool Party. Dogs are invited for a dip in the warm-water pool during this fund-raiser for youth recreation and animal welfare programs. Familes can enjoy inner tubes, Wibit inflatable play apparatus, stand-up paddleboards, and have a chance to win raffle prizes. Wine and local craft beer from Humble Sea Brewing Co. will be available. Ticket sales are limited; pre-register to guarantee a spot at www. scparks.com or at the Swim Center. Tickets cost $15/adult, $5/child; $5 more on day of the event. Free for kids 3 and under, and dogs. MEET KEVIN KILEY Noon-4 p.m., Corralitos Grange Hall, 165 Little Corral Way, Watsonville The Santa Cruz County Republican Party plans a family BBQ which will feature guest speaker Kevin Kiley, 36, the Republican assemblyman who has represented the 6th District, Placer, Sacramento, and El Dorado counties since 2016 and is running to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in the Sept. 14 recall election. Kiley, vice-chair of the Education Committee, declined a pay raise granted in 2021, and has introduced legislation to end special perks like the private DMV office for state lawmakers and their staff. He is the author of a 200-page ebook, “Recall Gavin: The Most Corrupt Governor in the Nation,” focusing on the results from his policies. The son of a doctor and a special education teacher,

Thursday August 26 BETTER OPTIONS FOR BLADDER LEAKAGE 5:30-6:30 p.m., Dignity Health Online Seminar Dignity Health presents a free community webinar, “Better Options for Bladder Leakage.” Speakers are Dr. Caitlin Lim, DO, a urologist, and Vanessa Hemingway, MS, MFA, OTR, CLT-LANA, pelvic floor therapist. Register at: Dignityhealth.org/Dominican/PEP

Monday August 30

13TH ANNUAL TESTICLE FESTIVAL Saturday August 28 3-7 p.m., Estrada Deer Camp, 140 Hazel Dell Rd, Watsonville The Testicle Festival, put on by the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau, will feature the “No Respect!” band, known for a wide range of songs from rock n’ roll to Latin. Local chef Loretta Estrada will prepare Rocky Mountain oysters; firefighter Derek Witmer will barbeque chicken. The price, which includes the Rocky Mountain oysters and chicken barbeque dinner, is $50 for adults, $20 for children 5-12 and free for children under 5. There will be a raffle, live and silent auction and horseshoe contest for adults and children. Loretta Estrada and crew prepare the Rocky Mountain Oysters The popular “It’s All in the Sauce” Contest will take place. Attendees can vote on their favorite accompaniment for Rocky Mountain oysters. For information, visit www.Agri-Culture.us, or buy tickets on www.eventbrite.com (search for “Testicle Festival” in Watsonville). ••• Top Photo: In past years, the Testicle Festival has attracted an all-ages crowd.

RECALL REGISTER DEADLINE The deadline to register for the Sept. 14 governor recall vote is Aug. 30. Visit votescount.us to do so. If you miss that deadline you must use same-day registration, register in person Sept. 14 at the county Election office or a voting center, and your ballot will be conditional until the voter registration is processed. To find your polling place, see https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place/

Friday September 3 thru Monday September 6

MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR CONCERTS 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sun / 4 p.m. Mon., Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road The 86th Annual Monterey County Fair returns and announces live music concerts at the Payton Stage: Left of Center — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3 Journey Revisited — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 The Money Band — 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5 Samz School of Rock — 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6 ••• This year’s fair theme is “Fair Fun in 2021.” Acts include Kiley comes from Granite Bay and has three siblings. He to 5 p.m. Sunday. Parking will be at Scotts Valley High magician Frank Thurston, Stilt Circus, Kevin K, 5-9 p.m. graduated from Harvard and became a high school English School, 555 Glenwood Drive. nightly; and Racing Pigs and Pedal Tractors daily. teacher in South Central Los Angeles, where he started an Saturday includes a special event: a “car cruise” Tickets must be purchased in advance. Adult and award-winning speech and debate team. coming to the festival from the Boardwalk starting at 8 seniors, $10; children 6-11 $5; kids 5 and under are free. Next he graduated from Yale Law School, joined a private a.m. and the Cops ‘N Rodders car show at 9 a.m. Awards See https://tickets.montereycountyfair.com/p/tickets. law firm in California, then became a deputy attorney will be presented at 2 p.m. Seniors 62 and up, military and veterans with IDs get general working on cases involving convicted felons. More than 75 artists will show their painting, phoin free noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2. To RSVP, go to tography, jewelry, metal, wood, glass and mixed media, www.montereycountyfair.com. The past three years, the BBQ has sold out. Tickets are $40 per ceramics, sculpture, soaps, fiber art, furniture, candles, person or $100 for a family (2 adults with children). To buy, see Parking on the fairgrounds through Gate 8 is $20 or at the clothing, handbags and hats, plus artisan jams. https://santacruzrepublicans.com/upcoming-events/ Monterey Pines Golf Course Driving Range, $15. Parking Food vendors are: Aroma Concession tri-tip tickets must be purchased in advance. MAINE LOBSTER DRIVE-THROUGH FUNDRAISER sandwiches and garlic fries, Nomad Momo Tibetan 1-5 p.m., Elks Lodge, 121 Martinelli St., Watsonville dumplings, Pono Hawaiian Food Truck (Holopono), Tuesday August 31 The Watsonville Rotary Foundation has revamped its California Corn, Taquizas Gabriel, PANA Venezuelan SKIRT STEAK FUNDRAISER Maine Lobster Feast Fundraiser after taking a year off food truck, Ānuenue Juice California 100% organic, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 75 Sakata Lane, Watsonville due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Ashby Confections chocolate, Indonesia Satay, Aunt This year, you can pick up a fully-cooked, take-out fresh LaLi’s Treats, Sauceyz tacos, burgers, wraps and Brussels Cal Giant Foundation is sponsoring a grilled skirt steak fundraiser, with proceeds to support local nonprofits. Maine lobster dinners with all the fixings — shrimp, sausage, sprouts,Il Biscotto, Steve’s Shave Ice and Mattia Pizza. The meal, which costs $20, includes salad, garlic corn, potatoes, artichoke, baguette — to enjoy at home. Eight local breweries and 14 local wineries will pour. bread, fresh berries and dessert. Order at foundation@ Cost is $85 per dinner; advance ticket sales only. Dessert Admission is free. Pre-order wine tickets before 6 p.m. Aug. and wine available for an additional charge. Call or email Kelly 20 in kits for $25 or $40, business or family group tasting kit, calgiant.com or call 831-728-1773. at (425) 241-9010 or kejelly128@gmail.com by Aug. 16. $200, or single drink tickets for $3 each. Details: https://www. Pre-pay via Venmo, PayPal, or with credit card, cash or check. Proceeds go to nonprofits serving Pajaro Valley children and svartfestival.com/information/ Wednesday September 15 teens at risk.

Saturday August 21 Sunday August 22

thru Sunday September 19

Tuesday August 24

CAPITOLA SOROPTIMISTS 4-5:30 p.m., Olive Garden, 3400 Clares St., Capitola SCOTTS VALLEY ART WINE & BEER FESTIVAL Soroptimist International of Capitola by-the-Sea will Begins 10 a.m. each day, Siltanen Community Park, SV offer updates on ushering for Santa Cruz Shakespeare, The Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival returns after a launching the 2022 Live Your Dream awards and strategic year’s hiatus and moves to a new location. planning for new fiscal year activities at their next meeting. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. The meeting is free and open to the public.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIR Opens Noon Wed.-Fri. / 10 a.m. Sat. & Sun., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville For information about fair entry guides and education days see https://www.santacruzcountyfair.com/ To volunteer, go online at https://www.santacruzcountyfair.com/fair-time/general-info/volunteer n

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Remote Work for County Employees By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

ecently, the County instituted a new county, 46% live in South County, 24% in remote work policy for employees Mid-County and 28% in North County. As one of the largest employers in the that will shift how and where many region, the County plays a contributing employees work. Many employees will no longer be role in rush hour traffic and greenhouse coming to the 701 Ocean St. location in gas emissions. The County estimates that having half downtown Santa Cruz on a daily basis but will be able to work remotely on a hybrid of full-time employees perform a remote work option 2 days a week will equate to basis. Building on lessons learned during a reduction of nearly 2,000 metric tons of carbon emissions. the pandemic, the The County has County was able to As one of the largest been committed to effectively deliver its carbon services while simulemployers in the region, the reducing footprint. From the taneously improving environmental outCounty plays a contributing installation of solar arrays throughout comes, congestion role in rush hour traffic and County facilities and and quality-of-life recent purchase of through remote work. greenhouse gas emissions. the a new South County This new policy Service Center, will preserve government services and public counter hours allowing the consolidation and expansion and is expected to result in nearly half of of services in South County and giving resCounty employees working from home idents and staff the opportunity to reduce cross-county travel, the remote work policy two days per week. As one of the largest employers in is part of a broader effort to improve the the region — 2,500 employees — the County’s carbon footprint. While remote work isn’t an option County (through remote work) can play a key role in reducing t r a ffi c, for all employees in our region, for those employers that could provide a flexible improving the quality-ofand remote work option it should be life for employees and considered. even recruiting and If multiple employers allowed a retaining top talent. hybrid remote work option there A d d i t i o n a l l y, could be notable impacts on with the County’s new traffic, quality-of-life and South County Service the environment. Even Center opening in a removing just a few year and a half or so there percentage points of will be opportunities for some traffic from the road can employees that do come into the office have a big impact (as was seen to work from a location closer to their before the pandemic when a school district home. Here is a look at the new policy and was on a holiday break, for example). Quality of Life the ways in which it can impact these elements. n a survey of County employees, 4 in 5 said that having a hybrid remote work Environmental Improvements any County employees commute option would improve a work/life balance from the south county (and even and also improve morale and productivity. During the pandemic, with many points out of the county) to work. Of employees who live within the employees working remotely, the County

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

Local Local Local

did not experience drop-offs in productivity or increases in timelines for many services. As part of the survey, many employees noted it would be a recruitment and retention tool as well. As noted above, many County employees commute from south county or out of the county to work. With half of full-time employees working two days remotely, the County estimates that employees will drive 4.8 million less miles/year, save approximately 213,000 hours of commuting and 1,400 daily car trips. While this has a significant impact on the quality-of-life of employees, it also has a noticeable impact on other commuters that won’t have these cars on the road. Ideally, this would save time for others that still need to commute and improve environmental outcomes with fewer cars on the road. Overall, the future of work for many positions is shifting. Many local public sector positions, and many private sector positions as well, can accommodate remote or hybrid options and improve environmental and quality-of-life outcomes for their community and employees. Employers that offer these options may be more competitive than those that only offer traditional work environments. Given the high cost of living in our area, it can sometimes be difficult to recruit and retain employees. Having flexible work situations may provide incentive

News ... Sports ... Politics ...

for employees to stay as it may reduce child care costs (as this option cuts down after work commute time), allows greater participation in school-day activities or after watching your kids school or league sports --things that many parents in our community struggle with due to the length of commutes due to where affordable housing can be obtained. Eliminating these commutes, even a few days each week, can improve upon a lot of outcomes. As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). n I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and you can always call me at 454-2200. ••• Source: Long Range Facilities Plan, prepared by Gensler before the Covd-19 shelter in place in March 2020, adopted by Board of Supervisors in November 2020.

SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Houseplant Culture: It’s Not Gardening

H M

A Mama Ready For Her Own Space

crossword on 25 »

eet our Pet of the Week this week, “Mama” Sausage! (A280678) All of this girls kittens have gotten adopted, and now it’s her turn! “Spicy” Mama Sausage, a beautiful tortie kitty, came to the shelter over two months ago and is more than deserving of a forever home. Her story begins with us finding her as a stray, so pregnant that she gave birth the day after. To make this new mama more comfortable, we immediately moved her and her kitties to a loving foster home. There, Mama Sausage got to nurture her kittens until they could be properly weaned. They were then put up for adoption and quickly went to furever homes. Mama has been in foster ever since, but now it’s her turn to find a loving owner! Sausage is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. She is independent, yet affectionate and cuddly. She prefers interaction on her terms, but when she opens up she loves belly rubs and chin scritches. Sausage isn’t really into playing with feline companions, but she LOVES playing with her catnip toys. We recommend she is the only kitty in the home, but expect she will become your ride or die companion. So what do you think? Want to wrap Sausage up and take her home? 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

ouseplant culture is a unique type of horticulture. It involves almost no gardening. Most houseplants live exclusively indoors. Many inhabit homes and offices that lack gardens. Only a few fortunate sorts get to occasionally enjoy mild weather in home gardens. Such indulgences are generally brief and sheltered. Most houseplants are innately vulnerable. Of course, no houseplant is native to domestic situations. Every houseplant lives outside somewhere. Most are from lush tropical rain forests, where they must compete with other foliage for sunlight. Many are understory plants that naturally live within the partial shade of bigger tropical vegetation. That is why they adapt so efficiently to partial shade inside. That is also why most houseplants actually want to live inside here. They do not like the chill of winter, even if mild. Many or most succumb to minor frost if too exposed. They are simply unaccustomed to it. Since they adapt to shelter and partial shade inside, they are also sensitive to direct sunlight exposure. Foliage that becomes too exposed can scorch. Tolerance of weather is as regional for houseplants as it is for garden plants. That is one commonality of gardening and houseplant culture. The various species of Ficus that are common trees in landscapes of Los Angeles are strictly houseplants in San Jose. They tolerate the minor winter chill of Los Angeles, but not the slightly cooler frost of San Jose. Some ferns are popular houseplants because, like tropical plants, they generally tolerate partial shade. However, many

Some ferns are popular as houseplants.

are less tolerant of the minimal humidity of home interiors. Regular watering can compensate. Irregular watering might be distressful for some ferns. Fortunately, most ferns can recover from brief desiccation, even if their foliage dies back. Succulents are completely different. The are intolerant of partial shade, and crave sunny and warm situations. They are nonetheless popular for houseplant culture because they generally tolerate minimal humidity. Cacti prefer aridity, and are very susceptible to rot in damp conditions. Succulents wilt to warn before they succumb to deficiency of moisture. ••• Coleus ithout bloom, the richly vibrant foliar colors of coleus, Coleus scutellarioides, rival floral color of other warm season annuals. Striking foliar patterns are as exquisite as any floral display. Growth is efficient through the warmth of spring. Foliage might last until autumn. Late in its season, spikes of tiny blue flowers can be trimmed off to promote more foliage. With bright ambient sunlight, Coleus works both inside coleus is more and out. perennial as a houseplant. However, it may get persistent with pesky bloom as it matures. Some who grow it prefer to let bloom, and then prune it back afterward. Recovery from such pruning can be slow. Vegetative stems, without bloom, root easily as cuttings even in water. New cuttings can replace old plants. Coleus foliage is intricately variegated with countless combinations of green, chartreuse, yellow, orange, red, burgundy, pink, white and brown. Variegation can be symmetrical or random. Leaf margins may be deeply lobed or just serrate. Modern cultivars might be no better than old fashioned sorts. Mature plants can get as tall and broad as about two feet. Some stay lower. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

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

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Aptos Times: August 15, 2021

Articles inside

Houseplant Culture: It’s Not Gardening, By Tony Tomeo

Remote Work for County Employees, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

Uber Glitch Leads to Overcharge: Can I get a refund?, By Christopher Elliott

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28

Dr. Rodriguez Answers Your Back-to-School Questions, Q&A With Dr

A Miracle on the Road, By Joyce and Barry Vissell

Six Reasons Why Now’s The Time To Start A New Business!, By Ron Kustek

Runners at Masters National Championship

Need Rent Relief?: 4,000 Eligible, 178 Getting Cash, Aid Still Available, By Jayme Ackemann • Four Watsonville Doctors Join Coastal Health Partners

Gilliam Wins Junior Olympic Gold

Sarah Newkirk: New Leader at Land Trust • Save Our Shores Seeking New Leader

Dientes: 69 Seniors, $31K in Dental Care, No Bill

Recall Candidates Knocked Out; Some Get Back on Ballot, By Jondi Gumz Three Ways to Vote in Sept. 14 Governor Recall

Caltrans Seeks Public Input • New at CASA • County Seeks $175,000 Fire Safety Grant • Everyone’s Harvest: $175,000 In Produce For Families • Let’s Cruz Again Launches • New PVUSD Maintenance Supervisor • Water Chief To Be Interim SC City Mayor

Boardwalk Promotes Omid Aminifard to GM

Unity Coming to Cabrillo College: Alum Francisco Alonso Painting Mural on Campus

Delta Stresses Short-Staffed Hospitals, By Jondi Gumz

Second District Office Adds New Staffer

Hwy 1 Overpass Repair OK’d, By Jondi Gumz