Capitola Soquel Times: September 2018

Serving Our Community For Over 25 Years • Capitola, Soquel, Live Oak, Pleasure Point

September 2018 • Vol 23 No. 9 • www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Reopening of Renovated Goodwill Capitola Store

With the grand reopening of the Capitola Goodwill store on Aug. 22, outgoing board members Walt Henning and Charles Leigh-Wood –who played key roles in the development of Goodwill’s strategy – and Capitola store staff, production supervisor and assistant manager Jessica Hogue and Taylor Strang, respectively, all reflect on the mission of the organization.

Full Story page 6

2018 Summer Festival Finales A Perfect End to a Fantastic Summer on the Central Coast

By Noel Smith Another summer of entertaining visiting family and friends by showing them how truly fortunate we are who live here in Santa Cruz County is about to end. Now we can enjoy and take part in our own hometown celebrations. While the rest of the country has been sweltering in

their humid summer and searching for a cooling breeze, we have had our foggy, cool mornings and sunny, zephyrous afternoons to enjoy. Now it’s our time for us to relish our celebrations as summer ends and our sun-filled fall begins! ... continues on page 4

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed North Coast Rail Trail Project. The 45-day public review and comment period is open from Aug. 9 to Sept. 24, 2018.

The proposed Project is a 7.5mile multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trail that would extend along the rail corridor from Wilder Ranch State Park on the south to Davenport ...

Full Story page 5

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No. 9

Volume 23

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Table of Contents

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Cover

2018 Summer Festival Finales, by Noel Smith

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Community News Public Comment Period Now Open – Proposed North Coast Rail Trail Project Draft Environmental Impact Report Reopening of Renovated Goodwill Capitola Store SC Neighbors 10th annual City-wide Block Party • Friends of the Capitola Branch Library Used Book Store • Your Exceptional Entries Being Accepted for County Fair!

September 8 Mole & Mariachi Festival • Project Bike Tech Course – Approved For College Elective Credit In California Northern California Renaissance Faire – Six Weekends of Spellbinding Mystery and Adventure at Casa de Fruta Community Bridges Dinner Raises $63k Capitola Local News – 41st Avenue Losing Major Retailers – St. John’s Helpful Shop Closed After 65 Years – Other Village Retail Closures – Capitola Trestle Controversy Brother and Sister Endure Cancer Together • Office for Economic Development (OED) Debuts New Website Behind The Scenes of the Dominican Rehab Garden Illegal Dumping Website Debuts Board Places Sales Tax On November Ballot Call To Artists – Public Art Project: Watsonville’s Behavioral Health Office Building Celebrating Our Local Health Centers – National Health Center Week Bus Tour Understanding the November Ballot, by Zach Friend Montessori School Goes Solar SCCRTC Measure D Update

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Letters to the Editor Donor Funds New Concert Grand Piano

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Business Profiles 22 Westwind: A Memory Care Community – Committed to Caring for Those Dealing with Dementia, by Noel Smith

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Monthly Horoscope • Page 29 – Your September Horoscope

Snowman Sculpting and Other Life Lessons Mom would say that Dad was always the “first kid out of the house” to build the winter snowman. My brother and I giggled about it; we knew at a young age that Dad was enthusiastic about all his works of art.

Dad was a painter. He made the most beautiful pictures and I wanted to grow up to be just like him.

One time Dad gave me a drawing he made of an elephant and encouraged me to color it. He watched carefully as I tried to stay inside the lines. He put his hand on mine and said, “Sweetie, don’t be afraid to go outside the lines, your ideas are too big to be boxed in.”

Over the years I learned so much from him, and the gift of self-confidence tops the list.

Now he needs help with meals, housework, and transportation. Living by himself has got him down and I’ve grown too exhausted to care for my own household’s needs.

If an elderly parent depends on you for daily assistance – maybe they’re not independent any more.

Please consider Áegis Living. We are the trusted local senior care provider specializing in assisted living and memory care. We offer the finest care, given by the most committed staff. Come in for a tour and lunch with your parent. Let them experience our community filled with warmth and new friends.

Call our community for an appointment or more information.

Featured Columnists 25 Water Wisdom, by Melanie Schumacher – Fall is Coming, and it’s a Great Time to Plant!

26 Exploring Proposition 6: The Repeal of SB 1, by Zach Friend 30 Transportation Talk, by Shannon Munz – Welcome to Transportation Talk 31 Leaving Santa Cruz, by Janet Payne-Downs SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Sally: Worth Getting to Know

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 3 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times

Áegis of Aptos 125 Heather Terrace Aptos, CA 95003

831-359-4670 RCFE #445202057

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AegisofAptos.com

Patrice Edwards Noel Smith

publisher editor

contributing writers Noel Smith, Camisa Composti, Zach Friend, Melanie Schumacher, Shannon Munz, Janet Payne-Downs

layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad Hagenking website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti, Eric Spencer production coordinator Wendy Hernandez advertising sales Don Beaumont, Tiffani Petrov, Lynette Del Ponte office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, Annabelle Balcazar

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-weekly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Begonia Festival Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

Entire contents ©2018. All rights reserved.

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

Cover Story

“Summer Festivals” from page 1

36th Annual Capitola Art & Wine September 8 & 9 he first of the September festivals is the 36th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival Saturday September 8 from 10 a.m.

– 6 p.m. and Sunday September 9, 10 a.m.

– 5 p.m. Admission FREE! Over 160 fine artists and 22 wineries will participate in the 2018 Festival.

Try browsing though one of the most picturesque places on the planet — Capitola Village — looking for that perfect piece of art, decoration or jewelry.

Sample some of the best wine California has to offer from grapes grown in the Mountains of Santa Cruz. Listen to Extra Large, Soulwise, and Royal Jelly Live.

Feast on gourmet offerings from Bill the Oysterman, Falafel of Santa Cruz, Happy Dog Hot Dogs, India Gourmet, Souza’s Rice Bowls, Holopono and Saucey’z food trucks. If that isn’t enough, Capitola Village is filled with restaurants for every taste, and charming boutiques to satisfy a shopper’s dream.

Relax while the kids create a masterpiece of their own in the Kids Art &

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Music Area, and kids of all ages will be fascinated by street performances of The Great Morgani and The Surfing Magician.

It’s a fun weekend for the whole family all in charming Capitola Village overlooking beautiful Monterey Bay. ••• Santa Cruz County Fair Bounty of the County September 12 thru 16 ight in the middle of September is the County Fair from Wednesday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 16. At the County Fair you get to see all those farm animals, equipment and livestock that is such a part of the history of our region. The 4-H and the FFA youth get to show what they’ve learned and the county’s best apple pie is chosen.

For your excitement there are the carnival rides, horse shows, professional entertainment and the food to help fill your day. Michael Mezmer is the award winning magician who has performed at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, casinos, amusement parks, on cruise ships, at Fairs, Festivals and in 24 countries worldwide.

Rattlesnake Dave Richardson, a true showman and comic, has been traveling the country for 27 years educating and entertaining with all his venomous little friends who will be waiting for Fairgoers daily out in the Apple Blossom Lane.

For family excitement, see The Wild West Turkey Stampede races across the Tank House Lawn and the All Alaskan Racing Pigs return to the lawn near the livestock area, bringing cheering crowds to the Santa Cruz County Fair!

Twinkle Time stars Twinkle with her signature bright orange pigtails, and her two best friends; Happy, a clumsy and shy bookworm that loves science, and Lil Hoopz, who loves anything sports or competitive. The trio puts on a show that will

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get kids and parents jumping to their feet to dance and sing along.

See the daily schedule in the Santa Cruz County Fair Guide for show times.

On Sunday afternoon September 17 the last day of the fair, the Charros share their passion for horses as the main Horse Show Arena at the Fairgrounds transforms itself from a competitive horsemanship arena into a performance venue. The traditional Charro show returns with a start time of 4 p.m.

••• First Capitola Beach Festival September 29 & 30 Labor Day weekend is now yours to plan and enjoy but Capitola by the Sea has saved the best from the former Begonia Festival for the end of September.

Saturday, Sept 29 (Preregister for events at: https://master. capitolachamber.com/events/details/ capitola-beach-festival-2520) he Festival starts with the inaugural Little Wharf 3 mile Fun Foot Run 8 – 11 a.m. starting at the East Cliff Village Shopping Center and running three miles along the Santa Cruz coastline, to the Capitola Esplanade. Preregister – Shuttles will be available.

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“Beach Festival” page 7

WEEKENDS

SEPT 15th thru OCT 21st Rock Concert Series Free Every Saturday Children 12 & Under Free Every Weeekend

NorCalRenFaire.com 4 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Community News

Public Comment Period Now Open

Proposed North Coast Rail Trail Project Draft Environmental Impact Report

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he Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed North Coast Rail Trail Project. The 45-day public review and comment period is open from Aug. 9 to Sept. 24, 2018.

The proposed Project is a 7.5-mile multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trail that would extend along the rail corridor from Wilder Ranch State Park on the south to Davenport on the north in unincorporated Santa Cruz County.

It comprises the majority of Segment 5 of the larger Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail (MBSST) Network. In addition

to the trail, the proposed Project includes improvements to three existing parking areas with connections to the trail.

The Draft EIR, prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, identifies potentially significant impacts to a number of required environmental topics, including Aesthetics, Agricultural Resources, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology/ Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards/ Hazardous Materials, Hydrology/Water Quality, Noise, Transportation/Traffic, and Tribal Cultural Resources.

“Rail Trail” page 7

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Community News EXPERT ADVICE & DELIVERY!

Reopening of Renovated Goodwill Capitola Store

Board Members, Staff Reflect On Legacy Of Service And Opportunity

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ith the grand reopening of the Capitola Goodwill store on Aug. 22, outgoing board members Walt Henning and Charles Leigh-Wood – who played key roles in the development of Goodwill’s strategy – and Capitola store staff, production supervisor and assistant manager Jessica Hogue and Taylor Strang, respectively, all reflect on the mission of the organization.

Henning, who is completing his service on the Board at the end of the year, says that the renovations of the Capitola and downtown Santa Cruz stores means that all four stores in Santa Cruz County have been renovated in the last two years.

“Our employees have never had better, safer working conditions than they do right now,” said Henning.

Leigh-Wood says that even though Goodwill moved their headquarters to Salinas a year ago, they remain committed

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to Santa Cruz County and have expanded their workforce development partnership with the County of Santa Cruz. In the last year, Goodwill has provided work experience training hundreds of individuals referred by the county.

Both Henning and Leigh-Wood emphasize that Goodwill Central Coast is a community-based nonprofit organization with a charitable mission and both take pride in the organization’s good work.

Hogue, production supervisor, started with Goodwill six years ago as a temporary employee helping with Halloween and now manages 12 employees in a production space that has tripled due to the renovations. “I’m now a leader within Goodwill and have a career rather than just a job.”

“I started in 2014 as a participant in Goodwill’s work experience program. Now I’m the assistant manager for our biggest store,” says Taylor, who says that she has benefitted from Goodwill expansion.

“The expansion of our Capitola store,” said Taylor, “has made it possible to accept, process and sell more donations which opens up more jobs for our local community. Not only has it created a better work environment for employees but a more organized shopping experience for our customers.”

The store at 1550 41st Avenue in Capitola will host city officials, Goodwill board members and staff for a grand reopening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug.

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Ed Durkee (left), President & CEO of Goodwill Central Coast welcomes First Customer mayor Michael Termini 22, and will open to the public at 9 a.m.

The store has expanded into an adjacent space, growing from 11,500 square feet to 17,500 square feet, expanding and improving its donation processing area and retail sales floor. The expansion also allows Goodwill to add six more full-time employees to its current 24 employees.

“We still have a very strong commitment to Santa Cruz County,” said Ed Durkee, President and CEO, referring to the recent move of Goodwill Central Coast headquarters from Santa Cruz to Salinas.

“Goodwill” page 7

“Goodwill” from page 6 “Once completed, we will have remodeled, moved or renovated all four retail stores in Santa Cruz County in less than 24 months,” Durkee continued. “This is all part of our strategy to serve the community by turning their donations into the best jobs possible.”

Goodwill’s Santa Cruz store at 204 Union St. is also getting a new look and is scheduled for completion about the same time as the Capitola store.

Andy Stone, director of the Santa Cruz County Workforce Development Board, says that Goodwill is a good partner of the County. “The County likes working with Goodwill because of the number of high quality worksites that they have throughout the County.” He said that Strang, the assistant manager of the Capitola store, is a great example of how

“Beach Festival” from page 4 Horseshoes in the Sand 7 a.m. - Finish is the doubles tournament at Capitola Beach in front of Zelda’s Restaurant. Teams will be chosen by drawing names from a hat.

Preregister – Check-in time 7:00 - 8:00 am.

Sponsored by Zelda’s Lighted Nautical Parade on Soquel Creek 7 – 8 pm when Saturday will end with a parade of lighted barges between the trestle and the lagoon guided by designated Creek Marshalls. Float builders who wish to light up a barge must Preregister – the number of barges is limited to 12. There will be no access to the trestle during the Lighted Parade.

Sunday, Sept 30: ishing Derby 6:30 a.m. until Noon.

Registration begins at 6:30 AM near the end of the Capitola Wharf. Bring your own fishing poles. Open to all ages. Final Tally

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“Rail Trail” from page 5 The RTC is seeking public input on the environmental issues contained in the Draft EIR. Comments may be provided in writing or by verbal testimony at one of two public meetings. All written comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2018 to the RTC office (Attn: Cory Caletti, Senior Transportation Planner, 1523 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060) or by email (NCRTDraftEIR@ sccrtc.org). Verbal comments may be provided at the public meetings on Aug. 22, 2018, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Santa Cruz Police Station, Community Room (155 Center St., Santa Cruz), and on Aug. 23, 5:30-7 p.m. at Pacific Elementary

Ed Durkee, President & CEO of Goodwill Central Coast Announces Opening. county residents can use County services to get back into the labor market.

Goodwill Central Coast, a private

501(c)3 non-profit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa

Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo.

Goodwill Central Coast now employs over 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators.

Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 9,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work. n ••• Capitola Goodwill Donation Center and Store, 1550 41st Avenue, Capitola, (831) 4621300 Website: https://www.ccgoodwill.org Store hours: 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday

begins at 11 AM. Sponsored by Paradise Beach Grille Sand Sculpture Contest 8 a.m. to Noon at Capitola Beach. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. on the beach. Trophy judging will be held at Noon. Sponsored by Capitola Self Storage Chalk Art on the Seawall 9 a.m. – Noon.

Sign up at Esplanade Park. Children preschool age and above are welcome to create their own masterpiece atop the seawall on the Esplanade for all to enjoy! Art chalk provided. Sponsored by Capitola Candy Company Rowboat Races beginning at 1 p.m. until Finish. Registration at the pathway by the Stockton Bridge from NOON until 1 p.m. Timed races on Soquel Creek with two people per boat - We supply the boats! Sponsored by Ironworkers Local #377.

••• Truly, there is such a thing as a perfect ending to summer. n School, Blue Multipurpose Building (50 Ocean St., Davenport).

The Notice of Availability and the Draft EIR are available online at https:// sccrtc.org/projects/multi-modal/ monterey-bay-sanctuary-scenic-trail/ north-coast-rail-trail/https://www.sccrtc. org/. Electronic copies on thumb drives are available at the RTC office (1523 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz).

Hard copies are available for review at the RTC office as well as at the Davenport Resource Service Center, 150 Church St., Davenport, and the Santa Cruz Public Libraries: Downtown Branch (224 Church St., Santa Cruz); Aptos Branch (7695 Soquel Dr., Aptos); and Watsonville Public Library (275 Main St., #100, Watsonville). n

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7 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Community News

SC Neighbors 10th annual City-wide Block Party SANTA CRUZ — Are you ready to meet your neighbors, have fun, share your lives, and have good food?? Then have a Block Party! SantaCruzNeighbors.org will help you achieve this exciting and rewarding experience.

Santa Cruz Neighbors, Inc. is encouraging the residents of Santa Cruz to participate in the 10th annual Santa Cruz Neighbors’ City-wide Block Parties, to be held Sunday, September 30 any time from noon to 8 p.m. Participation from the City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Police Department, Fire Department and other

City Departments along with UC Santa Cruz are planning to visit Neighbors’ Block Parties that day.

Day – Sunday, September 30 Santa Cruz Neighbors 10th Annual Block Party.

(It’s never too early to start planning for this event!)

Time – Noon to 8 p.m. We find that the best start is 2-3 pm as neighbors are more readily available after their home duties and set up times aren’t so early.

Location – Your street, driveway, yard!

(There are street closure requirements.)

Your Team – You as a Block Party Lead

Community Briefs

Friends of the Capitola Branch Library Used Book Store Capitola Mall near the Main Entrance, next to Starbucks he Friends of the Capitola Branch Library will hold their first-of-themonth sale at their used bookstore in the Capitola Mall on Saturday, September1 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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During the month of September, the Friends of the Capitola Branch Library Used Book Store will be open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and every Friday and Sunday from 12 noon - 4:00 p.m.

The store is inside the mall next to Starbucks and across from Chili’s. The Friends will have popcorn for everyone all day on the First Saturday.

••• Your Exceptional Entries Being Accepted for County Fair!

WATSONVILLE — It may just be a hobby, but you’re good at it! It’s time to

must establish a ‘Block Party Team’ in order to make your ‘Block Party Day’ stress free, easy and enjoyable.

Plan – Block Party Lead submit your party request as soon as you have your team assembled to assist. Have team members help you in contacting everyone living on your blocks. Give them a personal face-to-face, invitation. Get their buy in to avoid ‘day of’ conflicts such as parking areas, blocked driveways and other access issues etc.

You should have your flyer created so that you can leave at door if no one is home then go back and contact those who were not home.

Some Neighborhoods have also designed and printed notices to leave on cars with the street closed day and times!

SantaCruzNeighbors.org will help with mobilizing your neighborhood, getting your City Permit, providing ‘City’ guests, creating a flyer, and providing barricades for you to pick up and much more!

Please go to SantaCruzNeighbors.org for all the support you need.

Come join our Santa Cruz Neighbors Meetings at the SCPD Community Room!

Contact us at email@santacruzneighbors. org or call 831 423-0745 Deborah Elston. n ••• Santa Cruz Neighbors is a citywide 501c3 non-profit since 2001 that helps a network

share your passion by entering what you create into one or more of the departments at the 2018 Santa Cruz County Fair.

The entry categories range from Collections and Hobbies to Fine Arts, Photography, Legos, Canned Goods, Flowers, Quilts and too many others to list. Many departments are still accepting entries, some as late as the weekend prior to the Fair’s opening on September 12. The best way to learn how to enter and by when is to visit santacruzcountyfair.com and click on Entry Guides.

The Santa Cruz County Fair celebrates the rich agricultural history of our community and people, and invests heavily in bringing this heritage to our youth. The 2018 Fair will be held September 12-16 at the Fairgrounds located on Highway 152

8 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

of neighborhoods to partner with, local government, educational institutions, and local businesses, and non-profits dedicated to safer neighborhoods, a Community oriented government and provides a neighborhood voice for the residents of Santa Cruz.

just east of Watsonville. Information on the Fair, and the Fairgrounds — a year round entertainment and event venue, can be found at santacruzcountyfair.com n

Community News

September 8 Mole & Mariachi Festival

Events Benefit Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park SANTA CRUZ — Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends), a non-profit organization dedicated to sustaining the legacy of our state parks and beaches, announced its sixth annual Mole & Mariachi Festival to be held on Saturday, September 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park (144 School St.) in downtown Santa Cruz.

The festival features a Mole Tasting Competition, Mariachi Bands, Folkloric Dancers, Kids Activities & More. Moles, a traditional Mexican sauce, sometimes made using chocolate, will be available to sample. Competitors include last year’s Judges’ Choice winner Margaretville Capitola, and last year’s People’s Choice winner Chef Emma Pinto/Mama Marquita, as well as fan favorite My Mom’s Mole.

Performances will include music by Mariachi Gilroy and Mariachi Infantil Alma de Mexico, and folkloric dance by Estrellas de Esperanza and Senderos.

Admission to the solar-powered, zero-waste community event is free and attendees are encouraged to bring refillable

water bottles for free water. Transportation options include free bike valet and free shuttle from downtown Santa Cruz with stops to include Locust Street Garage and Del Mar Theater.

Attendees will have the option to purchase six tasting tickets for $10. Attendees wishing to sample additional mole may purchase single tasting tickets for $2 each.

Mole sauces will be judged by event attendees who will cast their vote for a People’s Choice Award, and by a panel of local celebrity judges who will select a Judge’s Choice Award.

People’s Choice Voting will take place at a ballot box stationed at each Mole chef’s table.

Attendees can also purchase tamales,

tacos and more from local vendors who will also be selling beer from Discretion Brewing, wine by Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, chavelas (a drink made with beer, tomato juice and spices) and aguas frescas.

Free children’s activities include piñatas every hour, paper crafts and free face painting. All proceeds benefit the interior restoration Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. n

Project Bike Tech CourseApproved For College Elective Credit In California SANTA CRUZ — The Bicycle Technology 1 course, created by Project Bike Tech and available in select Santa Cruz County area high schools, is now UC/USC “g” approved for college elective credit.

Project Bike Tech (PBT) is the leading high school focused bicycle mechanics program in the country. Throughout its ten-year history, PBT has helped prepare numerous young people for careers in the bicycle industry and beyond.

Founded in Santa Cruz, California, PBT has attracted a broad range of supporters from across the bicycle industry and is poised to bring its program to high school students across the country.

The PBT course has been well received by an educational system that is increasingly demanding more Career Technical Education programs which prepare students to be college and/ or career ready upon graduation.

The intent of the college-preparatory elective requirement for PBT students is to encourage prospective UC students to fill out their high school programs with courses taken in grades 9-12 that will meet a number of objectives, giving them a jump on college credits.

This ensures that students completing a Bicycle Technology 1 course have attained

a body of general knowledge that will provide breadth and perspective to new, more advanced study.

Courses specifically approved in the “g” subject area include those such as political science, economics, geography, psychology, sociology, computer science, computer programming and others. The Bicycle Technology 1 elective course has

Letter to the Editor

Donor Funds New Concert Grand Piano generous anonymous donor has funded a new KAWAI GX7 Concert Grand Piano for The Aptos Keyboard Series. This highly respected piano will grace the sanctuary of the Episcopal Church of Saint John in Aptos where the Keyboard Series are held. The Keyboard Series, Saint John Church and the Aptos community at large wishes to thank the Aptos Times for its support in running an ad in search of a piano! Thank you Noel Smith, Editor.

— Josef Sekon, D.M.A. Artistic Director, Aptos Keyboard Series

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9 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

appropriate prerequisites and presents material at a sufficient depth to allow students to achieve mastery of fundamental knowledge that prepares them for University work or a future career path. n ••• For more information about Project Bike Tech please visit www.projectbiketech.org or email at info@projectbiketech.org

Community News

Northern California Renaissance Faire

Six Weekends of Spellbinding Mystery and Adventure at Casa de Fruta

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uzzah! This fall, immerse yourself in an authentic Renaissance village, with live music, themed celebrations, hearty food, and a thriving marketplace of unique, hand-crafted goods. For the first time, due to the growing demand to partake in this one-ofa-kind experience, the Northern California Renaissance Faire is now running for SIX weekends, starting September 15 through October 21.

You can find this enchanted wonderland at Casa de Fruta in Hollister next to Highway 152 where Her Maje s t y ’ s subjects have created Willingtown, a village under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I. For a brief magical time, the Queen will allow you to become one of her loyal subjects, too!

While you’re welcome to arrive at the Faire in those strange 21st century clothes, it’s far more fun to don a

September 15 through October 21

costume (you can rent or buy at the Faire) and immerse yourself into this thriving, revolutionary time. Create your character—it’s entirely up to you! You can be anything, be it a peasant, knight, princess, pirate, or even superhero. The Faire is your playground where you can become whatever suits your fancy.

Each day at the Faire, courageous knights engage in battles of skill to entertain the Queen, so be sure to cheer on the knight of your choice during the legendary full-contact joust in the World Tournament of Champions Arena. Once you’ve had your fill of witnessing heroic feats, head over to the other stages to watch improv troupes, comedy acts, Shakespearean dramas, dancing, fire eating and more. Then, meander through the marketplace and shop from a variety of master artisans offering old world designs, handcrafted works of art, blown glass, knives and swords, leather, wood, jewelry and much more.

Spending the day enjoying hilarious performances and shopping the marketplace can work up quite an appetite, so it’s a good thing that the Faire offers delicious food, like its famous juicy turkey legs, meat pies, grilled artichokes, fruit ices, and incredible selection of ciders, ales, and beers.

Each weekend, the Renaissance Faire offers special themes and discounts.

After the opening weekend extravaganza, brace yourself because plundering pirates are invading the Faire for week two!

Once we purge the place of pesky pirates, Heroes & Villains will take up leadership of Willingtown for the third weekend, so be sure to dress as your favorite idol or evil-doer.

10 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Bring your drinking crew for the fourth weekend, for that is the Faire’s very own Oktoberfest! For the fifth weekend, don your masks and join the Royal Masquerade. The season is topped off with a Halloween Fantasy celebration for the Faire’s final two days.

In addition to these themed celebrations, every weekend features delightful performances, including comedy shows, fortune tellers, sword fights and more. What are you waiting for? Kids 12 and under are always free, so gather your family or trusty crew of friends and we’ll see you in Willingtown this year!

Northern California Renaissance Faire – Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway (CA Hwy 152) Hollister, CA 95023 A Play Faire Production every Saturday and Sunday September 15 through October 2 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

(Celtic Rock Series every Saturday night at 6 p.m. FREE with general admission) $28 at the gate; children 12 and under will be admitted FREE the entire run of the Faire n ••• For Tickets and Info: www.norcalrenfaire. com

Community News

Community Bridges Dinner Raises $63k

APTOS — The third annual Farm to Fork Gala, benefiting local nonprofit Community Bridges, raised over $63,000 for the organization’s ten human services programs across Santa Cruz County.

The August 4 event, held at Aptos Village Park, featured a locally sourced dinner by Teen Kitchen Project, local wines, Discretion Brewing beer, a live band, a live auction and an address by Tom Broz, owner of Live Earth Farm and president of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

Event proceeds will benefit Community Bridges’ family of 10 programs that collectively serve 20,000 children, families and seniors in Santa Cruz County each year.

Business and media sponsors of the event included: • Aegis of Aptos • Bontadelli Farms • California Giant Berry Farms • Driscoll’s • Granite Construction • KION 5/46 • Langlois Fancy Frozen Foods • LPL Financial • Nordic Naturals • Santa Cruz Sentinel • Sutter Maternity &

Surgery Center • System Studies • Times Publishing Group.

Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Together, our family of programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. To learn more, please visitwww.communitybridges.org.

The Community Bridges family of programs includes: • Child & Adult Care Food Program • Child Development Division • Women, Infants and Children (WIC) • La Manzana Community Resources • Live Oak Community Resources • Mountain Community Resources • Nueva Vista Community Resources • Elderday Adult Day Health Care • Lift Line • Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County. n

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Community News

Capitola Local News

41st Avenue Losing Major Retailers ithin 2 days of each other during the week of August 20 Orchard Supply Hardware (owned by hardware giant Lowe’s) in the King’s Plaza Shopping Center and Sears in the Capitola Mall announced they would be closing their stores here in Capitola before the end of 2018. According to Capitola City Manager Jamie Goldstein the loss of these two retail establishments will indeed have a major effect on the city’s sales tax revenue until other businesses are found to take their place.

Orchard Supply Hardware owe’s abruptly announced Wednesday, August 22 that they intend to shutter all 99 Orchard Supply Hardware stores by the end of the year in California, Oregon and Florida even though several of the OSH stores had recently opened in California and Florida.

OSH closing sales have already started.

The San Jose-based hardware store chain was founded in 1931 and North Carolinabased Lowe’s purchased the hardware chain in 2013.

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Sears spokesperson for Sears Holdings said 46 unprofitable Sears and K-Mart stores nationwide will be shuttered in November as the retail giant tries to “streamline” operations, improve its capital position and focus on the most successful stores. Liquidation sales will begin as early as Aug. 30. Over the past year, the chain has announced the closures of more than 160 Sears and Kmart locations.

••• St. John’s Helpful Shop Closed After 65 Years t. John’s Helpful Shop, the first to open in Capitola, was two blocks from

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Capitola Beach on the ground floor of a two-story building built in 1928 at 101 Capitola Ave. The shop operated by the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist raised thousands of dollars for local charities such as the Homeless Services Center, Save Our Shores and 21st Century Vets during its 65 years selling donated goods. The family that owned the building kept the rent low making it possible for the shop to raise $36,000 or more annually in recent years.

••• Other Village Retail Closures wo other shops have announced they plan to close in September: Reclaimed in Love, which sells locally-crafted wood crafts, and BFF Boutique, which sells vintage and designer recycled fashions.

••• Capitola Trestle Controversy he Santa Cruz County Superior Court ruling on Monday, August 20 cleared the way for a local initiative measure to go before Capitola voters this November. If approved by voters, the initiative would direct the City of Capitola to “take all steps necessary to preserve and utilize

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the Corridor and Trestle for active transportation and recreation.” It would also prevent the City from expending funds or resources “related to the construction, reconstruction, operation, maintenance, financing, marketing, or signage for a detour of the Trail onto Capitola streets or sidewalks.”

In essence, the ballot measure would try to require the city to keep the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network location such that it would have to cross Capitola Village’s trestle bridge over Soquel Creek. However, the current design of the structure is deemed to be too narrow to simultaneously support rail service and the scenic trail.

“Local News” page 17

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Community News

Brother and Sister Endure Cancer Together H aving two young children born a year apart is challenging. But, when both of your children are diagnosed with cancer within one week of one another, the challenges are nearly unbearable.

Aiden (3) and Aubree (2) were both diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer that starts in the retina, the very back part of the eye. It is the most common type of eye cancer in children, and is generally treated with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

In spite of the emotional and physical challenges, Aiden and Aubree are courageously fighting the cancer monster... together. In the midst of treatment, you can find these two coloring and reading their favorite books to one another. And whenever possible, you’ll find them playing outside with their beautiful smiles radiating the deep bond they share.

The support from Jacob’s Heart has been vital. Aiden and Aubree’s parents

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appreciate the support groups, groceries, gas cards and Art from the Heart. Most importantly, without family nearby, Jacob’s Heart has been a safety net of support and love for the entire family.

We’ve selected Aiden and Aubree as our “Children of the Month” because these two cancer warriors demonstrate the true meaning of brotherly and sisterly love.

Aiden and Aubree’s family have become part of the Jacob’s Heart family— at Jacob’s Heart, once you’re family, you’re always family. n ••• Jacob’s Heart, 680 West Beach Street, Watsonville, CA 95076. Telephone: 831-724-9100, Email: admin@jacobsheart.org Website: https:// www.jacobsheart.org

Investing is about more than money.

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Contact your Edward Jones financial advisor for a one-on-one appointment to discuss what’s really important: your goals.

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Office for Economic Development (OED) Debuts New Website

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he Santa Cruz County Office for Economic Development (OED) is proud to debut a new website aimed at assisting businesses interested in locating or growing in Santa Cruz County.

Available at www.sccvitality.org, the site offers information and assistance to business owners, includes an interactive map of completed and pending projects

and has links to the Santa Cruz County Economic Vitality Strategy and other key documents.

It also offers information about participating in OED’s annual Micro Business Summit and Small Business Saturday events.

“OED” page 17 13 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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Community News

Behind The Scenes of the Dominican Rehab Garden W hen Dr. Keith McKenzie first envisioned healing gardens in the hospital, he never imagined the result would be so incredible. Keith chaired the effort to encourage the Foundation to develop a master plan to create several gardens throughout Dominican Hospital.

The new Monterey Peninsula Foundation Rehab Garden at Dominican has come to life with some heartwarming and amazing details.

Designed by local architect Joanie Janecki, the garden is filled with significant elements and local involvement. Beautiful globe lights designed by Joanie’s firm, were created by Roy Johnson of Johnson lighting in Soquel.

But much to the surprise of Beverly Grova, the hospital’s vice president of philanthropy, she discovered that Lupe Santos, who is a food service worker in the hospital’s cafeteria, also works for Roy Johnson and helped fabricate the lights. He showed her a photo of the lights in progress with much pride.

At night, the garden comes to light to

the delight of patients and surrounding rooms including moms with new babies and children in our pediatric rooms.

Dr. Jennie Jet, co-director of the Acute Rehabilitation Unit, recently came up to Beverly and said that while her patients are able to use the gardens for rehabilitation, she had a more personal connection.

Dr. Jet explained that as she walks in the garden each morning, she takes the beautiful handcrafted stick and rings the healing bell one time while she thinks about how grateful she is to live in beautiful Santa Cruz, to have her job (which she loves at Dominican) and to have the honor to take care of her patients each day. On her way home, she rings the bell again and says it’s a wonderful way to begin and end her day at the hospital. The bell was donated by local sculptor, Angelo Grova.

Thanks to Rodney Terra, contractor, some of the garden’s beautiful details were further enhanced. Rodney, in addition to being president of FTG Construction, is also a welder and a metal worker. When funds ran short, Rodney fashioned some

of the metal elements in the garden himself.

He helped weld the beautiful metal fence cut out with flowers and butterflies and when Big Creek Lumber donated all the redwood for the garden, Rodney fashioned all the metal brackets that clad the posts as another donation to the gardens.

The garden is a labor of love and patients and therapists are enjoying its rehabilitative aspects. The garden exists because over 600 community members, foundations and employees, and physicians helped make it happen. Marc Monte is one of those people.

He named the putting green in honor of his father and mother. His mother, Doris, just recently passed away and Marc is very grateful that she is recognized in the garden, especially since she loved to volunteer at the hospital.

Recently one of our nurses said that his 30 minute lunch break in the garden felt like he just had a two hour break and made him feel restored. The garden is used for therapy, meetings and lunch breaks by physicians, nurses, employees and therapists. It is already a well-used place at the

hospital, even the finches have discovered that the fountain makes a wonderful birdbath. We invite you to visit. It’s right off of the front entry. n ••• Dominican Hospital 1555 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065. Open 24 hours.

Phone: (831) 462-7700. Website: www.dignityhealth.org/bayarea/locations/dominican

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Happy, healthy and high performing: Kirby School is a place to belong. Contact our Admissions Director (831-423-0658 x202) to learn more about our outstanding program and our welcoming community. We look forward to meeting you at our Open House on Saturday, October 20th.

KIRBY.ORG/VISIT 14 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Community News

Illegal Dumping Website Debuts T he County of Santa Cruz announced a new website dedicated to reducing illegal dumping throughout Santa Cruz County.

Illegal dumping can have negative consequences to neighborhoods and the environment, can become breeding grounds for pests and diseases and has significant financial penalties for violators.

The new site — http://www.stop dumping.us — provides residents with information about illegal dumping, including multi-jurisdictional information on reporting illegal dumping, links to download mobile apps allowing residents to report dumping through their phones, information about scheduling curbside collections of bulky items, a list of approved refuse haulers, and a form to report illegal dumping.

At its Buena Vista Landfill and Ben Lomond Transfer Station sites, the County accepts recycled materials including Styrofoam, cans, cardboard/paper, metal items, books and CDs/DVDs, batteries, eWaste and

household electronics and more. Household hazardous waste is also accepted. Check dpw.santacruzcounty.us for hours.

Used mattresses are accepted at no cost.

Construction debris and tires are accepted for a small fee. County ordinances also provide for the collections of sharps and unused prescription medications. Check your local pharmacy for more. The County also maintains its own cleanup crews, and recently contracted with the Downtown Streets Team to conduct cleanups of North Coast beaches. n Santa Cruz County’s award-winning recycling and solid waste programs have been recognized throughout the country.

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Community News

Board Places Sales Tax On November Ballot

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — With a track record of responsible fiscal stewardship and citing the need to address critical unmet needs throughout the county, the Board opted to ask voters to approve a sales tax increase to provide services in the areas of homelessness and behavioral health, as well as construct new public parks facilities.

Those needs include new North and South County homeless shelters and navigation centers; public safety and behavioral health outreach to low-level street offenders; and completion of several new parks, including LEO’s Haven, the County’s first all-inclusive playground for children of all abilities.

“We can do more,” Supervisors Zach Friend said. “Throughout the County, the public is asking for additional programs and services to address unmet needs, and we believe we can effectively provide those services if voters give us the opportunity to do so.”

9 % Unincorporated Area Sales Tax ccording to the Santa Cruz Sentinel the Sales Tax would raise “an estimated $5.75 million annually for county coffers. The tax increase would not apply

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within the borders of Santa Cruz County’s four cities, which already have a sales tax of 9 or 9.25 percent.”

If approved, sales taxes in the unincorporated area would increase to 9 percent, which remains at or below sales taxes in local cities. The current unincorporated sales tax is 8.5 percent. The tax would sunset after 12 years.

Needs were identified during recent public budget hearings, including a focused deterrence initiative for homeless individuals suffering from mental health and substance use disorders but who are resistant to services.

“There are significant, effective services available for people who want help,” Sheriff Jim Hart said. “But we’ve identified a gap for people with mental health and substance use issues so far outside social norms that it can’t be tolerated.

These people place themselves and others in danger, and refuse treatment despite repeated encounters with law enforcement and the courts. By applying additional public safety and behavioral health resources, we believe we can make a dif-

ference and get these individuals the help they need.”

The County is also leading local efforts to establish year-round, 24-hour shelter and navigation centers in North and South County, servicing approximately 150 and 40 individuals, respectively. This cost for these permanent shelters would be ongoing.

County staff also identified the need to fulfill the County’s commitment of $1.125 million in matching funds to preserve Chanticleer Park and build LEO’s Haven, a new playground with numerous accessible structures and features for children with disabilities.

“We are close to meeting all our fundraising goals for Chanticleer Park and LEO’s Haven,” said Mariah Roberts, a Live Oak mother who has worked with Watsonville resident Patricia Potts to raise private funding for the park.

“To be on the verge of creating something that will have a lasting impact on the children of Santa Cruz County is an opportunity that cannot be missed,” Roberts added.

Other park needs include matching funds for a planned Felton Nature Park adjacent to

the new Felton Library, which would be the County’s first outdoor education facility in the San Lorenzo Valley; the Heart of Soquel Linear Parkway, which connects Soquel Village with Soquel Creek; completion of Mid-County’s Farm Park; upgrades to Aptos Village Park; funding for South County parks; restoration and upgrades to Simpkins Family Swim Center; and additional park maintenance and recreation staff to provide oversight for parks facilities and increase youth and senior programs.

If implemented, the sales tax would only apply in unincorporated areas of the county.

However, since all residents are expected to benefit from the programs and services, every voter in Santa Cruz County will be allowed to vote on the proposal. n

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Tickets & Info: www.thefoodbank.org/chefsdinner2018 Premier Sponsors Annual benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank’s Food For Children program

16 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“OED” from page 13 “We are glad to be able to offer local business owners a one-stop shop for assisting them with their needs,” Economic Development Manager Andy Constable said. “Our new website will serve as a point-of-entry for projects as we work to build our local economy and provide family-wage jobs.”

Creating a Dynamic Economy is one of the Focus Areas of the recently adopted Santa Cruz County Strategic Plan, including developing opportunities for the local workforce; creating

robust shopping, dining, cultural and gathering spaces; strengthening and retaining small businesses and key sectors; and supporting partnerships that promote early learning, higher education, and vocational and lifelong studies.

The Office for Economic Development is located at: 701 Ocean Street Room 520 (Fifth Floor) County Administrator’s Office, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Tel#: 831454-2100. n ••• Learn more at www.santacruzcounty. us/sp

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“Local News” from page 12 The current condition of the trestle is such that it needs significant reconstruction before it could again be used for railway traffic. This may make it possible for the needed renovation of the trestle to include improvements making both rail and trail possible, but at what cost needs to be determined.

Greenway Capitola sponsored the ballot initiative and is an associate of Santa Cruz County Greenway, a group advocating against the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission’s plans to operate a rail line with a trail. n ••• Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (https://sccrtc.org), Santa Cruz County Elections Department (http:// www.votescount.com), City of Capitola (http:// www.cityofcapitola.org), Greenway Capitola Website (https://greenwaycapitola.org), Greenway Santa Cruz County Website (https:// sccgreenway.org)

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Community News

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n artist will be selected to create a site-specific public art component for the Behavioral Health Office Building (BHOB) in Watsonville. All experienced professional artists, including those who are new to the field of public art, are encouraged to apply.

Accepted art forms for this project are murals, mosaics, and metal sculpture (low profile, attached to wall). The deadline for submitting a proposal is September 12, 2018.

Estimated Project Timeline September 7, 2018 — Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. This is not a postmark deadline. Mail or deliver the application package; faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted.

Mid-September 2018 — Public Art Selection Panel to meet and review proposals. Up to two artists will be selected to interview with the panel and present a more developed project proposal.

Early October 2018 — Artists present their proposals to Selection Panel; finalist selected.

Mid-October 2018 — Selection Panel submits recommendation of public artist for the BHOB project to Arts Commission. If approved by Arts Commission to continue in the selection process, artist and County begin contract process.

Late November 2018 — Artist’s proposal and contract goes before the Board of Supervisors for consideration. If approved, artist may begin work on the project.

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Background he new Behavioral Health Office Building (BHOB) was built within the existing developed area of the County Freedom Boulevard campus. The new building of approximately 13,000 SF is designed to separate adult and child services, and is located adjacent to a recently completed health clinic, optimizing coordination of shared resources and visitor convenience.

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Important Proposal Considerations iven the nature of the facility and its clientele, many of whom would find bold, strongly abstract images unsettling, it is preferred that the proposed artwork employ subtle shapes and/or muted tones, that it be warm and welcoming, and provide a calming message.

Limited public-access areas inside the building, as well as the exterior wall treatments, require the public artwork for the BHOB be situated on the exterior wall of an adjacent existing building. As such, proposals for a mural, mosaic, or metal relief sculpture are the only art forms that will be considered for this project.

Inclusion of the community and BHOB clientele in some aspect of the project is desirable. (e.g. they assist in creation of one or two additional small pieces that could be installed in each of the entry areas) Preparation of the wall (e.g. washing, priming), as well as any finish work required, must be included in the artist’s budget; no additional funding is available for this work.

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“Call to Artists” page 24

Community News

Celebrating Our Local Health Centers

NEW ORLEANS INSPIRED

National Health Center Week Bus Tour

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he Health Improvement Partnership (HIP) and Safety Net Clinic Coalition of Santa Cruz County (SNCC) held a health center bus tour to celebrate National Health Center Week 2018. The event was part of a national campaign during the week of August 12 – 18 to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of Santa Cruz County’s Health Centers and the dedicated staff who bring healthcare to the medically underserved in our local communities.

In honor of National Health Center Week, HIP hosted a countywide bus tour of all health centers on Thursday, August 16, from 8:00 to 11:30 am. The health center bus tour brought healthcare leaders, Santa Cruz County representatives, health center donors, and other related figures to visit five health centers. The visitors learned about the comprehensive healthcare services provided at each health center.

To commence the event, County Supervisor-Zach Friend presented a proclamation declaring National Health Center week on behalf of the County. Each health center celebrated a Health Center Superhero — one staff from their organization who epitomizes their mission - to provide high-quality healthcare to all.

While visiting each health center, tour attendees learned of various existing services, patient demographics, and upcoming new and innovative programs.

The bus tour began at East Cliff Family Health Center in Santa Cruz after an introduction by Elisa Orona, Executive Director of HIP. Next, the tour passed by the planned Dientes Community Dental site with a presentation from Chief Executive Officer, Laura Marcus.

The bus route continued down the coast to the Watsonville Health and Dental Center where Amy Peeler, Chief of Clinic Services of Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, hosted the site tour. Next, the bus passed by Planned Parenthood Mar Monte with a presentation given by Eva Montes-Portis, Area Services Director.

The final stop was at Salud Para La Gente where tour guests were led through the clinic and provided with relevant information about its services and recent expansion. The event concluded with a networking luncheon back at the East Cliff site in Santa Cruz.

This celebration recognized the incredible work of community health centers and their dedicated staff members who work closely with the community every day to deliver quality care. Dr. Amy McEntee, Chief Medical Officer of Salud Para La Gente, spoke about the incredible work of these staff members, “Our clinic staff from facilities team, receptionists to our care providers, make it possible for our health centers to expand comprehensive care that is responsive to those most vulnerable in the community.”

Santa Cruz County joined thousands of communities across the nation to recognize and celebrate the innovative work of Safety Net Health Centers. To learn more about NHCW and the listing of events, please visit www.healthcenterweek.org. n ••• Health Improvement Partnership is a nonprofit coalition of public and private healthcare leaders dedicated to increasing access to health care and building stronger local healthcare systems.

Launched in 2004, HIP’s member organizations represent Santa Cruz County’s major health care providers and other key community stakeholders.

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3555 Clares St, Suite TT, Capitola, CA | 831-295-6372 | RouxDatCajunCreole.com

19 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Community News

Understanding the November Ballot 7960 Soquel Drive  Aptos, CA 95003

Welcome to a new & exciting era in Aptos Dance!

7970 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA • 831.684.1800 • www.kristysschoolofdance.weebly.com

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By Zach Friend

he November ballot will have a number of measures at the state and local level. Statewide, Proposition 6 is receiving the most attention. It’s a proposed repeal of SB 1 — adopted by the legislature to address the backlog of deferred road maintenance by increasing the gas tax and vehicle registration fees.

The most notable in the County are a bond measure for affordable housing and a sales tax for the unincorporated area. I wanted to provide an overview of the three of these items and welcome any additional questions you have.

••• Countywide $140 Million Affordable Housing Bond diverse coalition of local business leaders, non-profits housing developers, agriculture business leaders, schools and community organizations (and more) worked for about two years in preparation for a possible affordable housing measure.

At issue is the remarkable affordability challenge in our County, which ranks our County as one of the least affordable places in the world according to a recent international affordable housing study. With a median home price of over $900,000 for a

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Let it Shine HAIR SALON

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Since 1926

Instruments / Accessories / Sheet Music / Sales / Rentals / Lessons 831-724-4798 7960J Soquel Dr. musicstoreguy@earthlink.net Aptos, CA 95003

single-family residence homeownership is out of reach for the majority of Santa Cruz County residents.

According to the California Association of Realtors Traditional Housing Affordability Index, only about 15 percent of households can afford to purchase the median priced home. The rental housing market fares no better, with the rent for a two-bedroom apartment registering at around $3,200.

High Housing Costs igh housing costs inhibit the sustainability of our community and of our workforce. Individuals and families are increasingly locked out of the local housing market and forced to take on increasingly long commutes to reach employment.

High housing costs also exacerbate other challenges our community is confronting, including economic opportunity and vitality, traffic congestion, greenhouse gas generation and homelessness.

In addition, when households spend more than half their incomes on housing costs, they have significantly less money to pay for other necessary expenses such as childcare, medical expenses, and food, as well as less discretionary income to spend at local businesses.

Housing costs, and the lack of available housing, is the number one issue that I hear about in my office. Hospitals that are unable to recruit doctors, local businesses that say they can’t retain employees, teachers and public safety unable to afford a starter home or driving upwards of three hours to come to work are all common stories.

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“November Ballot” page 24

NEW LOCATION

831.662.3362

7960 Soquel Drive, Suite E • showtimepizzeria.com

Conveniently located off Highway 1 and just outside Aptos Village, the Aptos Village Square hosts a number of local Aptos businesses.

20 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Community News

Montessori School Goes Solar P

“The Way We Were” Directed by Kris Wheeler

September 12, 13, 14 & 15 at 1:00pm September 14 at 7:30pm Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium Tickets: $22

erson Nee P y Times A Month de r e r F

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And A Little Bit of Elvis

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saving money, but are also making a positive environmental impact.”

Maria Montessori, founder of the Montessori system famously said, “The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” The greening of SCM is another step in that educational process, a model for students on how they can be responsible environmental citizens.

Next addition to the solar panels project will be an informational kiosk that will have information for students about how solar energy works. The students will also have access to a digital display of the school’s savings—projected at $85,000 over the next five years--and will be able to track the school’s reduction of CO2 emissions, targeted at 81 tons each year. The kiosk will also acknowledge the generous donors who made this project possible.

All thanks to an under-valued virtue in today’s wired, multi-tasking world: patience. n ••• Santa Cruz Montessori, 6230 Soquel Drive, Aptos, Tel #: 831-476-1646,Website: https://scms.org

Call: (831) 423-6640 Email: santacruzfollies@att.net Facebook: Santa Cruz Follies Website: santacruzfollies.net

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atience is a virtue. A decade of patience makes miracles happen.

In 2008 the Santa Cruz Montessori (SCM) board approved a strategic action plan for the greening of the school. Junior high students in the Wavecrest class were tasked with organizing a Green Science Fair to determine the most effective way the school could go green. The winner: solar panels.

Enter the villain, the economic downturn of 2008. With a shrinking economy, greening plans had to be put on hold.

Fast-forward ten years. The tireless efforts of a capital campaign raised $265,000 through the generosity of parents, grandparents, friends, charitable organizations, and community members who contributed to Santa Cruz Montessori’s Going Solar. As a result, SCM is now 98% energy independent thanks to the 160 solar panels that have been placed on roofs of the school that are well oriented for sun exposure, and the school also has a new roof on the Primary building.

Installed by NorCal Solar in the fall of 2017 and the spring of 2018, the solar panels produce over 104,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) annually, enough to save SCM $17,000 in 2018 alone. At that rate, the solar panels will pay for themselves in about fifteen years. Just as important is the reduction of the school’s carbon footprint—each year the savings in CO2 emissions will be the equivalent of planting nearly 2,000 trees.

“We are thrilled to have environmentally friendly solar panels,” noted Head of School Kim Saxton. “We are not only

Sentimental Journey

Bring Your Own Truck.

(Must Have Pickup)

Valid drivers license and proof of insurance required.

Inquiries call 831•688•7549

21 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Business Profile

Westwind: A Memory Care Community

Committed to Caring for Those Dealing with Dementia

By Noel Smith

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hen you first enter the Westwind Community you are impressed by the openness and the calming colors that surround you. This is a place that is designed to take away the darkness, clutter and confusion from the minds of its residents as its staff provides the helpful assurance to provide a safe and comfortable lifestyle.

The many forms of dementia that are found in our society today take away the ability of the affected individual to deal with everyday life without help and assistance even when their bodies are still fully functional.

Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. When that happens, it falls on those responsible, usually the family, to take care of the physical, medical and emotional needs of that person. As many of these caregivers and families have found out, as dementia progresses what was once an occasional reminder or helpful task becomes a fulltime commitment of care.

There are many forms and causes of dementia. It may be a sudden onset of dementia because of an accident, stroke or surgery. Alzheimer’s and Lewy bodies are the most commonly known dementia.

Many with Parkinson’s Disease also have dementia as a side effect. It could be the

result of drug and/or alcohol misuse or vascular dementia that deprives brain cells of vital oxygen and nutrients. No matter the cause, the results are similar, the inability of the mind to remember, to communicate and to make rational decisions in daily life.

That is why the Westwind Memory Care community is such an important resource for both the resident and for the family/caregiver.

For those caregivers who need a short or long term stay for a well-deserved rest, to take a vacation, to go away on business, or a few days to recover from an illness or injury, Westwind Memory Care offers respite care. This can also be a perfect time for those wishing to have a trial stay to experience Westwind’s staff and neighbors before making a final decision to join their community.

Westwind offers both private and companion suites all with private bathrooms.

The community offers services and activities of daily living designed to support older adults dealing with dementia. Activities are designed to meet the needs of each resident’s interests and abilities. Daily routines are designed to promote cognitive, sensory, creative – with activities such as art programs or music – and physical skills along with social interactions with other residents and staff. Westwind endeavors to find their residents a way to feel useful

and vital, to enjoy and get the most out of their lives.

The program is designed to support life skills to enhance each resident’s ability for self-care encouraging individual activities such as setting the table, folding laundry, and arranging flowers. Meals are also an important experience at Westwind both socially and nutritionally offering seasonal, nutritionally balanced menu’s that include fresh green salads, vegetables, desserts, and more.

The financial resources needed for this level of care are for most a concern.

When the caregiver considers the cost of providing a home, the individual care, the time involved and maintaining the quality of life for both themselves and the one they are caring for, it’s a huge personal and financial responsibility. However, there are resources that do make Westwind a reasonable choice.

Possible Available resources include: • Veterans Affairs offers financial aid for veterans and spouses, which may include memory, care communities.

The support can be significant for those who qualify. To learn more about how the program might benefit you or your family member, visit www.veteranaid.org.

• Long Term Care Insurance can cover a portion of a resident’s stay in a memory care community. The Westwind staff can help identify coverage under your existing insurance policy and will help fill out the necessary forms and will work with your insurance provider, to assist you in receiving your benefits.

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• Reverse Mortgages is a loan that is available to persons aged 62 or more to put home equity to work. Repayment for couples is deferred as long as one person still occupies the home, the home is sold, or the owner/occupant moves out. For more information contact the AARP There are other financial resources that the Westwind staff can help you identify to make it possible for those in need to become part of the memory care community. n ••• Be sure to visit Westwind Memory Care, “a community of caring built on our commitment to respect and dignity,” 160 Jewell Street, Santa Cruz, California 95060. Tel# 831-421-9100. Website: http://www.westwindmemorycare.com

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SCCRTC Measure D Update

t is construction season and the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Watsonville, the County of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz METRO, Community Bridges, and the RTC are putting Measure D funds to work - filling potholes, building new bicycle and walking paths, replacing outdated buses, increasing transportation service for seniors and people with disabilities, and designing major infrastructure projects. The following highlights a few of the Measure D-funded projects that are underway.

Rail Trail Breaking Ground he first Rail Trail section of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network (MBSST) between Natural Bridges Drive to Bay St/California Ave in the City of Santa Cruz (phase 1 of Segment 7) is expected to break ground soon, with construction anticipated to take about 6 months.

The San Lorenzo River Trestle Widening project, improving access for bicycles and pedestrians traveling next to the railroad tracks near the Boardwalk, is anticipated to go out to bid for construction in September or October.

The project to be completed in spring 2019.

The draft environmental document for the North Coast section from Davenport to Wilder Ranch State Park (Segment 5) will be available for public review in the coming weeks.

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Fixing Your Local Streets and Roads ity and County public works departments have been busy repairing local roads and improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the county.

County of Santa Cruz: 2018 Resurfacing Project includes 55 days of summer construction on roadways in Boulder Creek, La Selva Beach, Martin Road, and Miller Road. Maps of construction locations in unincorporated areas are online at: http://2018measuredsantacruzcounty. org/. The work involves the resurfacing of approximately 6.4 miles on 27 roadways in unincorporated areas.

Capitola: Starting this September Capitola will begin construction of its 2018 Slurry Seal Program which will complete pavement repairs and apply a slurry seal on sections of Wharf Road, 46th Avenue, Prospect Avenue, Capitola Avenue, Pine Street, Plum Street, Burlingame Avenue, Del Monte Avenue, and Pilgrim Drive.

Santa Cruz: Citywide Street Reconstruction: The city is repaving roadways citywide and will begin complete reconstruction of Cedar Street from Cathcart Street through the intersection at Elm Street later this summer.

Scotts Valley: Completed work on the Scotts Valley/Mt. Hermon Road intersection in June. Pavement Rehabilitation and Bicycle Paths –Green Hills Road: Started construction in June. New sidewalks on Kings Village Road and Blue Bonnet starting construction later this summer.

Community News

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Watsonville: Measure D funding received in FY17/18 was used on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety and Downtown Revitalization efforts, including - pedestrian safety flashing beacon installed on Main St (see photo), lighting through downtown, and bicycle safety Bike Smart, Walk Smart, and Earn-a-bike programs.

Watsonville is gearing up for more bicycle safety improvements, including signage and traffic markings, trail maintenance, pedestrian and traffic safety improvements, and reconstruction of Green Valley Road starting this fall.

Highway Projects he RTC, working closely with the County of Santa Cruz and Caltrans, is accelerating design work for construction of auxiliary lanes between 41st Avenue and Soquel Drive, and a bicycle/pedestrian

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crossing at Chanticleer. Proposals for engineering services are due July 30.

Caltrans is moving quickly on design of the Highway 17 Wildlife Crossing.

Community members expressed strong enthusiasm for the project at a public meeting held in Scotts Valley this spring.

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County has kicked off its fundraising campaign for funds needed to match Measure D funds allocated to the project.

METRO Rebuilding Fleet with SB1 and Measure D ETRO has acquired 18 new vehicles to replace aging vehicles with more efficient and cleaner running equipment.

Acquisition of the new vehicles was made possible because of Measure D and SB1.

The new vehicles include three Paul Revere buses, three ParaCruz Cut-Away buses and 12 ParaCruz Vans.

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Implementation and Oversight gencies that receive Measure D funds updated their Five-Year Plans this spring, outlining how each agency plans to use Measure D funds FY2018/19-FY22/23.

Links to the Five-Year Plans are available on the RTC website: www.sccrtc.org/ move.

The RTC received 35 applications for the Measure D Taxpayer Oversight Committee and will be selecting members for the oversight committee in September. The Oversight Committee will be responsible for ensuring Measure D revenues have been spent in accordance with the Measure D Ordinance and Expenditure Plan.

Fiscal Year 2017/18 Measure D revenues exceeded original projections by 4.5 %. n ••• SCCRTC 1523 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Tel# (831) 460-3200. Website: https://sccrtc.org

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23 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“November Ballot” from page 20 Additionally, parents often note their children and grandchildren are unable to stay in this area and seniors have said they have limited housing options for aging in place or affordable options as income diminishes.

Property Tax Assessment Repays Bonds he proposed measure, which will require a 2/3 majority to pass, will issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $140 million for affordable housing and reduction of homelessness. Bonds will be repaid through a property tax assessment of an estimated maximum levy of $16.77 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.

Supporters have noted that the purpose of the measure is to bring options and opportunities for our families and vulnerable populations. Specifically, the bond calls to provide a mixture of funding for affordable rental housing construction for local workers including farmworker and tourism industry employees and essential public servants like teachers, first responders, and health workers, via a mix of affordable rental and ownership opportunities.

Additionally, it aims to provide interim shelter and permanent supportive housing for families and individuals experiencing homelessness and accessible, well-located housing for seniors on fixed or limited incomes, veterans, families, and

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people living with disabilities. It includes first time homebuyer loans and accessory dwelling unit construction assistance.

One-Half Cent Unincorporated Area Sales Tax half-cent sales tax increase will be before County voters on the Nov. 6th ballot. If approved, sales taxes in the unincorporated area would increase to 9 percent — a level that is at or below sales taxes in the cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley and Capitola. The tax would sunset after 12 years.

(Editor’s Note: According to the Santa Cruz Sentinel the Sales Tax would raise “an estimated $5.75 million annually for county coffers. The tax increase would not apply within the borders of Santa Cruz County’s four cities, which already have a sales tax of 9 or 9.25 percent.”)

The Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution of priorities for unmet needs throughout the county, outlining some of the places the new funding would be spent including in the areas of homelessness and behavioral health, upgrades to public parks facilities and the construction of new facilities, deferred maintenance on infrastructure and more.

Those needs include new North and South County homeless shelters and navigation centers; public safety and behavioral health outreach; and completion of several new parks, including LEO’s Haven, the County’s first all-inclusive playground for children of all abilities.

Needs were identified during recent public budget hearings, including a focused deterrence initiative for homeless

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“Call to Artists” from page 18 Application Process he application materials must include: • A current resume detailing professional artistic accomplishments and at least two references who can speak to your past work and qualifications.

• Up to sixteen images of recent relevant work. These images must be submitted on a PCcompatible CD, saved in a .tif or .jpg format. Maximum image size should be no more than 300 dpi and no larger than1024 x 768 pixel resolution. Each file should be named with artist surname and image number to correspond with annotated image list (see below).

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• An annotated, typed list of the images must include the following information: image number, media, size, title, date, cost and brief description of the art work if necessary.

• A preliminary written proposal not to exceed one typed page, which addresses the artist’s specific approach to this project,

individuals suffering from mental health and substance use disorders but who are resistant to services. The Sheriff has advocated for addressing these individuals (that take up a disproportionate amount of resources) with a specific designated team.

The County is also leading local efforts to establish year-round, 24-hour homeless shelter and navigation centers in North and South County.

County staff also identified the need to fulfill the County’s commitment to build LEO’s Haven, a new playground with numerous accessible structures and features for children with disabilities.

Many parks within the Mid and South County areas would also receive upgrades and additional park maintenance and recreation staff would be added to provide oversight for parks facilities and increase youth and senior programs.

If implemented, the sales tax would only apply in unincorporated areas of the county. However, since all residents are expected to benefit from the programs and services, every voter in Santa Cruz County will be allowed to vote on the proposal.

California Proposition 6 (Gas Tax Repeal) t issue is SB 1, adopted by the legislature that addressed the near $140 billion backlog in statewide deferred road maintenance by raising the gas tax and vehicle registration fees. The legislation generates more than $5 billion annually for repairs, maintenance and operations, nearly half of which is directed to cities and counties for street and road repairs.

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as well as conceptual drawings of the proposed project.

• All materials should be on white, single-sided un-stapled, and un-bound 8 1/2” x 11” paper. Nothing over 8 1/2” x 11” can be accepted for this phase of the process. If you expect the panel to view color within your materials, please include ten copies of the color portions, as we do not have color photocopy capability.

• A self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage for return of the application materials. n ••• For More Information Please contact Kathy DeWild at the Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services, 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA95062.

E-mail: prc039@scparks.com.

24 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Most of the remaining funds are used for increasing highway maintenance and operational improvements, public transit and pedestrian safety programs. Locally, the funding has already been used for storm damage repairs and is expected to provide $115 million countywide over the first ten years for road repairs, bridge and culvert repairs and other safety improvements.

California’s gas tax last increased in 1994 and was not indexed to inflation. As a result, the purchasing power of these funds has declined by half due to inflation and increased mileage (fuel-efficient vehicles travel farther on that same gallon of gas).

Proposition 6 would repeal this new funding stream.

There have been some concerns that SB 1 funds would be diverted away from transportation needs. As a response, Proposition 69, passed by over 80 percent of voters in the June election, ensures that the funds from SB 1 are used for transportation purposes only.

Locally, the repeal would greatly impact the local match funding for storm damage repairs and eliminate funding already going to local cities and the county for road repairs. n ••• As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts. If you have questions on these items feel free to call my office at 454-2200.

Featured Columnist

Fall is Coming, and it’s a Great Time to Plant!

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oquel Creek Water District offers fall planting tips and ways to save water and money It’s not too early to think about what to do with your garden and landscaping this fall!

Many people think of spring as the prime planting period, but here are some great reasons – well known to many home gardeners – that fall is really the perfect time to plant: • Planting perennials and wildflowers in the fall gives them a jump start on spring growth • There’s less evaporation (which saves water), and less stress on new plants from the sun • Trees, shrubs and other plants will have time to establish healthy root systems before the heat and stress of late spring/summer • You’ll be providing autumn food supplies for birds, bees, and butterflies • Your beautiful bulbs will give you a superior spring bloom when they are planted in fall and get a chance to “winter-over” in the ground • Fall/winter rains will help to encourage healthy growth in new plantings • Cooler weather makes for a more enjoyable outdoor gardening experience These fall planting advantages are particularly true for native and low water use plants. When planted in the fall, these plants have time for significant root growth through fall and winter, and will be more established by the time spring and summer roll around. Then, these plants won’t need as much or as frequent watering during the hot summer months, helping to avoid various root rots that can result from heavy or over-watering.

It’s not true that the options are limited for fall planting. Colorful trees, shrubs, ground covers, herbs, bulbs, native and drought-resistant plants, and mild-climate bulbs such as freesias, sparaxis, ranunculus, and watsonias, just to name a few.

And don’t forget your vegetable garden – lettuce, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower, among many others.

By Melanie Schumacher

There are many sources of information on planning and planting your fall garden or new water-saving landscape. Here are some great online resources to get started: • Water Conservation Coalition of Santa Cruz County — www.watersavingtips.org (click on Resources and Yard and Garden Resources), which offers landscape design and plant selection information, plus all kinds of indoor and outdoor water saving tips.

• Water-Smart Gardening in Santa Cruz County — www.santacruz. watersavingplants.com, which is a great local resource for plant lists, garden pictures, information links, watering guide, and more.

Find a Green Gardener who is trained in sustainable landscaping at www.greengardener.org Fall is also the right time to replace your high-water-use lawn with a wonderful new landscape that will save you water, time, and money. When you replace your turf with low-water use grasses, low-water use plants, and/ or synthetic turf, you can get a Soquel Creek Water District rebate of up to $1 per square foot of turf replaced (and potentially up to $2 per square foot when you add-in a State sponsored rebate from SaveOurWater.com).

A typical turf replacement project costs about $4 per square foot for materials and labor so the District’s turf replacement rebate covers about onequarter of your project costs.

To qualify for the rebate, you need to schedule a pre-inspection with our Water Conservation Specialist. Schedule before December 31st and get a packet of California poppy seeds. 831-475-8500 ext. 146.

With that great new low-water landscape, you’ll not only save money by using less water, you’ll reduce your maintenance efforts and costs.

The maximum turf replacement rebates from the District are $1,000 per fiscal year (July 1-June 30) for single-family residential customers and $10,000 per fiscal year for commercial and multi-family residential customers!

Get all the details at soquelcreekwater. org/rebates (scroll down and click on Turf

Replacement). And while you’re on that Rebates web page, check out all the other rebates you can access when you take action to reduce your residential or commercial water use: from water efficient clothes washers to drip system retrofits, pool covers to shower head replacement, rain sensors to water-efficient toilets — and more.

Happy fall planting, from the Soquel Creek Water District! n ••• As always, if you have any questions about this month’s topic or anything else related to Soquel Creek Water District, feel free to contact Melanie Mow Schumacher at melanies@soquelcreekwater.org or 831475-8501 x153 and visit www.soquelcreekwater.org.

Football

ACROSS

1. Hunk 5. Cough syrup amt.

8. “Scene one, ____ one” 12. Grand theft target 13. Broflovski of “South Park” 14. Polished surface of gem 15. Simpleton 16. A in A = b x h 17. Tarzan’s swing rope 18. *Dream football destination 20. Medley 21. Olden-day Celts 22. *Mo. of NFL preseason games

23. Confine a river 26. Khufu’s resting place 30. ____ Tsu 31. First little piggy 34. List of chores 35. *First black head coach to win Super Bowl 37. Computer network acronym 38. Rank 39. “... happily ____ after” 40. *Team conference 42. Dress like Ancient Greeks 43. What’s left 45. *NFL teams play at least 8 games here 47. Slow-witted 48. Like Cinderella’s ball gown 50. Blade in Litchfield

25 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

52. *Worth 6 56. “Madama Butterfly,” e.g.

57. Mythological hominid 58. Annette Castellano on “The Mindy Project” 59. Evil one 60. ____ gum on a list of ingredients 61. Pains 62. Site of original sin 63. Operations 64. Fountain order 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6. Lots and lots 7. Sound of thunder 8. *What fans do before the game 9. ____ bowl, Brazilian dish 10. Bingo-like game 11. 7th letter of Greek alphabet 13. Japanese theater 14. Miller’s product 19. Went past 22. Sailor’s “yes” 23. Village V.I.P. 24. Shade of violet DOWN 25. Fox crime drama, Cul de ____, pl.

2005-2017 Lululemon on 26. “On Golden ____,” NASDAQ movie At the apex Hispanic grocery and 27. *”Go Pack Go” to Green Bay Packers? wine shop Innsbruck’s province 28. “Pulling my leg,” e.g.

29. Evade a ball 32. It binds 33. Little bit 36. *Playing field 38. “Bring back!” to Fido 40. Refrigerator sound 41. Jousting match participant 44. Parlor piece 46. Monster with nine heads, pl.

48. Get overcast 49. Saintly glows 50. Hightailed it 51. Blood component 52. Pizza for home, e.g.

53. *Home to Bengals 54. Join by heating 55. U.S. space agency 56. Schiller’s poem © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

Featured Columnist

Exploring Proposition 6: The Repeal of SB 1

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n the last issue I wrote an overview of some local and state ballot measures voters will see in November. I received some additional questions about Proposition 6, which would repeal SB 1, adopted by the legislature to address the nearly $140 billion backlog in statewide deferred road maintenance by raising the gas tax and vehicle registration fees.

Some readers were interested in more information about what would happen if Prop. 6 were approved, had some questions about how the funding is protected for transportation and what local projects are being funded through SB 1 that could be eliminated.

Statewide Impact f approved, Prop. 6 would eliminate funding for more than 6,500 bridge and road safety, transportation and public transit improvement projects currently underway throughout California. SB 1 legislation generates more than $5 billion annually for repairs, maintenance and operations, nearly half of which is directed to cities and counties for street and road repairs. Most of the remaining funds are used for increasing highway maintenance and operational improvements, public transit and pedestrian safety programs.

Specifically, current projects in the state underway with this funding include over 3,700 road repair projects, 1,500 road and drive safety projects, over 500 bridge and overpass repair and replacement projects, over 300 traffic congestion relief projects, and about 900 pedestrian safety and/or public transportation improvements.

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By Zach Friend

Q. Can SB 1 funding be used for other purposes such as backfilling the State’s General Fund?

A. Put simply, no. In June, California voters passed Prop. 69, which specifically prohibited using SB 1 funds for anything other than transportation improvements.

Local Impact ocally, SB 1 funding has already been used for storm damage repairs and is expected to provide $115 million countywide over the first ten years for road repairs, bridge and culvert repairs and other safety improvements. Specifically, local projects that are underway (in planning, design or construction) include: • A pavement preservation project on 26 lane miles of Highway 17 from Scotts Valley to the Santa Clara County line • Roadway reconstruction and flooding prevention improvements on Branciforte Drive in the City of Santa Cruz • Replace and upgrade 4 existing culverts along Highway 1 from north of Swanton Road to south of Waddell Creek near Davenport • Shoulder reconstruction, retaining wall construction, and drainage improvements on Bear Creek Road in Santa Cruz County • Replace the San Lorenzo River Bridge and the Kings Creek Bridge on Highway 9 • Upgrade traffic monitoring elements on Highway 1 from north of State Park Drive to south of Highway 1/Highway 17 to provide better information on traffic congestion to motorists • Add up to 9 new Clean Natural Gas (CNG) buses for Santa Cruz METRO • Repair and resurface damaged roadway and bike lanes • replace damaged sidewalks • Add pedestrian facilities where none exist on Freedom Boulevard in the City of Watsonville • Rehabilitate roadway • Install bike lanes • Complete accessibility improvements and construct 5 miles of trail in Scotts Valley • Install LED pedestrian lighting between Water Street and Highway 1 on the San Lorenzo River walk on east and west banks in the City of Santa Cruz

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• And much more.

Additionally, with the local passage of Measure D (our local transportation measure) our county now qualifies for funds under SB 1 set aside for communities with local funding measures. This means we can leverage additional state funds that wouldn’t have been available before Measure D and that won’t be available if Prop. 6 passes.

Lastly, any local storm damage sites in our County are obtaining their local match (so construction can begin) through SB1 funds.

What Does it Cost to Maintain SB 1? ccording to the California Department of Finance, SB 1 costs motorists an average of $9.76/month based on registration and fuel cost estimates. Here’s their math: Registration: Nearly 50 percent of all registered vehicles in California are valued at less than $5,000 (transportation improvement fee of $25/year). Forty percent are valued at less than $25,000 ($50/year). In turn, they calculate the average annual additional amount for vehicle registration at approximately $48.

Fuel: California’s 26 million licensed drivers consume 15.5 billion gallons per year. That is 577 gallons per driver, multiplied by 12 cents per gallon is $69.24 each.

The annual cost per driver is: Vehicle Registration $47.85, Fuel $69.24 for a total of $9.76 per month.

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What Will it Cost if SB1 is Repealed? he 2016 California Statewide Local Streets and Roads Needs Assessment Report found that, as roadway pavement conditions deteriorate, the cost to repair them increases exponentially. “For example, it costs as much as fourteen times more to reconstruct a pavement than to preserve it when it is in good condition. Even a modest resurfacing is four times more expensive than maintenance in Best Management Practices (BMP) condition.”

The American Road and Transportation Builders of America studied the positive economic impacts of SB 1, “… an annual savings of nearly $300 per household in California” due to “decreased congestion, less money spent on vehicle repairs, safer roads, and an improved infrastructure network.”

I hope this provides more details on the effects of Prop. 6 and benefits of SB 1 to answer some of the questions you had from the last article. n ••• As always, if I can be of any additional help feel free to call me at 454-2200.

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13TH ANNUAL

CAPITOLA FOUNDATION

610 Clubhouse Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

We give where we live.

27 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Community Calendar Ongoing Events

Weekdays

CASA Orientations to Become Advocates for Children

C Event Calendar Saturday September 8 Sunday September 9 Capitola Art & Wine Festival

Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Capitola Village he Capitola Art & Wine Festival combines Art, Wine, Music and Food, all in charming Capitola Village overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay. Over 150 fine artists and 22 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries will participate in this year’s Festival.

Website: CapitolaArtandWine. com

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and learning healthy ways to deal with separation from anyone.

Co-sponsored by Alienated Grandparents Anonymous www.

AGA-FL.org a national organization that provide information and support to grandparents who feel alienated or estranged to their grandchildren.

Questions: pat@invisiblegrand parent.com • (831) 601-9195 http://facebook.com/invisible grandparent

ASA empowers volunteers to directly influence lifechanging decisions affecting children in foster care. Court appointed special advocates are everyday people that, with just a few hours a week can Mondays & Tuesdays have a lifetime of impact for a child who has been abused or WomenCARE ARM-in-ARM neglected.

12:30 - 2 p.m.

More info www.casaof santacruz. omenCARE ARM-in-ARM org or call (831) 761-2956 XT.102 support group for women with advanced, recurrent and ••• metastatic cancers. Meets weekly First Mondays: 2-3 p.m., Mondays & Tuesdays, with a in Watsonville meeting every First and Second Tuesdays: 5:30-7 p.m. separate Third Tuesday every month. in Capitola Registration required. Call 457Third Wednesdays: 5:30-7 p.m. 2273 for more information and to in Watsonville register. No cost to attend.

Third Thursdays: 2-3 p.m. www.womencaresantacruz.org

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in Santa Cruz Third Fridays: 12-1 p.m. in Aptos Mondays

Pajaro Valley Toastmasters

Mondays & Wednesdays

Alzheimer’s Association

lzheimer’s Association A has free support groups for family caregivers at 1777-A

road 6-7 p.m. Old City Council Chamber, Capitola 2nd & 4th Mondays 2-3:30pm 250 Main Street, Watsonville facilitated by Jill Ginghofer, ome join a dynamic, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 5:30-7pm supportive group of people facilitated by Francie Newfield & Sunday September 22 at all levels of experience from Kathleen McBurney. beginners to more advanced.

Call 800 272 3900 for more A Taste of Soquel 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Congregational We’re here to help you discover information. your voice and share it effecChurch of Soquel, 4951 Soquel tively. Everyone is welcome!

Tuesdays Drive, Soquel For more info: (831) 663-1628 or Writing/Discussion Meeting 0th Annual A Taste of (831)783-8047.

6:30-7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Soquel ~ Food & Music for Church, Gazebo Room, 10707 the Common Good! A Benefit Caregiver Support Group Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 (At for Second Harvest Food Bank 12-1 p.m., PAMF, 2850 ComHwy One and Freedom Blvd) mercial Crossing, Santa Cruz co-hosted by the Congregao you have a problem with atz Cancer Center, PAMF tional Church of Soquel and food? Please check out our and Hospice of Santa Cruz County invite you to attend a Capitola-Soquel Chamber of free, friendly 12-Step support group with the solution. All teens Commerce – Featuring Soquel Caregiver Support Group for those caring for someone with and adults welcome!

Restaurants + Wineries + a serious illness. When a loved For current times and locations of Breweries + Live Music. one is seriously ill, it can be a Fees/Admission: $25 Adults challenge for the entire family. In other meetings: www.santathis ongoing support group, we cruzoa.org/meetings. Or call our Includes Music & Tasting will share stories, learn tools for Hotline at (831)429-7906. at all Food, Wine & Beer coping and receive support from Booths, $10 Youth Ages 12-20 people who care.

Business Debtors Anonymous Contact Hospice of Santa Cruz (Music, Food & Children’s 5:15-6:30pm, Calvary Episcopal County Grief Support Program.

Area) Free KIDZONE for Church, Parish Hall, 532 Center (831) 430-3078 Children ~ Courtesy RefreshStreet, Santa Cruz. ments for all. Website:www. e specifically focus on Overeaters Anonymous recovering from debting on tasteofsoquel.org 7:00pm-8:00pm, Soquel Congregational Church, 4951 Soquel Dr. one’s business.

For more information: 831-425-3272. o you have problem with Saturday September 29 food? Come join us for a free 12 step support group Overeaters Anonymous Sunday September 30 friendly with the solution. Teens and adults 6:30-7:30pm Christ Lutheran First Capitola Beach Festival welcome. It will be held in the Church, 10707 Soquel Dr. Aptos Anne Hutchinson Room.

Capitola Village o you have a problem with Any questions call (831) 429-7906 food? Come Join us for a he kick off to Capitola’s friendly free 12-step support 1st Annual Beach Festival group with the solution group Second Mondays with something for everyone with the solution. Teens and adults Invisible/Alienated to enjoy including a 5k Fun welcome. Includes compulsive overeating, anorexia and bulimia.

Run, Horseshoe Tournament, Grandparents Support Group 2:30 - 4 p.m., Christ Lutheran Located in the Gazebo Room.

Lighted Nautical Parade, Church, 10707 Soquel Drive, Aptos Call 831-429-7906 if you have Fishing Derby, Sand Sculpture ed by Dr. Pat Hanson author of any questions Contest, Chalk Art Event, Invisible Grandparents: Leave Rowboat Races and more! a Legacy of Love Whether You Tuesdays & Thursdays Can Be There or Not this will be Website:www.capitolabeach Orientations to Become a safe structured environment for festival.com Advocates for Children sharing stories if you so choose,

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6 pm, 65 Nielson Street #121 Watsonville CA 95076 ASA volunteer Advocates receive 35 hours of specialized training. Court appointed special advocates are everyday people that, with just a few hours a week can have a lifetime of impact for a child who has been abused or neglected.

If you would like to participate in the next Advocate training contact cita@casaofsantacruz.org or (831) 761-2956

Church, 95 Alta Vista Avenue, Watsonville (Adam Dan Hall in back of the church) ar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar problems, talk about how they cope and find recovery.

To locate additional times and Tuesdays, Thursdays locations of meetings, and to learn & Saturdays more about Nar-Anon, please go to our website at www.nar-anon.

Summer READ Program 1-4 p.m., Pregnant Mare Rescue, org or call 831-200-3756.

Larkin Valley Road, Aptos

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Reading • Equine • Art • Duo

this fun, unique program, your I• nchild will experience: Nurturing environment to

strengthen reading skills • Grounding energy that a horse naturally emits • Increasing reading comprehension through art (imagery) • Trusting bond which supports social and emotional development For more information contact Lisa M. Algee, Ph.D., via e-mail: algeelisa@gmail.com, or call (831) 227-9847

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eremy Geels, a local Edward Jones financial advisor, hosts a monthly coffee club for local advisors to talk about the industry and recent market updates.

“I look forward to keeping individual investors informed about the current market and economy, as well as have fun and get to know some of my neighbors,” he said.

Seating may be limited. To reserve a seat, call Sharon Smith at 831-462-8242.

Friday Shakespeare Club of Santa Cruz

10 am - noon, Peace United Church, 909 High Street his is the oldest women’s club in Santa Cruz. The club meets to study the life, works and times of William Shakespeare.

Members share group readings and insights, discuss history, and Last Wednesdays Each Month universal themes found in his plays and writings.

Santa Cruz County Prostate For more information please Second Wednesdays Cancer Support Group Santa Cruz Sons in Retirement 7-9 p.m., Katz Cancer Resource call 831-684-2832 Monthly Meeting Center, 3150 Mission Drive, SC Sundays Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell anta Cruz County Prostate Church Bible Study St. Cancer Support Group has been First Baptist a.m: Bible Study his statewide group of retired an active group for over 20 years 9:45 11 a.m.: Worship men invites you to be our in the community.

7565 Sunset Way, Aptos guest at our monthly luncheon.

First meeting of 2018 will be irst Baptist Church of Aptos You’ll meet kindred spirits, have February 28th. welcomes you to join their a fine lunch and learn something bible study and worship every Sunday. new from a top notch guest Thursdays Call (831) 688-5842 for more info speaker.

San Lorenzo Community Band Cost: $18. RSVP at 479-7096

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Second and Fourth Wednesdays 7:30-9 p.m., San Lorenzo Valley High School Band Room (F-1) In Praise of Poetry Wellness on the Cancer Journey he San Lorenzo Valley Feb. 28 thru Mar. 28 11-12:30 pm, Old Soquel Plaza Community Band meets every 5:30 pm to 7 pm, Capitola Community earn how to safely support Thursday at SLV High School.

Center, 4400 Jade Street, Capitola your body and emotions n this invigorating class you’ll Dues are $30 a semester. You must explore and write several forms through the journey of Cancer read music. of poetry. From Acrostic to Haiku; — from diagnosis to softening Call Teresa at 336-8637. from Ode to Triolet — and a few the impact of chemo, radiation, more — you’ll have fun while and recovering well from Second and Fourth Thursdays learning and creating. Gain surgery. exposure to new poets, forms, and We’ll address nausea, low energy, Cabrillo Host Lions Club styles, while unearthing your own weakness, digestion, immune Meetings voice. This inspiring class is for 6:30 p.m., Aptos Village Park, anyone with an interest in poetry. support, grief, stress and more.

Feel free to bring your partner or 100 Aptos Creek Road.

Novices as well as seasoned poets care team to this free class. Please ant to make a difference will find the class enriching and fruitful. come fed; water is available. in our community? Join Telephone FMI: (831) 475-6115 Limited Seats. Please register the Cabrillo Lions Club twice all attendees on Eventbrite — every month and see what you Geezer Golfers Wellness on the Cancer Journey can do to help in Santa Cruz 8:15 a.m., Valley Gardens Golf or call 831-254-3270 to RSVP. County.

Course, 263 Mt. Hermon Rd., Address given upon registration Please RSVP cabrillolions@ Scotts Valley receipt. gmail.com eeling over par? So are we, Fridays the Geezer Golfers of Santa Cruz. You’re invited to join us ADHD Support Group Drop-in Grief Support at 8:15am every Wednesday at 6:30-8 p.m., Aptos Fire Station, 12-1 pm, Hospice of Santa Cruz the beautiful DeLaveaga golf 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos County, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts course at 401 Upper Park Rd. he Santa Cruz/Monterey Valley We enjoy a special rate for 9 or Bay Branch of CHADD ospice of Santa Cruz 18 holes.

County is offering a drop-in Questions? Call Jim at 831-685- hosts monthly support group meetings for anyone who would grief support group for adults 3829. like to learn more about ADHD grieving the death of a family or has questions or concerns. member or a friend. This group Aptos Noon Toastmasters is a place where you can share 12:00-1:00p.m. Rio Sands Hotel, Come share with those who understand. Second Wednesdays’ stories, learn tools for coping, 116 Beach Drive ome join a dynamic, sup- meeting is for parents of and receive support from people children, teens, and young portive group of people who care. adults with ADHD. The group at all levels of experience For more information, please call for adults with ADHD, spouses, (831) 430-3000. from beginners to more advanced. We’re here to help partners of someone with ADHD meets fourth Wednesdays of you discover your voice and First Fridays each month share it effectively. Everyone is every month.

Friday Shakespeare Club Contact: Judy Brenis, jbbrenis@ welcome!

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Peace comcast.net, or call 831-818-9619.

Follow us on Facebook: United Church of Christ at 900 Facebook.com/AptosNoonToastHigh Street, Santa Cruz masters or more info: (831) Third Wednesdays urious about Shakespeare?

236-1171 Edward Jones Financial The Friday Shakespeare Advisor Sponsors Coffee Club Club members discuss the life, Nar-Anon Watsonville times, and influence of William 6:00 p.m., Lutheran Community 10:00 a.m., 2121 41st Avenue, Suite 209, Capitola

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Practice Sessions

Wednesdays

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Shakespeare.

For information, call 831-6842832, or go to fridayshakespeare. org or facebook.com/fridayshakespeare.

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Overeaters Anonymous

9:05 a.m.-10:15 a.m., Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center, 2900 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz vereaters Anonymous is a Free, Friendly 12-Step group for those who have a problem with food.

Visit www.santacruzoa.org for current times and locations of other meetings, or call our Hotline at (831) 429-7906.

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Dated Events Saturday September 8 Pajaro Valley Historical Association’s Antiques & Collectibles Sale

7:30 - Noon, Bockius-Orr House, 332East Beach St, Watsonville urniture, jewelry, unique items, and more! NO CLOTHES

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Saturday Sept. 22

2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Registration: 8:30 a.m. • Ceremony: 9 a.m. • Walk: 10:00 a.m., Seascape Resort and Park ake the first step to a world without Alzheimer’s Contact: Kristi Boosman 831-647-9890 or visit www. santacruzwalk@alz.org

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A Taste of Soquel

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Downtown Soquel 0th Annual A Taste of Soquel ~ Food & Music for the Common Good! A Benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank co-hosted by the Congregational Church of Soquel and Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce. Featuring Soquel Restaurants + Wineries + Breweries + Live Music www.tasteofsoquel.com n

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Announcements Friendship Put to Music!

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lasses every Thursday night starting January 7th at 6:30 p.m. at the New Hall, La Selva Beach Club House, 3124 Estrella Ave. For more information call Sue Harris or Don Benson (831) 7267053 or email at caller4u@att.net

Volunteers Needed for the Monterey Symphony

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Arts and Entertainment

several forms of poetry. From Acrostic to Haiku—from Ode to Triolet—and a few other poetic forms—you’ll have fun while learning and creating. We’ll look at work by experienced poets and discover how to put some of their techniques and craft elements into practice. Gain exposure to new poets, forms, and styles, while unearthing your own voice. This inspiring class is for anyone with an interest in poetry. Novices as well as seasoned poets will find the class enriching and fruitful.

Register at: https://apm.active communities.com/capitola recreation/Activity_Search/ in-praise-of-poetry/6488

he Monterey Symphony is seeking volunteers. If you love music and want to be involved, please call (831) 646-8511 or visit www.montereysymphony.org for more information.

Thursdays

Cabrillo Youth Strings/ Suzuki Music Program

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Lucky Steppers Modern Square Dance

6:30 pm, La Selva Beach new entry-level String Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La Orchestra class 4th- 6th Grade Selva Beach, CA 95076 Beginning Strings for violin, viola t’s fun and easy to do! and cello will be offered on Fridays, Friendship put to music; 4pm-5:15pm. Students must family friendly. Class takes provide their own instruments. place every Thursday Night For more information contact Nancy at our new home in La Selva Kvam: Cabrillo Youth Strings (831) Beach! (Take Mar Monte off of 479-6101 or (831) 426-6443.

Hwy 1, turns into Playa Blvd., turn right on Estrella) For more information, contact Sue Harris or Don Benson at (831) 726-7053 or e-mail at caller4u@att.net.

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Ongoing Events

Third Monday each month

Stitchers By The Sea Meetings Friendship Put to Music!

7 p.m., St. Stephens Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Ave, SC. titchers-by-the-Sea, the local chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, holds regular meetings open to the public each month. No admission fees.

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Tuesdays

BINGO

6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. osted by Soquel Sports Foundation. Buy-In $15. Full snack bar available. First Tuesday of each month is special $25 buy in (up to five packs). Join us! www.soquelsports.com

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Wednesdays

Peninsula Banjo Band

Plein Air Watercolor Paintings Exhibition

Dated Events

Saturday September 1 Santa Cruz Mountain Art and Music Festival

Garrahan Park, 15520 Hwy 9 Noon-10 p.m., Mutari Chocolate Boulder Creek fun festival highlighting the House and Factory, 504 Front charm of the mountains! Live Street, Santa Cruz ptos Artist David Pfost’s plein music, great food, local beers, local wines, and great fun. air watercolor paintings of Santa Cruz County landscapes are Visit www.scmountainfestival. com for more information on exhibit.

Exhibit open until the end of December.

Friday September 7

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Second Saturdays Each Month

2nd Saturday on the Farm

11 a.m.-3 p.m., Ag History Project Center at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds oin us every 2nd Saturday on the Farm for free family activities. Each month we select a new theme to highlight historical agriculture with games, activities, and demonstrations that relate.

We often have guest appearances from farm animals like llamas, draft horses, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, and more! You are sure to find something fun and entertaining for the whole family.

Check our website and Facebook page for more details.

FREE

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Fridays thru Sundays

6:30 p.m., New Hall, La Selva Beach Club House, 3124 Estrella Ave. Second Sundays Each Month lasses every Thursday night.

Downtown Santa Cruz For more information call Sue Harris or Don Benson (831) Antique Street Fair 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Lincoln St. 726-7053 or email at caller4u@ (Between Pacific and Cedar) att.net he “Original” Downtown Antique Faire is back!

Last Thursdays each month offer an eclectic blend Monthly Argentine Tango at Star Vendors of antiques and unique items.

Bene Italian/Argentine Restarante Come and check it out! Browse 4:30pm-9:30pm, Star Bene through a wide assortment of Italian/Argentene Restarante, treasures including books and 21245 East Cliff Dr. photographs, vintage jewelry, his is a night for true “Social clothing, glass and ceramic Tango.” Order a wonderful collectibles, vintage Hawaiian meal from the Star Bene kitsch, turquoise, original Argentine Menu, (or their well artwork, and a whole lot of known italian menu), and enjoy whatnot! the ambiance of Argentina and Weather Permitting! join us in a social tango dance For more info, please call to music from the Golden Age (831) 476-6940 or visit us on of Tango.

Facebook.

Private instruction and classes by arrangement. For more information, Third Sunday of Every Month call Michael (831) 239-2247.

7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Harry’s Hofbrau, 390 Saratoga Ave, San Jose orty-seven years of performing in the Bay Area, over 250 popular tunes. Come see our band for Free in Sunnyvale Every Wednesday. No cover.

Contact Lee McLaughlin, Booking First Fridays each month Agent, at 408-993-BAND (2263) First Friday Art Tour for information about booking he First Friday Art Tour the band for Non-profit events is a Santa Cruz Institute (donations are tax deductible). of Contemporary Arts event, www.PeninsulaBanjoBand.org managed in conjunction with the participating art venues.

The event takes place yearIn Praise of Poetry round and illuminates some of 5:30pm to 7pm Feb 28-Mar 28 Capitola Community Center, 4400 the most talented local artists from local galleries.

Jade Street, Capitola To find out where to oin this invigorating class where you’ll explore and write participate in a First Friday

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art tour, visit firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for First Friday viewings.)

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thru Sunday Sept. 9

37th Annual Santa Cruz Greek Festival

Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 223 Church Street Santa Cruz ome and enjoy this showcase of authentic Greek food, pastries, spirits, live Greek music

by The Spartan Band, folk dancing and more! You’ll find our usual crowd-pleasers like our famous moussaka, souvlaki, roasted lamb shanks, gyro, calamari, pastitsio and many other savory dishes including a wide variety of vegetarian selections. Greek dancers from all over the Bay Area will be dressed in traditional costumes and performing a variety of folk dances that have been handed down for hundreds of years.

Visit www.livelikeagreek.com for more information.

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Saturday September 8 Simday September 9 36th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival

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he Capitola Art & Wine Festival combines Art, Wine, Music and Food, all in charming Capitola Village overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay. Over 150 fine artists and 22 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries will participate in this year’s Festival.

Enjoy great entertainment all weekend including local dance groups, street performers and live music.

Science Sunday

Wednesday Sept. 12 thru Sunday Sept. 16

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Starts at 1 p.m., 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 95060 eymour Marine Discovery Center presents a public lecture from a marine scientist the third Sunday of every month. Topics are presented in an entertaining and easyto-understand format, with up-to-date photos, video, and discussion.

Science Sunday does not meet in December. For more info visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Santa Cruz County Fair: Bounty of the County

he 2018 Santa Cruz County Fair opens September 12 with annual favorites and some new surprises. There will be quilts, jams and jellies, giant pumpkins, award winning photographs and artwork, rides for the kids, The Agricultural History Project and many, many more exciting things to do and see!

Visit www.santacruzcountyfair. com to buy tickets in advance. n

Your September Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

Caution and moderation are important as September begins, and you might have to slow down your pace to pay attention to the details. Taking more time to finish things is preferred over rushing and missing something important. Distractions may prevent you from giving things your full attention mid-month, so don’t make any final decisions at this time. You’re feeling strong and courageous late in the month. Once you get the ball rolling on key projects, you should be able to rely on others to pick it up and run with it.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Your energy is up early in the month. Your desire to be close with others makes it easy to be deeply hurt when they disappoint you, making it hard not to take their actions personally.

Mid-month finds you looking at possible changes, but even though they seem positive, you’re not quite ready to take the leap. Preparing for a potential change is enough for now. Late September you have a deep understanding of what’s driving you. Now that you’re aware of your own motivations, you can continue conquering everything in your path!

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Logic, order and structure are ruling you at the beginning of the month, not leaving much room for excitement and fun. If you have to give a speech or you have a date planned, you’ll want to prepare some interesting stuff beforehand so you don’t bore your audience! MidSeptember favors forward thinking; what do you see when you look ahead? It’s never too early to start making plans because “someday” is going to be here before you know it! Your mental agility seems to be on point late in the month, helping you concentrate on the task at hand. Other people will be amazed by your ability to shut out distractions and focus on what needs to be done.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

You have an abundance of energy as September begins and are ready to get back to work.

Putting that energy into practical, meaningful applications is what you need to do now; waiting for the outcome after won’t be hard. Teamwork is essential as you move into the middle of the month. You kind of prefer to work on your own, but stepping out of your comfort zone is important to get your current project done. Keep trying new methods as you approach the end of the month. Whatever path your project takes, working at it until you get it right is the only way to succeed.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

You are always working to expand your mind, and the beginning of the month is no exception.

There are many new possibilities, but you could have some difficulty deciphering what you should act on and what should remain just a thought. Mid-month brings opportunities to break free from the restrictions you resent, but you have to know where the line is. Being creative and free-spirited goes over way better in some environments than it does in others.

And you can definitely tell the difference. The end of September brings an enthusiastic note.

Starting new projects seems to be a good idea. The driving force inside of you is strong.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

It’s impossible to ignore reality early in the month, so why not just embrace it? It’s time to complete a project that’s been on the back burner for a while. Cutting corners won’t be an option, but if you stay focused, you should be able to meet the deadline and turn in a nearperfect product. Everything is called into question mid-September, threatening to undo all the hard work you’ve put in. Self-doubt can be a real bummer, especially when you aren’t sure who you can trust to tell you the truth. A bright spot comes late in the month and life becomes a little more peaceful. The darker moments are still there, but choosing to look at the light makes you so much happier.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

Precision is in your blood as September begins. You’re not in the mood to waste time or energy on excess frills. There are still a lot of pesky details to deal with, but you handle them like a pro.

Mid-month finds your rebellious side pulling you in a different direction, but you still have stuff you need to do. Perhaps thinking before you act is a good thing anyway. Your confidence is boosted late in the month, giving rise to new projects. Begin with the most difficult tasks and move your way down the priority list.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Tension is in a relationship early in the month. You find yourselves competing against each other, and both need to avoid the desire to gloat or not be a good sport. Passions are on the rise midmonth, and jealousy can be a problem. You want to trust people so badly, but blind faith isn’t likely (or advised) right now. Your ego takes a hit late in September, but you thrive on being challenged.

You’ll come out on top eventually, and getting to say “I told you so” will be very, very sweet.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

The beginning of the month finds you in harmony and gives you a welcome break from stress you’ve been feeling. This is a good time for finishing busywork, with an emphasis on schoolrelated tasks, paperwork, and bills. Catching up on the small things while you’re relaxed will help you reach your goals more effortlessly in the future. Mid-September is a great time to call in favors. Your communication should be very persuasive, allowing you to debate and bargain until you get what you want. Your innate dual nature comes to the forefront late in the month, allowing you to see both sides of every story, making you an excellent and trusted mediator.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

September starts your month on a fun and positive note. Your charm comes in handy when asking for favors. Never one to take something for nothing, you always offer whatever you can manage in return. You find yourself limiting your indulgences mid-month, making it a good time to evaluate your goals and reprioritize your to-do list. Wasting time is one of your worst pet peeves, so you’re only interested in doing what’s necessary to get the job done. You find yourself in the perfect mood late in the month to do research and interviews. Spending your free time having long discussions about a variety of topics is your idea of a good time, and why wouldn’t it be?

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

Are you ready to get busy? The month begins with you excited to work hard. Taking shortcuts shouldn’t even be an option, but as the first week progresses, you find yourself beset by insecurity and discouraging thoughts. Try to retreat to a safe place where you know your skills are valued and appreciated. You feel your intuition coming through mid-month, but one wrong move or decision could send you back to the starting line. This can be a time of some positive transformation if you accept your limitations. Your character continues to be tested late in September, but if you do everything you’re supposed to do, no one can question your dedication.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

Your charming nature comes forth at the beginning of the month, affecting all areas of your life.

This might be a good time to ask your boss for a raise or look for a new car. Your concentration is up mid-September, helping you in areas like studying and planning. The future holds some pretty great stuff, and this helps you visualize it now so you can obtain it later. The time to put your ideas out in the world is late in the month. Find someone who can help you take them beyond the planning stages and turn them into reality.

29 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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Business Guide

Featured Columnist

Welcome to Transportation Talk

By Shannon Munz

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Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price.

Open to the public: Wednesday-Saturday: 9am-5pm Donation Hotline: 831-824-4704

719 Swift Street, Santa Cruz

www.habitatmontereybay.org

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

elcome to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission’s (RTC) first monthly Transportation Talk column. As the transportation planning agency for the County of Santa Cruz, the RTC creates projects and programs to develop a balanced transportation system that addresses all modes, while improving the quality of life for all of our county residents.

In Santa Cruz County, transportation-related issues, such as traffic congestion, environmental impacts, and infrastructure maintenance, are top of mind for a lot of people as the region continues to grow.

Each month, this column will delve into some of these issues while also talking about the future of transportation and the trends that are guiding transportation planning and how we move people from Point A to Point B. Here is a look of some of the things we are currently working on at the RTC: Proposed North Coast Rail Trail Draft EIR n Aug. 9, the RTC released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed North Coast Rail Trail Project, and we are currently seeking input on the document through Sept. 24.

This proposed project is a 7.5-mile multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trail that would extend along the rail corridor from Wilder Ranch State Park to Davenport, and include improvements to parking lots at Bonny Doon beach, Yellowbank/ Panther beach and in Davenport.

It comprises the majority of the north coast segment of the larger Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail (MBSST) Network, which the RTC approved a Master Plan for in 2013.

The RTC will be holding two public meetings to get feedback from the community on the Draft EIR for this project: • Aug. 22, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Santa Cruz Police Station, Community Room (155 Center St., Santa Cruz)

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• Aug. 23, 5:30-7 p.m. at Pacific Elementary School, Blue Multipurpose Building (50 Transportation Ocean St., Talk Davenport) If you can’t attend one of the meetings, you can also provide written comments to the RTC office (Attn: Cory Caletti, Senior Transportation Planner, 1523 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060) or by email (NCRTDraftEIR@sccrtc. org). All written comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Sept. 24.

The Proposed North Coast Rail Trail Draft EIR can be viewed at sccrtc.org.

Innovators in Transportation Speaker Series n May, the RTC launched the Innovators in Transportation Speaker Series to give members of the community the opportunity to hear transportation experts from around the country discuss the innovations and trends that are shaping the future of transportation.

We hope this series deepens the community’s understanding of transportation issues and the work we do on a daily basis at the RTC to provide innovative transportation solutions to the county.

The next speakers in the series which are free and open to all members of the community: Becky Steckler — Wednesday, September 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front St., Santa Cruz. Becky is program manager for Urbanism Next at the University of Oregon.

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30 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Becky’s talk, “Impacts on Emerging Technologies on Communities,” will look at the ways technologies such as autonomous vehicles, the sharing economy, and E-commerce, affect land use, urban design, transportation, real estate, and the implications of these changes on equity, the economy, the environment, and governance.

Jeffrey Tumlin — Wednesday, Sept. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz. Jeffrey is principal and director of strategy at transportation planning firm Nelson Nygaard, Jeffrey’s talk, “Mea- Jeffrey Tumlin suring What Matters,” will focus on transportation planning and how it affects people.

Past speakers in this series discussed topics like Transit Planning, The Evolution of SMART, Implementing Trail and Transit Corridors, and The State Rail Plan. Videos of all past presentations can be viewed at sccrtc.org/speaker-series/. n ••• If you have questions for the RTC or there are transportation-related issues you would like to see us cover, feel free to contact Shannon Munz, RTC Communications Specialist, at smunz@sccrtc.org.

For more information on the RTC, visit sccrtc.org.

SCCAS Featured Pet

Featured Columnist

Leaving Santa Cruz

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Sally: Worth Getting to Know

crossword on 25 »

ally (ID #A248368) is a very independent cat, which is why she has been here for a few months. When someone first comes to look at her, she doesn’t jump into hi or her lap or even let them pet her. People who want the reward of having to work for a relationship would be a good fit once she warms up to you.

Another reason you would want this cat is she is incredibly independent.

She sometimes ignores that she likes to be petted. But with a few treats and initial scratches behind the ears, she quickly remembers.

Sally would do best in a household that understands that not all cats are always going to be lap cats. She needs some coaxing and patience, but the reward will be great.

Sally is a spayed female, gray and cream domestic medium hair To adopt your new friend, visit one of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter locations, or their website at www.scanimalshelter.org. n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has two full-service, open-admission shelters: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Watsonville Location: 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12-1) Closed on Sunday SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182

By Janet Payne-Downs

ast Thursday I went to downtown Santa Cruz to meet a friend for an appointment. As many people do, I plopped myself onto a chair in front of Bookshop Santa Cruz and people-watched until my friend appeared. I often forget how much character Santa Cruz has and how fun it is just hanging out on Pacific Garden Mall.

I love Santa Cruz and have lived in the area since 1981. First in Ben Lomond, where I raised my near-perfect children, and now living in a small studio off of 41st Avenue…. my elderly self and lug of a dog, Charlie.

However, in the next year and a half or so I will be moving to the Houston area where I will be near my son and his family.

Let me explain.

Fifteen or so years ago on a gloomy February day with tears flowed down my face, I waved goodbye to my son Michael as he headed for Texas driving a sloppily-packed blue vehicle. At the time he did not have much stability nor did he have any tangible goals, so a high school friend invited Michael to Texas to live with him.

When he left that day, I was always certain he would return. Who can resist this gorgeous area? I never considered for a moment that he might fall in love and marry. He and his wife have three children

(my grandchildren!) and recently purchased a house in the sweet community of Friendswood, a city about 20 miles south of Houston. They have two Golden Retrievers, a John Deere lawnmower, a turtle, perhaps a hamster… and have promised they will clean out the sweltering toolshed for me if I need temporary housing.

I usually visit about two times a year and after baby #1 was born, I reluctantly began considering living my life there.

Until then I could not fathom living in Houston after having lived here for 35 years and in California all my life. My everything was here: friends, job, beauty, belongings, my soul, and an occasional boyfriend…

Michael and his wife Najla were sincere and even eager at the prospect of me living nearby. When babies two and three arrived, just 17 months apart, I put myself on a list for low income housing there in Texas. That was a huge step. In reality I spent many hours and sleepless nights anguishing about this.

I have not necessarily embraced this by any means. But I’m trying to. There are some major obstacles facing this 71-year-old.

So come along for the ride as I slowly begin this life-changing adventure of leaving Santa Cruz. n

Football © Statepoint Media

Janet & Charlie 31 / September 2018 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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