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February 2021 • Vol 26 No. 2
Reflections of 2020
For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating fires made 2020 a year to forget. But artists, asked by the City of Capitola to share their reflections, offer important perspectives. Full Story page 4
Stay-at-Home Order Lifted; Death Toll 148 Full Story page 7
New Jetty is Worth a Visit
Capitola Mayor Yvette Brooks suggests a visit to the newly refurbished jetty at Capitola Beach, designed to last 50 years. Full Story page 12
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No. 2
Volume 26
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Table of Contents
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Cover New Jetty is Worth a Visit: Capitola Mayor Yvette Brooks Column, page 12 4 6 7 9 10
11 14 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 29 7
Community News Reflections of 2020 Children’s Museum of Discovery Completes ‘Eco Home’: Soquel Creek Water District Supports Interactive Exhibit Stay-at-Home Order Lifted; COVID Death Toll 148, By Jondi Gumz Capitola Soroptimist’s Announce 2021 ‘Live Your Dream’ Award Winners Is Your Business Affected by COVID-19? • Panetta Attends Inauguration • Senior Outreach Groups Start Soon • James Schwab Takes Over as Interim Secretary of State • Tech for Takeout at Library • New Job Resource For Veterans • Santa Cruz County Jobs Meet Your New Fire Chief: John Walbridge Chosen To Lead Central Fire Protection District Community Service in Times of COVID-19: Brownie Troop Tops Their Goal for Second Harvest, By Carrie Mulcaire Fondue for Valentine’s Day Merit Award for Street Safety Project Rio Theatre: New Banff World Tour Coming Soon: Heart of Soquel Walkway, Photo Essay by Craig R. Wilson Great Plates Delivered For Older Adults & Restaurateurs, By June Smith • Santa Cruz County Bank Opens in Monterey Finding Solutions to help Feed People • Santa Cruz Elks Adopt-a-Family Success Bezos Grant Aims to End Family Homelessness Locally Capitols Village Window Winners Letter to the Editor State Lawmakers Call for Employment Development Department Fraud Hearings
National News 13 Investment Fraudster Sentenced: Adviser Who Claimed to Invest in Fracking Defrauded Unsuspecting Family, This report comes from the FBI 16 Federal Vaccine Tracker California News 15 Panetta Reintroduces Oil Drilling Ban 18 Legislation Tackles Student Mental Health Crisis: Teenage Suicides Increase After Pandemic Closes Public Schools
Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Mercury Retrogrades in Aquarius, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29
Featured Columnists 12 Some Federal COVID Aid for Capitola: New Jetty is Worth a Visit; Library Nearing Completion, By Yvette Brooks, Mayor of Capitola 22 I Am a COVID-19 Survivor, By Joyce Vissell 24 New Supervisor Wants Live Oak Parking Input, By Manu Koenig, First District Supervisor 25 For the Love of … Podcasts About Water!, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 27 Travel Troubleshooter: Can I get a refund for my canceled hotel stay in Mexico?, By Christopher Elliott 27 Pictures From the Past: Streetcar Stops in Capitola, Photo Essay by Carolyn Swift 30 County Mid-Year Budget Update: More Cuts May Be Needed, By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor 31 Pruning Roses During Winter Dormancy, By Tony Tomeo
SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Pops is Ready to Retire
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COMMUNITY NEWS
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Reflections of 2020 F or many people, the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating fires made 2020 a year to forget. But artists, asked by the City of Capitola to share their reflections, offer important perspectives. The winners in three categories were chosen by judges Melissa Kreiser, artist and owner of Curated by the Sea contemporary art gallery, Linda Cover, an Open Studios artist who teaches art to children in the Spectra program, artist Roy Segura, who currently teaches at New Brighton Middle School, and artist Shelon Bennett who shares her work at https://www.instagram.com/shelon121. The top entries will move forward to the “Public’s Choice” showing where they will compete for top prize in each division. The event date will be announced when the COVID-19 pandemic situation improves. For info see www.cityofcapitola.org/recreation/ page/reflections-2020-digital-gallery-winners •••
Professional
First Covid Diaries #7 Vote: Make A Plan Artist: Myra Eastman Media: Acrylic on linen Covid Diaries What a time this is. In the blink of an eye our lives turned. What used to be no longer is. To see more of Myra’s work, visit www. myraeastman.com
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Second Essential Workers Artist: Jared Gamboa Leake Media: Graphite on paper In the middle of March 2020 everything seemed to come to a halt. Shops were closing and as the fears of Covid grew, essential workers were still out providing resources for us all. On March 25, one of my best friends sent me a photograph of him at work. Joey is one of the managers at the Park Slope Food Coop in Brooklyn, NY. At the time New York City was one of the epicenters of Covid and the fear was real. He and his colleagues still showed up to work to help provide for others. I wanted to honor Joey, his colleagues and all the essential workers who were celebrated for months but now many people have moved on from their appreciation. All essential workers are important. To see more of Jared’s work, visit jaredleake.com Third No Refuge Artist: Celine Grenier Media: Oil on linen 2020 has become a year of isolation and stress. Even though we live in a near Paradise, my work has been reflecting this. I started 2020 painting a serene, nearby forest scene and have ended it painting a lone, defenseless skyscraper in a barren, windstorm-threatened desert. There is, however, light in the sky.
To view more of Celine’s work, visit https:// www.celineart.com(link is external)
Novice
First Be Of Good Courage Artist: Teri Goldner Robbins Media: Acrylic on canvas board 14W x 18H The toilet paper and hand sanitizer represent the panic and fear in the initial days of the COVID-19 outbreak. The calla lilies in the vase, which are often used at funerals, are also representative of springtime and life. The bloom time also correlates to when the piece was created in March 2020, as the state shutdown first occurred. The dead calla lilies in the foreground are representative of those who had passed as a result of the pandemic. The Scottish Cross represents faith and hope. As a novice artist, this piece was created during my first painting class at our local Cabrillo community college. This piece and the remainder of the semester had to be conducted virtually. Unbeknownst to all at that time, that by the end of the year the United States alone would have close to 20 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 335 thousand deaths nationwide. At present, California leads the nation with over 2 million confirmed cases, the highest number of any state this year. Many thanks go out to all the frontline and essential workers. May we all do our part to conduct ourselves responsibly and practice safe behaviors. May we all Be of Good Courage. Second Guided Artist: Polly Herhold My hands have always fascinated me. Their fluidity, lines, angles and shapes make them an interesting and “handy” model to draw. Although we cannot control the ocean, the fluid movements and lines remind me of my hands and the numerous movements can we make.
COMMUNITY NEWS Third Kiss, Kiss Artist: Charina Cabanayan Media: Watercolor, pressed flowers on baltic birch panel. 2020 has been a year full of changes and challenges on an individual and global scale. No one has not been affected somehow by the impact of the pandemic. For many, isolation feels like a loss
in human connection and community. Amidst the losses, there’s also a sense of hope. 2020 has in some ways also revealed what is essential. For me this is love. Cultivating more love is essential to me as I move forward into the next decade. Love is the opposite of fear — which has been certainly been rampant this year. In the moment when one takes their last breath, thoughts go back to the ones they love. Love for our planet will help us preserve our natural resources and care for the earth. Love for our family and community allows us to make difficult decisions in how we choose to social distance and interact within our family “pods.” Love is complex, yet also so simple. Love is what remains when all else is stripped away. It is, at the core, the root to all healing. This piece is titled “Kiss, kiss.” It is a portrait of my two daughters. I hope it lightens your heart. Charina is a mother, yoga teacher, and self-taught artist who lives in Aptos. She was a fashion designer in her previous life and had forgotten how much she enjoyed creating. During the beginning of the pandemic, Charina rediscovered her love for drawing. She has been teaching herself how to
paint in water color while on a break from teaching in-person yoga. To learn more about Charina visit www. yogalyfe.com(link is external) and see work in progress at https://www.instagram.com/ charina.aquarella/
Youth
First The Mask Artist: Ila Bonney Media: Ink This art piece is a representation of how masks feel, and how many of us perceive them.
LEFT: The Mask MIDDLE: California Wildfires BOTTOM: Things Need to Change
Second California Wildfires Artist: Vaitea Siu Media: Watercolor In 2020 California suffered to many wildfires. One of my family members has lost their because of it. Third Things Need to Change Artist: Tessa Jefferies Media: Pencil, ink, watercolor Things need to change. Protesting for equality for all people is the only thing I would keep from 2020. n
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Children’s Museum of Discovery Completes ‘Eco Home’ Soquel Creek Water District Supports Interactive Exhibit
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D I D YO U K N O W? We maintain over 160 miles of pipeline from Capitola to La Selva Beach.
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he Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery in the Capitola Mall has a new “Eco Home” interactive exhibit, thanks to a partnership with the Soquel Creek Water District. Construction of this remarkable, creative and fun project got underway at the MOD museum in mid-2019. With periodic work continuing during the pandemic, the project is now complete. The Eco Home is a three-wall miniature house — 15’ x 15’ — designed to demonstrate sustainable living concepts to kids and their parents or caregivers, with an emphasis on water conservation. The museum applied for and was awarded a $2,000 water education promotion mini-grant from the water district, toward the costs of construction. This grant supports local educational events and programs which promoting water conservation, water quality wand water supply issues. The Eco Home meets those criteria in a big way, by helping empower children to be part of the solution to the problems of water management, climate change, and
degradation of the environment. The key water features of the Eco Home include: • Interpretive materials such as “Five Ways to Save Water in Our Homes” and “Ten Ways You Can Make Your Landscape More Sustainable” • An interactive rainwater catchment system with a “rain cloud,” rain barrel, and rain gutters to introduce the idea of reusing rainwater to decrease the use of groundwater and reducing rain flow into storm sewers and water treatment systems • An interactive, child-sized clothes washer and dryer, illustrating sustainable laundry practices including elements of a gray water system directed outside the Eco Home to “water” a redwood tree in the “yard” “Eco Home” page 10
COMMUNITY NEWS
Stay-at-Home Order Lifted; COVID Death Toll 148
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By Jondi Gumz
ealth insurance giant Blue Shield of California is going to be in charge of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution network, a move made by the Newsom administration to speed up the fractured and lagging rollout. Kaiser Permanente, a health insurance and hospital chain, will be part of the effort, but details about the roles the two nonprofits will play have not been made available. Locals are still asking how do you get a vaccine because the supply locally has been erratic and inadequate. On Jan. 25, Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted the stay-at-home order after intensive care unit availability projections surpassed the required 15 percent, brining some relief to local businesses such as restaurants and hair salons, whose operations had been curbed since Dec. 3 with the goal to slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus during the holidays. On Jan. 26, Gov. Gavin Newsom tapped Yolanda Richardson as the new vaccine czar and announced a new statewide eligibility system based on age starting in mid-February and a new website, https:// myturn.ca.gov where people can learn where they can get a shot. Newsom also signed SB 91, extending the state’s eviction moratorium until the end of June. The state will cover 80 percent
Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
Sutter Health’s drive-through vaccine clinic at the former flea market on Soquel Drive aims to get doses to health-care workers. of rent missed from April 2020 through March 2021 as long as the landlord forgives the rest of what’s owed and does not pursue eviction. If the landlord disagrees, the state will cover 25 percent of the back rent, which would keep the tenant from being evicted.
COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 40,697 Californians and 148 Santa Cruz County residents, with the death toll highest at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Locally, 64% of deaths are at care homes; 77% had other health conditions.
The surge of post-Christmas and postNew Year’s cases seems to be over. In Santa Cruz County, cases per day peaked at 264 on Jan. 4 and have fallen to 100 or below, comparable to before Thanksgiving. The virus spreads mainly via gatherings of friends and family, and from one household member to another. People living in “overcrowded” conditions — more than one person per room — are particularly susceptible, and such conditions are pervasive in Santa Cruz County, where housing is among the most expensive in the nation. College student rentals are often crowded, and in Watsonville and in the Santa Cruz Beach Flats, multi-generational households are common, or families double up or rent out rooms to afford a place to live. Local COVID hospitalizations are down from a peak of 84 after New Year’s to 42 on Jan. 28, and 11 people are in ICU beds, down from 20 after New Year’s, giving hope that the worst may be over. Capitola Woes ocal small businesses are in dire straits, judging from a City of Capitola survey that found 58 of 132 businesses said they are in danger of closing in next 12 months.
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“Capitola Woes” page 8
LETTER TO THE EDITOR State Lawmakers Call for Employment Development Department Fraud Hearings
••• Editor’s Note: This bipartisan letter was sent Jan. 26 to Sen. María Elena Durazo, who chairs the Senate Budget Subcommittee, and Assemblymember Rudy Salas, Jr., who chairs the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. ••• ear Senator Durazo and Assemblymember Salas, We write today to call upon the Legislature to quickly hold hearings to address the continuing mismanagement of our state’s Unemployment Insurance program by the Employment Development Department (EDD). Since the pandemic began almost 11 months ago, we have heard horror stories from our constituents about unemployment claims being delayed, denied, or just lost in the bureaucracy.
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Adding insult to injury, newspapers have reported that fraudulent claims totaling potentially billions of dollars have been paid, even while legitimate claims languish. Unfortunately, we have also seen the Governor’s past plans and initiatives fail to reform these problems, and the recently released Governor’s budget offered no new proposals for strategic changes, systems investment, or management improvements. The release today of the State Auditor’s report on the EDD backlog confirms that it is past time for the Legislature to do what is needed to help resolve EDD’s chronic issues. We also anticipate that an audit on EDD fraud, set to be released this Thursday, will highlight additional issues that should be addressed. To take that first step, we are
specifically requesting that Senate Budget Subcommittee #5 and the Joint Legislative Audit Committee quickly hold a hearing on these audit results. The hearing should focus on how EDD is implementing the recommendations from the Auditor reports, along with resources and reforms that we can put in place to ensure the quick and orderly processing of legitimate claims along with effective anti-fraud measures. We cannot stress enough the importance that this oversight begin as soon as possible. While some in our state government may have lost focus on ensuring that Californians can obtain their unemployment benefits, we believe that real oversight needs to begin by the end of next week. Delaying committee hearings until the end of February or March would be a der-
eliction of our duty and would ultimately tell our constituents that we are content with the status quo. It is our hope that you will join us in committing to hold hearings by the end of next week to ensure that the Auditor’s recommendations will be implemented and to ascertain what else needs to be done so that EDD pays honest claims quickly while preventing fraud. Californians who are awaiting much-needed assistance deserve no less. Brian Dahle 1st Senate District Jim Nielsen 4th Senate District Andreas Borgeas 8th Senate District Anna Caballero 12th Senate District Shannon Grove 16th Senate District Scott Wilk 21st Senate District Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh 23rd Senate District Melissa Melendez 28th Senate District Patricia Bates 36th Senate District Brian Jones 38th Senate District
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“Capitola Woes” from page 7 Eight said they would close in 1-2 months, 18 in 3-4 months and 33 said they’re not sure how long they can stay open. Asked to elaborate, 81 cited a decline in consumer demand; only 12 have seen their business increase. Because of COVID, 71 are closed temporarily. Most got some federal aid, 40 got SBA disaster loan, 62 got Payroll Protection Program forgivable loan, 40 got an SBA disaster loan that must be repaid, and 20 got Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. To survive, they want grants -- not loans --lower fees and lower rent. One venue reported 33 weddings on the books in 2020 were cut to 5 and scaled down -- “We schedule 2021 but it’s only penciled,” the owner said. A variety of businesses responded, 23 salons/massage, 21 in food/wine, 20 retailers, and 18 catering to tourists with the rest in other sectors. A whopping 86 would take a city grant from federal funds if offered, with 39 saying $15,000 to $20,000 would help. The Capitola City Council, after discussing the survey, proposed to award $320,261 CARES Act relief funds on Feb. 11 to small businesses and nonprofits providing food to people in need. A council ad hoc committee proposed 30 small business awards of up to $7,500 to cover rent and utilities for three months, and grants of $15,000 each to Grey Bears, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Community Bridges’ Meals on Wheels. Rental assistance was not recommended as the county is expected to make aid available. When’s My Turn? he vaccine rollout, which started in mid-December and divided responsibility among various groups, hospitals, large medical groups, pharmacies, safety net clinics, and independent providers, left local residents eager for a vaccine in the dark. They asked their neighbors on the social network NextDoor for their insights, puzzled why the distribution was so slow. Part of the problem is the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, so some was held back for that second shot. Everyone knew healthcare workers should be first in line, and in Santa Cruz County that’s 14,700 people in “phase 1A.” When the Trump administration, eight days before leaving office, called for states to allow people age 65 and older and those with health conditions to be eligible, the question on NextDoor became “When is my turn?” California has come up with an answer, using technology from Salesforce and Skedulo, https://myturn.ca.gov. Piloted in San Diego and Los Angeles counties, MyTurn allows people to sign up
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for a notification of eligibility and schedule a shot when it’s their turn. The official title for vaccine czar Yolanda Jackson is secretary of the Government Operations Agency. She procured personal protective equipment and led the team to transition state employees to work from home. She has health plan leadership experience and is known for her “get it done” style. Supply Shortage ocally, the biggest obstacle to providing vaccine to more people is the unpredictable supply of vaccine. Mimi Hall, director of the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, said one week 200 doses came in, the next week 2,000. As a result, she’s been reluctant to schedule vaccinations for people over 65 and over 75, she said a press conference on Jan. 22. “We don’t have enough supply for everyone who wants one,” she said. To prioritize people in Watsonville, which has 53 percent of the COVID cases, the county started a free drive-through vaccine clinic at the county fairgrounds in Watsonville. Hours will be Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It’s by appointment. Register at mhealthcheckin. com/covidvaccine to find out if appointments are available. Once the fairgrounds site has a steady supply, Hall expects to be able to vaccinate 1,000 people a day. At that rate, it would take some time to reach the 47,000 county residents who are 65 and older. Hall expects the supply to improve once vaccines by Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca are available. Johnson & Johnson reported on Jan. 29 that it’s one-shot vaccine, which doesn’t require cold storage, was 66 percent effective at preventing disease, with its chief scientific officer saying it’s 85 percent effective against severe disease and complete protection against hospitalization and death. The UK has approved the one-shot AstraZeneca vaccine, and a clinical trial in the U.S. with nearly 30,000 people is ongoing. Dr. Gail Newel, the Santa Cruz County health officer, expects FDA approval in April or May. California held up a batch of Moderna vaccine for a few days over questions about allergic reactions, then determined it was safe. People who want a vaccine won’t be able to pick a brand because it depends on what’s available, according to Dr. David Ghilarducci, the Santa Cruz County deputy health officer. Medical Groups arge medical groups such as Dignity Health Dominican Hospital, Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente have been
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getting their own vaccine supplies but county officials have been in the dark as to how many vaccinations have been given, getting only a total for the corporation as a whole, not a county figure, and not knowing how many vacations have been given at nursing homes via pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens. “It’s kind of a blind spot,” Ghilarducci said. Dominican Hospital shed light on the situation, announcing Jan 22, that it has given 5,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to Phase 1A health care workers in Santa Cruz County. That’s going beyond its own staff. Dominican focused initially on frontline clinical staff, then offered vaccine to all hospital employees and affiliated physicians. Nearly 80 percent—more than 2,000 hospital staff members —who wanted the COVID-19 vaccine have received it, with many already having been administered their second and final dose, according to Dominican. More recently, Dominican opened up its vaccination clinics to frontline health care workers across the community — including paramedics/EMTs, hospice workers, behavioral health and safety net clinic staff, mortuary services employees, and staff in local physician offices. All told, the hospital reports nearly 3,000 vaccinations for essential workers. “Our health care team has faced months of unimaginable adversity and exhaustion,” said Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz, president of Dominican Hospital. “Yet, when asked to help get the COVID-19 vaccine to as many of their clinical colleagues in the community as possible, they didn’t think twice. They dug deep and responded with an enthusiasm I didn’t think was possible.” Newel applauded Dominican’s efforts, saying, “They are helping to pave our path out of this historic emergency.” The big medical groups are using pop-up drive-through clinics to provide vaccine to their patients. Capitola residents Molly and Micky Ording applauded Dignity Health’s drivethough clinic at Harbor High School in Santa Cruz, calling the experience joyfilled, efficient and stress-free. Dr Steve Magee , president of Dignity Health Medical Group - Dominican, reported providing 200 vaccines per day at Harbor High School to a total of 800 patients who meet the state and federal eligibility criteria and have a Dignity Dominican primary care doctor. His goal is to revamp up to 400-800 patient vaccinations per day as supply allows. The drive-through site is by appointment only, with hours from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Patients can schedule by calling 831-288-
6526 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or send a portal message to their doctor. More hours will be added in February if vaccine supplies are adequate. On Jan. 14, Sutter Health, parent of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and a large provider in the county, set up a drive-through vaccine clinic in the former drive-in-turned flea market on Soquel Drive, a property Sutter Health owns. The drive-through operation is open only to Sutter patients by appointment, and Kathy Cheer of Santa Cruz raved, calling it effortless. Newel said Kaiser has also opened up its “phase 1A” vaccinations of health care workers and residential care workers to serve people outside of its insurance plan. On Jan. 20, county officials announced a partnership with Safeway to help distribute vaccine to health care workers, providing 1,200 doses for four stores to be used for those eligible. Safeway agreed to provide scheduling support to accommodate up to 500 people a day at a location to be announced. Partnerships with pharmacies and dental offices are being explored. One misstep occurred when Dr. Newel, the Santa Cruz County health officer, ordered a suspension of elective surgeries at hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers on Jan. 5 as ICU capacity was shrinking. Three days later, she amended her order to be less restrict and match the state health officer’s order, and on Jan. 17, she rescinded the order altogether, allowing elective surgeries and procedures to resume. Even though the stay-at-home order is lifted, a travel advisory remains in effect, with the state encouraging people to skip visits more than 120 miles from home to slow the spread of the virus. People arriving in California should self-quarantine for 10 days, based on a change in federal guidance from 14 days. What Can Open anta Cruz County is in the Purple Tier, as it was back in early December. Outdoor restaurant dining and winery food service outside is allowed, although few people ate outside when mega-storm swept through. Hair salons, barbershops and nail salons can open, so can massage services. Retail and shopping centers are allowed at 25 percent capacity, with food courts closed. Of courses, masks and social distancing are still required to prevent spreading the virus. To see what business activity is allowed see: h t t p s : / / w w w. c d p h . c a . g o v / Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20 Document%20Library/COVID-19/ Dimmer-Framework-September_2020.pdf
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“COVID Updates” page 9
COMMUNITY NEWS
Capitola Soroptimist Announces 2021 ‘Live Your Dream’ Award Winners S oroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea has selected three Santa Cruz women winners of 2021 Live Your Dream awards. They will be honored at a virtual ceremony on March 23, and each will be presented with a $2,000 cash award. The winners are Pia Massaro, Claire Palazzo and Precious Steeves, all of Santa Cruz. Live Your Dream awards are given to women who are enrolled in — or have been accepted into — a BA or technical training program, are the heads of their households and have demonstrated a financial need. Winners may use the cash award to meet any needs that enable them to continue their education such as rent, car repairs, medical bills and food. When Pia Massaro’s job was eliminated due to a business closure in 2019, she decided to take that as an opportunity to enroll in full-time classes at Cabrillo College and pursue a nursing career that would enable her to fully support herself and her two-year-old son, as well as give back to her community. “I want to be a nurse because I think that nursing would be a rewarding profession that would allow me to make a positive difference in people’s lives, challenge me, and also allow me the opportunity to provide for my family,” she wrote in her application essay.
“COVID Updates” from page 8 Places of worship can have services outside. A federal appeals court ruled in January against South Bay United Pentecostal Church in San Diego County, which argued the ban on indoor worship was discriminatory. The state presented evidence that large groups gathered indoors for an extended period, singing and chanting, pose risks that justify a ban to protect the public from coronavirus. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Judge Kim Wardlow said, “It is difficult to see how allowing more people to congregate indoors will do anything other than lead to more cases, more deaths and more strains on California’s already overburdened health-care system.” To move into the less restrictive Red Tier, where restaurants and fitness centers could open indoors with capacity limits, the adjusted case rate would have to drop below 7 percent, and the positivity rate would have to be below 8 percent. The current positivity rate is 7.8 percent but the current adjusted case rate is 28 percent. •••
County COVID Deaths: 148 As of Jan. 28 Age 90 and up: 49 • 80 to 89: 49 70 to 79: 27 • 60 to 69: 18
Pia Massaro
Claire Palazzo
Precious Steeves
Similarly, Claire Palazzo, a small business owner and mother of two children, left her small café business to pursue a new career in nursing that will enable her to financially support herself and her two children. During her previous career she often had no money and struggled to scrape by, which put her and her four-year-old and two-year-old children under significant stress. “Ultimately, my dream is to become an outstanding nurse, and I want to teach my children by example that they can reach any goal or make any dream come true,” she wrote in her essay. Precious Steeves loves to learn and is studying business administration and computer science. She grew up without a father in her life and with a mother who suffered from severe illness since she was 22, which required her children to be her caregivers until she died.
Weeks after her mother’s death, Steeves discovered she was pregnant and that led her to make the decision to pursue higher education so that she could fully support herself and her infant son. While taking classes, she works 50 hours a week in the cosmetology industry, and cares for her now 2-year-old son. Her references praise her strong work ethic and quick learning ability for her academic success and commitment to earn a college degree. Through her classes, she is discovering more options in the business world that appeal to her. “All I’ve ever known is what it’s like to struggle and that’s not the life I want for my son,” she said. “I truly want to have another skillset under my belt and be able to thoroughly provide for him, it is my biggest goal in life,” she wrote in her essay. n ••• Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. For information, see www.facebook. com/sicapitola , email info@best4women.org or visit www.best4women.org
50 to 59: 1 • 40 to 49: 2 30 to 39: 2
Total: 91 Not at a facility: 57
Race/Ethnicity White: 88 • Latinx: 44 • Asian: 12 • Black: 1 Amer. Indian/Alaskan Native: 1 Unknown: 2
COVID Cases by Town Aptos: 638 • Ben Lomond: 86 Boulder Creek: 121 Capitola: 360 • Felton: 120 Freedom: 839 • Santa Cruz: 3,083 Scotts Valley: 316 • Soquel: 294 Watsonville: 7,061
Underlying Conditions Yes: 114 • No: 34
Unincorporated: 184 Under investigation: 219 Total: 13,321 Source: Santa Cruz County Public Health ••• Editor’s Note: Would you like to share your family’s COVID-19 story? Email Jondi Gumz at jondi@times publishinggroup.com or call 831-688-7549 x17. For more info about Yolanda Richardson visit www. govops.ca.gov/departments/executive-staff/richardson/
Gender Male: 65 • Female: 83 Skilled Nursing/Residential Care Santa Cruz Post Acute: 20 Watsonville Post Acute: 17 Pacific Coast Manor: 14 Hearts & Hands Post Acute: 7 Sunshine Villa: 5 Maple House 1: 4 Montecito Manor: 3 Valley Convalescent: 3 Aegis: 3 Watsonville Nursing Center: 3 De Un Amor: 2 Dominican Oaks: 2 Hanover House: 2 Driftwood: 1 Maple House II: 1 Paradise Villa: 1 Rachelle’s Home 1: 1 Rachelle’s Home II: 1 Westwind: 1
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / February 2021 / 9
COMMUNITY BRIEFS Is Your Business Affected by COVID-19? he Economic Recovery Council of Santa Cruz County is reaching out to local businesses to take a short survey to find out how local businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this survey will help the Economic Recovery Council analyze the business community’s circumstances and will provide a better understanding of what the community needs to recover. Feel free to forward this survey to your business contacts. This survey will be open until Feb. 12. The survey is at https://www.survey monkey.com/r/COVID19ERC ••• Panetta Attends Inauguration n Jan. 20, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) attended the inauguration of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Vice President Kamala D. Harris in Washington, D.C. “In taking their oaths of office today, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris embarked on their duty to unify our Jimmy Panetta democracy,” Panetta said. “On the very same steps where we witnessed an insurrection two weeks ago, today, President Biden made clear his intent to heal our wounds by working together. We now can rely on our President to lead with faith and empathy to sustain the soul of the nation.” He added, “The next four years offer so much opportunity for our country and the Central Coast and I look forward to working with President Biden and Vice President Harris to deliver vaccines as well as pandemic relief, affirmatively act on the climate crisis, invest in our nation’s infrastructure, fix our broken immigration system, advance our values, and ensure greater opportunity for everybody. It really is our time to write our nation’s next chapter so that together everyone has a role to play in the future of our democracy.” Los Angeles poet Amanda Gorman mesmerized those who heard her read her
Santa Cruz County Jobs
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“Eco Home” from page 6 • An interactive planter box using wooden fruits and vegetables where children can learn the benefits of compost and recycled water in agriculture Other interactive elements illustrate solar energy, composting, recycling, and other sustainability concepts in a childfriendly fashion. “The first day of construction was
December 2020
4,600 Up 100 Change from Construction 3,600 Unchanged Sector Dec. 2020 a year ago Financial 90,500 Down 13,700 Government 18,800 Down 5,500 Nonfarm 1,500 Down 3,200 Leisure & Hospitality 10,700 Down 2,500 Farm 92,000 Down 16,900 Pvt. Ed. & Health 15,200 Down 2,500 Total Manufacturing 6,200 Down 1,000 Labor Force 127,600 Down 8% Other Services 4,200 Down 900 Employment* 116,700 Down 12% Trade/Transportation/ Unemployment 10,800 Up 64% Utilities 16,500 Down 700 *Includes commuting to jobs outside county Prof. & Biz. Services 10,200 Down 600 Sources: California Employment DevelInformation 500 Down 100 opment Department poem, “The Hill We Climb,” in which she said democracy may be delayed but never defeated. ••• Senior Outreach Groups Start Soon enior Outreach, a program of the Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, is offering support groups for men and women year-around. During these challenging times, the support groups give their members an opportunity to connect with others once a week in a positive, supportive, and nourishing environment, sharing thoughts and feelings. Currently, all the groups meet via Zoom once a week for six weeks (90-minute sessions) and are facilitated by experienced peer-counselors. Four women’s groups and two men’s groups begin soon. One of the women’s groups, beginning Jan. 26, will offer the newest format, using a workbook and journal to increase feelings of well-being and empowerment. It also includes suggestions for activities you can do at home. To reserve a place or for more information, call 831-459-9351 x206 and leave a message for a call back within 24 hours. ••• James Schwab Takes Over as Interim Secretary of State ames Schwab has been sworn in as interim Secretary of State, succeeding Alex Padilla to succeed Kamal Harris as California’s United States Senator. Schwab previously was chief deputy secretary of state.
Padilla listed accomplishments during his six years in office: • Adding 4.5 million voters to the rolls and set modern records for voter turnout. • Making many business filing services available online.. • Digitizing California history in the State Archives and curating exhibits online. • Adding tools to make campaign finance data more easily searchable. “The Secretary of State’s office is in good hands,” Padilla said. “James Schwab knows this agency inside out and has been a leader in securing and implementing many of our most impactful electoral reforms. And the Secretary of State’s office will soon be led by a fierce advocate for James Schwab civil rights and voting rights when Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber is confirmed as our next Secretary of State.” Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Dec. 22 he would appoint Weber. The appointment requires confirmation by the State Senate and the State Assembly. The Secretary of State will be up for election in 2022. Schwab, 41, a native of Davis, has worked at the Secretary of State’s office since Padilla took office. Before that, he
like an old-fashioned barn-raising,” said Rhiannon Crain, MOD’s interim executive director. “We had MOD staff, District and other project partners, and volunteers all putting in a wonderful team effort to raise the roof of this new interactive tool for educating families about water and sustainability issues. We’re very excited for the day in the not-too-distant future when we will be able to bring families back into MOD to experience this wonderful new resource!” The Soquel Creek Water District has
been actively involved with this project, with its staff attending planning meetings, helping connect museum staff with companies for funding and assistance, and providing some technical support. “Once we can all join together again after the pandemic, this is sure to be very popular and an important way of spotlighting what we can do to protect and preserve our water supply,” said Ron Duncan, General Manager of the Soquel Creek Water District.
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was a consultant for then-State Sen. Alex Padilla. Schwab graduated from UC Davis with a degree in International Relations. He lives in West Sacramento with his wife Alma Perez and their three sons. Perez is the senior consultant for the State Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee. ••• Tech for Takeout at Library he Santa Cruz Public Libraries have created a collection of lendable technology devices that can be checked out with your library card. The collection includes Amazon Fire 7 Tablets, Chromebook laptops, WiFi Hotspots, and Chromebook + Hotspot bundles. The collection became available for checkout Jan. 19. Library cardholders can visit the catalog or use our mobile app to search for and request any of the devices or the bundle by name. For example, a keyword search for “fire tablet” or “hotspot” will work. Once the devices are on hold at the chosen library branch, they can be picked up at regular Grab & Go lobby service hours. Borrowers must be 18 years or older, and a lending agreement must be signed. The checkout period is 3 weeks, just like all other library materials. Instructional guides in English and Spanish are available. ••• New Job Resource For Veterans eterans and their family members have a new resource through the public library. Our Veterans Information Page now includes VetNow at https:// w w w. b r a i n f u s e . c o m / h i g h e d / h o m e . asp?a_id=7E7D0F69&ss=2&r= This tool has many resources for job seekers including: Live Job Coaching, a Resume Lab, and a Live Veteran Navigator. The Live Veteran Navigator connects Veterans with experts on VA benefits, job coaching, and community resources. To access this resource, use your Santa Cruz Public Libraries Card and pin number. You can find VetNow on our Website at santacruzpl.org. If you need help, call 831-427-7713. n
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Support also was provided by Love’s Gardens, the City of Santa Cruz, Knox Roofing, Green Space, San Lorenzo Lumber, Allterra Solar, Big Creek Lumber, Mission Tile, Habitat ReStore, and community volunteers who put in countless hours of their time. n ••• Currently, the museum is closed due to restrictions to prevent spreading COVID-19. For details on reopening, visit www.sccmod.org.
Meet Your New Fire Chief
COMMUNITY NEWS
John Walbridge Chosen To Lead Central Fire Protection District
J
ohn Walbridge, a longtime local who has spent 30 years with Central Fire District, is the new Central fire chief. He got the job in a unanimous vote by the Central Fire Board of Directors on Jan. 12. Central Fire is in the process of consolidating with Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District.
Walbridge had been interim fire chief since July 2020. His interest in the fire service started in the late 1970s when he was tasked by his father to ride his bike to Live Oak Fire Station #1 on 17th Avenue to retrieve burn permits from firefighters that he would ultimately work with a decade later. Walbridge began his professional career in 1990 as a seasonal firefighter with Cal Fire.
In 1991, he joined the Central Fire Protection District as a paid call firefighter. Since then, he held the positions of Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic, Captain Paramedic, Battalion Chief, Temporary Division Chief and Fire Chief. He was one of Central Fire Protection District’s first three firefighter/paramedics. His past responsibilities have included Logistics Chief, Operations Chief, Safety Officer, Central Fire Investigation Team, Emergency Response Coordinator, Emergency Medical Services Manager, and Facilities/Inventory Manager. He has an associate’s degree in fire protection technology from Cabrillo College and a bachelor’s in chemistry from UC Santa Cruz. He is also a California State Certified Fire Investigator I, Fire Officer and Chief Officer. The announcement of his appointment says, “He has the passion, history and dedication one needs for this role, as well as the respect of all our members.” n
Central Fire Chief John Walbridge
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / February 2021 / 11
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Some Federal COVID Aid for Capitola
New Jetty is Worth a Visit; Library Nearing Completion
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s we move toward the end of the pandemic, and healing, it is crucial that we stay optimistic and strategically plan for whatever the future holds for our wonderful City. Through strategic planning we can lay a strong foundation to ensure we can continue to provide essential services to our entire community. The Capitola City Council just completed a training workshop, where Council reviewed our newest policies, Code of Conduct and governance laws and requirements. In addition, the Council directed staff to update all administrative policies and bring back options for additional training on implicit bias. At the Jan. 28 meeting, City Council was scheduled to review a recommendation from a subcommittee, in which I sit upon, regarding the limited federal COVID-19 related relief funding. Previously the subcommittee said they would recommend using these dollars to support economic development and early childhood and youth programs. Staying healthy both physically and
A look back at the Esplanade Gazebo from the end of the Jetty before (above) and after (below) the refurbishment.
By Yvette Brooks, Mayor of Capitola
mentally during the shelter–in-place is extremely important. I encourage our community members to visit our newly refurbished jetty at the Capitola Beach. The Capitola jetty was originally built in the spring of 1970 after several years of working with the Army Corps of Engineers on a design, lining up state and federal assistance with funding, and getting permission for the project from the County and other agencies. The rock for the original jetty was a very hard sandstone from a quarry in the hills behind Davenport. Just last month the City completed a $130,000 project to restore the jetty. The restoration project involved the installation of new rocks so it will last another 50 years. The additional rock used is a granite-like stone from the Wilson Quarry in Aromas. The jetty is important in protecting our beach and I hope you will find time to come visit soon. The City of Capitola was also awarded a California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant of $21,036 to support education, enforcement, and training. The City will partner with Soquel Union School district in an effort to advocate against the use of flavored tobaccos. The City banned flavored tobacco and menthol tobacco products last year. In addition, Capitola is nearing the completion of our Library. Installation of the art at the library has begun. That artwork includes a network of metal “leaves” that hang over the children’s wing. In addition, one of the design elements of the new library I personally look forward to seeing (and using with my young daughter!) are the cozy reading nooks that will be integrated into the south wall of the children’s wing. Lastly, it is with great honor that I can share the announcement of the recipient of the 2020 Herb Ross Award, an annual award that is given to the “Officer-of-theYear” for the Capitola police department. Please join me in congratulating Detective Brantly Sandretti as the 2020 recipient of the Herb Ross Award. The award is named in honor of Sgt. Herb Ross, who served the City from 1973 until 2001. Detective Sandretti will be officially recognized during our Feb. 11 City Council meeting.
12 / February 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Above: Work on the Jetty in 1969 Below: Putting the finishing touches on the 2020 refurbishment.
I am also happy to announce the first of a series of Capitola Town Hall meetings. The first meeting will be held Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. For more information please visit our website at www.cityofcapitola.org. n
••• As always if you have any questions or concerns feel free to email me at: brooksforcitycouncil@ gmail.com or visit my website yvettebrooks.com. Photos Credit: City of Capitola
Another pair of “Before” (left) and “After” pictures of the Jetty
NATIONAL NEWS
Investment Fraudster Sentenced
Adviser Who Claimed to Invest in Fracking Defrauded Unsuspecting Family Editor’s Note: This report comes from the FBI
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hen a Montana woman needed legal and financial help selling a family farm, she was introduced through a friend to Michael Van Auken. He did good work for her and began offering his financial expertise to the rest of her family, having seemingly earned her trust. Van Auken claimed to be both a lawyer and accountant who could help them invest. He even convinced the Montana woman’s parents to invest their entire retirement account with him. But in reality, Van Auken was neither an accountant nor a lawyer. He simply stole more than $700,000 from the family between 2011 and 2015. “He was a good talker and convinced them that he could manage it better and make more money for them,” said Special Agent Sara Sampson, who investigated this case out of the FBI’s resident agency in Helena, Montana, which is part of the Salt Lake City Field Office. Van Auken told the family he planned to invent a new drill bit that would be lucrative for the oil fracking industry and said he’d invest some of their funds in it. Instead, he spent most of the family’s money in foreign currency exchange trading, an extremely risky activity sometimes compared to gambling. He also spent some of the funds on his personal living expenses. “He was essentially throwing this family’s money away, and they gave him more and more over time,” Sampson said. Van Auken created a lengthy paper trail to back up his lies. He told the family their investments were profitable. But warning signs did start to show. The Montana woman noticed a change in Van Auken’s behavior, and he admitted lying to her about some of the investments.
The victim did not know where to turn until a friend encouraged her to contact the FBI. “The victim in this case was very brave,” Sampson said. “She made a mistake in getting Van Auken involved in her family’s lives, but she contacted us and saw the case through to the end.” Investigators began digging into the financials and learned that where the actual money went was not consistent with what the documents said. The family collectively lost more than $700,000. Much of that was the woman’s parents’ retirement accounts, and some of the funds belonged to the original victim herself and her young adult children. The impact was devastating. While the younger victims will have time to recover financially, the woman’s parents are now deceased, and they lost their entire retirement savings. They’d hoped to pass those funds on to their children and grandchildren. Additionally, Van Auken claimed to be paying taxes on the family’s funds, but he never did. So the surviving relatives are also dealing with tax debt, Sampson said. Van Auken pleaded guilty in January 2020 to wire fraud, money laundering, and filing a false tax return. In May 2020, he was sentenced to 28 months in prison. Sampson hopes the conviction will prevent him from victimizing others. “The victims would say they weren’t trying to get rich. They were just trying to make good decisions, and they trusted someone who they thought would make good decisions,” she said. The investigative team, which included FBI agents and forensic accountants as well as partners from the Internal Revenue Service, wanted to get justice for the family. “Fracking Fraud” page 16
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / February 2021 / 13
COMMUNITY NEWS
Community Service in Times of COVID-19
Brownie Troop Tops Their Goal for Second Harvest
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By Carrie Mulcaire
ow does a group of 8-year old Girl Scouts seek to reach out to their community and help those in need while maintaining health and safety during a pandemic? Parents expressed understandable concern for in-person community service work as COVID-19 ravaged on. Back in November, Brownie Troop #15015 had a financial literacy lesson on philanthropy. Kristin Fabos, Second Harvest board member and Cabrillo College marketing director, spared her time to serve as a guest speaker. She discussed the role of the local food bank in assisting with food insecurity in Santa Cruz County, especially during COVID-19. As a former Girl Scout, she understands the value
of learning about service work at an early age. Partnership is key — over 200 organizations partner on a weekly basis with Second Harvest. The food bank obtains discounts on food purchases as much as a quarter of what our normal dollar extends in the store. So when you donate $1 to the food bank, it is as if you are donating $4. Each individual meal is only 25 cents so that a donation of $1 translates into four meals! It was decided — the troop would participate in Second Harvest’s 2020 Virtual Holiday Food drive to raise funds and food! The fundraising effort lasted through December to emphasize the value of giving back during the holidays. The girls were imaginative in
coming up with their own solutions to fundraising in a safe but creative manner: • One troop member collected money from a lemonade stand • Others emailed out a link to their food drive webpage for friends and family to donate • Some posted the online food drive weblink on their parents’ Facebook page • One girl recruited family members to make a large donation • Many of the girls raided their own cupboards for canned food and advertised to their neighbors to drop off canned food at their doorstep and “Brownies” page 17
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CALIFORNIA NEWS
Panetta Reintroduces Oil Drilling Ban O n Monday, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) reintroduced the California Central Coast Conservation Act, which establishes a moratorium on all new oil and gas leasing on federal public land on the central coast of California. This is the first bill Panetta has introduced in the 117th Congress. Panetta originally introduced this legislation in December Jimmy Panetta 2019 in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to allow for new oil and gas leasing and development on 720,000 acres of public land in Central California, primarily in Fresno, Monterey, and San Benito counties. The bill prohibits the Bureau of Land Management from implementing the decision until it completes and publishes a supplemental environmental impact statement assessing the impacts of oil and gas drilling on the Central Coast. Specifically, the review must consider potential impacts on air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, groundwater, surface water, seismicity, wildlife and plant species, low-income communities, communities of color, and indigenous communities. If the assessment identifies adverse environmental impacts, the Administration’s decision cannot proceed. The Biden-Harris Administration has already made clear its commitment to reversing Trump Administration policies that have threatened our nation’s public lands. Panetta and his California colleagues look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration to advance
these types of solutions, including the one in this bill. Original cosponsors of the California Central Coast Conservation Act include Representatives Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Mark Takano (CA-41), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Barbara Lee (CA-13). “As a federal legislator, I strive to make decisions based on evidence and I expect federal agencies to do the same. Until the BLM completes a detailed analysis of the harmful impacts new oil and gas drilling will have on our pristine environment, the agency should not be able to proceed,” said Panetta. “I look forward to working with the Biden Administration to reverse the previous administration’s threats to not just the environment, but also the economy and our way of life on the Central Coast.” “We are talking about millions of acres of public lands, not a disposable commodity for sale to the highest bidder in the oil and gas industry,” said Lowenthal. “The public have been clear that they want their underground water sources protected, climate change mitigated, and our public resources safeguarded for future generations.” “The Central Coast boasts some of the most beautiful natural treasures in the country and pursuing fracking or oil and gas leasing on public land will only hurt our environment, public health, and recreation economy,” said Carbajal. “Our public land is not for sale.” The legislation is endorsed by the Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity as well.
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“Drilling” page 17
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / February 2021 / 15
NATIONAL NEWS
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“Fracking Fraud” from page 13 “This wasn’t just a small town thing that’s going to be swept under the rug,” Sampson said. “He committed a crime, and we wanted to bring it to light and make sure it couldn’t happen to anyone else.” While anyone investing should do careful research, Sampson pointed out that the victim in this case had done research
and was still swindled. The key is to listen to your gut instincts and ask lots of questions. “The story of this case is that you can be careful, and it can still happen to you,” she said. “If it does, don’t be embarrassed—report it to law enforcement. It can happen to anyone, and it happens to a lot of people. If we can prevent the person from hurting someone else, we’ll do our best to do that.” n
COMMUNITY NEWS
Fondue for Valentine’s Day L ooking for something delicious to spice up your Valentine’s Day? Try this easy chocolate fondue. You won’t be disappointed! ••• EASY CHOCOLATE FONDUE Prep Time: 10 min. • Total Time: 10 min. Servings: 8 -12 servings
INGREDIENTS 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces 4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped into small pieces 1 /2 – 3/4 cup whole milk (depending on thickness preference, I use 1/2 cup) 1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter* 1 /2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
“Drilling” from page 15 “Halting oil and gas drilling on Central California’s public lands will move us toward a future that centers communities, clean energy and climate resilience,” said Jenny Binstock, senior campaign representative for Sierra Club’s Our Wild America Campaign in California. “We are choking from wildfire smoke, and thousands of oil rigs in our backyards and leaking storage tanks poisoning us with benzene,” says Cesar Aguirre,
“Brownies” from page 14 • The troop decided to donate a percent of cookie sale proceeds to the effort. Talking with Second Harvest, we learned that they were struggling with identifying volunteers to pick up food from donated drop-off sites — particularly near the end of December. So our troop offered to drop off the canned food directly at their Watsonville center. A few girls even got to pose with the Hungry Hero mascot after dropping off almost 400 pounds of food. In the end, Girl Scout Troop #15015 raised $1,073 or 4,149 meals, double their goal of $500 and 2,000 meals. One thing we learned is the USDA requires all donated canned foods are valued by poundage instead of the price tag, which means a $4 canned food item that weighs one pound is only valued at 20 cents. Girl scouts and their parents expressed gratitude for participating in this experience. “It feels good to help families in our
/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
1
Dipping Ideas: Bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, clementines, marshmallows, Oreos, Graham Crackers, Milanos, whatever sounds good!
INSTRUCTIONS tart by preparing all of the ingredients/ treats you will be dipping in the fondue. The preparation of the fondue goes quickly so you want to have all the treats and skewers (if using) ready! For the fondue, combine the chocolate, 1/2 cup milk or cream, and butter* and melt gently in a barely simmering water bath or microwave on
S
Medium (50 percent) power for about 2 minutes. Stir until completely smooth. Add more milk if desired. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Serve immediately. If the fondue gets too thick (or starts to harden), reheat in the microwave in bursts of 15 seconds stirring in between each burst for 10 seconds until melted and smooth again.
*Butter results in a more mellow chocolate flavor. For a more intense chocolate fondue, leave out the butter.
Community Organizer with the Central California Environmental Justice Network. “We applaud this proposed legislation that prioritizes community health.” “While we look forward to President Biden following through on his campaign promise to ban new oil and gas leasing on federal lands, this important legislation would move us towards permanent protections for our air, water and health along California’s coast,” said Clare Lakewood, legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate Law. n
community! Part of being a Girl Scout is to be helpful!” noted one girl scout. Another troop member said: “This year has been tough! I loved helping those in need because it’s important to help other people! Otherwise, this world would be hard to live in!” Another parent said thank you for the opportunity for her daughter “to learn about ways to be thoughtful and giving!” It’s not too late to help Second Harvest and those dealing with food insecurity in our county! If you visit Nob Hill or Raley’s, you can donate to “Food for Families” at checkout whereby 100% of the proceeds go directly to providing food to our local residents (and at wholesale prices). And Second Harvest’s website will always accept cash donations or you can drop off canned foods at various locations throughout the county. For more information, visit the foodbank.org. n ••• For information about joining a Girl Scout troop, visit https://www.girlscoutsccc.org.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / February 2021 / 17
COMMUNITY NEWS
Merit Award for Street Safety Project T he City of Santa Cruz River Street and Water Street Overlay Project has been recognized with a 2021 Award
On Water Street, a protected bike lane adds safety for cyclists in the City of Santa Cruz.
of Merit for “transportation projects less than $5 million” by the American Public Works Association, Monterey Bay Chapter. Public Works Department Assistant Director Chris Schneiter and the department’s engineering team were presented with the award at a virtual ceremony. The River Street and Water Street Overlay Project, constructed from March to May 2020, rehabilitated severely ailing pavement in two heavily used commuter locations: River Street from Madrone Street to Water Street and Water Street from River Street to N. Branciforte Avenue. The project has improved commuting and business access along these busy transportation corridors, Santa Cruz city officials said. With careful budget management, green bike lanes on River Street and green protected buffered bike lanes on Water Street with bollards and bike boxes were added, to boost bike safety and support “active transportation.” The bike lane buffers have improved
The award-winning River Street project includes green bike lanes in the City of Santa Cruz. safety for pedestrians. The project also improved curb ramps on both River and Water streets benefitting wheelchair users and pedestrians with strollers. Judging criteria for the 13 submitted projects included creative use of municipal resources, equipment, labor, or funds
that produced measurable benefits to the community. The total cost for the River Street and Water Street Overlay Project of $2,061,187 was paid for with Measures H, Gas Tax and SB-1 tax dollars, plus State Transportation Improvement Program funds. n
CALIFORNIA NEWS
Legislation Tackles Student Mental Health Crisis
Teenage Suicides Increase After Pandemic Closes Public Schools
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mid growing concern about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teens’ mental health, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills) on Jan. 26 introduced legislation to enable educators to better identify and address student mental health issues. Jointly authored with Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach), Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, the measure—known as Assembly Bill 309—would require the state Department of Education to create a model mental health referral protocol for use by schools across California. These protocols would provide guidance to help educators better identify students with mental health needs and quickly and efficiently connect them with appropriate services. Teachers are often the first to notice changes in student behavior that can signal mental health issues, yet many educators report a lack of preparedness and the shift to remote learning makes this even more of a challenge. Research shows early detection and treatment of mental illness improves
students’ attendance, behavior, and academic achievement. “Like parents across California, I’m deeply concerned about the impact the pandemic has had on our kids’ mental health and emotional wellbeing,” said Gabriel. “California already was facing a student mental health crisis, and there are concerning signs that the situation has gotten worse as a result of the social isolation and disruption of the past year. This important legislation will equip our teachers with better tools and resources so that they can help our students navigate these extremely challenging times. This will be especially important as we look to reopen our schools and bring students back into the classroom after months of distance learning.” Recent data suggests the COVID-19
18 / February 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
pandemic has greatly exacerbated mental health issues among school-aged youth. New data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show the proportion of emergency room visits related to mental health crises has increased dramatically for young children and adolescents since the start of the pandemic. Another recent CDC report found 25 percent of respondents between the ages of 18-24 had contemplated suicide in the previous 30 days. In Las Vegas, rising suicide rates --18 students ended their lives since March — have prompted officials to consider opening schools more quickly than planned. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, one in five children exhibited signs of a mental health disorder, with California adolescents reporting even higher rates of
depressive symptoms than the national average. “The mental health of California’s children and youth, already at a crisis point, is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are seeing ever-increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation among our young people. AB 309 will provide model protocols that will enable our teachers and other school staff to connect students with the help they need in an appropriate and timely way,” said O’Donnell, who chairs the Assembly Education Committee. “As California moves towards recovery in the coming months and years, ensuring that students have access to needed mental health support will be crucial to ensuring an equitable recovery,” said Debbie Raucher, Education Director for John Burton Advocates for Youth. “AB 309 will provide educators with the tools that they need to make this a reality.” n AB 309 is expected to be heard in Assembly committees in the coming months.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Rio Theatre: New Banff World Tour F luff up your couch cushions, grab book catches her eye and she soon finds a snack, and make sure you have a herself on a ride like no other. Piano to Zanskar: Facing his future in good internet connection, because retirement, 65-yearthe Banff Centre old piano tuner Mountain Film FesDesmond O’Keeffe tival World Tour is decides to transport virtual. a 100-year-old, Travel to the 80-kilogram, upright most remote corners piano, from bustling of the world, dive London to the remote into daring expediheart of the Indian tions, and celebrate Himalayas. People’s some of the most Choice. remarkable outdoor ••• achievements, all Ruby Program from the comfort of Mother Earth: your living room. Narrated by Daniel There are two Wells, a member of lineups, Ruby and Silks • James Frystak Lil’wat First Nation, Sapphire, starting Feb. 4. Films can be purchased individually the film showcases the deep connection or for $28 as a bundle. Visit riotheatre.com bikers and First Nations have with nature. Pretty Strong – Fernanda: In this for more information. Or go to https://filmfest.banffcentre. segment of Never Not Collective’s feature length film, we follow Fernanda Rodriguez ca/?campaign=WT-163945 in El Salto, Mexico, as she runs a camp••• ground, owns a climbing gym, and picks Sapphire Program Attla: Explore the life and persona her hardest climbing objective in 5 years. 12,000 km: The climate threat inspires of dog sled racer George Attla, from his childhood as a tuberculosis survivor in a group of Swedish friends to travel by the Alaskan interior, to his rise as ten-time train and ferry from Stockholm to Japan, in world champion and mythical state hero, search of deep powder and the adventure to a village elder training his grandnephew of a lifetime. Silks: Driven by three Squamish to race his team one last time. My Last Day of Summer: The last adventure athletes, stunning locations day of summer, Julia is at the local bike and hair-raising exposure, Silks showcases shop hoping her bike can be fixed. While the art of aerial silk performance in a way checking out the flashy displays, a comic never seen before.
Piano to Zanskar • Jarek Kotomski
The Long Today: My Dad turned 70 this summer. So he found a “river” on a map, repaired one of his old wood canoes, and invited his family to help him celebrate. Fly Spiti – The Short Odyssey: Two experienced paragliding pilots explore the Spiti Valley in the Indian Himalaya. The pair find out why few have tried to fly in this place where, according to local folklore, the gods live.
Zeppelin Skiing: A world first: three athletes fly with a huge zeppelin to the Eastern Alps in Austria to rappel and ski and snowboard on steep terrain. Frozen in Time: Lured by the vibe of a bygone era, three pre-eminent skiers— Eric Hjorleifson, Mark Abma and Chris Rubens — venture to Mt. Cain, a small, community-run hill on northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. n
Mother Earth • Damien Vergez
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / February 2021 / 19
COMMUNITY NEWS
Coming Soon: Heart of Soquel Walkway Photo Essay by Craig R. Wilson The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is overseeing final touches at the Heart of Soquel Parkway, a pedestrian trail overlooking Soquel Creek, which is scheduled to open for public use in February. The trail links Heart of Soquel Park plaza, located behind with the East Walnut Street footbridge, with an additional trailhead on Porter Street. Planning for the $3 million project began several years ago and was made possible through funding from a state bond, local sales taxes and development impact fees. The trail allows residents and visitors to see and experience the creek, preserves open space, improves safety for children walking to school and provides interpretive panels to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in or use the riparian corridor.n Cover Teaser: The overlook on the new Heart of Soquel walkway includes a bench for visitors.
The new walkway for Heart of Soquel Park is scheduled to open for public use in February, providing a new way to see Soquel Creek.
Mallard ducks enjoy a swim in Soquel Creek. Among the sights on the walkway is a tree fallen into Soquel Creek.
A black phoebe perches on a fence. 20 / February 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
The sun creates a shadow pattern on the walkway.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Great Plates Delivered For Older Adults & Restaurateurs
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By June Smith
n April 24, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the launch of a first-inthe-nation meal delivery service called “Great Plates Delivered” for California’s older adults. Santa Cruz County began the program on Memorial Day weekend and has since delivered thousands of meals. Great Plates Delivered serves two purposes: To help seniors and adults at high risk from COVID-19 to stay at home by receiving three nutritious meals a day, and to provide essential economic stimulus to local businesses struggling to survive.
Photo Credit: June Smith
Jesus B. is ready for a signature after delivering my meal.
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Vendors must meet certain standards. Nutritional requirements for lunch and dinner must offer a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable in each dish, be low in sodium, and contain no sugary drinks. A Santa Cruz County committee first chose four local restaurants and one caterer — The Back Nine, Johnny’s Harborside, Roaring Camp, Pearl of the Ocean, and Swing Time Catering — to prepare the meals. Other providers have been added, including Collectivo Felix and Teen Kitchen Project. After learning about the program, I applied and was teamed up to receive meals from Team Kitchen Project. TKP’s Executive Director Angela Farley is grateful to be able to serve local seniors through the Great Plates Program, offering hearthealthy and diabetes-friendly medically tailored meals to local seniors who qualify. My first delivery included soup, a roasted vegetable salad with Feta cheese, balsamic vinaigrette, plus three more entrees. The meals come with a fact sheet outlining the ingredients included and nutritional data. Farley says, “TKP brings young people into the kitchen to learn to cook delicious and nourishing food. The meals are delivered free of charge to individuals and families who are in crisis due to a lifethreatening illness or those now observing the Stay at Home orders. We have an interview process that includes committing to adhere to Health Officer recommenda-
tions in and out of the kitchen. We have a stable group of youth with our team of adult chefs who work four days a week preparing meals. Work stations are at least six feet apart with no more than eight total people in our large kitchen at a time.” Their organic suppliers are Smart Chicken, Mary’s Chicken, and major funder Lakeside Organic Garden, who because of their monetary and in-kind donations, Teen Kitchen Project has been able to scale up dramatically to serve those suffering from COVID-19. A social worker from Dominican Home Health applied to Great Plates for local author and film critic Lisa Jensen when she learning that cooking and cleaning was often difficult for her due to multiple sclerosis. Jensen has been getting three deliveries a week with seven tasty dinners from Colectivo Felix. She says, “I still like to cook, but I’m always so curious to see what the next one(s) will be!” Chef Diego Felix says the program has been a huge help and source of income for his business. His summer season was almost fully booked with weddings, winery dinners, and private events, which have all been canceled. This program of the Human Service Department of the County has local support from the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County as well as partnerships with other local organizations.
Photo Credit: June Smith
My first meal (Cabbage and Leek Gratin).
Susan True, Chief Executive Officer of The Community Foundation, says, “Donors’ gifts to our COVID-19 Response Fund meant we could offer the local matching funds that helped millions in federal dollars come back to feed and protect our community. Great Plates Delivered lets older adults at higher risk remain safe at home and also gives timely business to local meal providers struggling to stay afloat.” n ••• The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program originally authorized the service through 2020, but extensions were made due to the ongoing severity of the COVID-19 virus. The program was extended until Feb. 6, 2021, with the plan to have more extensions if necessary. Great Plates Delivered: covid19.ca.gov/ restaurants-deliver-home-meals-for-seniors/ To apply: 831-454-4406
Santa Cruz County Bank Opens in Monterey
n Jan. 19, Santa Cruz County Bank, with assets of $1.4 billion, announced the opening of a new full-service branch at 584 Munras St., Monterey. This is the 16-year-old bank’s eighth branch and the first in Monterey County. The 584 Munras Street building, built in 1984, was purchased by the bank in April 2020 for $1.55 million, according to Xome Inc. The building, centrally located at the corner of Munras Avenue and Webster Street in downtown Monterey, was previously home for a fitness center, Pouchet Training, and before that, Monterey Mattress. Following an extensive remodel, the new Santa Cruz County Bank branch looks much like the downtown Santa Cruz headquarters. It is open for business, with a staff of wellknown bankers overseen by Rich Aiello, senior vice president, relationship manager, who came on board in 2019.
Aiello took over his family’s fishing business before entering banking, first at Community Bank of Central California and later at Rabobank. He was praised on LinkedIn by the Goodwill Central Coast chief financial officer for guiding the nonprofit through the federal Payroll Protection Program last year during the COVID pandemic. “Our expansion into Monterey County, with the opening of our eighth full-service banking office, allows us to better serve our long-established business relationships in Monterey County and attract new business,” said Santa Cruz County Bank board chairman and acting CEO William J. Hansen. “We know the right location coupled with well-regarded and wellknown bankers is the formula for success.” Aiello added, “We are well-positioned to help lead and support the community in the economic recovery of businesses impacted by the pandemic.” n
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / February 2021 / 21
FEATURED COLUMNIST
I Am a COVID-19 Survivor
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fter being so careful for nine months, my husband Barry mysteriously contacted the COVID-19 virus. Within days, he tested positive and within a few days after that, I tested positive as well. We never were in a gathering of people of any size. We always wore our masks, washed our hands, used hand sanitizer, and kept the required distance. And yet the virus found its way into our lives. Barry had a mild case, but I got really sick for more than four weeks. How did I survive this potentially deadly virus? There is much information on the internet on ways to take care of yourself medically if you test positive. These tips are extremely useful, like never lying on your back, and getting up and walking often. But in this article, I am giving ways to help your spirit, for keeping your spirit vital and alive is an important ingredient for healing. One important thing I did was to reach out and ask for help. I texted and emailed people I knew who believed in prayer, and I asked them to pray for me. In the beginning of my illness, I was so sick with
By Joyce Vissell
fevers and a bad cough. I knew this virus can spread to the lungs so severely that within a matter of hours a person can die even before they make it to the hospital for help. It was a scary time for me. More than ever before in my life I knew that I needed the prayers and love from others. I texted my brother in Minnesota and asked him and his four children to pray for me as I knew that this is a regular part of their lives. I asked everyone I could think of for help. This was both humbling and at the same time very empowering. It was humbling as I felt so vulnerable and weak, and knew I sincerely needed help. It was empowering because I was reaching out and doing something for myself. Barry then asked me to do something that seemed absolutely impossible. Each week since the pandemic has started, we have been posting weekly short videos of inspiration and music on YouTube. We do not have a large following, maybe 150 people, but those people tell us that they look forward to the videos each Sunday. Barry asked me to do a video with him, and asked me to ask
22 / February 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
for help on the video. At first, I said a definite “No!” It felt too scary to actually make a video with me feeling so sick and with a fever. Barry has gently pushed me into other things in my life that I had not wanted to do out of fear, and I have felt grateful afterward. So I trusted him and said I would do it. I spoke about feeling sick with the COVID virus and needing prayers and support. But then Barry put his hand on my heart and asked people to pray for me while they were watching the video. I started to cry and the fullness of my vulnerability was seen right there on the video. When we turned off the camera, I felt embarrassed to have shown so much vulnerability. But we sent it out and there was such a beautiful outpouring of love and prayers, and that energy helped me so much. Everything people did for me helped enormously. This was a time to not be alone but to receive the love from others. This single step in reaching out and asking for help was so vitally important in my surviving the virus. Another important thing I did was to focus on what I have and what was working, instead of only dwelling upon the virus that was causing me to feel worse
than I ever have before. In ten days, I lost 12 pounds and I felt like my body was starving. I could not eat anything, though I never lost my sense of smell and all foods smelled delicious. Then I discovered that I could eat a certain kind of white rice called Congee. My blessed neighbor Donna made it for me. I could eat it and it made all of the difference. I could not eat anything else but I could eat this very plain almost tasteless rice. I focused on gratitude for the rice and tried to not focus on the many things I truly enjoy like salads. Even though my whole body felt horrible, I could still breathe on my own and that one fact caused me to feel gratitude almost every hour. In so many ways all of my body was very sick, but I could breathe and that was the one thing that I focused all of my gratitude on. The times that I gave in to just focusing on how really sick and sad I felt, those were very difficult times in the day. But if I could keep up a steady flow of gratitude, my days and my difficulties with the virus were manageable. And then also so important was to receive all of the love and support that was given. I kept up a steady flow of gratitude to each person who reached out to me and when I was just too sick, I would lie in bed and think of people who I knew loved me and were sending me their prayers and love. Receiving this love into my heart was such a blessing. And the most important of all was to focus on God’s love for me and the steady feeling of caring. I thought of other very difficult and challenging times in my life and realized I had received help, and this time I was also. So, to the unseen presence of God and to the many who prayed for me and did small acts of kindness, I give you my deepest gratitude. You made all the difference. “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, a prayer said for another, or the smallest act of caring all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” — Leo Buscaglia n ••• Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964 and Aptos residents since 1975, are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books. Call 831-684-2130 for information on counseling sessions by phone, on-line, or in person, their books, recordings or their schedule of talks and workshops. Visit their website, SharedHeart.org
COMMUNITY NEWS
Finding Solutions to help Feed People W hile some people see problems and wonder who will solve them, a young Santa Cruz entrepreneur saw the county’s hunger problem and took action. For the past three years, Andrew Trowbridge, 12, has worked on generating financial donations for Second Harvest Food Bank. This year, after adding up the earned funds, he donated $2,175 to the food bank. Family and friends from his church helped him. But Andrew managed the effort to its great success. Andrew first embraced becoming one of Second Harvest’s Hunger Heroes by running a lemonade stand and earning several hundred dollars, which he donated. With baked goodies created by his church’s congregation members this past year, he’s expanded and eclipsed prior years by a wide margin. “There are so many important causes worthy of support,” says Andrew’s dad, Todd Trowbridge, a vice president at Palace Business Solutions. “But feeding people is so important. “ It’s a family tradition. “The reason Andrew started three years ago was because he wanted to help people who were on the side of the road holding signs asking for food,” Todd explains. “He’d heard what Palace had been doing for Second Harvest and
asked if there was a way he could help. He has a deep desire to help people and has always been like that. He has always wanted to help others and make sure they were comfortable and taken care of. His lemonade stand started as just a small way he could help feed people and has grown into something many in the community have gotten behind. Andrew looks at the world and sees people who are hurting and wants to figure out how to help them.” Andrew doesn’t have much to say about his enterprise other than, “It’s something I can do about the problem. I get more people fed,” he explains. He certainly does. This year Andrew’s donation will generate 8,700 meals for people in need in our county. One dollar ’s donation to Second Harvest translates into four healthy meals, given the food bank’s purchasing power. Dollars are far more effective in fighting hunger than purchasing donated food at retail. This year, due to the economic fallout from COVID and wildfires, the food bank is feeding double the number of people per month than in years past. “You can clearly see we have a community in need,” says Jan Kamman, Second Harvest’s Corporate & Community Relations Director. “And people are responding with their generosity in so many wonderful ways.” n
Photo Credit: Faith Trowbridge
Andrew Trowbridge stands next to “Hope,” Second Harvest Food Bank’s mascot.
Santa Cruz Elks Adopt-a-Family Success
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espite challenges presented by COVID-19, the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge #824 Adopt-a-Family effort was a success. More than $5,000 was spent on clothes, toys and food for local families in need. Through the holiday program, the Lodge supported several local organizations including the Jesus Mary Joseph Home, Siena House, Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, and Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center. Wrapped gifts were delivered to 19 families with 39 children, and unwrapped gifts of new jackets and toys were provided
to Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center. Founded on Feb. 16, 1868, the Elks are a charitable organization dedicated to helping veterans, giving scholarships, and all around bettering our communities. The Elks created the first veterans’ hospital and gave it to the US government. It is also the largest private provider of college scholarships in the United States. n ••• The Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, established 1903, is located at 150 Jewell St. in Santa Cruz. To learn more about the lodge and membership, visit www.santacruzelks.org.
From left: Sachiko and Jim Miller, Michael Szeles, John Scally, Kristina, and Stella Sofia Salciccia.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / February 2021 / 23
FEATURED COLUMNIST
New Supervisor Wants Live Oak Parking Input
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ince being sworn in on Jan. 4, things have been busy! Here are a few highlights from our first few weeks in the 1st District Office: COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout e have made significant progress in the rollout of the vaccine in recent weeks, and all 17,900 doses the County has received have been either delivered or have been allocated for delivery. The majority of vaccines will be distributed through healthcare providers: Dominican, Kaiser and Sutter/PAMF; additional vaccines are available through County Health Services. If you have questions regarding your eligibility to receive the vaccine, and for a description of the tiers, visit the County’s Vaccine Page.
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Board of Supervisor’s Meeting Jan. 26 authored Item 12 to legalize moveable tiny homes. Throughout the campaign I heard from voters that creating more affordable housing options is a high priority. Tiny homes as ADUs will create new affordable rental opportunities as well
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By Manu Koenig, First District Supervisor
as create home ownership opportunities. Many other communities, including Santa Clara County, have recently legalized tiny homes on wheels as ADUs. Also on the agenda is Item 8, a hearing on the vacation rental ordinance which the Coastal Commission approved on Jan. 13 along with an amendment to increase the permit cap from 220 to 262 in the Live Oak Designated Area. I hosted a constituent meeting from 5-6 p.m. on Monday Jan. 25 to gather community input on this important issue and I am committed to working towards a vacation rental ordinance that is enforceable and accountable. Live Oak Parking Program arking continues to be a challenge throughout the 1st District and particularly in Pleasure Point. Our goal is to make improvements in the Live Oak Parking Program, including easier permitting, an expanded area, and additional enforcement in time for the summer season. Before we submit an application for an updated permit from the Coastal Commission, we want to hear from you, and will be holding two Zoom meetings: Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. – https://
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us02web.zoom.us/j/88456417982 and Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. – https://us02web.zoom. us/j/81831363870. Please join us to share your input on this important issue! Additional Community Meetings e want to continue to gather community input and feedback on a number of important issues our community is facing. The following meetings are currently scheduled: • Board Agenda Discussion, Monday Feb 1st, 5-6 pm • Live Oak Parking Program, Wednesday Feb 3rd, 6-7 pm • Soquel Village Business Meeting, Thursday Feb 11th, 5-6 pm • Live Oak Parking Program, Wednesday Feb 17th, 6-7 pm • Summit Meeting, Wednesday Mar 17th, 5-6 pm
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Introducing Our Team ’m pleased to introduce the analysts working with me in our office. Together we’ll help you navigate county services and create policy to improve our community. Amy Miyakusu has been employed by the County of Santa Cruz since 2009, most recently as a senior analyst for the Department of Public Works. In 2017, Amy won a Bronze Employee Award for a process improvement and software implementation project that
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dramatically reduced errors and streamlined staff processes, saving hundreds of hours in staff time. Amy enjoys playing ice hockey, stand-up paddle boarding and lives in Santa Cruz with her husband and three cats. Jamie Sehorn was born and raised in the 1st District, attending Capitola Elementary through Soquel High. Jamie earned a bachelor’s from UC Berkeley in Development Studies (international economic development), and brings skills in research and writing to the 1st District office. A third-generation Santa Cruzan, Jamie, her husband, and their three children enjoy playing on the sand and in the surf, walks in the forest and fishing in our bay. Kristina Kincaid Glavis brings her collaboration, planning and organizing skills to Supervisor Koenig’s office after working on his campaign. Kristina is a native Californian, earned her bachelor’s degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and holds professional experience in education, technology, and as a Pilates instructor. The proud mom of two teenage boys, Kristina is active in the community as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner for the City of Santa Cruz and as a Harbor High water polo team parent. n ••• Contact us at Manu.Koenig@SantaCruzCounty.us or call: (831) 454-2200
COMMUNITY NEWS
Bezos Grant Aims to End Family Homelessness Locally
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ousing Matters, the largest nonprofit in Santa Cruz County working on solutions to homelessness, is one of 42 organizations
nationwide to be awarded a $2.5 million one-time grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund. “We are so honored and excited to
24 / February 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
receive this grant,” said Phil Kramer, executive director at Housing Matters, where the goal is to end family homelessness in Santa Cruz County over the next five years. The most recent count, in January 2019, found 122 families with 419 members were homeless. About half were in a shelter; half were not. The Day 1 Families Fund awarded $105.9 million in grants this year. To select these organizations, the fund worked with an advisory board of homelessness advocates and leaders whose expertise spans housing justice, racial equity, direct services, homelessness policy, equity for
Native American communities and antipoverty work. Currently, when a family finds themselves in the crisis of homelessness in Santa Cruz County, they find a waitlist for the services and programs that could help them get back on their feet. Shelter beds are not readily available, and even case management programs are greatly impacted. Tom Stagg, director of programs at Housing Matters, explained that the goal is for families who need help to receive it immediately. “Bezos Grant” page 26
FEATURED COLUMNIST
For the Love of … Podcasts About Water!
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ere we are in February, the month of love! This pandemic Valentine’s Day may be a bit different so I hope everyone can find creative, safe, and socially-distanced ways to express their love and gratitude. As for Soquel Creek Water District, we continue our traditional February article with a “For the Love of…..” theme. Over the years we’ve covered music, books, and movies. This year we’d like to let you know about some water-related podcasts that may enhance your own love of water! Podcasts are digital audio files available on computer and mobile devices and can be very entertaining, educational, and even inspirational. A recent study in January 2020 identified more than 850,000 active podcasts being created, which is pretty startling growth considering there were just 500,000 active podcasts in 2018 (Podcast Insights, 2020). With over 70% of the US population aware and listening to podcasts, we wanted to share a few water-related podcasts with you: • The Water Values Podcast series takes you on an exploration of water issues aimed at uncovering the true value of water. Each episode (there are over 180!) covers a different aspect of water, so you can pick and choose. Subjects include: Water Treatment; The Birth of the Western Water Market; Water Use in Vertical Farming, Water Reuse; and more.
By Rebecca Gold Rubin
• Words on Water series by Water Environment Federation features conversations with people who work on water issues and discussions about the opportunities and challenges facing one of Earth’s most precious resources. Topics include infrastructure, innovation and technology, workforce, resource recovery, management, research, and public awareness. Words On Water is produced by the Water Environment Federation, a nonprofit education and technical organization with over 170 podcast episodes. • Meet the Ocean is an educational podcast that improves science communication through storytelling. Its content is great for all ages. There are over 80 podcasts to choose from and topics and interviews provide journeys to the polar regions and other far-off destinations. A few of the highlights include: Blue Whales in Antarctica; Becoming the Glacier; World Oceans Day; and The Marine Mammal Center, among others. • WQA Radio, from the Water Quality Association, focuses on residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment. You’ll hear leading voices in the treatment industry, and members of WQA. With almost 200 episodes, they have covered the Flint water crisis, women in the industry, and treating water for beer. • Water You Talking About, is a podcast series of over 30 episodes that are produced by doctoral
students researching urban water technologies. A recent episode focused on how the sewers of Paris have captured the imagination of writers, engineers and politicians; another featured stories of the water legends throughout time who have made water systems great. Happy Valentine’s Day and while we focus on keeping our social pod small during this pandemic, may we keep ourselves entertained with some podcasts. 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 us at outreach@soquelcreekwater.org or visit soquelcreekwater.org. We also encourage community members to access our ‘Current and Upcoming Projects’ webpage www.soquelcreek water.org/NeighborhoodProjects and to sign up for updates on the Pure Water Soquel Project at https://tinyurl. com/pwsconstruction.
Valentine’s Day
ACROSS
1. “You’re the ____!” 5. Horse color 8. Interesting person, acr. 11. * Feeling of the heart 12. Nevada city 13. City in Belgium 15. Use a whisk 16. Greek H’s 17. *Popular Valentine’s Day delivery, pl. 18. *”Love means never having to say you’re sorry” movie 20. Ballpark calls 21. Strong adhesive 22. Greek letter N, pl.
23. Lord’s subordinate 26. Given to drinking 30. Ovine mom 31. Old storage medium 34. Fairy-tale beginning 35. Politician Pelosi 37. Tokyo, once 38. Bone hollows 39. Sky bear 40. Fitted with a name tag, e.g. 42. “Ever” to a poet 43. With more seeds 45. Attic 47. Summer sandwich? 48. Fraternity letter 50. Medieval headdress 52. *Only day more popular than Valentine’s for card giving 56. Like blue sky
57. Walk the Pacific Crest Trail, e.g. 58. Samoan money 59. *Dionysus’ pipeplaying companion 60. Affirm 61. Give off 62. Plays for pay 63. *Color of Valentine’s Day 64. *Lovers’ reunion
10. Part of T.G.I.F. 12. Like an abridged classic 13. Tiler’s paste 14. *”I Will Always Love You” singer 19. Stupefied 22. Us, in Mexico 23. *Cupid’s mother 24. In the know 25. Common thing? 26. Smoke plus fog DOWN 27. Lay to rest 1. Cry like a baby 28. Rocks at mountain base 2. Canyon sound 3. Convict’s weapon 29. *Symbol of Valentine’s Day 4. Conical dwellings 5. Get on juice diet, e.g. 32. Infantry’s last row 6. Opposite of binary 33. Roulette bet 7. Like a gossipmonger 36. *Chocolatier, pioneer 8. Exterminator’s target of the heart-shaped box 9. Change for a five
38. ____ apple 40. Risk something 41. Between eggy and eggiest 44. Feeling worse than before 46. Gave away 48. Thin piece 49. Annoyed 50. Russia’s alternative to caesar 51. Aries or Taurus, e.g. 52. Burn to a crisp 53. MADD member, colloquially 54. Climbed down, as from a carriage 55. Fill beyond full 56. Pharaoh’s cobra © Statepoint Media
Answers on 31 »
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / February 2021 / 25
Mercury Retrogrades in Aquarius
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Esoteric Astrology • February 2021 • By Risa D’Angeles
isciples, Adepts and the New Group of World Servers (NGWS) all know the secrets and cycles, timing and movements of planets and stars. This is the Royal Path of Yoga which offers us explanations and knowledge about our life experiences. The study of the Science and Art of Astrology makes it possible for us to experience the twelve Sun Signs (lights), the planets, stars and the lunar constellations reflected in our bodies, encountering the whole universe within ourselves. One major planetary cycle or movement is that of Mercury, which, three to four times a year, retrogrades (appears to move backward from our Earth perspective). Retrogrades offer humanity a time to reflect upon the last months and year, attend to things unfinished or not understood, and a time to eliminate what is no longer useful in preparation for the new information to be received in the upcoming months. This year, Mercury will retrograde in air signs — Aquarius, Gemini and Libra. Air signs are related to communication, the development of ideas and plans, interactions with and among people and the kingdoms. This first Mercury retrograde begins Saturday, ARIES
As you recognize the vital and initiating work you will bring forth, it’s time to learn how to participate in groups with both intelligent and heart-felt alignment. You are to construct part of the new world, culture and civilization. Is this in your awareness? Are you conscious of what this takes and the needs of humanity? You’re called to awaken again, to plan and lead boldly, take risks and see into the future, working with both heart and mind. Initiators will be summoned. Prepare.
LEO
GEMINI
Many forces are at work in your life. As a Gemini you always attempt to resolve polarities — higher with lower, Soul with personality. This is a vital and difficult task accomplished by, 1) the proper cultivation of the mind principle (which soothes the emotions), and 2) the right course of study that dissipates all illusions, distortions and maya. Later, on the Path of Ascent, Aquarius calls you to develop all seven levels of your mind. Begin now. Can you define the Soul yet? CANCER
Always we feel some form of conflict. Know both conflict and chaos are useful. They provide us with the ability to observe tensions and to express needs, fears and trigger points. For some there is a great battle going on between the Soul and personality. The Soul calls us to Right Action and Right Service. Often so many don’t know what these words mean. Ask the Soul. We are in a great state of reorientation with new information released into your mind. Asking, we always receive.
SAGITTARIUS
You’ve entered a time where relationships are vitally important yet at times you feel disconnected to anything or anyone. You’re in a place of balancing and choosing, an interlude state. Your inner reality concerning relationships and how you function in them is being modified so that you can display Right Relations while still expressing your unique creativity. Hold opposing forces in balance. A greater awareness emerges. Your love then flows once more. Love is your gift.
You should have a very good year, especially if you blend two realities – your personality and Soul. This produces harmony for a time. Then Divine Will enters harmonizing all levels of self. This may not be easy. Will is a fire. I see that your career will rise and make a big splash! In all of this up and downness, never be thoughtless. If you are, you’ll lose much. Remember as you go about life that “wisdom is knowledge gained through experience and implemented by love.” Ponder upon these thoughts.
VIRGO
CAPRICORN
TAURUS
The architecture of your participation in life is changing. Previously you dreamed big dreams, pondered upon many realities, not concerned with what took shape. Now you’re competently leading and facilitating groups, preparing the components of the new world era. Taurus has an illumined and enlightened mind, able to see humanity’s future needs. You are aware that, in the breakdown phase, seeds of the new must be sowed. You’re to gather the seeds, put up the greenhouse while synthesizing all realities so others can participate.
January 30 and ends February 20 (26 back to 11 degrees) in the sign of Aquarius, this month and the new Age. As our Sun enters the field of Aquarius, we are moving from darkness to light, thus the great battle occurring between the two forces (dark & light. The last time Mercury retrograded in Aquarius was February 2020. What occurred at that time for each of us? We know it was before the Covid virus was released upon humanity. We will return during the next three months to pre-Covid times, attempt to pick up the pieces that were lost and fell to the wayside. And endeavor to recreate and restructure our lives into a semblance of regularity and beauty once again. When Mercury is retrograde it acts like Virgo, sign of detail, order and organization. Mercury retrogrades are helpful, supportive, beneficial to our growth and well-being. They are also, especially in Aquarius, experimental times. We learn what was left out this past year, we learn to incorporate what is needed for our wholeness and well-being. Mercury retrograde times are both magical and mysterious. So, returning to last year’s tasks, bringing them up to date ...
Very new revelations stream into your mind concerning Whatever it is you hope for, radiate it with Love from your heart (like pink spun sugar) and ajna (third how to structure daily life. How we function eye, diamond) center. These are where love within our daily life prepares us to function streams forth. Then new life will take root all within the new dimensions and structures around you, expressing itself as harmony, slowly emerging in our new world. Have dedication and devotion to detail, write down all ideas beauty and peace (a process). Your love eases disharmony impressed upon your mind. Be aware if weariness occurs. and conflict when it abruptly arises. You do remember that You then must rest which soothes, calms and changes Harmony comes after conflict and chaos, yes? It’s how humanity learns. As you send love forth, the higher level of your perspective. harmony is released and comes forth. LIBRA
Although, under the veil of Libra’s charm, you’re a strong and powerful force, a greater level of Love/Wisdom must begin to express itself through you. You can do this with intention. It begins with gratitude for everyone and everything (small and great) offered to you. Follow this up with these words, “Love expresses itself through me always and Wisdom follows.” Then your life and relationships proceed with protective healing care.
AQUARIUS
This year you have great energy and potential, needed as new ways of living and sources of income are sought. You may also want to control impatience. Be aware when you are irritated or intolerant. You could end up being a bit thoughtless toward others. Remember to be courageous and kind, show sympathy to those who have less than you. A new self-identity continues to emerge. Be sure it includes goodness, generosity and love. We experience what we give.
SCORPIO
You will begin to have solitary times thinking things great and small. Create an environment that nurtures you at all levels of care – the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of yourself. Be in touch and talk with each of the kingdoms – Soul, human, animal, plant and mineral. Love combined with your great intelligence will form a foundation for the new life emerging. It begins where you live. Later you’ll be asked to teach these actions to others. •••
Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / February 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
PISCES
You have begun the arduous task of understanding your feelings, thoughts, aspirations, actions and vulnerabilities. Much of your life has been treading the pathway of service and sacrifice, which you know well. A new beneficent cycle has begun, expanding your courage and strength of character. This may not be acceptable to some. Maintain privacy, walk away from disharmony, don’t believe criticism. A triangle of stars protects you and your work in the world.
“Bezos Grant” from page 24 “We know how to effectively and efficiently help families once they are receiving services and programs,” he said. “The biggest problem is that there is an incredible backlog of need; there just aren’t enough resources to go around.” He said Housing Matters will work closely with community partners to identify specifically what needs to be done. For a person without a home, every single day that passes adds to their trauma, said Diana Flores, Rebele Family Shelter program manager at Housing Matters. “Each situation is different,” she said. “But the sooner someone gets help, the sooner they’re able to get back on their feet, and the more likely they are to be successful in retaining their housing.” Many people who need services don’t qualify for any of the existing programs, but this grant will allow that to change, she added. Another goal is to gather data on housing retention. “Improving our data collection and analysis will provide more effective systems change,” Stagg said. Housing Matters started collecting data on the effectiveness of the services in 2017, and has made key programmatic decisions based on that data. “We are thoroughly committed to ending family homelessness,” said Stagg. “And we’re looking at this holistically. We will take every step needed to reach our goal. It’s a bold goal, but I truly believe we can get there.” n ••• For more info, see: www.bezosdayonefund. org/day1familiesfund and www.housingmatterssc.org
“Each situation is different,” she said. “But the sooner someone gets help, the sooner they’re able to get back on their feet, and the more likely they are to be successful in retaining their housing.”
— Diana Flores, Housing Matters Rebele Family Shelter Program Manager
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Travel Troubleshooter
Can I get a refund for my canceled hotel stay in Mexico?
By Christopher Elliott
Bernadette Cieslak’s spring break trip is washed out by the pandemic. But her all-inclusive hotel won’t give her a refund, and her online travel agent is powerless to help. Is her $844 lost forever? ••• : I booked a week at the Senses Riviera Maya by Artisan in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, for spring break. The pandemic happened and we had to cancel our vacation. I contacted Expedia and it helped me get a refund for my flights. But the hotel will not issue a refund. An Expedia representative said I should get a refund for the hotel, too. But the hotel will not give me my money back. Interestingly, my brother had reservations at the same hotel. The hotel refunded him.
Q
I tried to dispute the charges on my credit card, but my bank sided with the hotel. Can you help me get my $844 back? — Bernadette Cieslak, Hamilton, Ohio ••• f the hotel refunded your brother, it should also have refunded you. Actually, it should have refunded anyone who had to cancel because of COVID-19. On the day you were supposed to fly, the State Department issued a “do not travel” advisory, urging Americans to stay home. You did the right thing by canceling. Most hotels offered a no-questions-asked refund after that, but some tried to keep their customers’ money. At a time like that, you can and should lean on your travel agent to help. But even Expedia was having some trouble persuading Senses Riviera Maya
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by Artisan to return your money. Why did the hotel refund your brother, but not you? The answer may lie in its current refund policy. It offers the ability to cancel on certain (more expensive) rates but not on all of them. It’s possible that your brother had booked a different rate, which the resort considered refundable. I like your idea of a credit card dispute and am sorry that didn’t work. A credit card dispute is typically the last resort for getting a refund. I’d say you were there. (By the way, I think it’s time for you to find a new credit card. Your bank is definitely not on your side.) You could have reached out to an executive at Expedia. I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of
Expedia’s customer service managers on my consumer advocacy site, https:// www.elliott.org/company-contacts/ expedia-customer-service-contacts/ The next time you make hotel reservations, I encourage you to pay attention to the cancellation terms. If you think you might have to call off your trip, consider a travel insurance policy that will cover your loss. I contacted Expedia on your behalf. It reached out to the Senses Riviera Maya by Artisan. But the hotel still refused to return your money. Expedia refunded your $844. n ••• Christopher Elliott’s latest book is “How To Be The World’s Smartest Traveler” (National Geographic). Get help by contacting him at http://www.elliott.org/help © 2021 Christopher Elliott.
Pictures From the Past
Streetcar Stops in Capitola
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Photo Essay by Carolyn Swift
fter reaching its destination in front of the Hotel Capitola, streetcar Number 18 awaits riders for the trip back to Santa Cruz about 1910. Investors originally hoped the line would continue on to Watsonville but the tracks never went beyond Capitola Village. Service began in 1904 and continued until about 1924, when automobiles took over the streets. One of the streetcars, identical to this one, was purchased by a woman who moved it to Oakland Street on Depot Hill and lived in it as a primary residence for many years. n
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / February 2021 / 27
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
directives and medical social worker Emily Lauri who will review the Physicians Order for Life Sustaining Treatment. SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION Advanced registration is required. Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. To register and get dial-in information, visit: https://www. Second Harvest Food Bank drive-through food hospicesantacruz.org/event/plan-ahead/. For more information, SHOW US YOUR FOOD There will be online groups in English and Spanish distribution schedule into March: for men, women, mothers of survivors, partners of Watsonville Coast Produce, Inc. is launching a restaurant call (831) 430-3000 or visit www.hospicesantacruz.org. Watsonville: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds survivors, young adults and teens. social media promotion called “Show Us Your Food” to RETHINK YOUR DRINK Feb. 5 • Feb. 19 • March 5 • March 19 You are not alone. You are not to blame. Services are support the industry. ••• Food Smarts Pajaro Valley Parent Workshop: Discover offered on a sliding fee scale. You post pictures of your takeout meals from your Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk tips for healthy eating and delicious snack recipes for your For more information: call (831) 423-7601, visit survivors favorite local restaurant in the Central Coast and Bay Feb. 12 • Feb. 26 family. 6:15 p.m. arrival. 6:30 - 8 p.m. workshops. Use healingcenter.org or email shc.program@fsa-cc.org. Area and post on Instagram @watsonvillecoastproduce your child’s Chromebook. Funded by USDA CalFresh. For Food hotline: 831-662-0991. with hashtag #showusyourfood for a chance to win a $50 English workshops, click on meet.google.com EDUARDO CARRILLO: COMUNIDAD DE CALIFAS gift certificate to that restaurant. YOUNGER LAGOON RESERVE VIRTUAL TOURS Meeting ID: qbb-wysh-wgm Jacquie Roque of Skin Care By Jacquie is the first Younger Lagoon Reserve, which is part of UC in Santa Virtual Art Exhibit, February 3 thru April 3 Phone: 1-774-298-7003 PIN: 928 347 784# Reception: Feb. 3, 4 p.m. on Zoom with artist and culture critic winner of a $50 gift certificate to Five Mile Buzz Cruz, is now offering a virtual tour in both English and For information call, text or email: Jennifer Larkin at 831-535Amalia Mesa-Bains and Philip Brookman, consulting curator House Spanish. This virtual 2239 or jennifer.larkin@santacruzcounty.us The promotion runs eight weeks, with the first giveaway with the National Gallery of Art. tour follows the Wednesday February 3 Wednesday, Jan. 6. Good luck! This virtual exhibition will showcase the breadth of same stops as our thru Sunday March 28 behind-the-scenes hiking tour, and is led by a UC Santa Eduardo Carrillo’s work spanning from his early career after his studies at UCLA to his later life living in Santa 450 PIECES TRI-GALLERY ART SHOW Cruz student. DATED EVENTS Cruz, where he was professor of art at UC Santa Cruz. Visit https://ucanr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/ Online Gallery Register at https://ucsc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMrcuyr Wednesday February 3 index.html?appid=7bf4b74490c444068a326c4c R. Blitzer Gallery, Curated by rz0oH9CDLjkt6nHih0CFUYCUVHtM 89a9a560 or https://ucanr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ the Sea, and the Radius Gallery, ADVANCE DIRECTIVE WEBINAR ••• MapTour/index.html?appid=9e4aa7556bc24951a855cc3 all in Santa Cruz, are hosting Noon to 1 p.m., Hospice of Santa Cruz Online Seminar bd4f6c473 (https://tinyurl.com/lagoon-reserve-virtual-tours) The Califas Legacy Project is a multi-year, multi-medium, Hospice of Santa Cruz County will host a free Advance the work of 300+ artists in Arts collaborative endeavor launched by Museo Eduardo Carrillo https://youngerlagoonreserve.ucsc.edu Directive Webinar Wednesday, Feb. 3, focusing on how Council Santa Cruz County’s in Santa Cruz to document the legacy of our region’s Visual Arts Network. COVID-19 might impact your wishes, what options Chicano/a cultural treasures. The project found its roots in NEW GROUPS STARTING FOR SURVIVORS you and your loved ones may want to consider, how to Capitola artist Wendy Ballen a 1982 UCSC conference Carrillo organized with Juventino OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE explore your own values around healthcare at end of life, is one of the participating Esparza, Tom á s Ybarra-Frausto and Philip Brookman, Survivors Healing Center, a welcoming place for and how to navigate conversations with your loved ones artists at R Blitzer Gallery. Information:infor@curatedsurvivors of child sexual abuse and their supporters, is which brought together innovative Chicano artists, intelabout your preferences. bythesea.com or call1 (408) forming new eight-week support groups for survivors of lectuals and visionaries, titled “ Califas: Chicano art and Community Education Coordinator Vanessa culture in California.” 1000 Squirrels Project • Wendy Ballen 250-2224 or email childhood sexual abuse. Silverstein will present the essentials of advanced
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by Feb. 8
28 / February 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
Capitols Village Windows Winners
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apitola Village Holiday Window Decorating Contest results are in. You voted and there are two winners: Free to Ride Surf Shop and Castagnola Deli. With the funds that were raised, Free to Ride Surf Shop is donating to Save Our Shores
while Castagnola Deli will be donating to Casa of Santa Cruz. Outdoor dining is open. Restaurants and retail shops are open. Help keep businesses open! Mask up and keep your distance (6 feet) when enjoying all that is open to you. n
Free to Ride Surf Shop
Castagnola Deli
COMMUNITY CALENDAR DATED EVENTS CONT. Tuesday February 9 Wednesday February 10 CALTRANS CONTRACTORS BOOT CAMP 8:30 a.m. to noon, virtual event on WebEx. Day 1: Bonding and surety. Day 2: Estimating and labor compliance. Register at www.tiny.cc/bootcamp2021. For info: Bob Adams, Caltrans District 10, call 209-948-7855 or email bob.adams@dot.ca.gov
Wednesday February 10 CASA VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER 4 p.m., CASA of Santa Cruz Online “For the Love Of Children” virtual fundraiser. Registration is free, and any donations go to the Children’s Fund to help support children who have an immediate need. • Hear inspirational stories from our advocates, former foster youth, and families we’ve served • Receive a dependency court update from Judge Timothy Schmal • Watch the special virtual walk-thru of the CASA house led by Executive Director, Lynne Petrovic All those who register by Feb. 2 will receive a “tea time” gift, courtesy of our event sponsors, delivered to your home the day of the event, to celebrate together, while being apart. To register, visit https://casaofsantacruz.org/fortheloveofchildren/fortheloveofchildren.html
Wednesday February 10 thru Saturday February 13 RESURRECTION CHURCH ONLINE “FUN”-RAISER 5 p.m. Wed., virtual auction opens for bidding; closes Sat. at 10 p.m. 6-8 p.m. Sat.: Virtual Cocktail class and Trivia Resurrection Church will be hosting its annual “FUN”-raiser event, this year a virtual silent auction beginning Wednesday and on Saturday a virtual cocktail class and a trivia game. Items are available for bidding starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Bidding closes 10 p.m. on Saturday. Items will be available to preview at www.32auctions.com/resurrectionchurch after February 3rd. Saturday evening activities include a Cocktail Mixology class from 6-6:45 p.m. and “A Taste of Team Trivia” from 7-8 p.m. Log-in information for Saturday’s events will be emailed to you after payment. You will also receive the ingredient list for the cocktail so you can make your own at home. To purchase tickets: https://resurrection-aptos.org and click on the Donate Now button. Choose Event Tickets More information is available on our website about the festivities at https://resurrection-aptos.org. This event will benefit Resurrection Church and our many ministries at the church and in the local community.
OUR COMMUNITY READS 2021: THE GREAT BELIEVERS For 2021, the Friends of the Aptos Library will host virtual events centered on “The Great Believers,” by Rebecca Makkai, a novel set in Chicago at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and in Paris in 2015. Due to the pandemic, this year’s Our Community Reads will take place remotely. All events are free and open to the public, but registration is required to access each event. To register: Go to the Santa Cruz Public Library website at www.santacruzpl.org and scroll down to “Upcoming Virtual Events.” Scroll down the list of events until you find the one you want, and click “Register Now!” Feb. 1: HIV/AIDS in the 80’s: “Firsthand Accounts of the Santa Cruz Scene” with State Sen. John Laird leading a panel discussion with men who were living in Santa Cruz as the epidemic was exploding. No effective treatments were yet available, and misinformation was rampant. Audience Q&A will follow. Sponsored by the Friends of the Capitola Library. • 7 p.m. Feb. 3: Capitola Branch Library Book Discussion, led by Lorena Lopez. • 10 a.m. Feb. 7: “HIV/AIDS, Activism, and the Politics of Pandemic,” with David Reichard, CSU Monterey Bay Professor of History & Legal Studies and Interim Associate Dean in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at CSUMB, describing the history of grassroots HIV/AIDS activism—especially in the 1980s and 1990s—and how it illustrates the ways marginalized groups advocating for changes in healthcare access, policy, and resources can shape the course of a pandemic. Audience Q&A will follow. • 5 p.m. Feb. 11: Aptos Library Book Discussion led by Judy McNeely. • 1 p.m. Feb. 13: Cut-Paper Art Workshop with Felton glass artist April Zilber leading a hands-on art project. Have colored paper (look in your recycling bin), pencil, scissors, and glue stick or tape. This is your chance to be creative, a small gesture of art in respect to The Great Believers. Sponsored by the Felton Library Friends. • 4 p.m. Feb. 19: Trivia Night with prizes and Supervisor Zach Friend returning as emcee. Come on your own, with friends, or with your book group (virtually of course) to show off your knowledge of The Great Believers. You supply your own cocktails and snacks. • 6 p.m. Feb. 21: “Memories: My Brother, a Quilt, and the AIDS Project.” Join this moving conversation with Dinah Davis, a local resident who lost her brother to HIV/AIDS. She tells how the illness affected her family at a time when many members of the LGBTQ community remained closeted. The event, led by life coach Kris Franceschi, includes a short documentary on the San Francisco gay scene of the 1980s, narrated by Cleve Jones, who conceived the AIDS Memorial Quilt to which Dinah contributed. You can view the documentary at www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX0Ju8IhoXQ • 5 p.m. Feb. 24: Santa Cruz Public Library Book Discussion Group. April Zilber of the Felton Library Friends leads a thought-provoking group discussion. • 6 p.m. March 4: “Pandemics, Politics and Public Health.” An interactive talk with Dr. Ronald P. Hattis, MD, MPH, associate clinical professor of preventive medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and past president and current secretary of the Beyond AIDS Foundation, discusses his history, beginning in the early ‘80s, in the fight against HIV/AIDS, which he calls a “slow-moving pandemic,” and connects this to the current faster-moving COVID-19 pandemic. • 7 p.m. at a Los Angeles law firm in 1992, where she uncovered documents that ultimately led to more than 600 residents of Hinkley, California filing a lawsuit against utility giant PG&E. Monday February 15 Since then, Erin has ART GRANT APPLICATIONS OPEN worked on a host of Artists and organizations will be able to apply for environmental issues the Arts Council Santa Cruz County’s next round of across the country. She has been involved in Cultivate Grants supporting creative projects and dozens of legal cases professional development beginning Feb. 15. and campaigns over Virtual grant workshops will take place. Deadline to apply is Erin Brockovich 5 p.m. March 15. More info at https://www.artscouncilsc.org/ the past three decades, including a variety of groundwater contamination for-grantseekers issues, oil and natural gas pollution, fracking and pharmaceuticals. During her talk, Erin will Tuesday February 23 share inspiring stories of how bringing people WALLACE STEGNER LECTURES*: ERIN BROCKOVICH together to address environmental issues can 7 p.m., Online Lecture have an enormous impact. Erin Brockovich was working as a file clerk Cost: $30. https://openspacetrust.org/wsl-2021/ Cost is $30 per login (i.e., buy a ticket). There is no cost to just view items and make bids. Visit https://resurrection-aptos.org, call 831-688-4300 ext. 10, or e-mail kmvictorino@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Tuesday March 9 WALLACE STEGNER LECTURES*: DR. MICHAEL E. MANN 7 p.m., Online Lecture Climate scientist and author Dr. Michael E. Mann will address how we move forward together on climate change. Dr. Mann is Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Penn State University. Dr. Mann is author of more than 200 peer-reviewed and edited publications, numerous op-eds and commentaries, and six books. https://openspacetrust.org/wsl-2021/ ••• *Cost for the Wallace Stegner Lecture Series is $30. The price gives you access to four lectures, plus the ability to watch recordings until April 30. This includes January’s Dolores Huerta & Luis Valdez and April’s José Andrés ectures.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / February 2021 / 29
FEATURED COLUMNIST
County Mid-Year Budget Update: More Cuts May Be Needed By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor
T
he local economic impacts of the pandemic have been significant. Many small local businesses have struggled, and while some have been able to find creative ways to stay afloat, a number have closed. As a result of these impacts, a number of local residents have become unemployed or had their hours reduced. Industries that rely on tourism and the greater hospitality industry have been hit hard and this loss of tax revenue has significant impacts on local government budgets. The Board of Supervisors recently received a mid-year budget update to survey the current landscape and get a sense of what additional cuts may need to be made to offset the shortfall. As you can imagine, overall tax revenue is down. In fact, County revenues have declined about 15 percent (numbers that in some cases are higher than the Great Recession). Much of these declines have been offset by significant County department reductions of up to 20 percent, including layoffs and furloughs. Fortunately, the County had significantly built up reserves over the last few years in anticipation of a potential recession (although no one could have anticipated this steep of a drop in such a short time). But to illustrate the magnitude of the reductions, in just the last 9 months, the County used nearly 30 percent of the available reserves. Additionally, the recent fire devastation meant the County expended additional contingency funds set aside for emergency repairs and response. Current
rains and emergency debris flow challenges will lead to additional emergency costs and it’s possible that continued rains will lead to road and other facility damage that will require additional funds. With reserve funds already reduced by 30 percent and emergency repair contingencies expended, more cuts may be necessary to ensure there is adequate funding to meet these needs. The pandemic, and resulting shelter in place orders, have disproportionately impacted the hotel and visitor serving accommodation industry. Hotel taxes are down approximately 41 percent from what was estimated
30 / February 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
before the pandemic and sales tax is down approximately 17 percent one the same time. However, property taxes have remained relatively stable, due in part to pressure from people from Santa Clara County and the greater Silicon Valley area purchasing homes as new work-fromhome options. With limited housing stock for sale this has unfortunately led to a sharp increase in already high home prices. While that means that property taxes have remained stable (even with an overall decrease in sales) it will have other impacts on affordable housing moving forward. What’s the future outlook? ome tax numbers have shown signs of rebounding and most are estimated to
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grow in the coming year (although still remain below pre-pandemic levels). For example, sales and hotel taxes are both rebounding but the County still estimates a multimillion-dollar shortfall in revenues this fiscal year. Some of the tax rebounding will help, and the sooner we can get out of emergency response we can eliminate the emergency-related costs, but much of the County’s outlook will be determined by if there is additional federal stimulus funding — specifically, funding for state and local governments (most of which would be used to fund the significant additional frontline pandemic response costs the County has incurred). n ••• As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting regular tele-townhalls with County and community leaders monthly on the first Tuesday from 6-7 pm. The call in information for the town halls is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384# - you are welcome to speak about any issue during the town halls or you can always call me at 454-2200.
As you can imagine, overall tax revenue is down. In fact, County revenues have declined about 15 percent (numbers that in some cases are higher than the Great Recession). Much of these declines have been offset by significant County department reductions of up to 20 percent, including layoffs and furloughs.
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Pruning Roses During Winter Dormancy
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Pops is Ready to Retire
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ops (A277998) came to the Shelter from our friends at Hitchcock Road Animal Services in Salinas. He has been hanging out in a foster home for the past couple days and is doing wonderfully! This 9 year old gentleman would fool you with his energy. He loves to go for walks and sniff EVERYTHING. He is strong on leash but walks nicely with his Freedom Harness on. His foster mom says he is “the most energetic 9 year old dog she has ever met”. Pops is in foster with a 4 year old female spayed heeler/collie mix and enjoys playing with her. Pops really is the best of both worlds — social and energetic enough to go for hikes and adventures but has enough soul to be relaxed and watch the world go by. He has been very relaxed about passing people, dogs and cars on his walks. His foster mom says he LOVES fuzzy blankets. She wraps him up in blankets like a little burrito. Pops goes up and down the stairs okay and is eager to jump in the car for adventures. Our veterinary staff say that Pops appears to be in good health for his age! If you are looking for a gentleman to call your best friend — look no further than Pops. Due to Shelter in Place, our current hours are reduced to 12-4pm. Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 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
ontrary to what the recent pleasant weather suggests, it is still winter. Most plants are resisting the temptation to break dormancy prematurely. They must know that the days are still short, regardless of the weather. M o s t plants are surprisingly proficient with scheduling. Nonetheless, dormant pruning should happen sooner than later. This includes pruning roses. They have been ready for a while. Technically, roses are ready for pruning as soon as they begin to defoliate. Also technically, rose pruning can be as late as the buds of the bare stems remain dormant. Later pruning is preferable in some regions where pruning wounds are susceptible to pathogens. Such delay is riskier here where mild weather can disrupt dormancy prematurely. Wounds are less vulnerable to pathogens. Pruning roses is about as important as pruning deciduous fruit trees. Without adequate pruning, rose plants become too overgrown to perform properly. Crowded stems are unable to elongate as they should. Diseases and insects proliferate in congested foliage, and damage bloom. Specialized pruning concentrates resources into fewer but significantly more vigorous stems and flowers. Although the technique may seem to be drastic, pruning roses is not very complicated. Hybrid tea, grandiflora and floribunda roses should retain only three to six of their most vigorous canes. The canes should be only about two feet tall, and cut just above a healthy bud. If possible, they should be canes that grew during the pre-
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Pruning now promotes better bloom later.
vious year, from bottom to top. Older canes should be removed. Pruning roses of other classifications may be slightly different. Some types may retain more canes. Climbing types likely retain old canes for several years before replacement. Carpet roses and other ungrafted roses can be cut nearly to the ground, leaving no canes at all. Tree roses are like bush types, but on top of short trunks. New canes grow from their graft unions on top of the trunks. Of course, potentially vigorous sucker growth that develops from below the graft union of any grafted rose must go. ••• Cecile Brunner Rose ew modern rose cultivars are as tolerant of neglect as Cecile Brunner rose. Furthermore, few recover as efficiently from renovation after many years of neglect. Old overgrown thicket growth that might be unsightly while bare through winter can be spectacular in bloom. Alternatively, it does not mind aggressive pruning, even if only stumps remain. It easily regenerates with fresh new canes. Bloom is nicely profuse early in summer. The individual fluffy pink flowers are not much more than two inches wide, but Cecile Brunner rose is are rarely alone. elegantly simple. They develop in big and possibly billowy clusters. The faint fragrance is easy to ignore, but appealing to some. After primary bloom, subsequent bloom is sporadic. Green stems are less prickly than stems of most other roses. Foliage is rather light green. Shrubs are vigorous but compact. They may not get much taller than two feet. Most stay less than four feet tall. However, there are actually a few cultivars that are known as ‘Cecile Brunner’. Those that are most familiar are climbing types that can easily get higher than twenty feet. Their bloom is sparse after profuse early summer bloom. Some might bloom rather profusely again for autumn. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / February 2021 / 31
CAPITOLA & SOQUEL BY THE NUMBERS 102%
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