Capitola Soquel Times: April 2021 by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

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April 2021 • Vol 26 No. 4

CineLux Movies Are Back

The movies are playing at the Capitola CineLux again after four months of COVID-19 shutdown, and opening March 26 at the Scotts Valley CineLux. “I can’t tell you how happy we are to be opening,” Paul Gunsky, CineLux president, told the Times. Full Story page 13

Beach Boardwalk Opens April 1

Housewarming & Heartwarming

Quilts Made with Love Available to CZU Fire Survivors Story and Photos By Helen Klee The “Quilts Made With Love” project is a combined effort of the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association and the Santa Cruz County Emergency Operations Center to supply quilts to CZU Fire victims in north Santa Cruz County.

This massive fire destroyed 925 lost homes and 90 damaged homes in our county. Fire survivors are suffering from total loss of homes and tangible heritage, as well emotional trauma. ... continues on page 4

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I heard a pounding behind me as I climbed the stairs that rise from the village to Depot Hill. I moved to the right and studied the young woman when she sped past. She was taking the steps two at a time. Full Story page 11

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No. 4

Volume 26

Table of Contents

Cover Housewarming & Heartwarming: Quilts Made with Love Available to CZU Fire Survivors, Story and Photos By Helen Klee

Community News Electric Rail to Pajaro: $478M, By Jondi Gumz • Poll: 52% Strongly Support Electric Rail, By Jondi Gumz Kaiser Opens Vaccine Center • Capitola Coast Lions Club Supports Common Roots Farm, By Krista Brassfield When Will County Enter Orange Tier?, By Jondi Gumz Step Into Zen, By Tony Del Zompo Hunger Fighters Make a Difference: Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County Honors Community’s COVID-Year Support CineLux Movies Are Back, By Jondi Gumz Boardwalk Is Hiring! Capitola Garden Spaces Available • Live Oak Parking Program Vote Taking Place April 13 • Electrification Education Grants • Jobs in Santa Cruz County Q&A With New President/CEO Krista Snelling: First Woman to Lead Locally Owned Santa Cruz County Bank • Singleton Leaves Business Council Amazon Pays $2 Million to Settle False Advertising Allegations • Reflections of 2020: People’s Choice Winners in Capitola Art Contest

7 9 11 12 13 15 17 22 24 8

Letters to the Editor Proposed Ban on Rodeos, Circuses at Fairgrounds Raises Questions • Bay Area Health Officers’ Statement About COVID-19 Vaccines • Fire Safety Road Rules Would Create No-Build Areas, Make Homes Scarcer

In Memoriam 19 Charlotte Mulcaster: June 1, 1945 ~ March 5, 2021 • Stephanie Bell, 25: Struck and Killed on Freedom Boulevard 21 Don Meyers: He Cared About Soquel Schools, By Scott J. Turnbull

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – The Fire & Light of Aries, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists 18 Women Mean Business in Capitola Village, By Yvette Brooks, Mayor, City of Capitola 20 A Treat on Capitola’s Esplanade, Photo Essay by Carolyn Swift 23 Can I Get Refunded for My Wedding Rental?, By Christopher Elliott 25 People Love WaterSmart: Convenient, User-Friendly, Great Information!, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 27 Exploring Criminal Justice Reforms, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District 30 For Homeless, Temporary Housing Communities with Oversight, By Manu Koenig, Supervisor, First District 31 Which Vegetables Benefit From Phasing?, By Tony Tomeo

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – High Energy, Lotsa Love

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 3

COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers Helen Klee, Jondi Gumz, Krista Brassfield, Tony Del Zompo, Scott J. Turnbull, Risa D’Angeles, Yvette Brooks, Carolyn Swift, Christopher Elliott, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Zach Friend, Manu Koenig, Tony Tomeo layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Don Beaumont, Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, James Hudson

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Begonia Festival Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission

The quilts, which they choose, will provide comfort, and help fill an emotional void in their lives. Since the start of this quilt drive in early October we have hosted five “Give Away Events,” all at the Live Oak Grange. As of March 7, we were able to locate 326 families. We have given out 678 quilts to 278 of those families! Here’s what R Fassbender said about her quilt: “How to thank all the amazing and loving people that so selflessly, gave from their hearts to provide us with a touch, a brush of love and caring. Although we lost everything our grandmothers, mothers and fathers made for us we now have the honor of making these quilts part of our future legacy. There are no words to adequately explain the emotions underlying the tears running down my face as I write this. We are blessed by this community. We will always hold you in our hearts. Thank you for being part of our future.”

Our work team processing the donated quilts: Lori Camner, co-chair, Betsy, a neighbor, and Barbara Lockwood, our contact in the fire affected community. Did you lose your home, or know of someone who has lost a home in the CZU Lightning Complex Fires, we would like you to hear from you! Please contact us at: czulightningfirequilts@gmail.com We will send you a link to fill out our

request form. Once we have that form, we will invite you to the next Give Away Event. We will be hosting a Give Away Event in April and May. You must have a reservation to our Give Away Event. Due to Covid-19 restrictions on the number of people allowed in the room, we cannot accommodate walk-in requests. We follow all the Covid-19 restrictions at our events, such as tables are more than 6 feet apart and the windows and doors are open for air circulation. And we wear a face mask and gloves. n ••• Join our Facebook Group: CZU Lightning Fire Quilts ••• Cover Photo: Helen Klee, co-chair, with a car full of donated quilts from our PVQA Quilt for Hospice and quilts donated by Nimble Thimble, a quilt shop in Gilroy.

This vintage yo-yo quilt was donated by P Hobbs from Illinois

PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment Cover grass graphic courtesy of freevector.com

Here’s Beatrice Easter with her cat and her cat quilt. We ask survivors to come choose their own quilt — to find that one that will put a smile on his/her face!

4 / April 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

My grandson loves it so much he wouldn’t let it go for me to get a full picture of the beautiful work. Thank you all for the uplifting love. You are all dearly appreciated!” Like this grandson, we have some survivors who will find the right quilt and they will not put it down for fear that someone will take it!

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

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By Jondi Gumz

s supporters envision a new era of electric commuter rail or light rail on the little-used Santa Cruz branch line through Capitola and Aptos to Watsonville, the question — how much would it cost? — hasn’t been answered, until now. A new report from the staff of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (also known as RTC) estimates the cost of construction and rail vehicles at $465 million to $478 million and the annual operating cost at $25 million, with service potentially starting 14 years from now. The report, described as a 25-year business plan, details potential federal and state revenue sources, estimating a $200 million shortfall for construction of the 21.9-mile route from Pajaro to Westside Santa Cruz and a $125 million shortfall for operations and maintenance, necessitating a sales tax measure requiring support by two-thirds of county voters or some other taxes or fees. Funds could come from vehicle registration fees, a local fuel tax, property tax, income tax, transient occupancy tax on hotel rooms and vocational rentals, student fees, vehicle miles traveled charges or parking fees, the report noted. The biggest federal funding program limits the federal share to 60% of the cost. The 66-page business plan will be presented to the 11-member RTC com-

mission for review, input, and acceptance at its April 1 virtual meeting at 9 a.m. To view, see: https://sccrtc.org/projects/ multi-modal/transitcorridoraa/ In February, the RTC accepted an earlier study identifying electric passenger rail as the preferred alternative, providing the most benefit to county residents, businesses, and visitors in terms of improving the economy, equity and the environment. The business plan assumes 7,150 riders each weekday and 2,800 per day on Saturday and Sunday starting in 2040. That amounts to 7 percent of the 100,000 vehicles a day using Highway 1 in Capitola. The plan assumes passengers would pay $4.50 per ride CHECK per day? Fares typically cover 20% to 40% of rail operation costs in the U.S., offering affordability to underserved communities, the plan notes. “Electric Rail” page 10

Poll: 52% Strongly Support Electric Rail

By Jondi Gumz

poll of 618 active voters found 52 percent said they “strongly support” continuing with the plan for electric light-rail passenger train service on the 32-mile Santa Cruz County branch line, according to Santa Cruz County Friends of the Rail & Trail. The poll found 21 percent “somewhat support” the plan, 14 percent “strongly oppose” it, 4 percent “somewhat oppose it” and 9 percent didn’t know or didn’t answer. The margin of error was 4 percent. The poll was conducted in mid-February by California-based FM3 Research, the firm that did polling for the successful 2016 Measure D tax for transportation. That was before the Santa Cruz County

Regional Transportation Commission staff produced a cost estimate for a 22-mile electric passenger train of $478 million to build from Pajaro to Westside Santa Cruz and $275 million a year to operate, with 7,150 boardings a day on weekdays. To FORT Board Chair Faina Segal, a Watsonville native, the poll showed 74 percent “favorable,” adding “strongly” and “somewhat” support together. “This community, especially those who are active voters, are very clearly saying they want planning for rail service to continue,” she concluded. “Poll” page 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

Kaiser Opens Vaccine Center O n March 18, Kaiser Permanente opened a COVID-19 vaccine center at the Kaiser Permanente Arena, home of the Santa Cruz Warriors, in downtown Santa Cruz for Kaiser Permanente members and others in the community. Depending on vaccine supply, the clinic is expected to operate 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kaiser Permanente members and non-members can check eligibility and schedule an appointment by completing an e-visit at kp.org/ covidvaccine. This is where non-members will be asked about their age, health conditions and essential worker status and, if eligible, get a medical record number essential for Kaiser record-keeping. “We want to express our gratitude to all those involved with the Santa Cruz Warriors and at Kaiser Permanente who helped make this a reality,” said Dr. William Maclean, physician in charge for Kaiser Permanente Santa Cruz County. “We’ll be working hard to help vaccinate community members as quickly and equitably as possible.” Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Santa Cruz Warriors did not play any games in the arena last year, instead

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

A line of people with COVID-19 vaccine appointments forms outside the Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St., Santa Cruz, on March 19. Security staff asks each person entering: “Do you have an appointment?” participating in the NBA G League “bubble” from Feb. 10 to March 6 resort near Orlando. “We are proud to have Kaiser Per-

manente as a partner of the Santa Cruz Warriors and are excited to serve our community as a vaccination site,” said Santa Cruz Warriors President Chris Murphy. “I

look forward to working with them to vaccinate our local community members and getting closer to the end of this pandemic.” Kaiser Permanente follows state and CDC guidance regarding priority for vaccinations. Eligibility currently includes educators, including teachers, school staff, and childcare workers, those in emergency services, public transportation workers, and food and agriculture workers, in addition to health care workers, those age 65 and older, and those 16 to 64 with medical conditions making them more vulnerable to COVID-19. Vaccinations are available by appointment only. “We have been vaccinating both members and non-members through our clinics in Scotts Valley and Watsonville, in addition to our San Jose and Clara Medical Centers,” said Sam Bajaj, chief operating officer for Kaiser Permanente San Jose and Santa Cruz County. “As supply increases, the larger footprint of the arena will allow Kaiser Permanente to scale up its vaccination efforts and provide increased access to vaccines for residents.” n ••• For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, eligibility and how to make an appointment, visit kp.org/covidvaccine.

Capitola Coast Lions Club Supports Common Roots Farm

By Krista Brassfield

he Capitola Coast Lions Club is a new Lions club that formed during 2020 and is open to residents from all over Santa Cruz County. The club joined together with the Common Roots Farm, a nonprofit in Santa Cruz that may not be well known. The main goal of the Lions club is to support the farm and help raise funds and awareness surrounding their mission to welcome and accommodate people with disabilities, particularly developmental disabilities. The farm accomplishes this in two ways: Designing for universal access in as many areas as possible (such as their wheelchair accessible greenhouse, raised bed area and planned accessible perimeter path), and by cultivating a culture of inclusion. It is a production farm that is a safe, educational environment and allows the experience of farming, accessible to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Since the club’s inception in August,

Lions Fred and Dylan Flint appreciate the club’s partnership with Common Roots Farm in Santa Cruz. members have volunteered to help those displaced by the fires and participated in a sunset cruise to honor the men and

women of the Air National Guard who worked tirelessly to assist homeless families across the state since the start of

the COVID 19 pandemic and during and after the devastating fires. Members conducted a Holiday Toy Drive and a Food Drive. On March 9, the Capitola Coast Lions club hosted its first Student Speakers Contest, the club level round of California Lions Student Speakers Foundation’s 84th Annual Contest for high school students. The winner is scheduled to compete at the next round at the end of March, hoping to advance in the contest. The Capitola Coast Lions will be participating in upcoming beach cleanups at Rio del Mar Beach with the Aptos Leo Club. Members hold ongoing, weekly service projects at the Common Roots Farm and on Saturday, April 10, the club plans to build obelisks for plant starts and a table from recycled wood pallets. They will participate in a restoration project with the Watsonville Wetlands on Saturday, April 24. “Common Roots Farm” page 10

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Proposed Ban on Rodeos, Circuses at Fairgrounds Raises Questions Editor’s note: This letter was sent to Santa Cruz County Fair Board of Directors and Dave Kegebein, county fairgrounds manager. ••• t has been brought to my attention that the Santa Cruz County Animal Services is bringing a new model ordinance to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors for approval soon. I understand it is going before the Santa Cruz County Fair Board prior to the SC County Supervisors. I have reviewed different editions of the document and have many concerns. One of my biggest concerns, that would directly affect the fairgrounds, is proposed ordinance 6.04.250 Prohibition on using live animals for entertainment and purposes. This ordinance states: “The use of animals as a form of amusement or entertainment in events such as circuses or rodeos is detrimental to the safety of the animals and the public, including children and trainers.” This statement is very subjective and when left up to interpretation could be an issue for the Santa Cruz County Fair for all animal events.

“Wild animals pose a significant danger to audience members, trainers, and the public at large.” I want to clarify that horses and cattle are not wild animals. They are domestic animals, livestock. To group together circuses and rodeos based on the use of “wild animals” is false representation of the groups. Additionally, to limit all circuses would be unfortunate as most events that call themselves circuses only have domestic animals in their acts. There are many types of circuses that use domestic livestock, including horses that would be great for the fairgrounds to host, such as Cavalia. I enjoy taking my daughters to the reptile and insect tents and visiting the camels during the fair. In the ordinance, “Wild Animals” would include these species. Does this mean the snake wrangler and camel rides will be prohibited? “Travel or confinement impairs the animals’ physical, psychological, and social needs, while close confinement, lack of exercise, pressure to perform,

and other physical requirements of performing render the animals unable to express natural behaviors and socialize appropriately.” This is false information about how rodeo livestock are handled and maintained. When not at a rodeo, rodeo livestock live in large pastures and are under great care. “This section does not apply to equestrian events except for those banned by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).” The USEF should not be the only governing body for equestrian events. The USEF excludes many events and breeds, including the largest breed associations in the United States, the American Quarter Horse Association and the Jockey Club that registers Thoroughbreds. It also excludes many disciplines, such as cutting, reined cow horse, roping, team penning, team sorting, gymkhanas, and barrel racing. These disciplines are represented under American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), National Cutting Horse

Association (NCHA), National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), among many other associations. Not being more inclusive of the governing body(ies) for equestrian events in this ordinance will have a negative impact on revenue for Santa Cruz County fairgrounds, as many events not governed by USEF are hosted at the fairgrounds. I am afraid blanket ordinances banning one type of event like circuses and rodeos will inadvertently ban many events that the fairgrounds currently supports and hosts. I sincerely hope the Santa Cruz County Fair Board thoroughly reviews all aspects of the new model ordinance presented by Santa Cruz County Animal Services. I am afraid our ranching and farming heritage, and the future of what county fairs represent are at risk. There is a lot at stake for the Santa Cruz County Fair if the model ordinance gets passed as it is being presented at this time. — Kristi Locatelli

Bay Area Health Officers’ Statement About COVID-19 Vaccines s local health officers, we fully support all three currently available vaccines for COVID-19. All three vaccines are safe and have been shown to be highly effective at preventing symptomatic illness and hospitalization. The clinical trials for all three vaccines demonstrated that they were 100 percent effective in preventing deaths from COVID-19. There is also growing evidence that all three vaccines help prevent asymptomatic illness, too. This means that people who have been vaccinated are not likely to spread of COVID-19 to others who are not vaccinated. There has been much debate about the advantages of one brand of vaccine over the other, but it’s difficult to compare their efficacy. The different brands of COVID- 19 vaccines have not been studied in head-tohead comparisons. The vaccines have each been studied in slightly different groups of people and tested at different phases of the pandemic. The rates of community transmission and presence or absence of COVID-19 variants differed across studies. What we can say with certainty is that all three vaccines provide levels of

protection that are comparable to some of the best vaccines we have for other serious infectious diseases for which we routinely vaccinate people. With COVID-19 continuing to circulate as we work toward community immunity, our collective medical advice is this: the best vaccine is the one you can get the soonest. The different vaccines have different storage requirements and with supplies of vaccine currently limited, the same brand may not be available at each vaccine site consistently. If you have questions about vaccine, speak to your medical provider if you have one. You can also learn more about vaccines on the state’s COVID-19 website. — This statement has been approved by health officers representing the city of Berkeley and the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano and Sonoma. ••• Fire Safety Road Rules Would Create No-Build Areas, Make Homes Scarcer Editor’s Note: Aptos resident Becky Steinbruner submitted this letter to the state forestry board assessing the impact of the proposed fire safety regulations creating no-build zones in Santa Cruz County where homeowners cannot

afford to pay to bring their roads, often old logging roads in steep forested mountainous terrain, up to the new standards. ••• have participated in recent Board Workshops, Meetings and Special Meeting, and have made multiple oral testimony. I would like to now submit the following written comment. I live in Santa Cruz County. 1) There is no language in any Articles that provides information about the appeal process that would be available once these Regulations would be available. If the appeal would be before a local jurisdiction, I ask that the Regulations specify that an Appeal Committee to handle these types of appeals be formed and consist of local qualified building, construction and timber harvesting professionals. 2) I live on a substandard existing road that is longer than 1 mile. It is impossible for our community to comply with the regulations requiring turnouts every 400’ (Section 1273.09). The County refuses to assume maintenance of our road, which is an old logging road from the 1920’s. We have formed a County Service Area and have made major improvements to the safety and quality of the road, but our community could not financially support installing the

improvements that the proposed regulations would require. 3) It could be impossible for my community and the ridge-top community adjacent to change the gradient of steep portions of our roads. While I am not sure if the road gradients are over 25%, there simply would be no way to change this if they were. Local fire agencies have Type 3 engines that are able to successfully respond. Type 2 engines regularly respond to emergencies. 4) My neighborhood is a FireWise Community, and residents are working together to reduce roadside vegetation as best as possible without causing future erosion problems. Local efforts to reduce fire risks need to be given consideration in whether there are triggers for these new Regulations. 5) I request that ADU’s (accessory dwelling units) be exempted from all new building regulation triggers to help address the affordable housing shortage in Santa Cruz County and throughout the state. 6) I request that all regulations exempt any and all fire re-builds and addition of ADU’s and mobile home/modular homes from the new regulation triggers.

8 / April 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Letter to the Board” page 10

COMMUNITY NEWS

When Will County Enter Orange Tier? By Jondi Gumz

ith new COVID-19 cases back to levels of last May, Santa Cruz County is poised to move after three weeks in the Red Tier to the less restrictive Orange Tier. Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel Newel anticipates moving to the Orange Tier by March 31. As of March 10, restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters and museums were allowed to open indoors with restrictions for the first time since mid-November. Capacity for retail stores and shopping centers increased to 50 percent, shortening the lines at Trader Joe’s. The Orange Tier allows 50 percent capacity (up from 25 percent) for restaurants, movie theaters, museums, and places of worship and 25 percent (up from 10 percent) for gyms and fitness centers, 25 percent at dance studios, bowling alleys and climbing walls, with wineries and breweries allowed indoor service at 25 percent. Santa Cruz County’s adjusted COVID case rate is 3.5 per day per 100,000, below the rate of 3.9 required for the Orange Tier, and the test positivity rate is 1.3 percent. Since March 13, wineries and breweries without meals were allowed to have outdoor service with a 90-minute time limit and 8 p.m. close. Starting April 1, the state is allowing outdoor live events at 20 percent capacity and 15 percent capacity at amusement parks — such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which will open April 1. As of June 1, the state will allow overnight sleepaway camps. CineLux Capitola reopened March 12. Capitola Beach Co. plans to offer surf lesson and rentals on April 1. Santa Cruz Shakespeare plans a small, safe outdoor live season in July and August. Arts Council Santa Cruz County plans to resume Open Studios in October. The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History is opening to members. Newel lifted her prohibition on visits at nursing homes and assisted living centers, allowing family members to see loved ones after restrictions to prevent the contagious coronavirus from spreading kept them apart for a year. Deaths at those facilities have slowed to a trickle. 200 Have Died OVID-19 has claimed the lives of 57,000 Californians and 200 Santa Cruz

County residents, with 51 percent of those local deaths at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Locally, 78 percent of those who died were age 70 or older and 78 percent had other health conditions. A year after the pandemic began, case rates have plummeted, and with 16 million vaccine does administered, 39 counties are in the Red Tier and nine in the Orange Tier. On March 15, Soquel Union Elementary School District reopened kindergarten for inperson instruction on a hybrid schedule, which brings back half the students to campus on alternating days. The federal and state six-foot distancing requirement between desks is why most public schools are offering hybrid instruction, with half the students on campus and half online, rather than bring all students back at the same time. Private schools with smaller class sizes have brought all the students back because they have the space to meet the distancing requirement. Research is scanty on how much distance is protective and Indiana changed its requirement to three feet, in line with the World Health Organization guidance. An MIT study this summer concluded distancing rules are based on outdated science and factors such as ventilation and occupancy and exposure time made a difference. On March 19, the federal Centers for Disease Control changed its guidance to say three feet of distance is protective, and the state followed suit on March 20. Fall: In-Person Instruction n a letter to parents March 24, all of the local school superintendents said switching from a hybrid schedule to full reopening “would require vast environmental changes to classrooms and redesign of our instructional programs,” with some conditions requiring negotiations with bargaining units. The letter added, “However, we are confident that as long as community transmission of COVID-19 remains low, all public schools in Santa Cruz County will be fully open for in-person instruction in the fall 2021.” Two cases of the B117 variant, which spreads more easily, were reported in January and February but Newel said a large surge of cases forecasted for March and April due to virus variants is unlikely.

Dr. Andrew Smythe, of Dignity Health Medical–Dominican, vaccinates a community member at the Harbor High School vaccination site. On Friday, the county reported only three people hospitalized with COVID, including one in intensive care, only 200 active cases, and more than 122,000 negative test results. Newel said all K-12 educators in the county have had an opportunity to receive their first dose of vaccine. She urged everyone to get a vaccine once they are eligible and in the meantime, wear masks and practice social distancing in public so as to protect unvaccinated elders and those who are medically vulnerable.

Santa Cruz County has ranked in the top 10 in the state for vaccinations per capita. The state dashboard reports 142,000 doses have been given to county residents, more than half of the population. The state has required 70 percent of doses go to people age 65 and up who are at greater risk of dying, 30 percent to people in riskier jobs — and 10 percent set aside for educational and child care workers. “COVID Update” page 14

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 9

“Electric Rail” from page 6 Assuming construction costs at $478 million, that would include construction, $364 million; vehicles, $64 million; final design and permitting, $34 million; preliminary engineering, preparing environmental documents, $17 million; initial and final conceptual design, cost estimates and ridership projections, $5 million; identifying critical design issues and governance strategy, $600,000. As for right-of-way acquisition, no costs are anticipated as the RTC owns the branch line, which extends 32 miles from Davenport to Watsonville. The plan expects passenger service to terminate in Westside Santa Cruz. The timetable assumes the initial operating plan will be ready in fiscal year 2022-23, environmental documents in fiscal year 2025-26, construction starting in 2029-30 with rail vehicle acquisition in 2031-32, with both finishing in 2034-35. Federal Funding Sources he biggest federal funding source for construction is the Federal Transit Administration New Starts and requires a local match before a grant is awarded. The assumption is $100 million.

“Letter to the Board” from page 8 Many of the 1000+ property owners who have lost their homes or have had them damaged to the point of them being uninhabitable until repaired by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire now face three years before their “streamlined” permitting process will possibly allow them to begin rebuilding. These people must be allowed to live on their own property in ADU’s and/or mobile/ modular homes while their main residence is rebuilt. 7) I do not think that utilities and the telecommunication industries should be exempt from requirements for road widths and on-site water sources. The telecommunication industry is being pressured to improve battery backup and include on-site generators in order to maintain communications for emergency responders and the public. This will likely add more on-site above ground combustible fuel tanks for sustained generator power. It is imperative that these sites also be required to meet any Fire Safe Regulations approved. 8) Would solar arrays and wind turbines

“Common Roots Farm” from page 7 The club is looking forward to hosting a CPR class during the summer and the club’s treasurer Ana E. Mickey is looking into establishing a food pantry to help individuals and families who are struggling. Also on the radar is the club’s desire to funds needed to build for a new barn for the Common Roots Farm. Lions Club President Fred Flint said

Grants are not provided until 30% of the preliminary engineering is complete to provide confidence on cost estimate accuracy. Typically, the project sponsor must front these costs for two to four years until the grant arrives. The second construction source of funding is the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development transportation discretionary grants, which may require a 20 % non-federal match. The assumption is $15 million. The third federal source, which can be used for pre-construction construction and vehicles, is the Surface Transportation Block Grant, for which a 11.47% non-federal match is required. The assumption is $9 million. Funding is considered unlikely from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement program, Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment and Railway Highway Crossing Section 130 to eliminate hazards. The assumption is $0. State Funding Sources he largest state funding source for construction and vehicles is SB 1, Solutions for Congested Corridors Program. The assumption is 52 million.

The second largest state source for construction and vehicles is the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program. The assumption is $30 million. Next is the SB 1 Local Partnership competitive grants for construction and vehicles, which require a one-to-one match of state funds. The assumption is $25 million. SB 1 State Rail Assistance could fund any part of the project from environmental review to maintenance. The assumption is $17 million. State Transportation Improvement Program dollars, which goes to projects selected by the Santa Cruz County RTC, can fund all parts of construction. The assumption is $10 million. Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities grants fund projects that benefit low-income communities by increasing access to key destinations with low-carbon transportation. The assumption is $10 million. Sustainable Transportation Equity Project funds can be used for construction and vehicles to increase access to key destinations. The assumption is $7 million. Operations Funding Sources ith operations estimated at $275 million a year, all of these funding sources are smaller than those for construction.

Here are the funding assumptions: • Federal State of Good Repair Grants: $2.25 million a year for seven years. • State Transit Assistance: $220,000 a year • State SB 1 Local Partnership: $150,000 a year once final designs. • SB 1 State Rail Assistance: $500,000 a year. • Local operations funding • Measure D 2016 county transportation sales tax: $1.6 million a year to preserve the rail line once it is built. • Rail Line lease/concessions/ads: $750,000 a year. • Fare revenue: $105.5 million a year • Maintenance paid by freight operator: $0. The report suggested private financing as a possibility, forming a partnership with a private partner to accelerate the project or lower costs. Such arrangements usually are made near the completion of environmental documents. If the 11-member RTC Commission is interested, staff would issue a request to see if any private entities are interested. n ••• To read the business plan, see https://sccrtc. org/projects/multi-modal/transitcorridoraa/

on ridge-tops be exempt from Fire Safe Regulations? Alternative energy farms will likely expand in the near future with the State goal of providing 100% Greenhouse Gas-Free energy by 2045. 9) Creating “no build zones” will burden the already-scarce affordable housing stock. 10) Section 1273.13 (a) Secondary access requirements alarm me: “a) SHALL meet standards of new roads” and “SHALL provide for legal and deeded access that serves typical travel to and from building construction.” This will cause many existing good neighbor informal agreements to disappear because property owners are often hesitant to legally change their deeded access allowed. My neighborhood has just such agreement for our only alternate route out that is understood and annually re-conveyed with a neighborly discussion and handshake for our neighborhood fire evacuation drill. If this property owner is required to change his property deed, he would refuse, and no longer allow such use. This would greatly harm my community, and the one on the other side of the evacuation route that also

depends upon it for emergency fire evacuation from their dead-end road. I think this requirement should be removed. 11) I think that the Board of Forestry needs to focus on the Good Neighbor Authority for the ability to allow property owners with homes and other structures to clear defensible space and create shaded fuel breaks on vacant lands adjacent. This would be helpful in my neighborhood, as we all are adjacent to State Parks land that has no vegetation management at all in our area. The Board of Forestry needs to work to get more resources for the State’s wildfire protection work that we are constantly reminded will intensify due to climate change. At a CalFire town hall meeting last night for the CZU Lightning Complex Fire made it known that there are only 356 CalFire engines for the entire State of California. ClaFire Chief Larkin repeatedly emphasized that the shortage of resources last August is what lead to the fire’s expansion and ultimate destruction of 86,509 acres and 1,409 structures. In Santa Cruz County alone, 911 homes burned. Chief Larkin explained that had he

been able to get the resources that he needed and ordered, the damages would likely not have been so devastating. Rather than spending so much Board energy creating what appear to be “no build zones,” why not instead increase resources to help with vegetation management plans, fuel reduction efforts and protection for the people and the environment? Imposing stringent requirements upon landowners but providing no resources to help them accomplish the Fire Safe improvements to reduce fire risk will only drive people into a sense of financial despair and likely push them out of the state. This will harm the property tax and sales tax base that local governments depend upon for broad infrastructure maintenance and improvements. Please slow this accelerated rule making process and craft a well-thought-out document that will address the real issues and respect peoples’ livelihoods and property rights. Please do not make Fire Safe Regulations that are so onerous that only the very wealthy are able to live in the rural areas of California. — Becky Steinbruner

he is excited about leading a strong group of service minded individuals that are focused on making an indelible impact in their neighborhoods by restoring the environment, enhancing the local biota, participating in hunger projects, supporting the Common Roots Farm and serving the community. n ••• If you are interested in learning

more about the Capitola Coast Lions Club and would like to join them, contact Membership Chairperson Elaine Cole at coastlionsclub@gmail.com. Check out https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/capitola_ coast/ or the club’s Facebook page, https:// www.facebook.com/CapitolaCoastLions. For information on Common Roots Farm, see www.commonrootsfarm.org. For information about California

Lions Clubs visit www.californialions.org. California Lions Clubs are part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization, with more than 1.35 million members in 210 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1918, Lions Clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world.

10 / April 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Step Into Zen

By Tony Del Zompo

heard a pounding behind me as I climbed the stairs that rise from the village to Depot Hill. I moved to the right and studied the young woman when she sped past. She was taking the steps two at a time. Her jaw was set, her arms were tense, and she pumped her clenched fists vigorously for extra momentum. One of her legs swung to the side, and her knee jutted out beyond her ankle. When she reached the top, she bent over at the waist to catch her breath. I’ve been a physical therapist for years, and like most people I didn’t pay much attention to my body when I trained for “cardio.” If my heart pounded and I broke sweat, mission accomplished. I pushed as hard as I could for as long as I could, but I wore myself out in the process. When I had both of my hips replaced in 2019, I made

Tony Del Zompo enjoys a Capitola sunset.

a vow not to abuse my body the way I did when I was younger. After I completed my acute recovery process, I took to the

Capitola steps to challenge myself. I started out slowly, up and down once, maybe twice, before I called it a day. It wasn’t long before I noticed how hard other people are on their bodies, and I wondered why we often sacrifice our health for the sake of fitness. We speak of the mind-body connection, yet, ironically, the mind and body are often the most disintegrated when we exercise. Go to any gym and you’ll see what I mean. The elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and stair-steppers are full of people with their heads bent over a magazine while they listen to music or a podcast. Sometimes they’ll glance up at the television monitors on the wall, but they wait until they get into a yoga class to practice “mindfulness.” “Capitola Steps” page 15

By adjusting your technique, the Capitola steps can provide a full body workout.

At the heart of excellence. When operating on the body’s most vital organ, precision is paramount. At Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital, our cardiovascular specialists are trained to perform minimally invasive procedures that once required months of recovery. Now, many patients leave the hospital in a matter of days. Don’t delay the important care you need. See how we’re advancing cardiovascular treatment in Santa Cruz County at DignityHealth.org/DominicanHearts.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Hunger Fighters Make a Difference

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County Honors Community’s COVID-Year Support

his year’s Hunger Fighters of the Year are Brenda Villafana and her friends and family, who volunteered more than 500 hours to keep the Freedom School food distribution site open, and Mary Wells, lead volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul’s Our Lady Star of the Sea pantry.

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County honored them March 4 at its first ever virtual Annual Awards via Zoom and celebrated the 2020 Holiday Food and Fund Drive, which raised more than 5.5 million meals, the most ever, in a year when the COVID pandemic left so many struggling economically, doubling the numbers of

Brenda Villafana (second from right) and her team of friends and family.

Thank you Santa Cruz County! Holiday Food & Fund Drive 2020: 5.5 million meals provided! Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County is so grateful to all the Hunger Heroes and Hunger Fighters who participated in the 2020 Holiday Food & Fund Drive to make it the most successful drive in history, and you did it during one of the most challenging years’ our community has ever faced. Heroes are among us!

people seeking food for themselves and their families. UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive will succeed Megan Martinelli as co-chair with County Administrative Officer Carlos Palacios for the 2021 Holiday Food & Fund Drive, which kicks off in November. Second Harvest Food Bank, founded in 1972, saw unprecedented need in 2020, supplying 150 local agencies and programs to feed 85,000 people — one of every three county residents. Villafana had a team of seven, her daughter, son, grandchild and three friends — Maria Elena, Angel, Pablo, Jose, Angelina and Rosa. The five adults are farm workers, all Watsonville residents for 15-plus years and loyal volunteers. Typically, the Freedom School food distribution site has 12 volunteers but due to the pandemic, only seven could help. This team did not want the food distribution to stop, so they kept it going, while social distancing and taking precautions to protect themselves from the coronavirus.

Brenda Villafana and team include a mom, her daughter, son, grandchild and three community friends. This amazing group of people have been volunteering for over five years and have volunteered over 500 hours to the Freedom School food distribtution site.

Mary Wells Mary Wells is the lead pantry volunteer for St. Vincent de Paul pantry run by parishioners of Our Lady Star of the Sea. She has been volunteering for roughly 20 years.

Complete list of awardees at www.thefoodbank.org/awards2021

12 / April 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Hunger Fighters” page 16

Special Awards Community Spirit Award

CEO Award

Olivia Strusis Bregante Malia Nacht Finn & June Grillos

UCSC - Nathan McCall

President’s Award

Hunger Hero Community Spirit Award

Heavy Hitters Award

County of Santa Cruz Employees

Main Street Elementary School

Twin Lakes Church Driscoll’s

Special Promotions Award

Hunger Fighters of the Year

SUP Shack KPIG

Brenda Villafana & Team Mary Wells

Coordinator of the Year

Lifetime Achievement Award

Jillian Ritter Sarah Marshall

KSBW under the Leadership of Joseph W. Heston

Above and Beyond Bay Federal Credit Union

Trudie Ransom, SUP Shack Special Promotions Award

Lap Award Canepa Motorsports

Tech Feeds Hope Leadership of Susan Lovegren

Civic Engagement Award City of Santa Cruz City of Capitola County of Santa Cruz

Champion Sponsors

Santa Cruz Community Credit Union

Pajaro Valley United Soccer Girl Scout Troup 15015

Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County

Presenting Sponsor

Chairman’s Corporate Award

Neighborhood Award

Helping Hands Award

Brenda Villafana & Team

Mary Wells Wells volunteered for 20 years at St. Vincent de Paul pantry, which feeds 70 to 100 people a week. She arranges the weekly food order, organizes the pantry and helps others with joy, dignity and love. She greets people who come in and listens to their stories.

Bruce Canepa, Canepa Motorsports Lap Award

Ambassador Sponsors Alexis Party Rentals, Boardwalk, CalFresh, GoodTimes, iHeart Media, KAZU, KSCO, KPIG, Looker, Santa Cruz County Bank, Deluxe Foods of Aptos, KSBW, Nordic Naturals, Palace Business Solutions, PVUSD, Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, The Pajaronian, County of Santa Cruz Human Services Dept., Times Publishing Group

COMMUNITY NEWS

CineLux Movies Are Back

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he movies are playing at the Capitola CineLux again after four months of COVID-19 shutdown, and opening March 26 at the Scotts Valley CineLux. “I can’t tell you how happy we are to be opening,” Paul Gunsky, CineLux president, told the Times. Capitola CineLux opened March 12 after Santa Cruz County moved from the state’s Purple Tier, which is the most restrictive for business, into the Red Tier, which allows theater operation with restrictions. The response from the community has been “really gratifying,” Gunsky said. “It’s so nice to see guests come back.” He’s invested in air filtration, Plexiglass barriers and auditorium sanitization for COVID safety but those who buy a ticket online will find the price is the same as before the pandemic, $10.75 general admission, $8.50 for kids 3-12 and adults 55 and up. Concessions will have “welcome back” prices: $5 popcorn. He said the movies coming out now are “higher quality,” like the epic action film, “Godzilla vs. Kong,” which reportedly cost between $160 million to $200 million to make. As for employees, Gunsky said, “We rehired everyone who wanted to come back.” He’s not at pre-pandemic staffing but he hopes to ramp up. Movie-goers used to a crowded auditorium can expect a different experience, as state guidelines for the Red Tier — which the county has been in for three weeks — limit capacity to 25 percent. In Capitola, up to eight people are allowed in the 40-seat auditorium. “It’s perfect for a family,” Gunsky said. Something new — it wasn’t offered prior to the pandemic — is a private watch party, which in Capitola has been “very, very popular,” he added. Booking can be made online at www. CineLuxTheatres.com In Scotts Valley, the auditoriums are larger, about 100 seats, so private rentals can be for up to 20 people. In wake of the November COVID shutdown, his theaters pivoted to selling concessions. The strategy to stay connected with patrons proved “very popular at both theaters. A lot of people came to support

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us,” he said, gratified to hear words of encouragement. In these challenging times, “you do what you can to get back,” Gunsky said. He had to be patient because his order for MERV 13 air filters, recommended to prevent spread of minuscule infectious virus particles, was waitlisted. Hospitals, schools and universities are all upgrading – and MERV 12 or 13 will not do the job. If the county moves into the Orange Tier March 30, movie theaters are allowed to increase capacity to 50 percent, but Gunsky said he might not be able to reach that number because of the social distancing rules. He’s watched the number of new COVID cases and hospitalizations slow to a trickle. “We’re cautiously optimistic those numbers stay down,” he said. Staying Safe at CineLux Here are the CineLux policies for COVID safety: Masks Required: Our employees must wear a face covering or mask. Patrons must wear a face covering at all times. Those unwilling to wear a face covering will be denied entry. Social Distancing: Appropriate physical distancing must be maintained at all times between patrons, except members of the same household or those attending together. “CineLux” page 14

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“CineLux” from page 13 Staggered Show Times: This reduces crowding in the lobby, restrooms and provides easier exiting. Reduced Capacity: We have reduced our auditorium’s capacity to 25%. In addition we have blocked off every other row and our ticketing system will ensure spacing on either side of your selected seats. Air Filtration: Our HVAC systems are cycled continuously with fresh filtered air. Our HVAC systems have been equipped with MERV 13 air filters, the highest rated, which filter out virus carriers. Frequent Hand-Washing: Employees are trained on hand-hygiene practices, and are required to wash hands frequently at easily-accessible hand-washing stations. Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (EPA approved ethanol or isopropyl) will be liberally placed throughout the theater, including either at your auditorium entrance or inside the auditorium. “COVID Update” from page 9 The county has moved from Phase 1A, healthcare workers and long-term care residents to Phase 1B, where 50,000 people working in agriculture, food service, education, child care, emergency services are eligible, but not all of them have been vaccinated. Then state officials announced new job categories eligible for vaccines. These include transit workers, airport staff, custodians, janitors and housekeepers, disaster service workers, utility workers responding to disasters. Also, individuals who are medically high risk, incarcerated, homeless, staff serving these populations and volunteers with MyTurn.ca.gov, the new app where people can register to find out when they can get a vaccine. Vaccine Hard To Get nyone who wants a vaccine appointment is advised to register at MyTurn.ca.gov but there is no guarantee of an appointment as the state keeps expanding eligibility ahead of available vaccine supplies. Starting April 1, the state announced people age 50 and up will be eligible to make an appointment, and teens 16 and older will be eligible April 15. With the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine now being delivered along with the two-shot Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, the supply picture is expected to improve. One new option in Santa Cruz County is Kaiser Permanente’s vaccine clinic at the Kaiser Arena in Santa Cruz, which gives members priority but allows non-members to register. (Full story on page 7).

14 / April 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Enhanced Cleaning: Auditoriums are disinfected between movie screenings using an EPA-approved disinfectant. High-touch surfaces are wiped down periodically with EPA-registered disinfectant. Employee Health Training and Screening: Our employees are trained on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Staff members will have their temperature checked and a health screening at the start of their shift. Modified Concessions: We encourage

credit cards or contactless payments. Condiments are provided directly to guests. Guests will be provided a new container for refills on large popcorns and large fountain drinks. Mobile Ticketing: Tickets sales are available online to reduce the need to stand in line for tickets. Guests can simply display their mobile tickets upon entry. Personal Protection: Plexiglass barriers have been placed at guest service stations. n

OptumServe in Watsonville is expected to restart first doses in April. To review where vaccine is being offered, such as CVS, RiteAid and Walgreens, check santacruzhealth.org and the vaccine button to see what’s available and who is eligible. Availability can change at a moment’s notice. Spring Break ewel, the health officer, voiced concerns about spring break travel, reminding people that after a trip, you must self-quarantine for 10 days. She said the county is aligned with the new state guidance for adults and youth sports, allowing baseball, softball, cheerleading, volleyball, kickball, and doubles pickleball, tennis and badminton outdoors. Asked if a small dinner party could be hosted safely, Newel said a small party without face coverings in a private home could be safe “as long as everyone is vaccinated.” She also cited new federal CDC guidance on grandparent visits. That guidance allows fully vaccinated grandparents to see their grandchildren indoors without masks or physical distancing provided that none of the unvaccinated family members are at risk of severe COVID-19. To schedule a vaccine appointment, visit santacruzhealth.org or sign up at the state website, https://myturn.ca.gov. n Photo Courtesy of Dignity Health •••

60 to 69: 27 • 50 to 59: 5 • 40 to 49: 6 30 to 39: 4 Race/Ethnicity White: 111 • Latinx: 72 • Asian: 15 Black: 1 • Amer. Indian/Alaskan Native: 1 Underlying Conditions Yes: 155 • No: 45 Gender Male: 91 • Female: 102 Skilled Nursing/Residential Care Santa Cruz Post Acute: 20 Watsonville Post Acute: 18 Pacific Coast Manor: 14 Hearts & Hands Post Acute: 8 Sunshine Villa: 7 • Aegis: 4 Maple House 1: 4 • Valley Convalescent: 4 Watsonville Nursing Center: 4 Montecito Manor: 3 • De Un Amor: 2 Dominican Oaks: 2 • Driftwood: 2 Hanover House: 2 • Maple House II: 2 Rachelle’s Home 1: 2 • Paradise Villa: 1 Rachelle’s Home II: 1 • Valley Haven: 1 Westwind: 1 Total: 102 Not at a facility: 98 COVID Cases by Town Aptos: 753 • Ben Lomond: 110 Boulder Creek: 140 • Capitola: 427 Felton: 142 • Freedom: 952 Santa Cruz: 3,627 • Scotts Valley: 397 Soquel: 334 • Watsonville: 7,905 Unincorporated: 244 Under investigation: 233 Total: 15,264 Source: Santa Cruz County Public Health ••• Editor’s Note: Would you like to share your family’s COVID-19 story? Email Jondi Gumz at info@cyber-times.com or call 831688-7549 x17.

County COVID Deaths: 200 As of March 26

Age 90 and up: 55 • 80 to 89: 61 • 70 to 79: 42

COMMUNITY NEWS

Boardwalk To Open T he Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, entertaining locals and visitors since 1907, is hiring for a fun and safe spring and summer season as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes and state guidelines allow amusement parks to open April 1 after being closed last summer. There are hundreds of open positions including rides, games, food service, parking and ticket sales. Positions also are available at the Boardwalk Bowl, Carousel Beach Inn, Sea & Sand Inn, all part of the family-owned business. Safety procedures include temperature

“Capitola Steps” from page 11 When your foot strikes a surface, the surface strikes back. The next time you walk up a flight of stairs, at home, in the village, or the set in Aptos near the cement ship, ascend the steps silently to reduce the impact. Relax your shoulders and attempt to lengthen the back of your neck. Keep your knees over your ankles as you extend through your hips. Do it slowly, and I guarantee your thighs and butt will burn by the time you reach the top. For an extra added bonus, pull your belly button in and up in order to lift your ribs off of your pelvis for core integration. I promise you that your heart rate will increase no matter how slowly you climb. Repeat the process for fifteen to twenty minutes and, voila: a complete, full body workout, cardio included. I like to think of my body as a fully restored, 1966 classic. It looks good, runs

“Poll” from page 6 “Highway 1 commuters, including essential workers, need an option to free themselves of gridlock that robs them of time with their families,” Segal continued. “A zero-emissions light rail service will give our county an important tool in the fight against climate change. Rail service will also help improve public transportation for local seniors and those with disabilities.” The greatest support appeared to be in supervisorial District 4, which includes Watsonville, where residents deal with daily traffic jams on Highway 1 to and from work. The least support appeared to be in District 1, which includes Live Oak, which would access the train, and the Summit,

checks, personal protective equipment and sanitization. n ••• To apply see https://beachboardwalk.com/ Jobs/Jobs-FAQ. For questions, email employment@ scseaside.com or call (831)460-3377 ext. 6.

well, but as any car enthusiast will tell you, a classic requires more TLC than a newer model. You have to wax it, cover it, and store it, and the more frequently you drive it, the more time you need to spend under the hood. You wouldn’t spin donuts in an empty parking lot in a classic car, and you wouldn’t peel out when the light turns green. You probably wouldn’t do 90 mph on the freeway, either. Perhaps you’d drive in the right lane so that people could envy you as they passed by. We don’t need to wait until the parts wear out to ease up on the accelerator and enjoy the journey. And I’m not talking just about cars anymore... n ••• Tony del Zompo has been a Capitola resident since 2008. He is a physical therapist and personal trainer and he can be reached for private consultations at amdz1966@gmail. com. Mention this article in the subject line. Photos by Tony del Zompo

which would not, and District 2, where train tracks run through Aptos. The most opposition appeared to be in District 2, which includes Capitola, which is bisected by train tracks, and Aptos, followed by District 1, then District 5, Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley, which are the farthest from the branch line. The announcement of the poll results did not include breakdowns of the “strongly” and “somewhat” in each supervisorial district. The Times requested that information and was told it is not available. The poll asked about two other options: 19 percent were in favor of pausing the electric rail planning and keep building a trail alongside the rail line, and 17 percent were in favor of removing track and converting the corridor into a trail for walking and biking. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 15

“Hunger Fighters” from page 12 When a community member she befriended became temporarily homeless, then in a car accident and in a walker and living on very little, she spent many hours driving her friend to buy cat food, put rides on a bus pass, and get groceries. A special Lifetime Achievement Award went to KSBW-TV under Joseph W. Heston, president and general manager who retired in 2020. KSBW hosted Share Your Holiday, which raised millions for Second Harvest and The Salvation Army. After shelter in place, KSBW organized Project Community: A Day of Help and Hope, raising $525,000 for tri-county food banks, with $236,000 for Santa Cruz County. Community Spirit Awards Olivia Strusis Bregante, inspired by her mom Melissa, a Sutter Health nurse, started a class project to raise 1,000 meals for families who lost their jobs because of COVID-19 and raised 2,748 meals. Sisters Finnly & Juniper Grillos organized their first virtual fundraising campaign with a video, raising 3,069 meals. Malia Nacht learned how to sew during the pandemic, sewing masks to keep friends and relatives safe and donating money she made. She raised 2,088 meals. Main Street Elementary School office manager Jennifer Del Carlo organized teachers, students and families to focus

Oliva Strusis Bregante

on virtual fundraising, generating 8,979 meals, a school record. Neighborhood Awards Under Gina Castaneda’s leadership, PV United Soccer joined the first worldwide Soccer United Against Hunger campaign and 15 local youth teams raised 19,772 meals. Girl Scout Troop 15015, a small troop of girls, led a lemonade stand, donated from cookie sales, raising 4,149 meals. Special Promotions Sup Shack owner Trudie Ransom organized the SUP for Food fundraiser,

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dressing up like Santa and his elves, cruising the harbor on a standup paddle or kayak, raising 8,021 meals. Three days before Christmas, a generous donor offered to match donations by KPIG listeners who mentioned KPIG when they gave. KPIG staff loved the idea. A listener in Marin heard the “hog call” and gave another match — resulting in 72,000 meals. Coordinators of The Year Jillian Ritter, a county analyst, was the coordinator for county government employees, a challenge since many worked at home. But she believed they would do their best. Departments held virtual gift basket raffles, silent online auctions, and got a match, surpassed their goal. Sarah Marshall, coordinator at Rio Del Mar Elementary School, engaged the whole community, designing their very own flyers and raising 40,592 meals. • Helping Hands Award: Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and executive director Susan True, for leadership through the pandemic and the fires, facilitating collaboration, and assisting with surveys, funding and matches. • Above & Beyond Award: Bay Federal Credit Union raised the most ever, 127,599 meals, thanks to competition, prizes and pride at branches, among co-workers and supervisors with customers joining in and a generous donor matching donations. • Lap Award: Canepa Motors owner Bruce Canepa pledged donations to Second Harvest Food Bank for every collector car sold during the pandemic, and donated 240,000 meals. • Tech Feeds Hope: Susan Lovegren, who joined the food bank board in July, launched the Tech Feeds Hope Initiative to engage tech companies and tech professionals to fight hunger in Santa Cruz County, raising 371,148 meals. Civic Engagement Awards Christina Alberti, office supervisor in

Malia Nacht and family City of Santa Cruz Public Works, and her co-chair replaced cupcake sales with selling an online cookbook with recipes from city employees. City Manager Martin Bernal and his department heads supported competitions such as one between police and fire, won by fire. In all, city employees raised 69,235 meals. Capitola City Clerk Chloe Woodmansee coordinated efforts by her 66 co-workers and with a match, they donated 8,301 meals. Santa Cruz County analysts Jillian Ritter and Amy Miyakusu accepted the county award. They emphasized the importance of everyone contributing a little, and collectively that would amount to a lot. They surpassed their goal and a generous donor matched up to $50,000, raising 477,832 meals. • CEO Award: Nathan McCall, manager of UC Santa Cruz human resources business information services, knew many neighbors and students faced food insecurity. The Banana Slugs raised 175,000 meals. • Chairman’s Corporate Award: Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, led by president and CEO Beth Carr, launched “Return the Favor” to help nonprofits and donated 64,924 meals. • Presidents Trophy: County of Santa Cruz employees’ goal was $50,000 and they raised $67,000, more than 477,000 meals, despite COVID restrictions, staff furloughs and the CZU wildfires. A matching donation of $50,000 helped. Heavy Weight Champions Twin Lakes Church members and staff made a massive effort — lemonade stands, home-prepared meals, outreach to friends and family, raising more than 2 million meals — a historic number. When COVID hit, Driscoll’s was one of the first to call the food bank and ask, “What do you need?” At the time, a forklift was needed. Soon a forklift showed up, followed by sponsorships, and a large donation: More than 425,000 meals. n

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Capitola Garden Spaces Available he Mid-County Senior Center has garden spaces for rent at 529 Bay Ave., Capitola. Gardeners must become a member of the senior center ($40 a year, at least 50 years old), work Saturday mornings in the garden, agree to grow organically and pay $45 in annual garden rent. To inquire, email garden manager Curt Jewell at cjewell9@gmail.com ••• Live Oak Parking Program Vote Taking Place April 13 he 2021 Live Oak Parking Program program is slated to be voted on by the Board of Supervisors at the April 13 remote meeting, which starts at 9 a.m. The March issue of the Capitola-Soquel Times reported the vote would be April 7; that was incorrect. First District Supervisor Manu Koenig is seeking feedback from constituents prior to the meeting. If you have feedback on the program email First.District@SantaCruzCounty.US ••• Electrification Education Grants entral Coast Community Energy is offering $285,000 in electrification

education grants to encourage changing from fossil fuel-based transportation and building energy use toward clean electrical energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible communities include Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Barbara. Proposals providing education to disadvantaged communities and stimulating the local economy are encouraged. The application deadline is May 6. For an application visit https://tinyurl. com/3cenergy-grants (full URL: 3cenergy.org/electrification-educationgrant-program/?mc_cid=629c9a71e4&mc_eid= 66244ddae7) Email programs@3ce.org with questions. ••• HCO# 444700020 Jobs in Santa Cruz County Change from Sector Jan. 2021 a year ago Government 18,800 Down 5,500 Private education & health 15,200 Down 2,500 Leisure & hospitality 10,700 Down 2,500 Manufacturing 6,200 Down 1,000 Other services 4,200 Down 900 Trade/transportation/ utilities 16,500 Down 700 Professional & business services 10,200 Down 600 Information 500 Down 100 Financial 3,600 no change Construction 4,600 Up 100 Nonfarm 90,500 Down 13,700 Farm 1,500 Down 3,200 Total 92,000 Down 16,900 ••• Labor Force 127,600 Down 8% Employment 116,700 Down 12% Unemployment 10,800 Up 64% *Includes commuting to jobs outside county Source: California Employment Development Department n

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 17

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Women Mean Business in Capitola Village

By Yvette Brooks, Mayor, City of Capitola

s mayor, I am aware of the effects the pandemic has had on our community, especially our local businesses. In this month’s article you will learn how the City is supporting our businesses with state funding, partnerships with our Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce and Capitola Village and Wharf Business Improvement Area. And you will learn about businesses owned by women. ••• City Support t the onset of the pandemic, the City created the Capitola Business Recovery Task Force. The task force is made up of Capitola business owners from different business sectors, commercial property owners, the Capitola Chamber of Commerce, the Village BIA, city staff,

and Rich Hill, member of SCORE and former Capitola city manager. The task force meets monthly to provide updates on business-related Covid-19 impacts and relief efforts. The Capitola City Council recently approved use of federal grant funding to support local businesses through small grants. The final details of the grant and application are currently under review by the state. The grant will support approximately 33 Capitola businesses to receive up to $7,500 in rental assistance. Email economicdevelopment@ ci.capitola.ca.us to receive more information on the grants when published.

There is also some additional exciting news for our region. The National Development Council was awarded a $2.75 million Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund to create a revolving loan program in Santa Cruz County to make loans to businesses that cannot otherwise obtain traditional bank financing. Capitola businesses will be able to apply for loans through this regional revolving loan program. Others Stepping In ur Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce is jumping into spring with its annual Egg Hunt, with a twist. Children 12 and under, can join in on

the Village Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt! Participating businesses in Capitola Village have hidden an official “Easter Egg” at their business. Hunters can search for the hidden eggs, and receive a stamp/ signature on their Scavenger Hunt Game Card when eggs are found. Hidden Eggs will be visible to hunters, without having to move or touch anything, keeping the event COVID-safe. To learn more, visit https://www.capitolachamber. com/ Village History n keeping with Capitola as a favorite vacation spot with families, and cottages passed down from one generation to the next, Capitola Village has been the home of many family businesses, several run by second or third generation owners.

“Capitola Notes” page 23

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831.479.6000 or toll-free at 888.4BAYFED, ext. 304 www.bayfed.com/HomeLoans *No closing costs include lender fees, appraisal fees, title fees, and escrow fees. First-Time Homebuyer Program available to those that have not owned a property in the last three years. Offer valid on owner-occupied single-family residences for those with a credit score of 680+. Maximum loan amounts up to $822,375 in Santa Cruz County and San Benito County, and $739,450 in Monterey County. Mortgage insurance required for loan amounts greater than 80% loan to value. Offer applicable on purchase transactions in the State of California. Offer not available on refinances. Other restrictions may apply. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to approval of credit, income verification, and property valuation. Bay Federal Credit Union membership required at the time of closing. For more information, visit any Bay Federal Credit Union branch or call a Bay Federal Home Loan Consultant at 831.479.6000, or toll-free at 888.4BAYFED, extension 304. Bay Federal Credit Union is registered with the Nationwide Mortgage Lending System (NMLS). Bay Federal Credit Union ID #403635.

18 / April 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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IN MEMORIAM

Charlotte Mulcaster

June 1, 1945 ~ March 5, 2021

harlotte (Kelley) Mulcaster cherished wife, mother & friend of many passed away in the early morning of March 5, 2021 at home in Murphys, CA. She was born June 1, 1945 in Madera, CA. Charlotte was a fierce warrior who lost her battle with Multiple Myeloma (Cancer) after a 3-1/2 year battle. Cared for in her final days by her loving husband Larry Mulcaster, daughters Kimberly Lane Mueller, Krista Nicole Hefner and the kind and gentle people of Adventist Hospice Sonora. An amazing artist working in oil on canvas, watercolors on paper, sculpting clay who was also an accomplished print maker. She was a respected member of the art communities of Santa Cruz and Calaveras county’s with many friends. Her work was selected for a number of juried shows and is in private

collections throughout the United States. She is survived by siblings Gloria Kelley of Madera, CA and Ronald Kelley of Fresno, CA, her grandsons Paul Kammer, Calvin Kammer, Cameron Derr, son-in-law John Mueller, step children Sean, Jennifer and Christopher Mulcaster all of whom loved her dearly. Charlotte loved her Havanese dogs, El Greco and Leonardo who followed her everywhere. Gone now to be with the Lord, she’s no longer in pain. She was a sweet and loving person who saw the good in everyone. Our thank you to all for your love and kindness during this trying time. ••• There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial held for Charlotte at 1:00 PM on May 8, 2021 at the Beautiful Ironstone Vineyards & Winery in Murphys, CA, 95247. It is open to all!

Stephanie Bell, 25: Struck and Killed on Freedom Boulevard

Editor’s note: Steffi Bell, 25, an inspector for Davey Tree Service, was on the job doing inspections off the roadway at the curve on Freedom Boulevard in Aptos when she was struck by a car and died instantly, according to Fire Capt. Steve Hickey of the Alameda County Fire Department, who works with Steffi’s dad, firefighter/paramedic Shane Bell. Alameda County firefighters posted this fundraiser on GoFundMe.com to support the family. ••• t is with a heavy heart to announce the passing of Stephanie J. Bell, beloved daughter of Firefighter/Paramedic Shane Bell and Debi Bell. Stephanie was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle while at work on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 in Aptos, at the blossoming age of 25. No words can fully describe the immense loss that Stephanie’s family is feeling from losing their only daughter, their friend, their inspiration, their everything! While the family is coping with disbelief, they deeply appreciate the overwhelming support from Shane’s fire family, friends and all those that have reached out with their thoughts, prayers and support.

Stephanie had recently graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the Natural Sciences Institute of Marine Biology, culminating her degree by presenting her undergraduate research and creative work titled, “The Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on Coral Stephanie Bell Health.” Stephanie was also instrumental in research and the establishment of a sanctuary in Hilo for the Pueo owl, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, which were once prevalent but are now an endangered species. Stephanie was an extremely intelligent, caring, compassionate and gifted young woman who loved the ocean environment and had plans to obtain her master’s and doctorate from the University of Hawaii’s Marine Biology Graduate Program until her life was so senselessly taken from her by a distracted driver. “Bell” page 21

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 19

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Pictures From the Past

A Treat on Capitola’s Esplanade

Photo Essay by Carolyn Swift

he candy store on the Capitola Esplanade (then called Ocean Front Avenue) was a popular stop for beach tourists for more than twenty years. Its architecture was similar to the grand Hotel Capitola designed by Edward Van Cleeck, and at the end of its existence it suffered the same fate. The candy store burned in 1927 and the hotel was consumed by fire in 1929. Fire protection was a major concern for the resort at this time because water pressure was low and the village needed better fire-fighting equipment. n

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20 / April 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

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IN MEMORIAM

Don Meyers

He Cared About Soquel Schools

EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SHAPE THEIR FUTURES WITH CONFIDENCE.

By Scott J. Turnbull

oquel Union Elementary School District lost a fixture in our school community when our grounds specialist, Don Meyers, recently passed away. Don cared for our school campuses with expertise, love, and meticulous attention. He treated every field, tree, and plant as if they were his own. He cared about the children of this community and wanted them to have beautiful campuses to attend school. Don was first hired in SUESD over thirty-five years ago on June 24, 1985. There has been an outpouring of fond memories shared because Don was so well-known. One quote from a veteran teacher in our district sums up what many others have said and reads as follows, “I’m so going to miss seeing him and hearing all of his observations about the wildlife he’d notice around all of the schools. He was always so generous with his time and cared

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Don Meyers so much about keeping our outside spaces beautiful. I remember how proud he was of his family, and I hope they know how much he was appreciated by all of us.”

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Don Meyers at work on the mower.

“Bell” from page 19 Stephanie was an only child and is survived by her parents, Shane and Debi Bell. Stephanie’s memory will live in our hearts forever. n ••• So far, more than 440 people have donated to the GoFundMe drive. See https://www.gofundme.com/f/ stephanie-bell-memorial-fund CHP said the driver of the car that hit Steffi was Pinky Higgins, 55, of Aromas. For a report on the fatal crash, see: https:// kion546.com/news/2021/03/09/ pedestrian-killed-in-rollover-crashon-freedom-boulevard

Stephanie (left) is joined by her parents, Shane and Debi, after graduation ceremonies.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 21

COMMUNITY NEWS

Q&A With New President/CEO Krista Snelling

First Woman to Lead Locally Owned Santa Cruz County Bank

rista Snelling, the new president and CEO at Santa Cruz County Bank, describes herself as a math geek and an extrovert. She double-majored in math and economics in college and went to graduate school at UC Davis to get a doctorate in economics. A year in, she realized she should pivot out of academics. She got her master’s degree, bypassed accounting, and took a job in the audit division at Arthur Andersen. She enjoyed the work. Her next move was the KPMG audit division. Her experience working with a client company seeking to go public with an initial public offering led to a job at a bank seeking to go public. The bank then grew through three acquisitions. She left Sacramento, with her husband and two teenagers to join her in the summer, recruited to become the first woman president at the locally owned Santa Cruz County Bank, succeeding David Heald on March 1.

“I’ve been a math person, I loved numbers — banking is a great place to be,” she said with a smile, holding up her calculator. Founded in 2004, Santa Cruz County Bank has achieved 10 years of record earnings, top ratings statewide and nationally, Krista Snelling grown to $1.4 billion in assets, acquiring local competitor Lighthouse Bank and most recently expanding into Monterey. Snelling talked with Times editor Jondi Gumz about the impacts from the pandemic and the future for women in banking. ••• Competing with three major national banks, Santa Cruz County ranks fourth in the county with 14% of deposits.

22 / April 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

What’s your strategy to grow deposits? t absolutely is a priority. What we’re going to do, the same as always, is build relationships… Not just making loans, but understanding the needs of the business rather than having it be transactional. Competing is easier to do now. One of the initiatives we have is the future of online banking and mobile banking — making sure we’re right there relative to the majors. Use technology to level the playing field, we have the community focus, you get the whole package. A Harvard analysis found community banks issued almost two million forgivable Payroll Protection Program loans worth nearly $200 billion in three months, representing 45% of the total number and 41% of the dollar value, while controlling only 12% of banking assets. Can you talk about PPP and community banks? verything I’ve heard is that community banks crunched above their weight on PPP. The feedback from customers was working with community banks was a lot easier because of having access to decisionmakers and speed to serve. The PPP loan is a perfect example of the value community banks bring. Customers who had relationships saw the value of having those relationships. At larger banks, the decision-makers are elsewhere, where you are in the queue is harder to get your hands on than at a bank

where you have a relationship. I know who to call and can get back to them real quick. What changes from the pandemic do you think will be permanent? Any idea when employment might recover locally? here’s a lot of flexibility in where and how people work. People have gotten used to using technology. That entire landscape has changed. People at tech companies are leaving California, going to cheaper areas to live. People have seen they’re just as effective as they were before. It’s going to change the commercial landscape. I am so happy to see the Santa Cruz numbers improving week by week. I feel there’s a lot of pent-up demand for tourism in this area … People stuck at home for a year want to get out. When will it happen? I’m not sure. I’m happy because I live here now. What advice do you have for local business owners? e flexible, adaptable, willing to pivot. The companies and people who’ve made it are people who did that … I think a lot of that is going to continue. I heard a story on NPR about restaurants with outdoor dining. Now people can eat inside, but they’re saying we want to keep these outdoor spaces.

“Snelling” page 24

Singleton Leaves Business Council

he Santa Cruz County Business During Singleton’s tenure, the Business Council is seeking a new Council worked with its member executive director with the companies and partner organideparture of Robert Singleton zations to advocate on behalf after four years for a senior govof many new housing developernment partnerships position ments, ballot initiatives–including at Bird Scooters for the Rockies/ Measures D, H, L, M (oppose) R, Pacific Northwest region. Y, and Z; larger land use plans Singleton was the Business like the Downtown Plan and SusCouncil’s policy analyst before tainable Santa Cruz County Plan, being promoted in 2017 following Student Housing West at UCSC Robert Singleton the departure of then-CEO Casey and the in-concept approval of Beyer to run the Santa Cruz Chamber of the downtown mixed use library/housing/ Commerce. parking development. The Santa Cruz County Business “He will be deeply missed,” said Stacy Council is a 501c(6) advocacy organization Nagel, 2021 board chair. n that represents the largest employers in Santa ••• Cruz County, with a focus on housing develA hiring committee of members will opment, transportation, homelessness and oversee recruitment. Those interested can email water infrastructure. a resume and cover letter to robert.singleton@

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Can I Get Refunded for My Wedding Rental? By Christopher Elliott

he COVID-19 outbreak cancels Mike Feehrer’s wedding. But Relics Rental, a wedding rental business, wants to keep the $3,534 he paid. Can it do that? ••• need your help getting a refund of $3,534 from Relics Rentals, a wedding rental business. The State of Illinois closed all restaurants and bars last March. Our wedding, which was scheduled for March 28, was canceled. We still got married, but just with a priest and no reception. I called Relic Rentals, but it would not provide a refund. A representative offered a $3,534 credit for that amount to be used over the next year or a refund of our deposit, which is about 50 percent of the total amount. I explained that I would not have an occasion to use the credit. The representative said the business had “damages and costs” associated with providing the services. My fiancé, Amy, spent about 30 minutes on the phone with Relic Rentals. The representative also claimed other wedding vendor companies were not giving refunds. That’s not true. All our vendors, including our caterer, florist and hotel, have all issued full refunds. I propose a full refund, less $250, to

“Capitola Notes” from page 18 Residents and return visitors appreciate the continuity and familiarity of these businesses, some open for over 50 years. “As a visitor to my grandmother’s cottage for 25 years, I made the move to Capitola permanently in 1968 to care for her. I opened the Craft Gallery in 1969. My 6-year-old daughter, Daun, helped out. She is now my partner in the business and her son, Brandon, works in the store. We often have customers who remark that they started visiting the store as children or teenagers with their families and now are bringing the next generation to Capitola Village.” — Carin Hanna, Capitola City Council member 1978-82 and business owner. Nearly 70 percent of all the walk-in establishments in the Village, from hair salons to jewelry stores, are owned or run

compensate the company for the time. I think that’s a fair solution. But when I call the company, it just goes to voicemail. Can you help me? — Mike Feehrer, Plainfield, Ill. ••• ’m sorry about your canceled wedding. In a situation like this, I believe the business should offer either a credit or a full refund. And you’ve already tied the knot, so it’s not like you’re going to have a big ceremony anytime soon. As I read the correspondence between you and Relic Rentals, I could see both sides. You’re trying to keep your money during a challenging economy. Relic wants to protect its business. We’ve seen this countless times in the last year. A company tries to hold its customers to original agreements even in the face of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. And it doesn’t always end well. I should note that Relic Rentals was accommodating when it offered to refund your deposit or give you a one-year credit. Its normal policy is no refunds or credits, according to its website. And you agreed to that policy when you paid your deposit. As a reader, I sympathize with Relic and wish it the best of luck in getting through

the pandemic. But as a consumer advocate, I believe its refund policy is, well — a relic. I contacted the company on your behalf. Jan Oelke, the owner, responded. “While current events have obviously required dramatic alteration to long-developed plans for weddings and events, those engagements and clients have been the recipients of time, work and resources to date,” she told me. “It is the policy of Relics Rentals to work with the client in rescheduling or postponing their rental reservation. However, simply canceling an event and refusing to reschedule or postpone is not a requirement of the current environment and it does fall under the cancellation

portion of our standard policy as outlined in our contract.” Oelke said the company offered other clients a credit for future rentals and services, valid 365 days from their original event date. She offered you two options: Either a credit or a 50 percent refund of the total rental reservation. You filed a credit card dispute under the Fair Credit Billing Act, but your bank sided with the merchant. You received a $1,767 refund from Relics Rentals. n ••• Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer for Elliott Advocacy. Email him at chris@ elliott.org or get help with any consumer problem by contacting him at http://www.elliott.org/help

by women. The strong spirit of Capitola is a tribute to women entrepreneurship. One of Capitola’s early businesswomen was Patty Reed Lewis. She and her children moved to Capitola in 1888 where she took over management of the Capitola Park Hotel for F. A. Hihn. As a child, Lewis was a member of the Donner Party that became trapped by a Sierra blizzard in the winter of 1846-1847. In Capitola, she was highly respected as an innkeeper and used her notoriety to draw visitors to the town and to her inn. The Capitola Park Hotel, later known as the Lewis House, was located in the McCormick District of Capitola near where New Brighton Middle School is today. For a while, Lewis also ran the Hotel Capitola down by the beach. The family was also involved in establishing the Episcopal Church in Capitola.

Her son, Frazier Lewis, was Capitola’s first postmaster and later became famous as a candy maker. Women-Owned Businesses nother unique feature adds to the ambiance of the Village, 12 independently owned women’s clothing and apparel stores such as Mia Bella, owned by DeeDee Wilson. “Our goal is to make you feel confident,” says store owner DeeDee Wilson, by providing you the styles that truly compliment who you are because we want every person to embrace who they are as an individual because personal style comes from within.” More at www.MiaBellaBoutique.com Another new business popping up in Capitola is Cheese Shop 831 Tasting Room. “I could not be more grateful to be a member of this community,” said store owner Jillian Pirolo. “Opening a business

during a pandemic could have easily turned out as a disaster, but people have been so supportive. They are the reason we are surviving, and hopefully thrive! I look forward to giving back and making the community proud. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel and we will get there together.” More at https://www.cheeseshop831.com/ ••• As we all continue to wear masks, socially distance and follow CDC guidelines, I am optimistic we will see our City recover. Please continue to support our local businesses and one another. n ••• I am hosting a series of Town Halls; visit our website for information: https://www. cityofcapitola.org/cityadministration/page/ meetings-w-mayor-series. If you have any questions feel free to email me at brooksforcity council@gmail.com.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 23

COMMUNITY NEWS

Amazon Pays $2 Million to Settle False Advertising Allegations O n March 25, Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeffrey Rosell announced Amazon.com, the online retail giant, will pay $2 million in penalties, costs, and restitution to the state’s Consumer Protection Trust Fund to settle a consumer protection lawsuit alleging false advertising involving discount prices. Amazon.com commonly uses “former price” advertising to communicate to consumers that the price on its platform is discounted. Some advertised “former prices” were misleading in that the “former price” was not timely nor supported by sufficient number of sales, and that “former prices” in which the product is sold by a manufacturer, supplier,

or other seller, insufficiently disclosed that the “former price” was not necessarily the prevailing market price or regular retail price at which the product could be purchased. The state’s Business & Professions Code says the former price must be the prevailing price over last 90 days, and Amazon faced challenges in trying to meet that standard, Doug Allen, who heads the Santa Cruz County Consumer Fraud Unit, where the case originated. He said he and his wife Francisca Allen, who worked in the Santa Clara County Consumer Protection Unit before

joining the Santa Cruz office, were contacted by a third party watchdog about the Amazon problem. “We worked for several years on it,” he said. “We sampled products in the hundreds.” Attorneys in Santa Cruz worked with District Attorney offices in San Diego, Alameda, Santa Clara, Yolo, and Riverside on the complaint. Some of the $2 million will go to reimburse the prosecutors for their time. According to Rosell, Amazon worked “promptly and cooperatively” throughout the investigation, improved its system to

validate “former pricing,” and improved disclosures to shoppers. Amazon has already made changes in pricing disclosures required by the stipulated final judgment. These changes include a hyperlink to bring the consumer to clear definitions for the referenced pricing terms. Rosell said, “Our office is committed in the protection of consumers, even against the largest companies in the world, by ensuring they are not being misled and have the information needed to make informed purchasing decisions.” n ••• To file a consumer complaint, go to https://datinternet.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Home/ ConsumerProtection.aspx

Reflections of 2020: People’s Choice Winners in Capitola Art Contest

eople’s Choice winners in Capitola’s Reflections of 2020 art competition are: • Professional Division: “Walk Through The Darkness“ by Staci Rodriguez • Novice Division: “Guided“ by Polly Herold • Youth Division “The Mask” by Ila Bonney Digital gallery winners were displayed outdoors in a social-distancing friendly manner on Saturday, March 6,

at Esplanade Park, for members of the public to view and vote on their favorite pieces in each category. Digital gallery winners are posted at www.cityofcapitola. org/recreation/page/reflections2020-digital-gallery-winners “The Capitola Arts and Cultural Commission was pleased to partner with Capitola Recreation on this art contest,” said Laurie Hill, a member of the arts and cultural commission. n

“Snelling” from page 22 I hope a lot of that lasts. I live in Capitola, I walk to the village all the time, you see pedestrianized outdoor areas. To do that, we had to give up parking spaces, isn’t it worth it? What’s your impression of the local housing market? The median home price was $1.1 million in January and February with listings historically low. ll I’ve been hearing is it’s tough out there right now. Houses are selling really quickly, multiple offers, low inventory. I’ll be entering the fray this summer … It’s kind of stressful. It’s great for the seller. Sacramento is seeing the benefit of a lot of Bay Area people coming in — tech people. What is it like being a successful career woman in banking — not so long ago considered a man’s world with

Staci Rodriguez

Walk Through The Darkness

deals made on the golf course? have been given a lot of really great opportunities in the banking community. I have had lot of really great mentors, but I’ve never had a woman as a mentor. I’m pleased to say anyone who works around me will not have that experience … I look forward to mentoring women and men in the future. Can you give an example of mentorship that made a difference? ’ve lived in Sacramento my entire life, and I have mentors and friends and colleagues and confidants in this network. When this opportunity came up, I said, OK, team, circle around. Everyone was so supportive. My son is going to college in the fall, but my daughter is still in high school, I can’t imagine making a life change without having that network to advise me. With COVID and remote school for my teens

24 / April 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Polly Herold

for 9 months, their lives were not the same. When people hear they’re moving to Santa Cruz, they say, “Oh, you’re so lucky!” How does having a woman in top bank leadership make a difference in the community? Can you give an example from your experience? t Five Star Bank, I started a group of all women customers of the bank, either business owners or decision-makers, executives. We would get together. The group got really big, 40 people from C suites … A lot of these women had spent a lot of time being the only woman in the room — seeing the energy and positivity in the room, it was amazing. And people got business out of it. A woman who owns recruiting firm, one with an employee benefit company, and a CPA met each other at this event, and they hired each other. We met three times, then COVID happened. I would like to

Ila Bonney

Guided

The Mask

start something like that here … It’s one of things I’m most proud of. With state law mandating women on corporate boards, do you foresee another woman joining the board at Santa Cruz County Bank? How can banks encourage women to move into leadership positions? he bank is always looking, always looking for great people, communityminded, high impact, to join the board. Encourage women to step into leadership roles that get offered and to be ambitious and ask for what they’re worth. Any mentor should do that for you. It’s really meaningful for a woman to have another woman give that kind of encouragement. I was so happy when I announced I was moving here, two women at my old bank got promoted into the C suite. I had helped them and mentored them. They were ready, so ready. n

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People Love WaterSmart

Convenient, User-Friendly, Great Information!

he Soquel Creek Water District’s new WaterSmart Customer Portal is an easy-to-use, free online tool giving you more control over your water use and billing, leak detection, and more. Along with our new, intelligent meters (i-Meters) which are now installed for most of our customers, the WaterSmart Customer Portal is part of the District’s overall upgrade to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure. This is a huge improvement over the District’s former electronic metering system that only produced one water consumption reading per month. With daily and hourly water consumption information, you now have access to the most up-to-date technology for managing water use and billing. Leak detection is much more timely, compared to the old system, by notifying customers within as little as 48-72 hours (in most cases) after a potential leak is detected. The Portal has the ability to notify you via email, text, or phone alert about potential water leaks in your system, so you can find and fix that leak before it becomes a bigger problem. Once registered, you can also set-up alerts for when your water use level or your bill amount reaches your des-

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

ignated thresholds. That’s kind of an “early warning system” to give you important information sooner so you can minimize water loss due to a leak, reduce potential water damage, and get fewer surprises in your water bills. Plus, with a single log-in you’ll be able to pay your water bill, see how much water your irrigation system uses, identify water-saving opportunities, access conservation resources like waterwise landscaping ideas, and even apply for conservation rebates. Many District customers are already signed up for this user-friendly, self-service web portal, and we’re hearing great things about their experience. “I easily set up an alert for my water use threshold, and it’s already been superhelpful on several occasions,” says Paul N., a District water customer in Aptos. “Early-on I got an alert about going over the threshold, and that prompted me to go out and find a leak in my irrigation system. More recently, I had some cement work done, and when the crew was using a lot of water – there

was a text alerting me to that unusually high use!” Paul notes that the system is easy to use and has provided him with everything he needs to monitor

his water use. For JoAnn G., a water customer

in Aptos, the new system is a vast improvement over her earlier efforts to track water use. “I used to save my paper water bills for 12 months at a time, so I could compare month-to-month and see where I’m over-using. Now, it’s all right at my fingertips!” “WaterSmart” page 26

In the Garden

ACROSS

1. Great divide 6. World’s oldest national broadcaster 9. Pasturelands 13. Chinese fruit 14. #9 Across, sing. 15. Clemency 16. One in advertising 17. “____ the land of the free ...” 18. Characteristic of birds 19. *Ongoing job in the garden 21. *Without synthetic fertilizers 23. 2nd tallest bird 24. Theatrical production 25. Curiosity killed it?

28. Additionally 30. Capital of Poland 35. Passage into a mine 37. Prefix in levorotary 39. Mid-century modern, e.g. 40. Toothy wheel 41. *Some are heirlooms 43. Make like a cat 44. Erasable programmable read only memory 46. Stanislavski’s rifle, e.g. 47. Unwanted correspondence 48. Motionless 50. Catch-22 52. “Are you sure?” in a text 53. Freight horse cart 55. Opposite of don’ts 57. *6 or more hours of sunshine

61. *Radicchio or frisée 65. On foot 66. Negative vote 68. 2020 NFL MVP 69. Morrison’s “The ____” 70. Hockey great Bobby 71. Respectable and quiet 72. Sports award 73. Affirmative response 74. Infernos 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

DOWN

Old bathtub foot Opposite of seek Ne plus ultra *Opposite of #57 Across Minimum, pl. Influencer’s journal *Stinging pollinator Holiday song Bulgarian money

10. Julia Roberts’ Academy Awardwinning role 11. Popular smoothie berry 12. Update an iPod 15. Inhabitant of Hungary 20. Nothing, pl. 22. Like sashimi 24. Lack of money 25. *Tomato supports 26. Highly skilled 27. Miss America’s headdress 29. Slowly leak 31. Moves at the gym 32. Monument to Buddha 33. Orderly arrangement 34. *Wiggly plowers 36. Faster than a walk 38. *Some plants and flowers emit a good one

42. *Type of digger 45. Centers, old-fashioned 49. French vineyard 51. *Last of 3 numbers on a bag of fertilizer 54. Be a pest 56. Washington, e.g. 57. Grow dim 58. Extraterrestrials’ rides 59. Pilot’s stunt 60. Type of parrot 61. “Musical” constellation 62. Russian mountain chain 63. *Type of garden hose that saves space 64. Goes with “odds” 67. Am is to I as ____ is to we © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 25

The Fire & Light of Aries

Esoteric Astrology • April 2021 • By Risa D’Angeles

e are in the full light of Aries now, following Easter and the Aries full moon festival. The Aries energy will continuetill the end of April, when Taurus begins. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. It is the initiating idea, a new idea for the new spiritual year. Aries is apoint of light faint and flickering, seeking what can receive its divine expression. Aries drops an electric fire to the Earth. Electric fire is that aspect of God that creates heat and a fire that can burn and destroy. As the firstzodiacal sign, Aries, with mars, calls each individual to courage, to bravery, to fiery impulses, to fearlessness. This is the path of Earth experienceunder Aries. With Mars, the personality ruler of Aries, what we experience is the fire of challenge, war, strife, and conflict. These are the keynotesof the life of the personality. Later, Mercury, the fire of knowledge comes forth and illuminates the mind. The Plan for humanity is patterned not through the energy of ARIES

Everything changed for you when the Sun entered Aries. Your energy lifted and became more available. You were no longer drowning in the waters of Pisces. You feel more impatient now, wanting to move forward, engage in new enterprises, make new impressions in the world. You might feel the need to assume leadership over everyone and everything. Careful. Be kind. Be a gracious and benevolent leader, and understand you move and think more quickly than others. Always have love.

LEO

You may feel a longing for things far from your usual life and ways of living. Other cultures, people, places and things are summoning you in subtle persistent ways. We have been hidden away for a year now. So, you’re restless for new realities, new journeys, a new adventure. You need new activities, conversations, goals, new subjects to study. An outer fire blends with your inner Leo fire. Everything you seek will appear. Careful with legal issues. Cultivate patience.

TAURUS

You tell everyone you’d rather remain at home and research and not go out and about for a long long time. You want to catch up on tasks not tended to the past many years. Needing to maintain reserves of energy to get through each day, you need privacy and long solitary walks. Many previously learned behaviors may arise. Observe them. Consider, are they useful? If not, eliminate them. You may dream more. Record all dreams. Over time they tell you a story.

VIRGO

You may be called to be more helpful and cooperative and it may be a challenge. But you can do this. Relationships will actually be the challenge, possible, due to confusion, activating a wound. It may be good to consult with someone concerning how to accommodate more easily and settle differences and how to allow everyone to be heard. Careful with impatience and ending things too quickly. Reconcile with those you have had differences. It’s always good to love more.

GEMINI

You need to recite mantrams and positive affiliations as well as sharing with groups of friends, seeking their cooperation in either working on a project with you or listening to you with care and intention so you can clarify your thinking. If leading a group, mentor them in cooperation, organize them as a team to achieve a particular goal. Ask each member their hopes, wishes, dreams and aspirations for the future. You’re achieving Aquarian goals, guiding people to ack with intelligence and benevolence. CANCER

You want to be recognized for your knowledge, abilities, and what you accomplish each day. It’s good to want this recognition for it stimulates your ability to share and provide information to others. Many are in need of real and true information. You always ask the question, “What is real and true?” When we ask, the answers are always given. For those seeking new work or a profession, after mid-May it’s easier to step forward into the world. It is waiting for you.

Mars (war, strife, separation), but through the energy of Mercury (knowledge, the Mind, harmony, unification). It thus furthers us to develop ourmental faculties, for they are the same pattern and prototype as the Mind of God, from which humanity issued forth. Upcoming astrological events: Easter, the Resurrection (Aries) festival is Sunday, April 4th. It’s a practical day with Capricorn moon. Sunday, April 11this the first spring new moon, 22 Aries. At new moon times we support and endeavors of the New Group of World Servers, extending kindness to all the kingdoms. Mercury leaves Aries (fire) and enters Taurus (earth) April 14th. We begin to seek comfort everywhere. Saturday, April 17this a very complex day. Every planet and star seems to be activated that day. Care and mindfulness is needed. Monday, April 19th, Sun enters Taurus and the Forces of Enlightenment sweep into the Earth, preparing us for the Taurus Festival, the Wesak Buddha Full moon festival, Monday, April 26th, the most important full moon for the year.

LIBRA

Life seems to be accelerating, moving faster each day. Sometimes those around you move too quickly and you feel left behind. Perhaps you’re working too hard and too long. Even though you may have abundant energy, tend to your health making this an important priority and a consistent daily practice. Careful with inflammation and infections, too. Begin to slow down on grains and sweets. Eat apples and drink celery juice in the morning. Be calm with co-workers.

SAGITTARIUS

There’s so much energy flowing through your body and mind you simply can’t seem to slow down and you think perhaps you have no selfdiscipline. Use and direct the unbounded energy for creative activities. You could also take up a sport and/or find children, or those who are childlike, to play with. Romantic things are good too and your love life may call forth a deeper level of passion. Make sure you get enough sleep. Don’t risk anything taking changes. Do play (innocently) more. Reveal yourself more, too. It has unsuspecting consequences. CAPRICORN

Much of your energy is focused at home or where your domestic self resides. You’re highly instinctual at this time and protective. It’s important that you feel secure because you are called to make important decisions concerning family and the home. When feeling unusually moody or frustrated tend to home repairs and re-arrange family activities. Step back if arguments begin. Old emotional issues may resurface. They’ve arrived for review. Soothe them with prayers. Then they disappear. AQUARIUS

So many ideas and plans on your mind that you feel a bit overwhelmed and scattered and so you try to share these ideas with others but so many errands and tasks come in between you and sharing with others that you feel frustrated and can move into arguments if you’re not careful. Realizing you could feel impatient and impulsive, be careful driving and when using machinery, scissors or knives (while cooking). Your inventive original mind slowly reveals your future. You adapt to all the changes around you with skill and humor.

SCORPIO

Intimacy is important for you at this time. There are many types of intimacy — from friendship to lovers, intimacy of the mind, the heart, and physical intimacy. Things held in common with another is an intimacy. Knowing your values is an intimate level concerning the self. Sometimes, intimacies end and new intimacies begins. Both affect you deeply. Be aware of your subtle and hidden feelings. Realize what you need. Ask for it. Intimates will respond with care. •••

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / April 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

PISCES

As the new spiritual and astrological year begin, it’s good to create a new journal of values (past, present and future) and aspirations). Draw in your journal too and paste in images. We can ascertain true values by deciding what we need. Tend to monetary issues — bank accounts, taxes, insurance, inheritances, precious metals, etc. With Venus in Aries, money, values and resources need close attention. Don’t impulse buy. It’s important also, to acknowledge your value and worth. What about yourself do you value?

Customers have let us know they are very happy with the WaterSmart Customer Portal, using words like, “Convenient,” “User-friendly,” “So cool!” and “Useful, timely information.” “WaterSmart” from page 25 She goes on to say, “We’re dedicated to water conservation, and the WaterSmart portal makes it much easier. I re-started my garden that hadn’t been used for a few years, and I can quickly get accurate information about its impact on water use. It even shows precipitation information, so I have the whole picture. I especially like that it’s a one-stop-shop for everything – water use detail and alerts, conservation education tools and rebates, and bill paying.” Other customers have let us know they are very happy with the WaterSmart Customer Portal, using words like, “Convenient,” “User-friendly,” “So cool!” and “Useful, timely information.” Are you signed up to access your WaterSmart Customer Portal? First, make sure we have your current email address on file, as that’s an important tool in the functionality. Call us at 831.475.8500, or email us at custserv@soquelcreekwater. org to update your information. Then, go online to SoquelCreekWD.watersmart. com. Make sure you have your water account number as it appears on your water bill or on your WaterSmart welcome letter. Follow the prompts to register, and that’s it! Our Advanced Metering Infrastructure ois funded through the District’s Water Demand Offset Program, which requires that new building developments offset their projected water demand by funding new conservation or supply projects within the District. Those fees have funded other water-saving programs like rebates on the installation of thousands of ultra-high efficiency toilets, urinals, showerheads, and aerators, and turf replacement rebates. Tracking your water use and your billing trends has never been easier, or more information-rich! We’re happy to be providing you with the latest technology to help you use water efficiently, support sustainability of the groundwater basin, have better control over your water use billing, and save money. 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.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Exploring Criminal Justice Reforms

he Criminal Justice Council of Santa Cruz County was created more than 30 years ago in an effort to provide increased coordination and cooperation between criminal justice partners — government, non-profit, educational and others — to reduce youth involvement in gangs. The Criminal Justice Council, or CJC, focuses discussions on prevention and intervention as well as reentry programs — rather than simply a suppression model. For example, a little over a year ago the CJC hosted a conference on the role of women and girls in gangs. The conference afforded criminal justice and community service providers and the com- m u n i t y at-large an opportunity to hear from experts on the role of women and girls in gangs as well as a panel of young women with lived experience in gangs. This is a rarelydiscussed facet of gang involvement and one that the CJC felt was important to highlight in order to improve how community-based outreach occurs to women/girls in gangs. As a result of the conference, agencies began looking into outreach efforts to this population and ways they could improve reaching women and girls who are in, or may join, gangs. Additionally, the CJC has worked with school districts, nonprofits and others on intervention and prevention programs to reduce youth involvement in gangs in general. From supporting educational efforts, nonprofit sporting leagues, conferences that provide viewpoints from those

The conference afforded criminal justice and community service providers and the community atlarge an opportunity to hear from experts on the role of women and girls in gangs as well as a panel of young women with lived experience in gangs.

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

with lived experience and more. The CJC does these events with volunteers and small contributions from the member agencies. Who Is On The CJC? wide variety of community public safety partners serve on the CJC. Local police chiefs, the county sheriff, the chief probation officer, district attorney, leadership of two local nonprofits, two local judges, the public defender, the county superintendent of schools, the president of Cabrillo College, two county supervisors, elected representatives from the local cities and more participate. It’s a diverse group that, having participation from local education and nonprofit social program providers, helps create discussions beyond just backend suppression activity toward front-end prevention opportunities. Focus This Year This year, the CJC decided to focus our efforts on law enforcement policies and procedures and working to standardize (where possible) some policies across the county. Many local agencies have begun to implement reforms — including policies around warrants and community contact. But often these policies aren’t known and if they don’t exist there isn’t necessarily a standard in understanding where the gaps are or how current policies can be improved. With these diverse perspectives at the table this year, CJC is hoping to create a model for criminal justice efforts such as communicating existing policies and creating greater criminal justice reforms — including policy and procedure updates. To Learn More he CJC meets quarterly and these meetings are open to the public. Over the last year (and into the foreseeable future) these meetings have been virtual. The next meeting of the CJC is on May 13 at 3 p.m. As an all-volunteer organization we are still working on a website with more information on the CJC and future/ upcoming meetings (the website is santacruzcjc.org) but you are always welcome to call my office and we can provide you with the link for attending. For the last few years I’ve served as chair of the CJC and would be happy to provide additional information. n •••

If you have any questions about the CJC, or any other matters in our district, please don’t hesitate to call me at 454-2200. I’m maintaining

regular updates on social media at www.facebook. com/supervisorfriend regarding COVID updates and other County-related matters.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CAPITOLA VILLAGE EASTER EGG SCAVENGER HUNT Check In: Weekdays 8:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m., Capitola Community Center, 4400 Jade St. Last Day to turn in Game Card: April 2 Kids 12 and under are invited to join an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt co-hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce March 19 to April 2 in Capitola Village. Twenty participating businesses including sponsor Capitola Candy Café have hidden an official “Easter Egg” (colorful, laminated 8.5x11 egg cutout) at their business. Hunters search for the hidden eggs, and get a stamp/signature on their game card — ask for it at participating businesses or print out at https://master. capitolachamber.com/events/details/capitola-villageeaster-egg-scavenger-hunt-2698 To keep the event COVID-safe, hidden eggs will be visible to hunters, without having to move or touch anything. At the end of your hunt, bring your stamped game card to Capitola Recreation at the Capitola Community Center (weekdays only) to exchange for candy-filled egg prizes. Maximum 15 per child / while supplies last.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by April 14 and will be from 9-11:50 a.m. Saturdays. If interested, you can enroll in: Entrepreneurship (BUS 700 40840), March 13- April 17, 2021, or Small Business Ownership (BUS 701 40841), April 24-May 22. For information, call Gavilan College Continuing Education at (408) 465-9520 or call El Pajaro Community Development Corporation at (831) 722-1224.

The online 10-week session begins the week of April 19, so register now to secure your spot and take advantage of the early bird discount which ends April 1. See: https://www.dantesantacruz.com/services Questions? Email: dantesantacruz1265@gmail.com ROADMAP TO RECOVERY VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS Nonprofit United Policyholders is hosting virtual workshops for wildfire survivors. The following workshops GARDENERS CLUB are scheduled: The Gardeners’ Club is looking for people who share Thursday March 25 • 5:30 p.m. their love of plants and want to know more about Q&A on Financial Decision-making and Tax Implicagardening. tions After a Wildfire. The website is at http://www.thegardenersclub.org/ and To register for any of these events see: www.uphelp.org/r2r there is a monthly newsletter. Dues are $15 per calendar year. For information call CAREER MONTH AT CABRILLO Cherry at 831-475-0991. Four free job fairs are available for current students at Cabrillo Make check to “The Gardeners’ Club” and mail to P.O. Box College in the month of April. The fairs take place from 3-5 3025, Ben Lomond, CA 95005. Meetings, when they are p.m. four Thurs. starting April 8. Registration is required. allowed, are at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of each month at April 8 — global & human studies the Aptos Grange, 2555 Mar Vista Drive, Aptos. April 15 — entrepreneur, business & creative April 22 — health & public safety SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS April 29 — science tech engineering math This new program from Community Bridges brings There are also four resume workshops on April 6, 12, 19 and enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, 27 and four career coaching classes on April 7, 16, 20 and 26. JOB BOARD ONLINE cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 and Students can register and employers can post jobs at https:// The Santa Cruz job market is picking up steam. Startups up in their homes at no cost. To participate, you need an www.cabrillo.edu/career-services/ to established enterprises have open positions across internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. countless work areas To participate, view the calendar at https://communitybridges.org/ CALL FOR ARTISTS: 15TH ANNUAL PVA SCULPTURE and industries. Software SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, click on the link in EXHIBITION engineers, recruiters and the calendar to be connected. If you have a problem connecting, Deadline to Apply is Monday May 3 more are all in high demand. As the local economy call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481. Curators Susana Arias and Hedwig Heerschop of Pajaro regains momentum, there are increasing opportunities Valley Arts & Jeff Rosendale of Sierra Azul Nursery and for new hires. RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES Gardens invite your participation in the 15th annual Joby Aviation has more than 100 open roles! March is Red Cross Month, and the Red Cross is Pajaro Valley Arts sculpture exhibition, taking place in ProductOps, Amazon, Blix, Santa Cruz Bikes, Zero thanking donors for stepping up to meet the constant the beautiful two-acre Sierra Azul Nursery demonstration Motorcycles and many more are looking for their next need for blood amid the pandemic. All who come to gardens, 2660 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. Submit top hires. give March 15-26 will receive a Red Cross T-shirt while online to Hedwig@pvarts.org. Every week Santa Cruz Works features a fresh catch supplies last. The show will be June 1 through Oct. 31 outdoors of new jobs in at https://www.santacruzworks.org/jobs All blood types are needed, especially Type O. Donors and pieces submitted must be weatherproof (to be where employers and job-hunters can post for free. must be 17 and weigh at least 110 pounds. insured), and of a scale suitable for outdoor display. Details: https://www.santacruzworks.org/news/companiesTo make an appointment, download the American Red Summer coastal weather includes sunshine, fog, wind hiring-in-santa-cruz-and-beyond Cross Blood Donor App, visit  RedCrossBlood.org, call and rain. 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Sculptures larger than 30” is encouraged. Pieces with OPEN STUDIOS APPLICATION DEADLINE Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. bold negative and positive elements and pieces 5 to 6 Friday, April 30, Midnight Dates: feet tall show best in the garden. Arts Council Santa Cruz County is making plans for April 4: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ There is a $30 participation fee for artists selected the 2021 Open Studios Art Tour following guidelines of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St., Santa Cruz. and sales are subject to a commission, 30% for PVA for health and safety. The dates are: South County Oct April 3: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Community Health Trust of members, 45% for non-members. 2-3, North County Oct Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St., Watsonville. Questions: 831-722-3062. 9-10, and all county Oct April 8: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Community Health Trust of 16-17. Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St., Watsonville. ONGOING EVENTS All Santa Cruz County visual artists over age 18 SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION First and Third Monday Each Month are invited to apply to be a part of this event where local Second Harvest Food Bank drive-through food SENIOR LIFE ONLINE artists invite the public to experience art at the source. distribution schedule: 4 p.m., Online Meeting The deadline to apply is midnight, April 30. Watsonville: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Join a local group of senior citizens for “Senior Life Open Studios & Events Director Ann Ostermann will host Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Online,” a free online (Zoom) program featuring a drop-in sessions via Zoom on March 23, April 3 and April 15 April 2 • April 16 • April 30 presentation by a local expert. Senior Life Online meets to assist artists in applying. For details, guidelines and FAQ, Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on the first and third Monday of each month at 4 p.m. see https://santacruzopenstudios.com/ Fridays, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. View the schedule at http://scottsvalleyseniorlife.org/ April 9 • April 23 current-activities/. BUSINESS CLASSES ONLINE Food hotline: 831-662-0991. Recent presentations included talks about preventative March and April care for dogs and cats, an update from the Scotts Valley Gavilan College and El Pajaro Community Development ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES Water District, goal setting, trusts and estate planning, Corp. are partnering to offer free online business classes Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with native in Spanish. The class is open to Santa Cruz County Italian-speaking instructors. Whether you are new to the COVID-19, genealogy, Scotts Valley history and Santa residents. Italian language, totally fluent, or everything in between, Cruz history. The classes are 10-week training sessions that include the classes the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz is To participate, you need an Internet connection and a business planning and 10 hours with a business advisor offering for spring-summer 2021 are for you. computer, tablet or smartphone. A one-time prereg28 / April 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

istration is required at https://tinyurl.com/SVSLA-5. Questions? Call George at (831) 334-7763. Senior Life Online is sponsored by Scotts Valley Senior Life Association (SVSLA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to promote healthy living for senior citizens. Information is at http://scottsvalleyseniorlife.org. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday NAMI RECOVERY SUPPORT 1-2:30 p.m., confidential Zoom meetings. National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Cruz County offers the “Connection Recovery Support Group,” a free, peer-led support group for any adult 18 or older who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition (no diagnosis required). You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others. Groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. It’s confidential and drop-in friendly. To attend, complete the registration form. You will immediately get an email with the Zoom link. You will need to do this only once, and will be able to use the same link for all groups in the future. Register at: https:// tinyurl.com/nami-zoom-register (Full URL: https:// zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMld-6trTgjEtOukidbv3qCQQTitZ92kXFf) If you are unable to register, do not have an email address, or have other questions, call the office at (831)824-0406 or email anastasia@namiscc.org. For a recording of the March 18 speaker or more information on support groups and classes, https://www.namiscc.org/ Third Thursday of the Month PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist, on the third Thursday of each month. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255. Fourth Thursday of the Month First Sunday Every Month MONTHLY OUTDOOR MARKETPLACE IN SANTA CRUZ! 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Old Wrigley Building Parking Lot, 2801 Mission Street, Santa Cruz 95060 The Westside Marketplace is an exciting, new monthly market where local art, handmade and vintage shopping meet delicious food! This collaboration between Food Trucks A Go Go and the SCM Makers Market presents a great mix of creators of all kinds! There is also live music at each event! The upcoming outdoor market is on Sunday, April 4 at the Old Wrigley Building parking lot. Rain dates are scheduled for the following Sundays. Come hungry to sample an amazing array of food from the food vendors and shop local with 40 artists, makers and vintage sellers at this new monthly event. The Market is free to attend and is 100% local — all vendors are based in Santa Cruz County! All local and state health guidelines will be followed. Please wear your mask, maintain social distance while you shop and stay home if you don’t feel well. Hand sanitizing stations will be available. For more information, go to the event page: https://www. facebook.com/events/170470481551895; Food Trucks A Go Go: https://www.foodtrucksagogo.com/; or SCM Makers Market https://scmmakersmarket.com/ for a list of all of the vendors.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR STAFF OF LIFE WATSONVILLE OPENS! 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Daily, East Cliff Village shopping center, 906 E. Lake Ave Staff of Life Natural Foods is ready to open its new Watsonville location. The store was formerly a Super Max Discount Foods. Visit https://www.staffoflifemarket.com for more information.

The training can certify you as a Basic Wildland Firefighter 2, with pre-completion of online coursework plus an “arduous pack-test” prior to attending the in-person field day if you are interested. Cost: $20 with scholarships available upon request. Space is limited. Full Details and Registration at: https://ucanr.edu/survey/ survey.cfm?surveynumber=33128. For questions email Jared Childress (childress.ember@gmail. com) or Devii Rao (drorao@ucanr.edu). n

Thursday April 1

Wednesday April 14

DATED EVENTS Tuesday March 30

EASTER COOKING DEMO 4 – 4:30 p.m., Chef Brandon Miller, Zoom Class Chef Brandon Miller will offer Easter cooking tips and tricks via Zoom. It’s free and open to everyone. One viewer will win Easter dessert from The Chef’s Stash in Carmel. Miller will show how to make a Bread Pudding with day-old pastries such as croissants, crumpets, and Danishes, a dessert using less sugar that he showcased at Mundaka. Then he’ll show how Brandon Miller to make a French Tart Dough recipe (no rolling the dough) made famous by chef David Lebovitz. The trick is putting butter and water in a bowl in the oven, heating it up and adding flour. He’ll share his secret for stocks and soups, a “contained bouquet garni,” in which he takes a leek, rolls out the outer leaf, then packs it full of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, parsley and bay leaf, then ties up the whole package and puts it in the stock. After the stock is infused with flavor from the herbs, just take the leek and toss it. To view, go to https://zoom.us/j/92172302792 with meeting ID: 921 7230 2792.

Tuesday April 6 FARMWORKER JUSTICE 6 p.m., Democratic Club of N. Santa Cruz County Online The Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County will meet via Zoom and hear Elizabeth Strater, director of strategic campaigns at United Farm Workers, discuss her work to protect the health and safety of farmworkers and to advocate for a safe and just food supply. She’ll discuss digital Elizabeth Strater campaigns and how people can support justice for farmworkers. Members of the public are invited. Visit www.svslvdemocrats.org for Zoom link. Social time is 6 p.m.; the meeting officially starts at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday April 6 WALLACE STEGNER LECTURES*: JOSÉ ANDRÉS 7 p.m., Online Lecture Chef, restaurateur and humanitarian José Andrés will appear in conversation with Bay Area food personality Jesse Ziff Cool to discuss his work as founder of World Central Kitchen, helping to feed those in need throughout the course of the pandemic. Andrés is a Michelin-starred, James Beard Award-winning Spanish-American chef, as well as the author of three cookbooks and the New York Times José Andrés best-selling We Fed an Island, which describes how Andrés and his team cooked for thousands of hungry people in Puerto Rico after the

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF LINKEDIN 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., Santa Cruz Works Online Social media coach Karen Kefauver will talk about how to make the most of the business network LinkedIn. Free if you give your contact information to the Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center. RSVP at www.santacruzworks.org

Tuesday April 20

WEAR A MASK POSTER DESIGN CONTEST DEADLINE Wednesday April 7 Over the past year, we have all learned to live with COVID-19. For most of us, this has meant wearing a mask as a method of protecting ourselves and others. We wear masks because we value our family members, doctors, nurses, essential workers and many others in our community. Pajaro Valley Arts invites you to design a poster that tells your story. All members of the community are invited to participate. There is no entry fee. Images of your poster will be placed in the pvarts.org online gallery. Two $50 gift certificates to Kelly’s Books in Watsonville will be awarded, one each in the youth and adult categories. The poster can be a drawing, painting, photograph or collage. Photograph your poster using a jpeg file format. Email entry form and jpeg of poster to Hedwig@pvarts.org by April 7. devastation of Hurricane Maria. Andrés advocates for sustainability in the restaurant industry. 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.

VEGAN COOKING DEMO 4-5 p.m., Zoom Class Join Café Carmel chef Sarah Cook for a virtual cooking demo spotlighting a vegan dish 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, April 20. The demo is free and open to everyone. To join Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/92835341968 ?pwd=RXdpcG9PcUJIRnVUa2psZjFLMlFjUT09 Meeting ID: 928 3534 1968 Passcode: 495514

Saturday April 24 DUCKY DERBY 2 p.m., Online Fundraiser This fundraiser for Omega Nu’s scholarship program will be a virtual event at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 24. Info: http://www.duckyderbysantacruz.org/#duckyderby

Thursday May 6

becomes delinquent after 5 p.m. with penalties if not received by the Santa Cruz County Tax Collector by that date and time. REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT Drop boxes for checks are available at the county Governmental 9:30 a.m. to Noon, Online Event The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s 7th Annual Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz. Regional Economic Summit will take place online. Sunday April 11 This virtual event will explore how our region is doing economically and opportunities to reimagine our region PRESCRIBED BURN WORKSHOPS while taking advantage of relief and stimulus funds, plus 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Davenport • Registration due by April 4. new ways to help workers upskill and reskill. Learn the fundamentals of prescribed firelighting and Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to the Gov. Newsome wildland firefighting during this hands-on field training Wednesday April 7 and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and in Davenport. NEW TECH MEETUP Economic Development (GO-Biz), will share what the Training will cover fireline construction, communica7-8:30 p.m. Santa Cruz tions, prescribed fire ignitions, operation of a firefighting state is doing to keep companies in California, insights into the current legislative session, implications for our Works Online pump, installation of a hose-lay and more. region, and how the budget surplus is being used to There is no better place to see what is going on in SC You will be prepared to participate in local Tech than at the Santa Cruz Works New Tech Meetup. cooperative burns hosted by the new Central Coast provide relief to businesses affected by the pandemic. Santa Cruz Works produces as many as 5 events every Prescribed Burn Association (calpba.org). If you do Register at https://tinyurl.com/MBE-dee-deemyers (full URL: https://mbep.biz/events/ month — including the Santa Cruz New Tech “meetup” — to not have wildfire or prescribed fire experience, the learn about new tools and practices or to ignite your entrepre- one-day workshop will be a prerequisite for partici- save-the-date-7th-annual-regional-economic-summit/?mc_ cid=629c9a71e4&mc_eid=66244ddae7) n neurial flame and clinics where you can learn new skills. pation in future CCPBA burns so don’t miss out. Visit www.santacruzworks.org for more details.

Friday April 9 TAKE AWAYS — ART TO GO Appointment Only, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville “Take Aways — Art to Go” is the latest exhibit at Pajaro Valley Arts Center. As soon as capacity and protocols are known, people will be invited to make appointments to see the show.

Saturday April 10 PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE 5 p.m. The second installment of your tax bill is due Feb. 1 and

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Kindergarten registration for the 2021-22 school year is under way at the Soquel Union Elementary School District. Your child must turn 5 on or before Sept. 1, 2021, to be eligible for kindergarten. Registration information and procedures may be obtained from your neighborhood school. If you have a child born from Sept. 2, 2016 to Dec. 2, 2016, that child is eligible for the Transitional Kindergarten program at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School, where registration takes place. If you have questions about transitional kindergarten, call Linda Jacobs at 831-464-5639 or visit suesd.org/enrollment.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 29

FEATURED COLUMNIST

For Homeless, Temporary Housing Communities with Oversight By Manu Koenig, Supervisor, First District

y office has been busy the past month working on initiatives to address affordable housing and homelessness, conducting community outreach on the Live Oak Parking Program, and bringing awareness to METRO upgrades and COVID-19 related developments. Here are some highlights: Housing and Homelessness Initiatives t the March 9 Board of Supervisors meeting we voted on several housing and homelessness initiatives. In partnership with Supervisor Ryan Coonerty, I brought forward a proposal to allow the creation of temporary housing communities operated by nonprofits, religious organizations, and neighborhood groups. This proposal is based off of ordinances recently passed by Sacramento and other jurisdictions, as well as the success of programs like Community First! Village in Austin, Texas. This is one critical piece of the strategy to address homelessness in our community. At the same meeting we also adopted a Strategic Framework for Addressing Homelessness. I also worked with Supervisor Bruce McPherson to propose an initiative that will help CZU fire victims, as well as

the general community, build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) much faster. We have asked the Planning Department to create a set of pre-approved ADU plans that will be available on the County’s website for the public to download free of charge. Anyone who choses to use these plans will be able to get a building permit same day. Progress continues on the Tiny Homes initiative the Board approved on Jan. 26. We have asked the Planning Department to incorporate tiny homes, including movable tiny homes, as legal ADUs and primary residences. The community provided positive feedback at the 90-minute community meeting March 16, which you can view at https://tinyurl.com/ sccmeet-tiny-homes (Full URL: http://sccoplanning.com/Portals/2/ County/adu/ADU_Tiny%20 Homes%20Community%20Meeting_0316-21.mp4) Santa Cruz METRO Update Many improvements are coming to the METRO bus system! 1. FREE and Reduced Fares: A 6 month, 50% fare reduction for all adults and kids and free fares for discount eligible customers began March 22. It is slated to end Sept. 15.Live Oak

2. FREE Rides to Your COVID-19 Vaccination (just show your vaccine reservation information). 3. All Electric, Zero Emissions Buses: The first of 4 electric buses has arrived! Three more will arrive soon. 4. OnDemand Service: Beginning in March, riders can use an app to book a ride ($4 for a one-way ride) on a ParaCruz van. More information is at https://www. scmtd.com/en/ 5. Splash Pass: Use your phone to buy a METRO pass anytime, anywhere using the Splash Pass. Give Input on Beach Parking n April 13, Public Works staff will present their 2021 season proposal to the Board of Supervisors for parking in the Pleasure Point and Harbor area (the Live Oak Parking Program). Please share your feedback on the program with me by April 12 using this survey: www.surveymonkey. com/r/liveoakparking

O ADU / Tiny Home Examples

30 / April 2021 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COVID Update ur county continues to do very well with vaccination and case rates. We anticipate having enough vaccine in the near future to have vaccinated 60% of the county by the end of May. We are currently on track to enter the orange tier on May 31. People who are 65+ remain at the highest risk; information on where to get vaccinated is at http://www.santacruzhealth. org/. COVID Rental Assistance bout $16 million in rental assistance is now available to Santa Cruz County residents. Low-income renters and landlords impacted by the pandemic are eligible, and funds can be used to help with rent, utilities, and related housing costs. Apply at www.housing.ca.gov/ or by calling 1-833-430-2122. n ••• As always, I welcome your feedback. You can reach me and my analysts at: first.district@ santacruzcounty.us.

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SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Which Vegetables Benefit From Phasing?

C H

High Energy, Lotsa Love

crossword on 25 »

iya, hiya, hiya!! I’m Flipper (A279631), but I call myself FLIPS! Why? Because watch this! *does jump-spin.* Cowabunga dude! Or, um, whatever the people here say. Give me a break, I’m from Modesto! Anyways…HIYA! I’m Flipper, aka FLIPS, and I’m buzzing with excitement for a new home! Shelter staff says I’m a 9 month old, 47lbs, Keeshond mix that is compact and full of energy! Sounds like what they meant to say is, “When you ADIPT the FLIP, it’s time to ZIP”…wait…I don’t know if that… PLAYTIME! That’s what I’m about! Play by myself? I’m my favorite entertainment! Play with other dogs? It’s a tumblin’ fun time! Play with all the humans? Let there be toys! When it’s play time, it’s Flip time; and ain’t no Flip time like a quick zip Flip time! In other words, I’m looking for a fun, fun, fun new family that can keep up with me physically and mentally! Sure I’m young. I may pull a bit on leash, chase all the squirrels, and get super excited … but for the warmth of a new home I’m willing to learn! Just give me patience and love, and I’ll give you lots of fun!! So come meet me for play time! You can email Jill at jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us to set up an appointment. 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

ool season (or winter) vegetables are now finishing their season. Some continue to produce later than others. Eventually though, they all succumb to warming spring weather. As they do so, they relinquish their space to warm season (or summer) vegetables. Many warm season vegetables want to start growing as soon as possible. Later phases must wait for space to become available. Later phases are no problem. They actually prolong the season for plants that are productive for only a brief season. For example, if sown at the same time, corn seed germinates and grows into stalks that produce all their corn at the same time. If sown in small groups every two weeks or so, corn seed grows into groups of stalks that produce corn every two weeks or so. That is phasing. Phasing is more common with the cool season vegetable plants. Most of them are true vegetables, rather than fruits that are classified as vegetables. Individual plants produce only once, and can not produce again after harvest. Conversely, most warm season vegetables are actually fruits. (They contain seed.) Many of the plants that produce them continue to produce after harvest begins. For example, squash, pole bean and indeterminate tomato plants that start growing in spring can continue to produce until frost. (Determinate tomatoes and bush beans have shorter seasons, so can benefit from phasing.) Cucumber vines can produce until frost, but might get shabby enough (from aridity) for replacement halfway through their season. Pepper and eggplant thrive in warmth.

Bell peppers wait for warmer weather.

The various greens and the various root vegetables, which are truly vegetative rather than fruiting vegetables, should grow in phases. Seed for corn, bean, root vegetables and most greens should go directly into the garden. Seedlings do not transplant well, and are expensive in sufficient quantity. Romaine and head lettuces are exceptions that produce well from seedlings. Tomato, pepper, eggplant, cucumber and squash seedlings transplant easily. If only a few are required, they are not much more expensive than seed. ••• Lettuce n the coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco, lettuce, Lactuca sativa, seems to grow throughout the year. None of it actually grows in every season. Some varieties merely produce late enough for varieties that produce earliest to replace them. Slightly farther inland, lettuce is really only a cool season vegetable of early spring and autumn. The last new plants should finish by May. There are many varieties of lettuce. Some are more Lettuce grows through cool tolerant of warmth spring weather. than others. They perform well both late in their early season, and early in their late season. Others are more tolerant of cool weather. They can start early in their early season, and continue late in their late season. No variety produces through the coldest part of winter. Warmth initiates bolting (bloom), which ruins flavor. The three types of lettuce that are most popular here are leaf, head and romaine. Leaf lettuce is the most variable. It can be blotched, bronzed or reddish, with variably ruffly texture. Some types of leaf lettuce mature in about a month. Some of the more substantial varieties of head and romaine lettuce start early, and can take nearly four months to mature. They can get to a foot wide and tall. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / April 2021 / 31

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Capitola Soquel Times: April 2021

Articles inside

Manu Koenig, Supervisor, First District Which Vegetables Benefit From Phasing?, By Tony Tomeo

mation!, By Rebecca Gold Rubin Exploring Criminal Justice Reforms, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second

District For Homeless, Temporary Housing Communities with Oversight, By

Can I Get Refunded for My Wedding Rental?, By Christopher Elliott

People Love WaterSmart: Convenient, User-Friendly, Great Infor

Locally Owned Santa Cruz County Bank • Singleton Leaves Business Council Amazon Pays $2 Million to Settle False Advertising Allegations • Reflections of 2020: People’s Choice Winners in Capitola Art Contest

Taking Place April 13 • Electrification Education Grants • Jobs in Santa Cruz County Q&A With New President/CEO Krista Snelling: First Woman to Lead

Step Into Zen, By Tony Del Zompo

Struck and Killed on Freedom Boulevard Don Meyers: He Cared About Soquel Schools, By Scott J. Turnbull

Boardwalk Is Hiring

Community News

Support Electric Rail, By Jondi Gumz Kaiser Opens Vaccine Center • Capitola Coast Lions Club Supports

Cruz County Honors Community’s COVID-Year Support CineLux Movies Are Back, By Jondi Gumz

Common Roots Farm, By Krista Brassfield When Will County Enter Orange Tier?, By Jondi Gumz

Letters to the Editor