Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2013

IN THE GARDEN

IN THE HOME

IN THE KITCHEN

SENIOR LIVING

Your Guide to Growing Delicious and Juicy Tomatoes Outdoor Cooking With a Brick Pizza Oven

Simple Steps to Make Your Home More Luxurious Aging in Place Staying in Your Own Home

Life is always an adventure at Dominican Oaks.

Wilma Gawthrop Resident of Dominican Oaks since 2010

Bob Mattson

Resident of Dominican Oaks since 2010

Gracious Retirement is Waiting for You. What are you waiting for? Dominican Oaks is a beautiful 206-apartment retirement community located in a quiet, wooded setting behind Dominican Hospital. Residents live a quality lifestyle and remain independent while receiving the unique benefits of independent senior living.

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Spacious 1 & 2 bedroom apartments Fine dining by our executive chef Housekeeping & laundry service Social & cultural activities Transportation Wellness program Assisted living available

Call today

for a personal tour.

Coastal Home Publisher & Editor Patrice Edwards

Art & Design Mike Lyon

Production Coordinator Sandra Gonzalez

Associate Editor Noel Smith

Sales Representatives Sadie Wittkins Don Beaumont Jackie Hinds

Contributing Writers Noel Smith Jeff Talmadge Barbra Hanson Cathe Race

Coastal Home & Garden Spring/Summer 2013

is a publication of the Times Publishing Group Inc.­located at 9601 Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95003.

Entire contents © 2013 by Patrice Edwards. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

To advertise in our

2013 Winter/Fall edition of Coastal Home & Garden Call (831) 688-7549 or Email:

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­9601 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA 95003

Phone: 831.688.7549 Fax: 831.688.7551

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Coastal Home

in the garden 06 Making Your Garden More Environmentally Friendly

08 Organics-To-Energy Creating Clean Renewable Energy

Spring/Summer 2013

SPRING / SUMMER 2013

#18

12 How to Grow Delicious and Juicy Tomatoes

in the home

16 Painting Kids’ Rooms Tips and Tricks to Get it Right

18 Transforming Your Bedroom Into a Stylish, Functional Retreat

20 Is Your Home Secure?

What Homeowners Must Know

22 Protect Our Water Supply Take Advantage of SoqCWD Rebates

24 Rearranging Your Furniture in Your Home Gives it a New Look

26 Selling Your Home?

A Great Deck Spruces Up Curb Appeal

28 Simple Steps to Make Your Home More Luxurious

in the kitchen

30 Antioxidant Food Benefits With Special Recipes

32 Outdoor Brunch Egg-cellent Fresh Recipes

33 Outdoor Cooking with a Brick Pizza Oven

senior living 34 Aging in Place

Staying in Your Own Home

38 Seniors – Plan Ahead!

Staying In Your With Adequate Finances

41 Sleep Apnea What is it?

42 A Diet Rich in Nutrients Promotes a Lifetime of Healthy Vision

44 Service Directory Service Providers in Our Community

Protecting chickadees and other birds from window collisions is one way to make your garden more earth-friendly.

How to Make Your Garden More Environmentally Friendly

S

pring is here, which means it’s time to slip those green thumbs into some gardening gloves. And if you want to feel truly good about what you grow, consider upgrading your garden to be more planetfriendly.

Here are some ideas to consider: Grow Your Own Dinner Grow the vegetables, herbs and flowers that you would normally purchase for your dinner and floral arrangements.

Local is more sustainable because it reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport. And you can’t get more local than your own backyard!

Encourage Pollination Pollination is crucial for agricultural production and the health of the ecosystem.

Unfortunately, many pollinating insects are highly susceptible to environmental changes and have in recent years, suf-

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fered major population decline. You can help local pollinators thrive by planting a variety of native species of varying colors and shapes and reducing your use of pesticides.

Be Bird-Friendly No garden is truly complete without regular visits from birds. Encourage flying visitors by installing a feeder and birdbath.

According to a study published in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology, billions of birds die annually worldwide from collisions with windows. So if you’re going to send out the mass invite to these beautiful creatures, don’t forget to make it hazardfree for their arrival.

Without affecting the appearance of your home, you can make your windows safer for birds by applying static-cling decals.

For example, WindowAlert creates decals that look like frosted glass to people, but brilliantly reflect UV light for birds. More

information on preventing bird collisions can be found at www.WindowAlert.com.

Compost By composting, you will not only reduce your home’s overall waste, you’ll also create a rich soil that can be used in your garden to cultivate plants naturally. Be careful what you compost, however. Sawdust from chemically treated wood, diseased plants, and even walnuts, when composted, can create soil that’s hazardous to both plants and people.

This spring, make your garden the envy of the neighborhood for more than just its beauty. With a few easy tweaks, you can reduce your family’s waste and create a safe haven for birds and pollinators. in the

garden

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3/19/13

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Zanker Materials Processing Facility, San Jose, CA

Organics-To-Energy Creating Compost and Clean Renewable Energy from Food Scraps & Organic Materials Managing Discards & Harvesting Resources

The management of waste generated by society in homes and businesses has long been a challenge. With health and human safety a primary focus, landfills emerged as a solution to manage discards, albeit an unsustainable one. Virgin resources continued to be extracted to create new products and waste generated was hauled

away from the point of generation and buried in the ground forever. Over the past three decades, the concept and practice of recycling has become more commonplace and items such as metal, paper, plastic and cardboard have been given another opportunity and life as new products. The practice of composting yard waste on a large scale has also been on the rise and most communities now offer programs that allow residents and businesses to turn their

yard trimmings into high quality compost.

The next generation of waste management begins with better management of organic materials and the generation of renewable energy from society’s waste.

Vertical Integration Creates Opportunity for Innovative Solutions

GreenWaste Recovery and our sister company Zanker Road Resource Management have been widely recognized as pioneers in development of economically viable and environmentally sustainable methods to manage discards. Since our inception in 1991 and 1985 respectively, we have focused on vertical integration, striving to offer a full suite of complimentary services by relying on ourselves to provide those services. Together, we offer our customers and the jurisdictions we serve an opportunity to move even closer to their zero waste goals consistently achieving some of the highest recycling rates for residential and commercial waste in the United States.

Processing Recyclable Materials into Valuable Commodities

GreenWaste Material Recovery Facility in San Jose, CA

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With recycling and diverting waste from landfill as our primary goal, we specialize in the collection and processing of residential and commercial trash, yard trimmings, recyclables, food waste and construction and demolition debris. With control over our own processing operations, we have the ability to perform on our recycling guarantees and offer our customers diverin the

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sion rates of 98% for single-stream recycling, 78% for trash and 82%-97% for construction and demolition debris processed - diverting material away from landfills at unprecedented rates.

Compost from Yard Trimmings & Garbage Fundamental to this effort is our ability to aerobically compost organic material at Zanker’s Z-Best Composting Facility in Gilroy, CA. While we produce rich compost for sale to local agricultural and landscape markets, composting in an oxygen-rich aerobic environment means we are not able to capture the incredible energy value of this material. Developing and deploying state-of-the-art solutions to move toward zero waste, GreenWaste and Zanker have joined forces on a new venture, Zero Waste Energy Development Company (ZWEDC) to deploy technology to create renewable energy from organic waste by developing the first dry fermentation anaerobic digestion facility in the United States.

Aerobic vs. Anaerobic: Like aerobic composting being done at Z-Best, anaerobic digestion is a biological process in which organic matter is decomposed and a compost product is created. However, unlike aerobic composting, anaerobic digestion occurs without oxygen with an end product of biogas rich in methane.

Z-Best Composting Facility, Gilroy, CA

Wet vs. Dry: There are two basic types of anaerobic digestion processes; wet and dry. While wet fermentation anaerobic digestion is commonly used throughout the world in agricultural

settings and in wastewater treatment facilities, dry fermentation has not yet become commonplace. Wet systems demand a waste stream low in solids (8-10%), require costly preprocessing and place a significant demand for process water and electicity. In contrast, dry fermentation anaerobic digestion requires minimal pre-processing and very little demand for process water or electricity.

With a goal to reduce the carbon footprint of transporting and processing waste, ZWEDC selected a site in northern San JosÊ that is neatly situated between two facilities owned and operated by Zanker. This new organics-to-energy facility will take food waste and other organic materials from the region and create clean renewable energy to power our adjacent processing operations. Each phase of this three-phase project is designed to process up to 90,000 tons per year of organic waste and produce 1.7 megawatts of power – enough to power approximately 1,500 home per year. With the site development complete and building construction well underway, the faculty will begin its commissioning phase in late 2013 and will commence full commercial operations in January 2014.

If you would like more information or want to determine what services are available at your home or business, please visit us online:

www.greenwaste.com www.zankerrecycles.com www.zwedc.com

Zero Waste Energy Development Co. Anaerobic Digestion Facility, San Jose, CA

Z-Best Composting Facility, Gilroy, CA

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in the

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How to Grow Delicious and Juicy Tomatoes

F

or many people, growing big juicy tomatoes is part of what makes vegetable gardening so enjoyable. Whether purchasing plants from your local nursery or starting tomatoes from seed, there are a few basic steps to follow to ensure that you harvest an abundant crop at the end of the growing season. There are many different varieties of tomatoes to choose from, depending on whether you will be cooking, canning, slicing, or eating miniature or grape-like varieties right off the vine.

Sweet 100 ís are very abundant, and are good for salads as well as eating fresh from the garden. Roma tomatoes are good for making salsa, because the peels are not as tough as others so you don’t need to peel the skins off. Romas are also known as the classic paste and sauce tomato. There are Early Girls, Early Boys, Big Boys, Big Mamas, Sweet Baby Girls, Beefsteaks, French Rose hybrids, Big Rainbow, specialty tomatoes and many more. So start by choosing the kind of tomato you would like to grow.

Planting Tomatoes from Seeds

Tomatoes grown from seed will require six to eight weeks before they can be planted

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in the garden. Purchase individual containers or flats, starter soil or mixture, and the seeds of your choice. Fill each container with soil, pressing it tightly to remove air and to avoid settling problems after watering. Typically, seed companies print instructions for planting right on the tomato seed package. Each variety is a little different so follow instructions carefully. Prepare a label identifying the type of tomato and the date started. You can make your own from Popsicle sticks or purchase them at the store or garden center.

Insert your label in the pot and mist with water. Place containers in a sunny window and keep seeds moist by placing a plastic bag over them. Small greenhouse containers are also available at your local nursery. Watch for seeds to germinate and remove plastic when plants emerge. Wean out weaker looking seedlings to give strong ones more room to grow. Keep moist by misting or watering tomatoes when needed. When plants have a second pair of leaves it is time to transplant these seedlings to your garden or a large pot in which they are to grow.

It is a good idea to harden off or acclimatize

a plant to outdoor conditions before planting by setting it out in direct sun during the day and bringing it in at night. After a few days, the tomato plant will have adapted to the new surroundings and can be transplanted in the desired location.

Place plants directly outdoors after the threat of frost in a shady location, out of the wind and protected from heavy rains.

Purchasing Started Plants

If you prefer to purchase plants from your garden center or greenhouse, select dark green plants that are stocky in size and that do not have any fruit. The fruit will stunt the plant growth and the total yield will be reduced. Tomatoes are one of the few plants that will tolerate being planted deeper than they sit in the pot. So a taller plant can be placed a little deeper if preferred. As mentioned, harden off the plant before moving it to a final location.

Preparing Garden Soil for Tomato Plants The soil should be deep, loamy, and welldrained for the best harvest. Tomatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. The term pH balance refers to acidity or the alkalinity of your soil from a in the

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numerical scale of 1.0 to 14.0. The neutral point on the pH scale is 7.0. Higher than 6.5 indicates alkaline soil, lower than that indicates acidic soil.

Test kits are available at garden centers or through local horticultural organizations.

To raise the soil’s pH, work agriculture lime into the soil. Use sulfur to lower the pH of alkaline soil. Using fertilizers and compost amendments will also change the soil’s pH over time. Adding decomposed organic compost will improve any soil structure. You can purchase or make your own compost. Once you have cultivated your garden area and prepared the soil, it is ready for the plantings.

Planting the Tomatoes Inspect all of the transplants, looking for insects, wilting or blight. Plant only healthy plants. Tomatoes prefer full sun, so choose an area with at least six to eight hours of sun per day. Practice crop rotation in your vegetable gardening by planting tomatoes and other vegetables in a different spot every year. Tomatoes prefer to be planted by chives, parsley, marigolds, nasturtiums, garlic bulbs, and carrots. Avoid planting tomatoes by potatoes or members of the cabbage family.

For large healthy tomatoes, give them plenty of room to grow. Space plants twenty-four inches between rows and leave twenty-four inches between plants. With your shovel or spade, make holes slightly larger than the plants. Tap gently on the

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bottom of the individual container, loosening the soil and gently removing from the pot. Tomatoes are susceptible to cutworms, but placing a 3-4 inch nail next to each stem before planting or wrapping strips of newspaper around the bottom of the stems will help prevent these pests. A paper cup surrounding the stem also works well.

Place tomato plant in hole and back fill with soil until it is well compacted. Place a rack or cage around each individual plant to help support future growth. Water around the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage. Do not over water or soak the seedlings as this can promote disease and rot.

Water early in the day to discourage blight.

Using a rake, spread organic mulch, such as weed-free straw, over plants at least two inches deep. These is an effective way to prevent weeds, preserve water and keep the soil warm, thus reducing the maintenance required for vegetable gardening. Fertilize the plants throughout the growing season with compost or organic matter. Water when needed and inspect leaves periodically for the signs of tomato blight and insects. If blight is discovered, remove any infected leaves and destroy them. Treat plant with a fungicide. Be sure to remove all debris from your garden in the fall, as blight can survive on the dried tomatoes over the winter.

Most tomatoes take 100-days to bear fruit, so follow these easy directions and get ready to harvest the fruits of your labors

and enjoy that first BLT of the season.

Items Needed For Growing Tomatoes:

- Tomato seeds or plants - Containers or flats -A small greenhouse kit or plastic bags - Starter soil or mixture - Marking pen - Popsicle sticks or labels - Rake - Spade and shovel - Water,

sun, adequate soil and patience

Varieties good for growing in our area:

Super Bush (close to the coast) Stupice (close to the coast) Camp Joy Cherry (foggy areas) Jaune Flamme (foggy areas) Sungold (cherry tomato) Better Boy Early Girl San Francisco Fog Cherokee Purple (heirloom)

(Go to pg. 33 for a great Marinara Sauce recipe) in the

garden

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Painting Kids’ Rooms Tips and Tricks to Get it Right

W

hether you need to set up a nursery for a new baby or update a room for a growing child, painting is an easy and cost-effective way to create just the right atmosphere. But knowing how to get started can feel overwhelming. These tips will help you choose the best type and color of paint, while keeping the process quick and stress-free.

Sheen Savvy

Sheen determines how shiny your paint looks when it’s dry. Choosing the right sheen adds the perfect finishing touch on a room, and it can make a big difference when it comes to cleaning up.

Semi-Gloss – Brings a soft shine to the

room without being overpowering. It’s good for kids’ rooms because it’s durable and easy to clean. You can wipe off crayon and pencil marks with common non-abrasive cleaners.

Eggshell/Satin – Has a smooth finish with a subtle sheen, and is washable and

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scrubbable.

Flat – A beautiful matte coating with no

shine. It is ideal for low-traffic areas and hides minor dents or nicks best.

Choosing Colors

For many DIYers, choosing paint colors can be a tricky and time-intensive process.

There are so many options and many people worry about making a big color mistake.

Get inspired – Look through magazines, websites such as www.coastalhomeandgarden.com a great online resource, and even at friends’ homes to get some ideas.

You can also take some inspiration from these color collections by Glidden® paint – available on their website.

Try them out – Once you’ve narrowed down your color choices, try out your top picks to see how they will look in the room with your specific lighting conditions. For example, paint testers come in a variety

of colors from that you can choose from.

The testers have a built-in brush and hold enough paint to cover three square feet so you can experiment with several colors before making a final decision.

Painting Tips

Consider using a combination paint and primer – it can save you time and money by eliminating the need to use two painting products.

Work from the ceiling down to the baseboards. Do one entire wall or area at a time.

Use wide masking tape to mask off areas you don’t want to paint, such as windowpanes or trim.

Use a roller to paint in blocks of roughly 4 x 4 feet. Paint adjacent blocks before each previous block dries to help blend the edges.

Paint molding and woodwork with a brush, in the direction of the wood grain.

Use short strokes to coat the surface, then use longer, smoother strokes for an even and finished surface.

Make sure the room is well ventilated as you paint.

Pick a paint that dries quickly and has low odor, so your child can move into the newly painted space sooner.

To get more inspiration and helpful painting tips, visit Glidden.com. You can also try a virtual room painter or calculate how much paint you’ll need for your next project. in the

home

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Transforming Your Bedroom Into a Stylish, Functional Retreat

Designer secrets to enhance the Choose the Right Color Palette master suite Color really sets the mood for a room.

In today’s busy, on-the-go world, having a haven to come home to is a must. And for many people, that sanctuary is the bedroom.

“Today’s bedroom is for more than just sleeping,” says Emily Henderson, host of “Secrets from a Stylist” and HGTV’s Season 5 “Design Star” winner. “From working and engaging with media to reading, relaxing and watching TV, we are doing more in our bedrooms than before. But that doesn’t mean we have to compromise great style and comfort. I like to help create spaces that are comfortable and exude warmth no matter their use.”

Henderson recently shared a few of her designer secrets to help anyone create a peaceful and luxurious haven.

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While soft, cool colors and neutrals create a soothing mood, strong colors add drama.

Some colors, such as red, yellow and hot colors like fuchsia and orange, can feel aggressive.

“As much as I love a bold color, I often work with blues, grays and creams as the dominant colors for a bedroom,” says Henderson. “Go for a neutral like taupe or ivory if you want it to feel warmer, or a cooler neutral like light blue or grey if you want it to feel more calming. Then you can add hits of a stronger accent color.”

A good rule of thumb when choosing colors is 60-30-10. Sixty percent of the room should be the dominant color (walls), 30 percent a secondary color (upholstery) and 10 percent an accent color (accessories.)

When choosing your colors, start with something you love as your inspiration. It can be a painting, a pillow or even your favorite vase. Use that item to build out the perfect color palette for your bedroom.

Beautify Your Bed and Bedding The Better Sleep Council says that, in general, a mattress set that has been in use for seven years should be replaced in order to give you the best comfort and support possible.

She recommends considering an upholstered bed for a look that is softer and more cozy; a simple platform bed for something more modern; or an ornate iron bed frame for something more antique and old world.

To get the designer look you see in magazines and on websites for your bed, Henderson says you need to choose great bedin the

home

ding, and learn how to layer it.

“Make sure you have tons of textures and layers,” she said.

“More than any other room, upholstery is important. In your bedroom, you want everything soft. You don’t necessarily need a lot of patterns or colors. The key is to contrast textures like wools, linens, cashmeres and knits to make it feel inviting. Remember to keep everything in your color palette to avoid it looking messy or feeling busy.”

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Here is her step-by-step guide to layering bedding like a pro Start with sheets — Make sure you have comfortable sheets that feel good against your skin. Sheets with some detailing on the end, such as lace or embroidery, add a nice decorative touch.

You can choose a solid color or a pattern that complements your bedspread.

Add a blanket — The next layer is a soft blanket. Depending on the season and the climate in your area, you can go with a lighter cotton or fleece blanket, or a heavier wool one.

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Top it off — A quilt, duvet or bedspread is the top layer of your bedding and has the most visual impact. It needs to pull together all the layers of your bed and complement the colors of your room.

Accent each layer — Fold the top layer back about a quarter

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Express yourself!

Add pillows and accessories — Don’t overdo it with layers and layers of pillows. Use larger, European style pillows and shams for a backdrop, your sleeping pillows in front of those, then an accent pillow or two. Add a textured throw or silky quilt folded at the end of the bed for a finishing touch.

Put the Accent on Style Accent pieces really finish off a room and give it a complete look.

Henderson says she likes to use mirrors on the wall instead of big, bold art. “Mirrors expand the space and fill the wall, but they don’t add a lot of contrast or busyness. Other ideas for stylish accents include:

— A tray on the nightstand that holds a dish for jewelry, scented candle and lamp.

— Small throw rugs for either side of the bed. Rugs add color, texture and a luxurious feel to a room.

— A collection of small vases or frames in the same color with various shapes.

For more tips from Emily Henderson on creating the perfect bedroom haven, visit: www.lpadjustablebases.com.

For more articles and tips to improve your quality of life go to www.coastalhomeandgarden.com coastalhomeandgarden.com

19

Is Your Home Secure?

Unfortunately, our world today has desperate people who are willing to take desperate measures to get what they want no matter what it takes. Why work hard to achieve your dream of a beautiful home if it can be violated in a matter of minutes because there are no secure locks or alarm system?

T

here are many devices that are available in the market today that can help detect unwelcome visitors.

You need to consider certain things before purchasing in item. Does your neighborhood have a high incidence of break-ins? If so, then maybe it is time to purchase a deluxe alarm system that keep intruders away. If you are new to the neighborhood, talk to your neighbors and find out what has worked for them.

Of course, it is important to protect what is inside your home also. Make sure you have secure doorknobs. If there is a lot of traffic coming in and out of your home it might be a good idea to have a combination doorknob.

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These are good for property management, as renters don’t always have to go get a key before they rent an out of town rental. An indoor safe is crucial to keeping your important papers, jewelry, and even sentimental items.

Safes come in all shapes and sizes.

You’ve probably been in a room before at someone’s home and didn’t even know there was a safe in that room!

There is a huge range of security systems available to purchase. All of the security systems will feature technologically advanced interfaces, which will allow you to easily monitor and adjust the settings in different zones of your premises. Most security providers will be able to install and setup

the security system on your premises, and explain how to operate it. Security alarm providers will also be able to update your existing security systems, and recommend any changes that need to be made. Access control systems are devices, which will allow you to have complete control over who enters your building. These are user-friendly systems with a keypad near the front door. The owner has a code that they use to set and unset the alarm. Some systems can be checked over the Internet for entrance and exit.

These are particularly handy if you have a vacation home and want to monitor workers, housekeepers, etc.

If you are really concerned about se-

in the

home

curity, surveillance videos might be the answer for you.

A specialist can set them up throughout your property so that no one can enter the property without someone seeing them. These systems are usually used in businesses, but people who have large homes and property also use them. Intercom solutions are a safe and effective way to screen visitors to your home. They allow homeowners to speak directly to the guest via a wall mounted call station to confirm their identity. The door lock mechanism can

then be easily released at the touch of a button, allowing the visitor to access your property. Intercom solutions can also be used in conjunction with surveillance monitoring systems, or as a video intercom system to provide additional security to your property. As an owner, it is your duty to make sure that everyone inside your dwelling place is safe and secure. Your family should be your first priority which is why you need to ensure that the whole place is protected from whoever dares to gain access to it without permission.

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$75-$200 $100-$200 $100 $150-$450

Based on gallons per flush saved Energy Star or CEE models Instant hot water Laundry to landscape connections

$1,000 $75-$600 $20per sq. ft.

Replace grass with drought-tolerant and native plants Only irrigate when it’s dry Convert sprinklers to drip

$25-$750

40 - 3,000 gallon storage tanks

Turn off irrigation when it rains Reduce stormwater run-off Reduce evaporation

Taking advantage of these rebates can save you thousands of dollars while reducing your household’s water consumption by up to one half. Do it now because yearround water conservation is important. The Soquel Creek Water District relies solely on groundwater, pumped from underground aquifers, to supply water to its customers.

Pumping groundwater for these needs to be reduced by 35% in order to prevent seawater intrusion. Each watersaving rebate claimed is a part of the solution for all of us.

For more information go to www.soquelcreekwater.org or call (831) 475-8500

coastalhomeandgarden.com

Enjoying a new top-of-the-line showerhead

Reduce water pressure in your home

*Commercial rebates for business customers are also available!

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This spring and summer are a great time to claim a rebate just by:

Replacing your thirsty lawn with beautiful, low-maintenance native plants Keeping up with toilet technology!

New models use less than one gallon per flush and have been District tested and approved Trying out rain harvesting with the District’s new low-cost rain barrel program

Recycling water at home with a simple laundryto-landscape graywater system in the

home

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23

Rearranging Your Furniture in Your Home Gives it a New Look

R

earranging furniture can give you a new look. But, when you rearrange using these tips, your home will not only look new, it can also be more comfortable and more convenient to move around in.

Plan it on paper first. Before you start moving around the furniture in your home and wasting your energy by doing so, you first need to think about where you want your furniture to be. For every room in the house that you want to “redo�, you have to take time to assess the area. After that, determine where your furniture can be placed.

So as not to forget anything that you have planned, draw it on paper. Include even the smallest details so that when you start working, you save time and energy by

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avoiding repetition.

Think of a theme. When you want to radically change the rooms in your house, having a theme will be the best way to do it.

Also, this will give you more reason to change the positions of the furniture. For example in your bedroom, you can convert it to a plush and elegant space. For this, your modern bedroom furniture needs to be moved. Your bed will have to go at the center of the room and other clutter in the room has to be removed.

Measure. When moving large furniture, you need to make sure that they fit. Measure the furniture first and then measure the area after.

When you cannot seem to make the fixture

fit, try a different angle or make the furniture face a different position.

Try Feng Shui. But for those who believe in the benefits of Feng Shui, it can be worth a try. This principle supports that there has to be a smooth channel around the house. This means that furniture should not block and be on your way while you move around. Feng Shui or not, applying this theory is a good thing.

Start with a clean slate. Take out all the furniture from the room. You will have a better perspective of the place and you can move around easier. This will also give you an opportunity to completely clean the room. Dust and dirt from hard to reach places will be given attention at this time. in the

home

You can leave the largest furniture in place.

This largest item will also be the first one that you will arrange first.

Choose a focal point. For example, in the living room, your TV set can be the focal point.

The focal point will be where you will base the positions of your other furniture in the room.

Buy new furniture. It may be the best time for you to add or replace more furniture in your home. New furniture can be very uplifting, fresh colors, new fabrics and comfort can completely change a room. It can be designed to complement your favorite furniture that you may decide to keep. When deciding on a new look keeps your budget in mind.

Select a color palette. Once your room is empty pick the color theme you would like to carry throughout the room, look at the textures that exist, flooring, walls, fireplace etc. and decide if you want to modify or replace those items as well. It will make your furniture selection easier and your room will reflect a well thoughtout carefully crafted design.

*Photos Courtesy SC41 coastalhomeandgarden.com

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Selling Your Home?

A Great Deck Spruces Up the Curb Appeal

C

urb appeal is integral when selling a home, but when the trees are bare and the yard lacks luster, the winter months can make it very difficult to showcase your home’s attractive landscaping. But smart sellers know that taking extra steps to care for and present a home’s exterior is a worthwhile investment, particularly during the real estate off-season. There is one improvement you can make that will help boost your home’s outdoor appeal no matter what the season: a deck.

well Banker, a real estate agency. “A great deck can set your home apart from others with the same interior floor plan or square footage, and deck additions typically add value when it comes time to sell.”

When potential buyers visit your home in winter, they might not be able to envision how green and lovely your backyard will look come spring, but they will be able to see with their own eyes what a deck adds to the home’s living space. Decks, patios, sunrooms and porches have always been popular with homebuyers, but real estate agents say that too often these spaces are neglected or not used to their best advantage.

* Staging a tiny deck or a rarely-used balcony off a master bedroom as a romantic getaway with cozy, cushioned seating and a raised fire pit.

Yet outdoor improvements like a deck can significantly enhance your home’s value and appeal. In fact, at the time of resale, a deck will recoup about 73 percent of its original cost, according to “Cost vs. Value” in Remodeling Magazine.

“Anything that adds living space adds value, and the least expensive way to gain space is to build a deck or turn the one you have into an outdoor room by staging it so that it flows seamlessly with the rest of the house,” says Cara DeSimone of Cold-

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The cooler temperatures of fall and early winter make the season a great time to add a deck to your home. Or, if you already have a deck, enhance its appeal by adding simple touches and accessories that include:

* Adding designer style while safeguarding your deck with Latitudes Deck Stones, 16-inch interlocking square tiles made of natural slate or granite. Deck stones provide an effective fire barrier that’s an asset under fire pits or grills, or when used to create an outdoor kitchen.

“More than ever before, people look at their decks as outdoor entertainment areas,” says Katherine Webb of Big Creek Lumber, a leader in decking, railing systems and deck accessories. “For some, it’s a kitchen; for others, a living room” to “For some, a deck is a kitchen, for others, a living room”. With so many different types of deck materials, lighting, rail systems and decorative accents, it’s possible to turn a plain deck into a fantastic outdoor living space.”

“Potential home buyers react positively to nice decks that look like a great place to hang out,” says Webb. “From a buyer’s perspective, if all else is equal, it’s likely that the home with the best deck wins.”

* Lighting a deck to create a warm, welcoming mood for evening entertaining, as well as an important safety feature. LED deck lighting kits, are both practical and visually appealing. * Incorporating deck railings into your design to add both safety and visual appeal.

Decorative railings with ornate balusters, post caps and post covers can give virtually any wood or composite lumber deck a distinctive look for a modest investment.

Outdoor improvements like a deck can significantly enhance your home’s value and appeal. in the

home

Your Pillow Solution SC41’s ergonomically designed Sleep Wedge is a convenient and comfortable aid for better sleep positioning. Pairing it with our Oxygen Pillow can mean the difference between no rest and deep, rejuvenating sleep.

Research shows restorative sleep helps relieve:

Headaches • Insomnia • Weight Gain • Depression Snoring • Sleep Apnea • Acid Reflux • GERD Visit SC41 to try the Sleep Wedge with the Oxygen Pillow and to learn more about our ergonomicallydesigned mattress system.

Hours: Mon–Sat 10–6pm, Sunday 11–5pm 2647 41st Ave. Soquel 464.2228 sc41.com

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Simple Steps to Make Your Home More Luxurious

I

t is easier than ever to create a home environment that pampers you each and every day. To create your luxurious lifestyle, begin by incorporating fixtures that blend functionality, aesthetic appeal and innovative design beyond general living areas into practical rooms like the kitchen and bath where you can easily add style, functionality and character to the ambiance of your entire home.

As you explore high-quality products and fittings, there is a wide array of products with high-end technology solutions that enhance everyday living. Increased attention to design and aesthetics have elevated many home products beyond basic functional needs.

Today, the humble faucet can have highquality features that focus on sustainability, ease of use and, of course, high-end appearances.

Today, faucet designs range from traditional to ultra-modern, classical to futuristic, or even intricately embellished to minimalistic and sleek. This variety of styles allows you to use the fixture as a key design element in you kitchen or bath. For example, when creating an opulent bath space, details like Swarovski crystal accents on faucet finials can enhance the lavish feel of your bath instead of simply blending in.

Delta Faucet Company industrial designer Celine Garland says these small details can make all the difference in the overall design of your kitchen or bath space. “Just as a statement necklace or bright heel can take a little black dress from everyday to jawdropping, the perfect faucet can provide the finishing touch that transforms your kitchen or bath from memorable to unforgettable,�

Garland says.

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Functionality: Beyond aesthetics, innovative enhancements, such as touch activations, add convenience and a sense of ease to both the kitchen and bath space. For instance, the Brizo Charlotte electronic lavatory faucet brings more to the bath experience than just its flowing lines and classical elegance; it also increases ease of use through SmartTouchPlus Technology, which enables both hands-free and touch-sensitive operation.

Additionally, TempIQ Temperature Control Technology senses the temperature of the water before it leaves the spout. An LED light built into the top of the faucet changes color from blue to magenta to red, letting users know exactly when water has reached the desired temperature. It automatically adjusts the water mixture to ensure a consistent water temperature and includes a high-temperature limit stop that offers an added degree of safety in the bath.

Water conservation: In addition to luxury, modern bath fittings offer sensible and environmentally friendly features that delight eco-minded consumers. New technologies that add greater dimensions to water flow provide a more satisfying experience without increasing water consumption. Look for the WaterSense label to identify lavatory and shower products that help conserve water while performing as well or better than less efficient models.

By adding fashion and functionality, bath and kitchen fittings can bring a new dimension of luxury to the home. So, when planning your next luxury home upgrade, don’t forget how incorporating modern technologies into these often overlooked accents can enhance both your design aesthetic and your everyday experience. -(BPT) in the

home

723F E Lake Ave., Watsonville * 831-262-1780 * 408-422-3896 * www.DustyTreasuresAntiques.com

Located in Carriage house behind the Historic Tuttle Mansion

he in t e s u ttl it Vis ric Tu to n His ansio M Kathy Oliver—Owner Broker—General Manager DRE #01116175

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Shannon Hill Bookkeeping Manager CCRM

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Antioxidant Food Benefits A

re you looking for best sources of natural antioxidants and how to work them best into your diet?

With so many dietary supplements around it seems that all you need to do to stay healthy is to take several of these pills a day. Don’t let the advertisement mislead you. Antioxidants are extremely important to our health, but no supplement can beat antioxidants we get naturally from food.

Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals exist in chemicals, pollution, and sun light. But we also undergo their effects through stress and bad eating habits. Luckily, we control what foods we eat, and this makes a big difference to our health.

Research indicates that it is best

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to eat a wide range of antioxidants every day. In particular, it is recommended that every person eats vegetables from all five vegetable subgroups on a regular basis: legumes (beans), orange vegetables, dark green vegetables, starchy vegetables, and other vegetables.

Foods high in antioxidants include specific fruits and vegetables - green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale delivering significant amounts of the antioxidant lutein; tomatoes and tomato products carrying the antioxidant lycopene; fruits such as blueberries and other berries, kiwi, prunes, and pink grapefruit; vegetables rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene including carrots and sweet potatoes; and foods high in antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, and E. Other delicious tasting and helpful antioxidant foods would include foods such as

in the

kitchen

watermelon, spinach, apricots, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes and nuts. Antioxidants can also be found in black tea and green tea. They have antioxidants that can be beneficial to the body by drinking a cup of tea at anytime of the day.

An additional benefit to eating foods rich in antioxidants is that antioxidants have anti aging properties. Antioxidant foods are not only easier to digest than

Salmon Baked in Parchment

Serves: 4 Prep 20 mins Bake 375°F 13 mins Ingredients 4 12 inch squares of parchment paper 4 skinless salmon fillets (about 1-1/4 pounds total) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 scallions (green onions) - chopped 1 tablespoon snipped fresh dill 4 thin slices lemon, halved or quartered 1 tablespoon drained capers Dill sprigs and/or lemon wedges (optional)

processed foods, they actually bind with ‘free radicals’ and render them harmless.

By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidant foods prevent or slow down the cellular breakdown that causes aging. Aging is really nothing more than cellular damage.

It will happen over time as part of a natural process common to all living things, but it doesn’t have to happen fast.

Antioxidant rich foods are nature’s way

Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place one fish portion in the middle of each parchment square. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with pepper. Top each with scallions, dill, lemon pieces and capers. Bring up two opposite sides of parchment and fold several times over fish. Fold remaining ends of parchment and tuck under. Place fish packets in a shallow baking pan.

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, carefully opening one packet to test

Citrusy Kale Salad with Blueberries and Pumpkin Seeds Serves: 4 Ingredients 1 bunch curly kale 2 Tbsp olive oil 3/4 tsp sea salt Zest and juice of 1 lemon Zest and juice of 1 orange 1 tsp honey 1/2 avocado, cubed 1 cup fresh blueberries 2 Tbsp toasted or raw pumpkin seeds Directions Remove kale leaves from the stem and chop into bite sized pieces (or tear using hands).

Place kale in a large bowl and drizzle 1 Tbsp olive oil and salt into leaves, massaging with hands. Do this for a few minutes, really massaging oil into leaves.

Set aside. (leaves should begin to wilt) Whisk together lemon and orange juice and zest, remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil and honey. Season with a small amount of salt and pepper to taste. Pour dressing over the kale leaves. (option to massage kale leaves more before adding dressing) Add the avocado, berries and seeds and toss all together. Serve and enjoy!

Notes: Instead of blueberries and pumpkin seeds try any of the following: Blackberries and walnuts Sliced strawberries and pecans Raspberries and sliced almonds

Recipe courtesy of California Giant

of guiding us to a healthy life. Fresh fruits and vegetables should form an important part of our lives. It is not a question of whether we like them or not, it is a question of how we have evolved over thousands of years. It has only been in the last hundred years or so that we have changed our diets drastically; prior to that we had no option but to feed ourselves with natural foods.

doneness. Carefully open each packet to serve. If desired, garnish with fresh dill sprigs and/or lemon wedges.

JOHN FUCHS PROPERTIES

Construction

John Fuchs Lic: 444422

Real Estate

Nancy Knuth (O’Boy) DRE: 01254001

The “BEST” Just Got Better

831-688-8008 coastalhomeandgarden.com

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e t a r b e Cel

with an Egg-cellent

Outdoor Brunch T

ake advantage of warmer weather by hosting an outdoor brunch serving an egg-tastic recipe that’s sure to please your friends and family. Eggs Benedict Casserole is a do-it-yourself version of the restaurant classic, combining traditional ingredients with a spicy twist. Requiring only one dish for baking and serving, this recipe is perfect for special occasions and celebrations, or casual weekend brunches at home.

Menu: Here’s a list of items to consider when preparing for your outdoor brunch:

Angelic Eggs - Take hard-boil eggs, remove the yolks and combine with mayonnaise, chopped salmon, dill, Tabasco Original Red Sauce and salt; then refill the egg whites and serve.

Dog-Day Fruit Salad - Combine your favorite fresh fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, with orange juice, orange peel, and honey.

Classic Bloody Mary - Combine tomato juice,

vodka, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice and Tabasco Original Red Sauce; stir, and pour over ice. Garnish with a celery stalk.

Eggs Benedict Casserole Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Makes: 6 servings

6 cups French bread, cut into cubes 12 large eggs 1 1/2 cups milk 3 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped 1 teaspoon salt

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2 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco brand Original Red Sauce, divided 12 ounces Canadian bacon, chopped 1 (9-ounce) package Hollandaise sauce

Preheat oven to 350 deg F. Place French bread cubes in 8-cup shallow casserole dish. Beat eggs, milk, chives, salt and 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce in large bowl; stir in Canadian bacon.

Pour over bread cubes. Let mixture stand 5 minutes.

Bake 40 minutes or until mixture is puffed and set.

Meanwhile, prepare Hollandaise sauce as package directs. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce. Keep warm until ready to use.

Serve casserole with warm Hollandaise sauce.

For more brunch recipes, visit www.Tabasco.com. in the

kitchen

Take Your Outdoor Cooking to Another Level

I

with a Brick Pizza Oven

f you love the outdoors and great food then the outdoor pizza oven is perfect addition to your backyard kitchen. Often used for authentic Italian cuisine, wood burning ovens add an aromatic, smoky essence to the food. Outdoor pizza ovens are made of ceramic, clay, or bricks and get heated using wood fire. The wood fire causes heat that is then absorbed by the walls of the oven and the internal temperature is maintained. Once the temperature is maintained inside the oven, it can used to cook pizza, or any food. Even desserts!

Brick ovens have grown in popularity in the last several years and the recipes for food cooked in them are endless. Once you get the hang of cooking in an outdoor brick oven, you can cook and/or grill almost any meal.

Since they do not use electricity,

outdoor ovens are low on utility bills and research shows that these ovens emit low levels of harmful gases while cooking thus proving to be a green method of cooking.

There are companies that will come in and build your oven for you and there are also lots of do-it-yourself books out there that give you step by step instructions on how to build your own oven. There are many creative ways to build your oven. Once your oven is built, add a counter, table and chairs, and you’ve got a backyard space with lots of ambiance for those summer evenings with your guests.

Wood fired ovens make a great classic accessory to decorate your living space. If you are looking to renovate your backyard and are into grilling or like to host backyard parties, a wood-burning oven is perfect for you.

Caramelized Onion & Gouda Ciabatta Pizza

Oven Roasted Marinara Sauce

5 large yellow onions, peeled & sliced into thin rings (5 cups) 3 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced or 1 teaspoon dried thyme 2 teaspoons sea salt 1 8-ounce round of smoked Gouda cheese, shredded 1 loaf ciabatta bread Preheat your oven.

4 – 5 lbs of tomatoes 8 cloves of Garlic 1 large onion chopped ¼ to ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tsp of fresh or dried oregano Fresh basil (chopped) Sea salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.

Add butter, onions and salt. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned; stirring occasionally. Stir in thyme and cook for about 5 minutes longer or until golden brown. Slice loaf of ciabatta bread in half lengthwise and spread equal parts of the caramelized onions over each half of the bread. Sprinkle half of the smoked Gouda over each pizza. Bake until done.

Remove from oven and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh or dried thyme. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

Mix all ingredients in roasting pan and roast for 50 minutes in the oven on a high heat of 450°. Once roasted, take the tomatoes out into a deep medium size pot and cook for 10 minutes. Mash up any garlic cloves and onions, which should be very soft at this point. Add tomato paste, mix well and then let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes on a low heat. Serve on any pasta of your choice. Freeze leftover sauce for later use. coastalhomeandgarden.com

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“Aging in Place” Staying in Your Own Home as You Age May Require Modifications

After

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Talmadge Const., Inc. – As a professional contracting firm offering a wide range of specialized services, we are presented with a plethora of construction projects each with its own set of challenges to achieve the wants and the needs of our clients and their families. Lately there has been an interesting trend in requests and the frequency of them is on the rise.

The Baby Boomer generation has been tasked with ensuring that the housing requirements of the family also fits the needs of their parents, even as they start to require modifications themselves that will allow them to “Age in Place.” This requires a lot of careful planning both financially and logistically.

We recently have produced remodel projects that were designed to address the mobility challenges of our clients’ parents.

These mobility needs have reasons that range from joint replacement to aging, to declining health in general. The needs range from adding a few grab bars or railings to assist in negotiating steps or long hallways, to replacing a bathtub with a walk-in tub or a level entry shower with seat. We have installed chair lifts and elevators and have even performed total reconstruction of homes to accommodate a wheelchair. When planned correctly, this work can be done quickly and efficiently allowing everyone to stay in the home during the entire project.

There was one “Age in Place” project in particular this past year that continues to resonate with me. We received a request to look at a master bedroom/bathroom.

Our new client had received word that our company has specialized training in designing projects to suit the needs of homeowners with declining mobility.

In this case, his father was now in a wheelchair and no longer had access to his own bathroom. Because of this, his Dad either needed to sell his home and find another one, or move into an assisted care facility.

This was an acceptable solution with anyone in the family so his children started looking for alternatives. I met with the family to evaluate the existing conditions in their father’s home and began making suggestions on how to

provide an adaptive remodel. One week later we met to review the plans and the scope of work we had prepared for the project. During my presentation, we discussed the price of the proposed modifications. It was at this time I learned this remodel would cost the same as it would to have their Dad stay in a care facility for just three months!

To them the remodeling option was a bargain and they wanted us to start right away as Thanksgiving was only four weeks away and, “wouldn’t it be wonderful to have dad home for the holidays?” The local building department was very accommodating and produced the permit over the counter almost immediately. It took one week to procure the necessary materials and to get all the trades scheduled. With the clock ticking down to Thanksgiving, we began - and nineteen days later, we were moving the furniture in and Dad was out of the care facility two days prior to the start of the holiday season.

With over 76 million Baby Boomers turning 65 in the next 10 years, this story will be increasingly common.

If you are considering remodeling an outdated bathroom, consider asking your professional contractor if they have experience with, “Aging in Place” or adaptive mobility remodeling. Your design professional or architect should be aware of the new designer-inspired bath and kitchen fixtures, comfort height toilets and other adaptive innovations. Widening doorways will allow for wheelchair access in case of a brief postoperative rehab or longer-term health concerns. In this way you can increase the value of your home and create and an environment of comfort and safety for the entire family.

For more information go to www.nahb. org (the National Association of Home Builders) and search for “aging in place.”

Casey Louis is the Production Coordinator for Talmadge Const., Inc. He is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist through NAHB www.talmadgeconstruction.com 831-689-9133 in the

home

KATHLEEN MANNING

Coldwell Banker Broker Associate 831.566.3127 kathleen.manning@cbnorcal.com camoves.com/kathleen.manning DRE #00885315 Kathleen earned her bachelors degree in marketing from SDSU and has extensive background experience in interior design.

As a nearly lifelong resident of Santa Cruz County and a licensed real estate broker with more than 20 years of experience, Kathleen is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the area.

She is a Previews Property Specialist representing clients looking to buy or sell property from the Country to the Coast.

Kathleen offers the necessary skills and experience required to successfully buy or sell a home in today’s complex market: Skilled negotiation, utilization of new technology, creative marketing, careful listening and great communication, organization, extensive knowledge of the area and a team of professionals to insure a smooth transaction. Combine this with an optimistic attitude, enthusiasm and a genuine desire for client satisfaction.

Working with Kathleen you can count on getting the help you need from an experienced REALTOR who truly cares about her clients. Let your next Real Estate transaction be an experience allowing peace of mind and a smooth journey from start to finish.

For all your real estate needs call Cara DeSimone, Serving all of Santa Cruz County.

Here’s what some of my clients are saying It’s a competitive market and I really don’t think we would have landed the great house that we bought without Cara! Cara works quickly to obtain information about prospective properties as soon as possible.

Once the deal is in motion, she works diligently to shepherd it along and answer any questions or concerns that might arise. She and her assistant, Jill, are a great team. I would recommend Cara to anyone buying in the Santa Cruz area; I have already recommended her to several friends and family members. Kevin and Jess taking a break from remodeling to get married in their new home

Cara is a superb realtor and all around great person. She helped us both buy and sell a home. When buying, she stuck by us through tough negotiations and helped smooth out the process. When selling, she managed to sell our home in under a month and made every step hassle free for us. We always knew Cara was in our corner and that she would do her best to make things work for us. We highly recommend her as an agent. NICK, JANIE, AND TALULAH

To see my current listings and Visual Tours go to

www.CaraSellsHomes.com

Cara DeSimone, GRI 831.465.7029 | CARA@CARASELLSHOMES.COM | www.CARASELLSHOMES.COM International Diamond Society | Previews Property Specialist | DRE 01215427

Remote-controlled solar powered fresh air skylights, with energy-efficient solar blinds, provide healthy natural light and passive ventilation plus privacy in the bedroom. They are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

Soul-lifting Home Improvements That Are Good For Your Wallet, too

N

o matter how value conscious a homeowner may be, few people ever make a home improvement simply to increase their house’s resale value. People also undertake home improvements to enhance their enjoyment of their home - or to fix a problem, which, in its own way, is good for the soul, too.

When it comes to deciding how to spend your renovation dollars, some home improvements can boost both your spirits and your home value. Here are some soullifting home improvements that also add value to your home:

Install a skylight

The health benefits of natural light are well known. Not only does sunlight stimulate the body’s production of Vitamin D, it also boosts brain levels of serotonin. Lower serotonin levels have been associated with depression, decreased physical energy, increased appetite and elevated desire for sleep. A lack of sunlight has long been as-

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sociated with Seasonal Affective Disorder - something your dear old grandmother might have simply called “the winter blues.”

And there’s another consideration with today’s tightly built and heavily insulated homes - indoor air quality. According to the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (www.greenguard.org), most of our exposure to environmental pollution occurs by breathing the air indoors.

Adding a traditional or tubular skylight to virtually any room in the house - brings more mood-boosting natural light into your home. It’s also a smart money decision. Energy-saving, solar-powered freshair skylights, like those made by Velux America,-can be opened-to bring muchneeded outside air into your home, providing passive ventilation to reduce humidity and stale air, and reduce heating, cooling and lighting costs. Energy Star-qualified solar powered fresh-air skylights and accessories like solar-powered blinds, plus

the installation, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit - now that’s good for the soul.

You can learn more about energy-efficient skylights and calculate your tax credit for a new or replacement model at www.veluxusa.com. For more on skylights and other home energy saving tips visit energystar. gov.

Add a sunroom

While you’re thinking about the benefits of more natural light in your home, consider adding a sunroom. One of these light-filled retreats returns more than 46 percent of the initial cost when it’s time to sell your home, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. In a 2012 survey by the National Association of Home Builders, 52 percent of builders rated sunrooms as “desirable” or “essential” - ranking them higher than other specialty rooms like workout rooms, dens or even media rooms. in the

home

Sunrooms can be a great way to make your small home feel much larger, without the expense of a bigger, costlier addition. They also speak to our natural affinity for the outdoors, allowing you to enjoy nature year-round, even when it’s too cold to be outside.

Upgrade your bathroom

The trend of bathrooms as a restive oasis doesn’t show any signs of disappearing. If you doubt the popularity of luxury bathroom fittings, just visit the showerhead aisle in any home improvement store. Options include everything from rainfall shower heads to multi-jet contraptions that promise a spa-like experience in your own shower stall.

Add in jetted tubs, towel warmers and amenities like under-floor heating, and it’s easy to understand why real estate pros continue to cite a great bathroom as a must-have for many buyers.

Even if you don’t have the space or budget for a major bathroom renovation - which Remodeling Magazine says returns more than 65 percent of its value on resale - even making modest improvements can boost your mood.

Replacing old fixtures with newer more luxurious models, such as a touch-free

faucet or multiple shower heads, can be an easy, cost-effective way to enhance your enjoyment of your bathroom.

The National Association of Realtors predicts the housing market will continue to improve in 2013. Yet even those who are not thinking of selling any time soon are aware of the value of certain types of improvements. A 2012 survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate indicates that people are becoming more attuned to the emotional component of home ownership, rather than just viewing their houses as investments. “ ... We’re seeing a psychological shift,” Dr. Robi Ludwig, a psychotherapist who partnered with Coldwell Banker on the survey, said in an announcement of the survey findings. “Instead of looking at homes through the eyes of an economist, we’re realizing that a home doesn’t solely equate to financial return or measure only to a mortgage amount. Instead the home is the emotional center of our lives, and it remains a critical component of who we are.”

Solar powered fresh air skylights, with energyefficient solar blinds, provide healthy natural light and passive ventilation for a brighter, more pleasant, and private, bathroom. They are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

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Seniors – Plan Ahead!

Staying In Your Home Needs Adequate Finances and Family Cooperation

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e love our homes! We spend years lovingly remodeling, polishing and decorating until we have it just right. But there will come a time when it gets hard to bend over and weed your flowers or you may even need help bathing and dressing. In our Fall/Winter 2012 issue of Coastal Home & Garden, the article “Aging in Place Beautifully” shows that making your home senior-accessible can keep us safe and comfy for the care we may need. The question then becomes, “How do you pay for that?”

Some of us will wait until we spend time in the hospital to take action to

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remodel for accessibility. One of my good friends who had to have back surgery was able to activate her longterm care insurance policy in order to pay for remodeling her sunken bathtub to a safer walk-in shower before she had her surgery. As her back was already interfering with her daily living, she qualified to have her insurance pay for the accessibility improvements. After the operation and back home, she will qualify for her LTC insurance to pay for up to 12 hours of personal and housekeeping assistance at $180 a day, over $65,000 a year, tax free.

So what about long-term care insurance? It’s a subject that many seniors have not thought about. The government says 70% of those over 65 will need care at some point. A recent nationwide survey of 1,005 American adults shows that men and women consider the issue of long-term care planning and insurance from different perspectives. The survey shows that: * Twelve percent of women surveyed own long-term care insurance - and 60 percent are not planning on buying such insurance. * Nineteen percent of men surveyed senior

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own long-term care insurance - and 53 percent are not planning on buying such insurance.

With women living longer than men, there should be some concern about who will actually foot the bill of the costs should a woman require longterm care. With married couples, the woman is more likely to need longterm care since she is likely to outlive her spouse.

How would one pay for long-term health costs themselves? It isn’t cheap now and costs are going up 5% annually. Would early asset withdrawal jeopardize your retirement income, or that of your surviving spouse?

Once bank accounts or retirement funds are depleted, your home can become your bank. Many of us boomers are wary of reverse mortgages, but newer programs are actually safe. With a reverse mortgage, you can take the funds as a monthly payment or create an account you can draw from as needed. I like the latter.

Home remodeling and in-home care are expensive items that would not be covered by a small monthly payment.

Another possibility is using the funds from a reverse mortgage to purchase an impaired risk immediate annuity.

The advantage is that this type of annuity will not stop even if you have

to move out of your home into an assisted living situation.

There are other options involving life and annuity policies that could provide needed funds for longterm care. Always consult with an insurance expert before letting any life insurance policy lapse. Such a policy can replenish depleted family finances after long-term care expenses. Also, some life policies will pay in advance of death, or can be cashed in for care costs.

If you intend to stay in your home as long as practical, be sure to let your adult children know your intentions.

Discuss and agree on who will be the care manager, do financials and home upkeep before these needs occur.

Everyone will be happier knowing what he or she will need to do when such a time comes.

Taking the time to discuss such priorities and plans will help alleviate worry and stress in relationships - and ensure that expectations are appropriately set and finances allocated.

Women should be especially sure to consider all the benefits that long-term care insurance brings.

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Boomers and Beyond A 5-step Action Plan for Keeping Your Heart Healthy

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ore baby boomers and older adults are taking a proactive approach to heart health. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle in your golden years and dealing with any type of diagnosis head-on is the smart way to keep your heart pumping strong for many years to come. Following these five easy steps can help you take control.

once they hit their 50s or 60s. Ask your doctor for recommendations.

1. Exercise your heart by staying active.

Increasing your heart rate through daily exercise can help keep your heart healthy and help you live longer. Good heart-healthy activities include walking, swimming and bicycling. Stay motivated by exercising with a friend.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

No matter what, when it comes to the health of your heart, ask questions. If you are diagnosed with a slow heartbeat and need a pacemaker, talk with your doctor about your options and determine if a pacemaker that is approved for use in an MRI may be right for you.

Marilyn Rose of Richardson, Texas, ate healthy, exercised regularly and scheduled yearly physicals, but at age 80, she frequently felt tired and short of breath. Rose was scheduled for an echocardiogram, a heart test that allows the doctor to see the movement of the heart, and it was then that she learned she had a condition called bradycardia, or a slow heartbeat. Rose needed a pacemaker to help her live a full life, but she learned that historically, pacemakers have not been approved in the U.S. for use with MRIs. She was concerned - she knew at

2. Eat heart-healthy foods.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are fantastic for heart health - make it your goal to eat a variety of colors every day. Whole grains and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are good choices also.

3. Consult your doctor about hearthealthy supplements.

As we age, sometimes our bodies can’t absorb vitamins and minerals as well as when we were younger. Many people take vitamin D and a low-dose aspirin daily

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4. Schedule your annual physical.

An annual physical is the cornerstone of preventative care. At your appointment, make sure you get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Have your doctor explain what those numbers mean for you.

her age the likelihood that she might need an MRI at some point was high.

After talking with her doctor and asking plenty of questions, Rose learned that the FDA had approved the first pacemaker that was fit for use in the MRI environment.

Today, after getting her pacemaker, she’s feeling great and is back to her regular life, swimming, knitting and playing with her five grandkids. Her friends call her the “Energizer bunny,” and with her pacemaker, she says she feels better than she did before. For Rose, asking the right questions made a life-changing difference.

Rose’s story is just one example of how the decisions you make today can impact your health tomorrow. She is now part of an educational campaign called “Join the Pace Makers,” because she wants to share her experience and help inform others about heart health and their options when it comes to choosing a pacemaker.

Whether you want to take on your golden years with a heart-healthy outlook, or you are a child of aging parents and you want them to live a long, full life, these tips can help you reach your goals. If you know someone who needs a pacemaker, you have an opportunity to make a difference.

Learn more and become a Pace Maker at www.JoinThePaceMakers.com.

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Sleep Apnea What is it?

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ccording to Dr. William Dement, author of The Promise of Sleep, nearly 40 percent of Americans suffer from some form of sleep apnea. When an individual’s breathing is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing during sleep, each pause is called an apnea and can last from at least ten seconds to minutes, and may occur 5 to 30 times or more an hour. The causes for apnea vary. The most frequent cause stems from a blockage or obstructive issues which can be due to over weight or enlarged tonsils, or some imbalance in the brain’s respiratory control center.

Do I have it?

Most people with sleep apnea are unaware as it occurs only during sleep. Most often, a partner or family member first notices the signs. Common symptoms for apnea sufferers are mild to heavy snoring, restlessness and daytime fatigue and it is a leading cause of daytime sleepiness.

People with sleep apnea lose roughly 1/3 night’s sleep every night. This effect can also affect bedmates who may also suffer from interrupted sleep because of secondhand snoring.

In addition to daytime fatigue and drowsiness, secondary symptoms include Gastro esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD), night sweats, morning headaches, raspy voice, loss of hearing, weight gain and high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to heart disease, diabetes and

strokes. It’s easy to see that without treatment sleep apnea can lead to serious consequences.

How is it treated?

The treatments for sleep apnea run the gamut from the common such as mouth guards and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines, to the dramatic such as a tracheotomy, or other surgery to remove the tonsils or to trim or implant struts in the soft palate.

The most effective treatment plans usually includes a CPAP machine and lifestyle changes such as weight loss, tongue and throat exercises, physical activity and positional therapy.

For those suffering from sleep apnea, a good place to begin is positional therapy— managing symptoms through controlled sleep postures. Elevated sleeping, side sleeping, and sleeping on a supportive pillow are simple and comfortable solutions. One effective solution is a mattress system offered by SC41 Furniture in Soquel, which is designed to help you sleep comfortably in the most beneficial postures for unobstructed breathing.

A mattress designed to meet your needs and an adjustable slat base will foster comfortable side sleeping. The adjustable slat base is designed to provide targeted support and contour for comfort and pressure reduction. When paired with the correct mattress, this results in an optimally tailored ergonomic sleep system.

An essential component to your positional sleep solution is the Oxygen Pillow, which promotes healthy nighttime breathing by providing proper alignment and elevation of the head, neck, and torso. The patented tri-layer construction allows for proper spinal support, opening airways for easier breathing and expanded lung capacity. The availability of various firmnesses and heights allows for the perfect fit to your body.

In addition to the mattress system and Oxygen Pillow, the 100% natural latex sleep wedge works to create a gentle, comfortable incline. The sleep wedge at SC41 has a gentle incline, providing beneficial elevation without forcing you into an upright position. Also, it is constructed to stabilize body posture and support comfortable back and side sleeping. Combined with a properly sized pillow, the upper body will be supported in a perfect comfortable alignment.

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you can visit SC41’s sleep center and test out a range of popular effective sleep solutions.

There the sleep specialists can assess your current sleep habits and make recommendations on how they can be improved. As a first step to correcting sleep apnea, incorporating affordable and easy-to-use solutions makes good sense.

SC41 Furniture at 2647 41st Avenue, Soquel, CA 95073; 831.464.2228; www.sc41.com coastalhomeandgarden.com

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Diet Rich in Nutrients Promotes a Lifetime of Healthy Vision

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rom dry eye to age-related eye diseases, research shows that nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining the health of our eyes. Caring for eyes includes looking carefully at what you eat.

Thirty million (or one out of four) Americans age 40 and older suffer from some level of vision loss. Yet only 30 percent of Americans indicate they incorporate specific foods or supplements into their diet to help improve eye health and vision, according to the American Optometric Association’s American Eye-Q survey, which assesses public knowledge and understanding of a wide range of issues related to eye and visual health.

Six nutrients - antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin; essential fatty acids; vitamins C and E; and the mineral zinc - have been identified as helping to protect eyesight and promote eye health. Since the body doesn’t make these nutrients naturally, it’s important to incorporate them into a daily

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diet and, in some cases, supplement with vitamins.

Consuming a variety of the following foods can help protect your eyes for the future:

strawberries, papaya, green peppers and tomatoes, can help minimize the risk of cataracts and AMD. 4. Vitamin E: Vegetable oils, such as safflower or corn oil, almonds, pecans, sweet potatoes, and sunflower seeds are powerful antioxidants that can slow

1. Lutein and zeaxanthin: To help reduce your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), eat one cup of colorful fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, green beans, peas, oranges and tangerines four times a week.

2. Essential fatty acids: Studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids such as flax or fleshy fish like tuna, salmon, or herring, whole grain foods, lean meats and eggs may help protect against AMD and dry eye.

3. Vitamin C: Fruits and vegetables, including oranges, grapefruit, senior

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the progression of AMD and cataract formation.

5. Zinc: A deficiency of zinc can result in poor night vision and lead to cataracts; therefore, consuming red meat, poultry, liver, shellfish, milk, baked beans, and whole grains on a daily basis is important.

It’s also important to remember that all foods are not created equal in their nutritional value. The Eye-Q survey also showed that nearly half of all Americans (49 percent) still believe carrots are the best food for eye health. While carrots do contain nutritional value by supplying beta-carotene, which is essential for night vision, spinach and other dark, leafy greens are the healthiest foods for eyes because they naturally contain large amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin.

The AOA encourages consumers to make small dietary changes in order to experience a big impact with vision.

Another good way to monitor eye health and maintain good vision is by scheduling yearly, comprehensive eye exams with an eye doctor. For a list of quick and simple recipes that promote healthy eyesight and vision or to find an optometrist in your area, visit www.

AOA.org.

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Go online to www.coastalhomeandgarden.com to read additional articles, see more photos, and get an in depth look at local service providers in our Business Directory. coastalhomeandgarden.com

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housekeeping and laundry, most utilities, scheduled transportation and stimulating social and cultural programs.

Banking BAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ph 831.479.6000 w BayFed.com

Antiques/Collectibles DUSTY TREASURES, ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES 723 F East Lake Avenue, Watsonville ph 408.422.3896 w dustytreasuresantiques.com e dustytreasures_antiques@yahoo.com

Bay Federal Credit Union is a full service, not for profit financial cooperative. We provide personal and business banking services but, unlike a bank, we’re owned by our accountholders and members like you! Our goal is to be better than a bank by delivering outstanding service, competitive savings yields, low loan rates, and many low and no-cost services. Our Board of Directors is made up of unpaid volunteers who spend countless hours ensuring the safety and stability of your money in the Credit Union.

At Care From The Heart Home Services, when you welcome us into your home, we welcome you into our hearts. You become a cherished member of our family. When you contact us, we make arrangements to conduct an immediate comprehensive care assessment (with our compliments)-whether that’s for you (or your loved one).

At all times, we remain sensitive to your preferences and do our very best to ensure you receive professional care that comes from our hearts.

DOMINICAN OAKS 3400 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz ph 831-462-6257 fx 831-462-6742 w www.dominicanoaks.com e cathleen.burnham@dignityhealth.org

Dominican Oaks has proudly provided independent and assisted living services to Santa Cruz since 1988. Rent is on a monthto-month basis and includes a full package of services: three meals daily, weekly

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CARPET KING 6000 Soquel Dr., Aptos ph 831.476.4849 e carpetking@sbcglobal.net

Carpet

Locally owned and operated for over 27 years in Santa Cruz County. Customer service is our #1 goal. Let us help make your home beautiful. Come visit our showroom for a wide selection of handmade area rugs, wall-to-wall carpet or to schedule your carpet cleaning.

Construction PORTER CONSTRUCTION 110 Glen Canyon Road, Santa Cruz ph 831.426.1681 w www.jpcsc.com

Porter Construction is an established contracting business with 36 years of experience specializing in Retaining Walls, Drainage Systems, Remodels, Foundation Solutions, Waterproofing, Woodwork, Fencing, Decking, Driveways, Erosion Control & much more. Call for an estimate.

Dusty Treasures, Antiques and Collectibles is a family owned business specializing in highly sought Treasures, Antiques, and Collectibles. Our independent ownership allows us to source merchandise based on your inquiries and deliver quality merchandise at competitive market prices.

Located in the Carriage House at the Historic Tuttle Mansion. Dusty Treasures, Antiques & Collectibles welcomes you to stop by for your first of many visits.

Assisted Living Services CARE FROM THE HEART 3143 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz ph 831.476.8316 w www.CareFromTheHeart.net

importantly, if we don’t have it, we can locate the unique, the hard-to-find, the unusual.... and get it for you. Service comes first!

Building Supplies BIG CREEK LUMBER 2 locations: Santa Cruz and Watsonville ph 831-722-7137 (w) 831-477-1231 (sc) w www.Big-Creek.com

Big Creek Lumber Company has been in business since 1946 & remains one of the few family-owned lumber companies in the area. We currently operate a sawmill & wholesale sales department, Five Pro Dealer lumberyards, a forestry department, & a logging operation. Big Creek has a long history of practicing superior forest stewardship -growing, selectively harvesting & milling California redwood and Douglas fir.

TALMADGE CONSTRUCTION 8070 Soquel Drive, Aptos ph 831.689.9133 fx 831.689.9422 w talmadgeconstruction.com e inbox@talmadgeconstruction. com

Talmadge Construction, Inc. is a Design/ Build General Contractor specializing in Residential Design and Remodeling. Over the past 25 years, we have attracted a professional and dynamic team of designers, craftsmen and support staff, whose absolute number one priority is client satisfaction.

Whether you are interested in a Kitchen or

CENTRAL HOME SUPPLY 808 River Street, Santa Cruz & 180 El Pueblo Rd, Scotts Valley ph 831.423.0763 (sc) 831.440.0763 (sv) fx 831.423.8613 w CentralHomeSupply.com e services@centralhomesupply.com Service comes first! Central Home Supply offers over 2,500 products; there are over 100 types of natural stone alone! But most

in the

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Bath Renovation, a Home Theater, Construction, we project conception

Second Story Addition, Outdoor Kitchen or New deliver satisfaction from to completion.

again. Come out to the Annual Plant Sale at Cabrillo College. Celebrating it’s 35th Annual Mother’s day weekend plant sale at the “Top of Campus” at Cabrillo College.

Equipment Rentals A TOOL SHED EQUIPMENT RENTALS 3700 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz ph 831.477.7133 285 W. Beach Street, Watsonville ph 831.722.0334 w www.atoolshed.com

A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals Inc. is your equipment rental solution for all your rental needs. We have the rental inventory to help you get your job done quickly and easily. You’ll appreciate our large rental inventory and wide selections of rental tools available for the novice do it yourselfer to the experienced contractor. Rental equipment is our specialty with fast delivery services just a phone call away.

Green Products greenSpace + Eco Interiors 1122 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz ph 831.423.7200 w GreenSpaceCompany.com

greenspace is the one-stop shop for eco home improvement, sustainable living and green gift giving. Non-toxic paints, beautiful and sustainable flooring and countertops, wool carpet, organic baby clothes, wool and latex mattresses, organic cotton, bamboo towels, bed linens, and much more!

Hosted by the Horticulture Department.

KNOX GARDEN BOX 46-A El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley ph 831.461.9430 w www.KnoxGardenBox.com

Knox Garden Boxes are elevated planting boxes made from premium untreated redwood, built in various sizes to eliminate bending & gophers from your garden.

Home Mortgage Consultant DAN FISH 530 Front Street, Santa Cruz ph 831.466.2628 fx 831.536.1724 e daniel.fish@wellsfargo.com

As a home mortgage consultant with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, one of the nation’s leading retail mortgage lenders, I will work to help you find a home financing program to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking to purchase or refinance, I’m ready to give you one-on-one service and attention to help you realize the rewards of homeownership.

General Contractor JOHN FUCHS CONSTRUCTION 758 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos ph 831.688.8008 fx 831.688.3292 w johnfuchs.com

Garage Door A-1 OVERHEAD DOOR CO. 238 Wheelock Rd, Watsonville ph 831.688.5892 w www.aonedoor.com e iclaire@aonedoor.com

With over 39 years experience in garage door repair we have built a strong reputation for providing the highest quality work by giving personalized services to our clientele.

It is our focus on quality and affordability that propels A-1 Overhead Door Co. ahead of the competition. We provide prompt, reliable sales, repairs and service. Call or e-mail for a free estimate.

Gardening CABRILLO COLLEGE PLANT SALE 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos May 10, 11, 12

Quality, Value and Service...

We pride ourselves on delivering quality workmanship, at the fairest possible price with exceptional service and we’ve been doing that in Santa Cruz County since 1984. We are your neighborhood builder. Please give us a call!

Indoor/Outdoor Furniture SC41 FURNITURE 2647 41st Avenue, Soquel ph 831.464.2228 w sc41.com e info@SC41.com

SC41 Furniture store offers high-quality home furnishings from eco-friendly manufacturers. We consider the durability and strength of the product, the personal health and social equity of all people involved in the production, and above all the comfort and personal benefits to the customer.

Show Mom you care with a plant that continues to give life. It’s that time of year

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material we keep on hand. We look forward to seeing you.

CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION 1491 River Park Drive, Ste 100, Sacramento ph 916.830.2780 w www.clca.org

Insurance Services DCD FINANCIAL & INSURANCE SERVICES 1123 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz ph 831.423.8542 fx 831.423.2714 w www.lowcostcahealth.com www.dcdis.com e phetrick@dcdis.com

The California Landscape Contractors Association is a non-profit trade organization of licensed landscape and landscaperelated contractors. Included among its approximately 3,200 members are landscape suppliers, landscape architects, public officials, educators, and students. CLCA’s mission is to serve and protect the interests of its members, promote professionalism, and advance public awareness of the landscape industry.

PRIME LANDSCAPE SERVICES, INC. 3635 N. Main Street, Soquel ph 831.476.5999 w www.primelandscape.com

DCD Financial & Insurance Services has specialists in all varieties of personal and commercial insurances. Let our team be on your side. Pam unravels the mysteries of health insurance. Joe specializes in home and auto. Marios, Marco, and Clay have years in business liability, commercial property, and workers compensation.

BARBARA HANSON

& ASSOCIATES

Secure POB 1595, Felton ph 831.335.4949 w www.BarbaraLTC.com e Barbara@BarbaraLTC.com

My mission is to educate and help you protect yourself from the potentially devastating emotional and financial cost of long-term health care. I specialize in long-term care insurance, advice, policy comparisons, and personalized plan designs. Your needs and goals will determine the best plan for protecting your future today.

Landscaping APTOS LANDSCAPE SUPPLY 5035 Freedom Blvd, Aptos ph 831.688.6211 w aptoslandscapesupply.com

Family owned and managed, Aptos Landscape Supply has been in business since 1966. We continue to supply the material for homes of the most beautiful landscapes in Santa Cruz County. We also provide good, personal, friendly service.

Our office and sales yard at 5035 Freedom Boulevard is a picturesque place to visit.

Come on up and see the abundant amount of

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Landscape Construction with style.

When you hire Jerry Allison Landscaping your job will be done with excellence, properly and will stand the test of time. From habitat restoration to formal gardens and everything in between.

GRANITE ROCK ph 831.768.2000 w www.GraniteRock.com

Since the beginning, Graniterock has focused on keeping customers happy. This requires us to anticipate & exceed customer needs and expectations. The result is that you get what you need, whether it’s the right sand or the right information. That’s why we live by our “Yes, we will” standard of responding positively and creatively to every request for special products and/or services.

JAY WELTY LANDSCAPING ph 831.684.0433

Specializing in creative garden renovations: waterfalls, stone patios, lighting and irrigation, Jay Welty has been creating beautiful landscapes since 1978. See what you can design with Jay Welty! Call for a free consultation.

JERRY ALLISON LANDSCAPING 1931 W. Beach Road, Watsonville ph 831-688-6746 w www.jaland.com e jerry@jaland.com

For 35 years, Prime Landscape Services, Inc. has been offering landscape design, and construction/ installation services to the discriminating property owner. Our gardens are known for their beauty, permanence and based on sensitivity to client needs.

Our style focuses on quality, simplicity and craftsmanship. Our first step as your landscape maintenance contractor is to work with you to identify a complete yard-care program customized to your property. Our maintenance program strives in keeping a landscape healthy, clean, safe, and attractive.

Ask us about creating your own package and schedule.

Locksmith & Security AA SAFE & SECURITY 712 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz ph 831.423.5415 fx 831.423.5487 w aasafe.com e info@aasafe.com

For over 50 years, located in the heart of the central coast and the south bay area’s beach communities, AA Safe & Security consultants has been satisfying the Locksmith & Security requirements of Commercial, Education, Residential, Industrial, Retail, and institutional clients. AA Safe & Security provides professional security solutions that meet the needs of our ever growing list of customer’s requirements. Let our well-trained and professional staff help find the right solution for you.

in the

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Restoration CLEAR THE DECK ph 831.688.2898 Restoration for Decks, Patios, Railings, Gates and Stairways

Clear the Deck provides restoring, preserving (sealing, & staining) and maintaining of all exterior wooden surfaces including algae and mildew treatment and stain removal for: Decks • Siding (shingles, redwood siding) • Railings• Fences • Trellises • Arbors & more.

KING’S PAINT AND PAPER 2851 41st Avenue, Soquel ph 831.462.2202

Painting

5276-D Scotts Valley, CA

Roofing KNOX ROOFING 46 El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley ph 831.461.0634 w www.KnoxRoofing.com

Knox Roofing is built on integrity & quality workmanship specializing in residential re-roofing of all types in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay areas.

The Soquel Creek Water District is a non-profit, local government agency that provides water resource management and a safe, reliable supply of water to mid-county residents and businesses.

ph 831.438.1772

Conveniently located between Alaska and Mexico, King’s Paint & Paper has been the leading independent retailer of decorating products in the area for 37 years.

Window Coverings SUN COAST AWNING 907 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 ph 831.423.7918 fx 831.423.7841 w suncoastawning.com e info@suncoastawning.com

Produce CALIFORNIA GIANT BERRY FARMS 75 Sakata Lane, Watsonville ph 831.728.1773 w www.calgiant.com

Based in Watsonville, California, we place concern for the environment, food safety, quality, service, and our community at the core of our business. California Giant was built by the dedication of many hard-working individuals committed to one common goal; the perfect berry for our customers. Our family-owned operation was designed so that we control every aspect of berry production to ensure that you receive a year-round supply of superior quality strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Real Estate OLIVER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 723 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville ph 831.722.4696 w www.oliverrealty.com e information@OliverPM.com

Oliver Property Management has been serving California’s Central Coast since 1969. We combine home town service with world class knowledge. Whether you are looking to rent or need reliable property management you can trust Oliver Realty. Our staff has the experience and dedication to meet your needs.

Water Provider SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT 5180 Soquel Drive, Soquel ph 831.475.8500 w www.SoquelCreekWater.org

FIRST ALARM 1111 Estates Drive, Aptos ph 831-476-1111 fx 831-685-0451 w www.firstalarm.com

Security

First Alarm has been protecting businesses and homeowners in Central & Northern California since 1966. -We have a solution for your security needs! -Residential Security (Customized Burglar Alarms) -Commercial Security -Security Monitoring (24/7, 365 days a year) -Video Surveillance & Remote Monitoring -And More! Lic.#430530/ACO 1277

Swimming Pools & Spas LIFETIME POOLS, INC. ph 831.458.9711 w www.LifeTimePools.com

Lifetime Pools has been in business since 1962 building swimming pools and spas in the area. We also provide remodeling & updating of existing pools as well as pool repairs.

Sun Coast Awning is a fully bonded, insured and licensed California contractor located in Santa Cruz, California. We specialize in the sales, installation and service of high-quality stationary and retractable awnings and shade systems to business and homes in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas.

TRANSPARENT GLASS COATINGS OF MONTEREY BAY, INC. 2521 S. Rodeo Gulch Rd Ste. A, Soquel ph 831.476.9627 fx 831.476.5532 w transparentglasscoatings.com e inbox@transparentglasscoatings.com

We are a family owned and operated business, serving the Monterey Bay since 1975. We install energy control, fade control, and security films on homes and commercial buildings. We also have an automotive tinting and paint protection shop. All our products have a lifetime residential warranty.

coastalhomeandgarden.com

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Local Home Loans Finance with us for competitive rates and local service.

• Terms ranging from 10 to 30 years • Refinance first or second mortgages and equity lines • First-time home buyer programs are available

Visit a branch or apply online today at www.bayfed.com.

FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA. EQUAL HOUSING LENDER.