Scotts Valley Times: February 2021

Family Owned For Over 30 Years • Scotts Valley, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek & Felton

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

February 2021 • Vol 24 No. 2

What Matters Most in the Twilight of Life

It snowed early this morning, but the dogs insisted on a walk anyway. We made the usual rounds in the neighborhood, sidestepping puddles and ice.

Full Story page 19

Businesses In Burn Zone Get Grants

Stay-at-Home Order Lifted COVID Death Toll Rises to 148 in County

By Jondi Gumz

Health insurance giant Blue Shield of California is going to be in charge of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution network, a move the Newsom administration made to speed up the fractured and lagging rollout, frustrating local residents.

Kaiser Permanente, the state’s largest health plan, will be part of the effort, but details about the roles the two nonprofits will play have not been made available. ... continues on page 4

Full Story page 5

Headed in the Right Direction

By Derek Timm, Scotts Valley Mayor

I was really encouraged by my last call with Dr. Gail Newel, the County’s Health Officer.

Our efforts on masking and social distancing are starting to pay off, and the COVID-19 holiday surge is waning.

Full Story page 15

BRENT GARVEY PAINTING Interior & Exterior Residential & Commercial

• ALL WORK GUARANTEED • BONDED & INSURED • WORKERS COMP & LIABILITY

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

831.688.6913

50�OFF

$

Services over $500

10

$

OFF����.

OIL CHANGE Free Tire Rotation | Free Brake Inspection Not to be combined with any other offer

For more specials & info visit

www.integritycarservice.com Two year warranty on all services

20OFF

$

Limited Time Only

SMOG CERTIFICATION SPECIAL

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA 95003 Inc.

2 / February 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

No. 2

Volume 24

16

21

23

Table of Contents

7

Cover

Stay-at-Home Order Lifted: COVID Death Toll Rises to 148 in County,

By Jondi Gumz

5 7 8 16

Community News Businesses In Burn Zone Get Grants, By Kevin Heuer Dominican’s First Baby of 2021 lives in Scotts Valley Great Plates Delivered For Older Adults & Restaurateurs, By June Smith Is Your Business Affected by COVID-19? • Senior Outreach Groups Start Soon • County Seeks $8 Million in Rent Aid • State to Update CHP Pronoun Use • Tech for Takeout at Library • New Job Resource For Veterans 17 Fondue for Valentine’s Day

6

California News Legislation Tackles Student Mental Health Crisis: Teenage Suicides Increase After Pandemic Closes Public Schools • Hospice Reforms Signed into Law, By Jondi Gumz 16 Shirley Weber Named Secretary of State

Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • Pages 11-14 11 Shop Small Support Scotts Valley Businesses: #ScottsValleyLove 12 Save the Date!: Scotts Valley’s 2020 Virtual Gala Awards Ceremony • Letter to Scotts Valley Community: Little People’s Store Seeking Community Support — GoFundMe Goal: $11,500 13 Community Award Honorary Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Angela Marshall 14 Local Restaurants Lend a Helping Hand to One Another, By Joanne Guzman, Owner Bruno’s BBQ & Grill

Monthly Horoscope • Page 18 – Mercury Retrogrades in Aquarius, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 20,21

Featured Columnists 15 Headed in the Right Direction, By Derek Timm, Scotts Valley Mayor 17 Travel Troubleshooter: Can I get a refund for my canceled hotel stay in Mexico?, By Christopher Elliott 19 What Matters Most in the Twilight of Life: By John P. Weiss 21 Pictures From the Past: Soquel High: Brand New in 1962, Photo Essay by Carolyn Swift 22 I Am a COVID-19 Survivor, By Joyce Vissell 23 Pruning Roses During Winter Dormancy, By Tony Tomeo

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 23 – Pops is Ready to Retire

www.tpgonlinedaily.com

THE

best friends who live down the hall.

DISTINCTIVE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

We offer assistance so you can continue to live your life to the fullest.

NEVER STOP BEING YOU

We care for your loved one as if they were a member of our own family. Where days are filled with distinctive amenities, enriching activities, local excursions, lots of laughter, food, new friends, and so much more. We offer compassionate care to make life easier.

Come see for yourself!

Call to take a tour and meet our compassionate care staff.

831-359-4670 RFCE# 445202057

Email: Aptos@aegisliving.com | Online: www.aegisofaptos.com 125 Heather Terrace, Aptos, CA 95003

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / February 2021 / 3

COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers Jondi Gumz, Kevin Heuer, June Smith, Joanne Guzman, Risa D’Angeles, Derek Timm, Christopher Elliott, John P. Weiss, Carolyn Swift, Joyce Vissell, Tony Tomeo layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Don Beaumont, Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, James Hudson

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Begonia Festival Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

Entire contents ©2021. All rights reserved.

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

“Stay-At-Home Lifted” from page 1 Locals are still asking “how do you get a vaccine?” because the supply locally has been erratic and inadequate.

Meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to earmark $2 billion for schools for COVID-19 testing to encourage reopening, starting with the youngest grades at elementary schools, and setting a Feb. 1 deadline for safety plans has been dismissed by the California Teachers Association and large districts as arbitrary and unrealistic.

On Jan. 25, Newsom lifted the stayat-home order after intensive care unit availability projections surpassed the required 15 percent, bringing some relief to local businesses such as restaurants and hair salons, whose operations had been curbed since Dec. 3 with the goal to slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus during the holidays.

Then Newsom tapped Yolanda Richardson as the new vaccine czar and announced a statewide eligibility system based on age starting in mid-February and a website, https://myturn.ca.gov where people can learn where they can get a shot.

Newsom also signed SB 91, extending the state’s eviction moratorium til the end of June.

The state will cover 80 percent of rent missed from April 2020 through March 2021 as long as the landlord forgives the rest of what’s owed and does not pursue eviction. If the landlord disagrees, the state will cover 25 percent of the back rent, which would keep the tenant from being evicted. Santa Cruz County is seeking $8 million in federal funds to provide rent aid locally.

COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 40,908 Californians and 148 Santa Cruz County residents, with the death toll highest at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Locally, 64% of deaths are at care homes; 77% had other health conditions.

PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment 4 / February 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

The surge of post-Christmas and postNew Year’s cases seems to be over. In Santa Cruz County, cases per day peaked at 264 on Jan. 4 and have fallen to 100 or below, comparable to before Thanksgiving.

There are 1,717 active cases. The virus spreads mainly via gatherings of friends and family, 78 percent from one household member to another. The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce is entreating residents to not invite guests over, which could limit spread and allow more businesses to reopen.

People living in “overcrowded” conditions — more than one person per room — are particularly susceptible, and such conditions are pervasive in Santa Cruz County, where housing is among the most expensive in the nation. College student rentals are often crowded, and in Watsonville and in the Santa Cruz Beach Flats, multi-generational households are common, or families double up or rent out rooms to afford a place to live.

Local COVID hospitalizations are down from a peak of 84 after New Year’s to 44 on Jan. 28, and 12 people are in ICU beds, down from 20 after New Year’s, giving hope that the worst may be over.

Business Woes ocal small businesses are in dire straits, judging from a City of Capitola survey that found 58 of 132 businesses said they are in danger of closing in next 12 months.

Eight said they would close in 1-2 months, 18 in 3-4 months and 33 said they’re not sure how long they can stay open.

Asked to elaborate, 81 cited a decline in consumer demand; only 12 have seen their business increase.

L

Because of COVID, 71 are closed temporarily.

Most got some federal aid, 40 got SBA disaster loan, 62 got Payroll Protection Program forgivable loan, 40 got an SBA disaster loan that must be repaid, and 20 got Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

To survive, they want grants — not loans — lower fees and lower rent.

One venue reported 33 weddings on the books in 2020 were cut to 5 and scaled down — “We schedule 2021 but it’s only penciled,” the owner said.

A variety of businesses responded, 23 salons/massage, 21 in food/wine, 20 retailers, and 18 catering to tourists with the rest in other sectors.

A whopping 86 would take a city grant from federal funds if offered, with 39 saying $15,000 to $20,000 would help.

The Capitola City Council proposes to award $320,261 CARES Act relief funds on Feb. 11.

A council ad hoc committee proposed 30 small business awards of up to $7,500 to cover rent and utilities for three months, and grants of $15,000 each to Grey Bears, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Community Bridges’ Meals on Wheels.

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County awarded 38 grants of up to $5,000 to small businesses in the CZU fire burn zone, a total of $144,000. Some Scotts Valley businesses applied but their losses from a week’s evacuation were dwarfed by those in the burn zone.

Scotts Valley business owners can tell the Economic Recovery Council of Santa Cruz County how they have been impacted by COVID-19 in a survey that closes Feb. 12: ht t ps://w ww.su rveym onke y.c om /r/ COVID19ERC “COVID Update” page 10

COMMUNITY NEWS

Businesses In Burn Zone Get Grants

C

50 YEARS of

DISCOVERY

By Kevin Heuer

ommunity Foundation Santa Cruz County has awarded 38 grants totaling $144,000 in “Neighbor to Neighbor Fire Relief Grants” for small businesses in the burn zone by the CZU Complex fires.

The grants of up to $5,000 offer quick financial assistance to small businesses located in Boulder Creek, Bonny Doon, and the North Coast for costs incurred due to fires.

Among the recipients are Aum Herbs, owned by Jen Padgett, The ColorWheel Art & Craft Supply, owned by Wendy Manley, Bird’s Eye View Drone and Photography, owned by Christopher Bradford, Phoenix Esthetics Studio owned by Sonya Coronado, all in Boulder Creek; Simpatico in Felton, owned by Chelsea Drew, and Rancho Las Palmas in Davenport owned

by Maria Diaz.

And each business can access support from the Small Business Development

Rancho Las Palmas lost crops when power was turned off during the CZU fires and irrigation was no longer operational.

Center to apply for federal and state grant and loan programs.

“Small businesses all over the country are struggling to survive COVID-19. Local businesses were hit not only with the ongoing economic ramifications of the pandemic but the devastating wildfires.

Some of our local small business owners lost everything,” said Community Foundation CEO Susan True. “ Our hope is that these grants will help people get back to work and to provide immediate support to the community, helping seamstresses sew again, photographers shoot again, and contractors to start building again.”

The Neighbor to Neighbor grants will come from the Foundation’s Fire Response Fund with support from the National Development Council, a national nonprofit that provides economic and community development assistance to local governments.

Tours by Appointment.

See our classrooms in action.

GATEWAY SCHOOL W H E R E E X P E R I E N C E A N D I N N O VAT I O N M E E T

Visit www.gatewaysc.org to schedule a tour.

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

Locally Ownedd! and Operate

ommunity for serving The c years over 30

Best Prices On Michelin & BF Goodrich Tires OTE TODAY! ASK FOR A QU

“Burn Zone” page 7

LOWEST PRICES ON NAME BRANDS www.bigotires.com

Attractive financing options available! On approval, ask for details of different plans.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / February 2021 / 5

CALIFORNIA NEWS

Legislation Tackles Student Mental Health Crisis

Teenage Suicides Increase After Pandemic Closes Public Schools

A

mid growing concern about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teens’ mental health, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills) on Jan. 26 introduced legislation to enable educators to better identify and address student mental health issues.

Jointly authored with Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach), Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, the measure—known as Assembly Bill 309—would require the state Department of Education to create a model mental health referral protocol for use by schools across California. These protocols would provide guidance to help educators better identify students with mental health needs and quickly and efficiently connect them with appropriate services.

Teachers are often the first to notice changes in student behavior that can signal mental health issues, yet many educators report a lack of preparedness and the shift to remote learning makes this even more of a challenge.

Research shows early detection and treatment of mental illness improves students’ attendance, behavior, and academic achievement.

“Like parents across California, I’m deeply concerned about the impact the pan-

demic has had on our kids’ mental health and emotional wellbeing,” said Gabriel.

“California already was facing a student mental health crisis, and there are concerning signs that the situation has gotten worse as a result of the social isolation and disruption of the past year. This important legislation will equip our teachers with better tools and resources so that they can help our students navigate these extremely challenging times. This will be especially important as we look to reopen our schools and bring students back into the classroom after months of distance learning.”

Recent data suggests the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated mental health issues among school-aged youth.

New data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show the proportion of emergency room visits related to mental health crises has increased dramatically for young children and adolescents since the start of the pandemic. Another recent CDC report found 25 percent of respondents between the ages of 18-24 had contemplated suicide in the previous 30 days. In

Las Vegas, rising suicide rates --18 students ended their lives since March — have prompted officials to consider opening schools more quickly than planned. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, one in five children exhibited signs of a mental health disorder, with California adolescents reporting even higher rates of depressive symptoms than the national average.

“The mental health of California’s children and youth, already at a crisis point, is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are seeing ever-increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation among our young people. AB 309 will provide model protocols that will enable our teachers and other school staff to connect students with the help they need in an appropriate and timely way,” said O’Donnell, who chairs the Assembly Education Committee.

“As California moves towards recovery in the coming months and years, ensuring that students have access to needed mental health support will be crucial to ensuring an equitable recovery,” said Debbie Raucher, Education Director for John Burton Advocates for Youth. “AB 309 will provide educators with the tools that they need to make this a reality.” n AB 309 is expected to be heard in Assembly committees in the coming months.

Hospice Reforms Signed into Law

T

TAKE A $50 DISCOUNT ON YOUR INITIAL EXAMINATION! 6 / February 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

By Jondi Gumz

he Helping Our Senior Population in Comfort Environments (HOSPICE) Act, introduced Feb. 10 by U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and U.S. Rep. Tom Reed (R-New York) is now law.

This legislation mandates oversight and transparency of Medicare hospice providers.

It was passed by the House unanimously as part of the Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification (BENES) Act. Then the BENES Act was folded into the FY2021 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which was signed by the president on Dec. 22.

“Most hospice facilities provide compassionate care to patients and families, but there are some that fail to rise to the

standards those in their care deserve,” said Panetta. “Our legislation increases transparency and accountability to support the safety and wellbeing of hospice caregivers and those in their care.”

In July 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General released two reports that identified significant deficiencies in the quality of care for Medicare hospice enrollees.

According to the two reports, 87 percent of hospices had at least one care deficiency between 2012 and 2016.

Twenty percent had at least one serious deficiency, meaning that the health and safety of a beneficiary were in jeopardy.

“Hospice” page 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dominican’s First Baby of 2021 Lives in Scotts Valley

S

cotts Valley parents Tanika Patel Gonzalez and Nativo Gonzalez celebrated Jan. 1 with a new baby, Amari Patel Gonzalez, Dominican Hospital’s first baby of the new year.

“Burn Zone” from page 5 Business advising assistance services will be provided, at no cost, through the Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center based at Cabrillo College. Chuck Depew of the NDC says his organization is “grateful to support business recovery efforts in Santa Cruz County.”

And Brandon Napoli of the SBDC reaffirmed, “The Santa Cruz SBDC is committed to small business recovery efforts.”

Maria Diaz, owner of Rancho Las Palmas Farm in Davenport lost most of her crops during the CZU fires due to lack of access to the farm. Once they were able to get back on the land, they didn’t have power and so couldn’t irrigate the surviving crops.

She says, “This grant will help us stay operational in 2021, helping us purchase seeds this coming season and buy compost for our fields. We are forever grateful for the support.”

“The CZU fires burned down our family’s home and with it, most of the camera gear that we use for our business,” said Christopher Bradford, owner of Bird’s Eye View Drone and Photography. “We lost expensive lenses and camera bodies that’s limited the amount and type of business we’ve been able to take and so a huge chunk

The baby boy was born at 11:26 a.m.

He’s the firstborn for Tanika, and the second for Nativo, joining a 14-yearold brother.

Congratulations! n

“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

SPECIALIZING IN

WINTER SPECIAL

Residential Repaints & If we paint your interior and/or Custom Homes exterior by February 28, 2021 Homeowners Associations we will buy the paint.

Property Managers

of our potential annual income has disappeared. This grant will help us replace the equipment we lost so that we can hopefully build back our business in 2021.”

“We launched in 2019 and since then we’ve had to rethink our business strategy as each new challenge hits,” said Jen Padgett, owner of Aum Herbs. “I am taking it day by day, week by week and I’m grateful for this grant like this one to help keep us afloat while we do our best to pivot and keep serving our community.”

To qualify for the grants, businesses must have been in operation within Santa Cruz County for at least one year as of Aug. 1, 2020, and have no more than 25 full-time employee equivalents and incurred costs due to the fires.

Since August 2020, the Community Foundation has granted $776,144 to meet the urgent needs of neighbors recovering from the CZU Lightening Complex Fires.

Grants address immediate needs of fire survivors, support insurance advocacy and environmental restoration, preparing for future fires, floods, and protecting water, and starting new partnerships and teams to solve very local issues. n ••• Kevin Heuer is director of engagement and impact at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / February 2021 / 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Great Plates Delivered For Older Adults & Restaurateurs

O

By June Smith

n April 24, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the launch of a first-inthe-nation meal delivery service called “Great Plates Delivered” for California’s older adults. Santa Cruz County began the program on Memorial Day weekend and has since delivered thousands of meals.

Great Plates Delivered serves two purposes: To help seniors and adults at high risk from COVID-19 to stay at home by receiving three nutritious meals a day, and to provide essential economic stimulus to local businesses struggling to survive.

Vendors must meet certain standards.

Nutritional requirements for lunch and dinner must offer a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable in each dish, be low in sodium, and contain no sugary drinks.

A Santa Cruz County committee first chose four local restaurants and one caterer

— The Back Nine, Johnny’s Harborside, Roaring Camp, Pearl of the Ocean, and Swing Time Catering — to prepare the meals.

Other providers have been added, including Collectivo Felix and Teen Kitchen Project.

After learning about the program, I applied and was teamed up to receive meals from Team Kitchen Project. TKP’s Executive Director Angela Farley is grateful to be able to serve local seniors through the Great Plates Program, offering hearthealthy and diabetes-friendly medically tailored meals to local seniors who qualify.

My first delivery included soup, a roasted vegetable salad with Feta cheese, balsamic vinaigrette, plus three more entrees.

The meals come with a fact sheet outlining the ingredients included and nutritional data.

Farley says, “TKP brings young people into the kitchen to learn to cook

8 / February 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

delicious and nourishing food. The meals are delivered free of charge to individuals and families who are in crisis due to a lifethreatening illness or those now observing the Stay at Home orders. We have an interview process that includes committing to adhere to Health Officer recommendations in and out of the kitchen. We have a stable group of youth with our team of adult chefs who work four days a week preparing meals. Work stations are at least six feet apart with no more than eight total people in our large kitchen at a time.”

Their organic suppliers are Smart Chicken, Mary’s Chicken, and major funder Lakeside Organic Garden, who because of their monetary and in-kind donations, Teen Kitchen Project has been able to scale up dramatically to serve those suffering from COVID-19.

A social worker from Dominican

Photo Credit: June Smith

My first meal (Cabbage and Leek Gratin).

Home Health applied to Great Plates for local author and film critic Lisa Jensen when she learning that cooking and cleaning was often difficult for her due to multiple sclerosis.

“Great Plates” page 9

“Hospice” from page 6 Based on 50 reports of serious deficiencies, the Inspector General found 12 cases where Medicare beneficiaries were seriously harmed. One individual with Alzheimer’s developed gangrene and had the lower leg amputated after the hospice did not treat pressure ulcers on the heels. Another hospice allowed maggots to develop around a man’s feeding tube while under care at home.

In other instances, the hospice failed to recognize signs of sexual assault of a woman at an assisted living facility, did not intervene when a man caring for his father at home would not help him up and would not clean his dirty briefs, and did nothing when a man living in an apartment had his medications for pain and anxiety stolen by a neighbor who came in naked and unannounced – even though hospice employees were aware of that situation.

Of these 12 cases, only one hospice reported the harm to Medicare.

The reports did not name hospice program operators where Medicare beneficiaries were seriously harmed.

In 2017, Medicare spent $17.8 billion for hospice care for nearly 1.5 million beneficiaries, up from $9.2 billion for fewer

than 1 million beneficiaries in 2006 but had only one remedy to penalize a poor performing hospice: Removal from the Medicare program.

The Office of Inspector General issued a series of recommendations to improve quality in hospice care, many of which are addressed in this bill.

The law, funded with $10 million, will require surveys of hospice programs every two years starting Oct. 1, and the results are to be published, in a searchable manner, on the Medicare.gov website starting Oct. 1, 2022.

Trained multidisciplinary teams are to conduct the surveys.

Hospice programs failing to meet the requirements will be surveyed every six months.

If program deficiencies jeopardize the health and safety of the participants, the HHS Secretary can levy a penalty of up to $10,000 a day, suspend federal payments, appointment temporary overseers, or terminate the program’s certification. n ••• To read the bill language, go to https://www. govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/hr5821/text.

To read the Inspector General’s reports, see https://oig.hhs.gov/newsroom/media-materials/ media-materials-2019-hospice/

“Great Plates” from page 8

EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SHAPE THEIR FUTURES WITH CONFIDENCE.

Kirby School is an independent college preparatory day school in Santa Cruz for grades 6-12.

Join us at an upcoming virtual Admissions event to learn more about our exceptional college prep program and online-only option for high school.

Events are hosted on Zoom.

To sign up, visit kirby.org/register

KIRBY.ORG

425 Encinal Street | Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Jensen has been getting three deliveries a week with seven tasty dinners from Colectivo Felix. She says, “I still like to cook, but I’m always so curious to see what the next one(s) will be!”

Chef Diego Felix says the program has been a huge help and source of income for his business. His summer season was almost fully booked with weddings, winery dinners, and private events, which have all been canceled.

This program of the Human Service Department of the County has local support from the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County as well as partnerships with other local organizations.

Photo Credit: June Smith Susan True, Chief Jesus B. is ready for a signature after delivering my meal.

Executive Officer of The Community Foundation, says, “Donors’ gifts to The Federal Emergency Management our COVID-19 Response Fund meant we Agency’s Public Assistance program originally could offer the local matching funds that authorized the service through 2020, but extenhelped millions in federal dollars come sions were made due to the ongoing severity back to feed and protect our community. of the COVID-19 virus. The program was Great Plates Delivered lets older adults at extended until Feb. 6, 2021, with the plan to higher risk remain safe at home and also have more extensions if necessary. gives timely business to local meal proGreat Plates Delivered: covid19.ca.gov/ viders struggling to stay afloat.” n restaurants-deliver-home-meals-for-seniors/ ••• To apply: 831-454-4406

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / February 2021 / 9

“COVID Update” from page 4 When’s My Turn? he vaccine rollout, which started in midDecember and divided responsibility among hospitals, large medical groups, pharmacies, safety net clinics, and independent providers, left local residents in the dark.

They asked their neighbors on the social network NextDoor for insights, puzzled why the distribution was so slow.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, so some was held back for that second shot.

Everyone knew healthcare workers should be first in line, and in Santa Cruz County that’s 14,700 people in “phase 1A.” When the Trump administration, eight days before leaving office, called for states to allow people age 65 and older and those with health conditions to be eligible, the question on NextDoor became “When is my turn?”

California’s answer, using technology from Salesforce and Skedulo, is https:// myturn.ca.gov.

Piloted in San Diego and Los Angeles counties, MyTurn allows people to sign up for a notification of eligibility and schedule a shot when it’s their turn.

The official title for vaccine czar Yolanda Jackson is secretary of the Government Operations Agency. She procured personal protective equipment and led the team to transition state employees to work from home.

She has health plan leadership experience and is known for her “get it done” style.

Supply Shortage ocally, the biggest obstacle to providing vaccine to more people is the unpredictable supply.

Mimi Hall, director of the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, said one week 200 doses came in, the next week 2,000.

So she’s been reluctant to schedule vaccinations for people over 65 and over 75, she said a press conference on Jan. 22.

“We don’t have enough supply for everyone who wants one,” she said.

To prioritize people in Watsonville, which has 53 percent of the COVID cases, the county started a free drive-through vaccine clinic at the fairgrounds in Watsonville.

Hours are Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It’s by appointment. Register at mhealthcheckin.com/covidvaccine to find out if appointments are available.

Once the fairgrounds site has a steady supply, Hall expects to be able to vaccinate 1,000 people a day.

At that rate, it would take some time to reach the 47,000 county residents who are 65 and older.

Hall expects the supply to improve once vaccines by Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca are available.

Johnson & Johnson reported on Jan. 29 that its one-shot vaccine, which doesn’t require cold storage, was 66 percent effective at preventing disease, with its chief scientific officer saying it’s 85 percent effective against severe disease and complete protection against hospitalization and death.

T

L

The UK has approved the one-shot AstraZeneca vaccine, and a clinical trial in the U.S. with nearly 30,000 people is ongoing. Dr. Gail Newel, the Santa Cruz County health officer, expects FDA approval in April or May. California held up a batch of Moderna vaccine for a few days over questions about allergic reactions, then determined it was safe.

People who want a vaccine won’t be able to pick a brand because it depends on what’s available, according to Dr. David Ghilarducci, the Santa Cruz County deputy health officer.

Medical Groups arge medical groups such as Dignity Health Dominican Hospital, Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente have been getting their own vaccine supplies but county officials don’t know how many vaccinations have been given, getting only a total for the corporation as a whole, not a county figure, and not knowing how many vacations have been given at nursing homes via pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens.

“It’s kind of a blind spot,” Ghilarducci said.

Dominican Hospital shed light on the situation, announcing Jan 22, that it has given 5,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to Phase 1A health care workers in Santa Cruz County.

That’s going beyond its own staff.

Dominican focused initially on frontline clinical staff, then offered vaccine to all hospital employees and affiliated physicians.

Nearly 80 percent—more than 2,000 hospital staff members —who wanted the COVID-19 vaccine have received it, with many already having been administered their second and final dose, according to Dominican.

Then Dominican opened up its vaccination clinics to frontline health care workers across the community — including paramedics/EMTs, hospice workers, behavioral health and safety net clinic staff, mortuary services employees, and staff in local physician offices. All told, the hospital reports nearly 3,000 vaccinations for essential workers.

“Our health care team has faced months of unimaginable adversity and exhaustion,” said Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz, president of Dominican Hospital. “Yet, when asked to help get the COVID-19 vaccine to as many of their clinical colleagues in the community as possible, they didn’t think twice. They dug deep and responded with an enthusiasm I didn’t think was possible.”

Newel applauded Dominican’s efforts, saying, “They are helping to pave our path out of this historic emergency.”

The big medical groups are creating drive-through clinics to provide vaccine to their patients.

Capitola residents Molly and Micky Ording applauded Dignity Health’s drivethough clinic at Harbor High School in Santa Cruz, calling the experience joy-filled, efficient and stress-free.

Dr Steve Magee , president of Dignity Health Medical Group - Dominican, reported providing 200 vaccines per day at Harbor High School to a total of 800 patients who meet the state and federal eligibility criteria and have a Dignity Dominican primary care doctor.

His goal is to revamp up to 400-800

L

10 / February 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

patient vaccinations per day as supply allows.

The drive-through site is by appointment only, with hours from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday. Patients can schedule by calling 831-288-6526 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or send a portal message to their doctor.

More hours will be added in February if vaccine supplies are adequate.

On Jan. 14, Sutter Health, parent of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and a large provider in the county, set up a drive-through vaccine clinic in the former drive-in-turned flea market on Soquel Drive, a property Sutter Health owns.

The drive-through operation is open only to Sutter patients by appointment, and Kathy Cheer of Santa Cruz raved, calling it effortless.

Newel said Kaiser has also opened up its “phase 1A” vaccinations of health care workers and residential care workers to serve people outside of its insurance plan.

On Jan. 20, county officials announced a partnership with Safeway to help distribute vaccine to health care workers, providing 1,200 doses for four stores to be used for those eligible. Safeway agreed to provide scheduling support to accommodate up to 500 people a day at a location to be announced.

Partnerships with pharmacies and dental offices are being explored.

One misstep occurred when Dr. Newel, the Santa Cruz County health officer, ordered a suspension of elective surgeries at hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers on Jan. 5 as ICU capacity was shrinking.

Three days later, she amended her order to be less restrict and match the state health officer’s order, and on Jan. 17, she rescinded the order altogether, allowing elective surgeries and procedures to resume.

Even though the stay-at-home order is lifted, a travel advisory remains in effect, with the state encouraging people to skip visits more than 120 miles from home to slow the spread of the virus.

People arriving in California should selfquarantine for 10 days, based on a change in federal guidance from 14 days.

What Can Open anta Cruz County is in the Purple Tier, as it was back in early December.

Outdoor restaurant dining and winery food service outside is allowed, although few people ate outside when mega-storm swept through.

Hair salons, barbershops and nail salons can open, so can massage services.

Retail and shopping centers are allowed at 25 percent capacity; food courts are closed.

Of courses, masks and social distancing are still required to prevent spreading the virus.

To see what business activity is allowed, visit https://www.cdph.ca.gov/ Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document% 20Library/COVID-19/Dimmer-FrameworkSeptember_2020.pdf Places of worship can have services outside. A federal appeals court ruled in January against South Bay United Pentecostal Church in San Diego County, which

S

argued the ban on indoor worship was discriminatory.

The state presented evidence that large groups gathered indoors for an extended period, singing and chanting, pose risks that justify a ban to protect the public from COVID. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Judge Kim Wardlow said, “It is difficult to see how allowing more people to congregate indoors will do anything other than lead to more cases, more deaths and more strains on California’s already overburdened health-care system.”

To move into the less restrictive Red Tier, where restaurants and fitness centers could open indoors with capacity limits, the adjusted case rate would have to drop below 7 percent, and the positivity rate would have to be below 8 percent.

The current positivity rate is 7.8 percent but the current adjusted case rate is 28 percent. n •••

County COVID Deaths 148

As of Jan. 31 Age 90 and up: 49 • 80 to 89: 49 • 70 to 79: 27 60 to 69: 18 • 50 to 59: 1 • 40 to 49: 2 30 to 39: 2 Race/Ethnicity White: 88 • Latinx: 44 • Asian: 12 Black: 1 Amer. Indian/Alaskan Native: 1 Unknown: 2 Underlying Conditions Yes: 114 • No: 34 Gender Male: 65 • Female: 83 Skilled Nursing/Residential Care Santa Cruz Post Acute: 20 Watsonville Post Acute: 17 Pacific Coast Manor: 14 Hearts & Hands Post Acute: 7 Sunshine Villa: 5 • Maple House 1: 4 Montecito Manor: 3 Valley Convalescent: 3 Aegis: 3 • Watsonville Nursing Center: 3 De Un Amor: 2 • Dominican Oaks: 2 Hanover House: 2 • Driftwood: 1 Maple House II: 1 • Paradise Villa: 1 Rachelle’s Home 1: 1 Rachelle’s Home II: 1 • Westwind: 1 Total: 91 Not at a facility: 57 COVID Cases by Town Aptos: 651 • Ben Lomond: 88 Boulder Creek: 124 • Capitola: 366 Felton: 122 • Freedom: 860 Santa Cruz: 3,147 • Scotts Valley: 330 Soquel: 295 • Watsonville: 7,213 Unincorporated: 188 Under investigation: 222 Total: 13,606 Source: Santa Cruz County Public Health ••• Editor’s Note: Would you like to share your family’s COVID-19 story? Email Jondi Gumz at jondi@timespublishinggroup.com or call 831-688-7549 x17.

Cover Photo: Sutter Health’s drivethrough vaccine clinic at the former flea market on Soquel Drive aims to get doses to health-care workers. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Shop Small Support Scotts Valley Businesses

A

#ScottsValleyLove – A Community Family-Oriented Event

fter the highly successful and well-received “The Haunt” before Halloween and “Holiday Open House/Family Passport Day” on Shop Small Saturday in November, the Scotts Valley Economic Recovery Task Force has announced another holidaythemed event.

The Valentine-themed event will take place on February 13th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is called #ScottsValleyLove.

Tam Communications’ Creative Director and Executive Producer and member of the Task Force said, “The business community was so grateful of the efforts intended to increase traffic to their stores and all those that participated from the public had so much fun at both events and were appreciative to learn about new shops they hadn’t known of before. Events like these are just so important during these times to encourage all of us to remember to shop local.”

The Task Force is a collaboration between the City of Scotts Valley and the Scotts Valley Chamber of on social media and made available to all Commerce. those who participate.

The event, which is family-ori••• ented, COVID-Safe, allows attendees to List of Participating Businesses: pick up a goodie bag at any one of the Flower Outlet city’s five shopping centers along with Zinnia’s a map of participating Scotts Valley Ace Hardware businesses.

Brunos Bar & Grill At each business, community Cali Style members will get candy or trinkets Choi’s Taekwondo dropped into their bags. Many of the Cinelux businesses will also provide special Jamba Juice offers and some may hold individual inMountain Music School store raffles.

Succulent Diva Designs Pictures will also be taken for posting Tony & Alba’s Pizza & Pasta

Treasures Ferrari Florist Kissed By An Angel Winery Glimmer & Glow Tanning Boutique Little People’s Scotts Valley Jewelers Togo’s Scotts Valley Kalani Day Spa Mathnasium Ashby’s Confections Jia Tella’s Studio Salon & Supply Tutu Ballet School Empowering Hands 831 Kitchen and Bath

Shop Local #ScottsValleyLove February 13th

Earthwise Pet Rumble Fish Four Points Sheraton DVD to Go The Find Petticoat Junction Ivy’s Porch Professional Alterations by Maria ••• Outreach to businesses is currently underway.

Any business interested in participating should contact Angela Marshall at amarshall@scottsvalleychamber.com. Deadline to sign-up is February 8th. Those who sign up will benefit from pre-event promotion on the Chamber’s Facebook Page.

Call the Chamber Today or Visit www.scottsvalleychamber.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / February 2021 / 11

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Save the Date!

Scotts Valley’s 2020 Virtual Gala Awards Ceremony

T

he Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the theme, date and format for their annual awards gala.

Dubbed “Stayin’ Alive”, the event will be virtual and will be available on both the Chamber ’s Facebook page as well as My Scotts Valley’s Facebook page on March 13th from 6 to 8 pm. Danny Reber and Robert Aldana will co-host the fun-filled evening.

The night will kick off with a music video being produced by Tam Communications. A parody of the Bee Gees’ 1977 hit song “Stayin’ Alive”, the Tam team will be reaching out to members of the community to provide video, showing off their best dance moves and most outrageous disco threads.

Susan O’Connor Fraser, Tam’s Creative Director, notes that the song will be made available to the Community by February 8th and the crowd-sourced video deadline is February 26th.

More info will be announced on the Chamber ’s Facebook page.

Award winners, announced last month, include: Business of the Year–Tam Communications; Woman of the Year–Joanne Guzman; Man of the Year–Michael

Hanson; Educator of the Year–Erik Wyner; Youth of the Year–Anika Mistry; Organization of the Year–

Santa Cruz Moose Lodge; Beautification Project of the Year–Glenwood Preserve; and Honorary Ambassador of the Year–Angela Marshall.

Each winner will be queued up by last year ’s award winner and then a video profile will roll, featuring members of the community.

Musical performances by students of Bobbie Ward’s Performance Vocals and Sydney Gorham of Mountain Music School will also be integrated into the program.

People who register for the event will also be automatically entered into opportunity drawings that will be held throughout the two hours and those in attendance will have the chance to go live and be featured in the program.

You can learn more and register for the event at the Chamber ’s website https://scottsvalleychamber. com/awards-gala/.

If you’d like to donate, contact Board President Jeanette Larkin at jlarkin@scottsvalleychamber.com.

If you’re interested in sponsoring and having a commercial play during the program, contact Danny Reber at dreber@santacruzchamber.com. All funds raised will support local businesses and the Chamber.

Letter to Scotts Valley Community from Raelyn D’Amelio

Little People’s Store Seeking Community Support — GoFundMe Goal: $11,500

T

he Little People’s Store is a small children’s consignment boutique with clean, quality children’s items at prices everyone can afford. I purchased this business from the original owner Shelly Leeman in 2010, a Santa Cruz resident, who had a passion for young people and green living.

From a young age, Shelly saw a demand in the community to provide local families with a trade-in platform to recycle gently used items with a quick turnaround.

As a result of Covid-19, my business has been heavily impacted and I find myself in a place of financial hardship.

From the bottom of my heart, I seek to keep my doors open and continue serving the community at a time where the concept of recycling items is needed now more than ever.

I’m reaching out to you because I have been having experiencing difficulty paying rent for my business, as the doors were closed for several months with zero trade-in services offered or inventory turnover — especially with children growing so quickly with different interests at every age!

My mission as a small business owner is to keep the community green, eliminate waste, and support other local businesses. My vision is to continue providing my community with a trade-in network to avoid simply throwing away unwanted children’s clothing, furniture, and toys when they could be traded-in, consigned, or donated. Otherwise, these items will end up in landfills, adding to the billions of pounds of textile waste already in the ground.

Fortunately, children’s boutique consignment shopping has become increasingly popular in California as

12 / February 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

people continue to look for more ways to reduce waste, making a conscious effort to live sustainably.

This environmentally-friendly shopping experience allows parents and guardians to recycle baby, toddler, and children’s items giving them a second life. For this reason,

I have started a Go Fund Me account to keep my doors open and help me catch up on rent in order to keep my green vision thriving.

“Little People” page 13

Scotts Valley Chamber News “Little People” from page 12 With your financial contributions, I can positively impact the lives of families and children in the local and surrounding areas.

Unfortunately, I did apply but did not receive any of the COVID-19 federal loans or state grants.

If you could support my GoFundMe page by making a donation and then sharing it with your friends, family, and social media networks, I would greatly appreciate it. I know that

money can be tight during these times, so please know that even a $5.00 contribution will help me get closer to my goal!

Please donate within your capacity. Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll be happy to answer them.

Respectfully, Raelyn D’Amelio Local Business Owner ••• https://www.gofundme.com/f/ little-people039s-store?qid=1189d3 3b08b2e196b5c3d40da04650ef tinyurl.com/little-peoplefundraiser

Community Award Honorary Chamber Ambassador of the Year:

I

n a normal year, the Chamber Ambassadors are community leaders and the outreach arm for the Chamber of Commerce. They are the face-to-face welcome wagon for new businesses, help build networks for existing businesses, and volunteer in community events.

The Chamber Ambassadors select the Chamber Ambassador of the Year.

However, because of Covid-19 this last year, most of what the Ambassadors do was put on hold.

With the exception of a couple of socially distanced outdoor ribbon cuttings, there were no events or mixers for the Ambassadors to host and all face to face activities were suspended. So, when

Angela Marshall

the Ambassadors met to pick the 2020 Chamber Ambassador of the year, they decided unanimously that they would like to recognize someone that has always been there to build them up and support them in all that they do, our Chamber Operations Director, Angela Marshall.

With all of the challenges that 2020 brought, including Covid-19 and the CZU Fires, the Chamber had to pivot to meet the needs of community members affected by the CZU fire and outreach to provide help small businesses affected by Covid-19 like never before.

Angela became an integral member of the newly formed Economic Recovery Task Force, which was a collaboration between

the Chamber, the City of Scotts Valley, and our business community.

Angela’s professional career began at NASA Ames Research Center as a Procurement Officer before becoming a Worldwide Business Analyst for Hewlett Packard.

After taking 12 years off to raise her family, she re-entered the workforce as the Principal’s assistant at Scotts Valley High School for six years, after her sons graduated, she joined the Scotts Valley Chamber in 2014 and is passionate about Scotts Valley and all the wonderful businesses and enjoys sharing the town’s history and sightseeing highlights with tourists and locals alike.

IRT-1948I-A

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / February 2021 / 13

Scotts Valley Chamber News

Local Restaurants Lend a Helping Hand to One Another

I

By Joanne Guzman, Owner Bruno’s BBQ & Grill

t’s no secret the global pandemic has created an economic crisis. Many industries are particularly affected by the shutdowns, among those are restaurants. According to Statista, the year-over-year decline of seated diners in restaurants in the U.S. was a staggering 65.91 percent on January 25, 2021. We live in a unique community where those who are having difficulties are helping one another rather than going with the ‘every man for himself’ attitude.

I for one am very grateful to my fellow restauranteurs who have given us help at Bruno’s Bar and Grill during these difficult times. One, in particular, is Luna Kim, owner of Rumble Fish. When Scotts Valley had the powerful wind storm a few weeks back, many restaurants lost their outdoor dining setup.

Rumble Fish’s covered outdoor tented area was destroyed by the winds. Luna contacted me to ask me if I wanted her heaters, she had heard we lost our fencing and heaters in the storm. When I asked how much she wanted for them, she said she would give them to me at no charge.

Image Courtesy Of Cherie Anderson

‘“We decided to give you the heaters because you always took care of me. I wanted to be helpful for you to open back up and hopefully to bring more people to your outdoor seating,” said Luna.

“Everyone is trying their hardest to survive this pandemic. And we still believe we all can make it through”.

This is the kind of help many in our community have been giving to one another and it’s something that should be recognized and celebrated.

Another local small business that’s been giving to our community is Erin Buchla from Cruise Coffee Company. In addition to donating to numerous people

CURRENT RENTALS

Sunny Seabright 3BR/1 BA 1-story Home w/deck & large yard on Woods Street in SC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ideally located 2BR/2BA Home w/2-car garage on Bear Creek in BC . . . . . . . . .

Unique 2+BR/1BA Home w/2-car garage on Newton Drive in Felton . . . . . . . . .

Newly remodeled 3BR/1BA Home on Redwood Avenue in BC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Artisan’s Delight 1BR/1BA 2-story/2-structure Home w/loft and garden in BC . .

Ground level 1BR/1BA Boulder Creek Condo w/garage on King’s Highway in BC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$3300 $2900 $2800 $2650 $2375 $2000

in need and providing food and coffee to our first responders, she’s been supporting and collaborating with several local businesses during the pandemic and fires.

This spirit of helping isn’t just limited to our area, it extends into other areas of our County too. During the fires when our power was shut off and we were going to lose thousands of dollars of food, Mark Urban co-owner of The Hindquarter let us bring a truckload of food over to put in his freezer. Lending a hand to one another when needed is the key to making it through tough times.

There’s a light at the end of the tunnel and I am looking forward to brighter days to come! We know there are many other businesses that are helping one another and as Chair of the Economic Recovery Task Force, I would love to hear your stories.

Please send your inspiring stories to Joanne Guzman: jo@bunosbarandgrill.com or Angela Marshall: amarshall@scottsvalley chamber.com.

HOW CAN YOU MONITOR WATER USE AT YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS? Use WaterSmart - It’s Free!

Scotts Valley Water District’s new i-Meter program features a web portal, WaterSmart, to help you monitor water usage, be more efficient and save money.

Sign up at svwd.watersmart.com

Advertise in the Scotts Valley Chamber Newsletter

14 / February 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

CALL FOR SPECIAL RATES 831.688.7549

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Headed in the Right Direction

Vaccine Distribution Plan

By

I

was really encouraged by my last call with Dr. Gail Newel, the County’s Health Officer.

Our efforts on masking and social distancing are starting to pay off, and the COVID-19 holiday surge is waning.

Moreover, many of our health care workers and our most vulnerable population of adults over 75 have received their first course of the vaccine.

To give some perspective, Scotts Valley had only about 70 confirmed cases between March and Nov. 1. However, Scotts Valley climbed to 327 total cases after Nov. 1, and our County went from under 3,000 cases to over 13,000 cases in that same time-period with 148 deaths. It has been a hard winter so far for many in our community not only with COVID but the power outages, windstorms and rains, but I hope we are turning a corner.

The good news is that in the last 2 weeks, the case positivity rate has dropped approximately in half, and active cases are declining. The State allowed our restau-

rants to reopen for outdoor dining and our salons to begin operating again. There are also fresh rounds of government funding to help our businesses survive. Moreover, as vaccine distribution continues, the load in our hospitals will be reduced.

There are some really positive things happening in Scotts Valley, including our #ScottsValleyLove campaign that the Chamber of Commerce and the City are promoting. On Feb. 13 from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. residents will be able to visit participating businesses throughout town and pick up treats and trinkets — and at the same time — shop local for that someone special for Valentine’s Day. I am also very excited about the efforts of the 1440 Multiversity learning retreat. While they were closed during the pandemic, they pivoted to providing meals to locals who were evacuated and lost homes in the CZU fires.

Now, born out of gratitude for their heroic efforts and funded with support of generous donors and sponsors,

1440 Multiversity offers the Healing Our Healthcare Heroes program to care for the mental health and wellbeing of thousands of healthcare professionals battling worsening rates of depression, anxiety, insomnia and distress.

Once the pandemic is over, everyone will be in need of recovery and relaxation.

Ranked by CNN as one of top 11 wellness retreats in the world, 1440 Multiversity offers “Rest & Renewal” retreats with rejuvenating spa facilities, haute farm-to-table meals, serene hikes and daily wellness classes — from mindfulness to yoga — taught by the likes of Andrew Weil, Deepak Chopra, Martha Beck and Sharon Salzberg.

We are hoping to climb back into the red and orange tiers that would give our schools a path to reopen as well. Although the COVID metrics are not quite there yet, we are headed in the right direction. I know my kids are certainly ready.

“Right Direction” page 18

COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed within Santa Cruz County through the local health care system, including Public Health. At this time, vaccine supplies are limited, and it is uncertain when vaccines will be available for all sectors. Phases and Tiers may Timm, change at Scotts any time based on recommendations by the CDC and California Derek Valley Mayor Department of Public Health.

Limited weekly supply PHASE 1A

• • •

We are currently here, individuals 75+

TIER 1: Acute and healthcare staff, SNF/assisted living facility staff/residents, EMTs, paramedics, dialysis center staff TIER 2: Home health and in-home supportive services, public health, primary care staff, FQHCs & urgent care clinics Tier 3: Dental/oral health workers, lab workers, pharmacy staff, specialty clinics Limited weekly supply

• PHASE 1B

•

TIER 1: Individuals 75 and older, then 65- 74, workers in education, childcare, food & agriculture, fire, law enforcement, emergency services TIER 2: Workers in facilities & services, critical manufacturing, transportation & logistics. Also incarcerated people & homeless individuals Limited weekly supply

• • •

Individuals 50 – 64 Those 16-49 that are high risk Workers in chemical, communications, IT, defense, finance, government operations, community-based organizations, water & wastewater

PHASE 2

•

All other persons older than 16 that have not already been recommended in Phases 1a, 1b or 1c and general population.

PHASE 3

•

Ensuring equitable vaccination access across the entire population. Focus on communities with low coverage.

PHASE PHASE 1A 1C

When large number of doses available Expected to launch Spring 2021

When large number of doses available Expected to launch Summer 2021

Updated January 28, 2021

Your Transitional Retreat

USTED

THE TR N I CHOICE E your loved one to Y CARTransitioning MEMOR

community life during COVID-19

Call Westwind today and learn

License #445202597

The only about localour assisted dedicated Careliving Conciergecommunity solely dedicated to 831.515.6642 | 160 Jewell Santa Cruz specialized memory care.St.,Call today to schedule a virtual tour!

831.515.6642 Westwind | 160 Jewell Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 • westwindmemorycare.com License# 445202597

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / February 2021 / 15

CALIFORNIA NEWS

Shirley Weber Named Secretary of State O n Jan. 29, former Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber was sworn in as California Secretary of State. The oath was administered by Governor Gavin Newsom, who nominated Secretary Weber for appointment , following the resignation of former Secretary of State Alex Padilla. The nomination was confirmed by both the State Assembly and State Senate. She is making history as California’s first Black Secretary of State and only the fifth African American to

S

T

expressed their faith in my ability to assume this critical office. I look forward to lifting up and defending our democratic values of inclusivity and participation in this new role.”

The Secretary of State serves as California’s chief elections officer and custodian of the State Archives while also overseeing many filings for business, campaign finance, and lobbying activity.

“Weber” page 18

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Is Your Business Affected by COVID-19? he Economic Recovery Council of Santa Cruz County is reaching out to local businesses to take a short survey to find out how local businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The results of this survey will help the Economic Recovery Council analyze the business community’s circumstances and will provide a better understanding of what the community needs to recover.

Feel free to forward this survey to your business contacts. This survey will be open until Feb. 12.

The survey is at https://www.survey monkey. com/r/COVID19ERC ••• Senior Outreach Groups Start Soon enior Outreach, a program of the Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, is offering support groups for men and women year-around.

During these challenging times, the support groups give their members an opportunity to connect with others once a week in a positive, supportive, and nourishing environment, sharing thoughts and feelings. Currently, all the groups meet via Zoom once a week for six weeks (90-minute sessions) and are facilitated by experienced peer-counselors.

Four women’s groups and two men’s groups begin soon. One of the women’s groups, beginning Jan. 26, will offer the newest format, using a workbook and journal to increase feelings of well-being and empowerment. It also includes suggestions for activities you can do at home.

To reserve a place or for more information, call 831-459-9351 x206 and leave a message for a call back within 24 hours.

••• County Seeks $8 Million in Rent Aid he County of Santa Cruz has applied for funding through the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program to help households unable to pay their rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

T

remain secure, accessible and fair serve as a state constitutional officer even under the most adverse condiin California’s 170-year history. tions. Dr. King teaches us that we “The fact that each citizen are at our best when we stand up in is a primary officeholder in a service of others, and I am humbled democracy is the lodestone tenet of to be able to continue to stand up our system of government,” said for Californians as Secretary of Secretary of State Weber. “It is my State. I thank the Governor for his responsibility as Secretary of State nomination, the State Senators and to ensure that more Californians are Shirley Weber Assemblymembers who confirmed able to exercise that power through the electoral process, and that our elections my appointment, and the Californians who

Santa Cruz County Jobs December 2020

4,600 Up 100

Change from Construction Unchanged Sector Dec. 2020 a year ago Financial 3,600 90,500 Down 13,700 Government 18,800 Down 5,500 Nonfarm 1,500 Down 3,200 Leisure & Hospitality 10,700 Down 2,500 Farm 92,000 Down 16,900 Pvt. Ed. & Health 15,200 Down 2,500 Total Manufacturing 6,200 Down 1,000 Labor Force 127,600 Down 8% Other Services 4,200 Down 900 Employment* 116,700 Down 12% Trade/Transportation/ Unemployment 10,800 Up 64% Utilities 16,500 Down 700 *Includes commuting to jobs outside county Prof. & Biz. Services 10,200 Down 600 Sources: California Employment DevelInformation 500 Down 100 opment Department Authorized through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, $25 billion is earmarked nationally for rent support. The County’s grant amount, not yet confirmed by the Treasury, is estimated at $8 million.

Funds may be used to pay for rent, utilities, rent and utilities arrears, and housing costs for tenants. Renters in all cities and unincorporated areas will be eligible, with application details to be released after award confirmation, federal guidance and local stakeholder input To qualify, renter households must have at least one individual who meets the following criteria: Qualifies for unemployment or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19;,demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and household income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income Priority will go to households with individuals unemployed for 90 days prior to application and households with income at or below 50 percent of the area median. Rental aid may not duplicate any other federally funded rental aid.

The County previously allocated $1.1 million of its federal CARES Act funds for rent aid for tenants impacted by the pandemic.

16 / February 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

••• State to Update CHP Pronoun Use n Feb. 1, State Sen. John Laird (D- Santa Cruz) introduced SB 272 to update archaic gender specific pronouns referencing the California Highway Patrol commissioner.

These outdated pronouns have been in statute for more than 60 years, and do not reflect the department’s current leadership.

Male-dominant Amanda Ray pronouns remain predominant within California law. For example, within the Vehicle Code, pronouns referencing the CHP Commissioner are maledominant, even though CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray leads the agency.

Ray is the first woman and second African American to lead the agency in its 91-year history. She was deputy commissioner before being appointed to the top post

by Gov. Newsom in October.

Laird said: “It’s time we change archaic references within state law that are future forward and adequately represent those who dedicate themselves to our state.

I commend our CHP Commissioner for the efforts that have been made to ensure the

O

safety of those working in the State Capitol during the recent months, and it is time we remove outdated references that do not properly acknowledge Commissioner Ray’s leadership and dedication to our state.”

••• Tech for Takeout at Library he Santa Cruz Public Libraries have created a collection of lendable technology devices that can be checked out with your library card. The collection includes Amazon Fire 7 Tablets, Chromebook laptops, WiFi Hotspots, and Chromebook + Hotspot bundles. The collection became available for checkout Jan. 19.

Library cardholders can visit the catalog or use the mobile app to search for and request any of the devices or the bundle by name. For example, a keyword search for “fire tablet” or “hotspot” will work. Once the devices are on hold at the chosen library branch, they can be picked up at regular Grab & Go lobby service hours.

Borrowers must be 18 years or older, and a lending agreement must be signed.

The checkout period is 3 weeks, just like all other library materials. Instructional guides in English and Spanish are available.

••• New Job Resource For Veterans eterans and their family members have a new resource through the public library. Our Veterans Information Page now includes VetNow at https:// w w w. b r a i n f u s e . c o m / h i g h e d / h o m e . asp?a_id=7E7D0F69&ss=2&r= This tool has many resources for job seekers including: Live Job Coaching, a Resume Lab, and a Live Veteran Navigator.

The Live Veteran Navigator connects veterans with experts on VA benefits, job coaching, and community resources.

To access this resource, use your Santa Cruz Public Libraries Card and pin number.

You can find VetNow on our Website at santacruzpl.org. If you need help, call 831427-7713. n

T

V

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Travel Troubleshooter

Can I get a refund for my canceled hotel stay in Mexico?

By Christopher Elliott

Bernadette Cieslak’s spring break trip is washed out by the pandemic. But her allinclusive hotel won’t give her a refund, and her online travel agent is powerless to help. Is her $844 lost forever?

••• : I booked a week at the Senses Riviera Maya by Artisan in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, for spring break. The pandemic happened and we had to cancel our vacation.

I contacted Expedia and it helped me get a refund for my flights. But the hotel will not issue a refund. An Expedia representative said I should get a refund for the hotel, too. But the hotel will not give me my money back.

Interestingly, my brother had reservations at the same hotel. The hotel refunded him.

I tried to dispute the charges on my credit card, but my bank sided with the hotel. Can you help me get my $844 back?

— Bernadette Cieslak, Hamilton, Ohio ••• f the hotel refunded your brother, it should also have refunded you.

Actually, it should have refunded anyone who had to cancel because of COVID-19. On the day you were supposed to fly, the State Department issued a “do not travel” advisory,

Q

I

urging Americans to stay home.

You did the right thing by canceling.

Most hotels offered a no-questions-asked refund after that, but some tried to keep their customers’ money.

At a time like that, you can and should lean on your travel agent to help. But even Expedia was having some trouble persuading Senses Riviera Maya by Artisan to return your money.

Why did the hotel refund your brother, but not you? The answer may lie in its current refund policy. It offers the ability to cancel on certain (more expensive) rates but not on all of them.

It’s possible that your brother had booked a different rate, which the resort considered refundable. I like your idea of a credit card dispute and am sorry that didn’t work. A credit card dispute is typically the last resort for getting a refund. I’d say you were there. (By the way, I think it’s time for you to find a new credit card. Your bank is definitely not on your side.)

You could have reached out to an executive at Expedia. I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of Expedia’s customer service managers on my consumer advocacy site, https:// www.elliott.org/company-contacts/

expedia-customerservice-contacts/ The next time you make hotel reservations, I encourage you to pay attention to the cancellation terms. If you think you might have to call off your trip, consider a travel insurance policy that will cover your loss.

I contacted Expedia on your behalf.

It reached out to the Senses Riviera Maya by Artisan. But the hotel still refused to return your money. Expedia refunded your $844. n ••• Christopher Elliott’s latest book is “How To Be The World’s Smartest Traveler” (National Geographic). Get help by contacting him at http://www.elliott.org/help © 2021 Christopher Elliott.

Valentine’s Day

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fondue for Valentine’s Day

L

ooking for something delicious to spice up your Valentine’s Day? Try this easy chocolate fondue. You won’t be disappointed!

••• EASY CHOCOLATE FONDUE Prep Time: 10 min. • Total Time: 10 min.

Servings: 8 -12 servings

INGREDIENTS 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces 4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped into small pieces 1 /2 – 3/4 cup whole milk (depending on thickness preference, I use 1/2 cup) 1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter*

/2

teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 /8 teaspoon fine sea salt 1

Dipping Ideas: Bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, clementines, marshmallows, Oreos, Graham Crackers, Milanos, whatever sounds good!

“Fondue” page 19

ACROSS

1. “You’re the ____!”

5. Horse color 8. Interesting person, acr.

11. * Feeling of the heart 12. Nevada city 13. City in Belgium 15. Use a whisk 16. Greek H’s 17. *Popular Valentine’s Day delivery, pl.

18. *”Love means never having to say you’re sorry” movie 20. Ballpark calls 21. Strong adhesive 22. Greek letter N, pl.

23. Lord’s subordinate 26. Given to drinking 30. Ovine mom 31. Old storage medium 34. Fairy-tale beginning 35. Politician Pelosi 37. Tokyo, once 38. Bone hollows 39. Sky bear 40. Fitted with a name tag, e.g.

42. “Ever” to a poet 43. With more seeds 45. Attic 47. Summer sandwich?

48. Fraternity letter 50. Medieval headdress 52. *Only day more popular than Valentine’s for card giving 56. Like blue sky

57. Walk the Pacific Crest Trail, e.g.

58. Samoan money 59. *Dionysus’ pipeplaying companion 60. Affirm 61. Give off 62. Plays for pay 63. *Color of Valentine’s Day 64. *Lovers’ reunion

10. Part of T.G.I.F. 12. Like an abridged classic 13. Tiler’s paste 14. *”I Will Always Love You” singer 19. Stupefied 22. Us, in Mexico 23. *Cupid’s mother 24. In the know 25. Common thing?

26. Smoke plus fog DOWN 27. Lay to rest 1. Cry like a baby 28. Rocks at mountain base 2. Canyon sound 3. Convict’s weapon 29. *Symbol of Valentine’s Day 4. Conical dwellings 5. Get on juice diet, e.g. 32. Infantry’s last row 6. Opposite of binary 33. Roulette bet 7. Like a gossipmonger 36. *Chocolatier, pioneer 8. Exterminator’s target of the heart-shaped box 9. Change for a five

38. ____ apple 40. Risk something 41. Between eggy and eggiest 44. Feeling worse than before 46. Gave away 48. Thin piece 49. Annoyed 50. Russia’s alternative to caesar 51. Aries or Taurus, e.g.

52. Burn to a crisp 53. MADD member, colloquially 54. Climbed down, as from a carriage 55. Fill beyond full 56. Pharaoh’s cobra © Statepoint Media

Answers on 23 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / February 2021 / 17

Mercury Retrogrades in Aquarius

D

Esoteric Astrology • February 2021 • By Risa D’Angeles

isciples, Adepts and the New Group of World Servers (NGWS) all know the secrets and cycles, timing and movements of planets and stars. This is the Royal Path of Yoga which offers us explanations and knowledge about our life experiences. The study of the Science and Art of Astrology makes it possible for us to experience the twelve Sun Signs (lights), the planets, stars and the lunar constellations reflected in our bodies, encountering the whole universe within ourselves.

One major planetary cycle or movement is that of Mercury, which, three to four times a year, retrogrades (appears to move backward from our Earth perspective). Retrogrades offer humanity a time to reflect upon the last months and year, attend to things unfinished or not understood, and a time to eliminate what is no longer useful in preparation for the new information to be received in the upcoming months.

This year, Mercury will retrograde in air signs — Aquarius, Gemini and Libra. Air signs are related to communication, the development of ideas and plans, interactions with and among people and the kingdoms. This first Mercury retrograde begins Saturday, ARIES

As you recognize the vital and initiating work you will bring forth, it’s time to learn how to participate in groups with both intelligent and heart-felt alignment. You are to construct part of the new world, culture and civilization. Is this in your awareness? Are you conscious of what this takes and the needs of humanity? You’re called to awaken again, to plan and lead boldly, take risks and see into the future, working with both heart and mind. Initiators will be summoned. Prepare.

LEO

GEMINI

Many forces are at work in your life. As a Gemini you always attempt to resolve polarities — higher with lower, Soul with personality. This is a vital and difficult task accomplished by, 1) the proper cultivation of the mind principle (which soothes the emotions), and 2) the right course of study that dissipates all illusions, distortions and maya. Later, on the Path of Ascent, Aquarius calls you to develop all seven levels of your mind. Begin now. Can you define the Soul yet?

CANCER

Always we feel some form of conflict. Know both conflict and chaos are useful. They provide us with the ability to observe tensions and to express needs, fears and trigger points.

For some there is a great battle going on between the Soul and personality. The Soul calls us to Right Action and Right Service. Often so many don’t know what these words mean. Ask the Soul. We are in a great state of reorientation with new information released into your mind. Asking, we always receive.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ve entered a time where relationships are vitally important yet at times you feel disconnected to anything or anyone. You’re in a place of balancing and choosing, an interlude state.

Your inner reality concerning relationships and how you function in them is being modified so that you can display Right Relations while still expressing your unique creativity. Hold opposing forces in balance. A greater awareness emerges. Your love then flows once more. Love is your gift.

You should have a very good year, especially if you blend two realities – your personality and Soul.

This produces harmony for a time. Then Divine Will enters harmonizing all levels of self. This may not be easy. Will is a fire. I see that your career will rise and make a big splash! In all of this up and downness, never be thoughtless. If you are, you’ll lose much. Remember as you go about life that “wisdom is knowledge gained through experience and implemented by love.” Ponder upon these thoughts.

VIRGO

CAPRICORN

TAURUS

The architecture of your participation in life is changing. Previously you dreamed big dreams, pondered upon many realities, not concerned with what took shape. Now you’re competently leading and facilitating groups, preparing the components of the new world era. Taurus has an illumined and enlightened mind, able to see humanity’s future needs. You are aware that, in the breakdown phase, seeds of the new must be sowed. You’re to gather the seeds, put up the greenhouse while synthesizing all realities so others can participate.

January 30 and ends February 20 (26 back to 11 degrees) in the sign of Aquarius, this month and the new Age. As our Sun enters the field of Aquarius, we are moving from darkness to light, thus the great battle occurring between the two forces (dark & light.

The last time Mercury retrograded in Aquarius was February 2020. What occurred at that time for each of us? We know it was before the Covid virus was released upon humanity. We will return during the next three months to pre-Covid times, attempt to pick up the pieces that were lost and fell to the wayside. And endeavor to recreate and restructure our lives into a semblance of regularity and beauty once again.

When Mercury is retrograde it acts like Virgo, sign of detail, order and organization. Mercury retrogrades are helpful, supportive, beneficial to our growth and well-being. They are also, especially in Aquarius, experimental times. We learn what was left out this past year, we learn to incorporate what is needed for our wholeness and well-being. Mercury retrograde times are both magical and mysterious. So, returning to last year’s tasks, bringing them up to date ...

Very new revelations stream into your mind concerning Whatever it is you hope for, radiate it with Love from your heart (like pink spun sugar) and ajna (third how to structure daily life. How we function eye, diamond) center. These are where love within our daily life prepares us to function streams forth. Then new life will take root all within the new dimensions and structures around you, expressing itself as harmony, slowly emerging in our new world. Have dedication and devotion to detail, write down all ideas beauty and peace (a process). Your love eases disharmony impressed upon your mind. Be aware if weariness occurs. and conflict when it abruptly arises. You do remember that You then must rest which soothes, calms and changes Harmony comes after conflict and chaos, yes? It’s how humanity learns. As you send love forth, the higher level of your perspective. harmony is released and comes forth.

LIBRA

Although, under the veil of Libra’s charm, you’re a strong and powerful force, a greater level of Love/Wisdom must begin to express itself through you. You can do this with intention. It begins with gratitude for everyone and everything (small and great) offered to you. Follow this up with these words, “Love expresses itself through me always and Wisdom follows.” Then your life and relationships proceed with protective healing care.

AQUARIUS

This year you have great energy and potential, needed as new ways of living and sources of income are sought. You may also want to control impatience. Be aware when you are irritated or intolerant. You could end up being a bit thoughtless toward others. Remember to be courageous and kind, show sympathy to those who have less than you. A new self-identity continues to emerge. Be sure it includes goodness, generosity and love. We experience what we give.

SCORPIO

You will begin to have solitary times thinking things great and small. Create an environment that nurtures you at all levels of care – the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of yourself. Be in touch and talk with each of the kingdoms – Soul, human, animal, plant and mineral. Love combined with your great intelligence will form a foundation for the new life emerging. It begins where you live. Later you’ll be asked to teach these actions to others.

•••

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 18 / February 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

PISCES

You have begun the arduous task of understanding your feelings, thoughts, aspirations, actions and vulnerabilities. Much of your life has been treading the pathway of service and sacrifice, which you know well. A new beneficent cycle has begun, expanding your courage and strength of character. This may not be acceptable to some. Maintain privacy, walk away from disharmony, don’t believe criticism. A triangle of stars protects you and your work in the world.

“Right Direction” from page 15 I would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to everyone in our community for your patience over the past couple months as we have dealt with so many challenges. Every day, I appreciate living in this community, as it is such a special place where neighbors still look out for one another. Looking forward to brighter days ahead.

To find out more about when you can get the vaccine, go to santacruzhealth. org and click the “vaccine” tab- to find out what group you are in. Right now, we are in Group 1a. Also, next week you can register at myturn.ca.gov to receive a notification when it is your turn. n ••• Vaccine Distribution Plan: tinyurl.com/ SCH-vaccine-distribution ••• PUBLIC HEALTH VACCINE SUPPLY Received: 22,475 Distributed: 11,035 Allocated: 11,440 ••• Derek Timm is mayor of Scotts Valley. To reach him, email dtimm@scottsvalley.org or call 831-239-9203.

“Weber” from page 16 The Secretary of State commissions notaries public, administers the Safe at Home confidential address program, maintains the Domestic Partners Registry, and more.

Secretary Weber was born in Hope, Arkansas to two sharecroppers during the segregationist Jim Crow era. Her grandfather never had the opportunity to vote, and her father was not able to vote until he was in his 30s. At the age of three, her family moved to California after her father was threatened by a racist lynch mob.

Secretary Weber attended UCLA, where she received her BA, MA and PhD by the age of 26. Prior to receiving her doctorate, she became a professor at San Diego State (SDSU) at the age of 23. She also taught at CSU Los Angeles and Los Angeles City College before coming to SDSU. She retired from the Department of Africana Studies after 40 years as a faculty member and serving several terms as department chair. Following her academic tenure, Secretary Weber served four terms as an Assembly Member representing California’s 79th Assembly District, which includes parts of the City of San Diego as well as several cities and communities in the San Diego region.

Weber also served as a member and chair of the San Diego Unified School District and has twice served as a California Elector, including chairing the California College of Presidential Electors on December 14, 2020.

Secretary Weber is a mother of two adult children, three grandchildren and was married for 29 years to the late Honorable Daniel Weber.

She is number six in a family of eight children. n

FEATURED COLUMNIST

What Matters Most in the Twilight of Life

By John P. Weiss Editor’s Note: Patricia Weiss, mother of retired Scotts Valley police chief John P. Weiss, passed away in January. He is thankful he was with her, able to hold her hands, and tell her how much she was loved. Here is what he wrote two days before she passed.

••• t snowed early this morning, but the dogs insisted on a walk anyway. We made the usual rounds in the neighborhood, sidestepping puddles and ice.

Sunshine glinting off pockets of snow peppered the distant Patricia Weiss mountains.

Dark Barbizon model and light grey clouds hovered overhead. There was a chilly but invigorating breeze.

The scenery was peaceful, but my heart was troubled. I was thinking of my 87-year-old mother, fighting “the last good fight of her life.” I modified that line from a poem that appears in the Liam Neeson movie, “The Grey.”

“Once more into the fray…

Into the last good fight I’ll ever know.

Live and die on this day…

Live and die on this day…”

— The Grey One of the hospice nurses recently told me how much she admired my mother and her fighting spirit. Despite the ravages of advanced Parkinson’s disease, a nasty bout with pneumonia, and other bodily indignities, Mom is still with us.

I have no illusions about the landscape ahead. Mom’s decline is accelerating. Time is growing thin, which is why the serene morning breeze and snowcapped mountains would have to wait.

All That We Love Deeply I brought the dogs home, grabbed my car keys, and drove to my mother’s cozy apartment on the third floor of the assisted living center. Because she is in hospice, I am allowed to visit her despite the COVID restrictions.

Once cocooned in personal protective equipment, I took the elevator to the third

I

“Fondue” from page 17 INSTRUCTIONS tart by preparing all of the ingredients/ treats you will be dipping in the fondue.

The preparation of the fondue goes quickly

S

floor and knocked on the entrance door.

One of my Mom’s amazing caretakers opened the door.

“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” -Helen Keller The last time I visited my Mom, her eyes were closed and she was somewhat comatose. “You’re in luck,” the caretaker told me, “Your Mom is awake and her eyes are open today.”

Our bodies may betray us with age, but our eyes forever shine with the spirit of our souls. As I pulled up a chair and gazed into my mother’s eyes, I could tell her spirit was tired, but still present.

How Lucky I Am Mom was unable to talk but could blink in response to my comments. I had arranged a phone call from my sister-in-law, who used to help care for my mother in the past.

When the call came through, I could see my mother’s eyes light up. To hear the voice of someone special, in the twilight of our lives, means everything.

After the phone call, I reminisced for a while. I spoke of the early years, and the special things Mom did. Driving me to tennis tournaments. Bringing me an apple fritter after school. So many special memories.

Then I held her hand, and put my other hand on her forehead. “If you’re tired, Mom, sleep. Thanks to you, everyone is doing great. We’re all fine. What a blessed life we have,” I said softly.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

-Winnie The Pooh I noticed her breathing become a bit more rhythmic. Her eyelids were a little heavy. She seemed relaxed.

It occurred to me that the two greatest gifts you can give a person are love and comfort. It felt good knowing that my presence and soothing words brought my mother love and comfort.

“Everyone here tells me how much they admire you. Your upbeat personality.

Your wonderful spirit. I told them I agree,” I said to my mother. She closed her eyes.

She was falling asleep.

What Is Excellent In Others Outside, the clouds parted slightly, and the sun was streaming through the windows of Mom’s apartment. Everything was peaceful and still. It was a little magical.

“You rest now, Mom. You just take it easy. You’ve earned it. Everyone is fine.

Rest, and enjoy your dreams. I’ll always be with you.” It was the last thing I said before leaving.

Outside, I thanked one of my Mom’s favorite caretakers. I told her how much I appreciated all she does for my mother.

“My grandmother died when I was young,” the caretaker told me, adding, “Your Mom feels like a grandmother to me.”

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”

— Voltaire “I know this is hard for you, too,” I said. “You see her more than I do. You have taken such wonderful care of her. Thank you.” She smiled back at me, and I entered the elevator.

Beneath The Skies I took off all my protective gear outside the lobby. The weather had changed and

the clouds were darker now. The sun disappeared.

I got in my car, started to exit the parking lot, and gazed back at the assisted living center. I wondered if I would see my mother again.

“What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? It’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”

— Jack Kerouac, On the Road Driving away, the assisted living center grew smaller in my rear-view mirror.

Despite the dark clouds, I didn’t feel sad.

I felt lucky to have had such a special visit and blessed to have such a loving mother. And I knew that, whatever happens, Mom will always be with me. In this world and the next.

Whatever the “next crazy venture beneath the skies,” I have known the love of an amazing mother, and was able to bring her love and comfort in the twilight of her life. And that will stay with me forever. n ••• John P. Weiss is a retired Scotts Valley police chief who writes and draws at johnpweiss.com.

so you want to have all the treats and skewers (if using) ready!

For the fondue, combine the chocolate, 1 /2 cup milk or cream, and butter* and melt gently in a barely simmering water bath or microwave on Medium for about 2 minutes.

Stir until completely smooth.

Add more milk if desired. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.

Serve immediately.

If the fondue gets too thick (or starts to harden), reheat in the microwave in

bursts of 15 seconds stirring in between each burst for 10 seconds until melted and smooth again.

Patricia Weiss later in life.

*Butter results in a more mellow chocolate flavor. For a more intense chocolate fondue, leave out the butter.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / February 2021 / 19

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK DRIVE-IN MOVIES SCHEDULE Saturdays February Sing — Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m.

Frozen II — Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.

The Greatest Showman — Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.

March Croods: A New Age — Mar. 6, 6:30 p.m.

Wreck-It Ralph — Mar. 13, 6:30 p.m.

X-Men (2000) — Mar. 20, 8 p.m.

Austin Powers: Int’l Man of Mystery — Mar. 27, 8 p.m.

Cost $35 per vehicle.

Visit https://beachboardwalk.com/Drive-In-Movies for details and restrictions

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by Feb. 8 This virtual tour follows the same stops as our behind-thescenes hiking tour, and is led by a UC Santa Cruz student.

Visit https://ucanr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/ index.html?appid=7bf4b74490c444068a326c4c 89a9a560 or https://ucanr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ MapTour/index.html?appid=9e4aa7556bc24951a855cc3 bd4f6c473 (https://tinyurl.com/lagoon-reserve-virtual-tours) https://youngerlagoonreserve.ucsc.edu

You post pictures of your takeout meals from your favorite local restaurant in the Central Coast and Bay Area and post on Instagram @watsonvillecoastproduce with hashtag #showusyourfood for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to that restaurant.

Jacquie Roque of Skin Care By Jacquie is the first winner of a $50 gift certificate to Five Mile Buzz House The promotion runs eight weeks, with the first giveaway Wednesday, Jan. 6. Good luck!

NEW GROUPS STARTING FOR SURVIVORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE Survivors Healing Center, a welcoming place for survivors of child sexual abuse and their supporters, is forming new eight-week support groups for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

There will be online groups in English and Spanish for men, women, mothers of survivors, partners of survivors, young adults and teens.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale.

For more information: call (831) 423-7601, visit survivors healingcenter.org or email shc.program@fsa-cc.org.

ONGOING EVENTS

First and Third Sunday MAKERS’ MARKET First Sunday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 2801 Mission St., Santa Cruz Third Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz (Between Cathcart & Lincoln) Santa Cruz Mountains Makers Market is returning!

The market is held every first Sunday outside the Wrigley Building and every third Sunday on Pacific Avenue (Downtown Santa Cruz). The Wrigley market features vintage and handmade art, food and drink.

The Downtown market features over 30 local artists and makers.

SHOW US YOUR FOOD There is no charge to attend the market. The Wrigley Watsonville Coast Produce, Inc. is launching a restaurant Market will open the following week if delayed for rain, YOUNGER LAGOON RESERVE VIRTUAL TOURS Younger Lagoon Reserve, which is part of UC in Santa Cruz, social media promotion called “Show Us Your Food” to weather permitting. support the industry.

Visit http://scmmakersmarket.com for more information. is now offering a virtual tour in both English and Spanish.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Second Harvest Food Bank drive-through food distribution schedule into March: Watsonville: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Feb. 5 • Feb. 19 • March 5 • March 19 ••• Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Feb. 12 • Feb. 26 Food hotline: 831-662-0991.

20 / February 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

DATED EVENTS Wednesday February 3 ADVANCE DIRECTIVE WEBINAR Noon to 1 p.m., Hospice of Santa Cruz Online Seminar Hospice of Santa Cruz County will host a free Advance Directive Webinar Wednesday, Feb. 3, focusing on how COVID-19 might impact your wishes, what options you and your loved ones may want to consider, how to explore your own values around healthcare at end of life, and how to navigate conversations with your loved ones about your preferences.

Community Education Coordinator Vanessa Silverstein will present the essentials of advanced directives and medical social worker Emily Lauri who will review the Physicians Order for Life Sustaining Treatment.

Advanced registration is required.

To register and get dial-in information, visit: https://www.hospicesantacruz.org/event/plan-ahead/. For more information, call (831) 430-3000 or visit www.hospicesantacruz.org.

Wednesday February 3 thru Sunday March 28 450 PIECES TRI-GALLERY ART SHOW Online Gallery R. Blitzer Gallery, Curated by the Sea, and the Radius Gallery, all in Santa Cruz, are hosting the work of 300+ artists in Arts Council Santa Cruz County’s Visual Arts Network.

Capitola artist Wendy Ballen is one of the participating 1000 Squirrels Project • Wendy Ballen artists at R Blitzer Gallery.

Info: infor@curatedbythesea.com or call1 (408) 250-2224

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Pictures From the Past

Soquel High: Brand New in 1962 H

Photo Essay by Carolyn Swift

ere’s a picture from a time when kids could actually go to school in a classroom.

The year is 1962, and Soquel High School is brand new. I think the students are a little nervous.

For many years, the student body of Soquel High School also included Scotts Valley. n

Photograph Courtesy of Covello and Covello Photography, Santa Cruz

COMMUNITY CALENDAR DATED EVENTS CONT. Thursday February 4 SCCRTC RAIL VOTE 9 a.m., Community TV Zoom The 11-member Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission will meet at 9 a.m. on Community TV Zoom and vote on the Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis and Rail Network Integration Study.

The recommendation is to preserve the rail line for transportation, including continuing existing freight and recreational rail service, and a potential bicycle and pedestrian path adjacent to the rail line where feasible.

View the report at https://sccrtc.org/meetings/commission/agendas/ To participate: Dial-in number (US): +1-669-900-6833 Webinar ID: 825 2785 0112 To give input to your RTC representatives, in Scotts Valley call City Council member Randy Johnson (831) 438-0633 or email rlj12@comcast.net and in the 5th District (Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley) email Supervisor Bruce McPherson at bruce.mcphersonb@ santacruzcounty.us Community TV Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom. us/w/82527850112#success

Tuesday February 9 Wednesday February 10 CALTRANS CONTRACTORS BOOT CAMP 8:30 a.m. to noon, virtual event on WebEx. Day 1: Bonding and surety. Day 2: Estimating and labor compliance.

displayed on the credit card terminal machine. All proceeds go community members pick up a valentine goodie bag at any one of the city’s five shopping centers along with a map of to the Max’s Helping Paws Foundation. participating Scotts Valley businesses.

At each business, community members will get candy or Thursday February 11 trinkets dropped into their bags. Many businesses will also Wednesday February 10 DEFENDING DARKNESS: HISTORY OF LIGHT have sales, promotions, special offers and some may hold POLLUTION CASA VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER in-store raffle drawings. Pictures will be taken for posting on 7 p.m., Dark Sky Association Zoom Presentation 4 p.m., CASA of Santa Cruz Online social media and made available to all those who participate.

Gain a new appreciation for darkness on a planet dominated by “For the Love Of Children” virtual fundraiser. Registration https://www.scottsvalley.org • https://scottsvalleychamber.com a species enamored with light in this Zoom presentation at 7 is free, and any donations go to the Children’s Fund to p.m. by Andy Kreyche, astronomy educator and member of the help support children who have an immediate need.

Santa Cruz Chapter of the International Dark Sky Association. Monday February 15 • Hear inspirational stories from our advocates, The dark sky movement, started by astronomers, has ART GRANT APPLICATIONS OPEN former foster youth, and families we’ve served become a worldwide effort to protect all species from • Receive a dependency court update from Judge Artists and organizations will be able to apply for the ill effects of excessive artificial light at night, also Timothy Schmal the Arts Council Santa Cruz County’s next round of known as light pollution.

• Watch the special virtual walk-thru of the CASA Cultivate Grants supporting creative projects and After Andy’s presentation (and weather permitting), house led by Executive Director, Lynne Petrovic professional development beginning Feb. 15.

All those who register by Feb. 2 will receive a “tea time” amateur astronomer Mike Jerry will be your guide at 8 Virtual grant workshops will take place. Deadline to apply is 5 p.m. gift, courtesy of our event sponsors, delivered to your home p.m. for a telescopic tour of astronomical sights from March 15. More info at https://www.artscouncilsc.org/for-grantseekers his home in Death Valley National Park, which has been the day of the event, to celebrate together, while being apart. designated as the largest “Dark Sky National Park” in the To register, visit https://casaofsantacruz.org/fortheloveofWednesday February 17 country by the International Dark Sky Association. children/fortheloveofchildren.html BLACK HISTORY MONTH STORIES Email adultREregistration@uufscc.org to register and get Zoom link. Visit uufscc.org for information about the Unitarian 7-7:30 p.m., Santa Cruz Public Libraries Facebook FUNDRAISER FOR MAX’S HELPING PAWS Universalist Fellowship of Santa Cruz County, 6401 Freedom Librarian Jackie of Santa Cruz Public Libraries will All Day, Goodwill Locations Throughout Santa Cruz County Blvd., Aptos. For information, contact Ann McCrow at (831) celebrate Black History Month with books, songs, Goodwill Central Coast shoppers can shop as usual 359-8096 or adultre@uufscc.org activities, and a special craft on the library’s Facebook and participate in Goodwill’s Round-Up Program to page and then on Youtube. help Max’s Helping Paw’s Foundation, an area nonprofit Saturday February 13 Pick up your craft kit during your local Library Grab & whose work helps reduces economic euthanasia, Go hours so you can craft along. surrender and suffering of severely ill or injured pets by #SCOTTSVALLEYLOVE On alternating weeks, Jackie reads bedtime stories, providing pet owners assistance with the costs of urgent 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Participating Scotts Valley Businesses The Scotts Valley Economic Recovery Task Force, a collabo- sing songs, and chant rhymes for families. New medical care. ration between the City of Scotts Valley and the Scotts Valley programs are available every other Wednesday at 7 p.m.

This special Round-Up day will take place at all Goodwill and on the library’s YouTube Channel after that.

Chamber of Commerce, is hosting this family-oriented, locations including Scotts Valley. Shoppers can choose https://www.santacruzpl.org n COVID-safe event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 13 in which to round-up to the nearest dollar. All of these options are Register at www.tiny.cc/bootcamp2021. For info: Bob Adams, Caltrans District 10, call 209-948-7855 or email bob.adams@dot.ca.gov

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / February 2021 / 21

FEATURED COLUMNIST

I Am a COVID-19 Survivor

A

fter being so careful for nine months, my husband Barry mysteriously contacted the COVID-19 virus. Within days, he tested positive and within a few days after that, I tested positive as well. We never were in a gathering of people of any size. We always wore our masks, washed our hands, used hand sanitizer, and kept the required distance.

And yet the virus found its way into our lives. Barry had a mild case, but I got really sick for more than four weeks. How did I survive this potentially deadly virus?

There is much information on the internet on ways to take care of yourself medically if you test positive. These tips are extremely useful, like never lying on your back, and getting up and walking often. But in this article, I am giving ways to help your spirit, for keeping your spirit vital and alive is an important ingredient for healing.

By Joyce Vissell

One important thing I did was to reach out and ask for help. I texted and emailed people I knew who believed in prayer, and I asked them to pray for me. In the beginning of my illness, I was so sick with fevers and a bad cough. I knew this virus can spread to the lungs so severely that within a matter of hours a person can die even before they make it to the hospital for help. It was a scary time for me.

More than ever before in my life I knew that I needed the prayers and love from others. I texted my brother in Minnesota and asked him and his four children to pray for me as I knew that this is a regular part of their lives. I asked everyone I could think of for help. This was both humbling and at the same time very empowering. It was humbling as I felt so vulnerable and weak, and knew I sincerely needed help. It was empowering because I was reaching out and doing something for myself.

22 / February 2021 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Local Local Local

Barry then asked me to do something that seemed absolutely impossible. Each week since the pandemic has started, we have been posting weekly short videos of inspiration and music on YouTube.

We do not have a large following, maybe 150 people, but those people tell us that they look forward to the videos each Sunday. Barry asked me to do a video with him, and asked me to ask for help on the video. At first, I said a definite “No!” It felt too scary to actually make a video with me feeling so sick and with a fever.

Barry has gently pushed me into other things in my life that I had not wanted to do out of fear, and I have felt grateful afterward. So I trusted him and said I would do it. I spoke about feeling sick with the COVID virus and needing prayers and support. But then Barry put his hand on my heart and asked people to pray for me while they were watching the video.

I started to cry and the fullness of my vulnerability was seen right there on the video. When we turned off the camera, I felt embarrassed to have shown so much vulnerability. But we sent it out and there was such a beautiful outpouring of love and prayers, and that energy helped me so much.

Everything people did for me helped enormously. This was a time to not be alone but to receive the love from others. This single step in reaching out and asking for help was so vitally important in my surviving the virus.

Another important thing I did was to focus on what I have and what was working, instead of only dwelling upon the virus that was causing me to feel worse than I ever have before. In ten days, I lost 12 pounds and I felt like my body was starving. I could not eat anything, though I never lost my sense of smell and all foods smelled delicious.

Then I discovered that I could eat a certain kind of white rice called Congee. My blessed neighbor Donna made it for me. I could eat it and it made all of the difference.

I could not eat anything else but I could

News ...

Sports ...

Politics ...

eat this very plain almost tasteless rice. I focused on gratitude for the rice and tried to not focus on the many things I truly enjoy like salads.

Even though my whole body felt horrible, I could still breathe on my own and that one fact caused me to feel gratitude almost every hour. In so many ways all of my body was very sick, but I could breathe and that was the one thing that I focused all of my gratitude on. The times that I gave in to just focusing on how really sick and sad I felt, those were very difficult times in the day. But if I could keep up a steady flow of gratitude, my days and my difficulties with the virus were manageable.

And then also so important was to receive all of the love and support that was given. I kept up a steady flow of gratitude to each person who reached out to me and when I was just too sick, I would lie in bed and think of people who I knew loved me and were sending me their prayers and love.

Receiving this love into my heart was such a blessing.

And the most important of all was to focus on God’s love for me and the steady feeling of caring. I thought of other very difficult and challenging times in my life and realized I had received help, and this time I was also. So, to the unseen presence of God and to the many who prayed for me and did small acts of kindness, I give you my deepest gratitude. You made all the difference.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, a prayer said for another, or the smallest act of caring all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” — Leo Buscaglia n ••• Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964 and Aptos residents since 1975, are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books. Call 831-684-2130 for information on counseling sessions by phone, on-line, or in person, their books, recordings or their schedule of talks and workshops. Visit their website, SharedHeart.org

SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Pruning Roses During Winter Dormancy

C P

Pops is Ready to Retire

crossword on 17 »

ops (A277998) came to the Shelter from our friends at Hitchcock Road Animal Services in Salinas. He has been hanging out in a foster home for the past couple days and is doing wonderfully!

This 9 year old gentleman would fool you with his energy. He loves to go for walks and sniff EVERYTHING. He is strong on leash but walks nicely with his Freedom Harness on.

His foster mom says he is “the most energetic 9 year old dog she has ever met”.

Pops is in foster with a 4 year old female spayed heeler/collie mix and enjoys playing with her. Pops really is the best of both worlds — social and energetic enough to go for hikes and adventures but has enough soul to be relaxed and watch the world go by.

He has been very relaxed about passing people, dogs and cars on his walks. His foster mom says he LOVES fuzzy blankets. She wraps him up in blankets like a little burrito.

Pops goes up and down the stairs okay and is eager to jump in the car for adventures.

Our veterinary staff say that Pops appears to be in good health for his age! If you are looking for a gentleman to call your best friend — look no further than Pops.

Due to Shelter in Place, our current hours are reduced to 12-4pm.

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us

By Tony Tomeo

ontrary to what the recent pleasant weather suggests, it is still winter.

Most plants are resisting the temptation to break dormancy prematurely.

They must know that the days are still short, regardless of the weather.

M o s t plants are surprisingly proficient with scheduling. Nonetheless, dormant pruning should happen sooner than later. This includes pruning roses. They have been ready for a while.

Technically, roses are ready for pruning as soon as they begin to defoliate.

Also technically, rose pruning can be as late as the buds of the bare stems remain dormant. Later pruning is preferable in some regions where pruning wounds are susceptible to pathogens. Such delay is riskier here where mild weather can disrupt dormancy prematurely. Wounds are less vulnerable to pathogens.

Pruning roses is about as important as pruning deciduous fruit trees. Without adequate pruning, rose plants become too overgrown to perform properly. Crowded stems are unable to elongate as they should. Diseases and insects proliferate in congested foliage, and damage bloom.

Specialized pruning concentrates resources into fewer but significantly more vigorous stems and flowers.

Although the technique may seem to be drastic, pruning roses is not very complicated. Hybrid tea, grandiflora and floribunda roses should retain only three to six of their most vigorous canes. The canes should be only about two feet tall, and cut just above a healthy bud. If possible, they should be canes that grew during the pre-

Valentine’s Day © Statepoint Media

Pruning now promotes better bloom later.

vious year, from bottom to top. Older canes should be removed.

Pruning roses of other classifications may be slightly different. Some types may retain more canes. Climbing types likely retain old canes for several years before replacement. Carpet roses and other ungrafted roses can be cut nearly to the ground, leaving no canes at all. Tree roses are like bush types, but on top of short trunks. New canes grow from their graft unions on top of the trunks.

Of course, potentially vigorous sucker growth that develops from below the graft union of any grafted rose must go.

••• Cecile Brunner Rose ew modern rose cultivars are as tolerant of neglect as Cecile Brunner rose. Furthermore, few recover as efficiently from renovation after many years of neglect.

Old overgrown thicket growth that might be unsightly while bare through winter can be spectacular in bloom. Alternatively, it does not mind aggressive pruning, even if only stumps remain. It easily regenerates with fresh new canes.

Bloom is nicely profuse early in summer.

The individual fluffy pink flowers are not much more than two inches wide, but Cecile Brunner rose is are rarely alone. elegantly simple.

They develop in big and possibly billowy clusters. The faint fragrance is easy to ignore, but appealing to some. After primary bloom, subsequent bloom is sporadic. Green stems are less prickly than stems of most other roses.

Foliage is rather light green.

Shrubs are vigorous but compact.

They may not get much taller than two feet.

Most stay less than four feet tall. However, there are actually a few cultivars that are known as ‘Cecile Brunner’. Those that are most familiar are climbing types that can easily get higher than twenty feet. Their bloom is sparse after profuse early summer bloom. Some might bloom rather profusely again for autumn. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

F

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / February 2021 / 23

CLOG-FREE GUT TERS

OR YOUR MONEY BACK

GUARANTEED! D

1

’S

TT

NATIO

R

E

N

GU

BEF

r

te fFil

a

Le E R O

TH

ER

AFT

er Filt f a Le

ER GUA

“My only regret is that I wish I had known about LeafFilter sooner.”

–Doug L. LIFETIME

INSTALLS ON NEW & EXISTING GUTTERS

WARRANTY

THE LEAFFILTER SYSTEM Micromesh

Virgin Vinyl

15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE LEAFFILTER PURCHASE* Exclusive Offer – Redeem By Phone Today!

Hanger

ADDITIONALLY

10% OFF SENIOR &

Existing Gutter

MILITARY DISCOUNTS

CALL US TODAY FOR

A FREE ESTIMATE

1-855-419-7092 Promo Code: 285

PLUS!

THE FIRST 50 CALLERS WILL

RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL

5% OFF

YOUR ENTIRE INSTALL! **Offer valid at estimate only

FINANCING THAT FITS 1 YOUR BUDGET! Subject to credit approval.

Call for details.

1

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST *The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” *For those who qualify. **Offer valid at time of estimate only **One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 License# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suffolk HIC License# 52229-H