Capitola Soquel Times: March 2020

Family Owned For Over 29 Years • Capitola, Soquel, Live Oak, Pleasure Point

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

March 2020 • Vol 25 No. 3

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Chamber Chief Toni Castro Steps Down After 32 Years

After 32 years, on March 1 Toni Castro will be stepping down as executive director of the CapitolaSoquel Chamber of Commerce and retiring at age 67.

Full Story page 12

Measure V: SUESD Parcel Tax

By Jondi Gumz Ethan Ducker started teaching in the Soquel Union Elementary School District in 2012 after earning his master’s degree at UC Santa Cruz. Last year, teaching fifth grade at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School, he was named

teacher of the year by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.

“He was loved by kids and parents,” said Scott Turnbull, SUESD superintendent. ... continues on page 4

District Supervisor Candidate Question

On March 3, voters in Santa Cruz County will decide who will represent them on the Board of Supervisors. Times Publishing Group, Inc., asked the candidates in District 1 and 2 this question: What will the next four years look like in terms of change?

Full Story page 6 & 7

Inc.

2 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

No. 3

Volume 25

14

22

30

Table of Contents

11

Cover Measure V: SUESD Parcel Tax, By Jondi Gumz

5

Community News Kirby School Community Involvement Day • Capitola Times Poem Contest Winner: Veronica O’Brien District 2 Supervisor Candidate Q & A District 1 Supervisor Candidate Q & A Cap/Aptos Rotary Hosts Speech Contest, By Brenda Mee • Battle of the Bands March 21 • Registration Opens for Boardwalk Fun Run • Helping Women on International Women’s Day • Groundwater Plan Debuts • House a Shakespearean This Summer • Nikki Silva of NPR to speak March 11 • Vaidehi Campbell Williams: Celebration of Life Election Observers Welcome Bringing the Past and Present Together Chamber Chief Toni Castro Steps Down After 32 Years, By Jondi Gumz CASA Welcomes New Advocates Top Dog Film Festival High School Students Compete in Mock Trial ‘Live Your Dream’ Awards Announced • Do you have a Carbon Monoxide Detector?, By Katie Webb County Public Health Monitors Coronavirus • Focus Ag Announces New Class Take Part in the Census ‘Considering Matthew Shepard’

6 7 8

10 11 12 13 14 17 19 23 25 27

Business Profile 20 Pelican House Watch: Checking On Your Home When You’re Away, By Erin Kelly-Allshouse 22 Capitola Self Storage: Your Concierge, By Edita McQuary

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

24 26 30

Featured Columnists At Odds With Your Adult Children?, By Pat Hanson Weeding Earlier Rather Than Later, By Tony Tomeo Serving the Needs of our Local Seniors, By Zach Friend

THE

best friends who live down the hall.

DISTINCTIVE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

We offer assistance so you can continue to live your life to the fullest.

NEVER STOP BEING YOU

We care for your loved one as if they were a member of our own family. Where days are filled with distinctive amenities, enriching activities, local excursions, lots of laughter, food, new friends, and so much more. We offer compassionate care to make life easier.

Come see for yourself!

Call to take a tour and meet our compassionate care staff.

831-359-4670 RFCE# 445202057

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 25 — Simon: Bring Home Some Personality

Email: Aptos@aegisliving.com | Online: www.aegisofaptos.com 125 Heather Terrace, Aptos, CA 95003

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 3

COVER STORY publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers Camisa Composti, Jondi Gumz, Brenda Mee, Katie Webb, Erin Kelly-Allshouse, Edita McQuary, Pat Hanson, Tony Tomeo, Zach Friend 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 ©2020. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission

“Measure V” from page 1 This year, Ducker is teaching in Los Gatos. He’s making the “over the hill” commute on Highway 17 to work in a Silicon Valley community that offers higher pay to support his young family.

Ducker’s story is one of the reasons the SUESD is asking voters on March 3 to approve Measure V, a parcel tax of $96 to be paid annually by property owners for six years. District staff estimate the tax would raise $1.5 million each year.

A two-thirds yes vote is required for the measure to pass.

In November 2018, a $96-a-year parcel tax for the Soquel school got 8,729 yes votes and 4,445 no votes, missing the two-thirds requirement even though there was no formal opposition.

“It lost by 54 votes,” Turnbull said.

The needs still exist, he added, higher salaries, a music teacher at each school site and a Life Lab outdoor science support person at each site.

“We just can’t rely on the goodwill of our teachers,” Turnbull said. “The cost of living does matter.”

He said he’s heard other teachers say, “I love working here but I have to pay the mortgage or paying rent is just too difficult on the salary here.”

Turnbull added, “As teachers retire, we have to be able to recruit. The most important thing is the quality of teachers.”

••• Parent Fundraising ory Montanez, office manager at New Brighton Middle School, president of the classified employees union and a parent of five children, is among the supporters of Measure V. ”It’s going to guarantee we keep our amazing teachers and staff,” she said.

C

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 Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment 4 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Parents Brittany Petersen, left, and Alexis Freitas, right, talk about Measure V on the playground at Soquel Elementary.

She’s also excited about the prospect of That’s something Soquel has in more music. She said there is just one section common with Scotts Valley, communities of band now during the school day, limiting with rural roots that now experience some participation for middle school students. of the highest rents and home prices in the “People assume art, music and life sci- state. ences are part of our youth’s educational “Knowing our teachers are some of experience, but the reality is that our parents the lowest paid in the state is a sad message are tirelessly fundraising to keep this in to our community that our children’s edutheir curriculum,” said Gwen Trowbridge, a cation and the livelihoods of our teachers parent of three and president of the Soquel are less valued than that of others,” TrowElementary Home & School Club. bridge said.

She volunteers on Wednesdays to raise Senior Mailing money by selling popcorn for $1. here is no formal opposition on The Soquel district with 1,961 stuthe ballot, but based on the 2018 dents in kindergarten through eighth outcome, Turnbull saw a need for more grade is one of the historically lower- communication. funded districts by the state, according to “Measure V” page 9 Turnbull.

T

COMMUNITY NEWS

Kirby School Community Involvement Day

C

ommunity Involvement Day is a central component of the servicelearning program at Kirby School.

Last year on Community Involvement Day, the Kirby community, which includes 240 students in grades 6-12, completed approximately 1,000 hours of community service in a single day.

This intensive program began as an imperative from students who sought partnership with staff in serving their community. Although service has been an integral part of the Kirby culture and education since its founding, Community Involvement Day emphasizes the importance of involvement by dedicating an entire day of school to service in Santa Cruz County.

This year, Community Involvement Day took place Feb. 12.

“Kirby School” page 17

Capitola Soquel Times Poetry Contest Winner: Veronica O’Brien Celebrating my grandmother, who just passed away a month ago Regret follows me in my shadow, when I should have been in yours; If only I had known your health was declining, now I am battling all of these wars; Why was I too busy to ask, why was I too distracted to care Life goes by way too fast, we need to take a break, and lift our heads to fresh air Take a look at those around you, cherish their love everyday Not just because it’s a holiday we call Valentine’s day My valentine, a death too early and an angel too kind Your legacy will truly be left behind And in all my sorrows I will be a teacher of love Never let those close to you escape your caring presence, for you never know when they will be sent above 365 opportunities to, at the very least, send a text or two Showing people you care, falls on nobody but you I love you grandma, and I should have told you more when you were here You will always be my valentine even if you aren’t physically near.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

District 2 Supervisor Candidate Q & A O Vote YES on R to repair and upgrade aging classrooms and infrastructure at Cabrillo College, so that local students continue receiving the quality education and job training programs they deserve.

Learn more:

CabrilloYesOnR.org Paid for by Friends of Cabrillo College 2020 – YES on R, FPPC #1422697

6 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

n March 3, voters in Santa Cruz County District 2 will decide who will represent them on the Board of Supervisors. Incumbent Zach Friend faces a challenge from Becky Steinbruner. Each candidate responded to this question from Times Publishing Group, Inc.: If you are re-elected/elected, what will the next four years look like in terms of change?

Zach Friend n many respects, we are at a defining moment in our community. Will we meet the challenges that face our community in terms of housing affordability, homelessness, environmental protection and quality of life? The next few years, both in policy and approach, will set the stage either way.

I see some things, in large part because Zach Friend of a willingness to say yes to new approaches, getting much better. For example, there is becoming a community vibrancy, especially with local small businesses, in Aptos. In the next four years, more new business owners will continue to create a local environment and heart (new restaurants, ice cream shops, boutique retail) that Aptos hasn’t seen before.

I also see improvements in affordable housing. Some of the policies that I’ve encouraged over the last few years are just now starting to show effects. Elimination of fees on small accessory dwelling units (ADUs/granny units) has spurred applications for seniors wanting to age in place and others looking to provide new affordable units. Additionally, new deedrestricted affordable ADUs are being built by residents receiving forgivable loans from the county.

Connected to this, there will be improvements in homelessness in the next four years as we create as many as three new navigation centers in the cities and county (providing day services, health and mental health services and rapid rehousing options). We’ve approved the framework for it and have state funding supporting our efforts.

On the traffic and road condition side I also see improvements over the next 4 years. As the next phase of the

I

highway is improved to 41st Avenue, the Mar Vista bike and pedestrian bridge is completed, buses run on the shoulder of Highway 1 and increased senior and paratransit services occur from Measure D funding.

Areas of Seacliff, Pleasant Valley, La Selva and Corralitos will receive road repairs as part of Measure D and, rural roads, including areas that haven’t seen repairs in decades, will receive new funding from work I did to move state and federal monies to a formula basis, ensuring our district a new infusion of funds. Lastly, major steps toward the Pajaro River levee reconstruction will occur in the next four years.

These improvements over the next four years are a result of my work over the last seven years. But they require an ability to say yes, work with other electeds to get the votes to make it happen, advocate at the state and federal level and non-stop persistence. I believe some good things are in store moving forward.

••• Becky Steinbruner he State of California is increasingly issuing mandates that limit the power of local government, especially in land-use policy. Because we face uncertain economic times and a tsunami of debt due to unfunded pension programs throughout the state, all local government representatives will Becky Steinbruner face having to prioritize budget items and decide how best to serve the needs of the people who work hard to live here, raise their families, and have successful businesses.

T

“District 2” page 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

District 1 Supervisor Candidate Q & A O n March 3, voters in Santa Cruz County District 1 will decide who will represent them on the Board of Supervisors. Incumbent John Leopold faces a challenge from Benjamin Cogan, Mark Esquibel, Donald Kase Kreutz, Manu Koenig and Betsy Riker.

Times Publishing Group, Inc. asked each candidate one question: Leopold, Cogan, Koenig, Esquibel and Riker responded by the deadline; Kreutz did not.

If you are re-elected/elected, what will the next four years look like in terms of change?

Benjamin Cogan nce I am elected county supervisor, the next four years will be transformational for the people of Santa Cruz.

The main priority is to address the housing needs of Santa Cruz. The Regional Housing Needs Allocation program has a plan and agenda for more affordable housing with government-funded and subsidized stack-andpack buildings. While looking at this and Benjamin Cogan providing oversight, I feel this housing won’t be affordable and the rent money may not stay in Santa Cruz.

I will work to lover planning department fees and regulations on housing to provide more housing and living accommodations while protecting our property rights. Additionally I would like to reinstate the Citizens Appeals Board to check and balance the Planning Department. This will keep the money and power with the homeowners to strengthen Santa Cruz commerce.

I will work on establishing places for homeless to get on their feet. Possible examples are community gardens, housing camps with work exchange for living, designated RV or camping spots with supervision, restrictions removed for parking RVs or tents on one’s property, supporting volunteers and any new possibilities.

The 5G cellular network has been implemented without thorough health research or our consent. There is also more to it to discover and learn. I will work to inform the public of this new potentially dangerous technology and thwart this rollout.

The next four years, I will be working to bring more community involvement into our democratic process. I will create community by holding monthly dances, information nights, video interviews and

O

informing the public on what will be voted on at each upcoming meeting. I would implement evening supervisor meeting or hearings so feedback can be given at off work hours to promote more community participation.

I am committed to being honest, transparent, fun, with integrity.

I stand for clean air, clean water, our freedom, this planet and consent. I see Santa Cruz as a possibility of freedom; being a beacon of light to inspire while protecting our individuality.

Please reach out to me at coganforsuper visor@gmail.com or call 831-200-4022 to connect.

Manu Koenig ou are going to see a steady decrease in the number of people suffering from homelessness on our streets and a reduction in crime and addiction along with it. This change will start slow but accelerate. We will perfect the process for outreach, identification and placement of people who are homeless.

By the end of my first term, you will rarely see someone suffering from homelessness on Manu Koenig the street and if you do, there will be a county health worker talking to them or you will know how to contact county health to connect with them.

As we find places for people who are ready for help, we will have more law enforcement resources to focus on those that refuse it. Using the Rhode Island model, we will increase “medically assisted treatment” for people in jail with addiction problems and the transition process for them when they are released. We will make sure that the needle exchange program is truly 1:1 and that patients who do receive needles see a healthcare professional so that we can improve their health outcomes.

These changes will end Santa Cruz’s reputation as a permissive drug culture.

On housing, we will make the Planning Department customer friendly. You will see a lot more people improving their homes with an ADU, adding a tiny house, or just investing in a new roof and solar panels.

You will have friends who are moving into a tiny house somewhere in the county.

There will be several new sustainable community centers with green walls and roofs already constructed or in the works.

Y

They will anchor walkable neighborhoods at places like the County Building, Ledyard shipping near 17th and Brommer and Soquel Research Park by 41st and Soquel.

They will be places for local employment, housing, and community.

You will see lots more protected bike lanes and people riding e-bikes to get around. My goal is to create 20 miles of new protected bike lanes in my first term. Within four years, a popular initiative to rail bank will have passed and you will finally be able to bike across the Capitola trestle and from the Boardwalk, under East Cliff Drive to Seabright Brewery and across the harbor trestle. You will notice the bus because of its fun new colors. Traffic will be moving better on the highway because of new auxiliary lanes and roundabouts at key intersections.

John Leopold ver the next four years I will use the experience I have gained as we face some complex challenges and great opportunities.

I will continue listening to the community about developing more affordable housing through the enactment John Leopold of the Sustainable Santa Cruz County Plan to allow for new housing types and to support increases in residential density along our transit corridors. As we have seen with the recently approved affordable housing and health care project on Captiola Road and the Pleasure Point Plaza project, we can create projects that enhance our neighborhoods.

We are already using county-owned land to build housing and we created policies to make it easier for people to build ADUs. When the Plan is fully enacted, it will allow for tiny homes, new mixed-use development and a diversity of housing stock for our community.

To address homelessness, I will expand our efforts to provide subsidies to help people stay in their homes and avoid becoming homeless. Nearly 70% of our homeless population is from Santa Cruz so this will be a critical effort. This year we expanded shelter capacity by over 30% and we will expand these efforts through the creation of new navigation centers in Santa Cruz and Watsonville that can shelter and provide treatment services and day services for hundreds of people. I will

O

partner with school districts and churches that have land to build affordable housing for their staff and others in our community.

Building on the success of Monterey Bay Community Power, I will work with the new County Climate Action Manager, a position that I helped create, to prepare adaption strategies to address the effects of the changing climate, so we are ready for sea level rise and increased fire danger.

The Governor has said that there will be a major Resiliency Bond on next November’s ballot, and we are well-positioned to secure new funding to strengthen our infrastructure.

I will continue to work to build programs that increase opportunities for all families. The success of Leo’s Haven at Chanticleer Park, the first fully inclusive park where children of all abilities can play together has highlighted the importance of recreational facilities for all our children.

I will work to complete the new Library Annex to meet the educational needs of youth in the mid-county. I will also work to expand the successful Cradle-to-Career program into more schools.

Betsy Riker am not running with backing of special interest groups so I will not be beholden to big money but will be representing all of District 1 equally.

This has not been the current state of affairs.

I will increase affordable housing and improve the ease of use of the Planning Betsy Riker Department and I will reduce fees for new housing and “granny units.”

I will make it a priority to bring transportation options for our community into the rail corridor soon and without hefty taxes to our community.

I will promote reduced cost of the Metro tickets and resolve (with consensus) the highway expansion issue.

We have $11 million from the state for the homeless issue that should be spent on addiction/mental illness/homelessness.

We should give higher priority to local residents who are having these problemsnot transients that have moved here due to Santa Cruz generous services and leniency in law enforcement.

There should be no growth at UC Santa Cruz until housing and water issues have been resolved.

I

“District 1” page 9

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cap/Aptos Rotary Hosts Speech Contest

E

By Brenda Mee

leven young humans are making a difference by connecting to the world around them! As a Rotary community, we clearly saw and heard that our future is bright.

Listening to our youth speak out on the topic “Rotary Connects the World” gave hope to all who listened.

Original speeches were written and recited by 11 students from Aptos and Soquel high schools when the Capitola Aptos Rotary Club hosted the local speech contest on Feb. 6.

Students were judged on adherence to the theme, vocal delivery, integration of the 4 Way Test and overall effectiveness. They were all amazing!

Emily Marshall Niswonger took first place in the contest. In second was

R

Groundwater Plan Debuts he Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Santa Cruz Mid-County Basin was posted to the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Portal on Feb. 19.

The public comment period for the plan will be open for 75 days following the posted date.

For information, or to submit comments to the Department of Water Resources during the public comment period, visit: http://sgma. water.ca.gov/portal ••• House a Shakespearean This Summer anta Cruz Shakespeare seeks modestlypriced, furnished rentals that have a private entrance, bath, and kitchen, from mid-June to midSeptember, with some shorter term options for actors for the summer season.

Also needed: donated guest rooms Nikki Silva within family homes for interns and other company members.

Perks include free show tickets and acknowledgment in our season program.

Contact Sue Dormanen at sue@santacruzshakespeare.org or call at 831-460-6396 x8.

••• Nikki Silva of NPR to speak March 11 ikki Silva, co-author of “Hidden Kitchens: Stories, Recipes, and More from NPR’s The Kitchen Sisters,” a 2005 New York Times Notable Book of the Year, will speak 1-:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday,

March 11, at Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., Soquel, as part of the Meet the Author series.

Silva is co-executive producer of the award-winning public radio team. The Kitchen Sisters are creators of hundreds of stories for NPR, podcast and public broadcast about the lives, histories, art and rituals of people, famous and unsung who have shaped our diverse cultural heritage.

At each Meet the Author, local authors discuss their works, answer questions and autograph their books. They are free of charge and open to the public. Coffee is provided by The Ugly Mug. Parking is available behind the library.

Enter from Soquel Drive into the Bagelry parking lot and drive through to the left. www.porterml.org ••• Vaidehi Campbell Williams: Celebration of Life aidehi’s family and friends will celebrate her life at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos at 11 a.m. March 28.

She was among those who lost their lives aboard the diving boat Conception.

Campbell worked for the Soquel Creek Water District 18 years. Vaidehi Williams As the district’s communications specialist, her career was spent sharing with the community her exuberance for the district’s mission to conserve water resources.

RSVP at tinyurl.com/VaidehiRSVP n

F Andrew Morrisey, and Jocelyn Castillo took third.

The Rotary Clubs of District 5170 sponsored the Richard D. King Annual Youth Speech Contest with three goals in mind: • To increase the personal knowledge and awareness of the importance of

COMMUNITY NEWS Battle of the Bands March 21 he City of Capitola Art & Cultural Commission is hosting a youth Battle of the Bands at New Brighton Middle School at 5 p.m. March 21.

Six to eight bands composed of musicians 19 and under will be chosen by the commission’s music selection committee.

For more info, contact kbarreto@ ci.capitola.ca.us ••• Registration Opens for Boardwalk Fun Run egistration is now open for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s 2nd Annual Fun Run on April 5. A discount is available if you register by March 13.

The family-friendly run includes a 1K race through the Boardwalk for kids age 12 and under, and a 5K race through the Boardwalk and up the San Lorenzo River for runners age 4 and up.

All runners will receive a finisher

T

being able to speak effectively before a group.

• To increase public knowledge of what Rotary is and does throughout the world, especially among young people.

• To increase participation in the contest and to provide all high school

Winners will progress to the Regional and District levels beginning March 5.

••• or more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

The Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club meets on Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. at Seascape Golf Club in Aptos. Join us for lunch, mingling and an amazing speaker. We also host a Happy Hour every first Monday of the month. Bring the whole family and join us for our next beach cleanup. n For information about Rotary, call Brenda Mee, 831-239-7011.

medal, $5 MyBoardwalk Card, and up to 2 hours of free-play in the Casino Arcade.

Runners also receive an $8 discount for All-Day Rides on race day.

Registration is $45 for the 5K and $25 for the 1K. A portion of all registrations benefits Camp Opportunity, a free camp for foster children in Santa Cruz County.

To register visit beachboardwalk.com/ Fun-Run ••• Helping Women on International Women’s Day Edward Jones Presents ‘Dresses & Desserts’ on March 18 ristin Asimakoupoulos at Edward Jones has come up with a way to celebrate International Women’s Day, and help local women in need.

It’s called “Dresses & Desserts.”

Drop in between 4-6 p.m. on Wed., March 18, at Jeremy Geels’ Edward Jones’ office (2121 41st Ave., Suite #209, Capitola) to donate gently used women’s clothing (including purses, shoes, jewelry) and mix and mingle with the women of Santa Cruz County. Cash or checks cannot be accepted.

Annette Hunt, owner of Curves of Aptos, is offering her location, 7000 Soquel Drive, Aptos, as a drop-off site for donors from March 1-18.

All donated items will be given to the Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Shelter in Santa Cruz.

RSVP to Kristin.asimakoupoulos@ edwardjones.com or 831-462-8242.

•••

K

8 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

T

S

N

V

“District 1” from page 7 I would like to help change this community so it is always safe around neighborhood and parks. I would like to have bike riders be able to lock their bikes and not have to constantly worry about bike thefts.

Theft, break ins and crime in general have surged in the county over last 10 years and I feel no one is addressing this. I would like to make our community safer for everyone.

We live in an amazing area on Monterey Bay and we should continue to promote our environmental, recycling and education programs and consider entering the Blue Zone Project.

“Measure V” from page 4 “We developed a senior exemption form ahead of time,” he said. “We’ve already received 200 forms. We mailed it directly to seniors. It brought peace of mind to people. It shows a good faith effort. When you’re on a fixed income, every dollar really matters.”

The form gives seniors 65 and older an opportunity to opt out of paying the tax, which if approved would appear on property tax bills due in December.

“Losing last time by such few votes, we know we need to target those who voted no or didn’t vote at all,” Trowbridge said. “If you are over 65, even if you don’t have to pay, you can show you value the welfare of our community with a yes vote.”

“District 2” from page 6 If I am elected, the people will once again be treated equally and with respect.

If they are given the honest facts and asked to be involved in developing a solution, they will, and the outcome will be positive for the future triple-bottom line.

If I am elected, the public process will improve such that people are involved in a meaningful way in issues that affect them, and I will be responsive to their concerns.

I will work to pass a flagging and staking ordinance for proposed developments to alert the public to projects early in the permit process so they are not caught by surprise and have no meaningful way to have their concerns and ideas addressed other than reactive legal action. Regular town hall meetings and constituent hours during evening and weekends will allow working people to participate.

I will work hard to ensure those who care about issues are apprised of their progress, even if the project is stalled, by initiating a database Distrct 2 to auto-

Mark Esquibel f I’m elected I will address Hwy 1 gridlock and the lack of resources for infrastructure and roads. My second priority is public health and safety which would be addressing the Needle Exchange Program and the threat it poses to our community on a daily basis. Homelessness and the mental health Mark Esquibel crisis that is apparent everywhere from veterans, like my dad who is a Decorated Vietnam Veteran, to the individuals that need a hand up due to rising costs of housing and taxes.

I

Including drugs and drug addicts who are taking advantage of the system and lessening the moral fabric of our society. I fully oppose Measure R and the 30-year tax bond that will be imposed on homeowners, affecting our seniors and anyone on a fixed income as well as affecting the rental prices in our community. We need a more comprehensive and conservative approach to our budget and the pension of our First Responders and county workers.

The fact that we are discussing a fiscal budget crisis and possible lack of funding for pensions is irresponsible and unacceptable to me, a true local who was born and raised in this community and has attended every school in the District. Everybody agrees that we need more affordable housing but

no one is talking about the water and power infrastructure needed for these homes or the associated cost.

We need to have a comprehensive plan that addresses these three options: 1. Size of Loch Lomond 2. Recovering our water 3. Desal or waste water treatment I fully oppose the Rail/Trail option and I am for Trail only. We are an active community that does not need a railroad log jamming the beach community when we already have a log jam on our highways.

I lived here when the train used to lock up every intersection from the boardwalk to Aptos. If you think getting your children to school now, wait until you have a train blocking you for half an hour. n

This year ’s campaign has already mailed four flyers to parents to ask for their support.

Anyone receiving Supplemental Security Income for a disability could request an exemption and so could anyone receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits whose yearly income does not exceed 250 percent of the 2012 federal poverty guidelines. ,Joining Trowbridge in submitting a ballot statement in support were Angelo DeBernardo, Jr., a banker, Capitola council member Yvette Brooks, Carissa Lemos, president of the Soquel Education Association, and Sandra Wallace, member of the board of directors of For Kids Foundation Monterey Bay. In their argument, they write:

“Great teachers are essential for student achievement.

However, Santa Cruz County is one of the most expensive places to live in the country and many of our teachers and staff struggle to afford to live here. Measure V will help attract and retain the highest quality teachers so that kids in all our schools have access to the best education possible. Without Measure V our local schools will face deep cuts to academic programs for students, teachers will be laid off and class sizes will increase. We need Measure V to keep qualified and experienced teachers in our classrooms.’”

Further, they write, “All funds from Measure V will be spent right here in our local schools and cannot be taken by the state.”

This measure calls for a Citizen’s Oversight Committee consisting of parents and representatives of the community at large chosen to monitor spending.

Survey results A survey by Isom Advisors in September of 359 households found 72 percent would vote yes on a parcel tax for the Soquel school district.

Mentioning the funds can’t be taken by the state got more than 67 percent saying they were more likely to support the tax as did mention that the Soquel and Capitola community is one of the most expensive in the nation and teachers and staff struggle to afford to live there.

At the conclusion of the survey, 82 percent said they would vote yes for the parcel tax. n ••• Photos Credit: Jondi Gumz ••• Cover Photo: Colleen Dunn, left, and Sarah Donovan, parents at Soquel Elementary School, volunteer to sell popcorn for $1 a bag to raise money for the school. Sales happen every Wednesday.

matically send notice of project activity to anyone who expressed interest.

I will support increasing the inclusionary affordable housing to 20%, and require it apply to projects of rental units as well as for-sale units. I will work hard to cooperatively support UC Santa Cruz building on-campus housing for increasing student enrollment and staff, as well as support land-use policy changes to allow Cabrillo College to provide limited oncampus student housing. This will bring relief to those who live here and struggle to find housing they can afford while reducing traffic congestion.

I will require cost/benefit analysis of all nonprofits funded by county taxpayers, and ensure any organizations under investigation are not funded. I will fund County Fire with 15% of the $18 million received annually in Proposition 172 public safety tax monies.

If I am elected, people can expect to see a Board of Supervisor public discussion of important issues, rather than countless unanimous votes with no questions asked of staff. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Election Observers Welcome S anta Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin invites residents to observe activities associated with the March 3 election.

The schedule of activities is as follows:

do so by calling or emailing our office or completing a form on our website. Or they can surrender their ballot at their polling place and get the ballot of their choice.

Vote-by-Mail Ballot Mailings: As of Feb. 19, staff mailed 122,071 vote-by-mail ballots, 3,979 of which are second ballots and 112,996 are permanent vote-by-mail voters. Santa Cruz County has 162,497 registered voters.

So far, 6,784 vote-by-mail ballots have come back from voters. When vote-bymail ballots are returned, ballots are keyed in as received and signatures verified. If signatures do not compare or a signature is missing, efforts will be made to contact the voter. There is a letter posted on our website for voters to complete to “cure” their signature. Location: County Clerk/ Elections Department, 701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz.

Election Night Procedures and Ballot Counting: After the polls close, results from the vote-by-mail ballots will be released at the office and online at www.votescount. com. Election officials who have worked the polls will bring their voting equipment, indexes, and voted ballots from the polls to one of four return centers located in the county.

All ballots will be brought to the County Government Center on Election Night for the votes to be tallied. Plans are to release four vote count reports on Election Night, vote-by-mail ballots at 8:30 p.m., some poll results at 11 p.m., more precinct results after midnight, and a final semi-official report once all precincts are in and tallied, which could be 2 a.m. or later.

There will be a number of outstanding ballots to be counted during the canvass: provisional, remaining vote-by-mail ballots, damaged ballots, ballots that need to be duplicated, etc.

The semi-official results will be available in hardcopy at the office and online at www.votescount.com. Location: County Clerk/Elections Department, 701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz.

Vote-by-Mail Ballot Processing: Elections Code allows election officials to begin processing vote-by-mail ballots 10 business days prior to the election. Activities include: opening ballot envelopes, removing ballots, duplicating damaged ballots, and preparing the ballots to be counted. Location: County Clerk/Elections Department, 701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz.

Early voting and “Same Day” Registration: Voters can pick up a vote-by-mail ballot at the Santa Cruz County Elections Office and Watsonville City Clerk’s Office.

Both offices will operate as a “Same Day” Voter Registration Center. Voters who missed the Feb. 18 deadline to register may register and vote up to and including Election Day. This service will be expanded to 8 additional locations starting Saturday, Feb. 29. Hours are: Saturday & Sunday, February 29 & March 1, 9am to 5pm; Monday, March 2, 8am to 5pm; Tuesday, March 3, 7am to 8pm.

Locations are: • Simpkins Family Swim Center – 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz • UC Santa Cruz Bay Tree Conference Center – Quarry Plaza • Capitola City Hall – Community Room, 420 Capitola Ave, Capitola • Community Foundation – 7807 Soquel Drive, Aptos • Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health – 1430 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville • Pajaro Valley Community Conference Room – 85 Neilson St, Watsonville

• Scotts Valley Skypark classroom – 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley • Zayante Fire Protection District – 7700 E. Zayante Road, Felton Voters may go to a polling place any time between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, and register and vote there. It is recommended they go to the polling place for their current address so they will get a ballot containing all the contests they are eligible to vote.

Election Officer Training Classes Classes began in February.

Check www.votescount.com for schedules.

Election Day: A list of polling sites is posted at www.votescount.com. Polling places are open Tuesday, March 3, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Anyone is allowed to observe any procedure at the polls (except as to how someone voted).

Persons are permitted to observe voting but MUST NOT INTERFERE with the duties of the Elections Officers.

They may not handle official ballots or intrude upon the voting process.

There will be a Public Alpha Index at the polls that will be updated during the day as to who has voted. Poll checkers may view that index to see who has voted.

Voting in the Primary – Party Matters: Under a new urgency law

10 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

signed by the Governor on February 13, voters may change their political party at the polls without having to re-register to vote.

They will simply fill out a short form indicating their new party of registration, and they will be allowed to vote a regular ballot. This is available only for those voters who are registered to vote at their current address under their current name.

If the voter has moved or changed their name, they can still change their party, but they must do it under the Same Day Voter Registration procedures.

Since a voter’s political party registration will determine which Presidential Primary ballot they can vote, simplifying party changes at the polls will be very helpful.

Voters who are registered as No Party Preference (aka, nonpartisan, decline to state, independent) will be offered the option of voting one of four ballots: • Democratic • American Independent • Libertarian or • A ballot without the office of president NPP voters who are voting by mail and received a ballot without the office of president who wish to get a replacement ballot for one of the parties above, may

The Official Canvass: Begins Wednesday, March 4. The canvass includes processing all remaining ballots, researching provisional ballots and same day voter registration ballots, auditing the polls, and conducting a 1% manual tally of the paper ballots.

A random drawing of the precincts subject to the 1% manual tally will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 5. Location: County Clerk/Elections Department, 701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz.

Certified Vote: The elections official shall prepare a certified statement of the results of the election within 28 days of the election which is falls on a holiday, Tuesday, March 31, so it is moved to the next business day, Wednesday, April 1. Location: County Clerk/Elections Department, 701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz. n ••• If you would like to be an election observer, notify Gail Pellerin at gail.pellerin@ santacruzcounty.us, 831-454-2419, or Tricia Webber at tricia.webber@santacruzcounty.us, 831-454-2409.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Bringing the Past and Present Together C apitola Then & Now,” this year’s exhibition at the Capitola Historical Museum with an opening reception noon to 2 p.m. March 14, will focus on how Capitola has changed over the past century.

“It’s amazing to see how much some parts of Capitola have changed,” said Curator Frank Perry, “while other areas have changed hardly at all.”

Perry has drawn upon the museum’s

large collection of historical photographs and artifacts to assemble the displays. Juxtaposed with the historical photos are the same scenes taken today by Perry and museum volunteers.

Some of the old pictures are ones never displayed before.

“Several people have made important donations of photos in recent years, and we are pleased to showcase some of these in this new exhibition,” said Perry.

Opal Cliffs, completely undeveloped, not even a tree, late 1880s.

Other new displays include profiles of two local families: the Nutter family (which had an apple drying operation on Capitola Avenue in the early 1900s) and the Pawlas.

In the early 1900s, Edith Pawla and her daughter, Emily, had a business breeding and selling violets from their nursery on Wharf Road.

There will also be a display on the history of the telephone in Capitola,

from 1880 (the first one) to the present.

All the new exhibits will be up through December. n ••• Capitola Historical Museum is located at 410 Capitola Ave., Capitola. Admission is free.

Regular hours are noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Information: 831-464-0322.

Photos courtesy of Capitola Historial Museum

Opal Cliffs Today. Both photos show the wharf, beach, and Opal Cliffs in the distance.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 11

12 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Chamber Chief Toni Castro Steps Down After 32 Years

S

By Jondi Gumz

he started the children’s Halloween costume parade in Capitola Village in 1989, and it’s become a tradition.

The next year, she started the Easter egg hunt on Capitola Beach — an eggstravaganza with 5,000 eggs for children to find.

Then she started something original: Persuading woodie surfwagon owner Rowland Baker to be Surfin’ Santa, paddling his outrigger canoe to Capitola Beach to listen to children share their Christmas lists. Surfer Frosty Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz Hesson does it now, and the event Toni Castro outside the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce has gotten coverage on NBC. office.

And she built up the nascent Capitola Art & Wine Festival from a couple director who went on maternity leave with of wineries and a couple of artists and food no plans to return. vendors into the chamber’s biggest fund“I applied to make it a full-time raiser, with 160 artists, 22 wineries, 20 food position,” Castro said. “The board hired vendors and 15 entertainment groups — me.” admission free — attracting large crowds 3x5 cards to the Esplanade overlooking Monterey he year was 1988. Her office consisted Bay. of a corner inside the Capitola HisNow, after 32 years, on March 1 torical Museum, with a desk, a phone, a Toni Castro will be stepping down as filing cabinet and the names of members executive director of the Capitola-Soquel written on 3x5 cards.

Chamber of Commerce and retiring at Castro said one volunteer took the age 67. cards with her when she moved to Oregon Today, job-hopping is common, but so she had to track down the members Castro was never tempted to move on. herself.

“It’s fun. I’m putting on fun activities When she wanted to invest in modern for people,” she said. “I never got tired of office technology, like a fax machine, she it.” got pushback at first but she gradually got ••• better equipment, including a computer, unning the chamber was Castro’s and a second staffer for the office, which second career. then moved to the garage by Jones & Bones.

The Santa Cruz native worked in In 1997, CHECK. The chamber moved banking first, joining County Bank as in 1997 to the Plum Garden complex, a teller and working her way up over where there’s room for the staff of three 15 years to vice president in charge of and to store equipment for special events. marketing.

In 1996, Castro launched the Women When County Bank was acquired by on Waves surf contest with the West Wind Pacific Western Bank, she was tapped for Surf Club and ran it for eight years until multiple task forces to integrate the two Sally Smith and then Anna Macken took operations — an experience that led to over. Local surfer Aylana Zanville hopes to burnout. bring it back later this year.

At the time, she had been president Castro helped birth multiple other of the chamber for two years and from events, the Kite Classic, the Vintage Motorher volunteer work, was familiar with the cycle Show, and the Classic Car Show. organization.

“Castro Retires” page 14 The chamber had a part-time executive

T

R

COMMUNITY NEWS

CASA Welcomes New Advocates O n Feb. 18, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Timothy Schmal swore in 26 community members as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care.

All completed CASA‘s 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.

Judge Schmal, who presides over the Juvenile Dependency Court, said, “It was such a privilege to swear in such a large, enthusiastic group of new CASAs. They will have a profound, positive impact on the lives of the kids who they will serve.

CASAs also play an invaluable role in informing and educating judges about

their court-appointed kids — in ways that others often don’t or can’t.”

There is a great need for bilingual and male volunteers, and people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds are invited to learn more.

Here are the dates of informational sessions for community members to learn about getting involved with CASA:

• Tuesday, March 10: 6 p.m. at Live Oak Family Resource Center, 1740 17thAve., Santa Cruz.

• Saturday, March 14: 10 a.m. at CASA, 813 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville.

• Wednesday, March 18: 5:30 p.m. at CASA, 813 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville.

• Thursday, March 26: 2 p.m. at Staff of Life, 1266 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz • Friday, March 27: noon at California Coffee, 9105 Soquel Drive, Aptos. n ••• For information on how to become a CASA volunteer advocate, contact CASA Outreach Coordinator, Cita Rasul, at 831-761-2956, ext.

102, or visit www.casaofsantacruz.org.

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

SPECIALIZING IN

WINTER SPECIAL

Residential Repaints & If we paint your interior and/or Custom Homes exterior by March 31, 2020 Homeowners Associations we will buy the paint.

Property Managers

SUSHI MARKET SPROUTS Sushi Takeout, Japanese Snacks, Drinks, & Gifts

Party Trays Available

Grab & Go Sushi Prepared Fresh Twice Daily 300 7th Ave, Santa Cruz

831-465-1177

sushimarketsprouts.com

New CASAs (from left) Back Row: Jane Shtalenkova, Amber Burke, Jill Borba, Nazanin Askari Balsa, Maureen Ricketts, Emily Chambers, Brandon Napoli, Gina Vaggioli, Maria Bahena, Melanie Sobel, Daniel Atler, Laura Chiavola-Larson, Alicia Gaytan, Honorable Judge Timothy Schmal, Rachel McCulloughSanden, Lilly Galvan, Nora Dougherty, Lilie Pham, Brian Sanford, John David. • Front Row: Jenny Hundemer (CASA trainer), Jacky Rodriquez, Mel Hunt, Marsha Heidt, Amelia Cutten, Rita Montserrat Medina-Bahena, Shoshana Perrey. Not pictured but sworn in: Pam Kotler.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

Top Dog Film Festival

T

Rio Theatre • March 13

he Top Dog Film Festival is coming to the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz 7 p.m. March 13, bringing a carefully curated collection of heart-warming stories about dogs and their people.

You’ll meet the surfing dog of Huntington Beach, the bus riding pooch of Seattle, the husky dogs of Alaska, and the working dogs of Australia.

There will be stories of people who dedicate their lives to improving the outcomes for man’s best friend plus a

look at the lighter side of the pet-owner relationship.

Local sponsors are Pacific Paw, Pet Pals, Community Mobile Vet, Dr. Hannah Good and Santa Cruz Waves.

Tickets are $15-$15.75 with a portion of ticket sales to benefit the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. n ••• Purchase at www.riotheatre.com/events2/2020/3/13/top-dog-film-festival or www. brownpapertickets.com/event/4489986

Gentle Exams & Cleanings to Cosmetic, Restorative & Implant Dentistry The Quality and Service Your Family Deserves from Our Family

TOD C. ANDERSON, DDS

TUESDAY - THURSDAY: 8:00AM-5:30PM FRIDAY: 8:00AM-3:00PM SATURDAY: BY APPOINTMENTS ONLY

9520 SOQUEL DRIVE APTOS, CA 95003

www.riodelmardental.com

831-688-1006

Locally Ownedd! and Operate

ommunity for serving The c years over 30

RTires RCustom Wheels RBrake Service ROil Changes RAlignments RShocks & Struts RTransmission and Coolant Fluid Service R30, 60, 90K Schedule Maintenance Service RAnd More!

LOWEST

PRICES ON NAME BRANDS www.bigotires.com

Proud Contributors to:

14 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

6 Months No Interest. **On Approved Credit. Ask for details.

**Minimum purchase and monthly payment required on credit.

Surfing with Sugar

“Castro Retires” from page 12 The kite contest and motorcycle show lasted 10 years while the car show is now run by the Capitola Public Safety Foundation.

In 2011, when a water pipe broke in Capitola Village, flooding a mobilehome park filled with elderly people, the city relocated them to the Capitola Inn – and Castro teamed up with Gayle Ortiz to coordinate with a church to provide dinners for a month.

“We’re a community — we dig in,” said Castro.

She recalled shoveling out mud left in village businesses and arranging for tents from Alexis Party Rental to be erected at the Mercantile as temporary quarters for stores.

Of course, because the chamber is about promoting local business, Castro set up scores of mixers, grand openings and networking lunches.

Even though the chamber has grown to 440 members, Castro’s philosophy is to provide personal service.

“If someone calls, we answer the phone,” she said.

Ortiz, co-owner of Gayle’s Bakery and Rosticceria in Capitola and a former mayor, described Castro as “completely selfless in her devotion to making Capitola great in all seasons. It just wouldn’t be the vital place it is today without her.”

Ortiz added, “ I am glad she is finally getting the time at this point in her life to pursue her own dreams. Lord knows she helped all of us pursue ours.”

Castro, widowed 10 years ago, never had children. She said she wants to lunch with friends and spend time with her brother ’s children. And she is looking forward to going to the art and wine festival “and not having to work at it.”

Carrie Arnone, who’s worked with Castro at the chamber for 22 years, has been selected as her successor.

“She’s the perfect person,” said Castro. “She’s 10 years younger. She has lot of energy and new ideas…I feel really good about leaving it in her hands.” n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 15

425 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 kirby.org

19th Annual

Empowering Students to Shape Their Futures with Confidence

Tools for Transformation

April 3-5, 2020

KIRBY.ORG

Fri 3-9 • Sat 10-8 • Sun 11-7

GA: $20 1 Day • $30 2 Days • $35 3 Days

Learn about the opportunities awaiting your student at Kirby School.

Marianne Williamson

Michael Beckwith

Deborah King

John Gray

Kimberly Meredith

David Wilcock

Michael Ventura

Laura Eisenhower

Freddy Silva

Brandy Gillmore

Andrew Collins

Dan Sheehan

Dannion Brinkley

Elizabeth Wilcock

Michael Tamura

Steven Halpern

170+ Booths • 75+ Lectures • 13 Workshops 4 Panels • 5 Special Events Health & Beauty • Natural Food • Networking • Crystals Jewelry • Yoga • Book Signings • Climate Conference Cannabis Summit • Bodywork • Sampling • Live Music SAN MATEO EVENT CENTER www.newlivingexpo.com 16 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

415.382.8300

Contact our Admissions team at 831-423-0658 x 202 or admissions@kirby.org to schedule a Shadow Day, personal tour or to request an information packet. Visit kirby.org for details.

I LI KE MY BE AC H LI KE I LIKE M Y JU IC E,

CLEAN JUICE APTOS 100 Rancho Del Mar Aptos, CA 95003 (831) 661-0614

JUICES • SMOOTHIES • AÇAÍ BOWLS • BITES • CLEANSES • WELLNESS SHOTS

COMMUNITY NEWS

High School Students Compete in Mock Trial T eams from Aptos, Harbor, Santa Cruz and Watsonville high schools advanced to the semi-finals of the 31st Annual Santa Cruz County Mock Trial Competition with the finals slated for the night of Feb. 20.

The winner will go to the state finals in Los Angeles March 20-22.

This year’s case People v. Matsumoto is the trial of Bailey Matsumoto, the founder of a technology start-up that develops autonomous (self-driving) trucks. Bailey is charged with the murder of Bailey’s spouse, Taylor Matsumoto.

This was the first time every comprehensive high school had a team in the competition, which started Feb. 5 and is coordinated by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education Student Support Services Department.

In all, nine high schools participated: Aptos, Harbor, Pacific Collegiate, Pajaro

Valley, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, San Lorenzo Valley, Soquel, and Watsonville.

Starting in 1980, the Constitutional Rights Foundation introduced the mock trail program to all the counties in California to give students the opportunity to learn about the judicial system, as they study a hypothetical case, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and discover their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society.

They receive guidance from volunteer attorneys in courtroom procedures and trial preparation.

Thirteen local Santa Cruz County Superior Court judges volunteer to preside over the hearings and 40 local attorneys volunteer as competition scorers.

Support for the competition comes from Superior Court of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Department. n

Who’s Watching Your House While You’re Away?

LET PELICAN HOUSE WATCH BE YOUR EYES IN THE FIELD WITH TRAINED, BONDED AND INSURED HOME WATCH PERSONNEL. Pelican House Watch makes regualr visits to your home or property and provides “real-time” reports to you. To arrange service, call or visit our website: PelicanHouseWatch.com “Kirby School” from page 5 “Kirby’s emphasis on bettering their student body beyond academics — toward creating individual leaders who are inspired to be active in their community — is what keeps Kirby School’s mission unique and genuinely admirable,” said Sahar Nangoli, 11th grader at Kirby School.

Students volunteered at a range of organizations including Habitat for Humanity, SPCA, Second Harvest Food Bank, Elderday Elder Care Center, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve, Life Lab, Homeless Garden Project, Save Our Shores, and Coastal Watershed Council.

Some students did service projects close to campus, such as removing

invasive species from the Pogonip open space, which is directly behind the Kirby School.

“A day spent outside of the classroom — in service — is a small investment of time when compared to the incredible sense of empowerment a student feels as they gain a broader understanding of the social, environmental and other issues that impact our community and learn how to affect change,” said Christy Hutton, Kirby’s head of school.

“However, when every single student and all staff join together on the same day to work side by side, the sense of collective accomplishment elevates this day to a rather potent feeling of ‘together, we can change the world,’” she added. n

(831) 346-6458

Concierge Services for Absentee Home Owners customized for your needs.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 17

18 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Lorena Miller

Celia Montesina

realm of books and knowledge,” she wrote in her Live Your Dream essay.

“Whenever I learned something new, it made me feel competent, capable and most importantly—powerful.”

Currently enrolled in a radiologic technology program at Cabrillo College, she hopes to become a licensed radiologic technologist. She also wants to be an educator as well as a beacon of hope, and an example to her children, single parents and abuse survivors.

The anonymous winner is the mother who is pursuing a degree in social work and has been able to maintain a 4.0 gradepoint average while raising her two children, going to school full-time and working part-time.

“I want to work with women and mothers and help them to overcome difficulties and to enjoy their precious life,” she said in her Live Your Dream essay. n ••• Soroptimist International of Capitolaby-the-Sea is a volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training needed to achieve economic empowerment. For information see www.facebook.com/sicapitola, email us at

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

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

KIDS FREE

oroptimist International of Capitolaby-the-Sea has selected three local women as winners of the 2020 Live Your Dream Awards. At a ceremony March 24, each will be presented with a $2,000 cash award.

The winners are Lorena Miller of Capitola, Celia Montesina of Santa Cruz and the name of the third winner is being withheld for her safety.

The Live Your Dream awards are given to women who are enrolled in or have been accepted into a bachelor’s or technical training program, are the heads of their households with demonstrated financial need.

Miller, a single mother of two children, is a full-time student with the goal of becoming a surgical nurse. She grew up with parents addicted to drugs and alcohol and suffered mental, physical and sexual abuse at the hands of a family member.

After escaping those circumstances, she began her pre-nursing classes. She has a learning disability, requiring tutoring and studying outside the classroom including on weekends and during the summer.

“I know that my future as a surgical nurse will be the most beneficial and most rewarding job that I can do,” she wrote in her Live Your Dream essay. “I look forward to hands-on patient care, providing support and aiding in healing.”

Similarly, Montesina is a single parent raising two children, one of whom has a learning disability. A first-generation immigrant and college student, she also escaped domestic violence.

“Studying offered me a newfound comfort, I was able to escape into the

Great Reasons to Dine at Palapas

MID-WEEK SPECIALS

‘Live Your Dream’ Awards Announced S

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

Fine Dining Mexican Style

Ocean View, Lunch & Dinner Daily, Reservations Suggested 21 Seascape Village, Aptos 831-662-9000

www.palapasrestaurant.com

Do you have a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

A

By Katie Webb

recent poll of Central Fire Protection District residents on Nextdoor showed that 86% of respondents are using a carbon monoxide detector in their home, 9% are not using a carbon monoxide detector, and the rest are unsure if their home is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.

Besides being required by law, carbon

monoxide detectors are a simple and inexpensive way to prevent a potentially fatal poisoning episode in the home.

A carbon monoxide detector detects carbon monoxide in your home and warns you that carbon monoxide is present, giving you time to get out and call 911 for help.

“Carbon Monoxide” page 24

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 19

BUSINESS PROFILE

A

Pelican House Watch

Checking On Your Home When You’re Away

By Erin Kelly-Allshouse

new home-watching business is serving neighborhoods throughout Santa Cruz County.

Owners David and Teri Parks, lifelong Santa Cruz residents, got requests to “keep an eye on” local residences that were clients with Parks Construction — their own company for 30 years.

They launched the new company, Pelican House Watch, in January 2019. Services include regular home visits to view the exterior, and in some cases, the interior of unoccupied and parttime vacation homes.

A typical home watch visit includes a walk around the entire David Parks perimeter of the home, observing conditions of siding and trim, doors and windows, gutters and downspouts, and looking for obvious issues that may affect the home as well as any changes from previous visits. A check of the grounds and walkways are often also included in the service agreement.

The company then provides a realtime report using software developed by iAuditor. The homeowner can view the reports and schedule and cancel house watch visits as needed.

Pelican House Watch provides similar services to condominium and townhome homeowner associations, inspecting and reporting on walkways, parking lots and common areas of the communities. This keeps the property managers and board of directors current on issues affecting these properties. Inspections and reporting are customized to fit the needs of the client.

Agreements also include entry into the home to check for signs of leaks from plumbing, the roof or siding. Conditions such as temperature settings for furnaces, unusual odors, and signs of pest infestation are monitored. Any conditions that may need to be addressed are reported to the owners.

The recent wind storm that caused damages in Santa Cruz County prompted unscheduled visits to check for downed trees and displaced lawn furniture.

During heavy rains, Parks said, visits may be needed to check on rain gutters and drainage. A visit after dark may be scheduled to observe the operation of outdoor lighting, or interior lights that are set to turn on or off.

The Parks family: David, Teri and daughter Savannah (center).

“We have one client, a condominium running a construction business or manmedical complex, which uses us to monitor aging several multimillion-dollar public their trash and recycling enclosures each works contracts simultaneously,” Parks week, as well as provide readings of water said. “Since most are second homes and vacation homes, and usually located in meters on a regular basis,” Parks said.

Other services include stored car very special parts of Santa Cruz County, it warm-ups, trash service, pressure washing gives us the opportunity to enjoy the views decks and patios, airing out the house and of the beaches and surroundings while earning a living at the same time.” preparing for the owner’s visit.

While the business is still small, Parks Co-founder David Parks attended Laurel Elementary School, Cabrillo College said, it affords him the ability to walk and UC Berkeley, where he got his bach- routes between homes along East Cliff and Opal Cliffs Drive. elor’s degree in architecture.

His wife Teri, also a Santa Cruz native, He began Parks Construction Company specializing in repairs and is CFO and secretary of Pelican House remodeling for homeowners and HOA Watch. She has experience as an admincommunities throughout Santa Cruz. For istrative assistant for law firms as well as a time, he was construction superintendent at a private school. Most recently she has for a large local company building town- been a photographer’s assistant and she homes and condominiums, shopping markets her own line of photography. Over center and doctors’ offices. He also worked the years, she provided design and interior for the County of Santa Clara, retiring as finish selections for Parks Construction’s new home building and renovation construction manager in April 2019.

“For the most part, performing the projects.

“Teri and I have been married for 32 walk-through of the homes and reporting to the owner is stress-free compared to years and most of our careers we never

20 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Photo Credit: Erin Kelly-Allshouse

planned to work together full time,” David Parks said. “Teri has always assisted with bookkeeping as well as interior design work on custom homes that we’ve built both in both Santa Cruz, and for two years, in Bend, Oregon … it was our friends and family — as well as the surf and sun — that brought us back to Santa Cruz.”

The couple, who live in Santa Cruz Gardens, have three daughters, Kiela, Katelyn and Savannah. The youngest daughter, Savannah, helps with the business.

The owners of Pelican House Watch call it a “concierge service” for absentee homeowners and part-time dwellers, as well as for HOA communities and commercial office complexes. Let them customize a care package that will help you protect and watch over your home and properties. n ••• Office hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays,.

Home visits can take place on weekends and evenings if needed.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 21

BUSINESS PROFILE

S

Capitola Self Storage Your Concierge

By Edita McQuary

elf-storage is not a new concept.

People have been storing things as far back as 2000 years ago,” says Joshua Nathan, manager of Capitola Self Storage. “Self-storage as we know it now really started taking off in the 1970s and is a business that has grown every year since.

There’s more people with more stuff.”

According to Google, there are more than 48,500 storage units in the U.S.A; that’s over five square feet of storage for every person in the country! Nine percent of households use storage and it keeps growing.

“There are people who suddenly inherit antiques, furniture and china from parents or grandparents. These days, the kids aren’t interested in old-fashioned stuff so what do you do with it?” Nathan adds.

He explained other scenarios such as people simply not having room to store additional items, or they may have downsized into a smaller dwelling. There may have been a divorce, job relocation or even an eviction necessitating storage of belongings.

“The mix of people and the reasons for storing are all over the map,” Nathan says.

He has been the manager of Capitola Self Storage since 2012. There are usually three full-time employees. The business is owned entirely by local shareholders, and it is reflected in how they do business.

It is not just a storage facility but also strives to be a community resource. The Capitola Museum stores their precious historical antiques and photographs. There’s even an antique popcorn machine in the office!

The facility is climate-controlled and has low humidity so your items remain in the same condition as when they were originally stored.

As you walk down the main corridor, historical photographs of Capitola from the 1800s and 1900s are displayed on the walls.

Street signs displaying names of Capitola streets hanging along each row are a whimsical touch that allows for easy navigation to your storage unit.

They have a collection of old Begonia Festival posters and hope to soon display all 65 years of the posters. They have sponsored the Sand Castle Contest of the Begonia Festival and have supported many local charities through the years discounting or donating space to worthy local causes.

A three-section community bulletin board hangs on the wall in the main corridor for tenants’ use. They can put photos of their pets in one section, advertise their businesses in the middle one and post community events in the last section. It’s a great way to connect with the community and to find local professionals.

The staff is always happy to recommend local places, and discuss local events. We like to think of ourselves as “the concierge of Capitola,” said Nathan. “We know most of our customers by name.”

Capitola Self Storage just renewed its Monterey Bay Area Green Business Certification.

22 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“The building is constructed entirely of metal and, of course, has sprinkler systems in each unit in the unlikely event a tenant’s belongings start a fire. We are converting the facility to LED lighting, we use only green cleaning supplies, even our toilet paper is made from recycled paper,” according to Nathan.

Each storage unit is individually alarmed, digital cameras and motionsensitive lights all contribute to a safe and secure environment.

“We have not had a break-in in over nine years, and even local law enforcement tell us we have the safest and most secure storage facility in Santa Cruz. In fact, several Capitola Police officers have rented storage units over the years, and the Capitola Police Department has been provided with a 24-hour access code in the event they are ever needed inside the building,” says Nathan.

They log every alarm, and keep access records for the tenants. They can always print a report showing every time a tenant’s unit is opened, if their code was entered, or if there is an alarm event. The staff is vigilant; they want their guests to feel that their belongings are safe here.

They are very strict with their rules,

which are posted in the office and on the corkboards. Access hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the spaces are only for storage.

You will not see people taking naps, or have to listen to band practice!

According to Nathan, the most popular storage space sizes are 10’ x 10’ and 10’ x 15’ and there is a waiting list for these units. You can reserve a unit or make an appointment on their very efficient and easy-to-use website. The website also has packing and storage tips with unit visualization. You can actually see how much a certain size unit will hold.

The office sells packing supplies and boxes of all kinds, and high security disk locks for storage, of course.

So if you are thinking of de-cluttering or improving your home and want to keep your important items safe, give Josh and his staff a call, or just come on by Capitola Self Storage. They will do an excellent job for you! n ••• Capitola Self Storage is located at 809 Bay Ave., Suite H, in Capitola, south of Nob Hill Market. Telephone: (831) 465-0600. Gate hours of operation are: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week.

Office hours are Mon-Sat 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.capitolaselfstorage.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Public Health Monitors Coronavirus O n Feb. 11, the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the current outbreak of coronavirus disease, COVID-19.

Santa Cruz County Public Health officials are closely working with California Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Bay Area health officials to monitor COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. To date, there are no cases reported in Santa Cruz County.

As of Feb 21, 17 cases have been confirmed in the United States in California, Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. 10 cases have been identified in California. All were people who traveled from Wuhan, China.

Chinese health officials have reported thousands of cases in China with severe illness, including over a hundred deaths.

The CDC is monitoring for illness among travelers arriving from China at 20 U.S airports and recommends travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China.

“We are monitoring the situation closely to protect the health of Santa Cruz County residents and limit the spread of this virus,” said Dr. Gail Newel, Santa Cruz

A COVID-19 molecule.

County health officer. “The potential for a disease outbreak is always a public health concern. We are working with health care providers and community partners to review emergency procedures and we are prepared to take action should someone in our county becomes ill with this new virus.”

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses common among animals and humans. COVID-19 is a newly discovered coronavirus and is being spread person to person; the source is not yet known.

While Santa Cruz County Public Health considers this a serious public health threat, based on current information, the risk to the general public in Santa Cruz County is considered low at this time. However, it is likely there will continue be more cases reported in the U.S. in the coming days and weeks.

Symptoms ypically, human coronaviruses cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness.

Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, and/or shortness of breath. Older adults and people with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk.

Anyone who has recently traveled from China, or came in close contact with someone who traveled from China, and develops a fever and lower respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or shortness of breath within 14 days after leaving the area, should call their doctor or health care provider and share travel history and symptoms before visiting the clinic or emergency room.

For prevention, health officials advise washing hands with liquid soap and water, and rubbing for at least 20 seconds, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing, and staying home if you are sick. n

F

Women Innovators

T

Focus Ag Announces New Class

ocus Agriculture has announced the 21 community leaders selected for Class 31 to learn about agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley.

The class includes: Raymon Cancino, Chief Executive Officer Community Bridges, Stephanie Connor Kent, Chief Nurse Executive, Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center/Sutter Health, Michelle Navarro, Business Development Officer, Santa Cruz County Bank, Anita Aguirre, Chief Compliance Officer & Deputy

This is a picture of CDC’s laboratory test kit for COVID-19. CDC is shipping the test kits to laboratories CDC has designated as qualified, including U.S. state and local public health laboratories, Department of Defense (DOD) laboratories and select international laboratories. The test kits are bolstering global laboratory capacity for detecting COVID-19.

Director, Salud Para La Gente, John Bargetto, vice president, Bargetto Winery, Belinda Barr,Business Services Manager, Economic Development Coordinator, Workforce Board Development (County of Santa Cruz), Evan Benevento, senior Accountant, Wheeler Accountants, LLP, Chris Bley,entrepreneur, Insight Up Solutions, Edan Cassidy, managing member, Cassidy Insurance Agency, LLC, ...

“New Class” page 25

ACROSS

1. Cause for September celebration 6. Net holder 9. Island near Java 13. “PokΘmon,” e.g.

14. *Alice Paul and Crystal Eastman wrote its first version in 1923, acr.

15. Archeologist’s find 16. Synagogue scroll 17. Bag in Paris 18. “Behind ____ Lines” 19. *Aviation pioneer 21. *She rebelled against sentimental novel 23. Nurses’ org.

24. Deceptive maneuver 25. Director’s cry 28. Snow and cycling helmet manufacturer 30. Low hemoglobin

35. Bryce Canyon state 37. Something to do 39. Lady’s Bella Notte date 40. Puerto ____ 41. Bone hollow 43. Slang for heroin 44. Cake cover 46. ____ and drab 47. Roman robe 48. “Purple People ____,” pl.

50. Defender of skies, acr.

52. Easter lead-in 53. Attention-getting interjection 55. Pres.

Truman’s 1947 creation, acr.

57. *She originated the little black dress 60. *”Hidden ____” 64. Knights’ feat of strength 65. *Mary Phelps Jacob patented the 1st modern one

67. Dickens’ Heep 68. Ladies’ fingers 69. Three strikes 70. Actress Rene 71. Crowd-sourced review platform 72. Lilliputian 73. Master of ceremonies

15. Feel indignant about something 20. Indian cuisine dip 22. *Sally Ride was 1st woman in space for this country 24. Speaker’s platform 25. *1st person to win two Nobel Prizes 26. Carthage’s ancient DOWN rival 1. Better than never?

27. Implied 2. a.k.a. midget 29. *She developed buffalo philosophy of 3. 100 cents in Ethiopia Objectivism 4. D-Day beach 31. Formerly, formerly 5. Move a picture 32. *Home of Wesleyan 6. Breather College, first college 7. Investment option, chartered to grant acr. degrees for women 8. Last European colony 33. Insect, postin China metamorphosis 9. Crooked 10. Sheltered, nautically 34. *Inventor of a newborn screening 11. Trace or outline test 12. Slippery surface

36. Use a whetstone 38. Caitlyn Jenner’s ex 42. Primitive calculators 45. Ulysses and Cary 49. Female 51. *Singular of #60 Across 54. Tennis-affected joint 56. Gold, to a chemist 57. Pepsi rival 58. Fling 59. Rush job notation 60. Inevitable occurrence 61. Reduced instruction set computer 62. Alleviate 63. Old Woman’s home 64. *Jennifer Lawrence played her in eponymous 2015 movie 66. Rivoli in Paris, e.g. © Statepoint Media

Answers on 25 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 23

FEATURED COLUMNIST

At Odds With Your Adult Children?

F

By Pat Hanson

or reasons of long distance, complicated custody issues, or a troubled daughter/son-in-law, many parents and grandparents are estranged from their adult children. Some are at odds with and separated from their adult children and/or grandkids.

A free monthly support group meets second Mondays at Christ Lutheran Church in Aptos. Here, alienated parents learn they are not alone with this issue, and strategize ways to hold on and thrive, not just survive their difficult situations. Some reconciliations have taken place.

Here is a sample of their stories with names changed to protect those who might be choosing legal paths to visitation: • After two years of no contact from her daughter and twin boys she’d seen at birth, Randa’s estrangement ended at the sudden funeral of her brother when her daughter showed up with the twins. Since that reconciliation, she helped her daughter with a restraining order against the son-in-law and she now babysits 5-year old twins regularly.

• Sally went for counseling with Oakland therapist Dr. Joshua Coleman author of “When Parents Hurt: Compassionate Strategies When You and Your Adult Child Don’t Get Along.” He wrote a letter to her daughter and son-in-law and received a vitriolic response from the son-in-law. Still hoping her daughter will become disentangled from this potentially violent situation, she comes monthly for support from her peers.

• Darlene, a mother of three in her 50s, gets to see her now nine-month granddaughter only once a month, and then only an hour at a time. Her daughterin-law thinks the way she holds the baby is not correct or good enough.

• Chelsea is an invisible auntie who because of her religious preference was denied access to two nieces she partially raised till they were 7. She

“Carbon Monoxide” from page 19 What is carbon monoxide? arbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “invisible killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas.

More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators.

Other products that can contribute to CO in the home include faulty, improperly used or incorrectly vented fuelburning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces.

C

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning? ecause CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without fever). They include: • Headache • Fatigue • Shortness of breath • Nausea • Dizziness

B

24 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

named them in her will, saying, “at least they’ll get something.”

• Alice helped her daughter-in-law with after-school and many weekends of care for her 9-year-old grandson while her son was incarcerated. When he was released, they moved and did not respond to phone calls, texts and letters. All packages were returned by the post office “address unknown.”

• Grammy Fox’s daughter committed suicide while in jail after being told

by Child Protective Services that her 2-year-old daughter was going to be permanently placed with the foster parents instead of being returned to her mother and what she calls rhe “child’s bonded-bio family.’” Discovering other families with foster placement abuse issues that have created “system induced trauma syndrome” in both children and adults, she turned her pain into activism. She formed The Child & Family Rights Advocates #TakingOurFamiliesBack2020.

• James had been ex-communicated from his children’s family for 7 years before undertaking legal help to assure his grandparent visitation rights, which are not guaranteed in California.

• Chuck considered calling police about his daughter’s situation when his wrote a note to them prohibiting any kind of

High-level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including: • Mental confusion • Vomiting • Loss of muscular coordination • Loss of consciousness • And, tragically, death.

Fire Marshal Mike DeMars said, “Carbon monoxide detectors should be an essential part of your home safety program. Excessive carbon monoxide can be produced by malfunctioning solid and gas fueled appliances. CO alarms can detect carbon monoxide gas in your home before it reaches levels that can be hazardous to you and your family. If your CO alarm activates, treat it as you would a smoke alarm. Evacuate the home and call 911. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home, PG&E can be contacted to conduct a safety inspection.”

If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector, Central Fire Protection District strongly urges you to get one for your home.

If you have any questions about carbon monoxide detectors and how and where to properly install them in

communication with his grandchildren whom his wife babysat for two years.

One member shared her wisdom with the group: “If you don’t leave your past in your past, it will destroy your future. Love what you have today, not what yesterday has taken away.” n ••• To connect with this group visit: www. invisiblegrandparent.com or Facebook.com/ InvisibleGrandparent

your home, the district’s Community Risk Reduction staff would be happy to answer any questions.

You can give them a call at 831-685-6698, or stop by and see them in person at 6934 Soquel Drive in Aptos. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

SCCAS Featured Pet

Take Part in the Census D

Census Day on April 1, when the Census Bureau will begin recording responses.

For the first time, the Census Bureau will permit respondents to answer the survey online, by mail, or by phone. All forms should be completed by April 30. n ••• See Santa Cruz County Census 2020 on Facebook to learn more.

“New Class” from page 23 Manu Koenig, platform partnership lead, Paystand, Mary Maselli, self employed financial advisor & financial planner, Michelle Montalvo, Legal Manager, Driscoll’s, Inc., Khalil Moutawakkil, founder & CEO, KindPeoples, Peter Nell, Government Affairs Manager, CCOF, Gilda Rall, parliamentarian & member of Governing Board of Directors, Pajaro Dunes North Association, Sergio Parra, attorney, Head of Labor & Employment Department, JRG Attorneys at Law, Joe Serrano, Executive Officer, LAFCO of Santa Cruz County, Jerry Souza, Director Cardiovascular Services, Dignity Health Dominican, Tiffany Turner, Director of Operations, Dientes Community Dental, Jessica Vaughan, Director of Operations & Grower Consulting, LumiGrow, Inc., Danielle Wong, Healthy Food for Seniors Program, Grey Bears.

The program consists of once-a-month, daylong seminars, over a period of nine months. The first session was March 13.

Speakers ranging from farmers to

Raymon Cancino

Stephanie Connor Kent

Michelle Navarro

elected officials to representatives from environmental groups will address the class. The sessions will cover such topics as ethnic groups in agriculture, new technology and diversity of commodities locally grown. There are many farm tours and hands on experiences, and participants spend one day working on a farm.

In announcing the participants, Agri-Culture President Steve Bontadelli, said, “Community leaders will find this program beneficial and, in turn, growers who present information to the class will learn the public’s current perspective of local agriculture. “ The Focus Agriculture program received a national award for its innovated approach to bringing the public and the agricultural community together. n

Simon: Bring Home Some Personality

M

eet Simon (A265357), a black and white six-year-old cat with a big personality! Simon came to the Shelter December 7th with two other cats, Beau and Lightning.

These cats were surrendered when their family could no longer care for them. Lightning has been adopted, but Beau and Simon are still looking for a new home.

Simon is a mischievous cat who likes to investigate his environment.

He enjoys playing with running water and searchers for a cozy spot high up in the house to sleep so that he can keep an eye on everyone!

Simon is a smart cat who is looking for a new home to watch over and explore. Do you have room in your heart and home for Simon?

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

crossword on 23 »

ata collected in the 2020 Census will determine how many congressional seats each state holds in the House of Representatives, and how state and federal dollars will be allocated to local governments over the next 10 years.

That’s $675 billion at stake, which is why a complete and accurate count matters, according to the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership.

Roads and highways, health clinics and hospitals, fire departments and schools all depend on adequate funding so it’s important to count everyone in a community for the count to be accurate.

An undercount could cost $2,000 per person per year of funding lost, which would add up over 100 years.

The annual headcount is required by the U.S. Constitution and has been undertaken every 10 years since 1790.

Census responses are confidential and protected under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, and personal information from the census is never shared with immigration or law enforcement agencies.

Census forms will be mailed out in mid-March in advance of National

Women Innovators © Statepoint Media

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 25

Your March Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Aries (March 21-April 20)

It can be difficult to put effort into the most important connections, especially when an emotional lethargy comes over you early in March. This makes it hard for others to deal with you while you’re in this mood, and makes it difficult for you to find the energy to care. You’re feeling much more energized mid-month. In fact, you feel like you’re your best self right now! But your reversed motivation is still a bit myopic. Do your best to not loose site of those helping you to your success and cheering you on. Late in the month you’re feeling a bit reckless. It can be fun to take risks, but you should still make sure you know what the consequences might be.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

You find yourself struggling with a sense of loneliness as the month begin. There are times you want to be alone, but it can be difficult when you don’t seem to have a choice. There is change in the air mid-month, which is nice after the last week or two. Whatever doesn’t feel right in your life is a good target for starting a new path for your life. Romance is filling the air as March comes to a close. Have you met someone new? Are you ready to step up in a current relationship? This feels like a good time to take a step forward.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You’re in a social mood early in the month. Doesn’t matter if you’re life-long friends or you just met: your conversations are not to be missed. “Life of the Party” indeed. By mid-March, you’re still in a mood to talk, but now is the time for tackling issues one at a time. The more people you have to deal with at the same time, the more difficult it will be to communicate properly. Your focus moves to the downtrodden as you look for new tasks to take on at the end of the month.

Time for a fundraiser!

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

You’re in an imaginative and inventive state of mind as March begins. So many ideas are flowing through you; now is the time to act! You’re ready to get organized through the middle of the month, something that hasn’t been your forte recently. In fact, maybe everyone suggesting you should has finally penetrated, but you’re in the mood to do the work now. Something has made clear late in the month how much you have to be thankful for. All the positive energy surrounding you is bleeding out, and thanking those who help make your life amazing feels like a natural act right now.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

Some think a bit of strangeness can be daunting, but you’re reveling in your own weirdness as the month begins. The attention you’re drawing isn’t unwanted either. Your competitive genes are straining for action mid-month, and your friends and family find themselves on the receiving end.

And you’re not in the mood to be affable if you’re not winning. You’ve calmed down by the end of March, which will be helpful if there are any relationships you may have put a strain on this month.

Talking through any problems that have arose is the best thing you can do.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

You’re looking ahead early in the month, thinking about new things and brainstorming new ideas.

Find some other people that can help you gather those thoughts and make them reality. Whatever comes out of those sessions could be very useful mid-March, and you could be ready to capitalize on the results. Time to go from theory to practice. Late in the month, your energy continues to push you forward. But it’s also a time to reflect on what your doing, because you’ll likely succeed, for better or for worse.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

There is stress in your life early in March; a sour energy that makes interacting with others difficult. It’s hard to find your balance when it feels like everything is against you. Try to find some positive as you push through the miasma. You’re feeling a bit caged mid-month, and yet you’re also not looking to spend much. If there was a better time for finding the best deals on things you could use, we can think of it. Late in the month a feeling of optimism starts to replace the stress and fog from the before. You can finally see the positive things in your life and how to take the next steps forward.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You feel smart! The start of the month is a perfect time to dive into projects and new ideas you’ve been ruminating on recently. Your usual circle may not be able to follow your plans though, so finding some like-minded people to bounce ideas off could help. Mid-month is the time to act upon your ideas. All the planning and discussion from before are ready to put into motion. Time to make dreams come true! As March comes to a close, you still find yourself focused and driven, but you also have a confidence and sense of self that others seem to be drawn too. They can see your bright future, too.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

There’s an intellectual air about you early in the month, something that you’re having a hard time reigning in. You don’t mean to talk over people’s heads, but you do seem to be explaining yourself more than usual. You always have a desire to succeed, but the fire lit late in March is pushing you harder than ever. You know your goal, and you’re ready to put in more effort than you ever have to achieve it. As the month comes to a close, even you are surprised by what you’re accomplishing. Now isn’t the time to be distracted, but a short break to offer those less fortunate some help does feel important.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

It’s a rough time for you early in March. You’re not the most enjoyable companion at the moment, but that’s not the worst thing in the world. You’ve been here before; you’ll come out of it again.

You’re feeling more social mid-month, but you’re even more interested in working though tasks you’ve let linger. You’ll be in a much better place when all these chores are behind you. As the month comes to a close, your diligence has left you with a rare sense of freedom to pursue some frivolous indulgences. It’s time to have some fun!

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Weeding Earlier Rather Than Later

By Tony Tomeo

W

eeding is not much fun. Some of us might enjoy the relaxing monotony of productive weeding. Realistically though, most of us would prefer to do something else in the garden. There is certainly plenty of other chores that need to be done now, after earlier rain, and before the weather gets significantly warmer. However, such weather is why it is important to start weeding earlier than later.

By definition, weeds are weeds, because they are unwanted. They get to be unwanted by dominating space and exploiting resources more aggressively than wanted plants. Some innately grow faster and more aggressively than most other plants. Some are innately prolific with seed. Some employ multiple tactics to gain unfair advantages. Weeding is how we help our gardens compete.

Weeds grow throughout the year.

Most slow down through the dry warmth of summer, and many die off then.

However, there are always some weeds growing somewhere. When they die off, it is only after they have dispersed seed for their next generation. Some generate a few generations annually. Some are perennial weeds, or even shrubs, vines and trees, which survive for many years.

Weeding is more of a concern now because the majority of weeds grow so much more aggressively after the earliest rain of winter. Warming weather later in winter accelerates their proliferation. This is the time of year that weeds start to crowd desirable plants. If weeding is delayed for too long, weeds eventually bloom and toss seed. Some weeds extend stolons to disperse vegetatively.

The good news is that the same rain that promotes the proliferation of weeds

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

You’re thinking about the future as the month begins. Not just yours, but your friends, your family, maybe even the whole world. You want to make everything better, so don’t keep your ideas to yourself.

You’re feeling a need for freedom mid-month. You know there are parts of your life that seem to be holding you back, and it’s going to take some work to find your way out. Late in March, the desire to break free grows stronger. It’s harder to be polite now. Time to make something happen!

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

Your desire for beauty is strong as the month begins. A beautiful sunrise, a lovely art exhibit, a gorgeously-set table, a perfect necklace; any form of beauty is calling to you, and you’re not thinking about the cost (at least, not right now). Your shyness is coming to the forefront midMarch, making it hard to socialize or put yourself forward. This isn’t the best time to be on a podium, although you could probably push through individual interactions. You’re feeling much more social as the month comes to a close … in fact, your desires are embarrassingly strong, leaving you looking for alternative outlets.

•••

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 26 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Pendulous blooms hang like delicate icicles.

Rain makes weeds grow like weeds.

also facilitates weeding. Weeds are easier to pull while the soil is still damp than they will be as the soil dries later in spring and summer. Also, while weeds are still fresh and turgid, they are less likely to leave roots or stolons behind in the soil. They are more difficult to pull intact as they begin to deteriorate later.

Furthermore, weeding should be done before weeds bloom and disperse seed for subsequent generations. Some are sneaky and quick.

••• Silk Tassel ith so many exotic species to enjoy in our gardens, it is easy to miss what might be growing wild just beyond.

Silk tassel, Garrya elliptica, is endemic to coastal slopes within 30 miles of the ocean, between San Luis Obispo and Newport, Oregon. Yet, it seems to be more popular abroad than it is here at home. It is more adaptable to refined landscapes than most other natives are.

Silk tassel is more tolerant to supplemental irrigation than most other species from the same region are. It actually prefers to be irrigated at least occasionally through summer, particularly in drier and warmer climates. However, as a native, it is resilient to lapses of irrigation too. If necessary for form or confinement, awkward and obtrusive stems can be selectively pruned out after bloom.

Long and elegantly pendulous catkins of tiny pale grayish white flowers bloom late in winter or early in spring. After bloom, dried catkins linger prettily into summer. Garden varieties are male, with longer blooms. ‘James Roof’ can produce catkins nearly a foot long. Female plants in the wild bloom with shorter catkins.

Glossy evergreen leaves are two to three inches long with wavy margins. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com .

W

COMMUNITY NEWS

‘Considering Matthew Shepard’ C abrillo College will present “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a fully staged major choral work on the death of a young gay man March 5, 6, 7, 8 and March 12, 13, 14, 15 at Crocker Theater.

Shepard was beaten and left to die in the Wyoming countryside 22 years ago. His death catalyzed a generation of poets, musicians and playwrights to change our attitudes about being different.

Composed by Craig Hella Johnson, the oratorio is based on Shepard’s life, the hate crime of his death, and the national outpouring of compassion that followed.

It has been called the first important major musical work of the 21st century.

Johnson presented the production at Stanford University last year.

The reviewer of a production in San Antonio called it unsettling but ultimately uplifting, calling out to society for justice.

The musical director of the Cabrillo production is Cheryl Anderson, Cabrillo’s director of vocal and choral activities. She is a recipient of the Gail Rich Award, given to “individuals who inspire our diverse and culturally-rich community” and was Santa Cruz County Artist of the Year in 2018.

The stage director is Joseph Ribeiro, a Fulbright Scholar with 50 years of international experience in education, dramatic art, opera, musicals, film and television. He has developed parallel careers as an educator and performing artist in South Africa and the United States, also working as an acting and interpretation coach.

Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $41.50, general, $39.50 students, and $36.50 seniors. For tickets, go to cabrillovapa.com/events or call the Box Office: 831-479-6154. n

ON MARCH 3RD OR BY MAIL VOTE

Remain Safe in the Comfort Of Your Own Home

Locally Owned & Operated Since 2006 Our services include: • Caring Companionship • Bonded, Insured, Registered and Highly Trained Caregivers • Bathing, Personal Hygiene Care & Assistance • Meal Planning & Preparation • Medication Reminders • Transportation & More!

Call Today for a FREE Assessment: 831.462.3500

Safe at Home Senior Care

820 Bay Avenue • Suite 101, Capitola, CA 95010 SafeAtHomeSeniorCare.com

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR THE CENTRAL COAST

JIMMYPANETTA.COM PAID POLITICAL AD | AUTHORIZED BY JIMMY PANETTA FOR CONGRESS | POST OFFICE BOX 103, CARMEL VALLEY, CA 93924. FEC# C00592154

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Mondays & Tuesdays WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR 12:30 - 2 p.m.

THE MONTEREY SYMPHONY WomenCARE ARM-in-ARM support group for The Monterey Symphony is seeking volunteers. If you women with advanced, recurrent and metastatic love music and want to be involved, please call (831) cancers. Meets weekly Mondays & Tuesdays, with 646-8511 or visit www.montereysymphony.org for a separate meeting every First and Third Tuesday more info. every month.

Registration required. Call 457-2273 for more information and to register. No cost to attend.

ONGOING EVENTS www.womencaresantacruz.org Daily SANTA CRUZ ‘USED’ BOOKSHOP Tuesdays WRITING/DISCUSSION MEETING 10 am- 3 pm 2710 Chanticleer Ave. Santa Cruz Grey Bears: Every Monday and Friday is $106:30-7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo Room, 10707 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 (At Hwy One and a-bag book sale. Fill up a shopping bag with books for only $10! Thousands of titles for $1.50 Freedom Blvd) or less: cookbooks, gardening, sci-fi, mysteries, Do you have a problem with food? Please check out our free, friendly 12-Step support group with the solution. classics and all sorts of fiction and nonfiction.

Non-profit Grey Bears has served our community All teens and adults welcome!

For current times and locations of other meetings: www. for 45 years. Grey Bears provides recycling santacruzoa.org/meetings. Or call our Hotline at (831) services and accepts books and other donations 429-7906. for our thrift stores.

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

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

CASA ORIENTATIONS TO BECOME ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN BUSINESS DEBTORS ANONYMOUS CASA empowers volunteers to directly influence 5:15-6:30pm, Calvary Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 532 life-changing decisions affecting children in Center Street, Santa Cruz. foster care. Court appointed special advocates are We specifically focus on recovering from debting on everyday people that, with just a few hours a week one’s business. can have a lifetime of impact for a child who has For more information: 831-425-3272. been abused or neglected.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays More info www.casaofsantacruz.org or call 831-761-2956 SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUPS x102 Monarch Services offers a safe space to meet Mondays other survivors of domestic violence, sexual OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING assault, and human trafficking survivors, and to 7 - 8 pm, Soquel Congregational Church, Ann Hutchinson listen or share experiences. Childcare provided Room, 4951 Soquel Dr., Soquel on site.

Do you have a problem with compulsive over- or Spanish – Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Servicios undereating? Anorexia? Bulimia? Compulsive Monarca, 233 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville (831) exercising? You are not alone. Drop into a free, 722-4532 friendly OA 12-Step meeting with the solution. All English – Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Monarch are welcome!

Services, 1590 Seabright Avenue, SC (831) 425For information on other meetings in Santa Cruz County: www.

4030 santacruzoa.org/meetings For more information, visit www.monarchscc.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our evening Santa Cruz caregiver support group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, and our afternoon Santa Cruz caregiver support group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. No fee. Open to family members.

For more information about this and other support groups in the area, please call 800.272.3900 Second Wednesdays SANTA CRUZ SONS IN RETIREMENT MONTHLY MEETING Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St. This statewide group of retired men invites you to 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 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.

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 Second Mondays Tuesdays & Thursdays 7 p.m., Antonelli Club Room, 2655 Brommer St., Santa Cruz COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS OF SANTA CRUZ Attention Magic Lovers! Our new Magicians’ Club FREE PILATES CLASSES AT TEMPLE BETH EL 7-8:30 p.m., Quaker Meeting House, 225 Rooney St. Santa Cruz meets on the last Wed. of every month at 7pm in the 10 a.m., Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd., Aptos Parents of a child who died at any age, from any club room at the Antonelli Mobile Home Park. If you Please join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am in cause, any length of time ago, are invited to join The the social hall at Temple Beth El in Aptos (3055 Porter do magic or want to get started in this fun hobby, join Compassionate Friends of SC for our monthly grief us. support meeting. Opening circle followed by smaller Gulch Rd) for a lively and challenging 60 minute Pilates Questions? Call Jim at 685-3829 Strength Class. The classes are free and everybody is connection groups.

Grief materials available. Bereaved grandparents welcome. Donation are welcome.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PROSTATE CANCER For more information https://www.tbeaptos.org and adult siblings are also welcome. NonSUPPORT GROUP religious.

7-9 p.m., Katz Cancer Resource Center, 3150 Mission Dr Wednesdays Visit www.tcfsantacruz.com or call 831.332.9893 for more Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group has ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION information. been an active group for over 20 years in the com1st & 3rd Wednesdays: 5:30-7 p.m. munity.

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

Third Mondays First meeting of 2018 will be February 28th.

Alzheimer’ s Association, 550 Water Street, Ste L2, SC STITCHERS BY THE SEA 7 –9 p.m., St. Stephan’s Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Ave., If you have a family member who has been Thursdays diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related Santa Cruz FRIENDSHIP PUT TO MUSIC! dementia, a caregiver support group can offer you The Santa Cruz County chapter of the Embroiderers 6:30 p.m., New Hall, La Selva Beach Club House, 3124 Estrella Ave. an opportunity to find out more about available comGuild of America meets on the third Monday of every Classes every Thursday night. For more info call Sue munity resources, learn from others who are going month, except June and December. Meetings are free Harris or Don Benson (831) 726-7053 or email at through similar experiences, and obtain additional to attend. All are welcome. caller4u@att.net educational materials.

28 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

LUCKY STEPPERS MODERN SQUARE DANCE 6:30 pm, La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach, CA 95076 It’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; family friendly. Class takes place every Thursday Night at our new home in La Selva Beach! (Take Mar Monte off of Hwy 1, turns into Playa Blvd., turn right on Estrella) For more information, contact Sue Harris or Don Benson at (831) 726-7053 or e-mail at caller4u@att.net.

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

You must read music.

Call Teresa at 336-8637.

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

Want to make a difference in our community?

Join the Cabrillo Lions Club twice every month and see what you can do to help in Santa Cruz County.

Please RSVP cabrillolions@gmail.com 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.

DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT 12-1 pm, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, two locations: 940 Disc Dr., SV • 85 Nielson St., Watsonville Hospice of Santa Cruz County is offering a drop-in grief support group for adults grieving the death of a family member or a friend. This group is a place where you can share stories, learn tools for coping, and receive support from people who care.

For more information, please call (831) 430-3000. Preregistration is required.

First Fridays each month FIRST FRIDAY ART TOUR The First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The event takes place year-round and illuminates some of the most talented local artists from local galleries.

To find out where to participate in a First Friday art tour, visit firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for First Friday viewings.)

FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Peace United Church of Christ at 900 High Street, Santa Cruz Curious about Shakespeare? The Friday Shakespeare Club members discuss the life, times, and influence of William Shakespeare.

For information, call 831-684-2832, or go to friday shakespeare.org or facebook.com/fridayshakespeare.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR County Fairgrounds Join us every 2nd Saturday on the Farm for free family activities. Each month we select a new FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB theme to highlight historical agriculture with OF SANTA CRUZ games, activities, and demonstrations that relate.

10 am - noon, Peace United Church, 909 High Street This is the oldest women’s club in Santa Cruz. The club We often have guest appearances from farm animals like llamas, draft horses, sheep, goats, meets to study the life, works and times of William chickens, rabbits, and more! You are sure to find Shakespeare. Members share group readings and insights, discuss history, and universal themes found in something fun and entertaining for the whole family. his plays and writings.

Check our website and Facebook page for more details. FREE For more information please call 831-684-2832

ONGOING EVENTS CONT.

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 SANTA CRUZ TENNIS CLUB 9 a.m., Soquel High School Tennis Courts The nonprofit Santa Cruz Tennis Club meets every Saturday morning at the Soquel High School courts beginning at 9:00 am. We play doubles and mixed doubles, mostly at an intermediate level, and switch around the players every 45 minutes.

Balls are provided. $2 for first time visitors.

Second Saturdays Each Month 2ND SATURDAY ON THE FARM 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Ag History Project Center at the Santa Cruz

Sundays NAR-ANON SANTA CRUZ 6:30 p.m., Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (Sutter Room), 2900 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join.

Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar problems, talk about how they cope and find recovery.

To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please go to our website at www.nar-anon.org.

RECOVERING COUPLES ANONYMOUS MEETING 10:30 a.m.–noon, Sutter Maternity, 2900 Chanticleer Ave, SC RCA is a 12 step group for couples. Our primary purpose is to stay committed in loving and intimate relationships and to help other couples achieve freedom from dysfunctional relationships.

All couples are welcome whether married or partnered. Some of us are new in our coupleships and seek to build intimacy together. We have all

found help in Recovering Couples Anonymous.

For more information visit our website: https://santacruzrca.org DATED EVENTS or email us at rcasantacruz@yahoo.com Wednesday March 18 ALAN PEDERSON PERFORMS FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BIBLE STUDY 6:30-9 p.m., Quaker Meetinghouse 225 Rooney St., Santa 9:45 a.m: Bible Study • 11 a.m.: Worship Cruz 7565 Sunset Way, Aptos Compassionate Friends of Santa Cruz is proud to First Baptist Church of Aptos welcomes you to join their sponsor an award winning singer, recording artist, and bible study and worship every Sunday. speaker who will inspire us with his hope-filled words Call (831) 688-5842 for more info and music.

First Sunday of Every Month Donations greatly appreciated. For more information visit www.

SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB EVENT tcfsantacruz.com 5 p.m., various member homes throughout county Love to cook, entertain and socialize? Our Saturday April 11 dinner club events will be held in several homes Sunday April 12 throughout Santa Cruz County where members enjoy gourmet meals, fine wine and conversation. EGGSTRAORDINARY EGG HUNT Joining the club provides a great opportunity to 11 a.m., 12:30 and 2 p.m., Roaring Camp, Felton. cook, to entertain, and to meet locals that share Hop aboard Roaring Camp’s Forest Train for an your interests.

Eggstraordinary Learn more about the SC Dinner Club and the fun we Egg Hunt Saturday have by contacting Rhonda Mills at info@SantaCruz and Sunday, April DinnerClub.com 11 and April 12 in Felton. Upon arrival Third Sunday of Every Month atop Bear Mountain, SCIENCE SUNDAY children can hunt for Starts at 1 p.m., 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 95060 eggs, candies and Seymour Marine Discovery Center presents a public special prizes; Easter Bunny will be there, too. Other lecture from a marine scientist the third Sunday of every activities include a petting zoo, games and crafts. month. Topics are presented in an entertaining and Trains depart at 11:00 am, 12:30 and 2:00 pm. Tickets easy-to-understand format, with up-to-date photos, are $33 for adults, $26 for children (2-12 years); video, and discussion. children under 2 ride for free. Reservations recomScience Sunday does not meet in December. For more info mended. visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu Visit www.roaringcamp.com to book tickets. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 29

Business Guide

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Serving the Needs of our Local Seniors

By Zach Friend

R

ecently, the Board of Supervisors received a presentation from Clay Kempf, the Executive Director of the Seniors Council.

The presentation focused on needs of local seniors, the changing landscape at the local and state level, and the work the county and others are doing to make Santa Cruz County an “Age-Friendly Community ,” an official designation from AARP. Senior Population is Growing ccording to the California Department of Finance, in the last seven years, the most significant demographic growth in the state has been those over the age of 60.

In fact, while the number of Californians under the age of 18 has actually declined over that time, the numbers of residents over 60 has grown by nearly two million – more than 29 percent.

Locally, the change is even more significant. In Santa Cruz County, the number of residents under the age of 60 declined by over 4 percent in the last seven years. However, the number over the age of 60 has increased by 48 percent.

A

Why do these figures matter? ith California’s senior population is expected to nearly double over the next two decades the county, local cities and nonprofit organizations, will need to ensure we meet the changing needs of our community.

While some of these issues, for example housing, apply across the board, there are other challenges that may require different budget approaches and different planning approaches than has been done before.

W

!

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 30 / March 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

What are some of the challenges local seniors face? ore than 25,000 Santa Cruz County seniors do not have enough income to pay for their basic needs. Many seniors have fixed incomes but expenses are not fixed.

Rising housing costs, which has increased local homelessness for people age 50 and up, and rising

M

medical, transportation and food costs all are having a significant impact.

Additionally, many seniors surveyed locally noted that paying for dental care is a significant challenge. As dental care isn’t covered

by Medicare (and even though it was recently restored through MediCal) many seniors are without dental coverage all together.

On top of dental care, paying for health care costs in general (costs not covered by Medicare) are difficult for seniors on a fixed income. A number of local seniors have noted they’ve had months where they choose between prescription medication and food based on limited incomes and increased costs.

What are some possible solutions? ne major issue, understandably, is housing. For the senior population, ways that allow for the ability to age in place, increased creation of senior-specific housing co-housing options, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), mobilehomes or manufactured homes and more deed-restricted affordable housing are all part of the equation.

Put simply, there is a need for increased supply of housing and specifically housing that would benefit seniors — including affordable housing for those with very limited income.

The county has been working on our affordable housing rules to encourage more deed-restricted affordable housing creation including significant fee reductions for smaller and deed-restricted affordable units (including ADUs). Additionally, the county has continued to update its protections to local mobile/manufactured home parks.

Other solutions include

O

improving behavioral and mental health access throughout the county and providing low- and no-cost options for dental care. Expanding access to low and no cost oral health providers has been an identified need throughout the county and local nonprofit providers, doctors and the county have been working on this issue.

This is just a short list of some of the challenges facing our local senior population. Even though great work is being done by local nonprofits and local government, much more will need to be done.

What is an Age Friendly Community? he AARP Network of AgeFriendly States and Communities is an effort to help cities prepare for their own growing population of older adults. The focus is on specific pillars (communities adopt all or some of the pillars) including transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, health services, outdoor spaces and more.

A planning effort on these issues benefits the entire community as all ages benefit from the adoption of policies and programs that make neighborhoods walkable, feature transportation options, enable access to key services, provide opportunities to participate in community activities, and support housing that’s affordable and adaptable. Welldesigned, age-friendly communities foster economic growth and make for happier, healthier residents of all ages.

Our county, on an item I brought forward to the Board last year, is in the process of becoming designated as an age-friendly community. Local partners include the Seniors Council and the City of Watsonville is also in the process of joining the county to move forward with this designation. n ••• As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts. Feel free to call me at 4542200 or visit me during my open office hours in Aptos, Corralitos, Seascape and Watsonville.

T

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / March 2020 / 31

YO U D E S E RVE TH E B E ST

TOP 1% PRODUCING AGENT — I N S A N TA C R U Z C O U N T Y —

HIGHEST SALES VOLUME — FO R A N I N D I V I D U A L AG E N T AT DAV I D LY N G —

CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST DAVID LYNG REAL ESTATE IS THE MARKET LEADER IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY*, AND THEIR MARKET SHARE DRIVES MORE BUYERS TO YOUR PROPERTY *SOURCE BROKERMETRICS 2019

AMBER MELENUDO REALTOR® 831.661.5591 ambermelenudo.com amber@davidlyng.com DRE 01921098

TOP 1% PRODUCING AGENT IN SANTA CRUZ COUNT Y