Aptos Times: October 15, 2019

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Family Owned For Over 28 Years • Aptos, La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Freedom & Watsonville

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

October 15 2019 • Vol 28 No. 20

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SCC STEM Winners 2019

The Santa Cruz County Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) recently honored the 2019 Tech Trek STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Scholarship winners and new members at a luncheon at Seascape Resort. Full Story page 5

Debate Stirs Around Second Story Neighbors Question Location of Aptos Mental Health Facility; Supporters Stand Their Ground By Tom Honig & Patrice Edwards Neighbors of a mental health facility on Estates Drive in Aptos are up in arms about the continuing presence of the six-bed respite, which serves those suffering from mental health symptoms.

Known as Second Story Peer Respite, it had been operated under funding from a California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CFHHA) grant since 2010 by Encompass Community Services. ... continues on page 4

Aptos High Turns 50

Join Aptos High School and the Aptos community on Saturday, Nov. 2, when they come together to celebrate Aptos High’s 50th anniversary, the Golden Anniversary, 1969-2019. The Gala will be held at the Seascape Resort. Full Story page 6

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STOPPING

IS PART OF DRIVING. There’s a lot more to driving than just stepping on the gas. Like stopping, for instance. Without it, intersections would be chaos. Crashes would happen left and right. Pedestrians and bicyclists would be at great risk. That’s why stopping is such an important part of driving—it makes our streets safer for everyone. So when you encounter a stop sign, resist the “California stop.” Even if you don’t see anyone else around, be sure to brake completely. This gives you time to spy kids riding bikes on the sidewalk, or people hidden by foliage or parked cars who are about to step off the curb. And for safety’s sake, do not pass cars stopped at crosswalks. When you come to a stop sign, please fully stop and wait your turn. It’s the Street Smarts thing to do.

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No. 20

Volume 28

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16

21

Table of Contents

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Cover Debate Stirs Around Second Story: Neighbors Question Location of Aptos Mental Health Facility; Supporters Stand Their Ground, By Tom Honig & Patrice Edwards

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Community News SCC Tech Trek STEM Winners 2019 Aptos High Celebrates 50 Years • Aptos Community Halloween Parade: Thursday, Oct. 31 • Starts at 3 p.m. CAL FIRE Increases Staffing for Extreme Fire Danger Conditions • Truth Act Forum: Nov. 12 • Fire Safe Council Presents Wildfire “Home Hardening Events” Health Officials: Time to Get Your Flu Shots • Monarch Services Expresses Gratitude for Community Support at Reception October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month • Working Locally to Address Predatory Lending New Leaf Introduces Partner Fund Microloan Program Walking to Renew the Sacred: Amah Mutsun tribe led five-mile pilgrimage from San Juan Bautista to threatened Ceremonial Land Silver Circle Sizzles Again • Highway 1 Projects Public Meetings Inspiring Students to Continue Education: Monday, Oct. 28, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Watsonville High School • Feeling Good Therapy Center Offers Panel Discussions Sarah’s Story: Garden of Hope’s Santa Cruz Fashion Show — Sunday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m. Noel Smith: A Celebration of Life Aligning Our Why with Our How, By Ryan Colligan Aptos High Drama Presents ‘Singing in the Rain’, By Sydney Ghiglione • Weddings on Halloween City Honors Historic Chinatown: Santa Cruz to Name Pedestrian Bridge in Honor of Lost Neighborhoods • Capitola Village Halloween Parade! Pink Patch Project Returns: Watsonville Police Department Honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month • Red Cross Marks Loma Prieta 30 Year Anniversary by Urging Residents to Get Prepared Fire Evacuation Procedures Mountainfilm on Tour at the Rio • Reading at the Park: ‘Little Free Library’ Installed at Pinto Lake County Park Cabrillo Awarded $3M Title V Grant: Five-Year Commitment to Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Fund

7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 22 23 24 25 9

Local History Earthquake!: Comparing 1989 with 1906, By Kevin Newhouse

Open Studios 15 Last Chance! Open Studios 2019: All County October 19-20 Local Sports 21 Great Start for Aptos Girls Tennis Team • Aptos High School Scoreboard

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Your November Horoscope Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

26 27 30 31

Featured Columnists Annual Flowers For Cooler Weather, By Tony Tomeo Being a Pharmacist, By Ron Conte, Pharm.D. Highway 1 Update, By Supervisor Zach Friend Who Are Your ‘BEST’ Customers?, By Ron Kustek

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31– Maya: Living the Rabbit Life

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COVER STORY publisher Patrice Edwards editor Lori Landino contributing writers Camisa Composti, Tom Honig, Patrice Edwards, Ryan Colligan, Sydney Ghiglione, Kevin Newhouse, Tony Tomeo, Ron Conte, Zach Friend, Ron Kustek layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Ryan Wilson advertising sales Don Beaumont, Teri Huckobey, Ryan Wilson, Mark Pezzini office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, James Hudson

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Begonia Festival Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards. Entire contents ©2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Opinions/Letters: editorial@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment

“Second Story” from page 1 After some talk of discontinuing the grant funding, the residential facility was anonymously purchased in July of 2017 with the intention of continuing its operation. It currently serves up to six people on a temporary basis. Those who are placed there stay for no more than 13 days at a time, but are allowed to come back. The staff consists of peers — those who themselves have been challenged in the past by mental or emotional issues. A group of neighbors say that despite any success of the program, its location in the residential, family-oriented neighborhood is inappropriate, and that young children have felt uncomfortable with some of those staying at or visiting Second Story. “This is not a NIMBY (not in my backyard) issue,” said neighborhood spokesman Tony Crane. “Nor is it about the effectiveness of the program. Rather it’s a matter of Second Story not being in an appropriate location for such a facility.” Monica Martinez, Encompass Community Services CEO, disputes the accusations. “We are happy to report that there have been zero reportable events or emergency calls at Second Story over the last three months,” she said. “Of course, it is not uncommon for mental health programs to have neighborhood concerns that are derived from misconceptions about mental illness. Because of this, we are working with the Board of Supervisors to respond to neighborhood concerns as appropriate.” According to neighbor Dana Snyder, “We experience inappropriate behavior and incidents on a frequent basis: such as open drug and alcohol use in front of our children, urinating in public, indecent exposure, as well as the constant emergency service responses for reasons we will never know due to HIPAA laws. In addition, the location of this property lacks safety infrastructure, since this neighborhood has blind curves, no sidewalks and no streetlights, and is now a safety issue

for both the residents and the guests of 2nd Story.” Tony Crane questions Encompass’s role in the creation of Second Story, citing what he calls unethical and even illegal actions by those implementing the program. That accusation becomes difficult to sort out, because there are a number of players in the drama, and licensing issues are complex. The county noted that the State of California has removed its zoning authority on facilities such as this. As a result, the county believes it has no permitting authority or ability to put conditions on permits — as it would for standard housing or other commercial activities. County Supervisor Zach Friend explained, saying because health facilities like Second Story have been historically questioned by communities, state government has assumed the role of authorizing such a facility in order to overcome local pushback. “The state believes, fairly or unfairly, that no matter where you tried to locate this residence, there would be challenges to that location,” Friend said. “Increasingly, the state is taking over jurisdiction for uses like this.” How the program is financed also adds to the complexity. The home was originally purchased through the CFHHA grant. Once the county decided to return the grant, citing long-term financial concerns about the program and inability to meet the terms required as a result, an “angel donor” anonymously purchased the home to preserve the program in that location. “We made a commitment to the neighborhood that the program would be relocated as a result of returning the grant,” Friend explained. “While the County couldn’t have anticipated an angel donor purchasing the home, I think the neighborhood has a right to feel that commitment was broken.” Yet the program has more than its share of supporters. Mindful of neighbor ’s opposition, some whose family members have been helped by Second Story have written to the county stressing their support.

A group of neighbors say that despite any success of the program, its location in the residential, family-oriented neighborhood is inappropriate, and that young children have felt uncomfortable with some of those staying at or visiting Second Story.

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One letter, from Cathy and Don Pereyra of Aptos, praises the organization and the help it has given to a family member. “(We) have taken the time to read success stories … and it is all inspiring,” the letter says. It goes on to cite neighborhood concerns and dismiss them as “having no clue what it means to have a mental illness.” That is where neighbors cry foul. Further, neighbors say that the state, the county, the Encompass governance board and other supporters have been suspicious of them and have not reached out in any way to address concerns. Despite those concerns, neighbors don’t seem to have much chance of having the facility’s services curtailed. As Friend says, the state government has announced its intention to approve any project that extends housing services to those in need. “We know we have a drastic unmet mental health need within our community and we must significantly expand services to address that need,” he said. “The question here is whether another location — a larger one with better amenities for the clients being served — would suit everyone better?” Friend added: “I believe the answer is yes, and we can find a way to increase these services and reset in a location that can have the transparency and collaboration that would lead to more success.” n ••• Look for updates on this story in the future at www.tpgonlinedaily.com. Cover Photo: Neighborhood residents who live near Second Story Peer Respite gather in solidarity to protest its continued operation. • Photo Credit: Lori Landino


COMMUNITY NEWS

SCC Tech Trek STEM Winners 2019 T he Santa Cruz County Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) recently honored the 2019 Tech Trek STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Scholarship winners and new members at a luncheon at Seascape Resort. The winners, five 8th grade girls from Santa Cruz County schools competed for the scholarships to AAUW Tech Trek’s STEM camp at Stanford. They are Ashley Jacob, Aptos Jr, Charlotte Bakum, New Brighton Middle School, Daisy Mueller, San Lorenzo Charter Nature Academy, Nevaeh Karraker, Shoreline Middle School and Jazymn Cornejo, Lakeview Middle School Highlighting STEM successes, keynote speaker, Clare Markovits, Sr Director Product Management at Cisco Systems discussed facing the challenges of breaking through the glass ceilings that persist today. In her speech, Clare related to the need and impact of STEM through a professional woman’s career. AAUW Tech Trek Camps are offered each summer on college campuses throughout the country. The opportunity offered to 7th grade girls is wholly financed

THE

Speaker Clare Markovits and her Mother, Martha Mangan by individual AAUW Branches through fundraisers and member donations. AAUW works to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. Membership is open to anyone holding an associate (or equivalent, such as RN), bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited college or university. n ••• Access AAUW.org for more information or contact jeannejorgensen@hotmail.com for the Santa Cruz County Branch.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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Aptos High Celebrates 50 Years

oin Aptos High School and the Aptos community on Saturday, Nov. 2, when they come together to celebrate Aptos High’s 50th anniversary, the Golden Anniversary, 1969-2019. The Gala will be held at the Seascape Resort. The event, hosted by Paul Bailey and the Aptos Sports Foundation, will feature food, wine, a no-host bar, live music, free Golden Anniversary t-shirts, a DJ, several speakers, and much more. Doors open at 4:30 pm. Samantha Schacher, AHS class of 1998, an AllAmerican swimmer and the host and producer of the pop culture hit show “Pop Trigger,” will emcee the event. Live speakers include MLB player Carlos Torres (2000), Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University David Camarillo (1997), and Army Colonel Matt Rogers (1994).

A few videos will be aired, including Super Bowl winning quarterback Trent Dilfer (1990), strongman and star of the History Channel Robert Oberst (2003), Marine Major Alexis Gonzalez (1999), and the 2009 Jefferson Award winner Gina Castaneda (1993). Principal Peggy Pughe will be making a Special Presentation honoring local philanthropists Mark Holcomb and Marc Monte for their many, many years of generosity. There will be live music provided by retired science teacher and volleyball coach Mark Hull and The Big Bad Wolf, and Jojo “DJ OE” Pinpin (2003) will be the DJ. Attendees will also get to vote for the Top 10 AHS Athletic Accomplishments of the past 50 years by secret ballot. There will also be a display by the award-winning international champion AHS Robotics Team.

Alexis Gonzalez

Carlos Torres

David Camarillo

Gina Castaneda

Hunter Matys

Matt Rogers

Robert Oberst

Trent Dilfer

In addition, committees for every sport at AHS have worked diligently to select the Golden Anniversary Teams in each sport, the top athletes from each sport over the past 50 years, and the banners for each Golden Anniversary

Team will be unveiled at the Gala. Eventually, these banners will hang in the Aptos High gymnasium. For tickets, or more info, please go to www.AptosSportsFoundation.com. Go Mariners! n

Aptos Community Halloween Parade Thursday, Oct. 31 • Starts at 3 p.m.

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hildren of all ages are welcome at the first annual Aptos Community Halloween parade at the new Aptos Village Green (in front of New Leaf Aptos).

Parade around the Village Green in costume and visit local businesses. n ••• This event is hosted by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce.


COMMUNITY NEWS

CAL FIRE Increases Staffing for Extreme Fire Danger Conditions C

AL FIRE firefighters are staffing up and preparing for the forecasted extreme fire weather across California. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings and fire weather watches for areas of northern, central and southern California. This will likely be the strongest offshore wind event so far this season. “With some of the most destructive and deadliest fires occurring October through December, we need Californians to not be complacent. Wind driven fires move fast, and residents need to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice in the event of a wildfire,” said Chief Thom Porter, CAL FIRE director. “We have increased our staffing, but need the public to remain vigilant. It is important to follow evacuation orders and leave early as fires move very fast under these conditions.” This is the time to make sure your family has emergency supplies and an

evacuation plan. The tragic fires that occurred around this time last year should serve as a reminder for everyone to be ready for the unexpected. With extreme fire danger conditions, some areas are seeing electricity being turned off by their utility companies preemptively. CAL FIRE is not involved in the decision making of when and where the power is turned off, or when the power

will be turned back on when such conditions arise. The only time that CAL FIRE will request a power outage from a utility company is when there is an active wildfire around power lines that firefighters are fighting. The power shut-off request will only be for within the fire area and this is to provide for the safety of firefighters within that area. Comments, questions or concerns

about the current power outages should be directed toward your utility company. CAL FIRE urges everyone to exercise extreme caution when in or near the wildland or open areas to prevent sparking a fire. A few helpful reminders and safety tips include: • Don’t mow or trim dry grass on windy days • Never pull your vehicle over in dry grass • Target shoot only in approved areas, use lead ammunition only, and never at metal • Check and obey burn bans • Ensure campfires are allowed, and if so, be sure to extinguish them completely • Report any suspicious activities to prevent arson, see something — say something n ••• To learn how you can be prepared for wildfires and evacuation steps, visit ReadyFor Wildfire.org and preventwildfireca.org.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Truth Act Forum: Nov. 12 anta Cruz County residents are invited to a community forum about Truth Act. The forum is scheduled for November 12th, 2019 at 6 p.m. at the County Government Center Board Chambers, 701 Ocean St., and 5th floor, Santa Cruz. The 2016 Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds Act (TRUTH Act) requires law enforcement agencies hold community meetings sharing information and practices concerning interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency, including data on whether they have provided ICE access to any individual(s). Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and Probation Department will host the meeting. For more info: santacruzcounty.us ••• Fire Safe Council Presents Wildfire “Home Hardening Events” he Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County invites county residents and building professionals to attend any one of six free presentations being held Oct. 22 — Nov. 9 that are designed to provide education about how to make your home better able to withstand wildfires. Attendees will learn best practices to improve personal and structure safety, as well as “do and don’t” guidelines for the

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Wilder Associates Inc. critical five foot area immediately surrounding a home. The presentations are made possible through a partnership with CSAA Insurance Group. Dates and locations include: • Tues., Oct. 22: 2pm-4pm • Highland Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond • Tues., Oct. 22: 7pm-9pm • Santa Cruz Police Dept., Community Room, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz • Sat., Oct. 26: 10am-12pm • Watsonville Civic Center, Community Room, Watsonville • Wed., Oct. 30: 2pm-4pm • Aptos Grange, 255 Mar Vista Road, Aptos • Sat., Nov. 9: 2pm-4pm • Corralitos Women’s Club, 33 Browns Valley Road, Watsonville RSVPs are encouraged at www.firesafe santacruz.org/home-hardening-events-2019 Learn more at www.firesafesantacruz. org and www.facebook.com/firesafesantacruz county. n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Health Officials: Time to Get Your Flu Shots T he County of Santa Cruz Public Health urges everyone six months and older to get vaccinated early before the virus starts going around. The flu vaccine helps stop the spread of the flu and protects everyone’s health. The start of the flu season is unpredictable, and the vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective. Vaccines are available at doctors’ offices, and many pharmacies provide free and low-cost flu vaccinations to the public. “Flu shots are the best way to protect yourself, your family, and the community from becoming seriously ill with the flu,” said County Health Officer, Dr. Gail Newel. It is important to get the flu vaccine every year because flu strains change over time. Timely flu shots help prevent a disease that hospitalizes hundreds of thousands and kills tens of thousands of Americans every year. Last week, Santa Clara Public Health reported two flu deaths in people under 65 years old. “Vaccination not only reduces the risk of catching the flu, it also reduces the chance that you’ll be hospitalized,” said Chief of Public Health, Jennifer Herrera.

“Even if it is not a perfect match for all of this year’s flu strains, the flu vaccine will provide some protection and reduce your chances of needing to be hospitalized if you do get sick.” In most cases, people should not visit the emergency room for flu symptoms

but may call their healthcare provider. People who experience symptoms should stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever goes away. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.

Help stop the spread of germs by practicing good hand washing and health habits: • Limit your contact with others and stay home from work or school if you are ill • If you don’t have a tissue to cough or sneeze into, cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or arm • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based rub • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth Certain groups may experience complications from the flu and should contact their healthcare provider promptly if they develop flu symptoms. These groups include pregnant women, children younger than five years old, adults 65 and older, and people with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes. Healthcare providers can prescribe antiviral medications that reduce the severity and duration of illness. Anyone who is very sick should go to the emergency room for treatment. n ••• For more info: www.santacruzhealth.org

Monarch Services Expresses Gratitude for Community Support at Reception

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n Oct. 3, Monarch Services recognized community members that have gone above and beyond to support Monarch’s mission of “lives free of violence and abuse.” This year, Monarch Executive Directors Kalyne Foster-Renda and Laura Segura honored Santa Cruz County Bank and Angela Chesnut for their dedication to preventing violence and supporting sur-

vivors of trauma in the Santa Cruz County Community. For the past eight years, Santa Cruz County Bank has supported Monarch’s annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, which raises awareness of sexual and gender-based violence. Santa Cruz County Bank not only conducts fundraising outreach for this important community event, but also

Santa Cruz County Bank 8 / October 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

ensures to consistently raise awareness of the services Monarch provides. Santa Cruz County Bank’s willingness to educate community members on the impact of violence in the community demonstrates its commitment to Monarch’s mission. Monarch Services Board Member Angela Chesnut was recognized not only for her consistent commitment to Monarch’s values of creating a community free of violence, but also specifically for organizing an empowering community event called Women Who Rock Our World. Singlehandedly, Angela brought together the all-women’s rock band Ace of Cups and organized a powerful panel of trailblazing women in celebration of the strength of women, the steps made forward in creating equity and the work yet to be done. The work Monarch Services does would not be possible without the unwavering support of community members like Angela Chesnut and Santa Cruz County Bank. Providing survivors of violence with resources to cope with trauma and work toward healing is vital, but this mission takes a village to execute. Monarch is

Angela Chesnut

incredibly grateful for its donors, volunteers and community supporters. Monarch Services has a 40-year history in Santa Cruz County of providing advocacy and resources to community members affected by violence. Services include court accompaniments, restraining order assistance, counseling, emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, outreach, education and support groups. Monarch Services is the only rape crisis center in Santa Cruz County and includes an emergency response team. All services are available in Spanish and English and are free or low cost. n ••• For more info: www.monarchscc.org


LOCAL HISTORY

Earthquake!

Comparing 1989 with 1906

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duration in 1989 was approximately 15 seconds. In 1906, the shaking lasted nearly a full minute. Think about that. A full minute of shaking, 16 times more powerful than what was experienced in 1989. It’s almost too much to comprehend. There are a few similarities with the two events. Both occurred on the San Andreas Fault. Both resulted in massive property damage. And both resulted in a number of lives lost. However, it is the differences between the two that I find interesting. One big difference is the time of year when each earthquake hit. The 1906 earthquake took place on April 18th. The Santa Cruz Mountains had just gone through a particularly wet winter and the conditions for landslides were ideal. The hills were saturated and quite heavy. When the earth shook, the hills came down. In fact, all eleven people killed in Santa Cruz County died as a result of a landslide. At least nine of those men, who were employed by the Loma Prieta Lumber Company, were killed inside today’s Forest of Nisene Marks at Hinkley Gulch. The total number of lives lost throughout the Bay Area as a result of the 1906 quake (and the aftermath) has been reported as high as 3,000. In contrast, the 1989 earthquake took place on October 17th. The Santa Cruz Mountains were at the end of a dry summer and landslides were not a major cause of death or damage. Of the six lives

1989 Richter Scale

ctober 17, 1989 at 5:04pm is a moment that will be with me for the rest of my life. I was 10-years old and waiting for game 3 of the World Series to begin. My father had just come home from work when the earth began to shake. I was in a room upstairs by myself and instantly dove under a desk. I closed my eyes and waited for what seemed like forever for the shaking to stop. In reality it was only 15 seconds. Our house was a mess but was still standing. As we drove through Aptos, it became apparent that this quake was no joke. It felt like the entire town was outside in the streets … supporting each other … too afraid to be indoors and alone. Little did we know, the epicenter of the earthquake was just a couple miles up the road in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. It has been 30 years since that unforgettable event. Anyone who lived though it will tell you how powerful the shaking was. And yet, 83 years prior, an even larger earthquake struck the Bay Area and lasted much longer. The 1989 earthquake measured between 6.9 and 7.1 on the Richter Scale and the 1906 earthquake is estimated to measure between 7.9 and 8.3. To put it in perspective, the 1906 quake released 16-times more energy than in 1989. Not 16%. 16-times! Not only was the 1906 earthquake more powerful, it also lasted longer. The

By Kevin Newhouse

lost across Santa Cruz County, three were a result of collapsed buildings in downtown Santa Cruz. The total number of lives lost throughout the Bay Area has been reported at 63, which is much lower than the 1906 earthquake. Another big difference is the time of day that each earthquake hit. The 1906 earthquake began at 5:16am. Most people were still asleep and therefore inside their living quarters. If this quake had occurred later in the day, perhaps the men working at the sawmill at Hinkley Gulch would have been at work and away from their shelter that was buried in the landslide. The 1989 earthquake began at 5:04pm. Most people were awake and able to find shelter and protect themselves. And because there was World Series game starting, which featured both local Bay Area teams, many people had left work early to catch the start of the game and were actually on the road when the quake began. This perhaps

saved more lives in the Bay Area than we will ever know. The building codes in California today are meant to reduce the amount of destruction during an earthquake. Plus, our education about what to do and how to prepare for earthquakes is much better than it was in 1906. These reasons, in addition to the differences listed above, are why the 1989 earthquake was much less damaging than the one in 1906. However, living through the 1989 earthquake was an eye-opening reminder of how powerful Mother Nature can be and how vulnerable we are when cut off from the consumer staples we take for granted such as food, water, gas, and communication. And yet we forget so quickly as if we are in denial that it will ever happen again. Please use this date as an annual reminder to check your emergency supplies. Make sure you have a plan. Coordinate with your neighbors so that everyone and their pets will be safe, not if…but when the next big quake hits. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2019 / 9


COMMUNITY NEWS

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month D uring Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood or platelets to provide hope and healing to patients fighting cancer. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, and more than 268,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. In August 2016, Myel Bowers-Smith went to the doctor for what she thought was a breast infection for a mosquito bite after a vacation in Cancun. Instead, she received the devastating diagnosis — she had stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer, a very rare and aggressive breast carcinoma. Bowers-Smith, a U.S. Army veteran, was committed to fighting for her life. “Once I began fighting, I knew I had to remain strong,” she said. Her aggressive care plan included five different chemotherapy treatments and steroids. Like many patients with cancer, Bower-Smith needed multiple blood product transfusions. Cancer patients undergoing surgery and chemotherapy may require red blood cell or platelet transfusions. In fact, patients with cancer use more than half of all platelets collected by the Red Cross.

After months of grueling treatments, in August 2017, Bowers-Smith celebrated the news that her cancer was in remission. Today, she enjoys sharing her story and encouraging others to be a blessing by donating blood or platelets. “Eligible donors, you have something good – which is your blood. A pint of blood can help save lives.” Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, are needed to ensure a stable supply for cancer patients and others this fall. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. As a thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets during the month of October will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of five $500 gift cards redeemable at hundreds of merchants, courtesy of Tango Card. Terms apply; see rcblood.org/game. Watsonville 10/18/2019: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Pajaro Valley Health Trust Hall, 85 Nielson Street Santa Cruz 10/29/2019: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. ••• How to donate blood ownload the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license

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or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. Volunteers Needed nother way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation

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specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver. ••• The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. n For more info, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Working Locally to Address Predatory Lending

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ccording to a recent study by UCSC Blum Center and Santa Cruz Community Ventures (SCCV) the city of Watsonville has more than twice the number of predatory lenders than the city of Santa Cruz. “Our most vulnerable families are disproportionally exposed to abusive lending practices and targeted for poor financial products,” said Maria Cadenas, executive

director of SCCV. “Low-income families are paying sometimes up to 400% interest rates.” The issue of abusive lending and financial practices has garnered attention at the state level. Recently, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill to prevent debt collection agencies from emptying out a consumer’s bank account and leaving people without any funds to cover day-to-day expenses.

10 / October 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Under the Enforcement of Money Judgments bill (SB 616), debt collectors must leave $1,724 in a bank account. Newsom is also expected to sign the Fair Access to Credit Act (AB 539) by October 13, 2019. This bill limits the rate of interest that may be imposed on loans of $2,500 – $10,000 to 36%. “Predatory Lending” page 16


COMMUNITY NEWS

New Leaf Introduces Partner Fund Microloan Program N eighborhood Grocer Offers Lowinterest Loans and Mentorship for Local, Small and Underserved Independent Food Producers Organic and natural grocer New Leaf Community Markets today introduced the New Leaf Partner Fund, a microloan program created to support a diverse regional food economy through lowinterest jump-start loans and business mentorship. As a mission-based loan program, the Partner Fund prioritizes underrepresented food entrepreneurs who historically face barriers to capital, such as small independent businesses owned by women, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQIA and social mission-based companies. “The New Leaf Partner Fund was inspired by our customers and staff who share our mission to nourish and sustain the local producers and farmers in our community,” said Forrest Gonsiewski, vice president of New Leaf Community Markets. “By creating a low-interest loan program that allows everyone equal access to capital, we can use our business as a force for positive change and help local entrepreneurs grow their business.” The Partner Fund is available for independent food producers who have been in business a minimum of two years, with

As a mission-based loan program, the Partner Fund prioritizes underrepresented food entrepreneurs who historically face barriers to capital, such as small independent businesses owned by women, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQIA and social mission-based companies.

fewer than 25 employees, and are seeking financing to fund new business growth, such as purchasing equipment to expand production, introduce a new product to market, or develop marketing materials. Loans start at $5,000 to $25,000, and are routinely granted four times each year. In addition to capital, Partner Fund loans come with an array of business support and mentorship options to ensure loan recipients are setup for long-term growth and success. Loan recipients will be connected with a community business resources and New Leaf staff to assist with anything from packaging and transportation needs to balance sheets and marketing support. n ••• Learn more about the New Lead Partner Fund and apply now at www.newleaf.com/ partnerfund.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2019 / 11


COMMUNITY NEWS

Walking to Renew the Sacred

Amah Mutsun tribe led five-mile pilgrimage from San Juan Bautista to threatened Ceremonial Land

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n September, four hundred people gathered in the quiet town of San Juan Bautista, in support of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band’s efforts to protect their sacred grounds from proposed sand and gravel mining operation. Led by a group of about 100 Amah Mutsun tribal members, a procession stretching for multiple city blocks passed through downtown San Juan Bautista and continued for five miles to the boundary of the threatened land. “I get angry, sad and tired, that we have to keep fighting for who we are. But if we have to fight, I’m glad that we are here, fighting together,” said tribal member Veronica Martinez, who hosted the opening gathering of the walk. “I’m glad that we are doing this as one, not just as Amah Mutsun, but with neighboring tribes, and our many allies.” Tribal leaders and special guests offered prayers and impassioned speeches to the crowd assembled in San Juan Bautista Plaza Square, prior to the commencement of the walk. Amah Mutsun Chairman Valentin Lopez expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming show of public support.

“Creator never rescinded our obligation to take care of Mother Earth. That is our responsibility today, and the Amah Mutsun are going to fulfill that responsibility,” Lopez said. “We ask the public to join us, and that’s why today is such a beautiful, beautiful day— you’re here to stand with us.” Tribal leaders from other California indigenous nations, including Louise Ramirez of the Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation, Wounded Knee DeOcampo of the Tuolumne Miwok tribe and Caroline Ward of the Fernandeño Tataviam tribe spoke in solidarity with Amah Mutsun tribe’s efforts to protect Juristac. “We need you to continue to stand up, to step up, and to respect the history of all of our people that goes back thousands of years,” said Louise Ramirez. “Stand tall, and continue. Remember, there are many

12 / October 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

threatened sacred sites, and we can all, together, take care of them.” Just before the walk departed from the Plaza Square, a group of Amah Mutsun tribal youth took the stage to offer words of inspiration. “Today is so powerful because we are finally coming home,” 16-year old Roxanne Gaona said. “As youth it is our responsibility to make sure Juristac is protected. Our dream is to one day bring our own children here for the Big Head ceremony, as our ancestors did before us for thousands of years and hundreds of generations.” With elders of the tribe in the lead, holding prayer staffs, flags, and banners, the crowd poured out onto 2nd St in downtown San Juan Bautista. Mutsun songs reverberated across the downtown streets and a spirit of reverence and purposefulness prevailed among the walkers.

Ketchum explained that Juristac was a “power area,” where ceremonies were held, medicines were gathered, and the tribe’s doctors (shamans) resided. He also explained that after Mission San Juan Bautista was secularized in 1835, many tribal members re-established residency along the Pajaro River in the vicinity of Juristac, on lands which the Mexican government promised to the Indians— only to be driven off the land years later, when American settlers claimed title to Rancho Juristac. “What happened today is historic. When have the people of this area ever stood, and walked beside the indigenous people of this area?” Chairman Valentin Lopez declared. “Today shows that the times are changing and people are ready for healing.” n ••• For more info: https://amahmutsun.org


COMMUNITY NEWS

Silver Circle Sizzles Again T he Watsonville Community Hospital has been sold to three gentlemen, CEO Sean Fowler, Dan Brothman and Ed King. The public is invited to attend a potluck luncheon Thursday, October 24th at noon. The luncheon and talk will be held in the Redwood Room at the hospital. This event will feature good food and lively conversation. It’s your chance to ask the new owners questions. If you’re not into potlucks, come by at 12:30 and have a cup of coffee or tea and join the conversation. Another Silver Circle event coming up is a book signing with refreshments in the Redwood Room, Wednesday, November 6th at 11:00 am. Local author, Joyce Oroz, will be signing her latest books in the Josephine Stuart Mystery Series, plus her latest Children’s books and two nonfiction titles. Her newest mystery, “Dead On A Rifle” is set in the colorful and historic town of Aptos. Strange things are happening on Trout Gulch Road and Josephine is on it! This is a wonderful chance to ask Ms. Oroz questions and meet new people. Silver Circle hosts classes and events throughout the year. The participants thrive on exercise and activities such as; yoga, chair yoga, art class, Stretch & Qigong, Rosen Movement, book club, Christmas party, Craft Sales and the Lunch Club at the California Grill.

The secret to a full and happy life is staying active, and Watsonville’s Silver Circle members know where to go for fun and exercise. Their happy feet take them to the Redwood Room at Watsonville Community Hospital located on Airport Blvd. Seniors attend classes that suit their own personal needs, held in a positive and relaxed atmosphere. It’s where men and women work to grow stronger, learn how to relax, and meet new friends. The very popular Silver Circle Chair Yoga class has run non-stop for

over nineteen years. Sonia Westphal has worked in the fitness field for over thirty years and instructs her students to go at their own pace. Many people join because of a need to rehabilitate some part of their body such as a new knee or hip. The classes start at 9:30 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday in the Redwood Room. Sonia’s class is a great workout lasting one

hour and fifteen minutes and only costs $2.00. And you only pay for the classes you actually attend. • Sonia is a certified TriYoga instructor. Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:00 to 9:00 am and again at 5:00 to 6:00 pm, she teaches TriYoga Fundamentals which include relaxation-in-action, wave-like spinal movements and economy of motion. • Tuesday morning’s 9:30 to 10:30 Marged McNeely leads a gentle Stretch Exercise class that includes Qigong (similar to Tai Chi) plus foot reflexology and health tips. $2.00 per class. • Thursday mornings 9:30 to 10:30 Gael Roziere teaches the gentle Rosen Movement class. Another fun way to get your blood moving while improving alignment, flexibility, balance and strength. $5.00 per class. Looking for other interesting classes? How about a watercolor class on Fridays? Silver Circle also offers an extensive free library to members. Join up today! n ••• For more info: Marged, 831-722-0929 or Sonia, keson1@comcast. net

Highway 1 Projects Public Meetings

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he Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission and Caltrans will hold public meetings to solicit community input on two Highway 1 projects that are under development – the Chanticleer Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing Project and the Highway 1 Bay-Porter/State Park Auxiliary Lanes Project. The First meeting will focus on the Chanticleer Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing – a part of the Highway 1 41st/ Soquel Auxiliary Lanes Project. The final design and right-of-way phases are underway for this project, which includes construction of northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes, and a new bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing at Chanticleer Avenue. The community meeting for this project will be held for the public to review and provide feedback on the aesthetic treatments of the new overcrossing. The second meeting will focus on the Highway 1 Bay-Porter/State Park

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Auxiliary Lanes Project, which proposes to construct northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes between the Bay Street/Porter Avenue to Park Avenue, and Park Avenue to State Park Drive interchanges. In addition, the project would include retaining walls near the Bay Avenue / Porter Street interchange, replacement of Capitola Avenue overcrossing, and placement of sound walls along the corridor as needed. Bus on Shoulder (BOS) operations would be accommodated through the interchanges by reconstructing or widening shoulders where shoulders are not currently wide enough for bus operation. “Highway 1” page 16

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2019 / 13


COMMUNITY NEWS

Inspiring Students to Continue Education

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C Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia K. Larive will address hundreds of students at Watsonville High School to deliver the message that an education at the University of California is attainable as part of an annual Achieve UC outreach effort. “As a first-generation college student, I experienced firsthand the capacity of higher education institutions — and that of UC in particular – to level the playing field for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds, and to positively transform their lives and their futures,” Larive said. This is a collaborative event involving the UC Santa Cruz Educational Partnership Center, the Early Academic Outreach Program, Watsonville High School, and PVUSD. Larive will speak to approximately 500 Watsonville High School students and some parents on Monday, Oct. 28. Achieve UC will feature a welcome reception, assembly and college fair. College representatives will be on hand to talk to students

Monday, Oct. 28, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. • Watsonville High School

UCSC Chancellor Cynthia K. Larive

about applying to college, the availability of scholarships, and financial aid. “We believe at Pajaro Valley Unified School District that all students should graduate from our schools prepared for college or career,” Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez said. “We are making significant

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progress towards that goal. Achieve UC is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about the University of California system. PVUSD students will hear from experts about acceptance requirements, financial aid options and the benefits of attending a UC.” The University of California has one of the most comprehensive financial aid programs

in the nation with 58 percent of California students receiving enough aid to completely cover their tuition and fees, and 75 percent paying less than the standard sticker price. Students often are unaware of the range of resources available to make college affordable for all Californians. UC’s Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, for instance, covers the full cost of tuition for students whose families earn $80,000 a year or less. More than half of UC undergraduates who are California residents pay no tuition thanks to the Blue and Gold Plan and other grants and scholarships. Students are often surprised to learn how many from their school that apply to UC get in—2 out of every 3 California students that apply to UC are admitted. Initiatives like Achieve UC are helping to broadcast this message statewide, with the aim of encouraging more students to pursue their postsecondary dreams, goals, and aspirations. n ••• Watsonville High School, 250 East Beach St., Watsonville, CA 95076. Visit www.pvusd.net for more information.

Feeling Good Therapy Center Offers Panel Discussions

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eeling Good Therapy Center seeks to give the community the opportunity to ask the questions that will help them meet their general mental health information needs. For example: handling dinner time/homework load on a school night with their 11-year-old, or getting tips on the weight felt about caring for aging parents. The goal is to offer free information and psycho-education to the public at this free event on November 14 at the Aptos Branch and December 12 at the downtown branch. Feeling Good Therapy and Training Center is a new addition to the community of Santa Cruz and surrounding areas, offering therapy and support to families and individuals. Our clinicians bring a wide range of expertise including treatments for trauma, eating disorders, PTSD and OCD, parenting struggles, veteran’s issues, and aging-related conditions. Services related to women’s health, chronic health conditions, and chronic pain, as well as a specific program tailored to families adjusting to post-divorce or transitioning to divorce, are offered as well.

FGTTC Team (from left): Dr. G. Katie Dashtban, Psy.D. Co-Founder of Feeling Good Therapy and Training Center; Gail Wylde, LCSW; and Marla Steckwren, LCSW. The particular modality used at FGTTC is called TEAM-CBT, which is based on advanced techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is modeled off of the work of world-renowned Dr. David Burns, M.D. at Stanford. TEAM-CBT offers short term and results-oriented treatments for a majority of mood and anxiety issues. n ••• For more info: www.santacruzpl.org


COMMUNITY NEWS

Sarah’s Story

Garden of Hope’s Santa Cruz Fashion Show • Sunday, Nov. 3 • 11 a.m.

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he idea that young people get cancer boggles the mind! And yet there are millions who have this dreaded disease before their young lives have barely begun. One such young woman is Sarah, now age 36, who had some rough times in her 20s and confessed that she did not think much about things like healthy eating and stress reduction during those years. Then, at age 31, she decided to “clean up her act” and became committed to a heathy lifestyle. She pursued this plan for 8 short months when suddenly she developed unusual symptoms. Doctors’ diagnoses were not helpful and she was not referred for mammography. Why? She was too young!

As her symptoms became worse, she sought help from a different set of medical professionals and was finally given a mammogram. Yes, indeed, this young woman — by then age 32 — had Stage 2 breast cancer! Her life was upended, she moved back to California, where her parents were able to help her through a long, arduous treatment protocol — surgery, chemotherapy, and reconstructive surgery. She

was grateful that most of it went smoothly. After recovering from all of this, Sarah returned to college and is pursuing a degree in chemistry. She continues to be committed to healthy eating, exercise and a positive attitude. She believes this diagnosis has changed her life, her view of her future, and her motivation to live every day to the fullest. Sarah volunteered to be a model for

the Garden of Hope Fashion Show, the American Cancer Society’s Fall Fundraiser, where she was oohed and awed as she showed off the beautiful fashions. This year Sarah will be behind the scenes, helping in whatever ways she can. If you would like to show your support for cancer survivors, please join the American Cancer Society’s Fashion Show. It takes place Sunday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m. at the Seascape Beach Resort. There will be a silent auction, a fabulous lunch, and a fashion show. You will be inspired by the awesome courage shown by these survivors! n ••• For information, please contact Nancy Valdez at (831) 772-6532, or visit https:// tinyurl.com/y3zmt6my.

OPEN STUDIOS

Last Chance! Open Studios 2019: All County October 19-20

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cross the county, most artists will open again for the final weekend. The Open Studios Art Tour is your opportunity to explore creativity in Santa Cruz County. It’s a free self-guided tour, produced

Cindy Kerwin Mori’s art (#33)

by Arts Council of SCC that invites the public into more than 300 artist studios. “It takes a lot of planning and nerve on the part of our participating artists and it’s a joy to see it pay off with art sales and new relationships formed, old friends reunited, and neighbors getting to know each other,” said Ann Ostermann, Open Studios Director for Arts Council. There are seasoned artists who’ve participated since 1986, talented newcomers, and makers and creators of all kinds. Neighbors, friends, collectors and art lovers are invited to meet the artists, see their creative process up close, and buy art directly from the source. There are many ways to plan your tour and they’re all FREE! Whether this is your first Open Studios or you’ve been attending for years, here are a few easy strategies for finding your way: 1) Pick up a FREE a​r tist guide a​t Good Times drop off points throughout the County. Find artists in your neighborhood, by medium, or simply browse through the guide and find artwork that captures your eye. If you can’t find a guide out in the wild, stop by the Arts Council offices at 1070 River Street in Santa Cruz during open hours — we’ll have a stack here throughout October. (831) 475-9600.

2) Download the​FREE app​– via iTunes & Google Play (search for “Open Studios Art Tour”). You can mark favorite artists in the app, map their location, and then build a tour around that. 3) Follow the g ​ reen signs.​During Open Studios weekends you’ll see lime green signs with artist names and arrows all over the county. Please

consider every Open Studios sign as your own personal invitation. Follow the signs and enter a studio. Visit one or 100! ​No one is keeping score. Spend a day or just a few minutes. Open Studios is a self-guided, free tour. Cater it to your style and mood. n ••• For more info: bit.ly/openstudios-2019pr or artscouncilsc.org

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2019 / 15


COMMUNITY NEWS

Noel Smith:

A Celebration of Life

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memorial service celebrating the life of Noel Smith will be held on Sunday, October 20, at Twin Lakes Church. The service will begin at 2 p.m., followed by a reception. For 14 years, Noel was the editor here at Times Publishing Group, Inc., responsible for the content published in our three news publications: Scotts Valley Times, Aptos Times, Capitola Soquel Times, along with our many local business-focused magazines and community event guides. Noel, along with his wife Marsha, were very involved in the local community, attending many of the local festivals and promoting education and the arts. He has been recognized locally and by the state of California for his contributions to the community. As Editor for our publications, he was committed to the communities he served, providing information and news that helped so many non-profits, artists, entertainers, school news and sports, local events and so much more. Noel contributed to the things that make our community great, helping them to thrive and grow through awareness and education. n ••• here is still an empty chair here at TPG, Inc. Every staff member loved Noel for

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The meeting will be held to introduce the project and its purpose and need, and solicit public comment on the Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report, which is the first step in the environmental review process under the California Environmental Quality Act. Community members are encouraged to attend both meetings and provide valuable feedback to the RTC and Caltrans on these important regional transportation projects along the Highway 1 corridor. n

“Predatory Lending” from page 10

Conveniently located off Highway 1 and just outside Aptos Village, the Aptos Village Square hosts a number of local Aptos businesses. 16 / October 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Both bills are a step in the right direction. At the local level, cities such as Gilroy and San Jose have adopted strategies to protect their residents. To explore what could be done in Watsonville, a community conversation is being planned to discuss the issue on October 15, 2019 at 9am at the

his goodness and his kindness to all of us. He was a leader and father figure in our office. We will miss his great sense of humor and his will to do so much good with his life by always helping others — he will be mourned and remembered by so many. “Noel loved God and was a dedicated Christian, and I know he is at peace with our lord and was welcomed by angels in heaven. We love you Noel and will miss you dearly.” — Patrice Edwards, Publisher/Owner, Times Publishing Group, Inc.

••• Chanticleer Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing Aesthetic Treatments Meeting Oct. 22, 6-8 p.m. Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave., Santa Cruz Highway 1 Bay-Porter/State Park Auxiliary Lanes Project Scoping Meeting Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m. Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, 7807 Soquel Dr., Aptos ••• For more info on these projects, visit https://sccrtc.org/projects/streets-highways/ hwy1corridor/.

Watsonville Civic Plaza Community Room with support of the City of Watsonville. The event is free and open to the public. Since 1989, Santa Cruz Community Ventures has worked to create compassionate and equitable local economies that contribute the community’s wellbeing. This includes financial capability, asset building, and advocacy efforts. n Learn more at www.SCCVonline.org.


COMMUNITY NEWS

Aligning Our Why with Our How I

By Ryan Colligan

t’s not enough for businesses to be focused simply on doing business. Your values and what you represent are even more important than what you do. Connecting our company why with how it can be used to serve our community in an impactful way is something that we think about a lot. Safe at Home Senior Care is a non-medical provider of in-home care services for the elderly in Santa Cruz County. Our why has always been about helping people. Steve Glenn, our founder, started Safe at Home in 2006 after witnessing his aunt being forced to move out of the comfort of her home because of her inability to live independently. It was devastating for Steve to not only see his aunt forced to leave Ryan Colligan the home she had lived in her entire adult life but also see her health deteriorate immediately following the move. We opened our doors shortly after that incident with a mission to provide quality, compassionate, in-home care services to seniors enabling them to remain safe and independent in their own homes for as long as possible. On Saturday, September 21st we had the opportunity to participate in the 25th annual Walk to End Alzheimer ’s.

This event was one that aligned perfectly with our values. Every day we see the devastating impact Alzheimer ’s disease has on our clients. The scary thing is that the problem

is only getting worse. According to the Alzheimer ’s Association, nearly 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer ’s disease, by 2050 that figure is expected more than double to 14 million. We wanted to play an active role in contributing to fundraising for research and increased awareness that can one day lead to a cure. I am proud to say that we raised over $6,500 for Alzheimer ’s research through a total team effort. Our dedicated team of caregiving staff, schedulers, bookkeeper, human resource manager, client care coordinators and community sponsors were fully committed to fundraising for such a worthy cause. What was even more impressive was the overwhelming support we received from the community. On race day, over thirty clients, staff and community partners came out to join and support us for the 5k walk along the beautiful shoreline of seascape beach. After the walk, Pizza my Heart, one of our corporate sponsors, hosted us at their 41st avenue location for an afternoon pizza party. There, we quickly gained back the calories we

had just burned off, shared some great laughs and recognized the contributions of several outstanding employees including those of our Care Provider of the Quarter, the amazing Irialdis Jimenez Rodriguez. Caregivers like Irialdis, who are dedicated to serving individuals in need in our community, are the reason we are able to positively impact the lives of so many people. Recognizing and celebrating our outstanding caregivers and staff is a big part of who we are. Reflecting back on our success with the Walk to End Alzheimer ’s, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise at all. Our employees, who are the true heart and soul of our company, are people that truly care about helping others. Collectively, that is our why. The Alzheimer’s walk on Sept. 21st was one of our hows. Aligning our why with our how resulted in a powerful combination that not only helped us serve our community in an impactful way, it made us even stronger as a team. n ••• For more info: https://safeathomeseniorcare. com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2019 / 17


COMMUNITY NEWS

Aptos High Drama Presents ‘Singing in the Rain’

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By Sydney Ghiglione

tarting November 1st, Aptos High School fall production will be the classic musical Singing in the Rain, directed by Drama Teacher Stacy Aronovici. The classic story is set in 1927 Hollywood, following famous silent film star Don Lockwood as he goes through the transition from silent to talking films at entertainment company Monumental Pictures. Along the way to stardom, Don finds unexpected love with Kathy

Seldon, an aspiring Hollywood actress. Together they overcome the challenges with putting together a talking production, which is mainly Don’s unattractive sounding acting partner, Lina Lamont. “It really is a fun and energetic show. Everyone has been working so hard to make this production the best thing it can be. It is amazing to be a part of it,” said Mikaela Murray. This is a heartwarming production

Zelda Zanders (Sofia McCord, 11) and Lina Lamont (Emily Landry, 11) Salt water instrusion is destroying agricultural land along the coast. I’ve experienced it in my field where we grew heather for many years. The well that provided irrigation water became contminated and the field is no longer suitable for farming. It is not too soon to address the problem and to begin protecting valuable farm lands. Pete Cartwright Long term resident of La Selva Beach

18 / October 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Photo Credit: Kelly McCord

full of wonderful music; quick oneliners and fascinating characters propel the story along that has been beloved by many for over 50 years. Singing in the Rain features the stately, adored silent film actor Don Lockwood (Calvin Nigh, 12), his arrogant, loud mouthed acting partner Lina Lamont (Emily Landry, 11), the witty, comedic friend, Cosmo Brown (Bridger Alaga, 10) and Don’s unexpected love, the strong minded, aspirant, Kathy Seldon (Parise Zeleny, 12). This musical also features the success-driven, head of Monumental Pictures, R.F. Simpson (August Jonker, 10), and the hotheaded director of all the Lockwood-Lamont pictures, Roscoe Dexter (Evan Reade, 12). “As a tap dancing/theater kid, this is my dream role. I absolutely love getting to work with this cast and crew and choreograph the show,” said actress Parise Zeleny. There will be four evening performances on November 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 9th at 7pm and two matinee performances on November 3rd at 12pm and 10th at 2pm. Admission is $10 for general admission and $7 for students and seniors. Actor Calvin Nigh added, “Working with these talented people has been a humbling and fulfilling experience, and I’m glad I have gotten to sing and dance with them.” n ••• For more info: https://www.aptoshs.net/

Photo Credit: Kelly McCord

ABOVE: Don Lockwood (Calvin Nigh, 12) and Cosmo Brown (Bridger Alaga, 10) BELOW: Don Lockwood (Calvin Nigh, 12) and Kathy Seldon (Parise Zeleny, 12)

Weddings on Halloween

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ou may believe you are marrying a prince or a princess, but the person officiating will be dressed as one this Halloween. The Santa Cruz County Clerk’s commissioners of civil marriage will dress up as princes and princesses for weddings they will perform on Thursday, October 31. The office normally schedules three wedding ceremonies each weekday, but for Halloween they are offering 11 time slots from 10am to 3pm. “Halloween is a popular day for weddings,” County Clerk Gail Pellerin said. “So, we thought we would get in the spirit, dress up, and make it a fun day for our couples.” Pellerin said that in past years, couples

and their guests have dressed in costume for their Halloween wedding. This is the first year the officiants have decided to get dressed up as well. There will be apple cider, chocolate treats, and Halloween decorations to make it a memorial-wedding day for the couples. “Scary Weddings” page 25


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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2019 / 19


OCTOBER 2019

Aptos Real Estate Update

Ruth Bates 831.359.2212

ruth@serenogroup.com CalBRE # 01799929

PROP 60 Transfer Your Tax Basis Prop 60 allows qualified taxpayers to transfer the current assessed value of their original residence to a qualified replacement property. Transfer Property must be eligible for the Homeowners Exemption, so it has to be your primary residence. Replacement property must be of equal or lesser value in Santa Cruz County, and must be purchased or constructed within two years from sale of original property. Claim must be filed within three years. Manufactured homes/mobile homes where you own a portion of the land (co-ops, resident-owned parks), do qualify for Prop 60. EXAMPLE You own a two-story 2600 Sq. Ft. Home in Rio Del Mar that you bought in 1998, 21 years ago, for $300,000. Your kids are grown, the stairs are increasingly harder to climb; it is time to downsize. You are on a fixed income, so how can you stay in your beloved Aptos/Santa Cruz County on your current budget? Your home is now worth $1.2 million, but the Assessed Value of your home is now just $400,000 (thanks to Prop 13 passed in California in 1978). Your annual Property Taxes currently are $4,800/ year. You can sell your home for $1.2M and take your $250,000 for a single person or $500,000 for married couple capital exemption and then transfer your current assessed tax basis to your almost-brand new-2017 model, single-level manufactured home at 41 Knollwood in Aptos Knolls 55+ Co-op Park, listed for $625,000 and featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1392 Sq.Ft. in a 75-home community with pool, clubhouse, walking paths, and easy stroll to the new Aptos Village. You will own this fabulous single-level home free-and-clear and pay the same tax basis as before ••• 41 Knollwood – 3 bed, 2 bath, 1392 Sq. Ft. OPEN HOUSE — Saturday, 10/19 1:00-4:00 COME ON BY AND SAY “HI” COME ON BY AND … BUY! Prop 60 works! Call me, email me, text me today for a FREE CMA (Market Value Analysis) on your current property.

COMMUNITY NEWS

City Honors Historic Chinatown

Santa Cruz to Name Pedestrian Bridge in Honor of Lost Neighborhoods

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hile the contributions of Chinese immigrants have shaped the historical, economic and social development of California and the Monterey Bay region, few monuments or memorials help us remember that story. Too many residents have forgotten or never knew this important history. The last of multiple Chinatowns in Santa Cruz, wiped out forever during the December 1955 flood, was located near the river where the Galleria currently stands. Santa Cruzan’s refer to the pedestrian bridge spanning the river where the city’s final Chinatown once stood as the bridge across from the Trader Joe’s parking lot. It lacked a name, failing to honor the important history of its location. That’s all about to change. On October 8, Santa Cruz City Council voted unanimously to approve the renaming of the pedestrian bridge that crosses the San Lorenzo River where this final Chinatown once stood as the “Chinatown Bridge.” Along with the re-naming, the Council approved the installation of a new public art piece, consisting of a non-traditional Chinese-style gate with a mosaic-tiled

water dragon, to be constructed at the west end of the bridge spanning the river where this last Chinatown stood. The art piece will beautify the Santa Cruz Riverwalk, draw attention to the renamed bridge and educate and inspire passers-by with the story of Santa Cruz’s diverse history. The project is led by the Coastal Watershed Council (CWC), who views the re-naming and the public art piece as a key step in the physical transformation of the lower San Lorenzo River and Santa Cruz Riverwalk into a vibrant community space where Santa Cruzan’s can connect to the city’s cultural and natural resources. CWC is working with local artists Kathleen Crocetti and Tom Ralston and Santa Cruz philanthropist George Ow, Jr., to develop the public art to commemorate Chinatown. Kathleen Crocetti’s mosaics can be seen adorning the Santa Cruz Riverwalk, from the large-scale river depictions at the Tannery Arts Center to the studentinstalled mosaics along the Riverwalk path, among other places in town. Tom Ralston created a 17-foot Chinese memorial gate, installed at Evergreen Cemetery in 2014 to honor Santa Cruz’s early Chinese immigrants–fishermen, railroad workers, servants and farm laborers. The gate, like the Chinatown Bridge public art piece, was supported by former Chinatown resident George Ow Jr. Mr. Ow lived in the Chinatown along the San Lorenzo River as a young boy. George and the entire Ow family are a link to this history and have kept this history alive by supporting this project highlighting, honoring and chronicling local Chinatowns. They also supported prior works by authors, photographers and historians

Capitola Village Halloween Parade!

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n October 27, Ghosts, goblins, boys and ghouls ... join us for the annual Capitola Village Halloween Parade! Line up begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Beach & Village Parking Lot above Capitola City

1 5 PA R A D E S T. U N I T 1 , A P TO S Paid Advertising

20 / October 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Hall. The parade begins promptly at 2 p.m. It will head down Capitola Avenue, wind through Capitola Village to the Esplanade ending at Esplanade Park, where trick-ortreat bags, balloons, and refreshments will be waiting. New Leaf Community Market will be there with treats! Trick-or-treating through the Capitola Village shops following parade. n ••• For more information: capitolachamber. com (831) 475-6522

A historic image of the last Santa Cruz Chinatown

to document and share the story of Chinatown through several books on Santa Cruz and regional Chinese history. ••• The Coastal Watershed Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was formed in 1995 in response to the declining health of watersheds connected to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. CWC’s mission is to preserve and protect coastal watersheds through community stewardship, education and monitoring. Over the past 24 years, CWC has trained thousands of volunteers and educated thousands of students to monitor water quality, enhance habitat and preserve and protect the natural resources along California’s Central Coast. Today, CWC uses this expertise to help to empower youth and adults to revitalize the San Lorenzo River. n ••• CWC invites the community to get involved today by calling (831) 464-9200 or visiting the CWC website at www.coastalwatershed.org.


LOCAL SPORTS

Great Start for Aptos Girls Tennis Team T he Aptos High School Varsity Girls Tennis Team, lead by coach Linda Hitchcock, has reached the half-way point of the season undefeated in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League. “The tennis team is a place where we can be competitive, show off our athletic ability and where we can make friends and

have fun,” said team captains Molly Mott and Francesca Goyotte. The team is also very excited that the tennis courts are being resurfaced at the high school with funding from the AHS Girls Tennis Team, The Sports Foundation, PVUSD and USTA. n ••• For more info: https://www.aptoshs.net/

GARDEN OF HOPE PRESENTS AN AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY EVENT

November 3, 2019

SEASCAPE BEACH RESORT, APTOS 10:30am No Host Bar & Silent Auction 12:30pm Luncheon & Fashion Show For more information contact Nancy Valdez:

831.772.6524 nancy.valdez@cancer.org www.acsgardenofhpe.org

Vaidehi Campbell Williams

Aptos High School Scoreboard Football

Season Record: 4-3-0 (League: 3-1-0) Coach: Randy Blankenship Fri Sep 27 at Hollister L 14-22 Sat Oct 5 at Carmel W 35-34 Fri Oct 11 vs Everett Alvarez W 28-7

Girls Tennis

Season Record: 8-2 (League: 6-0) Coach: Linda Hitchcock Fri Sep 27 vs Davis Senior L 2-5 Tue Oct 1 at Santa Cruz W 6-1 Tue Oct 8 vs Harbor W 7-0 Tue Oct 15 vs SLV W 7-0

Water Polo

Boys Season Record: 2-4 (League: 1-2) Coach: Cody Gilbert Mountain View Spartan Tournament Fri Sep 20 vs Mountain View L 11-15 Sat Sep 21 vs Pioneer Valley (Santa Maria) W 13-2 Sat Sep 21 vs Wilcox (Santa Clara) L 5-10 Tue Sep 24 at Harbor W (no score) Thu Sep 26 vs Soquel L 2-15 Tue Oct 1 at Santa Cruz L 3-14

Girls’ Volleyball

Girls Season Record: 2-3* (League 2-3*) Coach: Cody Gilbert

Thu Sep 26 vs Santa Cruz W 3-1 Tue Oct 1 at Harbor L 1-3 Thu Oct 3 vs Soquel W 3-2 Tue Oct 8 at SLV *

Tue Sep 24 vs Harbor W 11-7 Thu Sep 26 vs Soquel L 2-18 Tue Oct 1 at Santa Cruz L 7-9 Thu Oct 3 vs SLV W 14-4 Thr Oct 10 vs Harbor * Tue Oct 15 at Soquel L 1-20 n

Season Record: 10-7-0 (League: 6-2-0*) Coach: Lake Merchen

wat e r

h a rv e s t f e s t i va l f u n d ay y l i m a f r ee f

Sunday, October 20th • 11 – 3 pm Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel (Blue Ball Park)

hands-on discovery activities about water arts, crafts, Face Painting & More! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

First Carmel Padre Invitational Sat Oct 12 vs Salinas L 0-2 Tue Oct 15 at Scotts Valley W 3-0

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2019 / 21


COMMUNITY NEWS

Pink Patch Project Returns

Watsonville Police Department Honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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ne in eight US women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. For the third consecutive year, the Watsonville Police Department is par-

and is on track to ticipating in the far surpass that Pink Patch Project amount this year. in honor of Breast Donations like these Cancer Awareness are extremely meanMonth. ingful, because all During the the services offered month of October, at the Katz Cancer officers and other Resource Center are police department Katz Cancer Resource Center available to cancer staff are wearing a specially-designed pink patch on their patients and caregivers free of charge. The Watsonville PD visited the Katz uniforms to generate conversation about early detection of breast cancer, and the Cancer Resource Center to get a tour patches, along with t-shirts and stickers, of the facilities and learn more about are on sale at the Watsonville Police Department all month long. All proceeds from the Pink Patch sales will be donated to the Dominican Hospital Katz Cancer Resource Center, which offers support groups for cancer patients and their loved ones, referrals to other services, and guidance through every step in the treatment and recovery journey. Last year, Watsonville PD donated nearly $10,000 in Pink Patch proceeds,

how their donation will be used to support cancer patients, particularly in the Watsonville and south county area. The officers arrived in their brightlywrapped pink police cruiser for the occasion. n

Red Cross Marks Loma Prieta 30 Year Anniversary by Urging Residents to Get Prepared

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n memory of the 30th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region urges residents of Northern California to take the necessary steps to prepare their households for an emergency.

“The Loma Prieta earthquake and this week’s moderate earthquakes serve as a reminder that earthquakes are an unavoidable fact of life here in California, so we should not be caught off-guard,” said Jennifer Adrio,

CEO at American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “The next earthquake could be even more devastating, and a little knowledge and preparation can make all the difference between life and death.”

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In the 30 years since Loma Prieta, the Red Cross and its partners have been working to prepare Northern California for the next catastrophic disasters. After a major earthquake, families should be prepared with enough food, water, and emergency supplies to last up to two weeks until help can arrive. The Red Cross recommends three easy steps: Build a Kit ack the following items in an easyto-carry container – a gallon of water per person, per day; non-perishable food; flashlight and hand-crank or battery-powered radio; extra batteries; sanitation and personal hygiene items; copies of important papers; extra cash and any medical, pet or baby supplies family members may need.   Make a Plan ave all members of your household help create your emergency plan that includes your pets. Consider what emergencies could happen where you live, what to do if you are separated, and how will you let loved ones know you are safe.

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“Get Prepared” page 24


COMMUNITY NEWS

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Fire Evacuation Procedures

f you received a call right now, telling you to evacuate due to an oncoming fire in your neighborhood, what do you think you would do first? This could happen in our area during these autumn months that tend to have less fog, and winds that dry the fuels along the ridge top forests and grasslands. Historically, large wildland fires have happened in the Santa Cruz Mountains during this time of year. Consider this list: Deer Fire in Boulder Creek (September, 2019: 10+ acres) Lockhart Fire in Scotts Valley (November, 2018: 8 acres) Rincon Fire near Paradise Park (November, 2018: 17 acres) Bear Fire in Boulder Creek (November, 2017: 391 acres) Loma Fire in Corralitos (October, 2016: 4,474 acres), Lockheed Fire in Bonny Doon (August, 2009: 7,817 acres) Croy Fire near the Summit (September, 2002: 3,127 acres). In all instances, residents nearby were issued evacuation warnings. Sometimes, there was very little time to prepare. Take a moment now and make an Evacuation Plan Checklist that you and your family could quickly put into action if you received such a phone call, possibly in the middle of the night. Walk yourself and your family members through the motion of actually doing the tasks below so that in an intense moment, your muscle memory will kick in and help you make your way to safety. To register your phones for evacuation notification, visit https:// public.coderedweb.com/CNE/ en-US/218A80E36F49 •••

When an evacuation is anticipated, follow the checklists below, if time allows: Get Yourself, Your Family and Your Pets Ready To Go! 1) Put your emergency supply kit in the car, along with a change of clothes and water. Keep your cars keys with you! 2) Calmly explain to children what is happening and what they can do to prepare. 3) Position your car facing the exit so it is ready to exit without having to back up. Keep car windows, door and trunk closed to prevent embers from entering. Securely close garage doors. 4) Locate your pets and keep them near you, loaded in carriers in the car, with food and water. 5) Prepare farm animals for transport, and think about moving them to a safe location early. 6) Pack important and irreplaceable documents into your car. 7) Monitor local radio stations for evacuation news and safety center locations (KSCO 1080 AM is the local emergency broadcast station) 8) Contact your family’s central pointperson out of the area and let them know you may have to evacuate, where you will go, and what route you will take. 9) Collect cell phones, laptops, and charging devices as well as portable computer hard drives or memory sticks with critical information. 10) Practice taking alternate routes to and from your home. Inside The House 1) Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked. 2) Remove flammable window shades or curtains. 3) Move flammable furniture away from windows and doors, to the center of the rooms

4) Fill sinks with water and towels to use for firefighting. 5) Shut off gas at the meter and turn off all pilot lights. 6) Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under dark and/or smoky conditions 7) Shut off the air conditioning. Outside The House 1) Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and either bring them inside or move them far away from your house (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.) 2) Turn off propane tanks. 3) Move propane BBQ appliances far away from structures. 4) Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. 5) Fill water buckets and place them around the house. 6) Position sprinklers on roof but DO NOT turn them on (this could reduce water pressure critical for firefighters). 7) Leave exterior lights on so that your home is visible to firefighters in dark and/or smoky conditions. 8) Position metal ladders at the corner of your house for firefighters to quickly access your roof. 9) Blow or sweep the roof and gutters so they are free of flammable litter. 10) Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut wood or metal seals. If you are told to evacuate 1) Follow instructions given by law enforcement, the agency that oversees evacuations. 2) Cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, heavy shoes/ boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses. 100% cotton is preferable because embers will melt synthetic fabrics and give you a nasty burn. 3) Monitor the local emergency broadcast radio station for updates (KSCO 1080 AM). 4) Drive carefully and pull over for any incoming fire engines responding. If you are trapped 1) While in your vehicle: • Park your vehicle in an area that is clear of vegetation • Close all windows and vents • Cover yourself and family members with wool blanket or jackets • Lie on the vehicle floor. • Use your cell phone to advise officials-Call 9-1-1

2) While on Foot: • Go to an area clear of vegetation, a ditch or depression on level bare ground if possible. • Lie face down and cover up your head and body • Use your cell phone to advise officials--call 9-1-1. 3) While in Your Home: • Keep your family and pets together with you. • Call 9-1-1 and inform officials of your location. • Fill sinks and tubs with cold water. • Keep doors and windows closed but unlocked. • Stay inside your house. ••• Stay away from outside walls and windows. If you know which direction the fire is coming from, move to the opposite side. Then, when the fire has passed, exit into “the black” on the side the fire came from. You can help ensure a safer evacuation in the future by taking a bit of time now to prepare yourself and family to know what to do if you ever have to evacuate. n ••• Find more information at FireSafe Santa Cruz website: https://www.firesafesantacruz. org/ Here are Evacuation Tips from CalFire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/5463/evacuation.pdf Read more about lessons learned in the Camp Fire and other major wildland fire evacuations: https://www.redding.com/in-depth/ news/2019/04/25/california-wildfire-evacuation-plans-not-required/3304823002/

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2019 / 23


COMMUNITY NEWS

Mountainfilm on Tour at the Rio M ountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival held every Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado.

The tour will visit Santa Cruz at the Rio Theatre on November 9 with films that explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. A Mountainfilm presenter will guide the audience through the program providing insight on the films, filmmakers and subjects. The show kicks off at 7 pm. Mountainfilm is a documentary film festival that showcases nonfiction stories about environmental, cultural, climbing, political and social justice issues that matter. Along with exceptional documentaries, the festival goes beyond the film medium by bringing together world-class athletes, change makers and visionary artists for a multi-dimensional celebration of indomitable spirit. Mountainfilm, which includes interactive

talks, free community events, a gallery walk, outdoor programming and presentations, aims to inspire audiences to action on worthy causes. Locally sponsored by Swenson, Adventure Sports Journal, Pacific Coffee Roasting Company, Lighthouse Realty and

Property Management, Well Within Spa, Erik’s DeliCafe, Osprey Packs, Hyatt Place Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Waves and Good Times. n ••• To learn more about the festival, visit www.mountainfilm.org.

Reading at the Park: ‘Little Free Library’ Installed at Pinto Lake County Park

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hanks to a unique partnership between the Live Like Coco Foundation, Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy, Santa Cruz County Parks and Friends of the Santa Cruz County Parks, a Little Free Library was installed at Pinto Lake Park. “We are excited that families will now be able to take a book, or leave a book when visiting Pinto Lake County Park,” says Live Like Coco’s executive director Kate Pavao. “This park is very special to us because it’s where our foundation hosts an annual fun run each spring to celebrate my daughter Coco’s birthday,” she continued. “We are grateful that the Aztecas have agreed to help install and manage this library, and we hope it is well used — and loved.” Students in Pete Boscacci’s Harbor High School green construction classes built the library. Live Like Coco also manages little free libraries at several county locations, including Seacliff Village County Park and the Homeless Garden Project.

“Get Prepared” from page 22 Talk about earthquakes with your family so that everyone knows what to do in case of an earthquake. Discussing ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for younger children. Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace, and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs. Have a professional install flexible fittings to avoid gas or water leaks.

T ••• uring her life, Coco Lazenby worked in community gardens, participated in beach cleanups, collected jeans for homeless teens, and raised money to support a number of worthy causes. Now, the Live Like Coco Foundation provides thousands of Santa Cruz kids with free

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Do not hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, near beds, couches, and anywhere people sleep or sit. Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor. Anchor top-heavy, tall, and freestanding furniture such as bookcases, china cabinets to wall studs to keep these from toppling over.

24 / October 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

books as well as scholarship funding for extra-curricular activities. We also protect our county’s amazing natural spaces so kids can play and explore together. All kids should be able to grow up healthy, with the opportunity to pursue their dreams. This is something Coco believed. Now, the Live Like Coco Foundation is dedicated to pursuing the same goal. ••• he Azteca’s Youth Soccer Academy reclaims the lives of at-risk youth that struggle with gangs, violence, poverty, and drugs in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Lifelong Pajaro Valley resident Gina Castañeda started it in 2008. As a community organizer, probation officer, and soccer player, she was convinced that a combination of consistent soccer training and mentoring would provide a bridge to success for at-risk youth on probation for gang/ violent offenses. n ••• For more info: http://livelikecoco.com

Check at your workplace and your children’s schools and daycare centers to learn about their earthquake emergency plans. Be Informed ind out how local authorities will notify you that an emergency is happening. Practice DROP, COVER and HOLD ON ake sure at least one household member is trained in first aid, and CPR in case help is delayed during a

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disaster. Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose. Learn how to use a fire extinguish. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake. Download the FREE Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to information about what to do to before, during, and after an earthquake. The app also includes content on other disasters and emergencies and provides locations of open Red Cross shelters. n For more earthquake preparedness tips, visit redcross.org/prepare.


COMMUNITY NEWS

Cabrillo Awarded $3M Title V Grant

Five-Year Commitment to Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Fund

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abrillo College announced that it is one of 40 colleges and universities nationwide that were awarded a $3 Million, five-year, U.S. Department of Education Title V: Developing HispanicServing Institutions (DHSI) grant. The grant will further a partnership between Cabrillo College and California State University Monterey Bay (CSU-MB) to focus on creating more seamless transfer pathways between the two institutions. The grant builds upon a Cabrillo College/CSU-MB memorandum of understanding to improve time to degree and degree completion rates for transfer students. The grant will fund activities that include creating a series of seamlessly aligned 2 + 2 (2 years at Cabrillo + 2 years at CSU-MB) program maps to facilitate degree completion and to limit students’ amount of non-transferable coursework. Pilot work will be done in the following departments, including: Computer Science, Horticulture/ AgTech, Business, Accounting, and Kinesiology. “As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) this grant will help us work more closely together with our partners at CSU-MB to create clear, efficient pathways for our students to start at Cabrillo College, transfer in two years, and then finish in two more years with a bachelor’s degree from CSU-MB,” said Dr. Matthew Wetstein, President and Superintendent of Cabrillo College. “This grant will be a tremendous boost for our students and for both colleges.” “Scary Weddings” from page 18

Couples must reserve a time online at www.sccoclerk.com, by calling 831-4542060, or by coming to the County Clerk’s Office located at 701 Ocean Street, Room 310, Santa Cruz. Couples must obtain a marriage license prior to the scheduled ceremony and have at least one witness present for a public marriage. The office can provide a witness for an additional charge.

As part of the Guided Pathways Initiative work Cabrillo College is already doing, it is integrating instruction and student services faculty and staff to address Cabrillo students who are struggling with their educational pathways. Funding from this grant will help integrate student support services into instruction at key momentum points and will provide personalized support services through the deployment of peer-based tutoring support. The grant will also fund revised curriculum work that will ensure that lower division courses are more closely aligned with upper division work in the degree programs. By faculty at both institutions participating jointly in professional development institutes, it will facilitate greater communication around course objectives and learning outcomes so that there is greater alignment. “We are thrilled that Cabrillo College has received this significant grant to develop more effective transfer pathways to CSUMB,” said Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Fran Horvath, Ph.D. “We look forward to collaborating with our colleagues at Cabrillo in order to increase the success of students in ultimately attaining the bachelor’s degree.” The grant activities were developed with input and guidance from a large group of CSU-MB and Cabrillo faculty, staff and administrators. The proposed work includes:

Confidential marriages do not require a witness. A marriage license costs $90 and licenses are issued by the County Clerk. To obtain a marriage license, each party to the marriage must appear in person with valid identification, complete a form providing personal information, and take an oath. n ••• For more information, please call 831454-2060 or visit the County Clerk’s website at www.sccoclerk.com

• Creating clear academic and career pathways through faculty collaboration around 2+2 program alignment, curriculum changes to build skills and knowledge, and articulation. • Integrating student support services that are inclusive, peer-based, culturally responsive, and that create a sense of belonging. Grant goals focus on: 1) increasing persistence, transfer, and degree completion; 2) creating a high-impact, cost-effective

cross-institutional partnership; 3) closing achievement gaps in gateway courses; and 4) increasing the number of students served by Financial Aid. Grant activities began October 1, 2019. n ••• More information at www.cabrillo.edu

World Series

ACROSS

1. At a great distance 5. *TV network, last aired World Series in 1993 8. Biological blueprint 11. “For” in Spanish 12. Clarified butter 13. Kind of Wrangler 14. Foolish person 15. Capital of Latvia 16. More so than #16 Down 17. *As opposed to #51 Across 19. Grateful Dead’s kind of rock 20. Like Hitler’s ideal 21. Bugling ungulate

22. *2018 World Series winner 25. Like default settings 28. American cuckoo 29. Interstellar cloud 32. Female gamete 34. Noonan in “Caddyshack” 36. Olympic chant 37. Related on mother’s side 38. Narc’s unit 39. Kind of acid 41. Mountbatten-Windsor ____ Markle 42. Financial deficit 44. Made noise 46. “I ____ You Babe” 47. Next step for juvenile 49. Dylan Thomas, e.g. 51. *League with most World Series victories

54. Miss America’s headgear 55. ____ en scene 56. Successor 58. Picnic invaders 59. Change for a five 60. Marine eagle 61. Unknown power 62. *Formerly known as Stockings 63. Shirt is tied, then ____ 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

DOWN

City dwelling, abbr. Babe in the woods Cantatrice’s offering Drum sound Formal dishes Between “begin” and “begun” 7. Notary Public’s mark

8. Cold cuts store 9. Demand 10. Credit card acronym 12. Breakwater 13. *Single series HR record holder 16. Opposite of sunkissed 18. Often-missed humor 21. *Pitching stat 22. Hard place to scratch? 23. Currently broadcasting 24. Sashay 25. Surveyor’s map 26. *1984 winner Darrell or 1986 loser Dwight 27. Tutor’s student 30. *World Series playby-play announcer 31. Take illegal drugs 33. Fitting reward

35. *2018 losing team 37. Cause for food recall 39. Adam of “Stand and Deliver” fame 40. Hardens 43. I, to a Greek 45. Used a back-scratcher, e.g. 47. Kind of acid 48. Spay 49. Pub order 50. Solemn promise 51. Singer Tori 52. Bald eagle’s nest 53. *Positions on the field 54. Summer glow 57. *Sock color of the 1918 and 2004 winners © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

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Your October Horoscope Times Publishing Group, Inc. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

October opens with an opportunity for you to get your life back on track. Trust your gut feelings when it comes to making major decisions. Yet you can still make compromises with others without losing control. Mid-month brings a feeling of confidence and success. There is no better time to take up a challenge. The win is in your grasp! Late in the month, your presence is palpable. Don’t be surprised if strangers notice you and wonder if they know you from somewhere. Enjoy the interactions … one may even turn into a new acquaintance.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Any loss of energy should be returning as the month begins, putting you back in the driver’s seat, especially if you aren’t afraid to dig deep and tackle some of your inner issues. Things should be a bit lighter mid-month, bringing a positive spin on most of your encounters. Staying positive can help turn anything around; something to keep in mind at this time. Later in October you should be fully energized and focused, making it a good time to make new plans, or push through on projects that are ready to be finished. There might be a lot of hard work involved, but all your accomplishments will make it worth the effort.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

A little bit of tact can go a long way early in the month. It’s nice to win arguments using gentle reasoning rather than being looked at as “the bad guy” for using more forceful tactics. Mid-October is the time to act, which can help you make a lot of much-needed changes. Combined with your practical determination, this can be a very productive time, as long as you remain focused. You feel a need for answers later in the month. It could either be a desire for commitment from a current companion, or finding out if a crush could turn into more. But patience is what’s called for. Forcing an issue now most likely won’t turn out well.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb. 18)

You know those passive feelings you had last month? Well, those are gone as October begins. It’s time things went your way, and you’re anxious to set things in motion. Relationship tensions are in danger of rising mid-month. A surprise announcement could set you off, leaving you off balance if you’re not careful. More frustration is in the air at the end of the month, leaving you feeling caught between desires and obstacles in your way. Still, you have a will, so finding a way is within your grasp.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

Rely on yourself early in the month, regardless of how much you want help. This is a time to count on your inner strengths and skills and push through to get the job done. Looking for help now could turn sour. Your creative juices are leaking mid-month. You can see the best-case scenarios as a situation forms, which is a fine goal to aspire to, but it’s okay if things don’t turn out perfectly. Later in October your sense of charity and compassion is brought to the surface. This is a good time to act on those impulses, either increasing your involvement/contributions to your favorite program or finding a new one to dive into.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

The power to say “no” is a strong one, and frequently difficult to wield, yet you feel the strength to use it (and mean it!) as the month begins. It will help you keep your temperament, and also make solving important issues easier. Mid-October brings out your competitive side, ensuring you are ready to leave everything on the table. Only a top-tier performance will satisfy you right now. Late in the month you’re still in an intense mood, making it a perfect time to put your nose to the grindstone and accomplish that goal you’ve had in the back of your mind, even if it takes you through the next month.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Your energy is a bit uneven early in October, which can help you deal with people using tact rather than force, but also brings a passion into your heart that can make it easier for jealousy to rear its ugly head if you’re not careful. There’s an unpredictable air around you mid-month, especially where love or money is involved. Be wary of sudden changes or surprises. Their long-term effect will be hard to judge. Passion returns to you late in the month, but this time your intellect is being stimulated. You’re not interested in trivia right now; you need to know everything about what has caught your attention.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Your desire for answers is strong early in the month; you don’t feel the need to share your knowledge though. Who knows when it might come in handy? Still, using that knowledge against someone is never as fun as it sounds in the long run. You feel a need to get ahead of something mid-month, regardless of the costs. Whether it’s a goal you are ready to meet or to keep something in your rear-view, your motivations are going to have an impact on the results. As October comes to a close, you’re feeling more inhibited that usual, leaving you in a poor situation that could affect your work or relationships. You’ll have to fight through these feelings to avoid some bad consequences.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Early in the month you’re finally confronted with something you’ve been avoiding for a while. It’s time to take a step back and focus on the problem, or it will likely get out of your control. A feeling of spontaneity fills you mid-October, bringing a sense of confidence for you about something that has been tickling your fancy for a while. It’s time to make your move, and deal with the consequences when they come. Late in the month something unexpected brings some unwanted stress, but the nervousness you feel could lead to something positive, eventually, if you can go with the flow.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

The feel of weight being lifted off your shoulders as October begins is heaven-sent. Whatever has been holding you back recently seems to be gone, or at least set to the side for now. Take advantage of the energy and freedom you’re feeling now. You feel like you should be in control mid-month, but so much influence is surrounding you that ignoring requests and orders may not be worth the consequences, at least not right now. As the month comes to a close, you’re feeling defensive about things that don’t seem to be a problem. Now isn’t the time to shut people out for imagined slights when your friends and family only want to help you.

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sep. 22)

You’ve never been the biggest gossip, but early in the month you’re feeling more secretive than usual, especially when it comes to things you know about others. That’s a good thing, by the way. You’re feeling a moment of clarity mid-month. This is a perfect time to organize something in your life or tackle a project that’s been on hold. Don’t let this moment go to waste. Late in October may bring some unexpected setback, and the surprise can leave you off balance. You may need to take a deep breath, but you’ll find your way through. You usually do.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Annual Flowers For Cooler Weather

A

By Tony Tomeo

ll that unpleasant annual business of removing warm season vegetable plants to relinquish space for cool season vegetables applies to annual bedding plants too. Those of us who do not grow vegetables were spared the agony of pulling up tomato plants that might have still been producing a few tomatoes, just to make room for broccoli. Now, it is time to replace petunias with pansies. There is a reason why annuals get removed this time of year. It is the same reason why those that get planted now to replace them will be removed later. Annuals are annual. They are expected to perform for only part of one year. True annuals naturally complete their entire life cycles in about a year. Those that have potential to be perennial are too unappealing to salvage through dormancy. Removal of aging warm season annual bedding plants should be less distressing if they are already deteriorating. By now, most of them are. They tend to wear out faster than some of the warm season vegetable plants. Impatiens can be potted for next year, or, for mixed beds, cut down and overplanted. Most cool season annual bedding plants are already blooming when newly planted. Because the weather gradually gets cooler through autumn, cool season annual bedding plants appreciate an early start. It is easier to disperse roots before the soil gets cool. Only those that are sensitive to warmth, such as cyclamen, get planted later. Ornamental cabbage and kale might bolt and bloom early at the end of their season if they get too warm at the beginning of their season. Marigold and chrysanthemum are short-term autumn annuals that work very

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23)

You’re not feeling very decisive early in the month. It’ll be hard, but try not to spend too long trying to decide whether to tackle a new opportunity, or you might miss out before you can begin. An unexpected challenge mid-October is not going to be easy to deal with, especially as it’s likely romantic. You may have to decide if you’ve been walking the wrong path for a while, or if it’s just a hiccup that can be fixed. The longer you take to solve the issue, the harder it’s going to hit you if it goes bad. Late in the month your powers of persuasion seem to be stronger than ever. Hoping for a raise? In a long argument? Now is the time to get the win!

•••

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Autumn is time for new flowers.

nicely until it is time to plant cyclamen or ornamental cabbage and kale. Pansy, viola (including Johnny-jumpup), stock, sweet William, Iceland poppy and various primroses are now in season. Some could have been started from seed earlier. Otherwise, it is most practical to plant these cool season annual bedding plants from cell packs. Cyclamen and ornamental cabbage and kale that get planted later are best as more expensive four-inch potted plants. •••

Johnny-jump-up likes autumn weather.

Highlight: Johnny-Jump-Up / Violas his is not an easily defined flower. There are hundreds of species within the genus of Viola. Many are known as pansies. Many are known as violas or Johnny-jump-ups. Many are in between. The main difference between these two major groups is that, although very closely related, pansies bloom with bigger flowers, and violas bloom with smaller, simpler and more abundant flowers. Blue, purple, white and yellow are the most popular colors for viola. Formerly uncommon orange and rusty red have become more popular in the past many years. Colors may be monochromatic, or arranged in intricate patterns with another color or two. The abundant bisymmetrical flowers are only about an inch wide. Mature plants should stay less than six inches tall, and spread as wide. Violas are technically short-term perennials that are typically grown as cool season annuals here. They are unlikely to survive through the innately warm and arid weather of summer. If planted now, they slow down a bit through the coolest winter weather, and then resume for early spring. If planted later in winter to continue slightly later into spring, they last only until the weather gets too warm. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

T


FEATURED COLUMNIST

Being a Pharmacist T

his year, October 20 to 26 is set aside as “Pharmacy Week” in the United States, a time to reflect upon the contributions that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians make in this society. Pharmacists have a long and storied history, beginning around 2,000 B.C., in Babylon. Being a priest, physician, and pharmacist was one profession. Obviously, at that time incantations and ceremonial chants were a significant part of carrying out the specific steps of their duties. Around 700 A.D., the first pharmacy (apothecary) appeared in Bagdad. And it wasn’t until 1240 that the practice of pharmacy finally separated from medicine. All drug products from the 1200’s through the mid-1900’s had to be compounded by the pharmacist, or his apprentice. It made perfect sense to separate the two professions. In 1852, the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA) was formed becoming the one organization representing all pharmacists in the U.S. During the Civil War, pharmacists worked alongside physicians at the front lines administering to the injured and sick. The pharmacist chose the course of treatment after the diagnosis was made by a physician. In 1898, the National Association of Retail Druggists (NARD) was formed creating a schism between the healthcarerelated responsibilities and the business interests of certain pharmacists. NARD changed their name to the National Community Pharmacist Association in 1996 but has kept the business interests of pharmacy at the forefront. To compound the matter, another business-oriented organization formed in 1933 known as the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Today there are thirteen national pharmacy organizations representing varying interests of pharmacists. The number of organizations do not necessarily represent a unified front when it comes to national or state pharmacist issues. Consequently, most citizens believe that pharmacists still only count pills, lick and stick labels to prescription vials and are paid a good salary to do so.

By Ron Conte, Pharm.D.

Allow me to outline the more expanded functions of pharmacists today. In the late 1950’s, a small number of Public Health pharmacists working within reservations of the Southwest began expanding their roles due to shortages of healthcare providers serving Native Americans. These pharmacists administered vaccines, took blood samples, provided drug education, and managed patients with high blood pressure and diabetes. Yes, that is what you read: pharmacist managed patients with high blood pressure and diabetes. About the same time, NARD members made a big thrust to promote pharmacy as a business—more store “fronts” with items for sale such as cosmetics, toys, household items, and more. Somewhere near the auto parts and gardening supplies, in the back of the store, there is a pharmacy. Aside from optometrists, no other healthcare provider practices within such venues. Soda fountains were a mainstay of most community pharmacies from the 1940’s through the 60’s when the corner drug store was a gathering place to meet friends, talk about the weather or politics, and even consult with your pharmacist. There was a corner drug store just three blocks from my house. To see a physician required a bus ride downtown and it was quite expensive to visit the physician. That is why if someone had a minor ailment, she/he would see Frank, the pharmacist. He treated my wounds, my colds, my muscle strains, and stomach aches that were probably due to my many scoops of ice cream consumed at the soda fountain! Frank never asked for payment, he was just glad to help. If the health matter seemed more severe, Frank would refer me to a physician. He would even make the phone call to the doctor for me. It was because of what Frank did for his community is why I decided to become a pharmacist. A pharmacist’s education is at least seven years of college coursework, leading to a doctorate in pharmacy degree. The educational program is designed to provide training in the selection of the appropriate treatment for most medical conditions, including

the use of non-prescription medications. Today, pharmacy technicians assist the pharmacist in the technical steps of preparing a prescription and are adept at handling patient issues at the pharmacy counter. The tech is an extremely important member of the pharmacy team. In almost all states now, pharmacists can prescribe medication under collaborative drug therapy management agreements with physicians. These stateregulated agreements allow pharmacist to prescribe and provide the patient with the appropriate drug, dosage, and route of administration (oral, intramuscular, etc.). In conclusion, as a pharmacist, it has been very gratifying work. I have been able to practice much like my old neighborhood pharmacist Frank. Please share with me in the celebration of all pharmacists, and technicians, during the one week a year that is set aside for them.

I would like to acknowledge my friend and colleague Dr. Steve Kayser and thank him for his editing and comments. n ••• For more info: rrxconte@gmail.com

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2019 / 27


COMMUNITY CALENDAR our free, friendly 12-Step support group with the solution. All teens and adults welcome! For current times and locations of other meetings: www. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR santacruzoa.org/meetings. Or call our Hotline at (831) THE MONTEREY SYMPHONY The Monterey Symphony is seeking volunteers. If you love 429-7906. music and want to be involved, please call (831) 646-8511 BINGO or visit www.montereysymphony.org for more info. 6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St. Friday October 25 BINGO EVERY TUESDAY. Buy-in begins at $21. The ONGOING EVENTS ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER AND AUCTION Snack Bar is open with goodies and dinner specials. 5:30 p.m., Seascape Beach Resort, 1 Seascape Resort Drive. Daily BUSINESS DEBTORS ANONYMOUS Join us as we honor 2019’s Man, Woman, Business, SANTA CRUZ ‘USED’ BOOKSHOP Organization and Outstanding Achievement of the Year. 10 am- 3 pm 2710 Chanticleer Ave. Santa Cruz 5:15-6:30pm, Calvary Episcopal Church, Parish Hall, 532 Early Reservations up until Friday, October 6th at 4 Center Street, Santa Cruz. Grey Bears: Every Monday and Friday is $10-a-bag p.m.: $85. Cost will be $100 after. Limited availablity. We specifically focus on recovering from debting on book sale. Fill up a shopping bag with books for only Visit www.aptoschamber.com/ad for more information and to $10! Thousands of titles for $1.50 or less: cookbooks, one’s business. make reservations. gardening, sci-fi, mysteries, classics and all sorts of fiction For more information: 831-425-3272. and nonfiction. Non-profit Grey Bears has served our comThursday October 31 munity for 45 years. Grey Bears provides recycling services FELTON FARMER’S MARKET and accepts books and other donations for our thrift stores. 2.30–6.30 p.m., St John’s Church in Felton FIRST APTOS COMMUNITY HALLOWEEN PARADE Proceeds benefit our Brown Bag Program, distributing nutri- 120 Russell Ave, Felton 3 p.m., Aptos Village Green, in front of New Leaf Market The Felton Farmers’ Market started in 1987 and is tious food to 3,900 seniors every week. We welcome children of all ages to join us at the First the second oldest market in Santa Cruz County. The Aptos Community Halloween Parade! Show of your market boasts a variety of certified organic fruits and Weekdays costume and parade around the Village Green before vegetables and artisan foods. It is open Tuesdays from CASA ORIENTATIONS TO BECOME your Trick-or-Treat plans! May thru October. ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN CASA empowers volunteers to directly influence Thursday November 7 life-changing decisions affecting children in foster care. Tuesdays & Wednesdays MIXER AT SOCKSHOP AND SHOE COMPANY Court appointed special advocates are everyday people SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUPS 5 – 6:30 p.m., 154 Aptos Village Way that, with just a few hours a week can have a lifetime of Monarch Services offers a safe space to meet Join us for a fun mixer at the Sockshop and Shoe Co. in other survivors of domestic violence, sexual impact for a child who has been abused or neglected. Aptos as we kick off our Shop Local campaign! Snack on assault, and human trafficking survivors, and to More info www.casaofsantacruz.org or call (831) 761-2956 some small bites and network with other chamber and listen or share experiences. Childcare provided XT.102 community members. Wine will be available to purchase on site. by the glass from Sante Arcangeli Family Wines. Spanish – Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Servicios Monarca, Second and Fourth Mondays Cost: $5 members/ $10 Public. RSVP: 831-688-1467 or 233 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville (831) 722-4532 SANTA CRUZ CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Online at https://forms.gle/wQqPKhMarSC5ngAdA English – Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Monarch 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Alzheimer’s Association, 550 Water Services, 1590 Seabright Avenue, SC (831) 425Street, Ste. L2, Santa Cruz Thursday November 14 If you have a family member who has been diagnosed 4030 For more information, visit www.monarchscc.org NOVEMBER BREAKFAST MEETING with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, a 7:30 – 9 a.m., Best Western Seacliff Inn, 7605 Old Dominion Ct caregiver support group can offer you an opportunity Great opportunity to meet community business to find out more about available community resources, Tuesdays & Thursdays members, introduce yourself and hear the latest details learn from others who are going through similar expe- FREE PILATES CLASSES AT TEMPLE BETH EL about our community. Bring your business cards for riences, and obtain additional educational materials. 10 a.m., Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd., Aptos great face-to-face networking and a wonderful buffet Please join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 Open to family members, no fee. breakfast from Severino’s Grill. For more information about this and other support groups in am in the social hall at Temple Beth El in Aptos Cost: $25 members/$30 non-members ($3 Discount if (3055 Porter Gulch Rd) for a lively and challenging the area, please call 800.272.3900 prepay by Tuesday, Nov. 12) 60 minute Pilates Strength Class. The classes are free and everybody is welcome. Donation are Mondays & Tuesdays welcome. Saturday December 7 WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM For more information https://www.tbeaptos.org HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR AND TREE LIGHTING 12:30 - 2 p.m. WomenCARE ARM-in-ARM support group for women 2 - 5 p.m., Aptos Village Green with advanced, recurrent and metastatic cancers. Meets Wednesdays Join us for holiday cheer with carolers, Santa, hot ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION chocolate, cookies and local vendors to help you cross weekly Mondays & Tuesdays, with a separate meeting 1st & 3rd Wednesdays: 5:30-7 p.m. every First and Third Tuesday every month. off any last minute gifts from your list! Free to attend! Registration required. Call 457-2273 for more information and 2nd & 4th Wednesdays: 2-3:30 p.m. Limited vendor space available, call 688-1467 or email Alzheimer’s Association, 550 Water Street, Ste L2, SC to register. No cost to attend. esme@aptoschamber.com 95060 www.womencaresantacruz.org If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related Tuesdays dementia, a caregiver support group can offer you OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING 7 - 8 pm, Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo, 10707 Soquel Dr., Aptos an opportunity to find out more about available comDo you have a proble m with compulsive over- or under- munity resources, learn from others who are going through similar experiences, and obtain additional eating? Anorexia? Bulimia? Compulsive exercising? You are not alone. Drop into a free, friendly OA 12-Step educational materials. Our evening Santa Cruz caregiver support meeting with the solution. All are welcome! Tuesday October 22 group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays For information on other meetings in Santa Cruz County: www. TOGO’S NEW LOCATION RIBBON CUTTING! of each month, and our afternoon Santa Cruz santacruzoa.org/meetings 5 p.m., Ribbon Cutting at 5:30, 445 Main Street #104, Wats. caregiver support group meets on the 2nd and 4th Join us for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Togo’s new Wednesdays of each month. No fee. Open to family WRITING/DISCUSSION MEETING location! Festivities will begin at 5 p.m., with the ribbon members. 6:30-7:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, Gazebo Room, 10707 cutting at 5:30 p.m. For more information about this and other support groups in Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 (At Hwy One and Freedom Blvd) Food and drinks will be provided. Do you have a problem with food? Please check out the area, please call 800.272.3900

ANNOUNCEMENTS

28 / October 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Second Wednesdays SANTA CRUZ SONS IN RETIREMENT MONTHLY MEETING Noon, Elks Lodge at 150 Jewell St. This statewide group of retired men invites you to be our guest at our monthly luncheon. You’ll meet kindred spirits, have a fine lunch and learn something new from a top notch guest speaker. Cost: $18. RSVP at 479-7096 Second and Fourth Wednesdays WELLNESS ON THE CANCER JOURNEY 11-12:30 pm, Old Soquel Plaza Learn how to safely support your body and emotions through the journey of Cancer — from diagnosis to softening the impact of chemo, radiation, and recovering well from surgery. We’ll address nausea, low energy, weakness, digestion, immune support, grief, stress and more. Feel free to bring your partner or care team to this free class. Please come fed; water is available. Limited Seats. Please register all attendees on Eventbrite — Wellness on the Cancer Journey or call 831-254-3270 to RSVP. Address given upon registration receipt. ADHD SUPPORT GROUP 6:30-8 p.m., Aptos Fire Station, 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Branch of CHADD hosts monthly support group meetings for anyone who would like to learn more about ADHD or has questions or concerns. Come share with those who understand. Second Wednesdays’ meeting is for parents of children, teens, and young adults with ADHD. The group for adults with ADHD, spouses, partners of someone with ADHD meets fourth Wednesdays of every month. Judy Brenis: jbbrenis@comcast.net, or call 831-818-9619. Last Wednesdays Each Month MAGICIANS’ CLUB 7 p.m., Antonelli Club Room, 2655 Brommer St., Santa Cruz Attention Magic Lovers! Our new Magicians’ Club meets on the last Wed. of every month at 7pm in the club room at the Antonelli Mobile Home Park. If you do magic or want to get started in this fun hobby, join us. Questions? Call Jim at 685-3829 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 7-9 p.m., Katz Cancer Resource Center, 3150 Mission Dr Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group has been an active group for over 20 years in the community. First meeting of 2018 will be February 28th. Thursdays FRIENDSHIP PUT TO MUSIC! 6:30 p.m., New Hall, La Selva Beach Club House, 3124 Estrella Ave. Classes every Thursday night. For more info call Sue Harris or Don Benson (831) 726-7053 or email at caller4u@ att.net LUCKY STEPPERS MODERN SQUARE DANCE 6:30 pm, La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave., La Selva Beach, CA 95076 It’s fun and easy to do! Friendship put to music; family friendly. Class takes place every Thursday Night at our new home in La Selva Beach! (Take Mar Monte off of Hwy 1, turns into Playa Blvd., turn right on Estrella) For more information, contact Sue Harris or Don Benson at (831) 726-7053 or e-mail at caller4u@att.net.


COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONGOING EVENTS CONT.

DATED EVENTS

SAN LORENZO COMMUNITY BAND PRACTICE SESSIONS 7:30-9 p.m., San Lorenzo Valley High School Band Room (F-1) The San Lorenzo Valley Community Band meets every Thursday at SLV High School. Dues are $30 a semester. You must read music. Call Teresa at 336-8637.

Thursday October 24

Second and Fourth Thursdays CABRILLO HOST LIONS CLUB MEETINGS 6:30 p.m., Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road. Want to make a difference in our community? Join the Cabrillo Lions Club twice every month and see what you can do to help in Santa Cruz County. Please RSVP cabrillolions@gmail.com Fridays NAR-ANON SCOTTS VALLEY 6:30 p.m., Camp Recovery Center (Bison Center Room), 3192 Glen Canyon Road, Scotts Valley. Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar problems, talk about how they cope and find recovery. To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please go to our website at www.nar-anon.org. DROP-IN GRIEF SUPPORT 12-1 pm, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, two locations: 940 Disc Dr., SV • 85 Nielson St., Watsonville Hospice of Santa Cruz County is offering a drop-in grief support group for adults grieving the death of a family member or a friend. This group is a place where you can share stories, learn tools for coping, and receive support from people who care. For more information, please call (831) 430-3000. Preregistration is required. First Fridays each month FIRST FRIDAY ART TOUR The First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The event takes place year-round and illuminates some of the most talented local artists from local galleries. To find out where to participate in a First Friday art tour, visit firstfridaysantacruz.com (Most galleries are open 12-9 pm for First Friday viewings.) FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Peace United Church of Christ at 900 High Street, Santa Cruz Curious about Shakespeare? The Friday Shakespeare Club members discuss the life, times, and influence of William Shakespeare. For information, call 831-684-2832, or go to friday shakespeare.org or facebook.com/fridayshakespeare. FRIDAY SHAKESPEARE CLUB OF SANTA CRUZ 10 am - noon, Peace United Church, 909 High Street This is the oldest women’s club in Santa Cruz. The club meets to study the life, works and times of William Shakespeare. Members share group readings and insights, discuss history, and universal themes found in his plays and writings. For more information please call 831-684-2832

PAINT NIGHT AT THE SOCIAL CLUB 5 – 7 pm, The Haute Enchilada Cafe, Gallery & Social Club, 7902 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing Enjoy an evening of laugher and creativity as you paint your masterpiece! Follow along with local artist, Ana (Follow the Sun Art), in a beginner-friendly step-by-step process. Cost: $30 (includes all supplies). Food and beverage available for purchase. Tickets available at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-night-happy-hourtickets-74045523153 Visit www.hauteenchilada.com for more details

Friday October 25

FREE MOVIE + FOOD TRUCKS AT SKYPARK 4:30, Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley Food served 4:30-7:30 p.m., Movie starts at 6:30 p.m. QUAIL HOLLOW RANCH HISTORY TOUR Join us for an evening of fun with Movie & Food Trucks in the Park. Dinner is from some of the best food Sunday October 27 trucks in Santa Cruz County. The movie, “Spider-Man, 1 pm – 3 pm, Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, 800 Quail Hollow Road, Felton Into The Spider-Verse,” begins at 6:30 pm on the big Do you enjoy looking through old buildings and learning about their stories? Join history docent, Richard outdoor screen. Valley Churches United is hosting the James, on a tour of the Quail Hollow Ranch House and learn about the history of Sun-Kissed Ranch, Sunset Beer Garden and is also collecting canned goods. Magazine, and the pioneer families who made the ranch their business, home, and vacation haven. Children Come dressed in a Halloween costume and receive must be accompanied by an adult. a treat! There is plenty of open space for families to Cost is $3. visit www.scparks.com for more information. spread out and enjoy the evening, along with plenty of picnic tables. People are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch the movie. RECOVERING COUPLES ANONYMOUS MEETING Saturdays The scheduled food trucks include: Saucey’z, PILLS ANONYMOUS (PA) 10:30 a.m.–noon, Sutter Maternity, 2900 Chanticleer Ave, SC Holopono, Mattia Pizza, G’s Mexican Tacos & Aunt LaLi’s. RCA is a 12 step group for couples. Our primary purpose 8 a.m., Sutter Hospital, 2025 Soquel Ave Event is weather permitting. Organized by Scotts Valley The purpose of PA is to provide a safe, secure, and sup- is to stay committed in loving and intimate relationRecreation and Food Trucks A Go Go. ships and to help other couples achieve freedom from portive place for people who are addicted to pills who want to get off of them. PA is offered all over the world. dysfunctional relationships. All couples are welcome whether married or partnered. Some of us are new in our Saturday October 26 For questions, please contact Gary at (831)801-9578 or coupleships and seek to build intimacy together. We have SC SYMPHONY AT WATSONVILLE LIBRARY Kristin at (831)345-6515 all found help in Recovering Couples Anonymous. 2 p.m., Watsonville Public Library Upstairs Meeting Room. For more information visit our website: https://santacruzrca.org Join us for our South County Classical Overture! Learn about SANTA CRUZ TENNIS CLUB or email us at rcasantacruz@yahoo.com our Concerts and Music Education programs and hear from 9 a.m., Soquel High School Tennis Courts one of our Mueller Scholarship recipients! Attendees will be The nonprofit Santa Cruz Tennis Club meets every FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH BIBLE STUDY entered in a drawing for a gift certificate for two tickets to one Saturday morning at the Soquel High School courts 9:45 a.m: Bible Study • 11 a.m.: Worship of our upcoming concerts. Bring a friend! beginning at 9:00 am. We play doubles and mixed 7565 Sunset Way, Aptos RSVP to Jonathan at 831-462-0553 x 10. visit http://santacrudoubles, mostly at an intermediate level, and switch First Baptist Church of Aptos welcomes you to join their zsymphony.org for more information about this and other SC around the players every 45 minutes. bible study and worship every Sunday. Symphony events. Balls are provided. $2 for first time visitors. Call (831) 688-5842 for more info SANTA CRUZ CHILI COOK-OFF Second Saturdays Each Month First Sunday of Every Month 10 am, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 2ND SATURDAY ON THE FARM Bring your appetite and join the fun as both profesSANTA CRUZ DINNER CLUB EVENT 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Ag History Project Center at the Santa Cruz sional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and 5 p.m., various member homes throughout county County Fairgrounds compete for the title of Best Chili! Love to cook, entertain and socialize? Our dinner club Join us every 2nd Saturday on the Farm for free family activities. Each month we select a new theme to highlight events will be held in several homes throughout Santa Sunday October 27 Cruz County where members enjoy gourmet meals, historical agriculture with games, activities, and CAPITOLA VILLAGE HALLOWEEN PARADE demonstrations that relate. We often have guest appear- fine wine and conversation. Joining the club provides 1:30-4 p.m., Capitola Village Esplanade Park ances from farm animals like llamas, draft horses, sheep, a great opportunity to cook, to entertain, and to meet Ghosts, goblins, boys and ghouls … join us for the annual goats, chickens, rabbits, and more! You are sure to find locals that share your interests. Capitola Village Halloween Parade! Line up begins at 1:30 Learn more about the SC Dinner Club and the fun we pm in the Beach & Village Parking Lot above Capitola City something fun and entertaining for the whole family. Hall. Parade begins promptly at 2 pm. The parade will head Check our website and Facebook page for more details. FREE have by contacting Rhonda Mills at info@SantaCruz DinnerClub.com down Capitola Avenue, wind through Capitola Village to the Sundays Esplanade ending at Esplanade Park, where trick-or-treat NAR-ANON SANTA CRUZ Third Sunday of Every Month bags, balloons, and refreshments will be waiting. New Leaf Community Market will be there with treats! 6:30 p.m., Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center (Sutter SCIENCE SUNDAY Room), 2900 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz Trick-or-treating at Capitola Village shops following parade. n Starts at 1 p.m., 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, 95060 Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and Seymour Marine Discovery Center presents a public friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Just lecture from a marine scientist the third Sunday of come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going every month. Topics are presented in an entertaining through similar problems, talk about how they cope and and easy-to-understand format, with up-to-date find recovery. photos, video, and discussion. To locate additional times and locations of meetings, please go Science Sunday does not meet in December. For more info to our website at www.nar-anon.org. visit seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2019 / 29


Business Guide

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Highway 1 Update By Supervisor Zach Friend

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ne of the most common questions I receive is when Highway 1 will be improved or, more specifically, when there will be some relief for congestion on Highway 1. Over the last few decades various economic and land use patterns have increased the commute times on the highway. It’s not uncommon for it to take between 45 min. and an hour to drive from Santa Cruz to Aptos and points south in our county. Additionally, “rush hour” is now “rush hours” as congestion can begin in the early afternoon and stretch into the early evening. These issues disproportionally impact the mid and south county areas. What are some of the reasons behind the congestion? n the last few decades there has been a significant amount of job growth in the northern section of the county and over the hill but most home construction — and specifically affordable home construction — has occurred in the southern portion of the county. As people have to move further from their jobs for affordable housing it makes sense that more cars with longer commutes will create additional traffic. Additionally, as the economy has improved (with an unemployment rate of over 16 percent in February of 2010 to a rate of approximately 4 percent today) there are more workers on the road. The improved economy — and specifically the increased workforce — is a great thing. It does also increase the number of commuters, however, and as some of those commuters moved further away from job centers during the recession to find affordable housing they have increased commutes causing backups that stretch most of the county. This means that the solution to congestion isn’t just a transportation one alone but also changing where affordable housing is located in relationship to where jobs are located. But transportation improvements are a key part of the solution and there have been limited investments into the highway (other than the improvements made from the fishhook to Soquel) during this timeframe.

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE BUSINESS GUIDE SECTION

call our offices 831.688.7549

www.tpgonlinedaily.com 30 / October 15th 2019 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

What are the plans for Highway 1? easure D included funds for highway auxiliary lane improvements as well as bike and pedestrian overcrossings. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) along with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration prepared a combined Environmental Impact Report and Assessment for the Highway 1 corridor, which was certified in January. The final design and right-ofway phases are underway for the auxiliary lane project between Soquel and 41st. The plans, specifications and engineer’s estimate were submitted to Caltrans this month. The project is expected to begin construction in 2020 (next year). This phase also includes a new bike and pedestrian overcrossing at Chanticleer. Earlier this year the RTC awarded a contract for the preliminary engineering and environmental components for the Bay/Porter to State Park auxiliary lanes project (which will be the next project phase). This project will include new north and southbound lanes, pavement improvements, new drainage, retaining walls and soundwalls as well as a new overcrossing at Capitola Avenue. Traffic studies and preliminary design elements have begun and environmental work is expected to be completed in mid-2021. Construction is expected to begin in 2022. Separate from this project (but in a similar timeline) will be the addition of a new bike/ pedestrian overcrossing at Mar Vista (expected to begin in early 2023).

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What other long-term solutions are being considered? ven though we would like to see an immediate improvement in transportation, realistically, there are no quick fixes to congestion. However, some considerations

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beyond just highway improvements are being worked on. Santa Cruz METRO has been exploring bus-on-shoulder options to reduce transit times and hopefully provide an incentive for greater usage of major transit on the highway. We’ve spoken to some of the local school districts about increasing their bus options as well as looking at start times (a number of school start times are during morning rush hour — exacerbating the congestion). Some of these start times were actually moved from previous times that didn’t conflict with rush hour in order to deal with a reduction in school bus service so increasing the bus service might also improve issues in neighborhoods and other areas in the county. Addressing the live/work imbalance in the county is also essential. Every morning when traffic is stopped going north (and vice/versa in the afternoon) you can witness the other side of the freeway flowing. This is a sign of an imbalance of where housing is located to where jobs are located. Improving affordable housing options throughout the county — and not just in the southern portion of the county or even out of county — are an important part of the discussion. A number of people also pass through our county to work over the hill. I’ve met with major tech companies over the hill and many have said improving broadband capabilities in our county would mean telecommute options could be possible as well as opening satellite offices (which would take a significant number of vehicles off of the road). As a result, we’ve been working on improving broadband in our area and looking at how zoning is limiting satellite options throughout the county. Additionally, the County (as a major employer) is looking at ways


SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Who Are Your ‘BEST’ Customers?

By Ron Kustek

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aya (ID#A260791) was surrendered to the Shelter by her owners who had too many rabbits and were no longer able to care for her. Maya is a young, sweet and energetic bunny! She will come to the front of her kennel to say hello, especially if offered a small piece of apple. When out of her kennel, she likes to crawl into a lap and snuggle. If you are looking for fun little rabbit to raise, Maya might be the perfect fit for you. Don’t forget our rabbit adoption special going on this month! Maya is a white and gray, spayed female rabbit. To adopt your new friend, visit one of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter locations, or their website at www.scanimalshelter. org. n

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••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has two full-service, open-admission shelters: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Watsonville Location: 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076
 Hours: Monday – Saturday
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12-1) Closed on Sunday SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182

World Series © Statepoint Media

f you say, ‘I wish I had a hundred more customers like “Skylar” — do you know everything about “Skylar” that you should know? Customers come into our business lives – hopefully making a purchase for a need that we satisfy – and then they are on their way. But how do you keep in touch with them? How do you get another sale from them? What do you know about your best customer? The answer is, if you knew everything about your BEST customer, you would be able to find more great customers that have similar interests, locations, behaviors, families, hangouts, access points, etc., — right? Fast Times Demand Information s much as we’d like to think that people seek us out for what we offer, times have changed. Your customers are more likely to depend on word-of-mouth or other ‘social push’ sites to feed them information. We’ve entered the world of anti-searcheffort, and many customers today are feeling that if it’s not fed to them socially or via other feeds they’ve established, then it’s not popular enough or good enough, or worth their time to seek out to consider. Which brings us back to your BEST customer — and we need to keep focused on the BEST customer. A BEST customer is one who is loyal, buys your product and/ or service, keeps buying additional items and/or services from you, doesn’t cause issues or constantly makes returns, and also brings their family & friends and/or acquaintances in to experience what you have to offer, who likely also buy from you. So who is “Skylar”? kylar is your ‘best customer’ Skylar is about 37, loyal to your business and has 3 kids still in school, owns their home, lives within 2 miles of your location, graduated from UCSC and also is an avid coffee drinker from the coffee shop next door. Skylar spends more than your average customer, and also brings in friends from out of town when they’re visiting. Skylar also drives a 4

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our workforce can use our various campuses differently so that commutes can be reversed or reduced. These are just a few examples, and by no means a comprehensive list, of things that are underway to address this multifaceted issue. n

year old SUV and enjoys going to museums, and dines out about 4 times per week. To know your customer means to ask them questions when you or your staff are able to talk to them, and then also have a system to store that information. What lists do you have of your customers? Hopefully you maintain a current email list that helps you communicate with customers regularly, perhaps through a monthly newsletter. How to get more “Skylars” t’s quite simple and very effective to do local Facebook and Google ads where you can define your customer based on their demographics (age, sex, number of children, education level, home ownership, proximity to your business, etc) as well as customer behaviors (local coffee shops, museum fan, dining out frequently, etc). These are very effective ways to target potential ‘new best customers’ based on what you already know about your existing best customers. Knowing information about your best customers is key to your success. If you’re not already collecting emails from customers, I’d encourage you to do so. Simple surveys asking customers what social media they use, what other things they like to do and also being VERY specific about how they heard about you, are all great pieces of information that will help you understand which parts of your marketing are delivering customers, and which areas you should re-allocate your marketing budget to in order to get a greater return on your money and efforts! n ••• Ron Kustek is a business instructor at Cabrillo College. Email: rokustek@cabrillo.edu

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••• As always, I appreciate your feedback and questions. Feel free to call me at 454-2200 or visit me in my open office hours in Aptos, Corralitos, Watsonville or Seascape to discuss these issues in person.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2019 / 31


MONST E R K I SSE S & H A L LOW W E N W I SH E S W I S H I N G YO U A FU N A N D S A FE H A LLOW E E N

AMBER MELENUDO REALTOR® 831.661.5591 ambermelenudo.com amber@davidlyng.com DRE 01921098

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