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CVS Drive-Through Ok’d for MidCounty
Boos Development West of Florida has the OK to build a 24-hour CVS pharmacy with a drive-through window on property across from Dominican Hospital. Full Story page 7
Capitola Beach Closed Labor Day Weekend Full Story page 19
Soquel Shelter in a Firestorm Story and Photos By Jondi Gumz Refugees from the CZU Lightning Complex fires are finding shelter — and community — at the Seventh Day Adventists campground in Soquel. Some 350 people evacuated from San Lorenzo
Valley are staying in cabins and RVs here, getting three square meals a day plus snacks, access to showers, laundry and medical services, including counseling for mental health. ... continues on page 4
2,000+ Volunteers Help with Fire Response
As the CZU Lightning Complex Fire burns for the tenth day, more than 2,000 community members have stepped up and registered to help through the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Full Story page 6
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No. 9
Volume 25
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Table of Contents
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Cover Soquel Shelter in a Firestorm, Story and Photos By Jondi Gumz 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 28 29
Community News 2,000+ Volunteers Help with Fire Response, By Christine Loewe CVS Drive-Through OK’d for MidCounty, By Jondi Gumz • Cabrillo Hosts Governor; Holds Movie Night for Evacuees, By Jondi Gumz County Supervisor, First District Candidates • County Board of Education Candidate Statements Capitola City Council Candidate Statements Local Man Arrested For Wallet Theft, By Jondi Gumz CZU Fire: Up Close & Personal: Powerful Collection of Images From Kevin Painchaud, By Jondi Gumz Voting Matters Zoom Talk: Sept. 3 on Mail Delivery & Fire Victims Superior Court Judge Candidate Statement Soquel Creek Water District Board Candidate Statements Where’s My Ballot? Cal Fire Strategy Paying Off, By Jondi Gumz Capitola Beach Closed Labor Day Weekend, By Jondi Gumz • Second Harvest: Food Distributions Through September Banff Mountain Film Festival Goes Virtual • ‘Top Dog’ Film Fest: Online Sept 20-25 SBA Opens Virtual Wildfire Recovery Center How to Help People Displaced By Fires: Community Foundation Awards $400,000+ in COVID grants, By Kevin Heuer Cabrillo Teacher Finds A Way, By Jondi Gumz Dominican Hospital Asks Non-Emergency Patients to Seek Care Elsewhere • Valley Churches United Relocates Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Claimants
Letter to the Editor 24 Off the COVID Monitoring List—What Does It Mean for Schools?: Letters To The Community From the Santa Cruz County Office of Education
Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Your November Horoscope
9 26 27
Featured Columnists The Way Forward Through Chaos, By Rene Schlaepfer ‘Big Business’ Isn’t Evil — It’s Essential, By Ron Kustek Aptos Teacher: Water is Survival: Soquel Creek Water District Embraces Community Partnerships #InThisTogether, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 30 COVID-19 and Fire Updates and Resources, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District 31 Collecting Seed For Another Season, By Tony Tomeo
SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Nora The Explorer
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Take a look at the chart on emotions, he advised. Volunteer Sophia Park, 17, of Santa The shelter is managed by the county of Santa Cruz with support from the Cruz, said a lot of her friends were disAmerican Red Cross. Site manager Jerome placed, so she wanted to help. The shelter in Soquel “feels like a little Thierry, affiliated with the Red Cross, came from Los Angeles, and Kathy Mellinger community,” she said. Hearing residents of Scotts Valley came from Montana for her first Red Cross were allowed to go home gave Heather in-person assignment. There’s a warehouse full of supplies Wolfe hope. She lives in Felton. donated by the community, drinks and “I’m still not in the clear,” she said. snacks, pet food and even kitty litter. “We’re making the best of things,” “The fire is burning a mile from my house… “It’s really really stressful for everybody.” Thierry said. She said shelter staff are “super As he spoke, a little girl came up to helpful” and so are say she is helping her neighbors One with the search for went to Target to buy two missing cats and supplies and bought Renee Skelton of her the Ace bandage the Freedom Lions she needed. Club brought over “You don’t realize containers of laundry what you don’t have detergent. when you leave,” she “Beautifully said. clean bathrooms,” Debra Mason said Karen Hicks, came to live with her whose home is near daughter and grandthe Boulder Creek children in Boulder Golf course. Creek in June. They The only comhave four dogs and plaint is that WiFi three cats. at the site, 2.5 miles Ernest Moreno, evacuated from Boulder Creek, Their house is on from Soquel Village, is said he feels a sense of community at the Seventh the north side of Bear spotty. But AT&T had Day Adventist shelter managed by the county. Creek Road and the a truck on the property, east side of Highway 9, farther away from with employees working to fix that. “The hospitality is beautiful,” said where the fire is raging. Mason thought she might ride out the Ernest Moreno, evacuated from Boulder Creek and supporting a friend who was fire but when burning leaves came down and her internet went out so she could no evacuated. He hasn’t lost his home yet but he feels longer text, she left. She said her granddaughter has been the displacement. And he feels for all the homeless people who have been displaced. helping walk her dogs Lola and Roberta. How can people be resilient at a time “With COVID, there was a sense of abandonment,” he said. “Here, you’re not like this? Here’s the advice from the mental health tent: Provide caring and support, alone.” “Shelter” from page 1
PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment
Renee Skelton of Freedom Lions Club donates laundry detergent to the Seventh Day Adventist shelter site in Soquel.
4 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Debbie Mason of Boulder Creek finds comfort with her six-month-old puppy, Lola. provide opportunities for meaningful participation, and increase pro-social bonding. Brian Perry, 31, a contractor in Felton, comes from hardy Santa Cruz Mountains stock making their living from the forest. He’s the grandson of redwood sculptor Cliff Short, who had his studio on Highway 9 in Felton, and Bob Perry, the owner of Bob’s Burl Shop on Highway 9 in Ben Lomond. He expects he’s going to help his aunt rebuild her place; she has a little studio spared by the flames. Perry’s son, Robert Thomas Perry III, was amusing himself catching tiny lizards at the Soquel campground and playing with his friend Debbie Coachran-Newton, whose dad Robert Cochran works at Joe’s Bar and Boulder Creek Liquors, two places well-known to locals. Cochran said hiss house on Irwin Way is OK, so far as he knows, but his car, which he left on Highway 236, may not be. Perry had been staying at a motel that cost $400 a night plus pet fees when he discovered via social media that the Adventist camp had cabins available. He’s brought a tradition with him from San Lorenzo Valley a response to the restrictions of COVID-19. “We still howl at 8 o’clock,” he said. “There’s a feeling of solidarity.” Residents of Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, and Felton can stay in touch via a private Facebook page, SLV Community Connect, which has 4,890 members. In Capitola Village, 14 miles from the fire in Boulder Creek, Friday was an overcast beach day. All the parking spaces along the Esplanade by the ocean were full, some with surfers putting on or taking off their wetsuits. It was hard to tell that an inferno was still raging in the redwoods – until you reach Capitola Beach Co. at 131 Monterey Ave. “Soquel Shelter” page 15
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 5
COMMUNITY NEWS
2,000+ Volunteers Help with Fire Response
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By Christine Loewe
s the CZU Lightning Complex Fire burns for the tenth day, more than 2,000 community members have stepped up and registered to help through the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. Volunteers are being mobilized to help with critical needs including supporting evacuees at the evacuation shelters, providing mental health counseling, sorting and disseminating donations at the donation relief centers, providing over the phone assistance to new volunteers, and helping local emergency operations teams with data entry. “We are currently working with volunteers to cover 1,000 shifts a day throughout the county. While it has been truly heartbreaking to watch the devastation unfold over the last week, we are uplifted by the generous spirit of our community,” said Volunteer Center Executive Director Karen Delaney. “Time and again, in my nearly 40 year career of working with the Volunteer Center, I’ve observed this incredible willingness to step up for fellow neighbors
Photo Credit: Trea Robinson
Santa Cruz resident Bridget Smith volunteers at the Emeline Donation Center in wake of the CZU Lightning Complex fires. even in the worst of times, and this experience has been no different.”
6 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
With nearly 1/3 of their own staff evacuated, staff members from the Vol-
unteer Center have been working long hours to ensure the foundations are in place to safely connect volunteers where they are needed most. “Our top priority, particularly with the concerns around the pandemic, is community safety,” Delaney said. “We are providing training for our volunteer leads to ensure that as volunteers arrive they have the right information in hand and we are working closely with our emergencies service partners to ensure that critical priorities are being met each day.” Community members who are interested in volunteering are encouraged to visit the Volunteer Center website at scvolunteercenter.org to register in advance. Those who prefer to register by phone can do so Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 831-427-5070. More volunteers are needed to sustain services over the next week. “Volunteers” page 10
COMMUNITY NEWS
CVS Drive-Through OK’d for MidCounty
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By Jondi Gumz
oos Development West of Florida has the OK to build a 24-hour CVS pharmacy with a drivethrough window on property across from Dominican Hospital. The Santa Cruz County zoning administrator approved the project Aug. 14. The CVS site is 1505 and 1515
Commercial Way, combining two lots, one where Decor Furniture operates next door to Redo Consign, which is not a part of the development site. To build the 13,111-square-foot pharmacy, existing buildings on the site will be demolished and a stormwater system will be installed.
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Sharon and Albert Cosio are proprietors at Decor Furniture, which has been at 1515 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, for 20 years.
Aptos developer Joe Appenrodt bought the property in 2017 for $2.075 million. One lot was once a wrecking yard, and the soil contains levels of arsenic and lead considered unsafe and usable as fill. A lot of excavation and grading is planned — filling 340 dump trucks, with new fill to be brought in. Waste soils are to be trucked to a landfill in Buttonwillow. Dust control measures will be required for the safety of construction workers and the public. The county Planning Commission in 2014 interpreted the county code to allow a drive-through use because CVS drivethrough use accounts for only 3-4 percent of total store sales, according to the staff report. The developer asked for permission to have four signs, one more than allowed, which project planner Annette Olson considered reasonable because the site consists of two lots. Appenrodt said he expects construction to begin in 2021. At Decor Furniture, owner Albert Cosio said, “We’ve been here 20 years.” He said he’s not sure where he would go, but there are “a few options.” After being closed since mid-March
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Decor Furniture at 1515 Commercial Way in Santa Cruz, will have to find a new location if the county approves a drive-through CVS pharmacy at this site.
due to COVID-19, Decor Furniture reopened June 1. Sales have been “better than expected,” Cosio said. “The ones that come in are buying.” At Redo Consign, staffer Ciera Zuker mulled what it will be like to operate next to a construction site. “We’ll probably keep the doors closed,” she said. n
Cabrillo Hosts Governor; Holds Movie Night for Evacuees
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By Jondi Gumz
abrillo College is doing its part to help people evacuated by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, with its gym and parking lot K designated as a Red Cross evacuation center.
Last weekend, a movie screen was set up on the football field to show a kidfriendly film, complete with popcorn. On Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom made a surprise visit to Cabrillo’s
Evacuated children are treated to a movie night on the Cabrillo football field.
evacuation shelter, seeing first-hand the protocols in place such as temperature checks and mask requirements to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. At his Monday new briefing, he mentioned his visit to the community college evacuation center in Santa Cruz County, not identifying it by name. (Perhaps he knew a name change was being discussed.) The Red Cross COVID-19 screening process identifies whether evacuees are clear, needs medical attention or are at risk. The ‘At Risk’ group will be isolated to quarantine facilities at the front of the gym. Amenities at the Cabrillo College/Red Cross Evacuation Center include: Vehicle and RV parking, restrooms and showers, food, cots in the gym, and (as of Aug. 24) grey/black water pumping and potable water delivery. Overflow parking will be made available if there is demand, according to the college. n
Gov. Gavin Newsom (left) visits the Red Cross shelter for fire evacuees at Cabrillo College.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 7
COMMUNITY NEWS
County Supervisor, First District Candidates Manu Koenig, 35 Non-profit Executive Director manukoenig.com 831-471-7038 manuforsupervisor@gmail.com s a 3rd generation Santa Cruz County resident, I want our county to be a place where youth, singles, families and seniors all thrive. As the founder of Civinomics, my company worked with city and county governments for over a decade to respond directly to voters’ concerns. I graduated from Stanford and have served on the Board of Directors for my own business, as well as that of Digital Nest, and the City of Santa Cruz’s Downtown Commission. I know that doing things differently starts by working with you, the voter. I will rebuild county services based on your needs, learn from you to improve them, and invest your money wisely. Today our county is stuck. We con-
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tinue to study a $1.3 billion train that we can’t afford. A car dealership in Soquel was approved where residents and the Sustainable Santa Cruz Plan called for a community center. Our county roads scored an “F”. We received $10.5 million from the State in 2019 to relieve homelessness, but didn’t build a single home. It’s time for a new approach. Helping our county recover from the pandemic and making progress for the Black Lives Matter movement require new thinking. I’d be honored to serve as “your voice for change” in creating a better Santa Cruz County for all. John Leopold, 54 County Supervisor www.friendsofjohnleopold.com john@friendsofjohnleopold.com 831-566-0122 eadership matters more than ever. As your Supervisor, I’m using my expe-
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rience to lead our county through the crisis of COVID-19. Tackling COVID-19 We flattened the curve early by listening to the experts, but the road ahead is challenging. With a public health background and twelve years on the Board, I have the experience needed to make the right choices. Saving money on water I’m fighting for you on other important issues. The City of Santa Cruz Water District charges residents living outside city limits 14.5% more for the same water. I have advocated for rate cuts in the past. Now I’m working to eliminate the unfair surcharge altogether. Addressing climate change Santa Cruz County needs a Climate Action Manger to coordinate the urgent response to sea level rise and wildfires. We
Manu Koenig
John Leopold
must fund infrastructure improvements to protect our community from its impacts. As Black Lives Matter protests have vividly demonstrated, Santa Cruz County must address racism, economic and social injustices. That’s why I founded Smart On Crime, supported restorative justice and will continue to push for effective criminal justice reform. No one will outwork me. No one will listen more attentively. Send me your ideas: john@friendsofjohnleopold.com. On November 3, please vote for John Leopold for Supervisor. n
County Board of Education Candidate Statements •••
Area 5
Alyssa Wall, 25 Educator / College Advisor alyssacwall@yahoo.com www.alyssawall.com 408-540-4315 s a former teacher and college lecturer, I understand that teaching and learning is at the heart of our school system—our policies and programs should be adapted to fit the needs and interests of our students. I am committed to ensuring our schools provide the best education for students that can be achieved. I wholeheartedly believe that all students deserve access to rigorous, culturally responsive curriculum, and nurturing, high-quality educators regardless of their zip code or skin color. I come from a family of immigrants and I’m the first in my family to graduate from a university. Access to quality education has given me the opportunity to earn my B.A. and M.A in Education, pursue a doctoral degree, and teach in five different countries. All students should be able to fearlessly pursue their passions and it is up to us to ensure that they have the tools they need to navigate the world around them. I am confident that I would be an equitable advocate for our children while being responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of our community.
Area 6
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Brad Williams, 43 Emergency Room Nurse/Little League Coach/Father 831-685-7432 bradwilliams0428@gmail.com ote Brad Williams for Santa Cruz County School Board. The County School Board has lost touch with the Parents of our local schools. It is important for School Board Members to be
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8 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Brad Williams
Ed Acosta
Dana Sales
active Parents with school-aged children representing our community. My wife Cindy and I realize the importance of the true value of a great education for our children. We are both professional registered nurses and members of the California Nurses Association. I will provide a strong voice for more student opportunities that involve vocational training. Unfortunately, during this pandemic, many Parents feel like their kids are being cheated out of a real school experience. There is so much more to school than just virtual academics. Our children are missing very important milestones for their social, emotional and physical health. We need to make sure that we can reopen schools soon, in a safe and effective manner. Kids need to get the educational and social skills necessary for success. We look forward to our school children returning to their classrooms! Like many Santa Cruz County families, we lead a very active outdoor lifestyle: Surfing, Biking, Camping, Skiing and Little League Baseball. Vote Brad Williams for Santa Cruz County School Board. I hope to earn your vote.
Ed Acosta, 51 Agriculture Manager/Commissioner/Father www.electacosta.com ed@electacosta.com 831-228-2858 ote for Ed Acosta for County School Board. Vote for Ed Acosta and expand Career Technical Training. Vote for Ed Acosta and our Kids will get Real Jobs that make Real Money. Vote for Ed Acosta and bring back hands-on vocational trade school education. Vote for Ed Acosta and expand English/Spanish job opportunities for our students. Ed Acosta is a Father of three children, all born and raised in the Pajaro Valley. Ed proudly serves his community as a City of Watsonville Planning Commissioner. Ed Acosta is the Treasurer for Independence Square Board of Directors. A local non-profit organization dedicated to housing the Senior and Disabled. Ed Acosta is a true Leader bringing an experienced and successful track-record of accomplishments in business: Certified background with multi-million dollar Berry Industry, Food Safety Officer, Audit Oversight and Analyst, Good Agriculture & Manufacturing Practices For the past 28 years our Pajaro Valley community has been represented by the same voice. These School Bureaucrats often do not have to compete for your vote. It’s time for change! I’m running for County Board of Education to give Voters a choice and to give our Students a better chance at a great education. Vote for Ed Acosta for County School Board. Dana Sales Real Estate Broker No statement filed
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FEATURED COLUMNIST
The Way Forward Through Chaos
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By Rene Schlaepfer
Dr. King described his visit to the t was already a tough year: The coronavirus, civil unrest, a national reckoning ancient Church of the Holy Sepulcher in on racism, a divisive presidential Jerusalem, the place where Jesus Christ is thought to have been crucified and buried. election. He told how he stood first before Then the fires happened. What’s the way forward through this a cross, stirred by the example of Jesus’ kind of chaos? It’s very personal for me. self-sacrifice. King felt that selfless loving The church I help lead runs a camp near action is what makes a person, and a Big Basin where generations of Santa nation, truly great. Jesus’ sacrifice was part Cruzans had their first summer camp of King’s own narrative as an example of experience: Camp Hammer. While we have moral courage. But suddenly King was not yet been able to conclusively overcome with tears: “I never will determine the extent of the fire forget the experience… somedamage, all indications point to thing overwhelmed me, I fell to catastrophic destruction. my knees. Before I knew it, I was The very good news is that weeping. I started thinking in a the entire staff and their families, way that I’d never thought before about 20 people, are safe. of the meaning of the cross. The The bad news: They lost cross…tells us not only about everything else. Their experience is shared by scores of others in Rene Schlaepfer the moral commitment of Jesus our county, many of whom sheltered at our Christ, but it tells us about the love of God himself. What is the cross but God’s way of church last week. How does anyone get through that? saying to a wayward child, ‘I still love you, To handle tragedy, everyone seeks a story and I am willing to go any length…in order line. This how we make sense of our world. to redeem you.’” But the cross was only the first half of Consciously or subconsciously, we write a the storyline. narrative to explain our experience. “From that cross, there was a little So what’s your story line? How you frame your experience can bring courage walk, maybe about seventy-five feet. They told us that this is the tomb where Jesus or fear, hope or despair. This week I read a sermon preached was buried. But our guide said, ‘I want you by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in to know that this tomb is empty. He is not 1959 where he talked about the narrative there now.’” King continued, “This is our hope. The that framed his life: Two events from a tomb is empty. Jesus lives…This is what 2,000 year-old story.
keeps us going. This is why you can go out with new hope for the future. No matter how dark it gets…let us not be disillusioned. So often we’ve been crucified. We’ve been buried in numerous graves… But I’m here to tell you, the resurrection reminds us… God will bring the light of day out of the darkness of midnight.” The storyline that kept King going? The cross (selfsacrifice and death) leads to the empty tomb (hope and new life). Out of crucifixion there can be resurrection. I believe this. Our communities can rise again better than before. We can grow closer together, less afraid, more eager to understand. Last week I met with our camp staff hours after the fire. We sat at our church, in a large circle, face-masked, socially distanced, crying. Then Eric Swanson-Dexel, our camp director, turned to one of his daughters. Through tears he said, “I want you to remember the meaning of your name… Phoenix. The bird who died and then rose out of the ashes to new life. We chose that name for you because our faith tells us, out of ashes, new life rises. And I want to tell you, new life will rise out of the ashes of camp.”
Photo Credit: Kevin Painchaud
That’s the gospel story line. Out of the ashes comes new life. Out of this crucifixion there can be a resurrection. Is that your storyline now? Then you can face anything. n ••• Rene Schlaepfer is pastor at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, which is making parking spaces available for up to 50 fire-evacuated residents, with bathrooms, water and food available.
Eric Swanson-Dexel announces the closure of Camp Hammer 2020 due to COVID-19. Reports make it unlikely that Camp Hammer has survived the fires.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 9
COMMUNITY NEWS
Capitola City Council Candidate Statements (Vote for 2)
Margaux Keiser, 33 Small Business Owner www.margauxforcapitola.com 831-334-1799 margauxforcapitola@gmail.com have decided that I want to represent the community on Capitola’s City Council. With many recent shifts happening in regards to the COVID19 pandemic, I have found that there is no better time than now to stand up and represent Capitola residents. As a twelve-year resident and small business owner, my heart and soul belong to this town and I would want nothing more than to be the voice of the people. We have watched the pandemic wreak havoc on Capitola businesses, employees, and tourism and I want to help us recover and move forward. I want to allow hard working people to continue to have a place here in our town even in the wake of hard times. There is room for those that can benefit our community and society. Yes, business is important, but so is maintaining our quaint “Capitola By The Sea”. There needs to be a balance of environment, community, safety, and business in order for everything to thrive here. I feel that going through the quarantine over the last few months has solidified how important our environmental and community surroundings are, and we need to fight to maintain them.
know the importance of scale with caution and compassion. I know how to deliver results in chaos and in calm. I will earn your vote for City Council Member of Capitola if you give me the honor.
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Kristen Petersen, 33 Incumbent www.kristenforcapitola.cam 831-435-0806 ladykpetersen@gmail.com ince my election to Capitola City Council in 2016, I have taken an active role in many
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“Volunteers” from page 6 “This registration process is important because it allows us to identify where we have gaps in volunteer needs,” Delaney said. “When folks register we can ensure that we are not over or underserving one location over another,.” All registered volunteers are insured and should the need arise, registration allows for appropriate contract tracing in partnership with the Santa Cruz County Health Department. “One of the critical elements in disasters of this nature is our ability to document and provide an accurate picture of the scope of need,” Delaney suid. “By effectively tracking the number of people engaged in the response effort, our community will be better placed to receive
Margaux Keiser
Kristen Petersen
local, regional, and statewide projects and initiatives to benefit the residents of Capitola. I added youth members to all of the City’s advisory bodies, chaired committees to address coastal resiliency and village enhancement, created a task force for economic resilience, and supported residents impacted by the COVID pandemic. Additionally, I fundraised for our new Capitola Branch Library opening this winter, pushed for the development of a hotel on the new Capitola Mall site rather than in the village, secured dedicated funding for children’s programs, and helped raise money for multiple local agencies including the Capitola Police Department and Junior Guards. I’ve spent many hours meeting with residents and community groups, advocated on behalf of business owners, volunteered at community events, and built relationships throughout the region and state to champion the City of Capitola. In my next term, I am looking forward to supporting the development of affordable housing, confronting the impacts of climate change, and striving for an equitable recovery from the COVID pandemic. I’ve found great joy in serving this City that my family has called home for four gen-
matching FEMA funds to rebuild our community. We have a long road ahead of us, while we are currently focused on meeting immediate needs, our community will also have to manage the longer range needs of those struggling through the aftermath of the fires. Volunteers will be needed every step of the way and therefore the structure we put in place now will allow us to sustain the effort over time.” Bridget Smith, 27, is one volunteer who has worked long hours at the Emeline Donation Center over the last several days. “I am 4th generation Santa Cruzan and this is my home. I know quite a few people who have lost everything,” states Smith. After observing the first 48 hours of fire growth, she decided she needed to do something and decided to volunteer.
10 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Will Little Bear Reising, 45 Account Executive & Business, Owner www.linkedin.com/in/willreising 831-234-6896 the.will.of.Capitola@gmail.com have lived in Capitola for most of my life. The Capitola Jetty is where I surfed my first wave at 10 years old and fell in love with our beaches. The Capitola Mercantile and Restaurants are where I had my first jobs and started to earn the benefits of hard work and self reliance. I have been a musician in this town and cherish the value of and understand the challenges for our artists. I came up through the Soquel School District and put myself through college. I was the 2nd graduating class at CSUMB and have since worked for some of the largest technology companies in the world IBM, Oracle, now Google as a technologist and Account Executive. I am a homeowner, business owner, and a working father. I know hard work. I
Anthony J. Rovai, 55 Financial Advisor/Lender moneyconcepts.com/arovai 831-475-3442 AnthonyRovaiForCapitola@gmail.com OVID has brought on some challenging times and tough decisions lie ahead for our amazing city. I believe my experience will best serve our community at this time. I graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Marketing and Economics. As a Wealth Manager, Realtor® and Mortgage Broker I bring a trifecta of knowledge to my clients. I moved to Santa Cruz County in 1975. I have lived in Capitola for 23 years, remodeled two homes and built another gaining insight to the inner workings of our planning department. I feel blessed to live and work in Capitola and I’m reminded of this every morning during my walk through the neighborhoods. We enjoy a healthy natural environment, clean, safe streets, vibrant business, social and cultural communities. Those are the qualities and services I will continue to prioritize as we balance the budget and build back better. If you share my love for Capitola, like balanced budgets, and want to keep our community special, then vote for Anthony Rovai to bring commonsense solutions to Capitola. I will work hard to provide positive outcomes for our beloved City of Capitola. I’d be honored by your vote. n
“I have never volunteered before,” she said. “I arrived several days ago and have been here ever since…. doing what I can for our community. It feels good to help and not just sit home and panic and wonder what can I do. I will be here every day until I fall over.” Santa Cruz resident, Tori McBride, 24, also felt the call. “I’ve grown up in this community. We’ve never had a disaster like this affect so many people, and I just wanted to be able to help out and get involved,” she said. “I’ve been working specifically with the evacuees…It is not an easy thing…. I feel for them,” states McBride. In the time that McBride has been at the donation center she has had the opportunity to see the clear impact of the connections made through volunteering.
“It really shows our community, it’s kind of like a sense of family when something like this happens.” To learn how to volunteer, access resources, or donate to support the effort visit: https://scvolunteercenter.org/ events-2/lightning-fire-2020/ Ways to Volunteer: • View Fire Related Volunteer Opportunities and Register: https://www. scvolunteernow.org/special-event/ a0M4T000000YzayUAC • Sign up for shift at the one of the Donation Centers: https://www. scvolunteernow.org/opportunity/ a0C4T000000TGPwUAO • Stay informed as new volunteer opportunities arise: https://www. scvolunteernow.org/opportunity/ a0C4T000000TGNyUAO n
Will Little Bear Reising
Anthony J. Rovai
erations. I am eager to finish what we have started in the past four years and begin to consider innovative ways of moving into the next four years. Please vote to re-elect Kristen Petersen to Capitola City Council. www.kristenforcapitola.com
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Local Man Arrested For Wallet Theft
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By Jondi Gumz
etectives say they have solved the case of the wallet stolen from a Cal Fire firefighter, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart said at a 3 p.m. press conference Thursday at the Cal Fire base camp, announcing the Wednesday night arrest of Brian Johnson, 37, of Live Oak, on multiple felony charges. The sheriff was clearly pleased to crack the case in twoand-half days. Brian Johnson “A confession in 48 hours — really good police work,” he said. He had voiced outrage at the theft of the wallet from a visiting firefighter who had come to this county to fight the CZU Lightning Complex fire, which forced evacuation of 77,000 residents, grew to 81,333 acres and is 21 percent contained after 11 days. Hart said Johnson, who is on probation from another county, faces charges of grand theft, credit card theft, possession of stolen property, forgery and probation violation. Detective Daniel Robbins, named the Sheriff’s Office employee of the year for 2017, was assigned to the case. His team got information from a community member that led them to Johnson. At Johnson’s house, Hart said officers
found the clothing in the store video where the credit cards were used and recently purchased merchandise such as $1,400 in gift cards. Hart said Johnson admitted to the deed and “sat down and wrote a letter of apology” before being arrested. To those who contend the Sheriff’s Office has a “catch and release” policy, Hart said he had talked with District Attorney Jeff Rosell and gotten assurances that he’ll be filing the appropriate charges. Arraignment will likely be Friday or Monday, Hart said. He said his team is following up on a second man who may have been involved. The sheriff said he had received phone calls and emails from people across the country wanting to help the firefighter, one of 1,682 here battling a blaze over steep and difficult terrain in Bonny Doon, Boulder Creek and Ben Lomond. “A lot of people offered to pay the whole bill,” Hart said, but he noted the firefighter shared that he had been whole by his credit card company and he just wants to get back to his job of fighting the fire. “It’s not how much money,” Hart said. “What matters is a person came to help us. This is not right. I’m going to advocate this guy be held accountable.” Asked about the theft of personal protective equipment from another visiting firefighter, Hart said that case has been assigned to the city of Santa Cruz Police Department. n
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Sheriff Jim Hart reports on an arrest of a suspect in the theft of a Cal Fire firefighter’s wallet.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 11
COMMUNITY NEWS
CZU Fire: Up Close & Personal
Powerful Collection of Images From Kevin Painchaud
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By Jondi Gumz
ptos photographer Kevin Painchaud is documenting the devastation of the CZU Lightning Complex fires. And he’s sharing what he found with you. On Aug. 19, he drove up Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz. “All of Highway 1 was on fire,” he said. “It was out of control.” The next day, he spent four hours driving along Highway 9 in San Lorenzo Valley to Big Basin State Park, the oldest in California, where flames consumed the landmark visitor center, everything but the chimney. “All the hills were smoldering,” he said. “I didn’t want to go any further. I saw a lot of destruction.” Painchaud said the Boulder Creek Golf Course “looked fine.” So did Little Basin — although the LittleBasin.com website reports “severe damage” and the campground will be closed until further notice. Guests and staff were evacuated safely, according to the website. His assessment: “The (redwood) old growth is fine, which is amazing.” Painchaud drove up to the 3,200-acre Swanton Pacific Ranch in Davenport, 15 miles north of Santa Cruz, where the Swanton Pacific Railroad Society had operated a historic mile-long railroad with a diesel locomotive. “A lot of people who worked there asked me for photos,” he said.
12 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
The railroad society’s website at https://sprr.calpoly.edu/ has few details other than to say “at least some of our buildings were damaged or destroyed.” Driving up Felton Empire Grade, Painchaud was surprised because he did not see much destruction. “A lot of homes on this side of the hill are saved,” he said. He also photographed Aptos residents lining the street by the Best Western Seacliff Inn, cheering and holding hand-made thank-you signs for the out-of-town firefighters departing in their engines before
dawn to their shift. That show of gratitude was organized by Lisa Lonsdale Haux. This week, the rain and fog buoyed Painchaud’s spirits. On the Aptosia Facebook page, he wrote, “I’m feeling very optimistic.” n ••• All photos courtesy of Kevin Painchaud
COMMUNITY NEWS
Voting Matters Zoom Talk
Sept. 3 on Mail Delivery & Fire Victims
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ammy Patrick, senior advisor with the Democracy Fund, will join Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin at the second “Voting Matters” Zoom call at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, to discuss concerns about the United States Postal Service and mail delivery for people who have lost their homes or have been evacuated due to the CZU lightning fires. To join “Voting Matters” on Zoom, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/823772483 26?pwd=cDhRNHdUTDlFOWdSV3BiYnV YRjNrZz09 To participate via phone, call 1-669900-9128. The meeting ID is 823 7724 8326 and the passcode is 085550. “We’ve been getting lots of calls from voters concerned about timely delivery of their ballots, especially from those who have lost their homes in the fires,” County Clerk Gail Pellerin said. “I want to set voters’ minds at ease, so I called on my friend Tammy Patrick to give us an update. Tammy is a nationally-recognized expert on elections and postal issues, so we are so lucky to have her join us for the first portion of the evening.” Pellerin created the “Voting Matters” Zoom calls because her office has not been able to do their typical in-person voter outreach events due to COVID-19. Also, because of the pandemic, Gov. Newsom has issued an executive order requiring elections officials in California to mail ballots to all active registered voters by Oct. 5. There will be 15 ballot drop boxes installed throughout the county for voters to easily return their voted ballots. Voters can also mail their ballots as long as they are postmarked on or before Election Day. In addition, voters may drop their ballot off in person at one of 17 voting locations that will be open Oct. 31 to Nov. 3. In November, instead of the county’s
“We’ve been getting lots of calls from voters concerned about timely delivery of their ballots, especially from those who have lost their homes in the fires,” said. “I want to set voters’ minds at ease, so I called on my friend Tammy Patrick to give us an update. Tammy is a nationally-recognized expert on elections and postal issues, so we are so lucky to have her join us for the first portion of the evening.”
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traditional polling places, there will be voting locations where voters can obtain a ballot, turn in a ballot, register and vote on the same day, or vote an accessible or Spanish ballot on the tablet. Any voter may go to any location. Consolidating voting locations improves the county’s ability to protect health and safety, including implementing physical distancing and wearing masks, disinfecting surfaces and voting equipment, providing hand sanitizer and more, including screening poll workers for symptoms. Voters will be asked to follow these guidelines to protect themselves and to protect others. The “Voting Matters” Zoom event is open to the public and nonpartisan. “Voting Matters” Zoom events will take place every other Thursday until Election Day. The next “Voting Matters” call will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 17, and will be presented primarily in Spanish.
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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
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 13
14 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
Superior Court Judge Candidate Statement
Annrae Angel No statement filed ••• Nancy de la Peña, 62 Assistant County Council www.Nancy4Judge.com Nancy4Judge@gmail.com will bring experience, integrity and diversity to the Santa Cruz County Superior Court. During my 34 years as both a Santa Cruz County Public Defender and an Assistant Santa Cruz County Counsel, I handled thousands of cases, including adult and juvenile criminal matters, child protective cases and gun violence restraining orders. These years of trial experience has taught me that listening and treating people with respect is vital in our system of justice. My commitment to honoring these values not only helps ensure I will be a fair and effective judge but has also led to endorsements from many people and groups who, as a lawyer, sat on the other side of the table from me in court. I will work hard, listen carefully, generate new ideas and serve our entire community. I have earned the respect, support and endorsement of numerous Santa Cruz
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Annrae Angel
Nancy de la Peña
County Superior Court Judges, California Assemblymember Mark Stone, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart, members of both the Santa Cruz County Public Defender and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney, the Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and the Santa Cruz County Women’s Democratic Club. Santa Cruz is my community. My wife, Janet, and I raised our two daughters in Santa Cruz, where I coached local girls’ soccer teams for ten years. I served on the Board of Directors of Familia Center, the Santa Cruz County Women Lawyers, and the Santa Cruz County Bar Association. I would be honored to receive your vote. n
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“Soquel Shelter” from page 4 There, the windows clearly spelled out a message: “Thank You Firefighters” with a heart. Matt Arthur, who owns the store, said the sign was created by Haley, Bailey and Britlyn. He shared a story of neighborly generosity: Denika Matlock of Scotts Valley started GoFundMe campaign for Alan and Elizabeth Renouf and their three children who lost their home in the Santa Cruz Mountains, at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ renouf-fire-relief-fund The response in two days was $45,176. Then on the corner of Bay Avenue in Capitola, Mellanie Strah had set up a yard
Mellanie Strah (right) and her daughter Samantha set up a yard sale for fire aid at her home in Capitola.
Capitola Beach Co. thanks firefighters. sale, with a sign saying “All proceeds go to fire aid.” Strah, who bought this Capitola home in September, said she had moved there after living 23 years in Vacaville, where a handful of her friends had lost their homes in fires started by lightning. She said she had given to several GoFundMe campaigns then asked herself, “What more could I do?” She asked her daughters Samantha and Hailey what didn’t they need, and those items went out in the yard. “We’re so blessed,” Strah said. n ••• Cover Photo: Brian Perry of Feltoon, right, with son Robert, who discovered three lizards at the Soquel campground shelter, spends time with friend Robert Cochran and his daughter Debbie CochranNewton, of Boulder Creek.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 15
16 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
Soquel Creek Water District Board Candidate Statements (2 Seats Open)
Bruce Daniels Water Scientist/Director ProtectWater.info Bruce@Protect.Water.info s a climate scientist specializing in coastal water resources, I’ve worked for decades to bring our resource-threatened community a new drought-proof, safe, sustainable water supply. Other efforts have failed while our rivers dry. With climate change predicting mega-droughts, this is truly our last chance to prevent saltwater intrusion and maintain highest water quality. I’m proud to place my Ph.D. in Hydroclimatology in the service of the Soquel Creek Water District, headed by an accomplished team of scientists, environmentalists and practical professionals who have trusted me as current President of the Board of Directors. Previously, I was appointed twice by the Governor and elected Chairperson of our California Regional Water Quality Control Board. From owning a business to volunteering on the Save Our Shores Technical Advisory Committee, my skill is using substantial science to provide the most public good within budget constraints. I have specialized training, but I’m also a customer like you. The pandemic has made us more aware of water’s place in our health, but affordability is critical now, too. Our Soquel Creek Water District must act quickly to use hard-won millions of dollars in grants and loans with strict time limits to construct PureWater Soquel. I thank you for your community spirit and beg for your support to conquer a problem that’s still fixable.
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Tom LaHue, 66 Veterinary Surgeon/Director www.protectwater.info Tom@protectwater.info am dedicated to protecting our groundwater and accomplishing our goal of having a sustainable, clean, safe, reliable, high-quality water supply for both current and future members of our community. As a Soquel Creek Water District Director and Chair of the Santa Cruz
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Mid-County Groundwater Agency, I continue to work towards that objective utilizing my knowledge and experience in coastal water issues, my scientific background, and common sense. I provide a strong voice for protection of water quality and have a reputation for serving with integrity, studying each issue carefully, being fiscally responsible, listening, and thoughtfully considering the best choice for the long term in a fair manner. I served on the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, and as the founding president of the Santa Cruz Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. I taught Environmental Science at Aptos High School for 14 years. Excellent conservation efforts have been made by the people of our district, however a supplemental water supply is necessary to protect our groundwater from being ruined by seawater intrusion. We have made significant progress towards developing a groundwater replenishment project. I am committed to seeing this project through to completion and protecting the water supply of our entire midcounty region.
Corrie Kates Retired Businessman vote for me to lead Soquel Creek Water District will ensure more transparent leadership to represent you. I have 32 years of experience in managing large municipal projects upwards of $100 million. My governmental and private experiences make me the right choice. I have also managed and prepared municipal budgets and made cuts to budgets when there is a need ensure continuation of municipal services. I believe in long range strategic planning and working with local agencies in collaboration to provide long-term affordable sustainability.
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“SqCWD Board” page 17
COMMUNITY NEWS
Bruce Daniels
Tom Lahue
“SqCWD Board” from page 16 My experiences allowed me to facilitate and guide joint venture projects with local water purveyors including grant funded projects and State and Federal Agencies. Such projects include recycled, recharge, storage and water transportation projects. I have prepared joint powers agreements with water Districts and other local agencies for emergency water services and rate re-structuring. I believe in transparency and budgeting within your means and not spending funds that are not available. I can make a difference as your next Board of Director to guide the Soquel Creek Water District, in their decision-making. I can and will help them make the right choices while being mindful and listening to the ratepayers that support the District. Maria Marsilio, 64 Human Resources Director katesandmarsilio.com hrmarsilio@netzero.com 831-688-0365 y goal, if I am elected to the Board, is to bring demonstrated leadership in building collaborative and
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Corrie Kates
Maria Marsilio
productive relationships in order to find viable, research based, scientifically data driven, environmentally sound, cost effective solutions that have been tried and true to the District. I will work hard to reduce waste and to listen to the needs of community members, business leaders, and farmers. There are a number of solutions that will satisfy our water requirements such as groundwater management, water transfers, aquifer recharge, rainwater harvesting systems, environmental protection, equitable water rates, and promote economic prosperity. The water problems we face are complex and require a multi-faceted solution. I raised my 2 children in Aptos and am an active volunteer in the community. My Master ’s Degree in Industrial Psychology from San Jose State University and over 20 years of senior management experience as well as my analytical abilities, conflict resolution skills, and consensus building approach has proven invaluable to finding solutions to a broad range of complex issues. n
Where’s My Ballot?
he Secretary of State’s “Where’s My Ballot?” tracking tool is now available to voters in all 58 California counties. All California voters can now sign-up at WheresMyBallot. sos.ca.gov to receive automated notifications about their vote-by-mail ballots by email, text, or voice call. “With every active, registered voter receiving a vote-by-mail ballot this fall, ballot tracking will be a critical part of our election planning as we continue to confront the COVID-19 pandemic,” Secretary of State Alex Padilla said. “Voters and elections officials’ ability to track ballots through the USPS is important for transparency, accountability, and voter confidence.” To promote the tool, the Secretary of State’s office sent an email Tuesday about the new tool to all Californians who provided an email when they registered to vote.
Voters who sign up for “Where’s My Ballot?” will receive automatic updates when the county elections office: • Mailed the voter ’s ballot. • Received the voter ’s ballot. • Counted the voter ’s ballot. • Has any issues with the voter ’s ballot. Voters who sign up for “Where’s My Ballot?” will also receive communications from their county elections office about election deadlines and polling place changes. n
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 17
COMMUNITY NEWS
Cal Fire Strategy Paying Off
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By Jondi Gumz
rom the outset, Cal Fire’s strategy was to box the CZU Lightning Complex fire in, and keep flames from jumping the box. It appears to be working, with evacuees from UC Santa Cruz the first of 77,000 exiles in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties allowed to return Wednesday. As of Saturday night, the fire, which started Aug. 16, covered 84,300 acres in the two counties — with 33% containment. 2,105 firefighters are currently assigned to the fire, double the numbers at the start. A total of 1,094 structures were destroyed, including 720 homes in Santa Cruz County. Only 20 of the destroyed buildings are in San Mateo County. Santa Cruz County opened a recovery center Saturday at the Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St., Santa Cruz, with hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help residents impacted by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire with resources needed to recover and rebuild. Residents can register with FEMA
for federal disaster aid and get information about the rebuilding process, removal of debris, utilities, insurance, community and social services and obtaining documents that may have burned in the fire. Tad Jones, 73, of Last Chance Road in Davenport, a hard-hit area, was the first casualty; he was found on his property. A 63-year-old Felton woman was found dead in her home Monday; her name has not been released.
18 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Henry Reinke, 70, Micah Szoke, 37, and Shane Smith, 21, who had been reported missing, have been found, and one person is still missing, according to Chief Chris Clark of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. Missing persons can be reported to 831-471-1121. For evacuees wondering when they could return home, residents of Scotts Valley, a city of 12,000, got the good news Thursday, as did residents of Paradise Park. Residents
of Zayante, Lompico, Mount Hermon and the eastern Bear Creek Road learned Friday afternoon they could go home. On Saturday, Felton residents learned they would be able to go home. The wait will be longer for people who live in the towns along the Highway 9 corridor, Ben Lomond, Brookdale and Boulder Creek, where the fire is active, and also Bonny Doon where the fire damage is so extensive, with downed power lines and trees in the roadways. PG&E is following firefighters into areas deemed safe to restore power. Cal Fire Deputy Chief Jonathan Cox has hosted daily press conferences at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the firefighters’ base camp in Scotts Valley to report their progress. Battalion Chief Mark Brunton and Assistant Chief Billy See described the strategy to box the fire in by creating “lines” — defensive trenches wide enough to prevent embers from blowing across. “Cal Fire” page 21
COMMUNITY NEWS
Capitola Beach Closed Labor Day Weekend
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SUSHI MARKET SPROUTS Sushi Takeout, Japanese Snacks, Drinks, & Gifts
By Jondi Gumz
or decades, Capitola Beach was the place where many families spent Labor Day Weekend, enjoying the last days of summer. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Capitola Beach will be closed 5 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, through 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7. Crossing the beach to access the ocean will be allowed, and the water will remain open at all times for activity and water sports. On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6 and 7, the beach will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. only. Similar beach closures will be enforced at all Santa Cruz County and city of Santa Cruz beaches — and for the same reason, preventing the spread of COVID-19. Forecasting models predict a four-fold increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations by
the beginning of September, and contract tracing has found that large gatherings associated with holidays such as Mother’s Day have resulted in groups of people being infected. Labor Day traditionally brings in a huge influx of visitors to the beaches in Capitola and the rest of Santa Cruz County, which is what officials want to avoid this year. The City of Capitola staff expect a $1.5 million shortfall due to the health crisis and “shelter in place” order this year on top of $4.5 million in budget cuts. n ••• To read the Emergency Order outlining this beach closure, see https://www.cityofcapitola.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/ city_administration/page/15981/emergency_ order_6-2020.pdf
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Second Harvest: Food Distributions Through September
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econd Harvest Food Bank made extra food available last Friday to serve fire-evacuated residents. The nonprofit is committed to providing community-wide drive through distributions as long as need continues. The schedule is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays through September. Sept. 4: WATSONVILLE; Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Sept. 11: SANTA CRUZ: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Sept. 18: WATSONVILLE; Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Sept. 25: SANTA CRUZ: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk To learn more, call the Community Food Hotline at (831) 662-0991 or visit thefoodbank.org.
This drive through distribution is for residents of Santa Cruz County. If you need food assistance and live in San Benito county, call (831) 637-0340 and for food assistance in Monterey County call (831) 758-1523. n
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 19
425 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 kirby.org
Empowering Students to Shape Their Futures with Confidence
Continuity of education is a top priority for Kirby. Ask us about our increased commitment to Tuition Assistance. Contact our Admissions Office to help you through the application process (831) 423-0658 x 202 or email admissions@kirby.org.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Banff Mountain Film Festival Goes Virtual G et off the beaten path and explore the edge of believable with exhilarating stories from the 44thBanff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival. The Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz will host this Virtual Screening Sept. 16 – Oct.17. Stand on the highest peaks, paddle through the coldest waters, and be a part of the gripping adventures in this year’s Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour. From exploring remote landscapes to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films selected for this world tour covers more than 40 countries. Be moved. Be inspired. Don’t miss out. Local sponsors are Adventure Sports Journal, Bicycle Trip, Santa Cruz Waves, Santa Cruz County Bank, Santa Cruz Bicycles
Thabang — Wandering Fever
There will be three programs to choose from, or buy a bundle including all three. For tickets visit https://www.riotheatre. com/events-2/2020/9/18/banff-centremountain-film-festival-world-tour n
KIRBY.ORG
Reel Rock
‘Top Dog’ Film Fest: Online Sept 20-25
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20 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
elebrate the canine connection through this carefully curated collection of heartwarming stories about dogs and their people when the Top Dog Film Festival — Santa Cruz offers a virtual screening Sept. 20 – 25. Meet dogs from all walks of life from the comfort of your home. From the surfing dog of Huntington Beach, the bus riding pooch of Seattle, the husky dogs of Alaska to the working dogs of Australia, the pull on your heartstring is guaranteed to be strong. Meet four-legged heroes, unbreakable bonds and canine companions that enrich the lives of all those they encounter. Experience heartfelt stories of people who dedicate their lives to improving the outcomes for man’s best friend and take a look at the lighter side of the pet-owner relationship. These short films are from independent films makers around the globe. A portion
Lure of the North
of ticket sales will benefit the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. Local sponsors are Pacific Paw, Pet Pals, Community Mobile Vet, Dr. Hannah Good, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing and Santa Cruz Waves. n Tickets are $15: www.adventurereelstv.com/ film/top-dog-film-festival-santa-cruz/ For more info: www.riotheatre.com/ events-2/2020/9/12/top-dog-film-festival
COMMUNITY NEWS
SBA Opens Virtual Wildfire Recovery Center L ow-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Santa Cruz County businesses and residents as a result of President Trump’s major disaster declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Jovita Carranza announced Monday. The declaration covers Santa Cruz, Lake, Napa, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo counties as a result of the wildfires that began Aug. 14. “SBA is strongly committed to providing California with the most effective and customer-focused response possible and with access to federal disaster loans to help businesses and residents affected by this disaster,” said Carranza. “Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.” In consideration of the public health concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic, SBA established a Virtual Business Recovery Center on Aug, 24 to provide personalized assistance to business owners.
“Cal Fire” from page 18 This task was accomplished relatively quickly in the south, protecting the heavily forested UCSC campus and the city of Santa Cruz, but it’s much more challenging on the east along Highway 9 in Felton, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek and in Bonny Doon where terrain is steep and homes are interspersed among the redwoods. Crews work by hand because the job can’t be done by bulldozers. See said 12 National Guard crews, 288 men and women, with 44 Cal Fire supervisors overseeing them, are coming in to work on containment. North of Ben Lomond, there were places where fire jumping the lines, “something we have to deal with,” he said. He was pleased that 30,000 people
A Scotts Valley resident returning home with his boat.
SBA also opened a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to help homeowners and renters. Customer service representatives will be available to business owners and individuals to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application. Hours for the two virtual help centers will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays – Fridays at FOCWAssistance@sba.gov and (916) 735-1500. These services are available only for the California disaster declaration as a result of the wildfires that began Aug. 14, and not for COVID-19 assistance. Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and
other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofits of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Interest rates can be as low as 3
were able to return home in 11 days. More than 40,000 people remain evacuated. For the first week, smoky air grounded Cal Fire aircraft and helicopters. Once the air cleared, they dumped 1.6 million gallons of water. On Thursday, a critical operation was scheduled in San Lorenzo Valley — a burn designed to “control the fire on our terms,” as See put it. The job was expected to take 24 to 30 hours but was delayed a bit, first by a weather change, and then by a brazen theft of the commander’s personal protective equipment by someone who broke into his truck. The burn was successful, protecting residents of Scotts Valley, with the other communities to follow, as long as roads are safe, and gas, electric sand water service are available. Water is a concern because the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, which serves San Lorenzo Valley and part of Scotts Valley, had three tanks damaged, reducing storage capacity by half, and five miles of polystyrene water lines snaking across Ben Lomond Mountain melted. Water district general manager Rick Rogers said a majority of the system, however, is in good shape and emergency repairs have been authorized. Looters were a concern at first, with multiple arrests made, until the Sheriff’s Office bolstered its forces with personnel from around the county and out of the area, as many as 90 officers on the weekend to deter burglars. Another issue has been people
returning to their property to check on their homes and retrieve forgotten items, potentially causing conflicts with firefighters’ plans to dump water or retardant, or worst case, residents trapped by fallen branches or power lines, requiring a rescue. One man was cited after he tried to sneak back home, using a back way, getting lost and spending two nights in the woods until a friend of his called deputies. Clark said the search took 126 hours plus a helicopter to extricate him out of the terrain, and a deputy was injured riding a mountain bike to the rescue. On Tuesday, Santa Cruz County released a map where property owners can look up their address and check the status of their home: https://www. santacruzcounty.us/FireRecovery/DamageAssessmentMap.aspx A green marker indicates no damage.
percent for businesses, 2.75 percent for private nonprofits and 1.188 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must first contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.disasterassistance.gov. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance. sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (916) 735-1500 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov for more information on disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 8778339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. n
Firefighters prepare for another round fighting the CZU Lightning Fires in front of Bonny Doon Church.
Orange means 26-50 percent damaged. A red marker means destroyed. For those wanting to thank firefighters, letters, cards and posters can be mailed to: CAL FIRE CZU Headquarters 6059 Highway 9, Felton, CA, 95018
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 21
COMMUNITY NEWS
How to Help People Displaced By Fires
Community Foundation Awards $400,000+ in COVID grants
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By Kevin Heuer
s the CZU Lightning Complex Fire “The requests for help we’ve gotten since burns in northern Santa Cruz County, March have been staggering,” said Roxanne the COVID-19 pandemic continues Moore, program director for Community to deepen economic instability for thousands Bridges, including Mountain Community Resources, which across the county and serves the hard-hit San infect people daily. “We’re overwhelmed and Lorenzo Valley. Virus transmission grateful for the thousands “The cutbacks concerns are elevated generous donations to the Fire in hours and layoffs as nearly 1 in 4 county Response Fund which have mean people can’t residents have sought come in from all over Calipay the rent, the temporary shelter due fornia and across the nation. In utility bill, the cell to evacuation orders. a time when people are already phone bill or even the In the seventh grocery bill,” she said. month of the panstretched financially from the “We’ve been able to demic, needs related COVID-19 pandemic, folks are be there for those to COVID-19 show coming together. It’s this spirit families, first for the no sign of abatement. of kindness that gives me hope pandemic, and now Thanks to community that we will be able to rebuild in response to the donors, the Community and heal our beloved comfires. From day one, Foundation responded munity, together.” the support and trust with $435,562 in grants — Susan True from the Community this week to support Foundation has been nonprofit partners providing emergency financial, food, and rental critical to our ability to get needs met.” True said, “We’re in this for the long assistance for September. In addition, the Foundation has released $233,500 in the first week of haul.” She added, “Recovery from COVID-19 responding to fires. “We are now dealing with twin and the fire will take years. When a disaster disasters,” said Community Foundation strikes, immediate relief takes the forefront. CEO Susan True. “As our neighbors manage But national attention will fade and longeconomic distress, fear, disruption and chaos term needs will remain. The Community in their lives, it is the care of our donors, non- Foundation will still be here raising money profits, businesses - all of us that will help and making grants to rebuild a stronger, Santa Cruz County navigate this incredibly more resilient Santa Cruz County. We are so grateful to everyone who has chosen difficult time. We lean on each other.” Since the announcement of school to partner with the Community Founclosures on March 13, the Community Foun- dation as we invest in long-term solutions dation has given out a total of $8.5 million in and help those left behind by other aid response grants--including $5.5 million from programs.” A full list of COVID-19 grants is available donors with donor advised giving accounts at the Aptos-based nonprofit. Grant-making at: www.cfscc.org/covidgrants A list of Fire Response grants is available at: continues to prioritize those already disadvantaged by inequities: low-wage essential www.cfscc.org/firegrants workers, frail seniors, undocumented famHow to Give to the COVID-19 Local ilies, and people with severe illness. Grantee Response Fund or Fire Response Fund partners include Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Center for Farmworker ax-deductible donations, in any Families, Grey Bears, and Housing Matters. amount, can be made at the following: • COVID-19 Response Fund: www. cfscc.org/donate/COVID. • Fire Response Fund: www.cfscc.org/fire Gifts to each fund will be accepted as long as the need continues. The funds will provide financial support for Santa Cruz County organizations on the front line of COVID-19 and fire response. Contact the Community Foundation at (831) 662-2061 or info@cfscc.org for help making a donation. Map showing where donations are coming from.
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22 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Visit www.cfscc.org/updates/fire-responsefund-grants to learn how your donations are helping. Actions To Take 1. GIVE SUPPLIES The County of Santa Cruz is coordinating and accepting donations at two sites Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Santa Cruz County Warehouse: 1082 Emeline, Santa Cruz South County Donation Site: 114 Walker Street, Watsonville View the County’s Fire Resources website to view the items needed: www. co.santa-cruz.ca.us/FireResources.aspx 2. DONATE TO THE FIRE RESPONSE FUND Any donation size will help. Make an online donation here: www.cfscc.org/ donate/fire 100% of donors’ gifts will be used for grantmaking. All donations are tax-deductible. 3. VOLUNTEER Volunteer at a Fire Shelter in Watsonville, Santa Cruz or Soquel: scvolunteercenter.org/ vc_blog/fire-safety-and-how-you-can-help/ Learn about opportunities through the Volunteer Center: scvolunteercenter.org/ vc_blog/fire-safety-and-how-you-can-help/ Help pack and distribute food with Second Harvest: www.thefoodbank.org/ volunteer/ Resources: The County’s Fire Response website is the best location for current information: www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Fire Resources.aspx 4. STAY INFORMED CAL Fire San Mateo–Santa Cruz Unit Latest evacuation orders and most up to date info is posted on their Twitter page: twitter.com/CALFIRECZU Map of fires and evacuations with zone: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ f0121f7f2f0941afb3ed70529b2cee75 List of road closures: www.sccroadclosure.org/index.html Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office: www.facebook.com/SantaCruz SheriffsOffice/ County of Santa Cruz Emergency Services: twitter.com/sccounty Help To Be Received 1. DIRECT AID Victims of the fire can start an application for federal aid at disasterassistance. gov or 1-800-621-3362.
Photo Credit: Grey Bears
Volunteers are needed by the nonprofit Grey Bears to pack food for those in need.
American Red Cross: Call 1-866-2722237 for assistance. 2. SHELTER & PARKING SITES Map of current shelter & parking sites and occupancy on the Santa Cruz County website: In English https://www.co.santacruz.ca.us/FireResources.aspx En Español https://www. co.santa-cruz.ca.us/FireResources/FireResourcesSpanish.aspx 3. FOOD Family Resource Calendar Food pantry, meal sites, crisis support, and healthcare. http://craft-cfscc-prod. s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/AUGUSTBilingual-Family-Resource-Calendar.pdf Need Food? Call the Community Food Hotline (831) 662-0991 4. TRANSPORTATION Need a ride to an evacuation center or other safe destination in Santa Cruz County? Call Lift Line at (831) 688-9663 5. MUTUAL AID Santa Cruz Fire Assistance & Resources Facebook group for mutual aid. Post what you need and what you can offer. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/santacruzcountyfireassistance/ Santa Cruz County Fire Assistance Community organized mutual aid. Post what you need and what you can offer. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/ d/1cw5alx8tNIWjpLN3XdhWSEqA7F3 YMntk-GupPNcuJAs/htmlview# n ••• Kevin Heuer is director of engagement & impact at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Cabrillo Teacher Finds A Way
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By Jondi Gumz
ennifer Vered, who chairs the Computer Applications Business Tech Department at Cabrillo College, wanted to make sure her students had the textbooks they needed before classes began Aug. 24. On Friday, she was in the Cabrillo parking lot in Aptos handing out loaner textbooks, next to where dozens of out-of-town fire trucks had parked, staging for the CZU Lightning Complex fires, which has forced evacuation of 77,000 people from their homes in Santa Cruz County. The fires, which have spread to 80,000 acres, came on top of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected 1,698 people in Santa Cruz County, 36 percent being millennials ages 18 to 34. The pandemic, which arrived in mi-March, forced all instruction from kindergarten to college to move online.
Among those evacuated by the fires were Vered, her husband and their son, who’s in middle school, who left their home in Ben Lomond. She said her son had been eager to return to classes and see his friends, but he’ll have to patient. Because of the fires, the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District will be closed through Tuesday, Sept. 8. Vered said many of her students at Cabrillo qualify for financial aid but the money doesn’t arrive until three weeks into the semester. So she applied for a grant to provide loaner textbooks to students to ensure they can follow her lessons. This is the third year she’s been able to provide loaner textbooks. The books are returned at the end of the semester and loaned out to the next semester’s students. Her philosophy: “We’ll figure it out.” n
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Jennifer Vered, who chairs the Computer Applications Business Tech Department at Cabrillo College, hands out loaner textbooks to students on Aug. 21, ahead of the first day of class Aug. 24.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 23
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Off the COVID Monitoring List: What Does It Mean for Schools?
Letters To The Community From the Santa Cruz County Office of Education Schools Closed One Extra Week Due To Fires ear Families of Santa Cruz County, Our School District Superintendents and Charter School leaders are deeply saddened by the devastating effects that the Lightning Complex Fire is having on our community, especially in the midst of a pandemic. The education community stands together in unity and solidarity with every person impacted by this tragedy. Our hearts go out to all of those who have been displaced, have lost their homes, and those who are waiting to hear whether their homes are still standing. As this disastrous event continues to unfold, every district and charter school in Santa Cruz County is working closely with our County’s emergency operations team to mobilize all the resources at our disposal to support students, staff, and families with emergency shelters, temporary housing, food, mental health support, and more. Several districts and charter schools have made the decision to suspend instructional programs as a result of this dynamic situation. The following school districts have announced the suspension of instructional programs through the week of Aug. 24-28: • Bonny Doon Elementary School District • Live Oak School District • Happy Valley Elementary School District • Mountain Elementary School District • Pacific Elementary School District • San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District (closed through Sept. 8th) • Santa Cruz City School District • Soquel Union Elementary School District • Scotts Valley Unified School District The decisions to close schools were based on a number of important metrics including air quality, number of staff impacted by evacuations, number of students who are unable to access their learning program, power outages, and more. Families can expect to hear from their school district about the status of their child’s school, reopening dates, and what services will be provided to them. Our community continues to inspire us with its resilience in these dire times. When this fire struck, our community
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immediately took action with generosity and willingness to support each other. Many school employees and community members have pivoted to help serve as Disaster Service Workers to staff shelters and distribute supplies to those in need. Santa Cruz County schools are committed to supporting our community through this crisis. Please stay safe, informed, and alert. ••• Santa Cruz County has been Removed From the State Monitoring List ear Families of Santa Cruz County, Today we learned that on Aug.17 Santa Cruz County was removed from the California County COVID-19 Monitoring List. If Santa Cruz County is able to remain off the monitoring list for 14 consecutive days, there is a possibility we could consider plans to transition to in-person instruction per California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance. However, there are a number of questions and barriers remain at this time before Santa Cruz County Schools could safely and effectively reopen. Once our county is able to remain off the County Monitoring List for 14 consecutive days, the decision to reopen schools
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24 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
must take into account a variety of local factors, including the capacity to respond appropriately to a potential outbreak. CDPH recommends that once in-person instruction resumes “surveillance testing is implemented based on the local disease trends” and that we maintain the capacity to test, at minimum, 25% of school staff every two weeks. Santa Cruz County does not currently have enough testing capacity to meet this requirement, nor adequate contact tracing. We are actively working with County Public Health to increase our county’s ability to secure adequate surveillance testing for the school community and offer training to help increase local contact tracing capacity. It is crucial the decision to reopen schools in our county be done carefully and that we avoid any hasty actions that could cause a surge in COVID-19 cases in our community. In addition, it is possible that we could become flagged on the County Monitoring List once again and be required to close schools once more. This “on again, off again” effect can be destabilizing, confusing and traumatic for students, as well as challenging for teachers and school staff to implement.
We will continue to review the local public health conditions, work with County Public Health, our local school boards, and school stakeholders to determine the best course of action. Santa Cruz County School Superintendents are committed to ensuring that schools only open when our local Public Health authorities announce that our county and school community have the resources to reopen safely and minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. For the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at: https://www. cdc.gov/COVID19. In addition, you can also call 211 or text “coronavirus” to 211211. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education continues to update its web page and resources at www.sccoe.link/coronavirus. ••• Elementary School Waivers for In-Person Instruction (Originally sent out July 27) ear Families of Santa Cruz County, Gov. Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) included a footnote within the new guidance set forth for schools earlier this month to allow both public and private elementary schools to submit a waiver that once approved would allow schools within counties who are flagged on the state’s County Monitoring List to offer in-person instruction provided they can meet all required social distancing and sanitation requirements. While the waiver application process is being developed, waiver applications will not be available until our county’s testing capacity is robust enough to respond to confirmed COVID-19 cases if they arise in schools that have reopened with a waiver. The footnote from the new CDPH guidance regarding waivers reads as follows: “A waiver of this criteria may be granted by the local health officer for elementary schools to open for in-person instruction. A waiver may only be granted if one is requested by the superintendent (or equivalent for charter or private schools), in consultation with labor, parent and community organizations.
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“Letters” page 25
COMMUNITY BRIEFS Aptos Farmers Market Reopens Saturday fter a week’s hiatus, the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College will be open on Saturday, August 29, from 8 a.m. to noon. For information visit: https://www. facebook.com/AptosFarmersMarket/ ••• Italian Classes Start Online Sept. 14 ante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz announces online classes beginning Sept. 14. Students can choose from Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced and Conversation. Beginners will engage twice a weekMondays and Thursdays to help put them on firm footing. Classes (1-hour sessions)
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“Letters” from page 24 Local health officers must review local community epidemiological data, consider other public health interventions, and consult with CDPH when considering a waiver request.” The new CDPH guidance also states: “Once schools are reopened to at least some in-person instruction, it is recommended that surveillance testing be implemented based on the local disease trends. If epidemiological data indicates concern for increasing community transmission, schools should increase testing of staff to detect potential cases as lab testing capacity allows. School staff are essential workers, and staff includes teachers, paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers, janitors, bus drivers, or any other school employee that may have contact with students or other staff. School districts and schools shall test staff periodically, as testing capacity permits and as practicable.” For school sites that wish to offer in-person instruction, robust COVID-19 testing for the educational community will be a crucial element in avoiding a resurgence of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county, along with other measures such as contact tracing, completion of thorough safety training for school personnel, and the implementation of safety protocols at school sites. Through funding provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the County is working to significantly expand local testing capacity in partnership with UCSC and local health care providers. However, it is anticipated that it will take some time for Santa Cruz County to develop the necessary systems to move forward with opening the waiver process for review. The local Public Health Officer must approve any school-specific
are offered both mornings and evenings to give students the best choice for their schedules. Spots are limited. Discounts are given to members. Consider becoming a member. To join or register for classes visit. www. dantesantacruz.com For additional information email: dantesantacruz1265@gmail. com. ••• Public Hearing on Measure D 5-Year Plan he Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing via Zoom at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, to provide an opportunity for feedback about how it plans to spend voter-approved Measure D revenues over the next five years.
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waiver application prior to submission to the state for final approval. Santa Cruz County Schools and our local public health authorities are committed to working together to oversee the elementary waiver process to ensure that our educational community remains safe. Our educational community is grateful for and depends on our partnership with our local Public Health authorities to ensure the safety of our students, families, and staff by minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission at school sites while maximizing learning opportunities for students. We will continue to work to ensure that all students in Santa Cruz County are safe. n ••• Yours in health and equity, Laurie Bruton, Superintendent, San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Lorie Chamberland, Superintendent, Live Oak School District Eric Gross, Superintendent, Pacific Elementary School District Mike Heffner, Superintendent, Bonny Doon Union Elementary School District Tanya Krause, Superintendent, Scotts Valley Unified School District Michelle McKinny, Superintendent, Happy Valley Elementary School District Diane Morgenstern, Superintendent, Mountain Elementary School District Kris Munro, Superintendent, Santa Cruz City Schools Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District Faris Sabbah, County Superintendent of Schools Scott Turnbull, Superintendent, Soquel Union Elementary School District
The RTC will consider plans for projects in these regional categories: • Highway Corridor: auxiliary lanes, bike/pedestrian bridges, safety programs, and traveler information • Active Transportation/Coastal Rail Trail • Rail Corridor: analysis and maintenance • San Lorenzo Valley/Highway 9 Corridor • Community Bridges Lift Line Paratransit Projects The draft five-year plans and staff report will be available on the RTC website at least 72 hours before the hearing at: sccrtc.org/meetings/commission/ agendas/.
For board consideration, provide comments no later than noon Sept. 2 to: info@ sccrtc.org or provide comments by participating in the hearing via Zoom. The web address is https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89674106616 Dial-in number is +1-669-900-6833 / ID:422744 Broad community participation is encouraged to ensure an informed decision-making process. More information about Measure D can be found online at: www.sccrtc.org/ move. n
1980s Lyrics
ACROSS
1. Lascaux and Mammoth, e.g. 6. At the stern 9. Eyeball rudely 13. Inuit boat 14. And not 15. Sing like Sinatra 16. Manicurist’s file 17. Old-fashioned “before” 18. *”If you __, I won’t cry. I won’t waste one single day” 19. *”Steve walks warily down the street with the brim pulled way __ __” 21. *”She’s just a girl who claims I am __ __” 23. “Play it, ____,” from “Casablanca” 24. Boris Godunov, e.g. 25. *”All right stop collaborate and listen, ____ is back...”
28. Between Phi and Kappa 30. Restriction limiting use of lights during air raid 35. J.D. Power awards competitors 37. *”Oh, back on the chain ____” 39. Ann Patchett’s novel “Bel ____” 40. Slightly 41. Algorithmic language 43. French “place” 44. Kind of potato masher 46. Brickowski’s brick 47. Cleopatra’s necklace 48. Canine’s coat 50. Sol or fa 52. Nat’l Institutes of Health 53. *”____ Christmas, I gave you my heart” 55. Trinitrotoluene 57. *”You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar when I ____ ____”
60. *”I wanna dance with somebody, with somebody who ____ ____” 64. Lithograph, for short 65. Holstein sound 67. Radio sign 68. Killed, like dragon 69. Commotion 70. Yiddish shrew 71. Sleep in rough accommodations 72. Gourmet mushroom 73. Cancel an edit, pl.
8. Weight of refuse and chaff, pl. 9. Black and white cookie 10. One from Goa 11. *”And I’m never gonna make it like you do, making ____ out of nothing at all” 12. Compass reading 15. One of religious orders 20. Last letter of Greek alphabet 22. Experienced 24. Sine over cosine DOWN 25. *”I long to see the 1. Whispered from a sunlight in your hair prompting booth and tell you time and 2. Shells and such time again how much 3. *”Meeting you with a ____ ____” ____ to a kill” 26. Northwoods dwelling? 4. Brings home the 27. The Goldbergs sibling bacon 29. *”Cuase I’m your 5. First U.S. space station ____ cool one, and 6. Again I’m built to please” 7. *”Hello, is it me you’re 31. Scotch ingredient looking ____?” 32. Kitchen tear-jerker
33. Wombs 34. *”Ooh, what’s the matter with the crowd I’m seeing? Don’t you know that they’re out of ____?” 36. Petals holder 38. *”Wake me up before you ____” 42. It creates instant millionaires 45. Count on, two words 49. One from Laos 51. Emissaries 54. Poison ivy or Poison oak 56. Religious doctrine 57. Venus de ____ 58. Greek Hs 59. Not that 60. Pilot’s stunt 61. Not loony 62. Catcher’s gear 63. Geological time periods © Statepoint Media
Answers on 31 »
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 25
Your September Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)
September is starting by bringing some uncomfortable memories to the forefront. Pushing emotions to the side isn’t a good idea now. You’re extremely in tune with, which should allow you to work through problems with minimal angst. Some of your verbal battles could get pretty nasty mid-month despite your attempts to be nice. You definitely prefer to reach an amiable compromise, but you’re not a pushover. Your emotions are becoming more balanced near the end of the month. This brings some new energy, giving you a clean slate on which to write your future dreams. People envy your grace and charm as you embrace your optimistic future.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
Your month is off to a good start. Your intuition is heightened, and your dreams are vivid and meaningful. Use your creativity to paint someone a picture, either literally or figuratively. You’re feeling a need to watch what you say, how you say it, and who you say it to mid-month. Your goal should be to avoid confrontation, but if someone wants to get in your face over and over, you’re not going to keep backing down. You have a natural wall up that’s preventing people from getting in late in September, and you also have some major trust issues. It’s not impossible, but it will take someone pretty special to get you to open up.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
You’re more in the mood to compromise than argue early in the month, putting you in a perfect mood to play ref between two fighting friends or act as a liaison between two combatant co-workers. Your sense of fairness is nondiscriminatory. It’s hard to keep yourself from setting goals a bit too high mid-September. It might be best to start small in preparation for building up to bigger things. You might want to remind yourself late in the month that it’s important to be patient and focused while working towards your goals. It would be nice if everything just effortlessly fell into place, but that’s just not how life works.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
Passion can make it hard to maintain your composure early in September. The atmosphere is encouraging you to live in the moment, which isn’t necessarily bad. Sometimes it’s good to lose yourself in the moment. Some of your loose ends are ready to be tied up mid-month; things that may have been overlooked recently, details that you may have missed. Everything will be fine once you start focusing on the details. You are fully back on track as the month comes to a close. Your goals are clear, and you have the strength and patience to see them through to fruition. A raise, promotion, or similar advancement is likely in the near future.
Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)
Your temperament early in the month is making you an excellent online facilitator. Fairness is your number one priority right now, and you’re committed to making sure that all parties are satisfied. Mid-month finds you in a bit of an awkward position when you’re the last to know some surprising or unexpected news. Was someone afraid to tell you the truth, or was it an oversight? Finding out is the first step in being able to move forward. Late in September you’re in the mood to be coy or play hard to get. If you’re playing with the right person, they could be sexy or cute. Pay attention to their reactions and go from there.
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)
Your empathy is on display as the month begins. Whether its volunteering at a shelter or giving your time or money to a welfare organization whose views align with yours, your efforts matter. You’re struggling to maintain your energy mid-September, making it hard for you to push through on a current project. You’ll pull out of this slump, but it might be a while. You pull out of your tailspin late in the month, setting you back on track in both personal and business pursuits. Your goals are crisp and precise, which is just what you need to reach the success you’re looking for.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
You’re feeling illuminated by insight early in September. If you’ve been searching for an answer to a difficult life problem, you find it a bit easier to do so in this moment. It’s hard to maintain your normal positivity through the middle of the month. Because you might struggle in leadership roles for a while, this isn’t the best time to volunteer your services or take the initiative. Thankfully, these low-energy periods shouldn’t last long. You’re surrounded by an air of mystery late in the month, meaning you’re not sharing any intimate details right now. Your friends may be used to you being open and honest, but for now your sudden mysteriousness is intriguing.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Your intuition is at full capacity early in the month, so pay attention to your dreams and other signs from your subconscious. Those little feelings you’re getting are leading you toward the direction you should be taking. There may be some unexpected news or events coming into your life mid-month. It may be difficult, but embracing them can lead to some very interesting (and positive) experiences. A renewing strength flows through you late in September, reminding you what a blessing your ability to be patient is. Your goals might not happen on your exact timeline, but you have faith (and evidence) that they’ll materialize eventually.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
You’re feeling very grounded early in the month. Getting to the point is your main priority, and you have much greater attention to detail than usual. Resist the urge to criticize someone just because they aren’t communicating in your preferred way. Your health is in the spotlight mid-September, urging you to address any problems or issues you’ve been having of late. Being diligent is imperative now. As you experience a perfect balance between lightness and darkness late in the month, enjoy the sights and sounds of a brand-new season. It’s a time to be grateful for the bounty you’ve already received as you look forward with optimism toward great things yet to come.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Your sensitivity is reaching new heights as September begins. Whether you’re committed to doing something small for a loved one or something on a larger scale for the world, your loving attitude during this time helps make the world a better place. Some stress is building up between you and someone important mid-month, maybe a loved one or co-worker. A compromise might be difficult, so it might be best to wait until the aggression dies down before suggesting a truce. Late in the month your curiosity is peaking, helping you do research on a topic you’ve been interested in lately. If that topic is a person, social media could be a rabbit hole you want to explore.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)
Solving problems is a matter of logic, especially early in the month. Using your common sense is underrated. Cutting through red tape is as easy as looking closely at the details. Still, using your natural charm and finesse to make your way through the middle of the month will be key. You get more wealth or love now by going after it in dramatic fashion. It’s time to get back to work as September comes to a close, especially if you’ve let things slide. In other words, playtime is over. It’s time to get serious about future goals and what you’re going to do to reach them.
Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)
You value practicality and common sense, but things like manners and appearances are also important early in the month. You expect others to be on time and to say thank you and excuse me whenever it’s appropriate. There’s very little you won’t notice mid-September. Do you have to comment about every little thing you see that’s wrong? No, not necessarily, but how will improvements be made if you don’t offer constructive criticism? Late in the month you want to resist the urge to overthink things. Jealousy and suspicion can run rampant now if you don’t let the other person tell their side of the story.
•••
www.tpgonlinedaily.com 26 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
FEATURED COLUMNIST
‘Big Business’ Isn’t Evil — It’s Essential
By Ron Kustek
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efore you pass over this article because you “only support small businesses vs. big companies” — consider how we may have boxed ourselves in by potentially only supporting small businesses: • The Small Business Administration states 44% of all US economic activity is done by “small business” defined as 10 or less employees. • In Santa Cruz County, 82% of businesses are “micro-businesses” meaning they’re comprised of 5 employees or less (including the owner) with annual sales and assets valued at less than $250,000 per year. • Review site Yelp has found over 100,000 businesses have closed in the U.S. during Covid-19 — with new estimates of nearly 55% having closed permanently. This impacts us. It’s very expensive to live in our area, not just because we have high home values and high rental rates, but because our median income is lower than other areas, making this “affordability gap” the metric of our high cost of living. The California Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Index measures the percentage of households that can afford to purchase the median-priced home in regions of California. Though few of us would live in Orange County, based on Median Household Income vs. Median Home Price, it’s actually more affordable to live there than in Santa Cruz County (a higher index is preferred): County Orange County Santa Cruz 1) US Census 2) CARS 2020 Report
Median Median Index HH Income(1) Price(2) Home $75,998 $859,000 8.8 $66,923 $905,000 7.3 Q2 Affordability Index
As housing is just one part of our living expenses, we also have to consider
our other true cost of living factors, such as the cost of health insurance. Though they would love to, many small businesses can’t afford to pay health insurance and also provide a living wage for employees. Many small businesses also rent — not own — and landlords are small business owners as well, and charge the ever-increasing market rate for rents to increase their own incomes. This all combines to squeeze the small business owner to hire part-time workers and pay minimum wage, in order to have a bit of profit left over to support their own families. So what does all this have to do with bigger businesses? “Big companies” aren’t evil because of their size or inherently bad corporate citizens. There are a great number of reputable, well-respected and good companies that treat employees well and don’t pollute or over-pay their CEO. Consider that “big companies” could actually help high cost of living areas — like ours. For decades it’s taken 2 people in the household to provide for family expenses such as food, home, medical, etc. Bigger companies have a larger pool of employees to spread the risks for a health insurer, and are thus better able to afford and provide health care coverage to their employees. If one person in the household were able to work for that “big company,” they could better be able to provide health insurance for the rest of the family. This would free up the other household member to work for a small business that doesn’t provide health insurance. Larger companies are also able to pay employees more. They’re able to spread fixed costs like rent, salaries and utilities, over a larger sales base, which makes each sale provide a greater profit margin than the profit margins for smaller businesses. “Essential” page 27
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Aptos Teacher: Water is Survival
Soquel Creek Water District Embraces Community Partnerships #InThisTogether
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he Soquel Creek Water District is engaged in multiple approaches to combat over-drafting of the groundwater basin and seawater intrusion into our local water supply. It’s important to remember that these severe water supply challenges affect everyone in our community — and we are all part of the solution. Over the next few months, this series of Water Wisdom columns will feature the viewpoints of local community members and organizations talking about the importance of creating and maintaining a sustainable water supply, as a community. In Aptos High School’s Career Technical Education video production class, teacher Joel Domhoff strives to not only provide his students with some valuable experience and professional tools around creating videos, but also to help them connect with issues that are part of the “real world” beyond school corridors. For Joel, that includes a global perspective on the importance of water. His interest in water issues was stoked in 2015 when he was approached to have his students participate in the Soquel Creek Water District’s annual public service announcement contest. Joel realized that this was a prime opportunity to engage his students in learning about this critical issue, help
“Essential” from page 26 By providing more higher-profit services or selling more profitable items, these companies are better able to pay their employees more — whether that’s a true living wage, a bonus, or just a higher salary. Again, if one person in the household were able to work for that big company, this would free up the other household member to work for a small business that doesn’t pay as much as the larger company. We also need to think of our future growth — steady population growth has more needs and more purchasing power. Many households are putting off having children because they can’t afford a family now, based on the payrolls from the area being so dependent on smaller businesses. When our economy (small + big business) better supports local households
By Rebecca Gold Rubin them to gain the big picture about water, and raise their awareness of the need to protect and preserve our water supplies — locally, and globally. “In a word, water is ‘survival!’” says Joel. “From a global perspective, a lot of the world’s problems revolve around water, water supplies, and lack of clean, safe water. Locally, we’ve learned that our drinking water supply is actually quite fragile, affected by droughts and overdrafting of the groundwater basin, which is allowing seawater contamination. I think it’s critical that young people be aware of this, take it seriously, and really give thought to what it means for their future.” Joel’s ambition in making sure his students are engaged in water issues is something the District fully agrees with and encourages. His involvement with the contest gave his students a deeper insight into both the local water supply challenges we face, as well as the big picture of water issues worldwide. “What the District is doing here in response to our critical water situation should serve as an example to other agencies where similar problems exist,” says Joel.
“Effective, forwardlooking groundwater management, the Pure Water Soquel advanced water purification project, and all of their outreach efforts around water conservation and to raise awareness and build support — it’s all very impressive!” Joel notes that he feels the Pure Water Soquel project is a great idea, and a worthy public investment in the future. “Some people have concerns about the fact that this will use treated wastewater that is purified and blended into the drinking water supply,” he says. “But I think those concerns are based on fear and not understanding the process. The more education that’s out there, the more people will accept and even embrace the concept. It’s happening all over California — and I’ve learned that this is proven scientific
technology, and the water will be completely clean, beyond state drinking water standards. I’m not worried about it!” With his positive attitude, grasp of the severity of our local water supply issues, and ability to teach, Joel is well-positioned to help his students learn, understand, and take action to ensure a future with sustainable, clean water. The District’s own educational and outreach programs reflect much of Joel’s thinking on the subject — and in this case we’re learning from him that the next generation is fast becoming aware that we’re all #InThisTogether, and that together we can achieve the steps necessary toward water reliability. n ••• As always, if you have any questions about this month’s topic or anything else related to Soquel Creek Water District, feel free to contact the District at outreach@soquelcreekwater.org or visit www.soquelcreekwater.org.
so they make more money, people can better afford to start families. Those families eventually create young adults needing a first job – one that can be provided by a small business that may not pay as well, but one that teaches commerce, responsibility, etc. The bottom line is that we need BOTH small businesses AND big companies. Let’s realize we need to support both and make our community a more welcoming place for everyone, both big and small. n
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 27
COMMUNITY NEWS
Dominican Hospital Asks Non-Emergency Patients to Seek Care Elsewhere
Editor’s Note: This statement comes from Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, which has the only emergency department in the northern part of the county. ••• ominican Hospital operations are unaffected by the fires—we are safe, open, and providing patient care. We are not evacuating at this time, but we are working closely with the County of Santa Cruz and other community partners to ensure we have detailed contingency plans in place should the situation arise. At this time, we are asking all non-emergency patients to do their best to seek care at other facilities—such as Dignity Health
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Medical Group-Dominican Urgent Care Center in Capitola—to allow us to focus our resources on the current challenge. We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide any updates on our
28 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
operations to the community via our website and social media, as necessary. n ••• For more information on County wildfire resources, visit santacruz county.us/FireResources.aspx.
Valley Churches United Relocates
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alley Churches United, the nonprofit serving San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley and Bonny Doon, has been evacuated from its office and food pantry location in Ben Lomond. A temporary satellite location has been established at the Holy Cross Food Pantry site, located at 210 High St., Santa Cruz. “We are trying to recreate ourselves,” said Lynn Robinson, executive director, who feels “stressed and blessed.” She said the evacuation process worked and the Valley Churches building still has power and the freezers are OK. “We’re still doing COVID-19 safety protocols,”
she added. “We are doing the best we can to be available, supportive and flexible.” Hours of operation will be Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Valley Churches staff will be on hand to connect with people in need. The Valley Churches United phone line, 8313368258, has been redirected so phone calls will be received. Donations can be made through PayPal at vcum.org, Facebook or mailed to PO Box 367, Ben Lomond, CA 95005. All of Valley Churches mail is being redirected to Watsonville, where the Ben Lomond postal clerks are working. n
COMMUNITY NEWS
Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Claimants Editor’s Note: This information comes from the California Insurance Commissioner’s Office, insurance.ca.gov, where more resources are available for wildfire victim. ••• 1) Obtain a complete copy of your residential homeowner’s insurance policy, including your declarations page. The law requires your insurance company to provide this to you free of charge within 30 days of your request. Ask your agent or insurer representative to explain how much coverage you have (1) to rebuild or repair your home, (2) for your personal belongings, and (3) for living expenses. This should include an explanation of Extended Replacement Cost and Building Code Upgrade coverages if applicable. Ask how to most effectively claim your coverage benefits. 2) Take note of your Additional Living Expense (ALE) limits and manage your ALE expenses in recognition of a long rebuilding process. Your time to collect ALE after a declared catastrophe is no less than 24 months even if your policy says otherwise; however your amount of coverage is not increased. An extension of up to 12 additional months, for a total of 36 months, should be granted if you encounter delays beyond your reasonable control. 3) Track all of your additional expenses that arise from having to live in another location away from your home. Note: your ALE reimbursement may be offset by your normal cost of living before the fire (i.e., ALE does not pay for your mortgage or expenses you would normally incur) but you are entitled to the same standard of living you had before the fire. ALE will pay for temporary rent, additional mileage, etc. 4) Document all of your conversations with your insurer/adjuster about your claim and policy limitations in a dedicated “claim diary.” If your adjuster says something is excluded, limited, or subject to certain conditions, ask the adjuster to point out the specific provision in your policy being cited. 5) Get at least one licensed contractor’s estimate or bid on the cost to rebuild your home just to get a reasonable sense of the actual cost as compared to your coverage limits (for more considerations on contractors, view the CDI’s electronic
brochure Don’t Get Burned After a Disaster and check the website for California’s Contractors State License Board.) While your insurance company may provide its own estimate, it may contain errors or fail to reflect local conditions or demand surge. Demand surge reflects price increases following a major disaster when contractors and materials are in short supply. 6) Call the Department of Insurance Hotline for help at (800) 927-4357. You can also file a complaint at: h t t p : / / w w w. i n s u r a n c e . c a . g o v / 01-consumers/101-help/. Consider insights from consumer advocates. 7) Understand you can purchase or rebuild at another location, and still receive full replacement cost benefits including Building Code Upgrade and Extended Replacement Cost benefits if those were included on your policy and necessary to rebuild the insured dwelling. You also have the right to rebuild using the contractor of your choosing. In
order to reduce the cost of rebuilding, you might also consider a community-wide development approach utilizing a common builder. 8) Assess your situation — do not rush into any decision about contractors, lawyers or public adjusters — consider your mortgage/employment/ financial situation, your age, children’s schools, your willingness to deal with construction issues (no matter who your contractor is). The insurance process is a series of important decisions over a long period of time, but few, if any, need to be made today. Of course, move forward if you have obtained multiple bids from reputable licensed contractors, are certain you want to rebuild, are sure of the rebuilding costs and your insurance limits and want to be sure you are a priority for your selected contractor to start the rebuild. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) has publications that can help you identify and avoid problems before they occur. Contact CSLB at 1-800-321-2752 to obtain a free copy of their publications and/or verify the licensing status of a contractor.
Public adjusters typically require a percentage of the claim settlement for their services. Make sure you understand what they charge and the services you are paying for before you sign a public adjuster contract.
9) Do not assume you have inadequate coverage based on general information you are hearing about building costs or other general comments. The adequacy of your limits needs to be addressed on a case specific basis to determine how much it will cost to rebuild your home and whether your limits, including extended replacement cost coverage if applicable, are adequate. But if you determine you are underinsured, gather relevant documentation and contact the Department of Insurance for help. 10) Evaluate whether you will need a public adjuster or attorney to help you with your claim. If rebuilding will take a long time you are likely to use your entire ALE limits. If you are also reimbursed by your insurer for your entire personal property loss or your full personal property limits, you may not need a public adjuster or attorney to help you obtain full settlements for either of these coverages. Public adjusters typically require a percentage of the claim settlement for their services. Make sure you understand what they charge and the services you are paying for before you sign a public adjuster contract. Some public adjusters may insist on a contract that includes payment to the public adjuster based upon the entire amount paid to the policyholder by the insurer, including amounts paid to the policyholder before the public adjuster contract was signed. A public adjuster should not charge a fee on payments you received from your insurer before the public adjuster contract was signed. A fee should only be charged on additional monies the public adjuster gets for you. Contact the Department if this issue arises in your contract. ••• In a declared-disaster, you may cancel the contract within five calendar days. Public adjusters are required to be licensed by the California Department of Insurance. To verify a public adjuster’s license, call us at 1-800-927-4357 or check the status online by name or by license number. Practicing without a license is against the law. Public adjusters may not solicit in a declared-disaster area until the fire has been out for seven days. n ••• Please note: These tips are for general guidance only and are not a substitute for legal advice.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 29
FEATURED COLUMNIST
COVID-19 and Fire Updates and Resources
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ith our community facing devastating fires and a pandemic, it’s important to ensure everyone is aware o f resources available regarding both issues. While recently our County was taken off the state monitoring list for COVID-19 (the first in the state to come off of the list), we have a long way to go until we are back to pre-pandemic normal. Our office has been receiving a lot of questions of what it means to be off of the monitoring list and with the fires, what resources are available to residents. Here is a list of places to get information on both issues. As always, you can reach out to me with any questions. COVID-19 anta Cruz County was recently removed from the state data monitoring list, effective Aug. 14. Removal from the list is an indication of reduced spread of COVID-19 (the rate per 100,000 residents) and is the first step toward the lifting statemandated closures and school restrictions. The County anticipates having additional guidance from the state soon on what the next steps would be (and timeline) regarding businesses reopening. Any future school openings are subject to decisions by local school boards and administrators and also require certain testing capacities to be met (and a minimum
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By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District
of 14 consecutive days of remaining off of the monitoring list). Right now, the County, in partnership with UC Santa Cruz, is working to increase our testing capacity to meet these needs. It’s believed the new testing capabilities will be online in about a month. Additionally, due to the challenges of COVID-19, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an extension for a moratorium on residential and commercial evictions until Sept. 30. T h e Board is also e x p l o r i n g enacting a repayment period (as other jurisdictions have created) so that renters don’t face a large balloon payment at the end of the moratorium. If you’re interested in more COVID-19 related updates, the best resource is the County Health Department’s page www. santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus — this page has the latest case counts, active cases, demographic breakdowns and resources for employers, providers and residents on how to get tested, receive care and much more. Fires — Latest Info ith the ongoing fires, staying informed is one of the key ways to stay safe. Please consider signing up for alerts from CalFire and the Regional 9-1-1 center. Here are links to alerts sign-ups, websites and social media resources that may be helpful.
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30 / September 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Alerts Regional 911 — Register for reverse 911 calls via the The CodeRED notification system. The system sends important messages to residents and businesses within our county in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. Register at www.scr911.org Websites The Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County — Community Foundation has a fire resource page that links to the latest evacuation orders, road closures, a map of the fires and zones and more. Visit www.cfscc.org and click on the link Fire Response–How You Can Help. It also has links on ways you can donate tents, water or funds to shelters and places that are supporting those evacuated. Additionally, the County’s main website www.santacruzcounty.us provides links to resources. Businesses and Residents Low-interest Small Business Administration federal disaster loans are now available to California businesses and residents as a result of the wildfires. The SBA has established a Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to help homeowners and renters. Customer Service Representatives will be available to business owners and individuals to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application. Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. FOCWAssistance@sba.gov (916) 735-1500 These services are only available for the California disaster declaration as a
result of the wildfires that began Aug. 14, and not for COVID-19 assistance. Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Interest rates can be as low as 3 percent for businesses, 2.75 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 1.188 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must first contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.disasterassistance.gov. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance. sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (916) 735-1500 or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Social Media ’m maintaining regular updates on COVID-19 and the fires at www.facebook. com/supervisorfriend — and the County is maintaining active information on its Twitter page at twitter.com/sccounty or @ sccounty directly from Twitter. The County page will have the latest information both on COVID updates as well as the fires. Lastly, during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting tele-townhalls with County, state 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.
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SCCAS Featured Pet
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Collecting Seed For Another Season
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Nora The Explorer
crossword on 25 »
ovely Nora (ID#A269836) came to us from our partners at Hollister Animal Care and Control. Luckily Santa Cruz is an open-minded place where dogs get judged as individuals. In so many other shelters, pitties just sit and wait for ages based on breed, not behavior. Nora, approximately seven years old, has been with the shelter since May and is currently in foster with an active couple and their senior male pittie, Tango. Nora has blossomed in her foster home and has embraced becoming an actual part of someone’s family. You can even see physical changes from her first days with us to the dog you see today; her face and body have relaxed and you can see a warmth in her eyes that wasn’t there before. She walks pretty well on leash. She loves being snuggled and petted. She is an eager eater but not possessive. She’s also the perfect age — out of adolescence but with lots of years left. We think Nora could be happy as an only dog or living with a similarly sized dog that would reciprocate her rough and tumble play tendencies. While Nora has done incredibly well with dogs her size, she is too intense with small dogs to be able to cohabitate with them. Nora is looking for an active home since she still has energy to burn. Nora could live in a home with children provided they understand she can be a bit enthusiastic in her greetings when she is excited. As always, we strongly recommend positive reinforcement training to help solidify the bond and communications between dog and human(s). 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
By Tony Tomeo
eed that is available in hardware stores and nurseries came from somewhere. Plants just like those that such seed grows into produced it. Someone, or many someones, collected all that seed to make it available to others. Similarly, several plants in our own gardens produce seed. Anyone who is interested in collecting seed to grow more of the same plants could make good use of it. After bloom, most flowers deteriorate and disappear into the landscape. Some leave behind desirable developing fruits or vegetables. Many of the flashiest flowers are too extensively hybridized to produce seed. Many produce some sort of seed structure that typically gets removed, or ‘deadheaded’. This diverts resources from seed production to subsequent bloom or vegetative growth. If not removed, such seed structures can mature to produce viable seed. Those who enjoy collecting seed often intentionally leave a few seed structures for that purpose, instead of deadheading completely. For plants with long bloom seasons, this technique should involve the latest blooms. The same applies to vegetables that normally do not mature prior to harvest, like summer squash. Such seed or fruiting structures, including vegetables, must be completely mature before collecting ripened seed from them. Sunflower, cosmos, calendula, marigold, campion, morning glory, columbine, hollyhock and snapdragon are some of the easiest flowers for collecting seed from. California poppy, alyssum,
1980s Lyrics © Statepoint Media
From one year to the next.
phlox, and several other annuals are happy to self sow their seed, although collecting seed from them is not so easy. Nasturtium and honesty (money plant) seed is easy to collect, but self sows as well. Collecting seed is limited only by practicality. Some plants, particularly hybrids and exotics (which are not native and may lack pollinators), produce no viable seed. Extensively bred varieties are likely to produce progeny that are more similar to the basic species than the parent. Once collected, some seed need special treatment in order to germinate. All seed should be sown in season. ••• Lily of the Nile t is no lily, but it does live on the banks of the Nile River. Lily of the Nile, Agapanthus africanus, endures both long dry summers and winter flooding. While inundated, it clings to the silty soil with a sturdy network of rubbery roots. Densely mounding foliage regenerates as floodwater recedes. If conditions get exceptionally warm and dry, foliage may eventually shrivel after midsummer bloom. Home gardens are certainly more hospitable than the floodplains of the Nile River. The luxuriant foliage of lily of the Nile is evergreen locally, even if irrigation Agapanthus bloom looks is minimal. The like Independence Day. rubbery leaves get as long as two feet, arching outward from basal rosettes. New foliage obscures deteriorating old foliage. Plants that get too congested to bloom well might benefit from division of individual rosettes. Lily of the Nile blooms around Independence Day, with round floral trusses that resemble exploding fireworks. Each blue or white bloom stands about two to four feet high, on slim and bare stems. Individual florets are small and tubular. ‘Storm Cloud’ blooms with darker blue or purple. Agapanthus orientalis may exhibit bigger blooms and coarser foliage. ‘Peter Pan’ stays low and compact. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / September 2020 / 31
thank you
FIREFIGHTERS & FIRST RESPONDERS As we navigate through these challenging times, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to be part of this strong community that supports each other. It is the power of this community that will propel us through this to better times.
-Amber
I wish you and your loved ones health and safety.
AMBER MELENUDO 831.661.5591 REALTORÂŽ DRE 01921098 amber@davidlyng.com ambermelenudo.com
TO P 1% P R O D U C I N G A G E N T I N S A N TA C R U Z C O U N T Y