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June 15, 2022 • Vol 31 No. 12
Legend & Icon Bill Warmerdam Remembered at Aptos High
On June 4, the life of legendary Aptos High boys’ basketball coach Bill Warmerdam was celebrated at Aptos High in the gym that bears his name. Full Story page 4
County Grants: Winners & Losers
Historic Season: NorCal Champions! By Matt Coleman on three hits to help lead the Monte Vista Christian School varsity baseball team to victory over Berean Christian on Saturday for the D5 CIF Regional Championship. The Mustangs moved early, scoring four runs in the third inning. Cannon Silva , Mark Spohn , and Woods each had RBI’s in the big inning.
Woods was also the winning pitcher, allowing zero runs on two hits over three innings. Dylan Hawkins threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen. In total, MVC had 12 hits with Woods, Spohn, Joseph Keldsen Jr and Silva each having multiple hits for the Mustangs. Spohn and Woods had three hits apiece to lead the Mustangs. ... continues on page 4
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Resource District Gets $390,000
Cal Fire has awarded the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts a “Wildfire Resilience” block grant to support 10 Resource Conservation Districts statewide in helping both public and private landowners with forest management planning ... Full Story page 5
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No. 12
Volume 31
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18
27
Table of Contents
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Cover Historic Season: NorCal Champions!, By Matt Coleman 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 16 17 20 21 22 23
Community News Legend & Icon Bill Warmerdam Remembered at Aptos High: Memorial Service Celebrates Life of Legendary Basketball Coach, By Mark Dorfman Resource Conservation District Gets $390,000, By Angie Gruys Measure D Defeated and More Election Results, By Jondi Gumz Covid & Kids Under 5: What’s Next?, By Jondi Gumz County Grants: Winners & Losers, By Jondi Gumz Little Leaguers Put Aptos on the Map, by John Hibble • Cabrillo Host Lions Award 13 Aptos High Scholarships Educators in Aptos Win Innovator Awards Mount Madonna School’s 2022 Top Students Big Basin Future: Comments Due ‘Gone With the Winfield’ by Joyce Oroz of Aromas • Join the CHP: 1,000 Officer Jobs Available Meet the Cast of Grease at Cabrillo Stage, By Mindy Pedlar I Heart Davenport This Summer • Property Owners OK Assessment to Maintain $400 Million Levee Flood Project Let’s Get This Construction Started: Aptos Library Groundbreaking Ceremony Has Everyone Excited Stretch of Highway 101 Renamed for Trailblazing Astronaut Sally Ride • PVPSA Names Jasmine Najera Interim CEO • New PVUSD Administrators Sgt. Gutzwiller Remembered at Willowbrook Park
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In Memoriam 18 Beloved Sister Sheryl Albers-Anders: Sept 1954 ~ May 2022, By Sheryl (Gumz) Albers-Anders 18 Brad Kline: June 1953 ~ May 2022 Letter to the Editor 26 Thank you, Central Fire! Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Five Lights at Dawn, Father’s Day, Summer Begins!, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Featured Columnists 14 Aunt Beth’s Artichoke Dip 24 I booked a nonrefundable room at Hampton Inn by accident ... Help!, By Christopher Elliott 24 Why Agriculture Needs Guest Workers, From Grower-Shipper Association of Central California 25 Imperfect Instrument, Perfect Message, By Joyce and Barry Vissell 27 Foliar Color Goes Beyond Green, By Tony Tomeo 30 One-Time State Funding for Homelessness, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 27 – Meet Yuki!
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COMMUNITY NEWS
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Legend & Icon Bill Warmerdam Remembered at Aptos High
Memorial Service Celebrates Life of Legendary Basketball Coach
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By Mark Dorfman
n June 4, the life of legendary Aptos High boys’ basketball coach Bill Warmerdam was celebrated at Aptos High in the gym that bears his name. Coach Warmerdam, who died May 18 at the age of 82, was one of the most successful high school basketball coaches in the history of both Santa Cruz County and in Northern California. Coach Warmerdam was head coach at Aptos High for 23 seasons, from the day the school opened in 1969 until his retirement in 1992. His teams won 10 league championships, including six in a row from 1973 to 1978, and they made 31 CCS playoff appearances. His magical 1986 team won the league, CCS, and Nor-Cal Bill Warmerdam c h a m p i o n s h i p s , ultimately losing 72-46 in the State Championship to Wilson High School and future NBA star Scott Williams. Through 55 years of Aptos basketball, Coach Warmerdam remains the only boys coach to reach the state championship game, and he was also the first in County history. Only two other Aptos coaches have even reached the Nor-Cal playoffs. Coach Warmerdam’s overall record was 393-232.
Mark Dorfman, former Aptos High School Athletic Director, speaks at the celebration. Running a fast-paced offense and a pressing defense, and playing at a frenetic pace from the opening tip to the last horn, his teams set County and Nor-Cal scoring records that still stand today. Seven of his teams scored over 100 points in a game, six of them before the advent of the three-point line!
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He coached seven league MVP’s, and forty-eight first-team All-League players, and many of his players went on to play at 4-year colleges and universities, including Gonzaga, MIT, Princeton, Loyola Marymount, UCSC, and more. In a Celebration of Life in Warmerdam Gymnasium, in front of several hundred friends, family, and former players, speaker after speaker lauded Coach Warmerdam, told humorous stories of his quirky habits, and thanked him over and over. “Coach Warmerdam” page 13
“Champs!” from page 1
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MVC finishes their historic season with a 24-8-1 record, winning both a Central Coast Section and California Interscholastic Federation NorCal championships. Mone Vista Christian School will honor this historic season with a ring ceremony on Friday, Sept. 2, at halftime of the first home football game vs. Santa Teresa. n ••• For details on the CIF tournament, see
www.cifccs.org/Playoffs/results/21-22/ Baseball_Div_6_2022.pdf and https:// cifstate.org/sports/baseball/2022 _bb_brackets/nd5
COMMUNITY NEWS
Resource Conservation District Gets $390,000
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By Angie Gruys
al Fire has awarded the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts a “Wildfire Resilience” block grant to support 10 Resource Conservation Districts statewide in helping both public and private landowners with forest management planning and project implementation. More than $390,000 will be coming to the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County over three years to provide technical assistance to support the development of forest management plans, forest health and fuels management project design. Resource Conservation Districts are in a unique position of being well integrated and trusted in their communities to equip and prepare landowners with in-depth and place specific knowledge and are ideally situated to help landowners across California develop management plans and implement stewardship practices that reduce overall fire severity. Yet, Resource Conservation Districts need support to fulfill this critical need of FireSafe Council of Santa Cruz County was awarded $720,169, targeted for 12 fuel reduction projects close to homes and escape routes in Firewise communities. Also, 37 water infrastructure sites will get defensible space treatments, and a new defensible space assistance program will help 20 disadvantaged households with fuel reduction. Existing chipping programs will be promoted in underserved areas to serve 300 more homes. The goal is to increase recognized Firewise communities from 23 to 54, and provide education, motivation, and technical assistance to over 5,300 homes or 25% of residences in the Wildland Urban Interface. Home ignition zone assessments will grow from a volunteer pilot to a staff-supported program, and a pilot home hardening rebate program will be developed. Planning and compliance will be initiated for a large future priority project. Santa Cruz City Fire was awarded $150,000 foe vegetation management of Moore Creek Preserve and Pogonip open spaces, both designated as Wildland Urban Interface. Forestry Educators Inc. was awarded $114,136 for the 2022 Forestry Challenge, a high school competition at multiple sites including Santa Cruz Oct. 12 to 15.
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Forest health specialist Angie Richman will be working on these programs. assisting landowners. The primary challenge we face is that the financial and logistical burden of developing forest management plans for private landowners discourages participation. This grant will help decrease those barriers for landowners and the Resource Conservation Districts and foster greater involvement. Resource Conservation District Santa Cruz County staff will work directly with communities in developing projects, including further exploration to determine feasibility, discover proper permitting pathways, and to identify specific funding. Our team will be supported by an “oncall” Registered Professional Forester and other experts in related fields, who are not tied to a specific project. They will provide services on an as-needed basis which means meeting the high-quality standards of Forest Management Plans and a faster timeline. One-on-one assistance will be available to landowners in the process of developing forest management and fuel reduction plans or projects and will include identification of funding sources for implementation if needed. This award will also be used to fund community-based fuel load reduction through the No-cost and Neighborhood Reimbursement Chipping Programs. This resource allows residents in high-fire risk areas, and particularly underserved populations, access to much-needed incentives to create defensible space around their homes. n ••• For information on the RCDSCC’s Forest Health and Wildfire Resiliency program and available services, visit https://www. rcdsantacruz.org/forest-management-andstewardship. For information on the RCD’s Chipping program visit https://www.rcdsantacruz.org/chipping-programs.
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JUNE 2022
Aptos Real Estate Update
Ruth Bates 831.359.2212
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TYPICAL HOME VALUE (THV) INCREASES (year over year) Zillow reports that Aptos THV increased to $1,503,370 vs. $1,175,561, 30% increase; Santa Cruz 95060 THV increased to $1,559,882 vs. $1,188,634, 31% increase; 95062 Zip Code increased to $1,498,100 vs. $1,112,017, 35% increase, and South County 95076 increased to $888,502 vs. $703,316, 26% increase. Zillow projects that all Santa Cruz counties will still grow in value this year from 12-14%. INVENTORY STILL LOW (6/9/22) There are only 216 homes for sale in the whole county, and 42 “Coming Soon” listings.
Aptos has 34 homes for sale, 20 on the market <30 days, and 14 on the market >30 days. The lowest priced listing is 743 Loma Prieta at $799,000 for a 3 bed, 2 bath, 1556 Sq. Ft. home, 20 days on market. The highest priced listing is 658 Bayview, asking $9,900,000; this home sold brand new in 2018 for $4,975,000, so they are looking for 100% appreciation over 4 years! Of the 34 listings, only 3 are <1M, 14-$1-$2M, and 17 are >$2M. SOLD PAST 30 DAYS Two townhomes sold, 105 Paseo Farallon, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2243 Sq. Ft., sold for $1,800,000 on a list price of $1,495,000. Three condos sold, 110 Seascape Ridge, 2 bed, 2 bath, 1531 Sq. Ft. sold for $1,020,000 on a list price of $940,000. 23 homes sold, with 760 Via Gaviota the high at $6.6M on a list price of $6,995,000 and 848 Encino the low at $711,000 on a list price of $685,000. Avg Sales Price was $1,803,565 and all the homes sold within the first 14 days on market.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Measure D Defeated and More Election Results
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By Jondi Gumz
he hotly contested Measure D, the Greenway initiative focusing on a trail — not rail — on the rail line owned by the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission gathered only 28% yes votes out of 44,000 votes as of Tuesday. Another 72% voted no, indicating status quo, which is to build a path to walk and bike next to the rail line — thus preserving the largely unused rail line, where trains must move at low speeds due to the poor condition of the track. “Measure D revealed a deep passion in our community for a future that includes both a trail and rail,” according to a statement from No on D. “This community wants a transportation system that is greener, more equitable and more efficient than what we have now.” Measure D proponents released this statement: “The voters have spoken. The Measure D amendment to the county’s General Plan did not pass. The baton is now passed to the Regional Transportation Commission to move forward with a plan that is fundable, doable in a reasonable period of time, and provides the transit and environmental benefits we all want.” They added, “We are proud of the positive campaign run by the YES Greenway
LONGER DOM – PRICE REDUCTIONS While home prices here continue to rise, average days on market are getting a little bit longer, especially if the home is not walking distance to the beach. In the past 30 days there have been 13 price reductions in Aptos and all of these properties had been on the market for over 30 days.
——— Summer is here so go out and enjoy all that Aptos has to offer. Call, email, text, and Get Results With Ruth!
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6 / June 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
“Measure D revealed a deep passion in our community for a future that includes both a trail and rail. This community wants a transportation system that is greener, more equitable and more efficient than what we have now.”
— Statement from No on D
team and look forward to a beneficial use of the rail corridor for all residents.” A proposed city of Santa Cruz sales tax increase is very close with 49.16% yes and 50.84% no. This could be cautionary for Capitola officials who are considering a tax on second homes for the Nov. 8 ballot. Two proposed county taxes are ahead and likely to pass, though not all the votes are counted. On Measure B, to raise the county tax on hotel, motel and other commercial rentals from 11% to 14%, about 69% voted yes. This tax is expected to generate another $2.3 million a year. On Measure C, a 25-cent county tax on disposable cups is ahead, with 69% voting yes. This could take effect as soon
as July 1. Half the money is to be kept by the county, with the rest saying with the seller. The county’s share is projected to be $700,000. In the county supervisor’s races, where incumbents declined to run again, Jimmy Dutra leads, in the 4th District (Watsonville) with Felipe Hernandez in second, and Ed Acosta trailing. In the 3rd District (Santa Cruz), Shebrah Kalantari-Johnson leads, with Justin Cummings in second and Ami Chen Mills trailing. If the leader fails to secure more than 50% plus one, the top two candidates go to a run-off Nov. 8. In other county races, incumbents had no challengers and will serve another term. They include Sheriff Jim Hart, County Clerk Tricia Webber, Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah, Auditor-ControllerTreasurer-Tax Collector Edith Driscoll and District Attorney Jeff Rosell. Sheri Thomas in her first bid for assessor-recorder replacing Sean Saldavia, garnered more than 30,000 votes. She was unopposed. Turnout was low. Gov Gavin Newsom, who got about 56% of the vote in unofficial results, will face Republican State Sen. Brian Dahle, a famer in Lassen County, who got 17%. n
COMMUNITY NEWS
Covid & Kids Under 5: What’s Next? T
By Jondi Gumz
he White House plans to make 10 million doses of Pfizer’s Covid vaccine available for children under 5, once regulators grant emergency use authorization. Pfizer announced the results of a clinical trial during the Omicron surge for a third booster dose involving 1,678 children — 10 got sick. 80.3% efficacy, Pfizer says. Some parents are eager for the federal authorization, but not all. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports 18% of parents of children under 5 plan to vaccinate them immediately, with 38% planning to wait to see if there are side effects, 27% with no plans to use the Pfizer product on their children, and 11% saying thy would do so only if required for school or day care. Parents were surveyed in April, when Omicron subvariants began increasing cases. Among parent concerns: Long-term effects. Covid has claimed the lives of many elders, those 85 and older with pre-existing medical conditions and it’s easy for kids to catch Covid, especially the highly contagious Omicron subvariants, but deaths of children are few and far between. In 46 states plus Puerto Rico, 0.00%0.02% of all child Covid cases resulted in death, the American Association of Pediatrics reported in June. Could it be that young children represent an untapped windfall for the drug-makers? It all depends on whether these vaccines are added to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine schedule for children. See https://www. cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/ child-adolescent.html Cases Up he highly contagious coronavirus Omicron subvariants have pushed up case numbers in California– but Santa Cruz County cases are on a rollercoaster, 1,715 on May 23 then 1,472 on May 26 and 1,705 on June 13. This spring, the biggest spurt, May 9, after Mother’s Day, was 182 cases, and 179 on June 6 — graduation? — compared to 1,312 on Jan. 20. On Tuesday, the state reports 24 people hospitalized with Covid, including one in intensive care, in Santa Cruz County. The county posted two more deaths, one over 85 and one between age 75 and 84, both having medical conditions. One had been vaccinated and boosted. Santa Cruz County updates the
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numbers on Mondays and Thursdays, but many people testing at home are not required so positive or negative home tests are not included in county figures. Santa Cruz County along with much of California is rated “medium” transmission by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on its COVID tracking map. Hotspots are Sacramento County, Placer and El Dorado, all rated high risk. Subvariants of omicron (and waning immunity from vaccines) are suspected to be behind the latest wave of cases. On Tuesday the CDC said BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants are estimated to make up about 8.3% and 13.3% of the coronavirus variants in the U.S. Hospitalizations from Omicron had peaked in January, then plummeted and have been rising albeit slowly. The state Department of Public Health reports test positivity, 23% in January, has ticked up from 1.7% to 9.1% and hospitalizations — 20,000 in January —dropped to 950 before rising to 2,700. Test to Treat anta Cruz County offers “Test to Treat” sites, including the three OptumServe testing sites, open to anyone regardless of insurance or documentation status. Visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting/ and make an appointment. The closest are Felton library and the Santa Cruz County Governmental Center in Santa Cruz. Statewide, Covid test positivity is 9.1 % , up from 6.6.% — and it’s 12.25% among Santa Cruz County students, according to the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. For those who test positive and are at risk of severe illness, the CDC recommends asking your doctor for a prescription for Paxlovid, pills developed by Pfizer for higher risk individuals age 12 or older and given emergency use authorization by the FDA in December. Lagevrio, produced by Merck, also got emergency use authorization for mild to moderate Covid. On May 17, the FDA announced kids age 5 through 11 are eligible for a PfizerBioNTech booster shot five months after the first. The goal is to prevent severe case among children this age. So far, the new subvariants are very easy to spread but do not seem as dangerous as Delta. There are more people hospitalized — 2,200 in California, double from where it was — but ICU admissions are rising much more slowly, and the number of deaths per day is trending down.
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Santa Cruz County, which had 15 people hospitalized with Covid, now has 7, one in intensive care. With 52,000+ county residents having had the infection, natural immunity may be a factor. The CDC estimates almost 60 percent of the populace — including 76% percent of children over age 5 — have had Omicron or another coronavirus variant. Lawsuit vs. State alifornia Parents United, founded by Carmel attorney Tracy Henderson, contends the State Department of Public Health guidance for schools is non-binding because the agency did not follow the rule-making process required by the Administrative Procedures Act. If a child is refused in-pers0n instruction, Henderson advises filing a tort claim. Details at https://www.california parentsunited.org/call2action Normal ptos is gearing up for the World’s Shortest Parade on July 4 in Aptos Village. The city of Scotts Valley is seeking help
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to host its Independence Day parade and celebration at Skypark a day early, Sunday, July 3, with a fireworks celebration that night. Capitola’s Twilight Concerts on Wednesday nights began June 15. Starting June 16, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk brings back live music Thursdays on the Colonnade, with Friday night movies starting June 17. Proposed Laws my Bohn of Protection of the Educational Rights of Kids in Newbury Park, which filed six lawsuits against vaccine mandates, asks California residents to keep watching Covid bills although five were shelved or pulled. Sometimes measures that stall come back in a budget trailer bill — which avoids public hearings. Covid bills that remain active include: SB 866: To allow children 12 and older to get Covid vaccines without parental consent. Passed June 1 by Senate, going to Assembly floor.
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“COVID Update” page 9
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2022 / 7
COMMUNITY NEWS
County Grants: Winners & Losers
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By Jondi Gumz
here were winners — and quite a few losers — in the Santa Cruz County process to award nearly $6 million to nonprofits to provide services the county doesn’t — and the losers are distressed. • United Way’s Cradle to Career got $770,089. • Meals on Wheels, a program of Community Bridges, got $436,221. • Semillitas College Savings Accounts, an initiative of Santa Cruz Community Ventures, got $436,221. • South County Housing Collaborative (Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County) got $338,798. • Second Harvest Santa Cruz County got $241,680 for equitable access to food & nutrition. • Dientes Community Dental Care got $208,998 for equitable dental care. ~~~ • Live Oak Family Resource Center, La Manzana Resource center, Nueva Vista Family Resource Center, and Mountain Community Resource Center in Felton, all programs of Community Bridges, got $0. • Elderday and Liftline, two more programs of Community Bridges, both got $0. • WomenCARE (support for women with cancer), under the umbrella of Family Service Agency, got $0 • Suicide Prevention Service, under the umbrella of Family Service Agency, got $0. These services were funded a year ago. What gives? Why are services deemed valuable last year no longer worthy of county funding?
It’s all about the process. The decision arises out of the Collective of Results and Evidence-based investments process adopted in 2015, county spokesman Jason Hoppin said. The process, which uses a panel of independent reviewers (see names in box), prioritizes Thriving Families and Health & Wellness. Numerically, 32% of the money went to Thriving Families and 31% to Health & Wellness. Then 13% for Stable Affordable Housing & Shelter, 12% for Economic Stability & Mobility, 7% for Lifelong Learning & Education and 3% each to Safe & Just Community and Community Connectedness. The city of Santa Cruz uses the same process to focus its investments. The two governmental entities are awarding $545,000 more compared to a year ago. In all, 78 organizations filed 128 applications seeking $15,179,382. Several agencies submitted multiple requests, and 47% came from new applicants. The county encouraged new applicants, the goal to achieve equitable health and well-being. With requests more than double available dollars, “many highly rated proposals,” Hoppin wrote, “unfortunately could not be recommended for funding.” When the recommendations appeared on the county supervisors’ agenda, more than 100 people emailed them, pleading for mercy for the nonprofits that save
Who Recommended Grants?
Community Members: John Flaniken, Jerry Souza, Linda Wilshusen, Emily Balli, Gail Goudreau, Mary Thuerwachter, Nancy Kashap, Tobias Paige, Antonio R. Rivas, Anne Sawicki Philanthropy: Katarina Elizabeth Czarniak Researchers: Loren White, National Association of Broadcasters, Christine Megariotis, UC Santa Cruz Community Agency: Rebecca Skinner, Cabrillo College, Vicki Boriack, First 5 Santa Cruz County, Priscila Bacio, Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz County, Tony Gardner, Homeless Action Partnership, Dana Bunnett, Kids in Common City of Santa Cruz Staff: Annalise Bryant, Heidi Luckenbach, Larry Imwalle, Michael Lelieur, Morgan Bostic, Tiffany Lake, Robert Oatey.
City of Watsonville Staff: Adriana Flores, Raunel Zavala County Health Services: Amy Peeler, Andrea Solano, Anthony Jordan, David Davis, Joel Ginsberg, Karen Kern, Lisa Gutierrez Wang, Najeeb Kamil, Shelly Barker, Alicia Morales County Human Services: Bridget Semlek, Carol Crisman, Dean Kaufman, Gricelda Vazquez, Irma Marquez, Jessica Cirksena, Jessica Scheiner, Julia Sheehan, Karina Aragon, Katy Chevalier,. Monica Lippi, Olga Zuniga, Robin Luckett Other County Staff: Sarah Shea (Parks), Sara Jamison (Probation) County Staff Elsewhere: Kat Woolbright, Alameda, Sun Hyung Lee, Alameda, Jessica Regala Paran, Marin, David Dobrowski, Monterey, Matt Green, Solano, Oscar Chavez, Sonoma
8 / June 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Proposals & Recommended $
This chart shows scores of funded proposals and the minimum funded score Tier Proposals Funded Highest Ave Minimum Small 25 15 93 64 68 Medium 89 32 98 73 84 Large 11 5 90 82 88 Targeted 2 1 81 70 81 All 127 53 98 72 n/a Source: County of Santa Cruz lives, keep families in Santa Cruz or offer a service not available elsewhere. “The $2.2 million shift from existing programs to new programs will disrupt the lives of thousands of low-income people and kick them ut of the services they need,” predicted Karen Delany, executive director of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Hoppin pointed out Community Bridges got the second largest award. Also, its funding request was cut by $816,778, according to Community Bridges, which is searching for a new kitchengpt Meals on Wheelse as its lease with the Live Oak School District at the Live Oak Senior Center is expiring after 45 years. “We must ask the simple question of how many families will be served under the new recommendations,” wrote Ramon Cancino, Community Bridges CEO, whose organization hosted a press conference June 7 in protest. Cancino said he would discontinue the “sliding scale program” for child care families, lose 32 subsidized child care slots and likely close one center. Hours at the family resource centers will be cut by 50%, he said, and no center will be open more than 3 days a week. Afterschool programs will be reduced, along with counseling and eviction support. “Elderday will go into a structural deficit for three years until we can find a solution,” he added. “That’s just the tip of the iceberg.” He said his programs stepped in to serve CZU fire families and took the lead on vaccine outreach, making 25,000 calls and 4,000 appointments. Capitola parent Tania Ryan emailed to support Community Bridges and especially the Live Oak Family Resource Center, which helped her find Soquel Nursery School for her 2-year-old when she was new to the county. “Do not drive families out of Santa Cruz County to seek work elsewhere because county and city funding is not designated for childcare,” emailed Melanie
Sluggett, a child care administrator at a local school district. David Bianchi, executive director of Family Service Agency, tallied the county losses for his agency at $121,000, and $53,000 in lost city funding They include: WomenCARE, $15,000, Suicide Prevention, $16,000, Survivors Healing Center, $25,000, Senior Outreach, $22,000, I-You Venture, $15,000, and counseling, $28,000. He said Suicide Prevention, I-You Venture, WomenCARE and Survivors Healing Center had merged with Family Service Agency to become cost-effective and that the programs had an “exemplary record of meeting all benchmarks, outcomes and levels of satisfaction to these vulnerable target populations.” “I don’t know if I would be alive today without their affordable services,” emailed Elky (last name withheld by Aptos Times). Eva Brunner, a volunteer with WomenCare for nearly 20 years, explained it became clear in 2011 WomenCare could not sustain on its own, and the Family Service partnership allowed WomenCare to survive and thrive. She added, “Even through the pandemic, WomenCare has not skipped a beat providing services – because cancer has not skipped a beat.” Randy Peyser emailed, “WomnCare provides a light in the vast darkness, helping women cope with the hardest experience of their lives.” Two residents pointed out the void for San Lorenzo Valley. Nancy Macy, Boulder Creek resident since 1974 and a former president of the Valley Women’s Club, said the funding budget “failed” San Lorenzo Valley by not recognizing the importance of Mountain Community Resources, founded by Valley residents. “Keep the volunteers involved,” she advised. “The recommended recipients offer no programs that take place in the San Lorenzo Valley, home to over 25,000 citizens,” emailed Nancy Gerdt of Felton. n
“COVID Update” from page 7 AB 1419: To prohibit the representative of a minor from inspecting the minor’s patient record when the records relate to medical care related to the prevention or treatment of pregnancy. Passed by Senate. This bill goes with SB 866. SB 1184: To authorize a health care provider or plan to disclose your child’s medical information to a school-linked services coordinator without parent consent. Passed by Senate. In Assembly. SB 1479: To mandate Covid testing plans at schools. Passed by Senate. Assembly Health Committee hearing June 14. AB 1797: To create a state immunization tracking system and give schools and other entities access to all vaccine records. Passed by Assembly. Senate Health Committee hearing June 22. AB 2098: To classify a physician or surgeon disseminating or promoting misinformation or disinformation related to COVID-19 as unprofessional conduct and grounds for discipline. This is supported by Sen. Richard Pan, a physician, and opposed by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. Passed by Assembly. In Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Commitee To track bills, see https://leginfo. legislature.ca.gov With SB 871 pulled by the author, Gov. Newsom is delaying plans to mandate Covid vaccine for school children until July 2023. New workplace rules adopted in California require unvaccinated and vaccinated workers to be treated the same; no mask mandate for the unvaccinated. Employees testing positive can return to work masked five days later. Omicron has a shorter incubation period then the early coronavirus variants. Airline Mask Policy f you’re flying Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, or United, masks are optional. Masks may be required at airports. For airlines elsewhere, check h t t p s : / / w w w. a f a r. c o m / m a g a z i n e / which-airlines-require-masks Airline masks became optional in the U.S. after a federal judge in Florida on April 18 voided the mask mandate ordered by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for airlines, trains and buses on Feb. 3, 2021. The Justice Department appealed at the CDC’s request but did not ask for a stay, which would have reinstated the mandate. In a 48-page document filed Tuesday in the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the Justice Department contends argues the masking order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention i “falls easily within the CDC’s statutory authority.” The brief said, “None of the district court’s quarrels with the CDC order comes close to showing that the CDC has acted outside the ‘zone of reasonableness.” U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled in favor of Health Freedom Defense Fund and airline travelers Ana Carolina Daza and Sarah Pope. Mizzelle wrote that historically, public health has been regulated at the state level, and the 1944 law on which the mask order
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was based has no clear language that Congress intended the CDC to take over. To read Mizzelle’s ruling see https://ecf.flmd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/ show_public_doc?2021-01693-53-8-cv Santa Cruz County, which updates its dashboard on Monday and Thursday, reports 1,705 active cases, on the rise but down from the January peak of 10,000. Omicron Less Deadly he Omicron variants are less deadly than the Delta variant, which raged in 2021. Santa Cruz County reported 39 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, before Omicron. One statistic is similar: 79% to 81% of those who died had medical conditions. Why do people fear Omnicron? They may have a medical condition (diabetes, obesity, asthma, high blood pressure). Half of Americans do, so they are at higher risk for severe Covid illness. So are people 85 and older. California reports 83.7% of residents age 5 and up have had at least one shot. On the CDC Covid tracker, Santa Cruz County reports 91.2% of residents age 5 and up have at least one shot and 83.2% fully vaccinated. Pajaro Valley Schools he Pajaro Valley Unified School District, where the school year has ended, reports 29 active student cases and 20 staff cases in June. Aptos High has two student cases and 5 staff cases. Aptos Junior High has 5 student cases and zero staff cases. Mar Vista Elementary has 1 student cases and zero staff cases. Rio Del Mar Elementary and Valencia have zero cases. Santa Cruz County Office of Education, with Inspire Diagnostics, has provided 532,400 tests. Cases in local schools peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, dropped to 44 on April 1, rose to 1,025 on May 23 and dropped to 442 on June 11. The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% on January, dropped to .79%, then rose to 5.4% and 11.38%. Fully vaccinated means having two shots (Pfizer or Moderna) or one Johnson & Johnson shot. All were developed for the initial Wuhan Covid-19 strain. For Omicron, a booster shot is needed after the Pfizer vaccine, because protection against hospitalization wanes after three months, a Kaiser Permanente study of 11,000 hospital admissions and emergency room visits found. Adverse Effects Database n a 2022 report in the Journal of American Medical Association online, Dr. Matthew Oster of the CDC reported the government’s VAERS database received 1,991 reports of myocarditis after one dose of mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccine and 1,626 met the CDC’s definition for probable or confirmed myocarditis. Oster’s conclusion: “The risk of myocarditis after receiving mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines was increased across multiple age and sex strata and was highest after the second vaccination dose in adolescent males and young men. This risk should be considered.” Public health officials say the scientific consensus is that Covid vaccines are safe, but some are skeptical about relying on science from drug-makers, which saw profits rise in 2021. They point to the U.S. government database, https://vaers.hhs.gov/, where health care providers are to report adverse events after a vaccine.
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The reporting site was created after Congress passed a law in 1986 protecting vaccine manufacturers from civil personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits resulting from vaccine injuries. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar invoked the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, a 2005 law allowing him to provide legal protection to companies making or distributing critical medical supplies such as vaccines unless there’s “willful misconduct” by the company. This protection lasts until 2024. The VAERS database lists reports of injuries after a vaccine, but there’s been no follow-up study to evaluate if the injury was cuased by a vaccine. Renz Law, representing military whistleblowers, sued the federal government to lift the vaccine mandate for military personnel and appeals for passage of legislation repealing immunity for vaccine manufacturers. “If vaccines are truly safe and effective no one should oppose this,” the lawsuit reads. After mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were mandated for the military in 2021, cases of heart attack, pulmonary embolism, cancers, and myocarditis spiked dramatically, according to the Defense Military Epidemiological Database queries by the whistleblowers. The Department of Defense’s responded that a glitch in the database affected the data from 2016-2020. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart, which can lead to clots, a stroke or heart attack.
Testing he Santa Cruz County Office of Education offers drive-though testing for students, staff and families at: Cabrillo College, Aptos, Parking Lot K, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 399 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. See: https://tinyurl.com/get-tested-santacruz. Booster shots: https://myturn.ca.gov/ Vaccine providers: www.santacruzhealth. org/coronavirusvaccine. Local information: www.santacruzhealth. org/coronavirus or (831) 454-4242 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. n •••
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Total COVID cases: 1,705
••• COVID Deaths: 264 As of June 13 Age 85 and older: 114 • 75-84: 62 • 65-74: 46 60-64: 15 • 55-59: 4 • 45-54: 10 35-44: 8 • 25-34: 5 Underlying Conditions Yes: 214 • No: 50 Race White 152 • Latinx 89 • Asian 16 Black 3 • Amer Indian 1 Hawaiian 1 • Another 2 Gender Men: 136 • Women: 128 Location At facility for aged: 116 • Not at a facility: 148
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2022 / 9
COMMUNITY NEWS
Little Leaguers Put Aptos on the Map
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by John Hibble
his 4th of July, Aptos will celebrate our freedoms with t-shirts, a great parade and a party in Aptos Village Park. This year’s parade Grand Marshals are the 2002 Aptos Little League All-Stars. This is a 20-year reunion of the group of 11- and 12-year-old boys who won the Little League West Regional Championship becoming the first team from Santa Cruz County to go on to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It was also the first team from California to make it to the Little League World Series since 1991. Little League is a competition of more than 7,000 teams around the world. The Little League World Series is an elimination playoff Kevin Eichhorn between the 16 best teams in the world. Just getting to go is a most incredible achievement. Amazingly, The Center for New American Media in Brooklyn, New York picked the Aptos All Stars team to film as a documentary and they captured the adventure on video from day one, culminating in the movie, “SMALL BALL: A Little League Story,” an hour-and-a-half film that was shown nationally on PBS. The Aptos All Stars were eliminated in their quest to win the Little League World Series but that does not diminish what they were able to achieve. As a result, the
California State Legislature proclaimed Oct. 26, 2002, as Aptos Little League Day. They really put Aptos on the map. The Aptos “World’s Shortest Parade” started in 1961 as a celebration. Aptos’ main industry had been apple and fruit processing but that had closed down and a cement batching plant was proposed in the center of the small village. A group of women called the Aptos Ladies Tuesday Evening Society fought against the required zoning change. Their efforts were successful. To celebrate their victory, a barbecue was held on Memorial Day, 1961, in the field next to the railroad track. The event was so popular that a parade and potluck were planned to follow on the fourth of July. Everyone turned out in old-fashioned clothes and the Monterey Bay Antique Car Club brought 18 vintage cars. The parade route was from the Driftwood Gas Station at Trout Gulch Road (where O’Neill is now located) to the Pop Inn restaurant, (now the Parish Publick House). The parade lasted only 10 minutes and that is how the “World’s Shortest Parade” got its name. The once tiny parade has grown into a huge event for Aptos. The “World’s Shortest Parade” has gained national recognition as one of only seven Fourth of July parades recommended in 2013 as the “Best” by prestigious Condé Nast Traveler, and in 2017, our parade was listed as one of “America’s Most Unique July Fourth Celebrations” by Land’s End Journal.
Aptos Little League 2002 All Stars begin their journey to the Little League World Series by winning the Section 5 Championship. The Aptos Chamber is asking the or be in it, and finally to have lunch and community to be the judges for this year’s dance the afternoon away, with the band parade. Send photos of your favorite floats, “James Durbin and The Lost Boys” in Aptos groups, pets, cars, and bands to chamber- Village Park? You can celebrate freedom from cooking and doing the dishes, you will aptos@gmail.com. This year’s T-shirt is a local Golden have a great day and also help to support Retriever named Milo wearing a Little the parade that gives Aptos a little slice of League Baseball cap. They are available at fame and a big slice of “home town” feeling. the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, Aptos Happy Independence Day! n Editor’s note: To find out what the 2002 Feed, Deluxe Foods and Santa Cruz County Aptos Little League team members are doing Bank in Aptos. What better way to celebrate Indepen- now, see the 4th of July parade program prodence Day than to either watch the parade duced by Times Publishing Group.
Cabrillo Host Lions Award 13 Aptos High Scholarships
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he Cabrillo Host Lions Club showed their support of community youth by presenting to 13 Aptos High students each a scholarship of $500 for continued education. The club presented the students with the scholarships on May 12 at the Aptos Village clubhouse. According to Cabrillo Host Lions Club President Barbara Chamberlain, “Each of these students has set an excellent example for fellow students to follow, and is a deserving recipient of this scholarship. Helping young people continue their education is one of the challenges our community faces, and it’s a need our club continues to address. We are also extraordinarily grateful for the support and contributions we received from members of the community. You are helping us make a difference.”
In addition to the scholarships, the club conducts a variety of projects and events, including annual vision and hearing testing at all Aptos schools, beautification of the Word War 1 veteran memorial, advocate to improve pedestrian safety at hazardous intersections, and Books for Samoa Fundraiser. The Cabrillo Host Lions Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Aptos Village clubhouse, 100 Aptos Creek Road. Lions clubs are groups of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with the Cabrillo Host Lions Club, contact Barbara Chamberlain at 831688-3356. n
10 / June 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Front row (From Left): Nikos Lares, Gavin Page, Nathaniel Miller, Nicholas Barrett, Isaac Craig, Jaylen Dang, Olivia Rocha Schimke, Sherry Choy, Tatiana Brantley, Callie Wiesner, Barbara Chamberlain, Cabrillo Host Lions president, Joanna Dang, LEO Club advisor • Back row (From Left): Wade Watson, Sean Harvey • Not pictured: Mairin Mullen
COMMUNITY NEWS
Educators in Aptos Win Innovator Awards T hirteen educators at schools in Aptos are among more than 100 Pajaro Valley Unified School District employees to win “Innovator of the Year” awards. Each elementary school selected one classified and one certificated in transitional kindergarten-grade 2 and one in grades 3-6 who made a significant contribution through innovative and creative strategies. Each secondary school and department selected one classified and one certificated individual to recognize, again for making significant contribution via innovative and creative strategies. The Pajaro Valley Education Foundation sponsored the awards. A recording of the event is on YouTube at https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=6Ku5NLJleHo •••
Mar Vista
Megan Jacobsmeyer, library technician: Her love of books and reading is pervasive. She provides a social-emotional sanctuary for students who need a place
to explore and socialize with each other with constructive activities. Risa Schwartz, second grade teacher: She is innovative in finding solutions to the problems, listening from each student’s perspective, and giving guidance when needed. Her classroom is a safe space for everyone. Marie-Louise Minvielle, 6th grade teacher: She is creative and innovative in how she connects with her students. She is patient and approaches her pedagogical thinking from the perspective of a sixth-grader.
Rio Del Mar
Barbara Welty, behavioral technician: She uses evidence-based practices that we can apply to all students while tailoring them to individual needs. Our students feel her warmth and a sense of safety. Martin Sweet, 6th grade teacher & afterschool coordinator: The design he
uses is one of collaboration with teachers, parents, and site and district administration. He is steadfast in his commitment to students and creates bonds with them that last a lifetime. Mary Sandman, 2nd grade teacher: She promotes inclusivity of all students through the on-going facilitation of acceptance from one another, respecting differences and promoting positive interactions between the students.
structures. She has implemented routines for ALL parts of her kindergarten students’ day from the Greeting Meeting and Clock Talk to Dynamite Dismissal and everything in between. Erin Farrar, 5th grade teacher & GATE liaison: Her work has been critical to the continued growth of her students. Though already exceptionally talented and high performing students, they have all continued to hone their skills and reach new heights with their learning.
Dawn Sterner, instructional assistant: Due to her focused sessions, kids who were unable to read and write independently are on their way and believing in themselves as learners. Karen Richmond, kindergarten teacher: She is the queen of designing creative and innovative systems and
Deann Najera, office manager: She has improved operational efficiency, purchasing and implementing an automated report card machine which has allowed us to communicate better with our families on grades.
Valencia
Aptos Junior High
“Aptos Educators” page 17
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2022 / 11
COMMUNITY NEWS
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Mount Madonna School’s 2022 Top Students M
ount Madonna School senior class is so touching, I think her announces Grace Timan as the teaching would inspire so many to love 2022 valedictorian and Ben English, just as we do. Pearson as salutatorian. “One aspect of MMS that I will Timan, who started attending take with me into the next stage of my MMS as a preschool student, and life is the importance of community,” Pearson in kindergarten, earned this added Timan. “Throughout my time distinction through hard at Mount Madonna the work and focused effort, most important thing edging out their peers in all aspects has been at a school known for community, it’s what strong academics, enviinspires me to work, to ronmental education, help others and to enjoy learning journeys, permy time.” forming arts and scholar Pearson will attend athletes. The 2022 high UC Santa Barbara and school graduation cermajor in math. emony will be in person “I chose UCSB at the school’s upper because the campus is campus, and attended by gorgeous and right on graduates, their families the beach, the academics and guests on Thursday, are very strong, and the Grace Timan June 16, at 10:30 a.m. volleyball culture there “I am very proud of Grace and Ben is very good as well,” he said. for their hard work over the last four “I think all of the faculty at MMS years,” said Mount Madonna Director are admirable, as everyone here is of Upper School Shannon Kelly. “They doing what they do because this school have taken challenging courses and helps to develop good people. Despite excelled in the classroom. They were the small numbers, there’s still an selected from a very strong academic amazing amount of work that goes cohort.” into keeping this school Timan will attend running, so everyone UCLA. that contributes to that is “UCLA has been my inspiring in my eyes. I’ve dream school for quite never been a particularly some time,” said Timan. outward person, but “I love the classic college MMS and the performing feeling of the campus, arts department really while also being located helped me with moments in one of the largest cities in which I have to talk to in the world. I will be a large group.” studying public affairs, The Class of 2022 and hope to go into includes eight more journalism or media of students. Here are their sorts.” college choices: Addison Ben Pearson Shannon Kelly and Catterall-Pendleton, Sara Sobkoviak at Mount Madonna CSU Channel Islands; Alyssa Manzur, School inspired her. UCLA; Benn Glorfield, Seattle Uni“They are both so smart and I really versity; Blythe Wilson, CSU San Luis respect them in regards to their passion Obispo; Jimmy Bregman, CSU Long for their careers, as well as their per- Beach; Kayla Goldstein, UC Santa sonal connection with their students,” Barbara; Liana Kitchel, UC San Diego; Timan said. “I turn to both of them and Summer Howley, American Unioften for personal and academic advice. versity. n Furthermore, the connection that Haley ••• Campbell has developed with the Photos Courtesy of Mt. Madonna School
COMMUNITY NEWS
Big Basin Future: Comments Due D id you love Big Basin State Park? You can put in your two cents through June 17 on the future of the park, closed since August 2020 CSU lightning wildfire, which destroyed 928 homes and 97% of the park. The park, which lost the visitor center, campground, and housing for park employees, water, power, sewer and communications, likely will not be rebuilt as it was. The vision for the future of Big Basin Redwoods State Park is emerging in the newly released Reimagining Big Basin Vision Summary, a vision created through months of public input and consultation with indigenous tribes. Share your thoughts at https://reimaginingbigbasin.org/vision-summary/ This summer, Big Basin will allow limited access to a small area of the park this summer through a day-use reservation
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“Coach Warmerdam” from page 4 Speakers included Coach Ray Tanimoto, Coach Steve Miles, and Coach Joseph Smith, fellow PE teachers Jamie Townsend and Jim Mikaelsen, and past players Mike Gruber, Bob Williams, and Stu and Kevin Walters. Son Cris and daughters Susan and Barbie also spoke. Memories were evoked: Kjell Stakkestad leading the Mariners in 1973 to their first league championship in school history. Bryan Holt dropping 64 points on North Monterey County in 1984. Jeff Jones and the other Holt brothers, Warren and Craig, leading the magical 1986 team. Cris Warmerdam grabbing rebounds and blocking shots like no one before or since. Trent Dilfer in the post. Kelly Stratton. Doug Glaum. Brian and Johnny McNulty. The Walters brothers. And more. The giants of Aptos basketball. Attendees also laughed at stories of Coach Warmerdam’s idiosyncrasies, turning up the heat in the gym for practices and games, playing ear-splitting loud music during warm-ups, calling timeouts if his teams passed too much, his famous Driver Training sessions, his penchant for Lost & Found clothes, his family vacations to the Central Valley, betting on the ponies, and many, many more. More seriously, speaker after speaker spoke of Coach Warmerdam’s generous
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spirit, his easy laugh, and his devotion to his players and to his family. His wife, Pat, attended every game, sitting in the same spot behind the bench, knitting or saying the rosary, depending on the game. They talked of his mentorship to a generation of coaches and players, of the advice he shared and the lessons he taught. They talked about his passion for coaching basketball. And they talked about lifelong friendships and the loss they are now experiencing. Bill Warmerdam, coach, husband, father, grandfather, educator, mentor, icon, legend, and friend. He will be remembered as a warm, funny, generous, and gracious man, and as a remarkable basketball coach, one of the best ever. n
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grew up in a small township called Huntington Woods, outside of Detroit, Michigan. In the 1950s, as is now, sharing recipes was very popular among family and friends . My mom received this recipe from my Aunt Beth and the recipe has been apart of many gatherings and generations! ••• Aunt Beth’s Artichoke Dip 1 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup Kraft style grated parmesan 1 /2 tsp garlic powder ••• Mix all ingredients in bowl. Pour into oven safe small pie dish. Bake in preheated 325 degrees oven for 30 minutes until bubbly and browned. Serve with crudites and or corn chips. n
Share A Recipe!
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o you have a recipe that is a family favorite? Or maybe one from your childhood you would like to share? The Aptos 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!
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COMMUNITY NEWS
‘Gone With the Winfield’ by Joyce Oroz of Aromas T he 13th book in Joyce Oroz’s “Josephine Stuart Mystery Series is out. “Gone with the Winfield” roars to life in Hollister, where motorcycle culture thrives — unless something unexpected goes wrong! The family Oroz focuses on includes a mother, father and three sons who all love to ride their motorcycles at Hollister Hills Recreational Park. The mother is ill and dies and shortly after that the youngest son, Jerry, is presumed dead from a motorcycle accident. It is Easter vacation when Jerry, his two friends and his two older brothers motorcycle east to Colorado and back. On the return trip at the top of a mountain range, they ride straight into a whiteout snowstorm. Jerry and the motorcycle he named “Winfield” disappear over the side into the abyss. Jerry’s father, Wally, is devastated. One day he just walks away from his home and spends the next ten years alone, living in a forested area of the Hollister Hills park. Josephine befriends Wally and his adorable baby raccoon. Wally blames himself for Jerry’s death. The brothers
Joyce Oroz recording her book, Lost & Bound blame Lucas, David blames himself and Jerry’s girlfriend blames herself for not talking him out of going on the trip. Josephine, David and Lucas travel to Colorado to discover the truth. “Gone with the Winfield” is priced at $14.95 and is available at Kelly’s Books in Watsonville. Amazon has it in paperback and kindle. One reviewer on Amazon said, “It’s fun to recognize several places that are described in the book.” n
Join the CHP: 1,000 Officer Jobs Available
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he California Highway Patrol is embarking on a multiyear recruiting campaign to fill 1,000 vacant officer positions by hiring qualified individuals from California’s diverse communities. The “Join the CHP 1,000” campaign aims to appeal to a wide array of prospective applicants who may not be aware of the life-changing opportunity that awaits with a career with the CHP. “To meet the increasing demand for our services throughout the state, over the next few years our law enforcement
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Transforming Your Water for Tomorrow
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family will be growing exponentially,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “We are excited to welcome new members to the team so that the CHP can continue to provide the level of service the public has come to expect.” To qualify as a CHP cadet, applicants must be a United States citizen Amanda Ray or a permanent resident who has applied for citizenship, be between the ages of 20 and 35, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, be able to pass a physical abilities test and written exam, and complete a thorough background check with no felony convictions on record. A career with the CHP includes paid training. “CHP Academy” page 23
COMMUNITY NEWS
Meet the Cast of Grease at Cabrillo Stage
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By Mindy Pedlar
here is an air of excitement, a joyous energy that fills the room, as the cast of Grease readies itself for rehearsal. Props are checked, voices are warming up, dancers are stretching. You know something wonderful is about to happen. Rehearsal begins and I am blown away by the talent of this vibrant group. It is clear that director/choreographer Cassie Nordgren has created a warm, creative atmosphere in which her handpicked cast can work and thrive. All the cast is enjoying the 50s music and the lively choreography. Lauren Chouinard plays Jan, one of the Pink Ladies. She describes her character as
Photo Credit: Jana Marcus
Haley Clarke as Sandy with Jack Bloome as Danny Zuko in the Cabrillo Stage production of “Grease.”
“Aptos Educators” from page 11 Kerry Gil, art teacher & PBIS lead: She has created all news assemblies, messaging and strategies that appeal to students’ preferred communication methods to help them see and experience how to Act Responsibly, Just Be Safe, Have Respect, and Strive for Success.
Aptos High
Mabel Marquez, health care assistant: She is well known for her compassionate and thorough care. She seamlessly
goofy, fun and unabashedly herself. Lauren, an accomplished singer, shares that she was “extremely nervous coming into rehearsals about my dance abilities, but our director/choreographer has made the process so fun and I’m always having the best time. I’m going to come away from this show a more confident and wellrounded performer.” Joshua Martinez connected easily to his character Roger, saying, “He’s a class clown type, always trying to crack a joke and bring a smile to the people around him. A role like this demands a good relationship among actors. It makes having fun on stage and bouncing energy off each other become second nature.” Josh’s Roger is partner to Lauren’s Jan, and they are having a blast working together. Their song Mooning is hilarious and as Josh says, “kind of heartwarming.” Meet Peyton Turowski’s Rizzo, the tough, sassy leader of the Pink Ladies. Peyton says Rizzo is “a strong leader who’s never afraid to speak her mind, but in reality she is more fragile than what she shows.” It’s important to Peyton that she finds the reason behind her character ’s rude persona. “I don’t want to be mean just to be mean. I want to really know why she behaves the way she does.” Amanda Payne plays “everyone’s favorite beauty school dropout, Frenchy. She’s a wide-eyed dreamer, a bit of a lovable fool, the sweetest of the Pink Ladies and the peacekeeper of the group.” Amanda admits to having given questionable haircuts and dye jobs to some of her friends in high school. She loves Born to Hand Jive: “It’s such a high energy
number. The choreography is challenging and fun while allowing everyone to shine and show their stuff!” Scott Boynton started as an intern with Cabrillo Stage’s scene shop in 2012. He has since been a carpenter, a props master and was on the fly crew for Mary Poppins where he also appeared as Robertson, the charmingly clumsy butler. In this production he brings Kenickie to life, describing him as “brash, loud and hot-headed, but a loyal friend and even a tad sensitive.”
One of his favorite numbers is Greased Lightning where he and his gang get to dance all over the 1959 Nash Metropolitan that Scenic Designer Skip Epperson and Technical Director Marcel Tjioe are overhauling for its guest appearance. Scott is enjoying every moment of the rehearsal process. “The best part is the camaraderie with the cast while perfecting each scene and musical number.” “Grease” page 23
transferred her impeccable skills from meeting student needs in the health office to meeting student needs in COVID testing. Ryane Ortiz, science teacher: She uses inclusive practices to bring others in, modeling strategies for staff in faculty meetings, SAIL leadership team meetings, and in department collaboration. She is innovating in the ways she uses positive rewards to improve students’ behaviors as well as their sense of belonging on campus. n
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IN MEMORIAM
Beloved Sister Sheryl Albers-Anders Sept 1954 ~ May 2022
By Sheryl (Gumz) Albers-Anders Editor’s note: The Wisconsin governor ordered flags at half-staff for my sister, who died May 28 after fighting pancreatic cancer. She wrote this obituary. ••• was born on Sept. 9, 1954, the second daughter of eight children of my parents, Norma N. (Anderson) and Marcus J. Gumz. We lived in Sauk County, WI. I went to Baraboo High School, earned my bachelor’s in art with an emphasis in psychology from Ripon College, and later in life earned my law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. I was married to Jim Albers for 20 years and we have a son, Joel. I am married to Steve Anders now and we’ve been going strong since 2004. I’ve had a blessed life as a farmer, a legislator, and a lawyer in addition to wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. In my young life, I farmed with my family, producing mint oil and soybeans. Rough work. I worked in the potato grading line, picked and sold sweet corn at a roadside stand, and learned to operate nearly every piece of farm equipment we had. I prepared payroll and financial reports while singing in choir and participating in Pep Club, French Club and Tri-Hi-Y, and
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enjoying weeknight skiing at Devil’s Head and Cascade, where I first got to know my future husband, Steve! But first… The college years included working three jobs to pay for school, mainly in Wisconsin Dells. I went first to Carroll College, then to Ripon. I’d bring home fellow students to live and work on our farm during the summers. After college, due to my mom’s health issues and my dad’s urging, I went back to the farm to help out. I have good memories of my adult time on the farm. I became active in the county Republican Party, served on the Sauk County Farm Bureau Board, got my private pilot’s license and owned a Terratorn Ultralight, and was named Sauk County Miss Farm Bureau. Jim Albers and I married in 1978, and we were recognized as Outstanding Young Farmers. I was a founding member of the Sauk County Women in AgricultureEagle Bluff Chapter, a member of the WI Mint Growers Association, WI Muck Growers Association, and WI Drain Boards Association.
In 1991, I was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in a special election and served until my retirement in 2009. I worked hard on behalf of my constituents. I earned my law degree in 2004, then got my Madison College certificate in human resources in 2009. I practiced law and I worked in human resources at the Department of Corrections. When I wasn’t doing that, I really enjoyed traveling, sometimes to see my chosen “family around the world” with Steve. I will particularly miss my friends from the FFA’s Work Experience Abroad Program: Christoph (France), Ruth (Switzerland), Anke, Elke, Christal and Juliane (Germany). Sending love to all. I was quite the seamstress, sewing, tailoring, and devising garments for a variety of occasions. I was crafty, creating gifts for friends. Experiencing world travel and the amazing art in our world fed my soul. Going to races with Steve, enjoying the company of friends, hosting dinners, planning events, and digging deep in conversation to really connect
with others … these were meaningful and crucial to my life. I strove to live a life of faith and loyal service. My perspective was to do what I could while I was here and leave others in a better place after I’m gone. My parents died before me. I am survived by my spouse, Steve Anders of Cottage Grove; seven siblings Jolande “Jondi” Gumz (Bill Condy), Joy Gumz (Frank Parth), Heidi GumzJames (Guy James), Melanie Gumz (Jim Tindall), Diane (David) Gates, Matthew Gumz, and Mark (Amy) Gumz; one son, Joel (Jessica) Albers; four stepchildren Kelly (Brad) Whalen, Devon (Marissa) Anders, Megan (Nic) Hickey, Tyler (Brooke) Anders; seven grandchildren Peyton and Owen Albers, Talyn and Trista Whalen, Jackson and Charlotte Anders and Remington Hickey; one niece, Madison James, and seven nephews Bryan Condy, Ty James, Max Gulyas, Duncan Gates, Eric, Drew and Cole Gumz. n ••• To honor family members who have lived with the challenge of Huntington’s disease, consider sending memorials to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.
Brad Kline: June 1953 ~ May 2022
ames (Brad) Bradley Kline passed away with his wife, Ann Berry-Kline (Kratochvil), by his side on May 31, 2022. Born June 13, 1953, to John and Betty (La Follette) Kline, Brad was the youngest of three boys. He lived most of the first
18 years of his life in Viroqua, Wisconsin, spending his youth near the lake doing what he loved — fishing, hunting, water skiing, boating, and enjoying the company at the Leaky Fleet Club. After high school, Brad left Viroqua and worked his way into the high-
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performance computing industry. His incredible proficiency in this field led him to a successful 45-year career where he founded two companies — DISC and Klinetech — and worked for the Mayo Clinic, Sperry Univac, Cray Research, Mountain Gate, Quantum, and Apple. It was Brad’s passion for computing that led him to his wife, Ann and her two children, Julia and Nic. Brad and Ann started working at Cray Research in Mendota Heights, Minnesota at nearly the same time in February of 1987 but didn’t begin dating until August of 1995. They were married on February 24, 1996. One year later they welcomed their daughter, Rachel, into the world. In 2015, they welcomed their niece, Jade, into their immediate family. Brad was a devoted husband and father. He shared his love of rock climbing, bowling, photography, surfing, sporting clays, 3D archery, audiobooks,
and traveling with his family, making sure to take cheesy photos along the way. Brad and his family left Minnesota in 2005 and moved to Aptos to embark on a successful career with Apple that lasted over a decade. Longing to be closer to nature and “lake life” once again, Brad and Ann moved to Lago Vista, Texas in June 2017. “Brad Kline” page 26
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Property Owners OK Assessment to Maintain $400 Million Levee Flood Project P roperty owners in portions of Watsonville, Pajaro and surrounding agricultural areas have overwhelmingly approved a benefit assessment for levee operations and maintenance, based on preliminary results of balloting, according to the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency. Official results will be announced at the July 13 PRFMA board meeting, at which time the board will consider action to implement the assessment. If this happens, assessments will first appear on property tax bills this fall. Ballot tabulation was completed immediately following Wednesday night’s public hearing on the proposed assessment, with 79 percent of the weighted ballots returned by property owners in favor of the assessment. Some 817 of the 2,400 ballots were returned, about 34 percent. “For 70 years, generations of residents in the Pajaro Valley waited for the day when strong flood protection would be a reality,” said Zach Friend, PRFMA board chair and Santa Cruz County supervisor representing Aptos. “With this vote and
the monumental efforts to secure funding at the state and federal levels, we have reached that day.” The affirmative vote greenlights PRFMA’s plans to take over responsibilities for levee maintenance on behalf of its member agencies. This is expected to improve compliance with federal regulations, create efficiencies and long-term
cost savings, and improve emergency response. PRFMA proposed the assessment, which is designed to raise approximately $1.2 million each year, to close a shortfall between existing and needed revenues for consolidated levee maintenance services. Passage of the assessment allows PRFMA to sign state and federal project
agreements for the $400 million Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project. The project — which will be fully funded by the state and federal governments — is designed to improve levees along the Pajaro River and Salsapuedes and Corralito Creeks to provide up to 100year flood protection for more than 3,000 properties. Once the project is completed, properties will be removed from the FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, eliminating requirements for higher-cost flood insurance. Eligibility for state and federal project funding is contingent upon PRFMA’s ability to demonstrate its ability to maintain the levees to federal regulations. Property owners with questions can contact PRFMA’s Assessment District Hotline at 831-204-3769 (English), or (831) 204-3000 (Spanish), email info@prfma.org, or visit www.prfma.org. PRFMA was created in July 2021 to plan, finance and manage projects and programs to reduce flood risk to the City of Watsonville, the Town of Pajaro, and surrounding agricultural areas. n
I Heart Davenport: Visit Santa Cruz’s Northern Neighbor This Summer
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riving past the rural community of Davenport on Highway 1 reveals fields of strawberries, artichokes and sweeping vistas of a stunning coastline. Yet many people who live along the remote north coast area past the City of Santa Cruz limits – including many of the farmworkers responsible for harvesting the strawberries, artichokes, and other crops enjoyed many – rely on assistance due to their low incomes and lack of access to services. For a half century through their Davenport Resource Service Center, the nonprofit Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County has provided services to ensure north
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coast residents have access to fresh food, immigration legal services, referrals to critical resources, disaster relief support; academic tutoring, summer recreation, empowerment circles for youth, and more. This summer, CAB is encouraging the public to give back to this beloved coastal community by sponsoring essential goods and activities at CAB’s Davenport Resource Service Center. The I “Heart” Davenport initiative offers a way to help at many levels: • Sponsor a farmworker with work boots, a blanket, and a warm jacket, with a goal to support 40 farmworkers ° $20 for a blanket ° $40 for work boots, ° $60 for blanket + work boots ° $80 for blanket + work boots + jacket • Sponsor positive recreation activities for 25-30 participants at Davenport Resource Service Center’s Youth Summer Camp ° $25 will provide an activity for 5 youth during their participation in the Summer Recreation & Summer Lunch program ° $50 will provide an activity/snacks to 10 youth ° $100 will provide an activity/snacks/transportation to 20 youth • Sponsor the distribution of fresh and hearty free food to 25 to 140 families each month.
° $200 will help feed ~25 families for any month ° $500 will help feed ~50 families for any month ° $1,000 will help feed ~120-140 families for any month • Sponsor youth driver’s licenses by helping connect isolated youth to services. ° $20 will sponsor one youth driver’s license application fee • Keep an eye out for Davenport merchandise for sale in local stores and restaurants this summer. n ••• To find out more, visit: https://cabinc.org/ home-donate-section/
COMMUNITY NEWS
Let’s Get This Construction Started
Aptos Library Groundbreaking Ceremony Has Everyone Excited
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esign-build team members Anderson Brulé Architects and Bogard Construction announced the
County Supervisor Zach Friend joins Yolande Wilburn, director of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, in the groundbreaking ceremony.
groundbreaking of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ highly anticipated Aptos Branch Library, which took place Wednesday. This is a $12.4 million project made possible by the Measure S tax and generous community donors. “We are excited to be here today on the ground floor — both literally and figuratively — of the wonderful new landmark that will rise on this spot,” said Yolande Wilburn, director of Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Santa Cruz Public Libraries staff, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend and County Administrative Officer Carlos Palacios, and Gayle Farthing of Aptos Library Friends marked the joyful occasion. Yes, there were “golden shovels” for the historic photo opportunity. The library, built in 1975 and illequipped to meet the needs of today, was demolished. The new library — 12,400 square feet — will have safe access for those arriving on foot or bicycle and more parking. Lush inviting landscapes are promised at what is
now an empty lot filled with construction vehicles. This will give library patrons a variety of spaces for reading, playing, or enjoying moments of natural tranquility. ABA design principal Mark Schoeman said, “It became clear throughout our listening sessions that the community desired a library building that serves both people and place,” He added, “We designed a structure
that is 30 percent larger yet has a minimal environmental impact — a ‘net-zero’ sanctuary that celebrates Aptos’ natural resources.” The Aptos branch will take advantage of solar energy and have a small wind turbine. It is expected to produce as much energy as it consumes. “Aptos Library” page 23
Why Give? Ways to give:
Leave a legacy in Aptos that will not wash away with the first wave!
Aptos Sports Foundation is a community funded foundation that is building a better Aptos through philanthropy “For Our Kids!”
HAVE FUN WITH ASF – Sponsor or attend an event: • Cornhole Tournament: July 16, 2022 • Poker Tournament: Sept. 30, 2022
GIVE TODAY – Improve our schools by donating funds, labor or materials for current projects.
LEAVE A LEGACY –
Make a donation to the ASF Endowment Fund, a community asset, to fund Aptos sports activities and facilities out into the future!
OUR MISSION STATEMENT: To develop community leaders of tomorrow by providing a quality student athlete experience for the youth of Aptos. Providing quality athletic facilities and programs at Aptos High School, its feeder schools and sports related organizations. Building a better Aptos through philanthropy. “For Our Kids.”
ASF P.O. Box 2405, Aptos, California 95001
Contact: Paul Bailey – 831-818-0406 • Brent Chapman 831-566-7677 or Dan Braga – 831-239-3402 501 (C) (3) Nonprofit #77-0345205
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Stretch of Highway 101 Renamed for Trailblazing Astronaut Sally Ride O n June 3, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills) hosted a formal ceremony to designate a portion of State Highway 101 in the West San Fernando Valley as the Dr. Sally Ride Memorial Highway. A beloved American hero, Dr. Ride grew up in Encino and in 1983 became the first American woman in space. She died in 2012 at age 61 after battling pancreatic cancer. Dr. Ride is also the earliest space traveler to be recognized as part of the LGBTQ+ community. “As the first American woman in Sally Ride space, Dr. Sally Ride made history when she shattered the highest glass ceiling,” said Gabriel. “A proud Valley native, her legacy continues to inspire young people—especially young women and girls—to reach for the stars, and I am immensely proud to help rename a portion of the 101 in Encino in her memory.” A graduate of Stanford University, Dr. Ride began her professional career as an astronaut in 1978 when she was selected
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and Joyce Ride, Dr. Ride’s mother, attend the ceremony designating a portion of Highway 101 as the Dr. Sally Ride Memorial Highway. as one of only 35 people out of the 8,000 Space Shuttle Challenger for STS-7. Dr. applicants to be part of NASA Astronaut Ride’s second space flight was STS-41-G in 1984. She remains the youngest American Group 8. In 1983, she became the first American astronaut to have traveled to space, having woman in space as a crew member on done so at age 32.
PVPSA Names Jasmine Najera Interim CEO
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asmine Najera, clinical intern supervisor at Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, will become interim CEO beginning Aug. 15, succeeding Erica Padilla-Chavez, who is now CEO at Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. A licensed clinical social worker, she worked with the Health Services Agency of Santa Cruz County from 2006 to 2021. She has experience in Adult Behavioral Health and Children’s Behavioral health and has been a Mental Health Client Specialist, Forensic Services Supervisor, Forensic Services Program Manager, and Children’s Behavioral Health Supervisor. She serves on the Pajaro Valley Health Care District Board, and chairs the Monarch Services Board. At the direction of the Board, PVPSA will conduct a national search for a permanent CEO. “I hope to provide a sense of stability and support for the team during this transition and look forward to learning and
growing professionally as well,” Najera said. Padilla-Chavez said, “As bittersweet as it is to be leaving, I am comforted that PVPSA will be in incredibly capable hands.” n ••• Since 1991 PVPSA has provided health education, mental health services, substance abuse and intervention and prevention services, and direct counseling to the students and families of the Pajaro Valley.
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“Sally’s message to any kid going into STEM was to reach for the stars,” said Reverend Dr. Bear Ride, Dr. Sally Ride’s sister. “This event dedicating a portion of Highway 101 to Sally’s legacy and achievements was another stretch in the reaching for those very stars.” Ride encountered obstacles throughout her career, including genderbiased media questions about whether the flight would affect her reproductive organs or whether she cried when the crew found malfunctions. Through all the difficulties, Ride remained resilient, insisting that she saw herself only one way—as an astronaut. Not only did Ride serve NASA in space on two flights, but she also was the only person to be appointed to help investigate both the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters. Ride retired from NASA in 1987 and began to teach, dedicating herself to encouraging children, especially young girls, to love science. In 2001, Ride and her partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, co-founded Sally Ride Science, an education company devoted to helping kids pursue science. See https:// sallyridescience.ucsd.edu/ n
New PVUSD Administrators
n July 1, Watsonville High School and Starlight Elementary School will welcome new administrators. Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees approved the appointments at their meeting, filling vacant positions. ••• Watsonville High School welcomes Jeff Daucher as a new assistant principal. He has been in education 1999 as a theater arts director, student advisor and assistant principal. He has a bachelor’s degree in theater from Shenandoah University, teacher certification from St. Paul’s College, a master’s degree in education from Cal State San Bernardino, an administrative credential from UC Riverside and a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He has worked at the secondary level on site leadership teams, leading IEPs and 504’s, directing school plays and has worked with students on helping them achieve academic and career goals. •••
Jeff Daucher
Elizabeth Ortiz
Starlight Elementary School’s new Academic Coordinator is Elizabeth Ortiz. She began as as a teacher at Starlight in 2016. She has served as a lead teacher for the after-school program and summer school program. After graduating from Watsonville High School, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in sociology from San Jose State and a multiple-subject teaching credential. She has earned a masters degree in education and an administrative credential from Concordia University. n
COMMUNITY NEWS
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Sgt. Gutzwiller Remembered at Willowbrook Park
f you visit Willowbrook County Park, no doubt you’ll see the new sign acknowledging Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who was killed in the line of duty June 6, 2020. He grew up in Santa Cruz County, owned his first home in the Willowbrook
“Aptos Library” from page 21 By orienting the building on Soquel Avenue to maximize sunlight (and reduce the need for artificial lighting), the designers say it will require half the energy of a typical library. Outside there will be drought-tolerant
“CHP Academy” from page 16 Cadets earn a salary of $5,563 each month throughout their 26 weeks at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. After graduation, new officers are assigned to communities throughout California and can expect to earn more than $100,000 in their first year. “Anyone who may be wondering if they have what it takes to become a CHP
“Grease” from page 17 Haley Clarke (pictured) plays Sandy Dumbrowski, the sweet, new girl in town. She appreciates the opportunity to take on this iconic role. “It’s been fun exploring Sandy’s character. I want to bring my own version of Sandy to the stage while staying true to her character.” Haley strongly feels that Sandy’s final transformation is not for Danny, but for herself, stating, “At the end of the show, Sandy finally gains the confidence to be her own person and explore who she is as an individual.” Without exception this tight knit cast exudes energy, passion and heart. They hope the audience will feel their connection. I know they will.
neighborhood and frequented Willowbrook Park with his dog Shasta. On June 6, the two-year anniversary of his death, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office hosted a memorial for the fallen officer. His widow attended with his two children. A bagpiper played, and the new sign was revealed. The campaign to raise $800,000 to refurbish and re-imagine the park has passed the halfway mark, according to County Supervisor Zach Friend. That means you still have time to give. n ••• For information, see https://www.countypark friends.org/willowbrook.html
Cars
landscaping and rainwater collection to conserve water. Some library remodels have faced supply chain woes due to the pandemic. Bogard Construction, with 75 years of experience in construction, including nine other Santa Cruz libraries, has a reputation for finishing projects on time and on budget. n
officer, let me be the first to tell you that you do,” added Ray. “If you are compassionate, driven to serve, and have a desire to learn, the CHP provides some of the best law enforcement training in the world and we will do all we can to ensure your success.” For information or to apply, visit www.chpcareers.com or call the statewide Recruitment Unit at (916) 843-4300. The CHP mission is: “Safety, Service, and Security.” n
Come and enjoy the humor of these delightful characters, the fabulous 50’s music led by Jon Nordgren, the stellar direction and amazing choreography created by Cassie Nordgren, and feel a bit of nostalgia. My bet is you will leave the theater uplifted, humming your favorite tunes and maybe even doing a little Hand Jive! Grease runs Thursday through Sunday, June 23 through July 10, at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Avenue, Aptos, CA 95003. Tickets available online at cabrillostage.com. The Box Office is open for phone and walk-in sales Thursday-Saturday noon to 6 p.m. 831-479-6154. Tickets can be purchased individually or at a discounted rate for the season, which includes Leonard Bernstein’s Candide. n
ACROSS
1. Fountain treat 5. Pharaoh’s cobra 8. “____ the Woods,” movie 12. Gulf V.I.P. 13. Native American tent 14. Rapper Dogg 15. Hindu princess 16. *Used to alert when driving 17. “____ ____ me, then who?” 18. *Corvette, e.g. 20. Cambodian money 21. *Like Stephen King’s Christine 22. “Some Nights” (2012) band 23. *Aston follower
26. State legislature’s home 30. 7th letter of Greek alphabet 31. *What I used to step on the gas 34. Lowest brass 35. Salon offerings 37. Exclamation of surprise 38. Fathered 39. Do like phoenix 40. Underarm 42. The Jackson 5’s “____ Be There” 43. 3 or 6 in 3+6=9 45. Knit cap 47. Shed tears 48. Winter Olympics participant 50. Embarkation location 52. *Earth traveler (2 words)
56. 2-time NBA Champion Rajon 57. Double-reed instrument 58. Muscovite or biotite 59. Lopsided 60. Undesirable dwelling 61. Causing pain 62. Like certain military tent 63. Between “ready” and “go” 64. #63 Across, pl.
DOWN
1. J. Lo’s ex 2. Wet nurse 3. *Don’t cross it when driving 4. Hot dish stand 5. Garlicky mayonnaise 6. Shopping ____ 7. Pub offering
8. *Car name that sounds like “unending” synonym 9. Opposite of all 10. Hammer or sickle 11. Choose or select 13. Like a rosebush 14. Maple goo, alt. sp. 19. French city, popular coronation location 22. Like a certain Tuesday 23. First ‘M’ in MGM 24. Aweigh 25. Turn toddler into an adult 26. Chicken house 27. Home of famous shroud 28. Obelus, pl. 29. Soup server 32. *Car company founded by a Henry
33. Unit of electrical resistance 36. *German luxury car 38. *Driving maneuver 40. Take your pick 41. In the same place, in a footnote 44. Cupid’s ammo 46. Smells 48. Expensive fur 49. Type of whip 50. Do like a model 51. Squid’s defense, pl. 52. Death, to some 53. Kamala Harris, e.g. 54. Not counterfeit 55. Dose of sunshine, pl. 56. *Car name that also means Aries © Statepoint Media
Answers on 27 »
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FEATURED COLUMNIST
I booked a nonrefundable room at Hampton Inn by accident ... Help! By Christopher Elliott
Carol Egan accidentally booked an expensive and nonrefundable room at a Hampton Inn. Can she fix the mistake or is she stuck with a $264 bill? ••• y grandniece is getting married soon. We used the travel information she provided online to book our room at a Hampton Inn. When we clicked on the link, it opened up a webpage listing the rooms available for the wedding dates in the special block with a nonrefundable rate of $264. We thought the rate was high, but we followed the wedding party’s instructions. Two days later, we got a call from the bride’s mother informing us that our room rate was supposed to be $149 and instructing us to call the manager at the Hampton Inn to get it straightened out. In that call, we found out that the block of rooms allocation must have been filled when we used the website to book the room, so it quoted the $264 price. The block allocation had already been extended before we contacted the local manager. The manager said he could not modify or cancel the reservation since I made it on the Hilton website. He gave us a number for Hilton and suggested that they could cancel or change our reservation. We called Hilton and requested that they modify the reservation to be the
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wedding block rate of $149 or cancel and refund the reservation. We got nowhere. They did offer to cancel the reservation and give us 12 months to use the whole $264 for a booking at another Hilton property. We did not accept that offer. We don’t plan on booking any $264 per night rooms during the next 12 months. Can you help? — Carol Egan, Marco Island, Fla. ongratulations on your grandniece getting married. It was nice of her to find a block of hotel rooms at the Hampton Inn for her family, but you’re right — $264 a night is a little high for a night at the Hampton Inn. When you see a rate like that, don’t click on it, even if your family has arranged the rate. You’re better off calling the hotel and asking for a better rate. Or you can stay somewhere else and use the money you save to buy your grandniece a nice wedding present. Be extra careful when you book a nonrefundable rate (even if it’s with your family’s apparent blessing). Hotels love nonrefundable rates because it means they get to keep your money no matter what happens. And it appears that would include you booking a room at the wrong
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Never, ever book a nonrefundable hotel rate.
rate. Want a refund? Tough luck — it’s nonrefundable! There’s no reason hotel rates should ever be nonrefundable. Usually, hotels will offer a small discount — 10 to 20 percent — in exchange for nonrefundability. In your case, they skipped the discount and just added the onerous terms. Come on. Never, ever book a nonrefundable hotel rate. The solution is a case study in selfadvocacy. I gave you the executive contacts for Hilton (which owns Hampton Inn)
https://www.elliott.org/companycontacts/hilton/ and recommended you
send a brief, polite email to them. You did, and you received a quick response. “I apologize for any inconvenience and how you stated your concerns were addressed,” a representative said.
“Kindly note that there are specific cancellation policies in place for Advance Purchase Non-Refundable reservations. Our customer service and hotel agents could not modify or refund as per protocol.” However, as a “one-time exception and gesture of good faith,” Hilton refunded the full $264. “We at Hilton thank you for bringing this matter to our attention and hope that this does not deter you from staying with our brands in the future,” the representative added. n ••• Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer for Elliott Advocacy. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help with any consumer problem by contacting him at http:// www.elliott.org/help. © 2022 Christopher Elliott.
Why Agriculture Needs Guest Workers From Grower-Shipper Association of Central California
s captured in the recent New York Times article, Illegal Immigration Is Down, Changing the Face of California Farms, agricultural labor demographics have changed considerably, resulting in less available domestic workers to fill on-farm jobs in agriculture. The Times reporter used the Salinas Valley as his focus for this article. However, the Grower Shipper
Association of Central California would like to clarify why ag employers use the H2A program, along with more information about the program’s requirements. As the Times article points out, an aging population in the ag workforce and the lack of an influx of new entrants into the local agricultural labor pool have resulted in a labor shortage. To meet the needs of producing fresh
24 / June 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
produce, employers have turned to the federal H2A guestworker visa program to capture interest and fill available jobs from interested applicants. Here, employers aren’t choosing guestworkers over domestic workers. They’re using the H2A program out of necessity. As the program requires, the employer first commits to finding available labor domestically. If there is inadequate labor
available to grow and harvest the crops, then farm employers can use the legal guestworker H2A visa program. Under the program, the employer must pay a wage rate that has been established by the U.S. Department of Labor. This wage must be applied similarly to domestically employed workers. “Guest Workers” page 25
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Imperfect Instrument, Perfect Message By Joyce and Barry Vissell
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’ve been thinking about our free weekly videos that come out every Sunday morning. Starting during Covid, because all our workshops and retreats were cancelled, Joyce and I wanted to stay connected with people. There are now over a hundred of these little videos on YouTube (search “Joyce and Barry Vissell”). When we resumed our retreats, we thought about stopping, or cutting down to every other week or once a month, but folks begged us to continue. Many have said these Sunday mornings with us are a highlight of their week. In these videos, Joyce loves to tell a little story to illustrate a spiritual principle. I usually say a few things, but I mostly love to share one of my songs, accompanying myself on my harmonium, followed by a short prayer or meditation. I realize that speaking comes easy to me, but singing is one of my greatest vulnerabilities. Sometimes I feel more naked while singing than if I had no clothes on. Especially when I sing a song that I have written. Then I’m doubly naked and fully exposed, both in the song I have created and in the delivery. It’s also vulnerable for both of us to speak to a camera on a tripod, rather than live people in our room. We take some minutes before starting the video to visualize as many of you as possible, both those we have met and those we haven’t yet met in this life. I know my singing voice is not technically the best. Of all the positive and wonderful comments about my singing and songs, there has only been one that
“Guest Workers” from page 24 In California’s Salinas Valley, the H2A base wage is higher than the state’s minimum wage and therefore establishes a higher minimum base wage that applies to both the H2A guestworker and the local worker. Ag employers who hire workers through the H2A program only employ these temporary workers for a few months. Taking into consideration the housing markets, it would be daunting for guest workers to attempt to find housing on a temporary basis. This is part of the reason providing housing is a requirement of employers. Other H2A legal requirements: • Employee housing must be inspected
has been critical. The writer told me I needed singing lessons. Nothing positive, just singing lessons! Of course, he was right in one way. Lessons could possibly improve my technique. But do I really want to improve my technique? Or do I want to simply, and perhaps even crudely, sing directly from my heart to the Divine Beloved, and lose myself in the music? I hope before I sing that whoever watches these videos sings along with me, so it’s not just me singing and the audience watching and listening. But my greatest hope is to let Spirit come through my voice. That can be a tall order and a cause for real vulnerability. All of the 37 songs that I have written so far are either directly to God or to the divine coming through my beloved Joyce. Either way, they are all love songs. The Sufis say, “Ishq Allah, Mabud Li’Allah.” It means that God, Spirit, Source is the highest love, invisible to the eyes, the energy filling everything. That is Ishq. But God is also the beloved, Mabud, that which we can see and touch, God made visible. I have been re-reading one of our favorite books, The Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. In this book, Yogananda tells stories about Babaji, one of India’s greatest saints. Babaji is a very common name in India. Even someone’s grandpa might be called Babaji. But this particular Babaji is unique. He was a fully enlightened being who had no need to be born into a body on earth. The work he was doing as a
divine being could just as easily be done in the heavenly realms. But he chose to also be a “mabud,” a beloved, in a body on earth, seen, heard, and felt by other people. He has been in the same youthful body for centuries, usually described as having copper-colored hair. He chooses not to make a big splash or attract multitudes of followers, but people have described immense blessings and healings by being in his presence. Then there’s me. I’m far from the self-realization of Babaji. But I long for the merging of Ishq and Mabud, divine love coming through my human form. I want so much to allow God to come through my voice. I realize it’s not an all-or-none kind of thing. There are ordinary moments when, to my ears, it’s just my imperfect vocal instrument. But then there are moments, maybe
it’s the words I’m singing, or the sound of a chord change on my harmonium, that lift me to a higher place and carry the presence of a higher power and love. I believe it is these moments that make the song or chant, and deliver a divine message, a perfect message coming through an imperfect instrument. My greatest prayer is to be an instrument of peace and love. n ••• Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors in Aptos who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books and a new free audio album of sacred songs and chants. 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.
and meet federal Dept. of Labor, state, and local safety standards. • Employers must either provide three meals per day for each employee, or the housing must have kitchen facilities, and employees are given a food allowance. ••• It should be noted that issuing visas to guestworkers during labor shortages is not exclusive to agriculture. Other industries also rely on foreign visas, including technology, tourism, construction, manufacturing, and health care. n ••• Original Article: www.nytimes.com/2022/ 05/28/business/economy/immigration-californiafarm-labor.html?searchResultPosition=1
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2022 / 25
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Five Lights at Dawn, Father’s Day, Summer Begins! Esoteric Astrology • Mid-June 2022 • By Risa D’Angeles
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fter the strawberry full moon of June 14th, and from now till the end of June a most impressive and unusual line up of planets can be seen — all showing up before dawn. Led by Mercury, the messenger, at dawn each morning, a “planetary parade” appears, in the sky - five planets all in their correct order from the Sun! Mercury (the last to appear, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Four – Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn - have appeared in the morning sky the past several months. But now we see the collective, including Mercury, grouped together. Before they expand out into the night sky, look for them in the southeast, just before sunrise. At the end of the month the five will be joined by the crescent new moon (June 24 – St. John’s Feast Day, Midsummer Night’s Dream), the first new moon of the summer. The new moon will appear between Venus and Mars. It is a spectacular, before-dawn array of planets – Moon, Mercury (messenger), Venus (unifier), Mars (action!), Jupiter (love/wisdom), Saturn (law maker). Mind marries wisdom. Love happens! Sunday, June 19th, is Father’s Day, celebrating and recognizing the father’s live-giving role as protector. Tuesday, June 21st the Sun ARIES
I enters Cancer and summer begins. It’s summer solstice, and the three months of summer begin in our northern latitudes. In our southern latitudes, autumn begins. During the summer months, in fields & flowering meadows, Uriel, the Archangel of Beauty and Light, teaches his students. From their studies with this Archangel of Wisdom, their minds are illumined with spiritual vision. Uriel stands at the Star Gate of Cancer. His robes are silvery blue, like the robes of Mary. Uriel guards us during the months of summer and invites us into his Temple Garden. n
LEO
SAGITTARIUS
Something new concerning family, property, real estate, home materializes in the coming year. You may buy or sell, create family property, move, form community, create a collective. It is good to look forward to various and different ways of living in these times of change. The old ways will no longer serve us. Something about family develops, increases, expands. You find yourself at times staying closer to home, no more here and there. Family becomes everything (again).
New people, new confidence, new groups, new leadership roles — all eventually beckon to you, extending offers, requests and invitations. Friendships blossom and you find yourself mingling and networking, interacting and sharing. Are you avoiding anyone? Step into their world, learn who they are, what they like, want and most of all, need. Hopes, wishes and dreams fill your mind and heart. Create a Hope, Wishes and Dreams journal. Don’t lose it!
Use your mind and body to focus on health. Think care and prevention. Add things that you really enjoy doing with others. All of this is important. Add a dash of confidence. Realize you plan intelligently and well, and when you’re truly mindful, your communication offers others strength and enthusiasm. Ponder these things during the time of Gemini’s festivals. This is a most subtle integrative time for you.
TAURUS
VIRGO
As you tend to the usual domestic situations and apply the necessary discipline you also feel the need for freedom and change and perhaps travel. Be careful with family communication. You or others could become impatient and say things you later regret. You may work harder and longer than usual. Let the focus be balance, not work. Let all others around you know they are of value. Point out their values. Remain in the garden. Plant rose bushes. Save their seeds.
CAPRICORN
In the coming year, travel becomes a source of transformation. You may enter school, take up a new study, publish or begin a long adventure. Everything close by becomes interesting, even destinations others consider common. At times you consider your neighborhood is as far as you need to go. Doing walk-abouts with deep reflection. The exotic is not always comfortable. A new journey of the mind is what you seek. Call forth daily, new symbols and archetypes of thoughts and thinking.
The area of life called working together, joint resources, indepth encounters and relationships become full of opportunities, sources of pleasure and even refuge, both personal and worldly. Something deep and profound occurs with someone close. It’s important to consider creating or expanding your professional work. Ask loved ones for assistance. They can be of great benefit if you are gentle, kind and grateful. Be focused, determined and analytical with finances.
GEMINI
LIBRA
AQUARIUS
You have entered into a state of deep contemplation, a spiritual place, an inward looking. This inner reality seeks your attention with the idea of you remaining behind the scenes in a state of retreat. Are there demands facing you concerning work? Are people seeking your advice, inviting you here and there to be part of their vision? Can you do all these simultaneously? I think yes. Gemini is multi-talented, multi-faceted. Love comes in many guises.
The most realistic time in our lives is actually each moment. Most moments quietly slip by as we get lost in seeking what we don’t have, wondering when difficulties will end or when the rainbow will (which is enough) eventually appear. However, should we be aware of each moment, the moments begin to feel like blessings. Magical. This conscious perception of time allows us to be more authentic, spontaneous and free. For the next year, careful with diet, eating only what vitalizes and is touched by the Sun.
Maintain strict limits and agendas so time and money are not wasted. Discipline allows creativity and intuition to emerge. With no discipline intuition has nothing to focus upon. Pray and call for what you need. Ask and it will be given. The angels hear all that you say and set about helping you gain what is essential to your life and comfort. Give and more will be asked of you. Both must occur. Think about your life and the goodness it provides. This focus on goodness is to guide your life.
CANCER
This is your birthday month. Happy Birthday, moon child. Mercury will be helping you reflect upon the past year in preparation for events to occur in your new birthday year. Review all actions, choices made, things produced, brought to flower, people spoken with, promises made, dreams that did (or did not) come true. Consider what was happy then and what would be joyful in the coming year. Notice the different words — happy and joyful. The new year brings new endeavors. What would you like to occur?
SCORPIO
Daily life of service and interactions with others close to us are important to focus on. The surprise is a new creative talent then comes forth from within, a creativity greater than previously experienced. It will make you explore all areas of the arts. This builds a new sense of identity. Careful of illusion if entering a new love affair. You might find yourself with many tasks to perform this summer. Protect your hands and arms with gloves. Check the car, too. •••
PISCES
What and how you communicate will affect many people. Tell the truth about your experiences. Let people know your needs, inner and outer. There is most likely a challenging situation in your life now. Move within it with grace and apply to it prayers and a loving will(ingness). Great good will come forth. Remember this when the path becomes difficult. The need for comfort is in the air. Psalm 23 brings one comfort. Also, read Jeremiah 29:11... plans for the future.
Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / June 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Thank you, Central Fire! want to say thanks to Central Fire and especially the team over at the Aptos station near Deer Park. I had a bad fall this past week and after seeing the doctor, he asked me to have my wedding ring cut off to keep the circulation in my injured hand. I called my jeweler, Mark Areias Jewelers, who suggested going to a fire station. Everyone there was friendly and worked very hard in making sure this ring of nearly 45 years of marriage would come off. I felt like I was either in a McGyver show or on the old Emergency show with the beautiful engine behind me as they worked hard on the task. They even brought me an ice bag afterwards. I’ve always been a big booster of our first responders but I had no idea that day I’d get up close and personal with needing something but I’m very grateful to them. KUDOS! — Jane Parks-McKay, Santa Cruz
“Brad Kline” from page 18 By this time, Brad had been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment and had retired from his career in computing. Brad continued his passion for sporting clays, picked up 3D archery as a new hobby, and Brad and Ann found out there is wine in Texas! When his children would visit, he would remind them of his funny sense of humor and would share stories as a daredevil in his pre-children years, and other heartwarming stories from his eventful life. In the last several months of his life, Brad loved and entertained the caregivers at Riva Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care, who attended to his daily needs along with the staff at Amedisys Hospice. He was treated with excellent care comprised of respect, compassion, and kindness. Brad was preceded in death by his mother, Betty; father, John; and brother, Ted. He is survived by his wife, Ann BerryKline (Kratochvil), step-mother Margot, brother Dale (Fred), step-daughter Julia (Berry) Petralia, step-son Nicolas Berry, daughter Rachel Kline, niece Jade (Kratochvil) Cotton, two aunts, one uncle, and four nephews. A public service will be held on Friday, August 5th from 4pm-8pm at Flat Creek Winery in the Tasting room in Marble Falls, Texas. Any memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a charity close to your heart.
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SCCAS Featured Pet
Foliar Color Goes Beyond Green ew England is famous for spectacular foliar color through autumn. Such color is merely seasonal though, and almost exclusive to deciduous vegetation. With few exceptions, its color range is limited to variations of yellow, orange, red or brown. It happens thousands of miles away, and is difficult to replicate on such a grand scale with locally minimal chill. For smaller scale home gardens, there are many options for foliar color at any time of the year, regardless of chill. Some are deciduous. Most are evergreen. Colorful foliage might exhibit variegation or monochromatic coloration. Variegation might involve stripes, spots, borders, veining, or any combination of divergent colors. Some might entail a few colors. Besides autumnal yellow, orange, red or brown, foliage can be pink, purple, blue or gray. Variegation can feature any of these colors, as well as white. The size and form of plants with foliar color ranges from small annuals and perennials to vines, shrubbery and trees. A few of such plants that are deciduous might change to different colors through autumn. Various Hosta, Euonymus, Coprosma, Pittosporum, Hedera and Bougainvillea are some of the more popular plants with white or yellow variegation. New Zealand flax is popular for bronze, brown, gold or pink variegation. Canna can display evenly bronze or purplish foliage, white patches on green foliage, or neat yellow and pink stripes of varying widths. Purple leaf plum and some cultivars of smoke tree, beech Eastern redbud and Japanese maple have the best purplish foliage.
Foliar color can exceed floral color.
Other cultivars of smoke tree, as well as arborvitae, juniper, Monterey cypress and honeylocust, generate impressively yellow foliage. Agave and blue spruce contribute soft blue. Coleus impresses with various color combinations. Whether deciduous or evergreen, most colorful foliage displays its best color while fresh and new in spring. For some, color fades through summer. Junipers that are gold through spring may be plain green by summer, particularly in dry conditions. Although light colors and variegation are appealing within shady situations, shade can inhibit such coloration. ••• Hosta s they bloom later in summer, slender floral stalks of Hosta might be more prominent as cut flowers than in gardens. The white or lavender flowers hang in loose clusters, so are more visible if elevated in vases rather than hovering just over their low foliage. Besides, their foliage seems to be more lush without them. Flowers are about an inch or two long. Lush and colorful, albeit deciduous foliage Hosta is more foliar than is really the floral. primary allure of Hosta. In cooler and more humid climates, the biggest plants may get more than three feet tall and nearly twice as broad! In local arid or semiarid climates, the more popular cultivars get no wider than about two or three feet. Of course, all growth dies back to the ground through winter. The big and broad leaves are remarkably variable among the many cultivars. A few have wavy margins. Most are round, but some are notably narrow. Variegation may be yellow, chartreuse or white. Some cultivars have bluish glaucous foliage. Hosta require frequent watering and partial shade to avoid desiccation. They are vulnerable to snails and slugs, and can roast in arid and warm weather. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com
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Meet Yuki!
uki is a one-year-old husky looking for his furever home! He is quite the goofball and enjoys playing with our other shelter pups. When he’s not running around the yards with his buddies you can find him sun bathing and getting cuddles from our volunteers. A home with another dog may be appropriate provided they are not huge rough housing dogs. Any resident dogs should meet at the shelter prior to adoption. Yuki was very interested in the chickens in the barn yard so a home without small animals, cats, or livestock will be best. A home with kids should but fine but all family members will need to meet him at the shelter prior to adoption. If you’re looking for your new furry best friend you can visit Yuki at 1001 Rodriguez St, Santa Cruz between 10 and 6 every day. 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
crossword on 23 »
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By Tony Tomeo
Cars © Statepoint Media
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2022 / 27
COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER CAMPAIGN The Pregnancy Resource Center, which offers free services, and now low-cost services such as “well woman care” and “STD testing and treatment,” is having its Baby Bottle Campaign through Father’s Day. Supporters can fill the baby bottles at local churches with spare change and donations for the PRC. No-cost services include ultrasound, counseling, maternity and baby clothing and car seats. The PRC is a nonprofit with three locations serving women, families and students: Santa Cruz: 1570 Soquel Drive, Suites 3 & 5, Santa Cruz, across from Dominican Hospital, Walk-ins welcome. 24-hour helpline: 831-475-2200. Volunteer opportunities available. Downtown: 128-B Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz. Plaza de la Cruz. Free parking. 831-454-8481. Watsonville: 55 Brennan St. Room 201, Grace Harbor Women’s Center. Newest location. 831-7260011. Info: www.santacruzprc.org
Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by June 24
Santa Cruz Sat., June 18, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St. Tues., June 28, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. Thurs., June 30, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St. Watsonville Tues., June 21, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St. Fri., June 24, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St. ••• VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR APTOS JULY 4 EVENTS Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/ The Aptos Chamber of Commerce welcomes volunteers elvis-movie.html for contest details to assist with the Party in the Park 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS Aptos Village Park after the World’s Shortest Parade. To register as a vendor, go to https://tinyurl.com/ Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s wsp-volunteer2022 support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood (Full URL: https://docs.google.com/ sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwX174-TwY9oAYCX7bJfnRZRr1_ through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARIES uKcnxgWM0J3oxUYxmnvPw/viewform) children and youth. SUMMER READING PROGRAM The parade steps off at 10 a.m. on the Fourth of July, You are not alone. You are not to blame. June 1 — July 31 The theme is Team Spirit. To register to participate, go More info: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org Santa Cruz Public Libraries will offer a variety of to https://tinyurl.com/wsp-team-spirit events, including circus, magic, and puppet shows, (Full URL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIp HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS dancers, drumming, and a QLScE1CAbMW9Sr5WzTDEJEspT5FS7g8EVIGFlhtXH Watsonville High: Class of 1960 virtual interactive bilingual s1S2N_i8jQ/viewform) Sunday Aug. 21 • 1-7 p.m. presentation featuring Delrita To sponsor, call the chamber at 831-688-1467. Corralitos Padres Community Center, 35 Browns Valley Rd the Elephant. ••• The goal is to prevent CANDIDATE FILING BEGINS JULY 18 Soquel High: Class of 1972 summer learning loss. Friday Sept. 16 • 5-10 p.m. Candidate filing begins for the Nov. 8 election. Visit With the Aptos branch The Inn at Pasatiempo banquet room and outdoor garden, demolished and reconstruction votescount.us for more information. 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz. to follow, Aptos residents must look for activities in “A GOLDEN KNIGHT” 50th reunion VENDORS WANTED La Selva Beach, Capitola, or virtual activities. Special There will be food, beverages, and no-host The Cabrillo Host Lions Club is looking for vendors dates include: cocktails, music, dancing and watching the golden June 18: Jungle James Animal Adventures, La Selva for the 2022 Midsummer Magic Market, taking place sunset. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Aptos Village Park. Beach, 3-4 p.m. Other informal gatherings may arise; look for updates The Market features collectables, gifts, art, jewelry, June 28: Seed Balls, La Selva Beach, 2:30-4 p.m. on the Soquel High School Class of 1972 Facebook produce, and more. What do you have? July 1: Sunprints, Capitola, 2-4 p.m. page. Canopies on the grass are $30 each. Reservations There are incentives that encourage children and Tickets are $100 and must purchased by Sept. 1 at are due by July 31. teens to read. Upon signing up, children and teens https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50th-reunion-a-goldenProceeds go to Lions local charities. Contact 831-688-3356 receive an Atlantis Fantasyworld coupon they can use knight-tickets-269816316867 for information. to select a book. Questions? Email 1972classofsoquelhigh@gmail.com. After completing 5 hours of reading, kids 0-11 ••• RED CROSS DONATION DRIVES receive a free book to keep, and teens receive a Watsonville High Class of 1981 Come to give blood, platelets or plasma June 1-30, backpack with goodies. After reading 20 hours, kids Saturday Sept. 17 • 6-11 p.m. 2022, and be automatically and teens receive a free scoop coupon from Penny Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, entered for a chance to win Ice Creamery. They also receive raffle tickets for 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside. a VIP trip to Memphis and completing activities incorporating STEAM, outdoor The Billy Martini Band will play at the reunion. Graceland for two. Trip includes exploration, Attendees are invited to El Vaquero Winery Sunday from air fare and a three-night and creative 2-5 p.m. to hear Michael Gaither. stay at The Guest House at expression For details, see Watsonville81.com or the Official Graceland and Elvis Entourage while pracWatsonville class of 1981 Facebook group. VIP tour and more. ticing critical ••• Along with the contest entry, donators will be sent a thinking, Harbor High: Class of 1972 $5 e-gift card for a merchant of your choice. collaboration, Saturday Sept. 17 • 4-10 p.m. ••• and comPasatiempo Inn’s Back Nine Grill, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz Aptos munication. For information, call 408-568-0302. Wed., June 29, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. — Resurrection The Church, 7600 Soquel Drive Library’s Ben Lomond extensive ONGOING EVENTS Fri., June 17, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — The Church of collections Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9545 Lovecreek Road Mondays along with BRIDGE CLUB Sat., June 25, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — Highlands lists of recPark Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road ommended books for all ages, make it easy to find Capitola Ongoing thru Aug. 8 reading materials of interest. Sat., June 18, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Mid-County Senior The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club Parents are encouraged to read together with their sessions on Mondays. children and participate in the Adult Summer Reading Center, 829 Bay Ave. Program. Incentives include an SCPL Bookbag and raffle prizes, including a family pass to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Adults who sign up by June 17 will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to Santa Cruz Shakespeare. The drawing will take place the week of June 21. Everyone can participate in Summer Reading using the paper log or the Beanstack App. Visit any open branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries to sign up or go to https://santacruzpl. beanstack.org/reader365 For a list of all the Summer Reading Program activities, see www.santacruzpl.org/srp
28 / June 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind. No meetings on Monday holidays: June 20 (Juneteenth), and July 4 (Fourth of July). Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event. Tuesdays FARMERS’ MARKET AT RAMSAY PARK 2–6 p.m., Ramsay Park, Watsonville El Mercado is a new farmers’ market hosted by Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley. 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. BINGO AT THE MID-COUNTY SENIOR CENTER 1-3 p.m., 829 Bay Avenue, Capitola The Mid-County Senior Center is hosting Bingo games. The event includes coffee and tea or lunch is available for purchase. The cost is $10 to get started, must be over 18 to play and proof of vaccination is required. Proceeds benefit the center and local seniors. For information call 831-476-4711. PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255. First Tuesdays of the Month UCSC ARBORETUM: FIRST TUESDAYS FREE 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, 1156 High St, SC Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum means free admission on the first Tuesday of every month 9 a.m-5 p.m. Guests are invited to explore the biodiversity of the gardens, enjoy bird watching or relax on a bench in the shade. arboretum.ucsc.edu Thursdays thru Aug. 11 PVUSD COVID VACCINE/BOOSTER CLINIC 1-5 p.m., 294 Green Valley Road, Watsonville Pajaro Valley Unified School District Office will house a free Inspire Diagnostics COVID-19 vaccines/booster clinic through Aug. Most sessions are in the Boardroom, except June 30 and July 28 are in the human resources conference room. No appointment is needed. Saturdays & Sundays ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH Tours start at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday,1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough. Group size is limited to one household or up to five people, and individuals must sign up on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 or visit https://www.elkhornslough.org/ group-reservation/ to reserve a tour. For more info, visit www.elkhornslough.org/esnerr/tours/
COMMUNITY CALENDAR DATED EVENTS
of Christ, presented by the Distinguished Artists Series. Tickets are $100 at: www.distinguishedartists.org.
VETERANS CHILI COOKOUT Noon-5 p.m., VFW Post 1716, 1960 Freedom Blvd., Freedom Vets4Veterans Santa Cruz is organizing the Second annual Chili Cookoff at VFW Post 1716. Admission is $10 with a ticket sold in advance and $12 at the door. See https://www.vets4vetssantacruz.org/ chili-cookoff for advanced tickets and more details.
Monday June 27
Saturday June 18
SANTA CRUZ JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION 2022 12-4 p.m., London Nelson Center, 301 Center St, Santa Cruz Juneteenth is a special day for anyone who believes in freedom and equality for all people. Come to the London Nelson Center in Santa Cruz for music, poetry, dance, delicious soul food, arts & crafts, basketball skills contest, and the annual sack race. This year’s theme is Liberation. Other events include: June 18: Juneteenth Hike and Meditation, 8 a.m., 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz RECEPTION FOR ‘LOCAL VISIONS’ June 19: Black Surf Santa Cruz Liberation Paddle Out 2022, Cowell Beach Sunday June 26 TBA: Juneteenth Open Mic and Cabaret 2-4 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville Visit santacruzjuneteenth.com for full details Pajaro Valley Arts membership exhibit, “Local Visions,” is now showing from through July 31. ••• This exhibit will include a special tribute room honoring the memory of Diane Porter Cooley, an advocate On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major for good land stewardship and a staunch supporter of the arts in Santa Cruz County. General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas The show includes the painting “Ranch Spring” by Soquel artist Michele Hausman, which was created with the news that the Civil War had ended and Blacks plein air at Diane’s Circle P Ranch. The ranch is protected by a perpetual conservation easement provided were now free. to the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. 155 years later, we celebrate this remarkable event The gallery is open Wed. – Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Juneteenth celebrations across the country. A longheld tradition among African Americans, Juneteenth celebrates culture and is a special day for anyone who in a vase or used as a fresh scent to any room, linen ensure that traffic is stopped to allow for a return to believes in freedom and equality for all people. closets, or drawers. the Host Hotel. The cost of the class is a $20 donation to the Senior Free admission. See www.santacruzwoodies.com for more Monday June 20 Center. All materials will be provided for up to 2 wands details. JUNETEENTH FEDERAL HOLIDAY per person. Advanced reservations help ensure the correct PLEASURE POINT STREET FAIR County offices & federal offices closed amount of supplies for all in the class. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Portola Drive (between 41st and 38th RSVP by calling (831) 476-4711 or email MCSC4TREAAvenues) Friday June 24 SURER@GMAIL.COM. 8th Annual Pleasure Point Street Fair — to benefit CAPITOLA ART & WINE FESTIVAL KICKOFF PARTY the Live Oak Education Foundation — will be on 6-9 p.m., Bargetto Winery, 3535 N Main St, Soquel Saturday June 25 Portola Drive, with bike parking available. Admission Bargetto Winery’s creekside courtyard will host the is free. WOODIES ON THE WHARF Capitola Art & Wine Kickoff Party and Auction, a Eight local bands will perform a variety of styles 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. fundraiser in support of the 39th annual Capitola of music on two stages, including Americana, blues, 26th annual show on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Art & Wine Festival, which takes place the second rock, reggae and surf music. While the event officially starts at 10 a.m., woodies weekend in September. The kid’s zone will feature activities provided by start arriving on the Wharf as early as 6 a.m. to get Attendees can enjoy appetizers while sipping fine wines from Festival wineries. Bid on fabulous silent preferred parking spaces. As there is no pre-registration local organizations including crafts, face painting and henna. Watch talented and daring kids compete auction items featuring art pieces donated by Festival and this year, we expect more Woodies to attend we in the contest run by the Santa Cruz Boardroom. artists, and gift baskets from local businesses. encourage your early arrival. More than 100 vendors will sell arts, crafts, All attendees 21+ will receive the official 2022 One of the highlights of the day is the Woodie local services, food and beverages. Beer Garden: Capitola Art & Wine Festival glass for wine tasting. Parade off the Wharf which begins promptly at 3:30 Featuring Sierra Nevada beer, wine, mimosas and Tickets: $45 in advance; $55 at the door (if available). p.m. after the Awards Ceremony. A police escort will spirits. Food choices include street tacos from Pleasure Friday June 24 Point Business Association and Ate3One. Saturday June 25 Visit https://www.pleasurepointstreetfair.com/ for more LAVENDER WAND CLASS details. 10 a.m.-Noon, Mid-County Senior Center Gazebo, 829 Bay Ave., Capitola Sunday June 26 The Mid-County Senior Center Lavender Ladies will UKRAINIAN BENEFIT CONCERT host their annual Lavender Wand Class on Friday 4 p.m., Peace United Church of Christ, 900 High St., Santa & Saturday, June 24 & 25, from 10 a.m. to noon Cruz outside in the gazebo area of the beautiful gardens Local residents have the opportunity to hear at the center, 829 Bay Ave., Capitola behind Ukrainian pianist Stanislav Khristenko perform in a Woodworm. Learn this ancient technique. Wands are beautiful benefit concert for Ukraine at Peace United Church
HOW TO GROW & MAINTAIN CITRUS 5-6:30 p.m., Online Class Now is a great time to plant a citrus bush or tree! Citrus trees are versatile additions to any garden. They can be grown in a container or in the ground and a healthy citrus tree will provide years of abundant fruit. With so many citrus varieties available, choosing the right ones for our area can be overwhelming. Join UC Master Gardener and garden advisor from the Santa Cruz Garden Company, Loretta Heath, for a free online class to learn which varieties do best in the Monterey Bay area, how to choose a good plant and plant it properly. If you already have citrus in your garden, learn how to care for and fertilize your citrus, and protect it common pests. Donations are welcome. To learn more and to register, go to mbmg.ucanr.edu CANDIDATE INFO FORUM 6-7:30 p.m., Online Seminar If you are thinking of running for office, the Santa Cruz County Elections Department is hosting a virtual candidate night. The nomination period is July 18 to Aug. 12. For a link, see www.votescount.us
Thursday June 30 TECH TALKS AT THE SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARIES 11 a.m.-Noon, Online Seminar Do you need Tech Help? Look no further than your local library. Santa Cruz Public Libraries is offering a free Tech Talk covering Travel and Map Apps for Apple. SCPL Tech Talks are held virtually on the Zoom platform. Registration is required through the library website at www.santacruzpl.org. Registrants will receive an email with the Zoom meeting link immediately upon registering for the event. Event URL: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/9248786
Saturday July 30 TRUE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL 10 a.m–Sunset, Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road True Love Christian Music Festival is coming to Aptos Village Park. An unprecedented gathering of Bay Area churches and Christian musicians and songwriters will join with area nonprofits to provide free music, services (and food) to show the love of Jesus by loving our neighbors. Shuttle buses provided by Monte Vista Christian School will run from Coastlands Church, Resurrection Church and Twin Lakes Church parking lots to Aptos Village Park throughout the event. What is true love? The mission of this festival is to engage with our local community and ask and answer this question. n
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FEATURED COLUMNIST
One-Time State Funding for Homelessness By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District
T
he current State budget included $14 million of one-time funding for the City of Santa Cruz to help people experiencing homelessness within the City. The funding, provided through advocacy by Senator John Laird, is intended to focus on service collaboration between the City and County on homeless issues and investments in lasting infrastructure to improve outcomes — especially with those experiencing long-term homelessness. The Board of Supervisors recently received an update on the proposed usage of the one-time funding. Here is an overview of the elements. Over the course of the last six months or so, the City has worked with County elected officials and staff, community nonprofits and other stakeholders on potential uses for the funding. One of the key focus points was addressing encampments in the City and working to secure stable housing for individuals experiencing long-term homelessness. As a result of this work, in March, the Santa Cruz City Council approved a Homelessness Response Action Plan that
included proposed uses of this one-time $14 million in state funding. The investments focused on three key elements: 1) expansion of the Coral Street Campus and increasing low-barrier, sheltering capacity (focused on transitioning into longer-term stable housing) 2) Expanding operational capacity in navigation centers to proactively address the needs of those who are unsheltered including working to prevent long-term homelessness for those that are experiencing housing insecurity or need transitional help and 3) a funding pool to support predevelopment for low-barrier interim housing and permanent supportive housing projects. The primary focus of the funding will be the acquisition of property on Coral Street. This property, located by the current shelter, will allow for an expansion of services next to where many current services are located. One key step in this process is the creation of a master plan for the campus that guide investments and development decisions associated with the new (and existing) properties. These plans will be presented to the Santa Cruz City Council and County Board of Supervisors for review and feedback. According to the report to the Board of Supervisors, future land use changes and entitlements will still be necessary after acceptance of the master plan; however, the plan will help provide a path for upcoming investments
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— should the ultimate future land use decisions be approved. The second area of investment will be the creation of a $500,000 predevelopment funding pool to support necessary pre-development work for low-barrier interim housing and permanent supportive housing projects within Santa Cruz County. The third focus area consists of investments to expand capacity for emergency shelter and safe sleeping for individuals and families. This includes: Additional shelter procurement, funding the shelter operations at the National Guard Armory building and safe-sleeping and safe-parking programs (like those hosted by local faith organizations). A portion of the $14 million allocation from the state will be used to cover some of these operational costs (for expanding capacity) for a oneyear period. The City is looking at ways to provide continued funding for
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expansion of these emergency shelter operations. The County will support these efforts through proactive, street outreach teams working to connect people experiencing homelessness with income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and permanent housing. Additionally, the County will work to help leverage available federal and state funding and resources for this one-time state funding investment to improve stable housing options. The County will also work to bring additional supportive services to the emergency shelter (and other) locations to help participants develop pathways to permanent housing. n ••• As always, I appreciate your feedback. Please feel free to call me with questions or comments on this or any other County issue at (831) 454-2200. Editor’s Note: The Point in Time survey of homelessness in Santa Cruz County is scheduled for release in July.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / June 15th 2022 / 31
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