CDC Advisory Group On Kids’ Vaccine, By Jondi Gumz

COMMUNITY NEWS

CDC Advisory Group On Kids’ Vaccine

By Jondi Gumz

On Oct. 20, an advisory committee to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted unanimously in favor of adding the Covid vaccine to the recommended immunization schedule for children and adults. The existing schedule recommends 27 doses of vaccine between birth and age 6.

Starting at 6 months, children should get the Covid vaccine, plus boosters, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The new bivalent boosters mix vaccine for the original no-longer circulating strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the recently dominant Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, which are far less deadly.

The CDC, which is expected to sign off on the recommendation, plans to provide a recommended vaccine schedule in 2023.

To expedite the review, federal officials asked drug-makers to test on mice rather than humans. Pfizer submitted data based on 8 mice.

The CDC said its recommendation is not a mandate, noting the decision on vaccines required to attend school is a state or local decision.

“Local control matters,” said Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at the ACIP meeting. “We honor that the decision around school entrance for vaccines rests where it did before, which is with the state level, the county level and at the municipal level, if it exists.”

Kansas officials have no plans to require the Covid-19 vaccine to attend school. Texas law protects parents’ rights to decide their children’s vaccination.

California’s SB 277 requires students be vaccinated to attend public school; no exemptions for personal belief. Homeschoolers are exempt.

Covid cases in kids comprise 13% of cases and declined in October, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Tom Shimabukuro reported to ACIP that a boy died 13 days after his first dose of Pfizer Covid vaccine. The boy had a fever, then abdominal pain and vomiting in the emergency room before he died. The autopsy showed the cause of death was heart inflammation known as myocarditis; tests found no evidence of viral infection.

The death was reported to the federal Vaccine Adverse Effects Reporting System, and verified by CDC.

The committee members did not discuss the death but determined Covid vaccine benefits outweigh the risks.

The CDC stopped reporting Covid cases on Sept. 21, recognizing 95% of Americans 16 and up have some immunity, either from vaccination or infection.

On Oct. 21, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, up to date with her vaccines, tested positive for Covid. She took Pfizer’s Paxlovid, then tested positive Oct. 31.

Dr. Vinay Prasad of UC San Francisco asked, “What is the vaccine efficacy of the bivalent booster you have received?” He contends “the leadership at the White House has permitted this product to come to the US market without any credible evidence that it has any vaccine effectiveness. We simply don’t have human randomized data for clinical endpoints.”

The very contagious BA.5 and waning immunity from vaccines boosted summertime cases.

Now the CDC estimates BA.5 comprised 49.6% of cases as of Oct. 26, with new variants BQ.1 at 14%, BQ.1.1 at 13.1%, BA.4.6 at 9.6%, and BF.7 at 7.5%.

On Sept. 12, the state health department reduced daily Covid updates to weekly.

On Oct. 18, Gov. Newsom said California’s state of Covid-19 emergency will end Feb. 28.

With the U.S. averaging 399 deaths a day, compared to 3,000 last winter when the Delta variant raged, there is no evidence the Omnicron subvariant causes more serious illness.

Santa Cruz County reported 49 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, before Omicron.

In Santa Cruz County, one death was reported after a month of no fatalities. The last seven deaths were people who were vaccinated, according to the county dashboard, all 65 or older with medical conditions.

Santa Cruz County reports 588 active cases and 64,000 since the pandemic began.

On Wednesday, the state reported 4 people in Santa Cruz County hospitalized with a positive Covid test, none in intensive care.

According to the Santa Cruz Office of Education, cases in schools peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, and are now 130.

The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% on January, is now 1.15%.

Local information: www.santacruz health.org/coronavirus or (831) 454-4242 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. through Fri. n • Commercial • Residential • Vacation Rental 831-476-2023

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TV Hosts

ACROSS

1. Big splash, in the audience 6. Diminish 9. Miss America’s accessory 13. Wear away 14. V 15. Nile’s mouth, e.g. 16. Enter password (2 words) 17. Poetic “even” 18. Misbehave (2 words) 19. *”Carpool Karaoke”

James ____ 21. *”The Tonight

Show” longestserving host 23. Negative conjunction 24. One of Five Ws 25. Communications regulator, acr. 28. Australian palm 30. Branch of traditional medicine, adj. 35. Monet’s water flower 37. Succotash ingredient 39. Indian side dish 40. Like dental exam 41. Administer 43. Frequenter 44. Town news announcer 46. Do like eagle 47. Recipe command 48. *Not Fallon 50. Like a “Vogue” ad 52. “Is it ____ wonder?” 53. Onion’s kin 55. Am is to I as ____ is to we 57. *Certain Barbarian’s namesake 60. *”Last Week Tonight with John ____” 63. Indifferent to emotions 64. Tokyo, in the olden days 66. Type of car 68. Not upright 69. Floor cleaner 70. Not mainstream 71. Gallup’s inquiry 72. Word for a nod 73. Particular manner

DOWN

1. Electric swimmer 2. Gator’s kin 3. NBC’s peacock, e.g. 4. Deck out 5. Muscle to bone connector 6. Balanced 7. *”Full Frontal”

Samantha ____ 8. *Judge Wapner and

Judge Judy “hosted” from it 9. 1/60th of min, pl. 10. Palo ____, CA 11. Like nonlethal gun 12. Accident 15. Squirrel or hummingbird, moving-wise 20. ____ Kane of soap opera fame 22. Pleasurable interjection 24. Male witch 25. Bo-Peep’s sheep, e.g. 26. Wispy clouds 27. Request to Geico 29. Politicians, for short 31. Opposite of riches 32. Plants and animals 33. Did not go out for dinner (2 words) 34. *Late “Live” King of CNN 36. Original matter, according to Big Bang

Theory 38. *Stewart’s successor 42. Judge Judy’s event 45. Remnant of the past 49. *Regis and Kathie ____ 51. Critical situation 54. Hostile force 56. Black tie one 57. Football great Graham 58. Skin infection 59. Tiny river 60. “My bad!” 61. Whirlpool 62. Commuter line 63. Pine juice 65. Bambie’s mom 67. Clinton ___ Rodham

CALLING VOLUNTEERS

Scotts Valley Educational Foundation is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization whose mission is to raise funds to support efforts that positively impact the educational experience of all students in the Scotts Valley Unified School District. If you are interested in finding out more or attending a meeting, email the SVEF president: nicole.meador.mace@ gmail.com

AMERICAN PICKERS COMING TO CALIFORNIA

The TV show American Pickers on the History Channel plans to return to California in January. The crew is looking for leads on interesting characters with fascinating items — something different, unusual, of unique items — something they’ve never seen before with an extraordinary story.

The team will follow all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state.

Collectors interested in being considered for the show should call (646) 493-2184 or email at AmericanPickers@cineflix.com. Include full name, city/ state, contact information, and a brief description of the collection. The Pickers only pick private collections, so NO stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public.

GREY BEARS VOLUNTEERS

Choose from 20 volunteer opportunities at Grey Bears. Fill out the form at https://greybears.org/volunteer. Call Rosie: 831-479-1055 ext 226.

ADOPT A FAMILY

We have an opportunity to ease the struggles of families in our community and make the holidays brighter for our neighbors.

Each year the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County partners with 26 fellow nonprofits to meet the needs of 400+ families struggling to make ends meet. Our nonprofit partners provide us with a short bio about each family and a list of the items each family member requests.

Adopt a Family Project volunteers then connect these families with donors who shop for them for the holidays. Requests include basic necessities like sheets, towels, or shoes along with special gift requests for the children.

All of these families are struggling with special circumstances such as homelessness, parents in recovery, parents or children with disabilities, victims of violent crime, families facing serious health challenges or other hardships. To support these families, see: https://scvolunteercenter.org/ programs/adopt-a-family/

VALLEY CHURCHES UNITED THANKSGIVING PROJECT

The nonprofit Valley Churches United Missions provides special food bags, turkeys, and grocery store gift cards to clients in need. To support this project, see https://vcum.org/services/specialprojects/

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Second Harvest Food Bank will provide community distributions at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave. Watsonville, on Mondays from 4 to 7 p.m. to accommodate working families.

Dates are: • Nov. 7 & 21 • Dec. 5 & 19

Volunteers are welcome — and needed. Volunteers

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by November 22

are asked to arrive at the fair-grounds before 3:30 pm for training. Second Harvest Food Bank will provide a light dinner and volunteers can take food for themselves or others. If you are interested, email Stephanie Russo at stephanier@ thefoodbank.org, or call (831) 232-8186.

WELLNESS & STRESS MANAGEMENT

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education offers a free online support group for LGBTQ+ youth up to age 22 Wednesdays 3-4 p.m. and a free support group for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth Wednesdays 5-6 p.m.

More information at https://www.diversitycenter.org/ Meeting link for both support groups: http://santacruzcoe-org. zoom.us/j/85783611933

NEIGHBORS FOR NEIGHBORS

Housing Matters and Santa Cruz Public Libraries are sponsoring a new program, Neighbors for Neighbors, to bring residents together to talk about issues related to homelessness in Santa Cruz County.

The first in-person meet-up is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10, from 4-5 p.m. at the Garfield Park branch.

Register: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/9774575

The first Capitola meet-up is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Register: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/ event/9690444

The meetups will give residents a chance to learn about local issues, and take an active role in identifying and proposing solutions that can be implemented in their specific neighborhoods.

“It is our goal with the Neighbors for Neighbors program to help people who want to take an active role in their neighborhood, but don’t know what to do, by providing a framework for discussion and opportunities for engaging in meaningful activities right in their own neighborhood,” said Mer Stafford, Housing Matters’ chief impact officer.

Housing Matters will provide an overview via guest speakers and facilitate discussions. Group members will brainstorm activities that could help reduce or resolve homelessness in their neighborhoods. Examples may include: Heighborhood food pantries and voter canvassing. Discussion topics may include: Housing stability; Housing First; barriers to permanent supportive and low-income housing; renters rights and tenancy; local neighborhood initiatives; and city and county ballot initiatives.

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS

Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. More info: 831-423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org

CHILDCARE RESOURCES

The Child Development Resource Center, a program of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, has launched a new website to better assist local families searching for childcare. See https://childcare.santacruzcoe.org/.

WILDER RANCH PRESCRIBED BURN

California State Parks announces prescribed burns for 300 acres at Wilder Ranch State Park starting Nov. 3 through Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. Some trails will close temporarily, including parts of the Englesmans Loop, Eucalyptus Loop, Old Cabin and Long Meadow Trail.

This is part of the prescribed fire program for vegetation management, hazardous fuel load reduction, and wildlife habitat improvement. It is designed to remove duff, leaf litter and fuel buildup, restore essential nutrients to the soil and reduce the chance of wildfires.

Monitoring and patrol will take place. All burning will depend on weather and air quality conditions favorable for smoke dispersal. If the conditions are not condu-cive for burning, burns will be rescheduled.

This prescribed burn is permitted, planned and coordinated with the Monterey Bay Air Quality Management District and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

People around Monterey Bay and those driving on Highway 1 may see smoke on the day of the burns. If you see or smell smoke in your surroundings, Santa Cruz County officials recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity and staying in-doors-- especially important for children, the elderly and people with respiratory and heart conditions. The California State Park district of Santa Cruz has a new partnership with the Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association in which qualified CCPBA members can volunteer on state park burns. For information email childress.ember@gmail.com

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

SCOTTS VALLEY ROTARY

Noon-1:15 p.m., Online meeting (in person last Monday of the month, location TBD) The Rotary Club of Scotts Valley is a humanitarian service and leadership club.

Rotary provides invaluable opportunities for taking on leadership roles while providing networking opportunities and mentoring.

Meetings are every Monday virtually via zoom and in-person on the last Monday of the month outside the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce courtyard or at a member’s backyard.

To visit a Rotary meeting as a guest or learn more about joining, contact Club President, Patrizia Materassi at 831-334-2383 or email mpatrizia2 @gmail.com to learn more and receive an Agenda and meeting zoom link. https://tinyurl.com/sv-rotary-facebook

Tuesdays

PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM

6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/ griefsupport or call 831-471-7255. Saturdays thru Nov. 19

SCOTTS VALLEY FARMERS MARKET (CLOSING FOR THE WINTER)

Treasure the autumn. This season, might hands wrap around a warm mug of tea held under a starry sky with little else to do but stay longer.

The Scotts Valley Market is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club on Scotts Valley Drive and will host its last day on Nov. 19. • The Market Match Double Up continues at the Scotts Valley and Downtown SC markets all of 2022. Use $10 of EBT at these markets and receive $20 of Market Match for fresh fruits and vegetables for free. • The Felton Farmers’ Market is closed for the season and will reopen in May 2023. • The Downtown SC Farmers’ Market hours change to 1-5 p.m. for fall/winter beginning Nov. 9.

Every Fourth Saturday

COMMUNITY WRITERS

Calling all writers! Monthly virtual open mic for poets and prose writers.

From 2:30 - 4: 30 p.m. via Zoom. Sign-up to read ahead of time at the email communitywritersscco@ gmail.com or come at 2:15 p.m.

Time limit 5 minutes for any original work. Free.

All levels of writers welcome. Zoom: 532 385 492 • passcode 42020 communitywritersscco@gmail.com

DATED EVENTS

Friday November 4

TWEEN LEGO ENGINEERING CHALLENGE

3-5 p.m., Fireside Meeting Room, Scotts Valley Branch Library, 251 Kings Village Road Are you looking for fun, and competitive challenges? Do you like building stuff with LEGOs? Are you between 8 and 12 years old? If you answered yes to all these questions, then you are invited to join our Lego Engineering Challenges! The Chal-lenges are a fun way for tweens to learn about basic engineering, teamwork, and leadership by completing various Lego projects.

Challenges take place 3 to 5 p.m. every 3rd Friday of the month in the Fireside Meeting Room at the Scotts Valley Branch Library. Space is limited and registration is highly encouraged but walk-ins are welcome if space is available. The first event will be Nov. 4 due to the cancellation of the Oct. 21 event. Questions? Contact Iván Llamas at llamasi@santacrupl.org or (831) 427-7700 Ext 7752.

CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS CONCERT

7 p.m., Samper Recital Hall, VAPA 5100, Cabrillo College, Aptos (intersection of Cabrillo College Drive/Soquel Drive) The Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program presents a fall concert featuring tango, bossa nova, English folk song, French music, and fiddle tunes.

String orchestra music will be performed by local youth at Samper Recital Hall.

Admission is: $12.50 general, $10.50 students/ seniors, $3 for students ages 6-18; children 2-5, free.

Facial coverings are required. For information about joining the orchestral, chamber or private lesson programs, call 479-6101 or visit www.cabrillo. edu/cabrillo-youth-strings

Saturday November 5

VETS FEST

10 a.m.-6 p.m., Hallcrest Vineyards, 379 Felton Empire Road, Felton Hallcrest Vineyards hosts Vets Fest. The event includes six bands performing, food & art vendors and kids activities.

Bands are: Sugar by the Pound, Ginny Mitchell, Patti Maxine, Vito & Friends, New Horizons, Blind Pilots and Ripati & Rose.

This is a benefit for the SantaCruzfreeguide.org and supportive services to the Veterans Village.