Capitola Soquel Times: December 2019

Family Owned For Over 28 Years • Capitola, Soquel, Live Oak, Pleasure Point

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

December 2019 • Vol 24 No. 12

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Capitola Plein Air

Capitola Arts and Cultural Commission hosted its fifth Plein Air Art Festival from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. Forty juried artists were welcomed by Laurie Hill, event coordinator, and an enthusiastic group of volunteers, to paint plein air (outdoors) for four days throughout Capitola city limits, from New Brighton to the Hook.

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Women On Waves’ Uncertain Future The Bay Area’s Only Women’s Surf Competition Needs Capitola’s Support

By Aylana Zanville California female surfers, from beginners to expert, deserve a day to celebrate and showcase their talent in the water. Women on Waves Surf Contest (WOW), is a biannual amateur longboard surf event that highlights and celebrates the talent and athleticism of local women in the Santa Cruz County.

It is the only contest of its kind in the area.

Not only is WOW a great competition, it is also a fundraising event that benefits local women-focused non-profit organizations in the Santa Cruz County. This unique surf contest draws spectators from all over the area to watch and cheer the female surfers. ... continues on page 4

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No. 12

Volume 24

13

24

27

Table of Contents

10

Cover

Women On Waves’ Uncertain Future: The Bay Area’s Only Women’s Surf Competition Needs Capitola’s Support, By Aylana Zanville

5 6 7 8 9

10 12 13 16 18 19 20 27

Community News 26 Years of Making a Difference!: Aptos Adopt-A-Family Provides for Families in Times of Hardship Capitola Plein Air, By Linda Segal, Event Volunteer Vibrant, Mixed-Use Community Approved CASA Welcomes New Advocates • Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Offers Winter Camp For Kids Candidate Filing Open: March 2020 Primarys Need To Be In By Thru Dec. 6 • Capitola Holiday Tree Lighting • Firefighter Dustin Marty Receives Letter of Commendation for Lifesaving Actions Off-Duty • The Fish Lady Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting SqCWD Awarded $50 Million: State Grant for Pure Water Soquel; Seawater Intrusion Program Also Approved Apology to Native Tribe Being Considered Dominican Earns Top Ratings: Hospital Recognized for Cardiac Care and Patient Safety By Watchgroups Healthgrades and Leapfrog Online Tool for Help With Tax Liability SCBT presents ‘The Nutcracker’: With Live Orchestra at the Civic Auditorium, By Betty Sanchez Festive Fun at the Boardwalk: Ice Skating, Curling Lessons, Train Rides, Visits with Santa, Crafts and More!

Nutcracker—Experience the Magic!: Santa Cruz City Ballet Kicks off the Holidays at Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater Junior Earthkeepers: Celebrating Six years of Taking Care of Our Earth • Morris Named Next Human Services Director

Local Sports 11 Fall Scholastic Champions: CCS Announces 2019-2020 Teams • MidCounty High Schools Scoreboard

Letter to the Editor 22 My Lawsuit Against Pure Water Project, Becky Steinbruner, Petitioner, in Pro Per for the Public Benefit

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Your November Horoscope Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists 24 Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season with Your Pet, By Tiffany L. Mitchener, DVM 25 Cannabinoids: CBD, By Ron Conte, Pharm.D. 26 Mulch Is Imitation Of Nature, By Tony Tomeo 30 Supporting Local Businesses, By Supervisor Zach Friend 31 Top 10 Reasons To Be An Entrepreneur, By Ron Kustek

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COVER STORY publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Lori Landino

contributing writers Camisa Composti, Aylana Zanville, Linda Segal, Betty Sanchez, Tiffany L. Mitchener, Ron Conte, Tony Tomeo, 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 Cathe Race

office coordinator

Bill Pooley, James Hudson

distribution

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.

Entire contents ©2019. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Opinions/Letters: editorial@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com

“Women on Waves” from page 1 Before we talk about why WOW needs your help, let me tell you some of its history.

The West Wind Surf Club and Zeuf Hesson, a legendary local female surfer, founded Women On Waves in 1996. WOW continued to grow over the years with the support of numerous volunteers from the surfing community including Toni Castro, from the Capitola Chamber of Commerce, Sally Smith, founder of Paradise Surf Shop and Marisol Godinez, along with Mermaid Series.

In 2018 Ola Chica Surf Company took over production of the contest and is looking forward to bringing it back in 2020.

“This contest was a great way to bring coast side women together back when it started,” said Asi Ghiassi. “I met some of my best friend through WOW. Also the older women were so inspiring watching them rip.”

WOW provides women and girls a chance to compete and have fun on an even playing field, in a festival like atmosphere, with tons of camaraderie and support from the community. This contest encourages young women to get out there and go for it, while also teaching them the value of giving back.

Women on Waves is the one and only all-women surf event in our area. It is crucial that we are able to hold this event in order to support our female surfing community. Now, more than ever before in history, women in surfing are finally receiving equality and I want to encourage future female surfers to pursue their dreams by participating in WOW. This is one of the most positive surf events I’ve ever experienced and given its history, I am shocked that we need to fight for it.

“This was the first contest my then 5-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son got to watch mom surf in,” said Jessica

CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment 4 / December 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

The organizers of WOW (from left): Corey Grace, Aylana Zanville and Marisol Godinez.

Cassidy. “The best part was that we were all moms out in the water at one point with our kiddos on shore watching us. It was the best feeling and all of our hearts were full.”

Cassidy continued: “This contest is not much of a contest but rather a gathering of like-minded women who share the same passion for the sport of surfing. To be able to include our families and closest friends and all the aloha that comes with being in and around the ocean is a joyous day! My kiddos keep asking when we will do it again ... let’s keep it going WOW! Side note ... my kiddos also got to see mom take first place.”

I am very passionate about bringing WOW back on a permanent biannual basis, but as much as the female surfing community and I want WOW to happen, we are encountering hesitation with the City of Capitola. Due to a high number of events in the city and ensuing resident complaints, the City of Capitola has limited the number of permits they will issue.

Menehunes ages 9-12 for fun division.

Why Capitola? Capitola is the ideal location for both viewing the event, and for novice participants who are leery of the more rocky areas of Pleasure Point or Steamer Lane. It is important that WOW is held in a safe place where everyone feels comfortable in the ocean. Simply put, Capitola is user friendly and provides a perfect place for competitors and audience alike to enjoy the beauty of women surfing.

How can you help? There are three ways you can help: 1. Join us on March 12th, at the Capitola City Council meeting (check back www.womenonwavessurfcontest.com for the exact date & time) With enough representation and testimonials from previous events we can create change and secure approval for a WOW 2020 date.

2. Email www.capitolachamber.com/ contact-us/ and tell them why you believe in WOW and want it to happen in 2020. Your voice really does matter.

It doesn’t need to be a long letter, just enough to tell the Council Members how much you care about WOW. 3. POST! Let’s make noise on social media. Follow WOW on Instagram or FaceBook and share our photos — tell your story to your friends and ask them to share to: www.facebook.com/womenonwaves surfcontest/ www.instagram.com/women_on_waves/ www.f acebook.com /Capi t ol aSoquel Chamber We need your help to keep this amazing contest alive in 2020 at Capitola! n ••• Aylana Zanville is the founder of Ola Chica Swimwear and Director of WOW. For more info email: WomenOnWavesSurfContest@gmail.com Cover Photo: Women on Waves Masters Division

COMMUNITY NEWS

26 Years of Making a Difference!

Aptos Adopt-A-Family Provides for Families in Times of Hardship

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wenty-six years ago, a local businessman in Aptos was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. As the cancer progressed, he was unable to work or support his family as the holidays approached. Our community put on spaghetti feed and the money collected went to help his family.

Patrice Edwards, of Times Publishing Group, Inc., and a friend, worked tirelessly to collect toys, food, clothes, rent money, and more to carry his family through the coming months. This was the birth of Aptos-Adopt-a-Family.

Over the years there have been hundreds of stories, and thousands of gifts.

Gifts of wheelchairs, a handicap accessible van, lifts, food, clothes, toys, bikes, rent— gifts that have helped many a family enjoy their holiday.

We connect people who want to adopt, and they provide the family with gifts. They receive a list of the family’s wants and needs, they do the shopping,

and then deliver them to our office and we pass them along to the adopted family.

We focus primarily on families that are having financial challenges due to a medical catastrophe within their family as well as families who have had a financial crisis. We have worked side by side with Jacob’s Heart over the years and have had several of our sponsors adopt a Jacob’s Heart family.

We have several families awaiting adoption! Call us at 831-688-7549 if you would like to adopt a family or refer a family in need.

If you cannot adopt but would like to support us please send your donation (of any amount) to Aptos Adopt-A-Family c/o Times Publishing Group, Inc., 9601 Soquel Drive, Ste A Aptos, CA 95003.

••• From a Jacob’s Heart Parent: Celebrating The Holidays in Grief is like holding your breath when you dive

into a pool: Instinctual, scary and over before you know it.

At different stages the pain changes.

Tears fall either way — with delight and while mourning. It would be easy to dread the season because our pain overshadows any hope of a “greeting card” holiday.

Deciding how to make new memories, without forgetting what matters, is challenging.

If we try to maintain some sense of “normal” we aren’t fooling anybody. There is nothing normal about experiencing life’s grandest occasions without your beloved child. There are still traditions to keep and expectations to meet. But you have to force yourself out of bed amid the constant presence of loss. That’s not easy.

Breathing takes effort. Energy that might be better reserved for planning, creating, and enjoying the season, is depleted by the sheer act of existing.

“Adopt-A-Family” page 7

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

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By Linda Segal, Event Volunteer

apitola Arts and Cultural Commission hosted its fifth Plein Air Art Festival from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. Forty juried artists were welcomed by Laurie Hill, event coordinator, and an enthusiastic group of volunteers, to paint plein air (outdoors) for four days throughout Capitola city limits, from New Brighton to the Hook. This year artists were also allowed to paint along the Pleasure Point cliffs and in the Forest of Niscene Marks.

On Sunday, Nov. 3, the New Brighton Middle School auditorium was transformed into a gallery showcasing the artists’ completed works. This was a freeto-the public event, where about hundreds of attendees were treated to mellow music

by Acoustic Madness, a DIY art table, and the opportunity to acquire original art.

Sponsors shared free art supply samples and discussed new products. The Commission collected 30% of the proceeds to support art education.

Paintings were professionally judged; then the public and the artists themselves voted for their favorites. The winner of the professional judging, “Blues of Depot Hill”

by Cleo Villett. Second place went to Durre Waseem’s “Shadows and Reflections”.

Both first and second place pieces were purchased by the City of Capitola to be displayed in the Council Chambers. Heather Ihn Martin’s “Rising Tide” was chosen as the Artists’ Choice; and People’s Choice winner was Wendy Brayton’s “SoTola”.

Wendy Brayton was a back to back first place winner in 2018 and 2017.

The artists, some local, some from as far away as upstate New York, took full advantage of the week’s perfect weather to create over 200 works. Each showed a unique perspective of iconic subjects like the Venetian and Capitola Beach, as well as obscure paths and alleyways.

For the first time in five years, the artists Annie Haines were invited to join a Quick Draw competition on Saturday Nov. 2. Thirty-five of them took the challenge and had two hours to complete their best effort. At 3:30 P.M., all paintings were displayed at Esplanade Park, and the artists acted as their peers’ judges, while the public enjoyed the works and purchased 11 pieces at the silent auction. Annie Haines’ “Perfect Beach Day” was declared the winner and was purchased by the City of Capitola. Waseem’s work took second place, and Ihn Martin’s third.

This annual five-day event has become popular with participating artists and the public, and plans are already underway for 2020. New volunteers are welcome. For more information: www.capitolapleinair.com. n

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“Plein Air” page 8

COMMUNITY NEWS

Vibrant, Mixed-Use Community Approved T he Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a mixed-use development near 17th Avenue and Capitola Road that will include community-serving medical and dental clinics, a public plaza, and 57 units of affordable rental homes.

Located on property owned by the County’s former redevelopment agency, the 3.7-acre site was the subject of numerous community meetings and earned widespread approval as a model mixeduse development that addresses the housing crisis, health care gaps and community open space needs. The development is being led by MidPen Housing, which developed, owns Major Robert Merriman and manages 13 affordable housing communities throughout Santa Cruz County.

“This represents an unprecedented opportunity to provide community services and address the needs of the Live Oak community,” Supervisor John Leopold said. “I would like to thank the hundreds of community members who came together to help shape this future community. It is great that there will be a special preference for people who live and work in Santa Cruz County and Live Oak. I look forward to the day when we turn this shared vision into reality.”

The 57 affordable rental apartments will be developed, owned and operated

“Adopt-A-Family” from page 5 Like it or not, our child died before us, and we will spend the holiday without Charlie. We are broken. Permanently.

There will be beauty, laughter, and joy, but at a cost so great, it means less now than before. The best it will ever get is over forever.

So how do we find holiday joy when we’re completely shattered? How could we?

Maybe the wonder and magic of the holidays will restore our hope. Or, maybe the holidays will remind us how fleeting our chances truly are.

In spite of it all, I choose joy. I know

Rendering of a future project to include medical and dental clinics, housing and a plaza at the corner of 17th Ave. and Capitola Rd.

by MidPen Housing, and include a community room with a kitchen and computers, a manager’s apartment, space for an academically-based After School Program for children, a laundry room, a property management office, a garden and a secure bicycle storage room.

The Board also directed the development be energy self-sufficient by generating, storing and transmitting renewable energy on-site.

“I am beyond excited to reach this stage,” said Betsy Wilson, Director of Special Projects for MidPen Housing.

“We understand the dire need for quality, affordable housing throughout Santa Cruz

County, and we are thrilled to once again be part of the solution.”

The 11,000-square-foot dental clinic will be operated by Dientes Community Dental, which has provided oral health care to low-income children, adults and seniors for more than 25 years. The 18,000-squarefoot medical clinic will be operated by Santa Cruz Community Health Centers, which has offered affordable, comprehensive services to Santa Cruz County for 45 years.

“Locating services where they are most needed is important to our community,” said Leslie Conner, CEO of Santa Cruz Community Health Centers. “By pro-

viding integrated medical, behavioral, and social support services, we can improve the lives of Live Oak residents.”

The proposed public plaza including a sunken green space, seating, sculptures and an interpretive historical installation honoring Robert Merriman and the history of the site. Merriman, who once lived on the site, fought fascism in Spain as commander of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, and was the inspiration for the fictional character Robert Jordan in Ernest Hemmingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” n ••• For more info: www.santacruzcounty.us

a significant reason I can be joyful in grief is because of the joy that has been shared with me. My faith, our close family, this community, and the continuous support and love from Jacob’s Heart sustains us.

When the world and its unavoidable tragedies seem overwhelming, we must find joy. And by grace, I have.

It gives me hope that we’ll somehow survive the devastation of my son Charlie’s death, and we will someday be together forever in perfect paradise.

Until then, I choose joy in grief, because despite the obliterating sadness of pediatric cancer, we have been given a new day. This is the ultimate gift. n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

CASA Welcomes New Advocates T he Hon. Ariadne Symons swore in 18 community members as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care. This was upon their completion of the CASA 35-hour training program.

CASA of Santa Cruz County recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer Advocates who are matched one on one with a child in the county’s dependency (foster care) court system advocating for them the entire time they have a case open with the Court.

As officers of the Court, CASA volunteers ensure that the children’s needs are recognized and their best interests are considered in the courtroom, school, and in the community.

CASA’s Court Liaison, Clint Bonds, has been in his role since August 2017.

“I have been part of ten CASA graduations and I am continually impressed by the willingness of these volunteers to jump into this role and advocate for a child,” he said. “Every abused or neglected child is a unique individual, and sometimes a system can’t comprehend all of the complexities that each child’s story contains.”

Bonds continued: “Having a CASA Advocate means having someone that will

Back row: Janet Kennedy, Mary MacLellan, Quentin Levy, Kerry McDonald, Judith Tollner, Joe Jordan, Chella DeVoe, Laura Palmer, Honorable Judge Ariadne Symons, Kammy Ryckman, Harry Cozad, Erica Chapin, CASA Trainer Jenny Hundemer. Front Row: Natalie Hoffman, Margaret Diego, Alice Talbot, Clarissa Infante, Alex Malaspinas, Janet Kass, Corey McVeigh, Robert “Bob” Spisak. Not pictured but sworn in at a later time: Gabriella Figueroa Rico. speak up for the needs in each of those relationship, and I am grateful for the comchildren’s unique situation, and that is an munity members who are willing to take incredibly important person to have in a the time to develop those relationships child’s life. Every child needs that kind of with the children in dependency care.”

CASA of Santa Cruz County’s wait list currently includes 13 children, 4 of whom are under the age of 3. Although there is a great need for bilingual and male volunteers, we always encourage people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds to learn more.

The following dates are informational sessions for community members to learn about getting involved with CASA: • Saturday, December 7, 10:00AM at CASA, located at 813 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville • Tuesday, December 10 6:00PM at Live Oak Family Resource Center, located at 1740 17thAvenue in Santa Cruz • Wednesday, December 11, 5:30PM at CASA, located at 813 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville • Thursday, December 12, 2:00 p.m. at Staff of Life, located at 1129 Soquel Drive in Santa Cruz n ••• For more information on how to become a CASA volunteer Advocate, please contact CASA Outreach Coordinator, Cita Rasul, at (831) 761-2956, ext. 102, or visit www.casaofsantacruz.org.

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Offers Winter Camp For Kids

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he Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) is offering a “Frosty Paws” Winter Camp for children ages 8-12 at their Education Center, 2260 7th Ave. in Santa Cruz, from December 30, 2019 to January 3, 2020 (excluding January 1st) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

SCCAS’ “Frosty Paws” camp fosters understanding, respect and empathy toward all living beings.

Through engaging activities, children learn about being responsible stewards, both for animals and the world around them.

Campers will meet guest speakers from animal

“Plein Air” from page 6 Results of the Main Event Judge’s Results 1st Place Cleo Vilett “Blues of Depot Hill” 2nd Place Durre Waseem “Shadows and Reflections” Peoples Choice Wendy Brayton Artist’s Choice Heather Ihn Martin “Rising Tide”

• • • • • • • • • • • •

welfare professions and get to know a wide variety of animals. There are behind-the-scenes Shelter tours and animal-themed arts and crafts projects, including art that helps showcase pets waiting to be adopted.

All proceeds from this program benefit Santa Cruz County’s only open admission shelter, serving animals in need in our community. Scholarships are available as well as opportunities to donate to sponsor camp for a child in need. n ••• For more info please visit www.scanimalshelter.org/ winter-camp/ or call (831) 454-7229.

Honorable Mention (in alpha order) Wendy Brayton “So Tola!”

Tanvi Buch “Colors of Capitola” John Crawford “Capitola Cliff” Wendy Franklin “Shadowbrook Palms” Heather Ihn Martin “Rising Tide” Kristian Matthews “The Door” Gia Moody “Privates Beach” Erika Perloff “Moving Colors” Deborah Newman “Row Row Your Boat” Paul Ricard “Nisene Marks” Kari Ganoung Ruiz “Choice Spot” Nancy Takaichi “Wharf in a Square”

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

• Marti Walker “The Sparkling Sea” Community Recognition Awards Capitola Soquel Chamber of Commerce Award Bonni Carver “Afternoon Nov. 3 Cap. Village” Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors Award Al Shamble “View From Depot Hill” Capitola Village Business Improvement Ass’n.

Bruce Harman “Village Dusk” Capitola’s First Quick Draw 1st Place Anne Haines

2nd Place Duree Waseem 3rd Place Heather Ihn Martin Honorable Mention (in alpha order) • Bonni Carver • Oscar Lopez • Deborah Newman • Justin Owens • Chris Potter ••• Cover Photo: Group picture of judged winners

Candidate Filing Open

COMMUNITY NEWS

March 2020 Primarys Need To Be In By Thru Dec. 6

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andidates interested in running for an office on the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary ballot must file candidate nomination documents during the filing period from Nov. 11 to Dec. 6.

The following offices are on the March 3, 2020 ballot: 18th and 20th Congressional Districts 17th State Senate District 29th and 30th State Assembly Districts County Supervisors: 1st, 2nd and 5th Districts 7 Superior Court Judges Also, on the ballot are candidates running for local political party Central Committees and County Councils. Filing for those offices opened Sept. 27 and closes on Dec. 6.

During this filing period, candidates file the following documents:

Nomination Papers. Candidates must file a specified number of valid signatures on a Nomination Petition in order to have their name on the primary ballot.

Declaration of Candidacy is filed after the candidate satisfies their nomination signature requirement.

Candidate’s Statement of Qualifications to be printed in the County Voter Information Guide and/or posted online at www.votescount.com is optional.

Candidates for Superior Court Judge and Board of Supervisors – 200 words or less and must be filed and paid for at the time they file their Declaration of Candidacy.

Candidates for State Senate or State Assembly — 250 words or less if they

have agreed to adhere to the spending limits on Form 501. Must be filed by 5 p.m. Dec. 6.

Candidates for Congress – 250 words or less — must be filed by 5 p.m. Dec. 6.

Candidates for Central Committee or County Council are not eligible to file a candidate’s statement of qualifications.

Fair Political Practices Form 700 Conflict of Interest Statement.

Filing fees for the various offices up for election are based on 1 or 2 percent of the annual salary. Fees range from $2,000.42 for Superior Court Judge to $1,104.59 for State Assembly Member.

A “Candidate’s Handbook” detailing deadlines, forms, candidate filing requirements, and election processes for the March 3, 2020 Primary Election is

available from the Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Department at 701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz. Candidate’s handbooks are also available online at www.votescount.com.

In addition, a daily update of candidates who have taken out papers or have filed is available online at www.votescount. com as well as other important information regarding the March Primary. n ••• For more information, please call 831-4542060, visit us online at www.votescount.com or email us at gail.pellerin@santacruzcounty.us.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Capitola Holiday Tree Lighting oin friends, family and Santa Claus for the Holiday Tree Lighting festival in the Capitola Village. The festivities start at December 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the arbor in front of Quality Market at Capitola & Stockton Avenues.

Santa Claus will be on hand to visit with the kids. Many shops will be open for holiday shopping and there will be a raffle for gift certificates to Shadowbrook and various Capitola Village shops.

Refreshments from Calypso’s Cove & Music from New Brighton Middle School Band.

For more information www.capitolasoquelchamber.com or (831) 475-6522 ••• Firefighter Dustin Marty Receives Letter of Commendation for Lifesaving Actions Off-Duty t the Central Fire Board of Directors Meeting on November 12th, 2019, Firefighter Dustin Marty was presented with a Letter of Commendation for recent life-saving actions performed while off- duty.

On September 28th, 2019 Firefighter Marty was driving along East Cliff Drive

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while off-duty and noticed a party of 10 surfers approaching the water.

Marty, knowing the current weather conditions (high tide and moderate surf), parked his personal vehicle and put on his wetsuit. By the time Marty was able to check on the surfers, all of the surfers were struggling to get through the surf line. Marty immediately entered the water and Dustin Marty assisted each of the 10 surfers (one by one) to the beach below East Cliff Drive.

Engine 3414, Engine 3415, and Battalion 3403 had been dispatched to the scene for a cliff rescue with the information that the 10 surfers were stuck on the beach during high tide.

Upon their arrival, the engine crews witnessed Firefighter Marty assisting the surfers from the beach to the East Cliff Drive walkway. After all the surfers were safely on the walkway, one of them approached Marty and said “Thank you ... you single-handedly saved 10 lives today.”

Central Fire is very proud of our men and women who respond to the needs of others while on- duty. We are even more proud when these same men and women go above the call of duty to risk their lives while saving others while off-duty on their own time.

We thank Firefighter Marty for his unwavering service, support, dedication, and

willingness to go beyond the call of duty. n For more info: www.centralfpd.com ••• The Fish Lady Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting he community is invited to celebrate the Grand Opening of The Fish Lady’s new location at Capitola Produce, 700-A Bay Avenue in Capitola.

Join the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce on Sunday, December 1st, from 2–5 p.m. Ribbon Cutting at 2:30pm.

Enjoy gumbo, wine, music from the

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Mike Hadley Band, and fun from 2–5 p.m. More info at http://master.capitola chamber.com/events/ or call The Fish Lady at (831) 475-6044. n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

SqCWD Awarded $50 Million

State Grant for Pure Water Soquel; Seawater Intrusion Program Also Approved

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he Soquel Creek Water District is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a State Proposition 1 Groundwater Implementation Grant in the amount of $50 million, for its Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project. The award was unanimously made at today’s State Water Resources Control Board meeting in Sacramento.

This grant — which covers about half of the projected construction costs for the new Pure Water Soquel advanced water purification facility and distribution system — is enormously significant for the customers and community served by the District, both in the near-term and for generations to come.

Pure Water Soquel is the primary, most cost-effective, and efficient means of creating a sustainable alternative water supply to address the critically over-drafted Mid-County Groundwater Basin. With this generous grant, the State is demonstrating its strong support for preventing further seawater contamination and increasing water reuse in our region, and confirming its confidence in the District’s ability to bring the project on-line.

“On behalf of the District and the community we serve, I want to thank the members of the State Water Resources Control Board for recognizing the value of the Pure Water Soquel Project in protecting our groundwater supply from seawater intrusion and providing our community with a safe, reliable, drought resistant water supply for future generations,” said Dr. Tom LaHue, President of the District’s Board of Directors. “Our staff worked diligently in applying for this substantial grant and their remarkable effort is to be commended. We also greatly appreciate the support of the people who live and work here and our staff, including local community members and organizations that collectively sent over 100 letters to the State Board supporting the Pure Water Soquel Project. This support means a lot and keeps us on track to move forward with the design and construction of this crucial project.”

In addition to the $50 million grant, the State Board also approved a $36 million loan through its State Seawater Intrusion Control Loan Program at a 1.3% interest rate. This lower interest rate will save the District customers over $11 million in interest payments, compared to original projections.

With both this loan and the grant funds

helping to offset a large portion of the local costs for this project, the District is hopeful that future necessary water rate adjustments can be moderated for its ratepayers.

Pure Water Soquel will take treated, recycled municipal wastewater and use advanced water treatment methods to produce 1,500 acre-feet of purified water annually. This purified water will then be sent to seawater intrusion prevention/ recharge wells to replenish the critically over-drafted groundwater basin.

The Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin, which is the sole source of supply for District customers and other residents in the mid-county, is designated by the State of California as one of 21 basins throughout the state that is critically over-drafted.

Recharging the basin with purified, clean, safe water, will create and maintain a barrier against seawater contamination, and provide a safe, high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water supply for generations to come in the Santa Cruz Mid-County region.

Beyond a shortage of drinking water for the community, the over-drafting has resulted in seawater contamination of the basin, verified by water quality sampling and numerous studies conducted by the District and the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency.

Those studies show that seawater intrusion is significant within the ground-

Participants gather following SWRCB approval for project funding at the Nov. 19 Board Meeting in Sacramento. Those gathered include the State Water Resources Control Board Members (Back Row: Laurel Firestone, Tam M. Dudoc, Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel, Vice-Chair Dorene D’Adamo, and Sean Maguire), Soquel Creek Water District Representatives, District partners and supporters, and the Division of Financial Assistance Staff. water basin and along the entire coastline, commitment to investing in our local comwith an imminent threat of seawater munity, and its determination to help the contaminating the District’s water pro- District continue on course toward a susduction wells, in addition to wells used tainable water future.

The State also issued a press release by other agencies and many private well owners. This makes the Pure Water Soquel today announcing that 13 grants totaling project critically important and extremely $367 million have been approved since July and highlighting today’s approval of time-sensitive.

Awards of this grant and loan dem- the Pure Water Soquel project. n ••• onstrate the State’s support for utilizing For more info: www.soquelcreekwater.org the latest water reuse technology, its

Court Rules in Favor of Pure Water Soquel Project

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uperior Court Judge Timothy J. Schmal of Santa Cruz County ruled in favor of the Soquel Creek Water District on all elements of a legal action brought against the District earlier this year.

The legal action alleged insufficiencies in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project. The District’s Board of Directors certified the EIR and approved the project on December 18, 2018.

Judge Schmal wrote a well-reasoned 17-page point-by-point decision, which denied the petitioner’s requested writ of mandate (a court order to a government agency to correct the agency’s prior actions).

“We are very happy that we can continue to move forward in our efforts to protect our groundwater supply from seawater intrusion, providing a safe, reliable, drought resistant water supply for future generations.” said Dr. Tom LaHue, President of the District’s Board of Directors. “The judge’s

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

decision clearly showed that our environmental impact report (EIR) was thorough, compliant with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and protective of the environment.”

The lawsuit challenged the District’s certification of the EIR and approval of the project under CEQA on a number of points, some of which were procedural in nature — those being the District’s public noticing, the time limit for the EIR public comment period, and notifying of appropriate agencies. The judge notes that the District was in fact compliant in all those instances.

Among several others, the two primary challenges in the lawsuit centered on whether the District adequately analyzed the project alternative of water transfers-only, and whether the District provided meaningful analysis of impacts on water quality as a result of the project.

“Pure Water” page 22

LOCAL SPORTS

Fall Scholastic Champions

CCS Announces 2019-2020 Teams

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he Central Coast Section of the California Interscholastic Federation proudly announced the recipients of the 2019-2020 Fall Season Scholastic Championship Team Awards listed below.

These awards, instituted by the CCS Board of Managers in 1985, recognize the top five Varsity teams, from each Central Coast Section sport, with the highest collective Grade Point Average of all teams competing in that sport during that season of competition.

The student-athletes involved have achieved distinction in the classroom, and at the same time, have committed themselves to participation in interscholastic athletics.

Their academic performance is yet another indication that such athletic participation enhances classroom activities.

A team certificate and individual certificates of commendation will be presented to each school of each individual sport. n •••

2019-2020 Local Fall Scholastic Championship Teams Boys Cross Country Mount Madonna School 3.805 Girls Cross Country Mount Madonna School 3.944 Girls’ Golf Scotts Valley High School 3.759 Volleyball Kirby School 3.895 Mount Madonna School 3.881 Boys Water Polo Harbor High School 3.685 Girls Water Polo Harbor High School 3.869

Mid-County High Schools Scoreboard Football

Soquel High Record 8-3-0 (League: 4-2-0) Coach: Dwight Lowery Fri Oct 25 vs King City W 32-6 Fri Nov 1 vs Santa Cruz L 14-25 CCS D IV Quarterfinals Fri Nov 15 at Hillsdale (San Mateo) L 0-10 Harbor High Record 1-9-0 (League: 0-6-0) Coach: James Gaynor Fri Oct 25 vs Marina L 13-32 Fri Nov 8 vs St. Francis S.C.P. L 6-48

Water Polo

Soquel High Boys’ Record 10-9 (League: 5-2) Coach: Trevor Weins Wed Oct 23 at Santa Cruz L 9-10 Fri Oct 25 Los Altos L 13-14 Sat Oct 26 Leland (San Jose) W 15-10 SCCAL Postseason Tournament Wed Oct 30 @ Soquel vs Harbor W 18-2 Sat Nov 2 vs Santa Cruz L 5-9 CCS Open Division Playoffs Sat Nov 9 Quarterfinals @ Santa Cruz vs Sacred Heart Prep. (Atherton) L 8-15 Soquel High Girls Record 21-9 (League: 8-0) Coach: Ryan Chapatte NorCal Invitational Fri Oct 25 @ Gunn High School vs Clovis W 11-9 vs Acalanes (Lafayette) L 7-19 Sat Oct 26 @ Sacred Heart Preparatory vs Miramonte (Orinda) L 3-9 vs Clovis West (Fresno) W 17-13 “Scoreboard” page 14

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Apology to Native Tribe Being Considered T

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he Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, a federally unrecognized tribe comprised of the descendants of the indigenous peoples who survived missions San Juan Bautista and Santa Cruz in California, have a policy that they do not accept apologies.

In their analysis, apologies tend to be rather meaningless and can curtail a deeper engagement with difficult historical truths.

Nevertheless, the tribe is hoping that the apology offered by Governor Newsom in June 2019 will take a different course.

When Governor Newsom apologized, he also called for a Truth and Healing Council to be established. In an Oct. 31 letter to Newsom, Amah Mutsun Chairman Valentin Lopez outlined the tribe’s recommendations to the State of California, presenting criteria that would need to be met in order for the tribe to consider Newsom’s apology to be meaningful.

“We believe there can be no effective change in how the State of California acts toward its Native population going forward, without accounting for the whole truth of what happened to the Native peoples of California, and specifically, understanding how the harms of the past continue to impact us today,” states Chairman Lopez.

Lopez asserts that the State of California must make a full accounting of its crimes and offenses, which include support for the enslavement of California Indians, statesponsored killings, and attempted genocide.

Since 2009, the Amah Mutsun tribe has held bimonthly Wellness Meetings with tribal members, co-facilitated by a psychiatrist and two psychologists who are experts in addressing issues resulting from historic trauma. These Wellness Meetings have led to many revelations and insights into the individual and collective process of healing from the traumas associated with colonial violence.

In the tribe’s letter to Governor Newsom, Lopez identified what the tribe considers to be cornerstones of the healing process, which include: 1) Tribal members must have the opportunity to tell their stories about how the legacy of colonial violence and dispossession has impacted them, 2) The State must tell the full truth about California Indian history, 3) Perpetrators must also heal— healthy relationships require that each

partner is healthy, which is only possible when steps are taken to acknowledge and heal from historic trauma, and 4) Action must be taken to prevent past and current harms from continuing into the future.

“Examples of specific actions we have discussed at our Wellness Meetings to address historic trauma include the removal of statues and symbols that honor the brutal destruction of Native Americans in California,” Lopez states. “We also recognize the importance of removing the names of persons who committed atrocities against Native Americans from public facilities such as freeways, cities, parks, and schools.” The Amah Mutsun encourage the re-application of indigenous place names and stories to public locations.

When it comes to preventing continuing harm, the Amah Mutsun note that cultural resource protection laws in California are overall grossly inadequate and must be strengthened to allow tribes to prevent the continued desecration of burial grounds and cultural sites. “The State of California must take more significant steps to protect all remaining California Indian cultural and sacred sites from destruction,” Chairman Lopez states.

The Amah Mutsun also point out that the historic and continuing dispossession of the indigenous peoples of California from their ancestral lands must be rectified if any genuine healing process is to occur.

Because the State of California bears a large share of responsibility for the historic dispossession of indigenous peoples, so should the State shoulder the responsibility to create pathways towards the restoration of land, stewardship rights, and resources to the tribes within their traditional territories.

The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band has extended an invitation to Governor Newsom to meet for further discussion.

The Amah Mutsun have also requested a seat at the Truth and Healing Council, and have expressed concern about the potential underrepresentation of federally unrecognized tribes on the council.

The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is comprised of descendants of the indigenous peoples taken to missions San Juan Bautista and Santa Cruz. n ••• For more info: http://amahmutsun.org/

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dominican Earns Top Ratings

Hospital Recognized for Cardiac Care and Patient Safety By Watchgroups Healthgrades and Leapfrog

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ignity Health Dominican Hospital is among the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide for coronary intervention procedures, according to Healthgrades, the leading online resource for information about physicians and hospitals. In total, Dominican received six awards from Healthgrades in the areas of cardiac care, pulmonary care, gastrointestinal care, and critical care.

“Dominican Hospital treats some of the most complex cardiac cases in the Monterey Bay area, and we are very pleased to be recognized by Healthgrades for excellence in cardiac care,” said Nanette Mickiewicz, MD, Dominican Hospital president. “Our dedicated caregivers are committed to providing the most advanced care, right here in our community.”

The Santa Cruz hospital has also received an ‘A’ grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national recognition of the hospital’s achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization driven by employers and other purchasers of health care committed to improving health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. The Safety Grade assigns an ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’ or ‘F’ grade to all general hospitals across the country based on their performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections and other harms to patients in their care.

“The Santa Cruz County community deserves high-quality, safe care, and we are proud to once again be recognized for exemplary patient safety,” said Mickiewicz. “Our staff and caregivers focus on

safety every day, and this honor celebrates their dedication and commitment.”

••• The Healthgrades achievement is part of the 2020 Report to the Nation, which underscores the importance of hospital quality to both consumers and hospital leaders. Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 32 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions using Medicare data, and additional analyzes outcomes in appendectomy and bariatric surgery using all-payer data provided by 15 states.

Dominican received five-star awards for coronary interventional procedures, treatment of pneumonia, small intestine surgeries, and treatment of sepsis. A 5-star rating indicates clinical outcomes at Dominican are statistically significantly better than expected when treating the condition or performing the procedure being evaluated. The hospital also received the Healthgrades 2020 Coronary Intervention Excellence Award.

For its analysis, Healthgrades evaluated approximately 45 million Medicare inpatient records for nearly 4,500 short-term acute care hospitals nationwide to assess hospital performance in 32 common conditions and procedures, and evaluated outcomes in appendectomy and bariatric surgery using all-payer data provided by 15 states.

Healthgrades recognizes a hospital’s quality achievements for cohort-specific performance, specialty area performance, and overall clinical quality.

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“Dominican” page 17

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Friends flow free: Purchase a 1 month unlimited membership and get a second for a friend!

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

“Scoreboard” from page 11 SCCAL Postseason Tournament @ Soquel Wed Oct 30 Semifinals vs SLV W 20-0

Sat Nov 2 Final vs Santa Cruz W 19-3 CCS Open Division Playoffs Sat Nov 9 Quarterfinal @ Santa Cruz

vs Los Gatos W 16-5 Tue Nov 12 Semifinal @ St. Francis vs Sacred Heart (Atherton) L 5-9 CIF NorCal D-II Playoffs Tue Nov 19 Quarterfinal vs Clovis East (Clovis) W 11-9 Thr Nov 21 Semifinal vs Clovis West (Fresno) W 13-10 Sat Nov 23 Final vs Clovis @ 12:45 p.m.

Harbor High Boys Record: 2-8 (League: 0-4) Coach: Christopher Iniguez SCCAL Postseason Tournament Wed Oct 30 at Soquel L 2-18 Harbor High Girls Record 1-6 (League: 1-7) Coach: Regan Eymann SCCAL Postseason Tournament Tue Oct 29 vs San Lorenzo Valley L 4-5

PREGNANT MARE RESCUE PROJECT Helping horses in Monterey & Santa Cruz counties since 2006

Girls’ Volleyball

Soquel High Record: 18-6 (League: 10-2) Coach: Jeanine Haldi SCCAL Postseason Tournament Tue Oct 29 vs Aptos W 3-0 Wed Oct 30 @ Santa Cruz vs Harbor W 3-0 CCS D III Playoffs Tue Nov 5 Quarterfinals vs Mills (Millbrae) W 3-0

Grand Opening!

Same great chefs from SurfRider Great menu and super specials 25 exceptional Beers on tap + bottles + wine

Food and beer Happy hour 3-5 and 9-10:30 daily Two dart boards 429 Front St. Santa Cruz Bring this coupon for $5 off $25 purchase kindbrewery.info

Keep Us In Your Thoughts and Hearts this Holiday Season.

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14 / December 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Ein 26-0484620

Thu Nov 7 Semifinals at Aptos L 1-3 Harbor High Record: 22-9 (League 10-2) Coach: Matt Schutz SCCAL Postseason Tournament Tue Oct 29 vs Mt. Madonna School W 3-1 Wed Oct 30 @ Santa Cruz vs Soquel L 0-3 CCS D IV Playoffs Tue Nov 5 Quarterfinals vs Half Moon Bay W 3-0 Thu Nov 7 Semis @ Notre Dame (Belmont) vs The Harker School (San Jose) L 0-3 n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Online Tool for Help With Tax Liability T oday, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) released an innovative and simple online screening tool http://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/OIC to help people determine if they are eligible to apply for an Offer-in-Compromise (OIC).

The CDTFA’s OIC program is for taxpayers that do not have, and will not have in the foreseeable future, the income, assets, or means to pay a tax liability in full. Taxpayers may be eligible for the program if they: • Have a final tax or fee liability • Are no longer associated with the business that incurred the liability or a similar type of business • Do not dispute the amount of tax or fee owed • Cannot pay the full amount owed in a reasonable amount of time

“CDTFA’s goal is to streamline processes and develop smart and simple systems to make compliance as easy as possible for all Californians,� said Nicolas Maduros, Director. “This tool is just one of the many ways CDTFA is working to provide toptier customer service for all who do business in this state.�

The new eligibilityscreening tool can help taxpayers quickly determine if they are eligible to apply for an OIC by entering financial information to calculate a preliminary offer amount.

Taxpayers can use the preliminary offer amount when they submit an application for an OIC. n ••• View a demonstration video of the OIC eligibility-screening tool here: https://youtu.be/ Xk368Ioi0CU

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“Dominican” from page 13 Individual procedure or condition cohorts are designated as 5-star (statistically significantly better than expected), 3-star (not statistically different from expected) and 1-star (statistically significantly worse than expected) categories.

View the full list of Specialty Excellence AwardTM recipients here. The complete Healthgrades 2020 Report to the Nation and detailed study methodology, can be found at https://partners.healthgrades. com/healthgrades-quality-solutions/ healthgrades-quality-awards/ Dominican Hospital has received several recognitions from Healthgrades, including: Top 10 Percent in the Nation: • Coronary Interventional Procedures, 2020 Excellence Awards • Coronary Intervention, 2020 Five-Star Awards • Coronary Interventional Procedures, 2020 • Cranial Neurosurgery, 2019 • Pneumonia, 2020 • Sepsis, 2019-2020 • Small Intestine Surgeries, 2020 ••• eveloped under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S.

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Great Reasons to Dine at Palapas 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 Crab and Shrimp salad

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acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

This recognition is the latest of several Dominican Hospital has received recently. In October, Dominican received honors from Healthgrades as among the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation for cardiac care, as well as recognition for excellence in critical care, pulmonary care, and gastrointestinal care.

••• ignity Health Dominican Hospital has been caring for the Santa Cruz County community for over 75 years. Dominican offers 24/7 emergency services and is a Certified Stroke Center. Dominican’s services include the only comprehensive Cancer Center in Santa Cruz County, a Total Joint Replacement program, advanced neurological and endoscopic services, and an expert heart and vascular team.

Dominican has received national recognition for superior patient safety, cardiac care, and stroke treatment from Healthgrades, a leading provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals.

Dominican also has received several awards for environmental excellence. n ••• Learn more about Dominican by visiting: Facebook.com/DominicanHospital • Twitter. com/DominicanCares • Instagram.com/ dominicanhospitalsc • www.dignityhealth.org/ bayarea/locations/dominican

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Capitola Soquel Times / December 2019 / 17

COMMUNITY NEWS

SCBT presents ‘The Nutcracker’

With Live Orchestra at the Civic Auditorium

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LIFE TOOLS FOR MEN Would you like to be a: Better partner Better father • Better friend • Better man • •

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his December, the most festive of all holiday music will permeate the Civic Auditorium, played by 52 professional musicians directed by Maestro Pamela Martin. Audiences agree there is nothing more stirring than the beautiful Tchaikovsky score played live by a full orchestra.

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre (SCBT) presents the original production in our artistically rich enclave. First presented at Cabrillo College as an abbreviated suite, the production grew to full-scale in 1998.

In 2002 Artistic Directors Robert Kelley and Diane Cypher had the support of the SCBT board to make the huge leap of hiring a live orchestra. The production moved to the Civic to accomplish this, with former Santa Cruz Symphony Music Director Larry Granger at the podium.

Now readying for its 18th production at the Civic, the production is grander than ever, keeping its sheen with the talents of each new crop of dancers and new choreography to showcase their unique skill.

The annual Santa Cruz classic features guest stars Melody Mennite and Lucien Postlewaite — currently principal dancers at major ballet companies — who were once students in Santa Cruz and who danced in SCBT’s “The Nutcracker” when they were children.

Melody is a principal dancer with Houston Ballet and will dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, as she has done in previous years. She has an uncanny grasp on the delicacies and quiet strength of the demanding role, and every year brings refreshed delight to her interpretation.

Her partner will be SCBT alumnus Lucien Postlewaite. Lucien is a principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, and has also danced with Les Ballet de

Photo Credit: Lynne Owen

Guest stars Melody Mennite and Lucien Postlewaite.

Monte-Carlo. Both of these seasoned professionals danced together as a partnership with SCBT years ago.

SCBT presented its first “Swan Lake Act II” featuring them together, and many new works had been choreographed for the pair by Robert Kelley. They have a unique bond, not only with each other, but also with our community. It is details like this which turn any competent performance into a real life dream, like that of little Clara’s in this annual classic.

This season the local troupe of preprofessional dancers features an unusual number of talented young men in its ranks.

These teens have studied dance fiercely for years, and together they have quite the presence.

“SCBT” page 20

INTRODUCTORY EVENINGS January 7th and 21st, February 18th, March 3rd, 7-9pm Breakthrough Men’s Community At St. Philips Church in Scotts Valley 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, 95066 831.375.5441 | breakthroughformen.org 18 / December 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Music Director Pamela Martin and the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Orchestra take their bow.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Festive Fun at the Boardwalk

Ice Skating, Curling Lessons, Train Rides, Visits with Santa, Crafts and More!

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he Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s “Holiday Ice” is now open for the holiday season with ice-skating and other festive activities in the Boardwalk’s Main Plaza through January 5. (Check Schedule for exact days/ hours.)

A covered skating rink is just the start of the fun. For non-skaters, an impressive display of holiday lights and decorations, cozy fire pits, fun holiday photo ops, a kids’ craft corner, outdoor movies, a visit with Santa, seasonal games and treats, and hourly snow flurries are all in the forecast.

••• Learn to Curl spiring Olympians can sign up for a one-hour group curling lesson taught by the Granite Curling Club on Monday nights from 6-7pm. (Nov. 25, Dec. 2, and Dec. 9.) Sneakers not skates are worn on the ice, all equipment (brooms and granite rocks!) provided. For reservations call 831-423-5590 x2415.

Skating “Walkers” for Kids he Boardwalk now has several skating “walkers” to help young skaters get used to the ice. The blue plastic assists are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Visit with Santa Nov. 30 – Dec. 24 ake holiday photos or join Santa for story time in Cannonball Arcade. Saturdays and Sundays, November 30 - December 22, plus Friday, November 29 and December 23-24 from 2 - 7:30pm. Free!

Holiday Treats ry a special holiday treat like a fresh, made-while-youwatch, Oreo Peppermint Crepe topped with whipped cream or show your kids how to make ‘Smores with kits available from Barbary Coast restaurant.

Insta Moments ake fun holiday photos at various locations around the Boardwalk. Hop onto a Giant Dipper “sleigh” near the Looff Carousel entrance, step inside a giant holiday wreath, pop out of a giant gift box, or capture a special moment on the ice.

Kids Crafts & Holiday Movies ou’ll find a kid’s Craft Corner in Cannonball Arcade, and after dark catch a free holiday movie outdoors at Neptune’s Stage.

Rides & Games eather permitting; some Boardwalk rides are open during Holiday Ice (check ride schedule). Boardwalk Arcades including Mini Golf are open daily.

Holiday Train Rides Nov. 29 – Dec. 31 oaring Camp’s Holiday Lights Train rolls into the Boardwalk on November 29 offering festive train rides.

The colorful lighted train makes a round-trip journey from the Boardwalk through the streets of Santa Cruz while passengers sing carols with Santa and Mrs. Claus and sip cider with friendly elves.

The Chanukah Train makes a one-night journey on December 26 as families gather to light the menorah, listen to stories, play dreidel and enjoy kosher refreshments.

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For Holiday Train schedule and reservations visit – https://beachboardwalk.com/Holiday-Train-Rides Boardwalk Holiday Bash Dec. 6 he Boardwalk Holiday Bash puts a fun spin on the traditional holiday party. Small companies, offices, departments, and groups of friends are invited to join the “mix-in” event for a cheerful evening with more play and less routine.

Hang out with your co-workers while sharing an ocean-view with other small companies. The festive evening includes arcade games, photo booths, a DJ, as well as a casual buffet dinner in the Cocoanut Grove and full bar. December 6, 6-11pm. For Holiday Bash info visit https://beachboardwalk.com/Boardwalk-Holiday-Bash Hours & More Info dmission to Holiday Ice and many activities like movies, crafts and photo ops are free. Skating is $14.95/hour, skates included. Skating reservations are recommended because sessions fill up during popular times.

Private parties including firepits, food, and rink rental are also available. n ••• Visit https://beachboardwalk.com/Boardwalk-Holiday-Ice for reservations.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Nutcracker: Experience the Magic!

NEW ORLEANS INSPIRED

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

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oin us for our 10th year at Cabrillo!

Add some sparkle to your season with the magical Nutcracker Ballet, a spectacular performance sure to delight and inspire all ages!

Santa Cruz City Ballet with the International Academy of Dance presents the full length Nutcracker Ballet with performances Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, 1:00 and 4:30 p.m. each day.

The performance features local talent with principal dancers from the Oregon Ballet Theater, as well as guest dancers from the Bay Area. The Sunday performances feature local legend Krazy George, inventor of The Wave, as Mother Ginger.

Come see gorgeous costumes, dazzling sets and exquisite dancing! What better way to bring in the season than with smiles, laughter and joy?

Nutcracker and Santa Cruz City Ballet Artistic Director/Choreographer and Juilliard Alumnae, Shannon Chipman began the Nutcracker tradition in Santa Cruz as the first Snow Queen at Cabrillo’s theater in 1988.

Miss Chipman is thrilled to continue to share the timeless tradition with the community alongside Director/ Choreographer Vicki Bergland (also co-director of the original Santa Cruz Nutcracker in 1988), and Choreographer Melissa Palumbo. The Santa Cruz City

“SCBT” from page 18 As always, the choreography is spiritedly honed for each new group of dancers, and this year is no exception. Guest Choreographer and well-known craftsman Ron Cunningham has been brought in to create a special new Waltz of the Flowers especially for this group of danseurs.

The new waltz brings an added grace and agility and features 9 female and 5 male dancers. Though not professionals — yet — these young artists sparkle in the new arrangement and will surely delight audiences with their abilities and aplomb.

Seeing young people work together so seamlessly is a welcome tonic to today’s

Ballet @ IAD production has become a steadfast holiday tradition. Something new to see each year! n ••• Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater 6500 Lower Perimeter Road, Aptos Saturday & Sunday Dec. 14 & 15 • 1 & 4:30 p.m.

Reserved seating. Order your tickets today • Children under three on your lap are FREE! Tickets: www.NutcrackerSantaCruz.com & www.IADance.com tumultuous world. Be sure to get tickets to the local Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre production, which delights, with live music!

••• “The Nutcracker” presented by Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre with live orchestra at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Performances are Saturday, December 21 at 2pm and 6pm and Sunday, December 22 at 1pm.

Tickets can be purchased at SantaCruzTickets.com or at the Civic Box Office, 307 Church Street or by calling (831) 420-5260.

Additional add-on special events for children of all ages include Sweet Treats Meet and Greet event and Meet the Percussion Section. n ••• Visit scbt.org for more information.

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

My Lawsuit Against Pure Water Project

Dear Editor, am the person who has taken legal action against Soquel Creek Water District regarding the shameful excuse of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that the District paid a consultant hundreds of thousands of dollars to create as a perfunctory gesture regarding the PureWater Soquel Project. This expensive Project would treat and inject $1.3 million gallons of sewage water into the aquifer daily, requiring massive amounts of electricity, potentially contaminate many local streams if the system malfunctions or pipes leak, and possibly cause irreversible pollution of local groundwater drinking supplies with pharmaceuticals and other contaminants for which there are no state drinking water limits yet established.

The negative impacts of the Project are significant enough that the District had to approve a Statement of Overriding Consideration, claiming that the benefits of the Project outweigh the significant negative environmental damages it will cause. It would increase concentrations of contaminants released at the City’s wastewater treatment plant outfall pipe, which is ruptured and allows effluent release much closer to shore than should be happening.

The District has no final analysis proving that this Project will not adversely affect the water quality of the local streams and aquifer, even though such analysis is required by the State.

I took the legal action as the only way available to the public to call into question the actions of the Soquel Creek Water District Board and staff, and what they have been willing to do to approve the PureWater Soquel Project on a fast-track construction scheme and thereby get money from the State Water Resources Control Board. Clearly, their focus has been on getting the money for the Project they desire, at the great expense of placing an unmerciful financial burden on their ratepayers in order to present a favorable picture to the

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State grantors. The Board approved this calculated action on November 6, 2018, before they even approved the Project and certified the faux-EIR on December 18, 2018. Tier 2 rates, at nearly $30/unit, were designed solely to pay for the PureWater Soquel Project matching funds required to get government funding. The Board approved steep 9% annual rate increases that will continue for the next five years, causing tremendous punitive financial gouging to families, and cause those on fixed incomes great hardship.

Because I care deeply about my Community, I chose to take the legal action for the Public Benefit against the District, to demand they re-do the EIR with thorough and meaningful analysis. I have asked that the District present meaningful information for the public regarding true energy costs, environmental damages, impacts of removing a significant barrier to future unfettered urban growth, and perhaps most importantly, if the Project is even necessary. Even the Santa Cruz County Water Resources Director questioned the accuracy of the groundwater basin sustainable levels claimed to be needed in the EIR. Many others and I hold that this Project is not necessary. Many water experts have clearly stated that Santa Cruz County has no real water supply problem, but rather a true water storage problem. The issue can be readily and relatively inexpensively addressed with regional cooperative water management, and has begun in a limited way with existing water supply pipeline inter-ties and agreements between Santa Cruz City and Soquel Creek Water District. However, this approach was not thoroughly analyzed in the EIR. Soquel Creek Water District lacks the political will to pursue this cooperative scenario, and instead has plunged forward in the misguided PureWater Soquel Project effort that would forever burden ratepayers and the environment.

I have asked the District for no money, only that a meaningful EIR be conducted and include thorough public process, which has completely left out the disadvantaged Live Oak community where the District wants to construct a large treatment plant that would house many hazardous chemicals. The District instead has sought to spend nearly a half million dollars to hire a legal team from Riverside, Ca. to fight my challenge. These attorneys have flown from southern California each time to represent the District, but sometimes say nothing at all in the court room, and allow local attorney Mr. Bosso to speak.

I have had to work very hard to get an impartial judge to hear my case. I have done all my own legal work. Judge Gallagher, who later disqualified himself only when I discovered and raised the issue that he had been a trial attorney for Soquel Creek Water District for 23 years, put the case schedule on a very quick timeline. His order for a quick timeline gave me insufficient time to prepare complete documents, or to prepare for the final hearing held on November 8 before Judge Timothy Schmal, a misdemeanor court judge who was not seemingly familiar with environmental law.

Judge Schmal denied my request to move the case to Sacramento County where there are four such environmental judges that could review my case with seasoned knowledge of the laws.

Judge Schmal denied my request to be allowed to amend my complaint to correct mistakes, include critical information that would support my arguments, and add a ninth cause of action that pointed out the District violated the law by failing to notify any schools within a quarter mile of the Project where there would be hazardous chemicals used or unhealthy levels of diesel fumes from large equipment during construction.

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Judge Schmal denied my request to extend time on the Hearing date so that I could get critical information from the State Dept.

Water Resources that has been delayed three times regarding the criteria used to claim the MidCounty Groundwater Basin is in “critical overdraft”, when the scientific data being collected show it is not.

Judge Schmal ultimately denied my complaint altogether in a poorly-reasoned and vague document that he released one day before the Soquel Creek Water District entourage went to Sacramento to accept their $50 million State grant award and $36 million low-cost 20-year loan for the Project. Included in this entourage was the lobbyist for which the District customers have paid over $100,000.

I will appeal Judge Schmal’s Order that denied me the ability to take my case to the wellseasoned environmental judges in Sacramento County Superior Court. I will appeal Judge Schmal’s judgment denying my complaint and the ability to amend it, merely asking that Soquel Creek Water District do a better job on the environmental analysis of the Project and reasonably examine the regional management scenario alternatives. These could include consolidation with the City of Santa Cruz, which some ratepayers have requested.

I do not intend to give up. This is too important to the health and well being of those in my Community who have been ignored and dismissed by the Soquel Creek Water District Board and staff, and for the environment that has no voice at all.

Online Protest Petition https://www. change.org/p/soquel-creek-water-districtboard-of-directors-soquel-creek-water-districtrate-increases-unfair-and-hurt-families n Sincerely, Becky Steinbruner, Petitioner, in Pro Per for the Public Benefit Case #19CV00181

The court found that the District did in fact comply with the requirements of CEQA in conducting its alternatives analysis, including water transfers-only, and that there was adequate analysis of groundwater quality with conclusions on these issues supported by substantial evidence.

The judge found all other assertions made by the petitioner in the lawsuit similarly insufficient — in short, the judge ruled that the District’s EIR and the certification/ adoption process were compliant with CEQA. ••• The Soquel Creek Water District is a nonprofit, local government agency that provides water resource management within its service area to deliver a safe and reliable supply of high-quality water to meet present and future needs in an environmentally sensitive and economically responsible way. The District’s website is www.soquelcreekwater.org.

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season with Your Pet

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he holidays are upon us! Let’s make it a safe and joyful season for our pets, too, with a little extra time, care, and attention.

Holiday Decorations f you have animals in your home, make sure that your decorating is pet-friendly.

New pet owners are often surprised at how many decorations are irresistible — yet risky — to their pets. A few items to consider: Christmas tree — Consider safely anchoring the tree, either to the ceiling or with a wide, secure tree stand. Try to prevent animals from drinking the water in the stand to minimize any gastrointestinal (GI) upset, and do not add any preservatives to the water. Use care with ornaments.

Glass ornaments can fall and break causing injury. Unprotected electrical cords can cause electrical shocks and burns. Tinsel and ribbons are particularly irresistible to cats; swallowing them can lead to deadly obstructions.

Mistletoe, holly, lilies, poinsettias, amaryllis, balsam, pine, cedar – many of the holiday plants that add a festive air to our homes are actually toxic to our animal companions ranging from mild (GI upset) to severe (kidney failure). It is especially important to use care when these plants are brought to the home as gifts. Err on the side of caution, and leave the plants in a location that pets cannot reach. If it is discovered that a plant has been ingested, contact your local or emergency veterinarian or call the ASPCA Poison Control hotline for advice.

Candles – Lit candles can be a source of danger in the household. Curious pets may suffer burns or knock over a flame and start a fire. Do not leave lit candles unattended.

Holiday Indulgences any pet owners want to share the holiday by giving their pets the leftovers of a rich holiday meal, or a pet might indulge himself by eating out of the kitchen

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By Tiffany L. Mitchener, DVM

trash or off of an unattended plate. A few suggestions: Do not let guests or family members “treat” the family pet with leftovers. Fatty or spicy foods can lead to GI upset or worse, a deadly inflammation of the pancreas.

Ingested bones can cause GI obstruction or chipped teeth. Chocolate, the sweetener xylitol, raisins, grapes, and onions are all toxic to our pets Do not leave cocktails unattended where pets might imbibe. Alcohol, medications, and illicit drugs can all lead to fatal toxicities.

Be sure to keep kitchen counters clear of leftovers or supervised at all times.

Maintain locked lids on all trashcans, and remove trash promptly from the home.

Holiday Gatherings athering together with friends and family is an essential part of many holiday traditions, but parties can be an anxious time for our pets. Below are a few tips to ensure that your holiday celebrations are a safe place for your pets, too.

Assign one responsible person in the family with “pet duty.” This person will be in charge of animals in the home before the party. Promaking sure that the viding this information allows allergic or pets eating, exercise, immunocompromised guests to make an and elimination informed decision about their attendance. habits remain as It also allows them time to make any necclose to normal as essary preparations they may need to add possible. This helps to ensure meals, potty to their enjoyment of the gathering.

Mind the door! In the busy comings breaks, and litter box cleanings will not be and goings of a party, a pet can easily slip forgotten.

Maintain a quiet, safe zone for pets. It out through an open door. Being watchful can be helpful to keep pets in a quiet room at the door, or better yet, placing a pet in away from the party activities. Consider a back room, can minimize the possibility labeling the room as off-limits or locking of a lost pet. Taking a little time before the party to make sure the door so that the that your pet has a animals are not disIf you have animals in your collar and microchip turbed. Make sure home, make sure that your with up-to-date that pets have all their necessary resources decorating is pet-friendly. contact information in their safe zone: New pet owners are often can greatly increase food, water, toys, surprised at how many the chance of a happy reunion. litter boxes, beds, decorations are irresistible Be a conscienscratching posts, etc.

— yet risky — to their pets. tious guest and leave Inform your your own pet at home. guests that there are

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

A busy holiday gathering is not the time to introduce your pet to another household.

Do not expect the party host to be able to accommodate your pet.

Holiday Gifts t can be fun to include our pets in our holiday gift giving. Remember all toys should be enjoyed with supervision. Some suggestions for fun pet-friendly gift ideas include: Cat gifts: Dental treats, feline toothbrush, scratching post tower, cardboard cat scratcher, stuffed catnip toy, laser pointer, interactive cat dancer, pop-up tunnel, ping pong ball, cardboard box, and an open paper bag.

Dog gifts: Dental chews, canine toothbrush, indestructible chew toy, tooth-friendly ball, fetch toy, regular exercise, and positive obedience training lessons. n ••• Cheers to a happy, healthy holiday season to you and your pet!

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Cannabinoids: CBD

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he word “cannabinoid” is becoming a household name with approval for medical use of marijuana in 33 states.

Cannabinoid is a collective word defining all the plant alkaloids found in a marijuana plant. The federal government considers all forms of marijuana as a Schedule I drug and therefore illegal. Nevertheless, marijuana is approved for recreational use in eleven states.

There are more than one hundred chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. By initials, the most common ones are THCA, CBDA, CBGA, CBCA, CBGVA, THCVA, CBCVA, CVDVA, which exist as acids in the marijuana plant. As acids, they lack intoxicating effects, but some may have antibiotic properties. When these chemicals are heated, the acid is converted to an active form. So, for THCA, it is converted to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). The most abundant compounds found are THC and CBD (cannabidiol).

There are specific receptors for cannabinoids in the brain and other parts of the body. It is referred to as the “endocannabinoid” system. These receptors in the brain work contrary to the way brain synapses usually function. The end-result is a modification of neurotransmitter release. This endocannabinoid system has effects on sleep/wake mechanisms, appetite control, pain, and the immune system.

It has been shown that there are more exaggerated effects when CBD is combined with THC. There is greater sedation when the two chemicals are used together. Most of us are aware of the sedating effects and increase in appetite seen with THC. But what about CBD? CBD is one chemical that stops the breakdown of amandamide in the brain.

Amandamide is a neurotransmitter important for memory, motivation, higher thought processes, and movement control.

It plays an important role in pain, appetite, and fertility.

When CBD is combined with THC in specific ratios, there is significant pain relief in patients with either multiple sclerosis or arthritis. CBD alone has a good effect on treating anxiety. Multiple doses have been studied, but 300 milligrams in adults has been the only effective dose. There have also been successful studies attesting to CBD’s effect in alleviating sleeplessness and post-

By Ron Conte, Pharm.D.

traumatic stress disorder in children. It is somewhat questionable as to CBD’s effect on another neurotransmitter, serotonin, and whether it can be effective in treating depression.

CBD combined in specific ratios with THC has had some success in treating cancer chemotherapy side effects, namely nausea and vomiting, as well as pain related to some cancers. These effects are more pronounced than when THC is used alone.

There are some good results in treating acne with topical CBD. But what is more promising are treating neurological disorders with CBD. Spasticity experienced in multiple sclerosis patients is alleviated 75% of the time.

About one-third of the patients with epilepsy have a significant decrease in the number of seizures when CBD is part of the drug regimen. New studies using CBD to treat Parkinsonism show promising results. There are a few studies attesting to CBD’s positive effect on cognition in Alzheimer’s patients.

Some other CBD studies show good results in reducing mild to moderate high blood pressure, use as an antipsychotic, use as an exchange agent in treating substance abuse, and for producing decreases in blood sugar. More work needs to be undertaken to determine the exact CBD mechanism and effect as an anti-tumor agent.

The main side effects of CBD include diarrhea, changes in appetite, fatigue, and sleepiness. One question about changes in appetite: does CBD really convert bad (white) fat to good (brown) fat? In a few studies, there are mixed results as to the net result being weight loss or weight gain.

CBD can minimize some THC undesirable effects including paranoia, heart palpitations, and impaired thinking. It is so important to have the most effective ratio of CBD to THC to maximize the benefits of the combination. Once again, as I had reported in other articles, to me it is all about balance-- amongst neurotransmitters, ideal ratios of CBD to THC, as well as other chemicals.

CBD is available in a variety of forms. It can be smoked as a weed (from the plant source). It comes in a powder form as well as raw oil, in cartridges,

vape pens, and syringes. Other products containing CBD include edibles, elixirs (alcohol-based), sublingual sprays, capsules, and topicals.

It seems to be very promising that the benefits of cannabinoids, in particular CBD, will be extensively important in treating a variety of medical conditions. n ••• For more info: rrxconte@gmail.com

Thanksgiving

ACROSS

1. Slick grp.?

5. Mountain basin 8. Bygone bird of New Zealand 11. Relating to armpit 12. Pestilence pest 13. End a mission 15. Ancient Greece assembly site, pl.

16. What little kittens did with their mittens 17. *Thanksgiving Cranberry concoction 18. *Site of the “First Thanksgiving” 20. “Guilty,” e.g.

21. Kiln, pl.

22. ____ Aviv 23. *Give what?

26. Strangling tool 30. Jul. follower 31. Pupil protector 34. Loads from lodes 35. Shows off 37. Part of human cage 38. Source of indigo dye, pl.

39. Laughing on the inside 40. Truly 42. Highest or lowest card 43. Nemo’s home plant 45. *U.S. President’s magnanimous gesture 47. Say “no” 48. Plural of carpus 50. Tom Jones’s “____ a Lady” 52. *First settlers 55. ____ con Carne or ____ Verde 56. Fe 57. Off-color

59. Popular jeans brand 60. Attention-getting sound 61. Peter, Paul and Mary, e.g.

62. Elvis’ “____ Now or Never” 63. ____ someone off 64. Do like goo

DOWN

1. Lout 2. Alka-Seltzer sound 3. James ____ Jones 4. Colored wax stick 5. VIP’s influence 6. Compass point, pl.

7. The Count’s favorite subject 8. Wry face 9. Black and white mammal 10. *What Thanksgiving celebrant did?

12. Excessively showy, slang 13. Turkish monetary unit 14. *Macy’s parade flyer 19. “Haste ____ waste” 22. Little bit 23. ____ Periodica 24. Connected to Lake Michigan 25. September stone 26. Hurtful remark 27. Synonym to #61 Across 28. Telephone company 29. City in Germany 32. Marine eagle 33. Jack-in-the-box part 36. *First Thanksgiving parade (Philadelphia) sponsor 38. What Darwin says we do

40. “No room in the ____ for the travelers weary...”

41. Print from a smartphone 44. Desert mirage 46. ____ Bridge in Venice 48. The ____ of the Bambino 49. What phoenix did 50. Bolted 51. Hurries 52. Hearts and diamonds 53. Claudius’ heir and successor 54. British slang for swindle 55. Computer-generated imagery, acr.

58. Anonymous John © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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

Your December Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

You can’t count on luck as December begins, but putting in some hard work can definitely attract some to you. Putting in the effort makes it easier to take advantage of providence. There will be a lessening of pressure on you mid-month, as you start surrounding yourself with people you can ask for help. You started the project by yourself, but there’s no reason you have to finish solo. Your drive ramps back up as the month comes to a close. You are driven, and your crew is being carried along.

If you were prepared when you started, you’ll be ready to see this to the end.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

You’re ready for some excitement to enter your life early in the month, and having some like-minded company would make things that much more fun! Find someone who desires adventure, or just wants to let the wind carry them where it may. Your explorations expand to trying new ways to tackle old tasks mid-month. Looking at a problem from a different angle could help improve your production. Destiny seems to be on your side late in December. Whether you believe or not, luck seems to be on your side. Take advantage!

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

You’re looking for tangible results as the month begins. There might be some luck on your side, but you can’t rely on it, and you don’t want to. You feel encouraged to keep moving forward midDecember. If you’ve had troubles finishing an important goal in the past, now is a good time to dive back in and get it done. Late in the month brings some surprising revelations, especially in hindsight. Maybe it was a message from someone you were just thinking about, or a difficult choice suddenly having one of the options removed. Coincidence? You decide.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

You’re finding it hard to stay on target as December begins. You know what you need to do, but you’re finding it difficult to push through obstacles that pop up. You’ll need to really buckle down if you want to finish what you’ve started. Mid-month brings some luck to your life, and it could be even stronger if you’re taking risks. If you’ve been stuck wondering how to move forward, this moment might just show you a path. If you can see a future ahead, push through any fear and go forward.

You’re feeling more goal-oriented late in the month. You’re not always the best at playing by the book, but you’ve got the drive right now to focus on what’s in front of you and get it done.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

It’s nice to feel in control as the month begins. Your self-confidence is in top form, you’re feeling attractive and in charge. It’s a great feeling. You’re feeling a need to diversify your assets midmonth, but that doesn’t mean you’re not open to a new concept that comes your way. If you feel good about that surprise sales pitch, or a new product you want to invest in, go for it! Late in December your desire to communicate is strong, so it’s nice there are so many easy ways to keep in touch with friends and family. Also, if you’re traveling for the holiday, paying attention to what’s happening around your trip. Keeping informed is the best way to avoid problems.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You’re feeling somewhat restricted as the month begins. There is fun stuff you’d like to be doing, but your sense of responsibility is holding you back. Locking down your schedule might free up some time to enjoy yourself. Your creative juices are flowing mid-December — in every direction! There are so many things you want to do, but pairing down your tasks and figuring out what’s most important to least important will help you get started … and finished! Late in the month your responsibilities come back to the forefront. There’s a time to have fun, and a time to get serious. This feels like a good time to get serious.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

There’s an emotional fog in the air as December begins. You feel like taking some me-time would be helpful, but you know you have a lot on your plate. It’s up to you to figure out where you can find a moment or three to relax and refocus. You’re used to tradition, but something is pulling you in another direction mid-month. It’s much more comfortable to stick with what you know, but branching out and trying something knew is appealing, and could be informative. Luck seems to be on your side late in the month. Many of the things holding you back seem to be falling away, leaving you feeling ready for whatever comes next!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

There is some negative energy surrounding you early in the month. You’re not feeling like yourself, and it’s hard to push through the miasma you’re in. Take heart … it’s only temporary. You should find your way clear soon. You finally figure out what you need to do to finish something you’ve been delaying mid-month.

Letting things slide isn’t something you’re fond of, even though there are more fun things you’re interested in, but getting projects done — and done right — sooner is always better. Late in December you feel the world coming into focus. Giving things your full, un-fogged attention is very freeing, making everything feel right.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

You have many goals on your plate as the month begins. The best way to tackle them is by taking them one at a time, being patient, and having a realistic approach. Resist the feelings that you’re not doing enough. Stay focused; what needs to get done, will. Mid-way through December you’re feeling hopeful as new opportunities start to appear. You’re excited about them, and others can feel that excitement and are ready to go with you. A serious feeling surrounds you as the month comes to a close. Your sense of logic and order are coming to the fore as you prepare for the new year. No plans have changed, but you see what work is ahead of you, and realize it’s time to get focused again.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

Your confidence is overflowing as December begins. You’re all business, but people are charmed by your exuberance and positive attitude. This is definitely the time to push your goals forward. Your ideas are flowing mid-month, but even as you plan, you know finishing is something you struggle with. Finding the right people to help you on your projects will make all the difference. There’s a serious air surrounding you and your projects late in the month. Keeping focused is your best bet moving into the new year.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Mulch Is Imitation Of Nature

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By Tony Tomeo

very living thing in our gardens came from the wild somewhere. A few plants might be natives trying to adapt to synthetic landscapes. Some might be from similar climates. Some are likely from very different climates. Even houseplants came from the wild somewhere in the World. Regardless of their respective origins, in home gardens, all plants want to behave as they would in the wild.

Many plants want to defoliate at this time of year. Even some evergreens want to shed some of their old foliage before winter. Some perennials die back to the ground.

Most summer annuals are already dead. There is an abundance of deteriorating organic material getting discarded by the plants that produce it. In the wild, all this detritus would naturally fall to the ground and decompose.

That might be a problem in parts of our refined landscapes. Fallen leaves must be raked from lawns, decks, pavement and various other flat spaces outside. If left too long, they shade out lawns, ground cover and bedding plans. Fallen leaves can stain decking and pavement too. The worst diseases of roses and fruit trees overwinter in fallen infected debris that does not get raked away.

Unfortunately, raking the mess of autumn away deprives the plants that live in the garden of the abundant decomposing organic matter that they expect to be delivered this time of year. The soil is left exposed and uninsulated, allowing temperature and moisture content to fluctuate more than they would naturally.

Nutrients are not replenished as readily as they would be from decomposition.

Mulch, which can be applied at any time of the year, is quite seasonably appropriate in autumn. This is when plants

Your thoughts are complex and focused as the month begins, keeping you interested in puzzles, mysteries and how to solve them. Time to pull out that expert-level Sudoku. By the middle of the month you’re feeling a bit distracted. Try to push through and finish some of your many projects before you lose all focus for a bit. Some help to keep you on target wouldn’t be a bad idea. The fog seems to clear from your mind as December comes to a close. You’re back on track and ready to focus on what’s most important. The time for play has passed. Time to get down to business.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You’ve been having some fun leading up to the beginning of the month, but now it’s time to get serious.

This is the time to focus and prepare for what’s to come. When that’s done, then you can party again.

If you’re paying attention, some lucky breaks could come your way mid-December. If you can catch them, it could be a very informative time. As you move towards the end of the month, applying yourself and ensuring your most important responsibilities are taken care of will be key to enjoying the end of the year to the fullest. You’ll be able to enjoy the fun that much more if you’ve put in the work.

•••

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

Mulch is neater than fallen leaves.

Leyland cypress windbreaks waste no time.

expect decomposing organic matter to arrive from above. Mulch compensates for the loss of what we consider to be a mess, but what plants consider to be an important component to their natural ecology.

It gives them what they want, but is neat enough for refined gardens.

The best mulch for the job just might be fallen leaves that were raked last year and composted, perhaps with other debris from the kitchen and garden.

Highlight: Leyland cypress he ‘X’ preceding its Latin name ‘X Cupressocyparis leylanii’ designates Leyland cypress as a hybrid of two distinct genera, namely Monterey cypress and Nootka cypress. (Those who consider the parents to be two species of the same genus know Leyland cypress as Cupressus X leylandii.) The many cultivars combine desirable qualities of both parents, but also innate weaknesses.

Rows of Leyland cypress grows fast to become densely evergreen windbreaks or informal screens within only a few years.

However, they are very susceptible to cypress canker, and are likely to succumb within twenty-five years or so. Farther inland, they may not last half as long. That may be quite acceptable for temporary windbreaks in front of slower but more permanent shrubby trees.

Common Leyland cypress develops a distinctly plump but conical form, with slightly grayish foliage. Most other cultivars are more columnar. Foliar color ranges from bluish green to gold. The tiny scale leaves are densely set in flat sprays.

Healthy trees can get nearly thirty feet tall in ten years. Most stay lower where exposed. Crowded trees that live long enough exceed a hundred feet tall. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

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Junior Earthkeepers

COMMUNITY NEWS

Celebrating Six years of Taking Care of Our Earth

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he Jr. Earthkeepers was started in the promise to take care of our Earth by seeing, fall of 2013 shortly after the sudden respecting, and sharing the beauty of this death of 11-year-old, Lily Gail Jacob, planet. I will remember all the little things I by a group of her young peers. Lily was a can do to help our environment. I will treat passionate advocate for the environment all the inhabitants of our world equally and kindly and do all I can to make our and they began the club in her Earth a clean safe place for all.” honor.

The Jr. Earthkeepers hold The Jr. Earthkeepers has numerous events each year to put grown to a group of about 30 their pledge into action. Though kids dedicated to inspiring young the focus of the organization is people to take action and protect to encourage people to live their our planet. daily lives with the protection of They are a co-op that allows the Earth in mind, holding events each member to take initiative Lily is a fun way to take action. and be a leader in the movement.

Since the organization is a co-op, any They believe in the big difference that little member of the group can organize an changes can make in protecting our Earth.

All of their members have committed event when they choose. This empowers to living by the values of the Jr. Earth- all members and allows for each individual keepers and leading their lives in a way to be creative and become a leader in the that loves and protects the Earth and all of environmental movement.

The Jr. Earthkeepers have had many its inhabitants. Each Jr. Earthkeeper takes a pledge to live by these values and be con- beach cleanup‘s, made food to distribute scientious of the Earth in their everyday to the currently homeless members of our community, re-purposed cloths, created lives.

Their Pledge, “As a Jr. Earthkeeper, I art with recycled paper, beautified Lily‘s

memorial garden, painted stones with ecofriendly messages and left them around the community, and participated in a summer long plastic pickup campaign.

Every year, to celebrate Lily‘s birthday, they hold a cookie exchange and each participant brings a container of homemade cookies to someone who could use some additional holiday cheer.

This December 14th would be Lily’s 18th birthday, and the group will be gathering in her honor to remember the amazing inspiration she was to their club. n

••• For more info: www.jrearthkeepers.com

Morris Named Next Human Services Director

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andy Morris, an Alameda County Alameda County Social Services Agency, social services executive with a Morris helps oversee Alameda County’s strong commitment to public ser- $900 million social services budget and vices, has been named Santa Cruz County’s his current responsibilities include management of the Adult and Aging Services next Director of Human Services.

Morris has served Alameda County for Department. He also oversaw Alameda nearly 25 years in a variety of roles, devel- County’s implementation of the Affordable oping a breadth of expertise in the fields Care Act Medicaid expansion, and preof child welfare, Medi-Cal, and adult and viously served as a Division Director overseeing child welfare services. aging services, while establishing In his current capacity, a track record of community and Morris oversees Alameda stakeholder engagement and County’s Area Agency on Aging, collaboration. including engaging with the “Randy brings a strong backpublic and partners to create ground in delivering services the Countywide Plan for Older that match community needs,” Adults under direction from the County Administrative Officer Alameda County Board of SuperCarlos Palacios said. “We look Randy Morris visors. For the past three years, he forward to having him join the team and beginning his work on behalf of has also facilitated Alameda County’s Age Friendly Council.

Santa Cruz County residents.”

Current Human Services Director Ellen “Santa Cruz County has a track record of supporting and uplifting the most vul- Timberlake is retiring and will continue nerable among us,” Morris said. “I look leading the Human Services Department forward to working closely with County through Randy’s arrival in early 2020, and staff, elected officials and the community as will assist in the leadership transition. n we carry that work forward into the future.”

••• As the Assistant Agency Director for For more info: www.santacruzcounty.us

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONGOING EVENTS

Sunday December 1 THE FISH LADY GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION 2–5 p.m., Capitola Produce, 700-A Bay Ave, Capitola Join us in welcoming The Fish Lady to Capitola - now located at Capitola Produce on Bay Avenue! The Capitola-Soquel Chamber will kick off the celebration with a Ribbon Cutting at 2:30 p.m.! Enjoy Gumbo, Wine, Music by the Mike Hadley Band, and fun!

Visit master.capitolachamber.com/events/ for more details.

Tuesday December 3 COMMUNITY TUESDAY AT SHADOWBROOK 4 - 9pm, Shadowbrook, 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola Dine at Shadowbrook Restaurant and support Capitola Beach Festival via the restaurant’s “Community Tuesday” program. Let your server know you are dining for Capitola Beach Festival. Shadowbrook will donate one-third of your bill to the nonprofit.

Visit master.capitolachamber.com/events/ for more details.

Wednesday December 11 COFFEE CONNECTION 10 - 11am, Peet’s Coffee, 819 Bay Ave, Suite A, Capitola Join us for an informal “Coffee Connection” this month at Peet’s Coffee, 819 Bay Avenue in Capitola. 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!

Contact Kristin at 831-462-8242 or Kristin.asimakoupoulos@edwardjones.com if you have any questions.

Visit master.capitolachamber.com/events/ for more details.

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

BINGO 6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. BINGO EVERY TUESDAY. Buy-in begins at $21. The Snack Bar is open with goodies and dinner specials.

be our guest at our monthly luncheon. You’ll meet kindred spirits, have a fine lunch and learn something new from a top notch guest speaker.

Cost: $18. RSVP at 479-7096

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.

Second and Fourth Wednesdays WELLNESS ON THE CANCER JOURNEY 11-12:30 pm, Old Soquel Plaza 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.

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

CASA ORIENTATIONS TO BECOME Spanish – Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Servicios Monarca, ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN 233 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville (831) 722-4532 CASA empowers volunteers to directly influence life-changing decisions affecting children in foster care. English – Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Monarch Court appointed special advocates are everyday people Services, 1590 Seabright Avenue, SC (831) 425-4030 that, with just a few hours a week can have a lifetime of For more information, visit www.monarchscc.org impact for a child who has been abused or neglected.

Tuesdays & Thursdays More info www.casaofsantacruz.org or call 831-761-2956 x102 FREE PILATES CLASSES AT TEMPLE BETH EL Mondays OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING 7 - 8 pm, Soquel Congregational Church, Ann Hutchinson Room, 4951 Soquel Dr., Soquel Do you have a problem with compulsive over- or undereating? Anorexia? Bulimia? Compulsive exercising?

You are not alone. Drop into a free, friendly OA 12-Step meeting with the solution. All are welcome!

For information on other meetings in Santa Cruz County: www. santacruzoa.org/meetings Second Mondays COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS OF SANTA CRUZ 7-8:30 p.m., Quaker Meeting House, 225 Rooney St. Santa Cruz Parents of a child who died at any age, from any cause, any length of time ago, are invited to join The Compassionate Friends of SC for our monthly grief support meeting. Opening circle followed by smaller connection groups.

Grief materials available. Bereaved grandparents and adult siblings are also welcome. Non-religious.

Visit www.tcfsantacruz.com or call 831.332.9893 for more information.

10 a.m., Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd., Aptos Please join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am in the social hall at Temple Beth El in Aptos (3055 Porter Gulch Rd) for a lively and challenging 60 minute Pilates Strength Class. The classes are free and everybody is welcome. Donation are welcome.

For more information https://www.tbeaptos.org

Wednesdays ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION 1st & 3rd Wednesdays: 5:30-7 p.m.

2nd & 4th Wednesdays: 2-3:30 p.m.

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

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

WRITING/DISCUSSION MEETING For more information about this and other support groups in 6:30-7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo Room, the area, please call 800.272.3900 10707 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 (At Hwy One and ANNOUNCEMENTS Freedom Blvd) Second Wednesdays VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR Do you have a problem with food? Please check out SANTA CRUZ SONS IN RETIREMENT THE MONTEREY SYMPHONY our free, friendly 12-Step support group with the MONTHLY MEETING The Monterey Symphony is seeking volunteers. If you love solution. All teens and adults welcome! music and want to be involved, please call (831) 646-8511 For current times and locations of other meetings: www.santa- Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St. or visit www.montereysymphony.org for more info. cruzoa.org/meetings. Or call our Hotline at (831) 429-7906. This statewide group of retired men invites you to 28 / December 2019 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR media. Avoid the rush — Shop at the Friends Holiday Sale! Free Gift Wrap!

Visit www.fscpl.org for more info.

ONGOING EVENTS CONT. 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 Fridays NAR-ANON SCOTTS VALLEY 6:30 p.m., Camp Recovery Center (Bison Center Room), 3192 Glen Canyon Road, Scotts Valley.

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.

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ HOLIDAY PARADE 10 a.m., Parade starts at Pacific Ave. and Laurel St., Santa Cruz The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz welcomes you to join us in celebrating the Annual Downtown Holiday Parade! Please fill out the form and submit payment to complete registration.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/y4xu9ujp for more details or to register. Registration will close Nov. 25.

Thursday December 14 Friday December 15

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT Saturday December 7 12-1 pm, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, two locations: 5:30 – 7:30 pm, Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz 940 Disc Dr., SV • 85 Nielson St., Watsonville Features decorated boats parading throughout Santa Cruz Harbor, rain or shine. This festival is family friendly Hospice of Santa Cruz County is offering a drop-in grief and perfect for all ages! support group for adults grieving the death of a family Free to attend. visit www.santacruzharbor.org for more information. member or a friend. This group is a place where you Photo Credit: Marthann Hirsch Howes can share stories, learn tools for coping, and receive support from people who care.

For more information, please call (831) 430-3000. PreSANTA CRUZ TENNIS CLUB together. We have all found help in Recovering Couples registration is required.

Anonymous.

9 a.m., Soquel High School Tennis Courts For more information visit our website: https://santacruzrca.

The nonprofit Santa Cruz Tennis Club meets every Saturday First Fridays each month morning at the Soquel High School courts beginning at 9:00 am. org or email us at rcasantacruz@yahoo.com FIRST FRIDAY ART TOUR We play doubles and mixed doubles, mostly at an intermediate FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BIBLE STUDY The First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of level, and switch around the players every 45 minutes.

Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction 9:45 a.m: Bible Study • 11 a.m.: Worship Balls are provided. $2 for first time visitors. with the participating art venues. The event takes place 7565 Sunset Way, Aptos Second Saturdays Each Month year-round and illuminates some of the most talented First Baptist Church of Aptos welcomes you to join their local artists from local galleries.

2ND SATURDAY ON THE FARM bible study and worship every Sunday.

To find out where to participate in a First Friday art tour, visit 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Ag History Project Center at the Santa Cruz Call (831) 688-5842 for more info firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for County Fairgrounds First Friday viewings.)

Join us every 2nd Saturday on the Farm for free family First Sunday of Every Month activities. Each month we select a new theme to highlight SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB EVENT FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB historical agriculture with games, activities, and 5 p.m., various member homes throughout county 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Peace United Church of Christ at 900 demonstrations that relate. We often have guest appear- Love to cook, entertain and socialize? Our dinner club events High Street, Santa Cruz ances from farm animals like llamas, draft horses, sheep, will be held in several homes throughout Santa Cruz County Curious about Shakespeare? The Friday Shakespeare goats, chickens, rabbits, and more! You are sure to find where members enjoy gourmet meals, fine wine and converClub members discuss the life, times, and influence of something fun and entertaining for the whole family. sation. Joining the club provides a great opportunity to cook, William Shakespeare.

Check our website and Facebook page for more details. FREE to entertain, and to meet locals that share your interests.

For information, call 831-684-2832, or go to friday Learn more about the SC Dinner Club and the fun we have by Sundays shakespeare.org or facebook.com/fridayshakespeare. contacting Rhonda Mills at info@SantaCruz DinnerClub.com NAR-ANON SANTA CRUZ FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB 6:30 p.m., Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (Sutter Room), Third Sunday of Every Month OF SANTA CRUZ 2900 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz SCIENCE SUNDAY 10 am - noon, Peace United Church, 909 High Street Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families Starts at 1 p.m., 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 95060 This is the oldest women’s club in Santa Cruz. The club and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Seymour Marine Discovery Center presents a public lecture Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are meets to study the life, works and times of William from a marine scientist the third Sunday of every month. going through similar problems, talk about how they Shakespeare. Members share group readings and Topics are presented in an entertaining and easy-to-underinsights, discuss history, and universal themes found in cope and find recovery. stand format, with up-to-date photos, video, and discussion.

To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please Science Sunday does not meet in December. For more info his plays and writings. go to our website at www.nar-anon.org.

For more information please call 831-684-2832 visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu Saturdays PILLS ANONYMOUS (PA) 8 a.m., Sutter Hospital, 2025 Soquel Ave The purpose of PA is to provide a safe, secure, and supportive place for people who are addicted to pills who want to get off of them. PA is offered all over the world.

For questions, please contact Gary at (831)801-9578 or Kristin at (831)345-6515

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

DATED EVENTS Saturday December 7 FRIENDS OF SCPL ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOOK SALE 10am – 2pm Downtown Library (upstairs meeting room), 224 Church St., Santa Cruz Join us for our usual very reasonably priced books &

THE NUTCRACKER: PRESENTED BY THE SANTA CRUZ DANCE GUILD & CITY BALLET Shows start at 1 & 4:30 p.m. both days, Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Lower Perimeter Rd., Aptos Join us for our 10th year performing The Nutcracker at Cabrillo! Add some sparkle to your season with this magical ballet, a spectacular performance sure to delight and inspire all ages! We invite you to experience quality, entertaining Classical Ballet, enchanting choreography, magnificent guest artists, beautiful sets, brilliant costumes, family tradition and the joy of Dance.

One weekend only! 2 Performances each day. Reserved seating.

Tickets available online at http://nutcrackersantacruz.com. Order your tickets today. Children under three on your lap are free!

Friday December 15

GUIDED ELEPHANT SEAL WALKS BEGIN Multiple daily tours starting at 8 a.m., Año Nuevo State Park, 1 New Year’s Creek Road, Pescadero Journey to view a large colony of Northern elephant seals, guided by your docent naturalist on this moderate 3-mile, 2.5 hour adventure. In the month of December, male elephant seals, or bulls, arrive along the shore of Año Nuevo State Park to establish hierarchy, while pregnant females come ashore to birth to their pups.

These popular guided walks take place rain or shine, so be prepared for windy, rainy conditions as well as muddy trails. Layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and rain gear are strongly advised.

Umbrellas and strollers are not permitted. Pets are not allowed in the park.

Guided walks continue every day until March 31, with exceptions on Dec. 25 and the last weekend in January.

Online reservations are recommended.

For reservations and information, please call Reserve California at 800.444.4445 or visit their website. Cost: $7 per person + $3.99 reservation fee.

Visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523 for more information.

Saturday December 21 Sunday December 22 THE NUTCRACKER WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA Presented by the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Times TBD, Civic Auditorium, 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz A Santa Cruz tradition! Join us for our 18th production with full professional orchestra. Over 70 local dancers perform choreography.

Tickets on sale now at SantaCruzTickets.com Visit www.scbt.org for more information. n

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

Business Guide

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Supporting Local Businesses

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he holiday season is traditionally one of the largest sales times for many retailers. This year, local businesses have been facing additional pressures as a result of the recent PG&E power shutoffs.

Without power, many small businesses were forced to temporarily close, employees weren’t paid and businesses with perishable stock (such as food) lost a significant amount of product.

As a community we have a unique opportunity to show support for our small, locally owned businesses as they compete with national online retailers and unanticipated challenges from PG&E — especially during the holiday season.

In Santa Cruz County, 82 percent of local businesses have less than 9 employees. Many in the mid and south county work for locally owned businesses and our local economy is dependent upon a robust small business sector.

!

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549

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

By Supervisor Zach Friend

How can we get involved? his year, Small Business Saturday, a nationwide event to support small local businesses, will be held on Saturday, November 30th. Small Business Saturday was created to support small businesses as an alternative to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Countywide, thousands of local businesses are participating and special events will be held throughout the county including in Aptos and Capitola.

For example, the Aptos United Methodist Church will hold its annual holiday boutique on November 30th featuring many local handmade items. From jewelry to knitted scarves, to seaglass art to cards, children’s books and more from 9am to 3pm at 221 Thunderbird Drive.

Did you know that more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create

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about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year? Supporting small businesses helps boost our local economy and also keeps more money invested locally.

According to an analysis by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, “locally owned businesses play a central role in healthy communities and are among the best engines that cities and towns have for advancing economic opportunity and building resilient places.”

Specifically, they note work from an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta that showed that counties with larger shares of local small businesses outperform their peers on three critical economic indicators: they have stronger per capita income growth, faster employment growth, and lower poverty rates.

Additionally, an analysis from the Government Finance Review, found that smaller-local businesses (versus box stores) provide more tax revenue on the aggregate while costing less in government services.

Locally, we have many locallyowned businesses that provide a variety of options for our holiday shopping including kid’s stores, restaurant gift certificates, great coffee shops, clothing stores, jewelers, locally-owned hotel getaway options and more.

Some of these small businesses have been recognized nationally for their unique options and all of these businesses employ local residents and many are owned by residents right here in the mid and south county.

If you’d like additional information, the County has a Shop Small Facebook page where you can get more information, facebook.com/ santacruzcountysmallbusinesssaturday. You may also reach out to the Aptos Chamber of Commerce or Capitola/Soquel Chamber of Commerce for participating businesses and specials. n ••• As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts. Feel free to call me at 4542200 or stop by my weekly open office hours in Aptos, Corralitos, Watsonville or Seascape.

SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Top 10 Reasons To Be An Entrepreneur

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Facing Change Late in Life

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crossword on 25 »

una (ID#A165040) is loveable senior lady that was surrendered to the Shelter after her owner could no longer care for her. She mostly likes to cuddle and is content to sit in your lap and observe life.

Luna would do best in an only dog household but has lived with cats and chickens! She used to go on camping trips with her previous family and is a great little outdoor companion.

Come meet this gentle, senior and help her live out her golden years with all of the creature comforts she deserves.

Luna is a 9-year-old spayed female, brown Chihuahua.

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

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

Thanksgiving © Statepoint Media

By Ron Kustek

t’s very likely that you – or someone you know, owns their own business.

They’ve taken the ‘Entrepreneurial Plunge’ and have created a brand new business, employing themselves and others in our community. You’ve likely asked them ‘why’ and have gotten various responses, often with a smile on their faces and a glow in their eyes. There are many reasons why people go into business for themselves: ••• Personal Reasons • Independence – Many of us love not having to be somewhere or expected to do something for someone else.

Instead, entrepreneurs want to be somewhere and do the things that are important to them.

• Seizing An Opportunity - Freedom of choice – Destiny – Doing what you believe in, seeing what others don’t, and just getting stuff done!

• Family - The option of working from home, whether that means in a quiet and comfortable environment and/ or one that includes partners, pets or children – or just working in a geographic area that you really love.

• Legacy – What does your life mean after spending hours, days, weeks and years working – many feel it’s important to leave something tangible to one’s family in order to self-actualize, or to feel like this journey makes sense and is worth the trip.

• Personal Challenge & Growth – Can you do it, especially if you’ve always wanted to? Owning your own business will never be boring.

You’ll always be learning, especially if you have a passion to keep up with the latest knowledge and information that impacts your business, and the lifestyles and needs of your customers.

Business Reasons • Control - Being your own boss and making the decisions you feel are best, without any bureaucracy of larger companies that require memo writing & meetings.

• Flexibility – Working your own schedule, when you get inspired or

even when you just can’t sleep. Maybe you don’t want the “9 to 5” lifestyle and all that goes along with it.

• Choice - The ability to focus on what matters to you, whether that means dealing with just a few key customers or working with people you like to be around (and hire).

• Impact - The chance to develop a reputation for creating something of quality and service, and also making a difference in society by solving problems.

• Change – Especially when your creativity is being stifled from many corporate environments, owning your own business allows you to experience new and different business challenges.

••• Making the decision to launch your own business requires time, reflection, and being honest with what you know, and what you don’t know.

There are many great resources to help you flush out whether you’re the entrepreneurial type or not, from Business courses from Cabrillo College, to consulting with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), to speaking with representatives from the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE).

Regardless of the reasons, owning your own business is preferred by members of the Santa Cruz business community, and by all of us who ‘shop local’ and support our independent businesses. n ••• Ron Kustek is a business instructor at Cabrillo College. Email: rokustek@cabrillo.edu

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

Merry Christmas

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