Scotts Valley Times: December 2020

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

December 2020 • Vol 23 No. 12

py ys! ap ida H ol H

Family Owned For Over 29 Years • Scotts Valley, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek & Felton

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Canepa Donates $40,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank

Canepa, a Santa Cruz County collector car and restoration company, will be making a continued special donation to Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County due to food shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Full Story page 4

COVID Toll: 33 Deaths Full Story page 7

SVPD Capt.

John Wilson Retires After 28 Years

Scotts Valley Mayor Says Thanks Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson, second from right, and Police Chief Stephen Walpole, present the mayor ’s commendation to ReGeneration Church for opening up the church to house evacuees from the

CZU Lightning Fire in August. Accepting the commendation are, from left, youth pastor Reeve Lively, Denise Wills, office administrator, and Pastor Matt Valencia.

Capt. John Wilson has served 28 years with the Scotts Valley Police Department, and now he’s retiring on Dec. 4. Ordinarily, this would mean farewell gatherings with friends and co-workers but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that won’t happen.

Full Story page 5

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No. 12

Volume 23

16

17

19

Table of Contents

9

Cover

Scotts Valley Mayor Says Thanks

Community News

4

Canepa Donates $40,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank

5 6

Capt. Wilson Retires After 28 Years

Local Landlords, Can You Help? • Deadline to Ask for FEMA Aid is Dec. 11 • Remembering Veterans

7 9

COVID Toll: 33 Deaths, By Jondi Gumz

Aptos Adopt-A-Family: Providing for Families in Times of Hardship

10 SLV/Scotts Valley Food Programs in December

15 Shop & Dine in Beautiful Scotts Valley Directory • Letter From Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson

16 CZU Fire Shelter Extension Granted by FEMA 17 SLV Water Replaces Pipeline, Tanks

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • Pages 11-14

11 Family Passport Day National Shop Small Saturday 12 Three Precious Shops All in a Row

13 The Tutoring Club in Scotts Valley Helps Make Distance Learning Work 14 CineLux Theatres Pivots Operations As State Moves To Purple Tier • VCUM Hosting a Virtual Holiday Gala FUNdraiser

Business Profile

16 Edward Jones Advisors: 2021 Financial Strategies, By Edita McQuary 19 William Greene Fine Jewelry Design: Let It Glow, By Rosie Alexander

Monthly Horoscope • Page 18 – Advent, Liturgy, Light in the

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 20, 21

Featured Columnists

Darkness, Festivals of Light, By Risa D’Angeles

21 Know Someone in Crisis?: Help is a Phone Call Away, By Nancy Fash 22 Be Alert for COVID and Rain-Triggered Debris Flow, By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Ava!

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COVER STORY

Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers Camisa Composti, Jondi Gumz, Edita McQuary, Rosie Alexander, Risa D’Angeles, Nancy Fash, Bruce McPherson 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.

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Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission 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

Canepa Donates $40,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank C this donation for the foreseeable anepa, a Santa Cruz future.

County collector car and This represents 160,000 meals restoration company, will that Second Harvest Food Bank be making a continued special Santa Cruz County is able to donation to Second Harvest distribute to those who are less Food Bank Santa Cruz County fortunate. due to food shortages during the During these unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. times, Canepa has confirmed that Canepa has pledged a Bruce Canepa it is more important than ever to donation for every collector car that is sold during the pandemic, ensure that individuals in need are supbeginning in April 2020. To date, Canepa plied with essentials such as food. The has donated $40,000 and will be continuing Covid-19 pandemic has caused many local businesses to shutter their doors, families stretching finances thinly due to job losses, and those who were already in need of support are more reliant than ever.

S e c o n d Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County normally provides food to 55,000 people per month through their extensive relationships with farmers, retailers, food bank networks, and volunteers.

The Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the demand for the food bank’s resources with 1 in 4 children and 1 in 5 adults facing hunger in Santa Cruz County.

Second Harvest Food

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 4 / December 2020 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Bank Santa Cruz County relies heavily on donations through numerous channels, maximizing each dollar spent to help distribute food to those who are less fortunate. 4 meals can be provided for each $1 that is spent.

Canepa (www.canepa.com) was established by Bruce Canepa, a Santa Cruz native his entire life. Involved in the car industry starting at a young age because of his father, Angelo Canepa, this led Bruce to found his automotive businesses in Santa Cruz in the early 1980s. In 2006 Canepa outgrew its Water Street facilities and moved its headquarters to Scotts Valley, California where it currently resides.

Its state-of-the-art facility allows all aspects of specialized automotiverelated services to be done in house, including collector car and vintage race car sales, complete restorations, automotive servicing, design and engineering, as well as vintage racing track support.

Canepa has won a number of awards honoring cars entered into various automotive events, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Laguna Seca Raceway’s historic races. Over the course of 40 years, Canepa has established itself as an integral part of California car culture. n ••• To learn more about Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County and how to donate, visit https://www.thefoodbank.org/.

Bruce Canepa gives Second Harvest Food Bank Chief Ex. Officer Willy Elliott-McCrea and Board Vice Chair Laurie Negro a tour of the Canepa workshop.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Capt. Wilson Retires After 28 Years Editor’s Note: He’s spent his entire career with the Scotts Valley Police Department, and now he’s retiring on Dec. 4. Ordinarily this would mean farewell gatherings with friends and co-workers but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that won’t happen. So the Scotts Valley Times asked Police Chief Stephen Walpole and Wilson’s co-workers to talk about his contributions to the community.

••• ohn Wilson is a 28-year veteran of the Scotts Valley Police Department, having served the last two years at the rank of captain.

He was hired by the Scotts Valley Police Department as a patrol officer in 1992. He worked his way through the ranks, serving as a field training officer, juvenile detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and was appointed captain on April 20, 2019.

He was the department’s second instructor in the Drug John Wilson Abuse Resistance Education program, teaching for four years. He started the Middle School DARE program and led the Police Activities League during his tenure as juvenile detective. He received the Outstanding Juvenile Officer award from the Criminal Justice Council for his efforts.

Captain Wilson was intensely involved

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Sgt. Meredith Roberts presents John Wilson with his retirement gift. in all aspects of the training program at the Scotts Valley Police Department. As a fourth-degree black belt, he instructed his co-workers in defensive tactics, firearms, Taser, chemical agents, impact weapons, and diversionary devices.

He was also an “Active Shooter Response” instructor for both law enforcement and civilians. He used his knowledge of active shootings to conduct numerous site inspections for threat assessments.

Captain Wilson also taught the next generation of law enforcement officers as an adjunct instructor for Cabrillo College’s Criminal Justice program for the past twenty years, and at the South Bay Public Safety Regional Training Police Academy for over ten years.

“Captain John Wilson” page 10

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Local Landlords, Can You Help?

M ore than 100 households still need permanent housing following the CZU Lightning Complex fires, and the County of Santa Cruz invites property owners and managers to help.

Many have received FEMA rental assistance, which can pay up to 150 percent of fair market rents and can be provided for up to 18 months after the fire.

Some households are move-in ready, and include singles, couples, and families with children. Many are long-term residents of Santa Cruz County who wish to remain in the area, and units close to their original neighborhoods would be welcomed. However, FEMA assistance can be used up to 50 miles from Santa Cruz County.

The County offers landlords interested in renting to these families verification that the tenant was displaced by the CZU

Lightning Complex and information about FEMA rental assistance and/or other rental assistance programs. Households will also have access to continuing case management and other support services.

If you are a landlord with vacancies who is willing to accept fire survivors with or without access to FEMA and other survivor assistance programs, the County is asking for your support by being flexible on pets, credit scores and other screening criteria. n ••• If you are interested in helping, fill out a brief survey at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/HFCT6TL.

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Deadline to Ask for FEMA Aid is Dec. 11 t’s not too late for people impacted by the August CZU Lightning Complex fires to register for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA has extended the deadline to Dec. 11.

Applicants may register in any of three ways: • Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.

• Download the FEMA mobile app for smartphones.

• Call 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For the latest on wildfire recovery, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4558 and follow FEMA Region 9 at https://twitter.com/ femaregion9.

••• Remembering Veterans hroughout the pandemic, the Santa Cruz Elks have provided support to local veterans, delivering more than a dozen “Welcome Home” kits since March.

Founded on Feb. 16, 1868, the Elks are a charitable organization dedicated to helping veterans, giving scholarships, and bettering our communities.

The Elks organization, which created

I

the first veterans’ hospital and gave it to the U.S. government, is the largest private provider of college scholarships in the United States.

The Santa Cruz Elks Lodge was established 1903 and is located at 150 Jewell St., Santa Cruz. To learn more about the lodge and membership, visit www.santacruzelks.org. n

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Elk member Jeanette Pagliaro making a delivery to Mario, a local veteran.

COMMUNITY NEWS

COVID Toll: 33 Deaths E

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

By Jondi Gumz

ight months into the COVID-19 pandemic, with winter drawing nigh, Santa Cruz County has 1,134 active cases, with the first outbreak at the jail, 33 deaths including four in Capitola, no end in sight, but some state help on the horizon.

On Nov. 30, Gov. Newsom announced a $500 million relief program to provide grants of up to $25,000 to small businesses and nonprofits distributed through community development financial institutions, such as Bay Federal Credit Union in Capitola, Santa Cruz Community Credit Union and California Farm Link in Santa Cruz, Cal Coastal Rural Development in Salinas, and Opportunity Fund in San Jose. Rules will be set by California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Applications will be accepted until Jan. 15 for the $100 million Main Street hiring tax credit, $1,000 for each employee rehired.

Details about the SB1447 program are at https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/ SB1447-tax-credit.htm.

In the past month, most of the Santa Cruz County COVID fatalities were at nursing homes, but one death was not: A Latino man in his 80s with an underlying condition living in South County, which has 61 percent of the cases. Scotts Valley has 123 cases.

On Nov. 30, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office reported nine correctional officers tested positive for COVID-19 and are off work. Another six officers are quarantined, based on contact with infected coworkers, but no jail inmates have shown symptoms or tested positive, according to the Sheriff’s Office, which planned to test all correctional staff and inmates.

Contact tracers from the county Health Services Agency are trying to determine the source of the outbreak. The initial tests were spurred by jail officers showing symptoms at work, according to the Sheriff’s Office, which put screening protocols in place in March to prevent an outbreak.

The state reports more than 19,000 people have died because of COVID-19. Active cases are increasing dramatically, prompting health officials on Nov. 16 to put Santa Cruz County and much of California into the “Purple Tier,” which has the most restrictions on business operations, forcing restaurants, theaters, gyms, worship places to offer services outdoors only, and to adopt new rules for employers for the next six months, requiring them to fix workplace situations allowing the virus to spread, pay for testing when workers are exposed, provide masks and make sure workers wear them.

At Pacific Coast Manor in Capitola, four residents died of COVID-19. This is the third nursing home in the county with COVID deaths despite health officials banning visitors and requiring surveillance testing of staff to prevent the virus from getting in.

Owned by Covenant Care, the 99-bed Pacific Coast Manor reported the four deaths on Dec. 2, noting 61 residents and 37 employees tested positive for the virus.

In Santa Cruz, two elderly residents died of COVID-19, one at Santa Cruz Post Acute, a 149-bed nursing home owned by Kindred, and the other at Maple House II, a 40-bed residential care facility for the elderly under local ownership.

A woman in her mid80s with underlying conditions died Nov. 10 at Santa Cruz Post Acute. The outbreak began Nov. 7. At least 29 residents there and 15 staff tested positive.

A Caucasian woman in her mid90s with a significant condition died Nov. 14 at Maple House II, county Public Health spokeswoman Corinne Hyland said. That outbreak began Oct. 31 and spread to 10 staff and 14 residents.

The state fined Santa Cruz Post Acute $1,000 for failure to submit COVID-19 data on three occasions: June 6, Aug. 3 and Oct. 9.

“This failure resulted in incomplete data reported to the Department necessary to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak,” the state citation reads. “These failures had the potential to compromise the residents’ medical health and safety.”

Wrongful Death Lawsuit On Nov. 10, the family of Donald Wickham sued Watsonville Post Acute, where he died Oct. 20 after contracting COVID-19, alleging elder abuse and neglect and wrongful death and seeking an unspecified amount of damages.

Wickham, 94, was one of 16 residents who died of COVID at Watsonville Post Acute; 50 of 74 residents and 21 staff became infected.

The lawsuit filed by Santa Cruz attorney David Spini of Scruggs, Spini & Fulton on behalf of Wickham’s son John, alleges the owners understaffed the nursing home to improve profits, brought in licensed vocational nurses and certified nursing assistants from other locations, increasing the potential for introducing the virus, and provided inadequate training to prevent infectious diseases, allowing 70 percent of the residents to contract the virus.

Spini noted infection control procedures at Watsonville Post Acute were found lacking six times by the state Department of Public Health, with an Oct. 6 report pointing out a housekeeper was not screened for symptoms of COVID before starting work.

In 2016, the state fined Watsonville Post Acute, which is owned by CF Watsonville West, a limited liability company in Los Angeles, $10,000 after a resident diagnosed with dementia left the premises and was found outside lying on a sidewalk with a fractured jaw.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2020 / 7

“33 Deaths” from page 7 The state report noted the resident wore a WanderGuard but the director of nursing acknowledged there was no routine monitoring of this resident’s whereabouts.

As of Dec. 2, Santa Cruz County had 4,696 COVID cases, 42 hospitalized, 3,529 recovered, and 75,865 negative test results – with case counts escalating after Halloween gatherings.

Allowing for two-week incubation, with 118 people reporting their symptoms began Nov. 16, that points at Halloween.

The case rate is 11 new cases per day per 100,000 population; before Halloween, the case rate was below 4 per day. To get back in the Orange Tier, with fewer restrictions on business, the case rate would have to fall below 7 new cases per day.

Recently, cases have been increasing faster in Santa Cruz and among whites.

Initially, cases were predominantly in Watsonville and the Latinx community, but now Hispanics account for 59 percent of the cases, down from 67 percent, with whites accounting for 18 percent.

New Employer Rules On Nov. 19, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board adopted an emergency regulation aimed at protecting workers across California from exposure to COVID-19. The regulation, which will be put into effect by the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health, requires all employers to: • Assess workplace hazards and create a written

COVID-19 prevention program, allowing for employee participation; • Correct COVID-19-related hazards in the workplace; • Identify and notify all workers exposed to COVID-19-positive individuals; • Provide testing free to employees in the event of COVID-19-positive cases in the workplace; • Train employees on COVID-19 prevention; • Mandate and enforce the wearing of face coverings in the workplace; • Provide personal protective equipment free where needed; and • Adopt safety measures in housing and transportation provided by the employer.

The regulation was in response to a May 20 letter from the Worksafe of Oakland and the National Lawyers Guild Labor & Employment Committee. They sought protection for “essential” workers, those working but not deemed essential, those working to support their families, those working because they feared they would lose their job and those who would return to work fearfully as the economy opened up.

Board staff noted the disproportionate impact on Latino communities but suggested a focus on businesses in Los Angeles County, where 40% of the cases and half of the deaths have occurred, or an emphasis on industries with a disproportionately high number of cases.

However, Cal/OSHA agreed with the petitioners that an emergency regulation is warranted. The regulation is similar to what the petitioners proposed, with additional requirements to provide masks and distancing for

workers in employer-provided housing plus distancing, masks and ventilation in employerprovided transportation to work, including shuttles, ride-share vans and carpools.

Holiday Guidance “The sharp rise in COVID-19 cases is very concerning,” said Jen Herrera, Santa Cruz County’s chief of public health. “It is critical that everyone follow social distancing guidelines and not gather in groups as we head into the holidays.”

On Friday, Nov. 13, the California Department of Public Health released Guidance for the Prevention of COVID-19 Transmission for Gatherings – ahead of Thanksgiving on Nov. 26 and Christmas Dec. 25.

A 10 p.m. statewide curfew was ordered on Nov. 21.

The safest way to gather is to spend time with people in the same household, gather virtually, or gather outdoors, according to Santa Cruz County health officials.

Anyone experiencing COVID symptoms, even mild, should be tested, health officials said, adding that if you receive a negative test, you should finish quarantining – typically 14 days after your last close contact with a person who has COVID-19.

Testing locations can be found at www. santacruzhealth.org/testing. Contact your medical provider if you have questions about quarantine or isolation.

Scotts Valley has one testing site at Kaiser Permanente. The county has obtained more testing capacity at Ramsay Park, 1301 Main

St. in Watsonville, which is open 7 days a week, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Testing is free. To make an appointment, go to https://lhi.care/covidtesting. Also, San Francisco-based Senneca Diagnostics has a community testing site at Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos, which can test up to 300 people per day. It is is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. To make an appointment, go to www.sennecadx.com/community. Sutter Health/PAMF offers testing at its Urgent Care location in Santa Cruz. n For state information, visit https://covid19. ca.gov/safer-economy/.

For local COVID-19 information, see www. santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. Residents can call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

••• COVID Cases as of Dec 2 Aptos......................................... 186 Ben Lomond............................... 35 Boulder Creek............................ 39 Capitola.................................... 129 Felton.......................................... 41 Freedom.................................... 272 Santa Cruz............................. 1,042 Scotts Valley............................. 123 Soquel....................................... 108 Watsonville............................ 2,580 Unincorporated......................... 43 Under investigation.................. 98 Total........................................ 4,696 Source: santacruzhealth.org

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Aptos Adopt-A-Family

Providing for Families in Times of Hardship

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ver the last 28 years Aptos-AdoptA-Family has helping community members with medical catastrophes along with community members who need a little help for the holidays.

There are hundreds of stories and thousands of gifts.

It all started with a local businessman in Aptos who was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. As the cancer progressed, he was unable to work or support his family as the holidays approached.

Our community put on a spaghetti feed event and the money collected went to help his family. Patrice Edwards, of Times Publishing Group, Inc., and a friend, worked tirelessly to collect toys, food, clothes, rent money, and more to carry his family through the coming months.

Over the years there have been gifts of wheelchairs, a handicap accessible van, lifts, food, clothes, toys, bikes, rent — gifts that have helped many a family enjoy their holiday with less stress.

This year has been more challenging than others. There are community members who have lost a job, or possibly their home in the fires. Please reach out to your neighbors and friends and find out who might need some help this season.

Sometimes people are afraid to ask but will talk to a friend or family member who can refer them to us.

All referrals are confidential.

We connect people who want to adopt, and they provide the family with gifts. They receive a list of the family’s wants and needs, they do the shopping, and then deliver them to our office and we

pass them along to the adopted family. We focus primarily on families that are having financial challenges due to a medical catastrophe within their family as well as families who have had a financial crisis.

Our supporters have been tireless in their quest to make sure their adoptive family gets what they need, plus more!

Call us at 831-688-7549 or email cathe@cyber-times.com if you would like to adopt a family or refer a family in need (all is confidential).

If you cannot adopt but would like to support us please send your donation (of any amount) to Aptos Adopt-A-Family c/o Times Publishing Group, Inc., 9601 Soquel Drive, Ste A Aptos, CA 95003. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2020 / 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

SLV/Scotts Valley Food Programs in December

Tuesday through Thursday (USDA 4th Mondays). Valley Churches United. TuesThurs 9-11:45. 1st and 3rd Fridays 9-11 are for seniors only. 10:45-12:45. USDA Distribution Dec. 21, 10:45-12:45. For SLV, Scotts Valley, and Bonny Doon residents. Ben Lomond, corner of Highway 9 across from Ben Lomond Market, 336-8258. Closed Dec. 22 – Jan. 4.

Tuesdays, noon. Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9, across from RiteAid, 335-6900. To-go lunch.

Tuesdays, Dec. 22 and 29, 5-6:30. St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-4360. Food Distribution (replacing Dec. 24 and 31).

Wednesdays, 12-2, San Agustin Catholic

Church, 257 Glenwood Drive, Scotts Valley (next to the fire station), 438-3633. Food distribution. DEC. 23 distribution moved to Tuesday Dec 22 noon-2.

Wednesdays, 5-6, Operation Feed the People, Boulder Creek Community Church, 13090 Highway 9. 415-680-4281. Frozen to-go meals, groceries, essential living supplies.

Thursdays, 11-1. St. John’s Catholic Church, down from Rite-Aid, Highway 9 and Russell, Felton. 335-4657. To-go lunch. Open Dec. 24 & 31.

Thursdays, 10:30-12. Mountain Community Resources (a Community Bridges program), 6134 Highway 9, across from Rite Aid, Felton. 335-6600. Food distribution.

Closed Dec. 24, open Dec. 31

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Thursdays, 5:00-6:30, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley. 438-4360. Food distribution. Holiday Schedule: Tuesday, Dec. 22, 5-6:30 instead of Dec. 24, and Tuesday Dec. 29, 5-6:30 instead of Dec. 31.

Fridays, 5-5:30, GateWay Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. 438-0646. “Fridays at Five.” Food distribution. Call for holiday schedule.

Sundays, December 6 & 20, 2-4, SS Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, 9980 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, north of town, 336-2228. To-go lunch and groceries.

Meals on Wheels (a Community Bridges program). $2.50 requested donation per meal.

For age 60+ (limited exceptions). 464-3180.

Dining centers closed; all clients eligible for meal delivery.

Great Plates Delivered, up to three prepared meals per day for qualified seniors.

Call 454-4406 for info. Through Dec. 8 unless extended longer by the state.

Grey Bears Brown Bag Program, weekly bag of produce to be picked up in Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Felton, or Scotts Valley.

Delivery available for homebound seniors. $30 annual membership fee, for age 55+. www.greybears.org (479-1055). n Except as noted, all programs are free of charge — Schedules are subject to change.Submit Changes/ Additions to slvsvmeals@gmail.com

“Captain John Wilson” from page 5

including participating in the Polar Plunge fundraiser and other events. He has also been active with the Scotts Valley Exchange Club and several community events including the Blue & Gold Dinners honoring the Firefighter of the Year and Police Officer of the Year.”

Lind, founder of the Fallen Officer Foundation, said Wilson created tribute videos for first responders who were lost or who assisted during times of crisis.

“John’s computer skills and audio/ visual skills have been a valuable asset for many programs and in providing beautiful video memories for many SVPD employees in their retirement,” she said. “It’s sad that due to COVID-19 we won’t be able to provide a similar tribute for John.”

John P. Weiss, retired Scotts Valley police chief turned artist and writer, recalled these accomplishments by Wilson.

“Early in his career he revolutionized our police training program, implemented realistic training scenarios, and modernized our training records with updated computer programs,” Weiss said. “John used his background as a black-belt martial arts expert to improve our juvenile programs with popular self-defense classes. In his off time, John taught criminal justice and police academy courses for many years. His expertise in evidentiary law, search and seizure, use of force, and other criminal justice areas, proved invaluable in shaping and improving our police department’s policies and procedures.”

For co-workers, he created and edited a popular police department newsletter that “informed and entertained our staff,” Weiss said.

He described Wilson’s service as “loyal and steadfast,” adding, “John was a trusted advisor during my tenure as police chief. He was always there with wise counsel, creative solutions, and loyal support. I owe him a debt of gratitude, salute his professional service, and am honored to call him a lifelong friend.” n

Captain Wilson has worked within the community, both in a professional and a personal way. He served as the chairperson for the Santa Cruz County Commander’s Association, was a past president of the Scotts Valley Police Officer’s Association, a board member of the Cops N’ Rodders charity foundation, volunteered for the Fallen Officer Foundation, and was a past president and board member for the Scotts Valley Exchange Club. Captain Wilson is a member of the California Police Chief’s Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the FBI National Academy Associates.

During his career with the Scotts Valley Police Department, Captain Wilson has received numerous Employee of the Month Awards, Commendations and positive letters from the community. He was the recipient of the Officer of the Year award for 1997 and 2007.

Chief Walpole said, “John has been a pleasure to work during my time here at the Scotts Valley Police Department. Everyone at our agency will miss his leadership and the local wisdom he had accumulated after serving our local community for nearly thirty years. We all wish him the best in his retirement and the next phase of his life.”

City Council member Donna Lind, who worked with Wilson during her long career with the Scotts Valley Police, echoed Walpole, saying, “John has been a pleasure to work with … He has always had a passion for training and has been instrumental in updating training policies and operational manuals. John has a background in martial arts and through the years brought in martial arts instructors to assist with hands-on training and other innovative training. John has spent many years teaching law enforcement procedures to criminal justice students at Cabrillo College.”

She added, “John has supported the Department’s work with Special Olympics

Family Passport Day National Shop Small Saturday

I

t came together in less than two weeks by a small group of business owners and brought a lot of joy to all those who attended and to the participating business.

It was originally the brainchild of Kalani Day Spa’s owner, Kim Pursley.

Then after the popular Halloween Haunt conceived by Togo’s franchise owner, Greg Wimp, our own Angela Marshall brought it up to the Scotts Valley Economic Recovery Task Force and everyone agreed it was a great idea and to do it in conjunction with the Small Business Saturday events (sponsored by American Express) happening all over the country.

The committee that came together to organize the event included Angela, Kim, Susan O’Connor Fraser of Tam Communications, Joanne Guzman of Bruno’s Bar and Grill, and, of course, Danny Reber from the Chamber. Joanne created all the marketing materials.

Thirty-five businesses made time in their day to welcome those who came, filling stockings with goodies ranging from candy canes to jump ropes to succulent plants and jewelry. Businesses also contributed to two one or both of two baskets.

The first, the grand prize selected from an Enter to Win contest, included over $1100 worth of goodies. It was won by ten-year old Liliana Eymann and her

dog Scout is sure to enjoy the bags of dog food donated by Earthwise Pet. The second basket went to the winner of the Ugly Sweater Contest, Mercedes Erdey.

The event was so well-received that future similar events are in the works, And, with more time to plan, we hope to have the participation to be even bigger.

The goal of these events is to remind people how important it is to shop local.

We want our Scotts Valley businesses to survive and thrive.

••• Susan and her partner, Tam, documented the event. Look for the video recap on the Chamber’s Facebook page and YouTube Grand Prize Winner Liliana Eymann with her dog channel.

Scout and Chamber executive director Danny Reber.

Ugly Sweater Contest Winner Mercedes Erdey with her kids.

Stay Safe this Holiday Season!

Call the Chamber Today or Visit www.scottsvalleychamber.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2020 / 11

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Three Precious Shops All in a Row M

ost Scotts Valley residents know that if they’re looking for unique gift, you can surely find something at Zinnia’s and Bumblebee’s. What many have not found are the three unique shops on the north side of town.

Within steps of each other are Ivy’s Porch, Petticoat Junction, and The Find, offer a plethora of creative ideas that will most certainly delight the recipient.

Exploring Ivy’s Porch is fun inside and out. Its garden paths wind you through the various little buildings offering up an array of home and garden items.

Over a dozen dealers carry a variety of items from

12 / December 2020 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

furniture, accessories and collectibles to Vintage inspired gifts, Vintage travel goods, boutique clothing and jewelry.

At the Find, you can choose from another inspired collection of products from around the block and around the world. Again, you’ll find joy in the shopping experience as you find treasures such as custom paintings and other art, amazing luxury jewelry, garden and home décor, and furniture. They also offer up an assortment of satisfying pleasures from local bakers.

In between the two stores, is newest of the three. Petticoat Junction opened its doors during the pandemic.

Despite the lack of longevity, owner, Linda Dorn says she

has customers coming from all over Northern California to check out her distinctive mermaid-themed items.

She also says her furniture is one of her best sellers.

These one-of-a-kind pieces are painted by Linda herself.

In addition to her furniture, the store also offers up shabby chick to Paris and French country-themed home décor.

We’re fortunate to have such special businesses like these three in Scotts Valley. Make your holiday shopping a local shopping adventure with gifts that will excite your friends and family or just treat yourself to something special. You can find something special right here in town.

Scotts Valley Chamber News

The Tutoring Club in Scotts Valley Helps Make Distance Learning Work P arents and children have been struggling mightily to balance the demands of work, family and school.

Sadly, some have already given up as evinced by the 10% loss of students who are disconnecting from their schools by just not showing up online.

Many students who are staying connected through distance learning have expressed dissatisfaction with the suitability of their education.

Astonishingly, our students are asking us for more teaching! As responsible adults, we know that our school and personal resources are already stretched to the maximum. So how can we provide more teaching when the resources that we have at our fingertips are already being used to the point of saturation?

Also, as soon as workable new teaching resources are developed, they are also gobbled up or offered as alternatives to schools, often while being difficult to use.

Many of these resources are too generic in their approach to work effectively with student’s specific needs.

The kind of teaching that students most prefer is more in-person classroom time with their local teachers. Some parents are considering hiring teachers to come into their homes, or in pods to teach their students, a costly and perhaps unworkable solution given both office of education and health department directives.

/ ASVAB/ GRE / CBEST / CSET/ CSU and Cabrillo entrance assessments/ Fire fighter’s exam/ Union-Skills exams — all carefully tailored to each student and guidance on college application essay and scholarship applications.

Assessment tools are used to focus on each student’s needs, then establishing an individualized, student-tailored learning plans. Students learn study skills development and refinement in an enlightening 24-lesson course that includes organization, speed reading and other skills.

Here is a sampling of the subjects covered at the Tutoring Club: Writing/ English/AP/IB/TOK, Mathematics Life and Physical Sciences, Engineering statics/ mechanics, Physics, Biochemistry, History, Government and Economics: IB/AP US/ and World History, HOTA, Gov. and Economics and Languages.

Test proctoring for online universities (for supplementary courses, independent study, remediation or home schooling).

The Tutoring Club offers a proven, awarded, comprehensive, yet very budget friendly program for all ages, with free assessment testing and without requiring an attendance contract.

It is locally owned and operated by Pat Perkins and Randy Klein.

Pat Perkins is an experienced technical writer and retired executive assistant in several Silicon Valley high-technology companies.

Merging the desire for a more personal touch with classroom teachers might seem impossible, but there are solutions available in our local community that can be tapped into. While in-person teaching is presently restricted within Santa Cruz County, there are still alternatives. Here is a partial list: 1) District or County distance learning resources — contact your local school district and county education offices.

2) Small group or one-on-one Zoom, Facetime, Google, or Skype video with The Tutoring Club of Scotts Valley. Over-the-telephone connection can work well enough too, for some courses and some students.

3) Pre-packaged online courses XL, Accelerate Education, University online courses offered thorough your local school district, community college, Colleges, Universities and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (SCCOE).

More than 25% of each SVHS graduating class is coming to, or has been to, the Tutoring Club, received higher grades and benefitted from the college test prep services for the PSAT/ NMSQT /SAT /SAT II /ACT /CAHSEE / CAASPP / CHSPE

Randy Klein is a retired electrical engineer. He substitute teaches for the SCCOE and SVUSD and is the Interact Youth Chairperson for the Rotary Club of Scotts Valley.

The Tutoring Club is a member of the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce and a supporter of the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation and several other community service organizations and events.

Pat and Randy know that teachers are among the “real heroes” in our community!

••• The Tutoring Club of Scotts Valley is located at 221-D Mt. Hermon Road in the Graham Plaza shopping center. Tel: 831-4398886 or Email: prtutoring@sbcglobal.net and visit their website at www.TutoringClub.com

Scotts Valley, we’re back open !

Book your appointment at www.santacruzgold.com Jewelry Repair Drop Offs & Pick Ups Watch Batteries & Repair Custom Design Bridal Cheryl D Rebottaro, AAMS®, CRPC® Financial Advisor

KT-9811B-A

245 Mt. Hermon Road Suite Y Scotts Valley (831)438-1844 www.santacruzgold.com

MKT-9811B-A

221 Mount Hermon Rd Suite F Scotts Valley, CA 95066-4038 831-461-9311

edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2020 / 13

Scotts Valley Chamber News

CineLux Theatres Pivots Operations As State Moves To Purple Tier

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aul Gunsky, the second-generation owner of CineLux Theatres, announces that “our cinemas have been placed on pause in compliance with state and local health response to COVID-19. We enjoyed welcoming back our guests to our theatres and look forward to reopening soon.”

During this temporary closure period, CineLux will be hosting takehome concession events every Friday and Saturday from 4PM to 7PM at its Morgan Hill, Scotts Valley, Capitola and Almaden locations. These take-home events will offer discounted concessions for family movie nights at home, as well as Black Friday gift card deals. These events allow the company to provide continued employment to its staff members despite the interruption to its regular operations.

For more details and updates, visit CineLuxTheatres.com and follow CineLux Theatres on Facebook and Instagram.

••• Campbell, California-based CineLux Theatres has been locally-owned and operated since 1966. CineLux is passionate about the magic of going to the

movies and takes great pride in providing a state-of-the-art movie-going experience in its remodeled cinemas, accompanied by outstanding guest service. CineLux is proud to support Second Harvest

VCUM Hosting a Virtual Holiday Gala FUNdraiser

J

oin Valley Churches United on Saturday, December 5 from 4–7 p.m. for three hours of great music, special guests and fun!

This event will be broadcast “Live” on the Valley Churches United and My Scotts Valley Facebook pages. Enter the opportunity drawing with the chance to win a classic Ford Thunderbird Convertible.

Local dignitaries and amazing musicians, including The Lost Boys featuring James Durbin will be features throughout the event.

Register now on the Valley Churches United Facebook page or website at vcum. org.

For information email VCUM Board of Director, Danny Reber at dreber@scottsvalleychamber.com

Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, Reaching Out Food Distribution in San Jose, as well as several other excellent and deserving organizations in each of our communities.

WATER USE EFFICIENCY REBATES

CURRENT RENTALS

Nicely Updated 2BR/2BA Hidden Oaks Condo centrally located with single-car garage on Bean Creek Road in Scotts Valley. Pool/spa access. Laundry hookups. Garbage included.

No pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2700

• High-Efficiency Toilets† Up to $125 per toilet

• Rainwater Catchment* $0.25 per gallon of container capacity

Ideally located 5 minutes to Hwy 17 is our 2BR/1BA Newly Constructed Executive Apartment on El Camino in North Scotts Valley. Open floor plan with ample natural light.

Stainless steel appliances. Vaulted ceilings with ceiling fans. Heated bathroom floor.

Washer/dryer included in unit. No pets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2800

• Low-Volume Irrigation* $0.50 per sqft

• Pressure Regulators† $50

• Lawn Replacement* $1 per sqft

• Smart/Weather-Based Irrigation Controller*† Up to $100

Complete list of rebates and more information available at

svwd.org/rebates †

Advertise in the Scotts Valley Chamber Newsletter

14 / December 2020 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

CALL FOR SPECIAL RATES 831.688.7549

*Pre- and post-inspection required.

Receipt and additional documentation required.

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce 360 King’s Village Road Scotts Valley, CA 95066

SHOP & DINE IN BEAUTIFUL

2

LETTER FROM SCOTTS VALLEY MAYOR RANDY JOHNSON

020 has been a memorable year.

From the challenges of COVID, wildfires and evacuations, complex and charged political discourse, and unprecedented impacts to our economy, in all cases our resolve has been tested.

We have also shown tremendous resilience, strength, and hope. Our community has come together to support those who are struggling through the donation of time, energy, meals, and resources — through it all we have stuck together.

As your Mayor, I have been proud of the incredible generosity and selflessness you have shown to each other as we have worked to remain nimble amidst the changing state and county guidelines.

Along with Vice Mayor Timm, I have served on the Scotts Valley Local Business Recovery Committee where we work to anticipate challenges and modify policies to enable businesses to maintain as much productivity as possible.

We have also partnered with the

Scotts Valley Chamber who has helped us maintain connection with local businesses so that we can be more responsive to your needs and priorities and to work to reduce the economic impacts that so many communities are struggling to overcome.

We are at our best when we are united.

As the year comes to an end and we move into the holiday season, we have an opportunity to close out the year strong and continue to show our unity by patronizing local businesses.

BREWERY & WINERY TASTING Kissed By An Angel Wines 1210 Mt. Hermon Road 831-234-6253

GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC Little Mozart’s 4 Fun 925 Lockwood Lane 831-439-9125

Steel Bonnet Brewing 20B Victor Square 650-996-5971

Mountain Music School 216-A Mt. Hermon Road 831-201-9605

DAY SPA & MASSAGE Empowering Hands 4200 Scotts Valley Drive 831-888-7614 Kalani Day Spa 245-D Mt. Hermon Road 831-600-7116 ENTERTAINMENT CineLux Scotts Valley Cafe & Lounge 226 Mt Hermon Rd 831-438-3260 Pro Scuba Dive Center 4637 Scotts Valley Drive 831-431-6824 Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Rd. Felton CA 95018 831-335-4484 GIVE THE GIFT OF FITNESS Ananda Scotts Valley 221-A Mt. Hermon Road 831-338-9642

HAIR, SKIN & NAIL SALONS Cookie’s Cutters 3111 Scotts Valley Dr. 831-440-0330 Fancy Nails 216-F Mt Hermon Rd F 831-461-9500 Irish Eyes Beauty 5215 Scotts Valley Dr. Suite B 831 438-8438 Luminous Salon & Spa 3 Camp Evers Lane 831-331-0484 The Nail Spa 5000 Scotts Valley Drive Ste. D 831-438-6745 Q’s Hair Salon & Mr. D’s Barber 245-R Mt. Hermon Rd. 831-464-8083 Queen Nails 266-M Mt. Hermon Rd. 831-438-8736

RESTAURANTS, BARS & COFFEE SHOPS ABC Chinese 219 Mt. Hermon Road Ste. A2 831-438-3406

Make your holiday gift shopping easy by shopping at local small businesses, whether in person or via their websites online, spending your dollars locally make our economy stronger. Let’s help our businesses stay alive and thrive.

We have always been a community that has supported keeping it local and now, more than ever we need to embrace this value and show up for each other.

Stay healthy, stay connected, and stay engaged. n

Cruise Coffee 75 Mt. Hermon Road Ste. G 831-535-8519 Erik’s Delicafe 222-J Mt Hermon Rd. 831-438-4646 Habanero’s Bar & Grill 95 Mt. Hermon Road 831-438-2-567 House of Bagels 216-D Mt. Hermon Road 831-438-8280

Ambrosia India Bistro 6006 La Madrona Drive 831-713-5594

Jia Tella’s 18 Victor Square 831-438-5005

Bruno’s Bar & Grill 230 Mt. Hermon Road Suite G 831-438-2227

Kao Sook Thai Cuisine 245-H Mt. Hermon Road 831-439-9520

Canton Scotts Valley 224-D Mt. Hermon Road 831-818-7026

KISS Cafe & Catering 915 Disc Drive 831-840-1355

Chef Liu 4303 Scotts Valley Drive 841-438-5772

Malone’s Grille 4402 Scotts Valley Drive (831) 438-2244

Chubby ‘s Diner 266-T Mt. Hermon Road 831-438-5546

Maya’s Restaurant 3115 Scotts Valley Drive #29 831-438-7004

Choi’s Tae Kwon Do 230-E Mt. Hermon Rd. 831-438-1765

Studio Hair & Supply 16-B Victor Square 831-438-2200

Mountain Mikes Pizza 6006 La Madrona Dr #C 831-438-7400 mountainmikespizza.com

Scotts Valley Gym 105 Whispering Pines Dr. 831-332-0040

Teal Salon & Beauty Boutique 4652 Scotts Valley Dr. Ste. 101 831-439-8325

Round Table Pizza 245 Mt. Hermon Road (831) 438-5446

Scotts Valley Coffee 6006 La Madrona Drive Ste. A Scotts Valley, CA 95066 831-430-9112 Starbucks Coffee 260 Mt. Hermon Road Ste. A 831-440-9877 Original Ferrell’s Donuts 5272 Scotts Valley Drive 831-462-0444 Otoro Sushi 235-G Mt. Hermon Road 831-440-9040 Papa Murphy’s Take & Bake Pizza 245-T Mt. Hermon Road 831-438-0494 Peets Coffee & Tea 214-E Mt. Hermon Road 831-430-9293 Sushi Garden 224-C Scotts Valley Drive 831-438-9262 Rumble Fish 4727 Scotts Valley Dr. 831- 440-9240 “Shop & Dine” page 17

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2020 / 15

BUSINESS PROFILE

Edward Jones Advisors: 2021 Financial Strategies

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By Edita McQuary ow that the election is over, we have a chance to reflect on events of the past year and to plan for the

future.

Although December is generally busy with holiday shopping and celebratory preparations, it is an excellent time to review one’s financial situation for the coming year(s).

Edward Jones is a national company with representative offices throughout the county and five (yes, five!) offices in the Scotts Valley area.

••• heryl Rebottaro, who has received professional designations from the College of Financial Planning, has been with Edward Jones since 2010. By day, her goal is to help people with their financial needs, including investing, savings for college, life insurance, Cheryl Rebottaro retirement planning, long-term care insurance, and estate strategy. By night, however, she has been known to entertain the local community singing with local bands.

Cheryl’s goal is to have a comprehensive, holistic multi-generational planning approach helping clients to build, distribute, and pass on their investments.

Her business has continued to grow every year but there is room for more clients.

She can do Zoom meetings, telephone conferencing, and even meet in person with the appropriate Covid precautions.

Contact: Cheryl Rebottaro, AAMS, CRPC, 221 Mt Hermon Road, Suite F, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.

Email: cheryl.rebottaro@edwardjones.com or call 831-461-9311.

•••

C

I

vor Thomas has been in Scotts Valley for more than 10 years and with Edward Jones for five years. He is originally from Lebec, CA, and received his B.A. degree at Azusa Pacific University.

Ivor says, “I enjoy learning about each of my client’s unique situation and life expeIvor Thomas riences while creating a personalized strategy just for them.

I educate my clients while explaining complicated concepts in an easy -to-understand way. I feel proud when my clients leave a meeting understanding more than they did at the beginning.”

In his spare time, Ivor loves to scuba dive and helps teach scuba classes. He is also a long-distance cyclist. He and his wife, Erica, cycled the Lewis and Clark Trail from Portland, Oregon to Iowa and also rode the Pacific Crest Trail from Portland to Santa Cruz.

He also has a 2 year old son, Elijah, who also loves to bike!

Contact: Ivor Thomas, 5403 Scotts Valley Drive, Suite C, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.

Email: ivor.thomas@edwardjones.com or call 831-438-2168.

••• aron Brandt grew up in Bakersfield and moved to Santa Cruz in 1993 to attend UC Santa Cruz. He studied computer science and art history while working as a restaurant manager.

After 17 years in the service industry, in 2008 he transitioned Aaron Brandt to Wells Fargo, leaving in 2012 to join Edward Jones.

A

Aaron says, “My father forced me to begin investing at 16. I didn’t know what it was or want to do it, but I did, and after several years of blindly contributing, I opened my eyes to it and saw the benefits, wanting to learn more.

That is part of how I transitioned into finance. One of my greatest joys is seeing the look on the faces of my clients’ kids when I show them the power of investing over long periods of time, specifically 40 years.”

He and his family love to get away on long camping trips in the summer, visiting as many national and state parks as they can.

Contact: Aaron Brandt, 6630 Highway 9, Suite 102, Felton, CA 95018.

Email: aaron.brandt@edwardjones.com or call 831-335-8158.

••• ach Brown is originally from western Washington, attended Seattle Pacific University, while his wife-to-be attended University of Washington.

Upon graduation they married and moved to Alaska, where Zach taught high school Spanish, Zach Brown ran a painting business, and they had their children, who are now 18 and 16. He has been with Edward Jones since 2005.

Zach says, “I especially love the educational aspects of investing. I get to educate people well enough for them to make great financial decisions that will benefit them the rest of their lives and even to the next generations!”

He loves riding bicycles, road, mountain, gravel — any and all of it. When their children were younger they had a Vanagon that they used for camping trips.

Z

Nowadays they often camp in their Sprinter van, using it as a base for great adventures.

Contact: Zach Brown, CFP, 5619 Scotts Valley Drive, Suite 120, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.

Email zach.brown@edwardjones.com or call 831-438-2778.

••• lan Gale was born on an Air Force base in Chandler, Arizona. He lived all over the U.S. and Asia in the 1970s, settling down in Felton around 1975. For his undergrad degree he majored in political science and minored in constitutional law.

He also has a master’s degree in business administration. He’s Alan Gale been investing since the 1990s, and two years ago became a financial advisor.

He left a 22-year career at a Fortune 500 company in Silicon Valley because he thought he had a heart attack at age 47. He decided his next career would focus on helping people.

That’s why he’s at Edward Jones.

He plays guitar and sings in two rock bands. He spent 20 years racing dirt bikes, cars, and bicycles, and once stood on the footsteps of Mt. Everest. “All of that pales in comparison to being married to my wife and best friend for 23 years and experiencing being a father to our two boys (18 and 21 now),” he says.

Contact: Alan Gale, 5619 Scotts Valley Drive, Suite 100, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.

Email: alan.gale@edwardjones.com or call 831-438-0719.

A

COMMUNITY NEWS

CZU Fire Shelter Extension Granted by FEMA

F

EMA has approved a 30-day extension of its non-congregate shelter program for CZU Lightning Complex Fire survivors in Santa Cruz County.

This approval came one day after U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) requested the agency to expeditiously review and approve California’s

request for a 30-day extension of the shelter program.

The FEMA noncongregate shelter program provides emergency housing assistance to those impacted by recent wildfires while adhering to COVID-19 safety protocol,

16 / December 2020 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

keeping survivors distanced from those not in their households to prevent the spread of the contagious coronavirus.

The extension allows individuals who lost their homes in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire to remain housed as they

navigate the various FEMA and countylevel processes for long-term recovery and rebuilding.

Nearly half of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire survivors may be able to return to their homes within 30 days, according to Eshoo and Panetta, giving time to return safely to their homes without a gap in shelter. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

SLV Water Replaces Pipeline, Tanks T he San Lorenzo Valley Water District, hard hit by the CZU Lightning Complex fire, reports progress in replacing three undersized and leaking redwood tanks in Lompico and 3.3 miles of old pipeline deemed undersized and inefficient for fire flow in Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek.

The Lompico Tanks Project involves three tanks — Madrone, Lewis, and Kaski — that provide the main water storage and service for Lompico and nearby areas.

The Madrone tank site was completed

in November and is now in use. The Lewis tank site has completed construction and is completing water quality sampling before being brought online for use. At the Kaski site, the old tanks are being removed and site grading is scheduled in early December.

The tank replacement project was funded through a $2.75 million assessment district as part of the Lompico consolidation with the San Lorenzo Valley Water District.

“SLVWD” page 18

New Lewis tanks in Lompico will be in use following water quality sampling.

“Shop & Dine” from page 15 RESTAURANTS, BARS & COFFEE SHOPS cont.

Subway 231-C Mt. Hermon Road 831-438-2225

The Find 5275 Scotts Valley Dr. 831-316-7275 Little People’s Store 266 Mt. Hermon Road Ste. O 831-438-7245

Taqueria Los Gallos 235-C Mt Hermon Rd. 831-439-9507

Goodwill Center Coast - Scotts Valley 224 Mount Hermon Road (831) 430-9029

The Hot Pink Box 1860 Lockhart Gulch 408-660-0879

Knox Boxes/Bird homes 46 El Pueblo Rd 831-461-0634

Thai Heart 218 Mt Hermon Rd. 831-438-1800

Ivy’s Porch 5311 Scots Valley Drive 831-438-1228

Togo’s Scotts Valley 266 Mt. Hermon Rd. 831-438-0742

Petticoat Junction 5297 Scotts Valley Drive

Tony & Alba’s 226 Mt. Hermon Road Suite E (831) 439-9999 RETAIL AND SPECIALTY Ashby Confections 16C Victor Square 831-234-1171 Bumblebee’s by the Sea 222-I Mt Hermon Rd 831-334-7667 Cali Style 222 Mt. Hermon Road Ste. G 831-440-1088 Classic Jays Art & Signs 831-212-9513 Earthwise Pet Supply 266-T Mt Hermon Rd (831) 708-1016 Encore Resale Boutique 5163 Scotts Valley Drive 831-461-0125

Famous Landmarks

Scarborough Gardens 33 El Pueblo Road 831-438-4106 SVCS - Scotts Valley Cycle Sport 203 Mt. Hermon Road 831-440-9070 Scotts Valley Jewelers 266-R Mt Hermon Rd. 831-440-0801 Treasures 218-F Mt. Hermon Road 831-438-1355 William Greene Jewelers 245-Y Mt Hermon Rd. 831-438-1844 Zinnia’s Gift Boutique 219-C Mt. Heron Road 831.430.9466 YARD GREETINGS SignGypsies 216 E Mt Hermon Road, Suite 376 831-824-5210

ACROSS

1. Octagonal sign 5. “Don’t have a ____!”

8. Can of worms 12. Pathetic 13. Spanish sparkling wine 14. Pico de gallo 15. WWII side 16. Like word of mouth 17. Church song 18. *Victoria in Zimbabwe or Horseshoe in Canada 20. *Home to Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle 21. Massachusetts university

22. “____ Be Home For Christmas” 23. Olympic torch, e.g.

25. On the move 28. Menu words 29. *Golden Gate or Mackinac 32. Goodbye, to bambino 34. Ruling in Islamic law 36. Variable, abbr.

37. Can, with thou 38. South American monkey 39. *Versailles or Buckingham 41. Thus far 42. Yoko’s John 44. Collectively 46. Party bowlful 47. Memory failure 49. Goals 51. *St. Basil’s or Canterbury

55. Independent, slang 56. Initial stake 57. Field of Dreams state 58. More than one stylus 59. Barnes and Noble or Barnum and Bailey 60. Jaunty rhythm in music 61. Don Quixote’s enemy 62. Urge Spot to attack 63. Besides

8. *La Sagrada Familia or St. Peter’s 9. Having wings 10. ____ of Man 11. Scottish cap 13. Ceiling panel in the Pantheon 14. Type of wheat 19. Cuban dance 22. Glacier matter 23. Medieval knight’s spiky weapon 24. Coffee shop order DOWN 25. *Home to Taj Mahal 1. BBQ side 26. Phonograph record 2. Taxon, pl.

27. Artist’s support 3. Fail to mention 4. Bygone Spanish money 28. Back, at sea 30. Director Reitman 5. Jeweler’s unit 31. Indian restaurant staple 6. Egg-like curves 7. *The Western one in 33. Giant Hall-of-Famer Israel or the Great one 35. *Moulin Rouge or Netherland’s landmark in China

37. Incense without prefix 39. Weasel-related onomatopoeia 40. Enigma machine’s output 43. One born to Japanese immigrants 45. Roman magistrate 47. Hawaiian veranda 48. V.C. Andrews’ “Flowers in the ____” 49. Naysayer’s favorite prefix 50. Bucolic poem 51. Type in all ____ 52. Agitate 53. Hole punchers 54. Like the White Rabbit 55. Any doctrine © Statepoint Media

Answers on 23 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2020 / 17

Advent, Liturgy, Light in the Darkness, Festivals of Light

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Esoteric Astrology • December 2020 • By Risa D’Angeles

ecember, month of hopes, anticipations and expectations (and suspense for the little ones), is filled with festivals that bring light to the ever-increasing darkness.

There is a feeling that something new is about to occur.

Everywhere we see preparations being made. Advent is a preparatory celebration in the Christian churches. Advent is a Latin word “adventus”, meaning “something’s coming” —winter, solstice, new light, birth, holidays, parties, festivities and revelations.

Advent lasts four weeks. Evergreen Advent wreaths with four colored candles (3 violet, 1 rose) are made. Each Sunday night a new candle is lit. The candles represent a light glowing in the solemn darkness. We light our candles in the dark half of the year awaiting the light half of the year.

Like each year divided into four seasons, the Liturgy of the Christian church divides the year into “liturgical seasons.” “Liturgical” is Greek for “the work of the people” — a communal participation in the “sacred” through worship, praise, tithing, prayer, acts of kindness and mercy.

Each season has a different mood, theological emphasis, ARIES You’re out and about, in and of the world. You can’t help it. The world, people, events, food, travel, adventures, mountain peaks, plains, cultures, culture, civilization — all summoning you to participate.

Perhaps you will consider writing a book, perhaps publishing becomes interesting, Think deeply on your goals. Create more. Ponder upon this statement, “I see the goal, I reach that goal and then I see another.”

TAURUS I ask that you also read and ponder upon the statement at the end of Aries. Then observe the many and varied goals, dreams, hopes & wishes filtering through your mind each day. There’s not enough time each day to accomplish everything, Time seems to have changed, accelerated. You have many plans to fulfill. Visualize yourself in the midst of abundant resources and money.

See yourself as the Law of Attraction, accomplishing all dreams.

GEMINI What are you planning for the holidays? Will you prepare with family and friends? With someone in particular? Tend carefully to the one closest to you. A silver light is shining on your relationship. Communicative intimacy is being called for. Past, present and future seem to be bundled together. You and another need to travel ... down a river or lake somewhere. Blue mountains ahead.

CANCER Your health at this time is what matters most.

Focusing on health is good because you have the capacity to purify, harmonize and heal more quickly now.

Foods are also on your mind. Are you considering preparing food to give as gifts? Are endless tasks and responsibilities appearing moment by moment? Till you have no time? Say no to some.

You need rest.

mode of prayer, decorations, colors, readings, themes and scriptures.

In the Ageless Wisdom teachings, the year is divided into six seasons for the Three Laws & Three Principles of the Aquarian Age. The season we have just begun (Nov. 21 – Dec. 20) focuses on the Principle of Essential Divinity (divine fire at the heart of all matter).

As we light our candles in the dark during December, we are reminded that the Essential Divinity within us is a fire, Agni. We are to be the light in the darkness.

Upcoming Festivals of Light: Dec. 6 - St. Nicholas’ feast day. Nicholas was generous and kind, protector to those in need. He loved children. St. Nicholas is the Advent saint. He is Santa Claus. Dec. 11-18 – Hanukkah: Jewish Festival of Lights.

Dec. 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mary is the Mother of the Americas. Dec. 13 – St. Lucia (light). Dec. 21 – Winter Solstice, the new light begins. Dec.25 – the Light of the world is born. Always the festivals are from dark to Light. The Light appearing in the wilderness.

LEO Your heart seeks more adventure, fun, play and being tended to in a very creative way. You need to accept invitations to parties and festivities, be with friends, attend plays, art shows, dances, and visit other people’s homes. You need both a Christmas tree and a Hanukkah bush with lights and candles everywhere.

You need to be loved, cared for, recognized and then loved some more. Who can do this?

SAGITTARIUS All parts of you are active, energetic, hopeful (we hope). You also become a bit more impulsive, quick to anger, impatient, wanting your own way (for a time). We see you as being more assertive, daring like a warrior. You become very attractive. However, be careful with everything — communicating, driving, walking running, using tools, implements.

Things red, hot and sharp (all of which, to some, you are) might attack. You’re laughing. That’s good. Caution with language.

VIRGO You are the light of the world to your family. You are the one who must connect them, one to the other, create festivities that make them feel at home. You must begin to plan a large gathering so that those who have no family are welcomed (where you are). You must merge separate realities, unify oppositions, and synthesize all the parts and pieces. You love these tasks.

CAPRICORN You may feel fatigued, weary and often in need of rest.

Soon you will need to be out and about in the public more, so take this time to draw back, do less work. Pluto, the lord of deep and permanent transformation has been working on your self identity for years now. You are changing day by day. Continue to plan and create goals.

However, take time acting upon them. Make health, rest, and well-being your central focus. Allow these to be your directives for at least a month. Are you writing a book?

LIBRA Being out and about in the neighborhood, dropping in on neighbors, driving around town seeking the most dramatic holiday decorations, having dinner with friends, gathering holiday decorations, seeing relatives, talking on the phone, sending holiday cards – all these you love to do You look forward to the beauty of this season all year long. Who is your family these days?

SCORPIO For the next several weeks you sense a light shining on you. You’ll feel lucky, able, capable, resourceful, wealthy, emotionally supported. Don’t run out, however, and buy everything you fancy and shining brightly. Unless it’s for a loved one. Then be lavish.

However, most appreciated would be your heart, given to another. Even if it’s to a friend. We think of you as internal, hidden, watchful. Give a little more of yourself for a while.

•••

AQUARIUS As you go out and about be careful not to be too reckless.

You have energy and enthusiasm, you have hopes and wishes, you have opportunities and invitations. Amidst the many possibilities, attend only one or two at a time.

Say thank you, exit gracefully, then focus on several more.

Pay all bills promptly, don’t worry about money. You always have the needed resources and resourceful people. You always will. Write down your needs by hand in a journal.

PISCES You become more public, more of your leadership qualities are summoned. A forum or group invites you to teach, to offer your gifts of communication, counseling, intelligence and knowledge. You prepare.

However, you are aware that at any time, things may dissolve away. So, you are hopeful, patient, accepting, acquiescing, yet you are also wary, cautious, circumspect, careful and coiled like a kundalini snake, its body filled with seven rays of Light.

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 18 / December 2020 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

A trench built on Hillside Drive for new pipeline will increase the capacity for fire flow.

“SLVWD” from page 17 The 5-Pipeline Replacement Project is designed to increase the capacity for fire flow and improve water quality in the areas of Boulder Creek (Big Basin Highway-236, Sequoia Ave., and Hillside Dr.) and Ben Lomond (California Dr. and Quail Hollow Rd.).

The pipelines on Hillside Drive and Reynolds Drive have been constructed. The final steps of installing service laterals, fire hydrants and air relief valves has begun and should be completed mid-December.

On California Drive, the saw cutting of the trench line and potholing of existing services are complete. Construction and installation of the mainline pipeline is in progress and expected to be competed in January.

The pipeline on Quail Hollow Road required additional environmental permitting. The draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration will open for public review in early December with construction slated for spring 2021.

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District has 190 miles of pipeline serving 7,900 connections from Boulder Creek to Scotts Valley.

The five-member board has a vacancy after Steve Swan, who works for Cisco, sold his Ben Lomond home on Sept. 29, gave notice of his intent to resign on Oct. 15, and moved to Austin, Texas. Applications must be received by District Secretary Holly Hossack at hhossack@slvwd.com by 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9. The seat will go to election in 2022. n ••• For information, call (831) 338-2153, or go to www.slvwd.com.

Photos courtesy San Lorenzo Valley Water District

BUSINESS PROFILE

William Greene Fine Jewelry Design: Let It Glow T

By Rosie Alexander

he big holiday is just around the corner, full of family, decorations, cheer, and hopefully COVID-free for all. Usually the Greene family, owners of William Greene Fine Jewelry Design, have a special Holiday Open House with champagne and giveaways, to celebrate the season, but to maintain the safety of their team members and community, the event has been canceled.

This year has been difficult to say the least, but the Greenes are hopeful for the holiday season. The owners, Willy and Lily, look forward to seeing familiar faces and making people smile with their jewelry creations.

Despite these unprecedented times with oft-changing COVID rules, William Greene Fine Jewelry Design is growing.

After their Scotts Valley location was closed for almost three months after the COVID shutdown in March, the Greenes opened a second location in Los Gatos in July.

They bid on the space and were chosen over a make-your-own candle store, hiring two employees in the process. It was exciting for them to have all the activity of opening a second store in the midst of COVID isolation.

The Los Gatos community and neighbors have been welcoming and the Greene family is happy to have joined the

Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce. One of the important Los Gatos team members is Jett, the official “Shop Dogg Extraordinaire.” He is there to greet new customers and welcome them to the new location.

The Los Gatos shop is the new showroom and design studio. To see the colorful gemstones and diamond fashion jewelry in their showcases, make an appointment. Another specialty is bridal pieces, to stay with you from your special day onward.

“We are an essential business,” said Willy Greene, 34, a master goldsmith who started in the business at age 20, learning from his father.

The focus in their Scotts Valley location is to continue building their goldsmith shop by investing in casting equipment and bench tools for fabrication, to make your special custom gift for the holiday season.

They believe their customers deserve quality jewelry and an honest buying experience. With their expertise and a creative eye, the Greenes are dedicated to providing customers with everything they need to find their perfect piece.

The Greenes also work in jewelry repair, ready to help you bring your special piece back to its former glory.

“Whether we hand fabricate, carve it

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Willy Greene has everything he needs at his fingertips to create a special piece of jewelry.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Willy Greene with Jett, the shop dog, and a new piece of jewelry-making equipment he’s very proud of at his Scotts Valley workshop. out of wax, computer design and cast it, we can create the piece of jewelry you’ve always dreamed of,” said Lily Greene.

William Greene Fine Jewelry Design has been helping families make the holidays glow with diamond and gemstone jewelry since 1985.

As second-generation owners, Willy and Lily Greene pride themselves on their family values and are dedicated to serving people in their community. For those affected by the CZU Lightning Complex fire, William Greene Fine Jewelry Design is willing to give a fire-damaged piece a free inspection.

Not all pieces and treasures can be saved, especially as the CZU Complex was especially intense, but many fire-damaged jewelry pieces can be given a second life.

Services are available in both the Scotts Valley and Los Gatos locations to gently inspect any pieces that may be able to be re-furnished and made to shine again.

When you visit the new shop in Los Gatos, be sure to snap a picture with Jett the Shop Dogg and see the sparkling pieces of art. Visit your neighborhood jewelers in Scotts Valley and meet the newest members of the team.

Both locations strive to create a safe environment by following county health guidelines, and have implemented procedures to keep you safe. With the beautiful Dutch door in the Scotts Valley location, you can meet them at the front door.

They are currently limiting the number of people inside, so they encourage you to

call and make an appointment. Walk-in hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. n

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Lily Greene greets customers at the Dutch door of the Scotts Valley shop.

••• 245 Mount Hermon Road Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (831)438-1844 ••• www.SantaCruzGold.com ••• 3 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-1338

Los Gatos Store Entrance

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2020 / 19

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS CELEBRATE BEETHOVEN’S 250TH ONLINE CONCERT SERIES Distinguished Artists Concert Series presents Beethoven’s 250th, featuring significant works for his favorite instrument — the piano — will take place at 7 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, Dec. 6-9 online.

This four-day festival features Jonathan Biss performers who are among the most esteemed interpreters of his music, including pianists Jonathan Biss, Garrick Ohlsson, Alon Goldstein and Audrey Vardanega with cellist Tanya Tomkins.

The festival will include favorites Tanya Tomkins like the Pathetique Sonata and Les Adieux, as well as the towering Hammerklavier. The opening concert will begin with remarks from the director of the Center for Beethoven Studies at San Jose State University, Dr. Erica Garrick Ohlsson Buurman, and will conclude with a live Q & A session featuring the performers. The schedule is: • Sunday, Dec. 6—Alon Goldstein, piano • Monday, Dec. 7—Tanya Tomkins, cello, and Audrey Vardanega, piano • Tuesday, Dec. 8—Jonathan Biss, piano

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by Dec. 23 • Wednesday, Dec. 9—Garrick Ohlsson, piano The price is $3 in advance or $15 the day of the concert. To RSVP, see https://www.groupmuse.com/ events/11193-distinguished-artists-presents-beethovens-250th-celebration

ONGOING EVENTS Ongoing thru Dec. 27 HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS Fridays thru Sundays, 5:30-9 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Watsonville The Agricultural History Project and the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation have joined to present the first Holiday Lights Adventure at the fairgrounds.

The event will take place Fridays thru Sundays from now until Dec. 27 except Christmas (Friday).

Visitors experience this first-time event from the warmth and safety of their vehicles.

Holiday Lights 2020 will feature an extravagant display of holiday cheer and holiday music (compliments of KDUB 99.9 FM Watsonville) along a half-mile route, ending with drive-through food booths.

Cash prizes will be awarded to community groups with

the most extraordinary holiday lights.

COVID guidelines are strictly followed; masks are required at the ticket booth and if you are buying holiday treats after the show.

Tickets are $15 per vehicle in advance at fairgroundsfoundation.org or $20 at the gate.

DATED EVENTS Sunday December 6 And Sunday December 13 GREY BEARS’ DRIVE-THRU HOLIDAY DINNER PICKUPS Reserve 10-minute Time Slot in advance, 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz and Watsonville Senior Center, 114 E. Fifth St Nonprofit Grey Bears is offering its first drive-through Holiday Dinner at 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, and the Watsonville Senior Center, 114 E. Fifth St., Watsonville, with requirements for people to sign up in advance at https://www.greybears.org/dinner-2020/ to choose a 10-minute pickup slot.

With 400 requests for Chanticleer, that site is fully booked, and a second day has been added to allow everyone to receive their dinners. Pick-up slots are still available in Watsonville on Dec. 6 by reserving at https://

www.greybears.org/dinner-2020/. The new chef, Matt Hereford, will prepare a delicious, healthy dinner plus dessert, with help from his volunteers.

See https://www.greybears.org/after-hours-sale/

Tuesday December 8 FAITH LEADERS TALK ABOUT HOLIDAY STRESS 10-11:30 a.m., Santa Cruz Public Libraries Online Programs The Santa Cruz Public Libraries offers a holiday edition of the Shelter in Faith program series with local faith via Zoom.

Panelists include: Aisha Charves, member & Sunday School teacher, Islamic Center Santa Cruz, Rabbi Eli Cohen, Chadeish Yameinu Jewish Renewal of Santa Cruz, Rev Jay Shinseki, Watsonville Buddhist Temple, and Mother Tracy Wells Miller, Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Aptos.

They will talk about practical solutions for navigating the stresses of the holiday season, and there will be a Q&A. To register, visit bit.ly/SCPL-Faith6.

Wednesday December 9 GREY BEARS THRIFT SALE 4-6 p.m., at 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz Grey Bears Thrift Store will host its 6th Annual After Hours Holiday Boutique and 50% Off Sale.

The shop has one-of-a-kind items, holiday decorations, housewares, furniture, TVs, computers, laptops, audio-video gear, art, knick-knacks, clothing and accessories — plus books, books on CD, DVD & VHS movies, audio CDs. See https://www.greybears.org/after-hours-sale/

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Know Someone in Crisis?

Help is a Phone Call Away

By Nancy Fash Editor’s Note: The Santa Cruz County Coroner reports two 16-year-old boys ended their lives in November, one in Watsonville and one in Scotts Valley. The information that follows is being provided as a public service.

••• iving among such natural beauty on the Central Coast is nothing short of inspirational. Last March, our lives changed dramatically with a frightening pandemic and restrictions reshaping our daily life, fires, and an uncertain future.

The havoc on our daily lives continues as the rate of COVID-19 cases begins to soar once again and threatens our public health and safety.

Suicide Prevention Service, a program of the Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, operates the Suicide Crisis Line, a

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free, confidential and multilingual service that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and Nancy Fash remains as a lifeline for those at a breaking point in their lives.

Who among us cannot say we have not felt the disappointment and loneliness from the separation of family, friends, and coworkers.

Going about our daily activities requires added measures of precaution that, by intent, further isolates us from touchpoints in our communities.

Let’s face it — while video conferencing has become a welcome tool in practicing social distancing, and maintaining some faceto-face interaction, it is just not the same.

“Phone Call” page 23

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Wednesday December 9 UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA 10:00-11:30 a.m., The Alzheimer’s Association and Salinas Public Library Webinar Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s; the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia; stages and risk factors; current research and treatments available for some symptoms; and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

Please call 800.272.3900 or visit tinyurl.com/ UADM120920 to register.

Once you complete registration for the meeting, you will receive an email confirmation with the call-in information and instructions for joining our webinar.

This event will be conducted via phone and web meeting.

mix, organic strawberry or pumpkin jam, organic herbal tea and fresh-baked bread donated by La Posta Restaurant and local bakeries.

Tickets cost $25-95, benefit HGP programs and are available at homelessgardenproject.org or bit.ly/SeedfolksHGP.

BIG O and TIRES IS OPEN here to serve the community.

Friday December 18 thru Sunday December 20

AGAPE DANCE ACADEMY’S NUTCRACKER BALLET 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Drive-In Theater Melanie Useldinger, founder of Agape Dance Academy, is staging Nutcracker Ballet, Covid-style, as a movie to be viewed at the Boardwalk drive-in theater shows the evenings of Dec. 18-20.

She hopes to create beautiful memories of triumphant times in the challenging year of 2020.

Rebecca Hallock is Clara, Ian McHatton is the Saturday December 12 Nutcracker Prince and Aly Ely is the Sugar Plum Fairy in SUSTAIN IN PLACE: SEEDFOLKS FUNDRAISER this holiday production, which features dozens of dancers 3-4 p.m., Homeless Garden Project Online as sweets and gingersnaps and the famous Snow Waltz The Homeless Garden Project presents the third and Waltz of the Flowers. Showtimes will be 5:30 p.m. and and final event of its 2020 Sustain in Place series of again at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. at-home tastings, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, featuring Tickets, which are $45 per car at www.agapedance.com, will readings from “Seedfolks,” by Newbery Medal winner benefit Jacob’s Heart and Agape Dance Foundation Inc. n Paul Fleischman. The story, suitable for all ages, is about a diverse cast of characters turning an empty lot in Cleveland into a community garden and the transformations each experiences.

Fleischman and six local leaders each will read a chapter, including Mayor Justin Cummings, incoming Santa Cruz mayor Donna Meyers, author Jonathan Franzen, Tony Elliot, Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation director, Blanca Tavera, faculty member, San Jose State University, and Mike Ryan, artistic director, Santa Cruz Shakespeare.

Rebecca Hallock is Clara, Ian McHatton is the NutGuests will get a reusable grocery tote donated by cracker Prince and Aly Ely is the Sugar Plum Fairy in New Leaf Community Markets filled with a copy of “Seedfolks,” HGP’s organic lavender shortbread cookie the Agape Ballet’s 2020 Nutcracker movie.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2020 / 21

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Be Alert for COVID and Rain-Triggered Debris Flow t’s an understandable instinct at the end of each calendar year to wrap up undone business and start the new year fresh. Unfortunately, 2020 will not afford us that opportunity as two big issues will carry over into 2021 and demand our collective attention and energy.

The current status of COVID-19 spread in our community is reaching a critical point just as many of us would ordinarily be looking forward to gathering with family and friends for the holiday season. The infection rate, which has tripled in recent weeks to about 23 per day per 100,000 residents, is below the statewide average but nonetheless highly concerning.

Especially troubling is the increase in current hospitalizations, up to 47 as of Dec. 1. That represents a 17 percent spike in hospitalizations in just one day. Just as we did at the start of the pandemic in the spring, the County is looking at alternative care sites in the event our hospitals are overwhelmed by this surge or future surges. As of Dec. 1, Santa Cruz County has had 4,620 known cases, 1,108 of them which are active.

Seventy-one percent of Santa Cruz County’s infections are believed to have been spread through person-toperson contact in households. This indicates to me that we have to double down on reducing contact with people outside of our immediate households.

Although we want to reclaim some sense of normalcy and celebrate holidays together like in years past, public health officials are warning us to avoid gatherings as these represent a major way, as seen in the spike after Halloween, the disease is spread.

By Bruce McPherson, Supervisor, Fifth District

With Santa Cruz and 51 other California counties placed in the “widespread” Purple Tier, which covers 99 percent of the state’s population, the Governor’s Office may tighten restrictions in coming days.

While we keep a close eye on COVID-19, my office is very much involved in the early stages of the recovery and rebuilding processes related to the CZU Lightning Complex Fire that started in mid-August and burned more than 400 homes in the San Lorenzo Valley.

With the Phase 1 removal of hazardous waste having been completed on nearly 99 percent of parcels impacted by the fire, we are now moving swiftly into Phase 2, with the government-funded clean-up of nonhazardous debris already underway.

To be eligible for the government program, property owners must sign a right-of-entry form no later than Dec. 15.

However, as of Dec. 1, there were a total of only 385 applications for the public program, about half from District 5.

Those who have signed up are encouraged to urge neighbors to do the same soonest to promote an earlier clean-up for a larger number of properties. Owners can fill out the form on the County’s fire recovery site at santacruzcounty.us/firerecovery under the heading of Debris Removal.

Supervisor Ryan Coonerty and I hosted a virtual Town Hall in November about debris removal featuring state partners and local leaders. You can watch the video on YouTube by visiting this link: https://tinyurl.com/y5phw8lc.

Although the weather has been sunny recently, we know rain will visit us again this winter. We continue to spread the message that debris flows in the burn scar,

22 / December 2020 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Local Local Local

as well as some areas below the impacted areas, are likely if rainfall is intense. We urge residents to heed evacuation warnings, which will be issued as soon as forecasts indicate that weather conditions are likely to produce flows.

Out of an abundance of caution, residents should brace themselves for multiple evacuations this winter.

More information about debris flow risk can be found at santacruzcounty. us/firerecovery under the heading Debris Flow. And you can also watch the YouTube video of our District 5 Town Hall on the topic of debris flow in November at this link: https://tinyurl.com/y36qgws9.

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Questions about fire recovery can be sent directly to our County team through a form at the following link: https://tinyurl. com/y67kl4ty.

Lastly, I wish you happy and healthy holiday season, and I look forward to serving District 5 in 2021 as the beginning of my third term in this office. There is much work to do together to promote an improved public health outlook, support our local businesses and help our fire survivors recover and rebuild. n ••• As always, you can contact me via e-mail at bruce.mcpherson@santacruzcounty.us or call 831-454-2200.

As of Dec. 1, there were only 385 applications for the [government-funded debris cleanup] program, about half from District 5 … The deadline to apply is Dec. 15.

SCCAS Featured Pet

Ava!

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iya, I’m Ava (A225666), a female kitty loaf that loves to relax and cuddle!

I’m 11 years old, but don’t let my age fool you, I still love to play when the mood hits me.

I’m an all around love-bug that just wants warm laps and good scratches.

Today would be the purrrfect day for me to get adopted! So if you can’t resist these lovable green eyes, come meet me at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter today; 1001 Rodriguez St, open 10am – 6pm daily.

The Shelter is at CATpacity so come meet your new best friend.

We are having a Winter Whiskerland adoption event. With this Pay it Forward cat adoption special, you can adopt a cat or kitten for only $25!

We are asking that when you adopt a cat or kitten with this special you also make a donation of at least $25 to one of the following funds: Planned Pethood (funds free spay/neuter surgeries), Extra Mile Fund (allows medical rehabilitation for animals beyond what our Shelter budget permits) or the General Program Donation Fund (supports animal adoption, animal enrichment, and public outreach and education programs).

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

“Phone Call” from page 21 Experts recommend that we practice self-care, take the time to be kind to ourselves, and eat, sleep, and exercise safely.

Caring for our mental health is a must.

As an essential service provider, Suicide Prevention Service provides a reliable, highstandard crisis response to serve those at risk of suicide or in a crisis, those concerned about someone experiencing a crisis, those providing services and needing triage assistance, support, or debriefing, and those needing help in accessing crisis level resources.

Given the rapidly evolving situation, and as the current crisis exacerbates existing mental health concerns and limited access to in-person service providers, knowing the risks and warning signs of suicide and how to access help is critical.

All age groups and all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups can experience depression.

An estimated 25 million American adults are affected by major depression in a given year, but only one-half ever receives treatment.

Symptoms of depression in children and adolescents are similar to those in other age groups, but depending on age, will vary. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among children ages 15-19, following accidents and homicides.

If you feel suicidal or in crisis, the

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Suicide Crisis Line number is 1-877-6635433 and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK. If seeking assistance or information on Bereavement Support Services, please call the Administrative Line for Suicide Prevention Service at 1-831-459-9373.

Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health 1-800-952-2335 is available 24/7, and walk-in crisis services are available Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. It is recommended you call for the latest COVID 19 recommendations.

The presence of resources or lack of resources can play a substantial role in a personal crisis; therefore, Suicide Prevention Service has a long history of working closely with other programs and resources throughout the Central Coast communities we serve.

Thankfully, there is a rich network of supportive services available to support individuals and families in navigating many of life’s toughest challenges.

For those not suffering an emotional crisis, another valuable source of information is available by dialing 2-1-1, where you will reach a free, 24-hour emergency hotline linking you to thousands of local health and human services resources. n ••• Nancy Fash is assistant program director, development and operations at Suicide Prevention Service.

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831-638-1999 2610 SAN JUAN RD.

Salinas

831-424-7368 210 W. MARKET ST.

Watsonville

831-722-0334 285 W. BEACH ST.

WE DELIVER

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / December 2020 / 23