Capitola Soquel Times: August 2020

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

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August 2020 • Vol 25 No. 8

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Soquel Creek Trail Under Construction

A long-awaited creekside trail for people on foot or on bikes is under construction in Soquel. Granite is the contractor for the project.

Full Story page 12

Cabrillo Name Change Goes to Committee

County Joins COVID-19 Watch List Health Officer Expects Salons, Barbers, Gyms, Churches to End Indoor Service

By Jondi Gumz After weeks and months of flattening the curve of the contagious coronavirus COVID-19, Santa Cruz County cases have risen dramatically, warranting state scrutiny.

On Sunday, Santa Cruz County was placed on the state monitoring list because case rates topped 100 per

100,000 population for three consecutive days. (Its’s now 134 per 100,000 people.) This means that a new state order will come out next week, closing indoor services at hair salons, barbershops, gyms, churches, malls, nail salons, and massage and tattoo parlors. ... continues on page 4

Full Story page 7

Donald McCaslin: An Appreciation

Bandleader Don McCaslin, aka Jumpin’ Don, was a local treasure. He was a a Santa Cruz institution from at least 1972, when the band known as Warmth started playing at the legendary Cooper House in Santa Cruz and kept performing for 38 years ...

Full Story page 6

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No. 8

Volume 25

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31

Table of Contents

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Cover

County to Join COVID-19 Watch List: Health Officer Expects Salons, Barbers, Gyms, Churches to End Indoor Service, By Jondi Gumz

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Community News Should Cabrillo College Change its Name?, By Jondi Gumz County Reports Fourth COVID-19 Death, By Jondi Gumz • Candidate Filing For November Election closes August 7 Santa Cruz To Improve 21 Pedestrian Crossings • Capitola Election Update • Vets 4 Vets Offers Support • Shadowbrook Closes • Highway 17 Tree Work July 27-31 Red Cross Seeks Volunteers As Wildfire Season Approaches, By Cynthia Shaw • Pier I Imports To Close Nationwide; Capitola Store’s Final Days In October, By Jondi Gumz Second Harvest Food Delivery A County Blessing, By Jondi Gumz Soquel Creek Trail Under Construction Soquel High Grad Bethany Lopez Rojas Feeling ‘Grateful’, By Jenny Kurzweil COVID-19 Affects Judge Race, By Jondi Gumz • Capitola Art & Wine Festival Officially Cancelled Dominican Hospital Named Best for Maternity Care ‘Gaining Ground’ Discussion July 30 Panetta Votes For Outdoors Act • Paycheck Protection Loans Total $812M in 20th District County K-12 Schools: This Fall, Distance Learning Only Progressive Rail Wants Out of Santa Cruz Deal, By Jondi Gumz Summer Begonias Returned to Capitola Village Fire Agencies Fall Short in Safety Inspections, By Jondi Gumz First Responders Receive ‘Gratitude Treats’ In Memoriam Donald McCaslin—An Appreciation: Dec. 13, 1926 ~ July 16, 2020, By Ron Kaplan

Local Sports 20 Fall Sports Moved to December

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Your November Horoscope

Featured Columnists 22 COVID-19: How can I cure thee?, By Thomas E. Levy, MD, JD, Orthomolecular Medicine News Service 25 Government in the Time of COVID-19, By John Leopold, Supervisor, First District 26 No Website = No Business, By Ron Kustek 27 How To Stay Off State COVID Watch List, By Carrie Arnone, CEO, Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce 29 Upgrades Coming to Local Parks, Libraries, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District 30 National Water Quality Month: How To Do Your Part, By Rebecca Gold Rubin, Soquel Creek Water District 31 Ham Radio Operators Find a Way to Host Field Day, By Becky Steinbruner

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 — Tosh: Perfectly Imperfect

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COVER STORY publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers Camisa Composti, Jondi Gumz, Cynthia Shaw, Jenny Kurzweil, Ron Kaplan, Thomas E. Levy, John Leopold, Ron Kustek, Carrie Arnone, Zach Friend, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Becky Steinbruner 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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“Watch List” from page 1 Also, offices for nonessential work will have to go virtual again.

The goal is to cut down the spread of COVID-19, which has ballooned to 920 cases in Santa Cruz County, with 573 being active, including a record 78 cases reported on July 20. The overall count is up from 848 cases, 511 active, five days ago.

As of Monday, 37 of California’s 58 counties were on the watch list.

Santa Cruz County Health Office Dr. Gail Newel warned this could happen.

“You’ve got a week to get to the barber shop,” she said on Wednesday, July 22, just after she got notification of the state scrutiny.

Hours later, she spoke to constituents of Supervisor John Leopold via Zoom.

For March, April and May, during the shelter-in-place order, Dr. Gail Newel the case rate in Santa Cruz County was one of the lowest in the state.

In June, with the economy in tatters, governor opened up many more industries including tourism.

Party Time eople felt it was party time,” said Newel, contending the governor sent mixed messages by retaining a statewide shelter-in-place order but allowing tourism to reopen.

With Fourth of July, families started gathering again, as if things were back to normal. Some heeded the advice to wear a face covering to prevent the virus from spreading but many did not.

Newel shared an example from interviews with people confirmed to have COVID-19: “oh, yes, I did go to a graduation party and now 14 of my family members are sick.”

Of the 920 total cases posted at santacruzhealth.org, 36 percent are millennials age 18 to 34 and 520 are in South County. Statistics for cities and the unincorporated area are not available.

Last week, Latinos, who comprise 33 percent of the population, had 49.5 percent of the confirmed cases, a figure that had dropped from 55 percent.

Asked about that decline, Newel said,

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“We’re seeing more Caucasian cases in the Watsonville area.”

A grassroots effort started several weeks ago in Watsonville to reach out to people in their native languages, Spanish and Mixteco, to explain how families can gather safely.

New information on the number Latino cases is not available.

Employers Can Help ases have grown so quickly that Newel is asking employers to help.

Once a workplace has three or more cases, she said the employer will be asked to prepare a list of personal contacts to give the county’s “contact tracing” workers a jumpstart to alert community members to their exposure to the virus so they can be tested.

Newel said in most cases, it’s not the workplace where the virus is spread, but people living together, socializing together or hanging out in the break room without a mask.

If people would wear a mask, keep six feet apart, stay home when sick, and not share food, Newel predicted the pandemic would be over in four to six weeks.

For those concerned about contracting the virus from packages or from a retail store, she said, “It’s pretty hard to get COVID-19 from inanimate objects or outdoors.”

Asked what’s the harm of people gathering outdoors, Newel said the problem is when people are sitting close together and

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sharing food — that close contact puts them at risk.

“At least 40 percent at asymptomatic (no symptoms). They never get ill and they unknowingly spread the disease to friends and family,” she said.

Santa Cruz County has 21 experienced investigators to do contact tracing and 29 new hires from the state, all working at home.

It’s taken time to get the new hires their laptops and cellphones needed to perform their job.

“But we are adequately staffed,” Newel said.

Tests hard to get The county hit a 9 percent positive rate on tests on July 19 but that has fallen to 2 percent as of July 27.

The county reports 26,518 negative test results but getting a test is a challenge.

The reason is a global shortage of chemicals critical to run the COVID-19 lab test.

As a result, the number of tests done in Santa Cruz County has shrunk from a peak of 431 on July 11 to 123 on July 22.

Newel said it takes three weeks to get an appointment at the OptumServe site at Ramsay Park in Watsonville and the test results come back in 10 days, which “is no value to us.” By that time, people with a positive test have already exposed many others to the virus.

The workaround is the county has allocated nearly $1 million in CARES ACT money to buy equipment for a UC Santa Cruz lab, where researchers have developed an alternative testing process.

The UCSC lab is expected to ramp up from 150 tests a day to 900 or more tests a day with the new equipment.

••• Photo Cover Lisa Klaric, manager of Great Clips Capitola, located in the Brown Ranch Shopping Center, is willing to set up outdoors to keep open if the state orders indoor services to close. • Credit: Jondi Gumz

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IN MEMORIAM

Donald McCaslin: An Appreciation Dec. 13, 1926 ~ July 16, 2020

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By Ron Kaplan

andleader Don McCaslin aka Jumpin’ Don was a local treasure.

He was a a Santa Cruz institution from at least 1972, when the band known as Warmth started playing at the legendary Cooper House in Santa Cruz and kept performing for 38 years eventually migrating out to the Capitola Wharf House.

When I first came to Santa Cruz in 1976, I would come downtown and listen to the band. It was a scene in itself, and was the literal “heart” of downtown Santa Cruz. Back in my UCSC student days I could not afford to be a patron and sit inside the outdoor enclosure Donald McCaslin for a meal or a drink but was one of many on the sidewalk watching, listening, and grooving with the crowd and cast of colorful characters on the so-called sidelines of the “field of play.”

I thought to myself, “It would be so great to be able to sing with them someday.” And, it only took 20 years, but I eventually became a part of the band for the last 12 years of its iteration of exchangeable players and past players sitting in.

I characterize Don as the Art Blakey of Santa Cruz, in that every musician of note came through his band at one point or another. I consider those days out on the wharf on the weekends as some of my best times and memories in Santa Cruz, and I also consider myself lucky, and am so very

Woodcut depicts McCaslin’s band Warmth in the Cooper House days. thankful to have shown up for the past 25 years to make music with Don, including over 15 years with The Amazing Jazz Geezers on Thursday nights at Severino’s in Aptos.

I can tell you this, that Don told me that he “loved all musicians” during our last conversation. He will be missed and is irreplaceable. There are so many songs I will probably not sing going forward, particularly ballads which crooners such as me love to sing; as his knowledge was deep, and his audience appreciative.

As to his audience, whom I called “the faithful,” would come out week in and week out, not only at the Wharf House, but to Severino’s as well. I saw a number of them drop off over the years, and that would pull on Don’s heartstrings when they departed this plane. These people, not only his fans, but the musicians who played with the band became a family; a wonderful loving family, that we celebrated each and every week when we were together. It was Don who was the center and the glue of this concentric circle.

I observed many people come up to Don and share their memories of good times and nostalgia every week. He touched so many lives, and he truly cared about those people. You could say that Don himself was a time and place, never to be repeated in the jazz history of Santa Cruz. n Jazz Geezers perform with Don (keyboard) earlier this year.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Should Cabrillo College Change its Name?

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By Jondi Gumz

n 1959, Wally Trabing, a columnist for the Santa Cruz Sentinel, suggested naming the new community college after explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to arrive at the California coast in 1542.

The college had been placed in Aptos, the midpoint between rival communities in Santa Cruz and Watsonville, and the Cabrillo name was acceptable — until now.

Faculty members led by John Govsky, a digital media instructor, petitioned trustees for a change, citing Juan Cabrillo’s violent history. Madison Raasch, who served as student trustee last year, agreed.

Others questioned whether spending $1 million on a name change — the cost estimate from Cabrillo superintendent/ president Matt Wetstein — was the best choice to support students and the trustees’ goal to prioritize equity, ensuring every student has an equal opportunity for success.

If you haven’t explored Cabrillo’s history, here’s a report from historian Gary Kamiya, who shared this story from biographer Harry Kelsey in the San Francisco Chronicle: At 13, Cabrillo was a young soldier who was first to draw his sword against Taino Indians in Cuba, resulting in a slaughter of nearly all the natives in the village.

The reassessment of Cabrillo’s name comes in the wake of universities elsewhere reassessing their history, acknowledging stains and in some cases, making amends.

• Harvard University Harvard figures Cotton Mather, the Puritan minister, and John Hancock, who signed the Declaration of Independence, owned slaves.

Buried with expensive headstones near campus are Cicely and Jane, slave servants who served prominent Harvard men.

In 2016, Harvard Law School retired its logo because it was based on the family crest of an 18th century slave-holding family of Isaac Royall Jr., who endowed the first law professorship at Harvard in 1815.

His father owned a Caribbean plantation and built the family fortune trading in sugar, rum and slaves.

Harvard now offers a course called “Harvard and Slavery” but some students say the university should do more.

• Georgetown University Georgetown was kept afloat in tough financial times in 1838 when Jesuits who

ran the college sold 272 men, women, and children to pay college debts.

In 2019, Georgetown students voted to establish a student fee to fund reparations for descendants of the 272 slaves.

Georgetown renamed buildings bearing the names of Jesuits Thomas Mulledy and William McSherry, who had played key roles in the sale. The buildings are now named for Isaac Hawkins, the first slave sold in 1838, and Anne Marie Becraft, a free woman of color who established a school in Georgetown for black girls.

• University of Virginia The University of Virginia was built by slaves; students and faculty were served by slaves.

In 2013, the university established a commission to examine its slavery connections. Since then, the university has acknowledged its participation in slavery and honored the people once enslaved.

Students helped create a slavery walking tour of campus, and a prominent stone memorial is to honor an estimated 5,000 slaves working there between 1817 and 1865, when slaves were freed by President Lincoln.

Reckoning With History n athletics, business and even environmental activism, organizations are reckoning with racism in their history in the era of George Floyd, who was killed in May in Minneapolis while in police custody, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

The reporters who cover Major League Baseball will consider whether to rename the J.G. Taylor Spink Award, because it recognizes the Sporting News publisher who helped delay integration of baseball.

They are also considering whether to wipe the name of longtime baseball commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis from the Most Valuable Player trophy, because during his tenure from 1920-1944, the sport was basically all white.

Two professional football teams are dropping names considered to be ethnic slurs: the Redskins in the NFL will become the Washington Football Team while searching for a new permanent name; and the Edmonton team in the Canadan Football League will no longer be called the Eskimos.

Trader Joe’s grocery chain is phasing out Trader Ming and Trader Jose packaging after Briones Bedell, a high school student

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in Oakley, started a petition on Change. org, saying the marketing played on racial stereotypes.

This past week, the head of Sierra Club apologized for founder John Muir making derogatory comments about Black and indigenous people and for his friendship with paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn, president of the American Museum of National History, who contended the Nordic race was superior.

Committee Created uring the annual retreat on July 20, Cabrillo College trustees voted 7-1 to create a board subcommittee, likely with three trustees, to seek input from stakeholders, internal and external, on a name change.

Adam Spickler was the sole nay vote.

He favored a different process but he volunteered for the subcommittee, saying he’s not up for re-election.

Voting yes were: Edward Banks, Donna Ziel, Dan Rothwell, who are not up for election, and student trustee Amidia Frederick.

Also voting yes: Christina Cuevas, Rachael Spencer and Leticia Mendoza, who are up for re-election. Cuevas and Spencer have already filed papers saying they plan to run again.

Trustee Comments ere are some of the comments trustees made on the name issue: Edward Banks (who consulted historian Sandy Lydon to find out how the name was chosen): “I don’t discount anything that anybody said. I still feel very conflicted over any name change.”

Adam Spickler: “In the end, this will be a political decision.”

Donna Ziel: “From what I heard tonight, it’s really important to have the student voice heard.”

Christina Cuevas: “Our highest goal is

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equity for students. What’s the best we can do where we make students feel welcome and they can succeed?”

Rachael Spencer: “The timing is really difficult. The communication is difficult…

It’s going to take a lot of work to bring the community to understand this.”

Amidia Frederick, (student trustee): “Sensitivity is going to keep growing. As an institution that cares about equity, we do need to go forward with the option to investigate this. We’re not fast-tracking this.”

Dan Rothwell: “We want to be very open about receiving information. This is a hotbed, a political decision that can incite pretty strong feelings.”

The Process he Cabrillo College Governing Board next meets at 6 p.m. Aug. 3 on Zoom.

The subcommittee will likely be created then. Interested board members have been invited to notify Board Chair Leticia Mendoza of their willingness to serve.

The agenda will be posted at https:// go.boarddocs.com/ca/cabrillo/Board. nsf/Public The review will likely take months.

The Board subcommittee approach will allow select Board members to steer the process of studying the college name, its historic roots, and whether a more appropriate name is in order. External constituents from the business, education, and Cabrillo alumni community will be invited to provide input.

The subcommittee will develop recommendations that will go to the full Governing Board for a vote.

Renaming involves expenses such as changing signs on the campus and on highways and roadways, changing wayfinding maps, and obtaining a new website domain name, marketing materials and legal costs required for a name change. n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Reports Fourth COVID-19 Death

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By Jondi Gumz

r. Gail Newel, Santa Cruz County’s health officer, on Thursday reported the county’s fourth fatality connected with the contagious coronavirus COVID-19.

A man in his 70s hospitalized for a heart issue was tested before being admitted and found to be COVID-positive, Newel said.

It was “not hospital-acquired,” she added. “Other household members tested positive.”

Newel said the county has 848 cases, including 511 cases in the past two weeks.

“Our staff is overwhelmed,” she said.

The number of cases in Capitola is growing. For data, see santacruzhealth. org/coronavirus.

Newel said there’s a backlog in inputting cases into the state database because data must be entered manually from faxes or emails with test results. “And the system was down yesterday,” she added.

Mimi Hall, director of the county’s Health Services Agency, said she expects “well over” 1,000 cases by July 27.

She noted the “exponential growth in our case rate,” and test result turnaround taking 7 to 10 days, “which makes it very difficult to contact trace.”

At the outset of the pandemic in March, the county’s strategy was to expand the number of staff to investigate newly confirmed positive cases, have them isolate, find out who they might have exposed, and then call those individuals so they could get tested.

With the test result lag caused by a worldwide shortage of a chemical used in the lab test and a huge increase in cases, the initial approach is no longer working.

“You cannot contract trace or test your way out of it — it’s not containable,” Hall said.

She said the county has “under a dozen” clusters, which means three or more cases connected to an industry.

Employers Can Help he new strategy is to ask employers to identify contacts of the affected worker.

“Once someone’s positive, they know before we do,” Hall said. “We need to get everybody’s help.”

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For a sample employee notification letter and a contact tracing form, see http://santacruzhealth.org/HSAHome/ HSADivisions/PublicHealth/CommunicableDiseaseControl/CoronavirusHome/ PublicInformation/Employers.aspx The virus spreads at workplaces when employees take breaks together and eat together without masks, according to Hall, who said she had not seen the virus passed between employees and the public.

Asked if attendance at protests or memorials had spread the virus, Newel said she had not seen evidence of that.

“It’s gatherings, family celebrations in backyards,” she said.

Don’t Kill Grandma ore than half the new cases are millennials, young people age 18 to 34, prompting concern from the Santa Cruz County Business Council, which will host a webinar, “Don’t Kill Grandma,” from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday July 29 on EventBrite.

The session will cover how to have fun with friends safely, with time for questions.

Those who RSVP on EventBrite.com will be entered to win a mask; 120 are available.

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Though the latest case numbers look daunting and have drawn state scrutiny with Newel expecting Santa Cruz County to land on the watch list in 10 days – which would force hair salons, barbershops gyms and churches to halt indoor services and offer outdoor services – Newel offered a way out.

“At any point, we could again flatten the curve,” she said, adding that if people wore face coverings, stayed six feet away from people outside their household and stopped gathering, “we’d be done in 4-6 weeks.”

“COVID-19 Update” page 9

Candidate Filing For November Election closes August 7

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andidates interested in running for any of the school or special districts or city offices up for election on Nov. 3 may file candidate papers with either the Santa Cruz County Elections Department for districts, or the appropriate City Clerk’s Office for city offices now through 5 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 7.

New procedures are in place due to the contagious coronavirus COVID-19 to protect the health of candidates and county elections officials.

Candidates must first complete a Preliminary Candidate Information worksheet on the Santa Cruz County Elections website at www.votescount.us, email it to the office, and then make an appointment to come in to file the required documents.

All documents to be filed are posted online at www.votescount.us.

Candidates should complete the documents, print them at home and bring them to their appointment. The Declaration of Candidacy will be prepared at the office since it must be signed in front of an elections official or notary. If a candidate is unable to personally appear at the office, contact County Clerk Gail Pellerin at

831-454-2419 or info@ votescount.us and other arrangements will be made.

Filing for local offices will end Aug. 7 unless the incumbent (who is not termed out) does not file. In that case, filing will be extended until 5 p.m. Aug. 10.

A complete list of offices on the ballot are available at www.votescount.us . To see which districts you live in, go to https:// electiondatalookup.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/ Offices up for election in November include boards of education, community college boards, unified and high school district boards, elementary school district boards, fire protection district boards, water district boards, port district commission, recreation district boards, other miscellaneous boards, as well as city council members in the four cities.

A person is eligible to be elected or appointed to the school and special district boards if that person is: • 18 years old and a citizen of the state

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

at the time of his/ her election or appointment.

• a registered voter of the district or division and otherwise qualified to vote for that office at the time nomination papers are issued or at the time of the appointment.

• For the resource conservation district, appointees must be a registered voter of the state who resides in the district and either owns real property or have served two years or more as an associate director providing advisory assistance to the board, or be a designated agent of a resident landowner within the district.

• Candidates who file for city office must be a registered voter of the city.

• All candidates for city office must file a nomination petition with 20 valid signatures to have their name placed on the November ballot. In addition, Declarations of Candidacy must be filed with the appropriate City Clerk’s Office.

• Capitola City Clerk’s Office – 420 Capitola Ave., Capitola, CA 95010, 831-475-7300 • Santa Cruz City Clerk’s Office – 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, 831-420-5038 Declarations of Candidacy and Nomination Petitions for city office must be filed between July 13 and Aug. 7 with the City Clerk’s Office.

Appointment to each elective office will be made if there are no nominees or an insufficient number of nominees for the office.

At the time the candidate files a Declaration of Candidacy, candidates have the option of submitting a 200-word statement of qualifications to be published in the County Voter Information Guide and posted online at the candidate’s expense.

Because strict rules and laws govern candidate filing, interested persons are encouraged to download the Candidate’s Handbook at www.votescount.us or call the Elections Department at 831-454-2060.

Candidates for City Council should contact the City Clerk in their city. n

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Santa Cruz To Improve 21 Pedestrian Crossings $1 million project to improve 21 pedestrian crossings in the city of Santa Cruz is scheduled to begin construction on Monday, July 27.

The project, expected to be completed in December, will include ADA curb ramps, flashing beacons, warning signs, traffic striping and pavement markings.

The goal is to increase safety for walking and bicycling throughout Santa Cruz as identified in the City’s Active Transportation Plan.

The contractor is Precision Grade, Inc. Construction will occur on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. There may be delays due to construction. Parking, bike lanes, and pedestrian access will be impacted.

The cost is fully funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program Cycle 8 grant.

Any concerns or questions may

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“COVID-19 Update” from page 8 Hall elaborated on the county’s decision to allocate close to $1 million in federal CARES Act for lab equipment for UC Santa Cruz and for county labs to boost testing capacity. Then specimens from clinics could be sent to UCSC or processing.

But it won’t happen overnight.

“We haven’t purchased the equipment yet,” Hall said.

New Hires he also explained the long onboarding process for 23 people newly hired as contract tracers boosting that workforce to 69.

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be addressed to Project Manager Dan Estranero at destranero@cityofsantacruz. com or (831) 420-5189. Any changes to the construction schedule will be posted at www.cityofsantacruz.com.

••• Capitola Election Update wo seats are open on the Capitola City Council in the Nov. 3 election.

The four-year terms are ending for Councilman Ed Bottorff, who is termed out, and Mayor Kristen Petersen.

As of Thursday afternoon, two people had pulled nomination papers, Petersen and Anthony Roval, according to interim City Clerk Chloe Woodmansee.

“No one has made an appointment for tomorrow (July 24), and I have not been contacted by anyone else at this time,” Woodmansee added.

The deadline to file to run for election is 5 p.m. Aug. 7.

••• Vets 4 Vets Offers Support ets 4 Vets has received a grant to support veterans of Santa Cruz County during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The limit has been increased from $100 per family member to $250 per family member.

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Emergency funds are available to help with: • Food • Shelter (modestly as funds allow) • Employment related needs • Internet connectivity concerns for schoolwork and work from home • Storage rooms • Minor car repairs • Other concerns by request and Board approval.

In your request, include the veteran’s name, date of birth, branch of service, years in service, number of family members who need assistance, along with a detailed description of the request.

There are multiple options for submitting your request: Email: scveteranadvocate@gmail.com Web: www.vets4vetssantacruz.org/provider form or www.vets4vetssantacruz.org/veteransform Phone: (831) 420-7348.

••• Shadowbrook Closes apitola’s iconic Shadowbrook restaurant, which reopened July 1 after being closed since midMarch due to COVID-19, has closed again because of the governor’s order to halt indoor dining.

According to owner Ted Burke, the creekside restaurant does not

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“It’s not like you hire them and they start tomorrow,” she said.

Employees must undergo a security clearance, complete a 20-hour training, which can take a week, and then participate in additional training to learn the CalConnect system for tracking cases.

Hall said another issue is the county furloughs, which affects the Health Services Agency and creation of teams with new hires working together with experienced investigators.

After COVID-free months at the jail, skilled nursing homes, and shelters for the homeless, cases are popping up in

those places: A positive test for an inmate entering the jail, cases that nursing homes where elderly residents are more likely to have a severe case, and eight staff and overnight guests tested positive at the Salvation Army shelter in Watsonville.

have enough tables outside to justify opening.

On the Shadowbrook Facebook page, a new post says, “We will be back. We thank you for your patience and support … If everyone behaves, we hope to be back in the swing again soon!”

••• Highway 17 Tree Work July 27-31 otorists can expect delays of 10 to 20 minutes Monday through Friday next week on Highway17 due to a Caltrans tree removal project.

This roadwork will take place between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. from Monday July 27 through Friday July 31, at the following locations on Highway 17.

Monday July 27: Southbound from Sugarloaf Road to Vine Hill Road Tuesday July 28: Northbound from Inspiration to Old Santa Cruz Highway Wednesday July 29: Northbound from Inspiration Point to Old Santa Cruz Highway Thursday July 30: Southbound from the Summit to the Restaurant Friday July 31: Southbound from Crescent Drive to Santa’s Village Road This tree removal work is necessary for the safety of the travelling public and to protect surrounding properties. This roadwork will be performed by the Caltrans Santa Cruz Tree Crew. n

M

Newel said she was not aware of any outbreaks in the Mixteco community in South County and she applauded the efforts of Salud Para La Gente around Watsonville, keeping cases among farm workers “relatively scarce.” n

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Red Cross Seeks Volunteers As Wildfire Season Approaches

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By Cynthia Shaw

xperts say we are in for a busy wildfire season this summer and the American Red Cross needs volunteers to help in our community.

“The coronavirus pandemic will make it challenging to deploy trained disaster volunteers from other parts of the country should an emergency occur. In light of this, the Red Cross is asking you to be ready to help your community,” said Jennifer Adrio, Regional CEO, American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “Train now to be a Red Cross volunteer and answer the call to help if the need arises here in our region.”

BLOOD DONOR SUPPORT Volunteer at blood drives or join our missioncritical volunteer positions to carry out other aspects of our lifesaving work. The American Red Cross has a high-priority need for Blood Donor/Facility Screeners, Blood Donor Ambassadors and Transportation Specialists to continue delivering services to our communities.

These volunteers welcome visitors to Red Cross facilities or blood drives and take their temperature before they enter.

Visitors could include potential blood donors, people seeking help, course par-

ticipants, and Red Cross employees and volunteers. We also have a high-priority need for Transportation Specialists to help deliver blood from our facilities to local hospitals. We can use your help right now!

SHELTER HELP NEEDED There is a special need for volunteers to support sheltering efforts. Because of COVID-19, the Red Cross is placing those needing a safe place to stay in emergency hotel lodging when possible. If hotel stays aren’t possible, then the Red Cross will open traditional shelters. To help keep people safe, we have put in place additional precautions and developed special training for our workforce.

We need volunteers to help staff shelter reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks to help those we serve. We have both associate and supervisory level opportunities available.

HEALTH SERVICES SUPPORT NEEDED If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with an active, current and unencumbered license, the Red Cross needs your support. Volunteers are needed in

shelters to help assess people’s health.

Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may also be required. RNs supervise all clinical tasks.

Roles are also available for certified nursing assistants, certified home health aides, student nurses and medical students.

We need volunteers who can provide care as delegated by a licensed nurse in shelters.

This could include assisting with activities of daily living, personal assistance services, providing health education and helping to replace medications, durable

medical equipment or consumable medical supplies.

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING If you are interested in helping our community should a disaster occur, go to https://www.redcross.org/ volunteer/become-a-volunteer/urgentneed-for-volunteers.html Be sure to review the CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your health care provider and follow local guidance. Our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees, volunteers and the people we serve. n

Pier I Imports To Close Nationwide; Capitola Store’s Final Days In October

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By Jondi Gumz

ier 1 Imports, the financially troubled home furnishings chain, plans to close all of its stores, including the one at 3825 Clares St. in Capitola.

Sign at the Capitola store says “going out of business.”

An employee asked when the closing might take place said, “Sometime in October.”

The retail chain, which had 942 stores, posted mounting losses in 2019 after sales fell. The publicly traded company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

Analysts noted the retailer had accumulated $235 million in debt as of November.

Another factor is competition by online retailers Amazon and Wayfair.

Bed Bath & Beyond, another tradi-

tional home goods retailer with a Capitola location at 3555 Clares St., has also posted losses amidst declining sales.

For the city of Capitola, which depends on sales tax revenue to provide city services, struggling retailers mean difficult budget choices for city staff.

One example: The lifeguard program, which provides oversight and handles water rescues at Capitola beach during the busy summer season, costs $91,000. It was one of many programs cut by the city due to a budget deficit of nearly $5 million.

“Having no guards is unacceptable,” wrote Aptos resident Debbie Friedman in an email to the City Council. “Did they consider closing the beaches because they can’t be guarded? That is actually the most logical step, but is obviously not the priority.” n

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

The end is coming for home goods retailer Pier I Imports, founded in 1962 in San Mateo. This is the Capitola location.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Second Harvest Food Delivery A County Blessing

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is waiting for you

By Jondi Gumz

llen Morse-Weston, a retired public health nurse, has a smile on her face when the Second Harvest Food Bank pantry opens up at the Bay Avenue Senior Apartments in Capitola.

She lives at the complex with her husband, who is recovering from cancer treatment.

“We want food that’s healthy,” she said. “We’re grateful to have the pantry.”

Since the arrival of the contagious coronavirus COVID-19, the pantry has switched from cafeteria style, where people lined up and picked what they wanted, to deliveries to each apartment and a drive-through for Capitola residents living elsewhere in the city.

The drive-through, combined with at-your-door deliveries, eliminates gatherings with face-to-face contact, one of the most common ways COVID-19 spreads, and protects seniors for whom the virus is most life-threatening.

The food is available to Capitola residents for pick-up from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday through August, said Lisa Smith, resident services coordinator at Bay Avenue Senior Apartments, which is managed by the John Stewart Company.

We’ve RE-OPENED!

You missed us and we really missed you! Join us for the food, the view, and just being out with friends.

Lunch and Dinner are available for curbside pickup. Feel free to enjoy your meal on our deck overlooking the Monterey Bay or down on Seascape Beach. Our To Go menu includes selected cocktails from the bar. OPEN WED – SUN 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 5:00 - 9:00 PM

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Ellen Morse-Weston is grateful for the food pantry in Capitola.

On Wednesday, there were fresh vegetables, onions, potatoes, celery, zucchini and carrots in 12-pound bags for the food bank by members of the National Guard, lots of fresh blueberries in plastic clamshells, and boxes filled with staples, oats, peanut butter and cans of tuna and beans.

“Second Harvest” page 15

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Lisa Smith, resident services coordinator at Bay Avenue Senior Apartments in Capitola, has containers of fresh blueberries for Capitola residents.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Soquel Creek Trail Under Construction A long-awaited creekside trail for people on foot or on bikes is under construction in Soquel. Granite is the contractor for the project.

“Their timeline for everything is through January but we hope to have people on the trail before that,” said First District Supervisor John Leopold.

The trail — also known as a Linear Park — will connect Heart of Soquel Park in the village, the Walnut Street footbridge at the rear entrance to Soquel Elementary School, and have a spur leading to Porter Street.

Native riparian plants will replace invasive species and low-voltage lighting will be installed.

The total project cost is about $3 million. Funding sources include Proposition 68 funds for parks and water, the county’s Measure G sales tax and county development impact fees.

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

The parkway is designed to encourage children to walk and bike to school, with scenic views of Soquel Creek and opportunities to interact with nature. n

Photos Credit: John Leopold — Progress is being made on a walking and biking trail along Soquel Creek in Soquel Village.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Soquel High Grad Bethany Lopez Rojas Feeling ‘Grateful’

By Jenny Kurzweil

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hile the graduating class of 2020 was celebrating via virtual ceremonies and socially distant car parades, the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County honored the achievements of 25 remarkable students with scholarships established by generous and forward-thinking donors. “Our scholarship donors never would have predicted a global pandemic or it’s terrible economic ramifications.

Yet, in the midst of these extraordinarily challenging times, the gift of supporting education for the next generation is even more important,� said Foundation CEO Susan True. “As we celebrate the scholastic excellence of our award recipients, we also honor the power of these donors and their foresight to create endowed funds to enable scholarships in this pandemic - and forever.�

One of this year’s awardees is Bethany López Rojas, who graduated from Soquel High School last month. As a first-generation American, she learned a foreign language, managed translations for her parents, and adapted to a different culture.

Now, she’s drawing on her strength to forge ahead as the first person in her family to go to a four-year university.

Thanks to the Lillian Burton Scholarship through Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, Bethany will have some support along the way. The $5,000 academic merit based award is renewable for up to three years. Bethany will be pursuing a biology degree from Dominican University. “At times, I felt lost,� Bethany said. “I’ve struggled between losing hope and fighting for my education.�

Over the years, Bethany has persevered through cycles of doubt perpetuated by the pressure of some family members that her place was in the home and not in school or a career. Eventually, she began to wonder if her voice even mattered.

But from a young age, Bethany’s mind was set on pursuing higher education. “Knowledge is power and I want to be powerful. I want to be the success my parents hoped for, the success my family looked for, and the success I am searching for. Education was not a chance for my

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

COVID-19 Affects Judge Race

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By Jondi Gumz

n July 1, Annrae Angel, a criminal defense attorney who was the first to announce her bid for Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge and finished second in the March primary, told her supporters on Facebook, “After much reflection, I have decided to discontinue my campaign.”

She had earned the support of the third place finisher, defense attorney Jack Gordon, and was poised to compete with County Counsel Nancy de la Pena, who finished first in the primary, in the Nov. 3 general election.

Immediately after the primary, “the world turned upside down,” Angel wrote, citing the coronavirus pandemic and shelter-in-place orders, with coronavirus surges in prisons and jails putting pressure on the county’s understaffed court system.

“Having succeeded at my original goal of displacing the unqualified incumbent, I have now decided that is time to unite the community and end my electoral campaign,” she added, referring Ariadne Symons, who stepped down as judge after being disciplined for violating judicial ethics.

Angel wrote that she will work actively with de la Pena “to ensure that the Santa Cruz community benefits from the ethical, equitable and compassionate judiciary we deserve.”

However, voters will see her name on the November ballot.

Santa Cruz County Election Manager Gail Pellerin explained why: “You can’t withdraw — she’s suspending her campaign.”

Only if you die or if you got a federal or state job, would your name would

Annrae Angel dropped from the ballot, according to Pellerin.

Pellerin said she asked Angel if she got the most votes, would she accept the judgeship and Angel’s answer was “Absolutely.”

Requirements for six-foot social distancing to slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus COVID-19 are likely to affect other campaigns this year.

Health officials advise against food buffets and self-serve beverages, staples of campaign rallies, because those activities are believed to spread COVID-19.

The Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee plans to use the online platform Zoom for its endorsements this election cycle to avoid gathering, another way COVID-19 can spread via respiratory spittle that comes out when people are in extended conversations with one another. n

Capitola Art & Wine Festival Officially Cancelled

T

o Our Friends and Supporters of the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, With a heavy heart, the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce board of directors and festival organizers have made the decision to cancel the 38th annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival, scheduled for September 12 & 13, 2020 in Capitola Village.

The decision was postponed for as long as possible, however due to health

and safety issues concerning COVID-19, we must do what’s best for our friends, family, artists, wineries, vendors, volunteers and community.

For 37 years, the good vibe of the Capitola Art & Wine Festival has brought together friends and family for a magical weekend of exquisite art, wine, music and culinary treats, beside the beach in beautiful Capitola Village. It’s truly our favorite weekend of the year, and breaks our heart to miss spending it with you.

“Art & Wine” page 16

“Second Harvest” from page 11 Second Harvest Food Bank brings enough for 150 households in Capitola, which is double the number in need a year ago before the pandemic.

Between 60-70 seniors get their groceries delivered to their door at the Bay Avenue complex, and the rest drive through. Some 28 households drive to Friday food distributions at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk while others drive to distribution at the Santa Cruz County fairgrounds. Both are organized by Second Harvest.

Capitola residents are taking home 1,400 pounds of food a week from these food distributions, according to the food bank, which has asked the city of Capitola for $37,500 in community development block grant funds to operate the service for 12 months.

On Thursday night, the Capitola City Council voted 5-0 to allocate $168,642 in

community development block grant funds for services responding to the pandemic.

A subcommittee consisting of Mayor Kristen Petersen and Vice Mayor Yvette Brooks reviewed proposals submitted by nonprofits and recommended: Community Bridges Meals on Wheels, $61,000, Community Bridges LiftLine, $5,924, Grey Bears for food deliveries to Capitola seniors, $15,750, Second Harvest Food Bank, $37,298, Community Action Board, rental assistance, $20,000, with 17 percent ($28,669) set aside for administrative expenses.

Last year, Community Action Board received $25,000 from Capitola’s housing successor agency, helping eight households avoid being foreclosed or evicted.

City leaders have heard that small businesses need help to retain jobs but staff found there is no nonprofit to provide underwriting services required for business loans funded by state economic development grants. n

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Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Volunteer Matt Reyes helps out at the Second Harvest Food Bank drive-through pantry at the Bay Avenue Senior Apartments in Capitola.

“Community Foundation” from page 13 LILLIAN BURTON SCHOLARSHIP Bethany Lopez Rojas, Soquel High Isaac Wallace-Menge, SLV High EMMETT AND ELSIE GEISER SCHOLARSHIP Colby Gonzalez, Aptos High Omar Salazar, Pajaro Valley High Jacob Sandler, Aptos High ERNEST COWELL SCHOLARSHIP Ella Borsodi, Harbor High HANK GARCIA JR. AND FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP Jared Kiser, Aptos High Luz Lopez-Reyes, Watsonville High Brianna Melgoza-Ortiz, Pajaro Valley High Adam Tangonan, Pajaro Valley High

Vianey Villanueva-Vega, Watsonville High JACK DEBORD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RJ Kindred, San Lorenzo Valley High JOHN L. TURNER SCHOLARSHIP Ulises Lobato, Pajaro Valley High JUDY ANTON WOMAN OF VALOR / LUPITA LOVES TO READ PROJECT SCHOLARSHIP Lucia Meza, Harbor High LOUIS J. AND MARY ELLEN SCHULTZ SCHOLARSHIP Kieran Kahoano, Santa Cruz High Morgan Ohana, Santa Cruz High R.H. BEEL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Makai Norman, Santa Cruz High SIMUNOVICH FAMILY AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP Belen Vargas Abarca, Watsonville High

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

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dominican Hospital Named Best for Maternity Care D ignity Health Dominican Hospital has been named one of Newsweek’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals 2020, joining 230 others in 36 states.

To compile the list, experts looked for hospitals with low rates of C-section, episiotomy, and early elective deliveries, and that follow crucial protocols to protect mothers and babies. These standards are aligned with medical research and best practices but not all hospitals achieve them.

“At Dominican Hospital, we strive to provide a birthing experience that is truly unique—all the advanced care of a leading medical facility within a welcoming and comfortable community hospital setting,” said Dominican Hospital President Nanette Mickiewicz, MD. “We owe this recognition to our incredible Birth Center team, who is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and compassion for each and every birth.”

Newsweek, a digital news organization with a monthly readership of 30 million, is publishing a new series on health care enterprises that excel in patient safety and quality.

Ratings are powered by The Leapfrog Group (an independent national health care watchdog organization) using data voluntarily submitted by health care facilities.

Leapfrog deploys analysts to review the data and identify high performers.

Dominican has made changes in protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic to assure patients’ health and safety; however, new and expectant mothers should know that you may have a designated support “Art & Wine” from page 14 In addition to being a treasured community event, the festival is the number one fundraiser supporting the CapitolaSoquel Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization, as well as the many local school and community groups that assist with the production of the festival.

Cancellation presents a significant financial loss, and festival organizers plan to create a virtual event to support the chamber, and future of the festival, as well as the artists, wineries, and vendors that help make the event so special.

We will miss you, and if seeing you virtually is the only way, then by golly,

person by your side throughout your labor, birth, and postpartum.

Through a partnership with Stanford Children’s Health–Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Dominican offers a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit staffed by Stanford neonatologists and NICU-certified nurses. Families can rest assured that if their newborn needs extra attention, Dominican offers the highest level of care available in the region.

As a certified Baby-Friendly hospital, Dominican places newborns skin-to-skin on their mothers after birth to bond and make their first feeding attempts. They stay in the same room with their parents throughout their time in the hospital.

Breastfeeding classes for expectant parents as well as breastfeeding support following birth are offered at Dominican Hospital through International Board Certified Lactation Consultants who are on-site daily to provide teaching and counsel.

This recognition is the latest of several for Dominican Hospital. In June, Dominican was awarded a second consecutive ‘A’ grade for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group. The hospital was also identified by Healthgrades as among the top 10 percent in the nation for cardiac care. n ••• For information see dignityhealth. org/bayarea/locations/dominican/about-us/ quality-and-awards. we’ll take it! Follow both the Capitola Art & Wine Festival and Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and Instagram at the links below.

Save the date, as we plan to be back next year with an epic Capitola Art & Wine Festival, scheduled for September 11 & 12, 2021.

And remember … there will once again be festivals and celebrations. Hold on to that … we are! Until then, stay healthy, stay safe, buy art and drink wine! n ••• Helping our local businesses connect, learn, grow and succeed, while celebrating the unique charm of our community! https://www. capitolachamber.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

‘Gaining Ground’ Discussion July 30 T he Santa Cruz Public Libraries series, Gaining Ground, to help build resiliency within our community will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday July 30 via Zoom. Register to participate: https:// santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/6856867.

Michael Watkins and Zach Friend will lead a discussion about the film Gaining Ground: Building Community on Dudley Street (2012; 59 min), available free on Kanopy, the library’s online video streaming service. It is not necessary to watch the film beforehand but to check it out, see: santacruzpl.kanopy. com/video/gaining-ground-buildingcommunity-dudley-street.

Gaining Ground explores the innovative grassroots organizing of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative in Boston, created 25 years ago when the community had been devastated by bank redlining, arson-for-profit and illegal dumping, and has become one of the preeminent models for community-based change.

Over two years, a new generation of

leaders work to prevent foreclosures and bring jobs and opportunities for young people to one of the city’s most diverse and economically challenged neighborhoods.

According to Library Director Susan Nemitz, “Building resilience in our community is one of the most important things we can do.”

Considering the stressors of Covid-19, climate change, and racial and social inequality, “our libraries must bring people together to have open discussions about how to protect our most vulnerable populations and the community as a whole,” Nemitz added.

The series is free and all are invited.

Come with questions and ideas to help build a more resilient community.

“Gaining Ground: Building Community on Dudley Street” is brought to you by The Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries. n ••• Zach Friend serves as Second District Supervisor for Santa Cruz County, a position he’s held since 2012.

He has worked for the White House Council of Economic Advisers, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and for nearly a decade with the Santa Cruz Police Department as a press information officer and crime analyst.

Michael Watkins is a founding member and currently serves as President of the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators, a group of educational leaders committed to addressing critical issues in education as they relate to African American students.

In 2006, he was the first AfricanAmerican elected as Santa Cruz County superintendent of schools, a position he held for 12 years.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Panetta Votes For Outdoors Act O n July 22, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) voted for the Great American Outdoors Act, a landmark conservation bill to help ensure public lands are protected and preserved.

The bipartisan legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is now

Congressman Panetta Speaks on the House Floor in Support of the Great American Outdoors Act

heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“The bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act will encourage conservation, recreation, and access to the outdoors while addressing significant deferred maintenance in our National Parks and Forests. By helping to reduce critical infrastructure backlogs, this bill will keep our communities safe and our public lands resilient. Additionally, by providing full and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has supported conservation activities on treasured public lands from the Los Padres National Forest to the Watsonville Wetlands, this bill will help ensure our communities can continue to access and assist in the conservation of our natural resources for future generations,” said Panetta.

The Great American Outdoors Act is designed to ensure the $900 million permanently authorized by Congress last year funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund at the levels that were promised.

These resources will make sure that it continues to: Support enhanced park and rec-

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

reational access for local communities throughout the country; Addresses environmental injustice by creating green spaces near low-income communities and communities of color across the country by preserving our natural heritage in an equitable manner; Strengthens the recreation economy, which is one of the fastest growing economic sectors and a key driver of jobs across the country; and Implements recommendations from the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis’ Solving the Climate Crisis action plan to support the goal of protecting at least 30 percent of all U.S. lands and ocean areas by 2030 while helping fragile ecosystems, wildlife populations and communities become more resilient to the impacts of the climate crisis.

To preserve the National Parks, the Great American Outdoors Act establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, providing federal land management agencies with critical resources to address the $22 billion deferred maintenance backlog on our public lands. n

Paycheck Protection Loans Total $812M in 20th District

O

n July 22, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) reported the Paycheck Protection Program provided financial assistance to 6,621 local businesses and helped to retain over 82,000 jobs on California’s central coast of California.

This comes after the Small Business Administration (SBA) released data on the PPP’s impact in California’s 20th Congressional District.

“To survive the pandemic, small businesses across the Central Coast are relying on the relief packages allocated by the federal government,” said Panetta. “I’m proud that Congress played its part and passed bipartisan legislation to provide such a large amount of funding to so many small businesses.”

“Loans” page 20

FEATURED COLUMNIST

County K-12 Schools: This Fall, Distance Learning Only Editor’s Note: This column was coauthored by Dr. Faris Sabbah, county superintendent of schools, and all ten Santa Cruz County school district superintendents.

••• ue to the continued upward trend of confirmed COVID-19 cases in California, Gov. Newsom set forth a new mandate on July 17 for California K-12 schools that provides long awaited clarity to educators and parents as we look to the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.

Newsom’s order mandates all counties who qualify for the California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Monitoring List to continue with distance learning only until they are able to remain off this list for 14 consecutive days. The CDPH monitoring list criteria is determined by elevated levels in the areas of disease transmission, increasing hospitalization, and limited hospital capacity specific to each county.

Santa Cruz County has met the criteria to be on the state monitoring list as of July 20. Therefore, school districts, charter schools, and private schools are now required to provide distance learning instructional services only.

Schools may reopen for in-person instruction once Santa Cruz County has not been on the county monitoring list within the prior 14 days. Santa Cruz County schools will reopen when local public health data demonstrates that it is safe to do so, with reduced transmission levels and the availability of testing and contact tracing for the school community.

Based on the trajectory of the pandemic in our county, it is unlikely schools will be able to re-open for in-person instruction prior to January 2021.

This summer, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and county school district superintendents have been working in partnership with our local public health authorities to prepare guidelines for Santa Cruz County educational institutions that will facilitate a safe return to site-based classroom instruction when local public health conditions allow.

We are pleased to announce this document is ready for distribution, and

D

S A N TA C R U Z C O U N T Y B A N K is applicable to all K-12 schools, public or private, throughout Santa Cruz County.

View the Full Reopening Framework for Santa Cruz County Schools by visiting sccoe.link/reopening_framework.

We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of our local public health department and the many teams of school personnel in the development of this framework.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented tremendous challenges to our education system and to the students and families that our schools serve, bearing disproportionate challenges for our most vulnerable youth.

We recognize that the rapid emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and sudden changes it has imposed on families has been extremely disruptive and a source of significant hardship. When our local COVID-19 data no longer places us on the CDPH monitoring list for the requirement of 14 consecutive days, Santa Cruz County schools will transition to in-person educational models that allow for the reintegration of limited, small group in-class learning opportunities for students.

In the interim, Santa Cruz County public schools are committed to ensuring that all learners have the resources and access to essential services they need to succeed and thrive via distance learning.

Essential services including daily free meal and grocery programs, social and emotional support services, and free and reduced-cost internet connectivity will continue to be provided to students and families throughout the extended school closures.

Parents can expect to be contacted by their child’s school for specific information and resources pertaining to their distance learning program as the first day of school draws nearer. n ••• For more information and resources, visit sccoe.link/coronavirus.

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

LOCAL SPORTS

Fall Sports Moved to December T

Register Now for Fall Semester Most Classes Online Starts August 24

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

he CIF Central Coast Section’s Executive Committee has determined that education-based athletics for the 2020-21 school year will have a modified season, with fall sports starting in December and winter-spring sports starting in February and March.

Through the guidance and support of the California Interscholastic Federation and their continued work, we are continuously monitoring the directives and guidelines released from the Governor’s Office, the California Department of Education, the California Department of Public Health, and local county health departments and agencies as these directives and guidelines are followed by our member schools/ school districts with student health and safety at the forefront, Commissioner David Grissom said.

As guidelines change, CCS schools may allow for athletic activity to resume under the summer period rules. Given this calendar change, the CIF and CCS has temporarily suspended certain bylaws thereby allowing students to participate on an outside team at the same time they participate on their high school team. n

“Loans” from page 18 He continued: “Although there were some difficulties at times in the administration of the funds, I’m also proud that my office was there to help hundreds and hundreds of local businesses, including owners, non-profits, the self-employed and independent contractors, with getting their SBA loans. While I’m glad that the Paycheck Protection Program helped retain thousands and thousands of jobs in our community, I know that there is more work to be done. That’s why I will continue to work at the national level to secure such critical assistance so that our small businesses at the local level not only survive this pandemic but also succeed in the future.”

Panetta voted for the Heroes Act, which would extend PPP through December 31. The legislation is being considered by the Senate.

Here are the start dates for practice and the dates of first competition and section finals.

Season 1

Practice Start Finals Cross Country 12/14 12/28 3/20 Field Hockey 12/14 12/28 3/20 Football 12/14 1/8 4/10 Water Polo 12/14 12/28 3/13 Volleyball 12/14 12/28 3/13 Season 2 Badminton 2/22 3/8 5/22 Soccer 2/22 3/8 5/29 Tennis-Team 2/22 3/8 5/29 Tennis-Individual 2/22 3/8 TBD Swimming & Dive 3/8 3/22 5/29 Wrestling 3/15 3/29 6/5 Basketball 3/15 3/29 6/12 Baseball 3/15 3/29 6/19 Boys Golf 3/15 3/29 6/8 Girls Golf 3/15 3/29 6/9 Lacrosse 3/15 3/29 6/17 Softball 3/15 3/29 6/19 Track & Field 3/15 3/29 6/19 Traditional Cheer N/A N/A 4/3 Gymnastics TBD TBD TBD Competitive Cheer TBD TBD TBD

Businesses in Panetta’s district received 6,621 PPP loans totaling $812.5 million, from 203 total lenders. The SBA data shows loans of $150,000 or less and loans of over $150,000.

In March, Panetta voted for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which established the PPP, allowing small businesses and nonprofits to receive forgivable loans to cover payroll and other costs.

Panetta also voted for the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which is now law, which cut red tape and made it easier for small businesses to use the loans and maximize loan forgiveness. The PPP Flexibility Act extended the deadline to apply for a PPP loan to Aug. 8.

To find a lender, see https://www. sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options or call the congressman’s office at 202-225-2861 for more info. n https://panetta.house.gov

COMMUNITY NEWS

Progressive Rail Wants Out of Santa Cruz Deal

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By Jondi Gumz

rogressive Rail, the Minnesota firm that in 2018 was voted a 10-year contract by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission over local competition to run the Santa Cruz branch line, wants out of the contract, which worries Big Creek Lumber, one of its big freight customers in Watsonville.

“The rail line in Watsonville is in good repair,” said Bob Berlage of Big Creek Lumber, which has been using rail freight for nearly 50 years. “It would be a bad decision in the long run to lose that infrastructure. We’re wanting to get more information.”

Big Creek bought its property in Watsonville specifically for the rail head, he said, adding, “It’s very important to us.

It helps us stay competitive with big box stores.”

Berlage said he had talked with folks at Progressive Rail and learned that another carrier may be taking over.

“We’re hoping to have those conversations,” he said.

Attempts to reach Progressive Rail employees and chairman Dave Fellon and were unsuccessful.

The RTC, a regional agency with a 12-member governing board, posted an announcement July 1 saying Progressive Rail, also known as Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad or SPP, intends to terminate the agreement, which covers freight and passenger service on the 32-mile Santa Cruz branch line.

After being asked why, RTC spokeswoman Shannon Munz posted an update, saying the rail carrier “stated the reason for termination is due to illegal activities by third parties, including trespassing.

The Commission is working with SPP to resolve the stated problems, in order to

avoid termination of the agreement. At present, freight customers will continue to be served by SPP and there should be no interruption of service.”

She added, “As we are in the process of working with SPP to resolve their issues, we will not be answering any other questions on this at this time.”

A McKinsey report in June reported the COVID-19 pandemic has scrambled demand for U.S. freight, cutting ocean shipping by 25 percent and rail freight by 20 percent while boosting small deliveries by truck as people have shifted to shopping online.

Asked about trespassing and COVID-19, Berlage said he hadn’t heard about either issue from Progressive.

Trail Now, a local group founded by Aptos resident Brian Peoples advocating a trail for walking and bicycling in the rail corridor, contends Progressive Rail wants to end its operations on the Santa Cruz Branch line because there is not enough freight operations to sustain a railroad business.

For a railroad operator to be profitable on the line, there needs to be 1,000 carloads per year, according to Trail Now, which estimated Progressive had 300 carloads last year.

“We hope the public begins to realize that trains are not a viable business on the Santa Cruz Branchline,” TrailNow wrote in its newsletter to members.

The RTC is in the middle of a study to determine the locally preferred alternative for public transit on the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line, which is expected to be completed early next year. Until that study is completed, the RTC does not plan to consider alternatives to the existing rail agreement, according to Munz. n

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

COVID-19: How can I cure thee?

By Thomas E. Levy, MD, JD, Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Editor’s note: None of the information that follows in this article is intended to be used by anyone as direct medical advice.

Rather, the article is intended only to make the reader aware of other treatment possibilities and documented scientific information that can be further discussed with a chosen health care professional.

••• robably never before in history has anything or any event mixed fact, fiction, fear, and confusion like the COVID-19 pandemic of 2019-2020. Political and medical “experts” have been in abundance, primarily regurgitating the same message as though it was something new every time they get interviewed: Wash your hands, maintain social distancing, and wear a mask as much as possible. And the public and the news media always take great comfort that an “expert” told them the truth.

Trouble is, you can always find another “expert” of equal credentials who will offer a completely contradictory perspective.

Understandably, this generates much of the

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While still unknown to most fear and confusion noted above. practitioners of traditional or The good hygiene and virus “modern” medicine, acute viral avoidance advice noted above is syndromes, COVID-19 included, helpful, although it is probably a can all be easily prevented most of bit overblown when discussing the time. And when such viruses how important a mask is in do get a foothold in the body, they preventing virus transmission, are still easily eradicated if the especially outdoors. It seems ludicrous to mandate mask wearing Thomas E. Levy patient is not too close to death before receiving any of a large at all times, indoors and outdoors, although this is being given consideration number of treatments established to be by some governmental (and medical) effective.

Many doctors get attacked for proauthorities at the time of this writing.

However, this advice only scratches moting treatments as cures for afflictions the surface with regard to the numerous traditionally considered to be incurable. options available to avoid contracting Certainly, it is true some treatments prothis infection, or to even cure it. There moted as being reliable cures are either is no point in suffering from misguided fraudulent or of only nominal benefit. advice when COVID-19 can be prevented However, failing to assert the validity of or reliably cured in short order. As will be a true cure for a medical condition is just clearly explained in this article, nobody as detrimental to the health of an ailing needs to die from COVID-19, or even to patient as it is promoting a false cure.

Many doctors know of highly bensuffer needlessly (as many virus victims have remained quite ill for months before eficial treatments that cure or vastly improve medical conditions that are little finally recovering). affected by traditional therapies. Yet, fear of license revocation for telling the truth about inexpensive and natural therapies that cannot be protected by patents keeps most health care practitioners from promoting those beneficial therapies. Nothing is ever embraced, and seemingly not even permitted, that would take away large profits from pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and even many of the doctors themselves.

Whenever you are absolutely stupefied and cannot figure out why a valuable treatment is not being used, just take the time to identify, expose, and analyze the money trail involved with the prescription drugs and/or overall treatment protocol that would be displaced. The reason for the avoidance or suppression of that therapy will then become apparent.

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

To be perfectly clear: The health of the patient must always be the primary concern whenever rendering medical care.

There exists a First Amendment right in the United States that permits free speech, including the writing of books and articles. This right has even protected authors who openly provide information on how to make bombs and promote terrorism. One can only hope that discussing inexpensive and effective medical treatments will continue to receive the same protection.

However, it is very clear this right is

rapidly disappearing, in light of the open suppression of free speech that has been occurring for some time, but especially in the last few months. In light of this, then, the information in this article is being presented.

There already exist numerous ways to reliably prevent, mitigate, and even cure COVID-19, including in late-stage patients who are already ventilator-dependent.

Some of the modalities have already been proven to work, although not in the classic “prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled trials” conducted on hundreds to thousands of patients.

A perceptive clinician realizes that one overwhelmingly impressive case report where an agent or intervention promptly and unequivocally reverses the condition of a rapidly declining patient back to good health simply cannot be dismissed and disparaged as anecdotal and irrelevant.

Furthermore, it is the existence of such cases and unequivocally positive responses that makes it completely unethical to put other patients into placebo-controlled trials when the treatment is dramatically beneficial to most patients and harmless to all. Allowing patients in the placebo group to suffer greatly and even die under such circumstances can never be justified.

Unfortunately, even when multiple scientifically-sound clinical studies actually do get conducted and reported on inexpensive, nontoxic and highly effective therapies, those therapies rarely get utilized clinically.

Although there are many examples of such therapies, an especially noteworthy example of the suppression of good medicine is seen with vitamin C. The continued avoidance of the use of intravenous vitamin C, especially in septic patients in the intensive unit, stands out as a clear example of flagrant malpractice.

Conservatively, thousands of ICU patients around the world, on a daily basis, would be saved or at least spared substantial suffering with a simple protocol utilizing intravenous vitamin C. And the morbidity and mortality of many different infections and toxin exposures outside of the ICU setting would also be readily mitigated and even resolved with vitamin C-based protocols.

But this is not happening, even though the literature has unequivocally indicated the clinical importance (and safety) of vitamin C for over 80 years.

The following therapies can be used, and many have been used, to prevent and

FEATURED COLUMNIST treat COVID-19 (and many other infections, viral or otherwise).

Not all of them have been equally welldocumented or proven as being effective.

Some have strong literature, research study and clinical support. Others represent simply logical applications of treatment protocols that have already been proven to be highly effective in eradicating other viral infections and should be expected to have comparable effects on the COVID-19 virus.

The treatments described below are categorized as having the ability to prevent, to improve and to cure COVID-19 and other viral syndromes.

••• Vitamin C (prevents, improves, cures) itamin C has been documented to readily cure all acute viral syndromes in which it has been adequately dosed. As the ultimate virucide, vitamin C has been documented to inactivate/destroy every virus against which it was tested in vitro (in the test tube). Similarly, vitamin C has consistently resolved nearly all acute viral infections in patients treated with sufficient doses.

Vitamin C has cured Zika fever, another epidemic virus that struck in 2016. Along with hydrogen peroxide, intravenous vitamin C has also been documented to be highly effective against the debilitating pain of Chikungunya virus. Intravenous vitamin C has also resolved influenza. A high degree of protection against infection by many other pathogens is also achievable with a variety of treatments featuring oral forms of vitamin C. In an ongoing clinical study on hospitalized COVID-19 patients, a combination of vitamin C, methylprednisolone, heparin, and thiamine (created by Front Line Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance) has already resulted in a dramatic decrease in hospital mortality rate.

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Vitamin D (prevents, improves) itamin D has been clearly documented to strengthen immune function and decrease the risk of infection from any pathogen, including the COVID-19 virus.

Patients with the highest vitamin D levels have shorter and less symptomatic courses of infection.

While vitamin D has not been demonstrated to cure viruses as a monotherapy, maintaining an adequate level of vitamin D is vital for both preventing the contraction of infectious diseases as well as for recovering more rapidly from such infections, with a clear decrease in mortality rate.

In a recent study not yet published, Indonesian researchers studied the effects of vitamin D on mortality in 780 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. They found that 98.9% of COVID-19 patients with vitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml died.

Yet, less than 5% with substantially higher levels of vitamin D died.

Consistent with these findings, it has been shown the most life-threatening complication of COVID-19 infection, acute respiratory distress syndrome, occurs much more readily in the presence of a vitamin D deficiency. Clearly, vitamin D supplementation should be part of any treatment protocol for COVID-19 or any other infectious disease.

Zinc (prevents, improves) inc is needed inside the virus-infected cells to stop virus replication by inhibiting viral RNA polymerase. It is a possibility that many of the younger individuals that are either killed or made severely ill by COVID-19 are chronically zinc-depleted due to inadvertently zincdeficient diets.

Since supplemental zinc has only a limited ability to reach the cytoplasm of cells due to its ionic nature, zinc ionophores (agents that complex with zinc and

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transport it into the cell) are known to be good general antiviral agents.

Quercetin is one such supplement, and it can serve as a good adjunctive agent to any COVID-19 treatment protocol. Chloroquine is also a zinc ionophore, perhaps explaining its potent anti-COVID-19 effects.

Magnesium Chloride (prevents, improves, may cure) agnesium, especially as magnesium chloride, has been documented to have substantial antipathogen properties, and it has been reported to cure poliovirus infections as a monotherapy when ingested orally.

While it remains unclear what an aggressive regimen of this agent would do as a monotherapy for COVID-19, it can be expected to be a positive adjunctive agent in any COVID-19 prevention or treatment protocol.

Ozone (improves, cures) zone is probably the single most potent antipathogen agent available today. It readily eradicates all pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. It has many routes of administration and can be utilized as an effective monotherapy, although it positively supports all treatment protocols in an adjunctive and usually synergistic fashion as well.

Ozone has been documented to cure advanced cases of Ebola virus, for which there are still no known effective mainstream medical therapies. For someone with ready access to ozone, different applications of ozone could certainly be used to prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses as well.

However, with the other simple and effective antiviral measures listed in this article, using ozone for prevention is not really needed.

Hydrogen Peroxide (prevents, improves, cures) ydrogen peroxide has been used for many years as a monotherapy as well as part of many different treatment protocols for a wide variety of infections. A clinically effective dose will typically cost less than a dime.

During a severe epidemic of influenza in 1919 a protocol of intravenous hydrogen peroxide given only to the most severely ill patients dramatically decreased the death rate.

Due to its well-documented and potent antipathogen properties, along with producing no toxic byproducts upon killing pathogens, hydrogen peroxide is now being proposed in the literature (by Italian researchers) for an off-label use via oral and nasal washing, a regimen of gargling, and administration via nebulization immediately upon symptom appearance with the presumptive diagnosis of COVID-19.

Impressive anecdotal evidence already indicates this application, especially

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via nebulization, appears to be a powerful preventive and even curative therapy against all respiratory-acquired infections, viral or otherwise.

A large number of other agents can also be nebulized that have pathogenkilling and mucosal cell-healing properties, including, but not limited to: DMSO, magnesium chloride, sodium ascorbate [vitamin C], nascent iodine, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, zinc chloride, glutathione, and N-acetyl cysteine.

Hyperbaric Oxygen (may improve, may cure) yperbaric oxygen therapy is the breathing of pure oxygen inside a chamber that is pressurized between 1.5 to 3 times normal atmospheric pressure. It has been documented to consistently help eradicate deep-seated and otherwise nonhealing wounds and infections.

Ozone therapy, which has destroyed all viruses and pathogens against which it has been tested, has been shown to share some mechanisms of action with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This certainly raises the reasonable possibility that hyperbaric oxygen might also be a very effective antiviral therapy in addition to its established antibacterial effects.

Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (improves, may cure) lso known as photo-oxidation therapy, ultraviolet blood irradiation therapy has been effectively treating infections for many decades now. In a series of 36 cases of acute polio (spinal type), the blood irradiation treatment was successful in curing 100% of these patients.

Viral hepatitis and bacterial sepsis were also found (in the 1940s) to be very effectively treated with ultraviolet blood irradiation. This irradiation therapy would likely be equally effective against any other pathogens, especially viruses.

Chlorine Dioxide (improves, cures) hlorine dioxide has long been recognized as a powerful antimicrobial agent. It has been around for over 100 years, and it is used both to purify water and to purify blood to be used for transfusion.

As a therapeutic agent for infectious diseases, it has been given both orally and intravenously with great effect, and it has been shown to be very effective against COVID-19 as well.

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“Cure COVID-19?” page 24

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST “Cure COVID-19?” from page 23 Dr. Andreas Kalcker directed a clinical study with doctors in Ecuador on COVID-19 patients using oral and intravenous chlorine dioxide. 97% of over 100 COVID-19 patients were vastly improved with clear remission of the severest symptoms after a four-day treatment regimen with chlorine dioxide.

No deaths were reported.

Oftentimes a dramatic clinical response was seen after only 24 hours. A clinical study on the effects of oral chlorine dioxide on COVID-19 patients in Colombia was initiated in April of this year.

Dexamethasone (improves) arly findings in the Randomized Evaluation of COVid-19 thERapY (RECOVERY) Trial in the United Kingdom indicate that the addition of dexamethasone significantly improved clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients.

A 35% reduction in death was seen in treated patients already dependent on mechanical ventilation, and a 20% reduction in death was seen in the treated patient group just receiving supplemental oxygen therapy.

This response of COVID-19 patients on ventilators is very consistent with the benefits of dexamethasone seen with acute respiratory distress syndrome unrelated to COVID-19.

Budesonide (may prevent, improves, may cure) udesonide is a corticosteroid approved for inhalation via a nebulizer (Pulmicort Respules), and it is primarily used for persistent asthma and asthma exacerbations in children and infants as young as 12 months.

Dr. Richard Bartlett, a West Texas physician, has treated several dozen COVID-19 patients as of mid-June with nebulized budesonide, and he has asserted all have promptly and dramatically responded positively and none have died. Sequential, or even combined, nebulizations of budesonide and hydrogen peroxide would appear to have great potential for a safe and rapidly effective treatment for any respiratory virus, including COVID-19.

The hydrogen peroxide would serve to promptly kill the virus in the airways, and the corticosteroid would relieve the COVID-19 inflammation (“cytokine storm”) and the associated shortness of breath. Nebulized budesonide has also been shown to be an effective treatment for preventing fungal infections of the nose and sinuses.

Patients already on mechanical ventilation can also benefit greatly from the direct nebulization of therapeutic agents through the endotracheal tube. This can certainly be done with budesonide and hydrogen peroxide as well. Too many ventilatordependent patients are left to eventually

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overcome the virus with whatever remaining immune capacity they have.

Having a treatment that can directly attack the virus present in the lungs while relieving the inflammation with a resultant improvement in oxygenation should result in many of these patients getting weaned off the ventilators and eventually recovering completely.

To date, being hospitalized with COVID-19 and eventually ending up on a ventilator still appears to be a death sentence for the vast majority of such patients.

Convalescent Plasma (improves, may cure) onvalescent plasma is plasma collected from individuals who have recovered from an infectious disease resulting in the formation of antibodies. Depending on the severity of COVID-19 infection and the inherent immune capacity in a given patient, the transfusion of convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients has nearly always significantly reduced the viral load and clinically improved the patient.

When the viral load is lowered dramatically, a clinical cure can be expected.

A significantly improved survival rate has been seen in COVID-19 patients who have received convalescent plasma therapy.

Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine (prevents, improves, cures) I have had the opportunity to see clear-cut and dramatically positive clinical responses in six individuals with rapidly evolving symptoms consistent with fulminant COVID-19 infection treated with oral chloroquine phosphate.

In these individuals (ranging from 35 to 65 years of age), therapy was initiated when breathing was very already very difficult and continuing to worsen. In all six, significant improvement in breathing was seen within about four hours after the first dose, with a complete clinical recovery seen after about an average of three days.

The oldest individual had a pulse oximeter reading of 80 before the first dose of chloroquine, and the reading improved to 94 after about four hours as the labored breathing eased. The rapidity with which the shortness of breath evolved in all these individuals strongly suggested that respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome was imminent.

The chloroquine dosing was continued for several days after complete clinical resolution to prevent any possible clinical relapse. While a large, definitive study on chloroquine and COVID-19 remains to be completed, there is already a great deal of published evidence supporting its effectiveness and overall safety.

A recent clinical trial demonstrated that hydroxychloroquine given with azithromycin eradicated or significantly decreased measured viral load in respiratory swabs.

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

Both chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are old drugs that are very safe at the doses shown to be effective in treating COVID-19, and they are both recognized as having significant nonspecific antiviral properties. Also, chloroquine, and probably hydroxychloroquine as well, are zinc ionophores, which is likely the reason why they have such significant antiviral properties.

As noted above, agents that greatly facilitate zinc transport inside virusinfected cells rapidly accelerate virus destruction and clinical resolution of the viral infection. Many clinicians now feel chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine therapy for COVID-19 and other viruses is optimized by concomitant zinc administration. Certainly, there is no good reason to avoid taking zinc with these agents.

As might be expected, drugs as potently antiviral to COVID-19 as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine would be expected to be effective preventive agents as well, particularly in the setting where exposure is known or strongly suspected to have taken place, or in a setting where repeated and substantial exposure will reliably occur, as in COVID-19-treating hospitals.

Many front-line health care workers are on such preventive protocols. But many of the physicians who are taking one of these agents to prevent COVID-19 infection are still resistant to giving it to infected patients. This is difficult to logically reconcile if patient welfare is of the uppermost concern.

Radiotherapy (improves, cures) n a recent pilot trial at Emory University, five nursing home patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were given a single treatment of low-dose radiotherapy over the lungs. All five patients had radiographic evidence of pneumonia and required supplemental oxygen. All five were felt to be deteriorating from a clinical perspective.

The radiotherapy consisted of a 10- to 15-minute application of 1.5 Gy (150 rads).

Four of the five patients were noted to have a rapid improvement in their breathing, and clinical recovery was seen to occur between 3 and 96 hours post-irradiation.

General Recommendations hile many supplement regimens can be used for COVID-19 prevention, such regimens should include at a minimum vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium chloride, and zinc. Any of many additional quality nutrient and antioxidant supplements can be added as desired, largely dependent on expense and personal preference.

Nebulizations of powerful antipathogen agents, especially hydrogen peroxide, can readily prevent respiratory viral infections like COVID-19 from taking hold, and initiating such nebulizations even after an infection has been contracted will still make a substantial contribution to a more rapid and complete recovery.

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Interventions such as ozone and ultraviolet blood treatments have the potential to be effective monotherapies, although it is always a good idea to accompany such treatments with the baseline supplementation regimen and nebulizations as mentioned above.

In the hospitalized setting, intravenous vitamin C and dexamethasone should always be part of the treatment regimen.

Nebulizations with hydrogen peroxide and budesonide can accelerate recovery substantially. Also, patients already on ventilator support should always be given vitamin C and dexamethasone along with these nebulizations in addition to anything else felt to be indicated by the attending physician.

Low doses of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine along with zinc should always be given in the setting of highrisk exposure. Azithromycin can be taken with these agents as well. Higher doses of these agents should always be part of any regimen in the treatment of a suspected or diagnosed COVID-19 patient, whether asymptomatic or already in the hospital.

While the politics of the COVID-19 pandemic are beyond the scope and aim of this article, there remain no valid medical reasons for not using any of the agents or interventions itemized above for either preventing or treating COVID-19 patients.

Furthermore, many combinations of these treatments can be applied, depending on their availability and the clinical status of a given patient.

Traditional medicine insists on “proof” of any therapy before it is used routinely, even though this standard of proof is never actually obtained for many of the usual prescription drug approaches to infections and other diseases.

When an agent is inexpensive, virtually harmless, and with substantial evidence of providing benefit, there is no justification for a physician to refuse or even actively block its administration to a patient otherwise assured of prolonged suffering and likely death (as with hospitalized COVID-19 patients on ventilation support).

With the treatment options available, there is no good reason for most people to even contract COVID-19, and there is certainly no good reason for anyone to die from this virus, much less have a prolonged clinical course of infection with a great deal of needless suffering. n ••• Cardiologist and attorney Thomas E. Levy is the author of a books, “Curing the Incurable: Vitamin C, Infectious Diseases, and Toxins,” “Primal Panacea” and “Stop America’s #1 Killer.” His email is televymd@yahoo.com. For a free subscription to Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, visit orthomolecular.org/subscribe. html. For footnoted reports and the archive, see orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Government in the Time of COVID-19

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hen one door closes, another one may open. Since March when Dr. Gail Newel, County Public Health Officer, issued one of the first Shelter-In-Place orders in the state, local government has gone through some changes in the ways in which we connect with constituents, hold public meetings, and carry on the business of municipal government. Some of the changes have been long sought and others require us all to adjust to our new circumstances.

None of us were completely prepared to shut down regular business and social activity when the shelter-in-place order was issued.

The order required immediate action to limit gatherings of people and to stay close to home for all but essential activities.

This early action produced great results to slow the spread of the virus and likely saved many lives. The first order of business was creating the infrastructure to handle a surge in illness that could dwarf the local medical system, like we saw later in New York City.

County staff worked diligently with all our partners in health care to create the additional space and identify the supplies needed to handle the possible surge. Faced with a shortage of supplies, local residents offered their services, sewing hundreds of face coverings, donating food and other needed supplies, and replacing volunteers for programs that relied on seniors who were now at greater risk.

The Sheriff reorganized his deputies to have more out in the community, prepared the morgue for deaths on a scale that we have never seen before, and worked to limit the spread of the virus in our jail.

At the County government building, life also changed quickly. The County Administrative Officer was already working on a plan to increase telework options for County employees. The

By John Leopold, Supervisor, First District

issuance of the shelter-in-place order accelerated that effort, and hundreds of County employees began working at home as we shut down most services to the public.

Local government meetings also changed throughout the county. Most city councils have gone to all virtual meetings, made possible by a change in state law. At the County Board of Supervisors, we have maintained a public meeting but allow participation from Supervisors who choose to participate over the web.

Our chambers have also changed. We require everyone to wear a face covering and we have only about 13 socially-distant seats, but we have added a second seating area in the community room in the basement of the building that allows for another 20 people to attend the meeting and have their comments broadcast to the chambers.

For the first time, we are taking public comments online as part of a commitment to provide new ways for the community to give their testimony.

Most of the meetings of other boards and commissions on which Supervisors also serve are being done virtually as well.

While there are several different formats and a couple of hiccups along the way, it represents a commitment to reach the public as we move our way through this pandemic.

Communication with constituents also changed rapidly. Gone are the meetings in public, but it their place are increases in email communications and new formats to talk about the critical issues. I have held nearly weekly constituent meetings for the last 12 years, but quickly moved online with Facebook Live meetings at first, then telephone Town Halls, and currently Zoom Town Halls.

These meetings have featured our health leaders, school leaders, and public safety professionals to answer questions

First District Supervisor John Leopold hosts a July 22 Town Hall with Dr. Gail Newel that attracted 100 attendees on Zoom with a replay on YouTube.

directly from the community. I have been sending almost weekly email updates to constituents to combine all the new information and point people toward resources.

As we have seen, this pandemic is not close to being over.

We are all going to need to adjust the ways in which we connect with our friends, family, and local officials. It will be imperative for County government to remain committed to inclusion and provide ample opportunities for people to participate.

If we all can change what we do by wearing face coverings, staying at least six feet away from those who don’t live in our houses, washing our hands thoroughly, and not going out when we are sick, we can beat this virus and return to the traditional ways we have interacted.

Until then, join us in new ways as we continue the work of local government. n To view John Leopold’s July 22 Town Hall with Dr. Gail Newel on COVID-19, see https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G6su3ugceU

Dr. Seuss

ACROSS

1. On a cruise, 2 words 6. Horse poker 9. Deadly slitherers 13. Way to curl hair 14. *Today is gone. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another ____.”

15. Islam’s Supreme Being 16. Subway coin 17. Salve for Tin Woodman 18. Grim Reaper 19. *”A ____’s s Fine-Something-ThatAll-People-Need.”

21. *”Christmas Day will always be, Just as long as we ____ ____.”

23. Structure named for 31st President 24. Indoor allergy trigger

25. Ship pronoun 28. H. H. Munro’s pen name 30. Something or anything 35. Madam, to a cowboy 37. Dr. Jones, to his friends 39. Best not mentioned 40. Not in favor of 41. Myths and legends, e.g.

43. Maître d’s list 44. France’s longest river 46. *”I Can Read ____ My Eyes Shut!”

47. Use a beeper 48. In direct line of descent 50. Italian car maker 52. Equinox mo.

53. Coral barrier 55. Not a friend 57. *”From there to here, From here to there, Funny ____ are everywhere.”

60. *”Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. ____ ____.”

63. Canine foe 64. However, poetically 66. Full 68. Up and about 69. Porridge grain 70. Say something 71. Start of a conclusion 72. Parental involvement org 73. Popular garden flower

DOWN

1. *”Step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing ____.”

2. Turkey dance 3. Punjabi believer 4. Correct 5. Pause in breathing, pl.

6. *”If you never did, you should. These things are fun and fun is ____.”

7. “Wheel of Fortune” request, 2 words 8. Indian metropolis 9. Sheltered, nautically 10. BBQ side 11. Toupee spot 12. “Zip it!”

15. Countdown to Christmas 20. Inbox item 22. Chowed down 24. Middle of a torso 25. *”A person’s a person, no matter how ____.”

26. Capital of Vietnam 27. Dine at home 29. *”You’re on your own.

And you know what you ____.”

31. Pipe smoker’s tool 32. Letter-shaped girder 33. Polynesian kingdom 34. *”Today you are you, that is truer than true.

There is no one alive who is ____ than you.”

36. Bog down 38. Sasquatch’s Himalayan cousin 42. Elevator passage 45. Breadwinner 49. Race part 51. 50-50 54. Bar by estoppel 56. Related on mother’s side 57. Baloney 58. Rwanda’s majority 59. a.k.a. The Islamic State 60. Itty-bitty bit 61. ___ von Bismarck 62. Not quite an adult 63. Latissimus dorsi, for short 65. *”It’s a shirt. It’s a sock. It’s a glove. It’s a ____.”

67. Wine quality © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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

Your August Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

Your focus is more one-on-one early in August, and you seek to strengthen your family unit or bond with a close friend or lover. You know which relationships are most important, and you’re ready to keep them thriving. You have an opportunity to look at your own recent actions mid-month, to figure out how they’re tied to your success or failure. Is it time to step up and take more responsibility, or are you doing okay in this area? It’s time to get back to business as the month comes to a close. You may have had a lot of fun the last few weeks, but you can’t (and don’t want to) avoid your responsibilities forever.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

You’re likely feeling rebellious and maybe a little bit strange as the month begins. You might find yourself on a team with other power players, but you’ll still want to express your individuality. Working together is key, but finding the right dynamics won’t be easy. Mid-month is a perfect time to get started on a creative project. Expressing your artistic skills now brings a high chance to be noticed positively.

People will be impressed by your willingness to put yourself out there! It is time to buckle down and get organized as August comes to a close. Whether at the home, the office, or just offering to help others, the feeling of accomplishment is what you seek.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

If you’ve been waiting to make a splash, then the beginning of the month is your time to shine! Express yourself loudly and proudly now, and don’t worry what other people may think. Your stubborn nature takes hold as power struggles come to a head mid-August. It probably won’t end without someone giving in, and it’s probably not going to be you. The month ends on an intense note, especially if you’re dealing with an unexpected crisis. You feel flustered when you don’t have time to think, which could lead to poor decisions.

Don’t feel pressured into making any quick choices about love or money.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You’re feeling compassionate and understanding as August begins, a shift from the excitement you had at the end of last month. But if you pay attention to this nurturing energy, you won’t miss those moments quite as much. You normally don’t like to spend a lot of free time on non-adventures, but mid-month you can’t help doing the chores that need to be done when you them staring back at you. Tending to the mundane helps you feel productive. There have been some rough times around love and money of late, and as the month comes to a close you have a hard time reflecting on them positively. You deserve to be happy, but you still need commitment and discipline to achieve success.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Your conversations are bold and dynamic early in the month. You love to embellish, and some “extra” details to see people’s reactions can be entertaining. You’re feeling a bit sarcastic mid-month. Passiveaggressive behavior feels appropriate right now, and you’ve been known to get in some strong barbs here and there. Still, only you can control how you react to other people’s actions. You are more at ease near the end of August as you revisit some of your unfinished goals. You’re encouraged to forge ahead with the ambition you’re known for. Very few things can stop you now.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

Your eccentric side is poking through early in the month, making it a perfect time to think outside the box to tie up any loose ends you may have. Your pioneering spirit helps you come up with ideas that other people would never be able to even dream of. Your need to forge your own path is tempered a bit mid-August as you explore some less-unusual alternatives. Nothing has to be decided for sure now, but following a traditional path something to think about. Communication late in the month will likely be precise, accurate, and detailed.

If you say you’re going to text someone, you do it, and you expect the same in return.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

You’re a little less shy early in August, more likely to speak your mind. While you’re normally happy working backstage, you don’t mind being in the spotlight right now. You are looking for love and attention anywhere you can get it mid-month. Pay close attention to the comments on your social media posts. It’s possible someone will say something you weren’t expecting that makes you feel really good about yourself. It might be difficult to remain calm during events at the end of the month. Whether you caused it or had no part in it, the effects are still the same. You’ll have to find a way to deal with it instead of sticking your head in the sand.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

You are drawn to the unknown early in the month. Others may be surprised at your focus on the strange, but when have you cared about what anyone else thinks? Later in the month you’re feeling the luck and courage that you’ll need to fight some unexpected battles. Everyone might think things come easily to you, but underneath it all you’re a warrior going hard for what you want. Late in August you’re not feeling quite as intense, gaining a valuable earthiness that you can apply to your everyday life. There is a lot to be said for calming down and getting into a set routine.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

It’s hard to apply logic to many of situations you find yourself in as the month begins. Try not to make any sudden moves; accidents can happen when you don’t plan ahead. As you move through to mid-August, your attention shifts to home life and how you can make things more comfortable. You might experience more mood swings now than usual, but it’s only because you’re so concerned about everyone else’s feelings. Late in the month you feel the beginning of a long journey of self-discovery and reflection upon you. Life isn’t always predictable, but your reaction to it can be.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You want to make a difference as August begins, and you’re best when teamed up with others to fight for a good cause, but if that’s not possible you can do plenty on your own. Try to wrap up loose ends before starting something new. Sudden changes mid-month may leave you feeling surprised and unsettled, but you should have a few months to work through any major problems. Use the time to figure out the best path forward. Communicating with friends and co-workers becomes practical late in the month, but be sure you’re not coming across as short or uncaring. You take communication issues seriously, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any room for humor.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

You might have outstanding issues in both family and finances early in the month, but there isn’t an urgency to deal with them. You believe that good things will come if you’re patient, so relax and make plans. You are more likely to grow when you’re open to new ideas and opinions, but when things change suddenly mid-month, they can take you off guard. It may take some time to find the best way to react to challenging situations. You finally feel ready to reign in the lack of control you’ve been feeling at the end of August. Make a list of what you need to get done and start tackling the most important chores first.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

You’re sense of drama is in full swing at the beginning of the month. You don’t exactly lie, but you love to emphasize parts of every story now. You give some pretty impressive compliments as well, even if they are exaggerated. Mid-August is a time of reflection, the beginning of a long look at what has held you back this year and how to keep that from happening in the future. It could take months to figure things out, but if you’re patient you have time. There’s a moment of optimism coming your way late in the month. If you’ve put in the work, you should see some rewards and recognition coming you way.

•••

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

No Website = No Business

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s it looks like we’ll all be living with Covid-19 for the near-term future, your business can’t wait for the virus to magically disappear.

Realize that in the last 90 days all people have improved their online skills dramatically, from learning to stream entertainment to holding Zoom “happy hours” with friends, all while also increasing their online ordering and buying.

Now more than ever, if you don’t have a website, you don’t have a business. If your website isn’t updated with the most current services you offer or the products you’re selling, you’re losing business. If your website doesn’t have the ability for people to schedule appointments or place online orders, whether for delivery or curbside pickup, then you’re losing even more business. You can’t afford to wait any longer.

Times have changed, and hopefully you spent the last three months problemsolving and quickly implementing solutions. You’ve likely heard of many businesses that had to instantly pivot into something they weren’t. Even the simplest cupcake shop that catered kids parties (which got cancelled) quickly implemented a website and app for online ordering, store pickup — and even home delivery!

People and families who live together and continue to shelter-in-place still have needs. They’re not self-sufficient. Sure, people are learning to grow their own food, but the literal fruits of their labor likely won’t be for another 30 days – if they planted early! There are a few people leaning how to home-brew their kombucha or craft beer, but that’s not the majority of us. People still have basic clothing, beverage and food needs for themselves, and their pets as well!

Please don’t think that people will just phone your business and ask questions. In today’s busy world, people don’t want to waste their time going through phone prompts, or

By Ron Kustek be put on hold listening to scratchy music while a new and likely unknowledgeable employee walks your store to find out a price, or mumbles while looking it up in a system they’re not familiar with.

And, you’re spending money on that employee who has to answer the phone to deal with a ‘potential’ customer on the phone, when they may have actual customers frustratingly waiting in line for that call to be over, so they can be on their way and spend less time mask-to-mask with an employee they don’t know, in an environment they aren’t 100% sure is safe!

I am all for the personal shopping experience. Humans still need other humans, whether that is to talk to or buy from. But until we get back to not being masked and comfortable anywhere in public, making your website mobilefriendly and e-commerce based will help you satisfy more people right now — who will likely continue to be your returning customer when we are no longer experiencing this pandemic.

And think of the added advantage you will have, each of your customers placing online orders which require their email address and purchase history, telling you how to contact them in the future — just another added bonus to finally getting the website for your business that will help you stay in business and grow your business! n ••• Ron Kustek is a business instructor at Cabrillo College. Email: rokustek@cabrillo.edu

FEATURED COLUMNIST

How To Stay Off State COVID Watch List

By Carrie Arnone, CEO, Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce

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ear Chamber Members, Colleagues, Friends, and Family: You’d be forgiven for losing a little heart these days. The damage and distress COVID-19 inflicts on our collective health and well-being is alarming. COVID-19 cases are surging in California, leading to closure of whole business sectors.

Santa Cruz County has, so far, had lower transmission than other California counties and because of this we have not yet had to fully roll back our reopening. The era of COVID-19 will eventually end--and the choices we make to protect ourselves and others will see us through.

80% of our state’s population lives in counties placed on the monitoring watch list where tighter restrictions are mandated. Now, we find ourselves on the wrong slope of a new curve, in danger of joining other regions taking more painful economic measures.

Almost all transmission in our county has been linked to social activities--specifically to people having close contact without masks with members of other households, sometimes at work, but mostly at home or at social gatherings. In fact, COVID infections among co-workers have typically been through after-hours parties or through extended break room conversations.

In order to protect all of our jobs, our health, and allow us to reopen schools, we need everyone to choose to meet friends and family, if they do so, in ways that won’t spread the virus.

Believe in Action e must continue to stand strong against COVID-19. The good news is

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we know how to do it. Dr. Marm Kilpatrick, an infectious disease specialist at UC Santa Cruz, has used the most current scientific data about case transmission to develop these four easy to follow guidelines to keep us safer.

1) Protected (wear a mask) 2) Spatially distant (at least 6 feet apart)

3) Well Ventilated (outside is best) 4) Brief (keep interactions under 10-15 minutes) If you are going to meet a person you don’t live with, it’s safest to meet them outside, with space between you, and if it’s hard to have at least 6 feet of space, wear a mask. If you have to meet someone indoors

please keep it very brief, wear a mask, and, if possible, keep at least 6’ feet between you and them and open a window or make sure there is plenty of ventilation. We know some of your interactions may not be brief, so please make sure the other 3 precautions are in place. Likewise, we know you can’t always be outside, so please make sure you do the other 3.

If we don’t make these small adjustments to how we meet people we are going to have to close businesses and lose many jobs and experience even more difficulty than we already have as a community. Even for those of us who are young and healthy and are less likely to get very sick, we need to take these simple actions to protect aunts, grandparents, uncles, parents and those with underlying health conditions.

The only way we can stop the pandemic is to take control ourselves, and the sacrifice isn’t that big. We just need to meet outside, give space, and wear a mask.

Sharing accurate safety information with colleagues, family members, and community connections is essential. The health of all of us, depends on the health of each of us.

Know someone who could use a reminder? Please consider sharing this letter as a blog post: “Easy Steps to Reduce Risk” or graphic with these easy to understand guidelines for reducing transmission of COVID-19.

So take heart, stay safe, stay hopeful (and stay masked and distanced, if you aren’t at home!)

We can do this! n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Summer Begonias Returned to Capitola Village

n July 17, volunteers hung begonia plants in Capitola Village to commemorate the Capitola Begonia Festival. The festival celebrated its 65th and final year in 2017.

Continuing the tradition, Laurie Hill and Willard Schwartz raise the tubers at home and place the hanging blossoms at 331 Capitola Ave., Capitola.

Michael Lavigne Real Estate Services cares for the plants while they are on display in the Village.

Designated as Capitola’s City Flower, tuberous begonias are a part of the community’s horticultural history dating back to the 1930s.

The Brown Ranch Family provided begonias to the Begonia Festival. n

Begonias have a long history in Capitola.

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fire Agencies Fall Short in Safety Inspections

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By Jondi Gumz

2019 state law in the wake of the deadly Ghost Ship Fire in Oakland requires fire agencies to annually inspect schools, apartments, hotels, residential care facilities, but locally the job is incomplete, according to an investigation by the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury.

The Grand Jury found shortcomings at all seven of the fire agencies reviewed: • Santa Cruz County Fire: 7 of 85 facilities inspected; 92% uninspected.

• City of Santa Cruz: 102 of 382 facilities inspected; 73% uninspected.

• Watsonville: 49 of 74 facilities inspected; 35% uninspected.

• Central: 105 of 125 facilities inspected, 16% uninspected.

• Aptos La Selva: 52 of 62 facilities inspected, 16% uninspected.

• Felton: Inspections were ad hoc; no records available.

Another six fire agencies in the county not part of the grand jury’s investigation are subject to the inspection mandate from the state.

“We recommend that the status of these inspections especially those involving public facilities be communicated to the public and that gaps in compliance or the ability to inspect be addressed in the 2021 budgeting cycle,” the grand jury report concluded in a June 25 report.

The grand jury commended the organizational merger of Aptos La Selva and Central fire districts creating a common

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

database, noting this had resulted in “efficiency gains” in” terms of inspections, citations and re-inspections” and a “highly robust inspection and reporting process.”

Aptos La Selva accomplished the highest percentage of inspections in the county in 2019, inspecting all 15 schools and preschools in Aptos.

Of 33 apartments in Aptos, 26 were inspected.

Central inspected all 50 apartments and 36 of 51 schools and preschools.

What surprised the grand jury was the number of facilities that failed inspections.

Of 51 schools in Aptos La Selva and Central, 11 failed or got a correction notice.

“These data highlight the importance that regular inspections be prioritized and performed by the agencies, and the leadership hold agencies accountable for inspections and compliance,” the grand jury concluded.

Here is more detail on the findings: County Fire: No multi-family apartments were inspected in 2019. The inspection list identified two apartments but the grand jury found nine apartments not on the list. Also, Bradley Elementary School was omitted from the list. Of 64 businesses on the list, only two were inspected in 2019; nine were inspected in 2018.

City of Santa Cruz: Of 36 schools, only 12 were inspected in 2019; five were inspected in 2018. Of 50 hotels, 31 were inspected in 2019 and 24 were inspected in 2018. Of 282 apartments, only 41 were inspected in 2019and 98 were inspected in 2018.

Watsonville: Of 42 apartments, only 29 were inspected in 2019; there were 23 were inspected in 2018. Of nine hotel/ motels, only four were inspected in 2019. One problem was that five hotels were left off the inspection list. So were private preschools.

Scotts Valley: Reported all inspections completed but the grand jury found 30 schools, preschools, private schools, apartments, and hotels advertising for business that were not on the inspection list. Also left off: 1440 Multiversity, a new 377-bed learning center located at the former Bethany College campus. n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Upgrades Coming to Local Parks, Libraries

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

Park Upgrades ocal parks are primarily funded through local sales and other taxes and sharp declines in tax receipts last quarter will have an impact on parks (and other County services in general). But there are still a number of exciting improvements coming to local parks, including some that have already been funded.

One longstanding need was an improved pedestrian walkway and safer access point outside of Pinto Lake Park. We partnered with Supervisor Caput’s office (our districts share Green Valley Road) to combine district funds to rebuild a pedestrian pathway along Green Valley that is used by many residents to access Pinto Lake Park. The new pathway, constructed

by County Public Works, was completed in June and has already improved the safety and accessibility of the park for local residents.

The Board of Supervisors, at the last meeting in June, approved a contract to install a new permanent restroom at Seacliff Village Park. The park, which is being constructed

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in phases according to the park master plan, already includes the necessary utilities and infrastructure as part of the initial phase construction.

The restroom is anticipated to be completed by November of this year. The park now includes a play area, picnic area and skate feature. The Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks and local residents have also been fundraising to complete the final phase of the park, which would include other elements in the master plan such as shade structures, a small outdoor amphitheater and more.

At Hidden Beach Park, the County has been working to upgrade the playground and provide new features and greater accessibility for children of all abilities. Working with the Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks and local community leaders including the The DeBernardo Team, an active fundraising effort is underway to finalize the upgrades in memory of the remarkable 5-year-old Jett Ramsey, who lost his battle with cancer in April and loved playing at Hidden Beach Park with his family.

The County has design plans and is matching funding to make the park become a reality.

••• Library Upgrades n one of my recent tele-town halls, Library Director Susan Nemitz discussed some of the improvements planned for Capitola, Aptos

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and La Selva branch libraries. La Selva and Capitola are well underway (with anticipated openings of later this year).

In Capitola, a number of upgrades including a community/meeting room with flexible furnishings, an expanded children’s area and dedicated teen area, enhanced book and media selections, laptop and computer plugins around the library and all meeting rooms including laptops available as public access computers and reader and study seating spread around the library, including an adult reading nook and a fireplace reading area are all underway.

In La Selva, improvements to the children’s area, new flexibility in the space for meetings and book clubs, increases in natural lighting and airflow, expansion of the available seating for reading and studying, a new accessible entry on the north side of the building, bathroom upgrades, a new service desk, upgraded data and electrical, and an outdoor patio area are part of the remodel.

The Board of Supervisors will be awarding a contract on the Aptos Library in early August.

The Aptos Branch Library was originally constructed in 1975 and is currently 8,000 square feet. Multiple community outreach sessions were held to get a sense of how best to approach a remodeled (and expanded) space. There are some exciting partnerships planned, including

working with the Aptos History Museum, to provide a modern and accessible library. After August we will have a better sense of the construction timeline but the goal is to ensure that neighboring branches (La Selva and Capitola) are open before any construction begins to ensure options continue to be provided for local residents.

As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue).

I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting tele-townhalls with County and community leaders. n ••• If you’re interested in the town halls or just want to connect on an issue you can always call me at 454-2200.

COMMUNITY NEWS

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First Responders Receive ‘Gratitude Treats’

are From The Heart, a locally owned in-home care services company in Santa Cruz, is recognizing people who have helped during the COVID-19 pandemic with “Gratitude Treats” — a box of cupcakes or cookies and brownies made by locally owned Buttercup Cakes and Farmhouse Frosting.

The first delivery was made June 19 to the employees of Santa Cruz County Bank, which helped businesses secure Paycheck Protection Program loans to keep 29,000 employees on the payroll.

Jackie Tucker, owner of Care From the Heart with her husband Jeff Tucker, called the employees at Santa Cruz County Bank “economic first responders” for processing Paycheck Protection Program loans for our community.

“Because of Santa Cruz County Bank’s responsiveness to the crisis and their dedication and commitment to the community, our business is able to stay open and operate during these challenging times,” she said. “Thank you.”

On July 10, a delivery of Gratitude Treats was made to employees of the Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center, nurses at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Clinic in Santa Cruz and the Dominican Hospital Case Management Department.

Gratitude Treats were delivered to the Dominican Home Health Clinic in Capitola, too.

Gratitude Treat boxes can be purchased at www.carefromtheheart.net for $25 or $30, which includes delivery countywide with a personalized note from the sender.

Santa Cruz Vac & Sew has teamed up with Care From The Heart for a thank-you program called “Lunch with Friends.”

This program is designed to recognize

On July 3, employees of the Dominican Home Health Center at 2045 40th Ave. in Capitola were presented with boxes of Gratitude Treats. From left, Sheryl Brouse, Susan Kavulich, Niko Takaoka, and Trish Keenan smile through their masks.

responders who are working tirelessly during these challenging times by providing them with nutritious boxed lunches from the food truck Ate3One. The first delivery was made June 26 for 150 employees of Dominican Hospital.

For every facemask sold by Santa Cruz Vac & Sew, the business will donate a portion of each sale, which is matched dollar-fordollar by Care From The Heart, to buy the boxed lunches.

Nick Szluk, owner with Clare Markovits of Santa Cruz Vac & Sew, said he plans to extend this program to other “first responder” organizations. He hopes to get other local businesses involved.

To order a box of Gratitude Treats’ baked goodies call (831) 471-8802 or visit http://www. gratitudetreats.com. n To support Lunch with Friends, visit Santa Cruz Vac & Sew, 806 Ocean St., Santa Cruz or www.SantaCruzVacnSew.com or call 831-464-8181.

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

National Water Quality Month: How To Do Your Part

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very August is National Water Quality Month — an annual opportunity to remind ourselves of the crucial importance of water in our everyday lives and the necessity to protect the quality of our drinking water, our lakes and waterways, and our oceans.

For this year’s National Water Quality Month, we want to emphasize that a key tenet of the District’s mission is to provide safe, high-quality water to meet our community’s present and future needs.

So, what do we do to ensure your drinking water is of the highest quality?

We regularly test the water from each of our groundwater wells, which provide all the water that we treat and deliver to your homes and businesses. This is no small task — we test for over 130 possible contaminants, and then report the results to the community in our annual Water Quality Report.

Our treatment processes are operated to ensure that any contaminants that may be found are removed or reduced to safe levels regulated by the State and Federal Drinking Water Standards before water is pumped into the distribution system.

By Rebecca Gold Rubin, Soquel Creek Water District

Please take a look at our Water Quality Reports on our website at www.soquelcreekwater.org/waterqualityreports.

Our water quality goals extend to the new water supplies that the District is pursuing — purified recycled water and surface water transfers. The Pure Water Soquel project, which is just beginning construction, will put recycled water (purple pipe water) through an additional, three-step advanced purification process: microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light with advanced oxidation. This process produces purified water.

Those enhanced purification and disinfection treatments are similar to those that are used today by bottled water companies, baby food manufacturers, and kidney dialysis machines.

The purified water will be pumped underground to blend with and replenish the groundwater basin. In addition to providing a drought-proof water supply, recharging the groundwater is a key tool in preventing seawater intrusion.

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

With saltwater already creeping inland and threatening our entire water supply, replenishing the groundwater basin will raise groundwater levels. Thus, creating a barrier preventing that saltwater from entering and contaminating the District’s wells, and the thousands of other wells that share our groundwater basin.

For surface water transfers with the City of Santa Cruz, the District and City are conducting a pilot project to evaluate the water quality conditions when blending surface water and groundwater. The chemical characteristics of groundwater and water from surface water sources (reservoirs and rivers) are different.

Surface water supplies will tend to be softer with lower levels of naturally occurring minerals that, without treatment, will tend to be more corrosive than groundwater supplies.

Surface water will also tend to have higher levels of total organic carbon than groundwater. While the levels of organic carbon in surface water sources vary considerably, disinfecting water containing organic carbon as part of the water treatment process results in the formation of disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids.

Unless the organic carbon is removed before the disinfection step in the treatment process, disinfection byproducts can continue to form as the water travels through the distribution system. Recent issues with source water changes in Flint, Michigan, and Fresno, California, are reasons our two agencies are working together to conduct the pilot project and are exercising prudent planning for implementing water transfers in the future.

Those are just some of the things we are doing to protect water quality.

What can you and your family do?

Here are a few ideas:

• Put nothing but water down storm drains. Water in those drains flows to our natural waterways, the groundwater, and the ocean, taking with it any contaminants or trash it may contain. Only stormwater and other clean water should go into storm drains – no litter, chemicals, soaps, pool water, or other water that contains harsh chemicals.

• Decrease polluted runoff on your property by replacing paved surfaces, where possible, with low-water-use landscaping or porous surfaces.

• Avoid using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These can easily wash off your property and enter the natural water system, ending up in waterways.

• Choose non-toxic cleaners, avoid antibacterial soaps, and never put medications down the drain or toilet.

• Pick up after your pets — that waste material can also get washed away into the storm drains.

• Check your vehicles for fluid leaks — this ends up on the street and eventually into the natural water system.

• Try to patronize only “green” car washes that recycle their water.

We’d love to hear from you with other ways you and your family are helping to protect and maintain water quality – feel free to send us a note to outreach@ soquelcreekwater.org. We’ll share your ideas in an upcoming article.

Our water quality depends on a partnership between the District and the community we serve. If we all do our parts, we can rely on a clean, safe, and reliable water supply for generations to come. n ••• For more information about the Soquel Creek Water District, visit www.soquelcreek water.org, and learn more about the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project, at www. soquelcreekwater.org/pws.

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SCCAS Featured Pet

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Tosh: Perfectly Imperfect

crossword on 25 »

osh (A254511) is in a foster home with two adults and other dogs. She loves being in her bed on the couch or snuggle up to whoever is sitting next to her. She is housebroken.

Tosh has a history of an abnormal gait and particularly uncoordinated left rear leg. The previous owner stated this dog has scoliosis since birth. The adopter will need to have her assessed by their veterinarian; medications may be beneficial for this dog. Further diagnostics may also be recommended. She will need a particularly dedicated person to care for her special physical needs.

Tosh loves the yard and moves very quickly in her unique way. Tosh will not walk on the floor if it is not carpeted. Tosh, in anticipation of her walk, is excited when she sees her harness and leash and loves her walk. She barks as a greeting anyone coming into the house. She eats well and sleeps all night. It does not appear as though she lived with other dogs before.

At first, she would jump off the couch if they came by and bark at them. After a few days, she seems more relaxed about them being around her and has even started to play a little with one of them. Tosh is looking for an adopter who will care for her and provide her with an amazing life. She could live with mellow, dog savvy dogs provided they meet at the shelter and get along.

Tosh could potentially live with a cat with a slow, careful introduction. Older children who would be respectful of Tosh may be appropriate.

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 Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

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Ham Radio Operators Find a Way to Host Field Day

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By Becky Steinbruner

From a hilltop vineyard deep in the t a time when most of our treasured annual events have been cancelled Santa Cruz Mountains, the radio operators due to COVID-19 restrictions, local exchanged hundreds of messages with amateur radio operators found a way to others from throughout North America keep this year’s June 27-28 Field Day event over a 24-hour period, using power from up and on the air. solar panels and quiet portable generators.

Since 1933, with silence only in 1942- This year, some people in the county set 1945 due to World War II, the American up smaller radio stations near their homes Radio Relay League as well, and joined the Field Day event has promoted Field remotely.

Day as an emergencyIt was a great success. readiness exercise and Ensuring that this year’s Field Day as a way to promote was not cancelled was important not amateur radio to only because the radio operators treasure newcomers. Normally the event and its rich history, but also this event, held on a because the community service events weekend in June, is a that normally provide good disaster comhard-working beehive Becky Steinbruner munication training for the radio operators of people, shoulder-to-shoulder, raising who volunteer for disaster public service portable antennas and sharing radio were all cancelled. These include the Big microphones and potluck dinners with an Sur International Marathon, the Sea Otter extended invitation to the public.

Classic, and numerous local cycling and However, when COVID-19 restrictions triathlon events. threatened to eliminate all of that, members Amateur radio figures heavily of the Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio into emergency communication plans Club and San Lorenzo Valley Amateur throughout North America, and espeRadio Club were determined to find a way cially in Santa Cruz County, which easily to hold this year’s June 27-28 event safely. becomes isolated in natural disasters.

Traditionally the two local clubs join Santa Cruz County has an unusually forces, often including the UC Santa Cruz high number of licensed and active radio Amateur Radio Club members. This year, operators. They are ready and waiting to the UCSC students did not participate, lend well-trained assistance when called because most of them had left town when upon by local Emergency Operations staff COVID-19 shut down the campus. in the next emergency or disaster. n “When we looked at everything that ••• had to fall away in order to make the event For more information, visit: happen safely, things got simpler,” said San Lorenzo Valley Amateur Radio Club: Kerry Veenstra, the event coordinator and https://www.slvarc.org/ whose radio call sign is K3RRY. No sharing Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Club: food at a big public potluck. No huge http://www.k6bj.org/ and complicated antennas that require lots of people working closely together to raise. No open invitations to the public.

Instead, the antenna configurations were simple, and the types of equipment reduced.

People signed up for short shifts of radio operation so no one sat side-by-side. Everybody wore masks, sanitized their stations often, and brought their own food and water. The public visited the site via a Zoom con- John Sisler (KJ6ZL) adjusts antenna for radio communiference tour. cation using satellites.

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

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