Aptos Times: February 15, 2022

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February 15, 2022 • Vol 31 No. 4

Bobcats Star in Wildlife Photo of the Year

Livermore native Sue Crow Griffin’s image of affection displayed by a mother bobcat to her offspring along an Alameda County walking path has earned the 2021 grand prize in the 10th annual California Wildlife Photo of the Year contest.

Full Story page 11

First U.S. Park Rangers were Buffalo Soldiers!

Vaccine Mandate Proposed for All Workers Full Story page 7

Celebrating Black History Month With Appreciation and Pride for my Predecessors

By Aniko Kannas-Millan was also an opportunity for Black men to serve in a prestigious role and escape plantation work.

The soldiers were responsible for clearing westward lands of poachers, land squatters, fighting Mexican revolutionaries and anything else that would stand in the way of expansion. ... continues on page 4

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Cover First U.S. Park Rangers were Buffalo Soldiers!: Celebrating Black History Month With Appreciation and Pride for my Predecessors, By Aniko Kannas-Millan

No. 4

Volume 31

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Table of Contents

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11 12 15 16 17 18 20 21 22

Community News Meet Rachel Clark, Designer Extraordinaire, Story and Photos By Jondi Gumz Vaccine Mandate Proposed for All Workers: Ten Covid Deaths in Three Weeks, By Jondi Gumz #CaliforniansForAll College Corps: Debt-Free College For Low-Income Students Natividad Nurse Nora Dowd Remembered with $1 Million Gift • Input Sought on Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes Aesthetics • Paul Happach Joins Santa Cruz County Bank Bobcats Star in Wildlife Photo of the Year Newman Leads Housing Coalition • Central Fire: Changes For November 2022 Election Beauty & the Beast (With Masks) Mock Trial: Deadly Rattlesnake Bite & Fourth Amendment Rights Hunger Fighter of the Year: Darrie Ganzhorn To Be Honored By Second Harvest March 4, By Jondi Gumz How Inclusive Are You? Friends of Santa Cruz Libraries Raise $1 Million for Improvements • Community Foundation Grants Deadline: March 8 Restroom at Rio del Mar State Beach to be Protected • CASA Recognizes Dr. Kent Thompson Our Community Reads: Trivia Night March 4 • New Executive Director at Watsonville Family YMCA Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Pluto Return — From Dark to the Light of Day, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29

Featured Columnists 14 Canada, Truckers, Vaccine Mandate & Empty Shelves?

23 Real and Sincere Apology: A Vital Life Skill, By Joyce and Barry Vissell 24 Quarantine Questions, ‘Can We Move On?’, Q&A With Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District 25 Rose and The Secret of the Valentine Angel, A Poem By Peter Melton 27 She Returned the Merchandise to eBay. What Happened to Her Refund?, By Christopher Elliott 30 Serving on County, Regional, State and National Commissions, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Meet Lobo!

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COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz

publisher editor

contributing writers Aniko Kannas-Millan, Jondi Gumz, Risa D’Angeles, Joyce and Barry Vissell, Michelle Rodriguez, Peter Melton, Christopher Elliott, Zach Friend layout Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin photography Michael Oppenheimer, Ward J. Austin, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti media consultants Teri Huckobey, Brooke Valentine, Tara Carcamo office coordinator Cathe Race distribution Bill Pooley, James Hudson

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“Buffalo Soldiers” from page 1 Additionally charged with fighting in the Indian Wars, it became a personal struggle for the soldiers to carry out orders against the Native Americans.

They found it difficult to fight against a people that were being oppressed by the very same government that treated Blacks so poorly, including the soldiers who themselves received rotting food, the poorest uniforms and equipment and the worst horses.

There are a few theories, but Native Americans are said to have named them the Buffalo Soldiers for their dark tight curly hair that looked like the buffalo’s fur, dark skin and bison coats they wore. Also they were considered worthy adversaries who fought hard and bravely like the revered buffalo.

The Buffalo Soldiers accepted the name as an honor and both groups developed a mutual respect for each other.

Only allowed to serve west of the Mississippi, Buffalo Soldiers were chosen to fill the need to protect the new national parks that were established.

So in the spring of 1899, the 10th Cavalry and the 24th Infantry of 500 soldiers were sent on a 16-day journey from the San Francisco Presidio to Yosemite to take up residency and build infrastructure.

Scotts Valley’s Aniko Kannan-Millan in her favorite hat.

Until 1913 the soldiers managed and protected Yosemite, Sequoia and General Grant National Parks, becoming the first park rangers.

In 1903, Colonel Charles Young, one of only three Black men who graduated from West Point was sent to lead the Buffalo Soldiers at Sequoia in building roads, trails, buildings, and fighting forest fires.

Colonel Young was the highest

Native Americans are said to have named them the Buffalo Soldiers for their dark tight curly hair that looked like the buffalo’s fur, dark skin and bison coats they wore. Also they were considered worthy adversaries who fought hard and bravely like the revered buffalo.

PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment 4 / February 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

ranking Black officer and the first Black superintendent of Sequoia National Park.

Under his leadership, the troops also built the first trail climbing Mt. Whitney and created the Yosemite Arboretum, the first museum in the National Park Service.

Many of their contributions to the parks still stand today. n ••• Aniko Kannan-Millan is a retired park ranger, now serving as parks and programs specialist with the nonprofit County Park Friends.

See www.countyparkfriends.org/didyouknow ••• Cover Photo: The Buffalo Soldiers created the iconic Park Ranger hat or Smokey Bear Hat too! They found that by pinching together the top of the hat, that the rain would shed off of it faster. I can personally vouch for the brilliant design. • Courtesy of Aniko Kannan-Millan

COMMUNITY NEWS

Meet Rachel Clark, Designer Extraordinaire

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Story and Photos By Jondi Gumz

ne you’ve seen the beautifully vibrant one-of-a-kind coats created

by Rachel Clark, your first question might be: Can I order one for me?

Sadly, not right now — because she has a book deal and a deadline to meet.

The next best option is to hear her talk about her life’s passion at the 2022 Pajaro Valley Quilt Association show, which returns to the Santa Cruz County fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26-27, with the theme “Good Vibrations.”

Clark, the featured artist, will give a fashion show at 2 p.m. Saturday.

A longtime Watsonville resident, Clark had been packing suitcases full of her colorful coats, traveling and lecturing.

After Covid arrived two years ago, that stopped.

So Clark, 75, proved she’s unstoppable.

She learned how to give presentations with PowerPoint via Zoom, with her granddaughter Vittoria providing tech support.

On Zoom, you don’t have the surprise of discovering Clark named each

coat — a delightful name written into the garment.

Like “Just Another Colored Girl Having Too Much Fun.” The pattern: A little girl sliding down a watermelon — and enjoying herself.

You may want to linger over a print pattern like watermelons — one of her favorites — or marvel at a silky-smooth lining or the vivid patterns. That’s possible only in person.

Ever the optimist, Clark looked on the bright side: She could showcase more pieces with PowerPoint, some of her favorites — like the blues — the ones she couldn’t fit in the suitcases.

Those who attend the show will see a collection that illustrates how her style has evolved — some inspired by African wax batik fabrics — ever more sophisticated.

Clark grew up in Tallulah, Louisiana.

She learned to quilt when she was young from the elders in her family.

Her early work features farm fields, pigs — and cake.

One inspiration: Anna Williams Jones

of Baton Rouge. An African American home-maker passionate about quilting, she started with fabric scraps to create masterpieces. She died in 2010 but Clark has her

autograph pieced onto the back of a quilt hanging in her living room.

“Rachel Clark” page 6

Your Birthing Journey Begins Here!

Having a baby will be one of the most amazing experiences of your life. Please allow us to share it with you! We will be a trusted, supportive partner on every step of your birthing journey – from giving you important information about your labor and delivery through coaching you on successful breastfeeding to guiding you through the early days of your new life with your baby.

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Breastfeeding • Skin-to-skin instruction and early breastfeeding • Breastfeeding positions • Pumping and storage of milk • Hand expression of milk • Getting ready to go back to work/school • Troubleshooting common breastfeeding struggles WHEN: 2nd Tuesday of each month TIME: 5:30-7:00 pm

Newborn and Mommy Care • What to expect after you go home • Reasons to call the doctor • Body changes after delivery • Self-care for Mom • Bathing, feeding, and caring for your infant • Baby-proofing your home • Safe sleep recommendations WHEN: 3rd Tuesday of each month TIME: 5:30-7:00 pm

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Another inspiration: Pulitzer Prizewinning poet Gwendolyn Brooks, who spoke at UC Santa Cruz some 30 years ago.

Clark still remembers her message: “Free to be me.”

She met her husband Gary in Los Angeles when they both worked in insurance; they married in 1968. He switched to teaching, special education, and two years later, his job brought them to Santa Cruz County.

In Watsonville, she was a stay-at-home mother to son Kincy, and she began sewing again.

She and Gary spent time in Germany.

He taught in an American school. She learned to knit and crochet. Eventually she taught quilting.

After 22 years of marriage, Gary died in 1990.

Again, Clark looks on the bright side.

Of course, she misses him but being a widow gave her time to devote to quilting and creating her coats of many colors.

She has taken classes, once finding she knew more than the instructor. When she took a class to learn a new technique, inevitably she would ask: What can I make with this?

Her granddaughter Vittoria is 18 and grandson Sanders is 17 but when they were young, “they were in my sewing room,” Clark said.

They learned about scissors, needles and pins — “none of it got put away,” she added.

For Clark, who is tall, her brilliant patterned coats over a monochrome gold top and pants give her a regal look. And she wears a fedora with ease.

As for the book, she said, “It was on my bucket list.”

With more years behind her than ahead of her, she wondered what to do with her elegant and eye-catching collection — and not burden for her son, who retired from the US Army as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years.

(He’s now at a startup in San Francisco.)

She plans to donate some to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library at San Jose State University in San Jose where her work is part of an exhibit hosted by the Africana, Asian American, Chicano, and Native American Studies Center through March 19.

She wanted to share what she knows — thus the book proposal.

With it was accepted, “I was doing a happy dance to full-on panic,” she said.

Her expertise is in designing, she said, not writing, not photography.

Ever the optimist, she forges ahead.

She’ll figure it out.

Look for that book in 2023. n ••• The 2022 Quilt Show will follow state guidelines requiring attendees over 18 to show proof of vaccination or pre-entry negative test for Covid-19. Fairgrounds security staff will check.

Masks are required in indoors. Admission is $10. Hours are 10-5 Saturday and 10-4 Sunday.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Vaccine Mandate Proposed for All Workers

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By Jondi Gumz

Ten Covid Deaths in Three Weeks

n Monday, the Santa Cruz County Covid-19 dashboard reported 10 more deaths, all with significant underlying conditions.

The update came three days after Assembly Member Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) introduced AB 1993 to mandate vaccines for all employees and independent contractors — and require employers to verify their workers are immunized.

It may be heard in committee March 13. Co-authors include Assembly Member Mark Stone (D-Scotts Valley) and Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), the children’s doctor who introduced SB 871 to require the Covid vaccine for schoolchildren and eliminate the personal belief exemption.

On Jan. 13, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Biden administration mandate that employers with 100 or more workers vaccinate or test. The ruling said the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration did not have the right to regulate public health broadly. (The court allowed a federal vaccine mandate for health care workers.)

Employers can mandate vaccines or tests for employees if they feel it’s needed.

New Yorkers for Religious Liberty sued New York City to halt enforcement of the city vaccine mandate but the city fired more than 1,400 workers for failing to comply.

Mask Mandate Ends n Feb. 16, Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted the indoor mask mandate statewide in response to declining hospitalizations and test positivity. Santa Cruz County and Bay Area counties will follow his lead. The state still requires masks for school children, but plans to reassess data Feb. 28.

The 10 local deaths occurred between Jan. 16 and Feb. 10, which included the peak of the highly contagious and thoughtto-be-mild Omicron variant.

“This is sobering information and a reminder that the pandemic still holds significant risks to many,” said Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel.

Nine Over Age 75 ge is a factor in Covid-19 mortality, and nine who died were 75 or older.

One person was more than 100, three were in their 90s, two in their 80s, and three in their 70s.

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One was in his 50s and unvaccinated, according to County Public Health.

Health officials said nine were vaccinated, but only five had booster shots. (The county website now lists vaccination status as “yes” or “no.”)

The most COVID fatalities in the county occurred in January 2021, when 22 people died in one week and vaccines were not available to most.

Masking, staying home when sick, and testing before gathering should protect those most vulnerable, according to health officials.

Outrage hotos of Gov. Newsom, without a mask, with sports celebrity Magic Johnson, without a mask, taken at a soldout, 80,000-fan Los Angeles Rams game and posted on Johnson’s Instagram page outraged parent Rob Ellison.

His concern: Kids in masks with speech delays, reading delays, depression and anxiety – and the double standard for Newsom, according to the full-page ad in the San Francisco Chronicle. For information, email outragedparentsbayarea@ gmail.com.

After raising $10,000 in 24 hours via email, Ellison created a GoFundMe campaign to spread the word. Some 300+ donors gave more than $15,000.

A Covid vaccine mandate, imposed Jan. 15 on truckers by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, led to a protest blocking the busiest international bridge in Detroit, for a week, hurting auto-makers in the U.S. General Motors, Ford and Toyota cut production at plants in the U.S. and Canada due to a lack of parts.

The bridge reopened after negotiations, arrests on charges of mischief, and vehicles seized by authorities. The Canadian Trucking Alliance estimated 85% of Canada’s 120,000 truckers were vaccinated.

Myocarditis n Japan, the number of case reports of myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination have increased, according to a case study published in January 2022.

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

The Japanese government amended the label for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines

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developed by Pfizer and Moderna to add myocarditis to their list of significant “adverse drug reactions.”

Young Kids, More Data n Feb. 11, Pfizer and BioNTech said they are delaying completing their request for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to authorize their coronavirus vaccine for children under 5 years old, because there’s not enough data on whether a third dose produces the desired result.

The FDA postponed an advisory panel meeting scheduled for Feb. 15 to discuss the matter.

Pfizer and BioNTech said they don’t expect to have three-dose protection data until early April. Parents anxious to have shots for their younger children age six months to 4 years must wait.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

#CaliforniansForAll College Corps

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Debt-Free College For Low-Income Students

n Jan. 27, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the leaders of California’s college and university systems with Josh Fryday, head of California Volunteers, launched a new college service program called #CaliforniansForAll College Corps.

“If you step up to serve your community, we’ll help you pay for college,” said Fryday.

California Volunteers said 45 colleges and universities were selected as inaugural partners for the service-based college opportunity program.

“California is a world leader in both higher education and service,” said Newsom.

“The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps advances these priorities by connecting Californians of different backgrounds with enriching service opportunities throughout the state while making college more affordable for our state’s future leaders.” #CaliforniansForAll College Corps will provide up to 6,500 college students over two academic years with service

opportunities in areas such as climate action, K-12 education, and COVID-19 recovery.

Students who complete a year of service will receive $10,000. This program creates state-funded opportunities for AB 540 eligible Dreamers.

8 / February 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

The 45 campuses were chosen to participate via a competitive application process. They include UC Berkeley, San Jose State, and Vanguard University. A full list is posted at https:// w w w. c a l i f o r n i a v o l u n t e e r s . c a . g o v / californiansforall-college-corps/#colleges Nearly four million Californians owe $147 billion in student debt with Black and Latino Californians facing the highest rates of default and delinquency.

Newsom prioritized the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps to relieve the debt burden on recent graduates while moving the state forward with servicefocused careers.

“The University of California is

pleased to partner with Gov. Newsom on this innovative program, which will help thousands of students pay for college while they give back to their communities,” said University of California President Michael V. Drake. “Providing more pathways to a debt-free degree while empowering students to pursue service-oriented career paths is a reflection of our shared commitment to access, affordability, and public service.”

California State University Chancellor Joseph I. Castro said, “The California State University students who participated in the pilot program over the past year took their world-class CSU education and translated that into on-the-ground tutoring and mentoring in their communities.”

California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley said he was heartened to see the governor’s initiative recognizes the value of investing in community college students, who have tremendous gifts to offer.”

In the pilot, community college students were deployed to feed those who rely on food banks, Oakley said.

Association of Independent Colleges and Universities President Kristen Soares said California’s private non-profit colleges and universities prioritized student aid as costs soared nationwide.

“We are proud to have participated in the pilot program over the past year and are honored to continue,” she said. n

Got Inflation? Tell Us About It

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ow is inflation affecting you?

In its fourth quarter report, Yelp says consumers described more inflationary experiences in their 2021 reviews than ever before.

In 2021, mentions of higher costs reached a fiveyear peak — 49% higher than at the onset of the pandemic in the second quarter of 2020.

For the March 1 Aptos Times, let us know how prices have changed for you: Rent?

Groceries? PG&E bills? Gasoline? Used cars? To stick within your budget, have you cut back on other spending?

Tell us in 50-100 words we can share with readers. Email Editor Jondi Gumz at info@cyber-times.com n

“COVID Update” from page 7 When Pfizer began applying for emergency use authorization for young children, the application was for two doses, not three. According to FDA, the goal was to see if two doses would provide enough protection.

Peter Marks, head of the FDA division responsible for vaccine safety, was asked to describe data leading to postponement, but he didn’t, according to Politico.

In late January, Dr. Anthony Fauci, White House chief medical adviser, said younger children will likely need three doses because two shots did not induce an adequate immune response in 2- to 4-yearolds in Pfizer’s clinical trials.

Mary Holland, president and general counsel of Children’s Health Defense, contends there is no COVID emergency for children under 5 years old.

Children have a 99.995% recovery rate, and a body of medical literature indicates “almost zero” healthy children under 5 have died from COVID, according to Holland. She cited these studies: • Germany: Zero deaths for children under 5 and a case fatality rate of three out of a million in children without comorbidities. In medicine, comorbidity means one or more diseases is present along with the primary infection.

• Johns Hopkins: 48,000 children with COVID, zero mortality rate in children under 18 without comorbidities.

• England and Wales: Throughout 2020 and 2021, only one child under 5 without comorbidities died from COVID .

Student Vaccine Mandate ince Dr. Pan introduced SB 871 on Jan. 24, hospitalizations have fallen from 15,000 to 8,000. Action may be taken on or after Feb. 24. Track the bill at: https:// leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient. xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB871 Public health officials consider vaccinations to be the number one tool to prevent hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.

California reports 82.6% of residents age 5 and up have had at least one shot.

On the CDC Covid tracker, Santa Cruz County reports 92.4% of residents age 12 and up have at least one shot and 84.3% fully vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated means having two shots (Pfizer or Moderna) or one Johnson & Johnson shot. All were developed for the initial Covid-19 coronavirus, not variants.

For Omicron, a booster shot is needed.

Booster shots are 90 percent effective against preventing Omicron hospitalizations, according to the federal Centers of Disease Control.

Protesting Mandates ur Kids, Our Choice is a non-partisan, grassroots web platform launched in early 2015 to oppose SB 277 and “uphold medical freedom for parents and children.”

The website is http://www.ourkidsourchoice.org/home.html Parents with the group rallied at the state Capitol in January to encourage other

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parents to speak up and know they are not alone.

Public health officials say the scientific consensus is that Covid vaccines are safe, but protesters are skeptical about relying on science from drug-makers, which saw profits rise in 2021. They point to the U.S. government database, https://vaers.hhs. gov/, where health care providers are to report adverse events after a vaccine.

The reporting site was created after Congress passed a law in 1986 protecting vaccine manufacturers from civil personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death lawsuits resulting from vaccine injuries.

After Covid arrived, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar invoked the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, a 2005 law that allows him to provide legal protection to companies making or distributing critical medical supplies such as vaccines unless there’s “willful misconduct” by the company, according to a report by CNBC. This lowers the cost of immunizations, and the protection lasts until 2024.

Dr. Pamela Popper of Ohio has sued HHS, FDA and CDC concerning vaccines for kids under 16, hopes to get discovery, the point at which both sides can get evidence. Updates are at https://makeamericansfreeagain.com/ Active Cases ctive Covid-19 cases in Santa Cruz County fell from 6,677 to 5,229 and now stands at 5,680, despite the Nov. 22 mandate to mask indoors.

The assumption is Omicron, the most easily transmissible variant of the Covid-19 coronavirus, is the driving the increase.

Omicron was confirmed in two cases in the county on Dec. 16 and 17.

Then, 325 cases were confirmed on Dec. 29, peaking at 1,265 on Jan. 20, according to the county health dashboard, which is updated twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays.

Hospitalizations that were as high as 43, are down to 27, including four in intensive care, according to a state dashboard, which updates daily.

Possibly people entering the hospital had another condition or scheduled surgery, then got tested for Covid. The dashboard does not explain.

Local cases are split between Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz and Watsonville Community Hospital, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while trying to orchestrate a sale to a Pajaro Valley consortium. The auction will be Feb. 17.

The California Department of Public Health estimates Omicron comprises 91% of cases statewide and Delta 6.5% but does not have a breakdown of Omicron hospitalizations or deaths.

Not all COVID-19 cases requiring hospitalization are sequenced, and the proportion of cases due to the Omicron variant that die is still being determined.

Less Deadly micron is deadly than Delta, which raged in 2021.

Santa Cruz County reports 249 Covid deaths, up from 225 as of Dec. 15, before Omicron.

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One statistic is similar: 79% to 80% of those who died had pre-existing conditions.

Why do people fear Omnicron?

They may have a pre-existing condition (diabetes, obesity, asthma, high blood pressure).

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

So are people 85 and older.

Some people who got Covid experience “long Covid,” with fatigue and brain fog months afterward. A 2022 study in the journal Cell by researchers following more than 200 patients found many acute Covid patients had low cortisol, which could be addressed.

Pajaro Valley Schools ajaro Valley schools, which have 19,000 students, report 1,083 active student cases and 59 staff cases this month, down from 1,247 student cases and 138 staff cases in January.

Aptos High reports 35 student cases and four staff cases, Aptos Junior High 21 student cases and one staff case.

Rio del Mar Elementary reports 11 student cases, zero staff cases; Mar Vista, 16 student cases, 3 staff cases; Valencia Elementary 51 student cases and 3 staff cases.

Bradley Elementary has 67 student cases and 3 staff cases.

Watsonville High School the most student cases, 109, and Pajaro Valley High, 72.

Testing anta Cruz County Office of Education, with Inspire Diagnostic, has provided 296,200 tests.

Cases peaked at 4,407 on Jan. 27, dropping to 1,394 on Feb. 14. The 14-day positivity rate, 12.25% two weeks ago, is down to 7.18%.

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

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville, Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 399 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, Monday to Friday, 2 to 5 p.m.

Hundreds of school staff have rapid response antigen tests, courtesy of the County Office of Education, and schools are distributing more for home use.

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Directions are posted at https://drive. google.com/file/d/1U8AdsSyH14sDvrjD 6T25krhvOFRFsuXs/view For test options see: https://tinyurl. com/get-tested-santa-cruz.

On Feb. 15, the California Department of Public Health reported a 5.7% test positivity rate statewide, down from 23% and 18.8% in January.

Based on federal recommendations, the state has shortened the isolation time for those testing positive, from 10 days to five days.

Booster shot appointments can be scheduled at https://myturn.ca.gov/ or with your local doctor and pharmacies. For local COVID-19 vaccine providers, visit www.santacruzhealth.org/ coronavirusvaccine.

For help scheduling an appointment, call the Community Bridges Helpline at 831-219-8607 or 831-440-3556 (English, Spanish, Mixteco and Triqui).

For local COVID-19 information, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus or call (831) 454-4242 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. n •••

Total COVID cases: 5,680

••• COVID Deaths: 249 As of Feb. 14 Age 85 and older: 107 •75-84: 57 • 65-74: 43 60-64: 15 • 55-59: 4 • 45-54: 10 35-44: 8 • 25-34: 5 Underlying Conditions Yes: 200 • No: 49 Race White 141 • Latinx 87 • Asian 16 Black 2 • Amer Indian 1 • Hawaiian 1 Other 1 Gender Men: 127 • Women: 122 Location At facility for aged: 113 Not at a facility: 136

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2022 / 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Natividad Nurse Nora Dowd Remembered with $1 Million Gift N atividad Foundation announces a $1 million gift from Edward M. Dowd in memory of his mother, Nora W. Dowd.

Nora was a registered nurse at Natividad from 1966 to 1996, caring for patients at the Mental Health Unit.

In 1927, at age 8, Nora immigrated to the United States from Ireland. In 1939, the World’s Fair was in New York, and Nora met her future husband, Thomas P. Dowd. They were married in 1940 before moving to San Francisco, where they raised three sons, Edward, Thomas and James. In 1952, Nora and Tom moved the family to Salinas.

“I have great memories of going to Sacred Heart and Palma in Salinas, and I made lifelong friends,” Ed Dowd said. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to give back to Salinas with this gift that celebrates the life of my mother.”

After growing up in Salinas, four years of service in the Air Force and earning a bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University, Ed Dowd established a successful investment real estate career. He was a founder of San Jose National Bank and Commerce Savings and Loan in Sacramento. In 1981, he founded EMD Properties, which today owns and operates about 1,000 residential rental units in the San Francisco Bay area.

“I am privileged to be able to make philanthropic investments in organizations where an infusion of capital can create change that otherwise would not be possible,” Dowd said.

Natividad is that place, according to Natividad Foundation’s President & CEO Jennifer Williams.

“This gift from Mr. Dowd is historic for Natividad. We are thrilled to be able to partner with him to create special places of healing at our public hospital.”

Owned and operated by the County of Monterey, Natividad is a hospital and trauma center that provides health care services to residents and visitors throughout Monterey County, including the vulnerable.

Nora graduated as a registered nurse from the nursing program at Hartnell College. She shared her kind heart and healing touch with thousands of patients during a 30-year nursing career at Natividad. She was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church and a volunteer in many organizations that benefited children and families who needed it most.

The gift will fund a complete overhaul of the existing main lobby courtyard at the hospital and improve two outdoor spaces for patients at Natividad’s Mental Health Unit. The hospital’s Mental Health Unit will be called the Nora Dowd Mental Health

Nora Dowd

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Input Sought on Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes Aesthetics he Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is seeking community input on aesthetic features to be incorporated into the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes and Bus-on-Shoulder Project (Bay Avenue/Porter Street in Soquel to State Park Drive in Aptos) that is under development.

The deadline is Feb. 25.

The project, which is in the final design phase, will include: northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes between the Bay Avenue/Porter Street and Park Avenue interchanges and between the Park Avenue and State Park Drive interchanges; bus-on-Shoulder facilities; a bicycle/ pedestrian overcrossing at Mar Vista; and

T

Unit / Nora Dowd Unidad de Salud Mental.

“This gift and the naming of the Mental Health Unit after Mrs. Dowd demonstrates that there is a new standard for giving to Natividad and new ways to memorialize people through major gifts,” said John D’Arrigo, president, CEO and chairman of the board of D’Arrigo California, founder of The Agricultural Leadership Council that has raised $4 million for Natividad, and Natividad Foundation board member.

The Agricultural Leadership Council set out to achieve a new model for giving more than a decade ago. First came a $500,000 gift from the Matsui family and now this $1 million gift from Mr. Dowd.

Dr. Jeff Bass, chair of the board of Natividad Foundation and emergency physician at Natividad, said, “We are deeply grateful.”

Ed Dowd said, “This gift in memory of my mother allows me to make sure that her legacy of love and caring is continued at Natividad. Philanthropy lets me bring healing for every patient at Natividad through beauty and the kind of gentle care and concern that my mother had.”

Interim CEO at Natividad Dr. Chad Harris called the gift. “transformational.” n

a replacement of the existing Capitola Avenue bridge that will include improved sidewalks and bike lanes.

Community members are asked to watch a video and then take a survey to provide their input on aesthetic features, including: • Fonts for the lettering on the two overcrossings, • Fence designs for the Capitola overcrossing, • Color tones for retaining walls, • Bridge barrier decorations, • Art on the bridge columns.

The video and survey are on the project webpage: https://sccrtc.org/ projects/streets-highways/hwy1corridor/ bayporter-statepark/ •••

10 / February 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Paul Happach Joins Santa Cruz County Bank aul Happach has joined Santa Cruz County Bank as senior vice president and product and digital transformation manager. He is based at bank headquarters, 75 River St., Santa Cruz, responsible for program and project management, product development and vendor management.

He relocated from Southern California.

He comes from Pacific Mercantile Bank in Costa Mesa, where he was senior vice president and program management director, expanding the adoption of e- and online banking services and managing the Paycheck Protection Program and project portfolio.

He spent nine years with Rabobank,

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specializing in online banking, e-channel products, and systems management.

He’s been in banking for 24 years.

“His extensive background, expertise and knowledge in product, project and systems management bring exciting opportunities to the bank and for our clients,” said Shamara van der Voort, executive vice president and chief operations officer.

Happach earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathPaul Happach ematics from CSU Los Angeles, and certifications from Project Management Institute, EXIN, and SPOCE Project Management. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Bobcats Star in Wildlife Photo of the Year L ivermore native Sue Crow Griffin’s image of affection displayed by a mother bobcat to her offspring along an Alameda County walking path has earned the 2021 grand prize in the 10 th annual California Wildlife Photo of the Year contest.

In a virtual celebration, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham named Griffin’s photograph the best among all entries in the yearlong contest. The contest is presented

by California Watchable Wildlife and CDFW’s Outdoor California magazine and sponsored by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Out of This World Optics.

“When you see this image, your jaw will drop,” said Bonham. “What’s special about this particular image is the way it shows emotion. There’s caring here, love and a sense of tenderness.

And on top of that, it’s just a super cool photograph.”

Traditionally the winner’s legislative representative invites him or her to the floor of the California Legislature to announce and honor the winning photo.

Sue Crow Griffin’s winning photo captures mama bobcat and her offspring.

For the last two years, the presentation has caught ground squirrel. The pair greeted each other on the limb of a felled tree before been virtual due to pandemic restrictions.

Griffin recalled how she captured the the youngster accepted the squirrel and shot. She said the adult bobcat had just disappeared into the wooded background.

“I know we’re not supposed to put called the youngster to her to offer a fresh

human emotions on the cats, but it was just so tender,” she said. “The mom had brought back the food; the kitten had eaten and then they were sharing some time on this log and then they butted heads—it was just precious.”

Griffin began walking as a way to improve her health and eventually started taking pictures of what she would see on her journeys. She discovered all sorts of wildlife on her daily outings, ranging from bald and golden eagles to coyotes, foxes and a wide variety of birds. But the bobcats are what did it, she said, noting that she didn’t have any experience with photography prior to her walks.

Bonham selected the grand prize winner from 17 finalists. The contest had a record 741 entries this year.

In addition to Griffin’s bobcat photograph, the finalists on display include: • Long-tailed Weasel races across field (Douglas Croft) • Pacific Forktail Damselfly (Andrew Lincoln) “Wildlife Photos” page 13

Every heart has a story.

We can help you live yours.

Sharing family traditions with your grandkids. That big career move.

These moments define your story, and a healthy heart makes it possible.

At Dignity Health, our nationally recognized heart and vascular program provides the area’s most comprehensive cardiac care. So, whether you have concerns or are due for a checkup, we’ll help you write your next chapter. Learn more about our innovative services and take our heart health assessment at DignityHealth.org/DominicanHearts.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2022 / 11

FEBRUARY 2022

Aptos Real Estate Update

Ruth Bates 831.359.2212

ruthbates1@gmail.com CalBRE#01799929

JANUARY 2022 Only 12 homes Sold in Aptos in January. High sale: 133 Zanzibar – 4B/2.5Ba/3381SF, $2,150,000. Low sale: 813 Loma Prieta – 2B/1Ba/834SF, $869,000.

Average Sales Price = $1,481,210. Only 3 Condos/TH Sold, all for over $1 Milliion Dollars! 261 Sea Ridge #2$1,250,000, 1730 Seascape-$1,156,000, 260 Rio Del Mar#1-$1,105,000.

ACTIVE LISTINGS There are only 14 homes for sale as of 2/08/22, and 4 “Coming Soons”.

High list: 635 Beach-$6,250,000, Low List: 1008 Redwood – 1B/1Ba/526SF-$650,000. There is only 1 Condo/TH for sale in Aptos.

In Santa Cruz County, there are only 77 Home Listings and 33 “Coming Soons”. With 1200+ Realtors in the County, only 6% of us have Listings right now… might be time for some to consider another career, but not me, I love what I do and I’d love to help you – in any way I can.

INTEREST RATES Bankrate.com 2/08 quotes 30-year fixed mortgage rate average of 3.93%.

This is significantly higher than all of 2021, and will soon break 4.0% as the Feds will be doing another adjustment later on this year. The rising interest rates are supposed to correlate with lowering inflation, but that remains to be seen.

DECLUTTERING February comes from the word ‘februa’, which means cleansing or purification, so maybe now is the time to think about Home Decluttering.

Here are some ideas: 1. Clear off all flat surfaces – and keep them clean.

2. Make the most of underutilized storage spaces. 3. Ask yourself which items you actually use, and donate/ ditch the rest. 4. Designate a place for clutter to go. 5. Evaluate one room at a time. And my favorite: Make your bed every day. This is a quick and easy way to feel instantly more organized.

——— My favorite 4-letter word is “SOLD”!

Call, email, text anytime and Get Results with Ruth!

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Paid Advertising

COMMUNITY NEWS

Newman Leads Housing Coalition H ousing Santa Cruz County, a impact that inadequate and unaffordable countywide coalition of local orga- housing supply has on our community,” nizations and individuals working said Don Lane, Housing Santa Cruz County governing board chairman. “We to increase affordable housing believe her deep experience opportunities for local residents working with marginalized and workers, has named Brooke communities will help housing Newman as interim managing Santa Cruz County better director. understand and advocate for This is a new position. community members in need of Newman will lead the affordable housing solutions.” staff as Housing Santa Cruz Newman’s background is County enters its second year Brooke Newman in community organizing and of mobilizing the community in support of key affordable housing policies building partnerships between disparate and affordable projects designed to meet groups. She is experienced at facilitating the needs of Santa Cruz County’s lower- relationships between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to work toward income families and individuals.

“Brooke has seen the devastating shared goals.

“After years of working in the realm of homelessness, it has become abundantly clear that our collective efforts to lift people out of poverty will continue to be stalled until we demand that the creation of more affordable housing be prioritized throughout the county,” Newman said.

She played a lead role in the management and strategic growth of the Santa Cruz Downtown Streets Team. During her tenure, she developed its first CalFresh Employment Training program, first weekly women’s empowerment program, first culinary training program, and expanded the Team’s reach throughout the county.

“Newman” page 13

Central Fire: Changes For November 2022 Election

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n Feb. 10, the Central Fire District Board of Directors opted to move forward with one of the maps presented by National Demographics Corp. drawing boundaries for 5 areas of representation for the future elections.

The map chosen is “Purple II.” The map divides Central Fire into 5 areas, each with a nearly equal population and taking into account common issues, natural dividing lines and common needs and hazards.

The new voting system is designed to comply with the California Voting Rights Act and avoid lawsuits that have been expensive in other jurisdictions.

The voting public will be able to elect a director who lives in their area, to ensure the best representation for that area’s needs.

The next step in moving to this new district-based election system is to submit the map to the Santa Cruz County Recorders Office for approval.

Central Fire District leaders expect to have the new areas approved and implemented for the November 2022 election.

Residents can view the “Purple II” on Central Fire’s interactive map page, and enter their address at the top left to see which represented area their property is going to be part of: https://tinyurl.com/ central-fire-purple-2 (Full URL: https://ndcresearch.maps. arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid =4cb830fa156a4ff7a988d40cba60c6b7) The map was chosen following four public hearings.

Four maps were initially presented by NDC, then two more (Orange II and Purple II) after input from the board and public.

12 / February 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

At the fourth public hearing, all six maps and two alternates presented by a member of the public were all viewed and discussed before deciding the “Purple II” map was the most appropriate. n

••• For information on the decisionmaking process, including draft maps of the proposed areas and how to give feedback, visit www.centralfiresc.org/2279/ Re-Districting-Process-2021-2022.

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Property Managers

“Wildlife Photos” from page 11 • Black-tailed Jackrabbit at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (Larry Whiting) • Urbane Digger Bee pollinating in white cosmos (Andrew Lincoln) • Bald-faced Hornet verses California Yellowjacket (Robin Agarwal) • Osprey catches morning meal (Douglas Phillips) • Bald Eagles in the Angeles National Forest (Andrew Lee) • Yellowed-bellied Marmots in Yosemite National Park (Vishal Subramanyan) • Coyote leaping for food in Yosemite National Park (Alice Cahill) • Golden Eagle versus Ground Squirrel (Shravan Sundaram) • Northern Pygmy Owl in Santa Cruz Mountains (Robin Agarwal) • Spotted Owls at Golden Gate National

“Newman” from page 12 During the COVID-19 pandemic, Newman worked with the City of Santa Cruz and the County of Santa Cruz, and their nonprofit and community partners, to expand access to shelter and services for people experiencing homelessness throughout the county.

“For many of those who are housed and unhoused in Santa Cruz County, there has been little reason to believe that a pathway to safe, stable affordable housing exists for them,” Newman said. “I’m excited about working with Housing Santa Cruz County and its members as we advocate for a sea change in affordable housing development throughout our county.”

Recreation Area (Maximilian Rabbitt Tomita) • Sea lions at Channel Islands National Park (Ken Howard) • California Condors at Tejon Ranch (Loi Nguyen) • White-tailed Kites mid-air food transfer (Don Henderson) • Great Gray Owl at Yosemite National Park (Vishal Subramanyan) Two photographs received special recognition. California Watchable Wildlife chose Alice Cahill’s shot of a leaping coyote as a favorite, while the Sierra Nevada Conservancy picked Vishal Subramanyan’s photo of a pair of Yellowed-bellied Marmots. Both were taken in Yosemite National Park. n ••• To view all of these photos, go to https:// www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=240797574895 527&set=a.237260935249191

Senior Benefits

Newman has held leadership positions in a variety of nonprofit organizations including executive director of Birchbark Foundation, founding board member for the Alliance of Self-Directed Education and administrative manager of the World Trade Center Health Program in Queens, New York.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from the Eugene Lang College at the New School University and a master’s of public administration from the Baruch School of Public Affairs.

For more about the coalition, see www.housingsantacruzcounty.com and on Facebook.

See the 2020 City of Santa Cruz Reponse to Homelessness report: https:// tinyurl.com/sc-homeless-report n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2022 / 13

DISCOVER THE JOY OF LE ARNING AT KIRBY SC HOOL .

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

Our challenging program is available both in person, for on-campus learners, and online, for at-home learners.

Individual attention and social and emotional well-being are vital to student success. Our caring team is committed to ensuring your child thrives.

We are now enrolling for 2022-2023.

Join us at one of our upcoming virtual admissions events and sign up for an in-person tour and shadow day.

We offer a test-free application process and Tuition Assistance.

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14 / February 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Visit KIRBY.ORG to learn more.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Canada, Truckers, Vaccine Mandate & Empty Shelves?

Editor’s note: This column comes from Salinas-based United Vegetable Growers Cooperative, whose members grow 50% of conventional and 70% of organic leafy greens crop acres on the West Coast.

••• y now most of us have had firsthand experiences with the nation’s ongoing supply chain woes. Much of the focus of these woes has centered on larger-ticket items, documenting the continual struggles of port congestion and subsequent transportation.

And recently there have been numerous examples of bare produce shelves at supermarkets. These shortages have been mainly attributed to transportation shortcomings.

Over the course of the past two years, the industry has witnessed a shortage of drivers. This in turn has created fierce competition by fresh fruit and vegetable shippers to move their perishables across the country.

And, as anticipated, has driven the cost of transporting produce to record levels.

Now on top of the overwhelmed supply chain and driver shortage, our largest produce trading partner, Canada (the U.S. exports 90% of Canada’s fruits and vegetables during the winter months), has imposed new border mandates that have prohibited unvaccinated American truckers.

With low vaccination rates among U.S. truck drivers, Canadian supermarkets are already reporting rising food costs and shortages of certain products. The situation is going to get worse, as the U.S. has begun imposing its own vaccine mandate on Canadian truckers.

The Canadian Trucking Association is estimating up to 16,000 drivers could be eliminated by these mandates. All these supply chain pitfalls lead to one unfortunate truth: these issues will negatively impact U.S. growers across the country.

Growers working off razor-thin margins is not a new phenomenon. However, the sheer number of supply chain cost increases that growers will be facing this season (such as minimum wage increase to $15 an hour, 40-hour overtime work week, all petroleumrelated inputs, including fertilizers, drip tape and diesel fuel, as well as health insurance, to name a few) will be daunting.

All growers must be hyper-diligent on all their farming culture practices. On-farm

B

John Pattullo

efficiencies will be more important than ever to achieve the highest yields and superior quality in an effort to keep pace with incremental costs.

But all the fundamental farming practices used to keep costs in check in all likelihood won’t be enough. Recently, the local garbage and recycling service provider sent out a letter advising that their service costs would be increasing. As a customer, there is little to nothing we can do but to accept the increase and adjust our household budget. But as growers, we lack the bandwidth to do the same when also faced with unfortunate cost-pressure circumstances.

This is where retail and food-service sector customers play a critical role in supporting growers. California and Arizona vegetables growers enable retailers and food-service operators to keep the consumers supplied with the widest and richest variety of the healthiest vegetables the world produces.

A small FOB (free on board, also known as price at export)increase can have a massive impact in sustaining growers’ profitability and long-term viability. For instance, a $2-a-carton FOB increase on a standard 24-count vegetable carton pack equates to an 8-cents-per-head increase to the retailer or food-service operators, but would have a enormous beneficial impact at the farm level.

Without the opportunity of passing along increased growing costs, the future topic of fresh vegetable supply chain breakdowns may just start and stop with the first and most critical point in the supply chain: product availability. n ••• Watch John Pattullo speak about the increased costs: https://youtu.be/z2jXNkrxpzQ

COMMUNITY NEWS

Beauty & the Beast (With Masks) Mount Madonna School had a successful return to the stage with

a high school production of “Beauty and the Beast” the weekend of Feb. 12-13. n

Photo Credit: John Welch

Grace Timan as Belle and Addison Catterall-Pendleton as the enchanted Beast dine together.

our Make Y RA 2021 I ion ut Contrib gh Throu !

5 April 1

Photo Credit: John Welch

Townfolk gather in “Beauty and the Beast.” Grace Timan as Belle is far left and Ben Pearson as Gaston is behind her.

The LPL Financial Advisors located at Bay Federal Credit Union can help you prepare for the future you want with a personalized retirement plan.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2022 / 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

Mock Trial

Deadly Rattlesnake Bite & Fourth Amendment Rights

T

he 2022 Santa Cruz County Mock Trial competition is underway — virtually via Zoom this year.

Students from six high schools are participating: Aptos High, Harbor High, Pacific Collegiate, Santa Cruz High, Soquel High and Scotts Valley High.

Mock Trial is one of several academic competitions organized by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. Sita Kaimal and Denise Pitman-Rosas are the coordinators.

This year’s case involves a deadly rattlesnake bite, landlord-tenant tensions, a smart camera and the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

Students have been working on the case, People v. Cobey, since the start of the school year, coached by teachers and volunteer attorneys. The presiding judge volunteers. Volunteer attorneys evaluate how the students do.

Mock Trial is one of several academic competitions organized by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. Sita Kaimal and Denise Pitman-Rosas are the coordinators.

Three rounds of competition have taken place, on Feb. 8, Feb. 10 and Feb. 15.

The fourth round is scheduled for Feb. 17.

Then the top four teams will compete in SemiFinals Tuesday, Feb. 22, with the top two in the Finals Thursday, Feb. 24.

People v. Cobey is the trial of Jamie Cobey, a horticulturist living in Burnsley, California, a town in the high desert.

Cobey is charged with the homicide of Cobey’s landlord and next-door neighbor, Erik Smith.

The prosecution will argue that Cobey should be convicted of first-degree murder or the lesser offense of voluntary manslaughter.

In the early afternoon of April 29, 2021, Erik Smith opened his mailbox and was bitten by a Mojave rattlesnake that was inside.

The relationship between Cobey and Smith had deteriorated with both engaging in unneighborly behavior.

Tensions intensified once the

pandemic eviction moratorium went into effect, and Smith wanted to evict Cobey and Cobey’s elderly mother for non-payment of rent. After Smith shut off the power to Cobey’s home, Cobey’s mother died on April 22.

The prosecution alleges that on the morning of April 29, Jamie Cobey intentionally placed the rattlesnake with its rattle removed in Smith’s mailbox so the snake would fatally bite Smith.

Prosecution witnesses include a lineworker who witnessed Cobey standing close to Smith’s mailbox that morning while Cobey held a small metal-wire cage.

A neighbor will testify to seeing Cobey enraged at Smith at the funeral of Cobey’s mother the day before Smith’s death, as well as overhearing Cobey yell, “I’m going to kill him!” later that evening.

“Mock Trial” page 18

Crab Feed

Saturday, March 5, 2-5 pm Tickets at www.fairgrounds-foundation.org 16 / February 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Hunger Fighter of the Year

COMMUNITY NEWS

Darrie Ganzhorn To Be Honored By Second Harvest March 4

D

By Jondi Gumz

arrie Ganzhorn will be honored as Hunger Fighter of the Year by Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County at a virtual awards celebration 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4..

Holiday Food & Fund Drive Co-Chairs Megan Martinelli and Carlos Palacios, along with fellow Santa Cruz County Hunger Heroes and Hunger Fighters will recognize the accomplishments of so many in 2021 – the second year of a global pandemic. More than 225 people plan to attend. RSVP at https://give.thefoodbank. org/campaigns/17468-annual-awardscelebration-celebrating-you Ganzhorn has been executive director of the Homeless Garden Project for more than 25 years, planting seeds and transforming lives.

The nonprofit provides a way out of being homeless, giving people experience growing produce and flowers on a

the farm produced 3-acre organic farm on 20,000 pounds of Westside Santa Cruz organic produce. with a seasonal farm Trainees logged 14,000 stand, and creating paid hours. The volsalves, soaps, herbal unteer program was seasonings, teas, baking scaled back for safety, mixes and jellies sold yet 501 people cononline and at a store in tributed 3,421 hours downtown Santa Cruz. to support various Each year, about 17 projects. The Comtrainees are selected to munity Supported participate in the oneAgriculture program year program, where was fully subscribed they are paid as they with 66 people signed learn. On the Home Darrie Ganzhorn up to get a weekly box Garden Project website, Patricia, Cody and Chris share their stories of organic produce (and a wait list).

The Feeding 2 Birds campaign made of lives transformed.

Over the past six years, 97% of trainees 30 shares to nonprofits such as Hospice, got jobs or a stable income -- and 90% got Boys and Girls Club and Gemma, providing their clients with organic produce, housing.

In 2020, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, herbs and flowers.

A new partnership with Coke Farm, an organic grower in San Juan Batista, created “Growing the Table” to address summer food insecurity due to Covid, packing and delivering 2,400 food boxes through 20 local organizations. Among the recipients families at Gault Elementary in Santa Cruz.

In the summer, the Homeless Garden Project created “Lean on Me,” a community event for vendors to build connections.

A virtual fundraiser featured wellknown chef and restaurateur David Kinch, giving attendees a kit of farm ingredients to make a recipe with Kinch.

Ganzhorn promoted the “21 Day Challenge,” a three-week commitment with daily lessons to understand connections between race, justice and food systems.

The plan is to repeat this in 2022.

“Hunger Fighter” page 18

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2022 / 17

COMMUNITY NEWS

How Inclusive Are You? T o learn how to foster inclusivity, here is some suggested reading from Tricia Montalvo Timm of Scotts Valley: • “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting

• Commercial • Residential • Vacation Rental

Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations about Race” by Beverly Daniel Tatum, PhD • “Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice that Shapes What We See,

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Think, and Do” by Jennifer Eberhart, PhD • “How to Be an Anti-Racist” by Ibrahim X. Kendi • “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo • “me and white supremacy” by Layla F. Saad • “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism”

by Robin DiAngelo • “Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race” by Debby Irving • “The Sum of Us: What Racism Cost Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together” by Heather McGhee ••• Tricia Montalvo Timm is the former General Counsel and Executive Sponsor of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Looker Data Sciences, Inc. where she led the company in a $2.6 billion acquisition

by Google. She is currently a board member

“Hunger Fighter” from page 17 For Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, volunteers came to the farm for a day of service.

Seeing the need, Ganzhorn has been working for 20 years to move the farm to the Pogonip, a 640-acre greenbelt in Santa Cruz where decades ago the affluent enjoyed polo playing and skeet shooting. The goal is to triple the size of the farm, with room for fruit trees, and more varieties of vegetables

“Mock Trial” from page 16

soquelcreekwater.org/transform

Transforming Your Water for Tomorrow

18 / February 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

The medical examiner will testify to the severe lethality of the snake’s venom and the unlikelihood the snake crawled by itself into the mailbox through a mail slot.

The sheriff’s deputy will testify to finding snake-handling items and books about desert snakes in Cobey’s home, as well as fingerprints of Cobey, Smith, and one other neighbor on Smith’s mailbox.

The defense argues that Jamie Cobey lacked the specific intent for firstdegree murder, the sudden quarrel or heat of passion needed for voluntary manslaughter, and the act of placing the rattlesnake inside the mailbox.

Defense witnesses include a herpetologist who will testify that other circumstances superseded the causal link between the bite and Smith’s death, especially Smith’s willful refusal to seek medical attention. The herpetologist will

and investor and has a passion for creating spaces of belonging.

and herbs. The committee supporting this effort has raised more than $3 million to fund the buildings, farm and infrastructure.

Ganzhorn has persisted despite hiccups (such as lead in the soil left by skeet shooters) and stayed true to her vision. She can collaborate with Alice Waters, famous for opening Chez Panisse, one day, and help a trainee with a housing application the next.

As her nomination for the award says, “Darrie not only feeds people via produce but feeds their spirit as well.” n

also testify that the snake more than likely squeezed itself into the mailbox.

Another tenant of Smith will testify to Cobey’s even-tempered character and lack of hostility toward Smith before Smith’s death. A different neighbor and friend of Cobey will testify to Cobey’s habit of “cooling off” after outrageous actions by Smith, as well as the common knowledge about rattlesnakes crawling into mailboxes. Finally, Jamie Cobey will deny placing the snake in the mailbox and will testify that the items found by the sheriff’s deputy were everyday items for desert horticulturalists.

The question is whether Erik Smith’s use of a smart camera provided by law enforcement to capture an image of snakefeeding tongs on the property of Jamie Cobey constituted a search under the Fourth Amendment and therefore required a search warrant, or whether it fell outside the warrant. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2022 / 19

COMMUNITY NEWS

Friends of Santa Cruz Libraries Raise $1 Million for Improvements O n Jan. 26, library advocates and community volunteers announced the success of their ambitious 2021 campaign: Raising $1 million to support improvements at three branches: Aptos, Branciforte and Garfield Park.

The campaign was launched in April 2021 by Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, a local organization that has worked for 45 years to support the 10-branch library system with advocacy, volunteers and fundraising.

With the theme of “Realizing the Promise,” the group aimed to augment the Measure S library bonds and fully fund improvements to make the three branches inviting and flexible: $470,000 for Aptos, $320,000 for Branciforte and $210,000 for Garfield Park.

Tricia Wynne, chair of the Aptos Library committee, “We were absolutely amazed and gratified at the response of our community. They love their library, and really want this project to happen.”

Martha Dexter, chair of Santa Cruz committee for the Branciforte and Garfield Park branches, added, “We were especially touched at the response for tribute and memorial gifts from donors who want to honor someone very important to them personally or to the community.”

Privately-raised funds similarly supported improvements already completed at branches in Felton, La Selva Beach and Capitola.

The Branciforte and Garfield Park branches in Santa Cruz are being extensively renovated and modernized.

The Aptos branch is scheduled for complete replacement with an all-new larger branch.

All three branches will feature improved community space, access for those with disabilities, energy efficiency, upgraded technology, teen and children’s spaces, and flexibility for programming.

Friends’ chair Janis O’Driscoll said, “Thanks to the Newly-named Library Director Yolande Wilburn (left) Supervisor Ryan generosity of over 500 donors, we have actually exceeded Coonerty (speaking) and County Supervisor Zach Friend (far right).

Celebrating with the thermometer (from left): Cynthia Mathews, campaign volunteer, Library Director Yolande Wilburn, Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries chair Janis O’Driscoll, and Library Advisory Committee vice chair Rena Dubin. our goal, raising a total of $1,032,500! This is a demonstration of how much our community values our local libraries, and wants to invest in their continued improvement to meet current and future needs.”

Newly-named Library Director Yolande Wilburn emphasized the essential role of community support for modern libraries to responding to evolving needs.

“We serve an amazing variety of patrons, from beginning readers to seniors, teens, working adults, diverse populations and communities,” she said. “We’ve seen how our new and renovated libraries have been embraced by local residents, with increased use of all programs.” n ••• To learn more, visit fscpl.org.

Community Foundation Grants Deadline: March 8

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ommunity Foundation Santa Cruz County has had the privilege of stewarding charitable gifts from generous locals who want to see their community thrive. During 2021, its 40th anniversary year, together with donors, the foundation celebrated the awarding — since 1982 — of $183 million.

The annual Community Grants cycle, which opened Feb. 8 for all Santa Cruz County-serving nonprofits, closes on March 8. Grant decision notifications will be sent April 29. There will be an online information session on Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. More information about Community Grants and the webinar is at www.cfscc.org/ grants.

In 2022, foundation leaders expect to fund $1.5 million from endowed funds that have been given by forward-thinking donors over four decades. The majority of these funds are restricted to children, youth, and seniors and are focused on education,

end-of-life care, youth development, historic preservation, and human services.

Dedicated funding for the arts, environment, and other interest areas is more limited.

Foundation leaders will continue to prioritize support for organizations serving those disproportionately affected by the pandemic, including immigrants who may be ineligible for other support programs, seniors, youth, and families suffering ongoing economic, educational, and health impacts.

“Since 2020, we’ve seen the flexibility, commitment, and incredible capacity of our nonprofit partners to respond to evolving needs and increased demand for services,” said Kevin Heuer, director of engagement and impact, who oversees the Foundation’s grant-making program. “As the impact of the pandemic and fire recovery wears on, we continue to offer flexible grants so nonprofit partners can apply funds where they’re most needed.” n

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Community Foundation CEO Susan True and Director of Engagement & Impact Kevin Heuer are excited to announce the opening of the Community Grants application period.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Restroom at Rio del Mar State Beach to be Protected T he Santa Cruz District of the California Department of Parks and Recreation will be working at Rio del Mar State Beach to protect the public restroom intermittently throughout 2022.

High wave action and the meandering Aptos Creek have exposed the foundation and continue to threaten the public facility, according to State Parks officials.

To mitigate this, State Parks is conducting a nature-based, living-shoreline project along Rio del Mar State Beach to protect the restroom and add short-term sea-level rise resiliency.

During Feb. 14 and 15, State Parks staff collected driftwood logs and stacked them along the back of the beach. These logs will form the backbone of a dune system supported by cobbles and native plant restoration. The logs may be exposed until completion of regulatory permitting.

Once complete, the dune system is expected to provide a level of protection to the public facilities at Rio del Mar State Beach from wave action, storm surge events, and flooding from Aptos Creek.

State Parks staff has started a project to protect the restroom at Rio del Mar State Beach.

During construction visitors may see State Park personnel, Integral consulting staff, and equipment moving around the beach.

The beach will remain accessible during construction, but small areas of active construction for moving logs, sand, or cobbles, may be closed temporarily for visitor safety. In this case, State Parks asks visitors to be patient. n ••• If you have questions, contact Scott Rohlf with CA State Parks at scott.rohlf@parks.ca.gov.

CASA Recognizes Dr. Kent Thompson

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r. Kent Thompson is Board Member Emeritus at Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County.

Dr. Thompson, a retired pediatrician who practiced locally for more than 30 years, was voted that status unanimously based on his many years of dedication and service to CASA. He was a board member from 20082015 and board president from 2012-13.

Kent Thompson He was successful in raising funds for the 2009 purchase of the CASA House in Watsonville and worked tirelessly on the renovations so staff could move in as quickly as possible a year later, which made the dream a reality.

Upon completing his board service, Dr. Thompson has remained active with CASA. He remained committed to the Board Finance committee and joined the

Friends of CASA, an auxiliary volunteer organization which supports CASA of Santa Cruz County.

Dr Thompson became vice chair and then chair of the Friends of CASA from 2017-2021. He still serves on the executive committee of Friends and is active in all their events and volunteer activities. His work has developed the organization to be stronger, more inclusive, and more supportive, CASA leaders say.

As an avid fundraiser for CASA, he dedicated countless hours soliciting donations of items, hanging decorations, attending planning meetings, and being a friendly face of CASA at most every fundraiser event. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2022 / 21

COMMUNITY NEWS

Our Community Reads: Trivia Night March 4

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his season, Friends of Aptos Library has chosen “Red Letter Days” as the book and events represent collaboration with Friends groups in Capitola and La Selva Beach.

The goal of these events is to create a shared experience that will increase appreciation for community libraries and for 24 local bookstores; foster pride in the varied experiences that our area offers; and the enrichment — culturally, intellectually, and emotionally — that comes from the joy of reading!

• All events will be free and open to the public.

• Attendance at in-person events will be limited due to Covid restrictions and require preregistration.

• Masks will be required for in-person events.

For up-to-date details on registration, locations and links to online events see: https://www.friendsofaptoslibrary.org/ our-community-reads-2022.html •••

Thursday, Feb 17: La Selva Beach Film Night: Trumbo Introduction by Robert Strayer, La Selva Beach Community Church, 7 p.m.

In 1947, Dalton Trumbo (Academy Award nominee Bryan Cranston) was Hollywood’s top screenwriter until he and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their political beliefs. Trumbo (directed by Jay Roach) recounts how Dalton used words and wit to win two Academy Awards and expose the absurdity and injustice of the blacklist, which entangled everyone from gossip columnist Hedda Hopper (Helen Mirren) to John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Otto Preminger. The film also stars Diane Lane, John Goodman, Louis C.K., Elle Fanning, and Michael Stuhlbarg.

Robert W. Strayer, Ph.D., taught African, Soviet, and world history for many years at SUNY College at Brockport, New York. Since moving to California in 2002, he has taught world History at UC Santa Cruz, CSU Monterey Bay, and Cabrillo College. He has written many books, including Why Did the Soviet Union Collapse? (1998), The Communist Experiment (2007), and Ways of the World: A Brief Global History (now in its fifth edition). He has also been published in the Journal of World History, and has served as co-editor of the McGraw-Hill series, Explorations in World History.

Thursday, Feb. 24: Red Diaper Babies: Growing Up During the HUAC Years of the 1950s Bettina Aptheker, Julie Olsen Edwards and Dena Taylor at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Growing up closer to home than the London scenes

depicted in “Red Letter Days,” three “red diaper babies” discuss how their lives were impacted by the McCarthy era and the House Un-American Activities Committee. They will share lessons learned that they have carried into the present.

Bettina Aptheker: distinguished professor emerita, Feminist Studies Department, UCSC. Julie Olsen Edwards: Cabrillo College Early Childhood faculty (retired), writer, Anti Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves, consultant, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture .

Dena Taylor: Cabrillo College program manager (retired), author, poet. Dena’s most recent books are Tell Me the Number Before Infinity: the story of a girl with a quirky mind, an eccentric family, and oh yes, a disability (co-authored with Becky Taylor) and Exclamation Points: collected poems.

Monday, Feb. 28: What’s Black and White and Red All Over?

With Claudia Sternbach, 7 p.m. via Zoom.

We will focus on the hunt for communists in the world of writers and filmmakers in the 1950’s, in particular on the role of women in that time period, and the hidden meaning in the popular TV series Robin Hood.

Claudia Sternbach, former Santa Cruz Sentinel columnist, is the author of three memoirs: Now Breathe, (Whiteaker Press), Reading Lips (Unbridled Books), and her most recent, Dear Goldie Hawn, Dear Leonard Cohen, released by Paper Angel Press in December 2021. She has often published in The San

Claudia Sternbach Francisco Chronicle, The San Francisco Examiner, and The Chicago Tribune. She is former editor-in-chief of the literary journal Memoir.

Thursday, March 3: Trivia on Tap Steel Bonnet, 20 Victor Square, Scotts Valley. 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Hosted and moderated by Jenn Hooker, librarian with the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Trivia on Tap will feature questions selected from Red Letter Days, challenging teams of no more than six persons to answer 30 questions.

You can get snacks at Steel Bonnet, or at outlets in the same complex, or make food at home and have a picnic-style meal while you ponder the questions.

Winners get the grand prize of a $25 gift certificate to the Steel Bonnet. n

New Executive Director at Watsonville Family YMCA

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obin Schnekenburger of Hollister is the new executive director of the Watsonville Family YMCA. She’s worked for the Central Coast YMCA since 2011.

“I’ve always known I can take on a challenge,” she said. “So when they asked me, I said yes in one day. It comes kind of

easy for me because it’s youth and families, so it’s not a huge transition for me.”

As a mother of three daughters (all who have worked for the Y), and with a decade of experience running youth and education programs in Hollister, Salinas, Monterey, and now Watsonville, Schnekenburger was ready.

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“There’s much more on my plate,” she said. “But I feel like I’ve settled in, the members have been receptive, the community is really nice and the staff is amazing.”

Her first experience with the Y came when a friend asked if one of her daughters needed a job since the Hollister Y was looking. “I didn’t even know we had a YMCA,” she said.

She decided to apply, got an interview, and was hired on the spot, working for the after-school program.

“Being a mother, it came very easy to me,” she said.

She ran the After School Education and Safety program in Salinas, then moved to the Monterey Y, working with after-school programs with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.

Santa Cruz Sentinel’s Readers Choice Awards voted the Watsonville Y as Best Youth Recreation 2021. There were over 26,000 ballots cast.

Look at the smile on her face.

“What you give, you get back,”

Robin Schnekenburger she said. “I must be doing something right!” n ••• For information, call (831) 757-4633 or go to centralcoastymca.org.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Real and Sincere Apology: A Vital Life Skill

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oyce and I understand that hurting another person is inevitable. Most of the time, we do not intend to hurt someone, but still we may. We may be insensitive with our words or actions or even our lack of words when words are needed. We may hurt someone through miscommunication or lack of understanding.

Sometimes we hurt someone intentionally, like when we are angry. In either case, we need to apologize in order to keep growing spiritually. The results of a sincere apology are often amazing. Most people feel lighter right away after apologizing, as if they have let go of a heavy burden.

Here are some real examples. Stan apologized to his younger brother for some of the abusive things he did when they were growing up, like hitting, playing cruel practical jokes on him, and saying mean things. Gail apologized to her ex-husband for not having the courage to share her unhappy feelings in the several years before she left him, when they could have gotten help.

James apologized to his mother for holding a grudge against her, and not speaking to her for ten years. In a couple’s workshop, Susan apologized to her partner, Frank, for the pain she caused by comparing him unfavorably to her former boyfriends.

Apologizing and asking for forgiveness are two very different things.

Apologizing doesn’t ask anything of the person we have hurt. It doesn’t depend on what they do or how they feel about us. The person may or may not accept our apology, or may even choose to stay angry at us.

What the other person does is out of our control and really doesn’t matter. Apologizing is simply our own work on ourselves, our own righting of the wrongs we have committed, or in 12-step terms, it is “making amends.”

So why don’t we apologize to someone we have hurt? There are two main reasons. First, we may feel that we are right, that we didn’t actually do anything wrong. It’s their problem

By Joyce and Barry Vissell

that they are hurt by something we said or did. Naturally, the hurt feelings may belong to the other person, but to maintain this position is to deny our own responsibility in the interaction.

Needing to be right is needing to win, but relationship is not a game. In relationship, if there is a winner and a loser, both people lose. One person only wins if both people win. If someone feels hurt by us, we need to apologize no matter whether we hurt them intentionally or unintentionally, or whether we feel innocent or guilty.

The other main reason for not apologizing is shame. In the first case, we don’t apologize because we feel innocent. When we feel guilty, we don’t apologize because of shame. We may feel so badly about what we did to another that we hide in shame, slide into inertia, and do nothing.

We may hope that time will heal things, or that we or the other person will forget, but it doesn’t go away, at least not until we apologize sincerely.

Some feel that to apologize is to admit defeat or show weakness. This has its origins in shame, too. We are ashamed about making mistakes, but apologizing for our mistakes is a sign of courage, not weakness.

Remember, making a mistake doesn’t mean you are a bad person, just a momentarily clumsy or unskillful person. Feeling like a bad person because of your mistakes can lead to toxic shame, which is identifying with your mistakes, rather than identifying with who you really are, a beautiful soul on the journey of life. You can make mistakes, but you are not a mistake.

Apology does not work if it is half-hearted or insincere. Saying “I’m sorry,” and not sincerely meaning it, does nothing. True apology comes from the heart, not the mind. Sometimes, you may think that you’re apologizing, but you’re only going through the motions, and no one feels better.

Automatic, or knee-jerk, apologies may not help either. It doesn’t contain thoughtful consideration, and it doesn’t show that you actually understand how

you hurt your friend. Real, sincere, apology requires that you truly understand why your friend feels hurt. For when you understand why they feel hurt, and can acknowledge this understanding, they can much more easily accept your apology.

Here’s an example: In a couple’s retreat, during an apology exercise, Anne asked her husband, Ted, for an apology for watching pornographic videos online. When she had confronted him in the past, he would often say, “A lot of men watch porn. There’s nothing wrong with it.” Anne started to explain why this was so painful to her, but Ted got angry. He clearly didn’t want to hear her feelings. And he was invested in being right.

Joyce and I had to intervene. We asked Ted to listen to his wife. Anne hesitantly began to speak, “In my previous marriage, my husband constantly criticized my body, and compared me to younger women. There was no way I could win. In his eyes, I felt ugly most of the time.” Anne started sobbing.

Ted had never heard his wife’s pain about this. It appeared to move him deeply. He gently put his arms around her and said, “I’m so sorry, Anne. I had no idea about any of this. Now I can see why my watching pornography would

be so painful to you. I commit to never watching it again. It’s just an old habit that I thought was innocent. Your body is so beautiful to me! I’ll make sure you always know this.

Ted’s apology was real and sincere.

He understood Anne’s hurt.

So please don’t read this article and say to yourself, “Nice article, good ideas,” and then do nothing. Challenge yourself to practice the skill of real apology. Who are you needing to apologize to and for what? Do you need to more clearly understand this person’s hurt feelings? If so, make the effort to find out. Close your eyes and speak your apology with as much sincerity and feeling as possible. Then follow this up with an apology to the actual person. Free yourself for even more love in your life. n ••• Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors near Santa Cruz, CA, who are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. They are the authors of 9 books and a new free audio album of sacred songs and chants. Visit their web site at SharedHeart. org for their free monthly e-heartletter, their updated schedule, and inspiring past articles on many topics about relationship and living from the heart.

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2022 / 23

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Quarantine Questions, ‘Can We Move On?’ Q&A With Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

Will COVID vaccines be required for school in the fall? overnor Gavin Newsom is directing the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to add the COVID-19 vaccine to other vaccinations required for in-person school attendance—such as measles, mumps, and rubella—pursuant to the Health and Safety Code sections 120325 - 120380.

This is consistent with the overall intent of the law to reach “eventual achievement of total immunization” against dangerous childhood diseases.

The COVID-19 vaccine requirements will apply to all “pupil[s] of any private or public elementary or secondary school[s]”.

The COVID-19 vaccine requirements will be phased-in by grade span, grades 7-12 and K-6. Students will be required to be vaccinated for in person learning starting the term following FDA full approval of the vaccine for their grade span (7-12 and K-6).

The regulations will take effect at the start of the following term, meaning either January 1st or July 1st, whichever comes first. This will also give both parents and schools sufficient time to prepare and implement.

Based on current projections for full FDA approval for ages 12+, we anticipate the requirement would apply to grades 7-12 starting on July 1, 2022. Once the vaccination is a requirement, PVUSD will follow this requirement as we do for all other vaccinations.

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My child has been in quarantine 4 times now. By now I just feel like this is harassment just because we are not participating in testing. Why are we not closing the schools if cases of whatever variant is rising? ver the past ten days, we have seen a decline in the positivity rate both within the County and within PVUSD. We are also finding that through vigilant use of face coverings and the implementation of modified quarantine, where we provide testing of students exposed to COVID-19, we have been able to minimize transmission within the schools.

As noted by Santa Cruz County Public Health, very few cases have likely occurred through the person-to-person school setting.

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As a concerned parent/community member, I am frightened by the fast rate of increasing COVID cases in our community and schools. Do you think there is a

possibility of our school district to shut down and go back to distance learning? he health and safety of our students, both social emotional and physical health, continues to be our number one priority.

As we believe in-person instruction is the safest learning environment for our students, PVUSD does not have any plans at this time to return to distance learning.

We have maintained schools open safely over this past surge and have the systems in place to continue to do so.

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Are our schools being turned into medical facilities, where teachers and administrators dispense medical advice on masking, testing, and vaccination?

What happened to getting an education at school and learning the three R’s (Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic)? Omicron is mild. We have had flu epidemics in the past and never did this nonsense. Why can’t we just move on?

VUSD has dedicated significant time and resources to ensuring that students can stay at school with in person learning through the CDPH modified quarantine protocol. The protocol as outlined by CDPH does require that students, once exposed, to be tested twice during the 10-day period to remain in school without disruption.

Although the testing does create a short disruption during the day, it does allow the remaining six hours of in-person learning to occur. We will continue to focus on the use of face coverings and testing after exposures until conditions and the CDPH guidelines change.

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You put in these requirements for students to wear masks but I do not have the money to keep purchasing all of the masks. Are you going to provide them for students? ver the past two weeks, school sites have received two additional shipments of student sized face masks. If your child needs an appropriate face mask, request them from the site administrator.

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When a student is sick, test positive and quarantines, why are you requesting a negative PCR test post infection when the CDC states that “patients who have recovered from Covid 19 can continue to have detectable SARS-COV2 RNA in upper respiratory specimens for up to 3 months after illness.” Hospitals don’t retest after infection. Why are we?

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t is recommended that an antigen test (rather than PCR test) be taken on the fifth day of quarantine. Nevertheless, the negative antigen test is only required if a student wishes to return after their fifth day of quarantine.

If they do not wish to test, they may return without a test after the 10th day as long as they have no symptoms.

The PCR tests that Inspire uses (CARESTART COVID-19 mdx rt-PCR) are not FDA approved and the swab tips are sterilized with a known carcinogen (ethylene oxide). If our children develop sinus cancer in 5 years from the excessive testing, who do we sue? oth the Inspire Diagnostics PCR and antigen tests are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

You can find the FDA approval letters for CARESTART (Antigen test) and TaqPath Assay (for RT-PCR test) on our PVUSD Health and Safety website.

Within the letters dated April 12, 2021 and Oct. 12, 2021, they state: “This EUA will be effective until the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 is terminated under Section 564(b)(2) of the Act or the EUA is revoked under Section 564(g) of the Act”.

The tests are not hazardous to our students and staff. The Ethylene Oxide is used in the process of the swab sterilization but there are no residues of it in the swab.

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Now that approvals of intra-district transfers are based upon a lottery, can you please explain the process? Also, what is the date of the lottery? n a continued effort to support parent choice, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District had an Open Enrollment IntraDistrict Transfer process for the 2022-2023 school year from Nov. 29-Jan. 28.

This process allowed families living in the PVUSD attendance area the opportunity to choose another school within the district for their child(ren) to attend in grade Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Intradistrict Transfers received during the Open Enrollment period are entered into a database with the information of the school requested and the grade level the student will be entering if approved.

Upon Open Enrollment closing, the Student Services Department meets the week after to verify the projections of attendance by grade level for each site.

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This informs us of the number of openings available at each grade level.

The lottery process then begins based on the number of openings at a site grade level. We take all requests for that grade level (at each site) and use a computer based random number generator for each family request made.

For example: If we received 10 requests for a site’s 5th grade class, each of the 10 families is assigned a number based on the random generator. If there are only 5 spots available, the families identified as spots 1- 5 would receive approval letters and a phone call from Student Services.

The remaining 6-10 will be placed on a wait list in that order. Families will be notified if they are placed on the waitlist. If a space becomes available during the school year, Student Services will call the next family on the waitlist and offer the spot.

We will continue to approve intradistrict transfers when the staffing and facilities are able to accommodate the request. Elementary lottery Feb. 18-19.

Notification Feb. 22-28.

Secondary lottery: Feb. 23-25. Notification: Feb. 28-March 4.25.

If you are a family that missed Open Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year, you can still apply. The timelines for notification are below.

If vaccinated and unvaccinated children can receive and transmit COVID, why aren’t whole classes that have been exposed through in-class exposure restricted from the after-school programs instead of just the non-vaccinated students? ince the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, PVUSD has been committed to protecting our school community by closely adhering to guidance from the California Department of Public Health.

Under operative executive orders, State Public Health Officer Orders, Cal/ OSHA Workplace Safety and Health Regulations, and provisions of the California Health and Safety Code, all schools must comply with orders and guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health and relevant local health departments to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health.

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“PVUSD Q&A” page 26

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Rose and The Secret of the Valentine Angel A Poem By Peter Melton Once upon a now and not so far from here, Comes the story of an Angel, an Elf and a Mirror.

This angel was born of Love late one night, With her wings oddly shaped and her skin red and bright.

“The Cave of Valentine Secrets, that’s an odd place to find,” She decided to go in and then a thought came to mind.

They made fun of her skin and her looks, oh the things they would say, But they all had one thing in common, they all hoped to be picked one day.

“Secrets,” Rose thought, “Might this be a key?

If I knew a Valentine’s secret, Cupid just might pick me.”

Rose walked into the cave and she looked all around, But all the walls were like mirrors, from ceiling to ground.

“There are no clues in here, no Love Secrets to see, Everywhere I look there are just… reflections… of me.”

Picked to join the Valentine Cupid, he chooses one angel each year, To help him spread Love and Valentine’s cheer.

She paused for a moment as another thought came to mind, “Could the Secret of Love be a reflection of some kind?”

On the night before Valentine’s, Cupid arrives in his cart, And an angel is chosen, based on the Love in her heart.

Just then a small voice, the voice of an elf, Said, “The Secret of Love, is to first Love yourself.”

Rose just knew she wouldn’t win, so why even try?

And on the day before Valentine’s, away she did fly.

A startled Rose replied, “How can I Love myself when I just don’t belong?”

And then the voice answered back with this little song.

After flying for a while, a strange site caught her eye, There was a sign, by a cave, and she wondered why?

“When you Love yourself for just being you, That glow shines on others, and it bounces back too.

Her Mom named her Rose, and watched her blossom with Love, But since she was different, the other kids pushed and shoved.

She heard cheers and trumpets, was this her big night?

“They’re happy to see me,” she said, “This all feels so right.”

She stood there alone, as angel tears filled her eyes, Her very special night had been cut down to size.

The girls all ran toward her, but then she could tell, They were cheering for Cupid and her spirits fell.

Rose hunched down in the back, her night seemed so bleak, As Cupid climbed up onto his cart to speak.

He had arrived at the same time, with a flash of red light from his cart.

The girls were cheering for him, and it broke Rose’s heart.

“I’ll ask you all one question, no this is not a trick, “Rose” page 27

U.S. Presidents

Just like with a mirror, your glow will come back, And you’ll be giving yourself the love, that you think you lack.”

“I get it,” said Rose, “I used to look to others for their love to show, But the secret of Love is a reflection, and it starts with my glow.

Thank You, oh thank you, sweet voice from the cave, Now that I know the secret, I suddenly feel brave.

I must get back soon, Cupid is choosing tonight” And she took off real fast, with a flash of red light.

The whole town looked up as a red flash lit the skies, And Rose landed at the castle with stars in her eyes.

ACROSS

1. Short for specification 5. Knave 8. *Like President Eisenhower’s head 12. *One fourth of a Presidential term 13. Take-out handout 14. The Beast’s problem in “Beauty and the Beast” 15. *Pres. Eisenhower established this space agency 16. Thought 17. Body of water 18. *#22 and #24 20. First-rate, slangily 21. Terminate, as in mission

22. Lingerie staple 23. Public speaker 26. Ivory tickler 30. “Fresh Prince of ____-Air” 31. Most likely to win 34. Pot contribution 35. By surprise 37. Indian restaurant staple 38. Lacking justification 39. Office communique 40. Greece and Bulgaria peninsula 42. Overnight stop 43. Indifferently 45. Sturdily built 47. English course abbreviation 48. “_____’ it easy” 50. Oliver Twist, e.g.

52. *University of Virginia founder

9. ____ 51, Nevada 10. Law school entry requirement, acr.

11. Bear’s room 13. Edith Piaf’s hit 14. Meat of coconut 19. Digital tome 22. Trash container, e.g.

23. *One of three Presidents to win a Grammy 24. James Dean’s famous role DOWN 25. Remember this battle 1. Update a FitBit 26. *First to serve coast to 2. Sound of bells coast 3. “At ____, soldier.”

27. Indo-Aryan, as in 4. Modern tie forerunner languages 5. Aromatic lumber 28. Did not smell good 6. Beside, archaic 29. Like yellow polka dot 7. Two of the same bikini 8. *The only President 32. June 6, 1944 who was a bachelor 33. Salt in cocina

56. African prairie 57. *Second most-popular Presidential birth state, after Virginia 58. Arm bone 59. Poem at a funeral 60. German title 61. Arnold Lobel’s “Mouse ____” 62. High school club 63. Clinton ____ Rodham 64. Hitler’s Deputy

36. *a.k.a. Silent Cal 38. Loosen ropes 40. Deli acronym 41. ____ ____ help 44. Hawaii’s number 46. Mob offensive 48. High-pitched laugh sound, in print 49. Like Bananas Foster 50. “All’s well that ends ____” 51. Away from wind 52. *Second most common Presidential first name, after James 53. Type of gin 54. Cross to bear 55. Midday slumbers 56. Chill, with ‘out’ © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2022 / 25

Pluto Return — From Dark to the Light of Day Esoteric Astrology • Mid-February 2021 • By Risa D’Angeles

W

hat we have been experiencing in both our country and our world — upheavals, disorder, disruptions, mayhem, turmoil, confusion, chasms of power and wealth, polarizations, shadow puppets, transformations and transfigurations — all of this shattering conflict and chaos — has to do with the planet Pluto whose task is to brings all the hidden darkness (abuse, unequal power dynamics, black magic manipulations, globalist agendas of control, government crimes against humanity, misuse of money, lies, etc. etc.) into the light of day.

Pluto itself is the symbol and archetype for death, destruction, transformation so a new living life wave can break through the chains of darkness hindering humanity’s move forward.

Pluto completes one circle around the earth every 248 years. On February 21/22, 2022, Pluto in the sky will be directly on Pluto in the United States natal astrology chart. This is called Pluto return.

We know about Saturn returns, which can be quite difficult. A Pluto return is a metamorphic change in the fabric of a country, an event or a person. This Pluto event will be the first time since the founding of the United States, a country based on freedom and liberty.

ARIES

Right communication comes from right observation, being a dispassionate yet curious onlooker. You think about friendships, warm comforting food, harmonious surroundings and kind people with shared thoughts. You seek peace-loving friendships, inclusive intelligent conversations, bubbly things to drink. And you consider whether you should participate in invitations or not. You think of sitting by the fire at home, reading a book, family all around. You choose your heart’s desire.

TAURUS

We are seeing everywhere major interruptions, collapse and breakdowns of all that we know. This is the result of Pluto’s effects, especially here in the United States. Called a Pluto return, this is creating the most important radical shift and change any person or nation can experience in their lifetime. The outcome is total and complete transformation.

Pluto, in its task of altering life as we know it, is being assisted in these changes by the shift in the Ages, from Pisces to Aquarius. The Earth’s new rising sign is now Aquarius, the “light that shines on earth and across the seas...cleansing with its healing rays, all that must be purified until the dark is gone.” Aquarius and Pluto are working together to bring about an entirely new world order (original esoteric phrase).

The outcome is and will be world shattering, drastic, pervasive, ground breaking, innovative, radical, revolutionary, and essentially the death of all old forms, its impact affecting us well into the future.

So we can emerge, a phoenix out of the ashes of darkness and into the Light of Day.

LEO

Relationships seem to anchor your very life force. You can live and work and be alone. However, at this time close interactions, intimacy and harmony with another is more important. You seek, in ways great and small, ways toward balance and peace. There is great responsibility and many tasks around these will be asked of you in the coming times. It is important to cooperate with others, creating new ways of living, community ways. Relationships need to call upon a state of grace so love can be fully expressed.

VIRGO

You’re out and about in the world. Everyone sees you as attractive, charming, responsible, a leader, someone intelligent, kind and in charge.

People like you. You rub shoulders with those in power, in the know, highly positioned. You negotiate through social interactions with great subtlety.

You’re affectionate and happy seeing new opportunities arise.

You’re successful due to your artistic talents. People’s heads turn as you walk by. Remember what’s real and what’s not.

You’re real.

You want to be practical and helpful (not always but mostly). You want to learn how to best serve those close to you, especially a partner. You don’t want to be overly loving, just thoughtful, present, mindful and available. When discovering harmony and order you realize that opportunities such as these are often fleeting.

Know that you can design all relationships that are filled with everything everyone needs. This is the workings of one who is directed by the Soul. You are the Soul.

GEMINI

LIBRA

SAGITTARIUS

It seems you want more or new or different friends. You want to have companionship and you want to be a companion to someone in love in return. You want to know everyone in the neighborhood. You want them to speak with you and you with them. You want to know the names of winter plants, flowers and birds. You need communication, no conflict, diplomacy, cheerfulness and wit. Begin your communication with the devas. The rest follows.

CAPRICORN

During this time there is a feeling of contentment, a sense that everything’s in place, everything is as it should be. Every now and then there is restlessness, small thoughts that ask what makes you happy, what is happiness?

Amidst the simple pleasures you’ve created, you want a sharing to occur, with friends, intimates, and most of all family. Love is stable. There is comfort. There is something in your life that cannot be said in words - a waterfall, a thrush, a running brook. A forgiveness.

AQUARIUS

You need to expand beyond the routine, beyond the daily This is a time where you radiate a caring magnetic news. People worldwide, of different disciattractiveness. The outcome of this could plines, education, culture and backgrounds be new friends, new ideas, new groups or a need to hear what you have to say. You vivifying of a present relationship. It could are the dispenser of new information. It’s be that everyone listens to your ideas with important to seek out the arts and entertainments. What great attentiveness and wants to imitate you. When you are they? You’re to be part of creating the new era. Group are more loving you are then, in turn, more loved and work becomes vital, stabilizing your talents & gifts. appreciated. An expansive creative self-expression is Maintain health with focused intent for you are to build, about to come forth. You know what is right, what is with others, the new culture & civilization. good, what is fair and what is just. You radiate success and good cheer.

Do you deny yourself things? Do you step back from what you desire, aspire toward, love? If so, let this drop away for several weeks, attempt to place yourself at the center and reach out to what is comforting, restful, kind, caring, warm and merciful. Allow yourself to loosen up a bit, letting some of your protective shields to drop away. You will be safe. Dress up a bit, making yourself more attractive than usual. Think of yourself as a listener and one who has developed cooperation. A new thought for one who comes from the future.

You seek a certain intensity and truth telling in all SCORPIO encounters, even casual interactions. Any- You may feel as if you simply cannot leave hearth, home, thing superficial obstructs your thinking. family, garden, or pets, even a goldfish You consider what this vulnerable state of (Pisces influence). You ponder upon the limitation means. You do not want to feel past, feel nostalgic, a bit sad at times, betrayal. You want to feel and express your ever moving remembering past loves, opportunities forward intelligent nature. And you seek this in return not taken, places unvisited. This gives you the impetus with others. You begin to see beauty in everything. And to change your environment a bit. Perhaps you are called seek to serve those in need. You are the nurturer in times home. This shift and change reflects a new aesthetic of war and peace. The spirit of revolution sets it seal of peacemaking and stability. You sense what is most upon you. important and what is not. You sing and the hills answer.

•••

PISCES

CANCER

Parts of you have migrated into a private deeply internal place, creating a sort of hibernation, taking cover like a bear entering a cave for the winter. Other parts of you are out and about attempting to be merry. Simply know and allow both actions to be. Don’t think something’s wrong.

You’re learning how to share and accept, be aware of and work with many levels and realities at once. At times there’s a sense of longing, a wistfulness. Things end. You sigh.

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

26 / February 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“PVUSD Q&A” from page 24 In an effort to support our students and continue to follow required guidelines, the ten Santa Cruz County Superintendents and the County Office of Education consulted with our local public health officials to help clarify the Jan. 12, 2022 updated guidance provided by CPDH and develop appropriate policies for Santa Cruz County schools pertaining to sports and extracurricular activities.

The following guidelines have been reviewed and are supported by the Public Health Department of Santa Cruz County.

Effective immediately, schools will begin implementing the following guidelines: • Regardless of vaccination status, all students will be required to test weekly to participate in indoor sports and extracurricular activities that take place indoors (e.g. afterschool indoor practices and performances such as Band and Drama) • Students exposed in a school setting, where both parties were masked, who participate in testing may continue to take part in all aspects of K-12 schooling, school-administered afterschool programs, sports and extracurricular activities unless they develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. Protocols for out of school exposures remain the same as they have all school year.

• To adhere to testing requirements, schools in Santa Cruz County will only take into account test results that are administered and observed by health care providers, Inspire drivethrough/school clinics or other CLIA certified laboratories. Home tests are to be used for parents to evaluate the a student’s COVID-19 status only.

Good news! Local Bay Area doctors agree that the pandemic emergency is over & covid-19 is now considered an endemic. They are urging we lift mask policies for school children. (https:// www.kron4.com/health/coronavirus/ covid-is-now-an-endemic-not-apandemic-san-francisco-doctors-say/) When does PVUSD plan to remove its COVID protocols?

VUSD will continue to require all students, staff and community members within school facilities to continue to wear face coverings as required by CDPH and as noted in our Standard Operating Procedure #13. n

P

Regardless of vaccination status, all students will be required to test weekly to participate in indoor sports and extracurricular activities that take place indoors.

FEATURED COLUMNIST

She Returned the Merchandise to eBay. What Happened to Her Refund?

When Gloria Lenoir returns her merchandise to eBay, the company doesn’t refund her $29 and closes her case. How does she get eBay’s attention?

••• recently bought two tubes of Voltaren, a pain medication, through eBay. I paid $29 for the product but decided I could not use it. I tried to return the product, but the seller did not respond. eBay provided a USPS shipping label so I could return the item. I returned the item to the seller about a month ago but I did not get my refund.

When I tried to enter the USPS tracking number, the eBay website will not accept it. eBay has closed the case. Can you help me get my refund?

— Gloria Lenoir, Austin, Texas •••

I

S

By Christopher Elliott

o let me get this straight: You returned your tubes of Voltaren to the buyer via eBay and you received nothing?

Come on.

The seller should have responded when you asked to return the product.

This isn’t the first time we’ve had an nonresponsive eBay seller.

When that happens, eBay should reconsider whether the merchant belongs on its platform. No ghosting customers! And after talking to eBay myself, there’s no evidence the merchant got a talkin’-to.

I’m glad eBay got involved and sent you a return label. For a few days, at least, it looked as if eBay had taken your side.

“We have reviewed this case and decided in your favor,” it said in an email to you.

“Rose” from page 25 The angel who has the best answer will be this year’s pick.”

“The challenge is quite easy, or so it might seem, Just show me the Secret of Love and you’ll join my team.”

“Show him the Secret of Love? That’s a weird question to ask.”

The girls all looked puzzled at this Valentine’s task.

Then some girls tried to show him Love, through their hugs and big kisses, While others tried candy and money and jewelry – all misses.

“Is that everyone?” Cupid asked as he gave the crowd a glance, What about you, in the back, would you like a chance?

Come out from the dark, so that I can see you clearer” And as Rose came forward, she was holding a mirror.

“Is that a mirror?” Cupid chuckled, “And what is your name?”

And what is your answer to our Valentine’s game?”

A nervous Rose replied, “My name is Rose, and I got this mirror from an elf, He taught me a song about loving myself.

The Secret of Love is a reflection, just take a peek, If you shine your love first, you’ll get back what you seek.”

“You should return the item to the seller for a refund. We’re sorry you had a problem with your purchase.” eBay should have been able to track your return and issue a refund, but for some reason, it couldn’t. The tracking number USPS gave you was valid. Someone in New York accepted the merchandise after you sent it back. But it looks like the tracking number didn’t quite work with eBay’s system.

Closing your case was the wrong move; eBay should have opened an investigation and not closed it until it was resolved. Your case just slipped through the cracks.

I think you did everything you could to keep your case alive. You kept your

correspondence in writing (good work!), and you kept all emails and messages (nice going!), but you still couldn’t get to the right place at eBay. Next time, try one of these executive contacts at eBay: https:// www.elliott.org/company-contacts/ebaycustomer-service-contacts/. A polite, brief email with your entire paper trail attached should get to the right person.

I asked eBay about your case. Although it wouldn’t reveal what went wrong with your refund, the company promptly refunded your $29 after I contacted it. n ••• Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer for Elliott Advocacy. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help with any consumer problem by contacting him at http:// www.elliott.org/help • ©2022 Christopher Elliott.

The girls they all laughed, “What a silly show of Love.”

But as Cupid began smiling, the trumpets sounded above.

“That’s it!” said Cupid, “The Secret of Love has been found, You must Love yourself first and then it spreads all around.”

The girls were all shocked, how could Rose win the prize, And what was that light, shining out of her eyes?

They had been so mean to her, but could it be true?

That Rose was still able to shine Love on them too?

“Congratulations Rose,” Cupid said, “You’ve discovered Love’s greatest power, So in honor of you … I’m creating a brand new flower.

The flower will stand for Loving yourself and sharing your own special glow, This is the Secret of Valentine’s, that now you all know.

And we’ll call it a Rose, named after you, my red friend, To remind everyone that through Self-Love, all broken hearts mend.

And by giving a rose, you share a love that’s so true, Saying ‘I Love Myself and I Love you too.’ n ••• Artwork by Jack Wiens

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2022 / 27

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING Suicide Prevention Services is recruiting volunteers for training, which starts Feb. 17 and ends April 21.

After working for 20 years with suicidal people and the painful aftermath of a suicide death, Celeste Cisneros says suicide is individual, complex, and personal. She says what helps is a compassionate volunteer trained to connect with the caller by validating, believing, and caring.

Most suicidal callers agree to be safe and follow a safety plan by the end of the call. Lives are saved.

Families, friends, and communities are spared unbearable pain.

More than 80 volunteers answer 400 calls per month from residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. These courageous people are neighbors, coworkers, and friends.

They may be the person in front you in line at the movies or the grocery. Volunteers work behind closed doors and perform heroic acts of kindness. They pick up the phone, weave an invisible lifeline of caring, and commit to the safety and well-being of the caller.

More volunteers are needed. Previous experience is not necessary. What is needed is a willingness to learn new skills and to listen.

If you have questions, call 831-459-9373.

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote?

Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by Feb. 22 they are dormant and their structure is easily seen.

Winter pruning invigorates fruit trees to produce and support strong fruit production. Join Diane Mahan, UC Master Gardener and professional landscaper, to learn the why and how of winter fruit tree pruning of both old growth and newly planted fruit trees.

The class is free to all with the option to provide a suggested donation of $5 or more to support the all-volunteer Master Gardener program.

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

You are not alone. You are not to blame.

More information: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealing center.org

AG LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Applications are now being accepted for Class 52 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. Applicants should be mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers and/ or individuals working in other areas of California’s diverse agriculture industry.

The program, operated by the California Agricultural WILDFIRE SURVIVOR WEBINARS Leadership Foundation, is considered to be one of the United Policyholders is offering free workshops in February for people affected by any California wildfire. premier leadership development experiences in the United States.

Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 4 p.m. — Taxing The phase one application are available online at Matters for Wildfire-Impacted Households: CPAs with extensive experience advising disaster survivors www.agleaders.org/apply. share key tips on: Tax strategies for the underinsured; Phase one of the three-phrase application process is due no later than April 27 — the earlier the better.

Casualty loss tax filing options; Are insurance proceeds taxable?

HELP FOR LOCAL EMPLOYERS Thursday, Feb. 24, at 5:30 p.m. — Roadmap to A coalition of local governments and nonprofits in Santa Recovery: Q&A for wildfire survivors Cruz County has launched the Behind Every Employer UP staff members and expert panelists answer initiative. pre-submitted and frequently asked insurance claim This is a business resource network for local questions. employers interested in workforce and other local To register, visit: uphelp.org/events business services.

SENIOR OUTREACH Behind Every Employer Santa Cruz County connects Family Service Agency Senior Outreach offers free businesses needing assistance recruit-ing talent, identifying needed workforce training, consulting about one-on-one counseling for people 55 and over challenges facing a busi-ness, finding information about via the phone, Skype or Zoom. Counselors are the local market and locating needed financing. experienced.

Behind Every Employer is a project of Workforce In-person counseling has been suspended to prevent Santa Cruz County, the County of Santa Cruz; the cities Covid-19 spread.

Groups for men and women will be restarted as soon of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Capitola and Scotts Valley; as possible, with a women’s group starting in February. the Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center and El Pajaro Community Development Corp.

Dates are not available due to the changing Covid For information: https://behindeveryemployer.org/santa-cruz/ situation.

Hopes are to restart peer training, for which there is CAREER ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL a waiting list.

To express interest in participating, call Barbara Salata, 831- The Santa Cruz Public Libraries invites you to jumpstart 459-9351 ext. 206, who will return your call in 24 hours. your future by earning an accredited high school diploma and career training through Career Online UC MASTER GARDENER CLASSES High School.

Is your 2022 resolution to go back to school and get UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz your high school diploma? Santa Cruz Public Libraries Counties offers free and low-cost gardening classes offers a program called Career Online High School, for Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. designed for adults who were unable to complete high Coming up: school and could benefit from additional job training.

Winter Fruit Tree Pruning: Feb. 24, 5-6:30 p.m.

This nationally accredited program allows adult (online) and March 12, 10 – noon, in-person, San Juan students to earn an accredited high school diploma — Bautista Historical State Park. not a GED — while gaining career skills in one of ten Cost is Free. Donations appreciated. Register at employment fields, from home care professional and mbmg.ucanr.edu.

Winter is the best time to prune most fruit trees while office management to homeland security.

28 / February 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Information at https://www.artscouncilsc.org/for-grantseekers/ Questions? Email grantsprogram@artscouncilsc.org .

ARTICHOKE FESTIVAL DATES SET The Artichoke Festival has set the dates for the 2022 festival, Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12.

SCPL awards scholarships to qualified adult This year’s festival theme: “The Heart of the Harvest.” learners on a first-come, first-served basis. Career Now in its 62nd year, the festival will take place at the Online High School is a solution for those who need historic Monterey County Fair and Event Center at 2004 extra academic support and flexibility. Once in the program, students are assigned an academic coach Fairground Road, in Monterey.

The festival will showcase the tastes that the who helps keep them on track and connects them Monterey County farming community has to offer: with tutors if needed.

The online curriculum is accessible 24/7, which is artichoke cooking demonstrations by local celebrity chefs; a bountiful farmer’s market with freshly helpful to those balancing work and family obligaharvested produce from Monterey County and tions. Students have up to 18 months to complete beyond; an artichoke agricultural education exhibit; the program, but many finish sooner because live stage entertainment; family-friendly fun activities; previously earned high school or GED test credits and artichokes prepared in delicious ways, including are accepted. the fan-favorite fried baby artichokes, plus artichokes For more info, see https://santacruzpl.mycareerhs.com/. steamed, grilled, and in unusual forms such as MAH EXHIBITIONS lumpia, burritos, sausage, cupcakes and even ice Thurs. thru Sun., Noon-6 p.m., 705 Front St., Santa Cruz cream.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History presents two The wine tasting event features the wines of small exhibitions starting in January. production, boutique wineries from around California.

Jan. 14–May 15: Atmosphere, an exhibition https://artichokefestival.org/sponsors/ by artist and filmmaker Enid Baxter Ryce featuring paintings and soundscapes that NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR VISIT SANTA CRUZ BOARD explore the phenomena of Monterey Visit Santa Cruz County and its Nominating Task Force Bay’s fog and atmospheric rivers. are seeking nomi-nations to the Board of Directors.

Ryce’s work will be exhibited with Deadline to apply is Thursday, Feb. 24. collections of archival photos, an Responsibilities of the 25-member board include interactive musical sculpture, and participation in general advocacy for the tourism fog collectors created in collaboration industry and active participation at board meetings with historian Dr. William Cowan, musician Lanier six times per year. Board members serve for two Sammons, sculptor Natalie Jenkins, and scientist Dan terms.

Fernandez.

Members represent regions of the county, 13 Jan. 21–March 20: Rydell Visual Art Fellowship lodging seats, and a cross-section of representatives exhibition, honoring the legacy of local philanthropists of businesses, cultural, governmental and organiRoy and Frances Rydell and featuring the 2020-2021 zations with affiliation to the travel and tourism Rydell Visual Arts Fund recipients: Printmaker and industry. illustrator Ann Altstatt; sculptor and designer Marc For a nominating form, see https://tinyurl.com/visitD’Estout; choreographer Cid Pearlman; and photogscc-board-nomination rapher Edward Ramirez. Presented in partnership with Call 831-425-1234 for more information.

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.

Suggested admission: General, $10; students / teachers / PUBLIC LIBRARY CAREER WORKSHOPS veterans, $8, free for members and children under 5.

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries presents career development workshops for teens and adults through POINT-IN-TIME COUNT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED April, thanks to grant funding.

The Point in Time Count of sheltered and unsheltered Second Wednesdays: Resume and interview skill people experiencing homelessness on a single night in workshops at 10 a.m.

January is scheduled for 5 to 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 28. Third Wednesdays: Resume and interview skill Data obtained will be used for federal funding workshops in Spanish, 10 a.m. allocations and national estimates of home-lessness.

Hours for English/Spanish bilingual career assistance The numbers reported by our community are used by at the downtown Santa Cruz library will begin in January. the U.S. Interagency Coun-cil on Homelessness and all federal departments including Housing and Education. ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS Volunteers must wear masks, be fully vaccinated Alzheimer’s Association is offering video and (including having received a booster) and are phone meetings for caregivers throughout the encouraged to sign up in a pod with 1 or 2 people they month: know. This requires a charged cell phone and walking Second and Fourth Wednesdays 2-3 miles if needed. Training will be virtual.

Santa Cruz, 2-3:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitators: Sign up at https://asr.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ Jill Ginghofer and Laurie McVay. SV_6x0Ht1UYELXAdSu First and Third Wednesdays For questions, contact John Connery at 831-227-3323 or Santa Cruz, 5:30-7 p.m. via video or phone — FaciliJohn@appliedsurveyresearch.org. tators: Francie Newfield and Kathleen McBurney.

Second Saturdays CULTIVATE GRANTS AVAILABLE Scotts Valley, 10-11:30 a.m. via video or phone — Dreaming up a new artistic creation or leveling up your Facilitator: Diana Hull. artistic career? Apply for a Cultivate Grant to fund your Register by calling 800-272-3900 or email ymflores@alz.org.

••• creative project or professional development.

Second Wednesdays Grants of up to $3,000 for artists, nonprofit organizations, and other partnerships are available. Application Spanish, 7-8:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitator: Yuliana Mendoza. closes at 5 p.m. March 23.

Grants awarded in July.

Register by calling 831-647-9890 or email ymflores@alz.org.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Saturday February 19

ONGOING EVENTS

MINI FUNGUS FAIR 10 a.m.- p.m., Tyrrell Park, 1305 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz For nearly 50 years, the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz has welcomed thousands of visitors to explore the fascinating world of mushrooms through the annual Fungus Fair.

This year, the event will return to its original home at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, where it launched in 1974, for the first ever Mini Fungus Fair. https://www.santacruzmuseum.org/2-19-mini-fungus-fair/ https://ffsc.us/

Ongoing thru March 15 NAMI PEER-TO-PEER 5-7 p.m., Online Classes NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, eight-session educational program via Zoom for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery.

Taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions and informative videos.

Sign up at https://www.namiscc.org/peer-to-peer.html Signing up does not guarantee enrollment, but puts you on the list to be notified about enrollment. Check your email within 5 business days of completing the form, and save anastasia@namiscc.org as a contact to prevent emails from going to spam.

Contact (831)-824-0406 or anastasia@namiscc.org with questions or if you do not hear back within 5 business days.

First and Third Mondays Each Month SENIOR LIFE ONLINE 4 p.m., Online Meeting Join a local group of senior citizens for “Senior Life Online,” a free online (Zoom) program featuring a presentation by a local expert. View the full schedule at scottsvalleyseniorlife.org/current-activities/.

Upcoming Events: Feb 21: “History of Glenwood Open Space Preserve” with Stephany Aguilar, former Scotts Valley City Council Member March 7: “How to Declutter or Downside Your Home” with Christy Best of Clutterbug. This presentation includes tips for how to get encouraged, inspired, motivated; and selling, donating and gifting things. Best, an organizer for 30 years, is a former member of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals since 1995, as well as a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of NAPO and the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization.

To participate, you need an Internet connection and a computer, tablet or smart phone. A 1-time preregistration is required at https://tinyurl.com/SVSLA-6.

Questions? Call George at (831) 334-7763.

Senior Life Online is sponsored by Scotts Valley Senior Life Association (SVSLA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to promote healthy living for senior citizens.

Information is at http://scottsvalleyseniorlife.org.

First Tuesdays of the Month UCSC ARBORETUM: FIRST TUESDAYS FREE 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, 1156 High St, SC Community Day at the UCSC Arboretum means free admission on the first Tuesday of every month 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Guests are invited to explore the biodiversity of the gardens, enjoy bird watching or relax on a bench in the shade. arboretum.ucsc.edu Third Thursday Each Month PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist, on the third Thursday of each month.

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

First Sunday Every Month WESTSIDE MARKETPLACE 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Old Wrigley Building Parking Lot, 2801 Mission Street, Santa Cruz Come by on Sundays and shop at over 40 unique & wonderful artists, makers & vintage sellers —

Sunday February 20

DANTE ALIGHIERI ART HISTORY LECTURE 7 p.m., Online Seminar Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz presents Dr. Allan Langdale on “Promotion and Princes: The Art & Architecture of Italian Renaissance Courts,” an online lecture.

This lecture examines the ways renaissance princely families used art and architecture as a mode of political promotion and self-fashioning as a way to represent power and the idealized fictions of rulership.

Waiting room will open at 6:45 p.m.

To register for this free event go to: https://bit.ly/Dante_Art_Lecture

ART OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA Ongoing Through April 17

Thurs.–Sun., 12-6 p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St. Art of the African Diaspora, in partnership with the Richmond Art Center, supports artists of African descent in the Bay Area through representation, professional development, and building a creative community.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of this exhibition program, and features over 100 artists of African descent. Artwork is on view at the Richmond Art Center, as well as in open studios and satellite exhibitions at venues across the Bay Area.

This satellite exhibition is curated for the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History by Santa Cruz artist and organizer Abi Mustapha and MAH Historian in Residence Luna HighJohn-Bey. Featured artists include Abi Mustapha, Zoe Boston, Tiffany Conway, Carla Golder, Louise Schine, Janet Barnes, Eijah Pfotenhauer and Justice Renaissance. https://www.santacruzmah.org Photo: Art of the African Diaspora there’s something for everyone at the Westside Marketplace!

Rain dates are scheduled for the following Sundays.

The Market is free to attend and is 100% local!

All local and state health guidelines will be followed.

Please wear your mask, maintain social distance while you shop and stay home if you don’t feel well. Hand sanitizing stations will be available.

For more info, go to the event page: www.facebook.com/ events/ 170470481551895 Second & Fourth Sundays TEEN ZINE CLUB AT FELTON LIBRARY Noon-1:30 p.m., Felton Branch Library, 6121 Gushee St., Felton The Felton Branch Library is launching a new program for teens!

Teen Zine Club will allow teenagers in the Santa Cruz County community a safe place to go and work on a small circulating, self-published media project that shows their original work or a compilation of their favorite text, info, images and more.

Teen Zine Club will take place in the Community room of the Felton Branch Li-brary. This program is free and open to the public.

DATED EVENTS Friday, February 18

CAPITOLA LIBRARY CLOSED The Capitola Branch Library will be closed Friday, Feb. 18 due to a planned electric service interruption that will last all day.

Service is expected to resume Saturday, Feb. 19 Patrons can visit online resources at http://www.santacruzpl. org/ or visit an open branch.

EXPLORING INSTITUTIONAL NAME CHANGES Noon-1 p.m., Abbott’s Square, Downtown Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ series “Conversations for Change” presents “What’s in a name? Exploring Local Institutional Name Changes” outdoors at Abbott’s Square in downtown Santa Cruz.

Cabrillo College is just one local institution considering a name change and going through an exploration process, and many students are in favor.

Other monuments and landmarks have been revisited as well for potential name changes locally.

What do you think?

Register at bit.ly/SCPL-Convo222 or by calling 831-427-7713.

Conversations for Change is designed to foster greater understanding among individuals who may have different viewpoints.

Monday February 21 FINDING THE MOTHER TREE 7-8:30 p.m., Online Meeting Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History presents Nature Lover’s Book Club: “Finding The Mother Tree,” by Suzanne Simard Founded by volunteer and naturalist Kat Morgan, this club meets virtually via Zoom on the third Monday of every month.

Those interested should email Natalie at johnston@ pgmuseum.org.

Tuesday February 22 COOKING DEMO 4-5 p.m., Online Class Everyone’s Harvest will host a Zoom cooking demonstration with Wild Fish Executive Chef Elsah Payne.

Payne will demonstrate Sable Fish with Roasted Market Veggies and Chimichurri.

Zoom Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/858762 01019?pwd=Y1Nzbnc0K2tVRDcrMHVEQm1vVU1FUT09 Meeting ID: 858 7620 1019 Passcode: 705146 One tap mobile: +16699006833,,85876201019#,,,, / *705146# US (San Jose)

Wednesday February 23

RESEARCHING YOUR GENEALOGY 1-2 p.m., Online Class “Researching Your Genealogy — the nuts & bolts” is a free class on Zoom that will present the ins and outs of researching your family genealogy.

Presenter Maxine McCarthy recently researched her Friday February 18 own genealogy dating back to the mid-1700s, identified Friday February 25 134 family members spanning nine generations, including 102 descendants living in seven countries today.

PVUSD PARENT CONFERENCE Topics include: Online Genealogy Databases & 6:30 p.m., Zoom meetings The Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s annual parent Database Records, Immigration, “Brick Walls,” Genealogy Researchers, Family Trees, DNA Testing, Locating Living conference has two more virtual sessions coming up.

Family Members, and Producing the Genealogy Report.

Learn valuable tools to support your student in Participants can share their experiences and ask his/her education. The conference is via zoom at questions. All skill levels (even novices) can benefit.

6:30 p.m. in English and Spanish. Here is the link Pre-register at: https://communitybridges.org/mec-events/ to the English flyer that includes a zoom link to join introduction-to-researching-your-family/ the conference; and here is the link to the Spanish After registering, you will receive a confirmation email message. session. The Parent Engagement team has many The sponsor is Community Bridges’ “Senior Center Without prizes that will be raffled.

Limits.” See https://communitybridges.org/SCWOL/ or call Zoom Links: Clara Munoz (831) 458-3481.

English: https://pvusd.zoom.us/j/82559254411#success Spanish: https://pvusd.zoom.us/j/87425238439#success “Calendar” page 31 https://www.pvusd.net/parentcalendar

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Serving on County, Regional, State and National Commissions

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

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ach year, the Board of Supervisors makes appointments of its members to local boards and commissions. In addition to serving on the Board of Supervisors (this year as Vice Chair) I also serve on your behalf in a number of other capacities on local, regional and national commissions.

Sometimes you may need help on specialty issues that are associated with these commissions so I wanted to give you an overview of these commissions and encourage you to reach out if you have constituent needs associated with any of them.

California State Association of Counties Health and Human Services Committee — Vice-Chair he CSAC Health and Human Services Committee has responsibility for the development of policies and proposals relating to: aging and long-term care, alcohol and drug programs, mental health, the Medically Indigent Services Program, the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (Cal Works) program, foster care, child welfare

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services, adult protective services, the In-Home Supportive Services program, the General Assistance program and homeless services.

Criminal Justice Council — Chair he Criminal Justice Council of Santa Cruz County was created over thirty years ago in an effort to provide a more effective criminal justice system for the citizens of Santa Cruz County.

The CJC works to increase coordination and cooperation between criminal justice partners — government, non-profit, educational and others, reduce youth involvement in gang, create a forum for discussion of and recommendations for programs and plans for solutions to criminal issue and provide long-range planning for the criminal justice system.

Flood Control and Water Conservation District: Zone 7 — Chair one 7 was formed for the primary purpose of improving the flood carrying capacity of the Pajaro River, Salsipuedes and Corralitos Creek system within the Pajaro Valley floodplain.

Zone 7 capital projects are intended to limit the potential for flooding within the floodplain area. Much of the focus is on protecting (and rebuilding) the current levee system to protect life and property in the Pajaro Valley.

Library Financing Authority — Chair ncluding members from the cities and county, this joint powers authority exists for the purpose of financing the acquisition,

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SPECIALTY SCREEN & GLASS SHOP Contact us for a free on-site consultation.

831-476-2023 Skylightplace.com

30 / February 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Local Local Local

construction and improvement of public library facilities.

Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) — Board Member LAFCO was created by state law in 1963 to regulate the boundaries of cities and special districts. LAFCO’s objectives are: encourage efficient service areas for services provided by cities, counties and special districts, to guide urban development away from prime agricultural lands and open space resources and to discourage urban sprawl.

Monterey Bay Air Resources District — Board Member he Air District is responsible for air monitoring, permitting, enforcement, long-range air quality planning and education related to air pollution as required by the California Clean Air Act and Federal Clean Air Act. The District also provides rebates for fireplace conversions (to cleaner burning options) and electric vehicle lease or purchases.

National Association of Counties Telecommunications & Technology Committee — Board Member he National Association of Counties serves as the primary advocacy organization for counties. They advocate county priorities in federal policymaking and allow for information sharing of model county polices and practices to optimize taxpayer resources and provide cost savings.

This committee focuses on all matters pertaining to telecommunications and technology policy, including the county role as a telecommunications regulator, service provider, and consumer, cable services technology and implementation, information technology development and implementation, information technology innovation, e-governance, and geo-spatial data collection and utilization.

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Oral Health Access Santa Cruz County Committee — Co-Chair his group of local health industry experts, community leaders, and education advocate improve the oral health of Santa Cruz County by creating data driven strategies that increase access to care and education.

Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency — Chair he Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency is a joint powers authority of the County of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Flood Control and Water Conservation Zone No. 7, the County of Monterey, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency, and the City of Watsonville.

Formed in 2021, the agency will plan, finance and implement projects and programs to reduce flood risk from the lower Pajaro River and its tributaries in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.

Regional Transportation Commission — Board Member he RTC sets priorities for the transportation network including highways, major roads, bus and paratransit and the rail corridor. The RTC pursues and allocates funding for all of these transportation elements and adopts policies to improve mobility, access and air quality.

Santa Cruz County Consolidated Redevelopment Successor Agency Oversight Board — Alternate he Santa Cruz County Consolidated Redevelopment Successor Agency Oversight Board oversees the activities of the five redevelopment successor agencies in Santa Cruz County.

Santa Cruz Mid-County Water Agency — Board Member he MGA is an 11-member board who oversee the groundwater management activities of the Mid-County Basin Area in Santa Cruz County.

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SCCAS Featured Pet

Meet Lobo!

Lobo is a 3-year-old German Shepherd who has been at the shelter for a few months and has really come out of his shell. He is a calm and playful boy who loves both people and dogs.

He is fully house trained, listens well, and walks easily on a leash. He’s an affectionate, communicative, and attentive companion who doesn’t bark very often. He loves to play fetch and shred stuffed animals. Lobo loves belly rubs and to put one or both paws on your knees to come in for scratches.

We don’t know his history with children so families looking to adopt him will have to visit him first. If you’re looking for your new best friend please visit Lobo at 1001 Rodriguez St, Santa Cruz between noon and 5 every day.

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

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

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Wednesday February 23 SUPERVISOR FRIEND TO SPEAK 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Seascape Golf Course, 610 Clubhouse Dr, Aptos Join the Aptos Chamber a networking lunch meeting with 2nd District Supervisor Zach Friend for timely updates. There will be time for questions and community updates. Lunch will be either indoors or outside, COVID-19 dependent.

Reservations are required. $35 General admission/$30 members paid in advance, $35 day of.

Call the Aptos Chamber at (831) 688-1467, or send a check to 7605 Old Dominion Court, Aptos CA 95003, or online at aptoschamber.com.

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© Statepoint Media

Tuesday March 1

MARDI GRAS PARTY TO BENEFIT APTOS HISTORY MUSEUM 5-7 p.m., Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Ct, Aptos Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” or Carnival, a celebration kickoff before Easter.

Come celebrate with great appetizers, music and more at the Seacliff Inn. Bring your beads and masks. There will be prizes Thursday February 24 for the best dressed, a no-host bar featuring Bourbon JOBY AVIATION JOB FAIR Street classics, and Uke4Joy will provide the music.

4-6 p.m., Online Conference Help raise funds for the Aptos History Museum by The Monterey County Workforce Development Board bidding on silent auction items and a 50/50 Raffle. will host a virtual job fair for Joby Aviation (https://www. Tickets are $40 general/$35 for museum members. Call jobyaviation.com/).

(831) 688-1467 or aptoshistory.org for information and Joby Aviation has open engineering, manufacturing reservations. Let the good times roll! and generalist positions for expanding locations in Marina and Santa Cruz. Experience requirements vary Wednesday March 2 by position.

TITANS OF TECH 2021 Attendees will be able to speak with Joby’s recruiting 7-10 p.m., Online Seminar (In-person if possible, location TBA) team and apply for open positions. Resumé required. Santa Cruz Works’ annual Titans of Tech features comRegister at www.montereycountywdb.org/joby-aviation/ munity members who have made an impact on the Santa Cruz tech community that year, plus Hometown Heroes, Friday February 25 who helped us get through the year of COVID and wildfires. thru Sunday February 27 Organizers hope this will be an in-person + 2022 BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL streaming event.

WORLD TOUR For tickets, available mid February, see santacruzworks.org 7 p.m., Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz UC Santa Cruz Adventure Rec presents the 2022 Banff Thursday March 3 Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour Santa Cruz at WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP FOR DIVERSE REPRESENTATION the Rio Theatre.

This event benefits the UCSC Wilderness Orientation 6:30-8 p.m., Online Seminars This is the second of five seminars which focus on a Willie Williams Scholarship Fund and Adventure Rec specific topic and include a panel of speakers, small student scholarships. group discussions for networking, and provide an Each year, nearly $20,000 in scholarship funds opportunity for connection for mentorship in the political are awarded to UCSC students based on financial field. need, affording them the chance to share in outdoor Session 2: How to Build a Campaign — Steps adventures.

Each night features a different lineup, Maple, Larch to take to start a campaign, developing a team, and Spruce. Tickets are $25 for Saturday and $23 for developing a winning message, fundraising, issues specific to diverse women running. Resources and Friday and Sunday.

To buy tickets, visit https://recreation.ucsc.edu/adventure/banff connections for running.

Upcoming sessions: Thursday, May 12: City Councils Saturday February 26 Thursday, July 7: School Boards Sunday February 27 Thursday, Sept. 8: Commissions & Groups CLAM CHOWDER COOKOFF For details, see https://www.ncsl.org/legislators-staff/ The Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off is hosted by the legislators/womens-legislative-network/institute-for-electedSanta Cruz Beach Boardwalk. women-california.aspx. n

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U.S. Presidents

Awards are given for Best Chowder in each category, plus People’s Choice, Most Tasted, and Best-Themed Booth The participants will be lined up across the Boardwalk offering their chowders to the public as part of the competition. Tasting Kits are $12 each and include six taste tickets, spoon, cup and a People’s Choice ballot.

Visit beachboardwalk.com/clam-chowder-cook-off/ for more details.

The basin management goals are: ensure water supply reliability for current and future beneficial uses, maintain water quality to meet current and future beneficial uses and prevent adverse environmental impacts.

Santa Cruz-Monterey-Merced Managed Medical Care Commission — Board Member his commission is the governing board for Central California Alliance for Health The board has fiscal and operational responsibility for the health plan, sets policy and strategic priorities for the organization and oversees health plan service effectiveness.

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The board is comprised of members of government, the Alliance’s health care partners and the public in the Santa Cruz, Monterey and Merced counties.

Santa Cruz County Sanitation District — Board Member he Sanitation District is responsible for the collection of wastewater within the district’s boundaries and environmental compliance.

••• As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts.

If I can be of any help on these commissions or in my capacity on the Board of Supervisors please don’t hesitate to contact me at 454-2200.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / February 15th 2022 / 31

IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO SELL? There were only 11 homes for sale in the month of January in Aptos and La Selva combined. (little supply & huge demand) Median sale price for Aptos & La Selva is 14.4% higher than one year ago.

The average price per square foot has increased by 12.9% compared to this time last year.

Give yourself every advantage.

AMBER MELENUDO REALTOR® 831.566.2263 AmberMelenudo.com ambermelenudo@gmail.com DRE 01921098