Aptos Times: September 1, 2022

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September 1, 2022 • Vol 31 No. 17

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Cabrillo Football is Back!

After being on hiatus for two years, the Cabrillo College football team is back to play.

The college trustees voted in May 2021 to reinstate football in fall 2022.

Full Story page 6

39th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival

How an Internship Inspired Second Harvest CEO

Full Story page 12

Santa Cruz County Fair Returns

By Tara Fatemi Walker Erica Padilla-Chavez started as Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County CEO in July.

She came from Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, where she had served kids and

families of the Pajaro Valley since 2015. Her new role is a natural progression as she continues meeting the needs of these deserving individuals and even expands her impact. ... continues on page 4

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Full Story page 11

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No. 17

Volume 31

16

Table of Contents

7

Get it on the market with the attention it deserves.

Cover How an Internship Inspired Second Harvest CEO, By Tara Fatemi Walker

6 7 8 9 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 20 21

Call Kathleen to discuss your Real Estate Goals

Community News Welcome Back Cabrillo Football!

CDC Director: ‘We Fell Short’, By Jondi Gumz Kaiser Gives $4.5 Million To Help Buy Watsonville Community Hospital • Hope Services Supports Children with Disabilities in Ukraine Remembering the Begonia Festival: Tribute to Former Capitola Event Planned Sept. 3-4, By Laurie Hill Santa Cruz County Fair Returns 39th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival 8 Tens to Return September 9 County Planners Seek Input on Regulatory Update • How to Help Andrew Theriot • Jobs in Santa Cruz County Women of Wellness Gives $78,000 to Dominican Hospital Where to Put EV Charging Stations?

Room Fee Extended for Tourism Marketing Supporting Women & Girls: Scholarship Fund Started in 2016 Makes a Difference, By Susan True Candidates: Who’s Running • Appointed to Office

Local Upcoming Events: Capitola Art & Wine Festival Sept. 14th to 18th CapitolaArtandWine.com 2022 Santa Cruz County Fair Sept. 14th to 18th SantaCruzCountyfair.com

Serving all of Santa Cruz County For over 20 years.

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – The Maiden & the Rebel — Sun in Virgo, Uranus Retrogrades, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Featured Columnists 23 Drop-off Times, Expanded Learning, Aptos High WiFi & Free Lunch, Q&A With Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District 25 Come To the Water Harvest Festival, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 30 County Climate Action: Work from Home, EV Chargers & Bike Safety on Soquel, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Meet Mavis and Marie

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COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

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contributing writers Tara Fatemi Walker, Jondi Gumz, Laurie Hill, Susan True, Risa D’Angeles, Michelle Rodriguez, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Zach Friend layout Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin photography Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine Cathe Race

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Second Harvest CEO, from page 1

S

Career Change

P

Salud Internship

everal factors inspired Padilla-Chavez to embrace this opportunity. As the pandemic worsened, she heard from PVPSA staff that clients needed food and didn’t have money for rent.

“We had to pivot to facilitate meeting clients’ needs,” she said.

She reached out to The Food Bank and was impressed with how fast they set up a pantry and bimonthly food distributions.

Padilla-Chavez realized Second Harvest Food Bank helps many partner organizations achieve their individual missions.

“Every organization we partner with uses the distribution of food to better accomplish their own goals (for example PVPSA fulfills mental health needs),” she said. “So, it’s win-win!”

Another reason she joined The Food Bank was to “work alongside stellar leaders who are committed to making people’s lives better.”

adilla-Chavez attended Watsonville High, UC Berkeley, and Golden Gate University—the latter for a master’s in public administration. As a high school junior, she had a Salud Para la Gente internship opportunity that made her realize she was passionate about working with the community.

It was the height of the HIV epidemic.

Salud was seeking students to disseminate education and prevention strategies throughout the community, including teaching individuals who used needles how to clean them.

“I was trained on how to engage in conversation and how to use motivational interviewing techniques,” she said. “I talked to our homeless population that was living

in the Watsonville riverbanks, and discovered I really like working with people.”

Because of this positive experience with Salud, Padilla-Chavez thought medicine would be a good field to pursue.

“I was pre-med early on at UC Berkeley. After a year-and-a-half of doing pre-requisites and pulling my hair out,” she laughs, “I realized it wasn’t really medicine I was after. It was connecting with people.”

Shifting to a sociology major, she worked with organizations that were meeting food insecurity needs and other public health needs of the homeless population in Berkeley and nearby.

After college she returned to Watsonville and worked in the nonprofit sector developing leadership abilities among youth.

“What I found was that issues for addressing the needs of youth and their families were similar to those for the homeless,” she said.

She realized no matter what group she’s working with, a primary focus needs to be identifying linkages and supports in the areas they and their families need.

“This perspective—understanding a person needs not just one thing, there’s an interconnectedness to what really can support them to help them thrive—is something I use in how I approach my work and my life,” she explained.

At Second Harvest Food Bank, she looks forward to developing partnerships with organizations that help individuals and families flourish, “especially for the people we’re taking care of here at The Food Bank.”

P

Parental Influence

adilla-Chavez’s parents, who are immigrants, had a profound influence on her life.

“I was born and raised in Watsonville,” she said. “During Pajaro Valley’s history,

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Passion for Equity

uring Padilla-Chavez’s tenure as CEO, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance expanded from a staff of 20 serving 2,500, to a staff of more than 65 serving 7,000. Her drive is undeniable.

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the economic ecosystem has experienced challenging periods. The earthquake, but also the exodus of canneries from our community in the 1980s.”

Her parents were cannery workers, so this left her family in a predicament. She was 11 years old.

“We were food insecure, but I didn’t know it,” she said. “My parents did an outstanding job helping me and my siblings feel safe and secure.”

Her parents volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank, packing food for friends and neighbors affected by the closures.

“As my eldest sister and I assisted my parents in the food distribution, I thought I was just helping our friends,” she said.

“I enjoyed it. We were allowed to pack a bag of food for ourselves with the leftovers.

After a few times I realized, ‘we actually are benefiting from this too.’ Today, I know there were a couple things going on. One, it was my parents’ way of ensuring we had something to eat. But even more importantly, it instilled in us the importance of taking care of our neighbors.”

She believes her framework of understanding what people need comes from this exposure.

“I’m proud to say all of my siblings are community-centered people as a result of wonderful parents, ones who taught us this country has given them—and us—an opportunity to make our lives something that can fulfill us individually and simultaneously make the world a better place,” she said. “My parents are my biggest mentors.”

COVER STORY When she returned to Watsonville after college, it struck her that many issues she witnessed as a youth were still present.

“I asked myself, how can this be?” she said. “We need to work differently. Because the economic insecurity and food insecurity are still here, the lack of good-paying jobs is still here, mental health needs are on the rise. My drive comes from understanding I have the experience of being born and raised here and understanding the challenges for me and the people I grew up with…and then returning and finding there were still indicators that needed focus.”

She disagrees with the adage ‘things are the way they are.’

“That would mean I accept that people are going to have to live with what they have,” she said. “And I don’t accept that.

We can change the outcome of individuals.

This is facilitated by the opportunities we provide. Not just economic ones: All opportunities. Like the fact that I even had an internship opportunity at Salud that propelled me to be where I am today. I want the best for people. It’s that simple.”

When asked to discuss her leadership style, she says, “I facilitate partnerships to do good. I thrive on bringing people together with diverse perspectives and opinions and developing solutions to address a common problem. Hunger insecurity is complex, it’s a symptom of something deeper. I’m interested in engaging folks to determine how we can begin to address root causes to the food insecurity issues of our county.”

P

Home and Family

adilla-Chavez, 47, lives in Soledad.

“We are fortunate we were able to raise our family nearby. Twenty-one years ago, I wanted to buy a house in Santa Cruz County. Like many, I couldn’t afford it…we found a community in the Salinas

Meet Erica Padilla-Chavez

Interested in meeting Erica? Come to an open house/meet & greet on Sept. 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Second Harvest Food Bank, 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.

Valley. What was supposed to be a twoyear ‘equity-garnering opportunity’ ended up becoming a lifetime. Housing and home ownership are important for all families, including the people we support at Second Harvest Food Bank. It’s getting harder and harder.”

They are exploring a move back home, hopefully in the next year.

“We’re going to see how we can get ourselves back to Santa Cruz County,” she said.

She is a self-described empty nester and Cal Poly mom. “My son’s about to turn 21, he’s at Cal Poly SLO. My daughter, 19, is at Cal Poly Pomona.”

Over the years, she has improved her work/life balance. “Sometimes I can be in the office for 24 hours and still feel I need more time. I’m a workaholic, but I’ve learned over the course of my career that setting boundaries for my family is important.”

When time allows, she enjoys jogging, walking, and spending time in nature.

“Gardening is a hobby I haven’t had enough time for lately,” she said. “Now that my kids are returning to school, I look forward to getting back to growing my tomatoes, my lettuce, and my strawberries.” n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Welcome Back Cabrillo Football!

A

fter being on hiatus for two years, the Cabrillo College football team is back to play.

The college trustees voted in May 2021 to reinstate football in fall 2022. Football was suspended after it was learned the former assistant coach signed two rental agreements for team members in violation of community college athletic association rules.

Photo Credit: Michael Oppenheimer Coach Justin Hansen played New Cabrillo Football head coach Justin Hansen (right) runs defensive linebacker for the defensive line drills.

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Lutheran and was defensive coordinator at Oct. 8.................... Merced...................7 p.m.

Oct. 15................ at Gavilan.................1 p.m.

Hartnell. n Oct. 22...... West Hills Coaliinga.......7 p.m.

••• Nov. 5...... at Monterey Peninsula......6 p.m.

2022 Schedule Nov. 12.................Hartnell..................7 p.m.

Sept. 3.................. De Anza..................7 p.m.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

CDC Director: ‘We Fell Short’

F

By Jondi Gumz

or 75 years, CDC and public health have been preparing for Covid-19, and in our big moment, our performance did not reliably meet expectations ... we fell short in many ways… We had some pretty public mistakes, and so much of this effort was to hold up the mirror ... to understand where and how we could do better.”

That’s Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director since January 2021 of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sharing plans last week for change at the agency, which has a $12 billion budget, 11,000+ employees, and a mission to protect Americans from disease outbreaks.

In April, she tapped a top federal official to review the CDC and make recommendations. James Macrae of the Health Resources & Services Administration reported findings in mid-June, focusing on “how CDC can better translate science and data into actionable policy and communications during a public health emergency.”

Walensky did not elaborate on the mistakes, but the changes include: • Increasing use of preprint scientific reports rather than waiting for research to be peer-reviewed and published by the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

• Keeping leaders devoted to outbreak response on for at least six months — to address turnover.

• Creating a new executive council to help Walensky set strategy and priorities.

• Establishing an office to smooth partnerships with other agencies.

• Appointing Mary Wakefield, 68, the No. 2 administrator at Health and Human Services under President Obama, to implement changes.

On July 29, attorneys settled the nation’s first class action lawsuit for healthcare workers over a Covid-19 vaccination mandate, for $10.3 million.

NorthShore University HealthSystem in Chicago agreed to compensate 500 current and former healthcare workers denied religious exemptions and claimed discrimination; each person is to receive $260,000. They were represented by Liberty Counsel of Orlando. The settlement must be approved by federal District Court.

On Aug. 19, Dr. Robert Malone, who helped develop the mRNA technology used in Covid-19 vaccines, filed a lawsuit alleging defamation and seeking

$50.35 million in compensatory and punitive damages from The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos.

Malone, an outspoken critic of Covid-19 vaccines, cited a Jan. 24 article by The Washington Post headlined, “A vaccine scientist’s discredited claims have bolstered a movement of misinformation.”

The article, published the day after the “Defeat the Mandates” rally in Washington, D.C., draws on Malone’s speech at the event.

Malone is asking for a jury trial.

On Aug. 22, Dr. Anthony Fauci said he will step down in December as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which awards millions in grants to researchers, chief of the NIAID Laboratory of Immunoregulation and White House medical advisor.

At 81, he has worked 54 years in government service. He is working on a memoir.

All this is happening as the Covid positivity rate, ICU cases and hospitalizations are declining in California and locally.

Pajaro Valley Unified School District, where 19,000 students began classes Aug. 15, reports zero student cases and 35 staff cases. Masks and vaccination are recommended, not required.

Since July 26, wastewater data in Santa Cruz County shows Covid-19 Omicron levels plunging.

The number of active cases in Santa Cruz County dropped from 2,197 to 1,303 in the last six weeks, and no local deaths have been reported in the past five weeks.

The last six deaths were people who were vaccinated, according to the county dashboard, all 65 or older with medical conditions.

The county updates the numbers on Mondays and Thursdays.

On Wednesday, the state reported 13 people hospitalized positive for Covid in Santa Cruz County, and none are in intensive care.

With 61,000+ county cases, natural immunity may be a factor.

Santa Cruz County is rated medium for transmission by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on its COVID tracking map. Monterey County is rated high, but a third of California is rated low, along with counties elsewhere.

California reports 80% of the population have had at least one shot.

On the CDC Covid tracker, Santa Cruz

County reports 91.8% of residents age 5 and up have at least one shot and 83.6% fully vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated means having two shots (Pfizer or Moderna) or one Johnson & Johnson shot. All were developed for the initial Wuhan Covid-19 strain, which is no longer circulating.

On Aug. 22, Pfizer applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requesting emergency use authorization of a booster dose targeting the Omicron subvariant BA.4/BA.5 – currently the most pervasive -- for those 12 years of age and older. That change was requested by the FDA. The Biden administration has a $3.2 billion deal to buy 105 million doses of that vaccine for fall.

In August, the CDC relaxed Covid-19 guidance noting an estimated 95% of Americans 16 and older have some immunity, either from vaccination or infection.

The “test-to-stay” in school protocol was eliminated for students exposed to the coronavirus but not fully vaccinated. Exposures now require masking, not quarantine.

Inspire Diagnostics offers Covid-19 tests in a Cabrillo College parking lot.

Last year, the State of California said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration must give full approval of vaccines before rulemaking to require the Covid-19 vaccine. That has not happened; vaccines have been made available with the FDA granting emergency use authorization.

“COVID Update” page 10

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Kaiser Gives $4.5 Million To Help Buy Watsonville Community Hospital O n Aug. 23, eight days before the Aug. 31 deadline to buy Watsonville Community Hospital from the out-of-town owner, Kaiser Permanente announced an additional $4.5 million for the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project to make the purchase.

This brings Kaiser Permanente’s total commitment to $7.5 million, making the Oakland-based nonprofit health care provider the largest private donor in the campaign to raise $67 million.

“We recognize the importance Watsonville Community Hospital plays in providing the necessary medical care for residents of this community and are proud to support the acquisition efforts of the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District,” said Irene Chavez, senior vice president and area manager for the Kaiser Permanente Santa Cruz County service area. “We want

to ensure all residents have convenient access to the care they need so they can lead healthy lives.”

Following years of changing leadership, the operators of Watsonville Community Hospital filed for bankruptcy in December 2021, threatening the loss of key services for Pajaro Valley residents including emergency medicine, women’s health services, pediatrics, medical-surgical care, orthopedic, cardiac care and more.

“We thank Kaiser Permanente for their generous donation,” said Mimi Hall, who chairs the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District board. “Our local health care system

depends on establishing the hospital as a successful, sustainable operation for all members of our community.”

The Pajaro Valley Healthcare District has until Aug. 31 to close escrow, a deadline set by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in San Jose.

On Tuesday, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors was told enough money had been raised to purchase the hospital.

The fundraising effort is about $1.6 million shy of the $67 million goal, which included funds for operating capital in the first year, according to County Administrative Officer Carlos Palacios.

The campaign attracted more than 450 donors. More than $7 million was donated through Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, $6 million was committed by the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley and the state committed $25 million.

The hospital has about 600 employees with a payor mix that depends on government funds. About 50% of patients are covered by state MediCal; 30% have Medicare. Both programs reimburse less for services compared to private insurance.

The health care district has a 5-member governing board with two seats up for election Nov. 8. Voters in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties will have a say.

Incumbents Marcus Pimentel and Jasmine Najera, who were appointed this year, are seeking four-year terms along with Joe Gallagher, a retired physician. n

Hope Services Supports Children with Disabilities in Ukraine

W

hen Ukraine was attacked by Russia in February, Americans were stunned.

Chip Huggins decided to do something to

help.

He’s the president and CEO of Hope Services, which for 70 years has supported people with disabilities and mental health needs.

“In any conflict, those with disabilities and mental health needs face a disproportionate risk of abandonment and violence,” he explained. “Watching the events unfold in Ukraine, we felt compelled to act.”

His idea was to set aside 25% of sales on Wednesdays and Thursdays from April 13 through July 1 at the three outlet stores in Watsonville, San Jose and Fremont to support nonprofits providing on-the-ground services in Ukraine.

The campaign got a lot of positive feedback, according to HopeTHRIFT Retail District Manager Shawn Bailey.

“It was a win-win: we got people into the stores and also helped spread the word about the work we do right here in our own community,” he said.

In all, more than $56,000 was raised, which will be divided between Save the Children and Humanity and Inclusion.

The two were selected based on their sterling credentials and their ability to deliver assistance immediately to those in need.

“It was important to partner with organizations whose missions match ours: serving children and individuals with intellectual disabilities and those with mental health needs,” says Cathy Bouchard, Hope Services’ specialty director, who was tasked with finding nonprofits that would effectively implement the funds. “We decided 8 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Children with disabilities in Ukraine.

to work with two organizations, one large and one small.

We thought it would be important to utilize the power of a large organization as well as access the nimbleness and flexibility of a smaller group.”

Save the Children, founded in 1919 to aid refugees, is supporting the most urgent needs of children and their families in Ukraine today, providing food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash.

Humanity and Inclusion is co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for its work to ban landmines.

According to an HI official, Ukraine is fast becoming the world’s most polluted country when it comes to explosive devices. HI teams are on there, providing “mine risk education” to show civilians how to spot, avoid, and report weapons. The nonprofit also provides financial, mental, and psychosocial support services plus rehab for those directly impacted.

Hope Services’ mission is to see all persons with

disabilities and mental health needs supported and protected. Its HopeTHRIFT stores are one venue providing career training for clients.

One of them is Krishna, a supervisor at HopeTHRIFT San Jose. He says he could not walk independently until he was 5 and a doctor’s diagnosis left his family with little hope for the future.

“Hope Services has given me the opportunity to be accepted in the community, so I say to those seeking a career despite your disability, Hope Services is the best place to do so,” he says.

The County of Santa Clara recently awarded $285,000 to Hope Services to support its work.

“Vans and laptops seem like such basic items, but for Hope Services these items will allow more clients to participate in classes, training, and employment opportunities, and have access to telehealth mental health services, out in the community, out in the mainstream,” explains Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian. “I’m glad our County could do our part.”

Fellow County Supervisor Cindy Chavez adds, “Hope Services is literally a world-class operation, whether lifting up and equipping people living in the Silicon Valley, or in Ukraine with everything they need to live productive lives. Hope Services certainly delivers on its promise to make the world a better place.”

County Supervisor Otto Lee adds, “I am honored to stand with my colleagues supporting Hope Services, and I am so deeply grateful for your service…You stepped up during the pandemic and I want to recognize the critical support you provided to Ukraine.” n ••• HopeThrift is at 1062 Green Valley Road in Watsonville.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Remembering the Begonia Festival

Tribute to Former Capitola Event Planned Sept. 3-4

F

By Laurie Hill

ive years ago this Labor Day weekend, Capitola hosted its 65th and final Festival. Capitola’s last source of begonias, the Brown Ranch family, retired from the begonia growing business.

The blossoms that decades of festival volunteers brought to Capitola during the Festival were gone! All types of begonias are grown around the world but the blossoms used for the Begonia

Festival were tuberous begonias and were the size of your hand! Worth Brown, whose grandfather wrote the 1948 book, “Tuberous Begonias,” clarified that Capitola would not find such begonia blossoms growing fields anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. There you have it!

Capitola was once the Begonia Capitol of the World.

Little Big Band

C

Fields of begonias filled acres along what is now 41st Avenue. Lath houses – like Antonelli’s Gardens - full of spectacular begonias were huge tourist attractions.

Capitola shared “sister festival” status with the Begonia Festival in Ballarat, Australia.

Begonia blossom decals adorn Capitola street signs. The tuberous begonia was declared Capitola’s city flower.

Now such begonias are hard to find anywhere in Santa Cruz County.

Fast forward: Capitola will pay tribute to the Capitola Begonia Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3-4, with a display of historical memorabilia and short videos at City Hall from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Come share your memories.

A nostalgic music event will take place in Esplanade Park on Sunday, Sept. 4. The Capitola Ukulele Group will strum 3-3:30 p.m. The Te Hau Nui Hula School of Hula Dance will perform 3:30-4 pm. The “Little Big Band” will play swing music from 4-6 p.m.

One Begonia Festival volunteer still grows hanging begonias for a small display in Capitola Village at the Trestle Building on Capitola Avenue. She continues a tradition started 15 years ago. At the end of the season, these plants are recycled and, with simple care over the winter, return for next year’s display. Begonias are still rewarding plant to grow.

The Capitola Begonia Festival committee team started the Capitola Beach

2004 Begonia Festival Poster Artist: Liz Lyon Friedman

Festival — offering many of the same fun events, now on the 4th weekend in September. The Beach Festival rebooted the blossom-covered water parade into a Lighted Nautical Parade.

Beach Festival volunteers will be available at the Tribute from 3-6 p.m. Sept.

4 to share their love of the festival tradition and invite your participation later in September. Come down and throw a few Corn Hole bags to warm up. n ••• Laurie Hill is on the Capitola Arts and Cultural Commission. Contact her at capitolaseahorse@gmail.com for more information or to assist with the Begonia Festival Tribute.

Two New CHP Officers in Santa Cruz County

aptain Aron Ching, left, who has over 26 years with the California Highway Patrol, welcomes two

new officers to the Santa Cruz County office in Aptos, Officer Ivan Mendez, center, and Officer Christopher Saldaña. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 9

“COVID Update” from page 7 Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff ruled in July that only the state can require students to be vaccinated to attend in-person school.

The very contagious variant BA.5 and waning immunity from vaccines boosted cases this summer. The CDC reported BA.5 comprised 88.9% of cases in August, with 4.3% being BA.4.

BA.5 drove “reinfections,” people vaccinated and boosted getting Covid for a second or even a third time as the coronavirus evolves.

With the U.S. averaging 390 deaths a day, compared to 3,000 last winter, there is no evidence this subvariant causes more serious illness.

S

Cases

anta Cruz County cases are on a rollercoaster, 1,705 on June 13, then 2,000 on June 27, and 1,871 on June 30, then 2,040 on July 11 and now 1,303.

Cases jumped after holidays but the high of 199 on July 5 and again July 18 is low compared to 1,312 on Jan. 20.

California hospitalizations from Omicron peaked in January at 20,000, plummeted to 950, rose and now are declining.

The state reports 3,500 people hospitalized and the Department of Public Health explains about half are due to Covid, with the other half coming to the hospital for another reason and testing positive.

The state reports test positivity, 23% in January, fell to 1.7% before rising to 16.1%, then falling to 10%.

N

Lawsuits

ick Rolovich, the football coach fired

by Washington State University for refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccine, filed a lawsuit claiming wrongful termination and is seeking $25 million, according to KREM-TV. Rolovich, who is Catholic, was denied a religious exemption after the governor mandated state employees get the vaccine.

He was paid $3.2 million per year and had three seasons left on his contract. The athletic director said he was fired for “just cause.”

In July, Dr. Douglas Mackenzie, a surgeon in Santa Barbara County, and Physicians for Informed Consent, sued William Prasifka, executive director of the Medical Board of California, challenging attempts to sanction physicians who disagree with governmental Covid-19 edicts.

At a school board meeting in August 2021 via Zoom, Mackenzie said, “We are not going to get to zero Covid ever. We can’t make it disappear with a vaccine, especially one that may improve symptoms, but as we are seeing, won’t stop reinfection or transmission.”

The Medical Board closed the investigation after the lawsuit was filed.

Mackenzie contends his comments are protected by the First Amendment.

His attorney Richard Jaffe expects a hearing on a preliminary injunction motion at the end of September or mid-October.

Assembly Bill 2098 was proposed to make it a disciplinable offense for a physician to publicly challenge public health Covid edict. Mackenzie contends that would violate the First Amendment.

The bill was first amended to apply only to doctor-patient communications, then shelved Aug. 1.

Feds for Medical Freedom, which represents federal employees and contractors, is awaiting appellate review in New Orleans of President Biden’s Sept.

9, 2021 order requiring 3.5 million federal employees to be vaccinated for Covid-19.

The group, which has about 6,000 members, contends the president overstepped his authority.

A

Young Children & Covid

bout 941,000 children under age 5 in the U.S. have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, according to the CDC. This is about 4.8% of the 19 million children in this age group.

In California, 2.2% of kids under 5 have been vaccinated.

Seven countries offer vaccines to the youngest children. Eligibility starts at age 2 in Cuba and Venezuela, and age 3 in Chile and Argentina, Bahrain, Hong Kong and China.

In Santa Cruz County, parents who want their children under 5 to receive Covid-19 vaccines should contact their doctor.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education and the county Public Health hosted two town halls for parents on the vaccine for children under 5. The recordings are at https://santacruzcoe.org/town-hallscovid-19-vaccine-for-under-5-year-olds/ Covid has claimed the lives of many elders, those 85 and older with medical conditions, but relatively few children, 442 children age 4 and under, according to the federal Centers for Control & Prevention.

More than 1 million people in the U.S. have died of Covid, so young children represent a tiny percentage of deaths.

Could it be that young children represent an untapped windfall for the drug-makers?

It all depends on whether these vaccines are added to the CDC vaccine schedule for children. See https://www. cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/ child-adolescent.html

T

Data Analysis

he CDC was expected to analyze data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System for “safety signals” from Covid-19 vaccines.

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

This database, https://vaers.hhs. gov/, is where health care providers are to report adverse events after a vaccine. It was created after Congress passed a law in 1986 protecting vaccine manufacturers from civil personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits resulting from vaccine injuries.

An early briefing document said, “The CDC will perform Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR) data mining on a weekly basis or as needed.”

This would compare the proportion of an adverse event after getting a specific vaccine vs. the same adverse event after another vaccine. A higher rate would serve as a safety signal to trigger investigation.

On June 21, Josh Guetzkow, a PhD at Hebrew University, posted the CDC response to his Freedom of Information Act request asking about this data mining.

FOIA Officer Roger Andoh’s June 16 letter said that “no PRRs were conducted by CDC. Furthermore, data mining is outside of the agency’s purview, staff suggest you inquire with FDA.” Guetzkow called PRRs “one of the oldest, most basic and most well-established tools of pharmacovigilance.”

T

Omicron Less Deadly

I

Myocarditis

he Omicron variants are less deadly than the Delta variant, which raged in 2021.

Santa Cruz County reported 43 Covid deaths after Omicron, compared to 225 as of Dec. 15, before Omicron.

One statistic is similar: 79% to 81% of those who died had medical conditions.

Why do people fear Omnicron?

They may have a medical condition (diabetes, obesity, asthma, high blood pressure).

Half of Americans do, so they are at higher risk for severe Covid illness.

So are people 85 and older.

n a 2022 report in the Journal of American Medical Association online, Dr. Matthew Oster of the CDC reported the government’s VAERS database received 1,991 reports of myocarditis after one dose of mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccine and 1,626 met the CDC’s definition for probable or confirmed myocarditis.

Oster’s conclusion: “The risk of myocarditis after receiving mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines was increased across multiple age and sex strata and was highest after the second vaccination dose in adolescent males and young men. This risk should be considered.”

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart, which can lead to clots, a stroke or heart attack.

Public health officials say the scientific consensus is that Covid vaccines are safe, but some are skeptical about relying on science from drug-makers, which saw profits rise in 2021.

Analysts say Pfizer has been one of the largest winners in the last two years, doubling revenue to $81 billion in sales in 2021 due to its Covid vaccine. This year, it’s selling Paxlovid, a Covid pill that has a higher price per dose.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar invoked the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, a 2005 law allowing him to provide legal protection to companies making or distributing critical medical supplies such as vaccines unless there’s “willful misconduct” by the company. This protection lasts until 2024.

S

Test to Treat

anta Cruz County offers “Test to Treat” sites, open to anyone regardless of insurance or documentation status. For an appointment, visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting/.

According to the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, cases in local schools peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, dropped to 44 on April 1, rose again to 1,150 on May 25, dropped to 442 on June 11, and now 347.

The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% on January, dropped to .79%, rose to 9.63% and now is 3.93%.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education has completed 551,800 tests with Inspire Diagnostics.

The County Office of Education offers drive-though testing for students, staff and families at: Cabrillo College, Aptos, Parking Lot K, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 399 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

See: https://tinyurl.com/get-tested-santacruz.

Booster shots: https://myturn.ca.gov/ Vaccine providers: www.santacruzhealth. org/coronavirusvaccine.

Local information: www.santacruzhealth. org/coronavirus or (831) 454-4242 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. n •••

Total COVID cases: 1,303

••• COVID Deaths: 268 As of Aug. 22 Age 85 and older: 117 • 75-84: 62 • 65-74: 47 60-64: 15 • 55-59: 4 • 45-54: 10 35-44: 8 • 25-34: 5 Underlying Conditions Yes: 218 • No: 50 Vaccinated Yes: 34 • No: 234 Race White 155 • Latinx 90 • Asian 16 Black 3 • Amer Indian 1 Hawaiian 1 • Another 2 Gender Men: 137 • Women: 131 Location At facility for aged: 117 Not at a facility: 151

COMMUNITY NEWS

Santa Cruz County Fair Returns

T

September 14-18

he Santa Cruz County Fair opens Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the county fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, and closes Sunday, Sept. 18, featuring fair food, clowns, camel rides, mariachi and magicians, live music plus competitions among the young and older to earn blue ribbons for the animals they have raised or the vegetables they grew.

Hours are: Wednesday–Friday: Noon to 11 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Here are some entertainment highlights: Wednesday: Free admission for kids 12 and under and veterans; seniors 62 and over, $12, swine and poultry shows, peewee and adult livestock showmanship, senior ice cream social, All-Alaskan racing pigs, Gary Blackburn Band, Los Moralitos Circus, Michael Mezmer TranceNosis.

Thursday: Sheep and dairy goat shows, All-Alaskan racing pigs, Country Cougars, Los Moralitos Circus, Michael Mezmer TranceNosis Friday: Rabbit and poultry showmanship, livestock & vegetable judging, All-Alaskan

racing pigs, Journey Unauthorized, Los Moralitos Circus, Michael Mezmer TranceNosis Saturday: Junior livestock auction, diaper derby, All-Alaskan racing pigs, Heartless (Heart tribute), Los Moralitos Circus, Michael Mezmer TranceNosis Sunday: Best dressed goat contest, salsa judging, All-Alaskan racing pigs, Los Reyes de la Banda, Salinas Valley

Charros and Escaramusa Charra, Sonora Dinamitra, Los Moralitos Circus, Michael Mezmer TranceNosis n ••• Tickets at https://tickets.santacruzcounty fair.com/p/tickets are: $20 for adults, 13 to 61; $10 for kids 6-12; kids under 5 free. Active duty military are free every day.

Parking in the main lot is $10. Valet parking is $30.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

39th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival B September 10 and 11

• Edibles and Fruit Trees • Gift Certificates • Native and appropriate plant varieties • Family Owned & Operated • 2 Acre Display & Sculpture Garden for 30 Years

Open Daily 10-5:00 • 2660 E. Lake Ave. Watsonville, CA 95076 831-728-2532 • sierraazul.com

12 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Cement Ship and Surfing Magician will entertain on the street. Capitola Mercantile will host a local artisans marketplace in parking lot at 115 Capitola Ave. Food trucks include Pana, My Mom’s Mole and Sauceyz.

Here’s the entertainment schedule for the Esplanade Park bandstand: Saturday, Sept 10 • 11 – 11:30 Agape Dance Academy • 12 – 12:30 Te Hau Nui School of Hula & Tahitian Dance • 1 – 1:30 Pacific Arts Complex • 2:30 – 4 Anthony Arya Band • 5 – 7 Lost Boys featuring James Durbin Sunday, Sept. 11 • 11 – 11:30 Dancenter • 11:45 – 12:15 Santa Cruz Pipes & Drums • 12:30 – 1 Elaine’s Dance Studio • 1:30 – 2 Synergy Dance • 2:30 – 4:30 Pacific Roots n

Summer Swim • Amadeo Bachar

Beneficial Plants for California’s Mediterranean Climate

eachside in Capitola, 115 fine artists, 23 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, live music, local dancers, food trucks and street performers — what more could you ask for?

The 39th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival will be Saturday and Sunday, Sept.

10-11, in Capitola Village. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is free; for those 21 and over, wine tasting costs $15 for a glass and 2-4 tokens per tasting, each token is $1.

Park at the Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave., at no charge, and ride the free shuttle to the village. Or ride your bike—valet parking is free at the David Lyng Real Estate parking lot.

Meet Aptos artist Amodeo Bachar, a UC Santa Cruz alum who created this year’s poster featuring a whale getting close to Capitola Village while swimming in Monterey Bay.

Register Now for Fall Classes Join us outdoors for the best in Early Childhood Music Enrichment, Family Bonding & Fun – for ages Birth to 5 years:

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See our instagram page:

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / September 1st 2022 / 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

SOLD!

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14 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

8 Tens to Return September 9 T he Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre, which earlier this year had almost permanently closed its doors, has instead regrouped to produce a live “reboot” of eight selections from of its 8 Tens @ 8 Short Play Festival.

It will restage eight selections from the short play lineup, originally scheduled in January, to now run at the Actors’ Theatre from Sept. 9 through Oct. 2. Tickets are on sale at www.santacruzactorstheatre.org/ tickets.

The presence the COVID-19 outbreak coincided with the resignations of the company’s artistic director, company cofounder, promotion director and board of directors, and led to the cancelling of 8 Tens in January.

“However,” said new board president Suzanne Schrag, “we humans are resilient, creative, inventive and communal creatures. It is this spirit that we are re-launching, rejuvenating and rebooting Actors’ Theatre to continue to be a vibrant and vital part of the Santa Cruz Arts community.”

A new board of directors has also been assembled and other positions are being filled.

All productions will be in the Actors Theatre in the Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center Street. Most of the directors and actors are from the original production scheduled in January.

The four-week run, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, will feature: “Are You One of Those Robots,’ by Dierdre Gerard, directed by Gail Borkowski.

“Me and Him,” by Michael John McGoldrick, directed by Suzanne Schrag.

“Old Aquatics,” by Steven Kobar, directed by Gerry Gerringer.

“Slow Dating,” by Adam Szudrish, directed by Buff McKinley.

“Unheard,” by Glenn Alterman, directed

by Sarah Albertson.

“The Curiolus Effect,” by Robert Lynn, directed by Anita Natale.

“Nobody’s Here,” by Charles Anderson, directed by Evan Hunt.

“Rosa and Leo,” by Adam Szudrish, directed by Jim Schultz.

Actors’ Theatre will follow COVID protocols; masks and proof of vaccination will be required to attend.

The Theatre has invested in a highefficiency electronic air cleaning system that completely refreshes the air in the space every 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, a committee of Actors’ Theatre members has read 259 short plays submitted by local, state and nationwide writers in preparation for the 2023 8 Tens @ 8 Festival, scheduled for Jan. 18 through Feb. 26. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Planners Seek Input on Regulatory Update T he Santa Cruz County Planning Commission will host two virtual public hearings at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 24 and Sept. 14 to accept public input as the County works to finalize the Sustainability Policy and Regulatory Update, which will govern future housing regulations and serve as a blueprint for future land use and transportation priorities.

For more information, see www.sccoplanning.com/SustainabilityUpdate It includes new regulations for housing production, transportation, agriculture and resource conservation, sustainable communities, code modernization, commercial development, community services and environmental justice.

Consistent with the strategic plan, the regulatory update is being conducted through an equity lens.

It recognizes that effective land use and transportation planning are necessary to create sustainable urban communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide additional housing options for all county residents while protecting natural resources and agricultural areas. n ••• To participate in the Planning Commissions Sustainability Update meetings, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81481528029 at the following times. Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m.

How to Help Andrew Theriot

R

eaders are asking: How can we help Andrew Theriot, who is at home in Aptos with his wife Stephanie and toddler daughter and getting chemotherapy at UC San Francisco for a brain tumor?

It’s easy. Go to: https:// www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-andrew-and-his-family

Capitola

Art & Wine F

E

S

T

I

V

A

L

September 10 & 11, 2022

Beside the beach in Capitola Village!

Sat, 10am – 6pm l Sun 10am – 5pm

Jobs in Santa Cruz County

Sector July 2022 Change from

July 2021 Government 21,400 Up 1,900 Private education 17,600 Up 600 & health Construction 5,100 Up 300 Other 4,800 Up 200 Financial 3,300 Up 100 Leisure/hospitality 13,800 no change Manufacturing 7,600 no change Professional/ 10,800 no change business services Trade/ 16,400 no change transportation/utilities Information 600 no change Nonfarm 101,400 Up 3,100 Farm 10,000 no change Total 111,400 Up 3,100 ~~~

39TH ANNUAL

“Summer Swim” by Amadeo Bachar

Labor force 137,600 Up 1% Employment* 132,600 Up 4% Unemployment 5,000 Down 44% Unemployment rate 3.7% 6.5% Count is from the 12th of the month *Includes commuters out of the county Source: California Employment Development Department ••• Unemployment in Santa Cruz County was 3.7% in July compared to 3.8% in June as the labor force grew from 136,500 to 137,600.

July’s unemployment was the lowest since the pandemic arrived in March 2020.

The local government sector typically grows in the summer to offer youth recreation programs, and that happened as usual this year.

“Jobs” page 25

Over 125 artists, wine tasting from 22 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, Local Artisans Marketplace, Gourmet Food & Entertainment.

Free parking and shuttle at Capitola Mall on 41st Avenue.

ADMISSION FREE! Hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce capitolachamber.com

capitolaartandwine.com

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

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Women of Wellness Gives $78,000 to Dominican Hospital D ignity Health Dominican Hospital Book online has received $78,150 from the Women today!

of Wellness Council, a giving society founded in 2018.

A program of the Dominican Hospital Foundation, the WoW Council provides financial resources to support and expand women’s health services at Dominican Hospital.

“Our diverse membership of over 80 ladies represents Santa Cruz’s most committed female volunteers, donors and community advocates,” says Toby Alexander, who chairs WoW. “We are proud to have raised close to $300,000 over the past several years towards improving the health care of women and children at Dominican Hospital.”

Each member of the Women of Wellness Council commits a minimum of $1,000 annually to support essential technologies, programs, and services for women at Dominican Hospital.

The council meets three times a year to learn more about Dominican Hospital’s current women’s health services and new developments from key physicians and medical staff. Council members work to identify and understand the need for new or improved programs, equipment, or facilities, and to foster new relationships. They have the opportunity to review project proposals put forth by the hospital and vote with their pool of funds to determine which proposals receive funding.

The initiatives funded this year: Innovation/Integration of Simulation Training in Nursing Education — $10,750 The Dominican simulation training lab plays an integral role in healthcare provider education and provides the opportunity to obtain knowledge, experience, proficiency, and skill acquisition to improve patient care and better treat lifethreatening illnesses and injuries.

Council funds will support the cost of tools and equipment needed to offer interactive real-life training to all Dominican clinical staff and providers including transition and new-grad nursing programs.

Employee Resiliency Coping Program — $28,050 Funds will help enhance resilience of the front-line staff of Dominican Hospital. This program will provide an outlet for caregivers to receive much needed psychological, emotional, and physical support to cope with the

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

Pelvic rehabilitation is a non-surgical approach to treating chronic pelvic pain and pelvic disorders.

Specialized equipment—including biofeedback and electrical stimulation machines, and weights are used for patients to improve pelvic floor function. widespread, sustained, and invasive stressors amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is crucial to strengthen the overall well-being of caregivers and patients by preventing burnout caused by chronic rates of stress. Building coping and communication skills for those at risk will prevent further staffing shortages at Dominican.

A wide range of tools and classes will be offered including exercise, individual life coaching, and mindfulness.

Women have Strokes Too! — $5,579 Dominican is a Primary Stroke Center providing t-PA (tissue plasminogen activator), a medication to treat strokes reducing disability afterward. Data show women have delayed presentation outside the treatment time window and show milder symptoms.

Funds will support acquiring public education items from the American Heart Association and brain models for hospital education. Also, an education symposium to increase awareness of strokes in women, including prompt treatment eligibility for t-PA. Perinatal Pelvic Floor Health Program — $8,550 One WoW member felt strongly about the Perinatal Pelvic Floor Health Program and gave $6,000 toward it. Funds will support several new community health education classes for women with the focus on prevention of pelvic floor dysfunction through early education and awareness, and early intervention when pelvic floor dysfunction is identified.

“Wellness” page 26

COMMUNITY NEWS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Where to Put EV Charging Stations?

W here should public electric vehicle charging stations be located in six counties between Ventura and Santa Cruz?

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, Association of Monterey Bay Governments, and San Luis Obispo Council of Governments along with Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties have partnered to develop the Central Coast Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, with the goal to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles to fight climate change.

See at www.centralcoastzevstrategy.com.

There are different types of charging stations and popular locations for them like rest areas, retail venues, restaurants, libraries, community centers, beaches, parks.

The interactive mapping tool is available to the public through October 2022 at www.bit.ly/CCZEV. The goal is to identify ideal locations

for new public charging stations in the six counties between Ventura, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. Electric vehicles are essential to the fight against climate change, and more charging stations are needed to recharge vehicles, particularly in rural and traditionally underserved communities.

“Electric cars are the future of transportation and the number of these vehicles on the road continues to grow,” said Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board Chair Das Williams. “We want to make charging as effortless as possible and need the public’s help to identify opportunities to make it even better and easier to charge on the fly.” n A video tutorial on how to use the interactive mapping tool is at www.bit.ly/ InteractiveMapVideo

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 • 11 AM - 3PM HEART OF SOQUEL PARK (BEHIND THE POST OFFICE IN SOQUEL VILLAGE) HANDS ON DISCOVERY ACTIVITIES ABOUT WATER, FREE FACE PAINTING AND PERFORMANCE BY THE BANANA SLUG STRING BAND HOSTED BY:

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

2022 BUSINESS

SHOWCASE Taking Care of Business

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Room Fee Extended for Tourism Marketing T he Tourism Marketing District for Santa Cruz County is approved for an additional seven years, starting July 1, 2022.

Supported by the local lodging community and approved by the County Board of Supervisors and city councils in Scotts Valley, Capitola, Santa Cruz and Watsonville, the marketing district is expected to garner $2.9 million for Visit Santa Cruz County in 2022-2023.

As the destination emerges from the COVID-19, Visit Santa Cruz County) provides resources for the local tourism, a century-old sector in Santa Cruz County and increases awareness of the destination to better contend in an ever-growing, global, highly competitive marketplace.

Tourism marketing is funded through a lodging fee paid by guests, ranging from $2.10 to $4 daily per occupied room.

This provides more than 90 percent of Visit Santa Cruz County’s annual revenue.

It is structured similarly to more than

112 tourism marketing districts in the state with the sole purpose of countywide tourism.

The process for the latest marketing district renewal began in December 2020, with outreach to 100+ tourism marketing district members, 29 elected officials, and the 25 members of the Visit Santa Cruz County Board of Directors. n For information, call Visit Santa Cruz County at 831-425-1234.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Supporting Women & Girls

Scholarship Fund Started in 2016 Makes a Difference

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By Susan True

inda waited years to get picked in the lottery to attend the nursing program at Cabrillo College. Now an enrolled, full-time student, Linda reduced her work hours to better focus on school, which made finances tight for her and her young daughter Victoria, especially during COVID. To help make ends meet, Linda applied for a Single Mothers Scholarship from the Cabrillo College Foundation, funded in part through a grant from our Fund for Women and Girls.

“The scholarship is not only helping me cover tuition, but it’s also helping alleviate some financial pressure,” said Linda, who is determined to create a bright future for her daughter.

Helping moms and daughters like Linda and Victoria was what founding donors had in mind when they started the Fund for Women and Girls in 2016. They understood that when a woman thrives, her family thrives. And when a family thrives, a community thrives.

This now $2.5 million endowed fund is boosting the economic growth of the county by supporting the educational and career success of local women and girls.

So far, $1 million has been given in grants to local nonprofits supporting women and girls’ education, health care, safety, and joy.

Confidence and College Readiness The first major grant from the fund was for the collaborative project Girls

Fund for Women and Girls Awardees Girls Paving the Way initiative 2017-2020 Cabrillo College Foundation CASA of Santa Cruz County Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey City of Santa Cruz Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County Community Bridges Dientes Community Dental Care Families in Transition Family Service Agency of the Central Coast Paving the Way initiative, a partnership between Watsonville’s Lakeview Middle School, UC Santa Cruz’s Educational Partnership Center, YWCA, and five other collaborators. The program worked with 35 middle school girls from the beginning of their 6th grade year in the fall of 2017 through the summer of their 8th grade year in 2020.

The program’s overarching goal was for the girls to enter high school emotionally and socially healthy, futuredirected, and academically prepared.

One participant shared, “GPW gives us hope to try harder and not give up and just keep trying. They help us know the different things we are going to do in high

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Girls Inc. of the Central Coast Monarch Services Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes Pajaro Valley Shelter Services Salud y Cariño Santa Cruz Community Health Senderos Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center Teen Kitchen Project Watsonville Film Festival Watsonville Law Center YWCA of Watsonville school. It taught me that I can go to college and made me more confident to know what I want to do in life.”

Now, thanks to a federal grant, Girls Paving the Way alums and 1,500 other Pajaro Valley students are able to access similar services from 7th grade through their first year in college, an extraordinary outcome that our 3-year project helped inspire.

Flexible Funding When COVID hit, the entire landscape for women and girls in Santa Cruz County changed. Already 15% of women in Santa Cruz County live in poverty and the pandemic made women’s situations even more precarious in addition

to driving many more families into or on the brink of poverty. Overall, COVID disproportionately impacted women, from having to leave jobs to care for children during remote schooling to lack of access to reproductive and maternal health care to increased domestic violence.

Thanks to the flexibility of the fund, we were able to help fill immediate needs for local women and girls during COVID including grants to Families in Transition, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, Catholic Charities, and Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes to help women and their families stay housed, fed, in school and able to pay bills. Grants to Santa Cruz Community Health and Dientes helped provide access to health care. Funding to the Watsonville Law Center helped women navigate legal battles in employment, citizenship, and domestic violence cases. And grants to Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center, Freedom School Soccer Fund, and Watsonville Film Festival kept women and girls dancing, running, and creating art during these hard times.

Investing in Equality Balancing nursing school, work, and single motherhood, Linda makes time to read aloud to her daughter Victoria every day. Proudly, Linda reports that Victoria already knows how to count, read the alphabet, and even write her name.

“Scholarships” page 29

Candidates: Who’s Running H T ere are some of the board and council candidates in Santa Cruz County on the Nov. 8

ballot.

What should we ask the candidates?

Email Editor Jondi Gumz at info@cybertimes.com ••• Cabrillo College Trustee Area 1: Donna Ziel*, Sara Brylowski Trustee Area 2: Adam Spickler*, Bob Kittle Trustee Area 6: J. Dan Rothwell*, Mark Hucklebridge Capitola City Council (vote for 3) Yvette Lopez Brooks*, Joe Clarke, Enrique Dolmo Jr., Garry Jensen, Alexander Pedersen Scotts Valley City Council (vote for 2) Tyler Crawford, Jim Reed*, Derek Timm*, Allan Timms Watsonville City Council District 3: Maria Orozco District 4: Kristal Salcido District 5: Casey Clark District 7: Nancy Bilicich, Ari Parker*

County Supervisors District 3 Santa Cruz: Justin Cummings, Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson District 4 Watsonville: Jimmy Dutra, Felipe Hernandez Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley, Joy Schendledecker San Lorenzo Valley school board Trustee Area 4: Gail Levine*, Ryan Lipert Pajaro Valley school board Trustee Area 1: Kimberly DeSerpa*, Natalain Schwartz Trustee Area 5: Olivia Flores, Jennifer Schacher* Scotts Valley school board (vote for 2) Patricia Adams, Lucia Rocha-Nestler, Roger Snyder*, Corey Warner* Happy Valley school board (vote for 3) Clifford Hodges*, Rachel Click Richardson*, Jacob Willet*, Edward “Teddy” Woods Soquel school board Justin Maffia, Philip Rodriguez* Fire Districts Central: Michael Hushaw, Denise Miller Boulder Creek (vote for 2): Vince Cor-

COMMUNITY NEWS Appointed to Office

hese candidates are appointed to office in lieu of election.

••• County Board of Education Trustee Area 1: Sue Roth* Trustee Area 2: Bruce Van Allen* Trustee Area 7: Abel Sanchez* Pajaro Valley school board Trustee Area 4: Daniel Dodge Jr.* Trustee Area 7: Jennifer Holm * Soquel school board Trustee Area 3: Robert Dickenson Trustee Area 2 (short term): Kallista Edmundson*

tinas, David Dunning, Robert Presswood*, Sam Robustelli* Ben Lomond (vote for 2): Jim Anderson*, Norman Crandell*, Adam Hensleigh Water Districts Soquel Creek (vote for 3): Carla Christensen*, Bruce Jaffe*, Corrie Kates, Kris Kirby, Rachel Lather* San Lorenzo Valley (vote for 3): Bob

Santa Cruz City Schools Trustee Area 1: Kevin Grossman Trustee Area 2: Kyle Kelley Trustee Area 4: John Owen Trustee Area 5: Angela Meeker Loma Prieta school board Short term: Ronald Bourque San Lorenzo Valley school board Trustee Area 1: Stacy Newsom Kerr* Trustee Area 2: Mark Becker* Mountain school board Short term: Jennifer Markowicz* “Appointed” page 29

Fultz*, Jeffrey Hill*, Alina Layng, Mark Smolley* Pajaro Valley Healthcare Project District (vote for 2): Joe Gallagher, Jasmine Notanne Najera*, Marcus Pimental* Santa Cruz Port District (vote for 2): Dick Starr, Toby Goddard*, Reed Geisreiter* n * denotes incumbent

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

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Drop-off Times, Expanded Learning, Aptos High WiFi & Free Lunch Q&A With Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

I would like to know if elementary schools will push back school start times so that they begin after 8/8:30am like the California law that just passed to move back school start times?

Instead, we went forward. hanges to start times were made to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 328, which requires the school day for middle schools and high schools to begin no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., respectively, by July 1, 2022.

To minimize disruption to the PVUSD community and maintain bus transportation to over 6,000 students daily, most elementary schools were able to maintain their start times within 15 minutes of the prior year’s start time.

Now that school for my high schooler starts earlier, what time can I drop my son off in the morning at school? epending on the school site, you can drop your student off 30-60 minutes before school officially begins.

If students show up before drop off time, the school will place students in a location for studying until the campus officially opens.

We never had an after-school program at Bradley Elementary.

Is there a program at every elementary school? Is it free for all parents? ith the implementation of the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program, PVUSD is required to expand its former afterschool program to transitional kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade and to serve up to 50% of vulnerable student populations (i.e. English learners, students living in poverty, foster youth, students with special needs).

However, PVUSD believes that all students deserve both access and opportunity to attend the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program, up to staff capacity, regardless of their family’s resource level or the student’s individual needs.

Therefore, the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program is at all school sites with TK-6th grades and free for all parents, within site capacity levels.

Why are you requiring students in the after school program to stay until 6pm? That is too late. s a support to families, the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program is available until 6pm, however, children are not required to stay until 6pm.

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Parents may pick up their child at the time that best fits the family’s needs.

When should I expect to receive my child’s bus pass? us passes are being made each day in the Transportation Department and are being mailed out to sites on a weekly basis each Wednesday.

Every Wednesday, each site will receive a new batch of bus passes for students to pick up at the office of the school they attend.

All bus passes should be ready by Wednesday, Sept. 14. Please have your student check with the office to pick up their bus passes.

What additional courses will be added to fulfill the high school ethnic studies requirement? Currently, the only options are to take a yearlong English or World History course to fulfill a one-semester requirement. Are students in accelerated/AP courses supposed to take a second English/History course on top of an already heavy course load? s we build our Ethnic Studies courses at all comprehensive high schools, we are adding the Ethnic Studies lens onto current courses. Our plan for the 2023-24 school year is to add a US History Ethnic Studies and an Ethnic Literature and Studies 3 to the course catalog.

Currently in our course catalog we have Ethnic Literature and Studies 1, Ethnic Literature and Studies 2, Art Ethnic Studies, and World History Ethnic Studies.

Over the four years of high school, students have the option to replace one of the high school requirements with an Ethnic Studies option.

For example, students can take Art Ethnic Studies to fulfill their Art and Ethnic Studies requirements. We continue to explore additional Ethnic Studies courses.

I am hoping to hear from the district and from Aptos High School an update on the infrastructure updates to the WiFi, security cameras, campus update necessary since last years’ sad incident.

How much progress and transparency will you be able to share as our children head back to school? Thank you. echnology Services completed the installation of additional outdoor wireless infrastructure across the Aptos High campus in order to improve wireless connectivity in quads, walkways, fields and other outdoor spaces.

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This will allow for improved digital communication and Wi-Fi calling across the Aptos High School campus. PVUSD is in communication with the major cellular carriers in order to investigate options to deploy cellular infrastructure that would provide better cell coverage at Aptos High.

Although the design, application, environmental impact evaluation, and permit process may take a long time for these types of installations, there is one project through AT&T that has already begun. This project was approved by the Santa Cruz County Zoning Administrator on April 1.

Although it will take some time for this project to go through all of the approval processes before it can be installed, we are hopeful that it will progress and eventually be completed.

The installation of the Avigilon Security and Analytics (security camera) System at Aptos High is now complete. As part of the installation at Aptos High, 27 new camera views were added in critical areas across the campus.

The Avigilon system’s artificial intelligence and advanced analytics contain many advanced features that will improve security at Aptos High school greatly such as: • Advanced Search Capabilities • Object detection and classification • Identify patterns, hotspots, and unusual motion/activities • Automated Notifications when unusual activities detected • Facial and license plate recognition • IR and Low light technologies • Cloud Connected for anywhere anytime access • AI detection and flag events that require attention • High-speed video extraction Are staff still required to test for COVID-19 if they are not vaccinated?

What happens if they refuse to test? ccording to the CDPH, State Public Health Order, dated 8/11/2021, asymptomatic unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated workers are required to undergo diagnostic screening testing at least once a week, with either an antigen or PCR tests to satisfy this requirement.

If a staff member refuses to test, the following will occur; 1st refusal or missed

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test — reminder from supervisor; 2nd refusal or missed test — Human Resources will send a reminder letter to the staff member; 3rd or more refusal or missed test — staff member will be removed from their assignment, unpaid, until they test.

In addition, for employees who continue to refuse or miss tests, progressive discipline will be applied.

Will COVID testing continue at the District Office and at the school sites?

VUSD will continue to partner with Inspire Diagnostics to provide COVID-19 testing at no charge to PVUSD students and staff for the 22-23 school year.

Testing is available at all PVUSD school sites two days per week for students and staff members. Schools will have testing available on either a Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday testing schedule Please check with your school for specific days & times.

COVID-19 testing for symptomatic students and staff is also available at the Pajaro Valley District Office (294 Green Valley Rd) Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. The District Office location has PCR (lab) & on-site antigen (rapid) testing available at no cost to PVUSD students and staff.

For the most up to date testing locations and times throughout Santa Cruz County, please visit: https://covid19test. santacruzcoe.org/ To register with Inspire Diagnostics to test, please visit: https://inspirediagnostics. com/santa-cruz-county-office-of-education/ Vaccinations and boosters are also available through Inspire Diagnostics, for more information visit: https://santacruzcoe. org/vaccines/ Now that there are free lunches, I am trying to convince my daughter to take advantage of it. Where can I find the daily lunch menu? ue to the California Universal Meals Program, this year, all PVUSD students are eligible to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch every school day.

Elementary menus are shared with elementary sites and are posted on their web page. Families can access menus via pvusdschoolfood.net.

Families can also sign up to have menus emailed monthly on the first of the month on the “Going Green” section of pvusdschoolfood.net. n

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Come To the Water Harvest Festival

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ver the last year or so, many of our customers and community members have asked us this question: “When will the annual Water Harvest Festival Family Fun Day return as an in-person event?”

As we all know, the pandemic limited this event to an onlineonly version during the last two years. But today, nearly 80%* of people in Santa Cruz County are fully vaccinated and case rates are far more manageable than earlier in the pandemic.

With that good news, we’re thrilled to let everyone know that next month, we will once again welcome families to this muchloved annual activity, live and in-person for the first time since 2019!

Everyone is invited to the Free 2022 Water Harvest Festival Family Fun Day: Saturday, Oct. 8 from 11 am to 3 pm Heart of Soquel Park, 4740 Soquel Drive behind Soquel Village Post Office

The Water Harvest Festival celebrates our local water resources, which are crucial to our everyday lives and to the very future of our community.

This festive event will be filled with wonderful, entertaining water education activities for all ages. Who knew that

“Jobs” from page 15 Construction, a typically higherpaying sector, expanded for the better summer weather.

Many employees have posted signs, saying, “We’re hiring,” to no avail.

The number of people unemployed has hovered around 5,000 for Yesterday: Jail Today: Workforce Ready he Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is doing its part to help people serving their time in jail to get a job upon their release.

On July 23, nine incarcerated individuals at the Rountree Rehabilitation and Re-Entry Facility graduated from the “In2Work” Program.

This five-week program is designed

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By Rebecca Gold Rubin

hands-on learning about water could be so fun?

The District and our event partners are planning lots of exciting and delightful ways to bring the wonders of water to attendees. From water resources, water-wise gardening, and water supply, to groundwater geology, water infrastructure and plumbing, water conservation, watershed protection, and pollution prevention — the Water Harvest Festival offers great fun around all things watery, for kids and adults alike!

Each of our participating partner organizations will have their own interactive water education activity. With a festival “passport” in hand, kids can get a stamp for participating in every booth activity, to gain entry into a raffle for fun prizes. There will be free face painting, snacks, and our very special guests — The Banana Slug String Band. This joyful event will bring us all together to celebrate the ever-present importance of water, for today and for future generations.

In addition to the Soquel Creek Water District, our partner organizations scheduled to participate include: County of Santa Cruz Public Works Eat for Earth Land Trust of Santa Cruz County Love’s Garden three months; a year ago, it was 8,900 unemployed.

California’s July 2022 unemployment rate of 3.9% is the lowest on record, dating back to 1976.

The state has now regained 2,685,100 of the 2,758,900 nonfarm jobs lost — 97.3% — during March and April of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. n to teach applicants job-ready food service skills while they’re in custody to help them transition back into the workforce and community.

Students graduate with a Serv-Safe Management Certification in the hospitality field.

This program, halted by the pandemic, is graduating its second class since restarting, Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Ashley Keehn said.

Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County Sea Otter Savvy San Lorenzo Lumber with its Rain Tank Display Santa Cruz County Parks Soquel Creek Water District Water Conservation Coalition of Santa Cruz County A big “thank you” to these sponsors of the Water Harvest Festival, who are part of the design and construction of the Pure Water Soquel Groundwater Replenishment

and Seawater Intrusion Prevention Project: Black & Veatch, ESA, and Kennedy Jenks, Brown and Caldwell, and Gutierrez Consultants.

Since the first event in 2018, the Water Harvest Festival has drawn hundreds of people from throughout the region for a fun, family-friendly time. Parking at Heart of Soquel Park is limited, so please consider walking, biking, public transit, and carpooling.

“Harvest Festival” page 26

Football

ACROSS

1. ‘90s Don Johnson TV character 5. India’s smallest state 8. Light on one’s feet 12. Arctic floater 13. Mouthful, swallowed 14. Rocks at mountain base 15. Reading helper 16. Serve soup 17. Clean & ____, in a workout 18. *QB’s target 20. Wholly engrossed 21. Religious ritual table 22. Scot’s woolen cap 23. Relating to milk

26. Oil-producing plant 30. Shakespearean “fuss” 31. Crowd 34. Like the White Rabbit 35. Chip feature 37. Mozart’s “L’____ del Cairo” 38. Asian goat antelope 39. Turn sharply 40. Yield 42. Compass bearing 43. *When QB changes play at line of scrimmage 45. ____ identity 47. Failed Molotov cocktail 48. Alicia Keys’ instrument 50. Final notice 52. *It results in change of possession in football 55. Off-white color

56. Actor Pitt 57. Type of ore 59. Classic TV’s “lovely lady” 60. Stiff hair 61. Vegetative state 62. Distinctive elegance 63. Prior to, prefix 64. *Tom Brady’s 2008, 2018 or 2021 award 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. Imitator 8. *QB’s run 9. SAT or ACT ____ course 10. Catch one’s breath 11. “Owner of a Lonely Heart” band 13. Malfunction 14. Hair product 19. Chosen few 22. Dress like Ancient DOWN Greeks *Professional football 23. Butterfly, preorg. metamorphosis Relating to armpit 24. Bye, to …lisabeth Not all Borne Jazz subculture 25. Encrypted hipster 26. *a.k.a. hike Tropical juice flavor 27. Dog-____ pages Comparative form of 28. Do penance #40 Down 29. Not as old

32. Casanova, e.g.

33. Two before Dec. 36. *NFL playing field 38. Shorthand 40. Antediluvian 41. Idi Amin’s country 44. Butane derivative 46. Not an expert 48. Less adulterated 49. All worked up 50. Like Joe Biden’s office 51. ____ Bora 52. Chef’s amt.

53. Son of Aphrodite 54. Boisterous play 55. *____ the kicker 58. “Uh-uh” © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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The Maiden & the Rebel — Sun in Virgo, Uranus Retrogrades Esoteric Astrology • September 2022 • By Risa D’Angeles

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he Sun is in Virgo, an earth sign, offering us a picture of Ceres in the garden tending to Persephone, her daughter, who soon will enter into the underworld. And then Ceres, missing her daughter falls into grief and transforms the warmth of summer into the cool days of autumn and then the snowy cold of winter. And so the story goes.

Virgo is the sign of the Virgin Mother, pregnant with the holy child (new light), born at Winter Solstice. The child represents the Soul within each of us, the new light within that guides and directs the personalities of disciples. Virgo is the Virgin (pure) Mother who within her being is made of three components - Spirit, Soul and matter itself. As is humanity. These are esoteric temple mysteries written in the stars and in plain sight for all to see each month.

Wednesday, Uranus, the “awakener” becomes stationary retrograde, joining four other planets - Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto - and one asteroid (Chiron) also retrograde. (Note: retrograde planets can be unpredictable to the point of magical.)

ARIES

In the next several months you’ll break from the past and all things (people, ideas, beliefs, fears) that have hindered your freedom, self-identity, creativity and self-expression. You trusted others to have your interests at heart. However, you found this wasn’t always possible. An awakening is occurring informing you to be strong and make decisions about and for yourself, and to change your image to that of success. You can do this.

TAURUS

You are awakening to the fact that you are of great value, something not realized before to such depth.

As your thought of self as valuable grows, all that you value will change. I have found that without a sense of self-confidence firmly established there is less forward movement because the self doesn’t know what to choose or how to take action. This will change. Watch your finances. Always ask if your choice and actions are practical.

GEMINI

A return to a place with people previously known has, is or will be happening. You return to a neighborhood from long ago, or think about it to better understand that time in your life. You need new realities, ideas, fields of study, concepts that expose you to the future. Seeking new routines, you might dress, think, relate and express yourself differently. A new lifepattern comes forth. Read Christopher Alexander’s “A Pattern Language.”

CANCER

Uranus rules the Aquarian Age and Aquarius is the sign of humanity learning about true friendship, cooperation and community. Uranus will be retrograde till January 22, 2023.

Uranus will remain in Taurus during its retrograde. Taurus is our stability, the illumined mind, it’s land, resources, money, possessions. It’s gold and all things that glitter. Uranus retrograde is an explosive energy if repressed. Uranus is potent, deeply psychological, analytical, with intuition and revelations occurring at the speed of light. Freedom is reawakened (think 1960s which our present times reflect on a higher dimension).

Virgo flows through Mercury before it reaches the hearts and minds of humanity. In Virgo, we analyze, refine, improve, and seek to serve others. For parents with Virgo children, we teach them how to first ‘serve” and care for themselves. This lays the groundwork for true service later on. “Let matter reign,” is the personality seed thought of Virgo. n

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

More and more you find yourself thinking unconven- You may be traveling unexpectedly. Perhaps travel is already tional thoughts, doing out of the ordinary planned. Something unexpected will occur proactivities that actually begin to describe viding you with a sense of freedom, liberation from who you really are and provide you with difficult feelings, past beliefs, and that ongoing freedom of expression. It would be good sense of limitation. Notice as you see the world to tell close friends and family that you’re moving into differently than most, those that you meet reflect that difference. an unusual, original, perhaps eccentric period of cre- Tradition is cast to the winds as you begin to cherish and welcome ativeness. It’s also a time to seek more play. Unusual the unconventional. It’s time to study something (unusual). attractions occur, too.

VIRGO

The habitual, regular, normal, consistent, orderly and routine in daily life, work and relationships change unexpectedly. Anything confining will be liberated, including ideas and beliefs that create separations and block love, in your life. You might feel restless, and so a new rhythm will be found. Unusual methods of healing — laser light, energetic medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture — are of interest. Eventually only the unconventional (read holistic) will make sense.

CAPRICORN

There is a review occurring concerning how you live each day, what your plans have been and what you want them to be. Also, you consider your career, how you as an authority relate to others. You want to be free of the past. However the past hasn’t revealed all of its secrets yet. More of your talents will be discovered, along with recognition that you approach your work in the world with dedication and care. Wherever you are, whenever you appear on the scene, everyone feels liberated. That is quite a gift!

AQUARIUS

LIBRA

Your circle of friends, groups that surround and love you, If interactions or relationships seem confusing or difaccept and listen intently to your hopes, wishes ficult, you’ll quickly walk away thinking and needs. They begin to study what you are the situation too hard to bear. Cooperation teaching for they are devoted to helping you and is needed to understand what actions thus creating a life filled with all things new. A are appropriate and, if everything feels review each day is necessary. It provides a foundation for the limiting, how to respond. Explore with those you love needs of the coming days and weeks. what is to come forth. This ways that bring about wonder to replace boredom. is based on listening, asking, observing needs. These are the Explore the impossible, impractical, the unattainable and the unachievable. The outcome is interesting, almost requirements of the Aquarian Age. Uranus provides the pathway. magical.

SCORPIO

You’ll return to an earlier interest, work, theme concerning It’s a good idea to tend to money and resources with extra care family and home seeing how your history and as something could occur that’s unexpected, early life interface with and influence your especially with shared resources. Keep up with present. Don’t be surprised if home life is all legal deadlines and matters – taxes, loans, somehow disrupted, if time speeds up and debt. If not taken care of pleasure and ease slows down (like the tides), if routines keep changing, if could be limited and expenditures multiply. Something experidecisions are quickly called for while patience dwindles. Hold mental and unusual will take place. Expect this and maintain all these things within a spirit of understanding that there’s balance each day through intentional Goodwill which creates no more normal, anywhere. For all of us, this is preparation. Right Relations.

•••

PISCES

Things unconscious and habitual come into your awareness.

Then they are released. How do you feel about being anonymous and behind the scenes instead of being front and center? Pisces often hides away, initiating new realities from behind the scenes. Anything secret, already somewhat exposed, will have more light shed upon it. Nothing’s private anymore. The past needs shaking up and interesting coincidences continue to occur. The shimmering future eventually comes into view.

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com

26 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Harvest Festival” from page 25 Do not miss the return of Soquel Creek Water District’s Water Harvest Festival, inperson! We’re looking forward to seeing you on Oct. 8! n ••• For the most up to date information, visit www.soquelcreekwater.org/271/ Water-Harvest-Festival *Source: County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency

“Wellness” from page 16 OBGYN and PT providers will work collaboratively to provide education for all women, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

Early education will be available through existing prenatal and childbirth support groups, early identification, and intervention will occur during perinatal classes and treatment through exercise will continue in available and appropriate physical therapy until symptoms have resolved.

Women of Wellness Knowledge Center — $25,221 The Education Computer Lab — located on the 2nd Floor of the Dominican Hospital Education Building — is the “first impression space” for new staff, current staff and our ongoing student population. The funds will support a much needed upgrade to make the space conducive to learning and absorbing knowledge shared for the wellestablished New Grad Nursing Program; for onboarding new nursing staff; for current staff to update their practice knowledge.

Dominican Hospital’s Nursing Education/ Clinical Informatics departments provide clinical education for nursing, pharmacy, radiology, respiratory therapy, physical therapy students, as well as mid-level providers including nurse practitioners and physician assistant rotations.

••• “We are a women-based council supporting women’s health issues,” says Anissa Novak,WoW vice chair. “ Our collaboration and involvement ultimately helps women with their current and future medical needs.”

“WoW makes a strong commitment through philanthropy to the future health care in Santa Cruz County,” says Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz, Dominican Hospital president/ CEO. “Clinicians and staff are able to build awareness around the inner workings of the hospital, what services and technology presently available, and where we see the future of health going, By keeping community members involved and informed, we ensure continued access to quality, innovative, compassionate care close to home. We are truly grateful to each and every member and the impact they have made and will continue to make decades to come.” n ••• To learn more, visit supportdominican. org/women-of-wellness-council.

Get more done in one stop Save time getting high quality care for your whole family.

Pharmacy, X-ray, mammograms, pediatrics, and more are now available at our new downtown Santa Cruz Medical Offices.

Now open, come visit.

Santa Cruz Medical Offices 110 Cooper Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060

kp.org/downtownsantacruz

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS POLL WORKERS NEEDED Have you thought about being a poll worker for the Nov. 8 election?

As a poll worker, you help ensure a safe, fair, and efficient election for all voters. Poll workers support early voting locations, ensure technology functions, and help minimize delays at polling places on election day.

Fill out the form at: https://www.votescount.us/Home/ElectionOfficerRequestForm.aspx

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by September 7

Students must provide their own instruments and bring pencils & music stands.

Covid-19 distancing will be followed. Students and parents must wear N94/95 masks or a double mask that includes a surgical mask outside and inside the music building, except when alone.

A concert is planned for Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. To participate or make contributions, call (831) 479-6101 HELP WITH STUDENT DEBT RELIEF or visit https://www.cabrillo.edu/cabrillo-youth-strings.

Employers in California can deliver tens of thousands Register through Cabrillo Extension, 479-6331, or of dollars in federal student loan relief to employees, by extension.cabrillo.edu before the first class. informing them about the federal Public Service Loan START YOUR NEW CAREER Forgiveness program.

Laid off in the pandemic? Stayed home teaching the Providing this life-changing benefit to employees kids? Want to change careers? comes at zero cost to employers because it’s a free The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act is federal program.

An estimated 825,000 Californians could benefit from designed to help job-seekers access employment, education, training, and support services. The program the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program by having their federal student loans cancelled after 10 is designed to serve dislocated workers who need training to enter or re-enter the labor market. years of public service work, but fewer than 15,000 Now people can sign up for WIOA programs from 12 have benefited from this program to date.

From now until Oct. 31, it is easy to get credit for the - 1:30 p.m. on the first and last Wednesday of each at the Downtown Library, 224 Church St., Santa Cruz.

PSLF program.

RSVP at: info@workforcescc.com and see the Life Literacies For information, see: https://www.californiaborrowers.org/ Center at the back of the library. Intakes are by RSVP only. about-the-campaign HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS LA SELVA BEACH LIBRARY Soquel High: Class of 1972 Adult Book discussion: Sept. 8, from 10:30 a.m. to Friday Sept. 16 • 5-10 p.m. noon. September’s selection is Paris Library, by Janet The Inn at Pasatiempo banquet room and outdoor garden, Skeslien Charles.

555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz.

Passionate Readers: 4th Thursday, from 10:30 a.m.

“A GOLDEN KNIGHT” 50th reunion to noon.

There will be food, beverages, and no-host cocktails, Thursday: Afterschool STEAM with Legos: 3:30 - 5:30 music, dancing and watching the golden sunset. p.m weekly. Starts Sept. 22 Other informal gatherings may arise; look for updates on First Friday: Movie Discussion group at 10:30 a.m. the Soquel High School Class of 1972 Facebook page.

Fourth Friday: Movie Matinee: 10 a.m. to noon.

Tickets are $100 and must purchased by Sept. 1 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50th-reunion-a-goldenCALL TO ARTISTS knight-tickets-269816316867 An artist will be selected to create a public art component for new Live Oak Library Annex at the Simpkins Questions? Email 1972classofsoquelhigh@gmail.com.

••• Family Swim Center.

Watsonville High Class of 1981 The proposed artwork should help create an inviting Saturday Sept. 17 • 6-11 p.m. outdoor space where people of all ages will gather, Embassy Suites Monterey Bay, learn, connect, and share. Proposals should reflect the 1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside.

Live Oak community’s identity and history, and may The Billy Martini Band will play at the reunion. incorporate community participation. The deadline to Attendees are invited to El Vaquero Winery Sunday from submit is Sept. 30.

2-5 p.m. to hear Michael Gaither.

The budget for the public artwork, which includes For details, see Watsonville81.com or the Official all costs associated with, but not limited to design, materials, travel, insurance, fabrication, installation, and Watsonville class of 1981 Facebook group.

••• documentation of the artwork, is $80,000.

Harbor High: Class of 1972 A brochure with information about the application process Saturday Sept. 17 • 4-10 p.m. and the site plan is at: https://scparks.com/Home/AboutUs/ Pasatiempo Inn’s Back Nine Grill, 555 Highway 17, Santa Cruz WorkWithUs/CalltoArtists.aspx.

For information, call 408-568-0302.

CABRILLO YOUTH STRINGS FALL SEMESTER The Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program will begin WATSONVILLE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH EVENTS 700 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville CA 95076 its fall semester Friday, Sept. 9. Classes will be s on consecutive Fridays for nine weeks in the Music Free Fasting Glucose Screening Clinic Building, VAPA, at the campus in Aptos. An entry-level Sunday Sept 11 • 8 – 11 a.m.

String Orchestra Class, Grades 4-6 Beginning Strings Free 6-Week Health Seminar for violin/viola/cello will be offered Fridays, 4-5:15 Wednesday Sept 14 • 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.: “Fighting p.m.

Diabetes & Pre-Diabetes, Naturally!” Nightly PlantAuditions for Festival Strings (beginning note-readers) Based Cooking Demonstration with Samples and Cabrillo Strings (intermediate-advanced) will (831) 325-7993 or ReversingDiabetes@yahoo.com be 3:45-4:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, with a rehearsal following. Festival Strings will meet 4:15-5:45 p.m. and SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS Cabrillo Strings will meet 4:15-5:55 p.m.

Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s String players ages 5 to18 are welcome to join support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood the string orchestral and chamber music programs. sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower 28 / September 1st 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame.

More info: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter.org

The festival will be in the beautiful courtyard behind the church at the corner of Center and Church, next to the Civic Auditorium.

See https://www.livelikeagreek.com/sc-greek-festival

Saturday September 10

Tuesdays PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist.

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

IMAGINE BENEFIT FOR CASA 3-7 p.m., Outdoors, Sesnon House, Cabrillo College, Aptos CASA of Santa Cruz County will celebrate 30 years of believing in foster youth out-doors at Sesnon House.

The event includes: Full-course meal catered by student chefs in Cabrillo’s Culinary Arts pro-gram. • An interactive art wall, youth speakers, music, and dancing. • Performances by El Sistema and Activities for All Youth Mariachi. • Live auction items include vacation homes as well as a sailing trip on the bay.

• The silent auction will take place online Aug. 27 – Sept. 10. See https://casaofsantacruz.org/newsevents/events/imagine2022.html Tickets are $150 per person at https://casaofsantacruz.org/ news-events/events/imagine2022.html

Fridays through Sept 30 MIDTOWN FRIDAYS 5-8:30 p.m., Midtown Square, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz Featuring 25 local bands plus local eats and local artists and vendors.

The live music lineup presented by Off The Lip Radio Show includes (in order of appearance): September The Joint Chiefs • Papiba & Friends • Anthony Arya Band • Sweet Voodoo • The Grand Finale See https://www.eventsantacruz.com/event/midtown-fridayssummer-block-party-2022/

2ND SATURDAY ON THE FARM 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Watsonville Bring your family, friends and your neighbors to 2nd Saturday on the Farm at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville.

Watch the antique tractors washed and spiffed up for the Fair!

The Agricultural History Project’s 2nd Saturday events are like taking a step back in time. You’ll be able to milk a “cow,” drive-a-tractor, and enjoy crafts, hayrides, pony rides, puppet show, antique engines and museum exhibits.

Bring your lunch for a picnic on the lawn or at a picnic table.

DATED EVENTS

Sunday September 11

ONGOING EVENTS

Friday Sept 2

MOVIES AT CAPITOLA BEACH 7:30 p.m. (or dusk), Bandstand stage in Esplanade Park The City of Capitola presents free movies at Capitola Beach, on the bandstand stage in Esplanade Park.

Aug. 26: Jungle Cruise Sept. 2: Sing 2 Unfortunately, due to Covid, there will be no popcorn.

Bring a picnic dinner or dine locally at area restaurants. Low back chairs, blankets and jackets recommended.

No alcohol or dogs on the beach.

SANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB 5 p.m., Various Member Homes Throughout County Love to cook, entertain and socialize?

Our monthly dinner club events are in homes throughout Santa Cruz County, where members enjoy gourmet meals, fine wine and conversation. Joining the club provides a great opportunity to cook, entertain, and meet vaccinated locals that share your interests.

Want to join us? Learn more by contacting Rhonda Mills at info@SantaCruzDinnerClub.com

5TH ANNUAL BLUE INNOVATION 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Outside UC Santa Cruz Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way The 5th Annual Blue Innovation is a festival for those Friday September 9 who love our blue origins: Water & ocean.

Saturday September 10 30+ companies, organizations, researchers, SANTA CRUZ GREEK FESTIVAL and artists will exhibit their solutions ranging from Fri. 5 p.m.- / Sat. Noon-10 p.m., Prophet Elias Greek ocean-safe alternatives to plastics, sea wall restoration, Orthodox Church Courtyard, 223 Church St, Santa Cruz transportation, healthy sustainable seafood, exhibits for The Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church announces surfing, kayaking, and sailing, artists with love for the the return of the Santa Cruz Greek Festival in downtown ocean. Plus food trucks and live music!

Santa Cruz.

Free to attend; tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blueEnjoy traditional Greek cuisine, music, and dancing. innovation-tickets-360879429087

Blue Innovation

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Friday September 16

Registration is at 8 a.m. Ceremony at 9 a.m. Walk at 9:30 a.m.

DAMON GUTZWILLER BENEFIT So far, 215 people and 55 teams are signed up to 8 p.m., Michael’s on Main, 2591 Main St., Soquel participate; they have raised $114,288. The goal is Michael’s on Main will host the Damon Gutzwiller $290,000.

Benefit featuring Mira Goto, Steve Seskin, and Bonny There is no registration fee but the nonprofit June (with Ken Kraft).

Alzheimer’s Association asks every participant to raise This is an evening of songcraft and outstanding money. performers celebrating the life of Santa Cruz For information, contact: Meggie Pina at (831) 900-5903 or County Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller and santacruzwalk@alz.org raising money for the Damon Gutzwiller Park in Aptos.

Monday September 19 For more on the memorial, see: www.countyparkfriends.

PURE WATER SOQUEL PREMIERE PARTY org/willowbrook.html 4:30-7 p.m., at Bargetto Winery, 3535 N Main St., Soquel.

Admission is $40; seated under 12 with parent 21 Soquel Creek Water District and Black & Veatch will and over. host a party for the premiere of a mini-documentary on Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ Pure Water Soquel produced by BBC Storyworks. damon-gutzwiller-park-benefit-featuring-mira-goto-bonnyThe 16-part series of which Pure Water Soquel is june-steve-seskin-tickets-300176986447 a part is called “Beneath the Surface: The Journey of Water.” Most of the series focuses on countries other FANDANGO EN LA PLAZA than the U.S. 6 p.m., Watsonville Plaza Space is limited. RSVP by Sept. 12 via PaperlessPost.

Watsonville Film Festival celebration of Pajaro Valley farmworkers, coinciding with Mexican Independence Tuesday September 20 Day, is a free event with live music, dance performances and a community jam session at Watsonville WILDR FORUM: NOVEMBER ELECTIONS Plaza.

6:30 p.m., Online Forum The screening of the award-winning docuSanta Cruz is poised to elect two women to statewide mentary “Fandango at the Wall” starts at 8 pm office — one of which would be the first woman from outdoors with director Varda Bar-Kar coming from the County elected to state office … to elect diverse Los Angeles. representatives to the County Board of Supervisors … to vote on statewide ballot initiatives to protect Saturday September 17 women’s right to choose … and to bring women’s voices to school boards and city councils.

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S APTOS WILDR will bring diverse voices together on Zoom, 8 a.m., Seascape Park & Resort, Sumner Avenue so you can learn what support is needed for these very The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest important elections and measures in November, plus event to raise awareness and funds for care, give you the opportunity to network, teach and learn support and research. The Santa Cruz walk willl be at Seascape Park & Resort in Aptos, following Covid from diverse women in our community.

Register at: https://bit.ly/WILDR092022. n guidelines.

“Appointed” from page 21 Pacific school board Two openings: Cal Napoles*, Diana Conner* Fire districts Central, district 4: John Lucchesi Ben Lomond (3 openings): Dave Bingham*, Lisa Hill* , Thomas Maxson* Zayante (2 openings): Mary Clark*, Priva Tarbet* Water districts Central (3 openings): Frances Basich

“Scholarships” from page 20 “This may not seem like a big deal to some,” says Linda, who is a first-generation college student, “but this is a huge step in the right direction.” She’s determined for Victoria to see the power of education. “I want to show my daughter that with hard work and dedication anything is possible.”

Linda is one of a group of Cabrillo College women facing disruption in their educational goals due to the pandemic. We worked closely with the Cabrillo College Foundation and advisors to identify

Whitney*, Marco Romanini*, Robert Marani* San Lorenzo Valley (short term): Jayme Ackerman Scotts Valley (3 openings): Ruth Stiles*, Wade Leishman*, Bill Ekwall* Pajaro Valley, Division A: Mary Banister*: Division C: Amy Newell* Parks Boulder Creek Recreation & Parks (2 openings): George Galt*, Diane Hamilton* Pajaro Dunes Geologic: Michael Butner, Patrick Dubbins, Raphael Shannon Kraw n women who could complete their goals with additional support. The Foundation made $77,000 in scholarships to Cabrillo students during the pandemic.

As Linda continues her education and our county continues to manage its way through the pandemic, The Fund for Women and Girls will continue to invest in a Santa Cruz County to help ensure women and girls are safe, healthy, equal, and empowered. n ••• Susan True is CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.

DISCOVER THE JOY OF LEARNING AT

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Kirby School 425 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 admissions@kirby.org | kirby.org

Visit KIRBY.ORG to learn more.

SEACLIFF Complete Hybrid Repair and Service Factory Trained Specialist Complete Auto Repair Saturday Smogs

Seacliff 76 • 831-688-7600 • seacliff76@live.com • 201 Searidge Rd.

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

FEATURED COLUMNIST

County Climate Action

Work from Home, EV Chargers & Bike Safety on Soquel

T

he Board of Supervisors recently received an update on the County’s work on the new Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

The Plan, overseen by the Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience, looks at the current state of Greenhouse Gas (GhG) emissions inventory data, emissions reduction targets (some of which are set by State law) and current emissions reduction efforts by the County.

What is the history of the Plan locally? he first Climate Action Strategy was approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2013.

The goal was to set initial policy goals and targets around GhG reduction, sea level rise and other mitigation and reduction strategies. Since the first Plan was adopted, more research has been done to understand how climate change can impact our local built and natural environment.

Understanding how it makes infrastructure vulnerable, how we can reduce risk and what policies we can implement to improve future outcomes are all part of the work on new Plan. The costs of climate change, both financial and social, to local governments and the community at large can be significant. Event such as the 2017 Winter storm events, the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and the December 2021 Atmospheric River event provide a framework of understanding.

T

What is required under State law? here are two main State requirements for California cities and counties regarding Greenhouse Gas emissions reductions.

The first is Senate Bill 32, approved in 2016, which requires statewide GhG

T

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

emissions be reduced to 40 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2030.

The second is Executive Order B-55-18 signed in September of 2018, which sets a goal of carbon neutrality no later than 2045. The Executive Order doesn’t have the same legal requirements the legislation does, but it provides a guideline for local governments.

How is the County doing? he preliminary analysis of the unincorporated County shows that between 2009 and 2019 there has been an approximately 17% reduction in emissions. 2019 is the most recent data.

According to this same data, County on-road (passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles) transportation emissions comprise over 61% of our total emissions or 447,514 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. As a frame of reference, 1 car driving approximately 2,500 miles emits 1 ton of CO2.

Our total GhG emissions from on-road transportation equates to roughly 8,000 miles driven by every unincorporated resident regardless of age in 2019.

The second largest contributor to our GhG emissions in the unincorporated County is natural gas usage for heating, water heating and cooking in commercial and residential buildings. This accounts for approximately 23% of our emissions.

However, the data doesn’t accurately account for rural residents relying on propane gas so it is believed this number will grow as data is collected.

T

What are the next steps? uccessful efforts to significantly decrease GhG emissions will require a two-pronged approach, through changes in County operations and through larger land use and transportation policy changes.

S

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

At the County operational level, to reduce the number of cars on the road and improve workforce outcomes, the County implemented remote work options for many County staff. Allowing County staff to work from home has decreased vehicle miles traveled.

To further decrease GhG emissions, County General Services department is working to increase our electric vehicle charging capacity and move toward a more fuel-efficient, and eventually, allelectric fleet of light-duty vehicles. Further efforts to expand public EV charging infrastructure throughout the County are being explored.

The County has installed numerous solar arrays on our campuses and is in the process of changing out gas water heaters for heat pump water heaters where feasible.

Additionally, Central Coast Community Energy has a goal to be 100% renewable by 2030 -- currently just 0.4 percent of our total emissions are due to residential and nonresidential electricity.

Efforts are underway by the County’s Community Development and Infrastructure Department to improve transportation options via bus on shoulder on Highway 1 and major improvements for bike and pedestrian

safety and access along Soquel. The Department is also working on an update to the County’s General Plan/Local Coastal Program focused on sustainability — with the goal of implementing new policies and code regulations that support more sustainable communities in Santa Cruz County.

Later this year, the Board of Supervisors will receive an update with specific GhG reduction policies and actions with measurable metrics. Additionally, the County team will develop a social vulnerability index and climate vulnerability assessment.

These resources will provide detailed information on the vulnerabilities of sensitive community populations, natural resources, managed resources, critical facilities, buildings, services, and infrastructure to climate change. Key findings are intended to support prioritization for the selection of climate adaptation and resilience goals, policies, and implementation programs. n ••• If you have any questions about this or any other matter in our district, please don’t hesitate to call me at 454-2200. I’m maintaining regular updates on social media as well at www. facebook.com/supervisorfriend.

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“Dependable Service, Affordable Quality”

SPECIALIZING IN

FALL SPECIAL

Residential Repaints & If we paint your interior and/or Custom Homes exterior by September 30, 2022 Homeowners Associations we will buy the paint.

Property Managers

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Meet Mavis and Marie

crossword on 25 »

his week the Pet of the Week for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is Mavis and Marie! These sweet bonded 3 year old black kitties are looking for a forever home where they can settle in and be loved and cuddled.

Marie and Mavis came to the Shelter after being surrendered because of allergies. They previously lived in a home with women, teens and children under 12. Both cats love to sun bath, play in brown paper bags and being brushed! Both can be shy at first but will warm up to new people with some time and gentle pets.

These are indoor cats and tend to be skittish of the outdoors. Marie is a little more shy, but she can be affectionate when given time. Mavis is more outgoing and will stand at her kennel door to see what is going on outside — she likes to be held and loves to sleep under blankets!

If you are looking for a gentle and loving pair of cats to hang out with come to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter to meet Mavis and Marie! We are open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm for adoptions.

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

Football © Statepoint Media

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

Deluxe Foods of Aptos Supporting the Aptos community for 40 years

Health and Wellness to You in 2022!

Mon. thru Sat. 8am to 8pm • Sun. 8am to 7pm Peet’s Coffee Available Mon. thru Fri 7am • Sat & Sun 8am

give us a call

Implants, Invisalign, Family, Cosmetic

(831) 688-3012 or visit

delcoredental.com

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

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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