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Aptos Shop Owner Hit in Crosswalk
Christy Licker, proprietor of Caroline’s, the treasured nonprofit thrift shop in Aptos, still feels bruised, a week and a half after she was struck by a vehicle. Full Story page 6
Aptos Village: Phase 2 Begins Coming by 2025: 29 Homes, More Commercial Space Story and Photos By Jondi Gumz Swenson expects work is to be completed in spring 2025. Aptos Village Way, a shortcut used by shoppers to get to Soquel Avenue, was blocked off Oct. 3 and Oct. 5 for concrete pours for the project, according to Steve Wiesner, assistant director of the Santa Cruz County Department of Community Development & Infrastructure. ... continues on page 4
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Estrada, Belgard: 2023 Blue Ribbon Winners
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No. 20
Volume 32
12
15
27
Table of Contents
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HAPPINESS HAPPENS HERE.
Cover Aptos Village: Phase 2 Begins: Coming by 2025: 29 Homes, More Commercial Space, Story and Photos By Jondi Gumz Community News Aptos Shop Owner Hit in Crosswalk, By Jondi Gumz Santa Cruz Metro: Sales Tax Ahead?, By Jondi Gumz Affordable Rentals Coming to Watsonville, By Jondi Gumz Monk of Mokha, By Denise Ward Gourmet Grazing on the Green Fentanyl Poisoning: 78 Deaths So Far This Year, By Jondi Gumz Loretta Estrada, Jody Belgard: 2023 Blue Ribbon Winners Deputy Recruitment Pay Builders Volunteer for a Cause Close to Their Hearts, By Sean Dalida Eden Housing Awards $107,779 in Scholarships: Two of the 34 Winners Live in Aptos 20 Holistic Health in the Redwoods 23 PFAS in Firefighting Foam: Voluntary Cleanup, By Jondi Gumz 24 Metro: $500,000 for Better Bus Stops • PVUSD Promotions: Claudia Monjaras, Mark Verch • Mount Madonna School on AP Honor Roll 6 7 9 11 12 14 15 16 18 19
California News 5 Sen. Dianne Feinstein Dies at 90 6 California’s New Senator: Laphonza Butler, By Jondi Gumz 17 Law to Muzzle Doctors Repealed: Patient Interview Required Before Complaints about Care Closed, By Jondi Gumz Letters to the Editor 10 Indigenous Peoples’ Day • Soquel Creek Water Customers to Meet Oct. 29
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National News 22 Rep. Panetta Goes to Israel: Meets with Leaders & Families, Reaffirms Support Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Two Eclipses – Solar & Lunar: Something Essential & Something in Form Disappears, By Risa D’Angeles Community Calendar • Arts & Entertainment – Pages 28, 29 Featured Columnists Local Reflections on Aptos Village Project, By Todd Marco What If You Don’t Pay Your Student Loans?, Courtesy of Ramsey Solutions 25 October: Celebrate Who We Are, By Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan, aka Dr. AHS, Aptos High Principal 27 How AAUW’s Tech Trek Inspired My Career Journey, By Cristina Arumbula 30 Preparing for Winter Rains & Natural Disasters, By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District 5 8
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COVER STORY Patrice Edwards Jondi Gumz
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“Aptos Village” from page 1 Earlier, the Parade Street railroad crossing on the Soquel Drive side of the Aptos Village Project opened to through traffic, a benefit for motorists. Phase 2 encompasses seven mixed-use buildings, flanking both sides of Aptos Village Way. Swenson said the buildings will have 15,000 square feet of first-floor commercial space and 39,000+ square feet for rental residential units on upper floors. In all, 29 homes will be built as part of Phase 2, including five affordable units. In Phase 1, there were 36 homes built, condos and townhomes, all very close to the 10,000-acre Forest of Nisene Marks State Park with its hiking and mountain biking trails. Initial ads online described condo prices starting at the mid-$500,000s, and townhomes starting from the upper $700,000s. Prices have gone up. A one-bedroom condo on Aptos Village Way, steps away from New Leaf Community Market, sold in 2019 for $615,000. A three-bedroom condo on Granite Way sold in 2019 for $895,000. A three-bedroom condo on Granite Way in the development sold in January for $1.4 million. Phase 1, completed in 2018, preserved the historic Hihn Apple packing shed, which became home to New Leaf Community Market. Small locally owned businesses in the project include: The Penny Ice Creamery,
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Cat & Cloud Coffee, Mentone, Sockshop & Shoe Company, Sante Arcangeli Family Wines Tasting Room and Doon To Earth, a joint tasting room featuring Ser Winery and Bonny Doon Vineyard. Tradin Organic, an international firm funded in 1985, moved in two months ago for its U.S. office, joining Sereno Group real estate, a division of Compass, Edward Jones financial services and the County of Santa Cruz satellite office. Across from Mentone, a commercial space is still awaiting the right tenant or tenants. Mixed-use is what zoning in California cities and counties called for, so the local government could collect sales-tax revenue. But brick-and-mortar retail shrank
as more people shopped online, and the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated that trend. To cool inflation, the Federal Reserve has doubled interest rates in the past year — from 3% to more than 7% on a mortgage — but higher prices mean shoppers can’t buy as much. When construction is final, the project also will deed to the County of Santa Cruz a 24,000-square-foot parcel of land near the entrance road to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Swenson said the County will determine the specific use of that land, which is expected to be used as park land. The map at theaptosvillage.com shows “Future County Park.” n ••• For info visit www.theaptosvillage.com.
FEATURED COLUMN
Local Reflections on Aptos Village Project By Todd Marco
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y family & I moved to Aptos during the tumultuous start of the pandemic, drawn by the spectacular natural setting nestled between mountainous redwood forest and expansive coastline. Adding to the appeal was the massive redevelopment project revitalizing the historic core of Aptos Village, alongside the worldclass transformation of a non-operational rail line stretching along the entire coast. Over 3 years later, progress has been slow despite the desperate need for more housing & transportation infrastructure development in Santa Cruz County. It’s easy to point fingers or cast judgments about the pace of change, and
fingers point from all sides — some frustrated with the obstacles and impatient with the timelines, others disconcerted by the changes & concerned about the scale of development. The reality is that our precious community is interwoven with dependent factors that complicate many aspects impacting development projects. For example, my understanding is that Phase II of Aptos Village redevelopment (just now underway) could not begin until Parade Street opened, which had been delayed due to complications pertaining to the rail corridor. “Reflections” page 9
CALIFORNIA NEWS Sen. Dianne Feinstein Dies at 90
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n Sept. 30, the body of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was flown to San Francisco on a military flight from Joint Base Andrews with full honors. Her office said Feinstein, 90, died Sept. 29 of natural causes. In the Senate, an institution that runs on seniority, she was the longest-tenured female senator, and the oldest sitting U.S. senator, and the senior Democratic member of the Senate. She served from 1992 to 2023, a central figure in California politics, fighting for Dianne Feinstein gun control measures and chastising the CIA for providing inaccurate information about its torture operations to gather intelligence. She was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, serving nine years, then became the first woman to serve as San Francisco mayor after George Moscone was shot in 1978. She served 10 years. She lost a bid for governor in 1990 but was chosen California’s first female senator in a special election in 1992. Sen. Feinstein’s body was accompanied by her daughter Katherine Feinstein, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Sen. Feinstein’s chief of staff James Sauls.
Other members of the senator’s staff, both current and former, watched the departure and paid their respects. She had become increasingly frail after a bout with the shingles virus that put in her the hospital in late February. She returned to the Capitol on May 10, using a wheelchair, with her office saying she experienced Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, a rare condition experienced in 2022 by singer Justin Bieber that paralyzes one side of the face. Her office also said she contracted encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, while recovering from the virus, which resolved after she left the hospital in March. She was working on a reduced schedule. Feinstein’s body will lie in state at San Francisco City Hall before the funeral on Thursday, to be live-streamed. Feinstein’s death, Newsom said, was “a complete shock.” He said he and his staff had “checked in all the time” to see how the senator was doing and were told, up until 48 hours before her death, “she’s doing great.” “Feinstein” page 7
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2023 / 5
COMMUNITY NEWS
Aptos Shop Owner Hit in Crosswalk
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By Jondi Gumz
hristy Licker, proprietor of Caroline’s, the treasured nonprofit thrift shop in Aptos, still feels bruised, a week and a half after she was struck by a vehicle. She was walking in the crosswalk on Trout Gulch Road by Betty Burgers, near her shop. “The driver failed to yield to the pedestrian,” said CHP Officer Israel Murillo, Jr. “That’s the whole reason we have these crosswalks.” The driver was on the Valencia Street shortcut, turning onto Trout Gulch Road. Licker thinks a flashing light would help. Pedestrians can’t see drivers approaching from Trout Gulch Road because of the curve and overgrown vegetation until they are halfway into the crosswalk. Steven Wiesner, assistant director of Santa Cruz County Public Works, said, “We are aware of the incident and DPW Traffic Engineering staff are currently reviewing the crosswalk configuration, roadway
Christy Licker in the Trout Gulch Road crosswalk signage and striping to see if any changes are recommended. More to come.” With Phase 2 of the Aptos Village Project under construction, locals worry more cars will make the area less safe for people on foot. Phase 2 is 29 town homes plus groundfloor commercial space, but it does not include more parking or a public restroom.
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Licker is excited about the potential for more foot traffic at her shop, which turns all the profits into donations for charities to help children, but she is concerned for the safety of her volunteer staff. She has a small number of parking spaces in front of the shop, and about half her staff need handicapped access. “I’ve seen a lot of near-misses,” she said. Asked what uses could complement existing businesses in Aptos Village, she suggested a lunch- dinner place to use parking at night when stores are closed. For example, Aptos Glass, 402 Trout Gulch Road, closes at 5, freeing parking for the adjacent Aptos St. BBQ. Cathy Deleon, owner of Norma Jean’s Coffee for 18 years, said the new development is “something people are going to have to get used to.”
She’s seen more locals walking around, but Aptos Village hasn’t become a destination for out-of-town visitors, unless you count visitors to Nisene Marks State Park, which draws hikers and mountain bikers on weekends. David Burnham, who rode his bicycle from Live Oak, said, “They’re trying to make it like Santana Row,” referring to the upscale San Jose venue with shopping, dining and residential rentals. The new businesses include wineries and restaurants, and The Penny Ice Creamery. The one new retailer os Sockshop Santa Cruz. More New Stores n September, Angelina Rennell opened Beklina, an eco-boutique for women, at 408 Trout Gulch Road after operating online for 17 years. She has thoughtful fashion, with colorful shoes made in Peru. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, other days by appointment. See https://www.beklina.com/pages/about.
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“Crosswalk Hit” page 10
Angelina Rennell, owner of Beklina
CALIFORNIA NEWS
California’s New Senator: Laphonza Butler
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By Jondi Gumz
ov. Gavin Newsom chose labor endorsement of Harris in Laphonza Butler, the her successful attorney general campaign. first Black woman to Butler, 44, will finish Feinlead Emily’s List, a Democratic stein’s term, which ends in 2024. political action committee helping She hasn’t said if she will run to pro-choice female candidates run keep the seat. for office and a labor leader with Butler was president for California experience, to fill the 10 years of Service Employees Senate seat. On Oct. 2, Vice President Laphonza Butler International Union Local 2015, representing 325,000 nursing Kamala Harris, who represented California in the Senate herself, admin- home and home care workers, successfully istered the oath of office for Butler as her pushing then-Gov. Jerry Brown for a $15 minimum wage in California. partner, Neneki Lee, held the Bible. Harris became an ally of Butler in “Butler” page 7 2010 when Butler helped negotiate a
COMMUNITY NEWS
Santa Cruz Metro: Sales Tax Ahead?
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By Jondi Gumz
eaders of Santa Cruz Metro are laying the groundwork to ask Santa Cruz County voters next year to fund a sales tax to reimagine the countywide service, replacing diesel buses with hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric buses and improving service, more frequent buses based on demand, shorter wait times and more direct routes. Changes that could take effect in April: • Buses every 15 minutes on three corridors in Soquel, Capitola, and Live Oak. • A frequent ride from Cabrillo College in Aptos or Capitola Mall all the way to UC Santa Cruz. • A new frequent route from Watsonville to Cabrillo College via Freedom Boulevard and Airport Blvd. The revamp comes under the new CEO/General Manager Michael Tree, who came on board in April 2022 after leading the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority to national recognition in 2000. Santa Cruz Metro has committed to buy 57 zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell buses, which reduce carbon dioxide emissions, from New Flyer, based in Winnipeg, Canada.
“Butler” from page 6 She was a Job Quality Fellow at the Aspen Institute in 2017-18, sharing her strategy to expand training for home care workers, which she believed would improve patient care and reduce medical costs, and integrate them into long-term care teams. In 2018, Gov. Brown appointed her to a 12-year term on the UC Board of Regents. She resigned in 2021 to head Emily’s List. The Senate has the power to approve treaties, such as the pandemic preparedness treaty proposed by the World Health Organization to take effect in May 2024. The U.S. Constitution requires two-thirds of Senators present for treaty approval. Born in Magnolia, Mississippi, Butler has said that watching her mother care for ailing father while working multiple jobs motivated her. A graduate of the historically Black Jackson State University, she began her career as an organizer for nurses in Baltimore and Milwaukee. She then organized janitors in Philadelphia and hospital workers in New Haven. She moved to California in 2009. Butler was living in Maryland with her
“Feinstein” from page 5 His last conversation with Feinstein was “was unfortunately too long ago,”
Photo Credit: Santa Cruz Metro
Those vehicles are pricey, $1.4 million for 40-foot bus and $2 million for 60-foot bus, before taxes. Metro staff expect a production run of 100 buses will reduce the price to $850,000 per bus. Industry’s 2029 target is $600,000 per bus. The purchase was possible, in part, through a $20.4 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration and $38.6 million from the California State Transportation Agency. Santa Cruz Metro has applied for $27 million from the California Air Resources
partner and their daughter. She owns a home in the LA area and Newsom expected her to re-register to vote in California before being sworn in. With Butler, Democrats now have a 52-49 majority in the Senate, giving them a cushion on close votes. Butler, 44, has not run for political office herself, but in 2020 she was a strategist and adviser to Kamala Harris as she ran for president. “She’s the only choice,” Newsom. “Representation matters…I thought that was the right thing to do.” He added, “She has a deep understanding of the legislative process.” Newsom had previously said he would appoint a Black woman to the seat if it became open, and choosing Butler meets that promise. Butler will be the only Black woman serving in the U.S. Senate, and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to represent California in the chamber. This is Newsom’s second appointment to the Senate. In 2021, he chose then-Secretary of State Alex Padilla to succeed Kamala Harris after she was elected vice president. n
Board’s Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. Metro already has 10 hydrogen buses, and the latest commitment brings the fleet to 69% hydrogen, leaving 31% yet to convert. However, that figure could change as Metro would need more buses to expand services under the “Reimagine” plan. Staffing remains a challenge. Santa Cruz Metro needs more bus drivers and is offering a $4,000 bonus. In their first year, drivers make nearly $100,000 in wages and benefits.
Voters approved a .5% sales tax in 1978 for Santa Cruz in 1978, which provides 39% of operations revenues. Fares provide 20%, state and federal grants 22%, advertising 1%, with 8% for capital projects and 10% in reserves. Finances have been in crisis since 2015, and ridership is recovering slowly from the pandemic. Most riders tend to be students or elderly; 65% of riders earn less than $24,000 and 60% don’t have a car. Metro says existing funding is not enough to revamp operations and meet the goal to boost ridership from 3.5 million to 7 million in the next five years, reduce personal vehicles on the roads, and provide sustainable transportation. Up until Sept. 30, Santa Cruz Metro was not legally eligible to ask for another county sales tax because cumulative sales tax increases are capped at 2% and Scotts Valley and Watsonville are already at 2%. Resident in those cities pay 9.75% sales tax while those in the unincorporated areas pay 9%. “Metro Tax” page 10
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he said. “That’s something I deeply regret.” n Photos Credit: Cpl. Rhianna Ballenger Video Credit: Sr. Airman Daekwon Stith
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FEATURED COLUMNIST
What If You Don’t Pay Your Student Loans? Courtesy of Ramsey Solutions Editor’s note: More than 45 million people in the U.S. owe on their student loans for college. That debt tops $1.5 trillion. Payments were paused during the Covid-19 pandemic, but the pause ended Oct. 1. The U.S. Supreme Court in July struck down President Biden’s plan to erase $430 million in student loan debt via the HEROES Act, saying the legislation did not give the secretary of education authorization to cancel student loan debt. No doubt some student loan borrowers are in Santa Cruz County. Here is the best advice I’ve seen on how to deal with student loan debt. ••• ederal student loan payments have officially started back. And maybe you’re already struggling to cover your payment every month. But what would happen if you just ... didn’t pay? Unfortunately, ignoring your student loans will only make things way worse. Just a few things you can expect: Being reported to credit agencies, late fees and payments being taken straight out of your paycheck. You could even be looking at some court time if things aren’t cleared up. Yikes! The good news is, there are ways to avoid these penalties and get on top of your student loan payments.
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Key Takeaways
• Not paying your student loans can result in late fees, wage garnishment and even being taken to court. • Because of a temporary on-ramp period, most consequences of not paying your student loans are on hold — but your balance will still grow due to interest! • If you can’t afford your student loan payment, you should contact your loan servicer, get on a budget, and find ways to lower your expenses and decrease your spending. What Happens If You Don’t Pay? As tempting as it may be to ignore your student loans and not pay them, it doesn’t come without consequences (some more intense than others). But what happens to you ultimately depends on the type of student loan you have: federal or private.
If You Don’t Pay Federal Student Loans
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ederal student loans are owned by the U.S. Department of Education, and federal loan servicers have the power of the government behind them to get money from you. (Yikes!) That said, StudentAid.gov, an
• Your wages may be garnished. But this only happens if your lender sues you and gets a court order to do so. They can’t take anything from your tax refunds or Social Security checks, though.
Can You Go to Jail for Not Paying Your Student Loans?
N office of the U.S. Department of Education says here’s what happens if you don’t pay your federal student loans: • Your loan becomes delinquent immediately after you miss a payment. According to Experian, the credit rating company, you’ll probably get charged a late fee (usually up to 6% of the monthly payment). • Your loan servicer will report your student loan as delinquent. If your payment is 90 days (3 months) late, the major credit agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) will know about it. • Your loan will go into default. This is usually after 270 days (9 months) of missed payments. Once your federal student loan is in default, according to StudentAid.gov, here’s what happens next: • Your entire loan balance becomes immediately due (plus interest). This is called loan acceleration—and yeah, it’s as scary as it sounds. • The default is reported to credit agencies. • You can’t apply for deferment or forbearance. • You’re no longer eligible for an income-driven repayment plan. • You can’t apply for more financial aid (including grants). • Your wages can be garnished, as well as your tax refund and Social Security benefits. This means the government can take your student loan payment straight out of your paycheck, no questions asked (oof!). • You could be taken to court. Your lender can sue you for the money you owe.
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On-Ramp Period
rom now until September 30, 2024, federal student loan borrowers who miss payments won’t have to face the
8 / October 15th 2023 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
consequences we just listed, according to StudentAid.gov (This only applies to federal loans that were previously on pause.) During this temporary period, loans won’t go into default, delinquencies won’t be reported to credit agencies, and loans won’t be sent to collections. But your payments will still be due, and interest will still make your balance grow—so don’t use this time as an excuse to not pay your student loans!
If You Don’t Pay Private Student Loans
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rivate student loans are owned by private lenders, so the rules are a little different when it comes to not paying them back. They may not have the same power federal lenders do, but you definitely don’t get off easy! The consequences for not paying your private loans depends on your specific lender. But here’s generally what happens: • Most private student loans are delinquent immediately after you miss a payment. • As soon as your loan is delinquent, you’ll get charged a late fee (either a flat fee or a certain percentage of your monthly payment). • After 30 days, your lender can report your delinquency to credit agencies. • After 90 days (3 months), your private student loans go into default. This is much sooner than federal loans! Once your private student loan is in default, here’s what can happen: • Your loans get sold to a collections company. And listen, debt collectors can be pretty ruthless. • Your credit score takes a hit, as well as anyone who cosigned for you. While we don’t put much stock in credit scores, you definitely don’t want to trash your credit. • You can be taken to court. Your lender can sue you for the money you owe.
o, you can’t go to jail for not paying your student loans. So if that was a fear you had, take a deep breath—no one is coming to arrest you if you miss a payment. But like we mentioned, you can be sued over defaulted student loans. This would be a civil case — not a criminal one. So, again, you don’t have to worry about doing any jail time if you lose. But unless you want to deal with a drawnout legal mess while paying attorney fees and other court costs, do whatever you can to keep from defaulting on your loans.
Can You Get Rid of Student Loans Through Bankruptcy?
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echnically yes. But it’s not easy, or even realistic. As a general rule, student loans cannot be cleared through filing bankruptcy. This is especially true for federal loans—because you know the government’s getting their money back one way or another. There is the rare chance of student loans being discharged (cleared) through a separate bankruptcy process called an adversary proceeding. You basically have to prove you wouldn’t be able to eat if you paid your student loan payments. But the odds aren’t great. Less than 1% (0.1% to be exact) of people who try to have their student loans discharged through bankruptcy are actually successful, according to Jason Iuliano, assistant professor of law at Villanova University, Plus, bankruptcy is a long and brutal process that should be avoided at all costs.
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What to Do If You Can’t Pay Your Student Loans
e get it. No one likes having to pay back their student loans. But as you can see, you either pay up or pay the price—one way or another. So if you’re able to pay back your loans, you need to. But if you’re actually struggling to make your student loan payment, here are the steps to take: “Student Loans” page 10
COMMUNITY NEWS
Affordable Rentals Coming to Watsonville
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By Jondi Gumz
roperty to build affordable apartments is hard to find in Santa Cruz County. So MidPen Housing teamed up with Encompass Community Services, which was operating an aging drug treatment center on Miles Lane in Watsonville, to develop the site and neighboring properties as 72 affordable apartments and expand treatment by building a new state of the art facility. On Oct. 3, leaders of the two nonprofits along with city, county, and state officials celebrated the construction framing milestone of Sparrow Terrace at 141 Miles Lane. This is MidPen Housing’s 14th affordable rental community in Santa Cruz County. There will be a mix of studio units, one-bedroom units, two-bedroom units and three-bedroom units. Completion is expected in August 2024. These apartments are reserved for people with incomes of 30%-60% area median income (currently $46,650 to $93,300 for a family of four). Preference for 35 rentals will be given to farmworker families. Six are reserved for individuals who have been homeless. The Housing Authority of Santa Cruz County will provide 43 vouchers for use at this location, which means that rentals will be offered to people on the project voucher waitlist. Tenants pay 30% of their income toward rent and the housing authority pays the rest to the landlord.
“Reflections” from page 5 Similarly, the parcel in Aptos Village to be dedicated to use as a public park cannot be developed for such purposes until construction is complete. My family moved to California from Chicago, birthplace of the skyscraper and pioneer of urban planning. We witnessed firsthand the benefits and drawbacks of massive changes in our neighborhood, Logan Square, and celebrated the grand opening of The Bloomingdale Trail & The 606 — Chicago’s redevelopment of an abandoned rail line into a world-class active transportation corridor. This massive project interconnected multiple parks & community centers into a grand network for recreation, socialization, leisure, and other fundamental elements that combine to foster community health.
Often people who qualify for a housing voucher to pay their rent cannot find a landlord to accept it. There will be six buildings, a garden-style design with green spaces on 4.7 acres. Amenities include a community building with full kitchen and learning center, garden boxes, a playground, solar photovoltaic system to lower energy costs, and a revitalized wetlands habitat. MidPen Property Management will manage the community, and MidPen Resident Services will provide free onsite services such as preparing for jobs, exercise and nutrition classes, and connections to community resources. Residents with supportive housing needs will receive intensive case management from the County of Santa Cruz No one wants to see skyscrapers or high-rise buildings in Aptos, but it’s a welcome change to see more housing, commercial space, public park, and active transportation infrastructure projects all progressing together. Of course, all this construction activity, including Aptos Village and the library as well as Highway 1 & Soquel Drive & the rail corridor, has a frustrating impact on local traffic. But in the end, our community will enjoy more places to walk, bike, shop, and live. These elements, as it turns out, are critical to all healthy communities. As we collectively ween from our global dependence on fossil fuels, the strength of local communities, the accessibility of active & public transportation networks, and the robustness of local businesses will all be critical & instrumental to build a more equitable and more enjoyable future. n
Health Services Agency as well as support from MidPen Resident Services staff. Next door, Encompass will replace a facility its outgrown with its new Sí Se Puede Behavioral Health Center. “Sparrow Terrace illustrates the power of collaboration, starting with Encompass Community Services, which envisioned a partnership to address the pressing need for affordable homes and expanded behavioral health services,” said Matthew O. Franklin, president and CEO of MidPen Housing. “Thanks to a density bonus from the City, we increased the number of affordable homes on this site, and funding from the State opens doors for farmworker families and people who have experienced homelessness,” said Franklin. “We applaud our partners and City, County, and State leadership for their commitment to much-needed housing, and we look forward to welcoming
residents home to Sparrow Terrace next summer.” The Watsonville City Council approved a $2.3 million loan to support the project. Financing also came from the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz; the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing and No Place Like Home grant programs; Wells Fargo; the California Community Reinvestment Corp.; and Central Coast Community Energy. The architects are WR&D Architects of Monterey (entitlements) and LPMD Architects of Sunnyvale (construction), and the general contractor is L&D Construction Co., Inc. of Milpitas. Encompass has already raised $13 million to build the Si Se Puede Behavioral Health Center, to provide inpatient and outpatient treatment for 1,300 people a year. The goal is to break ground in 2024. n ••• To learn more, visit www.midpen-housing. org. Prospective residents may join the interest list at https://www.midpen-housing.org/property/ miles-lane/
Rendering of Sparrow Terrace
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2023 / 9
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Indigenous Peoples’ Day ndigenous Peoples’ Day is a day to remember the people whose lands we live on — giving reverence for the ways they stewarded these lands for millennia before us — as well as a day to acknowledge the ways that they loved and cared for each other. It is important to remember that these ancestral tribal communities had teachers, doctors, and scientists. The tribes in our area established trade routes over thousands of years to share knowledge, resources, and build interdependence with each other. There was much consideration and thoughtfulness in the way they lived, and this is often overlooked. With this, it is also important to remember the brutal history of colonization on these lands, and the significant loss. Colonization lasted over three different time periods: the Spanish Period, the Mexican Period, and the California Period. Over the course of these periods, the tribal communities in California were reduced by
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“Student Loans” from page 8 Contact Your Loan Servicer f you think you’re going to miss your payment, get ahead of it by contacting your student loan servicer. To find your loan servicer, see https://studentaid. gov/manage-loans/default or call 1-800-433-3243. They’ll probably try to move you to a different payment plan, most likely an income-driven repayment plan (like the SAVE plan) to make your monthly payments more manageable. But don’t let a lower payment keep you from trying to get rid of your student loans as fast as possible! If you’re going through a particularly rough time financially (for example, you lost your job or you had a medical emergency), your loan servicer might recommend applying for deferment or forbearance. But in most cases, interest continues to add up and you’re just pushing your loans to the side for later—so that should be your last resort! Only go that route if you’re not able to pay for the basic necessities (food, housing, utilities and transportation).
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“Crosswalk Hit” from page 6 In May, Wendy Clarke opened Calicoastal Boutique at 8042 Soquel Drive, in the turn-of-the-century Aptos post office next to Café Sparrow, which has new owners Bailey Suesens, daughter of the founders, and her husband Donnie. Calicoastal is an upscale lifestyle store based on Clarke’s work at Aptos Seascape Resort. She’s open six days a
60% or more, and in many cases the tribes were completely eliminated. Much harm has been inflicted on Indigenous communities, and this harm impacts all of us. This is a crucial time to do the healing work of not only restoring Indigenous knowledge and culture, but healing on an individual and institutional level. The Amah Mutsun ask that all people and institutions who live on these lands recognize that they are here today in part because of this destructive history, and that there is still an abundant amount of healing to do. The Amah Mutsun realize
that to positively move forward and have healthy relationships, we all must heal. We encourage everyone to show up, take steps to heal, and support this work of restoration with the land and each other. — Valentin Lopez, Amah Mutsun tribal chairman & AMLT board president ••• Soquel Creek Water Customers to Meet Oct. 29 oquel Creek Water District is one of nine water districts in our County. For a water utility district of their size, their rates are one of the highest in the State, and will soon go up, in part due to exorbitant salaries and benefits, while hiring multiple consultants to handle many tasks. In 2022, the General Manager was paid $334,938 (and was awarded another 4.5% raise retroactive to July 1, 2023 at the Board meeting last week) and the Assistant General Manager (promoted from “Special Projects Communication Specialist” last year) got $281,904.
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Can you dial back the amount of money you spend eating out each month? Do you really need all those subscriptions and memberships? (Those suckers add up!) We know it’s not fun having to tell yourself no. You’d much rather buy that overpriced margarita than think about paying off your student loans. But the little sacrifices add up and keep you from falling behind on your payments. Get on a Budget on’t have enough money for your student loan payment? Then you need to get on a budget. If things feel out of control with your money, a budget helps you feel in control. When you write everything out and see exactly what you’re spending, you can find ways to free up more money for your student loans (and any other debt payments). And this helps you every single month. Go ahead and create your budget for free right now with EveryDollar! Every Dollar is the budget planning tool, available for free from Ramsey Solutions.
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week, 11:30 am. to 5 p.m. weekdays, til 5:30 p.m. on weekends, closed Mondays. Around the corner at 8050 Soquel Drive is Magnolia Fine Gifts & Gallery, recently expanded by owner Linda Meltzer with artistic one-of-a-kind pieces, home décor, jewelry and women’s apparel. She’s open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., til 4 p.m. on Sunday, and she has parking. n
10 / October 15th 2023 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Lower Your Expenses nce you’ve made your budget, start cutting your spending. Can you dial back the amount of money you spend eating out each month? Do you really need all those subscriptions and memberships? (Those suckers add up!) We know it’s not fun having to tell yourself no. You’d much rather buy that overpriced margarita than think about paying off your student loans. But the little sacrifices add up and keep you from falling behind on your payments. Increase Your Income f you lower your spending and still don’t have enough to afford your
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“Metro Tax” from page 7 Senate Bill 862, introduced by Sen. John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, and signed Sept. 30 by Gov Gavin Newsom, creates an exception that allows Santa Cruz Metro to ask for a sales tax. The maximum allowable is a .5% sales tax, according to Laird’s office. Both Metro board chair Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson and vice chair
As a comparison, the salary for the City of Santa Cruz Water Department General Manager is much less at $244,220, and that system has many more water connections and a more complex supply and treatment system. Also at the last Board Meeting they voted to create a new Associate Manager job to handle the PureWater Soquel project with the pay of approx. $13,000 per month. You can verify this salary information at TransparentCalifornia.com. Soquel Creek Water District is a local municipality that appears to pay wages like a huge privately-owned company and our water rates will soon be going up again to pay for it. The latest rate increase was an annual 9% hike each year for five years, a huge 54% increase compounded yearly. They’re discussing another 10% raise starting in January, 2024. “Letters” page 12
payment, it may be your income that’s the problem. So, find ways to get your income up. Can you take on more hours at your current job? Are you a freelancer who can work with more clients? Or you can pick a side hustle (or two) to get some extra cash flowing into your budget. Even spending a little bit of time each week walking dogs, delivering food or babysitting can help you cover your payment. Remember: It’s only temporary until you knock out your loans. You got this!
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ake a plan for your money and make progress on your loans. EveryDollar puts you in control. Create your budget for free at https:// www.ramseysolutions.com/ramseyplus/ everydollar n ••• Would you like a guide to get rid of your student loans? Visit https://tinyurl.com/ ramsey-solutions-student-debt.
Kristen Brown thanked Laird for his efforts. The next scheduled election is March 5. For a sales tax to be on that ballot, the deadline to file is Dec. 8. During the next 45 days, Metro staff will be talking to the board about options. n ••• For info and outreach, see https://scmtd. com/en/agency-info/planning/reimagine-metro and https://www.scmtd.com/en/
COMMUNITY NEWS
And The Winner Is ... The Monk of Mokha
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By Denise Ward
n Sept. 28, over 60 community members attended a voting party to pick next year’s Our Community Reads selection. The four choices were: • The Island of Missing Trees, by Elif Shafak • Running with Sherman, by Christopher McDougall • Klara and the Sun, by Kazuo Ishiguro • The Monk of Mokha, by Dave Eggers And the winning selection is … The Monk of Mokha! This is the true story of a young Yemeni-American man, born and raised in San Francisco who dreams of helping farmers in his ancestral country bring their coffee to the rest of the world. Eggers leads us on an exciting modern-day adventure that takes us to coffee farms in Yemen and the outbreak of civil war. Our hero, aspiring coffee importer Mokhtar Alkhanshali, a
combination of Indiana Jones and Horatio Alger, leaves his dead-end job as a doorman with hopes of bringing Yemeni coffee to America. But first he has to contend with a corrupt government, Al-Qaeda, Red Sea pirates, tribal violence, kidnapping, and Saudi bombing attacks. Now in its seventh year, Our Community Reads is a program of the Friends of the Aptos Library, in which the community selects a book and then comes together for a series of free events, panel discussions, films, workshops and trivia. These events are presented with the friends of the Capitola, Felton, La Selva Beach, and Scotts Valley libraries. Grab a copy and get informed. Our calendar of events will be posted at santacruzpl.org and begin the end of January and run through early March. n ••• See www.friendsofaptoslibrary.org Denise Ward holds the book chosen for Our Community Reads, which starts in 2024.
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2023 / 11
OCTOBER 2023
Aptos Real Estate Update
Ruth Bates 831.359.2212
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INTEREST RATES — Oh My! As of October 10, the Average 30year Interest Rate is up to 7.62%, highest level in over 20 years. (rate peaked at 8.34% on 10/04/23) APTOS SOLD PAST 30 DAYS High sale was 120 DeBernardo at $5.0 million, 4 bed/7 bath/7260 SF home on 2.5 acres. Next was 951 Old Farm Lane at $3,483,000, 5 bed/4 bath/4090 SF home on 1.2 acres. Low sale was 626 Bonita, 2bed/1bath/’1056 SF home in the Affordable Housing Program sold for $556,255. The Median Sales Price was $1,565,000. Homes near Median: 314 Park in Seacliff sold for $1,590,000, 7 DOM, 3 bed/2bath/1644 SF; 510 Cuesta in Rio Del Mar sold for $1,565,000, 39 DOM, 5 bed/3bath/2484 SF, and 3531 Vienna in Aptos sold for $1,700,000 after 57 DOM, 3bed/3bath/2728 SF. AVG Days on Market (DOM) for all sales was 38 days, that’s a long time. ACTIVE LISTINGS There are 45 Active homes in Aptos. The Median List Price is $1,749,000, almost $200K higher than Median Sales Price. AVG DOM is up to 52, it was 42 last month. A lot of price pressure here, or folks will start taking their homes off the market. There are 2 new listings at a whopping $10,000,000! 531 Beach and 733 Via Gaviota are live at $10 Million each. Yikes! OPEN STUDIOS — OCT 21-22 11:00-5:00 • 271 Meadow Court, Aptos Please come by my Open Studios on October 21-22 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at 271 Meadow Court in Aptos. I will have homemade cookies and wine along with colorful paintings and prints, most priced at under $100. FALL MAINTENANCE Fall is a good time to: Trim trees and bushes away from the house, clean out your gutters, put away seasonal equipment, test your smoke and CO2 monitors, review home weatherproofing, get a roof inspection, and replace your furnace filter. ——— Call, email, text anytime and Get Results With Ruth!
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Gourmet Grazing on the Green T he weather was unseasonably warm on Oct. 7 when the Santa Cruz Benefit Group hosted Gourmet Grazing on the Green at Aptos Village Park.
Shady spots under the tents were popular. The foodie, wine and beer event, which raises money for local cancer research and support, attracted 940
“Letters” from page 10 Board members voted themselves a $200/meeting payment, and also get good health benefits for life. So what can we ratepayers do? I am hosting a meeting on Saturday Oct. 29 at the Capitola Library at 2005 Wharf Road at 4 p.m. so we can discuss our options and what we as ratepayers can do. Please come with your questions and suggestions. Also we all can attend board
12 / October 15th 2023 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
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attendees and raised $92,500, event director Keikilani McKay said. “Hopefully next year won’t be so hot,” she added. Mark your calendar next year for Oct. 5. n
Talk About Soquel Creek Water Rates Saturday, Oct. 29 • 4 p.m. • Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Road
ris Kirby, a ratepayer in the Soquel Creek Water District, is distressed by the sky-high water rates and wages, and employee bonuses for the not yet
completed PureWaterSoquel project. She will host a meeting to discuss options and what ratepayers can do. Questions and suggestions are welcome.
meetings and email the District’s staff and Board to voice our concerns. Although they seemingly do not want to hear from us, historically dismissing
us, we must continue to remind them that we pay their salaries, and elect the Board to represent us. — Kris Kirby, Aptos
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Fentanyl Poisoning: 78 Deaths So Far This Year
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By Jondi Gumz
he first person to receive a fentanyl murder conviction in California was sentenced Tuesday in Placer County to 15 years in prison. Nathaniel Cabacungan, 22, was convicted of second-degree murder for the
fentanyl-related death of Jewels Wolf, 15, of Roseville, who was found dead in June 2022. Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire said, “Fentanyl dealers, those who knowingly sell poison in our communities, we can hold them accountable and we will.” Jewels’ mom, Regina Chavez, said “Our children will not be forgotten.” Santa Cruz County Deaths How has fentanyl poisoning affected Santa Cruz County? Tragically, the number of fentanyl deaths has exploded from two in 2018 to 65 in 2022. From January through August this year: 78. Thankfully none of them 17 or younger. But the deadly man-made drug is taking its toll — an average of nine people a month. Santa Cruz County Coroner Stephany Fiore is struggling to keep up with the number of death investigations her job requires.
Fiore, as chief forensic pathologist, determines the cause and manner of death — suspected homicides, suicides, accidental deaths, natural deaths. On Oct. 3, Sheriff Jim Hart got approval from county supervisors to hire a coroner-investigator for 18 months to assist. The deadline to apply is Oct. 27. The pay is $7,098- $8,982 per month. The goal is to hire for a Jan. 1 start. Which age group has the most fentanyl deaths in 2022 and in 2023 so far? Middleaged folk, over 40 and under 65. Here are the data from Fiore: 2022............. 2023 40-64................ 28................. 47 26-39................ 32................. 21 65+.................... 1................... 6 18-25................. 4................... 4 12-17................. 0................. 0 Fiore noted the oldest person to die of fentanyl was age 77, and in addition to fentanyl, there was methamphetamine. Asked what trends she sees, Fiore said
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“[It] looks like the overdoses may be shifting back in age groups to peaking in the 40-64 year group where we were seeing a shift towards the younger crowd in the early fentanyl crisis.” — Stephany Fiore
it “looks like the overdoses may be shifting back in age groups to peaking in the 40-64 year group where we were seeing a shift towards the younger crowd in the early fentanyl crisis.” She added, “I think that reflects fentanyl being more mainstream in our drug supply and the leading drug of choice amongst our addicts.” “Fentanyl” page 16
COMMUNITY NEWS
Loretta Estrada, Jody Belgard: 2023 Blue Ribbon Winners T he Santa Cruz County Fair announces the 2023 Blue Ribbon Award winners, presented by the fair board and management to volunteers who believe in the Fair, love the Fair and go above and beyond to make the Fair a success. This year’s Blue Ribbon Award winners are Loretta Estrada and Jody Belgard. ••• Loretta Estrada oretta was appointed to the Fair Board in November 1988. She has been involved with the Agriculture Department, the California Cattlemen’s Association and she’s a major livestock supporter. She is
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a founding member of the Ag History Project and was instrumental in having The Rodgers House moved to the fairgrounds in 1998. She is still the chairperson to this day. Loretta is one of the founding chairpersons of The Crab Feed and still is on the committee after more than 20 years. Every year, she helps with fundraising auction dinners for the Fairgrounds Foundation, including The Heritage Hall Dinner that bought in $16,000 last year. Loretta, along with Jody, brought back Fair favorites — the Diaper Derby and Ice Cream Social.
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2023 / 15
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Deputy Recruitment Pay
he Sheriff’s Office, which has 130 budgeted deputy positions and six unfunded, has 12 vacancies and anticipates two retirements. On Oct. 3, county supervisors approved a $15,000 recruitment incentive pay requested by the sheriff to hire 20 deputies at a total expense of $300,000. The current short staffing-- a nationwide problem, according to a 2019 Police Executive Form survey-- leads to mandatory overtime, which results in officer burnout. Three out of four agencies indicate the situation has not improved since. Previously, the board approved a lateral incentive to recruit deputies from other departments. In 14 years, that led to 14 lateral hires with six undergoing background checks. As Hart explained, “the lateral applicant pool is currently exhausted.” The county incentive pay is similar to what others offer: San Mateo County, $15,000 signing bonus; Santa Clara County, 10% differential; Scotts Valley, $20,000 paid over five years; City of Santa Cruz, $10,000 as milestones are achieved. Hart noted the cost to hire and train a deputy sheriff trainee is approximately $350,778 (includes costs of six months of Academy training and a minimum of 21 weeks of field training). A trainee is ready for solo patrol duty 10 to 11 months after hire. n
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Fentanyl has killed far more men than women. 2022: 14 women, 51 men. 2023: 8 women, 70 men. The majority of the fentanyl fatalities are white. 2022: 44 white, 4 Black, 14 Latino, 1 Asian, 2 native American. 2023: 50 white, 4 Black, 20 Latino, 1 Asian, 3 native American. Asked about fatalities by supervisor
jurisdictions, Fiore said she didn’t have the numbers but added “most of our cases come from the San Lorenzo River belt and now in the Pogonip in the 95060 zip code or from Watsonville along the Pajaro River levee. The vast majority are unsheltered.” Fiore expects to give her annual update to the supervisors in December. They meet Dec. 5 and 12, but agendas have yet to be released. During 2022-23, the Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Team seized 3,282 grams of fentanyl. n
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“Fentanyl” from page 14
Photo Courtesy of Santa Cruz County Fair
More than 300 people attend the Volunteer Thank You Dinner at the county fairgrounds. “Blue Ribbon Winners” from page 15 Loretta has cooked for the Volunteer Thank You Dinner for 35 years. She’s someone who loves this Fair. ••• Jody Belgard ody was appointed to the Fair board in October 2006. She is a member of The Rodgers House and Crab Feed Committees. She, along with Loretta, brought back Fair favorites — the Diaper Derby and Ice Cream Social. Jody helps the Fairgrounds Foundation in many fundraising auction dinners, including The Heritage Hall Dinner that brings in thousands of dollars every year. She helps every year in the kitchen with the Volunteer Thank You Dinner. Jody has spent months of her free time in the Fair office donating her time and accounting skills. At one point, more than
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a decade ago, when the office and grounds were running on a shoestring budget trying to pay bills … Jody put her home up for collateral until all bills were paid. Her dedication to the Fair is without question. ••• The plaques they received are ordered through the Western Fairs Association. Fair board members serve at the pleasure of the governor, and both Loretta and Jody lost their fair board seats in October 2022 after they voted not to fire then-CEO David Kegebein. The Blue Ribbon Awards were given out at the Volunteer Thank You Dinner on Oct. 11. More than 300 people attended the dinner hosted by the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation, enjoying BBQ chicken and scrumptious sides. This is a thank you not only to Fair volunteers, but also to volunteers who work year-round to maintain the fairgrounds. n
CALIFORNIA NEWS
Law to Muzzle Doctors Repealed
Patient Interview Required Before Complaints about Care Closed
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By Jondi Gumz
n Sept. 30, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 815, re-authorizing the Medical Board of California and repealing AB 2098, passed a year ago to penalize doctors deemed to have spread misinformation about the Covid-19 virus. Assembly Member Evan Low, D-Cupertino, who sponsored AB 2098, justified it, saying, “The spreading of misinformation, of inaccurate COVID-19 information, contradicts that responsibility and threatens to further erode the public trust in the medical profession and puts all patients at risk.” The law allowed the Medical Board of California to bring disciplinary action against doctors, including suspending or revoking their license to practice medicine. The California Medical Association had sponsored Low’s bill, but when the bill was signed, doctors sued, alleging their First Amendment rights to free speech were taken away. Plaintiff Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, M.D, contended, “A physician with a gag order is not a physician you can trust.” In January, U.S. District Judge William Shubb in Sacramento ruled that AB 2098 was too vague for doctors to know what kind of statements might put them at risk of penalty and granted a preliminary injunction, halting its implementation. “COVID-19 is a quickly evolving area of science that in many aspects eludes consensus,” he wrote. State Sen. Richard Roth, D-Riverside, who introduced SB 815, said it made “significant changes to promote patient rights and improve transparency and efficiencies at the Medical Board.” The law reauthorizing the agency requires the Medical Board to: • Interview a patient before their complaint of harm at the hands of a doctor is closed • Create a complainant liaison unit to facilitate information sharing between injured patients and the board • Allow patients or their family to make an impact statement to the board before discipline is issued. “Injured patients and their families worked hard to win a seat at the table for families harmed by doctors.. This is an important step for patient safety and
accountability for California families,” said Michele Monserratt-Ramos, patient advocate with Consumer Watchdog who alleged her fiancé died due to botched surgery and septic shock. She was among witnesses from Redwood City, San Jose, Bakersfield, Hesperia, Newport Beach, Oxnard and Lynwood who lost loved ones after medical care and came to Sacramento to testify before Sen. Roth. Patients appealed to Consumer Watchdog saying their complaints about harm by a doctor were closed by the medical board with no input from the families or interaction with board staff. Consumer Watchdog lauded the new bill, saying it includes long-sought reforms to increase the voice of patients and their families in medical board investigations into harm caused by a doctor. The advocacy group said patient safety reforms were stripped from the bill, including provisions to reduce the burden of proof for doctor discipline to match that used in 41 other states, and to give the board a public, not doctor, member majority and increase public trust in the board. “Although I am disappointed that important changes like lowering of the burden of proof were removed from this bill, I am very pleased that our advocacy led to the creation of an impact statement that will be used during the disciplinary decision-making process,” said Tracy Dominguez, of Bakersfield, whose daughter Demi Dominguez and her justborn infant grandson Malakhi De Leon died due to what she believes was medical negligence. She said the doctor responsible for harming her daughter was offered a settlement. It’s not clear who proposed the repeal. Newsom’s signing announcement did not mention it. Roth told the Mercury News the language repealing AB 2098 wasn’t his and was added among amendments during the committee process. Jenin Younes, a lawyer with the Washington, D.C.-based New Civil Liberties Alliance, and California attorney Laura Powell are representing five doctors in the case that won the injunction. n
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2023 / 17
COMMUNITY NEWS
Builders Volunteer for a Cause Close to Their Hearts By Sean Dalida
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ith hard hats in hand and beaming smiles, Isaac Shanek and his wife Nikki grab their construction gear and head to a local construction site. Along with hundreds of other volunteers, the Shaneks of Prunedale are volunteering over the next several months to help remodel two local places of worship in Watsonville and Salinas. Isaac, who works in the welding industry, has volunteered on construction projects of Jehovah’s Witnesses for 30 years. He said, “We enjoy volunteering on these projects because although it’s hard work, you finish the day feeling satisfied and happy and your efforts are really appreciated.” While the U.S. faces a worker shortage that Associated Builders and Contractors’ chief economist Anirban Basu called “the most acute challenge facing the construction industry,” volunteers have kept Jehovah’s Witnesses’ building projects moving forward.
something I knew “Building places would have a positive for true worship has impact in the combeen accomplished munity,” said Ross, “so by volunteers since when I first heard about the days of Moses,” the Warwick project, I said Robert Hendriks, was very excited.” U.S. spokesperson for Ross drove the the Christian denomi50-hour round-trip nation best known for its door-to-door Isaac Shanek is one of many construction volunteers from Houston, Texas, to the construction ministry. “They gave at the Watsonville and Salinas Kingdom Halls with a willing heart then and they do the site in Warwick three times over three years same today. Tireless volunteers make these to volunteer his carpentry skills. “It was hard work, but the cheerful projects possible.” When the Witnesses moved their world spirit of the workers made it enjoyable,” headquarters from Brooklyn, New York, to the said Ross. “There were people from so town of Warwick upstate, the building project many different cultures and backgrounds, all working together in harmony. It was drew 27,000 volunteers from all 50 states. Among them was Tyler Ross, 36, who really something to witness.” Years later, Ross is still in touch with began volunteering on Witness construction projects alongside his father at a young age. several fellow volunteers he met during his “I always loved going to work on total four and a half months on the project.
“Every crew I worked with felt like instant family,” he said. “I made memories and friendships I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.” Many others offer their time and energy to provide essential support such as preparing meals, offering their homes for visiting volunteers, and assisting in keeping the work site clean and safe. Construction began in October in Watsonville and starts in December in Salinas. Hundreds of Witness volunteers — young and old, skilled and unskilled — will come from over 23 local congregations to assist in the construction. Additionally, volunteers are expected from the Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Benito and San Luis Obispo areas. The projects are slated for completion in summer 2024. n ••• For information about Jehovah’s Witnesses, their history, beliefs and construction activities, visit jw.org,
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Eden Housing Awards $107,779 in Scholarships
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n Sept. 28, Eden Housing announced its 2023 Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship recipients, awarding $107,779 to 34 students in California, including two living in Aptos. They are Hannah Mendoza, UC Berkeley, majoring in public health, and Gabriella Herrera Mendoza, majoring in justice studies/criminology at San Jose State University. Both live at Seacliff Highlands. The other scholarship recipients are from Alameda, Contra Costa, Los
Two of the 34 Winners Live in Aptos
Angeles, San Diego, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, and Sonoma counties. Individuals of all ages who live at properties managed by Eden Housing are eligible if they are Hannah Mendoza enrolled at California colleges and universities. The program, launched in 1993, is named in honor of former Eden housing
board member Howard T. Collins, who was known for his work to expand opportunity and access to higher education. To date, the program has provided Gabriella Mendoza over $1 million in scholarships to more than 620 California residents. “For many scholarship recipients, they are the first in their families to
attend college,” said Eden Housing CEO Linda Mandolini. “By investing in their education dreams, we help improve their long-term career prospects, earning potential, personal development and financial security for their families. These students become actively engaged in their communities, contributing to society in ways that will benefit us all for years to come. We can’t wait to learn about their future accomplishments.” “Housing Awards” page 20
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2023 / 19
COMMUNITY NEWS
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“We teach so much more than just physical health,” said teacher Kami Pacheco, “although of course that is important. Our bodies and minds and hearts are connected.” There are lessons in communication skills, conflict resolution, anti-bullying and inclusion, body image, nutrition, stress reduction, peer pressure, internet safety and media consumption, to name a few. “We’re also learning what it means to have a growth mindset…to see ourselves as works-in-progress,” Pacheco said. “It’s important for children to understand that failure is really just another step on the way to future successes.” Pacheco makes the most of the majestic outdoor areas at Mount Madonna School to provide opportunities for student meditation, self-reflection and journaling. “Redwoods” page 26
Do You Have Questions for Supervisor Candidates?
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By Jondi Gumz wo longtime members of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, Zach Friend and Bruce McPherson, are not running for another term. This means voters must choose someone new. The election will be March 5. What are the biggest issues facing the county supervisors? Homelessness, Highway 1 traffic jams, too many trees overhanging power lines, not enough affordable housing, not enough expediting construction of homes destroyed in the 2020 CZU fire, not enough jail staff, not enough mental health staff, not enough cannabis revenue, not enough hydrogen buses to reduce greenhouse gases, not enough power to charge all the future electric vehicles. Something else? If you could ask the candidates a question, what would it be? Email your questions to me at info@cyber-times.com
“Housing Awards” from page 19 Monica Chicas, who resides in Contra Costa County and is attending CSU East Bay, said the scholarship is a lifechanging gift. She said she “feels blessed and honored” and that the scholarship will “allow her to focus on completing her assignments and attending classes, while also boosting her self-esteem.” Congratulating the scholarship recipients were members of Eden’s board of directors and scholarship committee; Eden’s President and CEO Linda Mandolini; sponsor U.S. Bank and many
elected officials including Congressman Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley. The scholarship awards celebration video can be viewed at https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=0_jtMnUDm64. Eden Housing is a nonprofit with 55 years of experience providing safe and affordable housing that helps families stay secure, allows communities to thrive, and solves many of the pressing housing challenges facing California cities. Since inception, the nonprofit has developed more than 10,000 affordable homes. n ••• Learn more at www.edenhousing.org.
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2023 / 21
NATIONAL NEWS
Rep. Panetta Goes to Israel
Meets with Leaders & Families, Reaffirms Support
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.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and a bipartisan and bicameral delegation of congressional leaders traveled to Israel amid the horrific terror attacks perpetrated by Hamas. The delegation met with Israeli government officials, family members of victims of the attacks, and Americans living in Israel. The congressional delegation reaffirmed the United States’ support for Israel’s right to defend itself. On Oct. 7, Hamas attacked Israel killing more than 1,200 people, including at least 14 Americans, and wounding more than 2,800. Hamas has taken between 100 and 150 hostages, including Americans. At least 260 bodies were recovered at the In 2007, Hamas took control of the site of a music festival near Gaza, killed by Gaza Strip, a 141 square-mile territory that Hamas terrorists. Hamas spokesperson Khaled Qadomi is home to more than two million people told Al Jazeera the group started this battle and blockaded by Israel. Israel3:58 is now “to stop atrocities in Gaza against Pales- 1 10/74/23 SCN-Aptos-Times-October-10x5.375.pdf PM in a state of war. Israel says it has dropped 6,000 bombs tinian people.”
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in six days of bombardment. Israel’s energy minister says no electricity, fuel or humanitarian aid will be allowed into Gaza until Hamas releases all captives taken. Israeli military bombarded a residential building in the densely populated Jabalia refugee
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camp in northern Gaza, killing at least 45 people and injuring dozens more, Gaza’s interior ministry says. Panetta and a bipartisan and bicameral congressional delegation traveled to the Middle East to discuss the Abraham Accords (the 2020 agreements to recognize the importance of maintaining peace in the Middle East) and the potential for the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The delegation met with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Israel. After the attack on Israel, it was unclear as to whether the delegation would be able to enter the country as many flights were canceled and some authorities advised against going to Israel. However, after making their intent clear and speaking with leadership in Israel, the delegation figured out a way to drive from Amman, Jordan, across the Jordanian-Israeli border, and into Israel. “Panetta in Israel” page 23
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COMMUNITY NEWS
PFAS in Firefighting Foam: Voluntary Cleanup
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By Jondi Gumz
n late July, the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board approved a voluntary cleanup and abatement agreement with San Luis Obispo County and CalFire to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl contamination at San Luis Obispo airport resulting from firefighting foam used during training and operations. PFAS is a chemical used in firefighting foam. The state of Wisconsin has banned use of foam with PFAS for training. It is allowed for emergency firefighting. PFAS are man-made chemicals used in industry and consumer products since the 1950s. They do not occur naturally but are widespread in the environment -- found in people, wildlife and fish worldwide. Some PFAS can stay in human bodies a long time and do not break down easily. The U.S. EPA calls them “forever chemicals.” Navy Patent he foam with PFAS was created by the Navy, working with 3M, seeking a way to quickly put out fires on aircraft carriers. The Navy got a patent in 1966. In June 2022, the EPA revised their Health Advisory interim levels for PFOA (from 70 parts per trillion to .0004 per trillion) and PFOS and issued health advisories for GenX and PFBS. These advisories reflect research since 2016, showing negative health impacts can occur at much lower levels of contamination in drinking water. Exposure to unsafe levels of PFAS can cause harm to fetuses, cancer, and damage the liver, immune system (which fights infection) and thyroid. Retired firefighters, who thought foam was safe, are concerned about what they’ve been exposed to.
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“Panetta in Israel” from page 22 While in Israel, the congressional delegation met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid, Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen, Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, Brigadier General O. Settner, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister Mark Regev; families of victims from the attack, and American citizens who live in Israel. Panetta said, “Hamas perpetrated a horrific bloodthirsty assault upon the nation of Israel. The savagery, depravity, and inhumanity by Hamas towards the
Last year, the National Fire Protection Journal reported on the problem. In 2021, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group listed 2,800 locations in 50 states and two US territories known to be contaminated with PFAS. An EPA survey from 2013 and 2015, found that 198 of U.S public water systems—about 4%--detected at least one or more PFAS chemical at or above the minimum reporting threshold. New EPA Data n August, the EPA released new data showing 431 sites where drinking water is contaminated, and EWG created a userfriendly searchable interactive map. In California, Fresno has the highest concentration of PFAS, 194.3 parts per trillion, followed by Atascadero, 82.2 parts per trillion. In Santa Cruz County, there are two sites near the county landfill, one in Freedom, one north of Boulder Creek, one in Santa Cruz city, but none in Aptos. The EPA proposed 4 parts per trillion as the maximum contaminant level for PFOA and PFAS and closed public comment on six PFAS May 30. Maximum contaminant levels for PFAS do not exist at the state level.
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Israeli people during their attack demonstrated their terrorist intent to kill Jews, kill the Jewish society, and kill any attempts towards peace,.” He added, “Although the purpose of our trip was to talk about the potential for peace agreements in the Middle East, the attack prompted us to shift our focus to the war. That’s why it was important for our delegation to put boots on the ground in Israel so that we could hear directly from Israelis about the heinous assault upon their people as well as their heroic determination to ensure that it never happens again to their nation. Moreover, the visit allowed us to express that as members
The San Luis Obispo cleanup action comes from a statewide investigative order issued by the State Water Resources Control Board in 2019. First Time Agreement his is the first time an agreement requiring cleanup of PFAS contamination in groundwater has been ratified by a regional water board in California. San Luis Obispo County cooperated with the Central Coast Water Board to test for the presence of PFAS in soil and groundwater in an area southwest of the airport. Results indicate PFAS exceeded drinking water response levels in at least 57 wells, including one agricultural well. The regional board then carried out its investigation. “After much deliberative work by the cleanup and advisory teams, along with input from the public, the Central Coast Water Board unanimously supports the agreement with the county and CalFire, which will ensure that the affected community near the airport has safe drinking water while a collaborative and expedited cleanup takes place,” said Jane Gray, chair of the board. “I also want to acknowledge and
appreciate the cooperation of the county and CalFire in constructing an agreement focused on long-term solutions.” CalFire and the county agreed to complete evaluation, groundwater monitoring and remediation activities in two phases and committed to provide point-of-use treatment for affected well users. They also agreed to evaluate long-term safe drinking water solutions for those affected. If no solutions prove feasible, they are to install well-head treatment on all supply wells impacted by airport-related PFAS within four years – 2027. The State Water Board ordered airports in California to investigate the presence of PFAS in soil and groundwater in 2019, after discovering the link between PFAS and foam used to put out fires. The investigations confirmed the highest detections of PFAS at airports are connected with releases of foam fire suppressants containing PFAS during training or firefighting. The Federal Aviation Administration requires firefighters periodically test all fire suppressant equipment, such as spray nozzles on fire trucks. This testing caused PFAS to be released into the environment near the San Luis Obispo airport. After 2019, CalFire modified practices to ensure foams are contained during equipment testing. The board, the county and CalFire are to present a remediation plan to the board by the end of November. The agreement ends June 30, 2026. Then a successor agreement may be proposed, or the board may consider issuing a cleanup order. n ••• Search the map at https://www.ewg.org/ interactive-maps/pfas_contamination/
of the United States Congress, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel so that they can go toe-to-toe with the terrorists to eradicate Hamas, protect the Jewish society, and promote our humanity.” Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), co-chair of the Senate Abraham Accords Caucus and like Panetta, a combat veteran, said, “The world has witnessed the horrors of an emboldened Iran unleashing its terror proxies in the Middle East, taking American lives and wreaking havoc on one of our strongest allies … I am reminded of the reason we must continue the progress of the Accords and why it is critical to affirm our commitments to our allies and
partners, especially Israel. Iran cannot face the strength of our nations when we are working hand-in-hand to accomplish our security goals and to protect American lives.” Ernst led the delegation that traveled to Israel, which included Representatives Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) and Donald Norcross (D-NJ). Representatives Darrell Isa (R-CA) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) were with the delegation in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain before returning to Washington, D.C. n Temple Beth El in Aptos plans a virtual vigil at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15.
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2023 / 23
COMMUNITY NEWS
Metro: $500,000 for Better Bus Stops S anta Cruz Metro has been awarded $508,059 from the Clean California program to install 23 bus shelters, 23 bus benches and 18 trash cans at bus stops, mostly along the Watsonville-Santa Cruz transit corridor. A study funded by Caltrans found 69% of Metro’s 710 bus stops had no shelter and 31% lacked benches. Shelters make it easier for passengers to know where to wait, according to Metro staff, who will identify bus stops where shelters and benches would make the most positive impact. The bus stop project is a collaboration among Clean California, Caltrans District 5 and Metro. The goal is to increase the attractiveness of bus stops and address
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One Ride at a Time
critical needs in the bus system while aligning with the California State Transportation Agency’s climate objectives. The new bus shelters will have a
covered area to protect passengers from rain, and will include schedules, maps, and route information. Most Metro riders in the Watsonville-
Santa Cruz corridor are seniors, students, people with disabilities and low-income individuals who rely on bus service. About 65% earn less than $24,000 per year and nearly 60% report riding Metro five or more days per week. Metro pressure washes its shelters, benches and trash cans and removes trash. The new trash cans will feature Franz Lanting’s images from the One Ride at a Time program, which gives bus riders the opportunity to protect the Monterey Bay’s natural resources. Every ride on a Metro bus contributes to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and the Bay of Life Fund. n ••• Information: scmetro.org.
PVUSD Promotions: Claudia Monjaras, Mark Verch
wo longtime staffers in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, one an Aptos High alumnus, have earned promotions. Claudia Monjaras is promoted to assistant superintendent of elementary instruction. She has worked at PVUSD since 2001 and has been an academic coordinator, principal at Hall District Elementary, and, most recently, as director of language arts and history, social studies.
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She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC Santa Cruz, received her teaching credential from CSU Monterey Bay and a master’s degree and administrative credential from San Jose State. Mark Verch is promoted to director, transportation. He has worked for the PVUSD for 35 years, starting as a school bus driver. He also has been delegated-behind-thewheel trainer, state-certified instructor, and most recently supervisor of transportation.
A graduate of Aptos High School, he is a member of the California Association of School Transportation Officials. He has worked at the state and local Roadeo for over 10 years, where received individual and team trophies, and has served in leadership roles. n ••• Both appointments were approved by the board Sept. 27, and both began their new roles on Sept. 28.
Claudia Monjaras
Mount Madonna School on AP Honor Roll
ount Madonna School has been named to the Advanced Placement School Honor Roll by the College Board, earning the top Platinum distinction. This recognition is based on culture (at least 40% of graduates took at least 1 AP exam), college credit (25% of graduates scored 3 or higher on at least one AP exam) and college readiness (2% of graduates took 5 or more AP exams
in high school & at least one exam as a freshman or sophomore). Mount Madonna School had 100% of seniors take at least one AP exam, 100% of seniors score a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam, and 38% of seniors take five or more AP exams. Mount Madonna School also earned the AP Access Award, which shows the percentage of AP exam-takers who are underrepresented minority and/
“Academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development are the three founding pillars of Mount Madonna School. MMS’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence and expanding access to advanced coursework is reflected with the school earning the top-tier platinum distinction on the Advanced Placement Program School Honor Roll.” — Ann Goewert, Head of Mount Madonna School
24 / October 15th 2023 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
or low-income students mirrors overall school demographics. Example: If 50% of a school’s student body is low-income, then 50% of the AP exam takers must be low-income for a school to earn the AP Access Award. “This award recognizes MMS’ college-going culture and our commitment to ensuring that all of our students, including those from underrepresented populations have access to AP courses and AP testing,” said Shannon Kelly, Mount Madonna’s upper school director. In Advanced Placement testing, 2019 through June 2023: • 88 students in grades 10-12 took 170 AP exams • 77% scored 3 and higher In those years, Mount Madonna School reports: 4 AP Scholars with Honors, 12 AP Scholars with Distinction, 11 AP Scholars and one National AP Scholar.
Mark Verch
“Academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development are the three founding pillars of Mount Madonna School,” said Head of School Ann Goewert. “MMS’ Ann Goewert unwavering commitment to academic excellence and expanding access to advanced coursework is reflected with the school earning the top-tier platinum distinction on the Advanced Placement Program School Honor Roll.” “AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn college credit and placement, and potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. n
FEATURED COLUMNIST
October: Celebrate Who We Are
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ctober is the month of expressing yourself and celebrating who we are. Overcoming and rising above difficult situations has inspired many of the October themes. Use these recognitions and celebrations as conversation starters with our students, as knowledge helps us all SAIL together. Latino Heritage From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, our schools honored Latinx Heritage Month. It started with the Independence Days of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. El Grito, the cry of Dolores, on Sept. 16, commemorates Mexico overcoming 300-plus years of Spanish ruling and establishing their independence day. In our county, over 40% of our population is Latinx. In our school, over 48% of our students are Latinx. This is a window to celebrate so much of our California and national history that has not always been included in our schools. Whether it’s learning a few words in Spanish or learning about a Spanish author, Latinx advocate, or engaging each other in discussions about Latino identity and/or culture. National Coming Out Day and LGBTQ History Month Oct. 11 was National Coming Out Day. At Aptos High School, it was our club carnival day, so we are celebrating National Coming Out Day on Oct. 18. Part of our celebration includes a rainbow decorated door that students and staff can walk through to show and share that they are an ally and/or share their coming out journey, whether it is day one or it has been many years. Celebrating and recognizing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer plus history month creates safer and more welcoming schools where homophobic remarks are less frequent (GLSEN.org) and our students gain a deeper understanding of history. Breast Cancer Awareness Pinktober finds its way onto our athletes’ socks. At the national level, athletes
By Dr. Alison Hanks-Sloan, aka Dr. AHS, Aptos High Principal
are seen in pink jerseys, and pink ribbons make their way into the wardrobe. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Men, at a lesser rate, can also get breast cancer. Let the pink be more than a fashion opportunity. Research how to help someone you know who has breast cancer, and then reach out to them. Learn how to screen yourself, and schedule your mammogram if you are over 40. Donate to the legitimate groups that support research, and dialogue with your family and friends. Domestic Violence Awareness Month Congress designated this month in 1989. In our country, one in three women and one in four men have been abused physically by a partner (National Child Traumatic Stress Network). Use this month to start or continue conversations with our students about healthy relations. Wearing purple on Thursdays is also a common practice in many schools. We should be safe with the ones we love, and safety includes not being physically or verbally attacked. Enter the National Domestic Violence Hotline into our phones, so we have it accessible to share: 1-800-799-7233 or text: “START” to 88788. Learn more by visiting thehotline.org. National Bullying Prevention Month Bullying isn’t just about being mean to another person; it’s about continuously antagonizing and harassing another to assert power and hurt a person through words and actions. It is disheartening and real just how important this topic is at our high school. Across the nation, one in five students report bullying behavior, according to weareteachers.com. Sometimes bullying is motivated by gender, sexual orientation, physicalities, religion, race, ethnicity, or something that makes the student different. It’s happening around us, and it takes all of us in our families to make it stop. ••• What do we need to know as families? We want you to know about it by engaging
What do we need to know as families? We want you to know about it by engaging your students in a conversation. Ask them about bullying around campus. Find out if your student is a by-stander, an anti-bullying liaison, a participant, or a victim. If there is bullying happening, talk about the ways to report it.
your students in a conversation. Ask them about bullying around campus. Find out if your student is a by-stander, an antibullying liaison, a participant, or a victim. If there is bullying happening, talk about the ways to report it. Our students and families can use STOPit, which is an anonymous reporting system. They also can send an email to an AHS principal or counselor. If it’s hard for them to discuss, call the school and come meet with us. Ask them what they do when they see someone being
teased or taunted. It takes all of us to make our school SAIL values be a reality: Safe community, Aspire higher, Integrity oriented, and Lead by example. n ••• For this month, we also want to give a shout out to our families of Polish, Italian, and Filipino American descent. There is also national custodian day, Oktober Fest, Indigenous People Day, Boss’s Day, and Halloween. Lastly, a shout out to my colleagues for their long hours and true commitment to our students, as it’s also national principal month.
Sweet Tooth
ACROSS
1. *Bow Wow Wow’s “I ____ Candy” 5. Money source 8. *____’s Root Beer 11. Pelvic parts 12. Start of something big? 13. Round openings 15. RPM gauge 16. Cantina cooker 17. Car sound, to a toddler 18. *Ninepins namesake 20. Kiln for drying hops 21. They had 22. Division, abbr. 23. Informal wear 26. “Tail” on letter C
9. To a very great degree 36. *Single serving treat 30. Kamakawiwo’ole’s 57. Consumes food (2 words) strings 38. Embarrass 59. Checks out 10. Not bright 31. Real estate sale 40. Arthur, to friends 60. Famous French agreement 41. Hard feelings couturier (1905-1957) 12. Sacred choral compositions 34. Denials 44. I to Greeks, pl. 61. Heavy Metal’s Quiet 13. Roundish 35. 9 a.m. prayer 46. TV’s “Where ____ 14. *Sweet tooth, techni37. Even, to a poet everybody knows your 62. Caustic soda cally 38. *Desert plant name” 63. Newsman Rather 19. *___ Musketeers, harvested for sweet 64. Kill, as in dragon 48. Opposite of spelled out syrup depression DOWN 22. Drops at dawn 39. Forbidden 49. “____ ____ a high 23. *____-Frutti 40. Quickly or slowly, e.g. 1. Clever humor note” 2. Unfortunately, 24. Highlander’s dagger 50. Same as fogey 42. *Sweet ____ brew exclamation 25. Sage and rosemary 51. Inactive 43. Breathe in 26. *Scoop holder 45. Westernmost city in 3. Actor Nolte 52. “Ant-Man” leading 4. Island in French 27. Averse Germany actor Polynesia 28. “Drove my chevy to 53. Not top-shelf in a bar 47. Soldier’s bed 5. *Donut filler the ____” 48. Mensch, alt. sp. 54. Greek portico 6. Checked out 29. Southeast Asian org. 55. Radio knob, abbr. 50. Italian car brand 7. Bleats 32. Relinquish, as in 52. *Jolly livestock 58. Farm pen 8. Rocky & Bullwinkle property raisers? and Mary Kate & 33. Clergyman’s title, 55. Russia’s hard liquor © Statepoint Media Ashley, pl. abbr. 56. Ctrl + Z
Answers on 31 »
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Two Eclipses – Solar & Lunar: Something Essential & Something in Form Disappears Esoteric Astrology • Mid-October 2023 • By Risa D’Angeles
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ctober 2023 is a month with two eclipses, a solar (Oct. 14) and a lunar (Oct, 28) eclipse. The effects of eclipses last six months – three months before the eclipse and three months after. So, we are in the very middle of both eclipses this month. Solar eclipses occur at new moon times and the Sun is covered by the moon. The essential light humanity lives by is hidden. With a lunar eclipse, the Earth casts a shadow on the moon as the Earth is situated between the Sun and the moon. The October 14 partial solar eclipse with its “ring of fire” occurred at the new moon of Libra (21 degrees) and swept through eight western and southern states and down into Mexico and South America. A total solar eclipse will occur next April 8, 2024. It is called the Great American Eclipse. The upcoming lunar eclipse occurs at the full moon solar festival of Scorpio (5 degrees) on October 28th. The eclipse will last 4 hours and 25 minutes total. Here is more information on the lunar eclipse and where it can be seen - https://www.space.com/33786-lunar-eclipse-guide.html Eclipses inform humanity that something either essential (solar) or in form and matter (lunar) has come to an end, its purpose completed. Therefore, “as the heavens decree, as above in the heavens, so below on Earth”, something within our lives and all of life on earth becomes ARIES
You think about marriage, partnerships and friendships. You attempt to express yourself in new ways as you interact with others and especially in relationships. This is in order to bring forth harmony, reconcile differences and allow for love, goodwill and understanding to arise. You can empower others to feel good about themselves. They in turn will love you more. Refrain from projecting any shadows upon others. Allow everyone to be open, limitless and free!
LEO
The eclipse calls you to consider what future goals are yet to be achieved. Hopes, wishes and dreams appear and they include kindly and trusting interactions with friends, intimates, and social groups. It is important that friends be like-minded and recognize your sense of justice and authenticity. You feel a great love offered and it washes any perceived wounds from early childhood. Life heals you and becomes your bright and spacious playground.
VIRGO
Career, public image, vocation, ambition – all are highlighted at the eclipse time. You attempt to bring forth and include the Soul in your professional life. Because the Soul makes work that is meaningful. The Soul prepares a special place for each of us in the world. The eclipse touches and illuminates your essential being. You begin to express yourself differently. Unmasked, this is the person you truly are. No matter what occurs, you are protected.
It’s important during this eclipse time to recognize, assess and review what your values are. It is a time to assess finances, spirituality, religion, children, communication, security and things psychological. That is a long list. It’s important too, to be generous. Giving allows us to have a sense of pride that we have helped others. The spiritual law concerning tithing and giving is this — all that is given with love is returned ten-fold. Love is returned, too! LIBRA
GEMINI
You need enjoyment and playfulness at this eclipse time. The ring of fire illumines and enlivens pleasure, creativity, spontaneity, the arts, children and, above all, having fun. You also need a few parties. This last you must do! It’s important to feel joyful. You also need an adventure that’s not too risky. Questions. What/who is your muse? What is your creativity? What do you enjoy? Where is your heart?
The eclipse creates a paradox. You are to recognize and develop the self, the “I am”. The focus it to be on a deeper level of self-care so self-knowledge is revealed. There needs to be self-recognition, a developing sense of self-esteem and a realization of strength and courage. Selfknowledge, self-confidence and creative self-expression, too. All of these are important for your growth. You are to know yourself as essentially perfect. A new being emerging in the world. Independent and free.
CANCER
It’s time to create the type of home you hope for, envision and actually need. The old ways of living are no longer workable. There’s also need for greater security, comfort and beauty. Perhaps a new couch, windows, floors, or uncovering buried treasure. Perhaps family relationships need emotional support, more loving kindness. Notice a gathering of past life gifts. To be used in this lifetime to serve your daily livingness.
SAGITTARIUS
An expansion of thinking beyond what you’ve known before begins. A new mind is being built with new truths. Beliefs are changing as old beliefs find no new ground in which to prosper. New information, revelations, appear in your mind. Everything becomes a surprise when you step outside of the known. Thoughts are shaken up, perceptions shift, a new world appears. It will take three months to be integrated. You will travel to the Rain Cloud of Knowable Things.
TAURUS
Tending to health is most important. Perhaps a warm pool of water somewhere to swim in daily. Call this forth, mention it daily, visualize it. Soon it will gradually appear. One must keep body, emotions, mind and Soul in complete alignment - poised, quiet and calm. This physical, spiritual and psychological order will allow you to meet the many continuing demands on your time. The world needs saving. That is part of your illumined task. So healing is important for you at this time.
enters into a shadow, becomes hidden (eclipse) and then it simply falls away. Eclipse times make the changes that are occurring in our world very apparent. Observing our personal lives, our towns, cities, communities, friends, family, the world, we can clearly see what is changing, transforming, reorienting, disappearing and falling away. As we assess this phenomenon, there can be much suffering and sorrow. Eventually as we adapt, we come to understanding and a state of gratitude for that which has disappeared also allowed for new realities to be appear and experienced. It may us take several months for this to be comprehended and accepted. To apply the eclipse information practically in our lives, for those with astrology charts, we locate 21 degrees Libra/Aries in our charts (for the solar eclipse), and 5 degrees Scorpio/Taurus (for the lunar eclipse). These are the areas of life where something has come to an end. Eventually we will realize that matters quietly existing in potential and only in the shadows, begin to appear! Eclipses show us where something is no longer needed as well as how and where our life will grow and expand. A new door opens quietly and over time. n ••• Read more on Risa’s FB page and website: www.nightlightnews.org.
SCORPIO
You have entered into a time of mystery, when things behind the veils begin to appear. The result is inner changes occur to be recognized and seen later in the year. A deep psychological development is taking place. Spiritual presences can be felt when in nature, deep in forests, on walks, in warm waters, during early mornings and at sunset. Something secret reveals itself. Expect revelations, dreams and voices in the wind. Offering direction. •••
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
It’s important to review what your communication needs are, your intellectual and emotional needs, even the needs you have about your neighborhood. What are you learning these days, what do you believe about our country and our world? New ways of thinking may be imperative to move forward. You are responsible for instructing humanity about the world at large. What do you know about the present crisis? Always offer information to others with tolerance and loving kindness.
Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / October 15th 2023 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
PISCES
Things, people, yourself — all seem to be in a state of transformation, at times separation. So an intimacy becomes important in daily life in order for everyone to reconnect. Observing others quietly and discreetly, you’re able to sense and understand their deep hidden psychological needs. You speak words to everyone that helps to create safety, security and calmness in their world. Little deaths occur. Not physical, but little endings of things. You understand, are aware and are deeply grateful for your wisdom.
“Redwoods” from page 20 “I love to give the class a quiet place to think about the topics we’re learning,” she said. “Last week, we spent time in the redwoods reflecting on our self-identities. It was a great way to kick off some of the concepts we’ll be learning this year.” Fourth grade student Kailani Houston enjoyed how the class shared their reflections after, if they felt comfortable doing so. “I liked the calm environment and everyone cheering me on,” she said. “I really liked how I wrote down what I felt. It was very calming,” said fifth grade student Vivienne Gulizia. Later in the semester, the class will take on scientific topics such as the nervous system, digestive system, the musculoskeletal system, immune system and disease prevention. The lesson always ties back to the students’ personal experiences and how health is relevant to their daily lives. “In November, we will take a reflective hike into the woods with our journals to sit quietly and write down all the things that we are grateful for, both big and small,” said Pacheco. “It’s a great tool to help improve our mood and eliminate stress. This is a practice the students can learn to continue on their own.” The class aligns with many of the core values of a Mount Madonna School education: Intellectual inquiry that fosters curiosity and self-discipline, experiential outdoor learning that prioritizes an interconnectedness with nature and self, development of relationships based on self-acceptance, openness and empathy, and communal experiences that cultivate a sense of belonging. n
FEATURED COLUMNIST
How AAUW’s Tech Trek Inspired My Career Journey
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By Cristina Arumbula
I am the daughter of first-generation immigrants, and one of the first on either side of my family to graduate from college. Applying, and being accepted to attend Tech Trek, came at a very pivotal time in my life. I was 12 years old, I went through an interview and application process, and a group of educated women provided validation. I stayed in a Stanford dorm with three other girls, ate at dining halls, attended classes, and had workshops that introduced me to self-awareness. We had many instructors, each introducing us to a field within the STEM disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — and I had a world Cristina Arambula, at right, with four girls who attended Tech Trek this past of new career opportunities summer: Kamila Ruiz, Amira Parsons, Mariella Cruz and Mia Sanchez. It is presented to me for the first a tradition to give the girls a teddy bear with a Tech Trek T-shirt; Cristina still time. After attending Tech has her red-shirted teddy bear from when she attended and AAUW gave Trek, I was no longer her a blue-shirted bear at the luncheon.
few months ago, I was approached by the Santa Cruz County Branch of AAUW, the American Association of University Women, to share how my experience at Tech Trek has influenced me in my life so far. After some reflection, I was happy to share my journey because I believe that the week that I spent at Stanford 18 years ago has been integral to both my professional and interpersonal development.
wondering if I would be capable of going to college; college was from that point forward an inevitable certainty. I received my bachelor’s degree in accounting from Goshen College in Indiana. I worked at a CPA firm before moving back home to California, and I now am an office manager at Granite Construction as well as the mentoring liaison for SOMOS Granite, an Employee Resource Group dedicated to enhancing the culture of inclusive diversity at Granite Construction. I look forward to being able to contribute to the Santa Cruz branch of AAUW as a mentor to young women, and I will forever be grateful to AAUW and its members for the effect and impact that they have had in my life, and that of hundreds of other young girls. ••• Tech Trek is a summer camp for middle school girls that focuses on STEM, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Campers spend one week on a university campus – they live in the dorms, eat in the cafeteria, attend labs and classes, and
Cristina Arambula, second from left, with her husband Luis Arambula, her parents, Paula and Juan Diaz, at right, and Jane Amaral, long-standing AAUW Tech Trek committee member, center.
learn what it might be like to be a college student. The Santa Cruz County branch of AAUW sponsors several girls annually. Together with other California branches, nearly 15,000 girls have attended Tech Trek since inception in 1998. The Santa Cruz branch alone has sponsored more than 100 of them. n
Add Light In Your Home With A New Skylight
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / October 15th 2023 / 27
COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by October 20
ELKS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SENIORS The Santa Cruz Elks Lodge sponsors six scholarships (three young men and three young women). Saturday October 21 Requirements: • Any high school senior who is a citizen of the PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT United States is eligible. Permanent legal resident 8 a.m., Cabrillo College Courts, 6500 Soquel Dr Aptos status does not qualify. The Rotary Club of Capitola-Aptos and Cabrillo • Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks. Veteran’s Student Services is hosting a Pickleball Tour• Applicants will be judged on scholarship, nament at Cabrillo College courts in Aptos, benefiting leadership, and financial need. Veterans and other community scholarships. Get more in-depth information at www.elks.org/enf/scholars/ All levels of play are welcome. mvs/cfm. Deadline to apply is Nov. 13. Cost is $45 per person. Sign-ups at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/pickleball-tournament-benefits-cabrillo-veterans-andCOUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETINGS capitola-aptos-rotary-registration-695511021187 1:30 p.m., SC County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville The remaining County Fair Board meeting dates in 2023 Saturday October 21 are Tuesdays on Oct. 24 and Dec. 5. Sunday October 22 Meetings also take place on Zoom. OPEN STUDIOS: FINAL WEEKEND For agendas, see santacruzcountyfair.com. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Entire County The 37th Open Studios Art Tour is running for one RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES more weekend, giving The American Red Cross continues to experience a national our community a blood shortage and asks the public to book a time to give final chance to visit as soon as possible. Donors of all blood types are urgently all 322 artists and needed, especially type O and those giving platelets. support local art with a To make a donation appointment, download the Red purchase. Neighbors, Cross blood donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call friends, collectors, and 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) art lovers are invited Aptos to connect with artists, Nov. 4: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Twin Lakes Church, 2701 see their creative process, and buy art from the source. Cabrillo College Drive Santa Cruz Oct. 24: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 220 Elk St. Nov. 2: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 220 Elk St. Watsonville Oct. 27: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St. Oct. 28: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St.
There are more first-time participants than ever – a CELEBRATION FOR BLACK EQUITY & EMPOWERMENT record 65 artists are new. Some are sharing studios or 3-6 p.m., Highlands Park, 8500 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond Santa Cruz Black will host its inaugural benefit, “A Fall exhibiting in alternative spaces such as Pajaro Valley Celebration for Black Equity and Empowerment,” at Arts in Watsonville. Highlands Park. The 124-page printed guide, available at libraries, includes a special feature, “Artists by Medium.” Looking There will be community, food and drinks, entertainment, speakers, a silent auction, and a peek at the for jewelry makers? Glass blowers? Printmakers? Woodworkers? Artists who specialize in nature? Artists vision for 2024 and beyond. “Our success is representative of this community. We who specialize in pet portraits? They are all here! are working to raise visibility of the Black community The art tour is free. Plan your own route. which is often overlooked and forgotten because of our Portait by Sierra Evans smaller numbers, but our work is for everyone in Santa Cruz County. A rising tide raises everyone,” said Cheryl Sunday October 22 Williams, executive director and co-founder of Santa STRONGER TOGETHER FUNDRAISER Cruz Black, a new nonprofit that advocates for equity in 9 a.m., Aptos High School, 100 Mariner Way health, safety, and well-being. The Stronger Together fundraiser for Monarch Services-Servicios Monarca is a 5K and 1K event at the Williams is newly retired, a 43-year resident of Santa Aptos High School field to honor survivors of domestic Cruz County. Funds raised will support community programming at violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Santa Cruz Black including the commitment to closing The 1K fun run for kids is at 9 a.m. and 5K run/walk the racial wealth gap, developing affordable housing is at 10 a.m. The goal is to raise awareness, provide support, and opportunities, empowering youth working with local foster togetherness in the community to help survivors educators to uncover the histories of Black Santa Cruz, and creating community events for Black residents in and their families in their journey toward healing and Santa Cruz County. empowerment. Tickets are $75 at https://bit.ly/santacruzblack2023. Highlights • Family-friendly activities for children • Informational community partner tables • Live entertainment with a A limited number of sponsored tickets on a sliding scale is available. DJ • Maverick the Turtle from Santa Cruz Warriors • Donate at https://bit.ly/supportsantacruzblack For information visit www.santacruz.black
ONGOING EVENTS Mondays BRIDGE CLUB 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays (except holidays). Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind. Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event. Second Friday Each Month NEW BRIDGE GROUP 10:30-Noon, La Selva Beach Public Library, 316 Estrella Ave. Come for bridge on the second Friday of each month from 10:30 to noon at the La Selva Beach library. First meeting is Oct. 13. Bette Harken, Master Bridge player, will give an introduction for beginners. Call La Selva Library to reserve your seat: 831-427-7710.
DATED EVENTS Friday October 20
SOQUEL ELEMENTARY FALL CARNIVAL 3:30-6:30 p.m., Soquel Elementary School, 2700 Porter St. Join the fun at Soquel Elementary’s Fall Carnival. https://www.soquel.suesd.org/calander-of-events
Warm-up stretching routine • Performance by the Azteca Dance Troupe Tickets are $25 per person at http://strongertogether2023. funraise.org
Wednesday October 25 CAPITOLA SOROPTIMISTS MIXER AT SHADOWBROOK 4-6 p.m., Shadowbrook, 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea hosts a membership mixer for women at Shadowbrook restaurant. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training to achieve economic empowerment. For info, visit www.best4women.org, or email sicapitola. by.the.sea@gmail.com
Friday October 27
27TH ANNUAL STRIKE OUT AGAINST CANCER FUNDRAISER Saturday October 28
Bowling starts at 1 and 2:30 p.m., Boardwalk Bowl, 115 Cliff St, Santa Cruz It is time for WomenCARE’s 27th Annual STRIKE OUT AGAINST CANCER Bowling Benefit , at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk Bowl! WomenCARE, which supports women with any kind of cancer, is bringing back in-person bowling while offering a virtual team option so everyone can participate. The goal is $70,000. Register as a team captain (up to four people), join an existing team, sign up as a single bowler or create a “Virtual Team”(for those who cannot attend but will collect donations). Register, download forms and collect pledges at: StrikeOutAgainstCancer.org. This website has team captain information and fundraising tips. “Thank you” post cards are available on the website, at the bowling event, or by calling the WomenCARE office, 831-457-2273. Begin collecting pledges early. Aim to raise at least $500 per team. The team with the highest donation total will win a fabulous prize basket. Prizes will be awarded for the highest score at each session, for the highest score in the overall event, and to the individual player with the highest donation total. There are even prizes for best team costumes! Bowling shoes, a raffle ticket, and complimentary refreshments will be provided to each team player. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased at the event. If you can’t participate, consider donating to the event. Any amount, large or small, is appreciated! Visit www.bowlathon.net/event/strike-out-against-cancer-2023/ for more information.
28 / October 15th 2023 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
SPOOK-TACULAR! 3-5 p.m., Scotts Valley Public Library, 251 Kings Village Road Santa Cruz County native Julie Costa Langley will read her latest book, “The Hat in the Closet,” at the inaugural Spook-tacular celebration at the Scotts Valley Public Library. “The Hat in the Closet” is geared for ages 3-5. In the story, Jenny unexpectedly finds a witch’s hat in her mother’s closet. She is left confused and frightened by this discovery. Is her mother a witch? Read how Jenny’s imagination soars out the window in this comical and enduring story of trust between a mother and her young daughter. Children and parents are invited to dress up in costumes and stay to play games like bobbing for apples and musical pumpkin chairs, take pictures in the photo booth, and enjoy snacks. Julie Costa Langley is the author of two books, “Nina And I” and “The Hat in the Closet.” More info about her work can be found at www.julielangley.com.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Friday October 27 thru Sunday October 29 MATILDA: THE MUSICAL 7 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. Sat & Sun, Crocker Theater, Cabrillo College, 6500 Lower Perimeter Road, Aptos Christian Youth Theater presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda, also known as Matilda: the Musical, at Cabrillo College’s Crocker Theater. This musical, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and a book by Dennis Kelly, is based on the 1988 novel. The story is about Matilda Wormwood, a precocious 5-year-old with the gift of telekinesis. Tickets are $20, and $18 for seniors and students; parking is included. There is a $6 convenience fee. Buy tickets at the Crocker Theater Box Office at https://tinyurl. com/cabrillo-matilda-musical, or call 831-479-6154.
Saturday October 28 TREASURE COVE DESIGN REVEAL & ADAPTIVE FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL 2-4 p.m., Jade Street Community Center, 4400 Jade St., Capitola County Park Friends invites the community to the Treasure Cove Design Reveal and Adaptive Family Fall Festival the Jade Street Community Center. Costumes welcome. County Park Friends is working to raise $1 million of the expected $1.79 million cost for the City of Capitola’s universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park. The City of Capitola will provide the rest. On Sept. 28, the Capitola City Council chose the name “Treasure Cove at Jade Street Park” for the playground after a panel recommended three
MI CASA ES TU CAS: HONORING OUR ANCESTORS Opening Reception Sunday October 29
1-3 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts, 280 Main St., Watsonville Mi Casa es Tu Casa is an annual Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit inspired by the traditional holiday of Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico and beyond through altars to remember and honor those who have passed. This cherished tradition brings together families, communities and friends as they prepare to welcome the spirits back each year. PVA has invited artists, community groups and local residents to the Porter Building to construct altars, installations, and more to pay homage to ancestors. The show runs Oct. 18 thru Dec. 3. Family Day will be 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, and Community Panel: Honoring Our Ancestors, will take place 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. ••• Photo: Offering by Susan Else
with music from the Soquel High Band. Line up be-gins at 1:30 p.m. in the lower Beach & Village Parking Lot 2 behind the Capitola Police Department. Parade begins promptly at 2 pm. Parade will head down Capitola Avenue, wind through Capitola Village to the Esplanade, ending at Esplanade Park where trick-ortreat bags will await. Kids can trick-or-treat at participating Capitola Village shops afterward. Hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Capitola Village. Information: capitolachamber.com
Tuesday October 31 HALLOWEEN PARADE 3 p.m., Starts at New Leaf Community Markets, 161 Aptos Village Way The Aptos Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade will start at New Leaf Community Markets in Aptos. Join the fun, wear a costume.
names from more than 70 submitted by community BOARDWALK CHILI COOKOFF members. 1-4 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street Attendees will see conceptual designs of Treasure The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk hosts the chili cookoff Friday November 3 Cove, and local service organizations Capitola-Aptos for amateurs and professionals. APTOS CHAMBER ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER AND Rotary, Cabrillo Host and Freedom Lions, SPIN, Tasting kits, which go on sale at 10 a.m., are $12 and AUCTION SARC, Live Like Coco, Aptos Community Youth includes six taste tickets plus a people’s choice ballot. 5:30 p.m., Seascape Beach Resort, One Seascape Resort Group, and the Young Leaders of County Park Boardwalk admission is free. Drive Friends will provide adaptive family fall festival Aptos Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the people, activities such as games, arts and crafts, and a Sunday October 29 organizations and businesses that make Aptos special book giveaway. at the Aptos Chamber Annual Awards Dinner and These activities have been specifically planned so CAPITOLA VILLAGE HALLOWEEN PARADE all children, including children with disabilities, can 2 p.m., Capitola Village on Capitola Ave. To Esplanade Park. Auction. Tickets are $125 until sold out! Dress up for the annual Capitola Village Halloween Parade! participate. Reservations: (831) 688-1467, or aptoschamber.com. n Parade will be led by a Central Fire engine For more information visit countyparkfriends.org/jadestpark.
Ways to Give … • All donations are directed to improve Aptos school sports related facilities and activities, “For Our Kids.” • ASF works in partnership with PVUSD to efficiently develop facilities at AHS and its feeder schools. • Support from the community in the form of donated funds, donated material and labor, means we can complete projects economically.
Ways to Give ... Have Fun With ASF – Sponsor or Attend an Event. Give Today! – Immediately improve our kids here at home. Leave Your Legacy! – Leave a lasting impact on youth sports in your community. ASF P.O. Box 2405, Aptos, California 95001 For More Information: Paul Bailey: 831-818-0406 – Brent Chapman: 831-588-4822 501 (C) (3) Nonprofit #77-0345205
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FEATURED COLUMNIST
Preparing for Winter Rains & Natural Disasters
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ast year’s storms and the extensive damage throughout our community were a reminder of the need for local homeowners and business owners to do everything possible in advance of the rainy season to prepare. Forecasters believe the probability of a wet winter (due to El Niño conditions) are high -- which could lead to another winter of flooding, mudslides, downed trees, power outages and potential damages. As we saw last year, this means that some neighborhoods might have limited access or even be cut off from access for a period of time. What can you do to prepare and what is the County doing ahead of this season to get ready? Public Works will be cleaning culverts, mowing and clearing brush in an attempt to reduce flooding potential. They are encouraging the community to call them at 454-2160 if you know of any culverts that need inspection or repair or brush that needs to be cleared. Residents can also download the free County mobile app My Santa Cruz County via the app store or submit requests online at https://cconnect.santacruzcounty.us/ to report non-emergency issues. Additionally, Public Works is also asking that residents rake (if it’s safe) and clean storm drains to help prevent flooding. This simple task can significantly improve drainage. Road hazards can always be reported via the 24-hour Public Works dispatch number at 477-3999 (option 1). If it’s an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1. You can visit the County’s winter prep resource page: www.santacruzcounty. us/elnino — it provides a wealth of information on what to do before, during and after a storm. It provides checklists on what to have on hand at your home, contact numbers and more.
By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District
If you believe that a tree has the potential to impact a power line, PG&E has arborists who will inspect trees and perform maintenance if needed. You can call them at 1-800-743-5000. Residents can also sign up for mobile alerts regarding power outages directly from their website. Central Fire has a host of resources on their website with tips on how to prepare for winter rains. If you visit their website at www.centralfiresc.org and click on the Education and Preparedness tab you will find links on where to obtain sandbags, information for storm prep and also classes and educational opportunities for general disaster preparedness. The County has a new notification system that you can sign up for called CruzAware. The free service will provide alerts during emergency and nonemergency situations. During the storm season it will provide information for evacuations and other critical information but is also intended to provide info on road closures and other neighborhood impacts. You can sign up for the alerts on the County’s website at www.santacruzcountyca.gov and navigate to the Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience page (it will be prominently featured) or you can visit: https://cruzaware.genasys.com/portal/ en directly to sign up. ••• What other things can you do to prepare your home or business? ccording to FEMA and the Red Cross, here are some tips: • Build an emergency kit with water, nonperishable food, flashlight, batteries, radio, and baby items and medicines (if needed) to last a few days • Keep your pets indoors if possible during heavy rain events • Have a plan that your family is familiar with — in case you are unable to get home due to road hazards or need to
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shelter in place for multiple days ensure that your family knows how to communicate and possibly a back up location for meeting or lodging. This would be relevant during major storm events or earthquakes or other natural disasters. • In advance of rains, clear drains, rain gutters and downspouts of debris • If you have drainage issues around your home, consider having them inspected and addressed and inspect your roof for leaks • Get flood insurance. If you already have it, check your policy to make sure you have enough coverage • Make copies of all your important documents and make sure the originals are stored safely somewhere outside of your home
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• Take photos of your possessions (furniture, collectibles, electronics) in case you need them for an insurance claim • Learn how to shut off gas valves, bolt and brace water heaters, install strong latches on cabinets and don’t hang heavy items (like a picture or mirror) near beds or couches where people sleep or sit. • Check at your workplace and your children’s schools to learn about their emergency plans for an earthquake or other natural disaster n ••• As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and you can always call me at 454-2200.
SCCAS Featured Pet
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A Ray of Sunshine
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his week our Pet of the Week is Ruby Sunshine (#A305151)! Are you looking for a smile that will light up your life? Look no further than Ruby! She is beauty, she is grace — she may not be Miss United States but she is a beautiful 5 year old spayed pit bull mix who wants to find her forever home and new best friends! Ruby came to the Shelter when her owners had kids and could no longer care for her. Since being at the Shelter she has made many dog and people friendsproving that she is real Ruby in the Rough for the right adopters! In her former life she had been around children but would knock them over with her enthusiasmchildren 8 and up would be more appropriate for this playful pup. Ruby has been around cats and birds and may be able to live with them with thoughtful and slow introduction. Sunshine is in her name for a reason- Ruby is the sweetest pup in the land- loves pets and people, and likes dogs as well! Ruby has been to events with volunteers and has shown off her amazing personality — rides well in the car, plays with toys and is great meeting other dogs! If you are looking for a real TREASURE then come down to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter today and meet RUBY SUNSHINE! ••• The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is full of adoptable animals. Fostering animals is an awesome way to improve a Shelter animal’s life and fill your home with love and fun! If you are interested in fostering any kind of animal please email jillian.ganley@ santacruzcounty.us. You can also Follow SCCAS on Instagram and/or Facebook to stay up-to-date on shelter news and where to find adoptable pets around town at breweries, stores and events. ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter: 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. • Website: www.scanimalshelter.org
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