COVID-19 Affects Judge Race, By Jondi Gumz

Your August Horoscope

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

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

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

You’re likely feeling rebellious and maybe a little bit strange as the month begins. You might find yourself on a team with other power players, but you’ll still want to express your individuality. Working together is key, but finding the right dynamics won’t be easy. Mid-month is a perfect time to get started on a creative project. Expressing your artistic skills now brings a high chance to be noticed positively. People will be impressed by your willingness to put yourself out there! It is time to buckle down and get organized as August comes to a close. Whether at the home, the office, or just offering to help others, the feeling of accomplishment is what you seek.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

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

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

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

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

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

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

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

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

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

Aries (March 21-April 20)

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

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

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

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

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

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

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

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

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

COMMUNITY NEWS COVID-19 Affects Judge Race

By Jondi Gumz

On July 1, Annrae Angel, a criminal defense attorney who was the first to announce her bid for Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge and finished second in the March primary, told her supporters on Facebook, “After much reflection, I have decided to discontinue my campaign.” She had earned Annrae Angel the support of the third place finisher, defense attorney Jack Gordon, and was poised to compete with County Counsel Nancy de la Pena, who finished first in the primary, in the Nov. 3 general election.

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

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

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

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

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

“Angel” page 19