Capitola Soquel Times: July 2020

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

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

July 2020 • Vol 25 No. 7

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Shadowbrook Restaurant Welcomes You Back

Streetside Dining a Hit

By Jondi Gumz

For Greg Brough, coming to the beach in Capitola is a summer tradition for his family.

His parents would drive over from the Central Valley in their motorhome and stay at Seacliff State Beach. There’s a memorial bench on the Capitola Wharf for his grandfather Clyde, who so enjoyed the view.

“We love the area,” said Brough, 47, who lives in Fresno.

So having that family fun come to a halt with the state’s “shelter in place” order in mid-March to slow the spread of contagious COVID-19 was hard.

It’s been hard for local restaurants, too, since they were only allowed to do takeout, putting thousands of people in Santa Cruz County out of work. ... continues on page 4

On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, a day known for celebrations and parties, operations at the renowned Shadowbrook restaurant came to a standstill.

Full Story page 6

County Beaches Open Despite Rise in COVID-19 Cases

To the relief of many and the frustration of just as many, Santa Cruz County beaches will open before the Fourth of July.

Full Story page 11

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

No. 13

Volume 25

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20

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Table of Contents

7

Cover Streetside Dining a Hit, By Jondi Gumz

6 7 8

Community News Shadowbrook Welcomes You Back, By June Smith Governor Orders Masks in Public ‘Be Loyal. Be Honest. Be Damon.’: Gutzwiller Memorial Draws Mourners From All Over The Central Coast, By Jondi Gumz Capitola Beach Festival Moves to 2021 New Moms Get Diapers For Baby • Santa Cruz County Health Department Announces Third COVID-19 Death County Beaches Open Despite Rise in COVID-19 Cases, By Jondi Gumz Salons Back in Business Who’s Hiring in Santa Cruz County: 200 Jobs Listed by Nonprofit Santa Cruz Works, By Jondi Gumz DA Seeks To Dismiss 1,169 Weed Convictions • Illegal Cannabis Farm Found at Castle Rock State Park Stop the ‘Soquel Hum’, Neighbors Say, By Jondi Gumz July Fourth Pet Safety Tips Capitola Update: Budget Cuts, Mall, Policing Kid Geniuses: Young Inventors Earn State Awards, Head To Nationals,

By Jondi Gumz Clean Hands Save Lives: ‘Screaming Hand’ Logo Gets A COVID-19 Makeover Grand Jury Wants City Budgets We Can Understand, By Jondi Gumz Soquel Pioneers Cancel Picnic • Highway 17 Guardrail Repairs Mean Delays • Santa Cruz Libraries Community Quilt • Enjoy the Magic of Germar • Assemblymember Stone Offers Amendment to AB 1472: False Police Reports • 2020 County Fair Cancelled

9 10 11 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25

In Memoriam 16 Diana Chapman: 1949 ~ 2020 • CalFire Captain David Lutz Dies in Hiking Accident

Letters to the Editor 23 Committed To A More Just And Equal World • Black Lives Matter, Graduation, and Summer Services • Santa Cruz Cannabis Retailer License Woes

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

Featured Columnists 26 It’s Not Business As Usual, By Ron Kustek 27 Fire Chief Embraces Water Reuse: Soquel Creek Water District: We’re #InThisTogether, By Rebecca Rubin & Melanie Mow Schumacher, Soquel Creek Water District 29 Bronze Is The New Green, By Tony Tomeo 30 Now is the Time to Prepare for Fire Season, By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 — Turbo Is Looking For Lots Of TLC

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COVER STORY publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers Camisa Composti, Jondi Gumz, June Smith, Ron Kustek, Rebecca Rubin, Melanie Mow Schumacher, 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 Camisa Composti advertising sales Don Beaumont, Teri Huckobey Cathe Race

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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

“Capitola Village” from page 1 When Gov. Newsom allowed restaurants to reopen, the new conditions included spacing out tables to keep patrons six feet away from other patrons.

That mandate, cutting capacity by half or more was especially onerous in Capitola Village, where restaurants are small-scale.

The Capitola Wharf and Business Improvement Association came up with an idea: Taking out parking spots and allowing restaurants to set up outdoor dining on the street.

The City Council agreed to try it through September.

Three Days ith hard work by the merchants and cooperation of city workers, alfresco dining appeared, complete with red, blue and yellow umbrella tables.

“We did it in three days, which is remarkable,” said Carin Hanna, owner of the Craft Gallery and membership secretary of the business association.

On example: The city looked into ordering stanchions to rope off the street to designate the dining area, and discovered the order would take four to six weeks.

Doug Conrad, co-owner of Capitola Wine Bar, along with Josh Ealy of Zelda’s, Carlos Pacheco of Caruso’s Tuscan Cuisine and Rodney Wartzok of Capitola Candy to make 100 wooden stanchions — in a day and a half.

Another example: The village needed ramps to assure handicapped accessibility.

Conrad built wooden ramps, custom fit for each location.

W

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

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Gabriela Castro is co-owner of Tacos Moreno, which opened a year ago on the Esplanade in Capitola Village.

The business association invested $5,000 in benches to give weary visitors a place to rest a spell.

Hanna and her grandson carted around planter boxes with flowers to complete the ambiance.

“I’m glad they have something going on,” Brough said, sitting with his family at a table outside the Sand Bar on the Esplanade in Capitola Village. “It really is working.”

Gabriela Castro, co-owner with her husband of Tacos Moreno on the Esplanade, said her restaurant stayed open by offering takeout.

She can use only three of her six tables inside.

Business “has picked up a lot,” she said, adding, “I hope we get busier.”

With restaurants allowed to reopen and the street-side dining, lines formed outside Pizza My Heart.

The beachfront deck at Zelda’s was full of people sitting at umbrella tables.

Around the corner at the Capitola Wine Bar, co-owner Ann Marie Conrad said, “A lot of people absolutely love the outdoor seating.”

Her seating capacity has been cut in half by the social distancing rules.

She hopes the city will allow the outdoor seating to continue beyond September.

New English Pub he newest spot in the village is English Ales, a traditional English pub created

by Rosemary and Peter Blackwell of Carmel Valley.

English Ales opened Feb. 29, then had to close three weeks later due to the COVID-19 order to shut down bars.

The Blackwells, who are from England, are happy to be back in business.

The inspiration came when Rosemary was shopping and Peter was waiting,

wishing for a place nearby where he could have a beer.

He saw a sign saying “for lease” and followed through, leasing and renovating, installing dark wood beams for the pub décor.

The walls are full of horse memorabilia and old photos, including one of Rosemary’s father serving in the 1937 Devonshire regiment.

There are12 taps and 13 beers, some coming from the English Ales brewery in Marin, general manager Jared Flower said.

Wine is available, too, Peter noted, describing the new venue as a “husband day care center.” And he sells shirts that say that. n ••• Cover Photo: Greg Brough and his family came from Fresno to visit Capitola Village last week, stopping to eat at the Sand Bar, which now offers dining al fresco on the Esplanade. It was the first day on the job for their waiter, Griff Sepulone, 20.

• Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

T Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Doug Conrad, co-owner of Capitola Wine Bar, along with Carlos Pacheco from Caruso’s, Josh Ealy from Zelda’s and Rodney Wartzok from Capitola Candy, built 100 of these wood stanchions to expedite the new outdoor seating in Capitola Village.

4 / July 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Rosemary and Peter Blackwell are the owners of English Ales, a charming new pub at 111 Capitola Ave. in Capitola Village.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shadowbrook Welcomes You Back

O

Register Now for Fall Semester Most Classes Online Starts August 24

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

By June Smith

n St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, a day known for celebrations and parties, operations at the renowned Shadowbrook restaurant came to a standstill.

Since then, owner Ted Burke and staff want you to know they have been saving your seat.

Burke said many customers called in hopes take-out food would be offered, but that practice doesn’t fit logistically with their model of quality. According to the restaurant’s past Zagat ratings, which have been excellent, top reasons for the establishment’s success are excellence in food, service, location, and ambiance.

“The extra factor we have always strived to provide is attention to detail, and we wouldn’t be able Owner Ted Burke to maintain the classic elements of fine dining that would be lost in travel,” Burke said.

With the exception of three days during the ‘89 Loma Prieta earthquake, this was the first extended closure since the Shadowbook opened in 1947.

In mid-June, I met with Burke, the Shadowbrook proprietor, and longtime business and social friend, along with comanagers John Skinner and Sean Fyock.

Socially distanced and all of us in masks, we discussed the many strategies and changes required before the restaurant could be reopened.

Photo Credit: Sean Fyock

This 1950 Dodge will be shuttling Shadowbrook guests this summer.

The first changes customers will experience will be at the funicular -- a cable car that takes diners up and down the hill — and is an important part of the ambiance of the Shadowbrook. They will be greeted by a hostess and asked to read a sign with health questions. The ride down to the restaurant takes only one minute, but a social distancing plan is being discussed by management. Perhaps only one party at a time can make the trip, but at the end of each trip, the funicular will have a sanitizing wipe-down.

As before, riding down past the beautifully landscaped gardens prepares guests to begin an unequaled dining experience.

Guests can take off their masks when seated to eat and drink.

Customers will see that only about 45 percent of tables will be available for seating.

“Shadowbrook” page 9

Photo Credit: David Sievert

The Shadowbrook restaurant on Soquel Creek in Capitola is a one-of-a-kind location.

CALIFORNIA NEWS

Governor Orders Masks in Public O n Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered Californians to wear face coverings in public places and at work, citing an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations to justify a statewide mask mandate.

Reinette Senum, the mayor of Nevada City, posted on Facebook that the governor did not have the authority to issue such an order.

The governor has been sued by actor and lawyer Ben Stein and virology expert and author Judy Mikovits, in a class action complaint challenging Newsom’s stay-athome and mask orders as detrimental to the health and well-being of Californians, according to Larry Klayman, the founder of Judicial Watch and Freedom Watch.

But Carin Hanna, owner of the Craft Gallery in Capitola Village, welcomed the governor’s announcement, saying she wants to avoid the contagious coronavirus, and those in masks prevent the spread of the disease.

Here is the latest guidance from the California Department of Public Health: Because of our collective actions, California has limited the spread of COVID-19 and associated hospitalizations and deaths in our state. Still, the risk for COVID-19 remains and the increasing number of Californians who are leaving their homes for work and other needs, increases the risk for COVID-19 exposure and infection.

Over the last four months, we have learned a lot about COVID-19 transmission, most notably that people who are infected but are asymptomatic or presymptomatic play an important part in community spread. The use of face coverings by everyone can limit the release of infected droplets when talking, coughing, and/ or sneezing, as well as reinforce physical distancing.

This document updates existing CDPH guidance for the use of cloth face coverings by the general public when outside the home. It mandates that face coverings be worn state-wide in the circumstances and with the exceptions outlined below. It does not substitute for existing guidance about social distancing and handwashing.

People in California must wear face coverings when they are in the high-risk situations listed below: • Inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space; • Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank

Visitors strolling along the Esplanade in Capitola Village wear masks the day after Gov. Newsom’s order.

The City of Capitola has posted a banner reminding everyone to “mask up!”

• Waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service, or ridesharing vehicle; • Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work offsite, when: • Interacting in-person with any member of the public; • Working in any space visited by members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time; • Working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others; • Working in or walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities; • In any room or enclosed area where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance.

• Driving or operating any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers are present.

When no passengers are present, face coverings are strongly recommended.

• While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible.

The following individuals are exempt from wearing a face covering: • Persons age two years or under. These very young children must not wear a face covering because of the risk of suffocation.

• Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. This includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a face covering could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance.

• Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.

• Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.

• Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.

• Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, while they are eating or drinking, provided that they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or residence.

• Persons who are engaged in outdoor work or recreation such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running, when alone or with household members, and when they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others.

• Persons who are incarcerated. Prisons and jails, as part of their mitigation plans, will have specific guidance on

the wearing of face coverings or masks for both inmates and staff. Note: Persons exempted from wearing a face covering due to a medical condition who are employed in a job involving regular contact with others should wear a non-restrictive alternative, such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom edge, as long as their condition permits it.

Answers What is a cloth face covering? A cloth face covering is a material that covers the nose and mouth. It can be secured to the head with ties or straps or simply wrapped around the lower face.

It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, or linen. A cloth face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand or can be improvised from household items such as scarfs, T-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels.

How well do cloth face coverings work to prevent spread of COVID-19?

There is scientific evidence to suggest that use of cloth face coverings by the public during a pandemic could help reduce disease transmission.

Their primary role is to reduce the release of infectious particles into the air when someone speaks, coughs, or sneezes, including someone who has COVID-19 but feels well.

Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing, washing hands, and staying home when ill, but they may be helpful when combined with these primary interventions.

When should I wear a cloth face covering? You should wear face coverings when in public places, particularly when those locations are indoors or in other areas where physical distancing is not possible.

How should I care for a cloth face covering? It’s a good idea to wash your cloth face covering frequently, ideally after each use, or at least daily. Have a bag or bin to keep cloth face coverings in until they can be laundered with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle.

If you must re-wear your cloth face covering before washing, wash your hands immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face. Discard cloth face coverings that: • No longer cover the nose and mouth • Have stretched out or damaged ties or straps • Cannot stay on the face • Have holes or tears in the fabric n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

‘Be Loyal. Be Honest. Be Damon.’

Gutzwiller Memorial Draws Mourners From All Over The Central Coast

F

By Jondi Gumz

riends and family said their final in the office “because he could,” Deputy Chris Shearer said. good-byes to Santa Cruz County “We’re going to pray to God this will Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller never happen again,” Shearer said. “It’s June 17 at an emotional memorial on the OK to grieve, to cry, to morn. We have to...

Cabrillo College football field attended by We must learn to heal and live again. Be an estimated 3,000 people, many of them loyal, be honest, be Damon.” law enforcement brethren from all over His wife Favi recalled her first date California, watched by 800 on YouTube and with Damon, when they watched the battle recorded on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook movie “300,” and he sat respectfully at the page, where it has 91,000 views. opposite end of the couch.

The two-hour remembrance was A few weeks into their relationship, solemn, as those in uniform know they may Favi, a nurse in the neonatal intensive care get their last call at any time — as Gutzwiller, unit, had a 16-hour night shift when a baby 38, did on June 6 when he was fatally shot died, and Damon brought her lunch and while on duty — but there was laughter, too, Bagpipers lead the procession at the memorial for Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller. as they shared stories about him.

Hart thanked the civilian who “Gutz” in memory of his friend. They made her dinner, leaving it at her door.

Favi said Damon, an only child, Gutzwiller grew up in Aptos, grad- knocked away the assailant’s assault rifle, did.

In an email read by Pastor Schlaepfer, wanted children. She was unsure at first, uated from Aptos High in 1999, then bomb and pistol: “Thank you for stopping Deputy Jake Cooper shared how they had but as she got to know him, she realized attended Cabrillo. In his 14-year career this rampage.”

He thanked the more than 40 law fun on the Sheriff’s Office drone team, she wanted him to be the father of her with the Sheriff’s Office, he touched a lot enforcement agencies that came when he calling themselves pilots, with Gutzwiller children. of lives.

She said he relished being a dad, changing his phone ringtone to “Top Gun” “I have been flooded with letters and called for help on June 6. getting up early to make breakfast for and getting a call during roll call, to razz He thanked the people filling in for emails,” said Pastor Rene Schlaepfer of Carter and play with him and cook with Twin Lakes Church, who served as emcee. his deputies Wednesday, allowing them to the sergeant who was a real pilot.

In another email, Deputy Daniel him. He had plans to coach him in Little attend the memorial.

“I wish I could read them all.”

He said Damon “would demand we Robbins told how he and Gutzwiller, League baseball and teach him golf.

He read a few to give “a flavor of this Damon dreamed of buying a Jeep but find our way back to serve the community during a traffic stop, found burglary tools beautiful life.”

On one side of the stage, Gutz- – we must remember Damon is counting in the vehicle and questioned the driver, when Shasta, his canine companion, was on us. Let’s make who denied any illicit activity until Gutz- diagnosed with cancer, he spent his Jeep willer’s official willer said, “You are a LLPOF.” Which fund savings to pay for Shasta’s surgery Damon proud.” portrait showed his and radiation. stands for “Liar, liar, pants on fire.”

Hart then pretrademark grin, a For Valentine’s Day, he gave Favi a Sgt. Daniel Freitas, via email, told sented Gutzwiller’s smile that would badge to his family, a story of a mountain hike so exhausting Welsh love spoon that read, “I shall look light up a room. getting down on even Gutzwiller’s border collie Shasta laid after you and protect you.”

On the other side, She shared that memory, then one knee to speak to down -- and Gutzwiller slung the dog over a family portrait Carter, then giving his shoulders and carried him miles back paused. showed him with his to camp.

Favi a hug. wife Favi and son “Memorial” page 10 Gutzwiller joined every special team Mark Ramos, a Carter, who is 2. retired deputy fire Deputies were Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, with his wife Favi and son chief in Santa Cruz, tracking a van with Carter. said Gutzwiller was explosives June 6 when they entered a mountain hideaway in like a son to him and his wife Wanda, Ben Lomond, where they were ambushed eating breakfast and dinner with them — with gunfire and explosives; the alleged until he met Favi.

Whatever Wanda would cook up, assailant, who is in jail, also faces a federal murder charge for the May 29 drive-by Gutzwiller would always say, “Umm — amazing!” shooting of a federal officer in Oakland.

Sgt. Steve Ryan, who had Gutzwiller Sheriff Jim Hart, who promoted Gutzwiller to sergeant last year, said he had as his first partner, recalled Thanksgiving known Gutzwiller since he was 18 when he four years ago, eating at the Felton Chinese became a volunteer with the Sheriff’s Office. restaurant, as one of the best, because he “Who watches over the watchers?” spent it with Gutzwiller.

Gutzwiller was so happy to be a father asked Hart, telling Favi, Carter and the that whenever Carter’s name came up, he baby who is due soon, “We love you and would pull out a picture to share. When we’re here for you. Damon loved this community and he gave too much. Every his mother Vicki got ill, he had dinner member of our department will make you with her every week and drove her doctor Photo Credit: Michael Oppenheimer Representing Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller in the procession, the hood has his name and picture and says EOW feel that love right back — not just now or appointments.

Ryan asked everyone to yell out • 6/6/2020 (End of Watch) next week but in years to come.”

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Capitola Beach Festival Moves to 2021 T he Capitola Beach Festival committee decided, like so many other large community gatherings, to move the 2020 Festival plans to 2021.

“I am disappointed. We all wanted this festival to boost our spirits,” said Acting President Mary Beth Cahalen . “We searched for ways to present even a portion of the Festival this September. In the end, the team expressed concerns about safely conducting our events in such uncertain times and preferred to return the full Festival in 2021.”

Many committee members voiced their desires to help the Capitola Village businesses in this difficult year, and support our community with our family-oriented events. In the final analysis, it came down to preserving the health and safety of our children and the community at large.

The Capitola Beach Festival Committee is much the same team that led the Capitola Begonia Festival until 2017

when the Brown Ranch family retired from growing begonias.

These volunteers regrouped in 2018

as the Capitola Beach Festival with many of the Begonia Festival favorites: sand sculptures, rowboat races, fishing derby, horseshoes, concerts, and chalk art. The Lighted Boat parade at night on Soquel Creek replaced the Begonia Nautical Parade, and a family-friendly “Lil’ Wharf” foot race rounded out the new festival.

Laurie Hill, committee member, said, “Last year’s Lighted Boat Parade was stunning and we anticipated the momentum of our third year. We will return with greater confidence and renewed enthusiasm for a safe festival for all.“ Join in the Capitola Beach Festival as a volunteer, a sponsor, and by participating in the events on the last weekend of September 2021. n

time they wash their hands. The 2-second scan gives instant results and if contamiAlmost all of the waiters and busboys nation is detected, team members must have returned to work after receiving rewash and rescan. Dining menus are disCOVID-19 testing and online training to posable, but a ultraviolet sterilizer wand assist with service skills. They regularly sanitizes the plastic bar menu each time it receive a state-regulated certification on is used. If a customer pays with cash, the servers will wash and sanitize their hands food handling.

More changes: Up-to-date detection after handling.

Burke praises “bright and enertechnology. A hand hygiene scanner for employees gives real-time feedback every getic” chef Michael Cameron, who used his downtime to test every recipe on the menu, tweaking, and upgrading when necessary. Sous chef Oscar de la Rosa is a skilled and creative chef who has been a valuable asset to the team by training the cooks in the culinary arts. The menu has been shortened by less than 20 percent and efforts were made to keep guest favorites.

Bilingual menus have been printed and as always, care is taken to offer alternates for customers who request vegan or gluten-free options. This carries over to the dessert menu, fashioned by pastry chef Linda Estrada, whose scrumptious glutenfree Chocolate Molten Cake remains a popular favorite.

She has served the restaurant for seven years.

Another inspired Photo courtesy of Shadowbrook The famous cable car ride at Shadowbrook Restaurant provides views plan took place during the closure. Employees who of the beautifully landscaped gardens.

couldn’t qualify for unemployment were hired to improve the property by repainting, polishing and repaving the parking lot.

“The place is sparkling!” Burke said.

Burke, Skinner and Fyock shared they are looking forward to more days of customers sharing food, stories, and gathering to celebrate life.

Waiters won’t be able to greet customers with their usual smiles because they will be wearing masks but they plan to do the next best thing: Their masks will have the word “Shadowbrook” shaped in a smile!

Burke admits it will be impossible to

make up for the lost time and his hope is simply to break even.

Reservations are accepted 30 days in advance and there were already many on the books when we spoke.

Hours have been adjusted. The Bar and the Rock Room open at noon every day and the bar menu is available until 10 p.m.

Dining Room hours are Monday through Friday, 4-8:45 p.m., Saturday 2-9:15 p.m., and Sunday 2-8:45 p.m. New specials are listed daily. n ••• Shadowbrook Restaurant is at 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola. Call 831-475-1511 or visit www.shadowbrook-capitola.com/

“Shadowbrook” from page 6

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

New Moms Get Diapers For Baby T he Santa Cruz County Public Health Division Family Health Unit has received $9,000 from the Central California Alliance for Health to purchase and distribute diapers and baby wipes to Medi-Cal families in need.

“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the families we serve with children ages 0-5, as well as our community partners

have been reaching out to us for support, and reporting not only a decline in income for families, but also increased difficulty accessing the most basic of necessities, diapers being at the top of the list,” said Susan Paradise, manager of family health.

“Many new parents are not leaving the house for safety reasons, and do not have the financial or technological resources to order diapers online. We have found that right now, one of the best ways we increase the wellbeing of families is through the distribution of these basic resources to help parents provide for their infants and young children.”

Diapers and baby wipes will be distributed to families through Thrive

by Three Initiative partners including Encompass Early Head Start, Families Together, Salud Para La Gente, Santa Cruz Community Health Centers, and the Santa Cruz County Public Health Nursing Home

Visiting Programs as well as the Dominican Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Birth Network.

The grant from the Alliance gave a significant jumpstart to the diaper drive initiated by the Perinatal Mental Health Coalition of Santa Cruz County, which has a mission to improve awareness of mood disorders during pregnancy and postpartum and aims to expand resources and support systems, provide education and encourage early recognition and treatment.

“Depression and anxiety during pregnancy or postpartum impacts one in five women in Santa Cruz County. Diaper drives are one of many ways to lessen stress placed on families, especially right now,” said Dominique Teaford, the public health nurse who facilitates the Coalition.

Tiny Tots Diaper Service and Parent Resource Center and the California Breastfeeding Coalition have promoted the drive

and brought in thousands of dollars and diaper donations from caring community members. n

Santa Cruz County Health Department Announces Third COVID-19 Death

T

he County of Santa Cruz announced Thursday that a third county resident has died after experiencing complications from COVID-19.

The man, in his mid-90s, lived in MidCounty, had other health conditions and was in hospice care, according to Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel.

He died June 15.

The method of transmission is under investigation, but is thought to be person-to-person from a close contact, likely a caregiver or family member, Newel said.

“Our hearts go out to those whose lives were touched by this individual,” Newel added. “We at County Public Health continue to do all we can to assure that these occasions are as few as possible, and want to remind everyone that COVID-19 remains a significant threat to all Santa Cruz County residents, but especially the elderly and medically vulnerable among us.”

The earlier deaths occurred in March and April.

Newel said COVID-19 was a contributing factor in the June 15 death, but not the primary cause so she wasn’t sure if it should be listed.

“We went back and forth with the state,” she said.

In the end, she followed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control standards that define a COVID-19 death as one

caused by COVID-19 or where COVID-19 is a contributing factor.

She reminded county residents that social distancing protocols — including maintaining physical distancing and wearing a face covering — are more important than ever. n ••• For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211.

Residents can call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Memorial” from page 8 “I only hope our children will grow up to just like their father,” she said.

Lisa Andersen, accompanied by Kid Andersen on guitar, sang the Jenn Bostic song, “It’s not my place to question. Only God knows why … I’m just jealous of the angels around the throne tonight.”

Singer Mira Goto sang the Jo Dee Messina song: “Heaven was needing a hero, brave enough to stand up for what you believe and follow through.”

The memorial included bagpipers, a wall of honor formed by law enforcement officers saluting the casket, and a flyover by helicopters.

Schlaepfer urged those attending to share stories about Gutzwiller with his children and follow his example: “Seek to multiply the good in Damon’s life into your own.” n ••• If you’re interested in helping support Sgt. Gutzwiller’s family in their time of need, visit https://www.scsheriff.com and click on the Memorial Fund button to learn more.

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

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Law enforcement officers form a wall of honor for Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller at the Cabrillo College stadium.

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Beaches Open Despite Rise in COVID-19 Cases

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By Jondi Gumz

o the relief of many and the frustration of just as many, Santa Cruz County beaches will open before the Fourth of July.

Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr Gail Newel said Thursday the beach closure will end at midnight, lifting limits on hours and prohibitions on sunbathing, picnicking and other summertime activities on the sand.

“It’s impossible for law enforcement to enforce that closure,” she said at a press conference announcing the change.

Other changes: Children ages 2 to 12 must wear a face covering in public, which was not required before, and the shelter in place order is likely to be lifted after July 6.

If you choose to gather for Fourth of July, Newel advises: Keep your visit short, make it outdoors, wear your face covering, don’t share utensils or sports equipment, bring your own food rather than share a potluck.

She had made beaches off-limits from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as of May 2 to slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus COVID-19 when the county reported 136 confirmed cases and two deaths and was pushing to increase testing and procure personal protection equipment for health care workers.

As of Thursday, the county reported 337 cases, 15,266 negative lab results and three deaths, the latest being a 90-year-old man in hospice.

Twenty-one new cases were confirmed June 22, the most since the pandemic arrived and residents were ordered on March 16 to shelter in place.

People 65 and older are more likely to have complications from COVID-19 because they are more likely to have conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes.

Millennials ut in Santa Cruz County, a third of the cases — 106 — are among millennials ages 18 to 34, which Newel said is a trend across California and across the nation.

“Young people feel less vulnerable,” Newel said. “They are putting other household members and community members at risk.”

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“Beaches” from page 11 She recommends people over 65 stay home unless absolutely necessary.

She said hospitalizations “are up slightly, but nowhere near capacity, which is very good news.”

State data show 13 people hospitalized in Santa Cruz County, six confirmed and seen suspected; that includes two people in intensive care, one confirmed and one suspected case.

About 55 percent of the cases are Latino, which Newel noted is out of proportion because Latinos comprise 34 percent of the county population.

She said it was Dr. Gail Newel said too soon to tell if Santa Cruz County attendance at recent had so many new political protests, COVID-19 cases, the memorials and vigils epidemiological graph has affected the case at santacruzhealth.org count. It can take up to had to be redesigned.

14 days from exposure for symptoms to appear, and some people show no symptoms at all yet pass the disease on.

Asked if graduation gatherings — which were not allowed under the shelter

in place — were a factor in the increase, Newel said, “Yes.” She’s talking about informal family gatherings as COVID-19 forced formal graduation ceremonies to go virtual — Cabrillo College on May 22 — or drive-through, like the Pajaro Valley school district had, starting June 1.

The increase in cases is not due to the increase in testing, she said, noting the positive rate is below 2 percent.

Active cases hat concerns Newel is having a record 106 active cases, up from 40 not so long ago.

The county aims to find out within 24 hours who the active cases have had contact with and advise them to be tested, but is lagging on that timetable.

“We are triaging cases,” said Mimi Hall, director of the county’s Health Service Agency.

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That means the county is prioritizing calls by severity of condition.

Hall said the stumbling block is the new state platform for contact tracing, which is called CalConnect. Because it’s a new system, staff have to be trained on how it works.

Calls that show up as “COVID CA” with 916 or 454 in the phone number are not scam calls but contact tracing calls, Newel said, encouraging people to answer.

Testing site or those who want to be tested, free testing is available via your health provider or by appointment 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday from OptumServe at Ramsay Park, 1301 Main St., Watsonville.

Newel again voiced concern about the speed to reopen businesses, which comes from the governor, but when asked about transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace, she said, “Very rarely are cases acquired in the workplace.”

She said some happen in the break room or in the parking lot when employees are talking and their face coverings are off.

Asked about youth sports, she said the governor has promised to release guidance soon.

She noted Disneyland delayed its reopening due to the increase of COVID-19 cases statewide and she declined to predict when the Boardwalk might reopen rides, saying she’d been wrong before.

Despite the increase in cases locally, she said Santa Cruz County is “a long way from approaching a trigger” that would require going back to earlier shelter-inplace conditions.

But neighbors such as Santa Clara County have many more cases, she added, so “as tourism increases and beaches open, those counties’ cases will affect our own.” n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Salons Back in Business H air salons and barbershops got the green light May 30 from the California Department of Public Health to reopen in Santa Cruz County after being closed since March 16 to slow the spread of contagious COVID-19.

In Capitola Village, Vice Salon reopened four weeks ago and is observing all the new safety protocols. For example, patrons must wait outside for their appointment.

Nail services became available about a week ago.

“We’ve had a lot of calls, a lot of new business,” said Ashley Wilson, the receptionist, who described her own hair color as vivid purple and red velvet.

Across the street at Monet Salon, owner Julie Monet — appropriately masked — sat outside to welcome customers.

She said the new rules allow one person per 100 square feet, and with her salon being 555 square feet, she can allow at most five people inside.

The samples and the magazines have disappeared — no longer allowed — and a clean drape is provided for each client.

When the client departs, everything is sanitized.

“I feel like we have a good safe system,” Monet said.

Asked how business is going, she said, “Honestly we have a lot of new clients, they don’t want to drive over the hill.

They’re coming from San Francisco, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, and their salons are not open yet.”

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Patrizia Avila, owner of Studio Bloom Hair Salon, welcomes clients in Soquel.

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Ashley Wilson, receptionist at Vice Salon in Capitola Village, greets patrons.

She said some clients are concerned about a spike in COVID-19 and not ready to come back.

In Soquel Village, Patrizia Avila, owner of Studio Bloom Hair Salon, reopened June 8, with her daughter Karla to help her out.

She’s got a sign outside the salon to alert clients as to the “wait outside” protocol.

The new protocol for salons and barber shops is for patrons and service providers to wear masks to prevent transmission of COVID-19. n

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Julie Monet, owner of Monet Salon in Capitola Village, wears her mask.

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

425 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 kirby.org

Empowering Students to Shape Their Futures with Confidence

COMMUNITY NEWS

Who’s Hiring in Santa Cruz County

200 Jobs Listed by Nonprofit Santa Cruz Works

By Jondi Gumz

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Continuity of education is a top priority for Kirby. Ask us about our increased commitment to Tuition Assistance. Contact our Admissions Office to help you through the application process (831) 423-0658 x 202 or email admissions@kirby.

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

KIRBY.ORG

ith the Santa Cruz County jobless rate at a record 17 percent in May and unemployment claims at unprecedented levels, the nonprofit Santa Cruz Works announced at its Fourth Annual Get Hired meetup that 200 jobs are available.

Doug Erickson, who heads Santa Cruz Works, turned the June 3 event into a virtual meetup because of the rules for COVID-19 social distancing.

Here is who is hiring: LifeAid Beverage Co., Santa Cruz, healthy beverages that come in a can and are sold at 30,000 retailers.

Co-founder Orion Melehan noted LifeAid was launched in 2011 when the county was deep in recession. Today, the company, has 80 employees, 30 working in Santa Cruz, and a new product in the lineup, ImmunityAid. Jobs available: 10, including marketing project manager, content designer multimedia, staff accountant, customer service.

Joby Aviation, Bonny Doon, building an all-electric flying taxi for five people.

Joby Aviation

Scott Berry, who oversees flight test and certification for founder Joe-Ben Bevirt, said the company, founded in 2009, got $590 million in Series C round, with backers such as Intel Capital, Toyota AI Ventures and Jetblue Technology Ventures.

Jobs: 150, mechanical engineers, certification engineers, IT, flight physics, software engineers, supply chain management, human resources, manufacturing, finance, accounting CPA To Apply: Jobyaviationcom/#careers Smith & Vandiver, Watsonville, body and bath products with the Natural Products Association seal.

President Jeff Sloboden said the 40-year-old company with 200 employees stayed open through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jobs: Branded and store brand account manager, purchasing expediter, R&D manager, maintenance mechanic To apply: S-Vlabs.com email In@svlabs.com or call call 722-9526.

Digital Nest, Watsonville, tech training for young people.

“We value a growth mindset,” said Ximena Ireta-Lopez, who oversees human resources.

Jobs: Administrative assistant, accounting, systems admininstrator, educational specialists To apply: Call 831-722-6378 or email Ximena@digitalnest.org Santa Cruz County Bank, seven locations, based in Santa Cruz, nationally recognized and a leader in developing a small business application for the Paycheck Protection Program, which saved 29,218 jobs.

“We are expanding into Monterey County,” said Brianna Carabba, human resources manager, noting employees get 40 hours a year they can devote to of community service.

Jobs: Customer support, tellers, new accounts, loan officers, SBA loan servicing, and development officer, ebanking, security arcchitect, IT help desk project manager, training specialist , human resources generalist.

To apply: Email bcarabba@sccountybank.com or call 831-457-5003 x 2132.

Amazon, Alexa for Everyone in downtown Santa Cruz. John Nelson said his team is, looking for ways to help customers with disabilities. One project involves captioning.

Jobs: Software development engineers, android developers, server-side developers To apply: Email Nlsonjn@amazon.com Small Business Development Center, Aptos, assists 400-500 businesses a year and helps launch 40-50-new businesses a year.

Director Brandon Napoli is building out the ag team and tech team.

To apply: Email Brandon.napoli@ cabrilo.edu Care from the Heart, Santa Cruz, providing personal care and housekeeping services since 1995.

“Hiring” page 22

COMMUNITY NEWS

DA Seeks To Dismiss 1,169 Weed Convictions O n Thursday, Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeffrey Rosell announced that in recognition of the undue burden marijuana convictions can have on people’s lives has petitioned the Santa Cruz County Superior Court to reduce, dismiss and seal 1,169 marijuana cases involving 1,085 defendants.

The action comes in the wake of Proposition 64, which in 2016 passed in Santa Cruz County with nearly 70% approval and legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults; changed the penalties for marijuana-related crimes, and allowed individuals convicted of marijuanarelated crimes that became lesser offenses, or noncrimes, to petition the court for resentencing, dismissal and sealing, or re-designation.

In 2018, the governor signed Assembly Bill 1793 requiring prosecutors to review marijuana cases by July 1, 2020, and decide whether to challenge any dismissals.

The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office cited the “fundamental unfairness” for people suffering the consequences of a criminal marijuana conviction for conduct that is currently legal.

For many people, especially in communities hit hardest from the “war on drugs,” these old arrests and convictions, in some cases for minor amounts of marijuana, still haunt members of our community as they fill out job applications or apply for housing or other benefits, according to

Rosell, who saw this as an inequity that needed to be remedied.

During the past year, the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office worked with the California Department of Justice, the Santa Cruz County Probation Department, and the Santa Cruz County Superior Court to identify all cases that qualify for relief.

After a thorough review, the District Attorney’s Office opted to petition the court to dismiss all qualifying marijuana convictions dating back to 1969.

“Our office recognized the undue burden that these prior convictions can have on people’s livelihood, both past and present,” Rosell said. “The decision to dismiss these cases provides much-needed relief to the non-violent people caught up in the ‘war on drugs’ and level the playing field for people convicted of crimes that are no longer crimes.” n

Illegal Cannabis Farm Found at Castle Rock State Park

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alifornia State Park Peace Officers uncovered an illegal cannabis cultivation operation in the Santa Cruz Mountains, destroying more than 1,800 cannabis plants.

The reconnaissance and eradication operation took place on June 18, and was located in a rugged area of Castle Rock State Park near the headwaters of the San Lorenzo River. No suspects were on scene and no arrests have been made.

Illegal cannabis cultivations are very harmful to the environment and the wildlife that live in these habitats, and can potentially be harmful to humans as well, according to California State Parks.

State Parks plans to rehabilitate the environmental damage at this location, which included water diversion, terrain manipulation, native plant damage and the use of harmful chemicals. n

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

16 / July 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

IN MEMORIAM

I

Diana Chapman: 1949 ~ 2020

t is with great sadness that Diana Chapman (Gentile), 71, passed away on May 15th at her home in Soquel, CA, surrounded by her loving family. Diana was born in Fresno, the eldest of seven siblings. Diana met her future husband Chuck in 1970. Chuck began working for PG&E and he and Diana moved to Santa Cruz.

Diana loved living near the ocean and especially enjoyed Santa Cruz’s temperate climate.

Diana was a devoted mother to her three children: Angela, Charlotte and Kevin. Diana was a proud grandmother to her granddaughter, Mary.

Diana was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Clara Gentile. Diana leaves her beloved husband (of 48 years) Chuck, daughter Angela, son-in-law Nick, granddaughter Mary, and daughter Charlotte and son Kevin. Diana also leaves her siblings: Danny Gentile, Jeannie, Carol, Paul (Debbie), Fred (Chris), and Philip, sister-in-law Patricia, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves the

extended members of her Coastal Commission family.

In the early 1970’s, Diana worked as a typist with the newly formed California Coastal Commission. Diana believed strongly in her work and in the Coastal Commission. Diana was especially fond of Peter Douglas’s statement that “the coast is never saved, it’s always being saved.”

“Chapman” page 24

CalFire Captain David Lutz Dies in Hiking Accident

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n behalf of the Lutz family, CalFire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit and CalFire Firefighters Local 2881 are saddened to report that Capt. David William Lutz died June 17 in a hiking accident in Pfeiffer Burns State Park at the young age of 33.

David Lutz is known for his dedication and love for his family and is survived by wife Tisha Lutz, stepdaughter Alyssa, and young children Bailey, Caleb, and baby Hope (due any time); his parents Michael and Mary Anne Lutz; siblings Leah Lutz, Joshua Lutz (Stephanie) Erin (Lutz) Adams (Scott), Krista (Lutz) Sobrak-Seaton (Nick), Anna (Lutz) Anton (Willy), Daniel Lutz (De) Matthew Lutz, Elizabeth Lutz, and Jacob Lutz; and his nieces and nephews.

David was born July 1, 1986, in Los Gatos and raised in Corralitos.

He attended the Monterey Fire Academy and began his career as a volunteer firefighter with the Corralitos CAL FIRE station.

Capt. David William Lutz

David began his career in 2008 as a Fire Fighter I in the San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit and worked as a Fire Captain at El Granada Station within the Coastside Fire Protection District (Cooperative Agreement).

He was known for his deep faith; his personal relationship with God permeating all areas of his life.

“Lutz” page 24

COMMUNITY NEWS

Stop the ‘Soquel Hum’, Neighbors Say

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By Jondi Gumz

eekeeper Alayne Meeks began hearing the sound in October.

She lives on a ranch on North Rodeo Gulch Road in Soquel, two and a half miles from town.

After 50 years of quiet, suddenly there was this noise — a hum that never turned off. She checked her refrigerator and then her aquarium, but no.

Then two months ago, her neighbor Ryan Carle, a scientist, asked her, “Where’s that hum coming from?”

The two of them have been trying to answer that question ever since.

It’s a very low-frequency sound, “almost like my chair is vibrating,” Meeks said.

Not everyone can hear the hum.

Carle said he hears it, but his wife does not hear it.

He finds it so annoying, he is considering moving.

“It’s a sound that’s not going to stop,” he said. “Every night for the rest of our lives. For me, it’s a rumble, like an approaching plane that never shows up.”

Meeks said her friend on Cherryvale Avenue doesn’t hear it but her friend’s brother does hear it.

When Meeks contacted the office of county Supervisor John Leopold, his assistant, Tony Sloss, came out to listen but he didn’t hear anything.

She said Sloss reached out to PG&E who told him there was not a pattern of noise complaints.

NextDoor eeks asked her neighbors on the NextDoor social network for Soquel and found out lots of them are hearing the hum.

She found people are hearing the hum more since the March 16 shelter in place order to stay home.

Carle put together a map showing the locations where more than 25 neighbors report hearing the annoying hum.

Red dots representing neighborhoods reporting the hum are along the freeway with most of the yellow dots representing homeowners living in the mountains.

Neighbors who hear the hum are asked to connect with Meeks and Carle and their group, Stop the Soquel Hum, on NextDoor Soquel.

“The more complaints, the more people will take it seriously,” Carle said.

In Sherlockian fashion, they have identified a suspect: The removal of trees that had shielded PG&E’s Paul Sweet substation from the Dominican Oaks senior complex and the rest of the community.

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“Hummm” page 31

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Soquel neighbors Alayne Meeks and Ryan Carle visit PG&E’s Paul Sweet substation, which they think is the source of a low-frequency hum they hear day and night. Carle points in the direction of where trees used to shield the substation until they were removed in October.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

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rightened runaways are a frequent side effect of noisy 4th of July celebrations. Every year fireworks cause an alarming uptick in lost pets.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, at 1001 Rodriguez St. (7th Ave. and Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz), is the only open-admission, full-service facility set up to receive and care for lost pets at both its Santa Cruz and Watsonville shelters.

Staff there understand how stressful losing a pet can be and go to great efforts to return animals to their owners.

The Santa Cruz and Watsonville Shelters will be closed on July 3 in observance of the holiday. To provide a safe haven for lost pets and their return to their homes, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

Here are some guidelines to protect your pet during the holiday: • Don’t take your pet to fireworks displays. The explosions of the fireworks are loud to the human ear. Imagine how loud it sounds to your dog, who can hear sounds up to 60,000 cycles per second -- that’s three times greater than the human ear can even register.

• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.

• Keep your pets indoors in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals become destructive when frightened, so be sure you’ve removed any items your pet could destroy or may be harmful to your pet if chewed. It’s important that they have a safe, quiet “den-like” place to relax, such as a secure room of the house or blanketed crate. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him/her company if you go out. Shut windows and blinds or curtains.

• Exercise your pet. Tire your dog or cat out with plenty of exercise early in the day.

• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4 for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain.

In their fear, pets who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal care and control center, where they have the best chance of being reunited with their owners. Two forms of ID are always best when it comes to protecting your pet.

••• If an individual finds your pet, the first thing he or she will look for is an ID tag.

In Santa Cruz County, if your pet is taken to Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, he/ she will be scanned for a microchip, which is permanent identification. Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter offers microchips pets for $15, by appointment. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Capitola Update

Budget Cuts, Mall, Policing

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apitola Mayor Kristen Petersen and City Manager Jamie Goldstein answered questions from residents June 16 in an hour-long session that is recorded on the city website, cityofcapitola.org. Topics included impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, library construction, the Capitola Mall makeover, and racial injustice in policing. Here are the answers edited for brevity.

Q. How is the pandemic affecting city operations? etersen: City Hall was closed but it has reopened, and masks are required.

The community center closed; in-person rec classes shifted to online classes. The Junior Guard program is smaller. We’ve used a private security firm Kristen Petersen to enforce the beach closure by the county health officer.

Q. How many Covid-19 cases are in Capitola? oldstein: On the county health website, Capitola has had 9 (13 as of June 25). Our cases are influenced by what’s going on in our county and northern California.

Q. What are the city revenue projections? Will services be cut? etersen: We’ve seen staggering declines in sales taxes and short-term rental taxes, our two primary revenue sources.

Shopping has been on hold. It’s unknown how those revenue streams will respond.

The $1.5 million shortfall is being covered by city fund balances. oldstein: It depends on how the economy bounces back next fiscal year starting July 1. We cut $4.5 million out of our budget, pretty significant considering our budget is $17 million.

We cut everything the city does that isn’t mandated. A lot of the extras won’t happen.

We cut personnel costs Jamie Goldstein by 14%. The city has 67 full-time employees and 13% of jobs won’t be filled.

The priorities this summer are trash pickup and weed abatement. In the village, we’ll do less of the kind of maintenance we’ve historically done, like extra help for trash pickup.

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Q. What’s the status of the library construction? etersen: Construction continued despite the pandemic and we project an opening date in late 2020.

Q. What’s the latest with the Capitola Mall project? etersen: The owner is changing the project. We anticipate they will submit an application this year. oldstein: Their project was predicated on retail shopping, a theater, gyms, outdoor shopping experiences. All those have been affected by the pandemic, so they’re taking another look at what to propose. They are committed to the project, they tell us.

Q Is Capitola getting any CARES Act money? etersen: Yes. The first of three rounds of funding is expected in 60 days. The money will be used for food distribution, rental assistance and loans for local business. oldstein: There may be a $12 per capita allocation for smaller cities in the state budget, $120,000 for Capitola for personal protective equipment for city staff, social distancing signs, overtime for beach closure enforcement. It’s not going too close the $4.5 million deficit but it helps.

Q Who has the authority to make the rules on Capitola Beach? etersen: Because we’re in a public health crisis, the Santa Cruz County health officer is legally responsible. The city can’t decide to open the beach or have large gatherings until the county says it’s OK for us to do so. (The health officer opened beaches countywide on June 26.)

When beaches reopen, it’s very important that visitors maintain social distancing and wear face coverings when in close proximity to others outside their households for extended periods of time.

I know it’s not our typical idea of a fun beach day to have face coverings but as we’ve heard so many times, this is a new and different kind of normal.

Q. Are Capitola parks closed? oldstein: All parks are open including the wharf but playgrounds are closed.

Q. How long will outdoor dining last in the village? Will there be a shuttle into the village? oldstein: The outdoor dining, probably a 4-month trial period.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Kid Geniuses

Young Inventors Earn State Awards, Head To Nationals

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By Jondi Gumz

abitha Bane, a fifth grader at Bradley Elementary School in Corralitos, repurposed a seat belt buckle to create a safer tow strap for when she goes mountain biking with her dad and the trail goes uphill.

Olivia Potes of Aptos, a fifth grader at Main Street School Tabitha Bane in Soquel, invented a self-sucking straw for her grandfather who has trouble using a regular straw because of Parkinson’s.

Isabella Davalos of Freedom, a sixth grader at Ceiba College Prep in Watsonville, needed sturdier eyeglasses after breaking the hinges on six pairs so she created glasses with frames that connect via tiny magnets Tabitha, Olivia and Isabella are just three of the 17 Santa Cruz County elementary school students who are on their way — virtually — to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals after winning awards at the California Invention Convention, which featured 150 students from throughout California.

Of the 17 who qualified for the U.S. Nationals, three also earned Industry Honors, Jonah Guyer and Oliver Willett for waterproof protection for

a medical pump, and Jacob Leonard for a household tool.

The virtual awards ceremony will take place on July 2 at 4 p.m. as a Facebook watch party on Invention Convention Worldwide’s page.

Tabitha’s invention, which she calls Kid of the Mountain, won the “most marketable” award from the Watsonvillebased Central Coast Patent Agency which is giving her a provisional patent so she can take her invention forward.

“Kids like to go on bike rides with adults but it’s hard to keep up with them on the uphills,” she explained.

Her dad, Ryan Bane, a senior planner with the city of Santa Cruz, used to use a tow strap, but her mom worried it would get tangled in the wheels and make them crash.

Tabitha reports her solution, the seat belt buckle with a strap attached to her dad’s bike seat and her handlebars, doesn’t sag, doesn’t jerk her forward when she is towed uphill and is easy to connect and disconnect.

“I can get help up the hills, go fast down hills with him, and have a safer and easier way to be towed,” she said.

••• Other Winners Going to Nationals heo Esposito of Aptos, a fifth grader at Watsonville Charter School of the

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Ryan Bane is tethered to his daughter Tabitha’s bike with her invention, “Kid of the Mountain,” a repurposed car seat belt designed to help Tabitha keep up with her dad on hills safely.

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

Arts, was inspired by a trip to the beach to invent “paper plates” made of 75 percent seaweed.

Zander Ross of Aptos, a fourth grader at Watsonville Charter School Of The Arts, invented what he calls The Water Holder 2020, a measuring spoon with a lid for cooking for his grandfather who has Parkinson’s.

Curren Tran of Aptos, a fifth grader at Main Street Elementary in Soquel, invented the Solar Powered Backpack Fan Cell Phone Charger. Tran has asthma, and he wanted help staying cool on hikes.

Moya Buffenmyer, a sixth grader at Watsonville Charter School Of The Arts, invented Sneaky Spray, a batterypowered water-spraying device that kept her cats from running outside.

Damian Moreno, a fifth grader at Watsonville Charter School Of The Arts, created the Hands Free Brella, pieces of fabric he sewed and attached to his backpack with Velcro straps to hold an umbrella on rainy days.

Austin Pieracci, a third grader at Bradley Elementary, Corralitos, invented a see-through mobile Tortoise Box so he could keep an eye on his pet.

Gianna Fanara, a fifth grader at Brook Knoll Elementary in the Scotts Valley school district, invented The PasteBrush, a travel-size combination toothbrush with toothpaste.

Nate Jones and Milo Woodruff, fifth graders, Gateway School, Santa Cruz, invented the Produce Protector, a scarecrow that can move and scare garden scavengers.

Piper Garrett, fifth grader at Gateway School, Santa Cruz, invented Solo Soccer Touch Trainer, a net to hold a ball attached to a corkscrew that can be planted in the ground to kick the ball around.

Kate Reynolds, fifth grader at Gateway School, Santa Cruz, invented Windmill on Wheels.

Jonah Guyer and Oliver Willett, sixth graders, Happy Valley Elementary, Santa Cruz, invented the Splash Bag, to help Oliver ’s cousin Paige with pulmonary hypertension by making a watertight case for her pump so she could safely take a shower or go in a

Some of the extraordinary elementary school students from Santa Cruz County. Top row (from left): Theo Esposito, Moya Buffenmyer, Curren Tran • Bottom row (from left): Olivia Potes, Zander Ross, Isabella Davalos swimming pool. The students got a demo pump from Stanford Medicine and won first prize at the Santa Cruz County Science and Engineering Fair and The Lemelson Early Inventor Prize.

Jacob Leonard, fifth grader, Brook Knoll Elementary, Scotts Valley, invented the Drop-Shirt Hanger, which bends and allows the shirt to skip into your hand.

••• Industry Honors Other county students who also won industry awards ports, Games, Entertainment, and Toys: Benjamin and Nicholas Acton: fifth graders at Brook Knoll Elementary, invented The New Chain Gang, a football first down measuring device.

Home Technology, Smart Homes, Appliances: Mark Kristien Bayog and Elliot Roth-Bensusan, fifth graders at Bradley Elementary, invented the Cook Cam to help people with disabiliites monitor their cooking. It has a camera, thermometer and is easy to use.

Agriculture (Food, Machinery, Tools), Pets, and Animal Care: Isabella and Mariana Lobato Vicencio, eighth graders at Alianza Charter School, Watsonville, invented Turkey Scarecrow.

Home Organization: Karine Silva, fourth grader at Watsonville Watsonville Charter School Of The Arts, invented the Cleaner Holder to keep supplies in a kitchen or bathroom cabinet, more organized.

2010 Transportation Award: Keana Castillo, a fourth grader at Watsonville Watsonville Charter School Of The Arts, invented a removable vehicle door rain visor. n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Clean Hands Save Lives

‘Screaming Hand’ Logo Gets A COVID-19 Makeover

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he County of Santa Cruz announces the distribution of “Screaming Hand” safety signs to local businesses and organizations, part of an ongoing effort to help raise awareness about practices that help reduce the spread of contagious COVID-19.

With imagery generously donated by NHS Inc., the County has printed hundreds of floor decals with the iconic “Screaming Hand” hand logo, reminding local customers, clients, visitors and residents that “Clean Hands Save Lives.”

Printed by Community Printers, the signs are available in English and Spanish, and will be prioritized for use in highly trafficked public and commercial spaces throughout Santa Cruz County.

Signs are being distributed at no cost. Interested local businesses should request one by emailing countyofsantacruz@gmail.com. Supplies are limited.

The floor signs will adhere to most surfaces and have a safety tread to help prevent slipping.

Signs have already been distributed to dozens of local businesses for installation in parts of Watsonville, downtown Santa Cruz and Live Oak, including

Food Maxx, Target, Nob Hill, Cardenas, La Princesa, the Museum of Art and History, New Leaf grocery stores, Santa Cruz Bicycles and many more.

As of Monday, Santa Cruz County reported 296 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 37 people who required hospitalization at some point, 14,253 negative test results, and two deaths, a number that has not changed since April.

Santa Cruz County had 9 people hospitalized,

5 confirmed and 4 suspected cases, according to the state database, and two of those hospitalized are in the intensive care unit.

Of the total cases, 145 are in Watsonville, 68 in unincorporated areas, 58 in the city of Santa Cruz, 13 in Capitola, 8 in Scotts Valley and 4 under investigation.

Among occupations affected, 23 have been healthcare workers, 7 first responders, and 28 farm and ag workers.

As the local economy continues reopening in phases, county officials reminded residents about basic health and safety measures including washing hands frequently with soap and water, maintaining physical distancing of at least six feet whenever possible, wearing a face covering when engaging with others, staying home if you are sick and covering your cough or sneeze. n ••• For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruz health.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211.

Residents also may call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Grand Jury Wants City Budgets We Can Understand

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By Jondi Gumz

ities are involved in risky business — and I don’t mean Tom Cruise dancing in his skivvies on the sofa.

The problem, according to the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury, is that Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville have not done enough to evaluate risks that could cause a budget shock.

All the cities evaluate potential hazards such as earthquakes, floods and fire and mitigations but the Grand Jury contends the cities should analyze operational and financial risks and potential interactions, explore options to control the risk, identify where investing resources would have the most impact and then do more to communicate this risk to the public.

In a 60-page report, which the Grand Jury details a scenario, “Pandemic Causes Budget Crisis,” showing how a pandemic leads to emergency spending, lower revenue from service fees and lower tax revenue, none of which are under city control.

Lower revenue leads to an emergency hike in service fees and reserve funds being depleted, leading to a significant budget

deficit.

At this point, the city could tap a nonrecurring revenue source, reduce funding for services or reduce funding for infrastructure projects.

An emergency donor network to cover specific expenses could mitigate this situation.

If the choice is made to reduce funding for services, either services will be cut or maintenance will be deferred.

Challenges for the analyst include confirmation bias and overconfidence bias.

The Grand Jury says its analysis applies to Santa Cruz County as well.

As for providing information that educates the public about public business, the Grand Jury says – despite strategic plans, budgets and comprehensive annual financial reports – these documents “fall well below the bar of transparency.”

Employee pensions and their share of a city’s annual budget are a major concern for the Grand Jury.

Searching for key data points such as employer contribution rate and funded ratio (assets vs. accrued pension liability)

to evaluate each city’s pension risk was difficult. For example, the Scotts Valley Comprehensive Annual Financial Report was not searchable.

The state pension agency, CalPERS, assumes a 7 percent return on investment to generate funds to pay benefits but if the actual return is 5 percent, the city would have to make up the difference. A CalPERS report projected that employers would have to increase their contribution by 66 percent for public safety employees and 33 percent for other employees.

Grand Jury interviews found this would result in “significant loss of staff and services.”

The Grand Jury recommends that each city include a section in the annual financial report and in the budget devoted to pension risk.

“Future taxpayers (in 20 to 30 years) will have to pay for services rendered today through reduction in available funding for their service needs due to unfunded liability debt payments,” the Grand Jury wrote, calling for effective transparency for residents. “Perhaps if they could view understandable data and information showing what they and their

children will have to give up for overly generous pension benefits, then political action would be possible.”

The next election is coming up Nov. 3 for anyone who wants to make financial transparency an issue. n

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

“It’s very rewarding,” said founder Jackie Tucker, who has 100 employees, some “with us 20 years.”

Pay is $16-$17 an hour with paid vacation and sick time provided.

Jobs: Care coordinator, care providers, HR manager To apply: Jackie@carefromtheheart. net or call 831-476-8316, or see www.carefromtheheart.net/jobs Big Data Federation: in Santa Clara, founded in 2015.

“We predict the future, said Peter Walther, vice president of operations Jobs: Senior data scientist with PhD or masters in engineering math or statistics with 2 years experience in artificial science or machine learning.

To apply: Peter@bigdatafed.com Two more opportunities are available for small businesses: GetVirtual.org, a new initiative led by Toby Corey and Nada Miljković in which college students get college credit for upgrading websites to add appointments, payment and delivery options, and Monterey Bay Interns, which allows small business owners to post internships at no charge at mbinterns.org.

UCSC Winners eetup attendees also heard presentations by the winners of the UC Santa Cruz IDEA Pitch. They are: First place and $3,000: ARbot, an automated recycling arm to sort out contaminated trash on the conveyor belt at a recycling center. Logan Fansler, on the ARbot team, said the device could save the city of Santa Cruz $22,750 a year. Details: ARbot.inquiry@gmail.com Second place and $2,000: ViBrace, a wearable device to alert the profoundly deaf to smoke and fire.

Third place and $1,000: Slug Charge, a solar-powered vandalismresistant password-protected device to be installed in areas for people who are homeless to charge their cell phones.

Team member Jordan Tam said it charges six phones at a time. Slug Charge also was voted by attendees as “the people’s choice” award. n ••• For more information visit SantaCruzWorks.org

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Committed To A More Just And Equal World or more than 50 years, Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea has worked to create a better world for women and girls in Santa Cruz County and around the globe. Diversity and fellowship are the core values that drive our work, and we model it in our membership and the women and girls we serve.

We are a nonpolitical organization, but it pains us to see racial injustice and violence of any kind. While we are living through confusing times right now, where consensus is often hard to find, we remain committed to working for a more just and equal world. We urge introspection and collaboration on ways we can work together to fix systems that do not serve all of us equally.

We know that many of the women and girls we serve in Santa Cruz County face inequality because of their race or ethnicity, as well as their gender. We will continue to do our part and contribute positively to Santa Cruz County, our region, nation and the world. We do this by helping women and girls reach their full potential by getting the education they need to achieve economic empowerment.

Right now, we urge calm, empathy and kindness. In the words of Abraham Lincoln: “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”

— Laura Knapp, President, Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea ••• Black Lives Matter, Graduation, and Summer Services Dear Families of Santa Cruz County: anta Cruz County schools join our community in the effort to disrupt systemic racism and the excessive use of police force that disproportionately impacts communities of color.

The devastating deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and David McAtee at the hands of police officers in the last ninety days has again brought to light ongoing systemic inequality, oppression, and violence that Black Americans experience each day and the urgency in which it needs to be addressed. These tragic killings have also prompted us all to think deeply about how our identities and actions impact systems of racial discrimination.

It is essential that we continue to prioritize equity in our schools and communities

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by embracing courageous conversations about race so that we can collectively transform our schools and communities into places of love, safety, accountability, and equitable opportunity. We must come together as a community to deepen our commitment to our shared values of diversity, inclusivity, and justice.

Santa Cruz County schools stand in solidarity with our African American community and all communities of color, and are committed to taking concrete steps to crystalize this commitment. The ongoing pandemic and racial violence we are experiencing in our communities have been deeply painful and significantly affects our community’s emotional and mental health.

It is important that we show care for one another and seek out support resources for ourselves and others when we need them.

Our colleagues at the Los Angeles County Office of Education have gathered a collection of resources to help students process the unsettling emotions that they may be experiencing now, enable the community to deepen their understanding of the manifestations of racism in the United States, and provide positive actions toward justice and reform. The resources are available at this address: hps:// www.lacoe.edu/Curriculum-Instrucon/ Equity-Social-Jusce-and-Engagement.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is currently partnering with school districts and with our local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to develop additional resources for our schools and our community.

Despite these deeply troubling events weighing on the minds of our students and educational community, Santa Cruz County schools worked hard to host exciting and memorable graduation ceremonies over the last two weeks to honor the tremendous achievements of our graduates.

A number of celebratory commencement activities approved as safe by local public health authorities took place including car parades, drive-up recognitions individualized for small family groups, virtual ceremonies, and pre-recorded video recognitions. We are so proud of our students for the resilience they have demonstrated to maintain their academic progress despite the transition to distance learning, massive upheavals in family life at home, extreme financial hardship, social isolation, and mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis.

We are also grateful to our dedicated school personnel and parents for helping to make these commencement ceremonies as

special as possible for students during this challenging time.

Superintendents of all Santa Cruz County public schools are continuing to work together and within their own districts to plan for the reopening of schools and prepare for a range of possible restrictions schools may be mandated to follow by health authorities.

The final plans for the reopening of schools will depend on the direction we receive from the California Department of Public Health, the California Department of Education, and our County Public Health Officer.

Some schools will have services available to families through the summer such as virtual summer classes and continued meal programs. Each school will be in contact with families shortly about summer services they will be offering and details about plans to reopen in the fall as more information from public health authorities becomes available.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at: hps://www. cdc.gov/COVID19. In addition, you can also call 211 or text “coronavirus” to 211211.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education continues to update its web page and resources at www.sccoe.link/coronavirus.

Yours in equity and education, Laurie Bruton, Superintendent, San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Lorie Chamberland, Superintendent, Live Oak School District Eric Gross, Superintendent, Pacific Elementary School District Mike Heffner, Superintendent, Bonny Doon Union Elementary School District Tanya Krause, Superintendent, Scotts Valley Unified School District Michelle McKinny, Superintendent, Happy Valley Elementary School District Diane Morgenstern, Superintendent, Mountain Elementary School District Kris Munro, Superintendent, Santa Cruz City Schools Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District Faris Sabbah, County Superintendent of Schools Scott Turnbull, Superintendent, Soquel Union Elementary School District ••• Santa Cruz Cannabis Retailer License Woes he current iteration of “Reefer Madness” is almost as bizarre as the original.

When alcohol prohibition ended, “Reefer Madness” was created to protect the livelihood of abolitionists. In order to

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justify devoting public resources toward eradicating the production and sales of the plant it was necessary to connect cannabis with all kinds of aberrant behaviors.

Many of the stigmas created through this decades-long propaganda campaign still persist. And lest we forget, the use, sale and cultivation of cannabis remains, to this day, a federal offense.

Now “Reefer Madness” is more associated with the seemingly endless debate and deliberation over rules and regulations that get enacted for one reason or another most often simply because a jurisdiction has the authority to do so.

The current changes to the City of Santa Cruz Cannabis Retailer License are a case in point.

What began as a request by the 5 current license holders to align the language regarding ownership more closely to state law (and nearly every other local jurisdiction) so that a cannabis business could change their ownership structure (like any other business) has been taken as an opportunity to reexamine the minutiae of existing regulations.

The proposed new ordinance, which has its second reading June 23, fixes what amounted to a “life sentence” imposed upon current license holders. Prior to the changes being considered, a license holder could not take on any new investment that affected over 20 percent of total equity nor could they ever hope to sell or bequeath their business.

They could walk away from their business with no equity or be stuck for life.

Recognizing the unreasonableness of the current restrictions, Council and staff set out to create a mechanism that allowed for changes in ownership structure while maintaining the ability to approve or deny a new proprietor.

Now, any change to the ownership structure that results in a new person or entity owning more than a 30 percent interest will require an entire new city license. To receive approval for such changes the licensee must meet two new mandatory conditions and six out of a set of ten “factors.” A minimum of three city staffers will review and approve or deny the application.

The licensee will be required to submit an annual affidavit confirming that they are meeting each of the conditions and factors.

Essentially the changes provide the 5 current license holders a path to restructure or sell their business so long as new conditions are met.

The current license holders are not raising objections to the new conditions or review factors although they are quick to point out a variety of flaws which I will not discuss now.

“Letters” page 31

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

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Soquel Pioneers Cancel Picnic he July 29 Soquel Pioneer & Historical Association annual picnic has been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will be the first time in 82 years that the picnic will not been held.

For more information about the Soquel Pioneers, visit SoquelPioneers.com.

••• Highway 17 Guardrail Repairs Mean Delays n emergency project to replace guardrail damaged from a recent big-rig accident will result in the closure of the right lane of southbound Highway

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“Capitola Q&A” from page 19 We’re not going to run the shuttle as we have such a large deficit. It’s safer to walk.

Q. How do we to get a building or planning permit? oldstein: Planning hours are 9 a.m. to noon, building hours are 1-4 p.m.

Check cityofcapitola.org under community development.

Q. Why are so many people breaking the rules on the beach? etersen: The city has tried to emphasize education over strict enforcement. Our 14 police officers can’t ticket their way to compliance. We need to maintain social distance and wear a mask.

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“Lutz” from page 16 He was bold and eager to live all kinds of life’s adventures, ready to learn something new or head off on a new adventure, all with his wife Tisha and beloved children by his side.

As a firefighter he was brave and always willing to tackle any task or danger, large or small. He was eager to help others, mentor those around him, offer practical support, and was loyal and supportive to all in his life. He was known for his devotion to his family, his faith, his love of all things outdoors, and his dedication to CalFire and the calling and people he cared so much about.

David Lutz lived life to the fullest,

17 at Sugarloaf Road on Saturday, June 27, from 8 a.m. until 2:30 pm.

Motorists can expect half-hour traffic delays from the San Jose area and should allow extra time for any travel planned to Santa Cruz.

Alternate routes for travelers going to Santa Cruz include Hwy.1, Hwy.152 or Hwy.129.

These emergency repairs will be performed by Granite Construction of Watsonville and Highway Specialty Company of Redding.

••• Santa Cruz Libraries Community Quilt he Santa Cruz Public Libraries has created a community art project to celebrate this year’s Summer Reading Program theme, Imagine Your Story. Electronic submissions will be accepted June 15 – July 31.

To participate, make a piece of art in any medium, 2D or 3D, and submit a square image for inclusion in a virtual “quilt” that SCPL staff will assemble from the squares.

The collective images will be featured on the SCPL website later in the summer. One

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Q How do police engage with the community? oldstein: All our officers are evaluated on their “problem-oriented policing” projects, identifying a problem and finding a solution. We are trying to invigorate the neighborhood watch program.

Our officers recently participated in “dialogue circles” with youth at New Brighton Middle School in a program organized by United Way. In 2019, the man and woman of the year chosen by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce were from the police department.

Q. How do you ensure racial unjustice in policing doesn’t happen here? etersen: What we’ve witnessed in terms of systemic racial injustice has

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Live-Streamed Memorial Service July 1 alFire Capt. David Lutz will be laid to rest on July 1. Due to social distancing requirements, the service will only be open to Captain Lutz’ family, friends, and fire service family. The memorial service will be live-streamed at vimeo.com/432350402/ d4412931df All condolence letters to the family can be sent to: PO Drawer F-2 Felton, CA 95018.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lutz family can be made here: https:// gf.me/u/x93njb

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impacted the lives of many, and leaves a great legacy. Those who know him are proud of the life he lived and all that he leaves behind. n

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

quilt will show artwork from those under 18, with another open to everyone else.

Artwork submitted for the community quilt should be appropriate to a public website for all ages. Submissions may not advocate the election of any candidate for public office. Visit the Art Quilt website at bit.ly/ SCPL-ArtQuilt.

••• Enjoy the Magic of Germar Zoom Show July 13 Hosted by Santa Cruz Public Libraries ermar (aka Gerardo Martinez) is a magician from Vallejo who will present three Zoom shows July 13 for the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Summer Reading Program, Imagine Your Story.

Three shows are scheduled: 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Registration is required.

1pm: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/6750764 3pm: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/6750781

5:30 pm: https://santacruzpl.libcal. com/event/6750688 To learn about the summer reading program and register, visit santacruzpl.org. srp. To learn more about Germar, visit www. germagic.net n

caused us all to look within ourselves to determine how we can be better. Our chief, Terry McManus, is committed to community policing.

All our officers are trained in de-escalation.

Capitola was one of the first in county to have both bodyworn cameras and vehicle cameras. Use of force is 37 percent lower than national average – of 220,000 calls over 10 years, .023 percent involved force. A report by Police Strategies which analyzes use of force incidents is on the city website.

Q. What the demographic makeup of the police department? oldstein: There are 22 sworn officers, 55% are white, 35% Hispanic, and 10% other.

Q. Will the Capitola Art & Wine Festival take place in September? oldstein: The decision is up to organizers (the Capitola-Soquel Chamber).

Q. What happened with the Classic Car Show? etersen: [The Classic Car Show] went virtual this year.

Q. What’s the status of the rail trail? oldstein: The county is looking at doing environmental studies, a multiyear process, then it’s a question of funding the different segments. We have a 300-yard segment behind City Hall that we’ve been trying to build for almost 10 years. n ••• To view the video, see https://www. cityofcapitola.org/cityadministration/page/ watch-our-community-update

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“Chapman” from page 16 Over time, Diana was promoted to a Staff Services Analyst position. In her support staff position, Diana regularly interacted with the entire staff of the Commission’s Santa Cruz office. Some of them looked at her as their “work Mom,” and all appreciated her sweet and helpful disposition, her comforting and kind presence, and her wonderful sense of humor and infectious laugh. Diana was reliable, loyal and fair.

Diana will be fondly remembered.

A private service was held in Santa Cruz and a celebration of life will be set in the future.

In lieu of flowers, a Go Fund Me account was created to dedicate a memorial bench in

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In lieu of flowers, a Go Fund Me account was created to dedicate a memorial bench in honor of Diana: w w w. g o f u n d m e . c o m / f / D i a n a ChapmanMemorialBench honor of Diana: https://www.gofundme. com/f/DianaChapmanMemorialBench.

If you would like to share a memory about Diana or send a kind message to her family, there is an online memorial page at scmemorial.com.

Mom, you’re as free as a bird now. We love you.

Diana, the sunflowers are getting ready to bloom. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Assemblymember Stone Offers Amendment to AB 1472: False Police Reports A ssemblymember Mark Stone (D-Scotts Valley) announces that he has amended AB 1472, which would make false reports to police, including 911 calls, a violation of the Ralph Civil Rights Act when made against a person because of that person’s race or other protected charMark Stone acteristic. This bill would also allow for civil action against persons who make false police reports or claims, regardless of discriminatory motive.

“Across California and across the country, people are again demanding that those of us in elected office deal with the systemic, institutionalized racism inherent in law enforcement and other governmental systems. Black Americans are overpoliced and subject to higher rates of police brutality, use-of-force, harassment, arrest, and incarceration,” said Assemblymember Stone. “This violent oppression is devastating to Black communities and contributes to higher rates of mortality and poverty, among a multitude of other negative outcomes. In addition to Black communities, American Indian/Alaskan native and Latinx communities are also

disproportionately affected by policing in America.”

There have been many highly publicized examples of unnecessary or patently false calls to law enforcement that threaten people of color. Examples include Amy Cooper, a white woman in New York who falsely claimed that a Black man was threatening her life after he requested that she follow park rules about leashing her dog, and Jennifer Schulte, a white woman who requested police response to a Black family who was barbecuing at a lake in Oakland.

Such acts weaponize the police, endanger lives, and contribute to the overpolicing of Black communities, according to Stone, who contends that fling a false or unnecessary police report motivated by racial bias, whether purposeful or simply reckless, is a discriminatory act.

AB 1472 amends the Ralph Civil Rights Act to specify that “intimidation by threat of violence” will include claims or reports made to police “that falsely alleges that another person has engaged in unlawful activity, or an activity that requires law enforcement intervention, knowing that the claim or report is false, or with reckless disregard to for the truth or falsity of the claim or report.”

AB 1472 will specify that making a false report to the police, knowing that it is false or with reckless disregard to its

truth or falsity, constitutes an “intimidation by threat of violence” under the Ralph Act. Further, AB 1472 will specify that a police communication made “knowing that the claim or report is false, or with reckless disregard for the truth or falsity of the claim or report” is not privileged publications. This would prevent a person who makes a report in violation

of the Ralph Act from raising “privileged communication” as a defense, and it would also allow for civil actions on other grounds even if the false report is not motivated by bias against a protected characteristic. n ••• This bill is currently in the Senate and is waiting in Senate Rules for referral. Bills can be monitored at https://legiscan.com/CA/

The 4th of July

2020 County Fair Cancelled

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he Santa Cruz County Fair scheduled for Sept. 16-20 at the fairgrounds in Watsonville, is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dave Kegebein, fair CEO and manager, said in an announcement posted “with a very heavy heart” on Facebook Wednesday.

“These are extremely difficult times for community facilities like our fairgrounds,” he wrote. “We hope you’ll stay connected as we look forward to 2021.”

The fairgrounds will convert its traditional livestock auction by junior exhibitors into a virtual online auction. About 95 animals will be available for purchase and custom meat-pack.

A virtual exhibit experience is being explored for fair competitors who show off their crafts, according to Kegebein.

ACROSS

The Ag History Project, which is housed at the fairgrounds, is pivoting by opening an online gift shop. For information, visit agricultural-history-project.square-site.

Among the gifts are face masks of fabrics featuring well-known tractor brands, Farmall, John Deere and AllisChalmers. The price is $11 each. n

1. Begone!

5. Blue 8. Instinctive motive 12. Barbershop supply 13. Cover with asphalt 14. Twist and distort 15. Dismounted 16. Tiny particle 17. Like smell of burning rubber 18. *King of Great Britain when America won independence 20. Same as pleaded 21. “Well-____ machine” 22. *Abigail Adams ____ Smith 23. *Preferred cooking device on the 4th

25. They play dead 29. Tiller’s tiller 30. Santa’s reindeer 33. Dwarf buffalo 34. Smart ones?

36. “____ the hills and far away” 37. Penicillin holder, e.g.

38. Part of both levorotary and levorotatory 39. *Like 4th of July 41. Choler 42. Egg dishes 44. Actress Close 46. *Jefferson was three and Washington was ___ 47. Medal of Honor word 49. Castle material 51. *Roman Candles and Fountains, e.g.

55. Manuscript sheet 56. Dirty money

57. Dire fate 58. Type of wrench 59. Charitable contribution 60. Genesis twin 61. Dad’s lads 62. General Services Administration 63. Job for a body shop

DOWN

1. Without a date 2. *American Revolutionary War spy, Nathan 3. Miscellany 4. Type of local tax 5. French composer of “GymnopΘdies” fame 6. Steer clear 7. Prefix for half 8. *U. S. personified 9. Steak choice 10. Power system

11. Former times 13. Saffron-flavored rice dish 14. Stares 19. Decorates with gold leaf 22. Negative conjunction 23. Jewish folklore creature 24. “Superman” star 25. Machu Picchu country 26. Remove from Pinterest board 27. Grieve 28. *Many retailers hold one for the 4th of July 29. Sign of a saint 31. *____ of Liberty 32. Rooster’s girlfriend 35. *13 of these at the start 37. Give a green light

39. *What contestants did at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 40. Ends of shoe laces 43. “____ ____ a high note” 45. What river did to bank 47. Viola da Gamba, pl.

48. Wafting pleasantness 49. Aria, e.g.

50. Comrade in arms 51. *It should never touch ground 52. Official flower of the Kentucky Derby 53. Riddle without solution 54. Obscenity 55. Like The Beatles © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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

Your July Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

Independence Day is a time for thinking of right now, not what’s coming next. This is a time when endings are inevitable, and there’s no telling where you’ll be a month from now. It’s best to accept the things you can’t change and hold steady despite your desire to move ahead. You’re feeling the need to make sure your loved ones feel safe and protected mid-month. Your strong urge to nurture and care for others makes you an excellent parent and/or friend. You’re happy to let your true personality shine through at the end of the month. Your warmth and friendliness are two of your better qualities, and you make almost everyone you come into contact with feel loved and appreciated.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

You are feeling reserved as the month begins, but you still feel the intensity and pressure that come with looking toward the future. There might not be a lot you can do to change things in the long term, but thinking about it helps. Mid-month brings sudden awareness to a part of your past that’s been keeping you from moving on. Forgiving others is a part of this, but forgiving yourself might actually be more important.

Everything looks good from where you’re sitting at the end of July, but everything isn’t always as it seems.

You know that old saying “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is”? Yup, that’s this energy.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

The month begins with the desire to run before you’re ready to walk. Take some time to rethink the past month and plan for where you’d like to go. The intensity you feel mid-July is unavoidable, especially if you’ve been dealing with a past hurt. Inner reflection takes you to some very uncomfortable places, but it’s needed to find the conclusions you’re seeking. Looking to other people will be difficult. Your friendliness and outgoing attitude late in the month could leave you susceptible to embarrassment and ridicule. Even though you know there are consequences that come from being an open book, you can’t imagine being any other way now.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You might not feel very celebratory early in July. When your mind is on the future, it’s hard to live in the moment. But there isn’t a lot you can do right now to change things. Communication is easier mid-month, making it easier for you to figure out went wrong the last few weeks and maybe how you can fix it. Apologies aren’t the easiest thing, but they help. You might be in the spotlight late in the month, but now isn’t the time to retreat. This a good time to show the world your hidden talents, even if it makes you uncomfortable. You deserve all the applause you get.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You are anxious to get things started early in the month. The problem is that it’s a much better time to finish what you’ve already started. Try to be patient a little while longer. Mid-month brings the green light you’ve been looking for on new projects and relationships. That patience is about to pay off! Family matters should be your top priority. Being overly confident and/or optimistic as July comes to a close isn’t a good idea, because someone or something is just waiting in the wings to tear you down. Balance is the key to riding out this energy. When you use extreme thinking, the potential is high for being way off base.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

You’re the responsible one as the nations birthday approaches. While everyone else is getting a little crazy, you’re worried about the little details and all the things that can go wrong. There’s a valuable lesson here, somewhere. Mid-July gives you a chance to forgive yourself or someone else for the hurt you’ve been feeling for the past months (or maybe even years). Everyone makes mistakes, but dwelling on the past only keeps you from having a happy future. Passion comes back into your life late in the month. If you haven’t been enjoying things because of an endless “what if” scenario playing in your head, it’s time to let the negativity go.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

Independence Day is a great time to celebrate some of your recent accomplishments! It also brings a reminder not to get too comfortable, because there’s plenty more for you to over the month. Any negative energy you’ve been feeling seems to just fade away mid-month. The next few weeks have a fun, friendly vibe that allows you to be yourself. You’re questioning some of your recent decisions late in the month. This isn’t a good time to ignore details. Take everything into account when making important life choices now, especially if they’re final.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

You should find making important decisions a bit easier early in the month. The practical energy in the air grounds you and helps you make the decision you’ve been hesitant to make in the past few weeks. That feeling flows through the middle of the month, helping you stand up for yourself regarding an unresolved situation from your past. If you’ve always believed you were at fault, some serious soul searching will help you understand that you’re not the only one to blame. Your dreams and daydreams can be productive late in July if you focus on getting the answer to a question. Signs and symbols from your subconscious are everywhere.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

Sour energy early in the month might dampen your celebrations a bit. As much as you’d love to be living in the moment, your mind is on the future and all you have yet to achieve. A sense of deep awareness and self-contemplation fills you mid-July. You aren’t one to sit alone and reflect on your feelings, but this energy can lead to real healing if you let it. Your world starts to brighten late in the month, bringing passion, creativity, and drama. The coming weeks have a much more playful tone than earlier in the month, so enjoy the spontaneity that comes from this enthusiastic pairing.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

You feel a mellowness early in July, brings an uncertainty that makes it difficult to predict what might happen next. Stick with the basics in order to avoid making life-changing mistakes. A crisis of self-esteem and selfdoubt follow mid-month, which could be caused by something you did, meaning there’s still time to fix it.

If you’re being blamed or shamed by someone else, what’s their true motivation? If they’re projecting their feelings onto you, it’s time to walk away. The latter half of the month is filled with big ideas and dramatic scenes. You’re in the mood to be seen, and you might do some pretty out-of-character things to make sure you stay relevant.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

The month begins with an unwelcome shadow on your mood. You want to be out having a good time, but the current world situation is holding you back. The lines of communication between you and someone you’ve recently lost touch with open back up mid-month. Finding the necessary words to patch things up between the two of you is within your grasp. You’re overly optimistic about something that you heard or read at the end of July, and it doesn’t help that the people around you might encourage you to overreact or embellish facts and details. Try not to believe the information you get from a third party until you verify it with the source.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Something in the air is killing your festive vibe as the month begins. It’s not that you can’t still have a good time, but the energy now is more about getting serious about the future. You breathe a sigh of relief mid-July as you feel things starting to get back to normal. This is a good time to wipe the slate clean of any negative interactions and start fresh with regard to communication. You have a desire to feel safe and protected late in the month. It’s time to evaluate what’s important to you and figure out how to let down your guard long enough so you can get it.

•••

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

It’s Not Business As Usual

T

By Ron Kustek

he last 90 days have put a strain on our realities, whether personally or professionally. For those of us who are business owners, the challenges have been even greater, as providing for our families has been upended, and the future is not the past.

During these crazy few months you may have had the following thoughts: • I wish I had information on all my customers to know which ones are my most loyal.

• How can I get back in touch with all my customers to let them know we’re opening?

• If no one is walking the streets to shop, then how valuable is foot traffic anyway?

• I still don’t understand social media, or what it can do for my business.

Though it’s not likely another pandemic will strike in the near future, none of us would have envisioned what just happened – or the financial crisis mortgage meltdown – or the attacks from 9/11. The last 20 years have been unprecedented, and without preparing NOW to have your business in a better positon tomorrow, you may not be able to survive the next wave of unpredictability. But there is hope!

If you ran your business without collecting, keeping and managing customer-specific information, then it’s likely you’re not able to get back in touch with your best customers, or any customers at all. Now is the time to change that. There are many companies who provide easy to understand and affordable tools to help you manage your customer information.

Some businesses in town are using FiveStars, which allows you to capture customer-specific information on who purchased what, when and how long has it been since they’ve been back. You can text and/or email customers directly from FiveStars.

Also, Square is more than just a creditcard transaction company, as they’ve developed customer marketing tools that allow you evaluate which days, times and customers are the best to focus on, as well as providing both email and text features.

You can easily separate customers into those who are loyal, those who spend the most, those who may just shop when you have sales, etc. Again, spending $10-$30 a month to be able to have this information and actually use it allows you to be in a better position than your competition who may not be using simple technology to help manage their business.

Whatever the case, no one can afford to just go back to the way things were — because they won’t be that way.

If you didn’t pay attention to your customers before, then you can’t afford not to now. There have been businesses that have opened with lesser menus and higher prices — not the way to win back customers.

“Not Usual” page 27

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Fire Chief Embraces Water Reuse

Soquel Creek Water District: We’re #InThisTogether

By Rebecca Rubin & Melanie Mow Schumacher, Soquel Creek Water District

The Soquel Creek Water District is engaged in multiple approaches to combat overdrafting of the groundwater basin and seawater intrusion into our local water supply. It’s important to remember that these severe water supply challenges affect everyone in our community — and we are all part of the solution. Over the next few months, this series of Water Wisdom columns will feature the viewpoints of local community members and organizations talking about the importance of creating and maintaining a sustainable water supply, as a community.

T

he Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District is responsible for fire protection and emergency response in Aptos, Rio Del Mar, and La Selva Beach.

Its 27-square-mile coverage area overlaps with a significant portion of the Soquel Creek Water District. And when it comes to

Eileen Eisner-Streller & Alyssa Abbey share water tips at the 2019 Aptos/LA Selva Fire Open House.

“Not Usual” from page 26 Some businesses have reached out to past clients who have used their services, to offer financial incentives for referral programs and/or special rates for additional services. Other businesses have smartly increased their level of customerfocus, and have provided added-value to their offerings, as well as new and more inventive customer experiences.

But let’s not forget social media mar-

water, both agencies agree that it is among the most important of resources.

The chief heading up the Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District is 26-year fire service veteran Aaron Lowe. He tells us, “Water is the most crucial tool we have when it comes to fire fighting. It’s most effective at extinguishing most kinds of fires, and without water we’d be in a much more serious situation, especially during the dry season. For that reason and others, we’re all very aware of and sensitive to the local water supply challenges.”

The chief also points to education as a key tool in both fire prevention, and water conservation. “We work hard to help people understand how to reduce the potential for fires in their home or business,” he says.

“And when we have fewer fires to fight, we use less water. To the extent we can help the public decrease the incidence of fire, we’re saving that drinking water for other important uses.”

In his role as chief, Aaron sees other opportunities to save water on the job.

For example, when performing training or maintenance, the use of water is limited by utilizing simulations when feasible.

And, when engaging in joint exercises with other, larger fire protection agencies, there is an opportunity to use equipment which actually recycles the water that’s involved with the training, so they can use it multiple times — taking water re-use to another level!

Chief Lowe’s understanding of the water supply challenges we face in this region today is commendable. “Water supplies here are limited, and subject to

dramatic changes. A drought, or even just a sub-normal rainfall season, will cause shortages when the community needs water.” He goes on to say, “We all know that the Water District’s sole source of water, the groundwater basin, is over-drafted and suffering from seawater contamination.

That’s a huge problem. Now is the time to embrace water reuse.”

Chief Lowe notes the benefits of recycling water, with projects such as Pure Water Soquel, will have. “The technology and science out there today is already sufficient to ensure the safety of all drinking water, including the purified water that’ll be produced by Pure Water Soquel.” In addition, he says, “This project is great for the environment, there are plenty of checks and balances built in, and the water will meets state and federal drinking water standards. The A/LSFPD is fully on board with the Water District’s goals and actions toward groundwater sustainability.”

The chief knows that the Water District is working hard to create that and other new water supplies, which will take some of

the pressure off of the groundwater basin.

“Soquel Creek Water is really doing their part toward ensuring a stable water supply for the future,” says Chief Lowe. “Those of us at A/LSFPD have homes and families like everyone else, and it’s great to know that the Water District is exploring water options for the long-term, and looking out for our future.”

And at the same time, Chief Lowe and the Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District are doing their part in conserving water, in the recognition that water is our most important — and threatened — resource. A local fire protection district and a local water district, both with watersaving goals, and both working for the improvement and long-term vitality of the community…this is a good illustration that we are indeed all #InThisTogether. n ••• As always, if you have any questions about this month’s topic or anything else related to Soquel Creek Water District, feel free to contact the District at outreach@soquelcreekwater.org or visit www.soquelcreekwater.org.

keting. What do you think many of your customers have been doing these past 90 days cooped-up inside for sheltering in place?

Many businesses are thriving online, both for eCommerce website sales and for engaging with customers through Facebook and Instagram. Having a simple page or having an account on all platforms is not social media marketing — but if you haven’t even set up an account yet, you need to take your evening time and/or weekends to determine if you have the ability and knowledge to

do this on your own, or if you need to hire a consultant who is a ‘doer’ to actually create and manage your customer outreach.

Many charge upwards of $1,000 per month for these services, and if they do, you will want to specifically measure the exact sales associated with their posts and campaigns.

Be sure to have your profits from these sales meet or exceed the cost of their services, otherwise you’ll be spending downward into a place you won’t be able to afford.

The bottom line is, these times are

not usual, so this is no time to go back to business as usual. Many of us have been putting off doing the things we know will help us, because much of it is new and we’re not very comfortable with doing new things. Continuing to get out of our comfort zones will be the first step to insure that our days and our businesses will continue to grow and prosper! n ••• Ron Kustek is a business instructor at Cabrillo College. Email: rokustek@cabrillo.edu

Eileen Eisner-Streller chats with attendees at the 2019 Aptos/LA Selva Fire Open House.

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE MONTEREY SYMPHONY The Monterey Symphony is seeking volunteers. If you love music and want to be involved, please call (831) 646-8511 or visit www.montereysymphony.org for more info.

THE SCIENCE OF CHRISTIANITY Airing on Community TV — Comcast 27 and Spectrum 73 Saturdays: 11:00 am • Sundays: 3:00 pm In this video replay on Community Television, Mary Alice Rose, a Christian Science practitioner and teacher talks about parallels between the study of physical science and the study of Christian Science. She’ll help you to understand how Christian principles, scientifically applied, heal the body and transform lives.

Rose had a 20-year career in science and technology that included work as a meteorologist for the National Severe Storms Laboratory and a manager developing the ground system for the Hubble Space Telescope. Now her life work is Christian Science healing and teaching others to heal.

Visit www.cschurch.info for more information Sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, Santa Cruz (Soquel)

ONGOING EVENTS

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

With the current COVID-19 Crisis, please check in advance before attending any ongoing or dated events listed here.

We will continue to print regular ongoing events that are expected to return.

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

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

We specifically focus on recovering from debting on book sale. Fill up a shopping bag with books for only Do you have a problem with compulsive over- or under- one’s business. $10! Thousands of titles for $1.50 or less: cookbooks, eating? Anorexia? Bulimia? Compulsive exercising?

For more information: 831-425-3272.

You are not alone. Drop into a free, friendly OA 12-Step gardening, sci-fi, mysteries, classics and all sorts of Tuesdays & Wednesdays fiction and nonfiction. Non-profit Grey Bears has served meeting with the solution. All are welcome!

For information on other meetings in Santa Cruz County: www. SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUPS our community for 45 years. Grey Bears provides Monarch Services offers a safe space to meet other recycling services and accepts books and other dona- santacruzoa.org/meetings survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and tions for our thrift stores. human trafficking survivors, and to listen or share Proceeds benefit our Brown Bag Program, distributing nutri- Third Mondays STITCHERS BY THE SEA experiences. Childcare provided on site. tious food to 3,900 seniors every week.

Spanish – Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Servicios 7 –9 p.m., St. Stephan’s Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Ave., Monarca, 233 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville (831) Santa Cruz Weekdays 722-4532 The Santa Cruz County chapter of the EmbroiCASA ORIENTATIONS TO BECOME English – Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Monarch derers Guild of America meets on the third ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN Services, 1590 Seabright Avenue, SC (831) 425-4030 Monday of every month, except June and CASA empowers volunteers to directly influence For more information, visit www.monarchscc.org December. Meetings are free to attend. All are life-changing decisions affecting children in foster welcome. care. Court appointed special advocates are everyday Second Wednesdays people that, with just a few hours a week can have a Mondays & Tuesdays SANTA CRUZ SONS IN RETIREMENT lifetime of impact for a child who has been abused or WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM MONTHLY MEETING neglected.

Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St. More info www.casaofsantacruz.org or call 831-761-2956 x102 12:30 - 2 p.m.

WomenCARE ARM-in-ARM support group for This statewide group of retired men invites you to be women with advanced, recurrent and metastatic our guest at our monthly luncheon. You’ll meet kindred Mondays cancers. Meets weekly Mondays & Tuesdays, with spirits, have a fine lunch and learn something new from OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING a separate meeting every First and Third Tuesday a top notch guest speaker.

7 - 8 pm, Soquel Congregational Church, Ann Hutchinson every month.

Cost: $18. RSVP at 479-7096 Room, 4951 Soquel Dr., Soquel

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONGOING EVENTS (cont.)

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 831-8189619.

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

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

Questions? Call Jim at 685-3829 Thursdays FRIENDSHIP PUT TO MUSIC! 6:30 p.m., New Hall, La Selva Beach Club House, 3124 Estrella Ave. Classes every Thursday night. For more info call Sue Harris or Don Benson (831) 726-7053 or email at caller4u@att.net LUCKY STEPPERS MODERN SQUARE DANCE 6:30 pm, La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach, CA 95076 It’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; family friendly. Class takes place every Thursday Night at our new home in La Selva Beach! (Take Mar Monte off of Hwy 1, turns into Playa Blvd., turn right on Estrella) For more information, contact Sue Harris or Don Benson at (831) 726-7053 or e-mail at caller4u@att.net.

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

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.)

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 County Fairgrounds Join us every 2nd Saturday on the Farm for free family activities. Each month we select a new theme to highlight historical agriculture with games, activities, and demonstrations that relate. We often have guest appearances from farm animals like llamas, draft horses, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, and more! You are sure to find something fun and entertaining for the whole family.

Check our website and Facebook page for more details. FREE

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.

Fridays Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are NAR-ANON SCOTTS VALLEY going through similar problems, talk about how they 6:30 p.m., Camp Recovery Center (Bison Center Room), 3192 cope and find recovery.

Glen Canyon Road, Scotts Valley.

To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please go Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families to our website at www.nar-anon.org. n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Bronze Is The New Green

B

By Tony Tomeo

ronze foliage will never actually replace green foliage. Even if there were enough variety of plants with bronze foliage to do so, too much bronze would look dreary.

Bronze is just another option for foliar color in landscapes with significant vegetation. It is distinct from simpler green, and contrasts nicely with gold, blue, gray and variegated foliage. Some bronze foliage is variegated too.

There is all sorts of bronze foliage.

Some is brownish bronze. Some is reddish.

The most popular bronze foliage is rather purplish. It can be evergreen or deciduous.

Annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines, trees and houseplants can provide bronze foliage. Most plants that provide bronze foliage are variants of plants that also provide bloom or fruit. Some are common.

Others are rather rare.

Bronze foliage is not an advantage to plants that produce it. The most efficient foliage is green. Gray or bluish foliage has the advantage of reflecting some of the harsh sunlight that could scald it in severe climates. Otherwise, foliage that is a color other than green reflects more of the useful sunlight than it should. Incidentally, dark foliage also absorbs more of the sunlight that can scald it.

This is why many bronze plants are noticeably less vigorous than their greener counterparts. Although it would not be an advantage in the wild, diminished vigor makes some bronze plants more adaptable to compact home gardens. For example, the brownish bronze ‘Summer Chocolate’ silk tree will not get half as high and wide

Color like this needs no bloom.

as the common silk tree. It can fit nicely into a cozy atrium.

Cultivars of purple leaf plum, Japanese maple and Eastern redbud are more familiar complaisant bronze trees.

‘Ruby Lace’ honeylocust is still quite rare.

Bronze shrubbery includes smokebush, Chinese fringe flower, elderberry, barberry and ninebark. New Zealand flax, canna, houseleek, ajuga, mondo grass and coral bells are popular bronze perennials.

Cordyline is a larger perennial.

Bronze foliage adds a bit more color than typical green foliage. In the right situations, it is appealing bold.

••• Smokebush liche is barely avoidable regarding smokebush, Cotinus coggygria. It provides rich foliar color from spring until autumn, with uniquely billowy bloom through summer. Then, it provides exquisite fall color until winter. Then, it provides sculptural form of bare stems until spring. Smokebush ‘has it all’. . . almost.

All the spectacle distracts from a lack of floral fragrance.

Will anyone ever notice?

Foliage is rich purplish bronze, bright greenish yellow or olive green through spring and summer. Formerly common old fashioned cultivars Smokebush seems with olive green to have it all. foliage are now rare. Nowadays, most are rich purplish bronze. Fall color is fiery yellow, orange and red. The round leaves are about one to three inches long. Purplish to pale pinkish plumes of smoke-like bloom are a striking contrast.

The largest of smokebush grow at a moderate rate to more than fifteen feet high and wide. Most cultivars are more compact. They get wobbly in the ground if they grow too vigorously. Aggressive pruning during winter improves stability and enhances foliar color for the next season. However, minimal pruning of stable plants promotes bloom. Smoke tree wants full sun, but is not demanding. n Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com .

C

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

Business Guide

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Now is the Time to Prepare for Fire Season

W

ith our relatively dry winter comes the increased risk of a serious fire season.

There are some things that you can do to help protect your home or business from a wildfire (or a structure fire). Here are some general tips to get started.

One of the first things is to ensure that you have a home emergency plan (and evacuation plan) and practice it with your family.

All homes should have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and at least one ABC-rated fire extinguisher in your home. You can sign up for emergency notices, such as Code Red at www.scr911.org to learn about possible evacuations or changes in conditions.

Ensuring that the Fire Department can respond quickly also means having visible address numbers on the outside of your home and business (and if you have a sidewalk — along the curb).

All homes should be kept clear of combustible debris such as cardboard boxes, rags, paper products, flammable liquids and fireplaces and wood stoves should be maintained and cleaned and inspected annually.

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

By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor

The topography of Santa Cruz County, and location of homes within the rural areas, means that it’s imperative to create a defensible space around your home.

Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home or business and the vegetation that surrounds them to prevent these structures from catching fire. The defensible space can reduce risk to both your home (from fire directly or radiant heat associated with fire) as well as to firefighters using the space to defend your property.

How do you create a defensible space? alifornia State law requires that you maintain 100 feet of defensible space around your home and other buildings on your property.

This is a minimum recommended amount and should be increased if your home is on a steep slope.

You can create a defensible space by ensuring that trees are the furthest from your home and that elements that are less likely to burn (or burn at lower temperatures) such as lawns, small plants/beddings/high water content plants and so on are closer to the home.

C

For the first 30 feet from all buildings, decks and structures you should: • Remove or mow all dead plants, grass, or weeds.

• Create paved or gravel driveways, walkways, patios as firebreaks • Remove dead or dry leaves and needles from yard, roof, and gutters.

• Trim trees regularly and maintain a minimum of 10’ between canopies.

• Remove branches that overhang your roof and any dead branches close to chimney.

• Remove flammable items near any structure For the next 70+ feet from your home (extending to at least 100 feet from your home) you should: • Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4” • Maintain 10 foot clearance around woodpiles • Thin trees and shrubs and leave big gaps between plants • Remove dead or dry leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and branches from ground.

How can you get more information?

The Aptos/La Selva Department website — www.aptosfire.com — contains preparedness information on defensible space, general fire prevention and even the power shutoffs that have occurred.

Fire Safe Santa Cruz County also maintains a comprehensive site with downloadable fact sheets and videos on how to prepare your home or business: www.firesafesantacruz.org.

As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). n ••• I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/ supervisorfriend and during the shelterin-place order I’m hosting weekly tele-townhalls with County and community leaders on Tuesday nights from 6-7 p.m. The call in information for the town halls is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384# — you are welcome to speak about this issue during the town halls or you can always call me at 454-2200.

SCCAS Featured Pet

T

The trees — deemed a fire hazard — were taken down in October — not only here but at the Rob Roy substation in Aptos — as PG&E implemented massive power shutoffs as a precautionary measure.

“They solved one problem and inadvertently created another,” Meeks said.

She said she has a case number with PG&E and has called several times. She said she was promised a callback but six weeks have gone by.

Asked about the situation, PG&E

spokesman Jeff Smith said Friday, “We appreciate the concerns the residents are raising. We will absolutely look into what may be causing this. If it’s being caused by our equipment, we will look into what could mitigate it.”

Supervisor John Leopold said, “My staff is investigating this issue, but we don’t have enough information to identify the source of the sound. We have reached out to both (county) Environmental Health and UC Santa Cruz to seek their assistance in finding the source of this low hum.” n

Turbo Is Looking For Lots Of TLC

urbo spent 2 months on someone’s property before she realized that it simply wasn’t in his best interest to be in limbo there. She considered keeping Turbo, especially when, despite his nervousness, he started asking to come indoors, but he and her existing cat didn’t have good chemistry so she brought him to the shelter in hopes another tender-hearted cat lover would come along for him.

Since being with us, Turbo has continued to be quite fearful. It seems clear that he wasn’t offered the stability and socialization that helps most animals learn to trust and to associate humans with safety and all the other good things we should offer. In spite of his fear, he shows glimpses of the sweet-natured cat that is under the worried outer persona. His eyes will often go soft when you whisper his name. He allows handling without any aggression or even protest and, with patience on the part of his handler, he begins to relax and actually seems to find some enjoyment in being petted.

Volunteers have reported that when he feels safe, he shows all the signs of what a fabulous cat he has the potential to be for someone. Prospective adopters will need to be prepared for a slow, steady program of confidence building. He will likely do best as an only pet in a quiet, mellow, stable, adult-only home where he doesn’t have to battle scary environmental factors while he finds his footing.

We know that a cat-savvy saint is out there for Turbo. What a rewarding partnership it will be as he starts to shine.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is currently doing adoptions by appointment only. An application must be submitted and landlord permission or proof of home ownership received prior to arranging a meet. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! 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.

Watsonville Location: 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 Hours: CURRENTLY CLOSED SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours

crossword on 25 »

“Hummm” from page 17

The 4th of July © Statepoint Media

You can track where people have reported hearing the “Soquel Hum” on Google Earth.

“Letters” from page 23 Perhaps the least discussed and most impactful result of these changes will be the increased workload on the city staff. Any change affecting the ownership structure by 30 percent or more will require a new application and review even though there might be no change in “proprietorship” or control of the entity.

State law and most other jurisdictions only require notification, not a new license, when any change in ownership exceeds 20 percent. This is to ensure transparency of financial interests.

Requiring a new application and review anytime new investment exceeds 30 percent will result in many more hours of work for both businesses and regulators.

Cannabis businesses are among the

most regulated businesses in the state.

Compliance costs are excessive, taxes are burdensome and the lack of access to traditional banking systems creates additional costs and constraints.

This is just the latest in “Reefer Madness.” I can only hope that as the staff and City Council consider even more substantive changes to local cannabis regulations to address equity, public consumption, special events and taxation it can do so without succumbing to the irrational fears that 50 plus years of propaganda have created.

Cannabis has been and will continue to be good for the community. It is past time that we treat cannabis businesses as a positive force or at least like any other business.

— Jim Coffis, Deputy Director, Green Trade Santa Cruz

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

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