Aptos Times: January 1, 2022

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January 1 2022 • Vol 31 No. 1

Safer Crosswalk for Rio Del Mar Elementary School

Students and parents at Rio Del Mar Elementary will soon have a safer path to school as new crosswalks, sidewalks, and accessibility ramps are being installed at the intersection of Pinehurst Drive and Greenbrier Drive.

Full Story page 4

Soquel Avenue: Less Congested?

Heading south to Aptos, you’ve tried to escape the congestion on Highway 1 by cutting over to Soquel Avenue — only to find lots of drivers had the same brilliant idea.

Basically, there are too many cars during peak times on Highway 1, and that means you move as slow as molasses in January.

Are there any solutions?

The Santa Cruz County Department of Public Works has the funding to make changes on 5.6 miles of Soquel Drive, the busiest stretch, from La Fonda Avenue in Santa Cruz to State Park Drive in Aptos.

This is the county’s designated medical corridor.

Dominican Hospital is located on Soquel Drive, and Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center is nearby. ... continues on page 4

r! a e Y w e N y Haa

Greenway Turns in 16,000 Signatures Full Story page 11

Rep. Panetta Seeks Another Term

On Dec. 27, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D- Carmel Valley, announced he will run for re-election in the newly drawn 19th Congressional district.

Full Story page 8

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No. 1

Volume 31

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Table of Contents

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Cover

Soquel Avenue: Less Congested?

Community News

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Safer Crosswalk for Rio Del Mar Elementary, By Kieran Kelly

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8 Tens @ 8 Returns: Actors’ Theatre Live

COVID: 228 Deaths, Omicron Forecasts & Isolation Reduced, By Jondi Gumz

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Rep. Panetta Seeks Another Term • Cabrillo VP Charged with Embezzlement at his Former Job

10 Coming Soon: Library Demolition and Construction, By Denise Ward 11 Greenway, Seeking Trail Vote, Turns in 16,000 Signatures 15 Help For Homeless Families With Pets

17 Rydell Visual Arts Fellowships: Exhibition to Open January 21 18 Art Matters, Story and Photos by Carly Wheelehan

19 Guzman named EPA Regional Administrator • Women In Leadership for Diverse Representation

20 Bad Time for a Drive to San Simeon • $240 Million: Fire Prevention and Forest Grants

23 Are You Eligible for Home Loan Modification?

25 Are You ‘Fully Vaccinated’?, By Victoria Knight, Kaiser Health News 27 Return the Favor: $158,000 For Nonprofits

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – New Year — New Beginning —

Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists

Creating a Temple for the Good, By Risa D’Angeles

21 Recipe Box: Oven-Roasted Cauliflower, from Chef Brandon Miller

22 A New Year and a New Future for Sustainable Water, By Dr. Tom LaHue, President, Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors

24 Gifts from Pets, By Joyce and Barry Vissell

30 Reflections on my Ninth Year as your County Supervisor: South County

Center, Roads, Levee, Parks & 20,000+ Emails, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Senator Warren Is Ready To Move On

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers Kieran Kelly, Jondi Gumz, Denise Ward, Carly Wheelehan, Victoria Knight, Risa D’Angeles, Tom LaHue, Joyce and Barry Vissell, Zach Friend 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 Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Tara Carcamo 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 Soquel 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 Summer Festivals Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

Entire contents ©2022. All rights reserved.

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

Safer Crosswalk for Rio Del Mar Elementary

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By Kieran Kelly

tudents and parents at Rio Del Mar Elementary will soon have a safer path to school as new crosswalks, sidewalks, and accessibility ramps are being installed at the intersection of Pinehurst Drive and Greenbrier Drive.

According to Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend, the $200,000+ Aptos project is the culmination of years of advocacy efforts by local residents.

“All of these improvements stemmed

directly from community concerns about safety around Rio Del Mar Elementary and the greater Seascape area. It took creativity, including local, regional, and state funding mechanisms but it’s a model that can be replicated in other areas in the County. We know there’s more to do in this area, but this is a strong starting point toward improving access and safety,” said Friend.

Safety issues at this intersection

relate to lack of sidewalks, outdated or no accessibility ramps and inefficient crosswalk configuration, creating problems for the 511 students enrolled this year and many in the past as well.

Another problem, a tree lifting up the concrete gutter and pavement at the southwest corner of the intersection is being fixed too.

“Crosswalk” page 6

COVER STORY “Soquel Dr. Traffic” from page 1 The hope is that the improvements will make the area safer for people biking or on foot, and thus more attractive — perhaps even a viable alternative to driving.

Improvements include resurfacing the roadway with a rubberized cape seal and new striping and constructing 2.7 miles of buffered and 2.4 miles of protected bike lanes on each side of the street.

Sometimes there is confusion: What’s the difference between buffered and protected for the bicycle rider? That question will likely be answered at a community engagement workshop Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Register: bit.ly/ soquelzoom2.

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 / January 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Another online workshop is planned Thursday, Jan. 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m to focus on improvements on Soquel Avenue/ Drive in Live Oak and Soquel. Register: bit. ly/soquelzoom1 During the project, 22 intersections will be upgraded with adaptive traffic signals — changes based on existing conditions — with priority for the Santa Cruz Metro #71 bus route.

For people on foot, plans call for closing 2,500 feet of sidewalk gaps, installing “rectangular rapid flashing beacons” at pedestrian crossings at 10 mid-block crossings (7 existing and 3 new) and upgrading 100 ADA ramps to current standards.

The flashing beacons, a relatively

inexpensive measure, has been shown to cut pedestrian crashes by 47 percent, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Where needed, plans call for better drainage and new retaining walls.

The project has three goals: Reduce congestion, enhance safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, and improve travel time reliability for bus riders and motorists.

The time to ask your questions is this month, either Jan. 12 or Jan. 20. n ••• For more information about the Soquel Drive Buffered Bike Lane & Congestion Mitigation Project, see www.soqueldrive bufferedproject.com/.

COMMUNITY NEWS

8 Tens @ 8 Returns: Actors’ Theatre Live S anta Cruz County Actors’ Theatre returns to live performances after nearly two years of pandemic closure, presenting the 26th Annual 8 Tens @ 8 Short Play Festival: Jan. 14 through Feb. 6, at the Center Stage Theater, 1001 Center St., downtown Santa Cruz.

The 10-minute play festival is one of the most anticipated and popular events of the theatre season in Santa Cruz.

The 2022 Festival will stage 18 awardwinning short plays from the 2020/21 International Playwriting Contests as well

Waking Up — starring Avondina Wills and Karen Blagmon. (presented pre-COVID)

Photo Credit: Jana Marcus

two winners from the Young Playwrights’ Contest last summer.

The 18 plays will be presented in repertoire over the four-week festival with nine plays on “A” night and nine different plays on “B” night.

Every summer Actors’ Theatre holds an international playwriting contest, judged by a select group of local writers and directors. The winning plays are then produced into full productions for the January Festival. The renowned contest draws well over 300 entrees every year from around the world.

“Actors’ Theatre is now home to the longest running short play festival in the United States,” said Andrew Ceglio, the new executive artistic director.

Ceglio continued: “With our return to live theatre, this year’s selections offer a wide variety of comedies and dramas filled with heart, gravitas and thoughtprovoking perspectives.”

The intimate Center Stage Theater at the Art Center has been newly renovated with a CDC-recommended Hepa HVAC system that circulates fresh air every seven minutes. The company is putting safety first with a fully

vaccinated staff, including performers, and a theater that will be sanitized after every performance.

“8 Tens @ 8” page 13

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“Crosswalk” from page 4 “I was a Rio parent for 16 years while my three children attended the school,” said Jennifer Holm, PVUSD board president and trustee for Rio Del Mar and La Selva Beach. “This project is near and dear to my heart and reflects the importance of partnerships between Santa Cruz County, PVUSD, and community advocates. It is another stellar example of how investments in infrastructure, particularly with public schools, can benefit the whole community.”

Santa Cruz County and Pajaro Valley Unified School District officials agreed to jointly fund the long-awaited project to address pedestrian safety issues for Rio Del Mar Elementary students and neighbors.

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved the Pinehurst Drive and Greenbrier Drive pedestrian improvement project in August 2021 and it is currently under construction with an estimated completion date in early 2022, weather permitting.

The project is estimated to cost more than $200,000 and PVUSD trustees at their July 28, 2021 meeting agreed to provide up to $100,000.

“We are fortunate to have a positive

Photo Credit: Kieran Kelly

A problematic intersection by Rio Del Mar Elementary School is getting a safety upgrade, thanks to costsharing by the county of Santa Cruz and the Pajaro Valley school district. collaborative relationship with the County which enabled this joint project,” said Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, superintendent of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. “We believe that the

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improvements will increase students and families’ safe passage to school on a daily basis and benefit the community as a whole.”

This project follows on a series of

improvements in recent years to bolster pedestrian safety in this unincorporated part of Santa Cruz County, particularly around Rio Del Mar Elementary School.

Those efforts include expanded sidewalks on Dolphin Drive, improved crosswalks including rapid flashing beacons at Pinehurst Drive and Dolphin Drive, as well as at Seascape Boulevard and Racquet Landing, and path improvements between Rio Del Mar Elementary and Clubhouse Drive.

Earlier this year, county supervisors approved the installation of two speed tables on Clubhouse Drive between Sumner Avenue and Baltusrol Way. Clubhouse Drive is one of the main routes for school traffic to Rio Del Mar Elementary.

“The County Department of Public Works is excited to implement these much-needed pedestrian safety improvements fronting Rio Del Mar Elementary,” Steve Wiesner, assistant director of public works for Santa Cruz County.

“This project could not have been delivered to construction without the significant funding contribution provided by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.,” he said. “We look forward to completing this project and continuing our partnership with PVUSD on other projects.” n

COMMUNITY NEWS

COVID: 228 Deaths, Omicron Forecasts & Isolation Reduced

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By Jondi Gumz

he death toll from Covid-19 in Santa Cruz County is up to 228 but the local impact of the South African Omicron variant is not clear.

Omicron, which spreads much more easily than the Delta variant, prompted Gov. Newsom to order health care workers to get a booster shot by Feb. 1 and University of California campuses, including UC Santa Cruz, to order classes to shift online for the first two weeks of January.

However, reports from South Africa, Denmark and the United Kingdom indicate case rose with fewer hospitalizations and Omicron cases resolving more quickly.

In Denmark, a study by Statnes Serum Institute of 43,000 cases found only 0.5% of Omicron patients were treated at a hospital, compared to 1.4% of patients with other variants.

The rise in U.S. cases and the quicker resolution led the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to reduce the isolation time for those with a positive test from 10 days to five days if they have no fever and no other symptoms. This change is expected to relieve short-staffing pressures at hospitals and airlines due to exposures.

Omicron arrived in California after 11 Kaiser hospital employees in Oakland attended a wedding in Milwaukee, Wis. They were vaccinated, with boosters, and took off their masks while eating and drinking. They reported mild symptoms, and recovered at home.

Omichron’s fast-spreading nature and modeling predicting a January surge led to UCSC’s announcement on Dec. 21 of online classes in January.

California health officials say people with two shots aren’t protected from the Omicron variant, so they recommend a second booster.

Two of the people in Santa Cruz County who recently died with Covid had underlying conditions.

The most recent was a man in his early 80s who had been vaccinated but did not have a booster shot. It’s not clear which variant he had.

It’s impossible to say how many cases are due to a variant, because the county dashboard reports all cases together, not by variant.

The newest data challenge is the new at-home PCR tests, which President Biden promises to make available to the public for free. They give people fast results but

there’s no requirement to report results to county health officials.

So the Santa Cruz County health dashboard may be undercounting in the future as more people take advantage of home testing.

Clearly holiday gatherings have led to higher case counts — such as 80 on Dec. 20 — but that daily count is much smaller than in Jan. 4 when Delta predominated and the daily count peaked at 300.

Local Omicron anta Cruz County Public Health reported two COVID-19 samples collected on Dec. 16 and 17 were identified as the Omicron variant. Both are North County residents in their mid-20s.

Dr. Cal Gordon, Santa Cruz County deputy health officer, said individuals should get vaccinated and boosted, wear a mask indoors and in crowded settings, get tested if symptomatic or exposed; and stay home if sick. Everyone 5 years and older is eligible for a vaccine and everyone 16 years and older is eligible for a booster.

A Danish study published Dec. 22 and not yet peer reviewed reports a third dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech’s or Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine offers a “significant” increase in protection against the Omicron variant for people age 60 and up.

Contract Tracing Texts anta Cruz County health officials advise people to get tested before visiting or traveling, upon return, and again 3-5 days later. They recommend keeping group gatherings small, preferably outside or in a well-ventilated space.

A new contact tracing system is being used -- the state’s Contact Tracing Virtual Assistant may send you a text message from 23393, the California COVID-19 Response Team. Health officials ask for cooperation to help stop COVID from spreading.

Some testing sites are on holiday schedules, resuming regular hours on Jan. 3.

For local information on COVID-19 including on where to get vaccinated or tested go to www.santacruzhealth.org/ coronavirusor call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

On Dec. 13, with California Covid cases up 47 percent and hospitalizations up 14 percent, the state Department of Public Health ordered masks be worn indoors to

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prevent this highly transmissible variant from spreading. Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel had already ordered masks to be worn indoors as of Nov. 22, including at home with guests.

On Dec. 15, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported Omicron infections are likely in people who are fully vaccinated.

A U.S. study, not yet peer-reviewed, found all three U.S. Covid vaccines appear to be significantly less protective against the Omicron variant in lab testing, but a booster dose appears to restore protection.

Pfizer reported three shots neutralized Omicron in the lab. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have not released data.

Santa Cruz County reports 753 active cases as of Dec. 26, up from 596 active

cases a week ago, 22,398 cases since the pandemic began, 638 hospitalizations, and 237,400 negative test results. Statistics are updated on Mondays and Thursdays.

A total of 12 people are hospitalized in the county, split between Dominican Hospital and Watsonville Community Hospital, which filed Dec. 5 for bankruptcy protection to pave the way for a sale. Two are in intensive care.

The CDC tracker reports positivity is 3.59 percent in Santa Cruz County, up from 2.37 percent a week ago; California’s positivity rate is up to 9.7 percent, and the state reports a seven-day average of 11.2 percent.

Student Cases he Santa Cruz County Office of Education reports all positive cases of student and staff regardless of the source of transmission.

See santacruzcoe.org/coviddashboards.

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“COVID Update” page 9

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Rep. Panetta Seeks Another Term O n Dec. 27, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D- Carmel Valley, announced he will run for re-election in the newly drawn 19th Congressional district.

In December, the independent California Citizens’ Redistricting Commission drew and finalized all of the congressional districts for the State of California, based on the 2020 census figures.

The new 19th Congressional District contains much of Panetta’s old district Jimmy Panetta including the coastal areas of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, and adds the northern part of Santa Cruz County, the southern part of San Jose city, and the northern part of San Luis Obispo County.

“Although the shape of our district has changed, it will not change my dedication and desire to enhance the lives and ensure the livelihoods of my constituents by making the federal government work them,” Panetta said. “I look forward to introducing myself to the few communities that were added to the new 19th Congressional District and letting them know, as my existing constituents already know, that it has been an absolute honor and privilege to represent the Central Coast, and that I will continue my fight for opportunities for working families and the future of our democracy.”

Panetta, 52, was first elected in 2016 with 70 percent of the vote in a district Ballotpedia rated safely Democratic. His victory margins in 2018 and 2020 were larger.

According to Open Secrets.org, his campaign committee had $1.5 million cash on hand as of Sept. 30. His top five donors in the past year were Honeywell International, $10,000, Foothill Packing, $7,900, Mainspring Energy, $7,400, American Hospital Association, $7,300, and Blue Diamond Growers, $6,000.

He has served on the House Committees on Ways & Means, Armed Services, and Agriculture. Those key committees have jurisdiction over some of the nation’s most important federal programs benefiting families and businesses on the Central Coast.

He cites as a legislative victory the reversal of the previous administration’s environmental regulations in order to sustain coastal and ocean resources.

He also pushed for more federal funding for affordable housing, to reduce homelessness, and to increase the amount of safe and secure housing for farmworkers and military families. The House passed his legislation to make funds available to homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness.

Last year, Panetta secured compensation for restaurants, small businesses, farmers, farmworkers, and hospice care providers to offset losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He co-authored the House-passed bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act to provide an earned pathway to citizenship for essential workers.

Most recently, Panetta secured funds in the bipartisan infrastructure law that could be invested in key Central Coast projects including water resources,

wildfire resiliency, energy grids, and supply chain solutions.

In the pending House-passed Build Back Better Act, he secured funds for agricultural research and conservation and tax credits for electronic bus and bicycle purchases to help reduce carbon emissions.

Panetta is one of only eight chief deputy whips in the House Democratic

leadership. He is member of the Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus, the Bipartisan Working Group, and is a founder of the For Country Caucus that consists of military veterans who are members of Congress that work together on policies for a more productive government.

“Panetta” page 9

Cabrillo VP Charged with Embezzlement at his Former Job

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n Dec. 9, Paul De La Cerda, vice president of instruction at Cabrillo College, was charged with overbilling his former employer for trips he took.

De La Cerda, 47, was charged with one felony count each of misappropriation of government funds and embezzlement of government funds, according to a press release issued by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.

De La Cerda is expected to be arraigned on Jan. 7 in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles. He is on administrative leave from Cabrillo until Jan. 31 He is accused of overbilling East

Los Angeles College, where he was dean, about $1,575 for several hotel stays between March 2017 and 2019.

He allegedly forged documents he submitted for reimbursement, according to Gascón.

The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Fraud and Cyber Crimes.

De La Cerda joined Cabrillo in June of this year.

Cabrillo spokeswoman Kristin Fabos said via email, “We cannot discuss details due to the fact that it is a confidential personnel matter.”

She provided a statement on behalf of the college:

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“The Cabrillo Community College District is actively engaged in working on this matter. We take this development very seriously and recognize this is creating concern among employees, students, and the community. We acknowledge that concern, but are restricted in what we can publicly share as this is a confidential personnel matter. Please know that this has our full attention and that we will share additional details as we are able. The best interests of the College, its students and employees, and our community continue to be paramount.” n ••• The Cabrillo College Governing Board meets virtually Monday, Jan. 10, at 6:15 p.m.

Paul De La Cerda

To attend, visit https://www.cabrillo.edu/ governing-board/board-meetings-and-dates/

“Panetta” from page 8 Prior to being elected to Congress, Panetta worked as a prosecutor and served in the military.

After graduating from Santa Clara University School of Law, he was a deputy district attorney for Alameda and Monterey counties where he focused on pursuing justice for victims, protecting families, and making communities safer.

“COVID Update” from page 7 Pajaro Valley Unified School District reports 97 active student cases and seven active staff cases in December. The district is on winter break, with classes to resume Jan. 10.

The most student cases are at MacQuiddy Elementary, 13, Mar Vista Elementary, 11, and Watsonville High, 9, Rolling Hills Middle School, 7, Landmark Elementary, 7, Pajaro Valley High, 6, Bradley Elementary, 6.

In Aptos, Aptos High reports 8, Aptos Junior High, 5, and Valencia Elementary, 2.

With Inspire Diagnostics, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education has conducted 135,900 PCR tests for COVID at no charge to those tested, and reports a 14-day positivity rate of 1.11 percent, up from .44 percent a week ago.

Testing for the school community is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the regular schedule resumes Jan. 3.

Regular testing hours are: Cabrillo’s parking lot K, 2-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; the PVUSD District Office parking lot, open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays, and the county Office of Education, 400 Encinal St., Santa Cruz.

Students and their families, and staff and their families can get tested free; fill out the registration once at http://sccoe. link/inspiresc and go to any site --no appointment is needed.

Boosters & Mandates ollowing authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine are available at the three local clinics for 16-17 year-olds who got their second dose at least six months ago.

Booster doses of all three vaccine types are available locally for all school staff. For appointments see https:// santacruzcoe.org/boosters/ Booster shots are available for school staff who got their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago, or who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago.

Shortly before Christmas, as the CDC estimated Omicron made up a majority ot

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He was appointed to the California Councils on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, which advises the Governor’s Office.

As a member of the United States Navy Reserve, he was mobilized to active duty after the attacks of 9/11 and deployed to fight in Operation Enduring Freedom.

He served in Afghanistan as an intelligence officer assigned to a Special

Operations task force. Based on his meritorious service in a combat zone, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

After returning home, he became a board member of the Veterans Transition Center where he worked to address veterans’ homelessness and championed the opening of Monterey County’s first Veterans Treatment Court.

With local leaders and veterans, he helped establish the Central Coast

Veterans Cemetery. He was named a Monterey County Veteran of the Year in 2015.

The son of former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Sylvia Panetta, CEO of the 24-year-old Panetta Institute for Public Policy, Jimmy Panetta was raised and educated on the Central Coast, where he lives with his wife and their two daughters. n ••• For info, visit www.jimmypanetta.com

cases, Gov. Newsom ordered health care workers to get a booster shot by Feb. 1.

A CDC analysis published Nov. 18 in the American Journal of Infection Control found 30 percent of healthcare workers in more than 2,000 U.S. hospitals were unvaccinated against COVID-19 as of Sept. 15.

Deaths are still rising — 820,000 in the United States, 75,500 in California, 228 in Santa Cruz County — and part of President Biden’s strategy is to mandate vaccines or weekly tests for employers with 100 more employees (part time as well as fulltime — independent contractors are not counted).

The deadline to comply is Jan. 4, but due to legal challenges, the future of the mandate is not known.

Four judicial rulings put mandates on hold, finding the administration’s orders mandating vaccines exceeded the power Congress had given the executive branch.

In Florida v. Department of Health and Human Services, a Florida district court upheld the CMS mandate. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit affirmed it on Dec. 6.

The Biden administration backed off on penalties this year for federal workers and military personnel not fully vaccinated (or requested a religious or medical exemption) by Nov. 22.

Enforcement will begin in 2022, when the unvaccinated may get a letter of reprimand. About 92 percent of federal employees are vaccinated.

92% One Dose ealth experts had surmised that once 70 percent of the population (or 80 percent or 85 percent) was vaccinated against COVID-19, the new coronavirus would fade away — the world could return to normal.

That hasn’t happened.

The CDC Covid Tracker says Santa Cruz County has 92.5 percent of those 12 and older with one dose and 82.2 percent of that age group fully vaccinated.

Studies show protection from Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccine begins to wane after a few months, which is why booster shots are available to those 18 and older whose shots were six months ago.

Dominican Hospital’s vaccine clinic has provided COVID-19 booster shots every Thursday since they were approved by the FDA and CDC. To make an appointment, see myturn.ca.gov.

Although protection wanes, studies show the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are highly protective against hospitalization.

The CDC said people can “mix and match” vaccines.

The Dignity Health Medical GroupDominican pediatric practices in Aptos and Capitola began offering the Pfizer vaccine to their patients 5 years and older after the FDA granted authorization.

Some parents worry about myocarditis, heart inflammation, which has been reported in adolescent and young adult males. It is a rare condition and Dr. Steven Black, co-director of the Global Vaccine Data Network, a consortium researching vaccine safety, told The New York Times that physicians will know to look for it.

Some parents worried about longterm side effects do not want to vaccinate their children. In other cases, if the children have had COVID, the parents contend they have natural immunity.

Jobs anta Cruz County had a healthy 103,400 jobs as of mid-November, and

unemployment was 4.9%, down from 6.6% a year ago. Many businesses still have “help wanted” signs, including Palace Art & Office Supply in Capitola.

Cabrillo College has several jobs posted on Indeed.com, including a part-time adjunct instructor for communications, outreach coordinator starting at $4,750 per month, and accounting technician, starting at $4,100 per month and pat-time athletic trainer, $3,140 per month. Trader Joe’s in Capitola is offering $16-$18 for a cashier. n ••• Total COVID cases: 22,399 ••• COVID Deaths: 228 As of Dec.29 Age 85 and older: 98 • 75-84: 51 • 65-74: 41 60-64: 14 • 55-59: 3 • 45-54: 9 • 35-44: 7 25-34: 5 Underlying Conditions Yes: 181 • No: 47 Race White 126 • Latinx 83 • Asian 16 Black 1 • Amer Indian/Alaskan native 1 Gender Male: 117 • Female 111 Aging Facility Yes: 107 • No 121

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Coming Soon: Library Demolition and Construction

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By Denise Ward

here’s something happening in your neighborhood!

Thanks to a parcel tax passed in 2016, “Measure S” improvements are being made, will be made, or have already been made to our county’s 10 libraries.

Right here in Aptos near the corner of State Park Drive and Soquel Drive our local branch is about to be demolished.

In its place will stand a state-of-the-art facility that will feature flexible community, meeting and study rooms; garden and terrace areas; a local history section; children, teen and adult reading areas; and it will be built to maximize energy efficiency.

These improvements are much anticipated by patrons of the library. It has traditionally been a very busy place.

24,705 residents of Santa Cruz County consider the Aptos branch to be their library “home.”

It is the second busiest branch in the system with 151,841 visitors during the 2019 year. Tens of thousands of books are checked out annually not to mention the digital materials that are available for download. Yes! Directly to your mobile device!

While some skeptics think that libraries are a thing of the past, the sentiment from its patrons could not be more opposite.

Based on the reopening of both Capitola and Felton branches after their rebuilds and renovations, their use doubled!

The new design will allow more room for the Aptos library to run its popular array of programs. Our library offers such programs as technical help, Children’s Story Hours, Book Discussion Groups, Literacy Training, and special workshops such as Digital Animation for teens and adults.

The libraries of today have taken on something of a community center function, bringing people together for various events designed for learning and enrichment.

The Aptos Library has a Friends’ group (as do many of the other branches) who work to support their branches with additional funding and programming.

The Aptos Friends began a program called “Our Community Reads” which has been joined by Capitola, Felton, and Le Selva Beach Friends. They work to bring community members together around a selected book. Each year since 2018, the Friends has offered free public events such as films, lectures, poetry slams, panel discussions, author visits and more, all based around themes from the book.

Our libraries are a valuable community resource and we very much look forward to endless possibilities of future programming and events here in Aptos. n ••• To make your contribution to the new Aptos Library visit: https://www.friendsofaptoslibrary.org

Can You Be a Writing Mentor?

By Wendy Wesch Thompson

W

e are so pleased to continue with the winter/spring offerings through Young Writers Program and look forward to your participation as writing project mentors.

For the winter/spring 2022, I am excited to announce that we are offering four classroom projects and three after school Word Lab projects guided by the Young Writers Program.

My commitment to bringing the Wendy Wesch Thompson writing process to our students, especially those who have had little exposure to writing, is my priority. But I need your participation!

This year’s projects are embedded in the

Dedicated Writing Room at Branciforte Middle School (315 Poplar Drive, Santa Cruz) Your participation makes an enormous difference for our young writers. The Young Writers Program needs writing mentors for our projects with two participating teachers, Payam Etemadzadeh and Sara Goldfarb.

I will be teaching the After School Word Labs three days a week. Please sign up! You will know you’ve done something worthwhile by mentoring during these challenging times — our students need you. n Wendy Wesch Thompson is director of the Young Writers Program.

••• Payam Etemadzadeh: 8th graders write poems about restoring balance and equity in our world. Jan. 10 through Feb. 9.

10 / January 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Classroom 1: Mondays 11am to 12 pm AND Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30am Classroom 2: Mondays 1:20 to 2:30 pm AND Wednesdays from 11:15am to 12:15 pm Mentors needed: 11-12 ••• Sara Goldfarba: 8th graders write poems about restoring balance and equity in our world. Feb. 14 through March 17.

Classroom 3: Mondays 11:00 am to 12:00 pm AND Thursdays from 11:00 to 11:48 am Classroom 4: Mondays 1:30 to 2:30pm AND Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 pm Mentors needed: 12-13 ••• Word Lab: Self selected student sign up for after school program — open

genre for 4-8th graders with Wendy Thompson.

Monday: 3:30-5:30 pm – Jan. 24 to March 14.

Tuesday: 3:30 - 5:30 pm – Jan. 25 to March 15.

Wednesday: 1:30-3:30 pm – Jan. 26 to March 16.

Mentors needed: 12 ••• Training Workshops These workshops will provide important insights into the role as a writing mentor and background on the Young Writers Project.

Jan. 15: Best Practices Workshop, 10am to 1pm Jan. 29: Traits of Good Writing Workshop, 10am to 1pm Branciforte Middle School Dedicated Writing Room, 315 Poplar St.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Greenway, Seeking Trail Vote, Turns in 16,000 Signatures O n Dec. 14, Yes Greenway delivered more than 16,000 petition signatures for the Greenway initiative to the Santa Cruz County Clerk, who has 30 business days to certify the signatures.

“We are confident that we have collected sufficient signatures to qualify the Greenway Initiative for the June 7, 2022 ballot,” said Ellen Martinez, one of the original signatories to the “Notice of Intent to Circulate Petition” filed in July. “Over 170 volunteers for YES Greenway gathered signatures in all five supervisorial districts.

The reception from voters was overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic.”

Yes Greenway says the number of signatures collected for a voter-generated initiative is the largest in Santa Cruz County history.

Greenway proposes to amend Santa Cruz County’s General Plan to support building an interim trail down the center of the rail-bed of the unused rail corridor

from the San Lorenzo Bridge in Santa Cruz to Lee Road in Watsonville.

The “Greenway is to include two lanes for wheeled traffic on a paved path

and an adjacent walkway for people on foot.

Once completed, it could be used for commuting, active transportation, and

recreation by people on foot, on bicycles, in wheelchairs, riding e-bikes or skateboards.

Yes Greenway said future use of the corridor for rail would be preserved through railbanking, a Federal program that allows an existing rail corridor to be used as a trail and leaves certain infrastructure, including bridges and trestles, for future rail use.

The current Roaring Camp tourist railroad from Felton to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk would be protected and preserved, as would the existing freight service in Watsonville, according to Greenway Funds to create new paths are available through Measure D, the sales tax dedicated to county transportation passed by voters in 2016, which means no new taxes are needed, according to Greenway.

“Greenway” page 13

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Tomorrow’s health care. Today.

“8 Tens @ 8” from page 5 Patrons must show proof of vaccination to be admitted to the theater.

Curtain is at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $38, general admission, $35 seniors and students. A two-night package is $70 general admission and $65 for seniors and students. Purchase at www. santacruzactorstheatre.org/tickets.

Currently, only 45 of the 89 seats are being sold at each performance to allow for some social distancing. Depending on the state of the pandemic come early January, additional seats may open up.

Due to the limited seating during a usually sold-out festival, a full-length, professional film of the festival will be available “on demand” come mid-February.

This year’s award-winning short plays include: “A” NIGHT Wonder People by Madeline Puccioni.

Directed by Hannah Eckstein Are You One of Those Robots? by Dierdre Gerard. Directed by Gail Borkowski Me and Him by Michael John McGoldrick.

Directed by Andrew Davids Nobody’s Hero by Charles Anderson.

Directed by Evan Hunt

“Greenway” from page 11 “It’s time to give voters the opportunity to state their opinion on what to build on the unused rail corridor,” said Rowland Rebele, a resident of Dominican Oaks in Santa Cruz. “Having collected signatures myself, I know that the majority of voters want a resolution of this issue and prefer that the corridor be used now for active transportation.”

The Greenway would become part of an integrated transportation system in Santa Cruz County, one long advocated by Greenway proponents and detailed at: https://sccgreenway.org/ transportation-position.

The plan calls for improving Metro, ParaCruz and Lift Line, making investments in long-neglected bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, bus-on-shoulder on oft-congested Hwy. 1, and active signal control on Soquel Drive to improve the movement of people throughout the county. Such investments are all funded through existing Measure D funds and require no new taxes.

“We have an existing bus system that has suffered in ridership due to the pandemic, route cuts and budget issues,” said Buzz Anderson, 4th generation Santa Cruz County resident who lives in Live Oak. “We need to invest in Metro, ParaCruz and Lift Line. We need to improve Hwy. 1. And we need to build the most beautiful and safe active transportation corridor in the world.

That’s a vision worth getting behind.”

The Santa Cruz County Counsel’s

Free Hugs by L. H. Grant. Directed by Marcus Cato Old Aquatics by Steven Kobar. Directed by Gerry Gerringer Together at Last by Stella Pfefferkorn (Young Playwrights Festival winner) Directed by Kathie Kratochvil Kew Gardens by James Armstrong. Directed

by Bill Peters God on the Couch by Dan O’Day. Directed by Peter Gelblum “B” NIGHT Stress for Success by Terrence Patrick Hughes.

Directed by Kathie Kratochvil Gone by AJ Davey Ouse (Young Playwrights Festival winner) Directed by Andrew Ceglio Rosa & Leo by Adam Szudrich. Directed by Jim Schultz The Maltese Walter by John Minigan. Directed

by Cathy Warner Ditmas by Glenn Alterman. Directed Helene Simkin Jara The Coriolus Effect by Robert Lynn. Directed

by Anita Natale Slow Dating by Adam Szudrich. Directed by Buff McKinley Unheard by Glenn Alterman. Directed by Sarah Albertson Dress Blues by Donald J. Loftus. Directed by Karin Babbitt n

impartial Title and Summary of the Greenway Initiative and the full text of the proposed Amendment to the General Plan are online at www.yes-greenway.org.

YES Greenway is registered with the state Fair Political Practices Commission.

The Greenway announcement sparked an immediate response from the No Way Greenway campaign’s public relations consultant.

The statement attributed to No Way Greenway representative Matt Farrell, former city of Santa Cruz parking manager, said, “The highly deceptive and elitist Greenway Initiative is a giant lump of coal dumped on Santa Cruz County just in time for the holidays.”

He contends Greenway’s trail proposal does nothing to address climate change or unclog Hwy. 1. He contends the initiative takes away rail commuting for working people.

He also contends the initiative would delay trail construction for years, and violate the California Coastal Act “because it will forever reduce public access options for those who don’t live near the coast.”

Farrell predicted, “Should this measure qualify for the ballot, it will be defeated by a very strong coalition of volunteers, leaders, respected organizations and local businesses.” n ••• To learn more about NO WAY Greenway, which is registered with the Fair Politicak Practices Commission, see www.nowaygreenway. org, www.facebook.com/nowaygreenway2022, www.instagram.com/nowaygreenway2022/, or www.twitter.com/nowaygreenway.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Help For Homeless Families With Pets W ould you give up your beloved pet if you lost your housing, especially if you thought you would be able to get new housing soon?

Pets provide companionship, mental health benefits, and can be a safety measure for people living on the streets.

Between five and ten percent of unhoused community members have pets, and too often, families including pets are discriminated against, judged, and excluded because of their animal companions.

The SHARE Center in Salinas, part of Bay Area Community Services, has a different approach — people can come with their pets, partners, or families, and mental health challenges — there are no barriers to coming indoors.

The focus is on getting people housed, while breaking down other barriers that can hold people back, providing mental health support, employment / benefits support, and more. Housing navigators work with clients one-on-one to help them end their cycle of being unhoused and help them find permanent, sustainable housing. The team works with clients for 6 months afterward to ensure they remain stably housed.

pets can get the love A spacious and care they need location at 845 E. so they, in turn, can Laurel Drive, the provide support SHARE Center and stability to their has a health clinic, human families. counseling offices, The SHARE library, a comCenter is a “housing mercial kitchen, fast” program with a multipurpose the goal to get room, pet kennels, people of the streets outdoor dining and into temporary area, children’s housing. play areas, bed“Everybody rooms, and private deserves health family spaces, with room for 125 One of the SHARE animal residents at the Dec. 14 and housing,” said celebration who will be registered for a wellness exam. Nora Daly, BACS people. development director, “and in order for Currently 13 pets are on site.

In December, BirchBark Foundation, BACS to create housing opportunities that based in Santa Cruz, announced a part- last, we take into account the whole person, nership to provide veterinary care, support the whole family structure — including services, and supplies to the pets of people pets. Pets can help make us happier, safer, on their way from homelessness to housing and less isolated. This program is already bringing joy.” at the SHARE Center.

Birch Bark Foundation provides This pilot program honors the humananimal bond, while doing “whatever it financial assistance for life-compromising takes” to uplift local unhoused families and animal crises, pet loss and grief support help them stabilize. Dogs, cats, and other counseling, and a robust education program

to empower people to be the best caregivers of their animal companions.

“We know that the bond with our animals can be one of the most important relationships in our lives,” said Michelle Frampton, BirchBark Foundation executive director.

Funding animal wellness exams upon arrival at SHARE can “ensure a pet and their family are getting the best start to success possible,” she added. “No matter the circumstances in someone’s life, animals are family and need to be protected as such.”

The partnership kicked off with an event at the SHARE Center, building a “tree of hope” decorated with words of love and meaning made by people impacted by their pets and all people who have needed hope during challenging times.

Peace of Mind Dog Rescue and SPCA Monterey County joined the event to honor the partnership and the supports they will offer, such as kennel and behavior training, volunteers transporting pets to veterinary appointments, and the joint veterinary care with Birch Bark Foundation through Peace of Mind Dog Rescue’s Harry and Jaynne Boand Clinic. n

Our Family Caring for Your Family.

At Watsonville Community Hospital, we are proud to treat every patient as family.

Our physicians and staff work hard every day to make our hospital a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in this wonderful community that we call home.

We also offer the kind of advanced care that many community hospitals do not provide. Our surgeons perform robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery using our da Vinci Surgical System. And we are the only hospital in this area to offer the Mako SmartRobotics™ System which uses advanced robotic technology for joint replacement surgery.

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Easy freeway access off Airport Boulevard, with plenty of free parking.

COVID-19 safety precautions in place for your protection.

Watsonville Community Hospital | 75 Nielson Street, Watsonville, CA | (831) 724-4741 | WatsonvilleHospital.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2022 / 15

16 / January 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY NEWS

Rydell Visual Arts Fellowships Exhibition to Open January 21

F

our local visual artists have been selected by Community Foundation Santa Cruz County to receive Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship awards for 2022 and 2023.

They are Kristiana Chan, Anna Friz, Kajahl Benes-Trapp, and Janette Gross.

Each fellowship recipient receives a $20,000 award to further their artistic career.

••• ajahl Benes-Trapp was born in Santa Cruz in 1985 and received his BFA in painting from San Francisco State University in 2008. He spent his final year studying at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, Tuscany, Italy. In 2012, BenesTrapp received his MFA in painting from Hunter College in New York.

K

Kajahl Benes-Trapp at work.

In 2013, he was a recipient of the Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters and Sculptors Grant. He was also a 2016 Artist in Residence at the Joan Mitchell Center, New Orleans. More recently, Benes-Trapp was awarded an Artist-in-Residence at Lower Eastside Printshop New York in 2019.

Benes-Trapp is represented by Richard Heller Gallery, Los Angeles, and Monique Meloche Gallery in Chicago. Recent solo exhibitions include Obscure Origins at Tillou Fine Arts Brooklyn, NY, curated by Larry Ossei-Mensah. Unearthed Entities at Richard Heller Gallery in Los Angeles.

His latest solo exhibition, Royal Specter, opens at Monique Meloche Gallery in Chicago, IL. His work is in the public collections of Collection Solo, The Dean Collection and 21c Museum Hotel: Art Museum.

••• ristiana Chan is a first generation Malaysian-Chinese artist, writer, and educator from the American South. Her work examines the material memory of the landscape and the excluded histories of the displaced Chinese diaspora.

She researches the political, Kristiana Chan historical, and environmental heritage of the landscape and its material elements, incorporating their

K

elemental properties into her processes.

Working across disciplines, she uses video installation, archival photography, and experimental alternative photographic processes.

Most recently, Chan has been working with wild harvested clay and ceramics. She is deeply fascinated by how the not-sodistant histories of racial exclusion, erasure, and extractive environmental capitalism lay the foundation for every day, lived contemporary experiences, and contribute to our concurrent crises of violent racism and climate disaster.

By uncovering roots of our origins, her work seeks to revive and reckon with lost histories and lives, and their implications on race and environment, so that by knowing where we come from, we can envision a new future for ourselves.

Chan’s solo exhibitions were at the START Gallery (Winston-Salem) and The Growlery (San Francisco). Group exhibitions include SOMArts, ProArts, Root Division, Kearny Street Workshop and CTRL+SHFT Collective. Chan’s work was featured in Lenscratch Magazine, Seawitches Zine, and Thank You For Nothing Zine. She has a BA from Wake Forest University.

••• nna Friz creates media art, sound, and transmission art, working across platforms to present installations, broadcasts, films and performances. Her works reflect upon media ecologies, land use, infrastructures, time perception, and critical fictions.

Currently Friz’s focus is on a series of audiovisual works under the title We Build Ruins, which expressively consider mining and industrial corridors in the high-altitude desert in northern Chile.

She has often worked with Torontobased collective Public Studio to create multi-channel film installations and sculptures which critically consider the social

politics of landscape, environment, and urban systems.

Presentations of her work in the recent years include Ars Electronica Festival (Linz, Austria), the Museum of Arts and Design (New York), SITE Gallery (Houston), The New York Times Magazine, esc Media Kunst Labor (Graz, Austria), ReWire Festival (The Hague, Netherlands), Soundhouse at the Barbican (London), Espace Multimedia Gantner (Belfort France), and RE:SOUND Festival (Aalborg, Denmark).

Friz’s radio art/works have been heard on the airwaves of more than 25 countries, and commissioned by national public radio in Austria, Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, and Mexico.

Friz has a PhD from York University in Toronto, and she is currently assistant professor in film and digital media at UC Santa Cruz.

••• anette Gross is a tapestry weaver whose work primarily focuses on wedge weave, a technique developed by the Diné Nation (Navajo) in the late 19th century.

J

Janette Gross with her art.

She honors the Diné tradition but uses contemporary designs and techniques.

Gross dyes most of her wool yarn with natural dyes, many from local area plants. Gross began studying weaving and tapestry techniques after retirement. Her current work addresses the devastating effects of climate change.

She and an invited group of local weavers have worked for many years in the Watsonville studio of renowned rug weaver, Martha Stanley.

“Rydell Arts” page 23

A

Anna Friz at work.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2022 / 17

COMMUNITY NEWS

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Art Matters

A

Story and Photos by Carly Wheelehan

t Mount Madonna School, we believe that art is a crucial part of a well-rounded education. That’s why on any given week at MMS, the art studio bustles with activity from our young first graders all the way up to 12th grade.

Art teacher Angela Willetts equips students with both technical skills and passion for the visual arts. In a recent first grade class, Willetts led students in a lesson on proportion in self-portraiture.

“Your eyes right now are beautifully drawn, but you’ve got the top of your head very close to your eyes,” Willetts said, crouching next to a first-grade student who was working on a pencil sketch self-portrait.

She handed the student a mirror and asked her to describe the proportion of her forehead to her eyes.

“Oh, my eyes are a lot lower than I thought,” the student said.

She held her pencil loosely and halfway up, as Willetts instructed, and began to make new lines on her self-portrait. Willetts, meanwhile, walked around the room offering specific feedback to students, who were deeply focused on their work.

Some weeks, second graders might explore gel printing, sixth graders might learn about negative space in abstract art and high schoolers may work on their digital art portfolio or brush up on their photography skills.

“The art studio is one of the best places to practice thinking skills: problem solving, critical thinking, reflection and iteration,

TRANSFORMING YOUR WATER FOR TOMORROW S o q u e l C r e e k Wa t e r. o r g 18 / January 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Art teacher Angela Willets works with the students.

envisioning and planning, flexibility and persistence, stretching beyond one’s comfort zone and, of course, expression,” said Willetts.

Starting in first grade, every Mount Madonna School student attends a weekly class in the art studio.

“Making art requires students to engage all of these skills as part of the creative process, and in doing so they build those muscles for use across other subjects,” added Willetts. “Art also matters because it holds, builds and reflects on culture. It challenges students to seek, find and create meaning in images — their own meanings and those of their culture.” n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Guzman named EPA Regional Administrator D ec. 9, U.S. Environmental Protection Commission (CPUC) for the last five years, Agency Administrator Michael S. appointed by Governor Jerry Brown.

Her portfolio included leadership Regan announced that President Biden will appoint Martha Guzman to on issues related to fiscal oversight of become EPA’s Regional Administrator for utilities, broadband for all, water affordability, increasing access to clean energy Region 9.

Guzman will lead the implementation programs and preventing disconnections of the Biden-Harris environmental agenda of basic utilities for Disadvantaged Communities. Guzman spearheaded in Arizona, California, Hawaii, the Interagency Solar Consumer Nevada, the Pacific Islands, and Protection Taskforce, the Tribal 148 Tribal Nations.

Land Policy, and the Covid “Given Martha’s extensive Arrears Response. background in successfully Prior to joining the CPUC delivering access to undershe served as Deputy Legisserved communities, I am lative Affairs Secretary in the confident she is an excellent Office of the Governor where choice to lead our Region 9 Martha Guzman she worked on the passage of team,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said. “Martha is an expe- the Human Right to Water and the Susrienced leader that values economic justice tainable Groundwater Management Act, and will represent the best interests of the re-organized the Safe Drinking Water Program, and helped to shape climate residents in the region.”

“I am honored to be appointed by goals related to short-lived climate polPresident Biden to serve as Administrator lutants and renewable energy legislation.

Earlier in her career, she was the Susof EPA Region 9 under the leadership of Administrator Regan,” said Guzman. tainable Communities program director “And I am grateful for the opportunity to for the California Rural Legal Assiswork with the resilient staff at Region 9 as tance Foundation where she worked for we tackle the chronic and emerging envi- Swanton Berry Farm on human resource issues. Guzman started her career as the ronmental issues in our communities.”

Martha Guzman has served as a Com- legislative coordinator for the United Farm missioner at the California Public Utilities Workers. n

Women In Leadership for Diverse Representation

W

omen make up more than half of the American electorate.

However, California remains one of 19 states that have never had a female governor. One reason is there are fewer women in the political pipeline to advance to the top office.

California has 120 members of the Legislature, and 32 percent are women.

The Institute for Elected Women: California is the nation’s first non-partisan training and mentoring program for women newly elected to a state legislature, facilitated and taught exclusively by women members, both former and current, of that legislature.

In 2009, under a contract with former California Assembly Speaker, now Congresswoman Karen Bass, former

State Assemblywoman Patty Berg designed the training and mentoring program for women elected to the California State Shirley Weber Legislature in 2010.

California For details, see Secretary of State https://www.ncsl. org/legislators-staff/legislators/ womens-legislative-network/institute-forelected-women-california.aspx.

A 2021 report by the Center for American Women and Politics found women hold 30.5 percent of municipal offices, which is less than one–third.

“Women Representatives” page 26

Spring ‘22 Semester Begins January 24th

Apply & Register Today!

COVID-19 vaccination or approved exemption required to register for in-person classes.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2022 / 19

COMMUNITY NEWS

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ockfall and debris in the roadway associated with ongoing rain has resulted in the closure of Highway 1 from the Elephant Seal Parking Lot north of San Simeon to south of Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County. The slide is located two miles south of Ragged Point at a location known as Polar Star.

Caltrans reports there is currently no estimated time for reopening.

Maintenance/engineer teams are assessing the closure area the morning of Dec. 27 and will continue to work during daylight hours when it’s safe for crews to do.

Decisions on modifying the closure parameters will be determined by field assessments, according to Caltrans, with additional rainfall impacting the cleanup effort.

Barricades, cones as well as message and directional signs are in place at both ends of the closure to alert motorists traveling in the area. n ••• For traffic updates on other state highways in Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties, call Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at 805-549-3318 or see: dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5

Recent landslide on Highway 1

$240 Million: Fire Prevention and Forest Grants

C

al Fire is soliciting applications for projects that prevent catastrophic wildfires, protect communities, and restore forests to while sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Cal Fire plans to award up to $120 million for local projects in and near firethreatened communities that focus on increasing the protection of people, structures, and communities.

Qualified activities include hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning and wildfire prevention education with an emphasis on improving public safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Cal Fire plans to award up to $120 million to landscape-level forest restoration projects that increase resilience to catastrophic disturbance.

Eligible activities include forest fuels reduction, fire reintroduction, reforestation, and the use of forest biomass.

These grant programs are part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of cap-andtrade dollars to work.

The programs complement the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California and the State Forest Carbon Plan.

Fire prevention applications are due by 3 p.m. Feb. 9, 2022.

Forest Health application filing opens Jan. 3, 2022, with the deadline 3 p.m. March 3, 2022.

Public workshops, in person and virtual, will be scheduled. The Fire Prevention Grant Program hosted its first virtual workshop on Dec. 17. n Check www.fire.ca.gov/grants/fireprevention-grants/ and www.fire.ca.gov/ grants/forest-health-grants/ for more dates, times, and locations. Workshops are recorded.

For more information and to sign up for grant email announcements, visit www.fire.ca.gov/ grants.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Recipe Box: OvenRoasted Cauliflower D id you know that more than 90 percent of all cauliflower grown in the United States comes from Salinas Valley?

The growing season can last up to 10 months due to our moderate climate and rich soil, but winter is prime time for so-called cruciferous veggies.

They represent a diverse group that includes cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, collards, watercress and radishes.

The name “cruciferous” is an informal classification for members of the mustard family and comes from the Latin cruciferae meaning “cross bearing,” because the four petals resemble a cross.

While color is generally an excellent indicator of phytochemical content, cauliflower is one exception. It provides a host of protective nutrients and phytochemicals. Sulforaphane, one of the active components in cauliflower, has a favorable effect on hormone metabolism.

Additionally, sulforaphane and indoles, another potent phytochemical, are thought to protect against breast, colon, lung, oral, esophageal, thyroid, and prostate cancer by helping detoxify cancer-causing substances and slowing tumor development.

Cauliflower is also a good source of vitamin C and folate, two disease preventing nutrients that are also important for optimal functioning of immune function.

You may have noticed that cauliflower has been a trendy vegetable the past few years — moving beyond a steamed side dish.

It can easily be transformed into other uses: cauliflower rice, cauliflower wraps, cauliflower pizza crusts, cauliflower gnocchi, cauliflower mashed ‘potatoes’, cauliflower crackers, cauliflower hummus, and more.

These options can be great for anyone, but particularly for those being cautious of carbohydrate intake, avoiding gluten, and/or following a grain-free diet.

Try roasting florets or “steaks” of cauliflower to release its pleasant flavor.

When pureed, it’s a great substitute to cream sauce. Or pickle it for a lowcalorie salty, crunchy snack.

Oven-roasted cauliflower is flavorful because the high heat caramelizes the flesh and turns it into a delicacy.

Here’s an easy recipe from Chef Brandon Miller for you to try. Simply toss the florets with olive oil, garlic and Parmesan, then bake until golden.

••• Oven-Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan (Serves 4) Ingredients 1 large head cauliflower, cleaned and separated into florets 4 T. extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp. sea salt ¼ tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. garlic powder ¼ cup grated Parmesan Directions Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Place the cauliflower florets in a single layer inside a rimmed baking dish.

Toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Roast for 15 minutes.

Gently stir the florets, sprinkle them with the Parmesan, and continue baking until tender and golden, about 10-15 more minutes. Serve immediately. n

Share A Recipe!

D

o you have a recipe that is a family favorite? Or maybe one from your childhood you would like to share? The Aptos Times will be publishing one recipe each issue from a community member.

Feel free to add a little history to the recipe if you want (approximately 75 words). Every issue we will randomly choose a recipe to publish.

Find your favorite and send it to cathe@cyber-times.com today!

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2022 / 21

FEATURED COLUMNIST

A New Year and a New Future for Sustainable Water

W

elcome to 2022, from the Soquel Creek Water District! As your new President of the District’s Board of Directors, it’s my pleasure to offer a brief look at some of what we anticipate accomplishing in the upcoming year. We are confident of a bright future for the new year.

I want to talk about the two primary things the District will be focused on this year. One is our core service of efficiently providing clean, safe water to the community, every minute of every day, for the entire year.

And, to ensure we can continue to accomplish that fundamental objective in the long term, we must also focus on a key sustainability objective, especially in light of climate change: To maintain our momentum and progress on the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment and Seawater Intrusion Prevention project.

Just last month we reached a remarkable milestone as we broke ground on the advanced water purification center, which is the very heart of Pure Water Soquel. Now, the three main elements of this project are moving forward — the water purification center (along with a new recycled water plant at the Santa Cruz

By Dr. Tom LaHue, President, Soquel Creek Water District Board of Directors

Wastewater Treatment Facility), the eightmile conveyance pipeline system, and the seawater intrusion prevention wells.

We are well on the way to an operational system in 2023, when we can begin to purify recycled water that will recharge our groundwater and protect the future of our water supply. This is also a critical part of the Mid-County Groundwater Agency’s Groundwater Sustainability Plan. As construction proceeds, we’ll continue seeking state and federal grants to help further offset the project’s costs to our customers.

So, this year brings a clear focus on continuing to move Pure Water Soquel forward. This includes overseeing the construction on these three, very complex and multifaceted elements. The seawater intrusion prevention wells are largely complete. The conveyance system is steadily making its way from the Santa Cruz Wastewater Treatment Facility to the purification center, and to the seawater intrusion prevention wells.

Our goals are to keep all of this construction moving ahead smoothly, to maintain the all-important partnerships that are facilitating this project, and to continue communicating with and providing project updates to our customers

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22 / January 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

and the wider community affected by construction.

We have our work cut out for us this year, but given the wonderful progress already made, I have confidence in a successful year for Pure Water Soquel construction.

As that project makes its way toward completion, we never waver from our core services: • We’ll keep up the pace of our pipeline replacement program – monitoring and inspecting the system and taking proactive measures to repair or replace pipelines that are worn out or damaged.

• We expect this year to finish up full implementation of our i-Meters throughout our service area and get more people using our WaterSmart online portal — giving customers more control and information for monitoring their water use, leak control, and billing. Use of WaterSmart allows customers to become aware of any leaks much more quickly, which saves water.

• We’ll continue providing our customers with other tools they need to continue their already-remarkable job of conserving water • We want to ensure our customers are fully engaged in the District’s programs, projects, and activities, by maintaining our communications and public outreach — a lot of that is still virtual, but when circumstances improve, we’ll be doing more and more in-person

• And we are committed to working toward the use of more (and eventually all) renewable energy by the District, with the eventual goal of achieving carbon neutrality in our operations.

The District very clearly recognizes the great challenges we all face with climate change and its extreme effects on our water supply. 2022 will likely bring more of the same kinds of issues as we’ve experienced in preceding years, and we need to be prepared.

The good news is that our future now clearly includes a sustainable, droughtproof water supply — Pure Water Soquel.

And, I can assure you that the people who work here at the Soquel Creek Water District are committed to providing you with the safe, dependable water you and your families and businesses need, to the best of our best abilities, every day. n ••• Dr. LaHue has served on the Board of Directors since 2003. He is the District representative on the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency and serves on the District’s Water Resources Management and Infrastructure Committee. Dr. LaHue is a former member and vice-chair of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board.

He has a BS in Biological Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis, and a teaching credential from California State University Monterey Bay. He retired from teaching environmental science at Aptos High School in 2019 after 23 years of teaching and continues to work as a veterinary surgeon.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Are You Eligible for Home Loan Modification?

O n Dec. 21, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of a multi-state coalition, urged the Federal Housing Administration to address mortgage servicers’ failure to adequately implement the agency’s COVID-19 Recovery option.

If an eligible homeowner with an FHAinsured loan cannot make their monthly mortgage payments because of COVID-19, the mortgage servicer is required to review the loan to see if they qualify for the FHA’s COVID-19 Recovery Modification, a loan modification that lowers their monthly payments by extending the length of their mortgage.

The FHA intended for this loan modification option to help struggling homeowners, including low-income households, first-time homeowners, and households of color that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Unfortunately, the coalition has received reports that mortgage servicers are failing to inform homeowners of this option, incorrectly denying that this option exists, and requiring unnecessary paperwork or other conditions for this option.

“Rydell Arts” from page 17 Gross’s work has been exhibited at the Richmond Arts Center, Textile Center Minneapolis, Santa Cruz Art League, Museum of Quilts & Textiles, and the American Tapestry Biennial 13.

Gross is a member of the Santa Cruz Textiles Arts Guild, Tapestry Weavers West, the Handweavers Guild of America, The Textile Arts Council, and the American Tapestry Association where she currently serves as board treasurer.

For many years she has worked with blind and visually impaired weavers in a program sponsored by the Santa Cruz Textile Arts Guild.

Gross lives in the Opal Cliffs section of Santa Cruz County with her husband.

She has a BA from Drew University in New Jersey.

••• oy and Frances Rydell established the Roy and Frances Rydell Visual Arts Fund at the Community Foundation in 1985 to promote Santa Cruz County artists and arts organizations.

Following their passing, their estate was bequeathed to the foundation.

Their gift has generated more than $1.4 million in fellowships for artists and support for Santa Cruz County visual arts organizations.

R

“Since the pandemic began, we’ve seen sweeping action at the local, state, and federal level aimed at keeping vulnerable Californians in their homes and our economy afloat. From direct stimulus payments to pausing student loan payments,

it’s been a multi-pronged, all hands on deck approach,” said Bonta. “For many in California and across the country, a monthly mortgage payment is their biggest expense.

That’s why FHA’s efforts to assist struggling homeowners have been so critical.

The Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship program was developed with input from the local arts community to honor the wishes and intent of the Rydells. The fellowship program, now in its 16th year, has awarded $680,000 directly to artists.

(Complete list of current and past award recipients is available at www.cfscc.org/articles/ the-rydell-visual-arts-fellowship-program) Gifts allow artists uninterrupted creative time to focus solely on their work and its impact on the local community and the larger world.

The fellowships help individual visual artists pursue their creative work and are made solely on the merits of their artistry and not tied to the completion of any specific projects.

“Roy and Frances Rydell understood that artists not only bear witness to life, but they play an integral role in helping humanity process our collective experience,” said Susan True, CEO of the Community Foundation. “As we move into the third year of the global COVID-19 pandemic and our community continues to heal from the CZU fires, there is just so much life to witness and process. This new cohort of artists–their diversity in terms of age, background, and forms of expression–will help us think, learn, grow, and witness as life in all its beauty and pain continues to unfold.”

For this round of fellowships, 51 artists applied from a candidate pool nominated by 26 local and regional visual arts organizations and former Rydell Fellows.

Nominees were limited to working artists, 25 years or older, who reside in Santa Cruz County and are not enrolled in a degreegranting program.

Nominating organizations were asked to consider the broad disciplines the Rydells thought of as part of the visual arts: painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, installation, mixed media, stage set design, photography, costume design, textiles, glass, film and video.

In October, a panel of three nationally recognized arts professionals met at the Foundation to judge the artists’ works and select the fellowship recipients. The panel members were Maori Holmes, artistic director and CEO of BlackStar in Philadelphia; Garth Johnson, Paul Phillips & Sharon Sullivan, curator of ceramics, Everson Museum in Syracuse; and Astria Suparak, independent curator, former director and curator of the contemporary art galleries at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and Syracuse University.

The $80,000 in new Rydell Fellowships were complemented by another $200,000 in unrestricted grants made to local arts organizations this spring.

“The fellowships and arts grants

But unfortunately, some of its programs are not being adequately implemented. I join my colleagues in urging FHA to require mortgage servicers to take affirmative action to help struggling homeowners access this critical relief.”

Since COVID-19 began, the FHA has taken action to help ensure that struggling homeowners are able to remain in their homes. As part of this effort, the FHA required servicers of FHA-insured mortgages to inform eligible homeowners of the COVID-19 Recovery Modification option beginning in October 2021.

Unfortunately, the coalition has received reports that many mortgage servicers are failing to make eligible homeowners aware of the COVID-19 Recovery Modification and are imposing unnecessary conditions on or providing false information to homeowners about its availability.

In the letter, the coalition urges the FHA to require these mortgage servicers to take steps to implement the COVID-19 Recovery Modification, including: “Home Loans” page 25

we make year in year out support those making our local arts landscape as vibrant and vital as it is. The creativity of our local arts community never ceases to inspire us.

We are proud of the funding we’re able to channel to the arts, and it’s thanks to people who love this place, have a vision of a better tomorrow, and act on it by giving.” said Kevin Heuer, director of engagement & impact.

The 2020-2021 Rydell Fellows will be featured in the Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship Exhibition at Museum of Art & History in downtown Santa Cruz from Jan. 21 to March 20, 2022. For information visit: https://www.santacruzmah.org/ exhibitions/rydell-fellowship Community Foundation Santa Cruz County helps donors and their advisors invest wisely in causes they care about, to provide grants and resources to community organizations, and to offer leadership around key local issues. The Foundation manages more than $168 million in charitable assets and provides customized and tax-smart giving solutions that resulted in more than $21 million in grants in 2020. Thanks to generous donors, more than $131 million in local grants and scholarships have been awarded locally since 1982. The Community Foundation seeks to make Santa Cruz County thrive for all who call it home, now and in the future. Learn more at www.cfscc.org. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2022 / 23

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Gifts from Pets

T

here is a magnet on our refrigerator that reads, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” — a quote from Anatole France.

Pets awaken our hearts in a way that nothing else can. Yes, human relationships are very important, perhaps even more important, but our pets can open our hearts in a quiet very sweet way that nothing else can. If you cannot have a pet of your own, perhaps you could bond with someone else’s pet.

Barry and I have had many pets, mostly golden retriever dogs starting when we were 25 years old. We have also had cats, and at one time had five cats all from the local shelter. Currently we have one feral rescued cat named Gertie, who lets us pet her and loves our company as long as we do not bring her inside, and also we have two golden retrievers, Honey and Gracie.

Our pets bring so much joy and peace to our lives. We always know that they will love us. Our dogs’ greatest desire is just to be near us and walk with us and love us.

Whenever I feel sad about something or need to feel peaceful, I go to our older dog Gracie who is very motherly and I bend down and hug her in a very big full hug.

She stands there very patiently knowing that what is happening is very important. After I am done hugging her, I always feel better and then she looks up at me with her soft brown eyes and wags her tail in love and devotion.

By Joyce and Barry Vissell

We feel completely accepted by all of the goldens we have ever had. They love us just the way we are; we do not have to be any different. We are their heroes, their object of devotion. Each and every morning they greet us with 100% enthusiasm.

My parents moved to be near us seven years before my father died at the age of 89.

My father became totally deaf and hearing aids did not much help.

A heavy object could fall right behind him and he would not even know, his hearing was that bad. I got the idea to get him a cat. I did not even ask my mother, as she would say no as she had said all along for their many years of marriage.

Of course, I should have gone through my mother, but I just felt it was so important.

I went to the shelter and picked out this beautiful totally black cat that was about nine months old. I named him Ben. With great excitement, our whole family marched up to my parents’ next door apartment with Ben. My mother was all set to object when she saw how happy my father was. He was ecstatic!! I wrote down on a piece of paper that we had named him Ben. From that minute, Ben was my father’s best friend.

Ben sensed that my dad could not hear his purring so he would lie on top of him when he rested on the couch and purr very loudly so that my father could feel his vibration. Ben followed my father everywhere and when others in the room were talking and my father could not hear them, he petted Ben and very softly talked to him and Ben purred very loudly so that my father could feel him.

Before Ben came into his life, my father was starting to withdraw as he could not hear anyone. Ben changed all of that. My dad woke each morning with joy in his heart to be able to spend another day with Ben. And Ben was very funny, causing hours of laughter with my mother as well.

She had grown to love Ben very much.

When my father suddenly died, my mother lived alone in the apartment next door to us. Ben took it upon himself to be her guardian.

He sat next to her always. Every week, I took my mother out to lunch at her favorite restaurant. If we were gone too long for Ben, he would loudly cry out when we returned, letting us both know

24 / January 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

that we should not keep her away for such a long time.

The night before my mother died, we had been up for over twenty-four hours with her. She was absolutely unresponsive during this time, and it was obvious that death was imminent. Barry and I were so tired that we could hardly keep our heads up. I called Hospice and asked for advice.

They had been on the scene with my mother for three months.

A night nurse came that we did not know. She was wonderful with us and helped us stay awake for another hour.

Then she had to leave and she told us to go and get some sleep.

My mother, she informed us, had essentially died. Her body was just taking time to completely close down. She suggested that we leave my mother in the hands of her beloved cat.

Ben rose to the occasion with such love and loyalty. He lay upon my mother’s chest and purred very loudly. I got up to check on my mother in the middle of the night and as I was nearing her room, I heard very loud purring, almost like a motor, Ben was still on the job!!

Then Ben became our cat and we enjoyed him for several more years until he peacefully passed on from this world.

There is an anonymous poem, also on our refrigerator, that I read almost every day. I am going to share my favorite lines: “If you can start your day without caffeine.

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles.

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it.

If you can ignore a friend’s limited education and never correct him/her.

If you can conquer tension without medical help and sleep perfectly without the aid of drugs.

If you can overlook it when something goes wrong through no fault of yours and those you love take it out on you.

If you can honestly say that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color, religion, or politics.

Then, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.”

I want to be as good as our dogs. I want to give love and understanding unconditionally. I want to be ready to play and have fun at a moment’s notice. Our dogs give us so much love and joy that Barry and I feel that we will never be without a dog through our dying days.

And just remember, dog spelled backwards is God. n ••• Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors in Aptos who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books and a new free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Call 831-684-2130 for information on counseling sessions by phone, online, or in person, their books, recordings or their schedule of talks and workshops. Or visit their web site at SharedHeart.org for their free monthly e-heartletter.

Are You ‘Fully Vaccinated’?

A

COMMUNITY NEWS

By Victoria Knight • Kaiser Health News

s more indoor venues require proof of vaccination for entrance and with winter — as well as omicron, a new Covid variant — looming, scientists and public health officials are debating when it will be time to change the definition of “fully vaccinated” to include a booster shot.

It’s been more than six months since many Americans finished their vaccination course against Covid; statistically, their immunity is waning.

At the same time, cases of infections with the omicron variant have been reported in at least 17 states, as of Monday.

Omicron is distinguished by at least 50 mutations, some of which appear to be associated with increased transmissibility.

The World Health Organization dubbed it a variant of concern on Nov. 26.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that everyone 18 and older get a Covid booster shot, revising its narrower guidance that only people 50 and up “should” get a shot while younger adults could choose whether or not to do so. Scientists assume the additional shots will offer significant protection from the new variant, though they do not know for certain how much.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, during a White House press briefing Wednesday was unequivocal in advising the public.

“Get boosted now,” Fauci said, adding urgency to the current federal guidance.

About a quarter of U.S. adults have received additional vaccine doses.

“The definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ has not changed. That’s, you know,

“Home Loans” from page 23 • Affirmatively offering available loan modification options to eligible bowers; • Ensuring that all communication to borrowers includes complete information about their COVID-19 Recovery options; and • Training of customer-service staff to ensure that borrowers are adequately assisted in accessing COVID-19 Recovery options.

Bonta is committed to advancing housing access, affordability, and equity in California. Last month, he announced the creation of a Housing Strike Force within the California Department

after your second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, after your single dose of a Johnson & Johnson vaccine,” said the CDC’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, during Tuesday’s White House briefing on Covid. “We are absolutely encouraging those who are eligible for a boost six months after those mRNA doses to get your boost.

But we are not changing the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ right now.” A booster is recommended two months after receiving the J&J shot.

But that, she noted, could change: “As that science evolves, we will look at whether we need to update our definition of ‘fully vaccinated.’”

Still, the Democratic governors of Connecticut and New Mexico are sending a different signal in their states, as are some countries — such as Israel, which arguably has been the most aggressive nation in its approach. Some scientists point out that many vaccines involve three doses over six months for robust long-term protection, such as the shot against hepatitis. So “fully vaccinated” may need to include shot No. 3 to be considered a full course.

“In my view, if you were vaccinated more than six months ago, you’re not fully vaccinated,” Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said Nov. 18 during a press of Justice and the convening of a series of tenant roundtables across the state. The Housing Strike Force encourages Californians to send complaints or tips related to housing to housing@doj.ca.gov. He also launched a Housing Portal on DOJ’s website with resources and information for California homeowners and tenants.

Information on legal aid in your area is available at https://lawhelpca.org.

Bonta joined the attorneys general of the District of Columbia, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington in sending the letter. n

briefing. He was encouraging everyone to get boosted at that time, even before the

federal government authorized extra shots for everyone.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham had a similar response in midNovember, saying she defined “fully vaccinated” as receiving three shots of the mRNA type. She also opened up booster eligibility to all of her state residents before the CDC and Food and Drug Administration did.

“Vaccination” page 31

Winter Fun

ACROSS

1. Rope fiber 5. Mai ____ 8. Russia’s Terrible one, e.g.

12. “What ____ Happened to Baby Jane?”

13. Tattled 14. Actress Reed 15. Internet share-able 16. Inwardly 17. Black tropical hardwood 18. *Winged impression in winter 20. Home of the Hawkeyes 21. Investigative report 22. Chicken or this?

23. Not dense 26. Early-day supercontinent 30. Afternoon shut-eye 31. Even though 34. Picture on a coat 35. Anti-seniors sentiment 37. Jean of Dadaism 38. Crewneck alternative 39. Half-man, half-goat 40. Arm cover 42. Victoria Beckham ____ Adams 43. Lacking sense of moral standards 45. Flying high 47. Often part of disguise 48. Queen-like 50. Wood file 52. *____ ____ Plunge 56. Secret stash

57. Damien’s prediction 58. Not at work 59. Opposite of cation 60. Abbreviated seconds 61. Precedes stated rank 62. Moon pull 63. *Like toddy or cocoa 64. Trans-Siberian Railroad city

10. Tolstoy’s Karenina 11. R&B Charles 13. *Glittery decor 14. Condescend 19. Indian black tea 22. Nibble 23. Big mess 24. Like a Druid, e.g.

25. Celery, technically 26. *Snowman’s corn cob DOWN accessory 1. Shortens pants 27. Are not 2. Like fair share 28. Wedding singer, e.g.

3. Short for memorandum 29. Questioned 4. Antebellum 32. *Snow____, 5. Polynesian kingdom ammunition 6. Ten-pin establishment 33. *”But I heard him 7. Bucolic poem exclaim, ____ he 8. *Ride on runners drove out of sight...”

9. *Winter building 36. *Winter walking aid material 38. Type of consonant

40. Actors’ grp.

41. a.k.a. strict vegetarians 44. Mature, as in fruit 46. Like Silas of “The Da Vinci Code” 48. Young Montague 49. Decide at the polls 50. Jasmine of “Aladdin” 51. Turns blue litmus red 52. #42 Across, once 53. Cheese from Netherlands 54. Contributions to the poor 55. Stink to high heaven 56. *Arctic ____, snowmobile brand © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2022 / 25

New Year — New Beginning — Creating a Temple for the Good Esoteric Astrology • January 2021 • By Risa D’Angeles

B

eginnings are fragile things. A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct.” ― Frank Herbert, Dune. And so here we are at the beginning of the new year, 2022. We take the most delicate care that everything is harmonious and balanced. That we have Right Relations with all the Kingdoms at this time, that we are poised and calm, that we bring beauty forth in all that we do.

Our new year begins with a new moon (January 2) at 12 degrees Capricorn. New Moon seed the new for the new year. The seed is that of Initiation, humanity’s Initiation.

At the beginning of a new year, we create a template of Good for the rest of the year. Our first task in the new year is following the 12 zodiacal signs, with the Three Kings, on our way to Epiphany (January 6). Each of the twelve signs provide a keynote for the following twelve months.

Mary’s Day The first day of each new year is dedicated to Mary, the feminine ARIES

aspect, the Mother of the World. In pre-Christian Rome under the Julian calendar, the day was dedicated to Janus, god of gateways and beginnings, for whom January is also named. We honor Mary as the feminine template offering us virtues to imitate — kindness, care, comfort, nourishment and love. Mary, the Mother of the holy child, the Mother of the world, a Master within the Hierarchy, is a Gateway. We pray to Mary in times of need.

We are told to go slow into the new year.

Slowness is connected to abundance. The month of January has multiple planetary changes including the first Mercury retrograde of the year joining the Venus Retrograde. The United States will return to its roots with a Pluto return, the first one in the history of our country. Follow along with the daily celestial movements and weekly updates on my FB page (Risa D’Angeles) and website (www.nightlightnews.org).

Happy New Year everyone — a year of deep and transformational change ahead. Love, Risa n

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

Deep and long-lasting changes will affect your work in the This year, the next and for many years now on, work will increase, This year, the next and the years thereafter the way you use your world. If you are not focused upon serving become more in depth and at times profound. finances and resources will be restructured. others, you will be soon. Your ambitions are so Keep your shoulders and back up as you carry You will build new ways of using your money. large and deep only someone with a powerful the heavy load of serving others. You are like Atlas It is important to be schooled and to study will can handle them. This includes yourself these days - experiencing the complexities of a what these new ways are. I suggest you read and all those encountering your energies. Inner strength will world that is suffering, tending to all different levels and respon- Catherine Austin Fitts (Solari.com) and read about the present have to be drawn upon and this will increase month after sibilities. That last word, responsibility have become your keynote. financial picture. Find or create a local group whose main goal month. New realities within your profession will continue to Use the fire within your heart to guide you and your high intelligence is keeping money and resources local. The new currencies for unfold. Be sure to center your intentions upon serving others. to discern what’s real and what’s not. Ask others you trust for help. the new era are bartering, sharing resources and food. Gain Then your success will be assured.

You will be changed by this experience. knowledge about these and grow a garden even if it’s a garden in pots. Whatever challenges you will eventually be of benefit.

TAURUS

VIRGO

You will push yourself into the sphere of work that life has planned for you. It is rigorous. It will call you to a depth and height of knowledge, preparation, planning and manifestation. You will need others to assist you. Who are they? Do tend to caution a bit. Apply everything practically and with a focus on serving the whole. This will be a challenge. Your work, as always, is to prepare form and matter so that it survives and is sustainable into the seventh generation. Stand up straight. Tend to yourself with care. Rest when you can.

Should relationships become more complex, which often happens over time, know that the true warrior’s stance is communication that’s heartfelt, intelligent and compassionate. Read Thich Nat Hahn or Rajneesh or the Tibetan Djwhal Khul or study astrology when in confusion. New levels of creativity will emerge.

Especially if one studies astrology. It provides a true self-identity, mental strength, truth and courage all of which you seek. Maintain a seasonal garden, build a rose trellis, a garden gate, continue to study. Through these you create your own nature community.

GEMINI

LIBRA

During the year you will meet with power — within yourself You would do well to consider what your limitations are, and and with others. Learn to step aside if power is then have the intention to push beyond them. directed incorrectly at you. You can overwhelm I’m speaking about deep emotional barriers and others with your power, too. Great strength beliefs held since childhood that need to fall away and endurance will grow exponentially. All so your life can move forward. The level of your that you’ve done and/or hoped for will gather itself and be the happiness is in relation to the truth you seek to uncover about foundation for future world work. Think now on what it is you what family means. Should you maintain a distance from this truly want to accomplish, your aspirations, what goals will you you’ll be forced into the truth. This may be uncomfortable. Your set before yourself. Maintain an attitude of love and goodwill. psychology of self is being restructured so you can see what truly These protect you and everyone you work with. kind and good things came from your childhood. Simultaneously, tend to your health with deep and thoughtful care.

CANCER

You will want to leave home and send yourself out in search of an adventure. Perhaps it will be travel or a new level of education. Studying martial arts, attending an inter-faith religious seminary, deep sea diving … these are some archetypal projects calling you. Do be careful with knees and thighs, tending to them with natural anti-inflammatory herbs cayenne and turmeric. Relationships will teach you many things — one is how to speak and act with more Goodwill, which creates Right Speech and Right Relations and the Peace you are seeking.

CAPRICORN

It is important for me to tell you, so you can be prepared, that with Pluto in Capricorn, your whole life has changed. Much that you built went through a metamorphosis so that new things in your life were built upon the old. This has been a most powerful time. Perhaps you felt the need to head back down the mountain into the past. Don’t. Hold on and keep moving forward.

There will be others walking with you as your life continues to shift and rebalance. Keep your love intact, your intentions for helping others continually on your mind, and you, in turn, will be safe. A new world is being built. You’ll be called to build it.

AQUARIUS

Although I know you are powerful and building toward great success, it could be that some others cannot see this. Pay them no mind. We both know that something internally is shifting and a new sense of authority, power and strength are subtly yet profoundly coming into your awareness. Allow challenges with others be times where you are strengthened in your self-awareness. Remind yourself that you are good, successful and deserving of recognition, praise, acknowledgement, appreciation and gratitude. And you, when appropriate, offer the same.

SCORPIO

The way you think, what you were taught earlier in life will change over the course of the next years, beginning now.

Observe and note this. A journal tracking these changes would be good. New impressions and ideas will be offered. You will ponder them deeply and find they are needed for new thinking to come about. Your thoughts will be potent. Allow no self-criticism to exist, nor criticism toward others. Everyone is on their own developmental level and stage. Your development will grow in leaps and bounds. Mental regeneration is occurring as the past disappears. Love grows too.

•••

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / January 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

PISCES

Through your work in the world, a new network is being created.

You’ve had to begin anew over time and you’ve done it courageously. We applaud your stamina and bravery. In the times to come, what you envision and aspire to will build until it becomes, no longer simply an idea within your heart, but real in time and space, form and matter. Then you will assume a new leadership, becoming a magnetic core around which others will be attracted to. It’s been long in coming. You’ve done your work. Patience and quiet are needed now.

“Women Representatives” from page 19 It was the first time that data had been collected.

No comprehensive data exists on the racial demographics of the people who serve in local government, according to The 19th News, an independent nonprofit newsroom, though women of color made history in the 2020 general election with wins at the local level.

Locally, underrepresentation of women in elected offices has been observed, and a new group is doing something about it.

Women in Leadership for Diverse Representation –WILDR -- is committed to realizing more diverse representation by women in elected and appointed positions in Santa Cruz County.

Participants support racial and gender equity, reproductive justice, lifespan education funding, voter access, housing justice and an equitable and shared economy for all.

WILDR aims to create change by supporting diverse candidates who have the life experience, passion and resolve to visualize and fight for a more just and equitable Santa Cruz County.

The group will offer 5 online meetings in 2022, each from 6:30-8 p.m. In-person options may be offered for networking after each forum if there is capacity to organize those. Each meeting will focus on a specific topic and include a panel of speakers, small group discussions for networking, and provide an opportunity for connection for mentorship.

Dates are: Wednesday, Jan. 26: Developing the pipeline of diverse women candidates — important considerations for making a decision to run, positions that will be open, how women have made decisions in the past. How can women support others with endorsements, funding, campaigning. To register for the Jan. 26 forum, go to https://tinyurl.com/jan-26-pipeline Thursday, March 3: How to build a campaign — Steps to take to start a campaign, developing a team, developing a winning message, fundraising, issues specific to diverse women running. Resources and connections for running.

Thursday, May 12: City Councils — what city councils do, why it is important, which elections are for which cities, hear from women who have served and are serving.

Thursday, July 7: School boards — what school boards do, why it is important, hear from women who have served and are serving, how to start a campaign to be elected.

Thursday, Sept. 8: Commissions & groups — deep dive, their power & influence, who is serving, how to get on, barriers and how to address them, building capacity for power once on a commission or in a group. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Return the Favor: $158,000 For Nonprofits T he Return the Favor campaign sponsored by Santa Cruz Community Credit Union ended Nov. 30, bringing in a little over $158,000 for 12 local nonprofits.

“We’re thrilled to be able to give back to our local nonprofit organizations who need help right now,” said Katie Fairbairn, Santa Cruz Community Credit Union’s vice president of communication and organizational development. “We are also very grateful our Board of Directors approved a match for all community donations up to $75,000. It’s gratifying to be able to give money back to these organizations who do so much for those most vulnerable in our community.”

Here are the 12 organizations that got Return the Favor funds in 2021: • Community Action Board • Community Bridges • Diversity Center • El Pájaro Community Development Corp.

• Grey Bears • Housing Matters

The celebration with check presentations included: Community Action Board, Community Bridges, Diversity Center, Grey Bears, Homeless Garden Project, Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, Santa Cruz County Volunteer Center, Second Harvest Food Bank, Valley Churches United; media sponsor Lookout Santa Cruz and credit union staff (Not present: El Pájaro CDC, Housing Matters).

• Second Harvest Food Bank • Homeless Garden Project • Valley Churches United • Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes • Pajaro Valley Shelter Services Additionally, the credit union sponsored • Santa Cruz County Volunteer Center

Looking to do a Home Renovation Project?

Our HELOC Flex offers flexibility to upgrade your home in the ways that are the most meaningful to you!

three organizations (Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Homeless Garden Project, and Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes) to receive additional funds through the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco grant matching program, a total of $25,000.

“We’re grateful to the FHLB and are thrilled they approved the additional funds for these organizations,” explained Fairbairn. “We’re confident the money will help so many in need, especially over the holidays.”

For 2021, the credit union contributed $240,000 through donations, sponsorships, community giving programs, and FHLB grant sponsorships.

“As a certified community development credit union, we pledge to continue to support our community in a way that creates change, including more access to financial services and financial learning,” said Beth Carr, Santa Cruz Community Credit Union’s president/CEO. The credit union plans to sponsor the Return the Favor campaign again in 2022. n

Apply Today!

Introductory Rate for 12 Months

Variable Rate after Introductory Period

Rates as low as 2.99% APR*

Rates as low as 3.75% APR*

Plus, flexible options to lock in your rate!

831.479.6000 or toll-free at 888.4BAYFED, ext. 304 www.bayfed.com/HomeLoans *2.99% Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is available on Home Equity Lines of Credit with an 80% combined loan-to-value (CLTV) or less. The introductory APR will be fixed at 2.99% during the 12-month Introductory Period. After the 12-month Introductory Period, the APR is variable and is based upon an Index plus a margin. The Index is the “Prime Rate” as published in the “Money Rates” section of the online edition of the Wall Street Journal on the first day of the billing cycle. Eligible Lines of Credit loan amounts are $40,000-$250,000. As of October 29, 2021, the variable APR for Home Equity Lines of Credit ranged from 3.75% APR to 4.75% APR, depending on your credit score (the lowest APR disclosed includes any applicable rate discounts). The maximum APR during the term of the plan is 18.00%. The maximum loan amount is $250,000. An estimate of the fees imposed for opening the plan are $750 to $2500. However, these fees will be waived and/or paid by the Credit Union provided that our security interest in your home is maintained for at least 36 consecutive months from the date the HELOC account is opened. Otherwise, you must reimburse the Credit Union for these waived and/or paid fees (not to exceed $500). An annual fee of $75 is required on all balances of less than $20,000 after the first year. During the Draw Period, you may convert the variable interest rate and repayment schedule on a portion of your outstanding balance to a fixed rate and repayment schedule (subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Home Equity Line of Credit Agreement). Each time you fix a portion of your loan balance, you will be assessed a charge of $50.00. Only three (3) fixed-rate options may exist at any one time.

Offer is available for new applications submitted through March 31, 2022. Loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Interest rates and programs terms are subject to change without notice. Property insurance is required. Other restrictions may apply. Bay Federal Credit Union membership required at the time of closing. For more information, visit any Bay Federal Credit Union branch or call a Bay Federal Home Loan Consultant at 831.479.6000 or toll-free at 888.4BAYFED, ext. 304.

Federally Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2022 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO ARTISTS The Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services announces an opportunity for local artists to help contribute public art to library projects in Live Oak and Aptos.

Both calls to artists are due Jan. 21.

For details about the application processes, site plans and other materials, go to http://www.scparks.com/ Home/AboutUs/WorkWithUs/CalltoArtists.aspx.

Aptos Library An artist will be selected to create a site-specific public art component for new Aptos Branch Library.

The new library’s design will be inspired by the concept of “forest, coastal, and terrace” and other local environmental elements. The proposed public artwork should help create an inviting space where people of all ages will gather, learn, connect, and share.

Proposals should reflect the community’s identity and values while celebrating the unique culture and natural beauty of Aptos, and may incorporate a literary element and/or community participation component.

All proposals for this project must address outdoor fencing and gate needs.

The budget for the public artwork, which includes all costs associated with, but not limited to design, materials, travel, insurance, fabrication, installation, and documentation of the artwork, is $106,000.

Live Oak Annex The budget for public artwork at the library annex at Simpkins Family Swim Center is $85,500.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS Alzheimer’s Association is offering video and phone meetings for caregivers throughout the month: Second and Fourth Wednesdays Santa Cruz, 2-3:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitators: Jill Ginghofer and Laurie McVay. These services are funded by two Library First and Third Wednesdays Services and Technology Act grants. A $100,000 project called the “Santa Cruz Workforce Collab- Santa Cruz, 5:30-7 p.m. via video or phone — orative” brings together Monterey Bay Economic Facilitators: Francie Newfield and Kathleen McBurney.

Second Saturdays Partnership’s Workforce Development Initiative; Scotts Valley, 10-11:30 a.m. via video or phone — Cabrillo College’s Career Technical Education; Facilitator: Diana Hull. the Workforce Development Board’s Workforce Register by calling 800-272-3900 or email ymflores@alz.org.

Innovation and Opportunity Act programs; ••• Goodwill Central Coast’s training and employment Second Wednesdays services; and the nonprofit Your Future is Our Spanish, 7-8:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitator: Yuliana Business.

The grant also funds devices and hotspots, transpor- Mendoza. tation to interviews, and MBEP’s Monterey Bay Career Register by calling 831-647-9890 or email ymflores@alz.org.

Coach Tool for job seekers.

BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS GET $296 MILLION A second grant for $15,000 creates a formal partAs part of Gov. Newsom’s Clean California initiative, nership between Santa Cruz Public Libraries and the Caltrans will fund local beautification projects in Workforce Development Board of Santa Cruz County, supporting education and training for library staff and a communities throughout the state with $296 million in competitive grants. Applications for grants up to $5 Resource Fair for job seekers in the spring. million began Dec. 1, and Caltrans will announce grant recipients on March 1.

ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASS REGISTRATION Applicants must be local or regional public agencies, Registration is open for Winter 2022 Italian language transit agencies, or tribal governments. Nonprofit organiclasses beginning Jan. 17. zations may be sub-applicants. Half of the overall funds Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with our must benefit or be located in underserved communities. native Italian-speaking instructors over 10 weeks Eligible projects shall include, but not be limited to: of classes. Whether you are new to the Italian Community litter abatement and beautification, litter language, totally fluent, or everything in between, abatement events and educational programs.

A local match ranging from 0% to 50% of the project the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz is offering costs is required. classes for you, Projects will be selected based on need and Register today to secure your spot and take advantage of the early bird pricing, which ends Jan. 3. potential to beautify public space and for greening to Pricing & location (on-line, in-person, or hybrid) varies provide shade, reduce the urban heat island effect, by class; for details, see https://www.dantesantacruz. and use of native drought-tolerant plants, along with public engagement in the project proposal. com/classes Information: https://cleancalifornia.dot.ca.gov/local-grants For questions, email: dantesantacruz1265@gmail.com CENTRAL FIRE DISTRICT ELECTIONS HEARING CABRILLO SPRING REGISTRATION Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County invites all Registration is under way for the spring semester at interested persons to attend public hearings on districtCabrillo College, which begins Jan. 24. based elections at 9 a.m. on January 13 and February Visit https://www.cabrillo.edu/catalog-and-class10, at 930 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz. schedules/#browse-classes for more information.

Board members will discuss, consider, and take action on one or more district map(s). Actions may include AGRI-CULTURE, INC. 2022 SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE modification of division boundaries, sequencing of elecAgri-Culture is accepting applications for its four college tions. For more information, contact (831) 479-6842, or scholarships, with Jan. 28 the deadline to apply. email: PublicComments@centralfiresc.org They are: Information: https://www.centralfiresc.org/2279/Re• Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship: $4,000 for Districting-Process-2021-2022. a student entering or currently attending college and majoring in agriculture. (includes $2,000 from ONGOING EVENTS American AgCredit).

• Jeannie Witmer Memorial Scholarship: Tuesdays $1,500 for a student active (past or present) FARMERS’ MARKET AT RAMSAY PARK in California High School Rodeo Association 2–6 p.m., Ramsay Park, Watsonville District 4 or California 4-H Horse Program, El Mercado is a new farmers’ market hosted by Comentering or currently attending college and munity Health Trust of Pajaro Valley. majoring in agriculture and/or animal sciThere will be healthy locally grown produce, a veggie ences.

Rx redemption site, cooking demonstrations and • J.J. Crosetti, Jr. Memorial Scholarship: wellness screenings. $1,000 for a student entering or currently Sponsors include Lakeside Organic, Salud Para La Gente and Kaiser attending college and majoring in agriculture.

Permanente. Visit pvhealthtrust.org/elmercado for more info.

• Laura Brown Memorial Scholarship: $2,000 for a student entering or currently attending college First Tuesdays of the Month and majoring in agriculture or a related field, or UCSC ARBORETUM: FIRST TUESDAYS FREE majoring in culinary arts.

The online application is at: http://www.agri-culture. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, 1156 High St, SC Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum means free us/scholarships/ admission on the first Tuesday of every month 9 a.m-5 p.m.

To request an application, contact the Financial Aid office Guests are invited to explore the biodiversity of the gardens, at your school or the Agri-Culture office, 141 Monte Vista Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076 or call (831) 722-6622 or (831) enjoy bird watching or relax on a bench in the shade. https:// 818-1193 or email: agri-culture@sbcglobal.net. arboretum.ucsc.edu

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by January 7 FREE BANKRUPTCY CONSULTATION 12:30-4:30 p.m., 601 S. Main St., Salinas Bankruptcy attorney Ralph Guenther, a principal of Guenther Miller Law Group, will initiate “Walk-In Wednesdays,” offering a free 10-minute bankruptcy consultation for local residents to discuss their financial situation and for legal information regarding bankruptcy options.

Individuals faced with foreclosures, repossessions, unpaid taxes, credit cards or medical debt are welcome to come in, no appointment necessary.

Walk-In Wednesdays will take place Jan. 12 & 26, Feb. 23, and March 23.

LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY ACTIVITIES The La Selva Beach public library is now open Tuesday thru Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday). Closed Dec. 31 & Jan 1 for New Year Tues-Thurs: 11-6 • Fri-Sat 12-5. Book drops open 24/7.

Contact us by phone: 831.427.7713; text: 831.264.0647; online chat: https://www.santacruzpl.org/ contact/?display=chat; or send a question at https://www. santacruzpl.org/contact/ Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays, 11 am – noon outside on the patio. Dress for the weather.

R.E.A.D Reach Every Amazing Detail: Wednesdays 3- 5 pm. One-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade with California credentialed teachers. Sessions last 25 minutes. By appointment only.. Call 831-427-7717 or email pro@santacruzpl.org Stories for Bedtime: New programs every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Facebook, presented by SCPL SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS Librarian Jackie. The episode then is added to the This new program from Community Bridges brings library’s YouTube Channel after that. See Storytimes enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, for Children playlist at the SCPL YouTube page: https:// cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 and www.youtube.com/user/santacruzpl up in their homes at no cost.

Passionate Readers Book Discussion: 4th To participate, you need an internet connection and a Thursday at 10:30 am. computer, tablet or smartphone.

In-Person Tech Help: Fridays 10 am to noon. TechTo participate, view the calendar at https://communitysavvy staff will help you troubleshoot your issue with a bridges.org/SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, 25-minute (or less) appointment. Make an appointment: click on the link in the calendar to be connected. If you have https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/appointments/laselva a problem connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481.

Advance appointments are prioritized. Visit information desk or call 831-427-7713 for help making PROPERTY TAX BILL DUE an appointment. Arriving later than 5 minutes after The Santa Cruz County has mailed out property tax scheduled time may result in appointment cancellation. bills, and the second installment due date is Feb. 1. The Visit https://tinyurl.com/la-selva-library-events for more bill becomes delinquent after April 10. details and future events.

The first installment was due on Nov. 1 and became delinquent after Dec. 10. Penalties will be incurred if SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS not paid before becoming delinquent.

Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse APTOS LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL REGISTRATION support group. The goals are to empower through a healing Registration is open for the spring season of Aptos Little process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame.

League Baseball.

More information: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealing Little League is open to boys and center.org girls age 5 to 13.

Early bird registration ends Jan. 2. Starting Jan. 3, fees increase PUBLIC LIBRARY CAREER WORKSHOPS by $20.

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries presents career Kids who play Little League development workshops for teens and adults through learn teamwork, sportsmanship April, thanks to grant funding. and baseball skills through an Second Wednesdays: Resume and interview skill organization that has been part of our community since workshops at 10 a.m.

1949.

Third Wednesdays: Resume and interview skill Games and most practices are at Aptos Junior High workshops in Spanish, 10 a.m.

School & the Polo Grounds In Aptos.

Hours for English/Spanish bilingual career assistance To register, visit www.aptosll.org at the downtown Santa Cruz library will begin in January.

28 / January 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Wednesdays in January TECH TALKS 11 a.m.-Noon, Zoom Classes Is your New Year’s resolution to learn more about technology? Then the Santa Cruz Public Libraries is the place for you. Learn more about using your phone or tablet with this month’s series of Tech Talks. Each class is free. Registration is required.

Topics: • Thursday, Jan. 6: All About Android Photos, make the most of your camera and google photos on your android device. Register at https://santacruzpl. libcal.com/event/8611946.

• Thursday, Jan. 13, All About Apple Photos. Storing and sharing photos on your Apple mobile device. Register at: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/8611956.

• Thursday, Jan. 20, Google Calendar Optimized, learn to organize your schedule and life with calendar apps for both Apple and Android users. Register at https:// santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/8611983.

Call 831-427-7713 for help with registration. If you are new to using zoom, see santacruzpl.org/digitallearning.

Third Thursday Each Month PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist, on the third Thursday of each month.

Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

ARTIST OPENING: JUST FUTURES Wednesday January 19

4-6 p.m., Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery, UC Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz UC Santa Cruz Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery plans to host an in-person opening reception of Just Futures: Black Quantum Futurism, Arthur Jafa, and Martine Syms, featuring the works of Arthur Jafa, Martine Syms, and Black Quantum Futurism.

The centerpiece of the exhibition, Arthur Jafa’s Love Is The Message, The Message Is Death, was screened simultaneously over 48 hours across art museums in 2020 as an international response to racial justice uprisings and civil unrest.

Note: Exhibition includes violent imagery and content.

The reception will feature remarks from Arts Dean Celine Parreñas-Shimizu, curator, T.J. Demos, professor, history of art and visual culture, and Camilla Hawthorne, assistant professor, sociology, critical race and ethnic studies.

Covid-19 protocols will be followed. Complete a symptom check before or upon arrival. Rules may change depending on the Covid situation. https://art.ucsc.edu/sesnon/just-futures ••• Still from Black Space Agency, Black Quantum Futurism (2018). Courtesy of the artist.

Saturdays & Sundays ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH Tours start at 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday,1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough. Capacity is limited due to physical distancing requirements, and individuals must sign up on a first-come, first-served basis.

Students attending should dress in (or bring) layers Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) and wear shoes for outdoor and indoor surfaces, bring 728-2822 or visit https://www.elkhornslough.org/ their own ball, water bottle, hearty lunch and healthy group-reservation/ to reserve a tour. snacks as the camps do not provide either.

For more info, visit www.elkhornslough.org/esnerr/tours/ Cost for two-day camps is $100; one-day camps, $50.

Sibling, multiple camp and team discounts are available.

First Sunday Every Month To register see: https://www.basketballjonescamps.com/ WESTSIDE MARKETPLACE 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Old Wrigley Building Parking Lot, 2801 Monday January 3 Mission Street, Santa Cruz Wednesday January 12 RETURNS FEBRUARY 6 TUTOR ORIENTATIONS Come by on Sundays and shop at over 40 unique 11 a.m.-Noon Jan. 3 / 7:30-8:30 p.m. Jan 12, Online Seminar & wonderful artists, makers & vintage sellers — The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County Literacy there’s something for everyone at the Westside Program will offer online orientations in January for Marketplace! people interested in becoming a tutor.

Rain dates are scheduled for the following Sundays.

Tutor training takes 14 hours. Volunteer tutors are The Market is free to attend and is 100% local! matched with an adult student who has a strong desire All local and state health guidelines will be followed. to learn English, whether to get a better job, to talk with Please wear your mask, maintain social distance while their children’s teachers, to navigate the health care you shop and stay home if you don’t feel well. Hand system. sanitizing stations will be available.

Tutoring can take place at your student’s home, a For more info, go to the event page: www.facebook.com/ library, or other community location. No teaching or events/ 170470481551895 foreign language experience needed. It is rewarding, and requires only a few hours a week.

Call 831-427-5077, and sign up at https://scvolunteercenter.

DATED EVENTS org/programs/literacy-program/volunteer/ for the mandatory Monday January 3 one-hour orientation.

Tuesday January 4

BASKETBALL JONES CAMP 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (8:45 a.m. drop off), Aptos High School, 100 Mariner Way, Aptos, CA 95003 Youths ages 7-14 can attend the Basketball Jones Winter Camps at Aptos High School.

Tuesday January 6 PVUSD BUS TOUR Noon-4 p.m., PVUSD District Office, 294 Green Valley Rd., Watsonville See what’s new on a tour of sites that have seen an

upgrade, modernization or new construction, including Aptos Junior High (1:20 p.m.), funded by Measure L. A light lunch and beverages will be provided.

To join the tour, you can ride the bus or meet at the site at the noted time. To ride the bus, email Alicia_jimenez@pvusd.net by Jan. 4 and meet at the district office at noon.

For full details about the tour stops, visit https://tinyurl.com/ y33o3wts

Wednesday January 12 Thursday January 20 SOQUEL DR. BIKE LANES & CONGESTION WORKSHOPS 6-7:30 p.m., Online Seminars The Santa Cruz county Department of Public Works plans two virtual community workshops on plans to make Soquel Drive more walkable and bikeable and less congested.

The Jan. 13 workshop is designed for Aptos residents, while the Jan. 20 workshop is for Live Oak and Soquel residents.

Registers at bit.ly/soquelzoom1 for District 2 and bit. ly/soquelzoom1 for District 1.

The improvements currently planned for 5.6 miles of the busiest segment of Soquel Ave/Drive from La Fonda Ave to State Park Drive include buffered bike lanes, ADA-accessible ramps, and flashing sidewalk beacons.

when the Saturday Shakespeare Club begins its new sessions via Zoom.

The gatherings, each open to the public, begin with a lecture lasting about an hour and include a brief discussion, followed by a reading aloud of that portion of the play under consideration.

UCSC Emeritus Professor Michael Warren, a noted Shakespeare authority and dramaturg for Santa Cruz Shakespeare, will first give an overview of the play, its history, relevance to its time and ours, and aspects of special interest.

On Jan. 22, Sean Keilen, associate professor of literature at UCSC and director of the university’s Shakespeare Workshop, will address the group. The following Saturday, Jan. 29, a DVD lecture discussing “Othello” by Peter Saccio, professor of Shakespearean studies at Dartmouth College, will be shown.

On Feb. 5, Rebecca Clark, of the UCSC education committee, will examine aspects of race, gender and politics revealed in the play.

The film version of “Othello” will be shown Feb. 12.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also plays Iago, it features Irene Jacob as Desdemona to Fishburne’s Othello.

Although all sessions are free, those who tune in are encouraged to send a donation of at least $2 per session or $10 for the series to Santa Cruz Shakespeare, with a check made payable to the organization at 500 Chestnut St., Suite #250, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

People who are not yet on the email list but would like to attend and get the Zoom link should email a request to: saturdayshakespeare@gmail.com

Monday January 17 DAY OF SERVICE 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Homeless Garden Project Farm, Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz The Homeless Garden Project will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service for community members at the Homeless Garden Project Farm.

Community members are invited to perform winter farm tasks to prepare for spring planting. Volunteers will be able to work on several different projects at the small farm, where assigned tasks will depend on the weather.

“Please come prepared with the flexibility to work on different tasks,” said Volunteer Coordinator Omar Guzman. “This is a great opportunity to come to the farm and connect with HGP, to make a difference, and to connect with the community.”

During lunch, the community will hear from a guest speaker and a trainee from the Homeless Garden Project.

If it rains, the event will be rescheduled to Jan. 23.

For more information, visit homelessgardenproject.org

Tuesday January 18 APTOS CHAMBER MIXER 5-7 p.m. (tentative), Seascape Beach Resort, 1 Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos Seascape Beach Resort will host the first Aptos Chamber of Commerce business mixer of 2022, taking all Covid safety measures into consideration.

Wednesday January 19

APTOS CHAMBER NETWORKING LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Seascape Golf Course, 610 Clubhouse Dr, Aptos Saturday January 15 Second District Supervisor Zach Friend is scheduled to speak at the Aptos Chamber of Commerce networking SATURDAY SHAKESPEARE RETURNS WITH OTHELLO luncheon meeting at Seascape Golf Course.

10 a.m., Weekly Online Discussion The price is $30 for chamber members and $35 for nonShakespeare’s tragedy “Othello,” along with the film version featuring Laurence Fishburne, will be examined members. RSVP at 831-688-1467. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2022 / 29

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Reflections on my Ninth Year as your County Supervisor

South County Center, Roads, Levee, Parks & 20,000+ Emails

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

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s I begin each new year as your County Supervisor, I like to report back in this column on some of the things we’ve accomplished because of your partnership and communication of priorities.

The year 2021, like much of 2020, was remarkably challenging. With many in our community rebuilding from the CZU fires, students and teachers balancing the challenges of distance learning and reintegrating to school, hospitals and health clinics facing strains, nonprofit and faith partners seeing demand for safety net services increase, it’s clear many in our community have been directly impacted by the pandemic and will be for some time.

While the past year was a challenge, as a community we still accomplished a lot.

Here is a very small overview of what was accomplished in our district in 2021 and a window into what we will continue to work on, together, in 2022.

Improving Mid and South County Access he past year has highlighted significant inequities in access to services for residents of our district — in particular in the southern section of the county and the rural areas. This includes everything from a lack of reliable high-speed internet connection for school, remote work or tele-health and also poor cell coverage and capacity — but also a general lack of access to County services.

In 2021, we took steps to address these issues. First, the County purchased a new South County Service Center — in essence a new County government building similar to the one in downtown Santa Cruz. The new center, on Westridge Drive in Watsonville, is expected to open in about a year and will bring County services to residents in the southern and mid-county areas in ways never previously experienced.

This will save on commutes and provide direct access to health, human services, public safety and many other services.

On the connectivity front, the County approved a framework for a streamlining of local codes dealing with cell and wireless communication services — in order to significantly improve the coverage and capacity throughout our County.

While it will take some time for those advances to be fully realized, this is a major step toward

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30 / January 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Local Local Local

improving cell service in our region. For improved internet service, the County allocated some of the Federal recovery funding toward expanding broadband to rural areas (with the build-out of those locations to be announced in early 2022) and we anticipate using additional funding from the infrastructure bill to do even more.

Local Roads easure D work continued this year on Pleasant Valley and some areas in Corralitos. Additionally, new pedestrian, ADA and speed mitigation improvements near Rio Del Mar Elementary have begun including new crosswalks and ADA upgrades, speed tables and more in the surrounding neighborhood.

Some new beacon crosswalks are planned with grant funding submitted for some in Rio Del Mar (near Deer Park), Seacliff and on Soquel near Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center.

Storm damage repairs have continued, including awarding the contract for the (long overdue) repairs to the fence over Highway 1 on the overcrossing (between State Park and Rio Del Mar Blvd). That work will require the closing of Highway 1 during the repairs but I know many in our community are looking forward to having that completed.

Additionally, storm damage work along Valencia and San Andreas continues and work on Cox Road, Pleasant Valley, Huntington, Green Valley and some on Trout Gulch was completed. With our securing of $107 million in State Congested Corridors funding there will be significant improvements on Soquel (for bike and pedestrians), the new Mar Vista bike/pedestrian overcrossing will become a reality and additional auxiliary lanes on Highway 1 (some of this work will begin this year).

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Flood Control ignificant progress has been made on the Pajaro River levee project. In partnership with the State we successfully secured a $181 million investment from the State for the local share of the flood control project. This is the largest investment, from any state, in a levee project like this one.

We’ve hosted regular visits from senior members of the D.C. Army Corps Headquarters and regional office, and met virtually with Congressional, White House and State partners essential to the funding of the project. Additional federal funds were allocated this year to work on the design phase. This is without question the most progress toward levee construction that has been seen in nearly 60 years.

Parks ven during the pandemic, significant investments in our parks continued.

Safe and accessible parks are an integral part of community mental and physical health. As part of a private/public partnership, and in honor of Jett Ramsey, we were able to remodel (and improve accessibility at) Hidden Beach Park.

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“Friend” page 31

SCCAS Featured Pet

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Senator Warren Is Ready To Move On

crossword on 25 »

eet Elizabunth Warren, a sweet shorthaired rabbit that has been at the Shelter for almost 6 months!

Elizabunth is one of many Shelter rabbits hoping to find her new home in time for the holidays — could it be with you? She was surrendered to the Shelter when her owner could no longer care for her and she is looking for a home where she can run and play and of course munch on some green treats.

Elizabunth is spayed and ready to go home with you today!

At animal shelters across the state, rabbits are coming in at an alarming rate.

Sadly, rabbits continue to be surrendered to the Shelter and there isn’t enough space for them all. There are hundreds of beautiful rabbits available for adoption and we are hoping you’ll stop by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and adopt a Shelter rabbit during our Winter Wonderland adoption special!

Due to this increase, all rabbits will be available for adoption for $22 when you adopt now through the end of February.

Visit the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 1001 Rodriguez St. or learn more at www.scanimalshelter.org.

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

Winter Fun © Statepoint Media

“Vaccination” from page 25 What do the varying views on the evolving science mean for vaccine requirements imposed on travelers, or by schools or workplaces? And what about businesses that have required patrons to provide proof of vaccination?

Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania, said the CDC’s stronger recommendation for everyone to get boosted signals to him that a booster is now part of the vaccine regimen. Yet Offit, who is also a member of the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee, wrote a joint op-ed this week in which he and two other scientists argued that boosters were not yet needed for everyone and that healthy young people should wait to see whether an omicron-specific booster might be needed.

“I think when the CDC said they are recommending a third dose, they just made the statement that this is a three-dose vaccine series,” Offit told KHN. “And, frankly, I think it’s going to throw a wrench into mandates.”

Yet to be determined is whether restaurants or other places of business will look more closely at vaccine cards for the booster.

Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health

“Friend” from page 30 Approximately 6,500 square feet of new turf was installed at Seacliff Village Park — part of generous contributions from the community to the County Parks Friends to create a community grass area at the park.

Additionally, we approved the purchase of 38.5 acres of land adjacent to the Fairgrounds — with the intent of turning it into a County park. This would be the largest investment in south county parks in a generation.

Libraries ajor steps have been taken toward fulfilling the promises of Measure S. The La Selva and Capitola Branch libraries reopened after a stunning remodels and the Aptos Branch has closed with construction expected to begin in the first quarter of 2022.

Community Meetings and Outreach n 2021, we continued our virtual town halls and community meetings (with some in-person community meetings as well).

Community and neighborhood meetings were held in Seacliff, La Selva, Rio Del Mar, Watsonville, Capitola and Corralitos.

In addition, I’ve written approximately 50 columns in local papers and neighborhood newsletters to communicate with our district about county happenings while maintaining social media presence to share information about our district.

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Association, said it’s too early to say. “For now, businesses should stay focused on current guidelines,” he said.

Dr. Marc Siegel, an associate professor of medicine at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, said the question of whether you are fully vaccinated with just two doses or need a booster is a question of semantics. Covid immunity level is the more important issue.

Siegel said he thinks more suitable terminology would be to call someone “appropriately” or “adequately” vaccinated against Covid rather than “fully” vaccinated, since it’s possible that more boosters could be needed in the future — making “full vaccination” a moving target.

But, as with so many aspects of the pandemic, ambiguity prevails — both in federal guidance on the definition of “fully vaccinated” and in entrance policies, which vary by state, school and business.

Right now, businesses don’t appear to be checking for boosters, but that could change. So, it may be wise to first check the requirements — lest patrons present a twoshot vaccine passport, only to be turned away as inadequately protected. n ••• https://khn.org/syndication/ Editor’s note: This story was posted Dec. 3, 2021.

Moving Forward he above is just a partial list of what has been accomplished this year and I know there is a lot more to do on all of these issues in 2022. As we continue to address the pandemic — and the social and economic challenges it has created — we continue to advocate to ensure that local businesses, students and our community in general have the help they need from our state and federal partners.

Additionally, we know we have a lot of work ahead of us to ensure those displaced by the fires have safe housing and the support they need to rebuild and that those impacted by the constant PG&E outages have more reliable power moving forward.

This past year we estimate that as an office we received over 20,000 emails and calls from constituents and the community-at-large, many with requests for service on COVID-related issues, road issues, neighborhood public safety concerns, storm damage, environmental issues, PG&E outages health and human services, technology services and more. n ••• As always, I appreciate your feedback. I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and you can always call me at 454-2200.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 1st 2022 / 31

Deluxe Foods of Aptos

Supporting the Aptos community for 40 years Mon. thru Sat. 8am to 9pm • Sun. 8am to 8pm Peet’s Coffee Available Mon. thru Fri 6am • Sat & Sun 7am

Senior Hours: Wed. 7:30a.m.- 8a.m.

783 Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos, CA 95003 (Located inside Deer Park Marketplace)

(831) 688-7442 www.deluxefoodsofaptos.com

Serving the Agricultural Community Since 1924

783 Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Suite 7 Aptos, CA 95003

(831) 661-5697

www.scurichinsurance.com

deer park c e n t e r

Highway 1 & Rio Del Mar Boulevard, Aptos

One stop shopping right around the corner!

BANKS:

Bank of America

BUSINESS SERVICES:

Anderson & Company-HOA Management / Employnet Contractor Advertising Galapagos Travel

PDM International / Peak Accounting Services / SAR Asset Mgmt. Inc. Scurich Insurance Cecy Insurance Services

FOOD & DRINK:

Deer Park Wine & Spirits DeluxeFoods / Panda Inn

Mangiamo Pizza & Wine Bar Red Apple Cafe

PERSONAL SERVICES: Agape Dance Academy Black Cat Tattoo Brian Del Core, DDS CVS Pharmacy

Del Mar Cleaners Eye Shapes Opticians Fig St. Design Highlights for Hair J-Bella Nails / Klub Nico Laser Hair Solutions Rad Academy Royal Paw Spa