Independent Review of AHS Fatality Underway • Credit Union’s

COMMUNITY NEWS Independent Review of AHS Fatality Underway

Responding to the Aug. 31 fatal stabbing of an Aptos High School on campus with two students taken into custody, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District is “collaborating with an independent evaluator to get an unbiased assessment of what transpired,” according to a Nov. 8 announcement from the school district.

Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Pajaro Valley Unified Superintendent of Schools, said, “The independent review will provide a fresh perspective of other changes that must take place to ensure students and staff continue to feel and be safe while they learn and work in every PVUSD facility.”

The grieving family of the young man who was killed has not released information, and the students in custody are juveniles, which means their names are confidential and will not be released.

Rodriguez pointed out that new safety measures such as the STOPit App and the Remind system were put in place prior to the start of the 2021-2022 school year.

STOPit is an easy and anonymous way to report to administrators potentially harmful, unsafe or inappropriate behaviors via text, images or video.

Reporting such behaviors has an immediate positive impact in school culture, according to the superintendent.

The Remind App supports immediate regular or emergency messaging to and from our students, families and staff.

More than 700 families attended the first session around the first family night for Restorative Start — an initiative providing opportunities for students to increase their sense of identity and belonging — launched when the school year began in mid-August.

This is part of the district’s commitment to the “Whole Child, Whole Family, and Whole Community” approach to learning.

On Nov. 8, the second Restorative Start Family Night lessons were released.

After the fatality, the district conducted an internal review and made various safety changes.

“Nevertheless, our commitment to continue to improve remains,” Rodriguez said.

To support students’ socio-emotional wellbeing, the district increased support staff -- 13 nurses, 14 mental health clinicians, 18 social emotional counselors, and 19 psychologists are available as resources.

PVUSD increased the number of campus supervisors at the three comprehensive high schools, Aptos High, Pajaro Valley High and Watsonville High. These supervisors will receive training by the Watsonville Police Department that centers on setting positive connections between them and the students they serve.

Some high schools in the district have adopted the Student Success Program from the probation department; the team is composed of four — that can include a site administrator, counselor and a teacher — who works with students who may have behavioral issues interfering with reaching their academic goals.

“Aptos High Fatality” page 27

Michelle Rodriguez

Credit Union’s ‘Return the Favor’ a Success for 12 Nonprofits

Donations Accepted Through Nov. 30

Santa Cruz Community Credit Union announces that its $75,000 donationmatch goal for the “Return the Favor” giving campaign was reached in six weeks.

“Your donations have equaled a little over $150,000 for essential programs our 12 participating nonprofit organizations provide to those most vulnerable in our community,” said Katie Fairbairn, VP of communications & organizational development at Santa Cruz Community Credit Union. “To meet our goal in only six weeks is a real credit to so many giving people in our community, and we’re so grateful for such incredible support.”

In September, the credit union launched the campaign with $50,000 to match donations to 12 selected nonprofits. Once those funds were used, the credit union’s Board of Directors approved an additional $25,000 for the match—and that money was used within a week.

But the campaign is not over yet.

“While the matching funds have been used, we are still accepting donations through Nov. 30,” said Fairbairn.

The 12 selected nonprofits aligned with the mission of providing economic justice for all. They are: • Community Action Board • Community Bridges • Diversity Center • El Pájaro Community Development

Corp. • Grey Bears • Housing Matters • Homeless Garden Project • Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes • Pajaro Valley Shelter Services • Santa Cruz County Volunteer Center • Second Harvest Food Bank • Valley Churches United

“We’d like to encourage everyone to join us in donating to one of these participating nonprofit organizations from now through Nov. 30,” said Beth Carr, president/CEO of Santa Cruz Community Credit Union. “Our goal is to return the favor so each organization can continue to thrive and provide much-needed support to our community.”

Donate online at https://scccu.org/ support-it/return-the-favor, or stop by a Santa Cruz Community Credit Union branch in Watsonville, Soquel or Santa Cruz. n

Thanksgiving

ACROSS

1. “If all ____ fails...” 5. *Male Thanksgiving bird 8. Yoko’s last name 11. Indian restaurant bread 12. Carhop’s carrier 13. *”Kiss the Cook” garment 15. Homer’s “The

Odyssey”, e.g. 16. *Grandpa or Grandma, often 17. Moolah or dough 18. *Pilgrim’s colony 20. Allah’s cleric 21. Arranges into categories 22. Chance’s genre 23. *”Plains, Trains and

Automobiles” star 26. Woven containers 30. Kimono sash 31. Aristotle’s school 34. Part of ideal 35. Hurricane feature, pl. 37. Comedian Schumer 38. Teen worry 39. Side of a ruler 40. Left over 42. *When will the guests be here?, acr. 43. Rejuvenate 45. Expression of agreement (2 words) 47. *What Turkey Trot participants did 48. Outdoor entertainment area 50. Messy substances 52. *It makes Thanksgiving wishes come true? 55. Half of diameter, pl. 56. Flu symptom 57. Accompanies relief 59. Leaves out 60. More than a talker? 61. Isaac’s firstborn 62. Skin cyst 63. “____ my party, and

I’ll cry if I want too...” 64. Confederate or Union, e.g.

DOWN

1. Compass dir. 2. Arctic native 3. Go yachting 4. Become enclosed in a cyst 5. Freshwater fish 6. Hop-drying kilns 7. *Pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving, e.g. 8. Sea World’s performer 9. “Cheers” regular 10. Top seed 12. Like a rosebush 13. Spy name 14. *Kind of squash 19. Toils 22. Truck brand motto:

“Guts. Glory. ____” 23. Lawn trimmer 24. Toe the line 25. Designs on lemur’s tail 26. Purchases 27. #39 Across, pl. 28. T in Ferrari TR 29. Thai restaurant chicken staple 32. Elder’s support 33. Flightless bird 36. *Thanksgiving football game host city since 1934 38. Impromptu 40. Big coffee holder 41. Choice word 44. Desert mirage 46. Makes less tight 48. Lace loop 49. “Angela’s _____,” memoir 50. *Raiders vs. Cowboys, e.g. 51. Scandinavian war god 52. Dry riverbed 53. Not final or absolute 54. Exclamation of surprise, archaic 55. Propel your boat! 58. Color wheel feature

The following two weeks are busy, interesting, both cosmic and earthly. Stars will fall like rain (Leonid meteor showers, peaking Wednesday, November 17); the moon will be full yet partially eclipsed and turn maroon (Friday, November 19); the Sun leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius (Sunday, November 21); it’s Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 25) and Hanukkah and Advent begin (Sunday, November 28). So many choices, so many events to celebrate. And on Monday, November 22, we remember John F. Kennedy’s 1963 assassination. Turkey, corn (or maize), pumpkins and cranberry sauce represent the first Thanksgiving foods. In 1988, a Thanksgiving ceremony took place at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (NYC). More than four thousand people gathered on Thanksgiving night. Invited were Native American tribes from all over the country and descendants of ancestors who had migrated to the New World. The ceremony was a public acknowledgment of the ‘first people’s role in the first thanksgiving that occurring 355 years ago’. This year’s Thanksgiving Sun & Mercury are Sagittarius (love of food and music) with Leo Moon. Leo asks us to offer praise and recognition to all those around us. As we do this, coupled with gratitude for all that we have, our Thanksgiving begins to be filled with unexpected blessings. What is Gratitude? A good question for our Season of Gratitude. Quote on Gratitude – from the Tibetan Teacher Djwal Khul (paraphrased). “Gratitude is a scientific and occult releasing agent. It is a service. Gratitude releases us from the past and directs us toward a future path- to the new culture and civilization and to the rising light of Aquarius, the Age of humanity, of friendship, freedom and equality. The Hierarchy lays great emphasis upon gratitude.” Hanukkah and Advent begin Sunday, November 28. Advent means “something’s coming.” Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. Sunday night we light the first Advent candle (the color is violet) and the first Hanukkah candle (eight candles for eight nights). This night (Sunday) begins continuous nights of candle lighting through Christmas – lighting up the darkness for humanity, offering hope and promise to humanity in this Kali Yuga time. A few questions to ponder: What will we each bring to the Thanksgiving table? What foods? What beauty? What gratitudes? What blessings?

ARIES

A shift is occurring, a threshold almost crossed, new realities and new responsibilities appear along with new creative work. You emerge from your foundations and face the Sun, hidden behind Scorpio waters. Although not a Scorpio you and the sign of discipleship share the influence of Mars and Mercury. So you are in the same family. Both have work to do that’s transformative. The key is communication. Use it for Goodwill, for knowledge, to dispense intelligence. Use it to uplift.

LEO

Mars is in Scorpio in your communication house. You may feel a bit impatient, angry or aggressive. It’s important to be in the sun each day, morning and evening. It’s important to plant a winter garden with fall and winter greens. Each time you create, a new identity actually emerges through your creations. You may feel dramatic, exaggerated, and embellished, desire a more glamorous and stylish approach while also hiding away. We’ll still see you.

SAGITTARIUS

Communication is and will be the theme this month and next. For you, communication along with your mind and thoughts has greatly expanded. Your spiritual world has grown and expanded. Is there a wound taking its time to heal? What are your present aspirations? Sometimes hopes are nebulous and uncertain. Which is better than harsh, fearful, piercing and sharp thoughts. What is hope for you? Family is most important. Travel in spring.

TAURUS

There seems to be no rest and each day provides new challenges. Sometimes your back hurts, sometimes your head, knees, ankles. Each is ruled by a sign. Don’t let your heart hurt though, even if things seem somewhat dismal and dreary – especially concern weather or finances. Help arrives in the form of unusual events especially as you continue your intentions for assisting all aspects and endeavors of humanity. We join you in morning meditation.

GEMINI

The energies impel you to share information, offer more praise of others and identify your creativity. It seems that you bridge (a Rainbow Bridge, the Antakarana, a bridge between form and Soul, the building of which is Gemini’s purpose) here and there in many and various ways, opening the minds of others to see a new light, a new day, a new path ahead. Although you may not understand how, you are blessed. We bless you.

VIRGO

Sharing with loved ones is most important at this time. Venus is in your house of thinking, talking, communicating. Help others understand you better by speaking with precision and clarity. Venus rules concrete science and knowledge. It also brings all that is separate together. Are you experiencing one or more of the Scorpio/ Mars tests? Observe daily challenges. Seek out true intentions. Use communication for goodness.

CAPRICORN

Structure your money in careful ways in the coming month(s). Purchase essentials. Tend to debts immediately, paying more than minimum on credit cards. Consider purchasing silver to back your dollars, keeping your money safe. A good source for coins is the Money Changer (the-moneychanger.com/). They are intelligent, reliable, trustworthy and a source of invaluable monetary information. The value of the dollar is changing.

LIBRA

Some Libras may be wondering about their relationship. Of what value is it, they are asking? Do I love enough, they wonder? Tie up all unresolved work situations. Tend to discrete money and finance issues from long ago. Release relationships not good or kind financially and work situations that are not respectful. A new world begins in the weeks to come and it continues to unfold the next two and a half years. Remember the e.e.cummings words – “be of love (a little) more careful than of everything.”

AQUARIUS

You may be seeking love, or if already in love, seeking a closer connection. Remember that making contact, true and kind and good, releases love. Can you make that type of contact? You’re also seeking new information for more balance and the Right Relations your heart longs for. Have the intention to love at all times. Use no harsh or critical words. Also always have the intention to understand. Aquarius often bypasses understanding and leaps into the Rain Cloud of Knowable Things.

SCORPIO PISCES

CANCER

How are your finances these days? Are you tending to resources for yourself and/or others? It’s most important that you focus time and energy upon your own needs so you can be strong in all ways for the times ahead. It may be your concerns have deepened for family and children. This will continue until your focus shifts toward how and what you create. You are very creative. Balance and harmony appear when you focus on your natural gifts. For a while you become more hidden, mysterious and complex. Others understand you less and that’s good because you have important work to do, part of which is the deep inner work of self-identification. This happens yearly around this time when the Sun is in Scorpio. You dip into deep dark waters to renew yourself and emerge only when comfort calls. Your communication for the next year becomes even more potent. Some will understand this. Tell them you are Pluto searching for Persephone. There will be daily increased work and responsibilities. You’ll summon your abilities to maintain health and strength in order to meet all needs and expectations. You also might need to catch up on studies and contacts with family put off since summer. Do you also need new shoes and a new bed? I heard you need a new car. Relationships have been restrictive, money’s been perplexing, and change has been ceaseless. Who listens to you? Visualize a warm pool outside your home. In a warm climate. Someday …

“Mental Health” from page 20 • Health Improvement Partnership of

Santa Cruz: $150,000 over two years to support safety net clinics responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is to ensure equitable testing, treatment, and provide COVID-19 vaccinations for low-income and undocumented residents. • Community Action Board of Santa

Cruz County’s South County Family

Health Initiative: $150,000 over two years to help 100 low-income families and young adults disproportionately affected by the pandemic access mental health services, federal food programs, and education. • Community Bridges’ Building Strong

Foundations for Families: $150,000 to increase access to mental health and social services for the underrepresented Latinx community along with access to local, state and federal social services. • First 5 Santa Cruz County: $80,000 for Medi-Cal enrollment assistance to mothers and their newborns, linking them to services before they leave the hospital. • Salud Para La Gente: $150,000 to provide farmworkers and immigrants with preventive health care and

COVID-19 outreach, education and vaccines. • Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa

Cruz County: $300,000 to provide food to families in need and help them sign up for CalFresh food aid. • United Way of Santa Cruz County: $100,000 toward an information and referral service that connects people to health and social services. • Dientes Community Dental Care: $85,000 to provide dental care for low-income and homeless people and their children.

“We are proud to support organizations in Santa Cruz County that are focused on improving the health of the community,” said William MacLean, MD, physician in charge of the Kaiser Permanente Santa Cruz County. “We know the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased need for mental health and other social services, and we want to ensure everyone has the access they need to stay healthy.” n

“We are proud to support organizations in Santa Cruz County that are focused on improving the health of the community.”