Capitola Soquel Times: November 2019

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November 2019 • Vol 24 No. 11

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SCC STEM Winners 2019

The Santa Cruz County Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) recently honored the 2019 Tech Trek STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Scholarship winners and new members at a luncheon at Seascape Resort.

Full Story page 5

Paving the Way New Capitola Library

Measure C Wrap Up and Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

Do you ever drive or walk by the construction site of the new Capitola Branch Library? If you haven’t done that lately, you’re missing a very special sight.

Full Story page 12

By Scott J. Turnbull Public Education is based first and foremost on trust.

There is confidence granted in school districts by the taxpaying public. Our community’s most precious resources, children, are entrusted to us along with funding to provide them a high-quality education.

In SUESD, we take this trust very seriously.

Nothing is more rewarding than being able to deliver a concrete example of this public promise. SUESD’s 2016 General Obligation Bond, Measure C, is just such an example. ... continues on page 4

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No. 11

Volume 24

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Table of Contents

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Cover Measure C Wrap Up and Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies, By Scott J. Turnbull 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 21 24 25

Community News SCC Tech Trek STEM Winners 2019 Sarah’s Story: Garden of Hope’s Santa Cruz Fashion Show Sunday, Nov. 3 • 11 a.m.

CAL FIRE Increases Staffing for Extreme Fire Danger Conditions • Health Officials: Time to Get Your Flu Shots • Surfing Santa comes to Capitola Mountainfilm on Tour at the Rio • Monarch Services Expresses Gratitude for Community Support at Reception For the Benefit of Bats: California Fish & Wildlife Celebrates ‘Bat Week’ • Capitola’s Third Annual Sip & Stroll Fire Evacuation Procedures Weddings on Halloween Paving the Way For New Capitola Library Debate Stirs Around Second Story: Neighbors Question Location of Aptos Mental Health Facility; Supporters Stand Their Ground, By Tom Honig & Patrice Edwards NAMI Speaker Meeting They All Should have Won! • Capitola Beach Festival 2019 Rowboat Race Winners 2019 Nutcracker Ballet: Cabrillo Crocker Theater, December 20-22 • Animal-Themed Mural Unveiling at Shelter Benefit Shop Walking to Renew the Sacred: Amah Mutsun tribe led five-mile pilgrimage from San Juan Bautista to threatened Ceremonial Land Cabrillo Awarded $3M Title V Grant: Five-Year Commitment to Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Fund Aligning Our Why with Our How, By Ryan Colligan True Leaf Farms Takes Second Harvest’s Top Prize Road Closures: Sanitation Work in Capitola • Community Feedback Sought on Chanticleer Bike/Ped Overcrossing • Truth Act Forum: Nov. 12 • Fire Safe Council Presents Wildfire “Home Hardening Events” •

New in Town 11 Curated Letter to the Editor 14 Seeing Both Sides, Elena Broslovsky, NAMIscc Volunteer, Aptos Local Sports 24 Mid-County High Schools Scoreboard Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Your November Horoscope Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Featured Columnists 23 Gratitude through Giving, By Raymond Cancino, Chief Executive Officer Community Bridges 26 Annual Flowers For Cooler Weather, By Tony Tomeo 27 Being a Pharmacist, By Ron Conte, Pharm.D. 30 Highway 1 Update, By Supervisor Zach Friend 31 Who Are Your ‘BEST’ Customers?, By Ron Kustek SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31– Maya: Living the Rabbit Life

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COVER STORY publisher Patrice Edwards editor Lori Landino contributing writers Camisa Composti, Scott J. Turnbull, Tom Honig, Patrice Edwards, Ryan Colligan, Elena Broslovsky, Raymond Cancino, Tony Tomeo, Ron Conte, Zach Friend, Ron Kustek layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Ryan Wilson advertising sales Don Beaumont, Teri Huckobey, Ryan Wilson, Mark Pezzini office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, James Hudson

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola 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.

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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

“Measure U” from page 1 When I started as SUESD Superintendent in 2016, I became immediately aware of how important this bond measure would be to our district. I was fortunate to have a board, staff, and community thoroughly committed to improving the facilities.

Before the November 2016 Election, just a little more than three years ago to the month, I wrote an article in this very newspaper expressing the facts regarding our facilities. Our small district was using 40 portable classrooms, most of which were between 30-40 years old (long past their expected age of usage). These temporary buildings were in bad shape, to put it mildly. We thought our Scott J. Turnbull students and teachers deserve better learning spaces. We would be asking for $42,000,000 to accomplish replacing all of the portables with new rooms.

On November 8, 2016, our community demonstrated how much they trust us by approving Measure C with a 71.56% yes vote. Our talented team of in-district staff and construction partners immediately sprang into action. We set ambitious goals, new play structures installed at our elementary schools by the beginning of school in 2017 and that students would be in new classrooms by August of 2019.

Every step along the way, we felt compelled to work hard to prove the community’s trust in us was warranted. There was a “proof will be in the pudding” mindset. We achieved our goals. All of the old portables are gone!

There were so many good folks who played a part in the success. There’s not enough room here to mention everyone, but they are all truly appreciated. I want to note a few folks, though, who were crucial in the process. I first want to acknowledge

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Harley Robertson. He is now retired, but in 2016, he put the original plan for Measure C into action as SUESD’s Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. I was new at that time, so feel forever indebted to Harley for putting together, as he called it, a Measure C “Dream Team.”

That Dream Team included bringing our then Maintenance Supervisor, Jim Dupré, on as Bond & Facilities Manager.

That was the best decision ever! Jim knows every corner of the facilities in SUESD. Even more importantly, he had a burning desire and commitment to make sure our teachers and students had better facilities.

It was a passion for Jim, not just a job.

By the way, if you happen to know Jim, wish him a bon voyage as he will be retiring at the end of December 2019. He is riding off into the sunset with Measure C as a perfect capper to the end of a distinguished career.

Two construction partners played vital roles for our Measure C Dream Team, too; MADI Architecture and Kramer Project Development Company (now RGM Kramer Inc). These two companies worked hand-in-hand to design our new buildings and then execute their construction. Most importantly, they helped to make it all happen on-schedule and on-budget!

Finally, I couldn’t write this article

without mentioning the enormous contributions of Michelle Kennedy. Michelle took over for Harley as SUESD’s Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and Chief Business Officer (CBO) in 2017.

She took the reins from Harley and never looked back. She began her first stint as CBO, and that was daunting in and of itself. Ms. Kennedy took this on as well as the Measure C Construction Projects. She immersed herself in learning all things related to construction and took painstaking steps to ensure every penny of Measure C funds was spent responsibly.

Michelle was the backbone of the entire Measure C Construction process.

Recently, we celebrated the completion of the projects by having ribbon-cutting ceremonies at each of our school sites.

We were honored to be joined by elected local officials such as County Supervisors John Leopold and Zach Friend, as well as City of Capitola City Council Members Ed Bottorff and Mayor Jacques Bertrand.

SUESD’s Board of Trustees all participated in the Measure C Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies as well. We also had students create time capsules that will be buried by the new buildings. The time capsules will be unearthed over fifty years from now, so students in the future can see what it was like to attend our schools in 2019.

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity that the SUESD Board of Trustees gave us by placing Measure C on the November 8, 2016, ballot. Thank you, SUESD Community, for passing Measure C. The new classrooms are serving our current students and will be a legacy serving generations of students to come. n ••• For more information: www.suesd.org Cover Photo: Retired SUESD Board Member Sandra Wallace cuts the ceremonial ribbon Oct. 12 at Main Street Elementary School’s new two-story classroom building along, joined by current SUESD Board Members (from left) Phil Rodriguez, Carolyn Freedman, Amanda Jackson Miller, Jennifer Izant Gonzales, and Ted Donnelly.

COMMUNITY NEWS

SCC Tech Trek STEM Winners 2019 T he Santa Cruz County Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) recently honored the 2019 Tech Trek STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Scholarship winners and new members at a luncheon at Seascape Resort.

The winners, five 8th grade girls from Santa Cruz County schools competed for the scholarships to AAUW Tech Trek’s STEM camp at Stanford. They are Ashley Jacob, Aptos Jr, Charlotte Bakum, New Brighton Middle School, Daisy Mueller, San Lorenzo Charter Nature Academy, Nevaeh Karraker, Shoreline Middle School and Jazymn Cornejo, Lakeview Middle School Highlighting STEM successes, keynote speaker, Clare Markovits, Sr Director Product Management at Cisco Systems discussed facing the challenges of breaking through the glass ceilings that persist today. In her speech, Clare related to the need and impact of STEM through a professional woman’s career.

AAUW Tech Trek Camps are offered each summer on college campuses throughout the country. The opportunity offered to 7th grade girls is wholly financed

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Sarah’s Story

Garden of Hope’s Santa Cruz Fashion Show Sunday, Nov. 3 • 11 a.m.

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he idea that young people get cancer boggles the mind! And yet there are millions who have this dreaded disease before their young lives have barely begun.

One such young woman is Sarah, now age 36, who had some rough times in her 20s and confessed that she did not think much about things like healthy eating and stress reduction during those years.

Then, at age 31, she decided to “clean up her act” and became committed to a heathy lifestyle. She pursued this plan for 8 short months when suddenly she developed unusual symptoms. Doctors’ diagnoses were not helpful and she was not referred for mammography.

Why? She was too young!

As her symptoms became worse, she sought help from a different set of medical professionals and was finally given a mammogram. Yes, indeed, this young woman — by then age 32 — had Stage 2 breast cancer!

Her life was upended, she moved back to California, where her parents were able to help her through a long, arduous treatment protocol — surgery, chemotherapy, and reconstructive surgery. She was grateful that most of it went smoothly.

After recovering from all of this, Sarah returned to college and is pursuing a degree in chemistry.

She continues to be committed to healthy eating, exercise and a positive

attitude. She believes this diagnosis has changed her life, her view of her future, and her motivation to live every day to the fullest.

Sarah volunteered to be a model for the Garden of Hope Fashion Show, the American Cancer Society’s Fall Fundraiser, where she was oohed and awed as she showed off the beautiful fashions.

This year Sarah will be behind the scenes, helping in whatever ways she can.

If you would like to show your support for cancer survivors, please join the American Cancer Society’s Fashion Show. It takes place Sunday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m. at the Seascape Beach Resort. There will be a silent auction, a fabulous lunch, and a fashion show.

You will be inspired by the awesome courage shown by these survivors! n ••• For information, please contact Nancy Valdez at (831) 772-6532, or visit https:// tinyurl.com/y3zmt6my.

Sarah (left) prepares to head out to the stage at the Garden of Hope’s 2018 Santa Cruz Fashion Show

COMMUNITY NEWS

CAL FIRE Increases Staffing for Extreme Fire Danger Conditions C AL FIRE firefighters are staffing up and preparing for the forecasted extreme fire weather across California. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings and fire weather watches for areas of northern, central and southern California. This will likely be the strongest offshore wind event so far this season.

“With some of the most destructive and deadliest fires occurring October through December, we need Californians to not be complacent. Wind driven fires move fast, and residents need to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice in the event of a wildfire,” said Chief Thom Porter, CAL FIRE director. “We have increased our staffing, but need the public to remain vigilant. It is important to follow evacuation orders and leave

early as fires move very fast under these conditions.”

This is the time to make sure your family has emergency supplies and an evacuation plan. The tragic fires that occurred around this time last year should serve as a reminder for everyone to be ready for the unexpected.

With extreme fire danger conditions, some areas are seeing electricity being turned off by their utility companies preemptively.

CAL FIRE is not involved in the decision making of when and where the power is turned off, or when the power will be turned back on when such conditions arise.

The only time that CAL FIRE will request a power outage from a utility company is when there is an active wildfire around power lines that firefighters are fighting. The power shut-off request will

only be for within the fire area and this is to provide for the safety of firefighters within that area. Comments, questions or concerns about the current power outages should be directed toward your utility company.

CAL FIRE urges everyone to exercise extreme caution when in or near the wildland or open areas to prevent sparking a fire. A few helpful reminders and safety tips include: • Don’t mow or trim dry grass on windy days • Never pull your vehicle over in dry grass • Target shoot only in approved areas, use lead ammunition only, and never at metal • Check and obey burn bans • Ensure campfires are allowed, and if so, be sure to extinguish them completely

Health Officials: Time to Get Your Flu Shots

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he County of Santa Cruz Public Health urges everyone six months and older to get vaccinated early before the virus starts going around. The flu vaccine helps stop the spread of the flu and protects everyone’s health. The start of the flu season is unpredictable, and the vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective.

Vaccines are available at doctors’ offices, and many pharmacies provide free and low-cost flu vaccinations to the public.

“Flu shots are the best way to protect yourself, your family, and the community from becoming seriously ill with the flu,” said County Health Officer, Dr. Gail Newel.

It is important to get the flu vaccine every year because flu strains change over time. Timely flu shots help prevent a disease that hospitalizes hundreds of thousands and kills tens of thousands of Americans every year. Last week, Santa Clara Public Health reported two flu deaths in people under 65 years old.

“Vaccination not only reduces the risk of catching the flu, it also reduces the chance that you’ll be hospitalized,” said Chief of Public Health, Jennifer Herrera.

“Even if it is not a perfect match for all of this year’s flu strains, the flu vaccine will provide some protection and reduce your chances of needing to be hospitalized if you do get sick.”

In most cases, people should not visit the emergency room for flu symptoms

• Report any suspicious activities to prevent arson, see something — say something n ••• To learn how you can be prepared for wildfires and evacuation steps, visit ReadyFor Wildfire.org and preventwildfireca.org.

Surfing Santa comes to Capitola Nov. 30 • Noon – 3 p.m.

Capitola Main Beach

S but may call their healthcare provider.

People who experience symptoms should stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever goes away. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.

Help stop the spread of germs by practicing good hand washing and health habits: • Limit your contact with others and stay home from work or school if you are ill • If you don’t have a tissue to cough or sneeze into, cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or arm • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based rub

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth Certain groups may experience complications from the flu and should contact their healthcare provider promptly if they develop flu symptoms.

These groups include pregnant women, children younger than five years old, adults 65 and older, and people with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes. Healthcare providers can prescribe antiviral medications that reduce the severity and duration of illness.

Anyone who is very sick should go to the emergency room for treatment. n ••• For more info: www.santacruzhealth.org

urfing Santa arrives with his outrigger canoe and surfboard on the shores of Capitola Main Beach on November 30th. Be sure to bring your camera to capture Santa’s wave-riding arrival.

Once Santa has toweled off, he’ll settle in his beach chair to hear holiday wishes and have a nice long visit with all the children. The event is free and hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce. n ••• For more information call the CapitolaSoquel Chamber at 831.475.6522

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Mountainfilm on Tour at the Rio M ountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival held every Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado.

The tour will visit Santa Cruz at the

Rio Theatre on November 9 with films that explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world.

A Mountainfilm presenter will guide the audience through the program providing insight on the films, filmmakers and subjects. The show kicks off at 7 pm.

Mountainfilm is a documentary film festival that showcases nonfiction stories about environmental, cultural, climbing, political and social justice issues that matter.

Along with exceptional documentaries, the festival goes beyond the film medium by bringing together world-class athletes, change makers and visionary artists for a multi-

dimensional celebration of indomitable spirit.

Mountainfilm, which includes interactive talks, free community events, a gallery walk, outdoor programming and presentations, aims to inspire audiences to action on worthy causes.

Locally sponsors: Swenson, Adventure

Sports Journal, Pacific Coffee Roasting Company, Lighthouse Realty and Property Management, Well Within Spa, Erik’s DeliCafe, Osprey Packs, Hyatt Place Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Waves and Good Times. n ••• To learn more about the festival, visit www.mountainfilm.org.

Monarch Services Expresses Gratitude for Community Support at Reception

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n Oct. 3, Monarch Services recognized community members that have gone above and beyond to support Monarch’s mission of “lives free of violence and abuse.”

This year, Monarch Executive Directors Kalyne Foster-Renda and Laura Segura honored Santa Cruz County Bank and Angela Chesnut for their dedication to preventing violence and supporting sur-

vivors of trauma in the Santa Cruz County Community.

For the past eight years, Santa Cruz County Bank has supported Monarch’s annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, which raises awareness of sexual and gender-based violence.

Santa Cruz County Bank not only conducts fundraising outreach for this important community event, but also

8 / November 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

ensures to consistently raise awareness of the services Monarch provides.

Santa Cruz County Bank’s willingness to educate community members on the impact of violence in the community demonstrates its commitment to Monarch’s mission.

Monarch Services Board Member Angela Chesnut was recognized not only for her consistent commitment to Monarch’s values of creating a community free of violence, but also specifically for organizing an empowering community event called Women Who Rock Our World.

Singlehandedly, Angela brought together the all-women’s rock band Ace of Cups and organized a powerful panel of trailblazing women in celebration of the strength of women, the steps made forward in creating equity and the work yet to be done.

The work Monarch Services does would not be possible without the unwavering support of community members like Angela Chesnut and Santa Cruz County Bank.

Providing survivors of violence with resources to cope with trauma and work toward healing is vital, but this mission takes a village to execute. Monarch is

Angela Chesnut

incredibly grateful for its donors, volunteers and community supporters.

Monarch Services has a 40-year history in Santa Cruz County of providing advocacy and resources to community members affected by violence.

Services include court accompaniments, restraining order assistance, counseling, emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, outreach, education and support groups.

Monarch Services is the only rape crisis center in Santa Cruz County and includes an emergency response team. All services are available in Spanish and English and are free or low cost. n ••• For more info: www.monarchscc.org

For the Benefit of Bats

COMMUNITY NEWS

California Fish & Wildlife Celebrates ‘Bat Week’

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he last full week in October was Bat Week, an annual international celebration of these fascinating winged mammals and the important role they play in our environment.

California is home to 25 species of bats, ranging from the commonly found Mexican free-tailed bat, a medium-sized bat that makes its home in caves, attics, under bridges and in abandoned structures, and canyon bat, smallest of California’s bats with a wingspan of about seven inches, to the western mastiff bat, which has a wingspan of almost two feet.

Bats — which are the only mammals that can fly — can be found in just about every corner of California. They serve several hugely important functions, including pest management, pollination of rare plants and seed dispersal.

About two-thirds of bats are insectivorous. Each night, a bat will consume between 50 and 100 percent of its own weight in insects. They protect our food crops and timber industry — worth more than $57 billion per year — and if it weren’t for bats, farmers might need to use far more chemical pesticides than they do now. Nationwide, the service bats provide to American agriculture by suppressing insect populations has been valued at an estimated $4 billion to $50 billion per year.

Unfortunately, population declines have caused 17 of California’s 25 native bat species to receive some level of state or

federal protection. And the threat is only increasing.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) biologists are preparing for the possibility of the introduction of a fungus known to be deadly to bats.

In June 2019, the fungus that causes White-nose Syndrome (WNS) was detected in low levels for the first time in Plumas County. The fungus — Pseudogymnoascus destructans — grows in and on bats’ skin during winter hibernation and spreads quickly through bat colonies. WNS has killed more than six million bats elsewhere

in the U.S. and minimizing its impacts on California’s bats is a top priority for CDFW’s Nongame Wildlife Program.

“Given the huge impact WNS has had on eastern populations of bats, and its occurrence now in Washington state, it is essential to be vigilant for signs of an outbreak of the disease in California so we can take appropriate action, when needed,” says Scott Osborn, CDFW’s lead for WNS response.

Californians can learn more about WNS, including how to report bats that could be suffering from the disease, on

CDFW’s website.

In addition to reporting bats that might be suffering from WNS, other ideas to promote bat conservation can be found on the Bat Week 2019 website.

For example: • You can report bat sightings using the North American Bat Tracker, and help biologists document the location and health of existing bat colonies.

• You can take an urban bat walk in many communities. Contact your local nature center, museum, zoo or other educational institution to see if a bat expert is available to lead a walk.

• You can build a bat house for your own yard, helping to promote a healthy environment in your own backyard.

• You can plant a bat-friendly garden that attracts night pollinators, like moths, that bats like to eat.

“In addition to the important ecosystem functions they provide, bats are simply amazing animals,” says Osborn.

“They occupy a completely unique niche among animals: they fly, they use echolocation to navigate at night and capture insects in complete darkness, and many hibernate to escape the harsh conditions of winter when their insect prey is unavailable. When you consider all these adaptations are packaged in an animal that weighs about as much as a nickel, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe.” n ••• For more info: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov

Capitola’s Third Annual Sip & Stroll

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apitola Village and Wharf Business Improvement Area will be holding a Sip and Stroll on November 9.

Enjoy the special shopping experience; stroll through unique shops, while sipping locally featured wines and beers in charming, historic Capitola Village.

There will be approximately 20 wineries and breweries participating in the event. As in the past per ABC requirements wine and beer has to be consumed on the premises of each participating pouring station located in the various businesses.

The hours of the event will be from 12 pm to 5pm and check in will be at curated. (309 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010) from 11am to 3pm on the day of the event. With the

ticket price of $25 comes a commemorative wine glass and 10 tickets good for 10 2-ounce pours. There will be selling a limited amount of tickets on site the day of the event at a price of $30. Please bring a valid ID with you when you check in.

Many of the participating businesses will be running specials that day and some will also have snacks to pair with the wine and beer. Capitola Village is excited to host this Sip and Stroll 2019 to kick off their Holiday Season.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank, Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Angel Tree. n ••• For more information: capitolavillage.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

I

Fire Evacuation Procedures

f you received a call right now, telling you to evacuate due to an oncoming fire in your neighborhood, what do you think you would do first?

This could happen in our area during these autumn months that tend to have less fog, and winds that dry the fuels along the ridge top forests and grasslands. Historically, large wildland fires have happened in the Santa Cruz Mountains during this time of year.

Consider this list: Deer Fire in Boulder Creek (September, 2019: 10+ acres) Lockhart Fire in Scotts Valley (November, 2018: 8 acres) Rincon Fire near Paradise Park (November, 2018: 17 acres) Bear Fire in Boulder Creek (November, 2017: 391 acres) Loma Fire in Corralitos (October, 2016: 4,474 acres), Lockheed Fire in Bonny Doon (August, 2009: 7,817 acres) Croy Fire near the Summit (September, 2002: 3,127 acres).

In all instances, residents nearby were issued evacuation warnings. Sometimes, there was very little time to prepare.

Take a moment now and make an Evacuation Plan Checklist that you and your family could quickly put into action if you received such a phone call, possibly in the middle of the night.

Walk yourself and your family members through the motion of actually doing the tasks below so that in an intense moment, your muscle memory will kick in and help you make your way to safety.

To register your phones for evacuation notification, visit https:// public.coderedweb.com/CNE/ en-US/218A80E36F49 •••

When an evacuation is anticipated, follow the checklists below, if time allows: Get Yourself, Your Family and Your Pets Ready To Go! 1) Put your emergency supply kit in the car, along with a change of clothes and water. Keep your cars keys with you!

2) Calmly explain to children what is happening and what they can do to prepare.

3) Position your car facing the exit so it is ready to exit without having to back up. Keep car windows, door and trunk closed to prevent embers from entering. Securely close garage doors.

4) Locate your pets and keep them near you, loaded in carriers in the car, with food and water.

5) Prepare farm animals for transport, and think about moving them to a safe location early.

6) Pack important and irreplaceable documents into your car.

7) Monitor local radio stations for evacuation news and safety center locations (KSCO 1080 AM is the local emergency broadcast station) 8) Contact your family’s central pointperson out of the area and let them know you may have to evacuate, where you will go, and what route you will take.

9) Collect cell phones, laptops, and charging devices as well as portable computer hard drives or memory sticks with critical information.

10) Practice taking alternate routes to and from your home.

Inside The House 1) Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked.

2) Remove flammable window shades or curtains.

3) Move flammable furniture away from windows and doors, to the center of the rooms

10 / November 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

4) Fill sinks with water and towels to use for firefighting.

5) Shut off gas at the meter and turn off all pilot lights.

6) Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under dark and/or smoky conditions 7) Shut off the air conditioning.

Outside The House 1) Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and either bring them inside or move them far away from your house (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.)

2) Turn off propane tanks.

3) Move propane BBQ appliances far away from structures.

4) Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters.

5) Fill water buckets and place them around the house.

6) Position sprinklers on roof but DO NOT turn them on (this could reduce water pressure critical for firefighters).

7) Leave exterior lights on so that your home is visible to firefighters in dark and/or smoky conditions.

8) Position metal ladders at the corner of your house for firefighters to quickly access your roof.

9) Blow or sweep the roof and gutters so they are free of flammable litter.

10) Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut wood or metal seals.

If you are told to evacuate 1) Follow instructions given by law enforcement, the agency that oversees evacuations.

2) Cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, heavy shoes/ boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses. 100% cotton is preferable because embers will melt synthetic fabrics and give you a nasty burn.

3) Monitor the local emergency broadcast radio station for updates (KSCO 1080 AM).

4) Drive carefully and pull over for any incoming fire engines responding.

If you are trapped 1) While in your vehicle: • Park your vehicle in an area that is clear of vegetation • Close all windows and vents • Cover yourself and family members with wool blanket or jackets • Lie on the vehicle floor.

• Use your cell phone to advise officials-Call 9-1-1

2) While on Foot: • Go to an area clear of vegetation, a ditch or depression on level bare ground if possible.

• Lie face down and cover up your head and body • Use your cell phone to advise officials--call 9-1-1.

3) While in Your Home: • Keep your family and pets together with you.

• Call 9-1-1 and inform officials of your location.

• Fill sinks and tubs with cold water.

• Keep doors and windows closed but unlocked.

• Stay inside your house.

••• Stay away from outside walls and windows. If you know which direction the fire is coming from, move to the opposite side. Then, when the fire has passed, exit into “the black” on the side the fire came from.

You can help ensure a safer evacuation in the future by taking a bit of time now to prepare yourself and family to know what to do if you ever have to evacuate. n ••• Find more information at FireSafe Santa Cruz website: https://www.firesafesantacruz. org/ Here are Evacuation Tips from CalFire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/5463/evacuation.pdf Read more about lessons learned in the Camp Fire and other major wildland fire evacuations: https://www.redding.com/in-depth/ news/2019/04/25/california-wildfire-evacuation-plans-not-required/3304823002/

NEW IN TOWN

Curated C

urated is a new art gallery in Capitola Village featuring beautiful art created by award-winning, local Artists. We offer art-consulting services where we will match you or your client’s aesthetic with artwork that meets the project needs, budget and lifestyle.

We encourage clients to try the artwork in their space before buying with no obligation - our “try before you buy” program.

We also offer the opportunity to spread the cost of a purchase over 10 months with an interest free loan.

Curated hosts an interesting, rotating schedule of exhibitions, artist demonstrations, receptions, classes and workshops.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @curatedbythesea for up-to-the-minute information on the latest happenings at Curated or stop by and meet Melissa and

Theresa. Our winter hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11:00am to 5:00pm. Special showings are available by appointment outside of regular gallery hours. n ••• For more info: www.curatedbythesea.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Weddings on Halloween

Y

ou may believe you are marrying a prince or a princess, but the person officiating will be dressed as one this Halloween.

The Santa Cruz County Clerk’s commissioners of civil marriage will dress up as princes and princesses for weddings they will perform on Thursday, October 31. The office normally schedules three wedding ceremonies each weekday, but for Halloween they are offering 11 time slots from 10am to 3pm.

“Halloween is a popular day for weddings,” County Clerk Gail Pellerin said. “So, we thought we would get in the spirit, dress up, and make it a fun day for our couples.”

Pellerin said that in past years, couples and their guests have dressed in costume for their Halloween wedding. This is the first year the officiants have decided to get dressed up as well.

There will be apple cider, chocolate treats, and Halloween decorations to make it a memorial-wedding day for the couples.

Couples must reserve a time online at

www.sccoclerk.com, by calling 831-454-2060, or by coming to the County Clerk’s Office located at 701 Ocean Street, Room 310, SC. Couples must obtain a marriage license prior to the scheduled ceremony and have at least one witness present for a public marriage.

“Scary Weddings” page 25

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

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o you ever drive or walk by the construction site of the new Capitola Branch Library? If you haven’t done that lately, you’re missing a very special sight. The walls are up and soon the roof will go on the building. If the intersection of Clares St. and Wharf Rd. isn’t on your usual route, have a look at the webcam link on the Friends of the Capitola Library website.

Click on the new library updates and watch the construction progress.

With any luck sometime around the end of next April Otto Construction is hoping to put the finishing touches on the building. When they do, the library staff can turn a building into a library for all of us to use.

Have you thought about putting your own stamp on that fine new building? No, not the graffiti kind. How about purchasing a paver with your own inscription? The pavers will be installed in the walkway leading up to the main entrance. They will be engraved with all sorts of messages and names. Already there are names of families, children, and grandchildren.

Some businesses and organizations have purchased pavers to show their support. People have chosen to honor a person or a pet they care about. The messages many people have put on their pavers capture their thoughts about the importance of reading and public libraries.

Some have selected a quotation from a favorite author. A paver is a very personal mark on the library, one that will be in place for a very long time.

Hazel (left) and Beatrice Campbell like to stop by to check on the library construction progress.

When she ordered her paver, Denise Leonberger-Celli wrote, “ Tom and I are so happy we purchased an engraved paver for the entrance to the new Capitola Library. We like being a small part of our free public educational system.

We encourage everyone to buy a paver for your little reader or all your loved ones, so they too can feel proud to support the public library and Capitola. Our hope is that everyone will use our libraries so books will continue to be available to all readers rich or poor.”

What would you put on your paver?

Don’t wait to join the fun. Think about how you might pave the way to the new building. These pavers, by the way, make great gifts. n ••• The deadline to place your order is January 2, 2020. To purchase a paver, go here: https:// capitolalibraryfriends.org/donate

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The exterior sheathing for the new Capitola Library, located at the corner of Clares St. and Wharf Rd. and has been installed, and roof trusses will be set during soon.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Debate Stirs Around Second Story

Neighbors Question Location of Aptos Mental Health Facility; Supporters Stand Their Ground

N

By Tom Honig & Patrice Edwards

eighbors of a mental health facility on Estates Drive in Aptos are up in arms about the continuing presence of the six-bed respite, which serves those suffering from mental health symptoms.

Known as Second Story Peer Respite, it had been operated under funding from a California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CFHHA) grant since 2010 by Encompass Community Services.

After some talk of discontinuing the grant funding, the residential facility was anonymously purchased in July of 2017 with the intention of continuing its operation.

It currently serves up to six people on a temporary basis. Those who are placed there stay for no more than 13 days at a time, but are allowed to come back. The staff consists of peers — those who themselves have been challenged in the past by mental or emotional issues.

A group of neighbors say that despite any success of the program, its location in the residential, family-oriented neighborhood is inappropriate, and that young children have felt uncomfortable with some of those staying at or visiting Second Story.

“This is not a NIMBY (not in my backyard) issue,” said neighborhood spokesman Tony Crane. “Nor is it about the effectiveness of the program. Rather it’s a matter of Second Story not being in an appropriate location for such a facility.”

Monica Martinez, Encompass Community Services CEO, disputes the accusations.

“We are happy to report that there have been zero reportable events or emer-

Photo Credit: Lori Landino

Neighborhood residents who live near Second Story Peer Respite gather in solidarity to protest its continued operation. gency calls at Second Story over the last three months,” she said. “Of course, it is not uncommon for mental health programs to have neighborhood concerns that are derived from misconceptions about mental illness. Because of this, we are working with the Board of Supervisors to respond to neighborhood concerns as appropriate.”

According to neighbor Dana Snyder, “We experience inappropriate behavior and incidents on a frequent basis: such as open drug and alcohol use in front of our children, urinating in public, indecent exposure, as well as the constant emergency service responses for reasons we will never know due to HIPAA laws. In addition, the location of this property lacks safety infrastructure, since this neighborhood has blind curves, no sidewalks and no streetlights, and is now a safety issue for both the

residents and the guests of 2nd Story.”

Tony Crane questions Encompass’s

role in the creation of Second Story, citing what he calls unethical and even illegal actions by those implementing the program.

That accusation becomes difficult to sort out, because there are a number of players in the drama, and licensing issues are complex. The county noted that the State of California has removed its zoning authority on facilities such as this.

As a result, the county believes it has no permitting authority or ability to put conditions on permits — as it would for standard housing or other commercial activities.

County Supervisor Zach Friend explained, saying because health facilities like Second Story have been historically questioned by communities, state government has assumed the role of authorizing such a facility in order to overcome local pushback.

“Second Story” page 14

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

NAMI Speaker Meeting N AMI Santa Cruz County is proud to present Dr. Thomas Insel, newly appointed advisor to Governor Newsom on mental health in California, on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 7 p.m. (meet and greet at 6:30). The event will be held at Peace United Church 900 High Street, Santa Cruz. Admission is free.

Dr. Insel will cover California challenges and changes in the area of mental health. He also wants to understand the concerns of our community and will create opportunities to gather input.

Since May of 2019, he has been a special advisor to California Dr. Thomas Insel Governor Gavin Newsom and Chair of the Board of the Steinberg Institute in Sacramento, California. From 2002-2015, Dr. Insel served as Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) committed to the research of mental disorders.

Prior to serving as NIMH Director, Dr. lnsel, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, was Professor of Psychiatry at Emory Uni-

versity where he was founding director of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience in Atlanta. From 2015 - 2017, he led the Mental Health Team at Verily (formerly Google Life Sciences).

Dr. Insel is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has received

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Seeing Both Sides s the mother whose son who has suffered from a serious mental illness for 30 years and as a person who treasures the quiet neighborhood where we live, I can see both sides of the issue featured in THE TIMES October 15 “Debate stirs around Second Story.”

We all see the effects of untreated mental illness on our streets, swelling courtrooms and our jail population. It is not pretty to look at this overwhelming problem that affects us all. We certainly do not want it anywhere near our safe homes.

However, describing Second Story as a “Mental Health Facility in a residential neighborhood” is misleading. Second Story is a house, no offices or treatment rooms. It has six guest beds. It is a HOME and small supportive community. Second Story is Peer run. There is no Hospital Staff. Peers are in a unique position

to help each other in ways clinicians cannot.

Second Story is a RESPITE house, which means people come for short stays to avoid a crisis and be in a supportive, family like setting.

Second Story wants to be good neighbors. They want to make the neighborhood safer and better.

Santa Cruz has such serious problems with mental illness and the mentally ill homeless. There is a woeful shortage of mental health beds and treatment options.

This peer run service is helping keep people off the streets, out of jail or hospital, saving money and saving lives.

I wish there was a safe forum where both sides could express their concerns and the facts could be discussed with good will. They might come to appreciate and value each other.

— Elena Broslovsky, NAMIscc Volunteer, Aptos

helped by Second Story have written to the county stressing their support.

One letter, from Cathy and Don Pereyra of Aptos, praises the organization and the help it has given to a family member. “(We) have taken the time to read success stories … and it is all inspiring,” the letter says. It

goes on to cite neighborhood concerns and dismiss them as “having no clue what it means to have a mental illness.”

That is where neighbors cry foul.

Further, neighbors say that the state, the county, the Encompass governance board and other supporters have been suspicious of them and have not reached out in any way to address concerns.

Despite those concerns, neighbors don’t seem to have much chance of having the facility’s services curtailed. As Friend says, the state government has announced its intention to approve any project that extends housing services to those in need.

“We know we have a drastic unmet mental health need within our community and we must significantly expand services to address that need,” he said. “The question here is whether another location — a larger one with better amenities for the clients being served — would suit everyone better?”

Friend added: “I believe the answer is yes, and we can find a way to increase these services and reset in a location that can have the transparency and collaboration that would lead to more success.” n ••• Look for updates on this story in the future at www.tpgonlinedaily.com.

A

“Second Story” from page 13 “The state believes, fairly or unfairly, that no matter where you tried to locate this residence, there would be challenges to that location,” Friend said. “Increasingly, the state is taking over jurisdiction for uses like this.”

How the program is financed also adds to the complexity. The home was originally purchased through the CFHHA grant. Once the county decided to return the grant, citing long-term financial concerns about the program and inability to meet the terms required as a result, an “angel donor” anonymously purchased the home to preserve the program in that location.

“We made a commitment to the neighborhood that the program would be relocated as a result of returning the grant,” Friend explained. “While the County couldn’t have anticipated an angel donor purchasing the home, I think the neighborhood has a right to feel that commitment was broken.”

Yet the program has more than its share of supporters.

Mindful of neighbor’s opposition, some whose family members have been 14 / November 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

numerous national and international awards including honorary degrees in the U.S. and Europe. n ••• For information call 831 824-0406 or go to NAMI Santa Cruz County’s website: www. namiscc.org/speaker-meetings.html

COMMUNITY NEWS

They All Should have Won! T he Capitola Beach Festival’s Lighted Nautical Parade surprised many with leaps and bounds artistic, technical, and theatrical float improvements seen on Saturday, September 28 on Soquel Creek. Reminiscent of bygone Capitola Begonia Festival parades, float teams were comprised of several businesses, friends and neighborhoods.

The nine parade Water Marshals started off at dusk with their synchronized kayak dance led by the Nautical Parade Chair Thea Luiten. The first place winner, Team ‘Tola’s “Sunshine Over the Venetians” started with a rising sun, followed by morning fog, and closed with full lit intensity and a 8’ long pair of Raybans to the tune “I wear my sunglasses at Night”.

They were not deterred when a gust of wind sent their float reeling across the creek. This was Team ‘Tola’s second win in the Beach Festival’s Lighted Parade.

In second place was “The Jewel of the Ocean,” entered by Friends of the Jewel Box. The float and narrative highlighted the Capitola Wharf Arch, the Venetians, and waves crashing on a moonlit-jeweled beach. A tall palm tree lowered to allow passage under Stockton Bridge.

The Third Place winner, The Sand Bars entry “Lights on – Party on at the Sand Bar,” included a giant guitar and a crowd pleasing live performance by Alex Lucero and the Live Again Band.

The judges struggled with placement and continued their evaluation as the floats returned up creek. The judge’s choices included Shadowbrook Restaurant’s “Light up your Life” that entered

1st Place Rower – Sean Bennett, Capitola Coached by: Paige Bennett • Time: 1:42.22 2nd Place – Ari Fitzpatrick, San Jose Coached by: Heidi Beuerman • Time: 2:10.41 3rd Place- Jacob William, Santa Cruz Coached by: Bob • Time: 2:21

Juniors 12-17

1st Rower – Stephanie L’Heureux, SC Coached by: Mike L’Heureux • Time: 2:29 2nd Place – Kiara Wilde, San Diego Coached by: Cameron • Time: 2:33 3rd Place – Carry, Antioch Coached by: Xadan • Time: 3:42

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playing “Some Enchanted Evening” by Frank Sinatra. The float featured a half scale replica of their Cable Car that moved up and down on a track. The float honored Shadowbrook’s history and its repeated “Open Tables” recognition as one of the 100 most romantic restaurants in America.

“We planned on ‘Lighting Up Capitola’ and we were wildly successful,” Festival President and Parade Announcer Michael Termini said. “No doubt we will be celebrating this event far into the future.”

Other Floats: Capitola Mall joined the fun with “Under the Sea,” Their illuminated jellyfish made of ribbons, mesh and bubble wrap framed a Treasure Chest and “Ruby Begonia the Mermaid.” A pair of dolphin — repurposed after 25 years in the Capitola Mall fountain - sat center stage.

Family members from El Toro Bravo Restaurant celebrated 52 years in business with “Team Bravo” and recalled their happy childhood playing games of Skeeball and Hammer Down in Capitola Village.

Dream Catch Properties, a new business in Capitola, remembered building a Begonia Festival float 20 years ago, and shared their dream catcher logo and slogan “Never Stop Dreaming Big.” n For more info: www.capitolabeachfestival.com

Capitola Beach Festival 2019 Rowboat Race Winners Youth 11 and Under

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First Place Rower – Grace, Boulder Creek Coached by: Chris • Time: 2:42 2nd Place – Nick Grunloh, Soquel Coached by: Anna Rosenbluth • Time: 2:52 3rd Place – Emily Scherer, Aptos Coached by: Lila Scherer • Time: 3:43

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1st Place Rower – Skip Allen, Capitola Coached by: Barbara Scherer • Time: 1:46 2nd Place – Sam Pomroy, Aptos Coached by: Calvin • Time: 1:48 3rd Place – Suzie Ware, Aptos Coached by: Maya • Time: 1:52

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

2019 Nutcracker Ballet

A

Cabrillo Crocker Theater • December 20-22

gape Dance Academy is so thrilled to be preparing for their eighth Nutcracker Suite. On the weekend of December 20th-22nd, 2019, the curtains of Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater will rise to reveal stunning artistry, high levels of training and the love for dance and one another that the company is known for.

Winners of the 2018 & 2019 Aptos Parade, featuring classically trained dancers, alumni home for the holidays and honored guests from within our own community, including appearances by TLC Pastor Rene’ Schlaepfer, Supervisor Zach Friend, Jacob’s Heart Director, the all amazing Lori Butterworth, Times Publisher, Patrice Edwards and Sentinel Editor Steve Bennett as well as Cabrillo President Matthew Wetstein!

This timeless tale of imagination, celebration, heroism and Christmas spirit will dance to life once again. This is a show you will not want to miss!

The Nutcracker is the ballet for

everyone! Nutcracker Ballets fill theaters in November and December throughout the world for good reason. It is like an heirloom of the holiday season that appeals to the entire populations! Some of the historical ballets are quite old fashioned and are more appreciated by balletomanes, (ballet lovers), and appeal to historical replica of original ballets with their distinct styles.

But not the amazing Nutcracker, filled with beautiful dancers, costumes, scenery, fabulous Tchaikovsky musical scores and the thrill of battle scenes and the awe of falling snow.

Agape Dance Academy Owner/ Director Melanie Useldinger had the privilege of performing in San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker when Michael Smuin was the director. She was so inspired by the amazing technical aspects of those Nutcrackers including company dancers emerging as soldiers from the door of the mighty fortresses, and the Nutcracker leaping in the air into the great ceiling

of the SF Opera house, and soldiers on horse back!

The Agape Dance Nutcracker combines the love of professional trained ballet dancers with state of the art technical production that bring the best of theater and dance to the stage with Sully Taylor’s company, Indigo Lighting, bring the epic expertise to create a stunning light show for the whole Nutcracker, but especially his special effects for the Battle Scene and the Snow should not be missed!

This year the technical team will be adding the surprise thrill of the flying Mouse Queen and a flying Drosselmeyer finale! As written in one review, Agape Dance Academy has a growing reputation of, “the most amazing and entertaining Nutcracker we have ever seen.”

All of this and still including Agape Dance’s original mission/vision of impacting our dancers, audience and community with a way we can use our dance

for great purposes. Agape’s Nutcracker continues to support the Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services who make a profound difference in the lives of families who have a child battling cancer.

In the spirit of agape love, the “highest form of love and charity,” Agape Dance Academy provides high quality classical ballet training in an environment of love and support for dancers of all ages.

Agape’s Nutcracker Suite is truly a show full of inspiration and heart. n ••• Show Times Friday, December 20: 7:00 pm.

Saturday, December 21: 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Sunday December 22: 1:00 & 4:30 p.m.

Tickets: $21-$35. Get your tickets early.

Last season all seats sold out! AgapeDance. com or Cabrillo Box office 831-479-6154 n ••• For more info: Agape Dance Academy 831-359-0850

Animal-Themed Mural Unveiling at Shelter Benefit Shop

T

he Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) invites the public to help celebrate the unveiling of a beautiful new, animal - themed mural at their upscale resale store - The Benefit Shop, on Sunday, November 3 at 11 a.m.

Santa Cruz artist Janice Serilla donated her services to create a bright, whimsical mural portraying the many different species that SCCAS serves as the County’s only open admission, full-service animal shelter, including cats, dogs, chickens, goats, pigs and more.

Located at 870 17th Avenue (at Felt Street) in Santa Cruz, The Benefit

Shop supports Animal Shelter operations and homeless animals throughout Santa Cruz County.

Serilla is a perfect choice for the Animal Shelter mural, and is well established in Santa Cruz and respected throughout the animal welfare community. Her love for animals is apparent in her artwork, which uses bright colors to help convey the dignity and personalities of a variety of animals. (www.janiceserilla.com) Special guest Supervisor John Leopold will join us for the festivities, which include refreshments and a shopping tour of The Benefit Shop’s

16 / November 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

constantly changing inventory of secondhand treasures, hard-to-find gifts and irresistible bargains.

For more information visit https://www.scanimalshelter.org/ benefit -shop/. Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SCCASBenefitShop/ for a peek at our inventory, our volunteers in action or adoptable pets visiting the Shop. n ••• The Benefit Shop accepts donations Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Furniture and larger items by prior arrangement with Shop Manager. Email TheSCCASBenefitShop@gmail.com or call (831) 515 - 9139.

Artist Janice Serilla working on the Benefit Shop Mural

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 17

COMMUNITY NEWS

Walking to Renew the Sacred

Amah Mutsun tribe led five-mile pilgrimage from San Juan Bautista to threatened Ceremonial Land

I

n September, four hundred people gathered in the quiet town of San Juan Bautista, in support of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band’s efforts to protect their sacred grounds from proposed sand and gravel mining operation. Led by a group of about 100 Amah Mutsun tribal members, a procession stretching for multiple city blocks passed through downtown San Juan Bautista and continued for five miles to the boundary of the threatened land.

“I get angry, sad and tired, that we have to keep fighting for who we are. But

if we have to fight, I’m glad that we are here, fighting together,” said tribal member Veronica Martinez, who hosted the opening gathering of the walk. “I’m glad that we are doing this as one, not just as Amah Mutsun, but with neighboring tribes, and our many allies.”

Tribal leaders and special guests offered prayers and impassioned speeches to the crowd assembled in San Juan Bautista Plaza Square, prior to the commencement of the walk. Amah Mutsun Chairman Valentin Lopez expressed his gratitude for the

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overwhelming show of public support.

“Creator never rescinded our obligation to take care of Mother Earth. That is our responsibility today, and the Amah Mutsun are going to fulfill that responsibility,” Lopez said. “We ask the public to join us, and that’s why today is such a beautiful, beautiful day— you’re here to stand with us.”

Tribal leaders from other California indigenous nations, including Louise Ramirez of the Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation, Wounded Knee DeOcampo of the Tuolumne Miwok tribe and Caroline Ward of the Fernandeño Tataviam tribe spoke in solidarity with Amah Mutsun tribe’s efforts to protect Juristac.

“We need you to continue to stand up, to step up, and to respect the history of all of our people that goes back thousands of years,” said Louise Ramirez. “Stand tall, and continue. Remember, there are many threatened sacred sites, and we can all, together, take care of them.”

Just before the walk departed from the Plaza Square, a group of Amah Mutsun tribal youth took the stage to offer words of inspiration. “Today is so powerful because we are finally coming home,” 16-year old Roxanne Gaona said. “As youth it is our

responsibility to make sure Juristac is protected. Our dream is to one day bring our own children here for the Big Head ceremony, as our ancestors did before us for thousands of years and hundreds of generations.”

With elders of the tribe in the lead, holding prayer staffs, flags, and banners, the crowd poured out onto 2nd St in downtown San Juan Bautista. Mutsun songs reverberated across the downtown streets and a spirit of reverence and purposefulness prevailed among the walkers.

“Sacred Walk” page 22

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo Awarded $3M Title V Grant

Five-Year Commitment to Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Fund

C

abrillo College announced that it is one of 40 colleges and universities nationwide that were awarded a $3 Million, five-year, U.S. Department of Education Title V: Developing HispanicServing Institutions (DHSI) grant.

The grant will further a partnership between Cabrillo College and California State University Monterey Bay (CSU-MB) to focus on creating more seamless transfer pathways between the two institutions.

The grant builds upon a Cabrillo College/CSU-MB memorandum of understanding to improve time to degree and degree completion rates for transfer students.

The grant will fund activities that include creating a series of seamlessly aligned 2 + 2 (2 years at Cabrillo + 2 years at CSU-MB) program maps to facilitate degree completion and to limit students’ amount of non-transferable coursework.

Pilot work will be done in the following departments, including: Computer Science, Horticulture/AgTech, Business, Accounting, and Kinesiology.

“As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) this grant will help us work more closely together with our partners at CSU-MB to create clear, efficient pathways for our students to start at Cabrillo College, transfer in two years, and then finish in two more years with a bachelor’s degree from CSU-MB,” said Dr. Matthew Wetstein, President and Superintendent of Cabrillo College. “This grant will be a tremendous boost for our students and for both colleges.”

As part of the Guided Pathways Initiative work Cabrillo College is already doing, it is integrating instruction and student services faculty and staff to address

“As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) this grant will help us work more closely together with our partners at CSU-MB to create clear, efficient pathways for our students ...”

Dr. Matthew Wetstein, President and Superintendent of Cabrillo College.

Will you help make sure no one in Santa Cruz County goes hungry this holiday season?

Every $1 provides 4 healthy meals www.thefoodbank.org/donate 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville CA, 95076 Holiday Food & Fund Drive Presenting Sponsor

SCOTTS VALLEY

P O L I C E

D E P A R T M E N T

WE ARE HIRING! SVPD is looking for qualified entry-level and lateral applicants to join our team.

Cabrillo students who are struggling with their educational pathways.

Funding from this grant will help integrate student support services into instruction at key momentum points and will provide personalized support services through the deployment of peer-based tutoring support.

The grant will also fund revised curriculum work that will ensure that lower division courses are more closely aligned with upper division work in the degree programs. By faculty at both institutions participating jointly in professional development institutes, it will facilitate greater communication around course objectives and learning outcomes so that there is greater alignment.

“Title V” page 22

For information on how to apply, go to https://www.scottsvalleypd.com/career-opportunities or telephone (831) 440-5649.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 19

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Mantenga las grasas fuera del drenaje. Eche la grasa de comidas en un contenedor y congélelas antes de ponerlas en la basura.

20 / November 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY AND THE MONTEREY BAY FROM SEWAGE BACKUPS AND OVERFLOWS! Proteja su propiedad y de la Bahía de Monterey desde copias de seguridad de aguas residuales y desbordamientos!

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Aligning Our Why with Our How I

By Ryan Colligan

t’s not enough for businesses to be focused simply on doing business.

Your values and what you represent are even more important than what you do. Connecting our company why with how it can be used to serve our community in an impactful way is something that we think about a lot.

Safe at Home Senior Care is a non-medical provider of in-home care services for the elderly in Santa Cruz County. Our why has always been about helping people. Steve Glenn, our founder, started Safe at Home in 2006 after witnessing his aunt being forced to move out of the comfort of her home because of her inability to live independently.

It was devastating for Steve to not only see his aunt forced to leave Ryan Colligan the home she had lived in her entire adult life but also see her health deteriorate immediately following the move. We opened our doors shortly after that incident with a mission to provide quality, compassionate, in-home care services to seniors enabling them to remain safe and independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

On Saturday, September 21st we had the opportunity to participate in the 25th annual Walk to End Alzheimer ’s.

This event was one that aligned perfectly with our values. Every day we see the devastating impact Alzheimer ’s disease has on our clients.

The scary thing is that the problem

is only getting worse. According to the Alzheimer ’s Association, nearly 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer ’s disease, by 2050 that figure is expected more than double to 14 million. We wanted to play an active role in contributing to fundraising for research and increased awareness that can one day lead to a cure.

I am proud to say that we raised over $6,500 for Alzheimer ’s research through a total team effort. Our dedicated team of caregiving staff, schedulers, bookkeeper, human resource manager, client care coordinators and community sponsors were fully committed to fundraising for such a worthy cause.

What was even more impressive was the overwhelming support we received from the community. On race day, over thirty clients, staff and community partners came out to join and support us for the 5k walk along the beautiful shoreline of seascape beach.

After the walk, Pizza my Heart, one of our corporate sponsors, hosted us at their 41st avenue location for an afternoon pizza party. There, we quickly gained back the calories we

had just burned off, shared some great laughs and recognized the contributions of several outstanding employees including those of our Care Provider of the Quarter, the amazing Irialdis Jimenez Rodriguez.

Caregivers like Irialdis, who are dedicated to serving individuals in need in our community, are the reason we are able to positively impact the lives of so many people. Recognizing and celebrating our outstanding caregivers and staff is a big part of who we are.

Reflecting back on our success with the Walk to End Alzheimer ’s, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise at all. Our employees, who are the true heart and soul of our company, are people that truly care about helping others. Collectively, that is our why.

The Alzheimer’s walk on Sept. 21st was one of our hows. Aligning our why with our how resulted in a powerful combination that not only helped us serve our community in an impactful way, it made us even stronger as a team. n ••• For more info: https://safeathomeseniorcare. com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 21

“Title V” from page 19

DINNER

Tues: Mahi Mahi Tacos w/Mango Salsa Fresca

Chile Verde Enchiladas de Pollo con Mole Wed: Sand Dabs w/Garlic Tomatillo Sauce

Chile Verde Enchiladas de La Cocina Fresca Chicken, Beef or Cheese

Thur: Housemade Tamales Chicken or Pork

Chile Verde Ensalada del Mar

Bring the family to Palapas for dinner Monday thru DINE FOR Thursday nights for our unique style of Mexican food and your children dine for free! *

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All special entrees $16.95 All specials dine in only including Kids Dine Free offer. *Offer is good for one child’s (under 12) menu item per entree purchased from our regular menu by an adult in party. Valid Monday thru Thursday except holidays. Expires 3-26-20.

Crab and Shrimp salad

“We are thrilled that Cabrillo College has received this significant grant to develop more effective transfer pathways to CSUMB,” said Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Fran Horvath, Ph.D. “We look forward to collaborating with our colleagues at Cabrillo in order to increase the success of students in ultimately attaining the bachelor’s degree.”

The grant activities were developed with input and guidance from a large group of CSU-MB and Cabrillo faculty, staff and administrators. The proposed work includes: • Creating clear academic and career pathways through faculty collabo-

ration around 2+2 program alignment, curriculum changes to build skills and knowledge, and articulation.

• Integrating student support services that are inclusive, peer-based, culturally responsive, and that create a sense of belonging.

Grant goals focus on: 1) increasing persistence, transfer, and degree completion; 2) creating a high-impact, cost-effective cross-institutional partnership; 3) closing achievement gaps in gateway courses; and 4) increasing the number of students served

by Financial Aid. Grant activities began October 1, 2019. n ••• More information at www.cabrillo.edu

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Empowering Students To Shape Their Futures With Confidence Discover a passion

“Sacred Walk” from page 18 Ketchum explained that Juristac was a “power area,” where ceremonies were held, medicines were gathered, and the tribe’s doctors (shamans) resided. He also explained that after Mission San Juan Bautista was secularized in 1835, many tribal members re-established residency along the Pajaro River in the vicinity of Juristac, on lands which the Mexican government promised to the Indians—

only to be driven off the land years later, when American settlers claimed title to Rancho Juristac.

“What happened today is historic.

When have the people of this area ever stood, and walked beside the indigenous people of this area?” Chairman Valentin Lopez declared. “Today shows that the times are changing and people are ready for healing.” n ••• For more info: https://amahmutsun.org

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22 / November 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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Gratitude through Giving

T

he leaves are changing; covering our sidewalks and lawns in a patchwork of red, yellow and orange, signaling the beginning of fall. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, the sea is getting a little choppier and the sun is descending earlier.

Along with these changes, we begin the annual traditions that come with the holiday season, including taking time to practice gratitude and reflect on the year that is coming to a close. For me, this time feels like an annualized sacred tradition of reflection where we spend time pausing and giving thanks for the things we are grateful for in our lives. It feels like our very own American self-care regimen, a way to force us to practice gratitude and ensure we appreciate our good fortune.

Thanksgiving heralds this introspection as we focus on our gratitude for having enough food on our table, a roof over our heads and our health to enjoy the company of others. Yet there are so many in our community who cannot say the same.

So this season allows us an annual opportunity to share with those less fortunate than us and an opportunity for us to share a little to help support others.

We know that our Santa Cruz community has a serious poverty problem and the data corroborates what we see. Santa Cruz County consistently ranks as having the second highest poverty rate in the state, only behind Los Angeles County. We are fortunate to have so many trusted nonprofits working to address this complex issue in a myriad of ways and from many perspectives with the generous support of the community who also are practicing their own self-reflection.

As a nonprofit Chief Executive Officer, I have found that people assume that government pays for services for those experiencing poverty. The reality is that while government pays for a portion of nonprofit services, donors fill in the gaps.

While many nonprofits exist only due to the generous support of donors like you — local community members that are seeking local responses to regional issues.

It truly is exciting to see how nonprofits can come together to provide needed services. Services like free counseling without the reimbursement of Medi-Cal, and Adult Day Health Services to seniors and people with medically complex needs when reimbursements only covering 75% of the cost.

Donors like you close the gaps in

By Raymond Cancino, Chief Executive Officer Community Bridges

funding and ensure that essential services will be provided to those in our community in need, regardless of state and federal funding changes and in some instances making them 100% community led and funded. Now more than ever we need supporters to invest in local solutions.

This past year across the states we saw a 2.7% increase in the economy, yet a sector wide reduction of 6% less donors and 2% less nonprofit donations nationwide according to the 2019 Giving USA report.

So let’s come together as a community and show our gratitude through giving.

During this season of giving, I often get asked the following questions by donors, friends and family: How can I ensure my donation matters, is used for the most good or ensure it will make a difference?

First and foremost, every donation matters no matter how small. Being on both sides of the fence, as a donor and as a nonprofit administrator, I understand these concerns and questions.

Here are the a few things you should consider before donating: Give to What Matters: Give to agencies that are creating solutions to what you see as the greatest issues our community is facing.

Give Locally: Did you know that according to Giving USA report that 20% of donations from Santa Cruz go to international organizations? Donating locally not only helps those in need here in Santa Cruz — it has a ripple effect in the health of local economy and helps provide thousands of local jobs. Almost one in four (23.8%) Santa Cruz County residents are living in poverty, so you don’t have to look far to see where you can make a difference.

Give wisely by making sure you Gather Information, Ensure Governance, Check Marketing Levels, Compare Administration Costs, and look at Effectiveness and Equity.

Gather Information: Use Charity Navigator and GuideStar to help research nonprofits. Nonprofits are legally required to disclose their 990 forms to the public.

The 990 form will provide you with basic information like executive compensation, lobbying efforts, and marketing costs — these forms can be found on many nonprofit websites, or through a simple Google search. If they do not have them available, ask for them. Look and ask yourself: do those expenses make sense?

Ensure Governance: Nonprofits that are committed to transparency and accountability have committees of local professionals helping to manage the organization. Review their meeting notes and see if they are asking the right questions.

Are they thinking about the future or are they reactionary? Ensuring agency oversight will tell you more about the stability of your donation.

Check Marketing Levels: Although marketing is an essential part of any business, ensure that the spending is proportional so that these expenses are not taking away from direct services.

Compare Administration Costs: No nonprofit can efficiently run without qualified professionals. However, some questions to ask yourself before donating: for the size of the staff, and financial responsibility, are the administration costs reasonable? You can find this information under the organization’s 990 forms and can compare this to what other professionals are earning to get a better understanding if the compensation is reasonable.

Effectiveness: The broadest measure of effectiveness is: how many people does this program or agency touch? The next measure is: how deep does the agency impact people’s lives and how much time do they spend working with clients? The reality is that providing and serving a meal and providing counseling are measured entirely differently. Make sure you

compare apples to apples when setting your expectations.

Equity: Equity seems to be the buzzword of the moment, but rarely is it measured. That is why it is critically important that nonprofits begin to measure their wage equity and ensure that the highest paid employee makes no more than 5 times the lowest paid employee, this wage ratio should be less than 5. This measure ensures nonprofits are able to have the flexibility to invest in top talent, but not at the expense of services or other coworkers.

At Community Bridges, we are proud that our ratio is 3.92. Look on the 990 form to see the salary of the highest paid individual and then divide it by minimum wage or the agency about their entry wage.

Commitment to ensuring equitable pay is a key indicator of an effective nonprofit and that they themselves live up to their values.

In this upcoming season of giving, my recommendation is to go beyond name recognition and invest the time to really understand how your hard-earned dollar will be used. Taking these steps will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your money truly makes an impact.

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season and that you allow yourself time to take stock of your year, and find opportunity for self-reflection and to be thankful. n ••• For more information: https://community bridges.org/

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 23

COMMUNITY NEWS

I

True Leaf Farms Takes Second Harvest’s Top Prize

n a roomful of elected officials and non-profit agencies from all corners of Santa Cruz County, Second Harvest Food Bank revealed their choice for their 2019 Food Industry Donor of the Year: True Leaf Farms based in San Juan Bautista, California. The ceremony served as the lunch event for the Food Bank’s 14th annual Nutrition Summit on October 21st at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos.

Cesar Yee and Humberto Garcia of True Leaf Farms accepted the award as Second Harvest’s Food Donor of the Year and received recognition from elected officials. They thanked the food bank for the recognition and said they didn’t realize “how popular” they would be at the event. Garcia explained that True Leaf values quality produce and the ability of Second Harvest to quickly turn around donated product to the community.

True Leaf Farms moved to the Salinas Valley 10 years ago and since 2017 has donated 320,000 pounds of fresh produce, much of it organic, to Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. The combined farming programs of the Gill and Church families are a year-round source of fresh sustainably grown produce from the Salinas Valley and other regions around the state.

Wanting to donate shelf-stable produce beyond what was already going to market, New Leaf Farms began partnering with Second Harvest. With the ability to accept produce

and distribute it through a countywide network of partners, Second Harvest can turn around the donated product quickly for distribution to families in Santa Cruz County who are then able to enjoy the fresh produce such as lettuce, celery, arugula, onions, and broccoli donated by True Leaf.

Their company philosophy is to help the community in multiple ways by making sure that people have access to healthy produce and by reducing food waste going to the landfill. Their company values of integrity, passion to be the best, humility and collaboration are exemplified by their frequent produce donations to Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County and the Salinas Valley communities.

Brendan Miele, Deputy Director of Second Harvest, introduced True Leaf Farms. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s office sent a Certificate of Recognition while those in attendance to present Proclamations were Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend, City of Watsonville Councilmember Rebecca Garcia, Scotts Valley Major Jack Dilles, Senator Bill Monning’s Representative Rachel Bickert, Assembly-member Robert Rivas’s representative Kayla Klauer, Assembly-member Mark Stone’s representative Laura Wishart, City of Capitola Councilmember Ed Bottorff, Jimmy Panetta’s representative Joshua Sellers, and Santa Cruz City Mayor Martine Watkins, who went a step further and proclaimed the day as the official True Leaf Farms Day. The event was Second Harvest’s 14th annual Nutrition Summit and focused on Reducing Stigma and Redefining Food Insecurity offering Second Harvest’s 100 local partner agencies the opportunity to strengthen their networks and share ideas about how to reduce the stigma attached to receiving food assistance. Attendees had a chance to participate in a group share of ideas and attend a range of workshops. n ••• To learn more about Second Harvest Food Bank and its partner agencies and food industry donors, please visit www. thefoodbank.org.

LOCAL SPORTS

Mid-County High Schools Scoreboard

Water Polo

Soquel High Boys’ Record 10-4-0 (League: 5-1-0) Coach: Trevor Weins Carmel/Stevenson Cutino Cup Sep 28 Menlo Atherton (Atherton) W 16-7 Valley Christian (San Jose) L 9-10 Tue Oct 1 vs San Lorenzo Valley W 22-5 Thu Oct 3 vs Harbor W 23-8 Fri Oct 4 vs Saint Francis (Mt View) L 8-11 Tue Oct 8 vs Santa Cruz L 8-11 Sat Oct 12 vs Archbishop Mitty (SJ) W 10-9 Tue Oct 15 vs Aptos W 19-4 Thu Oct 17 at San Lorenzo Valley W 25-9 Soquel High Girls Record 14-6-0 (League: 8-0-0) Coach: Ryan Chapatte Tue Oct 1 vs San Lorenzo Valley W 20-0 Thu Oct 3 at Harbor W18-1 Sat Oct 5 at Acalanes (Lafayette) L 7-14 Sat Oct 5 at M. Vista (Danville) W 13-11 Mon Oct 7 vs Santa Cruz W 17-2 Sat Oct 12 at Campolindo (Moraga) L 13-17 Sat Oct 12 at Miramonte (Orinda) L 4-10 Tue Oct 15 vs Aptos W 20-1 Thu Oct 17 at San Lorenzo Valley W 21-0

Tue Oct 22 vs Harbor W 20-0 Wed Oct 23 at Santa Cruz W 19-6 Harbor High Boys Record: 2-7-0 (League: 0-4-0) Coach: Christopher Iniguez Thu Oct 3 at Soquel L 8-23 Aptos Varsity Tournament Oct 4–5 vs Foothill (Pleasanton) L 8-13 Tue Oct 15 at Santa Cruz L 1-12

Girls’ Water Polo

Harbor High Girls Record 1-6-0 (League: 1-6-0) Coach: Regan Eymann Thu Oct 3 vs Soquel L 1-18 Tue Oct 8 vs San Lorenzo Valley W 9-5 Thu Oct 10 at Aptos L 7-11 Tue Oct 15 at Santa Cruz L 3-9 Tue Oct 22 at Soquel L 0-20

Football

Soquel High Record 7-1-0 (League: 3-1-0) Coach: Dwight Lowery Sat Sep 28 at San Lorenzo Valley W 14-7

24 / November 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Fri Oct 4 at NMC L 14-17 Fri Oct 11 vs Gonzales W 42-14 Fri Oct 18 at Watsonville W 32-7 Harbor High Record 1-7-0 (League: 0-4-0) Coach: James Gaynor Fri Sep 27 vs Greenfield L 14-28 Fri Oct 4 vs Pacific Grove L 7-45 Sat Oct 12 at Stevenson L 6-40 Sat Oct 19 at Pajaro Valley (@Cabrillo) L 29-34

Girls’ Volleyball

Soquel High Record: 15-5-0 (League: 10-2-0) Coach: Jeanine Haldi ~~~ SCCAL Co-Champs! ~~~ Notre Dame-Belmont Tiger Cup Sat Sep 28 Central Catholic (Modesto) W 2-1 Notre Dame (Belmont) L 0-2 Taft Union (Taft) W 2-1 Marin Academy (San Rafael) W 2-0 Tracy Joint Union (Tracy) L 0-2 Tue Oct 1 vs Mount Madonna W 3-0 Thu Oct 3 at Aptos L 2-3 Tue Oct 8 vs Santa Cruz W 3-1 Thu Oct 10 at San Lorenzo Valley W 3-0 Tue Oct 15 vs Harbor L 2-3

Thu Oct 17 vs Scotts Valley W 3-0 Thu Oct 24 at Mount Madonna W 3-1 Harbor High Record: 20-7-0 (League 10-2-0) Coach: Matt Schutz ~~~ SCCAL Co-Champs! ~~~ Tue Oct 1 vs Aptos W 3-1 Thu Oct 3 vs San Lorenzo Valley W 3-0 Thu Oct 10 vs Scotts Valley W 3-0 Tue Oct 15* at Soquel W 3-2 Thu Oct 17 vs Santa Cruz W 3-2 Milpitas Spikefest II Sat Oct 19 Silver Creek (San Jose) W 2-0 Leland (San Jose) W 2-1 Alisal W 2-1 Sacred Heart Prep (Atherton) L 0-2 Homestead (Cupertino) L 0-2 Tue Oct 22 at Mt Madonna W 3-1 Thu Oct 24 at Aptos W 3-2 n

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Road Closures Sanitation Work in Capitola he following streets will be subject to lane closures for slurry seal operations and jewel box sewer replacement project, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. subject to weather delays: Tuesday, Oct. 29 • Wharf Road from Grace Street to Capitola Road.

• Emerald Street from 49th Avenue to Prospect Avenue.

• 45th Avenue from Topaz Street to Capitola Road.

Wednesday, Oct. 30 • Wharf Road from Capitola Avenue to Stockton Avenue.

• 47th Avenue from Capitola Road to Grace Street.

• Opal Street from 45th Avenue to 49th Avenue.

Thursday, Oct. 31 • Stockton Avenue from Wharf Road to Esplanade (West of Bridge).

• 47th Avenue from Topaz Street to Capitola Road.

• Emerald Street from 45th Avenue to 49th Avenue.

Friday, Nov. 1 • Stockton Avenue from Wharf Road to Esplanade (East of Bridge).

• Lincoln Avenue from Garnet Street to Wharf Road.

• Crystal Street from 45th Avenue to 49th Avenue.

• Garnet Street from 45th Avenue to 49th Avenue.

The Santa Cruz County Sanitation District would like the motoring public to be prepared for delays during these times. Questions may be directed to David Seanez, with Harris and Associates at (831) 524-5565.

For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org/ ••• Community Feedback Sought on Chanticleer Bike/Ped Overcrossing he Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is

T

T

“Scary Weddings” from page 11 The office can provide a witness for an additional charge.

Confidential marriages do not require a witness. A marriage license costs $90 and licenses are issued by the County Clerk.

To obtain a marriage license, each

seeking public input on the design aesthetic treatments of the Chanticleer Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing, one of its Highway 1 projects under development.

The Chanticleer Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing is a part of the Highway 1 41st/Soquel Auxiliary Lanes Project. The final design and right-of-way phases are underway for this project, which includes construction of northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes, and a new bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing at Chanticleer Avenue.

Community input on the design of the overcrossing and its aesthetic treatments is being sought. To provide your input, fill out this short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ GLFLQLR The deadline to complete the survey is Oct. 31, 5 p.m. For more information: www.sccrtc.org ••• Truth Act Forum: Nov. 12 anta Cruz County residents are invited to a community forum about Truth Act. The forum is scheduled for November 12th, 2019 at 6 p.m. at the County Government Center Board Chambers, 701 Ocean St., and 5th floor, Santa Cruz.

The 2016 Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds Act (TRUTH Act) requires law enforcement agencies hold community meetings sharing information and practices concerning interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency, including data on whether they have provided ICE access to any individual(s). Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and Probation Department will host the meeting.

For more info: santacruzcounty.us ••• Fire Safe Council Presents Wildfire “Home Hardening Events” he Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County invites county residents and building professionals to attend any one of six free presentations being held thru Nov. 9 that are designed to provide education about how to make your home better able to withstand wildfires.

Attendees will learn best practices to improve personal and structure safety, as well as “do and don’t” guidelines for the critical five foot area immediately sur-

S

rounding a home. The presentations are made possible through a partnership with CSAA Insurance Group. Dates and locations include: • Wed., Oct. 30: 2pm-4pm • Aptos Grange, 255 Mar Vista Road, Aptos • Sat., Nov. 9: 2pm-4pm • Corralitos

Women’s Club, 33 Browns Valley Road, Watsonville ••• RSVPs are encouraged at www.firesafe santacruz.org/home-hardening-events-2019 Learn more at www.firesafesantacruz.org and www.facebook.com/firesafesantacruzcounty. n

Classic Children’s Books

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party to the marriage must appear in person with valid identification, complete a form providing personal information, and take an oath. n ••• For more information, please call 831454-2060 or visit the County Clerk’s website at www.sccoclerk.com

ACROSS

1. Tetanus symptom 6. *Giant bird of “One Thousand and One Nights” 9. Cooking grease 13. Home to Buccaneers 14. Major division of geological time 15. Dressmaker’s measurement 16. Brown, Dartmouth and Yale, e.g.

17. “To ____ is human” 18. Provide, as with some quality 19. *Brian Jacque’s fictional world 21. *One of Mr. Popper’s visitors 23. Like a fox?

24. Play charades

25. International Monetary Fund 28. Reproductive structures 30. 7th planet from the sun 35. *Arnold Lobel’s “Mouse ____” 37. Approximately, two words 39. 50th state greeting 40. Cannonballs to cannon 41. Big Dipper shape 43. Niels ____ of quantum physics 44. Change the Constitution 46. *Hugo Cabret’s “wheel” 47. Arctic jaeger 48. *a.k.a. Caroline Augusta Woodlawn 50. ‘70s hairdo 52. “Be quiet!” - onomatopoetically speaking 53. Like never-written story

55. Mining product 57. *”Roar of ____, Hear My Cry” 61. *”The ____ in Times Square” 65. A variety show 66. *Peter Parker’s Aunt 68. Escape 69. Signs of things to come 70. Military activities 71. Burdened 72. Black or green, hot or cold, pl.

73. No longer working, abbr.

74. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” trick 1.

2.

3.

4.

DOWN

Cookbook direction Make way?

In the thick of What Old Faithful does 5. Indian spice mix 6. Movie roll

7. Hockey legend Bobby 8. Plural of carpus 9. Carol on Christmas Eve 10. Pakistani language 11. Evening purse 12. *”That Was ____, This Is Now” 15. Plural of genus 20. Popular disinfectant 22. Second-largest bird in world 24. Error in a card game 25. Babel or Stern 26. *____ Beaumont in “Savvy” 27. Was furious 29. Rugged rock 31. Priests’ robes 32. Located near crannies?

33. Yeah or aye 34. *Plain and tall one 36. *”The Witch of Blackbird ____”

38. *”The Series of Unfortunate Events” villain 42. Fielding mistake 45. Type of semiconductor, pl.

49. *”But I heard him exclaim, ___ he drove out of sight” 51. Bay windows 54. Knight’s shiny garb 56. “Bravo! Bravo!”

57. *Mother Goose’s “Dame ____ and Her Cat” 58. Part of hemoglobin 59. Iris holder 60. *Miss Clavel and such 61. Benign lump 62. Spiral-horned antelope 63. Biblical paradise 64. Backpacker’s shelter 67. *Ivan of “The One and Only Ivan” © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 25

Your November Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You feel love for all things as November begins. You meet very few people you aren’t at least willing to give a chance. Life is big learning experience, and the people you meet are an important part of that.

You’re feeling empowered mid-month, like anything you set your mind to will get done. Luck plays a big role too; being in the right place at the right time can work wonders. Late in the month you reflect on the miracles in your life and feel there’s some opportunity for a new one on the horizon.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

You are very focused on your goals early in the month. When you set your mind to something, you rarely stop until you get it. Later in the month, you find a difficulty with staying in touch with friends and family seeming to fall away. Communication is now wide open, so pay attention to your typos.

Late in November, your relationships are feeling strengthened from without and within, personal and professional. This will be a good time to strengthen them.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

It’s Party Time! The month begins with you in the mood to be around happy and excited people … so everyone’s invited! The more the merrier! You’re ready to get things done mid-November, especially some of the more difficult tasks you may have been putting off. And it’s not just a desire to get things done … everything is falling into place. Lots of hard work, and a bit of good luck makes for a great success. Late in the month some frustration starts to come your way. Be careful about overthinking problems or taking setbacks personally. It’ll only raise your stress, something to be avoided whenever possible.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

Early in November your search for knowledge and explanations may find you from an unexpected source. Keep yourself open to information and advice that may surprise you. Your feelings of insecurity are coming to the fore mid-month, making it hard for you to put yourself forward at a time you need to stand up for yourself. Try not to let yourself be taken advantage of. You’re searching for more meaning in life as the month comes to a close. Learning about new spiritual or ideological ideas can help you find a path you’re ready to follow. Don’t be too hard on yourself, but don’t give up trying to do the right thing. Life isn’t perfect, and you don’t have to be either.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

Life is exciting early in the month as you realize this is a perfect time to knock something off your bucket list. It’s never too early (or late!) to find do something you’ve never done before. You’re deep in a project mid-month, and you have plenty of energy to get it done, but for once you’re not willing to do “whatever it takes” — you’ll find a way to finish the job without hurting a relationship this time.

Later in November you seem to be attracting attention … most of it positive. If you play your cards right you can take advantage of a great situation, but that doesn’t mean you have to let everyone in.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Your money is important to you as the month begins, not just because you need it, but because you’re feeling confident in managing it. This is a great time to look into new and interesting investments or purchases. It’s not normally something you dabble in, but right now you feel confident, and for good reason. Mid-November brings a wave of doubt, possibly in the wake of some failures.

Still, your expectations may have just been a bit too high. Take some time to find the root of your insecurity before you do anything rash. Things are looking brighter late in the month, and you find yourself ready to take on some new challenges, both professionally and personally.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Something is slowly draining you of your normal energies early in November. It’s probably best to avoid confrontation or other negative interactions right now. Acting on anger while at a low energy level isn’t a good thing. Communicating with others should be easier mid-month. This is a good time to clear up any misunderstandings that have been building recently. It’s also a good time to purge old things from your life, especially apps you no longer use on your phone. Late in the month you’re feeling optimistic about something new. Even though you’re not sure what will come, you’re looking forward to the ride a new endeavor will bring.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

You may have been nervous early in the month, but you should start feeling less anxious as days pass.

Your positive energy should keep climbing as you approach mid-month, bringing you a desire to get something important done. Focusing on one specific goal will help direct your energy and improve your chance of success. It’s not the worst habit to develop, either, as long as you avoid turning it into an obsession. Late in November you have a lot to look forward to, especially in regards to travel you have planned. Take advantage of learning opportunities that present themselves to you. Time to make new memories.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

Romance is a great adventure, and you’re ready to follow your current great love to the ends of the earth as the month begins. How could this effect you? Take that leap of faith and find out! You’re still feeling adventurous mid-November, but it’s also a time to decide what’s important and what’s not. If there’s something in your life that’s not working for you anymore, it’s time to let that thing go. A sense of adventure is permeating the whole month, and as it comes to a close, you’ll find yourself having to decide if this is the time to leap before you look. Are potential consequences worth the adventure before you? You won’t know unless you take that first step, and then the next one …

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

It’s decision time as November begins. Do you want to play it safe? Are you ready to put it all on the line? There are pros and cons for both, but only you can decide which will let you sleep peacefully at night, regardless of the consequences. Mid-month sees a shift in fortunes, as all the bad luck you’ve recently dealt with seems to be finally over with. Life isn’t suddenly perfect, but those little accidents and bugs are finally correcting themselves. The future is looking brighter late in the month. You’re feeling ready to experience new things, so this is a good time to find a new book, or visit a new place, or learn a new thing. Take some time to enjoy learning!

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

Life is a breeze as the month begins. New experiences excite you, but you keep a level head as you try something for the first time. You’re not busy, which leaves time for random acts of kindness.

Reality is setting in mid-month, especially around romance and finance. Facts aren’t fun, but it’s time to face those you’ve been ignoring. If you don’t face them soon, reality will find you unprepared. Late in November you’re feeling ready to get your act together. It’s time to lay the groundwork for your future goals so you can get started when it’s time!

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Annual Flowers For Cooler Weather

A

By Tony Tomeo

ll that unpleasant annual business of removing warm season vegetable plants to relinquish space for cool season vegetables applies to annual bedding plants too. Those of us who do not grow vegetables were spared the agony of pulling up tomato plants that might have still been producing a few tomatoes, just to make room for broccoli.

Now, it is time to replace petunias with pansies.

There is a reason why annuals get removed this time of year. It is the same reason why those that get planted now to replace them will be removed later.

Annuals are annual. They are expected to perform for only part of one year. True annuals naturally complete their entire life cycles in about a year. Those that have potential to be perennial are too unappealing to salvage through dormancy.

Removal of aging warm season annual bedding plants should be less distressing if they are already deteriorating. By now, most of them are. They tend to wear out faster than some of the warm season vegetable plants.

Impatiens can be potted for next year, or, for mixed beds, cut down and overplanted.

Most cool season annual bedding plants are already blooming when newly planted.

Because the weather gradually gets cooler through autumn, cool season annual bedding plants appreciate an early start. It is easier to disperse roots before the soil gets cool. Only those that are sensitive to warmth, such as cyclamen, get planted later. Ornamental cabbage and kale might bolt and bloom early at the end of their season if they get too warm at the beginning of their season.

Marigold and chrysanthemum are short-term autumn annuals that work very

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Power struggles are in the air as the month begins. You have goals you’re ready to accomplish, but it’s not clear sailing. You’re not fond of confrontation, but if you have to put up a fight, you’re ready for it! You’re feeling better about things you’re trying to accomplish mid-November. You haven’t lost your drive, but you’re more willing to deal honestly with any limits you need to work around; your inner strength is what you need to succeed. Late in the month a bad situation seems to finally be coming to a close. But don’t just assume the obvious. Be sure you’re not just ignoring or sugar coating the issue in your mind.

Still, being happy in ignorance isn’t necessarily bad.

•••

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 26 / November 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Autumn is time for new flowers.

nicely until it is time to plant cyclamen or ornamental cabbage and kale.

Pansy, viola (including Johnny-jumpup), stock, sweet William, Iceland poppy and various primroses are now in season. Some could have been started from seed earlier.

Otherwise, it is most practical to plant these cool season annual bedding plants from cell packs. Cyclamen and ornamental cabbage and kale that get planted later are best as more expensive four-inch potted plants.

•••

Johnny-jump-up likes autumn weather.

Highlight: Johnny-Jump-Up / Violas his is not an easily defined flower.

There are hundreds of species within the genus of Viola. Many are known as pansies. Many are known as violas or Johnny-jump-ups. Many are in between.

The main difference between these two major groups is that, although very closely related, pansies bloom with bigger flowers, and violas bloom with smaller, simpler and more abundant flowers.

Blue, purple, white and yellow are the most popular colors for viola. Formerly uncommon orange and rusty red have become more popular in the past many years. Colors may be monochromatic, or arranged in intricate patterns with another color or two. The abundant bisymmetrical flowers are only about an inch wide.

Mature plants should stay less than six inches tall, and spread as wide.

Violas are technically short-term perennials that are typically grown as cool season annuals here. They are unlikely to survive through the innately warm and arid weather of summer. If planted now, they slow down a bit through the coolest winter weather, and then resume for early spring. If planted later in winter to continue slightly later into spring, they last only until the weather gets too warm. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

T

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Being a Pharmacist Allow me to outline the more expanded functions of pharmacists today.

In the late 1950’s, a small number of Public Health pharmacists working within reservations of the Southwest began expanding their roles due to shortages of healthcare providers serving Native Americans. These pharmacists administered vaccines, took blood samples, provided drug education, and managed patients with high blood pressure and diabetes. Yes, that is what you read: pharmacist managed patients with high blood pressure and diabetes.

About the same time, NARD members made a big thrust to promote pharmacy as a business—more store “fronts” with items for sale such as cosmetics, toys, household items, and more. Somewhere near the auto parts and gardening supplies, in the back of the store, there is a pharmacy. Aside from optometrists, no other healthcare provider practices within such venues.

Soda fountains were a mainstay of most community pharmacies from the 1940’s through the 60’s when the corner drug store was a gathering place to meet friends, talk about the weather or politics, and even consult with your pharmacist.

There was a corner drug store just three

blocks from my house. To see a physician required a bus ride downtown and it was quite expensive to visit the physician. That is why if someone had a minor ailment, she/he would see Frank, the pharmacist. He treated my wounds, my colds, my muscle strains, and stomach aches that were probably due to my many scoops of ice cream consumed at the soda fountain! Frank never asked for payment, he was just glad to help. If the health matter seemed more severe, Frank would refer me to a physician. He would even make the phone call to the doctor for me. It was because of what Frank did for his community is why I decided to become a pharmacist.

A pharmacist’s education is at least seven years of college coursework, leading to a doctorate in pharmacy degree. The educational program is designed to provide training in the selection of the appropriate treatment for most medical conditions, including the use of non-prescription medications.

Today, pharmacy technicians assist the pharmacist in the technical steps of preparing a prescription and are adept at handling patient issues at the pharmacy counter. The tech is an extremely important member of the pharmacy team.

In almost all states now, pharmacists can prescribe medication under collaborative drug therapy management agreements with physicians. These state-

regulated agreements allow pharmacist to prescribe and provide the patient with the appropriate drug, dosage, and route of administration (oral, intramuscular, etc.).

In conclusion, as a pharmacist, it has been very gratifying work. I have been able to practice much like my old neighborhood pharmacist Frank. Please share with me in the celebration of all pharmacists, and technicians, during the one week a year that is set aside for them.

I would like to acknowledge my friend and colleague Dr. Steve Kayser and thank him for his editing and comments. n ••• For more info: rrxconte@gmail.com

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his year, October 20 to 26 is set aside as “Pharmacy Week” in the United States, a time to reflect upon the contributions that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians make in this society.

Pharmacists have a long and storied history, beginning around 2,000 B.C., in Babylon. Being a priest, physician, and pharmacist was one profession. Obviously, at that time incantations and ceremonial chants were a significant part of carrying out the specific steps of their duties. Around 700 A.D., the first pharmacy (apothecary) appeared in Bagdad. And it wasn’t until 1240 that the practice of pharmacy finally separated from medicine. All drug products from the 1200’s through the mid-1900’s had to be compounded by the pharmacist, or his apprentice. It made perfect sense to separate the two professions.

In 1852, the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA) was formed becoming the one organization representing all pharmacists in the U.S. During the Civil War, pharmacists worked alongside physicians at the front lines administering to the injured and sick. The pharmacist chose the course of treatment after the diagnosis was made by a physician.

In 1898, the National Association of Retail Druggists (NARD) was formed creating a schism between the healthcarerelated responsibilities and the business interests of certain pharmacists. NARD changed their name to the National Community Pharmacist Association in 1996 but has kept the business interests of pharmacy at the forefront. To compound the matter, another business-oriented organization formed in 1933 known as the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Today there are thirteen national pharmacy organizations representing varying interests of pharmacists. The number of organizations do not necessarily represent a unified front when it comes to national or state pharmacist issues. Consequently, most citizens believe that pharmacists still only count pills, lick and stick labels to prescription vials and are paid a good salary to do so.

By Ron Conte, Pharm.D.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR book sale. Fill up a shopping bag with books for only $10! Thousands of titles for $1.50 or less: cookbooks, gardening, sci-fi, mysteries, classics and all sorts of fiction and nonfiction. Non-profit Grey Bears has served our community for 45 years. Grey Bears provides recycling services and accepts books and other donations for our thrift stores.

Proceeds benefit our Brown Bag Program, distributing nutritious food to 3,900 seniors every week.

Saturday November 9 CAPITOLA VILLAGE SIP & STROLL Noon – 5 p.m., Capitola Village Hosted by the Capitola Village and Wharf Business Improvement Area (BIA), with approximately 20 wineries and breweries participating. Many participating businesses will be offering specials, and some will provide snacks to pair with wine and beer selections. $25 advanced ticket price ($30 at door, if any left) includes commemorative glass and 10 tasting tickets.

Proceeds to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank, Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Angel Tree. http://master.capitolachamber.com/events/

Wednesday November 13 COFFEE CONNECTION 10 - 11 a.m., Gayle’s Bakery, 504 Capitola Ave, Capitola Join us for an informal “Coffee Connection” this month at Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticerria. Hosted by Jeremy Geels and Kristin Asimakoupoulos from the Capitola office of Edward Jones Investments, we invite you to connect and network with other Chamber members while supporting our Chamber businesses. Come grab a cup of coffee with us!

For more information contact Kristin at 831-4628242 or Kristin.asimakoupoulos@edwardjones.com http://master.capitolachamber.com/events/

Thursday November 21 MIXER AT THE CLOSET SHOPPER 5 - 6:30 p.m., 1203 41st Ave, Capitola Join us for a Business After-Hours Networking Mixer hosted by The Closet Shopper. Enjoy beverages, light appetizers, shopping and raffle prizes, while connecting with business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, and community members. Networking + sipping + shopping...it’s going to be fun!

The Closet Shopper is a Buy, Sell, Trade boutique for women, that includes a wide range of clothing, accessories, jewelry, body products and home goods.

Join us for a fun evening at this charming recycled fashion boutique that is relaxing, friendly and good for the planet!

Follow The Closet Shopper on Facebook and Instagram. http://master.capitolachamber.com/events/

ANNOUNCEMENTS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE MONTEREY SYMPHONY The 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 info.

ONGOING EVENTS Daily SANTA CRUZ ‘USED’ BOOKSHOP 10 am- 3 pm 2710 Chanticleer Ave. Santa Cruz Grey Bears: Every Monday and Friday is $10-a-bag

Weekdays CASA ORIENTATIONS TO BECOME ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN CASA empowers volunteers to directly influence life-changing decisions affecting children in foster care. 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.

More info www.casaofsantacruz.org or call (831) 761-2956 XT.102

BUSINESS DEBTORS ANONYMOUS 5:15-6:30pm, Calvary Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 532 Center Street, Santa Cruz.

We specifically focus on recovering from debting on one’s business.

For more information: 831-425-3272.

FELTON FARMER’S MARKET 2.30–6.30 p.m., St John’s Church in Felton 120 Russell Ave, Felton The Felton Farmers’ Market started in 1987 and is the second oldest market in Santa Cruz County. The market boasts a variety of certified organic fruits and vegetables and artisan foods. It is open Tuesdays from May thru October.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUPS Monarch Services offers a safe space to meet other survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors, and to Mondays listen or share experiences. Childcare provided on site.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING Spanish – Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Servicios Monarca, 7 - 8 pm, Soquel Congregational Church, Ann Hutchinson 233 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville (831) 722-4532 Room, 4951 Soquel Dr., Soquel English – Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Monarch Do you have a problem with compulsive over- or underServices, 1590 Seabright Avenue, SC (831) 425eating? Anorexia? Bulimia? Compulsive exercising?

You are not alone. Drop into a free, friendly OA 12-Step 4030 For more information, visit www.monarchscc.org meeting with the solution. All are welcome!

For information on other meetings in Santa Cruz County: www.

Tuesdays & Thursdays santacruzoa.org/meetings FREE PILATES CLASSES AT TEMPLE BETH EL Second and Fourth Mondays 10 a.m., Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd., Aptos SANTA CRUZ CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Please join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am in the social hall at Temple Beth El in Aptos (3055 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Alzheimer’s Association, 550 Water Porter Gulch Rd) for a lively and challenging 60 Street, Ste. L2, Santa Cruz If you have a family member who has been diagnosed minute Pilates Strength Class. The classes are free and everybody is welcome. Donation are welcome. with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, a caregiver support group can offer you an opportunity For more information https://www.tbeaptos.org to find out more about available community resources, learn from others who are going through similar expe- Wednesdays riences, and obtain additional educational materials. ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION Open to family members, no fee.

1st & 3rd Wednesdays: 5:30-7 p.m.

For more information about this and other support groups in 2nd & 4th Wednesdays: 2-3:30 p.m. the area, please call 800.272.3900 Alzheimer’s Association, 550 Water Street, Ste L2, SC 95060 Mondays & Tuesdays If you have a family member who has been diagnosed WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, a caregiver support group can offer you an opportunity 12:30 - 2 p.m. to find out more about available community resources, WomenCARE ARM-in-ARM support group for women with advanced, recurrent and metastatic cancers. Meets learn from others who are going through similar experiences, and obtain additional educational materials. weekly Mondays & Tuesdays, with a separate meeting Our evening Santa Cruz caregiver support group every First and Third Tuesday every month.

Registration required. Call 457-2273 for more information and meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, and our afternoon Santa Cruz caregiver support group to register. No cost to attend. meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. www.womencaresantacruz.org No fee. Open to family members.

For more information about this and other support groups in Tuesdays the area, please call 800.272.3900 WRITING/DISCUSSION MEETING 6:30-7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo Room, 10707 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 (At Hwy One and Freedom Blvd) Second Wednesdays Do you have a problem with food? Please SANTA CRUZ SONS IN RETIREMENT check out our free, friendly 12-Step support MONTHLY MEETING group with the solution. All teens and adults Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St. welcome!

This statewide group of retired men invites you to be For current times and locations of other meetings: www. our guest at our monthly luncheon. You’ll meet kindred spirits, have a fine lunch and learn something new from santacruzoa.org/meetings. Or call our Hotline at (831) a top notch guest speaker.

429-7906.

Cost: $18. RSVP at 479-7096 BINGO Second and Fourth Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. WELLNESS ON THE CANCER JOURNEY BINGO EVERY TUESDAY. Buy-in begins at $21. The 11-12:30 pm, Old Soquel Plaza Snack Bar is open with goodies and dinner specials.

28 / November 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Learn how to safely support your body and emotions through the journey of Cancer — from diagnosis to softening the impact of chemo, radiation, and recovering well from surgery. We’ll address nausea, low energy, weakness, digestion, immune support, grief, stress and more. Feel free to bring your partner or care team to this free class. Please come fed; water is available.

Limited Seats. Please register all attendees on Eventbrite — Wellness on the Cancer Journey or call 831-254-3270 to RSVP. Address given upon registration receipt.

ADHD SUPPORT GROUP 6:30-8 p.m., Aptos Fire Station, 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Branch of CHADD hosts monthly support group meetings for anyone who would like to learn more about ADHD or has questions or concerns. Come share with those who understand.

Second Wednesdays’ meeting is for parents of children, teens, and young adults with ADHD. The group for adults with ADHD, spouses, partners of someone with ADHD meets fourth Wednesdays of every month.

Judy Brenis: jbbrenis@comcast.net, or call 831-818-9619.

Last Wednesdays Each Month MAGICIANS’ CLUB 7 p.m., Antonelli Club Room, 2655 Brommer St., Santa Cruz Attention Magic Lovers! Our new Magicians’ Club meets on the last Wed. of every month at 7pm in the club room at the Antonelli Mobile Home Park.

If you do magic or want to get started in this fun hobby, join us.

Questions? Call Jim at 685-3829 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 7-9 p.m., Katz Cancer Resource Center, 3150 Mission Dr Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group has been an active group for over 20 years in the community.

First meeting of 2018 will be February 28th.

Thursdays FRIENDSHIP PUT TO MUSIC! 6:30 p.m., New Hall, La Selva Beach Club House, 3124 Estrella Ave. Classes every Thursday night. For more info call Sue Harris or Don Benson (831) 726-7053 or email at caller4u@att.net LUCKY STEPPERS MODERN SQUARE DANCE 6:30 pm, La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach, CA 95076 It’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; family friendly. Class takes place every Thursday Night at our new home in La Selva Beach! (Take Mar Monte off of 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.

SAN LORENZO COMMUNITY BAND PRACTICE SESSIONS 7:30-9 p.m., San Lorenzo Valley High School Band Room (F-1) The San Lorenzo Valley Community Band meets every Thursday at SLV High School. Dues are $30 a semester.

You must read music.

Call Teresa at 336-8637.

Second and Fourth Thursdays CABRILLO HOST LIONS CLUB MEETINGS 6:30 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road.

Want to make a difference in our community? Join the Cabrillo Lions Club twice every month and see what you can do to help in Santa Cruz County.

Please RSVP cabrillolions@gmail.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR First Fridays each month FIRST FRIDAY ART TOUR Fridays The First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of NAR-ANON SCOTTS VALLEY Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction 6:30 p.m., Camp Recovery Center (Bison Center Room), 3192 with the participating art venues. The event takes place Glen Canyon Road, Scotts Valley. year-round and illuminates some of the most talented Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for local artists from local galleries. families and friends of addicts. There are no To find out where to participate in a First Friday art tour, visit dues or fees to join. Just come to a meeting. You firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for will hear others, who are going through similar First Friday viewings.) problems, talk about how they cope and find FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB recovery.

To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Peace United Church of Christ at 900 High Street, Santa Cruz go to our website at www.nar-anon.org.

Curious about Shakespeare? The Friday Shakespeare DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT Club members discuss the life, times, and influence of 12-1 pm, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, two locations: William Shakespeare.

940 Disc Dr., SV For information, call 831-684-2832, or go to friday 85 Nielson St., Watsonville shakespeare.org or facebook.com/fridayshakespeare.

Hospice of Santa Cruz County is offering a drop-in FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB grief support group for adults grieving the death of OF SANTA CRUZ a family member or a friend. This group is a place where you can share stories, learn tools for coping, 10 am - noon, Peace United Church, 909 High Street This is the oldest women’s club in Santa Cruz. The club and receive support from people who care. meets to study the life, works and times of William For more information, please call (831) 430-3000. PreShakespeare. Members share group readings and registration is required.

ONGOING EVENTS CONT.

insights, discuss history, and universal themes found in fine wine and conversation. Joining the club provides his plays and writings. a great opportunity to cook, to entertain, and to meet locals that share your interests.

For more information please call 831-684-2832 Learn more about the SC Dinner Club and the fun we Saturdays have by contacting Rhonda Mills at info@SantaCruz PILLS ANONYMOUS (PA) DinnerClub.com 8 a.m., Sutter Hospital, 2025 Soquel Ave The purpose of PA is to provide a safe, secure, and sup- Third Sunday of Every Month portive place for people who are addicted to pills who SCIENCE SUNDAY want to get off of them. PA is offered all over the world. Starts at 1 p.m., 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 95060 For questions, please contact Gary at (831)801-9578 or Seymour Marine Discovery Center presents a public Kristin at (831)345-6515 lecture from a marine scientist the third Sunday of every month. Topics are presented in an entertaining SANTA CRUZ TENNIS CLUB and easy-to-understand format, with up-to-date photos, video, and discussion.

9 a.m., Soquel High School Tennis Courts Science Sunday does not meet in December. For more info The nonprofit Santa Cruz Tennis Club meets every visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu Saturday morning at the Soquel High School courts beginning at 9:00 am. We play doubles and mixed doubles, mostly at an intermediate level, and switch DATED EVENTS around the players every 45 minutes.

Saturday November 9 Balls are provided. $2 for first time visitors.

42ND ANNUAL ALBACORE DINNER Second Saturdays Each Month Coctails at 6 p.m., Dinner at 7 p.m., Castroville Recreation 2ND SATURDAY ON THE FARM Center, 11261 Crane St., Castroville 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Ag History Project Center at the Santa Cruz Presented by the Castroville Rotary Club and the County Fairgrounds Monterey Trout and Steelhead Project. No host for Join us every 2nd Saturday on the Farm for free family coctails. Event includes: Door Prizes • Silent Auction • activities. Each month we select a new theme to highlight Project Demonstrations.

Adults: $20 • Kids under 12: $10. Tickets available at the door. historical agriculture with games, activities, and demonstrations that relate. We often have guest appearances from farm animals like llamas, draft horses, sheep, Saturday November 16 goats, chickens, rabbits, and more! You are sure to find BOARDWALK HOLIDAY ICE BEGINS something fun and entertaining for the whole family.

10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Check our website and Facebook page for more details. FREE Sundays NAR-ANON SANTA CRUZ 6:30 p.m., Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (Sutter Room), 2900 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz Nar-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 locations of meetings, please go to our website at www.nar-anon.org.

RECOVERING COUPLES ANONYMOUS MEETING 10:30 a.m.–noon, Sutter Maternity, 2900 Chanticleer Ave, SC RCA is a 12 step group for couples. Our primary purpose is to stay committed in loving and intimate relationships and to help other couples achieve freedom from dysfunctional relationships. All couples are welcome whether married or partnered. Some of us are new in our coupleships and seek to build intimacy together. We have all found help in Recovering Couples Anonymous.

For more information visit our website: https://santacruzrca.org or email us at rcasantacruz@yahoo.com

SURFIN’ SANTA Saturday November 30 Noon - 4 p.m., Capitola Beach, Capitola Village Join us in welcoming Surfin’ Santa to the shores of Capitola Beach! Santa will be riding the waves via Outrigger canoe for his annual visit to Capitola Village, arriving at 12pm to visit with all the kids. Once toweled off, he’ll settle in his beach chair for a nice, long visit. Be sure to bring your camera to capture Santa’s wave riding arrival, and your little ones special visit with Santa. It makes a great holiday photo! http://master.capitolachamber.com/events/

Celebrate this holiday season with a new family tradition, ice skating at the Boardwalk! Festivities and Fun: Ice Skating by the Beach, on Real Ice! Select Boardwalk Rides and Games, Indoor Arcades, Mini Golf, and Laser Tag. Delicious Boardwalk Treats to eat. Classic Holiday Movies. Kids Craft Activities and Holiday Lights and Decorations! Reservations for ice skating recommended.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BIBLE STUDY Schedule, reservations and tickets will be available 9:45 a.m: Bible Study • 11 a.m.: Worship online at https://beachboardwalk.com. Ice Rink open 7565 Sunset Way, Aptos First Baptist Church of Aptos welcomes you to join their through Jan. 5, 2020 bible study and worship every Sunday.

Sunday November 17 Call (831) 688-5842 for more info SCIENCE SUNDAY First Sunday of Every Month 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., eymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB EVENT Marine scientists bring you public lectures with 5 p.m., various member homes throughout county Love to cook, entertain and socialize? Our dinner club photography, video, and stories of their work and events will be held in several homes throughout Santa lives.

Visit http://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/ for details n Cruz County where members enjoy gourmet meals,

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 29

Business Guide

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Highway 1 Update

By Supervisor Zach Friend

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ne of the most common questions I receive is when Highway 1 will be improved or, more specifically, when there will be some relief for congestion on Highway 1. Over the last few decades various economic and land use patterns have increased the commute times on the highway.

It’s not uncommon for it to take between 45 min. and an hour to drive from Santa Cruz to Aptos and points south in our county. Additionally, “rush hour” is now “rush hours” as congestion can begin in the early afternoon and stretch into the early evening. These issues disproportionally impact the mid and south county areas.

What are some of the reasons behind the congestion? n the last few decades there has been a significant amount of job growth in the northern section of the county and over the hill but most home construction — and specifically affordable home construction — has occurred in the southern portion of the county. As people have to move further from their jobs for affordable housing it makes sense that more cars with longer commutes will create additional traffic.

Additionally, as the economy has improved (with an unemployment rate of over 16 percent in February of 2010 to a rate of approximately 4 percent today) there are more workers on the road. The improved economy — and specifically the increased workforce — is a great thing. It does also increase the number of commuters, however, and as some of those commuters moved further away from job centers during the recession to find affordable housing they have increased commutes causing backups that stretch most of the county.

This means that the solution to congestion isn’t just a transportation one alone but also changing where affordable housing is located in relationship to where jobs are located.

But transportation improvements are a key part of the solution and there have been limited investments into the highway (other than the improvements made from the fishhook to Soquel) during this timeframe.

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 30 / November 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

What are the plans for Highway 1? easure D included funds for highway auxiliary lane improvements as well as bike and pedestrian overcrossings.

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) along with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration prepared a combined Environmental Impact Report and Assessment for the Highway 1 corridor, which was certified in January.

The final design and right-ofway phases are underway for the auxiliary lane project between Soquel and 41st. The plans, specifications and engineer’s estimate were submitted to Caltrans this month. The project is expected to begin construction in 2020 (next year). This phase also includes a new bike and pedestrian overcrossing at Chanticleer.

Earlier this year the RTC awarded a contract for the preliminary engineering and environmental components for the Bay/Porter to State Park auxiliary lanes project (which will be the next project phase). This project will include new north and southbound lanes, pavement improvements, new drainage, retaining walls and soundwalls as well as a new overcrossing at Capitola Avenue. Traffic studies and preliminary design elements have begun and environmental work is expected to be completed in mid-2021. Construction is expected to begin in 2022. Separate from this project (but in a similar timeline) will be the addition of a new bike/ pedestrian overcrossing at Mar Vista (expected to begin in early 2023).

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What other long-term solutions are being considered? ven though we would like to see an immediate improvement in transportation, realistically, there are no quick fixes to congestion.

However, some considerations

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beyond just highway improvements are being worked on.

Santa Cruz METRO has been exploring bus-on-shoulder options to reduce transit times and hopefully provide an incentive for greater usage of major transit on the highway.

We’ve spoken to some of the local school districts about increasing their bus options as well as looking at start times (a number of school start times are during morning rush hour — exacerbating the congestion).

Some of these start times were actually moved from previous times that didn’t conflict with rush hour in order to deal with a reduction in school bus service so increasing the bus service might also improve issues in neighborhoods and other areas in the county.

Addressing the live/work imbalance in the county is also essential. Every morning when traffic is stopped going north (and vice/versa in the afternoon) you can witness the other side of the freeway flowing. This is a sign of an imbalance of where housing is located to where jobs are located. Improving affordable housing options throughout the county — and not just in the southern portion of the county or even out of county — are an important part of the discussion.

A number of people also pass through our county to work over the hill. I’ve met with major tech companies over the hill and many have said improving broadband capabilities in our county would mean telecommute options could be possible as well as opening satellite offices (which would take a significant number of vehicles off of the road).

As a result, we’ve been working on improving broadband in our area and looking at how zoning is limiting satellite options throughout the county.

“Highway 1” page 31

SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Who Are Your ‘BEST’ Customers?

By Ron Kustek

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Maya: Living the Rabbit Life

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aya (ID#A260791) was surrendered to the Shelter by her owners who had too many rabbits and were no longer able to care for her.

Maya is a young, sweet and energetic bunny! She will come to the front of her kennel to say hello, especially if offered a small piece of apple. When out of her kennel, she likes to crawl into a lap and snuggle.

If you are looking for fun little rabbit to raise, Maya might be the perfect fit for you. Don’t forget our rabbit adoption special going on this month!

Maya is a white and gray, spayed female rabbit.

To adopt your new friend, visit one of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter locations, or their website at www.scanimalshelter. org. n

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••• 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

Classic Children’s Books © Statepoint Media

f you say, ‘I wish I had a hundred more customers like “Skylar” — do you know everything about “Skylar” that you should know?

Customers come into our business lives – hopefully making a purchase for a need that we satisfy – and then they are on their way. But how do you keep in touch with them? How do you get another sale from them? What do you know about your best customer? The answer is, if you knew everything about your BEST customer, you would be able to find more great customers that have similar interests, locations, behaviors, families, hangouts, access points, etc., — right?

Fast Times Demand Information s much as we’d like to think that people seek us out for what we offer, times have changed. Your customers are more likely to depend on word-of-mouth or other ‘social push’ sites to feed them information.

We’ve entered the world of anti-searcheffort, and many customers today are feeling that if it’s not fed to them socially or via other feeds they’ve established, then it’s not popular enough or good enough, or worth their time to seek out to consider.

Which brings us back to your BEST customer — and we need to keep focused on the BEST customer. A BEST customer is one who is loyal, buys your product and/ or service, keeps buying additional items and/or services from you, doesn’t cause issues or constantly makes returns, and also brings their family & friends and/or acquaintances in to experience what you have to offer, who likely also buy from you.

So who is “Skylar”? kylar is your ‘best customer’ Skylar is about 37, loyal to your business and has 3 kids still in school, owns their home, lives within 2 miles of your location, graduated from UCSC and also is an avid coffee drinker from the coffee shop next door. Skylar spends more than your average customer, and also brings in friends from out of town when they’re visiting. Skylar also drives a 4 year old SUV and enjoys going to museums, and dines out about 4 times per week.

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“Highway 1” from page 30 Additionally, the County (as a major employer) is looking at ways our workforce can use our various campuses differently so that commutes can be reversed or reduced.

These are just a few examples, and by no means a comprehensive list, of things that

To know your customer means to ask them questions when you or your staff are able to talk to them, and then also have a system to store that information. What lists do you have of your customers? Hopefully you maintain a current email list that helps you communicate with customers regularly, perhaps through a monthly newsletter.

How to get more “Skylars” t’s quite simple and very effective to do local Facebook and Google ads where you can define your customer based on their demographics (age, sex, number of children, education level, home ownership, proximity to your business, etc) as well as customer behaviors (local coffee shops, museum fan, dining out frequently, etc). These are very effective ways to target potential ‘new best customers’ based on what you already know about your existing best customers.

Knowing information about your best customers is key to your success. If you’re not already collecting emails from customers, I’d encourage you to do so.

Simple surveys asking customers what social media they use, what other things they like to do and also being VERY specific about how they heard about you, are all great pieces of information that will help you understand which parts of your marketing are delivering customers, and which areas you should re-allocate your marketing budget to in order to get a greater return on your money and efforts! n ••• Ron Kustek is a business instructor at Cabrillo College. Email: rokustek@cabrillo.edu

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are underway to address this multifaceted issue. n ••• As always, I appreciate your feedback and questions. Feel free to call me at 454-2200 or visit me in my open office hours in Aptos, Corralitos, Watsonville or Seascape to discuss these issues in person.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / November 2019 / 31

Happy

THANKSGIVING Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of my family, friends and clients, past and present. I truly have been blessed meeting such amazing families, and working with so many exceptional home buyers and home sellers. I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving, a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year!

thank You! AMBER MELENUDO REALTORÂŽ 831.661.5591 ambermelenudo.com amber@davidlyng.com DRE 01921098

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