How to Deal with Debt Collectors

COMMUNITY NEWS

How to Deal with Debt Collectors

With Americans struggling with decades-high inflation and other economic uncertainties, millions have turned to debt to make ends meet. Adding to the stress of many are seemingly endless calls from aggressive debt collectors.

“Nobody should be afraid to pick up their phone or be on the receiving end of bullying or threatening language. But relief is much closer than many people may think,” said Amy Maliga, a financial educator with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency. “When you understand how debt collection works, you can leverage that knowledge to find peace of mind as you work to become debt-free.”

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects individuals from debt collector harassment and dictates how collection agencies can interact with people. To help individuals regain control of debt collector calls, Maliga shares five key actions to take: • Check their facts. Ask for written verification of the debt amount and additional details, including the name of the original creditor and instructions on how to dispute the debt if

you question its validity. By law, collection agencies must provide this information within five days of your request. Never provide sensitive financial details over the phone. • Keep detailed records. Keep track of every letter, email and phone call you have with debt collectors. These will come in handy if you must file a complaint or prove you paid the debt if another agency tries to collect on it in the future. • Take control of communication. You have the right to dictate how debt collectors can communicate with you.

You can make the request via email or letter. The Consumer Financial

Protection Bureau at https://www. consumerfinance.gov/ offers letter templates to help communicate with debt collectors in writing. • File a complaint. If a collection agency remains aggressive or blatantly violates the FDCPA, you can file a complaint online with the CFPB or by phone at 855-411-2372. You will receive email updates and can check the status of your complaint on the

CFPB website.

“Protocols” from page 24

Special Services in collaboration with the Post-Secondary Teachers provided information to the adult students and parents of conserved students regarding test kit pick-up options.

Test kits were and continue to be available at the student’s classroom location and at the SELPA office, which is located in the district office. If you did not receive the notification of test kit availability, and still would like to receive a test kit, please contact the student’s case manager so they may send home the kit with the student.

Or you may come to the SELPA office Monday-Friday between 8-4:30 to pick up a test kit.

Does the District use something like

Here Comes the Bus to track where the bus is and if your child got on it? If not, would they consider it?

PVUSD does not currently use Here Comes the Bus but we are in the process of acquiring a useful tool called Stopfinder.

This is an addition to our current system, Transfinder, that will be an application-based tool for parents to track when the bus will be arriving at their students stop.

With the application, we will also be able to notify parents when their child’s bus is within a certain proximity to the bus stop.

Do you sell ASB cards for students and if so where does my son buy it?

Aptos High School, Pajaro Valley High School and Watsonville High School do not sell ASB Cards.

Students may use their Synergy or School ID to receive discounts as available for school events.

I have heard of the Affordable Connectivity Program. Do PVUSD families qualify?

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The APC is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

“Protocols” page 26

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects individuals from debt collector harassment and dictates how collection agencies can interact with people.

• Explore credit counseling. If you’re overwhelmed by collection calls, you may find relief with nonprofit credit counseling. After going through a free credit counseling session online or over the phone, you’ll receive a free action plan with customized solutions, possibly including a debt management plan. n

The 1920s

ACROSS

1. The Sweet’s hit

“Ballroom ____” 6. Farm cry 9. Schooner pole 13. Barrel racing meet 14. *”____ Quiet on the

Western Front,” 1920s novel 15. Move sideways 16. Southeast Asia org. 17. Hula dancer’s garland 18. Like the Vitruvian

Man 19. *New type of movie in the 1920s 21. *Jack Dempsey’s sport 23. Triple ____ liqueur 24. Prep flour 25. “Hamilton: An American

Musical” singing style 28. Floppy data storage 30. Smack 35. Not much (2 words) 37. *Prolific playwright ____ Coward 39. Sacrum, pl. 40. “Nana” author…mile __ 41. Flash of light 43. Not kosher 44. Convex molding 46. *Football legend

Graham, born in 1921 47. Furniture wood 48. Not wholesale 50. Aquatic snakes 52. Reggae precursor 53. Animal den 55. CafÈ alternative 57. *Assassinated Villa 60. *St. ____, 1928

Olympic site 63. East Asian peninsula 64. Nope 66. “Bite the bullet,” e.g. 68. Relating to Quechuan people 69. B&B, e.g. 70. Foul smell 71. Challenge 72. Langley, VA agency 73. Decorates, as in

Christmas tree

DOWN

1. Type of undergarment 2. *Like generation described by Gertrude

Stein 3. Brain wave 4. Shades of blue 5. Very tired 6. “The Fighter” actor

Christian ____ 7. Bass or Redhook 8. Defendant’s excuse 9. Longer then mini 10. Port in Yemen 11. Smelting waste 12. ____ Aviv 15. 6 equal parts of 6 20. Cake layer 22. Short for oftentimes 24. Mosquito, slangily 25. Schick’s product 26. Beyond’s partner 27. *Amelia Earhart, e.g. 29. *Like Charles

Lindbergh’s 1927 transatlantic flight 31. W on a bulb 32. TV classic “Green ____” 33. Floorboard sound 34. *”The Trial” and “The

Castle” author Franz ____ 36. Samoan money 38. Not on time 42. Much, in Italy 45. Tin Man’s prop 49. Follows soh 51. Confession, archaic 54. Not Doric nor

Corinthian 56. Downy duck 57. Kind of cornbread 58. Rainbows and such 59. Like a drink in a snifter 60. Mimicking bird 61. ____caca, South

American lake 62. Type of modern meeting 63. *American Girl character born in 1923 65. American cuckoo 67. Robinson to “The

Graduate”

As of this writing, the Sun and Venus in the sky are in Virgo — sign of purification, of one’s daily tasks and duties, of order and organization, small animals and of serving others. We are in our last weeks of summer. On September 22nd when Sun enters Libra, autumn begins. Ahead of the Sun in Libra is Mercury, which retrogrades on Friday at 9 degrees Libra. Mercury will retrograde back to Virgo (24 degrees) on October 2nd.

We are entering a retrograde season when Mercury retrogrades. At the end of October, Mars will also retrograde through mid-January 2023. While Mercury retrogrades three times a year, Mars only retrogrades every two years (every 26 months). Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. When Mercury is on the far side of the Sun, it appears to be going backwards in the zodiac. This backward motion is called retrograde.

While Mercury is communication, Mars is action! Retrogrades place humanity into a state of reflections and review. Retrograde times are actually magical times where we experience unexpected revelations and new understandings. During retrogrades everyone becomes an internalized Virgo.

In retrogrades we’re nudged to review, reflect, and revise, as opposed to pushing forward with new endeavors.

The significance of this retrograde of Mercury is Libra, sign of deep intimate relationships, interaction with others, partnerships, diplomacy, balance and our social identity. Libra always seeks harmony. Mercury Retrograde in Libra is about seeking harmony internally. Libra is the sign of relationships. With Mercury retro in Libra, people from our past can appear. We may dream about them. It is a time to tie up loose ends related to relationships, money, or values, all things overseen by Libra.

Libra also points out the duality and polarization within relationships and under Ray 3 (Active intelligence), Libra represents our intelligence, our ability to be democratic and esoterically, Libra rules finances and the economy. All of these will be assessed, reassessed and perhaps challenged during the retrograde. The best advice for retrogrades is to observe everything internally and externally and slow down. We have all the time in the world during retrogrades! It’s a time of magic! n

ARIES Mercury retrograde is moving through your house of partnership and marriage. Notice any conflicts impatience or misunderstandings. Notice thoughts and feelings concerning others, especially those close to you. Rearrange your thinking so that harmony is the goal, not conflict. If anyone has wedding plans during the retro dates, it’s best to postpone the celebration. One does not want a Mercury retrograde marriage unless both partners were born with Mercury retrograde, which means they communicate telepathically.

TAURUS During the retrograde, Mercury will be moving through your sixth house of everyday living. The sixth house rules health, service to self and others, small animals, pure foods, gardens, routines and daily work. It’s important to focus on nutrition, how one tends and cares for the self. Be aware of the health of one’s animals, too. Be sure your daily routines are balanced and only do work that is gratifying, rewarding and fulfilling. You need a bit of enchantment.

GEMINI The Mercury retrograde takes your creativity inward, offering you the opportunity to explore different future pathways, imagine new directions and points of view. It calls you to be flexible and fluid so you can assess the last three months’ events and what may be in store for the next three months. Nothing limits your ability to dream, visualize, imagine or plan for the future. It’s important to explore ways to bring more of your creativity to light. I always thought you and Aquarius might have a found-art gallery. Try to recapture childhood spontaneity.

CANCER This Mercury retrograde will offer you the opportunity to be out and about in the world offering your talents, gifts and abilities. You will, however, also long to be home, while being very aware of inner emotional shifts, feelings of missing someone or something, and focus upon all inner needs. New patterns of creativity are taking shape. You may also consider a reorganization of your home. Is the daily work you are doing offering enough creative opportunities? New aspirations emerge. Write them down for future use.

LEO As Mercury retrogrades through your third house of thinking and communication you may find yourself walking a bit more, traversing neighborhoods, camera in hand. You may also seek to understand how what you learned as a child affects your present life. Attempt to bring balance to friend and sibling relationships. Notice if you use your hands more. Consider learning calligraphy. Also consider what thoughts and aspiration have brought you to this moment in time. And gain clarity about your authentic friends, collaborations and ambitions. At the end of the retrograde, blinders are removed from your eyes.

VIRGO In this Mercury retro in Libra, your values and resources are assessed. Also, your need to see the self as valuable. You may notice it’s necessary to rest more, seeking comfort and calmness, not push your will so strongly. You may seek more in-depth personal communications with those you care about. Feelings may appear that are unexpected and a sense of Venusian stillness and composure may arise. Your imagination may take hold and all things within and hidden away may surface. An important choice also will be made.

LIBRA Mercury retro in Libra will be in your first house (Aries house) of self-identification and purpose. During these difficult times, has your awareness of self and your abilities, or your sense of purpose changed? Do you find yourself more courageous, more risk-taking? As the retrograde progresses you may need to slow down, rest more, evaluate who you thought you were and who you might be now. A change has occurred within and the retrograde will introduce you to your “new self.” Practice a bit of reverie now and then.

SCORPIO The Mercury retrograde will be in your house of mystery, religion, things hidden and veiled, which offers great refuge. During the Mercury retrograde review and assess what religion or spirituality means to you. Perhaps you long for vision, hope, for refuge and a place for the mystical to be revealed. Mercury retrograde is offering the sounds, colors, and tones of harmony and balance. This brings beauty forth. Scorpio and Pisces are like siblings - one the Disciple, the other the Savior. You need each other. Do daydream a bit more. Dream about the future.

SAGITTARIUS Mercury retrograde traverses your house of groups, friends, hopes, wishes and dreams. It’s a perfect time to review these things. Who are your real friends? What groups do you belong to? Do they further your hopes, wishes and dreams? What are your hopes, wishes and dreams? Is your technology up to date? Notice if anything technological just stops working! Alternate sources of information may pop up unexpectedly. Study them for their usefulness. Remain in the heart. Be heart-felt. There isn’t anything else to do!

CAPRICORN Mercury retrogrades in your house of work in the world, how you’re seen and recognized. And it concerns the master plan for your life. You may need to ask others to assist you in completing previous tasks. You may be impatient, too, feeling the need to direct everything. However, that will be impossible. You are used to doing things by yourself, being your own boss, taking the reins. However, before the new can come forth everything concerning your world of work needs cooperation from others. Assess this so a re-balancing can come forth. And a harmony.

AQUARIUS Mercury retrogrades through your house of culture, journeys, justice, and the law. We are all asked to take our blinders off and look around. Our world is in a state of conflict and chaos and since you are the messenger from the future, it’s important to recognize the inner work that is needed. You are to research the truths humanity needs to know in order to survive. Everything will slow down so you can do the thorough work of study and research. You are and will be called to put on the professor hat soon. Get ready. You know you want to influence others. This is your task.

PISCES Mercury retrograde travels through your Scorpio house of deep waters, dark secrets, of mysterious and puzzling things. Mercury retro calls you to gather your perceptive abilities that lead to understanding. Uncovering secrets helps create security, safety, transparency and truth in daily life. You have the wisdom needed to navigate our present difficult and challenging times. You will need patience and more courage than usual. You will need to teach others. In between your warrior work of saving the world, bring to all relationships the most tender loving care. Everyone is on a “precipice.” You are the stronghold.

All families of PVUSD students are automatically eligible with the exception of Navigator, Ceiba, and Virtual Academy. Students’ families who attend those schools (Navigator, Ceiba, and Virtual Academy) may be eligible if they qualify for free or reduced lunch, or other qualifying programs.

Most families that attend PVUSD preschool programs also qualify. For help applying or to confirm you qualify for the program, go to https://www.fcc.gov/acp or call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575.

For the past few years, and in commitment to support the whole child, whole family, and whole community, PVUSD has had an ongoing partnership with Cruzio and their Equal Access Santa Cruz program to provide free and low-cost high speed dependable internet access to our students and families.

With PVUSD’s support, Cruzio has been expanding their infrastructure across the Watsonville and Pajaro area to be able to support more families. To find out if your home is able to receive Cruzio Internet service for 12 months free and then for a very reduced price, go to https://www.pvusd. net/lowcostinternet. Click on the Equal Access link and use the code EASCPVUSD in the form. This website has information for other low-cost Internet options as well. Some of these may work for some households Cruzio is currently unable to serve.

With PVUSD’s collaboration, Cruzio continues to expand their coverage across the Watsonville area. So check back with them periodically even if they were not able to provide service to your home previously.

I would like to know why the children studying at the Virtual Academy this year were not eligible to receive free breakfasts.

During the 21-22 school year, COVID waivers allowed the district to provide weekly meal boxes to remote students from both Virtual Academy and PCCS.

This school year, we no longer have any of the previous COVID waivers that allowed us to feed the community, provide take-home meals or provide meals for a full week at a time.

Per the current Education Code, reimbursable school meals must be served in a congregate brick and mortar setting. We are only allowed to provide on-campus, ready to eat meals for consumption on site to students enrolled in PVUSD.

PVUSD students and families can always visit our Wellness Center to pick up food and meals provided through Second Harvest Food Bank Co-op.

The center at 530 Palm Ave. is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. n

CAN YOU BE A LITERACY TUTOR?

Join the Literacy Program of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County for a free 40-minute online orientation to learn more about becoming a tutor to a motivated adult learner.

No teaching or foreign language skills are necessary, just a desire to be of service. We provide training and match you with the right student.

Tutoring training is Oct. 4 and 6, 11 and 13. Orientations will be via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dates

Sept. 20 • 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 • 6-7 p.m. RSVP at https://scvolunteercenter.org/programs/literacyprogram/volunteer/ and you will get further instructions.

SCHOOL GARDEN GRANT PROGRAM

Big Creek Lumber Company announces its School Garden Grant Program for 2023. This annual program supports student education and grows gardens!

Applications are at bigcreeklumber.com. Completed applications must be returned to a Big Creek Lumber yard (Santa Cruz and Watsonville) in person by Monday, Oct. 31.

Marketing Manager Michelle Webb said, “Since we’ve started our formal grant program, we have donated over 50 garden bed kits to schools. …These students will get to learn carpentry, math, how to grow food and about healthy eating through this program. It is an honor to carry on a tradition of donating garden beds to our communities.”

All eligible schools will be entered in a drawing and two schools will be selected in the vicinity of each yard. Schools are encouraged to apply every year and recipient schools may apply again in two years. Ten garden bed kits will be delivered in the early spring

POLL WORKERS NEEDED

Have you thought about being a poll worker for the Nov. 8 election?

As a poll worker, you help ensure a safe, fair, and efficient election for all voters. Poll workers support early voting locations, ensure technology functions, and help minimize delays at polling places on election day. Fill out the form at: https://www.votescount.us/Home/ElectionOfficerRequestForm.aspx

HELP WITH STUDENT DEBT RELIEF

Employers in California can deliver tens of thousands of dollars in federal student loan relief to employees, by informing them about the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Providing this life-changing benefit to employees comes at zero cost to employers because it’s a free federal program.

An estimated 825,000 Californians could benefit from the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program by having their federal student loans cancelled after 10 years of public service work, but fewer than 15,000 have benefited from this program to date.

From now until Oct. 31, it is easy to get credit for the PSLF program. For information, see: https://www.californiaborrowers.org/ about-the-campaign

WHERE TO PUT EV CHARGING STATIONS?

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

Santa Cruz County has joined with five other counties to develop the Central Coast Zero Emission

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by September 21

Vehicle Strategy, which is currently in the process of determining the best locations to place public electric vehicle charging stations around the Central Coast.

An interactive mapping tool is available to the public through October 2022 at www.bit.ly/CCZEV.

The goal is to identify ideal locations for new public charging stations in the six counties. Visit www.centralcoastzevstrategy.com. for more information. A video tutorial on how to use the interactive mapping tool is at www.bit.ly/InteractiveMapVideo

JAZZERCISE FUNDRAISER FOR HABITAT

1606 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz / 2555 Mar Vista Dr., Aptos Habitat for Humanity of Monterey Bay announces a month-long fundraiser with Jazzercise Santa Cruz/ Aptos.

All proceeds will benefit the Rodeo Creek Court project in Santa Cruz, an 11-home community providing stability through affordable housing for a diverse group of families including: Two families displaced by the CZU Lightning Complex fire, a disabled veteran, 3 teachers, and other local families.

When people attend a class with Jazzercise Santa Cruz/Aptos, 100% of the drop-in fee for class will be donated to Habitat Monterey. Jazzercise club members will make additional donations and participate in a team-building event at the Habitat jobsite in October. For information, visit https://fb.me/e/3V2NY7Rw7 ••• For September class schedules, visit: http://www.jazzercise. com/, or email jazzercise.santacruz@gmail.com For information from Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, contact Lyndsey Marks, (831) 469-4663 x16, Lyndsey@ habitatmontereybay.org or www.habitatmontereybay.org.

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS

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

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

ONGOING EVENTS

Daily thru October 2

MANY THREADS — ONE CLOTH

Gallery Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville Threads, made from a variety of plant or animal fibers, are universal. Cloth, made from various fibers utilizing unique methods, is universal. Every culture in the world makes, wears and uses textiles from birth through death.

Materials and natural resources used for the production of cloth and cultural artifacts vary by geography and what is available.

Diversity of threads making diverse cloth for diverse purposes is the theme of “Many Threads – One Cloth,” the new exhibit at Pajaro Valley Arts, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville, featuring the work of more than 30 artists.

Participating artists: Jody Alexander, Thom Atkins, Leslie Bixel, Holly Brackmann, Bonnie Britton, Rachel D.K. Clark, Susan Else, Jenny Freedman, Hetty Friedma, Mayumi Fujio, Tricia Goldberg, Janette Gross, Liz Keefe, Tobin Keller, Peg McCollough, Stephanie Metz, Yonat Michaelov, Marilou Moschetti, Kris Nardello, Gayle Ortiz, Ann Pettit, Pamela Rocco, Enrique Ruiz de los Angeles, Michelle Russell, Jill Nickolene Sanders, Santa Cruz Textile Arts Guild, Lorri Scott , Mibs Somerville, Ana Paula Teeple, Roberta Valdez, Lynda Watson, Amy Wike. For workshops during September: check pvarts.org

Daily thru October 31

SCULPTURE IS: IN THE GARDEN

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden, 2660 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville The wildly popular exhibit “Sculpture IS: In the Garden” is back at Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden. 2022 marks the 16th Pajaro Valley Arts sculpture exhibit, in partnership with Sierra Azul.

Curators Susana Arias, Hedwig Heerschop, and Jeff Rosendale selected 90+ sculptures created by 48 artists and collaborators.

Visit the stunning two-acre demonstration garden, relax under the umbrellas, and spend an afternoon enjoying the exhibit! sierraazul.com

Green Nests in Winter Trees

by Susan Arias

Tuesdays

PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM

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

FARMERS’ MARKET AT RAMSAY PARK

2–6 p.m., Ramsay Park, Watsonville El Mercado is a new farmers’ market hosted by Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley.

There will be healthy locally grown produce, a veggie Rx redemption site, cooking demonstrations and wellness screenings. Sponsors include Lakeside Organic, Salud Para La Gente Fridays through Sept 30

MIDTOWN FRIDAYS

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

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

Saturdays & Sundays

ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH

Tours start: 10 a.m. Sat. and Sun.,1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough. Group size is limited to one household or up to five people, and individuals must sign up on a first-come, first-served basis.

Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 or visit https://www.elkhornslough.org/ group-reservation/ to reserve a tour. For more info, visit www.elkhornslough.org/esnerr/tours/

DATED EVENTS

Friday September 16

DAMON GUTZWILLER BENEFIT

8 p.m., Michael’s on Main, 2591 Main St., Soquel Michael’s on Main will host the Damon Gutzwiller Benefit featuring Mira Goto, Steve Seskin, and Bonny June (with Ken Kraft).

This is an evening of songcraft and outstanding performers celebrating the life of Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller and raising money for the Damon Gutzwiller Park in Aptos.

For more on the memorial, see: www.countyparkfriends. org/willowbrook.html

Admission is $40; seated under 12 with parent 21 and over. Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/damon-gutzwillerpark-benefit-featuring-mira-goto-bonny-june-steve-seskintickets-300176986447

Saturday September 17

COASTAL CLEANUP

All Day, Santa Cruz County Beaches Each year Save Our Shores coordinates over 60 cleanup sites around the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, from the coast to our inland parks and waterways. Trash and pollution impacts the health of our marine, coastal, and terrestrial eco-systems. Help make the Monterey Bay a healthier place for all!

Register to volunteer at https://tinyurl.com/soscoastclean-sept172022 and pick your outdoor space.

Download the free Clean Swell App from the Ocean Conservancy to collect data on the types of trash you find. Complete a waiver and bring it with you to the event. Bring work gloves, buckets, and trash grabbers if you have them. Download the app at https://oceanconservancy.org/trashfree-seas/international-coastal-cleanup/cleanswell/

SEA STARS GALA

5-11 p.m. Cocoanut Grove Ballroom, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St. To recognize this year’s 30th anniversary of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the annual Sea Stars Brunch is shifting to a formal Sea Stars Gala in the Cocoa-nut Grove Ballroom.